Have I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth? Gal 4:16

Do not judge according to appearance, but ►judge with righteous judgment. John 5:24

Have any of you experienced being un-friended on Facebook by someone who is angry or maybe disillusioned with you speaking the truth? Or blocked by them?

Or (this one is harder for me), maybe you had to block them in order to protect others from their confusing teaching or their railing ways?

Have you been called a false teacher? Maybe even been called something that shocked you? (Jezebel seems to be the one that I most often get called, and usually by loadship, lawkeepers or fundamentalist KJVO pastors).  Sadly even well meaning sheep bite or disrupt contending earnestly for the faith once delivered.  Do what you do unto Him and not for their approval, but expect kickback.  Don’t be surprised, you can rejoice if what you have done is what the Word asks.

If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.   Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.  1 Pet 4:11-13

Facebook attackers

Have you been railed against by these types? Called names, rejected, or gossiped about for speaking against error? Maybe some well meaning friends who try to get in between you and someone you may be earnestly contending with concerning the faith?

RAISING MY HAND!

► Have you been told you maybe are too judgmental or condemning?

YEP AND DEFINITELY YEP.

► Have they discerned your motives and found them wanting?

Such as:

• You always try to witch hunt to find something wrong!
• You think you know it all and everyone else is wrong but you!
• What makes you so perfect?!
• You think you are so smart, well you are not!
• You have a spirit of witchcraft! (yes by one who said I was teaching falsely for saying we receive eternal life and it is EVERLASTING and we can never lose it.)
• You have a Jezebel spirit!
• You don’t have God’s Spirit in you!
• You are unsaved!
• God hates you!
• You are a slanderer, a false accuser, a hater.
• You have an air of superiority.

All these and more….but are they Biblical rebukes?

UPDATE: One of my recent ‘favorites’, is when my friend Kimberrly and I were called ‘whores of grace’ for using the Word only to stand against law keepers.

Another very shocking one, was a KJVO pastor (not KJV preferred, but one who insists KJV is the only inspired Bible — not the original languages, and that anyone who reads another is Satanic or not saved). This railing pastor told me I should ‘shut my trap’, and to ‘blow it out your nose Jezebel’, and ‘this is why women should stay silent’.  Why? Because I had the audacity to nicely tell my friend, that if she’d like to know more about the problematic areas of Gail Riplinger (and her teaching on double inspiration, I’d happily share with her).  I warned her to please be careful of sharing her posts, that it actually ends up maligning an excellent translation vs. helping it.  The irony of this pastor?  He was using one verse to shut me up while ignoring his usage of it with Gail Riplinger. The saddest part was my ‘friend’ blocked me. She saw the railing from this ‘pastor’ and at the same time she also saw I didn’t return railing for railing. Yet she blocked me…

This was shortly followed by another ‘teacher’ of a Facebook group, who didn’t want me starting a ‘feminist movement’ by daring to respectfully ask him about what he might be adding to the gospel (in public). He also called me Jezebel along with telling me to only address women and not address the men in the group. (Oddly, they were all talking to other women just fine, until I spoke about the possible problems with their lack of clarity of the gospel).

Facebook ‘Frienemies’

But I think the hardest ones to deal with are the ones who pretend to be your friend (or they possibly were and turned). For awhile they pretend to share the right doctrine, but later you find out they’ve been subtly sneaking around in private emails — gossiping, maligning the way, forbidding others to meet with you just like Diotrephes.

One legalist woman was trying to trip up a young one told her she had to ‘choose between Holly or me’.  I was with Adam, (this was shortly after his Traumatic Brain Injury). This young believer called me weeping, telling me she didn’t know if she was saved any more. This older woman had taken to calling her and subtly deceiving her about whether or not she was a true believer. At the same time we were to find she was doing this to many others. Several came forward that day to share this woman was sadly making them doubt their salvation by fruit inspection (or looking at their own behavior for proof of salvation). This is why we warn today about the Friends/Enemies (frienemies) of the gospel.  People who believe their doctrine is Biblical truth will hold it open to public scrutiny, they won’t keep the truth in secret and tell others not to tell.

Facebook lordship teachers (loadshippers)

They tell others I/we ‘take grace too far’, and suggest we are just ‘licentious’. Again, I don’t mind so much for myself, I do care about the ones they make stumble. Or they go behind the scenes to question the fact you are ‘always arguing’. Some I am sure are well meaning. They think they are making peace or keeping unity. We can only have unity in truth (Eph 4:11-16). Real love does not rejoice in a lie. We can contend without being contentious (Jude 3;Col 4:5-6), that is very important. Pray and ask the Lord for help in each thing we do and everything we say.  We need to note the difference between a tare, a bewitched believer, a railing sheep or a wolf (Matt 13:28-29; Gal 3:1-5; 1 Cor 5:11; 1 Peter 3:8-10; Matt 7:15-23).

Paul warned day and night in tears for three years (Acts 20:25-32). I wonder how many of his friends told him he was too nitpicky? Or that he was on a witchhunt? Or that somehow he was offending a ‘brother’? Can you imagine the elder’s retorting, ‘can’t we all just get along and stop being so judgmental’?

Have you also experienced some of these things on FB? Has it wounded you? Jesus was wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities. He knows, He cares. A man of sorrows, acquainted with grief (Is 53:3-4). We love because He first loved us (1 John 4:19). Best thing we can do is firmly and lovingly stand in His truth and not allow others to change His truth or to lie about who He is. Because we love Him.

Truly it seems unbelievable as we go through it, but this is a spiritual war we need to be aware of.

For there must also be factions among you, that those who are approved may be recognized among you.  1 Cor 11:19

And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; that ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ.  Phil 1:9-10

More Facebook Frienemy stories

► One friend (who unfriended me) said she viewed that some of us who were speaking the truth regarding false gospels, as “divisive” and “grieving to the Holy Spirit” (in her humble opinion).

► Another friend (after I touched her sacred cows — John MacArthur, Paul Washer and Ray Comfort), emailed me and asked if I listened to anyone but myself, (since I was ‘attacking godly men now). I asked her if she would be willing to use the Word to correct me, showing me where I was wrong, and I would listen. She declined to do so. I also suggested she take it to the public as she was required to do if I was teaching falsely or accusing an elder falsely, she should rebuke me before all. She declined.  (By the way she was a pastor’s wife). And many will not take their words before all, because they’d rather keep their words in the dark, in secret. But these things generally come out at some point — and if not, they will in that day.

►Two friends, both on the opposite sides of the false coin (Calvinism and Arminianism) came together on works proving whether one was saved. They determined together in public (after much laughter and mocking) that I was reprobate, never born again.

This is sad for those watching and sad for those who say/do these things. Pray for them.

What is our responsibility with these Facebook Frienemies?

Unfortunately I could share hundreds of these stories.  I don’t tell you for me, I tell you for your comfort. 

What should be our response?

We know we don’t return railing or reviling with the same. We should use sound speech that cannot be condemned anytime we speak (Titus 2:7-8). Also what’s really important is the remembrance that the unsaved are watching (Col 4:5-6).  They are looking for integrity of what we believe and yet we know we need our speech to be seasoned with salt and grace.  Is ours?

We can pray for these enemies and forgive them for the wrongs to us (Matt 5:44). But it is NOT our place to give them a pass for their doctrine, or to let the wolves in to ravage the sheep. It’s not our place to allow compromise of God’s Word and then turn around and call them brother.  May I ask you, how can you know they are a brother if they have a false gospel? How can we know they aren’t? It’s God who will judge, but if you haven’t heard them proclaim a sound gospel, I don’t think I’d be declaring they ARE saved.

It is necessary they respond to the false teaching (as did Peter, Barnabas and James). But sometimes like Diotrephes or Alexander, Philetus, Hymenaeus etc., they may need named in order to keep others in the body from being hurt, and to protect any of our loved ones from hearing them.  

Brethren I beseech you…

We need to not only avoid the false doctrine, but if we love we are to warn others. It is the entire body of Christ’s mandate even though many do not obey, they are more comfortable letting sleeping dogs lie. And what is the consequence? The heart of the simple are deceived.

Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.  For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.  Rom 16:17-18

We are reminded in His Word of those who will corrupt others by their evil communications. We are not to bear with those who bring another gospel or another Jesus (2 Cor 11:3-4). Consider what that means when you defend one of these who are doing just that. 

Why do you defend the false?

Or why are you unwilling to hear if your favorite televangelist or crusader has a gospel that is tainted?
There is no making peace with a false gospel. If one is divisive we don’t spend hours trying to friend them, we warn them a couple of times and we should end it- Titus 3:10-11; (speaking to myself
here, I usually tarry too long with them). 

It’s odd how hard and how viciously people will fight to keep these traditions, false doctrine, and cankers in their life. They must not have stopped to ask:

• Are these traditions and experiences keeping others from finding Him?  
• Are they keeping me in bondage?  In fear?
• Are they bewitched, bewitching me or others?
• Or have they possibly not understood the gospel themselves?

We can’t know, but one thing we cannot do is make excuses for them and allow the leaven in. Jesus told us to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees. You don’t want to mark and avoid? Want to make peace with them or just get along? It will cost you and it will hurt others.

Traditional Strongholds in doctrine

Here is a list of what seems to be some pretty vehemently fought for strongholds. Continue answering with ‘It is written’.

► Loadship (lordship) doctrine – where you ‘make Jesus Lord and surrender fully or completely’.  Often you must ‘turn from sin’ in their gospel.  You prove you are saved by your works — like the RC church, they love to cite James 2, and somehow can’t reconcile that it doesn’t line up with Rom 4:4-5, 11:6, Eph 2:8-9, Gal 2:16, 3:1-5.  This is one of the most carnal of teachings, even though they would insist otherwise.  It is ME-ism, and whether they give God the glory, they are revelling in the flesh.  They commend themselves and measure themselves by others.

For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.  2 Cor 10:12

► Meaning of Repentance –  They wrongly teach that ‘Repent’ means ‘turn from your sins’ or ‘stop sinning’. (What does Repent mean?)

►  Anti OSAS – You can lose your salvation –  They may never have believed eternal life is the free gift we receive (Rom 6:23), and still somehow they think they have believed the gospel.  What have they been saved from?  How is He then their Savior? (Is OSAS true?)

► KJVO Cult thinking – Again this is not to be confused with those who only use KJV translation, or those who prefer the AKJV, or preach only with it. This is speaking of those who call any other translation a satanic version, misrepresent ‘omissions’ and even go so far to say you cannot be saved unless you use it alone.

► Lawkeepers, Hebrew Roots, Judaizers – This is not to be confused with a Jewish believer, Messianic believer or Completed Jew, although they do sometimes use those titles. Some go as far to only meet with other Jewish believers, keep the law and focus only on the Torah. The entire Bible is necessary for us (2 Tim 3:16-17)

► Legalists – non Jewish law keepers – This can be all sorts of movements, but they have certain beliefs about holidays, Sabbaths, wine or drinking of any kind, dress (not speaking of modest dress, but such as teach a woman must wear dresses or they are less spiritual, or showing your leg above the knee is the same as being nude). They impose their conscience on others. Some go as far as to gossip, name call, verbally abuse or reject women who do not abide by their standards.

Pray for them but let them go so they don’t hurt others

I share this for those who are hurting from stinging comments as you truly are trying to contend for the faith once delivered. Not because you think you are anything, but because someone fought to preserve the truth before us, and because the Word instructs us to do the same!  We should do only it because we love Him, and we were saved by the truth, the only gospel.  We should want to do what He asks of us, and so we cannot stand by and see the gospel changed.  I can’t stay quiet when I see a different Jesus preached either (Jude 3; 2 Cor 11:3-4; Gal 3:1-5).  Hang in there, some may need to go from our lives, some others may be listening.  Some may be carnal biting and devouring sheep.  Some may be well intentioned but just not well informed on what the Word says.   Be patient with them but as you deal with all remember we are only called to stand with our armor on, using the Word.

Well meaning friends 

They may not understand the importance of the discernment between truth and error, and may even hurt you with their own words (knowingly or otherwise). Some helpfully email you to correct you with their own words about your ‘attacks’ or ‘bad timing’ or whatever they deem you need to fix. Just tell them you are willing to hear correction with His Word publicly.  If they have not come to you in a spirit of gentleness, showing you meekly in God’s Word where you have erred, it is possible that it’s best you do not spend too much time listening to them. When you don’t hear their opinions, they may shun you or even others who just associate with you (I liken this to the Diotrephes complex). Like the one who called and emailed some young believers, trying to trip them up with what they must do in order to know they were saved. She praised herself for always being convicted by her sin, and this is how she ‘proved’ she was saved.

“I ALWAYS knew I was doing wrong. I always had discernment, too. Isn’t that amazing? Even when steeped in sin, I recognized that Benny Hinn was a fraud.”

“I discerned the false nearly always when I was living in sin.”

We can’t let people use their experience to explain what the gospel ‘really’ is.  Recently yet another came to me to tell of a similar story with this woman. Young friends in Christ, PLEASE be careful of those who come to you in private over doctrine. Keep your armor on, tell them to keep it in public (likely at that point the one in error will get angry instead of willingly speaking of their doctrine in public).

Facebook Detractors

Do all you do as unto the Lord, you will always have those who disagree with you. One ‘friend’ recently let someone else know in an unsolicited email of the error of my thinking. When she asked what the error was, he just kept alluding to it, without flat out naming it. The other friend was astute enough to tell him that what he was doing, that the Bible calls this gossip, slander, false accusing, etc. 

Others go to people just to gather support with the fact they think you are in error, or you argue too much, or ____________(fill in the blank). But many do not know how to deal with this. Look, most of the time you’re never even going to know. If you do know, try to take it up with them, go to them, and if they won’t hear bring in some others. Often they’ll ignore you, unfriend you, block you or drag others to their corner.  But does it really matter, He knows? Pray for them. We don’t prove ourselves to them, our desire should be to do as He asks.

Facebook Pharisees

► Have you been called a Pharisee?

Afraid so…many times actually, and simply for using the Word while contending earnestly for the faith. One time just for enjoying putting the Word on my page with a Bible verse picture of Psalms, and some complementary Psalms. I absolutely believe we should always be speaking His truth in love and always keeping our speech seasoned with grace and salt.

They might find out what many of the Pharisees were all about. Most Pharisee’s did not have God’s Word abiding in them. Nor did they come to Jesus that they might have life. I have, He did it all, I believed the testimony of Him in the Scriptures.

But you do not have His word abiding in you, because whom He sent, Him you do not believe.  You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.  John 5:38-40

► Have you been asked for a list of who you approve since you find wrong with so many?

Yes, many times.  

► Ever been told “nobody’s perfect”?  Or “who is perfect in your eyes”? Or, you are “too nitpicky”, or “these are not ‘essential’ doctrines”?

The Bible tells us: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works  2 Tim 3:16-17

We are always growing and should want to be refined.  If we have more refined speech and wisdom, we reach more for Christ. So always pray with each incident, and if you are speaking His truth they will come. It never hurts to ask the Lord if there is any truth in anything at all someone has said to you. Maybe you used sarcasm, or went to the motives of the person you were “proving”? Maybe your tone was harsh. We can all continue to learn. Be careful to stick with doctrine. Maybe you forgot to pray with each post. Maybe you got a little in the flesh. But, it also may be nothing at all but the enemy.  

Pray and let the Lord direct you what is truth from His Word, and what is the accusation of the enemy. Ask the Lord to rebuke the enemy on your behalf. Trust Him to do so, and let it go, let them go into His hands. 

Remember: If someone corrects you, it should be rightly using His Word not their opinion. And if they haven’t used His Word in context to do it, then you will know when you are in prayer and ‘searching to see if these things are so’ that it likely is not the voice of your Shepherd.

► Distractions – Don’t allow them for long. Ever had a friend take up your time on ‘correcting you’ with verses that do not apply, or a list of verses by topic such as repentance (unwilling to discuss them or context)?   Or even correcting you solely their opinion or experience?   They seem intent on telling you what you are doing wrong by making their case incorrectly, without God’s Word, with out being slow to speak and quick to listen, slow to wrath.  Learn to not allow them to take over the conversation, to mislead others, think of Galatians 2:4-5, Acts 20:25-32.  they come in from among us

►This particular piece of advice took me a long time to figure out… years in fact. We have to determine when to say, “let’s do this out in the open“, (and many times they will not), but if they are right, they should be willing to speak their piece in public if you have asked them to. Doctrine should be out in the open, unless someone is just asking your opinion of a passage and wants to know. But if they are stirring the pot, trying to create strife, do not entertain them long, they are condemned themselves.

We should not mind being corrected in public if our error has been made there, it is for the benefit of all. We should be willing to publicly admit when we have been wrong. After all, this is about God’s truth, not about winning or being right. This is why if they disagree with something we have said in public, it should be done also in public. Else if I am wrong, how will others know?

PLUS:  It got to the point I had no one commenting in public and 15 of them emailing me that wanted answers… Can’t do it…Be wise as a serpent, but harmless as a dove…

► Ever had a well-doer come to ‘shush you up’, by telling everyone to “go to their corner of the ring?”  Or helpfully suggest that “you are overly critical” for comparing doctrine to Scripture? Or say “Can’t we all just get along” or, “everyone has their own interpretation”. Or maybe all of the above? And in ‘helping’, or thinking they are keeping the peace, they are actually causing more problems? Maybe ask them to show you where the Biblical line is for “marking” and “avoiding” (Rom 16:17-18). Ask them to please correct in specifics and not generalities, and remember WHO you are doing it for if it gets personal! It’s not about us, although He does care about us, and doesn’t expect us to put up with people like Diotrephes (3 John 1:9-11), call evil evil. And commend those like Demetrius who have a good report among the brethren, and regarding the truth (vs 12).

Remember, we all answer to Him, so do use wisdom, and while contending, do not get caught up in contentiousness. Remember this is a spiritual battle, not about personality/flesh. In addition, we have to think on who is watching the discussion (Col 4:5-6). Also those who are overtly works or lawkeepers, don’t give them too much time if they are arguing and unwilling to discuss (Gal 2:4-5).

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.  Ephesians 5:11

But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.  I Pet 3:14-16

Another friend I had for quite some time, shared that some of us were “too rigid or too legalistic in our guidelines for what is and is not faith.” She also helpfully let us know that we were “too ready to come off as condemning anything that runs counter to their/my ‘pure’ concept of faith.”  ( This was in regards to our concerns with the Catholic Ecumenism and mystical associations of Greg Laurie and the David Crowder band and others in the whole Harvest Crusade (and upcoming Elephant Room III and the Resurgence conference). She blocked me after she gave me those opinions and some of the others she was speaking to.

Yet another said, “I believe if you believe in Jesus you belong with me.   It doesn’t matter if you were dipped or sprinkled.”  That may be a clever retort, but the sad fact is, if one believes being a Catholic and seven sacraments can save them, they are bound for hell, and we do them no favors by being witty as we see them perishing. If we believe upon Jesus Christ as our Savior (and nothing else), who He is and what He has done (Christ and Him crucified), then we are possess eternal life no matter what errant church we may attend.

One MUST believe UPON Jesus Christ and His work on Calvary in our place in order to be saved. And nothing added on top. One can’t simply say I believe in Jesus but to be saved I believe I must do this_______________ also.  

We must place our faith in Jesus as the only Savior, not works + Jesus. We cannot believe what we want, or proclaim others are saved by what they want to believe; we must go by the Word.  

Disclaimer: I do not believe we should judge whether someone has once believed unto salvation. The Lord knows. But if we doubt, we might do best to lovingly share the gospel.

Dear friends, His Word says this….

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.  1 John 4:1

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,  without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.  2 Tim 3:1-5

What is the power of godliness?  Please look up Rom 1:16-17, and 1 Cor 1:18, it is THE GOSPEL!

Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.  Jude 3

Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.  Matt 10:16

These things should be openly discussed, there are many men/women who go about as if they are one of us, and MANY will follow their destructive ways… And what is the consequence?  Many lives will be lost, so press on in prayer and in love for the deceived.

The Way of Truth will be Blasphemed

But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed.  2 Pet 2:1-2

As Paul said, I am not injured at all, (Gal 4) this is not about us, but about the truth of God’s Word being compromised, and the truth of what it means to be saved, is being lied about by these men.  Some may be sincere, but I do believe they are sincerely wrong or I would have not spoken up.  We need to tremble at His Word.  I do not want my words or opinion above His.

So I have to beg to differ with these people and continue; It does not matter what “we believe” if it is not what God’s Word says.   Best to continue to answer, “It is Written”.

In ecumenism, we have the compromising and twisting and changing the truth of God’s Word; the tactic of the enemy apparent.  “Did God really say that”? (“Yea, Hath God said”? or “Has God indeed said”?)

We MUST go to the Word for the truth not our own feelings or beliefs. 

The Catholic Church teaches you that being dipped is just one part of their seven sacraments necessary for salvation.  They have added many works to the free gift of salvation.  Therefore they are preaching a different gospel, a different Jesus, it is just that simple!

• Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.  2 Tim 4:2

And David Crowder’s Eucharist, is an unbiblical Catholic teaching, that Jesus is alive in the wafer, and being sacrificed once again.  (This one infuriated another FB past friend, who is ‘personal friends’ with Crowder and I was accused of gossiping on this one), although it was entirely in public with truth, so not sure how that equates.

Again, public error is to be rebuked publicly so that all may fear, so people will remain sound in the faith, so people will not be led away with error, or others to their death while we remain silent.

To which regarding this false teaching, His Word says to us who believe:

• By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

And to those who still attend the MASS who are believers? It’s worthless, and if you ever knew Him, you are trampling the Son of God under your feet.  You are counting His blood of the covenant by which you were sanctified a common thing, and you are insulting the Spirit of Grace (Heb 10).  If you are non believers, the Mass will never save.

• And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.  

HIS WORD CONTINUES: 

• But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool.For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.  Heb 10:10-14

The Eucharist is a lie, and a false teaching that will lead our loved ones and friends to their eternal death in hell.

I beseech my friends who I am sure are well meaning and also feel they are more loving…  The same ones who spit out the bones and keep the so-called meat, I ask you to PLEASE consider…Who are you to compromise His Word?   It is NOT your truth to change or compromise, or water down or pick and choose what is acceptable to share.

ONLY HIS TRUTH WILL SET ANYONE FREE…. (John 8:32)

PLEASE PEOPLE!  Do NOT compromise God’s Word to make it more acceptable for another to swallow.  Do not call Catholicism Christian, Mormonism Christian, it is not…
And all you are doing is hastening them to the moment they will hear,

“I never KNEW you, depart from me”…

And they’ll be justifying themselves by their works of the Seven Sacraments.  Or the Jehovah’s Witnesses by their good deeds.  They NEED to do the works of God (Jn. 6:28-29) and they NEED to do the Will of the Father. (Jh. 6:38-40)

Deliver them!  Tell them the truth! They are being led to the slaughter. (Pr 24:11-12)

As we contend for the faith, we must consider many things.

Let’s prayerfully examine ourselves, be sure we have done our homework in order to not bring any false accusations, put our armor on before we start, and follow the example of I Tim 5:19-20, make sure whatever the problem may be is witnessed, but once it has been witnessed, rebuke or name in the presence of all...  (Keep in mind we do not know their motives, nor their end if they should repent-change their mind…)

(See also Titus 1:12-14; Peter and Barnabas called out in Gal 2:11-21; Romans 16:17-18; Hymenaeus and Alexander –I Tim 1:18-20; Philetus also –2 Tim 2:16-18, and Diotrephes 3 John 1:9-11)

WHY do we do this?  Because….

They SHIPWRECK the faith of others.

Their Message spreads like a CANCER.

They are NOT straightforward about the TRUTH of the gospel.

They are overthrowing the faith of some.

They prate with malicious words, causing some to imitate evil.

They do not serve the Lord, and they deceive the hearts of the simple.

They blaspheme the way of truth.

They cost unbelievers their eternal life.

ASSOCIATIONS: They share in their evil deeds.

We remember that we do not receive an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses.   Any false teaching made in public HAS been witnessed.

Here are some passages that come to mind that we should abide by as we contend for the faith once delivered.

1)  Sound speech that cannot be condemned, our doctrine must show integrity.

In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.  Titus 2:7-8

2)  We must use wisdom and speech that has both grace and salt (truth and preservation).  Col 4:5-6

3)  Speaking the truth in love for so many reasons.  Eph 4:12-16

4)  Associations matter, do not share in their evil deeds.  (2 John 1:9-11)

5)  Who is actually divisive?  See Romans 16:17-18 (contrary gospel) and Titus 3:9-11 (heretic) along with Jude 1:18-19 (mockers, sensual, not having the Spirit)

6)  What are divisions and real contentions? How we avoid those?  The answer is found in I Cor 1; We need to be of the same mind and judgment. There is only one place to find that mind and judgment…TRUTH.  We rejoice ONLY in Truth (1 Cor 13:6) Let’s reason together with His Word.  (Which reminds me, one of the ones that called me a Pharisee, also used the Clanging cymbal charge 🙂

7)  Carnality is another reason for contentions.  Let’s make sure we’re not battling in the flesh, or because of jealousy or even pride in our spirituality, let us do nothing through vain ambition or conceit.  We definitely do not want God resisting us.

8)  Being out of the Meat of His Word will keep people from knowing the difference between good and evil.   Being undiscerning is not good. (Rom 1:31) Keep up the good fight of faith, keep your senses exercised in His Word. (Heb 5:12-14)

9)  Don’t judge others in hypocrisy, do remove the beam out of your own eye before attempting to remove the splinter from theirs.  But we are to make judgments.  This is not about comparing someone to us, but holding up their doctrine to the light of His Word.  1 Thess 5:21; 1 Tim 4:16; 1 John 4:1

10) Jesus said for us to Judge with a righteous judgment.  So use His Word to Judge. Jn. 7:24

11) Contend without being contentious.

But if anyone seems to be contentious, we have no such custom, nor do the churches of God.  1 Cor 11:16

12) Real Unity comes from sound doctrine and the knowledge of the Son of God which comes from His Word and sound counsel from others who teach it.  Eph 4:13-16

Here is a good example of what things can get in the way of people seeing the truth.

• Except from Ron Graham’s commentary a couple of days ago: “The Holy Spirit is avidly and actively seeking to open the eyes of the children of God to His truth. But many times something gets in the way. Call it presupposition, preconceived ideas, or pride – these are all punctuated by false teaching. Let it be known that there is a force in this world that seeks to stumble Christians, and thus instills divisiveness as many stand steadfast on falsehoods in lieu of the truth. God’s word is our only reliable counsel; allowing ourselves to be taught by Him is the ultimate in devotion.”

So I ask, is it the person whose stand is steadfast on truth, or the one who stands with falsehoods that is causing divisions?

Let’s be SURE we are standing on the truth of God’s Word.  And before we say that someone else is grieving the Spirit, let us also be sure WHAT it is that causes us to grieve the Holy Spirit. 

• REBELLION – Isaiah 63:10
• LYING – Eph 4:25
• CORRUPT WORDS
• LACK OF EDIFICATION
• LACK OF GRACE
• BITTERNESS
• WRATH
• ANGER
• CLAMOR
• EVIL SPEAKING
• LACK OF KINDNESS
• LACK OF TENDER HEART
• LACK OF FORGIVENESS
• PRIDE
• LACK OF HUMILITY OR FEIGNED HUMILITY

Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.  And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.  Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.  And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.  Eph 4:29-32

Something we all would do well to remember…

• Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” I Pet 5:5

And so, dear family in Christ, we will be un-friended, blocked, gossiped about, hated, and reviled, and cursed, and more…  REJOICE!  Assuming that it is because we have spoken the truth, and that we have spoken it the right way.  We want to be gentle to ALL men (2 Tim 2:23-26).

For those who lie against us and say all manner of false things against us?  Pray for them, ask the Lord to bless them when they come to mind.  I know it personally is not easy as you see them go about to stir up strife and trouble.

I have been called an antichrist, a blasphemer, a heretic, a witch-hunter, a cult leader, loveless, heartless, judgmental, rigid, and more….

As long as I am doing it prayerfully unto the Lord, and in obedience to His Word, and in order to please Him and no man or woman, I am on solid ground.

TO THE PASTORS WHO DISOBEY GOD’S WORD AND ASSOCIATE ECUMENICALLY IN THE PULPIT WITH THOSE WHO DO NOT PREACH THE TRUE GOSPEL.  OR THOSE WHO CHANGE OR WATER DOWN HIS WORD. 

Let God’s Word rebuke you.

Besides 2 John 1:9-11 quoted above, here are a few others to consider:

• Yes, they are greedy dogs Which never have enough. And they are shepherds Who cannot understand; They all look to their own way, Every one for his own gain, From his own territory.  Isaiah 56:11
• But to the wicked God says: “What right have you to declare My statutes, or take My covenant in your mouth, Seeing you hate instruction and cast My words behind you? Psalm 50:16-17
• Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?  And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever?  And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people.”  Therefore “Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.” “I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Cor 6:14-18
• If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself. I Tim 6:3-5
• We are to take heed to the doctrine for a reason: Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you. I Tim 4:16  

 TO THE BELIEVERS WHO DEFEND THEM WITHOUT DOING THEIR OWN “PROVING OF ALL THINGS”.  

HOW IMPORTANT IS A LOVE OF THE TRUTH?

• Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.  2 Thess 2:9-12

WHY ARE WE ALL CALLED TO DO THIS?

SO WE CAN CUT OFF THEIR OPPORTUNITY TO LEAD OTHERS ASTRAY TO THEIR DEATHS…

But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works. 2 Cor 11:12-15

FOR MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS WHO CONTEND FOR THE FAITH WITH ME:

Remember what is important for us… The needful thing.   Luke 10:38-42 and Psalm 119:24-28, Jeremiah 31:25

© Copyright 2012 by Holly Garcia

by Holly S. Garcia