7 Ways to Know If Its False Gospel

How can we know if someone is preaching a false Gospel? 

Before determining if the true Gospel is being preached, the first priority is knowing what the true Gospel is. The following points outline the Gospel: 

• Christ is God (John 1:1–3, 14).

• Christ was born of a virgin and lived a sinless life (Matt. 1:23, 1 Peter 1:19, Luke 23:47).

• Christ died on the cross for our sins, not His own (Isaiah 53:4–6, 2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 Peter 3:18).

• Christ rose after three days and now sits at the right hand of God making intercession for the saints (Luke 24:6–7, Romans 8:34, Hebrews 7:25).

• We are saved by grace through faith in Christ, not by works (Ephesians 2:8–9).

Six More Ways to Know

Once we establish what the true Gospel is, we can learn better how to discern if someone is preaching a false Gospel:

1. Are they preaching another Gospel (2 Corinthians 11:4)? If so, stay away.

2. We ought to imitate the Bereans who checked the Scriptures to see if Paul was speaking accurately (Acts 17:11). If the Bereans checked even the Apostle Paul, we certainly need to be checking what modern-day evangelists are saying.

3. We should study the Scriptures so as not to be ashamed (2 Timothy 2:15). Are we verifying what the evangelist is preaching with what the Bible says? If not, we may one day be ashamed before God.

4. Christ told the Jews to search the Scriptures to learn of Him (John 5:39). Is the evangelist digging into the Scriptures?

5. Christ expounded the Scriptures to the disciples in Luke 24:44–49, saying the Scriptures concerned Him. Is Christ in the evangelist’s message? Is he expounding on the Scriptures—comparing Scripture with Scripture? Remember, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17).

6. Is the “evangelist” adding to or taking away from the word of God (Rev. 22:18–19)? If so, it’s a dangerous place to be.

Bottom Line

We can know if someone is preaching the true Gospel if we first know what the true Gospel is as revealed in the Scriptures. Then, we can examine what they are preaching by the word of God.

END

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Author: Jerry S., Pastor, OLBC

Author Bio: Jerry is a bi-vocational missionary pastor-teacher and an avid writer on practical theology currently residing in the Philippines. He has a wide range of experience and education from bachelor to doctorate degrees in various fields and writes articles, blogs, devotions, e-books, academic papers, and more.

Photo by: Kevin Gonzalez on Unsplash

Can Christ Be Hugged Today?

Some people these days say they see Jesus; others are even hugging the triune God in their quiet times. Are they mistaken, or is it possible for us to touch God and Jesus Christ the Son of God? Are people seeing another Jesus?

Christ's Earthly Ministry

While Jesus Christ, God in the flesh, walked the earth, the disciples and many others touched Him, fell at His feet, hugged Him, and John even placed His head on Christ's bosom (chest). Jesus Christ is God in the flesh (John 1:14), so they did indeed touch God the Son. But because it was during His earthly ministry, He could only be in one place at a time when this happened.

After His resurrection, the risen Lord told Mary not to touch Him (John 20:17) but told Thomas to touch Him (John 20:27). He was telling Mary in essence not to hold on to Him or hug Him. 

Christ's Heavenly Ministry

Since His ascension, Christ now sits at the right hand of God the Father making intercession for the saints (Romans 8:34, Colossians 3:1, Hebrews 10:12, Hebrews 12:2, 1 Peter 3:22). This is the physical location of Jesus Christ today.

Because Jesus is still in human form, He can't physically be in two places at the same time. He demonstrated that when He was on earth. To leave the right hand of God where He is making continual intercession for the saints (Romans 8:34, Hebrews 7:25) to give someone a hug during their quiet time is inconsistent with what we read in the Bible.

This is exactly why Jesus said it was expedient that He leave so that the Holy Spirit could indwell believers (John 16:7, John 14:16); meaning that the Spirit of Christ would be with us no matter where we go. 

So, instead of Christ being physically present, His Spirit makes us ambassadors of Christ wherever we are. And in that sense, we can say the touch of a Spirit-filled believer is the touch of Christ. But, to say Jesus, in the flesh, actually hugged you doesn't line up with Scripture. It would likely be "another Jesus" (1 Corinthians 11:4)—the Jesus not revealed in the word of God. 

We Walk by Faith Not by Sight

In 2 Corinthians 5:7, we read that we walk by faith not by sight. Hebrews 11:1 tells us that faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.

When we walk by faith, we don't need a physical hug from God because we trust from His word that our Abba Father is with us at all times. We trust that Christ is with us at all times—closer than any hug could bring us. A physical hug from God would defeat that purpose.

God's plan is to mold us into the image of His Son (Romans 8:29)—our Example of the faith (1 Peter 2:21). Even when Christ was in the Garden of Gethsemane groaning and sweating drops of blood for His coming pain and suffering, we don't read of Christ getting a big hug from the Father. Giving us physical hugs while we're on earth is counterproductive to faith-building.

The Apocalyptic Christ

John the Apostle, the one who laid his head on the Lord's bosom (John 13:23), fell at the Apocalyptic Christ's feet (Revelation 1:17). He was perhaps the closest human being to Christ, yet what he saw that day led him to drop to his knees.

There may be times in certain locations that don't have access to the word of God where the Lord will give visions (cf. Acts 2:17) and deliver people from horrific circumstances. But any vision of Christ must be in-line with the Scriptures or it is a false vision that can deceive us. But we're talking about hugs right now.

Hugging Christ is a different story. God has given us His word, a surer word of prophecy that we're to rely on in faith (2 Peter 1:19). And God's word tells us that Christ is presently at the right hand of God and will return to set foot on the earth once more when He sets up His Kingdom (cf. Zechariah 14:4, Zechariah 2:10,12; Revelation 19:15). When Christ does return to earth, for many, it will not be pretty. He'll take vengeance upon all those who reject the Gospel (2 Thessalonians 1:8).

If someone has hugged Jesus today, it would be a miracle that he/she could have, because everyone else would be dropping on the ground to worship Him (Revelation 1:17) or fleeing and hiding from Him (Revelation 6:16).

Conclusion

What we do know from the Bible is that Jesus Christ has ascended, is seated at the right hand of the Father, and will return at the appointed time. The Father, no one has seen (John 1:18) or touched.

Though some experiences may feel real, if they contradict the word of God, they must be false. Those who claim to have seen God or Jesus Christ and hugged Him today are mistaken—their experiences conflict with the clear and plain teaching of the word of God (2 Peter 1:19).

END

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Author: Jerry S., Pastor, OLBC

Author Bio: Jerry is a bi-vocational missionary pastor-teacher and an avid writer on practical theology currently residing in the Philippines. He has a wide range of experience and education from bachelor to doctorate degrees in various fields and writes articles, blogs, devotions, e-books, academic papers, and more.

Image source: dreamstime.com, ID149672213 OneLineStock

Blasphemous Thoughts Resource

If you are a believer who struggles with blasphemous thoughts, you are NOT alone. The following resources may bring help, comfort, and encouragement—I pray in Jesus' name that they do.

Each title has a gleaning from the original text that may pique your interest to read further (just click on the link after each quote).

However, if you are suffering, you may want to take the time to read each one and discover that contrary to what you might think, you are NOT crazy and you are NOT the only one going through this trial or suffering with this infirmity.

Remember:

"Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world" (1 Peter 5:9).

I do not support all of the religious ideologies or practices of some of the authors or institutions listed here. But the main ideas of each text have something to offer that, when combined with the others, provide a larger picture of what you may be struggling with, how to face it, and encouragement to endure.

Are intrusive thoughts sin? Are spontaneous violent, sexual, or blasphemous thoughts sin?

The more we surround ourselves with worldly things, the more the world will invade our thoughts. Instead, we should concentrate on the honorable, the true, and the pure (Philippians 4:8).

Full Text: https://www.gotquestions.org/intrusive-thoughts.html

Help For Christians Who Have Difficulty Controlling Their Thoughts

As a Christian who battles with OCD, you can say something similar to yourself when unwelcome, intrusive thoughts occur: “That’s not me, it’s just my flesh.” Or, "That's not me. It is just a temptation." Recognizing this truth helps sufferers of OCD to jump off the treadmill and stop the endless feedback loop. Unwelcome thoughts must be seen as what they truly are, as misdeeds of a fleshly brain...

Full Text: http://www.benotconformed.org/thoughts.htm

Gleanings from Orthodox Christian Authors and the Holy Fathers on Blasphemy

When the intellect begins to advance in love for God, the demon of blasphemy starts to tempt it, suggesting thoughts such as no man but only the devil...could invent. He does this out of envy, so that the man of God, in his despair at thinking such thoughts, no longer dares to soar up to God in his accustomed prayer. But the demon does not further his own ends by this means. On the contrary, he makes us more steadfast. For through his attacks and our retaliation we grow more experienced and genuine in our love for God.

Full Text: http://www.orthodox.net/gleanings/blasphemy.html

Tell God Your Blasphemous Thoughts

Because the Bible tells us over and over that He loves us no matter what. While we were yet sinners, God sent His Son Jesus to die for us (John 3:16; Rom 5:8). Love is the essence of who God is (1 John 4:8). Before you were ever born, God knew every sin you would ever commit, every word you would ever say, and all “blasphemous thoughts” you would ever say or think. And He sent Jesus to die for you anyway! Why? Because He loves you!

Full Text: https://redeeminggod.com/blasphemous-thoughts/

Battling with Blasphemous Thoughts and Despair

This mental warfare was indescribably difficult. Imagine the state of someone in battle, when two worlds are within you: one world is bright, of faith and hope in God and the burning desire for salvation; and the other, a world of darkness, instilling only destructive and blasphemous thoughts and disbelief. This unbearable warfare visited me especially when celebrating the Divine Liturgy. Standing at God’s Altar before the Holy of Holies and pronouncing the prayer for the action of the Holy Spirit to consecrate the Holy Gifts, I was at that very same moment continuing to be overcome mentally by defiled thoughts of disbelief and doubt.

Full Text: http://www.pravmir.com/battling-with-blasphemous-thoughts-and-despair/

The Beast of OCD

My greatest fear as a new believer was of displeasing God. This fear therefore created an irrational thinking against God and was the complete opposite that I really wanted and really meant. That's why these silly thoughts that I had were so distressing... So, the fear drives the thoughts. How do we know? Because the thoughts cause such distress and lead me to question whether I really mean them and whether I would want to ever act on them. If this wasn't the fear, the thoughts would simply pass me by and I wouldn?t give it a second thought. Trouble is I do, even though I know the best solution is to simply allow them to pass by.

Full Text:

http://www.mindandsoul.info/Articles/176065/Mind_and_Soul/Articles/The_beast_of.aspx

Blasphemous Thoughts: The Therapy of Trust

But why, you ask, would God want that? “What I want,” you say, “is to get rid of these awful obsessions, and to stop feeling anxious!” But that’s the point. Maybe God wants you to give up what you want, and to consent to what he wants. Maybe he wants you to simply accept this trial, and to put your trust in him. Isn’t it clear that God tests us for our own good? To bear obsessional thoughts without fighting, to willingly endure painful anxiety, to hold on just to his grace: This is the weakness through which we become stronger (2Cor 7). Perhaps you are too self centered right now, feeling that you must be in control of everything.

Full Text: http://ocdandchristianity.com/?p=291

Blasphemous Thoughts – A Testimony - Part 1

For the last 8 weeks I have had continuous attacks from satan, who has been trying to put filthy, blasphemous thoughts about the Holy Spirit into my mind. They are the most vile and horrifying thoughts you could possibly imagine. At the beginning they absolutely horrified me and caused me no end of distress, to put it mildly... So in summary, satan putting blasphemous thoughts into the minds of Christians is not unusual or uncommon... We must focus on JESUS, not satan or his attacks. NO MATTER WHAT, focus on Jesus and never forget that He will never forsake you or let the enemy harm you. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep. No wolf or roaring lion will take you out of His hands!!!

Full Text: 

https://www.talkjesus.com/threads/blasphemous-thoughts-a-testimony-part-1.40193/

Mind Intrusion

Most everyone has intrusive thoughts at some point. They're the little nasty ideas that pop up out of nowhere. They may be about sex or blasphemous thoughts about God. They could be about hurting someone or even hurting yourself. As disturbing as they can feel, they're very common and don't necessarily mean anything serious. And they're not sin. It's not a sin to have a random thought. Although it may be sin to choose to keep thinking about it or to act on it.

Full Text: http://www.blogos.org/thetakeaway/intrusive-thoughts.php

John Bunyan 

(Describes his struggle with obsessive blasphemous thoughts.)

John Bunyan (1628-1688) was a preacher and spiritual writer who is best known for writing Pilgrim's Progress. Bunyan also wrote a spiritual autobiography, Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners, in which he describes his struggle with obsessive blasphemous thoughts.

Full Text: https://www.ocdhistory.net/firsthand/bunyan.html

Horrible Blasphemous Thoughts 

(Answer #2 by Justpassingthrough21)

So to really start getting through this and seeing huge results is first you have to stop falling for lies. That is anything that goes against what the Bible says. Basically if you have any thought that questions your salvation, don't believe it or even entertain it. If you have accepted Christ into your life, you can rest assured that as long as you are looking to Jesus (no matter how feeble the effort may seem to you), you are saved and on your way to heaven. So when you get a thought and think "I must be evil", "I must be possessed", "these blasphemies will never be forgiven", "God has left me", "it will never be the same again", you cannot continue to entertain those thoughts. As long as you do, you won't be able to make forward progress. You simple cannot believe lies, and at the same time expect God to be able to move on your situation. How will God be able to heal your mind and fill you with peace, if you keep thinking your unsaved and going to hell. It may take months before you finally get those truths in your Spirit man, but when you do, it will make you so firm in your faith, and you will begin to see major healing.

If you don't know if a thought is true, just test it and if it causes you to feel condemnation, or points to you losing your salvation, or makes you feel anxiety, you automatically know it is not of God. At that point you need to do 1 of 2 things. Just move onto something else and don't even think about it. Or memorize Bible verses and counter act the lie, with a truth from Gods Word. I actually do both, if I am with a group of people, I can't be sitting their repeating verses in my head. If anxiety comes and my mind starts racing, I will simple ignore it and it will leave my mind. That took lots of practice to be able to do. Or when I am alone I speak Gods Word, and I can feel it literally changing my mind and emotions.

Full Text: 

https://www.christianforums.com/threads/horrible-blasphemous-thoughts.7550544/

The Real Reason For Blasphemous Thoughts

This is common. With our every advance we can expect a counterattack in which the devil will try to retake the ground we have gained. We must stubbornly resist the pressure to surrender to his lies, whether it be false condemnation or believing that we are responsible for thoughts we do not want.

In war, the enemy can gain a major tactical advantage by making a show of attacking at one location when it is actually about to launch its main assault at a different location. If one falls for this trick, most of one’s defenses are moved from the area where they are critically needed and focused where they are not so needed.

Don’t waste your resources getting sidetracked into self-examination or fighting thoughts or guilt feelings. No matter how real and scary they seem, they are just cardboard cut-outs. The real battlefront is whether you believe that Jesus died for the sins of the world – believing that through Jesus forgiveness is available for every sin that anyone could ever commit, provided one accepts it.

Full Text: http://www.net-burst.net/guilty/uncontrollable-blasphemy.htm

Parting Words 

If you need someone to share your blasphemous thoughts burden with, contact me. I have experience with this subject and am a degreed biblical counselor. You're not alone. There is hope in Christ—nothing can separate you from His love (Romans 8:32-39, 1 Timothy 1:15, 1 John 4:18) or take you beyond His grace (2 Corinthians 12:9). 


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Author: Jerry S., Pastor, OLBC

Author Bio: Jerry is a bi-vocational missionary pastor-teacher and an avid writer on practical theology currently residing in the Philippines. He has a wide range of experience and education from bachelor to doctorate degrees in various fields and writes articles, blogs, devotions, e-books, academic papers, and more.

Photo by Sasha Freemind on Unsplash.

4 Biblical Motivations for Christians to Marry

Marriage is the fundamental social unit for humans in God's creation (Genesis 2:24). The Bible shows us that it is a lifelong commitment that God takes seriously. 

But what are the motivations for a Christian marriage? There are at least four reasons identified in the Bible why Christians should still marry.

1. For companionship (Genesis 2:18, 24). 

God made Eve a companion for Adam—from Adam, saying that it was not good for man to be alone. This shows that marriage is the norm for mankind rather than the exception, and that men and women may not feel complete (humanly speaking) unless they are married. 

Wanting to share your life with someone of the opposite sex is in line with God's plan for marriage and a great way to combat the loneliness of being a Christian in an increasingly God-denying society.

2. To raise godly children (Genesis 1:28, Ephesians 6:4). 

God commanded Adam and Eve to multiply and fill the earth. For some, the motivation to marry may be based simply on a couple's desire to obey God's commands. 

Since God has never commanded that marriages cease producing and raising children, the motivation to simply obey God lines up with God's plan for marriage and an excellent testimony to the value of a child—in the face of constant debate about abortion versus childbirth.

3. To avoid sexual impurity (1 Corinthians 7:8-9). 

Paul was saying that to avoid fornication, it is better to marry (1 Corinthians 7:2) where sex is honorable and the bed undefiled (Hebrews 13:4). 

A couple may be motivated to marry to avoid the struggle with sexual urges, lust, and temptation (Colossians 3:5; James 1:15). Wanting to be married to avoid sexual sin and to exercise God-ordained sexual relations within the bounds of marriage is also in line with God's plan for marriage. 

In a culture where premarital sex is celebrated, especially in movies and television series, marriage to avoid it is a testimony against worldly thinking.

4. To emulate and reflect the glory of the relationship between Jesus Christ and His church (Ephesians 5:25, 32). 

Paul writes that marriage reflects the relationship between Jesus Christ and the church. 

Ephesians 5:21-33 presents a wonderful parallel of the relationship between husbands and wives and Christ and the church in terms of submission (Ephesians 5:22), respect (Ephesians 5:33), sacrificial love (Ephesians 5:25), and unity (Ephesians 5:31). 

Reflecting the glory of Jesus Christ and His church through marriage is a testimony to the world that there are two sexes (male and female), and that these two genders (reproductive roles) are to dwell together in love and unity.

Whatever the motivations, whether those mentioned here or others, we must remember that there is no command to marry (1 Corinthians 7:6) just as there is no command not to marry. We should not judge anyone for their choices. 

However, these are biblical reasons to marry that can help Christians resist the influence of the worldly culture around them and reflect the glory and beauty of Jesus Christ.

__________

Note: All scripture passages are from the King James Bible unless otherwise noted. 

Source: Based on a past article written by the author at blogos.org. 

 

Author: Jerry S., Pastor, OLBC

Author Bio: Jerry is a bi-vocational missionary pastor-teacher and an avid writer on practical theology currently residing in the Philippines. He has a wide range of experience and education from bachelor to doctorate degrees in various fields and writes articles, blogs, devotions, e-books, academic papers, and more. 

Photo by Jeremy Wong Weddings on Unsplash. 

4 Ways to Pray Without Ceasing

Some Christians ask: How long do you pray every day?

People who ask this question may have the wrong idea about prayer. Some may see it as a religious duty—part of a daily checklist of responsibilities for good Christians. After completing their daily duty, they say:

Finished!
No more talking to God today!
I did my Christian duty!

That smacks of religiousness. Christianity is different.

God may not actually be impressed with our hour-long, two-hour-long prayer times. In fact, He tells us: Pray without ceasing. According to this verse, we should be praying all day! But how do we pray without ceasing? 

There are at least four ways to ensure you can pray without ceasing every day:

1. Be 'fessed up.

The Lord tells us that if we regard sin in our hearts He will not hear our prayers. If you want to have an open line of communication and pray without ceasing.

2. Be ready to 'fess up when needed.

Christians sin. We live in the world while struggling with temptation to sin. When we do fall, we must be ready to humble ourselves and admit our wrongdoing. Otherwise, we get stuck on number 1 above.

3. Whatever comes along, 'tell it to Jesus.'

 
Living in this world we are plagued with cares (concerns). Why hold them to ourselves? God told us He cares for us. So, when something is bothering you, don't hold it inside, pray without ceasing by sharing your cares with our heavenly Father.

4. Involve God in the major and minor decisions of life.

 
Every day we make decisions, so why not exercise unceasing prayer by including God in those decisions. Start with something simple like, Lord, what would you have me wear today, as a way to be in touch with Him all day. By coming to God for even the simple decisions that we encounter each day demonstrates a reliance on God. 

Prayer is an act of humility. By humbling ourselves and asking God what He thinks our choices and decisions ought to be, we exercise ourselves in unceasing prayer.

A Word About Prayer

Our days should be one long dialogue with God where we have open lines of communication: We tell Him what we think and tell Him our cares, as His Holy Spirit reminds us of His word in response.

We ought to have a dependence on God throughout the day; making requests; confessing; sharing our day with God. This is what we may be missing when asking the question: How long do you pray every day.

Wrap Up

The Christian life is not about checking off boxes each day and saying, I'm done with that today, or doing our duty. The Christian life is about a communicative relationship with Someone who loves you and is always with you. If you can practice these four points in your Christian walk, you will be on the right path to praying without ceasing. 

So, when Christians ask: How long do you pray every day?

My answer: All day!

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Author: Jerry S., Pastor, OLBC

Author Bio: Jerry is a bi-vocational missionary pastor-teacher and an avid writer on practical theology currently residing in the Philippines. He has a wide range of experience and education from bachelor to doctorate degrees in various fields and writes articles, blogs, devotions, e-books, academic papers, and more.

Photo by Ben White on Unsplash