False Prophets & Teachers - Part 1 - Understanding Biblical Truths Today: Heaven is for Real and Jesus Calling

This post begins a series of three posts on the importance of understanding what the Bible teaches about false prophets and teachers and some examples of false teachings today.  This may seem like an issue more relevant to scriptural times and the end times, but as you consider these posts I hope that you see the increasing and influential presence of false prophets and teachers today.

(2 Peter 2:1-3, ESV) But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3 And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.

Part 1 - Understanding Biblical Truths Today: Heaven is for Real and Jesus Calling
Part 2 - Heretical Teachings: The Word of Faith Movement & "Prosperity Gospel"
Part 3 - Heretical Teachings: Joel Osteen and Joyce Meyer

"Truth is so obscure in these times, and falsehood so established, that,

unless we love the truth, we cannot know it." Blaise Pascal

"A false interpretation of Scripture causes that the gospel of the Lord

becomes the gospel of man, or, which is worse, of the devil." Jerome

What is a prophet? How can I recognize a true prophet from a false prophet?  A prophet is a messenger of God who carries a message directly and personally related and is held to 100% consistency with Scripture and 100% fulfillment of any predictive statements. (Deuteronomy 13:1-5, 18:15-22)

• Are there prophets in the church today? 

What is the difference between a prophet and a teacher?  Both roles include the element of teaching, but a prophet claims a direct encounter with God (dream, vision, meeting, voice, event, etc.) where God revealed or spoke a particular message to him.

How can I recognize a true teacher from a bad teacher? A bad teacher from a false teacher?  A bad teacher may misunderstand issues in Scripture or just do a poor job at instructing and exhorting people.  A false teacher teaches “a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Timothy 6:3) and goes against “sound doctrines” (Titus 1:9) specifically with an understanding towards who God is, what salvation is, and what the Scriptures say.

Isn’t it wrong to publicly call out preachers, teachers, Christians, etc.?  The issue of “opinions” between Christian brothers is different from the issue of “false teachings.”  Paul warns “not to quarrel over opinions” (v.1) in Romans 14, pointing out the dangers of “passing judgment” on a brother in Christ and how it can “destroy the work of God” (v.20).  

However, God commands us to “judge” those inside the church when their lifestyles (1 Corinthians 5:9-13) do not line up with God’s Word.  God also commands us to watch out for and confront false teachers who “teach a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Timothy 6:3).  Pastors are specifically tasked by God in Titus 1:9 to (1) "hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught" (2) "give instruction in sound doctrine" and (3) "rebuke those who contradict it."  The role of pastor includes the responsibility of specifically teaching truth and confronting error.

Should a false teacher be called out by name? If so, when?  When a specific false teaching or teacher is affecting a body of believers (i.e. family, small group, church, denomination, region, nation), that false teaching and teacher must be named and confronted.  Paul does this with both false teachings (1 Timothy 1:3-20 ; 6:2-10, Jude 1, 2 Peter 2, & many more) and with particular names (Alexander, Hymenaeus, & Philetus in 1 Timothy 1:20 and 2 Timothy 2:17)

What are some characteristics of false teachers?  There are many examples of false teachers with common descriptions (Galatians, 2 Peter, 1 & 2 Timothy, 1 & 2 John, Jude) that they may look and sound like Christians but that there teachings and lifestyle are not consistent with Scripture.  Here are some descriptors mostly from 2 Peter 2: False Words – v.3 ; Speaking Ignorantly – v.12 ; Endorse Sin – v.2, 13-15, 18 ; Greedy  v.3, 14 ; Proud w/no accountability – v.10, 18 (Jude 8) ; Make Empty Promises – v.19 ; Rely on Experience/Dreams (Jude 8) ; Speak Flippantly To Satan/Demons (2 Pet 2:10-13; Jude 8-10) Have Some Scriptural Knowledge, But Wander from It – v.20-22

• How can I recognize a false teacher / prophet?

How can you call them false teachers when some of these people have doctrinal statements on their website and do many good things in getting the Bible and gospel into the hands of so many?  Christianity is not a salvation of works and although some apparently “good fruits” may seem exist in these ministries, they only mask the lies.  The ends of a ministry (apparent salvations, missions, good works) usually are self-serving (spreading their message) and do not justify their means (a false gospel).  Jesus warns of false prophets coming who "come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves" (Matthew 7:15) and that not everyone who calls Him "Lord" is a true disciple (Matthew 7:21-23).  The overall teachings and writings (fruit) must be considered and compared with their consistency with the scriptures ("the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ" 1 Timothy 6:3 and "the trustworthy word as taught" Titus 1:9).  God reminds us that "even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds." (2 Corinthians 11:14-15, ESV)

When false teachers lead people to Christ, are these converts false believers?  Not necessarily.  If these believers have understood the gospel falsely, then their trust and faith in Jesus may be out of a greater love of Jesus’ gifts rather than Jesus.  If they have become true followers of Jesus (confessing their sin (Romans 3:23), salvation by faith (a free gift) not by works (Romans 6:23), trusting in the finished work of Christ on the cross by calling to Him as Lord and Savior and believing in His resurrection (Romans 10:9-10)), they need to study the Word of God, test their teachers, and be extremely cautious before recommending a teacher to someone else (Acts 17:11, Ephesians 4:11-16).

Why are the “prayer rebukes” of Satan and his demons a problem?  Why is this connected with false teachers?  Prayer rebukes can be best described by those who practice naming particular spirits/demons (demon of falsehood, spirit of adultery, etc.) or speak towards the demonic ('I rebuke you' or 'I bind you').  This problem is scripturally seen in Jude 8-10 and 2 Peter 2:10-12.

• Do Christians have the authority to rebuke the devil?

Is it possible for false teachers to turn to truth and become true teachers?  Yes, until we die, it is possible for anyone who is separated from God to turn to Him in salvation.  Pray for their repentance and turning to the true Gospel of Christ.

If I have been following a false teacher, should I be embarrassed or ashamed?  What does God want me to do in response to realizing that I was following a false teacher?  If you find that you have been following a bad or false teacher, repent of believing the lies that you heard/read and put on God's truths and righteousness.  If you have led or encouraged others towards those teachings/teachers, guide them into the truth.  We must take our growth and maturity as Christians seriously, "so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes" (Ephesians 4:14).

Are there any examples of modern day false prophets?  There are many people who make claims of prophecy in very overt and public ways that are easier to recognize (i.e. "God told me," "God appeared to me," "I had a dream," "God gave me a word").  Many claims of prophecy are more subtle, yet influential.  Heaven is for Real by Colton, Todd, & Sonja Burpo and Jesus Calling by Sarah Young as examples of false prophecies?   These are highly influential and popular titles that many Christians do not realize are false claims of prophecy. 

• What is the gift of prophecy?
• Are there prophets today?

Why is Heaven is for Real by Colton, Todd, & Sonja Burpo an example of a false prophecy? The authors claim that Colton went to heaven and that what is shared within the book is a description of heaven.  Since this is claimed to be a divine experience with God the Father, Son, & Spirit, it must be 100% accurate (Deuteronomy 18:20-22) and consistent with what is already presented in Scripture about heaven (i.e. Isaiah 6, Revelation).  Here are several errors within the books that demonstrate inconsistencies with Scripture, thus making Heaven is for Real an example of false prophecy and its authors false prophets: 

• Jesus on a rainbow horse (p.63, vs. white horse in Rev 6 & 19)
• People with wings (p.72, 87, 121 vs. no biblical description that matches, only Seraphim and Cherubim are described with wings)
• Colton was deceived by his dad when relating his story (p.87 vs. Deut 18:22)
• Gabriel described sitting next to God's throne (p.101 vs. never being described in the Scriptures)
• Angels have swords to “keep Satan out of heaven” (p. 133 vs.  Zechariah 3:1-2 - Satan's access to heaven and rebuke by words, not by swords, Job 1 & 2 – Satan's access to heaven, Jude 9 – Satan confronted by Michael with “the Lord rebuke you” and not a sword, 1 Chronicles 21 & Numbers 22 showing angels using swords vs. people not Satan)
• There are no bodies in Hell  (p.136 vs. Matt 10:28, John 5:29, Luke 16, Daniel 12:2, Mark 9:43-48, Rev 20:13).

John MacArthur helpfully points out:

"For anyone who truly believes the biblical record, it is impossible to resist the conclusion that these modern testimonies—with their relentless self-focus and the relatively scant attention they pay to the glory of God—are simply untrue. They are either figments of the human imagination (dreams, hallucinations, false memories, fantasies, and in the worst cases, deliberate lies), or else they are products of demonic deception."

"We know this with absolute certainty, because Scripture definitively says that people do not go to heaven and come back: "Who has ascended to heaven and come down?" (Proverbs 30:4). Answer: "No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man" (John 3:13, emphasis added). All the accounts of heaven in Scripture are visions, not journeys taken by dead people. And even visions of heaven are very, very rare in Scripture. You can count them all on one hand."

• Heaven is for Real (review) by Tim Challies
• A Response to Heaven is for Real and similar works by Grace to You and John MacArthur

Why is Jesus Calling by Sarah Young an example of a false prophecy? Sarah Young claims in her introduction to have had a personal revelation with Jesus on multiple occasions (ix-xv).  She states that the devotionals within her book have been directly given to her by God.  Even though she claims her writings to not be on the same level of Scripture, she simultaneously claims her book to be divine revelation with God, making it necessary for her writings to be 100% accurate (Deuteronomy 18:20-22).  She says “I have continued to receive personal messages from God as I meditate on Him...so I want to share some of the messages I have received” (xiii-xiv).  She places her experiences and messages ahead of Scripture, weaving Scripture into her devotions as an almost afterthought.  Her writings present an inaccurate and shallow view of Jesus, that is therapeutically focused on peace and comfort while ignoring Christ's commands towards obedience (descriptive rather than prescriptive).  Her theology is also wrongly influenced by Keswick piety (higher/victorious life, second blessing) through Andrew Murray's The Secret of the Abiding Presence (xi).

• 10 Serious Problems with Jesus Calling by Tim Challies
• A Review of Jesus Calling by Dr. Michael Horton
• Jesus Calling (review) by Tim Challies 
• Jesus is Calling for Kids (review) by Tim Challies

With these examples and responses I hope that you see the problem of false prophets and prophecies are more common and widespread in modern Christianity than you might have realized.  Please check out parts two and three of this post to see the problems found through TBN, the Word of Faith movement, "prosperity gospel," and the spectrum of teachers such as Joel Osteen and Joyce Meyer.

Part 1 - Understanding Biblical Truths Today: Heaven is for Real and Jesus Calling
Part 2 - Heretical Teachings: The Word of Faith Movement & "Prosperity Gospel"
Part 3 - Heretical Teachings: Joel Osteen and Joyce Meyer

Top 5 Biblical Principles, Verses, and Quotes on Money and Prosperity

In an age of many false teachings on money and prosperity, we must be rooted in God's truths in order to recognize the deception.  Here are my selections for the top 5 biblical principles, verses, & quotes on money and prosperity!

TOP 5 BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES AND VERSES ON MONEY & PROSPERITY

1. Be Content With What You Have – 1 Timothy 6:6-8 "But godliness with contentment is great gain, 7 for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. 8 But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content."

2. The Love of Money = Roots Of All Kinds of Evil – 1 Timothy 6:9-10 "But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs."

3. Loving & Trusting In Wealth = Impossible to Enter Into God’s Kingdom – Mark 10:17-31 "And Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, 'How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!'"

4. Store Up Treasures in Heaven – Matthew 6:19-21 "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

5. Riches Never Satisfy – Ecclesiastes 5:10-11 "He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity. 11 When goods increase, they increase who eat them, and what advantage has their owner but to see them with his eyes?"

(two close runners up...Don’t Associate with Greedy People who Claim to be Christians (1 Corinthians 5:11) & An Entitlement Attitude is a Deadly Attitude - Achan (Joshua 7:10-26))

Here's a helpful listing of 50 Principles & Passages on Money & Giving

TOP 5 QUOTES ON MONEY & PROSPERITY

1. "The most obvious lesson in Christ's teaching is that there is no happiness in having or getting anything, but only in giving." Henry Drummond
2. "Nothing I am sure has such a tendency to quench the fire of religion as the possession of money." J.C. Ryle
3. “God prospers me not to raise my standard of living, but to raise my standard of giving.” Randy Alcorn
4. "It is prosperity that we cannot endure." Martin Luther
5. "Few are made better by prosperity, whom afflictions make worse." William Gurnall

Bible Verses on Marriage - Solving Marital Conflict

Here are some helpful Bible references to know what to avoid and what to practice in the midst of marital conflict.

To solve marriage conflict, we must not:

• Be proud against each other – (1 Cor 4:6)
• Judge one another – (Romans 12:16)
• Lie to one another – (Colossians 3:9)
• Be partial with one another – (1 Tim 5:21)
• Provoke or envy one another – (Gal 5:26)
• Lust after one another – (Romans 1:27)
• Hate one another - Titus 3:3
• Take one another to court – (1 Cor 6:1-7)
• Use each other - Galatians 5:15

To solve marriage conflict, we must:

·         Be at peace with one another - Mark 9:50

·         Love one another - John 13:34; Rom 12:10; 1 Pet 4:8; 1 John 3:11, 23; 4:7, 11, 12

·         Build up one another - Rom 14:19; Eph 4:12; 1Thess 5:11

·         Be of the same mind toward one another - Romans 12:16

·         Give preference to one another - Romans 12:10

·         Greet one another - Romans 16:16

·         Esteem others as better than yourself - Philippians 2:3

·         Serve one another - Galatians 5:13

·         Receive one another - Romans 15:7

·         Be devoted to one another - Romans 12:10

·         Rejoice or weep with one another - Romans 12:15

·         Admonish one another - Romans 15:14; Colossians 3:16

·         Care for one another - 1 Corinthians 12:25

·         Show tolerance to one another - Rom15:1-5; Eph4:2; Col 3:13

·         Be kind and forgiving to one another - Ephesians 4:32; Col 3:13

·         Submit to one another - Romans 12:10; Ephesians 5:21; 1 Pet 5:5

·         Comfort one another - 1 Thessalonians 4:18

·         Encourage one another - 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 3:13

·         Be compassionate with one another - 1 Peter 3:8

·         Pray for one another - James 5:16

·         Confess your faults to one another - James 5:16

·         Accept one another - Romans 14:1; 15:7

Bible Verses on Marriage - Roles of Husband and Wife

Here are some Bible references to better understand the biblical roles of husband and wife!

What is the wife’s role in marriage?

·         Helpmate (Gen 2:18)

·         Loving and gracious submission to the leadership of her husband (Eph 5:22, Col 3:18)

·         Not strive/resist the leadership of her husband (Gen 3:16, 1 Pet 3:1)

·         Respect her husband (Eph 5:33)

·         Diligent worker, whether at home or in the workplace (Pro 31)

·         Hospitable towards others and generous towards poor (Pro 31)

·         Cares for children and household (Prov 31)

·         Meet sexual needs of husband (1 Cor 7)

·         Be beautiful on the inside (1 Pet 3:4)

What is the husband’s role in marriage?

·         Spiritual leader ( 1 Cor 11:3) towards glorifying God and unity with each other (one flesh)

·         Not dictatorial or harsh (Col 3:19)

·         Leading in a sacrificial way the way Christ loves the church (Eph 5:23)

·         Provide - feed and care (Eph 5:29, Gen 3:17-19)

·         Protect - love their wives as themselves (Eph 5:28, 1 Pet 3:7)

·         Praise your wife (Prov 31:28)

·         Meet sexual needs of wife (1 Cor 7)

·         Be considerate & respect your wife (1 Pet 3:7)

50 Bible Verses & Biblical Truths on Money

1.    Everything Belongs to God – Genesis 1:1, Psalm 24:1, Haggai 2:8, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

2.    God Makes It Possible for You to Earn Money – Deuteronomy 8:18

3.    An Entitlement Attitude is a Deadly Attitude - Achan (Joshua 7:10-26)

4.    Prioritize God and Give to Him Before Anyone Else  - Proverbs 3:9-10

5.    God Blesses Those Financially Who Honor Him Financially – Proverbs 3:9-10

6.    Don’t Work Hard to Get Rich – Proverbs 23:4-5

7.    Desire Only Your Daily Needs – Proverbs 30:8-9

8.    Riches Never Satisfy – Ecclesiastes 5:10-11

9.    Not Giving to God = Robbing From God  - Malachi 3:8

10.  Stealing A Little Leads Towards Stealing A Lot - Judas (John 12:6, Matthew 26:15)

11.  Do Not Give to Receive Praises of Men – Matthew 6:1-4

12.  Store Up Treasures in Heaven – Matthew 6:19-20

13.  Can’t Serve God and Money - Matthew 6:24

14.  Pay Your Bills, As You Expect To Be Paid – Matthew 7:12

15.  You Must Be Willing To Abandon Everything to Follow Jesus - Matthew 19:6-19, Mark 10:21

16.  Investing In God Reaps Immense Dividends – Matthew 19:27-29

17.  Faithfulness With Little Will Result In Being Entrusted With Much – Matthew 25:21

18.  Impossible for Money-Lovers to Enter Into God’s Kingdom – Mark 10:25

19.  Lavish Giving Out of Poverty – Poor Widow - Mark 12:43-44

20.  Giving and Blessing Are Connected - Luke 6:38

21.  Be Rich Toward God – Luke 12:19-21

22.  Don’t Financially Commit to Something You Can’t Financially Finish Luke 14:28-30

23.  Must Give Up Rights Over Everything to Follow Jesus – Luke 14:33

24.  Heart Change Results In Giving Change – Zacchaeus – Luke 19:8

25.  What You Treasure, Reflects Your Heart’s Health – Luke 6:45, 12:34

26.  The Early Church Shared Everything they Possessed – Acts 4:32, 2:44

27.  Work Hard Because It Is More Blessed to Give than to Receive – Acts 20:35

28.  Christians Ask and Contribute On Behalf of Other Christians and Missions Work – Acts 11:29-30; 12:25; 20:3-4; 24:7, Galatians 2:10, 1 Corinthians 16:1-4, 2 Corinthians 8-9, Romans 15:25-33

29.  Ananias and Sapphira Die for False Giving – Acts 5:1-11

30.  God Knows What We Give – Cornelius & Memorial Offering – Acts 10:2-4

31.  We Will One Day Give An Account of Our Lives to God - Romans 14:10, 12

32.  Don’t Associate with Greedy People who Claim to be Christians -  1 Corinthians 5:11

33.  God Commands the Support of Gospel Ministers – 1 Corinthians 9:9,14

34.  Give When You Get Paid and In Proportion to What You Get Paid or Given - 1 Corinthians 16:1-2

35.  Given Even When You Are Extremely Poor, Sacrificially Beyond Your Means - 2 Corinthians 8:2-3

36.  Equal Sacrifices Among All Believers – 2 Corinthians 8:7,13-14

37.  Sow Little, Reap Little; Sow a Lot, Harvest a Lot – 2 Corinthians 9:6-9

38.  Give With A Cheerful Heart - 2 Corinthians 9:7

39.  Lavish Giving Pleases God - Philippians 4:18

40.  Giving Generously Reflects A Trust in God’s Provision – Philippians 4:19

41.  Stay Away from Lazy People – 2 Thessalonians 3:6

42.  People Unwilling to Work Should Not Benefit (Eat) At Others’ Expense – 2 Thessalonians 3:10

43.  Work Hard & Quietly; Earn Your Own Living – 2 Thessalonians 3:11-12

44.  Not Providing for Your Family & Household = A Denial of Faith 1 Timothy 5:8

45.  Be Content With What You Have – 1Timothy 6:6-7

46.  Love of Money = Roots Of All Kinds of Evil – 1 Timothy 6:9-10

47.  Rich Need to Be Humble and Generous – 1 Timothy 6:17-19

48.  Everything Good You Have is From God – James 1:17

49.  Lay Down Our Lives for Christ – 1 John 3:16-19

50.  Not Giving to Meet Needs = Reason to Question One’s Salvation – 1 John 3:17

Christianity and Mormonism Differences

Ever hear the claim that Mormons are Christians?  Every hear a Mormon claim they believer the Bible?

Well, here are 10 clear claims by the Book of Mormon and how they directly contradict the Bible's teachings on True Christianity.

1. The Book of Mormon - The Location of Jesus' Birth: Jerusalem

Alma 7:10 “he shall be born of Mary, at Jerusalem”

The Bible - The Location of Jesus' Birth: Bethlehem

Micah 5:2 “you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah...from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler...”

Matthew 2:1 “Jesus was born in Bethlehem”

2. The Book of Mormon - Timing of the Name of “Christians”: ~73 B.C.

Alma 46:15 “all those who were true believers in Christ took upon them, gladly, the name of Christ, or Christians as they were called, because of their belief in Christ who should come.” (from lds.org Introduction to the Book of Alma, “The original records used as sources for the book of Alma were likely written between 91 B.C. And 52 B.C.”)

The Bible - Timing of the Name of “Christians”:~44 A.D.

Acts 11:26 “in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians” (from esvbible.org Major Events in the Life of the Apostle Paul, “44-47 A.D. Spends a year ministering with Barnabas in Antioch”)

3. The Book of Mormon - Timing of the Gift of the Holy Spirit: 545 B.C.

2 Nephi 3:12-13 “He that is baptized in my name, to him will the Father give the Holy Ghost…Wherefore my beloved brethren…ye that are willing to take upon you the name of Christ, by baptism…then ye shall receive the Holy Ghost.” (from lds.org 2 Nephi written “About 559-545 B.C.”)

The Bible - Timing of the Gift of the Holy Spirit: 30 A.D.

Acts 2:1-4 “When the day of Pentecost arrived…they were all filled with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:1-4)

(from esvbible.org Chart of New Testament Timeline, “33 (or 30) A.D. Jesus returns to Judea, is crucified, and resurrected.”)

4. The Book of Mormon - Time of Darkness at Christ's Death: 3 Days

3 Nephi 8:3 “the time that there should be darkness for the space of three days over the face of the land.” (similar in Helaman 14:27) Helaman 14:20 “there shall be no light upon the face of this land, even from the time that he shall suffer death, for the space of three days, to the time that he shall rise again from the dead”

The Bible - Time of Darkness at Christ's Death: 3 Hours

Mark 15:33 “And when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.” (also Matthew 27:45 and Luke 23:44)

5. The Book of Mormon - Salvation is by Grace + Works

2 Nephi 25:23 “for we know it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.”

The Bible - Salvation is by Grace Alone

Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

6. Doctrines and Covenants (a Mormon scripture) - Joseph Smith the Head of the Church

Doctrines and Covenants 28:2-8 “no one shall be appointed to receive commandments and revelations in this church excepting my servant Joseph Smith… who is at thy head, and at the head of the church; 7 For I have given him the keys of the mysteries, and the revelations which are sealed, until I shall appoint unto them another in his stead.”

The Bible - Jesus is the Head of the Church

Colossians 1:18-20 “And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.”

7. The Book of Mormon - The Fall of Man: Necessary Part of God's Plan

2 Nephi 2:26-25 “And they would have had no children; wherefore they would have remained in a state of innocence, having no joy, for they knew no misery; doing no good, for they knew no sin. But behold, all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things. Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.”

The Bible -  The Fall of Man: Violation of God's Command

Romans 5:12-15 “Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned—for sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law. 14 Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sinning was not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come.”

8. The Book of Mormon - Children Are Born without Sin

Moroni 8:8 “wherefore, little children are whole, for they are not capable of committing sin; wherefore the curse of Adam is taken from them in me, that it hath no power over them”

The Bible - Children Are Born with Original Sin

Psalm 51:5 “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.”

9. The Book of Mormon - Truth Established By Prayer

Moroni 10:4-5 “And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.”

The Bible - Truth Established in the Bible

2 Timothy 3:15-17 “you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

Psalm 19:7-14 “The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple…”

10. The Book of Mormon - Babel: Jaredites Language Not Confused

Ether 1:33-37 “Jared came forth with his brother and their families, with some others and their families, from the great tower, at the time the Lord confounded the language of the people...37 And it came to pass that the brother of Jared did cry unto the Lord, and the Lord had compassion upon their friends and their families also, that they were not confounded.”

The Bible -  Babel: All Languages Confused

Genesis 11:9 “Therefore its name was called Babel, because the Lord dispersed them from there over the face of the earth.  And from there the Lord dispersed them over the face of all the earth.”

Helpful truths about the sufficiency of the Bible and the dangerous consequences of following teachings contrary to Scripture....

Jude 1:3 “contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.”

1 John 4:6 “We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.”

Galatians 1:6-9 “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—7 not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.”

2 John 1:9 “Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.”

Mormonism is not Christianity.  The Book of Mormon contradicts the teachings of the Bible.  Mormons are not Christians, even if they say they are because their beliefs are contrary to God's truths about Himself, His Son Jesus, and His plan of salvation.

Are you a non-Christian?  Repent (turn away from) of your sins, confess Jesus as your Lord (put Him in charge), and believe that He died on the Cross and rose from the grave (Romans 10:9-10).  Salvation from God is a free gift (it can not be earned by being 'good enough') from God by His grace through faith!  

Check out www.gotquestions.org for more info and answers to tough questions about life!

Bible Verses on Giving and Money: Giving Matters

Giving Matters

WHY? Giving Is A Spiritual Thermometer
Cold: “not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of…greed…not even to eat with such a one. (1 Cor 5:11)
Hot: “they had everything in common. (Acts 4:32) (also Acts 2:44)

Stealing from God: Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In your tithes and contributions. (Malachi 3:8)
Pleasing to God: the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. (Philippians 4:18)

Too Little: how does God's love abide in him? (1 John 3:17)
Too Much: So the people were restrained from bringing (Ex 36:6)

HOW: Prioritize God in Your Giving. Give…
Generously: give, and it will be given to you. … For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you. (Luke 6:38)
Proportionately: On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come. (1 Corinthians 16:2)
Sacrificially: for in a severe test of affliction…their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, (2 Corinthians 8:2-3)
Cheerfully: Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7)
Regularly: On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come. (1 Cor 16:1-2)

HOW MUCH? Aim for the Tithe.
1. A tithe is not a tip. 
2. Tithe and trust.
3. The Tithe is a Joyous Floor, Not a Legalistic Ceiling.

5 Bible Truths About Money: Money Matters

1. It Is His Money: It All Belongs to God

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” (Gen 1:1)

2. Budget & Be Responsible

For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? 29 Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, 30 saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ (Luke 14:28-30, ESV)

3. Spend Less than You Earn:  Pay Your Bills

But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. (1 Timothy 5:8, ESV)

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. (Matthew 7:12, ESV)

4. Work Hard To Live

Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. …10For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. 11 For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. 12 Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living. (2 Thessalonians 3:6,10-12, ESV)

5. Work Hard to Give
In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:35)

Is Jesus the Messiah? Jesus' Fulfillment of Biblical Prophecies

Have you always wanted to see the prophetic connections between the Old and New Testament?  Here are some biblical connections that show that the Story of Scripture is the Story of Christ!  Take some time and look up these passages...predictions that are historically evidenced and separated by hundreds of years!!  We have an amazing God in Jesus!!

Prophecies and Fulfillment of Christ

• Offspring of a Woman – Genesis 3:15, Luke 2:7, Revelation 12:5
• Offspring of Abraham – Genesis 18:18, Acts 3:25, Matthew 1:1, Luke 3:34
• Offspring of Isaac – Genesis 17:19, Matthew 1:2, Luke 3:34
• Offspring of Jacob – Numbers 24:17, Genesis 28:14, Luke 3:34, Matthew 1:2
• Descended from the Tribe of Judah – Genesis 49:10, Luke 3:33, Matthew 1:2-3
• Heir to the Throne of David – Isaiah 9:7, 11:1-5, 2 Samuel 7:13, Jeremiah 23:5, Matt1:1,6, Luke 1:32-33
• Born in Bethlehem – Micah 5:2, Matthew 2:1, Luke 2:4-7
• Time of Birth – Daniel 9:25, Luke 2:1-2, 2:3-7
• Born of a Virgin – Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:18, Luke 1:26-35
• Slaughter of Infants – Jeremiah 31:15, Matthew 2:16-18
• Escape into Egypt – Hosea 11:1, Matthew 2:14-15
• A PROPHET, LIKE MOSES – Deuteronomy 18:15, John 1:45, 16:15, Acts 3:19-26
• Ministry in Galilee – Isaiah 9:1-2, Matthew 4:12-16
• Priest Like Melchizedek – Psalm 110:4, Zechariah 6:12-13, Hebrews 6:20, 5:5-6, 7:15-17
• Rejected by Jews – Isaiah 53:3, Psalm 2:2, John 1:11, 5:43, Luke 4:29, 17:25
• Characteristics – Isaiah 11:2, Psalm 45:7, Luke 2:52, 4:18
• Triumphal Entry – Zechariah 9:9, Isaiah 62:11, John 12:13-14, Matthew 21:1-11
• Betrayed by a Friend – Psalm 41:9, Mark 14:10
• Sold for 30 Pieces of Silver, Potter’s Field – Zechariah 11:12-13, Matthew 26:15, 27:6-7
• Judas’ Position Replaced – Psalm 109:7, Acts 1:18-20
• False Witnesses’ Accused Him – Psalm 27:12, Matthew 26:60-61
• Silent When Accused – Isaiah 53:5, Matthew 26:62-63
• Struck and Spit Upon – Isaiah 50:6, Mark 14:65
• Hated Without Cause – Psalm 69:4, John 15:23
• Suffered Vicariously – Isaiah 53:4, Matthew 8:16-17
• Hands and Feet Pierced – Psalm 22:16, John 20:27
• Crucified With Sinners – Isaiah 53:12, Matthew 27:38
• Mocked and Insulted – Psalm 22:6-8, Matthew 27:39-40
• Given Gall and Vinegar – Psalm 69:21, John 19:29
• Hears Prophetic Words Used As Mockery – Psalm 22:8, Matthew 27:43
• Prays for His Enemies – Psalm 109:4, Luke 23:34
• Side Pierced – Zechariah 12:10, John 19:34
• Soldiers Cast Lots for His Clothes – Psalm 22:18, Matthew 15:24
• Not a Bone to Be Broken – Psalm 34:20, John 19:33
• Buried With the Rich – Isaiah 53:9, Matthew 27:57-60
• Resurrection – Psalm 16:10, Matthew 28:9
• Ascension into Heaven – Psalm 68:18, Luke 24:50

Is Jesus God? Biblical Evidence!

Have you ever heard someone claim that 'Jesus never claimed to be God'?  Have you ever wondered if Jesus was just a prophet, a good teacher, or a miracle worker?  Here are some amazing biblical truths that clearly point out that Jesus is God!

The Deity of Christ: Jesus Demonstrates and Says He Is God

• Fulfillment of Prophecies – Psalm 22, Isaiah 53:1-12
• I AM Statements – Mark 14:62, John 4:26, 8:58, 18:6, Exodus 3:14, Isaiah 4:45
• Immanuel – Matthew 1:23
• See God – Matthew 5:8
• Claim of Disciples – John 20:28-29 – Thomas
• Image of the Invisible God – John 1, Colossians 1:15-16
• Seen Me, Seen Father – John 14:7
• Father and I Are One – John 10:30
• Alpha and Omega, Beginning and the End – Revelation 1:8, 22:20
• Making Self Equal with God – John 5:18
• Angels Worship Him – Hebrews 1:6
• Without Sin – Hebrews 4:15
• Forgives Sin – John 9:2-6
• Transfiguration – Matthew 17:1-13
• Baptism – Mark 1:9-11
• Raising Others from the Dead – John 11:1-46
• Resurrection and Ascension – Matthew 28:1-15, Acts 1:4-11, Luke 23 & 24
• Virgin Birth – Matthew 1:18, Luke 1:26-35
• Reception of Worship – John 9:38, 20:28
• Shares God’s Glory – John 17:5-6
• He Is the New Temple – John 2:18-19
• He Is the Law Giver – Matthew 5-7
• Great High Priest – Hebrews 4:14

Biblical Fasting - Why Should I Fast? How Should I Fast?

Have you ever wondered about the purpose of fasting in the Bible?  Have you ever been confused on how to go about fasting?  Here are some biblical reasons and ways to go about fasting!

10 Reasons to Fast

From Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald Whitney
1. Strengthen Prayer
2. Seek God’s Guidance
3. Express Grief
4. Seek Deliverance or Protection
5. Express Repentance or Return to God
6. Humble Oneself Before God
7. Express Concern for the Work of God
8. Minister to the Needs of Others
9. Overcome Temptation & Dedicate Yourself to God
10. Express Love and Worship to God

7 Ways to Fast

Normal Fast – fasting from all food, not from water
o Jesus’ temptation (Matthew 4:1-11)
Partial Fast – limitation of your diet
o (Daniel 1:12 – vegetables to eat and water to drink)
o (Matthew 3:4 - John the Baptist - locusts & wild honey
Absolute Fast – fasting from all food and all water
(Ezra 8:21-23, Esther 4:12-16, Paul Acts 9:9, David 2Sam12:15-23)
Supernatural Fast – requires God’s intervention to survive
o Moses (Deuteronomy 9:9), Elijah (1 Kings 19:8)
Private Fast - in a way not to be noticed (Matthew 6:16-18)
Congregational Fast – united focus (Joel 2:15-16, Acts 13:2)
Other than food - “a voluntary denial of a normal function for the sake of intense spiritual activity” - Richard Foster

(Ezra 8:21-23, ESV) Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from him a safe journey for ourselves, our children, and all our goods. 22 For I was ashamed to ask the king for a band of soldiers and horsemen to protect us against the enemy on our way, since we had told the king, “The hand of our God is for good on all who seek him, and the power of his wrath is against all who forsake him.” 23 So we fasted and implored our God for this, and he listened to our entreaty.