Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that does the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Therefore whosoever hears these sayings of mine, and does them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: (Matt 7:21-24)
Good people in search of the truth of the Gospel are now open to all manner of persuasion by those with skewed views, and limited knowledge of the LORD and His Christ. The Apostle Paul spoke plainly of those who would errantly preach in this age where anything goes.
For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves in to the apostles of Christ. And no marvel, for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness: whose end shall be according to their works. (2Corinthians 11:13-15)
With so many opinions, it is easy to see how confusion can arise when searching the truth of the Prophets and God. What can we do to avoid being led down mistaken paths? Do we move away as from a fire, or can we get through without being scarred. Even though the Gospel is a simple, yet testing message for some, over the years we have managed to make it difficult. So here are a few hazards to watch out for, mixed into the body of current teaching and theology, which don’t comply with Scripture and should be left alone.
The Prosperity Gospel
It is quite clear a number of present-day ministries have become extremely well-off. While the Catholic and mainstream Churches have amassed considerable wealth over the centuries; TV and Internet evangelism is now filling the coffers at an alarming rate. Many preachers have built sizeable fortunes with congregations outwardly content to donate millions, searching for the truth denied. It gives the impression something is very wrong when Jesus told us to be modest, love our neighbour supporting those in need.
Yet this message seems horribly lost on those promoting prosperity in place of God’s good word for us all.
There is nothing in the Gospel suggesting material riches; we are in fact to store our treasures in Heaven; for where your treasure is your heart will be also. (Matt 6:21) This from Jesus is plainly ignored by those promoting personal wealth. When taking the Gospel to the nations, the Apostles were to take nothing except the Good News.
Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat. (Matt 10:9-10)
Jesus also said His Kingdom is not of this world; a kingdom of love, charity, discernment and the fruits of the spirit. When we are faithful, the LORD will provide in our times of need.
So, how do we act when we find ourselves listening to sermons backing prosperity, do we accept what we hear or turn and walk away? Jesus told us no man can serve two masters: for either he will hate one, and serve the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (Matt 6:24) So, here’s the thing for us to think about, if not take to heart. So, we will leave the last word here to the Apostle James, to help us on our way.
Hearken, my beloved brethren, hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom, which he promised to them that love Him? (James 2:5)
The Zionist State
There’s a common belief largely among American Christians, but not limited to them, the Jews hold a special place in the salvation of mankind. It’s not a new idea, having been passed down since the formative years of the United States and a comparable time in Britain. Men like John Adams and contemporary George Bush, believed Christ would not return until after the land was re-settled by the Jews. The same was held by prominent Christians in Britain, including the dispensationalist, John Darby. It was popularised in the notations of John Scofield, and became generally accepted within the wider church. It is of course, nonsense.
For any to imagine Jesus would be subject to anything we say, do or think, about Jews, Zionists or anything else for that matter is absurd. The LORD is no respecter of persons. Anyway, the Jews heard the Gospel in their day and refused it.
That word ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached: …and we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree. (Acts 10:37 & 39)
They not only rejected Jesus and tried to kill His truth, but took ownership of their deeds cursing their offspring in the process: then answered all the people, and said, his blood is on us and on our children. (Matt 27:25)
So, if you believe supporting Israel is a good idea, then there are a few things you should know about the Zionist State. The first is Political-Zionism is a secular ideology, which has nothing to do with religion; their founding Prime Minister, David Ben Gurion was a sceptic at best. When he became leader in 1948, 10% of the population of Bethlehem was not Christian; it is now totally reversed; these days the Arab Christian population in Israel hardly exists at all.
There is no place for the Lord Jesus Christ, or His followers in the modern State of Israel.
With the recent passing of the Jewish Nation-State Law (July 2018) Israel is to become a ‘wholly Jewish State’ permitting Hebrew as its only official language. That the right to exercise national self-determination becomes unique to the Jewish People. This means, Jews and only Jews have the right to decide their future; therefore any non-Jews, including Christians, do not have equal rights in their homeland. This move is seen by the UN, Human Rights Organizations and most countries, as apartheid by any other name.
Support for Israel means recurring shootings, beatings and incarceration by the IDF; the cutting of water, electricity, fuel and hospital supplies; confiscation of lands, denial of passports, the jailing and torture of children, and delay or refusal to grant due legal process and medical aid to prisoners. 67 children were arrested in Jan 2020. Public records show, since 2015, 18 prisoners have died from torture, abuse, and medical negligence in Israeli Jails. (S) Not to forget Israeli settlers, burning Churches and Mosques. So, why is Israel so important that western Christians would turn a blind eye to such appalling behaviour, breaking near every Commandment of God?
Source: Amnesty International; Human Rights Watch; United Nations Regional Works Agency; Ynet; Association for Civil Rights in Israel; B’Tselem; Middle East Eye; Middle East Monitor; BBC; Al Monitor; Haaretz; Times of Israel; New York Times; Newsweek; Der Spiegel; Le Monde; Time Magazine; et al.)
Stuff you should know
The Israel of the Old Testament was taken captive into the regions north of its homeland, 700 years before Jesus was born; 3 million +/- later migrated West. They were the ten tribes known as the House of Israel, which came from the dividing of David’s kingdom. The two remaining tribes became the House of Judah. It was Judah and Benjamin (and some of Levi) we met as the Pharisees, who along with the Sanhedrin called for Christ’s death. The dye was cast and scripture fulfilled.
And one shall say unto him, what are these wounds in thine hands? Then he shall answer those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends. (Zec 13:6)
The House mentioned by Zechariah was indeed Judah, Jesus having come through David’s line. It was in the temple Jesus said to the chief priests and elders that the Kingdom of God was now to be taken from them, and given to another.
Even though the name Israel was no longer used for the ten tribes, now pushed to the ends of the Earth under a variety of names; (Deut 33:17) it has turned up again and become attached to the Zionist State. Israel is now being used to identify a portion of the former Kingdom as the whole of it. In other words, the Jews of today have taken the name of Israel for their own use.
This has caused confusion in the minds of many, who now believe the State of Israel is the nation (and People) of God. Nothing could be farther from the truth.
To add to this uncertainty, devout men have incorrectly used Scripture to justify the State’s existence, and to add insult to injury, backed the wrong people.
1. Israeli Jews
The bulk of Zionist Jews came out of the Ashkenaze of Eastern Europe. After years of agitation, including acts of violence against mandated British forces and the local population, the Zionists took control of Palestine in 1948. The power base of the Knesset (Parliament) includes Jews from Poland and neighbouring countries like Estonia and Ukraine. Netanyahu’s family name is Milelkowski. The State of Israel is basically an Eastern European country in the Middle East, of which all Arab nations are fully aware, hence their unease regarding these recent arrivals.
Ashkenaze Jews are from the 8th Century conversion of a Turkic-fin people known as the Khazars; later called the Kingdom of the Jews. Their adoption of the Talmud and instruction by Rabbis from Babylon is detailed in the Jewish Encyclopedia of 1901/06. As outsiders, they have no lineage to Ancient Israel or the Pharisees of New Testament times, which of itself is not a major concern. That they claim a genuine ‘ethnic’ inheritance is.
The six-pointed star is Khazarian in origin and nothing to do with David; there is no such thing in the Old Testament.
The legitimate Jews expelled by Rome in the First Century are the Sephardic Jews who went mainly to Spain; some were already in Italy. A few migrated into Western Europe and Britain.
Because Churchmen and Politicians of Europe and America in the 18th and 19th Centuries were not aware of this history, they mistakenly believed the Jews of Eastern Europe were the actual ancestors of Ancient Israel and Jews expelled by Rome. They began their work of repatriation, ignorant of the fact they were opening the door to a foreign people.
Yet, prior to 1948, the local population of Arab Muslims, Christians and Jews lived for the most part in harmony; many were close friends even looking after each other’s children, and without a concrete wall in sight. It all changed when the Zionists arrived, expelling locals to make way for political aims. Men like Rutherford and John Owen, started down their mistaken path to repatriate Jews to the Holy Land, when the Jews of the Diaspora had no pressing desire for a homeland of their own. As Rabbis continued to state, it was the work of God at the time of His choosing. But, the seed of Secular Zionism was now planted by mistaken Christians and quickly seized upon by keen young men, eager to break free from Jewish tradition
2. The Israel of God
But a curious thing began to emerge in the time of Jesus’ ministry. With all Israel, and the bulk of Judah now out of the land (The Assyrian campaign was ended at Jerusalem c.721BC) we see the name ‘Israel’ appears in the preaching of the Gospel and the letters of Paul; three are of particular interest. The first is the Command given by Jesus:
Hear O Israel: The LORD our God is one Lord. (Mk 12:29)
And two from Paul: And as many as walk according to this rule, peace on them and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. (Gal 6:16)
Not as though the word of God has taken none effect; for they are not all Israel which are of Israel. (Rom 9:6)
With the Zionist State taking centre stage, there is another Israel quietly coming into view. Not a Church bound in Christian tradition or the Law of Moses, but a hidden people found in the Law of Faith, the very same Israel Paul wrote of: not of works, but of the Spirit.
They keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus. (Rev 14:12)
They have come out the Churches into a direct and personal faith in Jesus Christ. They stand upon the Rock, the Apostles and Prophets, and the unleavened bread of the Ever-Living God.
The LORD’S Israel, believes the Word of God is faithful and true. They believe the Bible is a full and inspired testimony; the first announces the latter, the latter completes the former.
They believe Isaiah who declared; Jesus is the Mighty God and Everlasting Father
And Peter who affirmed, Jesus is both LORD and Christ
And Paul who agreed: thy throne, O God forever and ever: the sceptre of righteousness the sceptre of thy Kingdom. (Heb 1:8) Theirs is a kingdom secured in Repentance, the Blood, and the Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ. So, what does this all mean? Simply this:
There is an Israel of flesh and bone, which carries with it no salvation, and the Israel of God that carries with it every Salvation.
The thing for us to now decide is where is our time best spent? For my part it’s pretty straightforward. How about you?
Note: When Jesus gave us the Command we see in Mark it began with the word ‘Hear.’ This does not simply mean listen, it runs much deeper than that. It is a trumpet call to those He knows; my sheep hear my voice, and I know them and they follow me. (Jon 10:27) Only the LORD’S Israel will recognise it, for as we have seen “not all Israel is of Israel.” This means the Spiritual over the physical, which Paul discusses in Romans: that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (Rom 8:4) Here, he is speaking of that important Law of Faith. Notice also the use caps in reference to the LORD’S Salvation. When writing in this way, Paul means the Spirit of Christ, as did Peter, John and Jude in their letters.
HRM
The Hebrew Roots Movement is one of those dangerous inventions that will take you straight to perdition. Following the Sacred Name of the 1930’s, it is the belief that one needs to essentially discard traditional ideas about Jesus in order to (1) fully understand the Divine Spirit (2) call God by the ‘right and proper’ name in order to secure salvation and (3) that only Hebrew conveys the truth of deity. It is a trap for the unacquainted.
But one thing I do like about HRM; their flawed ideas can be easily dismantled.
When we render the Greek Iesous Christos to English, we get Jesus Christ. In Latin it is Iesus Christus, all three mean the LORD’S Salvation. So, their contention the use of Latin corrupted the name ‘Jesus’ falls down when nuance and intent is the same. The versions they prefer are Yashua and Yahashua. Yet, there is no evidence Jesus was called by these names in His native Aramaic; though likely Joshua by his parents. We can only go by the record given, and not give in to assumption. We do know, He was called master, teacher, rabbi and Lord by His disciples, Lord by people in need, and on one occasion Son by His mother. (Luke 2:48)
But, the fundamental these people overlook; (or ignore) the Name was given to Mary by Gabriel, and to Joseph by the Angel of the LORD.
The name JESUS existed prior to the overshadowing of the Holy Ghost before He came in human form, being as it was, “given out of Heaven.” (Luke 2:21)
So, let’s read the following verse from John very carefully, and then read it again. LORD willing, you might see something wonderful. And every spirit that confesses not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: (1John 4:3)
And I will bring the blind by a way they knew not; I will lead them in paths they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them. (Isa 42:16)
Another disturbing feature of this movement is its allegiance to the Zionist State; towing the party line while denying the history of Palestine. They actively encourage Hebrew as the basis of ‘a new and enlightened’ Christian way. What they don’t tell you, the Torah they uphold is the Babylonian Torah SheBeal Peh, not the inspired works of Moses. They also fail to inform you their flawed path will take you directly into law and works. The Talmud includes the Mishnah and Gemara; (Rabbinical works) no place for a Christian to spend any time looking for a reason for their faith. Our reason is the LORD Jesus Christ. There is no justification to regard them as they are not of Christ’s Spirit.
The ‘isms’
There are several branches of theology, which have become the root of conflict within the wider Church; the majority have come to the fore within the last few hundred years. The most familiar is Dispensationalism.
Each ‘ism’ is based in a particular view or study of the Bible, which puts aside the central message of the whole.
Millennialism, Dispensationalism and Futurism all take us down that path to confusion. There is no gain to be had in those things, which lead us into conflict, pitting one against the other. There is no knowledge or wisdom to supplant faith.
And yet, we see contention over faith in the diverse beliefs existing today. So, let us look briefly into this cause of trouble, which has its beginnings at the time of the Reformation. The notion of Futurism came by way of Jesuit Francisco Ribera, who moved prophesies concerning the ‘man of sin’ and ‘the antichrist’ into the future. That, opposed to Cranmer and Knox, the Man of Sin could not be found in the Seat of Papacy thus pointing the finger away from Rome; we should instead await a Jew who would come in power to make war with the saints.
Yet, in the depths of their mutual loathing, both sides were wonderfully wrong.
Futurism has become the mainstay of Millennialism. Whether Christ will return prior or after; whether rapture will occur, how, when, and for whom, has built for us a shackle when none of it matters, Jesus will call us home when He’s ready. But, we see people arguing the Word each claiming the high ground in this cruel deception. It is not for us to guess the mind of God, when we are given ample for the road. We become blinded to the truth of faith and should consider: that we be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, 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. (Eph 4:14-15)
The ‘isms’ are a covering for those, like Thomas in search for proof over faith. While we are told to test everything, we are not to tempt God as Moses said: like Ahaz who stated I will not ask; neither will I tempt the LORD. (Isa 7:12) We are given what we need; so to pull apart Scripture looking for riches is a thing to be pitied when the treasure is plain in that gift crucified.
Why add confusion by walking down mistaken roads? Why diminish His glory when the LORD is sufficient? The prospering then is for us to choose by faith or fault; as did Thomas, who in the end declared, my LORD and my God revealing the truth and splendour of Jesus Christ.
So shall my word be that goes forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper whereto I sent it. (Isa 55:11)
In love and peace as always,
James