Tag: jesus

Recently, I woke up one morning with Galatians 2:5 weighing heavily upon my heart.

“But we did not yield in subjection to them, even for an hour, so that the truth of the gospel would remain with you.”

The sudden remembrance and force of this verse shook me up a bit. For one, the compelling need to meditate upon it in the past had meant some very serious upcoming spiritual battles. Although I had not even thought of that particular verse for quite some time, I then began to take it into very serious consideration again.

As it turns out, by God’s divine providence, that very day I ended up having a major conversation with someone for around two hours, in which I was being pressured to yield and basically think that I might have the gospel wrong, and that the Bible was questionable. And the gist was that if I didn’t admit that I could be wrong, then I was “unteachable and prideful.”

Because this is exactly how certain gurus are training people to treat us and what certain gurus are telling people to think about “Calvinists” who believe Jesus is a complete Savior Who accomplished a complete salvation for actual people He knew He was interceding and dying for (e.g., Jn. 17).

For just one piece of evidence…see: Does Provisionism lead to Open Theism? | Leighton Flowers | Soteriology 101

Anyway, again, Galatians 2:5 came immediately to mind. And by His grace alone, I didn’t yield. Not even for an hour! I had encountered this dilemma many times before. So, I can immediately discern the difference between those who truly try to edify the saints, and those who are sent out to try to shipwreck their faith with unlearned questions that are tailored to cause depression, doubt and a weakening of faith in the true gospel.

By the way, I titled the twenty-eighth chapter of my first book “Open Theism Opens the Door to Doubt” for a reason….. But I digress.

Although I confessed that I could be wrong about many things, I.. calmly, with meekness and fear, softly and slowly ….spoke the fact that I knew the gospel wasn’t wrong, and that I knew a hypothetical atonement (that must be activated and can therefore likewise be un-activated by us) could not be right, or else no one could ever be saved.

I was then asked what the gospel even was, to which I replied… “the gospel is all about what God has done in Christ to save sinners. ALL that He has done. And that that ALL was being hidden from me when I was in the CoC cult.  Finally, they frustratingly replied, “We are getting nowhere.” And so, they abruptly ended the conversation. Leaving me thinking… “what just happened?”

I then began to think to myself….. “Where exactly was they hoping to get with me?!?!” Then it hit me. Eeeek! It seems that God seen fit to let me be tested again. But by His grace alone, I didn’t yield to the temptation to doubt the truth that God has grounded me in all these years. And no, it’s NOT because of their projection of me being the one that’s “unteachable” or that I was the one being “prideful.” On the contrary, it’s because God has put it in me to make sure the gospel continues to be faithfully upheld by His people in all of its magnificent fullness and beauty.

Just imagine Paul saying to the Judaizers in Galatia… “Oh, well, I guess I could be wrong about the gospel. Let’s all just try to get along, put our differences aside, and start putting our own private interpretations on all God has revealed in Christ, and just let His truth be bandied about casually instead us being “stupidly dogmatic.”                    

NO, NO, and NO!!

Paul stood strongly against false gospels and against false portrayals of Jesus, even when it came to confronting his very own side-kick, Peter. But thankfully, Peter didn’t take it personally or try to discredit Paul’s ministry for calling out his dissimulation and defection. Instead, he began supporting him even more.

Yet, it’s ironic that I’m often falsely accused of “breaching confidential information” that I never even signed up to keep confidential! For one, I will not be cowered and intimidated to “be a respecter of persons” and remain silent about biblical issues that are affecting many people. I will also not passively allow my conscience to be bound by those who have no biblical precedent for trying to do so.

Only the supremacy of God’s Word is binding upon my conscience. Not the made-up-doctrines-and-commands of those who think they can go around ranting, raving and slandering “Calvinists” with impunity. Though, my love for others has discreetly “covered a multitude” of such sins, even in social work we could breach a so-called “code of silence” when we felt a real, legitimate need to do so.

Much more so now, I have a biblical precedent for doing so, especially when someone hypocritically projects their own breach of privacy onto me, while inadvertently exposing themselves and blaming me for it.

Just to be clear, everyone has a right to post general addresses to the general population that have been inspired by private conversations that they have with others. Especially when there are no names even attached! Even in the dedication section of my first book, I wrote that these were “spoils won in battles” (1 Chron. 26:27), private battles, in order to edify God’s people.

Even in the intro of my first book, I wrote the following….

“This insider approach avoids all speculation, and is biblically supported with a fair understanding and compassion toward all involved.  Although this is not an exhaustive account, the incidents, conversations and practices are real and accurately depicted.   

Legitimate, inside information, as well as supplemental CoC sources, are all used to reveal that “we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Eph. 6:12).

By “speaking the truth in love,” a clarifying distinction has been carefully made between the evil spirit behind the CoC system, and those who are captives of it, by reflecting only upon the deluding effects it has on those believing its lies, the abuse that occurs as a result, and how the gospel and those who proclaim it are marginalized and persecuted because of its deceptive errors.

What Paul felt concerning his fellow Jews, is how I feel toward those who are still captives in the CoC; my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. “For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge” (Rom. 10:1-2). 

Though many claim to know God, they are unable to biblically explain what He actually accomplished at the cross.  Many claim to believe Jesus is the Savior, and yet, they are unable to use possessive pronouns when it comes to confessing a complete trust in Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.

Many claim to believe the gospel, and yet, they betray their profession when they are unable to biblically define what the gospel even is! As a dire consequence, they end up simultaneously holding to beliefs that deny Jesus’ power to save and the true gospel He came to proclaim, which is equivalent to “having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof” (2 Tim. 3:5).”

End quote.

Although there are biblical precedents for warning others of defection in the camp, even by name, it’s been obvious over the years that I don’t particularly like to use that right. For one, I don’t even have to, because the responses that I often get in return speak volumes. Many end up unwittingly exposing themselves. Often even to my own surprise!!

One time, I even read a book review by someone saying I had basically personally attacked them. I was like…. “Who are you?… “I don’t even know you!”

Things just seem to always come out of the “woodwork” when I address certain biblical issues. Obviously, Paul experienced the same thing (2 Tim. 3:9). I cannot even count how many times this has happened in my own writing ministry.

To which I always reply…. “I hate to bust your bubble, but everything in this world is not all about you…… Yet… if the shoe fits, wear it.”

Don’t get me wrong. I don’t say that flippantly. I say it in all earnest. If people are that obsessed over their own public image and want to get offended and take everything personal, or if they know deep down that what they are saying and doing is so terribly wrong, then why even say or do it?

We are to speak and do only what is worthy of the gospel (Phil. 1:27). So we should be able to shout our words and deeds from the rooftops (Deut. 29:29, Mt. 10:27). And not mind if others do.

If people cannot back up what they are saying and doing with God’s Word, then don’t try to put a guilt-tripping-code-of-silence or muzzle on those of us who speak against it with all God-given authority.

Years ago, when my first book came out, I got some backlash from some who took certain sections as if they were attacks launched personally against them. They hadn’t even fathomed the fact that I had been having almost identical conversations with multiple people who were all going by the same script that they were.

So naturally, when there are multitudes of people going by the same worn-out script that their looked-up-to-leaders are indoctrinating them into, then they can expect to get some of the same biblical responses given back to them, to counter their all-too-familiar-man-made script that they themselves seem to identify so personally with.

But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.” — Ephesians 5:13 (KJV)

If people could see the whole picture, then they would realize that I handle things like this VERY compassionately and discreetly, compared to how I’ve been interacted with, and especially compared to how I sometimes get portrayed publicly, even by name.

It’s ok though. People can drag my name through the mud if they like, but remember…

“No weapon formed against us shall prosper, and every tongue that rises against us in judgment, we shall condemn. For this is the inheritance of the servants of the Lord and our righteousness is of Him (Isa. 54:17).

Because, it is the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ. And I love talking and writing about it. Even though it’s considered “calvinistic.”

When people ask me spiritual questions, I don’t feel cornered at all. Just the opposite! I feel absolutely delighted to be given the chance to share the hope that is within me, with meekness and fear (1 Pet. 3:15). I don’t snap at them and ask, “Why are you even asking me that?!” or…“Are you trying to trap me?” No. Because, for one, people have every right to ask me questions about my faith. Every professing believer in Christ should be able to back up their beliefs with Scripture, in context.

But God forbid that I should ever defect from the faith of Christ by yielding to doctrines of demons. I’ve counted the cost and will continue to expose false belief systems, Lord willing. And hopefully, people will finally realize the true enemies of their soul. It’s not me!!  

“Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?” (Gal. 4:16).

It’s been a long time since I’ve posted. I’ve gone through many changes over the past couple of years, because I finally went thru menopause. I almost bled to death for years and then finally, like the lady in the Bible with the issue of blood, I was healed!! God healed me! So how could I ever be a complete cessationist?

I finally know what life is like now without hemorrhaging. I finally have more energy and I’ve not had any more death threats for a while now, which is also miraculous (so far). And strangely, I no longer have to be on a diet to try to keep my weight up. I was so frail and thin my whole life, but now, after menopause, I can just look at food and gain weight it seems. Cool! (I think).

However, I never knew how hard it can be to lose weight until now.  It’s really a strange turn of events for me. My whole life seems turned upside down. Maybe my body is still adjusting to no longer being in constant survival mode. Maybe it got exhausted and is resting now, to the point that I’m finally getting some meat on me? Maybe I need the extra weight? I guess it does help fill in some wrinkles!!

I definitely need the extra energy to keep up with my grandchildren who all know me as “Mammoo” with the cow shoes. hehe!! And I’d rather God fill in my wrinkles naturally than to ever do anything like botox.

Anyway, another update I have to disclose is that I’m now working on my third book. It will be more geared toward CoC exiles who have been through the absolute wringer, who have also been in a type of survival mode. I also hope to include a chapter on the dangers of “deconstructionism.” Because, for one, I’m concerned that it has begun to infiltrate the CoC exiles camp. Naturally it would, for many of them are in a very vulnerable state.

Now, I will touch upon this subject just a little bit here, mainly just as an overview to practice for that chapter in my book. But to be clear, I don’t want anyone to just take my word for anything. It grieves me to break certain kinds of news to people. Because some popular personalities are being idolized, who are dishonestly influencing many to turn against the truth. I always dread busting anyone’s bubble about anything or anyone, for I never know how someone may react. But love for God and His people compels me to be brave and leave the results in His hands. So here goes…

We are living in perilous times where many are falling away, and some are calling it “deconstruction,” where people no longer even believe there is absolute truth that is knowable. Many have experimented with different spiritual views and have found them wanting. Some even stumbled across the truth and struggled to accept it and the implications that seemed to be involved if they ever actually submitted to it. So, they end up in cults like the CoC, searching for loopholes and escape routes away from those truths, only to end up even more disappointed than ever.

Jesus said to count the cost, and if one isn’t willing to accept the cost, they might as well not commit at all, or else they could end up like some of the popular Provisionist personalities that couldn’t accept the truth they had once stumbled across. For they now manifest to the whole world that they suffer from atheistic skepticism.

“For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish” (Lk. 14:28-30).

When someone is deconstructing, God does not call me to have a type of hospice mindset where the focus is just keeping someone comfortable until they die. Instead, He calls me to strengthen the things that remain (Rev. 3:2).

When I ask people’s position on imputed righteousness and double imputation, I often get knee-jerk reactions (which is understandable considering certain influences), rather than them perceiving my true intention.

So now I hope, Lord willing, to clarify even further.

The fact that even though the reformed camp has been entrusted with the task of making biblical truths clearer (thank God for that!), that doesn’t mean they invented novel ideas. Yet, reformers are mocked by those who claim no one would ever believe reformed theology based on a “plain reading of Scripture.”

However, the fact that every true follower of Christ affirms the “calvinistic” phrases of “imputed righteousness” and “double imputation” proves that these are NOT mere ideas of Calvin, as some would have us to believe.

Would I have spiritually comprehended such clarifying phrases with a “plain reading of Scripture”? Of course not!! Because one must first be regenerated by the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 2:14).

Naturally, the Provisionist or Arminian version of “a plain reading of Scripture” (which ignores context), would come from popular personalities that don’t even believe one must be miraculously regenerated to spiritually comprehend what Scripture actually conveys!    Just one piece of evidence among many: https://soteriology101.com/2018/06/27/does-regeneration-precede-faith-2/

But I digress.

Anyway, I couldn’t even cognitively perceive such truths when I was in the CoC, because the verses that teach them were being obscured and twisted. Such as 2 Cor. 5:21, which is why I like to ask people to turn there with me, to sum up the double imputation that Scripture reveals. But sadly, it seems that evasion, deflection and projection prevents many from politely allowing me to barely even finish a complete thought after such a request.

To be clear, when I mention doctrine, I’m meaning the doctrine of Christ, because according to 2 John we can’t separate Jesus from what He taught. And when I say “Reformed” I’m meaning “not Romanistic.” Yet, ironically, even the Romanists, the hyper-grace camp, Arminians, Provisionists and many cults, have to borrow from ‘calvinistic phrases’ just to still be considered a believer in Christ at all. 

So again, I’m not promoting so-called “Calvinism” any more than any other believer does, and I don’t promote hyper-Calvinism, fatalism or any of the false caricatures of Calvinism. Which many seem to be obsessively preoccupied with avoiding, due to the dishonest slander that’s being maliciously spread about it that causes some to ask “what if” questions.

“And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of” (2 Pet. 2:2).

If there are some questionable tenets mixed in with reformed confessions of faith (such as Sunday Sabbatarianism that has led to hierarchal church systems), the Holy Spirit reveals this to those who love Him. So, there is no reason to fear or remain skeptical about what God makes abundantly clear to believers.

We can’t just sit on the fence forever and live our lives on “what if’s,” while being blown about by “every wind of doctrine” that overwhelms, burns out, overloads and confuses the senses with a smorgasbord of options to choose from, as if God is just a buffet of picking and choosing whatever suits our taste or itching ears at any given time. 

Secondly, as for any concerns that I may be holding certain personalities in high esteem merely based on character, my readers can be assured that I will only affirm peoples position as far as they defend the gospel. My doctrinal positions are not personality driven. I also didn’t ultimately leave the CoC over sensational or personal issues, but over gospel issues.

We can’t just base our spiritual decisions on personalities rather than doctrinal positions. Even wolves in sheep’s clothing can present themselves with false humility, pride disguised as pretended passion and syrupy niceness…while God’s sheep can often seem a little rough around the edges, with true passion and humble boldness, like John the Baptist, or Apostle Peter, yet still be entrusted with the gospel.

Jesus warned to not judge by surface level appearances.

This is one reason I think books may be better at clarifying issues than public debates. But only ….IF.. people would actually read them, rather than merely skimming for a surface-level detection of “Calvinistic language,” while they themselves manifest a script that obsessively throws around the word “Calvinism” as if it’s a dirty word, to stir up the ferocious anger that people already have against God, instead of focusing on the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Launching ad hominem attacks upon persons and their character, based on opinions rather than facts, rather than actually engaging their doctrinal positions in depth, is not what God calls us to do. People can make up their own opinions, but they can’t make up their own facts. It takes time and strenuous study, rather than just skimming and surfing social media, to get grounded in the truth.

I’m promoting the gospel, which is what God’s Word clearly conveys. And Jesus IS the Word. Jn. 1 So, there is such a thing as truth. Because Jesus IS the embodiment of absolute truth. And, as He says, He IS the only way. As exclusive as He may sound, we can trust Him.

Even Provisionist/Arminians limit the atonement in its effectiveness AND extent, for they know angels are excluded. Yet, they hypocritically condemn the phrase “limited atonement” and those who know what it actually entails….eternal security, because one cannot exist without the other. Yet, heretics want to hold to one and not the other, which is nonsensical.

Even reformed universalists believe the gospel. But other universalists present another way, apart from Christ. And Jesus warns of those who “climb up another way.” His sheep hear His voice and will not follow a stranger all the way into total destruction (whatever all that destruction entails). Jn. 10

Thirdly, as I’ve expressed before, the gospel is all about what God has done in Christ to save sinners. So regardless as to whether someone may try to put words in my mouth, or pressure me to affirm a minimalist view that lines up with a certain script, I must continue to stand firm and make it clear that the gospel is not just about a mere head knowledge of …Jesus being the Son of the living God…. apart from saving faith that He is our ONLY hope of salvation, minus any deviations added into the equation.

Or else, Mormons could also be included, who also follow a false version of Jesus, a false gospel. Jesus is not only the Son of God, He IS God. He was Jehovah in the O.T. and the O.T. saints knew Him, for He was in them (Num. 27:18, 1 Pet. 1:11, 1 Cor. 10:4, etc.). And we can know Him even more today, for when it comes to divine revelation, there are differences in degree but not in kind. Jesus is the same forever.

Throughout redemptive history, including Bible times, salvation by God’s grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, to the glory of God alone has always been the minority view compared to the broad way (which Jesus warns about), that joins hands with every false religion and false gospel in the world (Ecumenism).

 So finally…

Is there really heresy that is damnable (anathema)?

Apparently (e.g. 2 Pet. 2).

“Who decides what heresy is?”

My answer, which is often not courteously allowed full expression, is that God reveals what heresy is. His Word (not a dictionary) clearly conveys that it entails false gospels (Gal. 1), and that we are to count them, and those who promote them, as accursed. Those are not my own opinions; they are God’s factual words.

So thankfully, we don’t have to make things up as we go along, because Jesus is the Word Who guides us, and His words are true and will never pass away. And they apply to us just as much today, as they did to those He verbally spoke them to on earth (Matt. 24:35). Because they are settled in heaven. So, I guess that settles it!