False Prophets

September 16, 2018September 10, 2018 / BrotherJed / Leave a comment

On Face Book I would like to see a more academic approach in debating theological and doctrinal differences between Calvinists and Arminians, so-called prosperity and non-prosperity teachers and among Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox expressions of our common faith. My goodness there are so many differences between Protestant sects alone.

I prefer to reserve terms like false prophet or false teacher, heretic, doctrines of demons, etc. to what are clearly denials of cardinal doctrines of the faith, such as the virgin birth, atoning death and physical resurrection of our Lord. Surely, there were and are sincere, studious and dedicated men on all sides of the issues which divide.

Now sometimes prophet vs. prophet confrontations may become necessary. When some “prophet” confronts me publicly on campus, I may be forced to be more aggressive and militant than I usually am in the FB venue.

I am not saying that we should not debate these differences and when we truly believe our position, it may get passionate. But should we not try to temper our more condemning accusations? Do not we all have more in common, especially concerning the fundamentals, than we have differences?

I know that the prophets of old and the apostles of the NT would use strong language and severely rebuke false messengers. However, I fear there are many “wanna be” or “tryin’ to be” prophets or apostles among us, who do not in actuality carry the credentials, have the experience or bear the marks of the men of God in the Bible. Sometimes the accusations are just a smoke screen to cover the lack of sound arguments.

I know a lot of ministers and know about many more from various theological and doctrinal positions. It is my impression that most of them are attempting to glorify God according to their understanding of the gospel and the nature and character of God.

I suggest that we try to cut one another some slack, especially when we consider the warning of our brother James, “Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” And we also might keep in mind the admonition of our Lord that with what judgment we judge so shall we be judged.

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Building the Church

September 9, 2018September 7, 2018 / BrotherJed / Leave a comment

Our host this week is a retired prison administrator, who now teaches a Bible study in prison. His favorite question to his students is, “How many of you were regularly going to church, when you were arrested?” The answer is always the same, without fail, none of them were attending church, when they got into trouble with the law.

Jesus said, “I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”—Matt 16:18.

Before I founded a church in the late 80’s, I was more of a critic of the church than I am today. Since then, I see myself as a church builder. Not that I am pioneering churches but I want to build the church in the sense of being an encourager instead of a critic. There is an abundance of church critics; criticism tends to develop into censorious spirit, often resulting in becoming a downright opponent of the church.

Jesus came not just to save individuals but to call out a body of believers, the church, which constitutes his Kingdom.

Alas, there are relatively few church builders. Most of the critics don’t seem to have a church home or else they frequently hop from church to church. Some are convinced that the answer is a home church. Home churches soon have the same problems the body of believers which they left had, who were meeting in the building.

The most frequent criticisms of the churches and pastors is that they excuse or overlook sin. Unfortunately, this is often the case. On the other hand, the preachers who teach holiness from the pulpit, still may have sin abounding in their pews. When I was a pastor, I addressed the subject of holiness virtually weekly. Yet, there was still sin in my small congregation, some of which I did not know about until after I closed the church doors.

For 15 years our church muddled through under my leadership; yet, our church was a blessing to my family and me, and I hope to my congregants and to the community in which we ministered.

Shortcomings of the church are easy to see. But despite the faults, I think the churches on the corner remain a great blessing to communities and still have the potential to revive America. The churches remain the strongest barrier against lawlessness.

Often times critics are not really in a position to judge the churches. There is a lot more to a church than the message preached from the pulpit. Churches have discipleship programs and small groups where the sin problem is addressed with perhaps more zeal than in the pulpit. Or perhaps the iniquity is being dealt with in counseling sessions.

Paul in his epistles and John in the Revelation criticized the churches; however, these were churches which they founded. So many of the critics have never pastored nor have they ever pioneered a church, which may be one of the most difficult ministries there is.

Most of the churches in which I have spoken over the years are the store front variety or at least that is where they got their start. Usually, a beginning church or a small church has the same problems as a large church or even a mega-church.

My general rule not to be a critic of the churches but a booster is just that, a general rule. Sometimes criticism is appropriate. Let’s strive to make in constructive and balanced.

Defenders of Christendom

August 20, 2018August 18, 2018 / BrotherJed / Leave a comment

Is the New Testament church supposed to be the model for the church of the 21st Century?

Churches which were founded by the apostles from the beginning had serious problems with sin and false teachers. Note the seven churches of The Revelation.

The church of the First Century preached under great difficulties and persecutions, which largely continued into the early Fourth Century. But these materially poor and persecuted churches were not to be the final narrative of God’s plan for his people.

Jesus taught us to pray God’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Our Lord compared the Kingdom of Heaven to a mustard seed, which is planted and eventually grows into tree with strong branches spreading throughout the earth, where the birds come and make their nests (Matthew 13:31).

The poverty and persecution of the church was not to last forever. The church was to disciple the nations and bring them under the domain of the church (Matt 28:19-20).

God wanted his church to be the head and not the tail. By the end of the Fourth Century Christianity established itself as the official religion of the Empire, which began the era of Christendom.

Alas, the church has largely turned its back on making the disciples of the nations. She seems content to be once again a persecuted minority, as if that is the more spiritual vision.

Let’s not look back for our church model but let’s look forward to a Triumphant Church, which is ruling and reigning with Christ from heaven. We need to occupy and take dominion until the Lord returns.

Some it would seem would prefer God’s people returning to meeting in homes or worse catacombs as a sign we are faithfully following Christ.

American Gospel

August 19, 2018August 18, 2018 / BrotherJed / Leave a comment

Critics of the so-called prosperity gospel refer to it as the uniquely “American gospel,” both of which are pejorative labels.

The gospel proclaimed in America might well be different from the way it is taught in other parts of the world. This country was established by our Puritan fathers, who considered America to be the New Jerusalem, or the New Israel, the City on a Hill, that was to be the light of the world. In those days America was known as the New World. She was “Columbia, the Gem of the Ocean.”

Through the 19th Century the prevailing view of the American church was Manifest Destiny, that Christian Americans were destined by God to conquer the wilderness from sea to shining sea. The idea was that savage America would be replaced with a Christian Civilization.

We had left aristocratic Europe behind where there was not the opportunity of upward mobility. Americans believed that if one is industrious, takes initiative and is able to live a life of independence from governmental economic controls, anyone can prosper by “pulling himself up with his own bootstraps.” It was axiomatic that “the Lord helps those who help themselves.” This vision was known as the American Dream. Americans believed that it was a God given right to pursue happiness (property and success).

The Protestant work ethic teaches that it is God’s will that men should work hard, make a profit, save, and be productive and successful. The doctrine of American exceptionalism was widely believed and promoted by all political parties, except for the socialists and communists. It should be noted that America was and remains an exception compared to the nations of the world, so we should have an Exceptional Gospel.

“The New Israel, Manifest Destiny, Christian Civilization, the American Dream, American Exceptionalism and the Protestant Ethic are all tied in with the true gospel of Jesus Christ, which he called the Kingdom of God or Heaven, when and where the Church, God’s people, rule and reign with Christ.

Thankfully, we are not living under the tyranny of the Roman Empire or an Islamic State governed by Sharia Law or the despotism and atheism of the former Soviet Union. Americans are a free people.

Unfortunately, some Christians think that if we are really spiritual that we should be a persecuted minority and not wealthy and healthy. Consequently, churches are often weak and sickly. Many ministers have the audacity to even call the church a hospital for the wounded. No, the church is the Army of God! We are not just conquerors; we are more than conquerors over the world, the flesh and the devil, who would have us to be poor and sickly.

So, call me a promoter of the prosperity gospel or a teacher of the American Gospel if you like. I am not ashamed of this gospel and neither is Joel Osteen, nor was Jeremiah of old, who wanted the people to prosper even in Babylonian captivity 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Revelation chapters 16 & 17, “It Is Done!”

July 29, 2018August 18, 2018 / BrotherJed / Leave a comment

In Chapter 16 of Revelation, the great voice out of the temple pronounces, “It is done.” What is done?

For the answer join us for our weekly study on Revelation at 7 AM Eastern Time on Tuesday, July 31, in the Smock living room either in person or via FaceBook live stream. To enjoy Sister Myrna’s famous cinnamon rolls, you will have to be here in person.

How do we reconcile the vials of God’s wrath with his love?
Please consider the main characters in these chapters, The Lamb, the Seven Angels, the Great Whore, the Beast, the Kings and the Faithful.

Keep in mind that numbers in the Bible are keys to understanding the spiritual interpretation of Revelation. The important numbers in this lesson are one (unity), seven (perfection), eight (new beginnings) 10 (completeness). How are these numbers relevant to our understanding of events in these chapters? Who is unified? Who and in what sense is perfected and complete? Who experiences a new beginning?

We are reaching the climax of our study on Revelation. I hope that you all are learning nearly as much as I am gaining from teaching on this mysterious, wondrous historical and prophetic book.

Our study needs to be promoted. I have been buying a $30 weekly ad on FB to promote this study. Two weeks ago, Sam attended in response to the FB ad.

One thing you can do is forward this to family or friends inviting them to attend with perhaps a brief word on how these studies are helpful to you.

Trump Cathedral

July 2, 2018 / BrotherJed / Leave a comment

I have a sure-fire plan for building a great church. We will name it Trump Church, no, better yet, call it Trump Cathedral. The motto will be “Make the Church Great Again (MCGA).”

I will be senior pastor of the Trump Cathedral. President Trump will always be welcome to deliver the Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving Day message. He has demonstrated that he can speak on these religious issues as well as if not better than most pastors.

This will not be without precedent. There is the Washington National Cathedral. In Lexington, VA. There is R.E. Lee Memorial Chapel (There was recent talk about changing the name; I don’t know whether it was done or not).

There are many Trump people, who would like to attend Trump Cathedral, who likely don’t go to church regularly, because the churches tend to have a negative view on the future. Too many churches have a loser instead of a winner mentality.

Trump Cathedral will represent the Second Triumph of Christianity accomplished by Constantine the Great at the Battle of Milvian Bridge in the issuance of the Edict of Milan in 313 A.D.

“The gates of Hell will not prevail against the Trump Cathedral. We build a beautiful stone church with no expense spared for the glory of God and his Son Jesus Christ. Trump cathedral will win, win, win souls.”

FOLLOW UP:

My satirical post a few days ago concerning establishing a Trump Church or Trump Cathedral received a lot of attention, mostly likes, but some friends accused me of blaspheme. Satire is humor, not simply for a laugh, but for the purpose of illustrating truth or making a point in an entertaining way.

Now some of you pastors, who work so hard to encourage folks to visit your church might try putting up a sign, maybe temporary, which reads the Church of Trump or maybe something less daring like advertising a sermon on, “The Faith of Trump.” I would even be glad to come and deliver the message. I am convinced that such a sign or advertising such a message would draw visitors. Give it a try pastor. As Trump told African Americans, “Vote for me, what do you have to lose?”

Friends have been accusing me of making an idol out of Trump. Not so, Trump is my hero. We all need heroes. Hebrews Chapter 11 is often called the “Hall of Faith” or the “Faith Hall of Fame.” In this renowned chapter, Paul celebrates an inspiring list of heroic figures from the Old Testament –remarkable men and women, whose stories stand out to encourage and challenge our faith. Some of these heroes are famous personalities, while others remain anonymous. Some of these champions were saintly, others were flawed.

In the early days of my ministry, I was invited to preach at a black church in Indianapolis. Jimmy Carter had recently been elected president. The pastor counseled me for an hour concerning the black community, especially the black church. I remember him saying, “The fact that Jimmy Carter is noted as Sunday School teacher and claims to be born-again helps me.” I learned a lot from the pastor in that hour.

Pastor, promoting Trump can help your church. I know some see Trump not as a man of faith but simply a man with extreme self-confidence. The skeptic and or envious perceive him as prideful and a braggart. I respect him as an example of heroic faith, which should motivate all of us to think big and build a great church which will impact the community and the world.

Volunteers?

Hymn Sing by Sister Cindy

July 1, 2018August 28, 2018 / BrotherJed / Leave a comment

I have always believed that Christian music is one of the greatest evidences to the skeptics for the truth of Christianity. No other religion has produced the quality and beauty of the music that God has inspired!

I thought of this because our United Methodist Church had a “hymn sing” today. The song leader quoted John Wesley, our church founder, “Sing lustily and with good courage. Beware of singing as if you were half dead, or half asleep; but lift up your voice with strength. Be no more afraid of your voice now, nor more ashamed of its being heard, then when you sung the songs of Satan.”

Part of the reason that I am Christian is that this disco queen heard my husband singing the songs of faith “lustily and with courage” in Gainesville Florida in 1978. Still today one of my favorite things to do is hear his voice singing out in the church beside me.

Today at the hymn sing, I also thought of the majesty of the Almighty who created this wonderful art called music; it can transport and guide us us through the broad range of human emotions and bring us inspiration and strength, joy and peace, hope and love, wisdom and truth, beauty and wonder!

I am thankful for the privilege of knowing this God and the hope of making melodies with Him for eternity!!

“EXTREMELY RELIGIOUS!”

June 24, 2018June 26, 2018 / BrotherJed / 1 Comment

By Sis. Cindy

In our United Methodist church a lay member is always designated to read the scripture and other liturgy. Today it was a distinguished looking man in his 80’s whom I did not know. He had poise and grace and a “voice soft as thunder.” I thought, this man is “somebody” and must have come from a really good family like my husband.

Before he read the story of David and Goliath which was the Scripture selection, the attractive gentlemen told a story that shocked me!!

He said that at age 5 he went to live with his aunt because his mother had no money to feed him! He said that his aunt who raised him for the next four years was “extremely religious!” She had told him the story of David and Goliath and assured him that he could overcome any obstacles!

Later I approached the gentleman and inquired more about the “extremely religious” Aunt. He assured me that she was good to him but very firm. He said that he was always in trouble and had to “get saved” almost every week while attending the small Methodist church with altar calls!!

I told him that we would have three of our grandchildren for two weeks this summer and that we fall into the “extremely religious” category. We will teach them at least one Bible story a day!!

After reading about President Trump’s “extremely religious” aunts, I told my husband that these two weeks with THE THREE, ages 2,3 and 4 may be the most powerful of our life ministry!

listen

The Throne Room of God

June 19, 2018June 19, 2018 / BrotherJed / Leave a comment

Popular images reveal Heaven to be a final destination of tranquility and peace, almost a boring place, to where we go when we die, a glorious retirement home far, far away.

John the Revelator had a much different vision of Heaven; he “looked, and, behold, a door was open in Heaven.”—Rev 4:1
John walks us through Heaven’s door by writing of fantastic images, which are far from serene and placid.

The Throne Room of God is a war room, from where the Lamb that was Slain strategizes against the Dragon (the Devil). The City of God, the New Jerusalem, is engaged in a great struggle with the City of Man, Babylon. Angels are battling with demons. Twenty-four elders of the faith are teaming with strange beasts and mighty angels.

The ages old struggle between good and evil is vividly portrayed by John as he reveals from a heavenly perspective the warfare between the Church and the World. Sometimes the Church has the upper hand and other times the World is reigning. John describes the grand struggle from Jesus Death and Resurrection to his glorious and triumphant return–and beyond.

Three times in The Revelation we hear this phrase applied to the Almighty – “Who was, and is, and is to come.” As God is the God of the past, the present and the future, so John describes with vivid symbols mysterious and frightening events that have happened, that are happening and that will happen in Heaven and on Earth over a span of millenniums.

Join us in our study from the Smock living room at 7 AM, June 19, for an unveiling of Heaven. Why wait until death, when John offers us a tour de force of the heavenly kingdom now!

The spiritual realm is all around us. We are encompassed by a great cloud of witness; they are not afar off. This study is an opportunity to have the eyes of your understanding opened.

Paul gives us the key to entering into this open door in Heaven, “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”—Col 3:1-2.

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Leaving On a Jet Plane

June 1, 2018 / BrotherJed / Leave a comment

Some of the objection and even resentment of Jesse Duplantis spending 54 million on a jet air plane is a failure of people and Christians in particular to either understand or appreciate basic principles of economics, especially as it relates to capitalism and investment. Folks we are not talking about a zero-sum socialist game, where one person’s gain is another person’s loss. Or as other critics of capitalism put it, “The rich get richer and the poor get poorer.”

Value is not an arbitrary sum determined by fiat nor is it determined by the labor involved in producing something as Marx taught. Real value is all in your mind. It is how much you want something. And the way to determine how much you desire something is to see what you are willing to trade for it. Jesse wants the plane badly and he claims that Jesus wants him to have it, Jesse is willing to trade 54 million dollars for the desire of his heart.

If two parties trade, both voluntarily, obviously, both parties think that their wealth increased. If they didn’t, they wouldn’t have willingly traded. And if both sides think they got more value than they gave up, then, since it is all in their head anyway, they did! And BINGO! wealth is increased.

Jesse or at least his ministry will be richer if he gets the funds to buy his jet. When he pays Dassault Aircraft 54 million, Dassault will think they got the best of the deal in that they would prefer to have the money than the plane or an inactive assembly line and Jesse thinks he got the best of the transaction because he would prefer the plane to the dollars.

Think of all the jobs Dassault is providing for its workers, since Jesse wants his jet. The laborers and technicians now have more money to buy their modes of transportation, perhaps they will purchase some American made trucks.

Think of the job Jesse provides for his pilot and his mechanic to take care of the plane. The hamper where he stores the plane will profit. Jesse claims he will save money by not having to make additional fuel stops by landing in parts of the world where fuel is more expensive.

Jesse’s saving is gain for the American economy and for the gas and oil companies, thus helping to make America wealthy again, which could result in Trump getting reelected. Everybody, is thinker bigger now that we have a builder instead of a socialist who never creates any wealth but merely redistributes existing wealth.

Jesse will be able to travel with his team of musicians and other helpers to his ministry thus providing them jobs and opportunities to be a blessing and save more souls wherever he flies.

I could go on and on concerning the wealth that is going to be created by Jesse getting his jet. So, don’t deny Jesse his blessing; it will create wealth and I will take wealth over poverty any day. Hey, I might end up talking myself into sending an offering. On the second thought, maybe the Lord is saying something about a jet to me; I need to start listening more carefully.