(Deuteronomy 4:2 [KJV]) Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I
command you.
(Proverbs 30:5, 6 [KJV]) Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.
(Isaiah 28:10 [KJV])
For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:
(Isaiah 28:13 [KJV])
But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.
(2 Peter 1:20 [KJV])
Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
All of the studies, book or topical, found here, are done with research with mainly two things: The KING JAMES BIBLE and a plain old, 1828 Webster's Dictionary. Why? Outside of actually studying secular and Jewish history, archaeology, one needs nothing more. You do not need foreign, dead languages that no one speaks, lexicons, concordances or commentaries, because they differ not only with one another and with the KING JAMES BIBLE, but they create division, confusion, debate, and unbelief. We do not need them. That Word of God written and preserved for us in our own language is supposed to be enough, like the Old Testament was for the Jews, and the New Testament for the early Christians in Greek, Latin, Italian, Spanish, German, etc. There are studies within as tangents on words, subjects found within the two testaments, as to broaden the scope of the study, to learn more, deeper truths. This is not an intellectual site with PhDs, theologians, and no worldly wisdom.. Check everything out, everything. Not just here, but with everything you read and see and hear. Be Bereans:
(Acts 17:11 [KJV])
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
Always research for yourself, use all of the context, and never privately interpret!
HERETICS IN THE CHURCH: DO WE JUST IGNORE THEM??
HER'ESY, n. [Gr. to take, to hold; L. haeresis.]
A fundamental error in religion, or an error of opinion respecting some fundamental doctrine of religion. But in countries where there is an established church, an opinion is deemed heresy, when it
differs from that of the church. The Scriptures being the standard of faith, any opinion that is repugnant to its doctrines, is heresy; but as men differ in the interpretation of Scripture, an opinion deemed
heretical by one body of Christians, may be deemed orthodox by another. In Scripture and primitive usage, heresy meant merely sect, party, or the doctrines of a sect, as we now use denomination or
persuasion, implying no reproach.
Heresy, in law, is an offense against Christianity, consisting in a denial of some of its essential doctrines, publicly avowed and obstinately maintained.
An untenable or unsound opinion or doctrine in politics.
We are in the last days spoken of by Jesus and the prophets, Genesis to Revelation
Deceiving people is what the enemy does and does well, since the Garden
Being deceived is easy. Just ignore the Word of God, read into it, rarely read it and get your theology from famous authors, TV personalities, radio personalities and believe what you hear
In Israel, they were murdered-BY THEIR OWN PEOPLE. Little has changed
The only remedy to spot lies is to know the truth
One clear deception, worldwide now, is that in every person there is some good, no matter who or what. The Word of God says no such thing in any place, else the Cross was unnecessary
Another one is that, mixed in with all lies is a little truth. This is what the serpent does, mix just enough lies to poison the truth
No one who followed God was "nice" to people to their face, in letters, warning of heresy
This would include old testament prophets, Jesus and His disciples, others. if they walked with God, they fought heresy and that constantly
It is today as prevalent in the US as the first century, and even more so, as prophesied
The motives for preaching heresy are, among others, money, fame, to get published
Once a book's author sells enough copies of their first book or so, the mainstream publishers demand that they "tone it down" (weaken the doctrine to be palatable to the masses) or else they do not get
published. Those who refuse to "tone it down" are unpublished and lose their marketing
They are in the publishing houses, the pulpits, the seminaries, the pews, the classes, the streets, the homes, every place, always now
We are never one time commanded to endure lies and deceit, but to expose, rebuke, reject it
We are never one time commanded to be nice to the person spreading lies and fleecing the flock as well, whenever and wherever they are encountered
We are commanded to have no fellowship with them, as their doctrine is darkness
We are always at risk of being falsely accused of being "unChristlike" when we are exposing and rebuking
But Jesus and the disciples, prophets did it, despite, as commanded
You will be scorned, mocked, ridiculed, falsely accused if and when you do, wherever and whenever you do it
Further, you will be called "divisive" by those who seek to actually divide with their false, divisive doctrines and those of others
Failure to do this leads to cults, false teachers and false prophets making lots of money, building "mega-churches", etc.
Many have discovered how to be marketing charlatans because Christians are gullible like the dumb sheep we are and they know many Christians will never check their teaching, test it
Truth is narrow, like God said it is
This idea that we should let heretics just go on lying without exposing them, personally confronting them, is, in itself, rank heresy
No one IN Scripture did that, no one IN Scripture told us to do that
The Scripture and proper reading (not reading INTO) of it, letting it interpret itself with all contexts, is the key
If not, we get the Dark Ages where those who did anything in regads to God's Truth, such as carrying it, translating it, copying it, binding it in books, etc. were branded heretics by the Roman Catholics
and tortured and murdered
We are called to mark them, expose them, warn them, have no fellowship with them, avoid them, not to accept them into our houses, not to be nice to them or pay any attention to them whatsoever,
and warn others about them as shepherds of sheep, as those who disciple, teach
These are commands, not suggestions. These were warned of 2,000 years ago
People will be in Heaven forever because they love Jesus Christ, hate sin in themselves, hate the system, the workings, methods, practices of this world and hate deliberate lies
People will be in hell forever because of glib, smooth talking, nice, well dressed, soft spoken "preachers of God's Word" (they are not), because themselves and they love this world more than God
Being nice is telling the truth and not lying. Being not nice is lying to people while smiling, in a friendly manner, like a charlatan, a great orator with a podium, pullpit, like a politician or a salesman.
Real nice is protecting the sheep from the wolves, now abounding in the church
MAINSTREAMISM: FLOATING DOWNSTREAM
When you get into the mainstream and stay there, live there, swim there, you will eventually float downstream
The Serpent: Lucifer Light Bearer to Satan the Enemy of Man, the Devil
(Ezekiel 28:15-19 [KJV]) Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with
violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. Thine heart was lifted up
because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee. Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries
by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffick; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight
of all them that behold thee. All they that know thee among the people shall be astonished at thee: thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt thou be any more.
Multitude of thy merchandise
Iniquity, sin, pride, lying, violence, corruption, trafficking, murder, lust, all sin
Subtle, as in never actually saying, "God lied straight to you, Eve!" but rather simply creating doubt in her mind as to what God actually said, what she heard, what it actually meant
This is how "Greek experts" and "Hebrew experts" and "in the original language experts" speak to tell people it is "an unfortunate mistranslation" or, "a better rendering would be", or "what it
really means in Hebrew/Greek is _____________________" or "I like the way the _________version reads here"
Same exact subtlety, gone unchecked, because Christians nationwide have the Word of God available to them, collecting dust on shelves
(Genesis 3:14-19 [KJV])
And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days
of thy life: And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply
thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened
unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;
Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for
dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.
God was not "nice" to neither to the serpent, nor Adam, nor Eve, even in His graciousness towards them, driving them from the garden before they ate the fruit and would live forever in that
fallen condition. He still cursed them and the ground, the earth, the entire cosmos
They were in utter error and He told them so in no uncertain terms, no mincing of words, no tact and diplomacy, no ?being nice", just straight out
This also is what His disciples did, in the same manner, in the churches from Jerusalem to Corinth, to all of Asia Minor
(John 8:44 [KJV]) Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When
he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
In no way was Jesus "nice", "loving", "kind" to the Pharisees here; He was not holding back anything
Today's Christians in America would have us just go there, sit, listen peacefully and "love on them"
In all of America, most churches, all about love, very little truth
(2 Timothy 3:13 [KJV])
But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
This is the state of the church in America today, loaded with famed false teachers with their mansions, perfectly described. Who deceived them? Does "yeah hath God said..." answer that for you? You cannot correct them with the Word of GOd, challenge them to defend their doctrine with the Word of God, because you are called instantly "angry, bitter, divisive"
(Galatians 2:11 [KJV])
But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.
To the face..........face to face, standing one's ground, not backing down, correcting the legalism
(Galatians 4:16,17 [KJV])
Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth? They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them.
The implied answer here is a resounding "YES!". We do become scorned and an enemy when we even try to expose error. We are told often that our reason for trying to confront is because we are
angry, bitter, divisive or "looking for a perfect church" (we are not). In other words, "Shut up and go away!"
(Acts 17:10, 11 [KJV])
And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they
received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
This is the remedy to deal with all heresy-check what you are being fed to see if it lines up with Scripture or not
(1 John 2:15 [KJV]) Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and
the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
We are called to love people, but not their lies, not their earthly, worldly, carnal systems, and not love their life of lies, and to avoid them, expose them, warn other of them.
It must always be remembered when dealing with anoyone, our children, co-workers, employees, fellow brethren, sometimes tough love is the only way to love people, because you may be the only one
to correct them, and no correction leads to pride, spiritual blindness and a continuation of their false teachings because no one else even tries to or is even aware of that false teaching.
correct them
(Ephesians 4:15 [KJV])
But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
Weak Christians wrongly interpret this because they like the love part, not the hard truth of God's Word
They read it as "Speak in LOVE", speak truth, speak lies, speak whatever you want. Just be "loving" Just be "nice" and "tell us nicely what we want to hear"
lying to people and deceiving them is in no way love. Else the serpent loved Adam, Eve, and God. You do not really believe that, do you?
(Hebrews 13:9 [KJV])
Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.
The funny thing about heresy is that it constantly changes with people, places, times, "new" books, "new" ideas and "new" philosophies of men. This is the "floating downstream", this is the "carried
about with divers and strange doctrines" spoken of here
(Ecclesiastes 1:9 [KJV])
The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.
This is precisely why we should not listen to "new and novel" ideas from church leaders and stick to what God said
(2 Timothy 4:2-5 [KJV])
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when
they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto
fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
Reproving, rebuking, exhorting in patience. Not toleration of false doctrine, but fixing that with true doctrine, teaching from the Word of God. We are in the time when this behavior of correcting
with the truth is not endured, not tolerated. it explains why you can sell tickets and fill a stadium for massive "revivals" (they are not) to fill the pockets of speakers, male and female, but have an
empty congregation at all small fellowships if you do not compromise on the Word of God and tell people what they want to hear (itching ears), or publish what the mainstream publishers want you to
write. This time of not enduring sound doctrine is here, this time when the Word of God is cast aside and we are into "UNITY, LOVE, PEACE"-NO MATTER WHAT! OR ELSE! Jesus rebuked; so did
Paul, so should we, when we need to
REPROVE, v.t. [L. reprobo; re and probo, to prove.]
To blame; to censure. I will not reprove thee for thy sacrifices - Psa 50.
To charge with a fault to the face; to chide; to reprehend. Luke 3.
To blame for; with of; as, to reprove one of laziness.
To convince of a fault, or to make it manifest. John 16.
To refute; to disprove. [Not in use.]
To excite a sense of guilt. The heart or conscience reproves us.
To manifest silent disapprobation or blame. The vicious cannot bear the presence of the good, whose very looks reprove them, and whose life is a severe, though silent admonition.
REBU'KE, v.t. [See Pack and Impeach.]
To chide; to reprove; to reprehend for a fault; to check by reproof. The proud he tam'd, the penitent he cheer'd, not to rebuke the rich offender fear'd. Thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbor.
Lev 19.
To check or restrain. The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan. Zec 3. Isa 17.
To chasten; to punish; to afflict for correction. O Lord, rebuke me not in thine anger. Psa 6.
To check; to silence. Master, rebuke thy disciples. Luke 19.
To check; to heal. And he stood over her and rebuked the fever. Luke 4.
To restrain; to calm. He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea. Mat 8.
REBU'KE, n
A chiding; reproof for faults; reprehension. Why bear you these rebukes and answer not?
In Scripture, chastisement; punishment; affliction for the purpose of restraint and correction. Ezek 5. Hosea 5.
In low language, any kind of check. To suffer rebuke, to endure the reproach and persecution of men. Jer 15. To be without rebuke, to live without giving cause of reproof or censure; to be
blameless.
EXHORT', v.t. egzhort'. [L. exhortor; ex and hortor, to encourage, to embolden, to cheer, to advise. The primary sense seems to be to excite or to give
strength, spirit or courage.]
To incite by words or advice; to animate or urge by arguments to a good deed or to any laudable conduct or course of action. I exhort you to be of good cheer. Acts 27. Young men also exhort to be sober minded. Exhort servants to be obedient to their masters. Titus 2.
To advise; to warn; to caution.
To incite or stimulate to exertion.
EXHORT', v.i. To deliver exhortation; to use words or arguments to incite to good deeds. And with many other words did he testify and exhort. Acts 2.
Not one of these words indicates being nice, letting false teachings go.
(Romans 16:17, 18 [KJV])
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but
their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
Who are the ones who cause divisions, since correct doctrine causes it? The hereticks, not the truth tellers. This was true in Acts, in every city, when Judaizers came in, hereticks came in, later
with people like Origen, Arianism, the cults, people bringing heresy into a congregation and expecting an audience (and getting it), dividing congregations by drawing away new followers, like the enemy
drew away a third of the angels. This third will join him on earth in the end to terrorize earth
(Revelation 8:12 [KJV])
And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so as the third part of them was darkened, and the day shone not
for a third part of it, and the night likewise.
PAUL: HIS CALLING, HIS PERSECUTION
(Acts 9:19-23 [KJV])
And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of
God. But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto
the chief priests? But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ. And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took
counsel to kill him:
Paul now preached the truth he sought to eliminate
This most certainly, in the synagogues, would mean calling out the error of the Pharisees, which is was one shortly before this
What happened immediately to him for this, and later, the rest of his ministry? Trying numerous times to kill him, a typical worldly response, still today
Paul was "nice", never holding back, even calling Ananias the high priest a "whited wall" (whitewashed to cover filth, painted white) Imagine doing that to a famous preacher live today on TV
!
(2 Corinthians 11:22 [KJV]) Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I. Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in
labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned,
thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in
perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and
nakedness. Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.
(Acts 23:2-5 [KJV])
And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth. Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: for sittest
thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law? And they that stood by said, Revilest thou God's high priest? Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was
the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.
(Acts 15:5 [KJV])
But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.
One way to deceive is legalism, as in exceeding what God said and telling people to obey and practice something or believe something not for the church age
(Acts 26:5 [KJV])
Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.
Paul abandoned this former life as a waste, calling it nothing but "dung". Do we eat and enjoy manure?
(Philippians 3:5-8 [KJV])
Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness
which is in the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea 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,
If anyone knew about grace over law as a believer in Christ, it was certainly Paul
(Ephesians 5:8-13 [KJV])
For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the
Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are
reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.
Lies come only from darkness, never light. Proving means using Scripture to prove, and error needs to be disproved. God calls these lies and the behavior of anyone who tells them "a shame".
The only way to combat this darkness is with the light of God's Word, prayer, rebuking, not ignoring it to 'be nice"
(Acts 23:6-11 [KJV])
But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of
the dead I am called in question. And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided. For the Sadducees say that there is no
resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both. And there arose a great cry: and the scribes that were of the Pharisees' part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this
man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God. And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them,
commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle. And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as
thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.
If one believe the true Gospel, they are, like Paul "called in question", to answer for this (ie. mocked, taunted, called "not nice", told to leave or worse). Here again Paul shows how merely telling
the truth causes division, clearly seen in the dissension. This was literally possibly seen as a life threatening situation, for nothing more than teaching the truth
(Matthew 22:23 [KJV])
The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him, Saying, Master, Moses said, If a man die, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise
up seed unto his brother. Now there were with us seven brethren: and the first, when he had married a wife, deceased, and, having no issue, left his wife unto his brother:
Likewise the second also, and the third, unto the seventh. And last of all the woman died also.Therefore in the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the seven? for they all had her.
Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in
heaven. But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not
the God of the dead, but of the living.
(Mark 12:18-27 [KJV])
Then come unto him the Sadducees, which say there is no resurrection; and they asked him, saying, Master, Moses wrote unto us, If a man's brother die, and leave his wife behind him, and leave no
children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother. Now there were seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and dying left no seed. And the second took her, and died,
neither left he any seed: and the third likewise. And the seven had her, and left no seed: last of all the woman died also. In the resurrection therefore, when they shall rise, whose wife shall she be of
them? for the seven had her to wife. And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God? For when they shall rise from the dead,
they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven. And as touching the dead, that they rise: have ye not read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spake unto
him, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living: ye therefore do greatly err.
Openly rebuked for their error, not knowing the Word of God
(Acts 15:1-12 [KJV])
And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved. When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small
dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question. And being brought on
their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren. And when they were come to Jerusalem, they
were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them. But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it
was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter. And when there had been much disputing,
Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. Now therefore
why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved,
even as they. Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.
"No small dissension and disputation" Wow!Do you realize what that means? It was a LARGE dissension and disputation. "Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the
disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?". This sounds like strong words to me. Think about this. If, today, you said to a false teacher, "why are you always tempting God, by
claiming that the Blood of Jesus Christ has zero to do with our salvation, lying to your congregation, teaching false doctrines of men, ignoring God's Word"?!
(Acts 15:24 [KJV])
Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such
commandment:
"You have heretics coming in subverting men's very souls!"
(1 Timothy 5:20 [KJV])
Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.
Strong words, publicly rebuking someone, so that others may see, hear, fear, heed that warning
(Acts 24:5, 11-14, 22 [KJV])
For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:
(Acts 24:11-14 [KJV])
Because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship. And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up
the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city: Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me. But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I
the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:
(Acts 24:22 [KJV]) And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the
uttermost of your matter.
Paul was called "a pestilent fellow and a mover of sedition" because? He preached the Gospel! For preaching this truth, he was branded "a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes" And they had no
evidence against him, yet the charges came under their manmade law no less!
(Galatians 6:12-14 [KJV])
As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. For neither they themselves who are circumcised
keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me,
and I unto the world.
The motivation for the false teaching of circumcision here was to personally protect themselves from persecution, something heretics today do, to protect a loss of publishing dollars, radio shows,
newsletter subscribers, TV shows, etc., or to prevent persecution for standing firm on God's Word. Not to mention security teams to personally protect themselves, using donations to pay for it
(1 Timothy 1:3-7 [KJV])
As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which
minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: From which some
having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.
Charge them to not waver on truth. Some did it, as Paul says here, calling them out. He called them ignorant. Accuses them of spreading fables, causing confusion, vain jangling, or meaningless
arguments. Proceeds to call them ignorant
(2 Corinthians 11:3,4 [KJV])
But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom
we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.
Paul is warning them they will get corrupted minds from another spirit, and you will simply accept the false doctrine
(Galatians 5:19-21 [KJV])
Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings,
murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
Not correcting false doctrines in the church always means that there will be seditions and heresies. Now look at what is mixed in with the false doctrines: adultery, idolatry, witchcraft, murders, just
like the last world!
(Titus 1:10-15 [KJV])
For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy
lucre's sake. One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies. This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the
faith;Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth. Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even
their mind and conscience is defiled.
If ones reads these verses here, there is no holding back on a report of what is already happening after Paul left. How does one stop mouths by being nice?
(Titus 3:10 [KJV])
A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;
Reject? Not leave them to deceive others, just accept their doctrine, and compromise? Excuse their behavior? How intolerant of Paul! How not nice is that! Nope, he says to admonish them two
times, then reject them, and do not tolerate them
(2 John 1:10,11 [KJV])
If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.
How mean! You can't come in my house? How intolerant! See how strong Paul's words are here? If you bring them in, they will spread their manure, and Paul is saying that God holds us
responsible for even allowing it. Basically, we are spreading that manure ourselves in God's eyes by allowing them to
(1 John 2:22,23 [KJV])
Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the
Son hath the Father also.
Liar, antichrist, harsh words from John the beloved
(1 John 4:1-3 [KJV])
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that
Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should
come; and even now already is it in the world.
Same guy, telling us to filter all preaching. The only way is through the Word of God, and that antichrist spirit being in the world being pointed out here, certainly today this would not be called
'being nice"
(Matthew 24:4,5 [KJV])
And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.
(Mark 13:5,6 [KJV])
And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you: For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
(Luke 21:8 [KJV])
And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.
Jesus knew we would easily be deceived, and to look out for it, be on guard constantly, and notice here that it is about "no man", not matter the status, power, fame, title, degrees. NO MAN
(Matthew 7:15-19 [KJV])
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so
every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth
not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
Sheep's clothing, dressed to the nines, or dressed just like the rest of the sheep, whatever works. No matter, they are wolves that eat sheep and are always hungry
(Matthew 24:23-25 [KJV])
Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were
possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before.
(Mark 13:21-23 [KJV])
And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not: For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible,
even the elect. But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.
Again, strong words for us to follow, which says here that this was in His day, through to today and the Word of God says as much now as ever, these false prophets
(Colossians 2:4 [KJV])
And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.
Paul once again not being nice here. Saying clearly that they will look smooth, glib, speak with flair, use big illustrations, entertain, amuse (opposite of muse, so means not to think)
(Colossians 2:8 [KJV])
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
Spoiling means to turn rotten, to rot, get stale, moldy. These false teachers are not to be allowed with their worldly philosophy, vain deceits, the opposite of Christ. Being wary for ourselves and
protecting others requires diligence and exposing lies where seen and it is impossible to stop without that. God tells us to beware, to walk circumspectly, constantly watching on guard
(Ephesians 4:14,15 [KJV])
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking
the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
Magic, craftiness, cunning, clever, that is the way of the false teachers, and Paul pointing all of this out, because there is a leopard, a pride of lions, in the grass, hiding, waiting for a prey animal to
pass by, unaware that they are there.
(Colossians 2:20-23 [KJV])
Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, (Touch not; taste not; handle not; Which all are to perish with the
using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the
flesh.
The "why are ye subject..." is a rebuke in itself, not just a question. It is like saying, "what on earth is WRONG with you?"
(1 Timothy 4:1,2 [KJV])
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared
with a hot iron;
No kind words here, no holding back, no "being nice", just a stern warning that walking away from Christ is walking into the trap of the devil
(2 Peter 3:16,17 [KJV]) As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also
the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.
Nothing in this verse even hints at tolerance for people who use the Scriptures the wrong way to deceive. It calls them names like unlearned and unstable, tells us to beware, calls them "the wicked"
, says that this is destroying them, this twisting. This is called wresting, as in twisting by violence, beating the Word of God until it says what they want it to say
(1 Timothy 4:7 [KJV])
But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.
This clearly calls out their false teaching, calling it names and calling it the opposite of godliness. The opposite? Devilish behavior
(2 Peter 2:3 [KJV])
And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
Judgment, damnation, feigned words, nothing nice in that
(Jude 1:3-5 [KJV])
Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once
delivered unto the saints. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying
the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed
them that believed not.
Exhort you, contend, as in fight, warning us of creeping men entering flocks in disguise, then saying they are condemned, ungodly, God waiting patiently to destroy them. See anything nice in that?
(Galatians 1:6-9 [KJV])
I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of
Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man
preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
Another Gospel is nothing, because it is not THE Gospel, the TRUE Gospel. Those who preach it are here called nice guys? No.... they are called accursed! How not nice is that?
(John 21:18, 19 [KJV])
Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird
thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.
(2 Peter 1:14 [KJV])
Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me.
(2 Peter 1:16 [KJV])
For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
(2 Peter 2 [KJV])
But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring
upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make
merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered
them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the
ungodly; And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly; And delivered just Lot, vexed
with the filthy conversation of the wicked: (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;) The Lord knoweth how
to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government.
Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. But
these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; And shall receive the reward of
unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;
Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: Which have forsaken the right way, and are
gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the
prophet. These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure
through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of
whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again
entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn
from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in
the mire.
The Old Testament had its share of false prophets, and peter points this out
He further tells them that the same will happen to them, among them, as in their own rising up to deceive and draw away, which again something that today would be classified as "not being nice
to say"
They will have "pernicious ways"
They will speak evil of the truth
They will be judged, like Sodom and Gomorrah
They will use smooth speech, as the world loves to hear this sort of grand oration, no matter the teaching
The lust of uncleanness, ungodly, filthy conversation (behavior), presumptuous, self-willed, see a pattern here? No niceties
Eyes full of adultery, sinning in ways unstoppable and without self-control,
Utterly perishing in their own corruption; shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, rioters in the day time, stains, blemishes, wearing deceptions on their fancy suits while you eat with
them
Eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: Covetousness, cursed children: Which have forsaken the right way, gone astray,
They follow the way of Balaam, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; But was rebuked for his iniquity. REBUKED!
Wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. An empty well, a dry pit, worth nothing
They speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness,
They promise them liberty; they deliver servitude and bondage to corruption
The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
Does any of this description of false prophets in the church today sound "nice" to you?
I trow not!
(Matthew 11:8, 9 [KJV])
But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more
than a prophet.
The church today in America is taken in by nice clothing, smooth talkers, great orators, etc and not God's Truth which they do not read
HOW TO BE CHRISTLIKE: FOLLOW HIS EXAMPLE
(Matthew 23:13 [KJV])
But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. Woe unto you,
scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for
ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves. Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by
the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor! Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold? And, Whosoever
shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty. Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift?
Whoso therefore shall swear by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things thereon. And whoso shall swear by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein. And he that shall swear by
heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier
matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel. Woe unto you, scribes and
Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and
platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye
also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the
sepulchres of the righteous, And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets. Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that
ye are the children of them which killed the prophets. Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers. Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell? Wherefore, behold, I send
unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city That upon you may come
all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.
Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation. O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered
thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.
THE CONCLUSION HERE
Pronouncing woes on them, warning them of their wrath and doom
Calling them out as a group, associating their titles with hypocrites, and that repeatedly
Pointing oout the outward appearance they loved so much, broad phylacteries, etc. as the disciples and Him only wore tunics, Peter, James and John smelly, fishy ones
Calling out their hypocrisy in their open prayers, chanting aloud to be heard by all, so as to appear spiritual
Calling out their hypocrisy in their conversions to Judaism, away from God, to their manmade religion which cannot save, their making their disciples children of hell instead
Calling them blind guides, only interested in their wealth, their gathering of it-TO GOD'S ALTAR!
Using commodities of herbs in the market to make offerings to God, money, but forgetting about actually helping people, making their personal lives meaningless, useless as a ministry
Jesus points out their hypocrisy in avoiding the lesser, probably visible sins (gnats), committed the grater (camel)
Jesus points out their hypocrisy in looking good, polished, important on the outside, while being wicked one the inside, where people cannot see
Comparing them to the graves of dead men, nic and clean one the outside
Pointing out their self-righteousness, claiming innocence but admitting that their very own prophets were killed by their own ancestors
Calling them serpents and vipers, in front of all in attendance
Foretelling them that they will be doing this again to His disciples after he leaves, showing they cannot say they would not have done it in the past to the Old Testament prophets
Calling them a house of utter desolation, done in seventy AD
Obviously righteous anger and indignation, in no way holding back, doing it in the open, to their face, loudly to them in front of the multitude
Calling out evil sin
Calling out hypocrisy
This can in no way be called "being nice" by a person who thinks
