What is dung...is dung!

The apostle Paul stated in Phillipians 3:7-9, 'But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yeah doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, and be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith. (KJV)

My friends I believe the word dung is very discript! And by definition simply means crap; human or animal waste; fecal matter and the like. In other words, something to be discarded and avoided at all costs. Yet it seems that many modern day pastors and teachers have not only picked up this dung, this crap, but have submerged themselves in it to the point of smearing and flinging it over everything and everybody they touch. Now I don't know about you, but I don't want any dung slung on me. I'm just not that kind of monkey! Just sayin...

Please read Phillipians 3:1-10

The top of the mountain!

When Moses went up Mt. Sinai to meet with God, the nation of Israel stood at the bottom in fear; waiting for the man of God to return. My friends, the Lord has come to live in our hearts! Why are so many still waiting at the bottom of the mountain; living in fear; and subjugated to another man?

Jesus is God, Emmanuel, and He is with us eternally! So let us take our rightful position with Him, all fears removed at the top of the mountain!

'Then they said to Moses, 'You speak with us, and we will hear; but let not God speak with us, lest we die.' ~ Exodus 20:19

God, who at various times in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things.

'While He was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, 'This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!'

Commentary by:

George L. Miller

Right life - wrong message!

When we preach a standard of living instead of the life of Christ, we are preaching self. God did not call us to testify of ourselves; He called us to give the testimony of Christ. We must understand that should we choose to teach law with the emphasis of adherence to the ten commandments, we are setting ourselves up to fail before the eyes of the world; because even the non-believing world is able to see that we cannot keep the law nor maintain the standards we so piously tout. It is no wonder that when you ask the average Joe why he doesn't go to church, the answer is almost always, 'I don't go because the church is full of hypocrites!' Now though this statement may seem like a direct attack on the shortcomings or abilities of the saints in not keeping with what God requires, the real root of the problem is not the saints but rather the message. We were not called to live, preach, and teach the righteous requirements of the law as a standard; we were called into the life of Christ, the Righteous One, to preach and teach the finished work of the cross.

'But now the righteousness of God is revealed, being witnessed by the law and the prophets, even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propititiation by His blood, through faith to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.' ~ Romans 3:21-26

Commentary by:
George L. Miller

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We are declared righteous!

It is paramount that the believer understand to the point of internalization the sufficient finality of the cross. That he or she understand without a doubt that we have been declared the righteousness of God by God Himself. So that just as surely as He said, 'Let there be light', and there was; so we are perfected forever in His sight.

Lord, that we would know you! That we would come to understand what great love you bestowed upon us in the precious gift of salvation. That your all empowering grace would be just as effective in our failures as it is in our victories!

Blessings....

George Miller

Conformed or transformed – Brain-washed or changed!

Have you ever searched your heart in an attempt to discern whether or not your Christian walk is simply based on repetitive brain-washing towards a certain set of principles, or right moral conduct? Have you ever pondered with any regularity the distinction between applying your will to the trials and temptations of life, verses a total reliance on the power of Christ in you?

My friends if these questions are yours and the desire of your heart be the diligent, yet, ever so patient quest for an answer to these questions, you are totally in the right place; because these questions are the super-natural utterances of a God who actually lives inside of us. A God that wants us to know Him above and beyond the often confusing confines of our own human intellect! A God who’s highest desire is that we would walk with Him, and talk with Him; all the while shrouded in the power of His perfect love; for this is the power of God in salvation, and to know Him, the victory which has overcome the world. He is Christ in us, our only hope of glory! Emmanuel, God with us! The Eternal One who has literally placed us into the God-head, thereby making us one with Himself!

Authors note:

There is a great distinction between the power and intellect present in the will of man than that which is given to man by God via the Holy Spirit. Now although this distinction may be difficult to pinpoint at times, a correct understanding of its origin makes it easy to discern. This can generally be achieved by honestly examining the motivations of one’s heart. Once this has been accomplished, we can give it all to Jesus and move on. We are looking for His love, His power, His intellect, His life! Not a mere brain-washing accomplished by external conformity to a certain set of moral principles or right rules of conduct; but rather a transformation performed by the spirit of life in Christ!

‘And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.’ Romans 12:2

‘There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the spirit. For the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.’ Romans 8:1-2

Commentary by:

George L. Miller

P.S. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

No lie is of the truth!

It seems as though of late, I have been surrounded by debate over the issue of salvation; this contention of course being rooted in whether or not we can somehow lose, walk away, or simply stop believing in Christ once we have received Him into our hearts. The proponents of this theory generally pull the meat of their argument from Hebrews chapter 6:4-6; further adding a couple verses from the book of Revelation for good measure. And although these arguments seem compelling at first glance, they quickly lose their veracity once they are taken out of their immediate context, and placed within the total context of the entirety of God’s word. It is no great feat to pull one verse from here, and another from there in an attempt to validate one side of an argument; however, it is an entirely different matter when these few scriptures can no longer stand alone, but are met with 2 or 3 hundred that state the opposite.

In short, in all my wrangling with those that say you can lose your salvation, I can count the scriptures used within the confines of my two hands. Furthermore, upon close examination taking the totality of scripture into account, I find time and time again that the scriptures folks use to substantiate this claim do not say what they are attempting to make them say. In fact in all, there seems to be a total lack of divine logic and discernment throughout.

From that time Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day. Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, ‘Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!’ But He turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.’

(Matt. 16:21-23)

Peter did not want to believe the pain Jesus was about to go through in order to resurrect man from the dead and give him eternal life. This was a bloody endeavor and much too costly to be left within the realm of human weakness; for Peter was about to deny Him not once, not twice, but three times.

And the Lord said, ‘Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.’ But he said to Him, ‘Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death.’ Then He said, ‘I tell you, Peter, the rooster shall not crow this day before you will deny three times that you know Me.’ (Luke 22:31-34) There is only one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus! And there is only one mediator between Satan and man, the man Christ Jesus! And He alone is our victor!

Authors note:

I realize that there are many Christians who view this argument as immature, but I beg to differ. This argument is essential; for it is the power of man and his righteousness verses the power of God in salvation. It is the truth verses error; a lie verses the promise of God. My friends, we were drawn into this new covenant agreement by the very will of God, and we are held by that will under the authority of Christ; and I can assure you that no lie is of the Father; but there is only one liar and the father of them. Who will you choose to believe, God or man?

Commentary by:

George L. Miller

Can a believer actually stop believing?

The following is a commentary based in response to Bertie Brits position on salvation, in which he states: “I do not believe the once saved always saved” thing. Further stating “I believe that a Christian can actually stop believing and as a result lose or walk away from there salvation.”

You can catch his take on this by going to: http://www.dynamicministries.com/index.php?option=com_preachit&id=606:falling-away-hebr-6&view=study&Itemid=138

There you will also find I and my wife’s contention. Please read the commentary I submitted to him via The Redemption Center entitled False Prophets, Ministers of Righteousness, Teachers of the Law. Believe me, Bertie was the last person we ever thought to take and support that position.

Enter Mark chapter 16:9-15. Here is what Jesus told the apostles regarding their unbelief and hardness of heart. “Now when He rose early on the first day of the week, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had cast seven demons. She went and told those who had been with Him, as they mourned and wept. And when they heard that He was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe. After that, He appeared in another form to two of them as they walked and went into the country. And they went and told it to the rest, but they did not believe them either. Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.’”

Notice He did not give up on them nor allow their carnal minds the opportunity to bind them in hopeless despair, but rather presented Himself alive in the fullness of His resurrection to personally remind them that they were His, further instructing them to continue in the ministry which He had entrusted them to preach. Jesus does not leave the believer to the whims, attitudes, or emotions of the carnal mind. He in fact does not leave us at all; claiming the victory for us even in the midst of the worst of Satan’s demonic oppressions. (Romans 8:31-39) (Col. 2:15)

Our faith is definitely responsible for voluntarily opening the door to our hearts, however, once this has occurred; it is not our faith that keeps Him there; but rather the working power of God through Christ in us. (Romans 10:9) (Phil. 2:13) (Gal. 3:6)

Authors note:

To say that our faith is responsible for keeping us saved is to deny that our faith is a gift from God; and to make statements such as ‘I will continue to the end based on my great faith’ nothing more than the dishonest boasting of a soul unaware of its own failings. (Eph. 2:8) Our faith is a gift from God, and we are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus, and we are saved by His life. (Romans 5:10)

Commentary by:

George L. Miller

Romans chapter 13:1-7 – Ruling authorities!

I find the variables and complexities surrounding a common time application for Romans chapter 13 near insurmountable. However, based on what we do know, I believe it is safe to say that national Israel thought Jesus would actually restore them to physical power by means of political overthrow. Which of course we know did not happen. It is with this in mind that I state the following.

I believe what Paul was trying to get through to the saints is that you may not understand what is going on right now in terms of the big picture, but I can assure you that God does. Right now we are under Roman rule, and if it were not by the hand of God, He would have wiped them off the face of the earth. They are God’s ministers for now to impose some semblance of judicial law. And with that said, do the right thing according to that law, and do not try to overthrow them. Our job is to preach and teach Jesus, and in so doing establish the kingdom of God.

I believe the real problem with finding current application for Romans 13 can be found in the fact that Rome had not yet claimed any relation to God, whereas, at least in pretense the United States has. This is where the real conundrum begins as far as common time application is concerned. For it is one thing to claim a relationship with God, and an entirely different thing to actually have one. Please keep in mind that Paul was talking to the latter, i.e. to those who actually had a relationship with God in Christ. Reminding them primarily to keep the main thing the main and to be mindful of the things of God; in other words, stating: ‘We are ministers of the gospel of Christ.’

Now in lieu of what I have just presented, I am going to ask a few questions. I am not trying to be smart; I am simply trying to invoke serious thought. #1 – Based on Romans 13:1-7, what rights and responsibilities were the saints given in regards to facilitating and administrating a civil government? #2 – Do you think that God has changed His mind concerning the rights and responsibilities of the saints based on the assumptions of man? #3 – Based on what you understand of these passages in Romans; do you believe that the overthrow of King George was based on Christian principles? #4 – Do you believe that over the years these passages have been deliberately manipulated by those in power to carry out certain agendas?

All comments will be accepted! God speed!

Commentary by:

George L. Miller

What is the doctrine of Christ and what is our responsibility towards it?

The doctrine of Christ is comprised of His death, burial, and resurrection. Read I Corinthians chapter 15 and Romans chapter 1:1-6. Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. (John 1:29) In Him we have redemption, the forgiveness of sin. (Eph. 1:7) He was offered once to bear the sins of man. (Heb. 9:28) He did this in accordance with the will of the Father, ‘Behold I have come to do your will O’ God. (Heb. 10:9) By that will, we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. (Heb. 10:10) And through that will, God remembers our sins and lawless deeds no more. (Heb. 10:17) Once this offering was made and received by us, there is no longer an offering for sin. (Heb. 10:18) We have been perfected forever by the will of God. (Heb. 10:14) And we are held by the authority of Christ. (John 17:1-2) His work is finished. (John 17:3) We are new creations. (II Cor. 5:17) We are the righteousness of God in Christ. (II Cor. 5:21) We were made righteous through the righteous obedience of Christ. (Romans 5:19) We have been reconciled in the body of His flesh through death; that we are holy, blameless, and above reproach in God’s sight. (Col. 1:21-22) We are children of God. (John 1:12) We are heirs of both God, and the kingdom of God. (Romans 8:16-17) We are God’s elect. (Romans 8:33) And nothing shall separate us from His love. (Romans 8:39)

In short, the point should be clear by now! The doctrine of Christ is all about the 100% redemption of man. If you are in Christ, you are a forgiven person and you are eternally secure! And His death, burial, and resurrection are that assurance. Our only responsibility being that of belief; i.e. obedience to faith in regards to the finished work of Christ. In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. And you, being dead in your trespasses and the un-circumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it. (Col. 2:11-15)

Authors note:

If a particular preaching or teaching does not sound like this, look like this, bring life like this; then it is not the doctrine of Christ..period! Here is what the apostle John said in reference to us concerning those who do not preach and teach the doctrine of Christ: ‘Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.’ (II John 9-11) Having both the Father and the Son means that one understands the fact that he has been completely reconciled to God in Christ; and as a result, fully comprehends from the heart the ministry he has been entrusted to preach and teach; which is of course the ministry of reconciliation through the life-giving spirit of Christ. Not that which is of the letter of the law,(Romans 8:2) but that which is of the spirit. For the letter kills, but the spirit gives life.

(II Cor. 3:6)

Commentary by:

George L. Miller

P.S. This is not to say that I wouldn't invite someone into my house that had an a skewed view of the gospel. It is to say however that I would not repeatedly invite someone into my house to wrangle over the unprofitable use of the law. ‘But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they unprofitable and useless. Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned.’ (Titus 3:9-11)

The man behind the mask!

Just beneath the skin of our western houses of worship, the ideological seeds of imperialism are watered and germinated. These seeds in turn growing to represent and foster the world wide empire of Babylon. The neo-conservative right-wing republican christianity so prevalent today merely being an elaborate mask the devil has deployed to hide his face. And though his presence is obvious for those who have eyes to see and ears to hear, his rapacious and destructive appetites are appeased through those blinded by greed and the thirst for power.

Men and women that have been taken captive by him to do his will, and instructed to tell the world that it is in fact the will of God which demands the axis of evil be smashed. Ultimately hiding his real agenda which is world domination through economic sanction and occupation; the very power of Babylon itself. Which in essence is the nature of the beast; the man behind the mask.

'Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure, that war in your members? You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.' ~ James 4:1-4

'Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you! Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth eaten. Your gold and silver are corroded, and there corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days. Indeed the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out; and the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of the Sabbath. You have lived on the earth in pleasure and luxury; you have fattened your hearts as in the day of slaughter. You have condemned, you have murdered the just; though he does not resist you.' ~ James 5:1-5

Authors note:
The cultures of the eastern world, as well as the people of the BRIC nations do not hate the west because of our alleged freedoms; but rather loathe it for it's role in capitalism gone wild. Which in the end has brought about some of the worst crimes against humanity the world has ever known. We are quick to call people terrorists and revolutionaries that are guilty of nothing more than fighting to retain some semblance of human dignity through the process of refining, mining, and distributing their own natural resources. A right which the power brokers of this world have succeeded in frustrating for centuries. The tool of course covert military de-stabilization, followed closely by regime change to outright occupation. This is the accepted protocol for replacing a leader unwilling to extort his own people for one that will. The terms and conditions of this new contract of course being pre-arranged by those who seek to gain the most.

Commentary by:
George L. Miller

P.S. If anyone is offended by what I have just written, please feel free to shoot your contention. I can assure you that my ambitions are not political. I am simply exercising the mind God has given me in Christ!

The real me!

When I meditate on Jesus actually living inside of me, I can't help but feel that I am merely talking to myself. I believe the confusion I often feel stems from an improper focus; that focus being my inability to live up to what I think God wants me to be, rather than what He has promised He has already made me. I am not who the flesh suggests that I am! I am who the spirit of promise declares me to be. I must not dwell on my natural face, but rather stare continually into the perfect law of liberty through which Christ makes me free.

'Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.' ~ James 1:22-25

Here is a closer look at the term doer of the work:

Then they said to Him, 'What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?' Jesus answered and said to them, 'This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.' Therefore they said to Him, 'What sign will you perform then, that we may see it and believe You? What work will you do? Our fathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is written, 'He gave them bread from heaven to eat." Then Jesus said to them, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.' Then they said to Him, 'Lord, give us this bread always.' And Jesus said to them, 'I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.' John 6:28-35

Authors note:

To us God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery: which is Christ in us our hope of glory. Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. To this end we labor, striving according to His working which works in us mightily.

This is the real you....this is the real me! God bless!

Commentary by:

George Miller

Theologians or thugs..You decide!

From what I have observed over the years in the institutional church, it seems the most commonly used study bibles are those of John MacArthur and Thomas Nelson. Therefore, it only stands to reason that the comments and opinions of these men are among the most widely excepted versions of correct biblical interpretation. In other words, these are the comments and opinions we as christians are most likely to run into on any given day.

Here are some of the comments made by these men over the past half century. Please keep in mind this is a very brief lesson surrounding the errors of the so-called great theological minds of our time; and my advice is that you do your homework before you receive truth. That you make sure it's God's truth rather than man's. Proverbs 14:12

Commentary Thomas Nelson - Hebrews 10:29:

And I quote: "A believer who commits these offenses will be judged with a punishment worse than death." End Quote

Clearly the bible does not support the judgment or punishment of the believer; but rather states in Romans 8:1, 'Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.'

Commentary John MacArthur - I John 1:5-7:

And I quote: "In scripture, light and darkness are very familiar symbols. Intellectually, light refers to biblical truth while "darkness" refers to error or falsehood. Morally, light refers to holiness or purity while "darkness" refers to sin or wrongdoing. A genuine christian walks habitually in the light (truth and holiness) not in darkness (falsehood and sin). Their walk also results in cleansing from sin as the Lord continually forgives His own. Since those walking in the light share in the character of God, they will be habitually characterized by His holiness, indicating their true fellowship with Him." End quote

The reference to darkness and light in the opening statements of I John are not in regards to sin or wrongdoing in the life of the believer; but rather depict the darkness of unbelief concerning the askewed view the gnostics had surrounding the testimony of Christ. A genuine christian is not someone who habitually walks in a shroud of holiness; for this would be impossible. To make this claim is actually to walk in falsehood and sin. Thus by his own admission, John MacArthur has placed himself in the realm of darkness by habitually teaching something that is not true.

We do not live by our ability to walk in habitual holiness; for to do so would be to remain under law! We live by and through what Christ has accomplished on our behalf. For despite the deeds of this carnal dead body, He has made us perfect, holy, and without accusation. Any other position is just not honest, and if it's not honest, it's a lie..period.

Author's note:

I know it's a shocking thing for leadership to honestly and openly admit that all who are in Christ have the same ability to interpret scripture; however, that did not stop John from stating the following:

I John 2:20-21: "But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things. I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and no lie is of the truth. 

I John 2:26-27: These things I have written to you concerning those who try to deceive you. But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him."

P.S. Be careful little christian what you read. The world is ripe with theological thugs.

Commentary by:

GEORGE L. MILLER

The hypocrisy card!

The loudest screams of hypocrisy are often delivered by believers whose hearts are still under law. These are subtle screams, but screams nevertheless. Residing in the super-natural, they resound in the hearts of those they seek to condemn. These screams are generally masked with what sounds like biblical truth, and truth they may very well be. However, they are half truths at best, and anyone with discernment knows that a half truth is nothing more than a lie.

Richard Piefer expressed the screams of the legalists like this: He said they will say things like, 'Hey George, I know you are all in to the grace thing, but do you honestly think your going to heaven acting like that?' Richard's reply was simple, but dynamic; He said, 'Well according to the apostle Paul, I am already in heaven acting like this.' He then went on to say, 'It never excuses the action, but the point still remains; I'm not going to heaven because of what I do or don't do; I'm going to heaven because of what Jesus is doing and has already done.'

Authors note:

Those who play the hypocrisy card are not listening for the life giving words and wisdom of our precious Lord and Savior; they are seeking to find fault with the vessel. Proclaiming the screams of a defeated foe that still holds them bound by the law of sin and death. And of course misery always loves company!

Therefore, as through one man's offense, judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man's righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so also by One Man's obedience many will be made righteous. Moreover, the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. ~ Romans 5:18-21

And being found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith. ~ Phil. 3:9

Commentary by: 

George Miller

Therefore, by their fruits you will know them!

'Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves, you will know them by their fruits.' ~ Matt 7:15-16

Many theologians point these verses at christian fanatacism. Citing the Benny Hinn's and John Hagee's of the world as their intended target, i.e. the abuse of giftings in the area of healing, signs and wonders, or of prosperity. While still others cite occult-like doctrines that are way out in the stratosphere. However, I disagree with them both and here is why:

In order to take a closer look at this, let's take a look at four major points, the word false, the word prophet, the term ravenous wolves in sheep's clothing, and the term inwardly.

False: not accurate; not true; in error; incorrect; wrong; mistaken; untruthful; lying; dishonest; false witness; disloyal; unfaithful; deceiving; meant to deceive; misleading; not real; sham; artificial; counterfeit - Webster's dictionary.

Prophet: A religious teacher or leader regarded as or claiming to be divinely inspired; or a person who predicts future events in any way. - Webster's dictionary.

Ravenous wolves in sheep's clothing: Far from being easy to discern, this describes both an elaborate and effective disguise. Notice the word inwardly; suggesting that whatever is wrong with this particular pastor/ person / teacher / ministry is hidden from sight by means of elaborate falsehood. 

My point is this, if the deceptions spoken of in these verses were as easy to discern as occult doctrines, false healers, or prosperity teaching; surely Jesus would have made that clear. 

My friends there is only one teaching that could produce the level of deception Jesus warns against in these verses! And there is only one message that could seem so right and yet be so wrong. And that teaching, that message is works righteousness; the co-mingling of the Old and the New Covenant; simultaneously teaching law and grace; ultimately holding the saints captive to the law.

Author's note:

Please pray for those held captive by legalistic teaching! That they may know God in grace! Pray also for those teaching law; that they may truly see God as He is and stop! God bless you all!

Commentary by:

George Miller

Blasphemy - Never has forgiveness!

Whenever possible, I find it both expediant and beneficial to let the written word of God speak for itself. When this is possible given a certain subject or principle, it generally comes forth with clarity and power. The following is an example of just such power; the written word of God speaking for itself. 

Our story subject principle is taken from two places. First, Matthew chapter 9:1-6; and second, Mark 3:28-30:

So He got into a boat, crossed over, and came to His own city. Then behold, they brought to Him a paralytic laying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, 'Son, be of good cheer, your sins are forgiven you.' And at once some of the scribes said within themselves, 'This man blasphemies!' But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, 'Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier to say, your sins are forgiven you, or to say, arise and walk?But that you may know that the Son of man has power on earth to forgive sins' - then He said to the paralytic, 'Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.'

Enter Mark 3:28-30:

'Assuredly I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they may utter; but he who blasphemies against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is subject to eternal condemnation' - because they said, he has an unclean spirit.

Note the religious world accused Jesus of blasphemy; discrediting His accomplishment; His authority, in this case, the power to forgive sin. The book of Mark records Jesus equating this attitude with blasphemy of the Holy Spirit; leading to one of the saddest statements in the entire bible: ' Never has forgiveness.'  Sound familiar? 

Author's note:

This is a stark warning to the religious world regarding the power and authority of the King of kings, and the Lord of lords. Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world. Not temporarily! Not until your next pastorial induced altar call! Nor your next recital of 1 John 1:9! If you are in Christ, your sins are forgiven by the authority of Christ! Not man's! So that you may know that the Son of man has power on earth to forgive sins!

Commentary by:

George Miller

The love of God - a multi-faceted diamond!

When the love of God is alive in the life of believers, it is a multi-faceted diamond that radiates the light of God manifest through a spectrum of living color. Breaking the chains of hopelessness and despair as it dissipates the darkness of this conditional, temporal world. Just turn on the light and the rainbow appears! The light of the Son shining through to illuminate a myriad of individual giftings uniquely expressed in His love.

'But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

~ Gal. 5:22-23

Notice the word fruit in verse 22. How it stands in singular form with the word love. That is because the love of God is always the primary gift! The rest of the gifts are a by-product of the manifestation of God's love. And that root must remain the root; or the giftings themselves lose their legitimacy; as well as their power and become unfruitful, a mere work of the flesh.

'There are diversities of gifts, but the same spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.' ~ 1 Cor. 12:4-7

But eagerly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way. ~ 1 Cor. 12:31

And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. ~ 1 Cor. 13:13

Commentary by:

George L. Miller

The authority of scripture vs. the person of Christ!

The only person who has ever been fully qualified to oversee the church according to God is Christ. We are taught over and over again that Christ is the head of the church, and rightly so because He is the head of the church. Yet, our stringent adherence to the pastorial epistles coupled with law-based theology has undermined Christ's headship; rather placing it directly in the hands of man. Unfortunately, the over-zealous and often dogmatic emphasis given to the authority of scripture so prevelant in many of our modern schools of theology has in fact become a stumbling block rather than an asset. Especially in regards to the saints actually learning and knowing God. The authority of scripture taking preeminence over the revelatory power of the Holy Spirit. Which brings us back to point.

If Jesus is the only qualified overseer to the church according to God, and the Holy Spirit is in fact the active part of Christ in us, what then should be our focal point when teaching; the authority of scripture, or Christ in us? The answer to this question should be simple; because for all pretense and purposes it is. The problem of course rests with man and his propensity to hold the reigns at all costs even though knowing, particularly in this case, to do so seeks to restrict the power of God.

The scriptures were given to lead us to Christ; that we may both receive and proclaim the power of the ressurected life. The scriptures were not given to lead us to Christ so that He in turn would lead us right back to the deadness of the letter, once again placing us under the authority of scripture and a new set of laws! No! The scriptures, i.e. God's word has and will always have one main theme; that man be reconciled to God through Christ and find peace in his soul. Eternal freedom! For the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. ~ Romans 8:2 For we did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but we received the spirit of adoption by which we cry out, "Abba, Father." ~ Romans 8:15

Authors note:

The history of the early church as recorded in the book of Acts has one primary leading; which is of course the third person in the trinity...the Holy Spirit. Which is actually God Himself, harmoniously orchestrating the inner workings and power of the God-head. There were no apostolic doctrines to follow. The epistles to the Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, etc. were written long before the so-called pastorial epistles of I and II Timothy or Titus; which means that these early saints were actually lead by the Lord Jesus Himself. And with that said, is it any wonder that these early years were the most dynamic and fruitful years in Christian history? Lord that we would hear and return!

Commentary by:

George L. Miller

False prophets, ministers of righteousness, teachers of the law!

'Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of mutilations! For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.' ~ Phil. 3:2-3

'Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Not everyone who says to me Lord, Lord; shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in your name, cast out demons in your name, and done many wonders in your name? And then I will declare to them I never knew you; depart from me, you who practice lawlessness.' ~ Matt. 7:15-23

'For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.' ~ II Cor. 11:13-15

Here is an example of such work, commentary 1997, Thomas Nelson, NKJV - Heb. 6:4-6:

Impossible is used three other times in the book of Hebrews. It is impossible for the blood of animals to take away sin (10:4), for God to lie (v18), and for anyone to please God without faith (11:6); here it is impossible to renew those who have fallen away from the faith (see v6). Enlightened is used only one other place in Hebrews, (the word is translated illuminated in 10:32); in that verse, enlightenment refers to the full knowledge of the truth. Tasted is used elsewhere in Hebrews in actual experience (2:9), Thus, to taste the heavenly gift is to experience the gift of eternal life. The greek word for partakers is used elsewhere in Hebrews of regenerate people (1:9, 3:1,14). The phrase if they fall away may also be rendered "having fallen away". The fact that there is no hint of a conditional element argues against the "hypothetical" interpretation of this passage (see v 4). Falling away here refers to deliberate apostacy (3:12), a defection from the faith. To renew means "to restore". In other words, it is impossible for continuous effort on the part of anyone in the christian community to restore an apostate back to fellowship with God. This is the reason for the strong warning of 3:13; to exhort one another to avoid a hard heart. Continuing christian immaturity is dangerous. Crucify again: departing from the faith amounts to a fresh public rejection of Christ, a crucifixion of Him all over again.

Here is the correct interpretation of this scripture:

First off we must remember that context is everything. We must determine who the book was written to, why and when. The book of Hebrews was written to a Jewish audience and it's purpose was to initiate the new and superior Covenant declaring Christ as King. The Jews had been enlightened, illuminated with as much of the full knowledge of the truth as they were ever going to get. They had tasted the heavenly gifts of God, from the parting of the Red Sea, to eating manna in the desert. They partook of the Holy Spirit from the crafting of the first temple, til the death of John the baptist. They had tasted the good word of God since childhood through public recital and memorization so that they should have received the coming Messiah, and understood the powers of the age to come like no other. Yet as this powerful verse in Hebrews suggests, there were still those present that refused to fully accept Christ and walk by faith. Choosing rather to stick with their tradition by remaining under the old Mosaic system. Hence the statement, 'crucifying again for themselves the Son of God; since it was that very system that crucified Him in the first place. This is not a hypothetical interpretation of these passages as Nelson's theologians suggest. The entire context of the book of Hebrews validates this point conclusively. To sight this verse in order to substantiate the claim that we can lose our salvation is blasphemy.

The scriptures do not speak of a God who is unable to keep or perform His promises, which is exactly why the promise of salvation once received was not left in the failing hands of man. To say that we can walk away from salvation is equivalent to calling God a liar since He swore by Himself, confirming the promise of salvation with a personal oath. Declaring the ability to save to the uttmost those who come to Him by faith, which in all, He promised to remain faithful.

Authors note:

What do the following definitions all have in common? False prophets, ravenous wolves, dogs, evil workers, mutilators, angels of light transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. Answer - they are all ministers of the law! Ministers of righteousness! Ministers of the flesh! Men and women who preach and teach man's ability rather than God's accomplishment in Christ.

Commentary by:

George L. Miller

Struggling with the Do-Do's!

It has been well over two years since my wife and I regularly attended a physical church. We left the church because we were asked to leave following some pretty harsh debates surrounding the New Covenant. We wrangled over the traditional use of 1 John 1:9 and the churches position in teaching the necessity of asking God for ongoing forgiveness. We argued over mixing the Old and the New Covenant saying that we should not be teaching people to work to please God through keeping the 10 commandments. That God's desire is in fact that we would literally die to the law so that we could truly draw near to Him unhindered by the accusation of sin. And finally, the argument of all arguments; we refused to agree that we could disagree regarding whether or not God's promise of salvation was final, and yet still remain in fellowship one with another. However, in the end, like I said, we were asked to leave. Followed of course by some good old fashioned character assassination and the accusation of heresy. Believe me, we were more than willing to comply! Hence my struggle with the do-do's.

Though it's been over two years since my departure from the physical church, I still find myself mis-applying God's word in my own life. Allowing myself to be drug back under law, chained to destructive and condemning thought patterns that suggest I am not doing my part by actually forsaking the assembling of myself together with the saints. This is when I have to stop and do some serious preaching to myself. The following is an example of that preaching:

True fellowship is only possible when the life, death, burial and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ is alive through the spirit in those you are attempting to have fellowship with. The apostle Paul makes this very clear in 1 Cor. 1:4-10 which states: I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus, that you are enriched in everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge, even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you, so that you come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgement. 

There are several key points here surrounding the issue of true fellowship. #1 - It is established by the grace of God and is given to us through Christ Himself. #2 - It is enriched by Him through the power of the Holy Spirit in all utterance and knowledge, confirming the testimony of Christ in us. And finally, it is God's faithful expression of Himself in us by whom we were called into the fellowship of His Son. It is from this position that Paul pleads with the Corinthian brethren in the name of the Lord Jesus, instructing them to speak the same thing; admonishing them that it's completely possible to be perfectly joined together having the same mind, so long as their fellowship remains spiritually rooted and grounded in the testimony of Christ. Notice he said perfectly joined together! Which of course means, contrary to popular belief that this is entirely possible. The apostle John explains it this way in 1 John 1:3: Truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. The point I am trying to make is this: My wife and I were rarely in true fellowship when we were in the physical church. Rather what we were experiencing were foolish disputes and strivings about the law. Which were unprofitable and useless! And what we did in the end was merely to reject this divisive teaching, realizing that the whole congregation was actually warped and sinning by willingly choosing to remain under law; therefore being self-condemned. Paraphrase Titus 3:9-11

Author's note:

I know this sounds harsh because it even sounds harsh to me, and I'm the one living it. However, we are called to support the gospel which is translated the Good News. I thank my God, who is my power, that even though compelled at times to relent for the sake of pleasing man, in order to avoid persecution; He will not allow me to preach another. 

And we have such trust, through Christ toward God. Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, who also made us sufficient as ministers of the New Covenant, not of the letter, but of the spirit; for the letter kills, but the spirit gives life.

Commentary by:

George L. Miller

Figurative nonsense and the unjustifiable!

It seems the only time the sermon on the mount is preached literally is when it points to yours or my sin. Yet ironically, it is always used in a figurative sense when it comes to the churches responsibility in the civic social arena; namely when it comes to the subject of war or outright crimes against humanity; where there always seems to be some form of figurative justification. I realize that it is impossible to impose true judicial law or to administrate the actions of a civil government based on the sermon on the mount; yet surely, a little transparency and honesty on the part of the American clergy wouldn't hurt. Surely we should not be in support of every military conquest that comes down the pike. Shouting the same old slogan time and time again, 'Support our troops!'; when we are not even sure what we are supporting in the first place. 

Look, by now it should be common knowledge to those who are even remotely awake that our public media sources and outlets are in fact government run. Of course this has been the case for many years, however, the level and sophistication of government propaganda we are being exposed to now is at an all time high. As the devil himself seeks to harness the power and unity of the christian communities faith and make it his own. At present, there is the huge debate over Iran's nuclear capabilities. Yesterday it was Saddma Hussein and his alleged weapons of mass destruction; today it is Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Yet through it all there seems to be little or no discourse surrounding our basic needs and interests as human beings. No doubt Saddam Hussein had to go, but the situation was terribly orchestrated so a lot of innocent people died with him. 

Let me pose a question: If I am allowed a pistol, a rifle, and a shotgun to protect my home and my family, yet my neighbor is not; even though his character has been subject to criticism in times past; does he still not have a legitimate complaint in asking for the same protection afforded me? In this case, the right to bear arms. Of course the natural argument here would be, 'We are not talking about a rifle or a shotgun; we are talking about a nuclear weapon!' My answer to this would be the nuclear weapon is today's basic armament. 

This is a very basic human argument! No critical thinking necessary! Yet in all our self-proclaimed wisdom as a people and a nation, simple principles such as this seem to fly right over our head. Leaving us to justify the unjustifiable. 

Author's note:

When one man tells another that he cannot do something or possess a thing which he himself both possesses and is doing, can the one making this demand honestly expect his desire to be met? Is it not unreasonable?

'Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the Lord was sorry that He made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. Then God said to Noah, the end of all flesh has come before Me, for the earth is filled with violence through them.' ~ Gen. 6:5-6, 13

My friends, if you do not know the Lord, just call on His name, and Jesus will come into your heart and love you! His love is the answer!

'For when we were still without strength, in due time, Christ died for the ungodly. Demonstrating His own love towards us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. And whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. We implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we become the righteousness of God in Him.

Commentary by:

George L. Miller