by Mike Ratliff

Little children, keep yourselves from idols. (1 John 5:21 ESV)

My bags are packed. We have finished the first leg of our trip and tomorrow we fly to Washington, DC. This morning I received an email from a friend imploring me to go to his site and follow a link he had setup to a discernment site that had information on a very well known Christian “leader” who most believe is the numero uno “exegete” in the Church. I have many of this man’s books and use some of them in my research for these articles even though I disagree with him on some very important issues. As I read what he had written, my first reaction was to dismiss it as an attack by the enemy to divide the elect. However, I did pray and ask God to show me what to do. I followed the link and was very surprised by what I found. 

The “data” about this person came in two parts. The first was an actual interview with the man so it contained his very own words saying things that really surprised me. The second part was an interview with another man who had done extensive research into this man’s ministry showing that despite what he preached, his actual ministry was very wrapped up in the Purpose Driven Church model and the leaders in it used Total Quality Management techniques in their structure, utilizing dialectical methods in their small groups. I went from surprise to amazement to disgust to repentance. I found that I had, in part of my own reverence for this man, elevated him to a level that is not right for any of us to hold. This is a form of idolatry my brethren. Of this, I repent.

All through the couple of hours I spent in listening to these interviews this morning, I kept asking myself why someone who looked so right and who was such a good teacher of the word would compromise like that. What could have happened to cause this? Then the answers came. We are fallible creatures my brethren and when we become elevated in people’s eyes we become very vulnerable to the temptation to compromise. The owner of the website hosting these interviews and his own commentary on them stated that he did not believe the man was really a Christian based upon what he said in the first interview. Is it possible for a non-believer to be so well educated in Greek and Hebrew and have the right personality to look so right while our Lord does not even know Him?

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits. “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’” (Matthew 7:15-23 ESV)

Now, let me say right here that I have heard this man preach on this very passage when referring to men such as Rob Bell or other emergents, et cetera. What irony if he is also in that group! We have studied this passage quite a bit this year so I won’t break it down for you again. However, in the context of the Sermon on the Mount from which I took it, our Lord contrasts true prophets of the Church and false prophets by their fruit. Also, the true prophets are shepherds of the sheep who obey their Lord in all things by preaching the Word. On the other hand, the false prophets fruit is seen in the contrast of what they preach with the actual results of their ministry. Even if they are 90% right on what they preach, that 10% that is of the devil nullifies it all because this is the unsound doctrines that cause the sheep to come under the domination of the world and the flesh.

Tabletalk magazine for the month of October had many fine articles on hypocrisy. What is it? It is being two-faced. There is the image everyone sees and then there is reality, which is quite different. I find it truly amazing that anyone who would profess to be such a lover of God’s Word would also condone putting the sheep in his church under the bondage of ‘communitarianism.’ Spurgeon spent the last several years of his ministry fighting the Great Downgrade of the Church in England. This is the dummying-down of the Church through watering down the Gospel with an emphasis on ecumenicalism. Communitarians are all about reinventing the Church into a social network to effect temporal change in the here and now to make the world a better place. Sounds nice, but at what cost? Instead of ensuring the spiritual health of their flocks by making sure each knows the Lord and is being properly discipled according to the Word of God, they create social networking groups that receive only bare-minimum Biblical teaching if any.

My brethren, we are told in God’s Word to imitate only the Apostles in our service of God. We err badly when we elevate our leaders to that level. I prefer to read and follow the teaching of those long gone saints who were not contaminated by the sickness so prevalent today in which mere men are elevated to levels of superstar status. This is idolatry my brethren.

Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?–unless indeed you fail to meet the test! (2 Corinthians 13:5 ESV)

Are you following mere men or are you following the Lord Jesus Christ? When I was a young Christian in the late 1980’s I had a job that allowed me to spend a lot of time driving around our city. During that time I had my radio on a Christian Talk Radio station. There were three very well known Bible teachers that I listened to religiously as I did that. I elevated them on pedestals that should have reserved for my Lord alone. That was idolatry. Interestingly, one of them was forced out of his church for a moral failure. Another has revealed over the last several years his ecumenical and compromising tendencies. Now the last of the three has been revealed to be the hypocrite of hypocrites. This has caused me to examine myself and ask God to reveal all of the idolatry that I am holding to. I have asked this so I can smash the altars in my heart in which I have committed this grave sin in my idolatry. This is painful, but necessary.

Examine yourselves my brethren…

Soli Deo Gloria!

I will be traveling to Oklahoma today then to Washington, D.C. through the 9th of November. I will try to write and post some during that time, but that is up to God to provide the time and guidance. Please pray for my wife and I to have a safe trip.

Soli Deo Gloria!

by Mike Ratliff

But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. (Luke 6:35-36 ESV)

Probably the command from our Lord that is the most difficult for us to obey is found in Luke 6:35 (above). That is, it is hard or difficult if we are full of pride and are self-focused. However, as the master vinedresser prunes us as we abide in the True Vine and the refiner burns away the fleshly dross from us in the refiner’s fire, we will be humbled as we surrender to the potter, as the clay should. This humbling is what is required for Christlikeness to become manifest in and through us. Why? If we are being driven by pride then we will be self-focused and operate as if we are the center of our universe, much like my one-year old grandson does. However, the humble believer is one who has given that up as something that hinders their walk with the Lord. He or she sees the things of this world, the very things the world runs after, as nothing but dung in comparison to what they have in Christ. He becomes their all-in-all. Their love for Him spills over into all parts of their lives and for the Saviour’s sake they love their enemies and are merciful to all just as He was and is. Our Lord demonstrates the epitome of this as He was crucified. 

Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. (Luke 23:32-34 ESV)

³²ηγοντο δε και ετεροι κακουργοι δυο συν αυτω αναιρεθηναι  ³³και οτε ηλθον επι τον τοπον τον καλουμενον κρανιον εκει εσταυρωσαν αυτον και τους κακουργους ον μεν εκ δεξιων ον δε εξ αριστερων  ³⁴[[ο δε ιησους ελεγεν πατερ αφες αυτοις ου γαρ οιδασιν τι ποιουσιν]] διαμεριζομενοι δε τα ιματια αυτου εβαλον κληρον Luke 23:32-34 WHNU)

The word translated here as “forgive” is the Greek word αφες. This saying by our Lord on the Cross is the turning point in His work of atonement. What do I mean? Before this prayer by our Lord, the whole thing was a horrid spectacle. While the horror continued, the fruit of redemption began to be revealed after our Lord prayed this prayer asking for forgiveness from the Father for those persecuting Him, hating Him, or ridiculing Him. For instance, in Matthews’s account of the crucifixion of our Lord, Matthew 27:32-44, we see everyone deriding the Lord including those who passed by and the two criminals who were crucified with Him. However, in Luke we read of the first one drawn into the light because of our Lord’s prayer for forgiveness for these who “knew not what they were doing.”

One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:39-43 ESV)

This is truly amazing my brethren. Go and read Matthew’s account of the crucifixion and you will see that both of these men ridiculed our Lord, insulting Him, et cetera. However, our Lord prayed that prayer for forgiveness and here we have one of the two exhibiting saving faith right there on his own cross. Notice carefully what he says. Before he was dead in his trespasses and sins and going to his death in bitterness just like the other criminal, but here he suddenly reveals that he now fears God. He knows He is a sinner and confesses it. He admits that his execution is just. He recognizes the purity and holiness of Christ his redeemer. He prays for the Lord to have mercy on Him and save Him. What is our Lord’s response? He tells him that this very day that this is accomplished. Wow!

Remember, the ones passing by on the road were ridiculing our Lord as well. The bystanders were shouting insults at Him, but then our Lord prayed that prayer and died like no other man.

It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun’s light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last. Now when the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God, saying, “Certainly this man was innocent!” And all the crowds that had assembled for this spectacle, when they saw what had taken place, returned home beating their breasts. (Luke 23:44-48 ESV)

What we see in these examples of the repentant criminal on the cross,  the centurion, and the crowds is God working in hearts by drawing them to their redeemer. Just 50 days later on the day of Pentecost, we see the fruit of this. In Acts 2:1-43 Peter preached a spirit-filled sermon as crowds rushed to hear as they heard the Apostles praising God and preaching in their own languages. The harvest came quickly.

So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. (Acts 2:41-43 ESV)

Do you suppose that any of those who departed Calvary beating their breasts were among these three thousand souls? My brethren, people are saved when God draws them to the Son and it is an answer to that prayer to forgive them. No one deserves this salvation. It does not come by works. It does not come by being religious. It does not come by repentance first. No, it comes by the Father drawing them to the Son with the gift of faith through the washing of regeneration. Then they believe the Gospel and are justified by faith as the Father imputes our Lord’s Righteousness to their account just as He did for that criminal on the cross and those who responded to the call of God at Pentecost. It is all about forgiveness made possible by the Lord’s atoning work on the Cross.

My brethren, are you forgiving your enemies and doing good for them as you pray for them to be drawn to the Son? Does the world look at you and see one who is “different” from the crowd? We should stick out at work as the employee who is above reproach who does great work and is never divisive or a gossip or a troublemaker. When your neighbor takes advantage of your good nature do you still forgive or do you become bitter? When you do good works, do you want everyone to see and know about it?

We may indeed be in the last of the last days. I do not know that, but I do know that my time is going by fast. It seems like I was a baby Christian just awhile ago, but it was in 1986. Time has flown by. My children are grown and one of them has a child of her own. The other is a Physician. My parents are nearing their time of departure and I look at this body and realize that I have got to stop living as if this life is all there is. I must live as if eternity is the true reality for me for I am in Christ and I am His δουλος.

Soli Deo Gloria!

by Mike Ratliff

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings. Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:1-4 ESV)

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 ESV)

While the emergents and other forms of relativistic Christianity attempt to refocus Christians to this present age, we are clearly taught throughout the New Testament that what awaits us after we leave this life is that for which we should really be preparing. In the world, we will have tribulation (θλιψιν) (John 16:33). Θλιψιν symbolically means grievous affliction or distress that applies pressure or burden upon the spirit. Θλιψιν is used to give the picture of one being crushed. At the same time we are given these warnings about our life here as resident aliens, we are also given encouragement beyond measure. 

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (1 Peter 1:3-5 ESV)

³ευλογητος ο θεος και πατηρ του κυριου ημων ιησου χριστου ο κατα το πολυ αυτου ελεος αναγεννησας ημας εις ελπιδα ζωσαν δι αναστασεως ιησου χριστου εκ νεκρων  ⁴εις κληρονομιαν αφθαρτον και αμιαντον και αμαραντον τετηρημενην εν ουρανοις εις υμας  ⁵τους εν δυναμει θεου φρουρουμενους δια πιστεως εις σωτηριαν ετοιμην αποκαλυφθηναι εν καιρω εσχατω (1 Peter 1:3-5 WHNU)

Peter rejoices and invites us to join him in worshipping the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! Why? Here is a direct word-for-word translation of v3b, “By the much of him mercy having given birth again us into hope living through standing up of Jesus Christ from the dead…” No matter how you say it, all of us truly in Christ are blessed beyond measure with this hope we have in Christ, which was made ours according to the mercy of God. Our Lord’s resurrection means that our redemption through His death on the Cross was sufficient to atone for our sins. He, being the first born of this resurrection, has given us this same inheritance, which is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading. It awaits us in Heaven. The name of this blog is “Possessing the Treasure” and I gave it this name referring to this very thing. God is guarding our inheritance and no one can separate us from Him and His promises to us. What a blessing!

In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith–more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire–may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:6-7 ESV)

⁶εν ω αγαλλιασθε ολιγον αρτι ει δεον λυπηθεντες εν ποικιλοις πειρασμοις  ⁷ινα το δοκιμιον υμων της πιστεως πολυτιμοτερον χρυσιου του απολλυμενου δια πυρος δε δοκιμαζομενου ευρεθη εις επαινον και δοξαν και τιμην εν αποκαλυψει ιησου χριστου (1 Peter 1:6-7 WHNU)

The words ‘have been grieved’ in v6 is one Greek word λυπηθεντες. A form of this word is the most common word in the New Testament used to refer to sorrow and is the opposite of rejoicing. Notice that we are to rejoice in our inheritance as we are made sorrowful in our circumstances in this God-hating world. How is this possible? Peter tells us that our grief and sorrow is only ‘for a little while,’ ολιγον. The KJV renders this as ‘for a season.’ If we compare this finite time we have in this life with what awaits us in eternity then we gain knowledge of the truth and wisdom is given to us by God so that we mature in the fires of our θλιψιν even to the point of λυπέω (sorrow). Why? God is deliberately taking His children through His own plan of faith refining that is symbolically given to us as a goldsmith or silversmith refining precious metals in a refiner’s fire.

This is given to us Malachi 3:3 which gives us the picture of God sitting as a refiner and purifier of silver. The precious metal smith holds the metal to be refined in the hottest part of the fire in order to remove the dross or impurities in the raw metal. Only the hottest part of the fire works for this so the refiner deliberately puts the metal there and holds it there as long as it takes to remove the impurities. The reason he must sit and carefully observe the process is that if the metal is held too long in the fire it would be destroyed. So, the time of refinement is set. How does the refiner know when the impurities are gone and the metal is ready to be removed from the fire? It is ready when the refiner can see his own image in the reflection from the now pure metal.

What does this mean for the Christian? It means that God uses circumstances that cause us to λυπέω in order to develop the image of Christ in us. This removes or prunes away what is in the Christian that is not of Christ, that is, it is tied to this lost and dying world and the flesh. This hurts. It is humbling. It is amazing, however, after realizing that we are in the flames of θλιψιν and we take our grief to the throne of grace how peaceful things become in our hearts as we prayerfully submit to His will. This develops an eternal perspective in us that is unshakable. The pain and sorrow are still there, but there is a new level of wisdom, peace, and joy that is indescribable if we follow through with obedience in our service to our wonderful Lord.

Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look. (1 Peter 1:8-12 ESV)

To all truly in Christ, this salvation is an incredible miracle. None of us deserve it. All we have “earned” is an eternity in Hell. However, according to the mercy of God, by His grace, through the faith of our regeneration, we have believed Him and He has accounted that as righteousness to our account. This righteousness is that of Christ Himself who had our unrighteousness accounted to Him on the Cross as He paid the penalty that purchased us.

Are you in the fires of tribulation my brethren? Are you being pruned by the master vinedresser? Never forget that through all of the sorrow and pain, God is also preserving us and holding us closely and firmly by His omnipotent strength. He loves us beyond what we can understand, but never forget, we have been purchased by the very death of our Saviour. He paid our penalty and so God taking us through these tests and trials to purify our faith and reform us unto the image of Christ, is the best thing for us because this is what prepares us for Heaven which is where we will be with our Saviour for eternity.

Soli Deo Gloria!

by Mike Ratliff

The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful– for he cannot deny himself. (2 Timothy 2:11-13 ESV)

God’s ways are amazing to me. I put together last night’s post, Bearing Fruit, with the focus of the disciple of Christ Jesus being revealed through their abiding in Him. However, the focus at the end of the post and in the discussion that followed it soon became apparent that the real focus of this post was the costliness of following Jesus. All of us in the discussion shared how we had lost friendships and even closeness in our families because of it. This is notwithstanding the outright hostility many of us have experienced from those who view our obedience to God as legalism. Their view is that relationships take priority over obedience to God. 

As many of you know, my favorite book outside of the Bible is John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress. Bunyan, a Puritan, spent seven years in prison because he was a preacher, but a nonconformist in the eyes of the Anglican Church. He preached the pure gospel unencumbered by the empty religiosity of The Church of England at that time. However, God used this persecution in the man Bunyan. When he came out of prison for the last time, he had with him the manuscript for The Pilgrim’s Progress ready for a publisher. God uses suffering to prune his people. We are the clay. He is the potter.

On the other hand, the majority of what calls itself the Church in our time is actually a form of idolatry called Churchianity, which is the worship of and faith in those who claim to be the “Body of Christ.” The focus of this form of idolatry is “relationships” above all. Paul Proctor describes this very well for us here. This religion has no concept of the holiness of God and the pursuit of His righteousness in obedience to Him. Instead, it is simply shallow religiosity coupled with relationships. They look upon those who live set apart in the sanctifying fires of the Lord as being holy rollers or people bound up in legalism.

In Mathew 16:13-23 we have the account of our Lord asking the disciples who the people thought He was. After their answer, He asked, “But who do you say that I am?” That is one very important question my brethren. Sadly, so many get the answer wrong. Peter got it right though when he replied,  “αποκριθεις δε σιμων πετρος ειπεν συ ει ο χριστος ο υιος του θεου του ζωντος” or “You are the Christ the son of the God of the living.” The word “Christ” is the Greek word χριστος, which means Peter was confessing that Jesus was the Messiah. What was Jesus’ response?

And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 16:17 ESV)

I pray that you did not miss that no one knows this to be true unless God Himself reveals it to him or her. He must open the heart for those born dead in trespasses and sins in order for them to know divine truth. Jesus ended this discourse by strictly charging the disciples to tell no one that He was the χριστος. In vv21-23 He revealed how He was going to the Cross and be killed by the enemies of the truth. Peter rebuked our Lord saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.” Our Lord responded, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance (σκανδαλον) to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the thing of man.” The Greek word σκανδαλον translated in the ESV as “hindrance” and in the KJV as “offense” is the source of our English word “scandal.” It was used to refer to a snare or trap as the cause of ones failure in sin.

Think of the vast majority of professing Christians out there in how they would respond if we rebuked them as our Lord rebuked Peter here. What was the rebuke? Peter was setting his mind on the things of man rather than the things of God. He was attempting to force Jewish tradition with his own expectations of the Messiah on our Lord. Our Lord’s teaching of His upcoming death on the Cross was not according to that plan. How often do we attempt to force our own expectations in our pilgrimages onto what God is doing as He works in and through us? What do we do when those with whom we fellowship reveal in their arguments and pressure in their attempts to change our direction and focus in our following Christ that they are focused on the things of man rather than the things of God? In the early days of my walk before the face of God, I attempted to conform to the wishes of the men in our church rather than appear different through my obedience to the Lord. However, those days are over and God has pruned away much of what was in me that loved the praise of men over my obedience to the Lord.

There is only one I desire to please with my walk before the face of God, my Coram Deo, that is the Lord alone. Sometimes, in my research for an article like this one, I will go back to the early days of this blog to read a post. It is amazing as I go through the comments how many used to respond with deep and wonderful things, but they no longer do so. Why? We came to a point of contention about something and I had to choose between making them happy by agreeing with them or I had to stick with the clear truth from God’s Word and confront their error. I absolutely hate it when that happens, but I serve one Lord. This has been costly and there are times I deeply desire to let someone else do this. However, God has not taken away His hand from this ministry yet so I will continue until He does.

Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done. (Matthew 16:24-27 ESV)

²⁴τοτε [ο] ιησους ειπεν τοις μαθηταις αυτου ει τις θελει οπισω μου ελθειν απαρνησασθω εαυτον και αρατω τον σταυρον αυτου και ακολουθειτω μοι  ²⁵ος γαρ εαν θελη την ψυχην αυτου σωσαι απολεσει αυτην ος δ αν απολεση την ψυχην αυτου ενεκεν εμου ευρησει αυτην  ²⁶τι γαρ ωφεληθησεται ανθρωπος εαν τον κοσμον ολον κερδηση την δε ψυχην αυτου ζημιωθη η τι δωσει ανθρωπος ανταλλαγμα της ψυχης αυτου  ²⁷μελλει γαρ ο υιος του ανθρωπου ερχεσθαι εν τη δοξη του πατρος αυτου μετα των αγγελων αυτου και τοτε αποδωσει εκαστω κατα την πραξιν αυτου (Matthew 16:24-27 WHNU)

The only ones who are truly following Jesus also deny (απαρνησασθω) themselves. This means that they put their desires and wants aside in place of their obedience to Christ as they take up their own crosses and follow Him. This is true discipleship. Those who are His true disciples are required to completely abandon the natural desire to seek comfort, fame, or power. Instead, they are called to obey the Lord in all things.

My brethren, I promise you this; if you are living this way then it will cost you friendships. It will cause splits in relationships, even in families. It is costly. The majority may look upon you with disdain and write you off as a divisive person not worth knowing, however, didn’t our Lord suffer persecution and even death at the hands of those who hated the truth? Why would we think we who are His disciples would somehow not partake in His sufferings?

Who is Lord? Are you calling the shots in your walk and service or is Christ? What do you do when the Father prunes you? If you are a true disciple then you remain in the True Vine who is Christ. It is this pruning that makes us fruitful in the eyes of God. The world may look at it and not be so impressed. That is okay, for all that really matters is what God knows about us not what the world thinks.

Soli Deo Gloria!

by Mike Ratliff

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.” (Matthew 7:15-20 ESV)

The fruit of a ministry in God’s economy is not the number of people “converted” under it. No, the fruit, which will be what God will use to judge, refers to the effectiveness that ministry has in leading and developing within those who are ministered to by it unto a Christ-like life produced by the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22,23). What is it that those God uses in these ministries do that achieves this? They teach their flock sound doctrine from God’s Word. The Holy Spirit takes these truths and applies them to the hearts of the flock. It is not emotion or feelings. It is being transformed by the renewal of their minds because they are being living sacrifices unto God (Romans 12:1,2). 

So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32 ESV)

³¹ελεγεν ουν ο ιησους προς τους πεπιστευκοτας αυτω ιουδαιους εαν υμεις μεινητε εν τω λογω τω εμω αληθως μαθηται μου εστε  ³²και γνωσεσθε την αληθειαν και η αληθεια ελευθερωσει υμας (John 8:31-32 WHNU)

The words “abide in” in v31 are the two Greek words, μεινητε εν, which literally says, “might stay in.” There is the conditional truth laid out here by our Lord that makes it very clear who are truly His disciples. The first condition is that they remain, stay, or abide in His word. This is referring to holding to His teachings. He taught nothing but the truth, those who are truly His, the regenerate, will have been lead to that truth, and this has freed them from slavery to sin. The words translated in the English as “set you free” are ελευθερωσει υμας, which literally says, “will free you.” The word ελευθερωσει refers to a freedom that is the result of redemption. That is, this is a freedom being declared because of ones sins being paid for by another. So what is our Lord saying here. Those who are truly His disciples are the ones who abide in His truth and are declared righteous by God.

Knowing the truth is an integral part of this. No one is saved through a false gospel. No one is saved by a gospel that points to religiosity or good works or any thing else as a means of salvation. The gospel that saves is based on believing in Christ who is the truth. They will not only believe it, but also know it. Christ will then declare them righteous and they will be seen as righteous in God’s eyes, but they will also be changed by the work of the Holy Spirit in them so that they will be new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17).

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” (John 15:1-2 ESV)

Notice that there are two kinds of branches in Christ who is the true vine in this metaphor. All branches are professing Christians, but there are two types. There are those who bear fruit and those who do not. Those who bear fruit are true disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ while those who do not bear fruit are taken away because they are not genuine. No branch in Christ can be wholly fruitless. All branches that truly belong to Christ will bear fruit. This will cause them to undergo the pruning necessary to increase. The lack of fruit, which is described for us in Psalm 80, Isaiah 5:1, and Jeremiah 2:21 is failure to be obedient to God. If we take those Old Testament passages that refer to the vine and its fruit then combine it with our Lord’s discourse in John 15 then we see that fruitfulness is a mark of genuine believers who love another and obey God as He develops Christ Jesus’ own character in them. This is a work of the Holy Spirit.

Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. (John 15:3-11 ESV)

The Greek word used here that is translated as “abide” is the same one used in John 8:31, which is μεινητε. The genuine believer remains in Christ just as Christ remains in them. Growing in godliness and Christlikeness is the fruit spoken of here and the only way believers can increase in this, that is to bear fruit, is to abide in Christ. However, there are false professors who cannot remain in the true vine and, therefore, prove that they are not genuine believers. Those who truly abide in Christ will become more and more like Him. It is the Father’s will that each of us bear much of this fruit and, therefore, prove to be our Lord’s disciples. These true disciples abide in Christ’s love and keep the Father’s commandments while abiding in His love. Those who abide in Christ and grow in Christlikeness will be given the full joy of the Lord. In v5 above, we read that outside of this relationship and being full of the joy of the Lord, we can do nothing. This is referring to the total inability of the unregenerate to obey God’s commandments. Saving grace enables the believer to grow from the beginning of spiritual development unto the completion of their salvation at their glorification.

Genuine believers bear godly fruit. They are disciples of the Lord Jesus and obey the commandments of the Father. On the other hand, the unregenerate are unable to do any of this and prove that they are not true disciples of the Lord by not having a Christlike character. Of course, none of us are perfectly doing this. That is for the time of our glorification. In this life, God will continually prune us in order to make us more and more Christlike. How is that going for you my brethren?

Soli Deo Gloria!

by Mike Ratliff

For you know how, like a father with his children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory. (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 ESV)

Doctrine is a vital part of the true Church. Many of us may disagree on some things pertaining to our faith and still call one another brother or sister, but there are some things, from the sound doctrines from God, that are non-negotiable. I am constantly amazed when those who disagree with the clear exegesis from God’s Word will counter with human philosophy or attempt to use human reason to void what the Bible actually says. The veracity of God’s Truth is unimpeachable no matter who believes it to be so or not. One of those clear truths from God’s Word that is under severe attack in our time is the role and extent that regeneration plays in the life of the believer. Some claim that all that is required to be “saved” is the saying of some prayer or saying that he or she agrees with some “truth.” God’s Word tells us, however, that regeneration is a washing that changes everything (Titus 3:5). There will be solid and observable changes in those saved by grace through faith as a gift from God. 

Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ: (2 Peter 1:1 ESV)

¹ σιμων πετρος δουλος και αποστολος ιησου χριστου τοις ισοτιμον ημιν λαχουσιν πιστιν εν δικαιοσυνη του θεου ημων και σωτηρος ιησου χριστου  (2 Peter 1 WHNU)

The Apostle Peter used two words to describe himself in v1. The first is δουλος, which is the Greek word for a slave. The second is αποστολος, which is the Greek word for a delegate. Each of these words points to another to whom the δουλος belongs and the αποστολος serves. That would be in Peter’s case ιησου χριστου (Jesus Christ). This is something missing in a very big way from much of what calls itself the Church in our time. The elders, pastors, or Bible teachers err badly if they approach their calling outside of being submissive and obedient in every way to Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. The message that is given that does not glorify God because it teaches what is not true according to God’s Word reveals one who is not serving within these parameters.

To whom is the epistle addressed? Peter is writing to all who have obtained (λαχουσιν) the same or equal (ισοτιμον) faith (πιστιν) as his. This is another thing that we must grasp and never forget. The saving faith of the Apostles is no different than the saving faith we have obtained if we are indeed in Christ. That last part of v1 reveals that our right standing in this πιστιν are so by the righteousness (δικαιοσυνη) of our God (θεου) and Saviour (σωτηρος) Jesus Christ (ιησου χριστου). The word σωτηρος describes one who is the “deliverer” of those whom he saves. The righteousness we have obtained is that of Christ Himself. Peter’s greeting in v1 lays it out there plainly my brethren. Those truly in Christ obtained their salvation because of the work of their deliverer whose righteousness is imputed to all whom He saves.

May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. (2 Peter 1:2 ESV)

²χαρις υμιν και ειρηνη πληθυνθειη εν επιγνωσει του θεου και ιησου του κυριου ημων (2 Peter 1:2 WHNU)

The word Peter used here that is translated as knowledge (επιγνωσει) is a strengthened form of “knowledge” implying a larger, more thorough, and intimate perception. Our faith is built on knowing the truth about God. Contrary to what many false teachers are spewing out today, Christianity is not a mystical religion, but is based on objective, historical, revealed, rational truth from God and intended to be understood and believed. In this verse we learn that as God reveals more and more knowledge to His people the more grace and peace are multiplied. What we must never forget my brethren is that some will say amen to that last sentence, but then go off on tangents outside the bounds of this truth and knowledge from God, going into fantasy and myths that are nothing but lies from our enemy who is working to discourage and deceive. Therefore, I amen that God will, by His multiplied grace and peace, impart His knowledge to you. When He does this then we can clearly see and recognize what is truth and what is not. Then we can obey Him in all things.

His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. (2 Peter 1:3-4 ESV)

³ως παντα ημιν της θειας δυναμεως αυτου τα προς ζωην και ευσεβειαν δεδωρημενης δια της επιγνωσεως του καλεσαντος ημας δια δοξης και αρετης  ⁴δι ων τα τιμια και μεγιστα ημιν επαγγελματα δεδωρηται ινα δια τουτων γενησθε θειας κοινωνοι φυσεως αποφυγοντες της εν τω κοσμω εν επιθυμια φθορας (2 Peter 1:3-4 WHNU)

The word translated “knowledge” here is επιγνωσεως, which is another form of the same word from v2. Do you see how important it is for Christians to know the truth from God? All the things that pertain to life and godliness come through it and this has been granted to us by His divine power. This is why we must be determined defenders of the truth. A fellow who was determined to silence me as I wrote the truth about Rick Warren and the Purpose Driven Church model tried to make me back off by using the argument that what we needed to do was just get along and tolerate our differences. That sounds good to the secular mind, but it is not what we are called to do as slaves of our Lord Jesus Christ. We stand firm in God’s truth and we warn the brethren of the lies that are not according to the knowledge imparted to us from God by God.

All in Christ have been called to His own glory and excellence, by which He has granted to us His precious and very great promises. It is through these promises that we may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sin.  In v3 we are told that our salvation and resultant godliness comes through the knowledge of God which is imparted to us. In v4 we are told that it is by this knowledge being imparted to us that we learn of the promises made to us and through this we both live reverent, loyal and obedient lives before God and we live as partakers of the divine nature. What does that mean? To be a partaker of the divine nature is just an expression of the result of being born again or born from above. Those truly in Christ are new creations and are, therefore, different (John 3:3; James 1:18; 1 Peter 1:23). The precious promises of salvation result in becoming God’s children in this present evil age (John 1:12; Romans 8:9; Galatians 2:20; Colossians 1:27). Through this, we share in God’s nature by the possession of His eternal life. We are not divine, but we are new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17). We have the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19,20). Our glorification in eternity will be the completion or fulfillment of this promise (Philippians 3:20, 21; 1 John 3:1-3. Here is that passage from 1 John 3:1-3. It is one of my favorites and I like to mediate on it and rejoice in these great promises.

See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure. (1 John 3:1-3 ESV)

God’s truth was not meant to be bottled up and used in dry religiosity, but to be devoured and loved by His people who rejoice in it and are changed by it to be conformed unto the image of Christ Himself. This entails responsibility on our part however.

For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. (2 Peter 1:5-7 ESV)

⁵και αυτο τουτο δε σπουδην πασαν παρεισενεγκαντες επιχορηγησατε εν τη πιστει υμων την αρετην εν δε τη αρετη την γνωσιν  ⁶εν δε τη γνωσει την εγκρατειαν εν δε τη εγκρατεια την υπομονην εν δε τη υπομονη την ευσεβειαν  ⁷εν δε τη ευσεβεια την φιλαδελφιαν εν δε τη φιλαδελφια την αγαπην  (1 Peter 1:5-7 WHNU)

Carefully read this passage my brethren. The word “supplement” in v5 is the Greek word επιχορηγησατε, which describes one who gives lavishly and generously. In Greek culture, επιχορηγησατε was used for a choirmaster who was responsible for supplying everything that was needed for his choir. It never meant to equip sparingly, but to supply lavishly for a noble purpose. Therefore, we must understand that God has given us faith and all the graces necessary for us to walk in godliness before Him. We must do that plus Peter is telling us here that we are to add to all that by our diligent devotion to personal righteousness the things on this list.

The first is virtue (αρετην).  This is the God-given ability to perform heroic deeds in Classical Greek. It also came to mean that quality of life which made someone stand out as excellent. This is describing to Christians a noble life demonstrated in life by a moral energy, which is the power that performs deeds of excellence. The second addition to our faith is knowledge (γνωσιν). Notice that this is not the same word used above in describing the knowledge of God and His truth. This knowledge means understanding, correct insight, and truth properly comprehended and applied. To add this to our faith means that we must diligently study and pursue the truth in the Word of God. Please notice that this means we do not listen to certain false teachers and preachers who do not preach or teach these truths. This is why so many these days have resorted to feeding themselves these truths.

The third addition to our faith is self-control (εγκρατειαν). This describes one “holding oneself in.” In the 1^st Century this word was used to describe athletes who were to be self-restrained and self-disciplined. For us we are to control the flesh, the passions, and the bodily desires, rather than allowing ourselves to be controlled by them (1 Corinthians 9:27; Galatians 5:23).

We are commanded to add to our faith virture, guided by knowledge, which disciplines desire and makes it the servant, not the master of our lives. Peter was a very wise man having learned this directly from our Lord and proving how far he was from this until after restored to Him after the resurrection.

To these things, we are commanded to add steadfastness (υπομονην). This is also translated as perseverance. This is a patience or endurance in doing what is right, never giving in to temptation or trial. This spiritual staying power will die before it gives in. This virtue can endure, not simply with resignation, but with a vibrant hope. To steadfastness, we are to add godliness (υσεβειαν), which describes believers being godly, which is to live reverently, loyally, and obediently toward God. To godliness, we are to add brotherly affection (φιλαδελφιαν). This describes our willing, mutual sacrifice for one another (1 John 4:20). To brotherly affection, we are to add love (αγαπην). This love is sacrificial and done for what is best for the one loved. This doing is not necessarily what the one loved wants, but what is best for them (1 Corinthians 13; 1 Peter 4:8).

For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 1:8-11 ESV)

⁸ταυτα γαρ υμιν υπαρχοντα και πλεοναζοντα ουκ αργους ουδε ακαρπους καθιστησιν εις την του κυριου ημων ιησου χριστου επιγνωσιν  ⁹ω γαρ μη παρεστιν ταυτα τυφλος εστιν μυωπαζων ληθην λαβων του καθαρισμου των παλαι αυτου αμαρτιων  ¹⁰διο μαλλον αδελφοι σπουδασατε βεβαιαν υμων την κλησιν και εκλογην ποιεισθαι ταυτα γαρ ποιουντες ου μη πταισητε ποτε  ¹¹ουτως γαρ πλουσιως επιχορηγηθησεται υμιν η εισοδος εις την αιωνιον βασιλειαν του κυριου ημων και σωτηρος ιησου χριστου (2 Peter 1:8-11 WHNU)

This is self-explanatory. If we obey these commands, which are details of Paul’s teaching from Romans 12:1-2 to become living sacrifices who are transformed by the renewing of our minds, then we will be effective and fruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. If we do not then the opposite will be true of us, which means we will be so nearsighted (μυωπαζων) that we will be blind (τυφλος). This is spiritual blindness. These are the professing Christians who are unable to discern his or her true spiritual condition, and thus can have no assurance of his or her salvation. This spiritual blindness is like amnesia. Those in it are unable to discern their own spiritual condition and will not confidence about their profession of faith. They will be dominated by doubt and fear because they lack the spiritual excellencies listed above.

We are to make our calling and election sure by doing those things Peter listed above. The falling Peter mentions is into doubt, despair, fear, or questioning. Those who do practice these things will grow in godliness and assurance and enjoy the very fact that they are in Christ and can look at the proof of these qualities in their lives and know for certain that only God could produce them there for they are totally unable to do it themselves. The goal is given to us in v11. Those who walk this way will be receive a richly provided entrance into Heaven when the time comes.

My brethren, the teaching that people can do some religious act and be assured of their salvation while there is no discernable change in how they live in the world is a doctrine of demons. We are saved by grace through faith not by works. On the other hand, the faith that saves will produce good works (Ephesians 2:10). God has richly provided for our paths of spiritual growth. Let us abandon spiritual mediocrity and pursue the knowledge of our Lord and add to our faith these things that will enable us to be discerning, wise, and fruitful Christians in God’s Kingdom.

Soli Deo Gloria!

by Mike Ratliff

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” (Matthew 7:15 ESV)

The Church in our time appears huge, but this is only in appearance. It is thousands of miles wide, but only a fraction of an inch deep. Much of what claims to be Christian is not and proves it by what is actually its focus and what (or who) it actually worships. The focus has its foundation in pragmatism and its worship is nothing more than self-aggrandizement. They give lip service to their own version of “Jesus” who bears little if any resemblance to the Jesus we read of in God’s Word. This counterfeit Christianity is the majority while the true Church, which is made up of those saved by grace through faith because of God’s election and effectual calling is the minority. This should not surprise us because the Word of God tells us that this will be case as this age comes to a close to make way for the age to come. 

Jesus left the temple and was going away, when his disciples came to point out to him the buildings of the temple. But he answered them, “You see all these, do you not? Truly, I say to you, there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the close of the age?” (Matthew 24:1-3 ESV)

Carefully read this passage my brethren. There are three questions asked of our Lord by the disciples in response to his warning of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem in v2. However, our Lord’s answer to these questions apparently intertwines prophecy concerning the destruction of Jerusalem and His second coming, which will end this age and usher in the age to come. Let us look at our Lord’s answer to these questions which is found in vv4-31 of Matthew 24, however, we will concentrate on vv4-14 in this study.

Before we look at those verses, I would like to look at v3 in the Greek for I like the emphasis of some of the words that is not as clear in the English.

³καθημενου δε αυτου επι του ορους των ελαιων προσηλθον αυτω οι μαθηται κατ ιδιαν λεγοντες ειπον ημιν ποτε ταυτα εσται και τι το σημειον της σης παρουσιας και συντελειας του αιωνος (Matthew 24:3 WHNU)

Here is a word for word translation of v3 into English:

“Sitting but him on the hill of the olives came toward him the learners by own saying, say to us, when these will be and what the sign of your presence and full completion of the age?”

I want to concentrate here on the last three words, συντελειας του αιωνος, which the KJV translates as, “end of the world.” The word συντελειας is used sparingly in the New Testament. It literally means, “the entire completion” or “consummation” of something. The something here is αιωνος. This word refers to an age or time, but here in Matthew 24:3 it is referring to an “age of providence.” The disciples were asking the Lord to give them the sign of the ending of God’s gracious providence in the world that we enjoy right now. When will He remove His hand and begin fulfilling His righteous judgment because the number of saved elect is full, which will coincide with the filling of the cup of God’s wrath against those who hate the truth and reject the Gospel. The ending of this age of God’s providence and the coming of the age to come, the fulfilling of the Kingdom of God will be separated by the event of our Lord’s return. The word used to refer to our Lord’s return, παρουσιας, is pronounced as “parousia.” It refers to our Lord coming again to this world as both the deliverer of the righteous and judge of the wicked.

Our Lord answers the disciples’ three questions in reverse order.

And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.” (Matthew 24:4-8 ESV)

Our Lord begins with a warning. The words, “no one leads you astray” in v4 are the words μη τις υμας πλανηση in the Greek, which literally say, “not someone you might deceive” referring to the fact that someone will attempt to deceive believers about the παρουσιας (return) of our Lord. The warning is this, “Do not believe anyone who claims that the Lord has already returned come and see.” When He returns there will be no doubt. It will not be in secret. It will be obvious to all. The beginning of the birth pains is what has been going on in this age from the beginning and will continue, but like the increasing in sequence as the time gets closer and closer just like the birth pains of a woman delivering a baby these things will also increase in magnitude and frequency. However, according to our Lord’s own words here, these are not the signs that end of this age is upon us, but that this age is marked by these things.

“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:9-14 ESV)

I am convinced that these seven verses describe succinctly what is going on right now in the world in relation to the Church. The truth is hated. It has become scandalous for Bible teachers and evangelists to preach the Gospel as it should be done. That is, with the brutal truth about the utter lostness of all people and their inability to do one thing to become righteous in God’s eyes. Then they are to be given the good news of the only way to be saved from the coming wrath from God. That is, salvation in and by and through the Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. However, notice that this message will be hated and persecuted. The seeker-sensitive paradigm has as its major tenet no reference to the true Gospel, but only an emphasis on easy-believism that saves no one. These advocates of the church-growth movement, the emergents, the new evangelicals all hate the truth. These false prophets have arisen and are leading many astray even telling their followers that other religions are just another way to God.

The reference to lawlessness increasing refers to the spiritual emptiness of those who have been victimized by this false paradigm. They are told that their salvation is assured even though they are not changed by it so they are unable to become conformed to Christ. They are told that it is okay to live like the world so they can draw others into their deception by relating positively to their politically correct version of the gospel. However, they absolutely hate hearing the real Gospel and they absolutely hate those who doggedly continue to preach and teach it. They have been deceived into the pragmatism of using numbers to verify the effectiveness of their new way of doing things. Yes, you can draw many from the world into a belief system that is no different than it. However, our Lord also says here that there will be some who endure to the end because they have not been deceived by this lie. They will continue to proclaim the Gospel throughout the world even if it costs them everything. This will continue right up to the end of this age. This is our Lord’s marker of when the end of this age of God’s gracious providence will come.

The Gospel will continue right up to the end of this age. Our Lord will continue to build His Church until then. Until then, we have our Lord’s commands that those who are deep in the deception have shunned and are going their own way.

When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. (John 21:15-17 ESV)

The disciple of our Lord Jesus Christ is commanded to make other disciples from every part of the world in the Great Commission found in Matthew 2816-20 and we must not neglect this. However, our Lord also commanded us in John 21:15-17 to feed and tend to His sheep. This means we disciple them. We teach them the truth. We lead them to walk in repentance and become living sacrifices who are transformed into the Christians whose lives bring God glory because their minds are being continually renewed through their immersion in the Word of God and the godly teaching of the leaders He has ordained to be over them. We must not neglect this my brethren.

The current rebellion and falling away is the result of men seeking greater numbers to the detriment of the preaching and teaching of God’s truth and the effective discipleship of those given to them by God to tend and feed. Instead, they are seeking to be conformed to pop culture so they will be seen as non-threatening to the lost. However, the gospel they preach is not the Gospel. It has been diluted and changed so it appeals to the flesh rather than piercing the heart with God’s truth that the Holy Spirit uses to effectually draw people to salvation. These wolves in sheep’s clothing may have large dynamic churches, but since they absolutely refuse to preach the Gospel, they are actually false prophets leading many astray.

All those things the Lord warned us about in the passages above are markers that we are seeing right now in this age. Does this mean that we are quickly approaching the end of this age? The mass defections we are seeing right now with so many being deceived seems to suggest that we are indeed seeing an increase in the birth pains, but in Matthew 24:36-51 our Lord tells us that no one knows when the end of this age is coming so we must bear down in our obedience and remain faithful. Let us continue to serve the Lord with our all and pray for those in darkness that God will have mercy on them and draw them into the light unto eternal life in the Son.

Soli Deo Gloria!

by Mike Ratliff

But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?” Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honored use and another for dishonorable use? (Romans 9:20-21 ESV)

I was a teenager in the 1960’s. My generation, the Baby-Boomers, are known for their rebellion against authority. I was no flaming radical, but like most in my generation, I did question the right of those in positions of authority over me. However, I enlisted in the US Navy in 1973 and quickly found out what submission to authority was really all about. All through boot camp and data processing training in the Navy, I discovered how important it was to obey commands and work under the authority of those over me. This hit home to me in a big way when I went to fire fighting school as part of my basic training. 

I was the Company Yeoman so, like the other petty officers in our company, I was a nozzle-man for one of the main teams. My team was chosen to be one of two that would fight a simulated boiler-room fire. We wore no gas masks. All the protection we had were some rubberized raincoats with a cowel-like hood. We sat on bleachers as our instructor told us what was going to happen. Two teams would enter the boiler room from opposite sides. We would work together to put out the fire that was actually burning oil that covered the bilge water that was below the grating on which we would work. I was put on the nozzle and the rest of my team held the hose one behind the other as our instructor grabbed the nozzle by the other handle. The fire was started, the alarm rang, and we entered the building.

This was the first time I had ever been that close to a serious fire in an enclosed structure. I remember being totally surprised by how difficult it was to breathe. Our instructor and the one on the other team had us open the nozzles up to force the oil that was burning to be pushed to one spot where it could be extinguished. We were to sweep our hoses from side to side, working together like this we made short work of it. However, just as it looked like we had it all under control, the flames increased in magnitude to the point that those of us on the nozzles were cut off from the exits. I remember feeling like I was about to pass out from lack of oxygen. My instructor and I were coughing and gasping for air. The heat was bad and I could not breathe without filling my lungs with the smoke. This seemed to go on forever, but I think it was only about 30 seconds or so when our instructor blew a whistle he had around his neck. This was the signal for the fire to be foamed out, which happened immediately.

The instructor helped me sweep the nozzle from side to side to wash the foam out of the bilge. It seemed very difficult for us, but after a few minutes, he had me shut off the nozzle. I turned around and then understood why it was so difficult. All of my “team” had abandoned the hose when the fire flared up. It was just the instructor and I on the nozzle. He helped me drag the hose back out of the building. My “team” was gathered at the door surrounded by instructors. They would not look at either of us. A Corpsman came and looked at both of us. I had minor burns on my face, but my hands were okay. My instructor and I had black faces and hands, which was from the smoke I suppose.

It turned out that someone had mistakenly turned on the switch to ventilate the smoke from the simulator while the fire was still burning as we worked. This caused it to flare up uncontrollably. My “team” had dropped the hose and fled. As I was taken to be cleaned up, I saw that my “team” was going to have to go through it again. I was excused from all further exercises. My Company Commander came over to me and asked to look at my hands. I showed them to him and he said that as long as I could still write and, therefore, function as his Yeoman then that was all he cared about. Of course, he smiled when he said it. Some men simply cannot express certain emotions.

The example above of my “experience” on authority in fire fighting school in Navy boot camp back in 1973 was to show what happens when “men” are not submitted to the authority that is over them. The one who turned on the ventilator as we fought the fire endangered the lives of two nozzle teams and two instructors. My “teammates” who fled when the fire got too hot revealed that they would not follow instructions when things became crucial. We could have used their help in trying to control that nozzle, which wanted to jump all over the place. I learned that even when we do what we are supposed to do in submission to the authority over us, things could still get rough.

Our ultimate authority is God. He is sovereign. God is the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. All three members of the Godhead works together in our salvation, which the Apostle Paul lays out for us very clearly in Ephesians 1. The Work of the Father is expressed in our election in vv3-6, the Work of the Son is expressed in our redemption in vv7-12, and the Work of the Spirit in our protection in vv13,14.

I listened to part of a sermon today by Shane Hipps in which he expressed that all religions are valid and that he “chose” to be Christian because it was the one that he felt best expressed what Christ was all about, but that did not mean that the Muslim or Hindu, or Buddhist were in invalid religions for what really mattered was the divine spark in every man. As I listened to this, I prayed for wisdom and direction in addressing this. All I could focus on here was what men do when they are not submitted to the doctrine of election. They do things their own way because they see that their religion is one of personal choice through their free will. It was then that I realized that I needed to give you the truth of the sovereignty of God in our salvation and that there is only one way to Him and that is through the one and only Saviour, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. (Ephesians 1:3-6 ESV)

The word “chose” in v4 above is the Greek word εξελεξατο, which means, “to choose for oneself.” The grammatical form of this verb usage here enforces this. It is in aorist tense, infinitive mood, and middle voice, which refer to a non-continuous action for or concerning oneself. In other words, God selected His children for Himself, for His glory. The doctrine of election is emphasized throughout Sacred Scripture (Deut. 7:6; Is. 45:4; John 6:44; Acts 13:48; Rom 8:29; 9:11; 1 Thess. 1:3,4;2 Thess. 2:13; 2 Tim 2:10). God chose His children by Himself and for Himself to the praise of His own glory (vv6, 12, 14). However, for those who become incensed at this clear and direct interpretation of these verses, this does not mean that this nullifies man’s responsibility to believe in Jesus as Lord and Saviour (Matthew 3:1,2; 4:17; John 5:40).

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. (Ephesians 1:7-12 ESV)

In these verses, we have the redemptive work of Jesus Christ on the Cross. Our predestination is to be conformed to the image of the Son. Why? It is all to the praise of God’s glory. All in Christ are called to be submitted to God’s authority through the Son. We don’t “choose” this like we are shopping and must choose to be Christian or Hindu or whatever. No, we are elected and effectually called by God. However, in our religiosity, there is a form of Christianity that is not valid. It is all according to the designs and will of the men who are running it. It has nothing to do with the true Church, which is made up of those elected and called by God. These are reserved and preserved by God and will not bow the knee to these false forms of Jesus that are man-made.

In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. (Ephesians 1:13-14 ESV)

Here we have the role of the Holy Spirit in our salvation. He seals us in Christ. He is the guarantee of our inheritance. All in Christ will persevere to the end because of this. Those who appear to be genuine, but fall away were not sealed nor did they receive this guarantee.

In these passages from Ephesians 1 we have who we really are and how we got that way and why we will continue. We are blessed v3, chosen v4, predestined v5, adopted v5, accepted v6, redeemed v7, forgiven v7, enlightened vv8-9, given an inheritance v11, sealed v13, and assured v14. I find that the more I study the sovereignty of God that I am even more assured, more joyful, more firm in my convictions, and am filled with an overwhelming desire to bring Him glory and to shine the light of these truths into the hearts of all of His children that they may see who they really are in Him.

We are Christians because of what God has done. Not one of us were chosen because of any merit or actions on our part (Ephesians 2:1-10). No, we are in Christ because He did all that is required to make sure that we would believe at the proper time and thus be justified and forgiven. He has sealed us and preserves us. What a blessing! Now compare that with the nonsense that men such as Shane Hipps is spewing at Mars Hill Church as co-pastor with Rob Bell.

Soli Deo Gloria!

by Mike Ratliff

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21 ESV)

The doctrine of imputation is under severe attack in our day. Those who have made the mistake of seeking a peace with those who desire to change or do away with this doctrine have erred egregiously. This doctrine must never be negotiated. Why? The changes certain people desire to make to this doctrine would change our justification from being according to faith alone to a combination of faith and works. According to Galatians 5:3, this would make us obligated to keep the whole law, which none of us can do. Only our Lord Jesus Christ kept the commandments perfectly, therefore, His righteousness is imputed to those who trust in His obedience to be justified. 

What has this got to do with treasure and dung? Carefully read the excerpt from our Lord’s Sermon on the Mount, which I placed at the top of this post. Those who are resting in Christ’s righteousness are also the ones fully aware of their inability to earn or deserve this gift of salvation (Ephesians 2:1-10). This is why we must teach the doctrine of imputation to the sheep of the Lord’s hand. They must understand that they possess a gift of incredible value in light of which they must see that this life is simply the training ground for the believer not the goal.

Those things that God gives us in this life are blessings, but what we must learn to see and live by is the truth that all we have in this life is nothing in comparison to what awaits us in glory. Therefore, we should live and minister accordingly. We must do all we do with our eternity in mind. The word translated in this passage as “treasures” is θησαυρους, which describes “wealth.” In this context, it would refer to the accumulation of the things the world values. Our Lord tells us to not put our focus on accumulating the world’s goods in this life, but instead, put it on what has eternal value. If we ignore this and pursue what the world values, including things like fame, recognition, et cetera, then we will make compromises in the truth in order to please the world so we will continue in our accumulation of our earthly treasures.

The doctrine of imputation is vital to true Christianity. If it is compromised then it opens the door to doctrines of demons which teach believers heretical things like a lack of the world’s goods or perceived “blessings” from God in this area means that we are not working hard enough to please God. We have fallen down on the job of keeping the whole law of God so we are being punished. This causes people to place their treasure in what can be seen in the here and now rather than trusting in the promises of God and seeing the truth through eyes of faith.

But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. (Philippians 3:7 ESV)

⁷ αλλα ατινα ην μοι κερδη ταυτα ηγημαι δια τον χριστον ζημιαν (Philippians 3:7 WHNU)

The gain (κερδη) Paul was referring to in this passage is the advancements he had made as Saul of Tarsus in the Jewish religious system as a Pharisee. This Greek word, κερδη, refers to gain such as money, lucre, or treasure, but Paul used it here to refer to his own earthly glory in the Jewish religious system. The word counted is the Greek word ηγημαι. In this verse’s rendering it is translated usually as if it took place in the past, but the actual grammar structure here is present tense, infinitive mood, and passive voice. This describes continuous or repeated action without any reference to when the action takes place. I believe Paul is not telling us to simply look at all of the world’s goods we have and then for Christ’s sake we count it all as loss (ζημιαν). Instead, we have our answer in the words δια τον χριστον, which are “because of the Christ.” The word δια is a primary preposition denoting the channel of an act. It could have been translated as “through” for instance. However, in this case we are to learn that the counting or considering of earthly gain as loss or detriment is because of Christ Himself and His work in us to change us or conform us unto Himself.

Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith– that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. (Philippians 3:8-11 ESV)

⁸αλλα μενουνγε και ηγουμαι παντα ζημιαν ειναι δια το υπερεχον της γνωσεως χριστου ιησου του κυριου μου δι ον τα παντα εζημιωθην και ηγουμαι σκυβαλα ινα χριστον κερδησω  ⁹και ευρεθω εν αυτω μη εχων εμην δικαιοσυνην την εκ νομου αλλα την δια πιστεως χριστου την εκ θεου δικαιοσυνην επι τη πιστει  ¹⁰του γνωναι αυτον και την δυναμιν της αναστασεως αυτου και κοινωνιαν παθηματων αυτου συμμορφιζομενος τω θανατω αυτου  ¹¹ει πως καταντησω εις την εξαναστασιν την εκ νεκρων (Philippians 3:8-11 WHNU)

Here we see the result of the work of God in the heart of His people. They value the gift of their salvation through Jesus Christ higher than everything else to the point that they understand that these worldly things are only distractions and detriments in their spiritual growth. In fact, this view is so extreme that they learn to count them as rubbish (σκυβαλα). This word is pronounced as “skubala.” This word describes worthless things or stuff. It is refuse, dung, garbage, or rubbish. Dung seems very appropriate here in this contrast.

This is how we must view our earthly treasure in contrast with the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus Christ as Lord. Paul tells us here that his disinheritance because of becoming a Christian was as if someone had taken away his σκυβαλα. Think of it. To be found having the righteousness of Christ through God’s imputation of it after persecuting the church and participating in the martyrdom of Stephen is a radical thing. It is beyond anything the unregenerate can comprehend. Even those in Christ become confused at times when they focus on the wrong things.

Where is your treasure my brethren? Are you gathering it here on this earth with your money and property and fame and reputation in the world or do you see all of that is merely God providing you with what you need here in order to serve Him according to His will where He puts you? If our treasure is in heaven as our Lord commands then we are able to do this only through the working of God in our hearts to view all gain here in this life as σκυβαλα in comparison to what we possess in Christ.

In late August and early September this year, God took something away from me, at least for a while. I had a reoccurrence of seizures that I thought were from my distant past. This changed many things in my life and took away my ability to drive. It changed how I looked at my life. I thought I was doing okay as a believer up to that point, but after God humbled me I saw things very differently. My hold or grasp on things in this world in which I was valuing are seen now as σκυβαλα in comparison with what I have in Christ. I am in Christ because God imputed my Lord’s righteousness to me as He justified me by faith. Christ is my all in all. God’s truth is all that matters. There can be no compromises. This has caused many people to view this ministry and me in a very bad light. However, it is God and His truth that has value not my standing in these people’s eyes. Because I count all of this as σκυβαλα I am laying up my treasure in Heaven as I obey my Lord instead of buckling under the pressure from those who want to silence me and all of my fellow apologists and defenders of the faith who do the same thing.

What counts is our standing before God and our obedience to His will in all things. When we walk before the face of God in this then we have no problem valuing what the world has to offer as nothing more than σκυβαλα while seeing where our real treasure is and that we received this salvation by the grace of God through the faith He gave us not according to any merit on our part. Where is your treasure my brethren?

Soli Deo Gloria!