An Unbalanced Gospel
“For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no
longer remains a sacrifice for sins [God’s grace is made void], but [rather]
a fearful expectation of judgment [unless we repent]...” (Heb 10:26,27, ESV).
God is indeed a God of love — boundless love — love that we should reflect, radiate,
Love that’s unsurpassed, love that we should dwell upon, bask in, speak of and celebrate.
And to that let’s say, “Amen,” for love is the Gospel in a nutshell — yes, Jesus —
The One who died on Calvary for you and I — in other words, for all of us.
However, Christ didn’t say to leave things there, but also reminded us to obey,
For He’s a God of righteousness, who, regarding obedience, has much to say.
Yes, a God who has laid down a code of conduct — plus, we are His ambassadors,
Who’re not only meant to keep His commands, but where it doesn’t conflict, earthly laws.
So where’s this heading? Well, all some folk want to do is just focus on (Jesus’) love,
Seemingly as if nothing else has been requested by our Holy God above.
Thus, when it comes to obedience, they act as if such has been replaced by grace,
Failing to walk victoriously, nor cautioning others — which slaps God in the face.
“Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law” (Rom 3:31, NIV).
Hence why God has His men of the moment, trumpet blowers, men who are unafraid,
Men who provide the balance that’s missing, men who speak out, calling a spade a spade.
Men who whilst preaching of Jesus’ love, also remind of those standards He has set,
And of the cost, when through rebelliousness, His standards aren’t sought, nor via
His power met.
Most seem aware of the method of salvation, but not the standard of salvation,
For though we’re saved by grace alone, God desires obedience, our sanctification.
And sanctification can’t occur where He doesn’t have our co-operation,
Our willing, receptive and balanced response, and desire for that transformation.
Where there’s no true obedience, nor the fulfilling of God’s will, there’s no salvation,
For those who continue to willingly sin, we’re told, come under God’s condemnation.
Hence the need of those ‘watchmen on the wall’ who’ll dutifully remind and awaken,
For so many in their understanding of salvation are badly mistaken.
And is it any wonder given the diluted Gospel doing the rounds today,
A Gospel that’s far from balanced, one that says, “Let’s love,” but seldom says, “Let’s obey.”
One that rocks folk to sleep via warm fuzzies, and statements that don’t gel with Scripture,
One that just paints an alluring landscape, not the Laodicea End-time picture.
Yes, “Take the world but give me Jesus,” folk once sang, but not nowadays, seemingly,
It’s in the world and of it, an anything goes New Age spirituality.
And those who stick their neck out, and warnings shout, are labeled as legalists, sadly,
By those Christians who holler, “Just preach love and unity!” “Don’t rock the boat!”
Don’t judge
me!’
When man excuses, accepts, protects and applauds what God condemns, then woe betide,
For sin is sin, and God’s pronouncements clear, and thus, His time of judgment justified.
Though God is a God of love, He has His standards, and is a God of justice too,
Who won’t grant eternity to those who knowingly and willingly sin pursue.
Yes, be such sin same-sex acts, promiscuity, adultery, pornography,
Wounding emotionally or physically, bigotry, blatant hypocrisy.
Whether such sin be stealing or lying, or anything else that God condemns and hates,
For what He hates, stems from rebellion, selfishness, and Christ-likeness obliterates.
But those who repent and refrain from such sinning, needn’t have fear of damnation,
For their fruitage is evidence of their genuineness — they’re a “new creation.”
It’s they who’re covered by God’s grace, for grace only covers contrite sinners, not sin,
For why would God cover willful known sin, sin that still shows rebelliousness within?
“And as for us, why do we endanger ourselves every hour? I [Paul] die every day...” (1 Cor 15:30,31, NIV).
And that’s the truth, plain and clear, not the watered down Gospel that one nowadays hears,
A Gospel that’s tailored for itchy ears, one that dangerously lulls and wrongly steers.
A Gospel that’s far from balanced, one weighted in favour of popularity,
A people pleasing affair — a crime — one that God will soon deal with accordingly.
“Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men?
If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ” (Gal 1:10, NIV).
What Christians need to remember is that God has a universe to govern, rule,
That is, other worlds besides this fallen one (in need of correction) — and God’s no fool.
He knows that where there isn’t any rules, codes, standards and accountability,
There’s just chaos; and that despite His love and grace, Christians still act rebelliously.
Yes, being the fallen creatures we are, it’s so easy to take license with God’s grace,
Hence why He has His standards, His moral Law, for He well knows that such have their place.
Though we’re not saved by works, we’re not exempted from works either, and nor should
we be,
For faith without works, love without obedience, is just a sham, hypocrisy.
“So speak and so act as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty” (James 2:12, NASB).
Christ desires that we become like Him in every way, and why wouldn’t we want to,
(Remaining shackled by sin, selfishness, emulating Satan — ungratefully too)?
For who paid the price for our sins, gave His life, suffered terribly on Calvary,
And now offers grace — (that many use as an excuse to keep on sinning, sadly)?
No, God’s no fool, hence His standard of conduct — His Law — a law that we’ll be judged by,
For any who willingly keep on sinning, effectively Christ re-crucify.
And if that’s not the message you’re hearing, then it’s an unbalanced Gospel, believe me,
For it’s the message contained within God’s Word, wrapped in love, for He knows best, not we.
It’s a message that’s holistic, apostolic, one that we’re not to modify,
A message that we’re not to add to, nor take away from, in some way falsify,
A message we’re not to adulterate, but rather, adhere to, communicate,
A message that all who willingly receive and apply such, will joyously liberate.
“I urge you, brothers and sisters, to keep an eye on those who cause dissensions and offenses, in opposition to the teaching that you have learned; avoid them. For such people do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the simple-minded” (Rom 16:17,18).
Love without rules and consequences is seriously flawed, as all good parents know,
And in time, the results of such — selfishness, rebelliousness, lawlessness — soon show.
Hence why God ties love and obedience together, (and let’s not forget context),
And why we should very thoroughly examine, compare and weigh, text after text.
“And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments...” (2 John 6, NASB).
“You were taught to put away your former way of life, your old self, corrupt and deluded by its lusts, and to be
renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to clothe yourselves with the new self, created according to the
likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness” (Eph 4:22-24).
By Lance Landall
Here’s the key: In the context of salvation (Justification – right standing before God), law keeping is of no avail, but in the
context of Christian conduct (Sanctification – right living before God), God’s law has value and validity.
The following comments are worth
noting:
"Thinking
that people are basically good causes us to downplay the moral
seriousness of the wrong we do. It prompts us to search for external
reasons to justify what people do. Ever since Adam and Eve committed
the first sin, the human race has been born morally corrupt. We are not
sinners because we sin, we sin because we are by nature sinners. If
each day we step out with a sense of conviction about the depth of sin
in our souls and the pervasive impact it has on our lives we end up
experiencing: A clearer sense that our problems are more internal than
external; a true sorrow and humility about our sins that leads to
change on our part; a deeper motivation to focus on and do good; a
greater sense of accountability to God and others that He might use in
our lives to mature us. Christ did not come to tell you ‘you’re ok’. He
came to tell you that your not ok, but deeply loved, that you need
radical surgery of the soul, and that He is just the surgeon to do the
job. The idea that people are basically good is a belief that tickles
our ears and makes us feel good about ourselves, but it is like the
Pharisees – a white washed tomb that is pretty on the outside but full
of death and decay on the inside. We need to confront our sinfulness
honestly on a divine basis no matter how painful that will be."
Taken from the book — ‘Self-Help or Self-Destruction’ by Dr Chris Thurman.
"What
our Lord said about cross-bearing and obedience is not in fine type. It
is in bold print on the face of the contract."
Vance Havner (1901-1986)
You might also like to read my other poems "Once Saved, Always Saved" and "A Dangerous Doctrine".
Contemporary Aarons
Have your pastor and the elders been conveying to you all those things they should be?
After all, that’s what they’re there for — to put it another way, such is their duty.
They’re there to call a spade a spade — in other words, they should say what needs to be said,
For there are times when the flock needs to feel the full force of a godly arrowhead.
If your pastor or the elders fail in their duty, God will hold them accountable,
For they’ve been set apart, and for the flocks spiritual well-being are responsible.
They’re to make it clear — in no uncertain terms — just how the flock should be behaving,
For often the ones who’re sitting in the pews are just as much in need of saving.
And sometimes that is the only time they get to hear the things that they need to see,
For many don’t study, nor study deeply; and live lives that are shamefully worldly.
Hence the need of leaders who will regularly remind them of their duties too,
For Heaven’s not for hypocrites, deliberate sinners, who their own ways pursue.
And nor for those errant pastors or elders who tickle ears generically,
Preaching and teaching what pleases, scared that they’ll lose their role, or unpopular be.
In other words, people pleasers, betrayers of Christ who wants the straight word spoken,
For how else will doomed Laodiceans from their lukewarm slumber be awoken?
Thus, if your pastor or the church elders aren’t making you feel uncomfortable —
At least some of the time, that is — or where necessary, then all is far from well.
They have fallen down on their duty, and rather than leaders, are mere figureheads,
Yes, generals who’re not up to the task, archers minus their godly arrowheads.
Each pastor and each elder, (for they’re one and the same), should preach a balanced Gospel,
For what car salesman — a car without a gearbox, brakes or radiator — would sell?
Likewise, what preacher would foolishly leave out this or that when it comes to Scripture?
For that would be akin to cutting out parts of a specially painted picture.
Yet, this is what happens when pastors and elders fail to prepare and warn their flock,
In order that as a body, or individually, they seriously take stock.
Such selective preaching or teaching, and lack of church discipline that’s linked with such,
Is found where pastors and elders have lost the plot; where they’re unsound and out of touch.
By Lance Landall
Add On
Such are oft found courting worldly ways in order to attract more into their pews —
A “means justifies the end” approach — which any watchmen on the wall would refuse.
Such reminds me of the rush for pews that Constantine created, and which soon saw
Half-baked Christians, heresy, and a holy and unholy mix come through the Church door.
In effect, pastors and elders are employed by God, and to His will only should bow;
Their sacred role’s a heavenly calling, apostolic — they’ve taken a solemn vow.
Thus, popularity, people pleasing, and worldly ways shouldn’t enter their mind,
For such foolishness — not just pastors and elders, but all Christians — should leave behind.
Yes, contemporary Aarons, complaining about their lot, eyes not on their Lord,
Foolishly wanting to have it both ways, hence how both God and their flock they defraud.
They’re there to call a spade a spade, and to labour until their energy is spent,
Willingly sacrificing, humbly leading, straight as a dye, doing things how God meant.
The following comments are worth
noting:
"We
are living in a day of self-seeking and irresponsibility, even in
Christian circles. Few indeed are the Christian believers who have
truly laid their all on the altar for Christ. Few are the spiritual
leaders who truly put God FIRST. Rather they think first, albeit
subconsciously, of their positions, popularity, salaries and the
success of the organizations over which they preside. While professing
strong allegiance to God and His word, they are nevertheless
careful not to emphasize those passages from the word which might
ruffle feathers or rock the boat, as we say. In spite of their
professed fidelity to God's word and will, their first objective is
actually to keep their organizations running smoothly and pleasantly so
that they may continue to grow in numbers. This has become a way of
life in Christendom, but in this matter too we should 'search the
Scriptures daily,' to determine whether these things have God's
approval, for however good and right a thing may seem, if it is at
variance with the word, rightly divided, it is contrary to the will of
God and therefore wrong."
Cornelius Stam (1908-2003)
"The task of the preacher is to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable."
Vance Havner (1901-1986)
"When there's something in the Bible that churches don't like, they call it legalism."
Leonard Ravenhill (1907-1994)
"Men love everything but righteousness and fear everything but God."
Vance Havner (1901-1986)
"Enter
by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads
to destruction, and those who enter by it are many" (Matthew 7:13, ESV).
Smack Between The Eyes
That’s right — smack between the eyes — no messing about here, but as straight as it gets, and with very good reason,
For people pleasers are plundering Christianity, sacking our Father’s house — they committing treason —
Yes, the personal assaulting of Christ himself, the Church’s architect, who gave no such authority,
And who’s no less definite about His requirements; the consequences still the same — well, ultimately.
Hence why the warning trumpet must be sounded loud and clear, for woe betide those who’re behaving so wrongly,
They aiding Satan’s final push to secularise and paganise both the church and Christianity.
Yes, his attempt to defile, corrupt, cloud, twist, distort and dismantle whatever’s sacred territory,
Hence the people pleasing changes that are overturning what God once directed apostolically.
And hence why God’s not looking for the likes of better methods but better men, men that He can rely on,
Who midst such assaults, will remain faithful and true like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego did in Babylon.
They watchmen who’re not afraid to challenge and condemn the wrongs of the contemporary moneychangers,
Who when it comes to God’s will, and the upholding of all that’s true and right, are but enemies and strangers.
Yes, for such religious rogues turn churches into nothing that resembles a church, but everything else though,
Such effectively becoming cafeterias, social clubs and entertainment centres of our foe.
For Satan has always sought to adulterate sacred times and places, and to savage the Scriptures too,
He working via betrayers of Christ who destroy from within, who weaken and cheapen and cleverly woo.
So be warned brothers and sisters, for if such be you, you’ll soon find yourself on the wrong side of Heaven’s gates,
For that which assaults and lessens respect for sacred times and places, or His Word, God seriously hates.
And believe me, He’s no mamby pamby, wimpy, gooey gushy God, all marshmallow centred-cum-sickly soft,
But an almighty God, one who’ll soon destroy defilers of all that’s His, but not those who hold truth aloft.
No, not those who show the greatest respect and reverence for all that belongs to God, setting such apart,
Never merging nor mixing such with the unholy, they faithful to the end, sound in mind and pure in heart.
Yes, they not casual about either their salvation or those things that are dedicated to God, who,
Has always drawn demarcation lines, unlike those people with their anything goes approach, which they’ll soon rue.
Oh yes, for where worship is defiled by the likes of rock guitars, drum-kits, clapping, pretence and comedy,
The wrath of God will one day visit as surely as it did in days gone by, scorching justifiably.
For God’s a Holy, righteous God, one who wants us separated from the world, and thus witnessing truly,
For in this case, only difference makes the difference, and in every single way, not hypocrisy.
By Lance Landall
"I
urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put
obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have
learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord
Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they
deceive the minds of naive people" (Rom 16:17,18, NIV).
Progressive Churches?
I have heard the name “progressive” mentioned in regards to certain churches supposedly ahead of the rest,
But from what I have seen, read and heard, such churches are very far from what that title would appear to suggest.
And in fact, are simply nothing more than contemporary people pleasing social centres, which, I must add,
Have
left their moorings, ignored storm warnings, lightly regarded charts
and compass, lost their bearings — and guess who’s glad?
In other words, they’re churches moving in the direction of what people want, not God, and who this cannot see,
And who as a consequence, are moving further away from what’s right, straight, proven, tested, blessed and heavenly.
Thus, rather than progressing, they’re actually going backwards — liberal, reckless, loud, daring and prideful,
And as far as their casualness, irreverence, worldliness and jest go, God’s no doubt had a bellyful.
So let me make something very clear: If a church, (alias its members), isn’t becoming more sanctified,
That is, more Christ-like — loving, humble, receptive, righteous, obedient, true, and biblically fortified,
(Alias doctrinally sound and God focussed), it’s far from being a “progressive” church, and is plain deluded,
And upon the clear will of God has trampled — that is to say, selfishly and disrespectfully intruded.
Yes, the so-called “progressive” church is a rebellious church, one pridefully thinking its got the drop on others,
When what its members are really doing is, misleading and confusing fellow Christian sisters and brothers.
It’s a church that goes easy on sin, is slack in discipline — a pandering, molly-coddling modern idol,
A church where its unfaithful members are on a forbidden path that’s spiritually suicidal.
In other words, they are dicing with eternity, and are very foolishly aiding our adversary.
By Lance Landall
"This
is what the LORD says: 'Stand at the cross roads and look; ask for the
ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will
find rest for your souls' " (Jer 6:16, NIV).
"But
even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you
than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed" (Gal 1:8, NKJV).
"For
the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it
begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the
gospel of God?" (1 Peter 4:17, NKJV).
Contemplative Prayer?
The "Emerging Church" is effectively an infiltrated Protestantism that’s teaching disguised heresy,
It’s historic opposer the culprit, and Protestants too blind to see — wayward, self absorbed, confused and worldly.
Yes, interested in anything but obedience, wanting to be raptured from responsibility,
And now, seeking the very presence of God via that which has its roots in Eastern mystical nonsense, sadly.
Such being — contemplative prayer — courtesy of those “spiritual formation” seminars, the theology
Being that of Ignatius Loyola, which includes his “spiritual exercises” — such being, apostasy.
This founder of the cruel Jesuit order had a passion for mysticism, which Scripture condemns strongly,
For such allows Satan, (and thus evil earthly agencies), to gain access to one’s mind, eventually.
Whilst Martin Luther searched the Scriptures, Loyola searched the “spirits” — the former seeking truth, the latter falsehood,
And ever since, via the use of the latter, (Loyola’s errant teachings), the devil has been up to no good.
Hence all that falling away from truth that is seen, and that mystical place called “silence”-cum- contemplative prayer,
Via which fallen angels can leave their imprint, such minds being easy targets, they like open cupboards that are bare.
Yes, that mystical place called “silence” is nothing more than the trance of psychics, mediums and occultists, and,
A post modern mindset that’s moved beyond the rational and factual into the experimental and
Mystical come the New Spirituality, a mingling of the true with false — which is Satan’s strategy,
For what better way to deceive and give falsehood credibility right in the heart of Christianity?
In other words, we’re talking spiritualism, an altered state of consciousness that is devil inspired,
And unrecognised as hypnotism — yes, there’s always a cost when that which is outside the Word is more desired.
And hence why Satan dresses false theories in attractive garb, and uses those who look beyond the Holy Word,
For he knows that he has a greater chance of succeeding where anything but the Word and will of God is preferred.
The “Emerging Church,” despite any initial good intention or points, has become a hijacked vehicle,
One that via the likes of contemplative prayer is taking the same route as that espoused by the wicked Jezebel.
Rather than going solely by God’s Word, many have been wandering after this and that, beguiled by sidetracks,
Such being modern serpent whisperings that appeal to itchy ears, and such just resulting in schisms and cracks.
Sadly so, they've been deceived by the New Spirituality-cum-the experimental and mystical;
Another attempt by the serpent to appeal to the emotions — yes, that higher plane thing — which leads to ill.
In other words, that cunning spiel that Satan used on Eve, which saw self and pride reach for that forbidden apple,
And which no doubt saw Satan saying to his mates, (and soon certain men on Earth to others), “Didn’t we do well?”
By Lance Landall
"You
should not believe your conscience and your feellings more than the
Word which the Lord who receives sinners preaches to you."
Martin Luther (1483-1546)
Also beware of the works of the likes of Eckhart Tolle.
Growing Healthy Churches?
Oh dear — Growing Healthy Churches — a title that seems to suggest that there’s probably been a failure somewhere,
And with such, we’d have to concur, but Growing Healthy Churches isn’t the answer, and something more to fear.
And the reason is because it’s another flawed attempt at church growth that has succumbed to the numbers game,
Hence why God’s not looking for better methods Himself, but better men, who unashamedly truth proclaim.
And the truth is, that Growing Healthy Churches is a failure too, for all it can do at best is fill pews,
Pews that God wants to see filled with committed, Bible savvy followers, those who a more righteous way choose.
Not tire kickers, rubberneckers, only go so far types, who tightly hug both grace and the world, and who sing
Anything but “I surrender all,” and who in their half-baked conversion, further evils into the Church bring.
As happened in Constantine’s day, by the way — no, growing healthy churches...
Simply encourages both members and ministers to measure their success on a numerical basis,
And to apply that tired old “End justifies the means approach,” which God’s Holy Word condemns, and they should know this.
But having embraced so many worldly ways already, they’ve lost sight of such, and hence their further straying,
They anti denominational order and structure, needed rules losing out to their liberality.
Yes, appointments become political rather than spiritual — and what to do with those who disagree?
Well, should they hold office, probably not for long, opponents silenced and ostracised — all far from healthy.
And Growing Healthy Churches they call this — well, you could’ve fooled me — each pastor a dictator, effectively,
One who forms alliances with those who’re supportive, working behind the scenes undemocratically…
He thereby wrongly undermining moral conviction and faithfulness as a Christians highest duty.
Or so it goes, and no surprises here, for Growing Healthy Churches is a method that’s not recognised,
And by that I mean, it’s not known to Scripture, nor has it been blessed apostolically, given it’s unwise.
For it’s a method that exchanges the power of the Spirit for the workings of men, who fail to see
That it’s quality and not quantity God’s after, the faithful having always been a minority.
Growing healthy churches? No, such is growing anything but!
By Lance Landall
You Foolish Christian!
Yes, you foolish Christian, for the door of God’s merciful ark-cum-grace is about to close, and there you are,
Running back into the world, away from what can save, and with the knowledge you have — well, that’s really bizarre.
I’m saddened that you were mistreated, saw and experienced much that wasn’t right, but hey, look at you now,
Plunging back into darkness, and worshipping at the foot of the devil’s entertainment industry — wow!
Look, only a fool lets anything get in the way of his or her salvation, for there’s too much to lose,
And all for the sake of what little time’s left here, or those kick back pleasures, which yes, only a fool would choose.
Thus, I’d ditch that pride, stop nursing those wounds, or doubting God’s Word, for believe me, one thing is patently clear,
There’s no hope where you’ve returned to, and you’re risking it all for eternity, for Jesus is almost here.
Yes, why follow in the footsteps of backsliders, for their flawed path can lead to the same unfortunate end,
They also knowing far better, but just like the pity party brigade, oh, how this and that they defend.
Well, we can come up with all the excuses we like, but not one of them will stand up to God’s scrutiny,
For we’ve been enlightened and warned, blessed with the enabling of the Spirit, promised Heaven for loyalty.
Thus, no apologies for telling it as it is, as a wake up call’s sorely needed given the high stakes,
For running away from the only thing that can save — God’s merciful ark-cum-grace — is the biggest of mistakes.
At the end of the day, it’s all about faithfulness — despite the cost — for unfaithfulness God won’t reward,
And why sloth, doubts, pity party trips, and love of sin-cum-any such return to the world, we can't afford.
By Lance Landall
Get Them Off My Back, Lord
I wish that You would stop making me feel uncomfortable by sending straight talking Christians my way, Lord,
Those who remind me that You desire obedience, and that only those who do Your will, You will reward.
Yes, I would rather they not remind me of such, Lord, for I much prefer to just focus on love and grace,
Despite them showing me from Your Holy Word that obedience-cum-doing Your will has its rightful place.
They even refer to some judgment, Lord which bothers me even more, for I’d rather think grace suffices,
In other words, that once having accepted such, that one can forget about personal sacrifices.
And by that I mean, that we don’t need to concern ourselves with the likes of discipline, and principles too,
For such requires a certain degree of effort on our behalf, which they say shows our gratitude to You.
Now, don’t get me wrong, Lord, for I’m glad that You died for me, but walking obediently isn’t easy,
And nor is upholding what they call Christian standards, we also being Your ambassadors, apparently.
And, let me add, we’re simply doing what comes naturally, we being earthly beings rather than heavenly,
Unlike You, Lord, so righteous and holy, hence why they talk about sanctification, becoming holy.
Yes, just like You, Lord, which is why they also talk about the Spirit’s enabling — team work — apparently,
Which still bothers me, I have to say, for I was hoping that grace would free me from all responsibility.
Therefore, I’d really appreciate it if You would restrain these straight talking Christians from unsettling me,
For I’d much prefer to go on thinking that nothing more than the acceptance of grace is required of me.
By Lance Landall
"Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless?" (James 2:20, ESV).
"For
it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but
it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous" (Romans
2:13, ESV).
“ ‘Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but [only] he
who does the will of my Father in heaven’ ” (Matt 7:21, NKJV).
“For
if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the
truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins [we will not be
covered by God’s grace — it's made void], but a terrifying expectation of judgment...” (Heb 10:26, 27, NASB).
Love Says What It Should
We’re
living in the days of the watered down Gospel, the deceptively
incremental and subtle, the accommodating, deviating, adulterating,
denigrating, desecrating — in other words, we’re dealing with another
Jezebel, looking at another showdown on Mount Carmel.
Seems that
many liken God to a Santa Claus, a god who Commandment keeping now
ignores, and who saves sinners in their sin, rather than from their sin
— in other words, says judgment is out and licence in, no longer
desires self-discipline, covers rebellion with His grace, grants wilful
sinners a heavenly place, and says, don’t worry too much about being
ambassadors.
We’re living in the days of itchy ears, when little about obedience one
hears, when both the pulpit and sanctuary, (dedicated to God and the
Holy), shamefully hosts the comedic, egotistic, humanistic, and even
paganistic, and instead of an “Amen,” (due to the pleasing of men), a
clap, a cheer, that once was found anywhere but there.
We’re living in the days of wayward thoughts, words and ways, hence the
“Don’t judge me, nor criticize me,” but rather, “Just praise and
applaud me,” mentality, one that wants its own way in worship too, says
out with the old though tried and true, and in with the introspective
new, and hey, what’s with this dressing up and
acting reverently?
We’re living in the days of men who’re going soft, who’re no longer
holding God’s Word aloft, nor making a stand, drawing a line in the
sand, and who at accountability, apostolic purity and responsibility,
seem to have scoffed.
We’re living in the days of snoozing watchmen on the wall, of
undisciplined sheep who’re not heeding their Master’s call, and who
little know the contents of the Holy Word, nor themselves with such
armour prudently gird, for the world and the feel-good-factor seems
more preferred, hence why their spiritual vision is short-sighted and
blurred, and why for Satan’s scheming, they’re far more likely to fall.
Yes, we’re living in the End-time days, a time that Scripture points to
and portrays, a time characterised by apostasy, heresy, idolatry,
hypocrisy, complacency, and even irony, given that such is occurring
within Christianity.
By Lance Landall
"Works! Works! Works!"
Yes,
"Works!" they say, "You’re just into works!" — well, at the end of the
day, there’s nothing wrong with works — and in fact, (and this is
biblically backed), such is what God wants seen, (yes, obedience, I
mean), for such is how we become a light, a fruit bearing sight, and
bear in mind, (which in Scripture we also find), that when our actions
are right, and we thus heavenly bright, we only then truly witness as
God’s ambassadors — yes, doing His bidding, for what Christian, God’s
will ignores? — and what God desires, even commands, is in His Word,
and why those who knock works have badly erred, and seemingly false
teaching preferred.
Yes,
"You’re just trying to earn your way to Heaven," they say, your words
having gone over their head, (and they even irritable red), but isn’t
that the way, for at the end of the day, obedience just doesn’t appeal
to most, who’re only too happy to 'in grace boast,' forgetting that grace
is the method, and obedience the standard — that is, of salvation, for
here’s the affiliation — “If you love Me, you will walk obediently” — yes, as God will hardly save those who continue to act rebelliously, for if we’re
truly repentant, what do we do? — now think it through — yes, we turn
from our wrong behaviour, and thus emulate our Saviour, who, while accepting
us where we are, gives us no excuse for staying there, for that would
be bizarre, given that change is meant to start now, and here, and not
at His coming, when in holiness He’ll appear.
So why do we turn from our wrong behaviour, and from there on, emulate our Saviour?
Surely
because we want to, and we know that He wants us too, and even said
we’re to, and not because works saves us, (so I'd ignore all that fuss), but
because it’s what grateful Christians do, and when they don’t, (oft
more a case of won’t), they just slap God in the face, who lovingly
died in their place — but hey, and this is what they miss, He didn’t
die for those who choose to remain rebellious — well, effectively, for
they via their folly say goodbye to eternity, many having thought that
they could just take grace, and throw obedience in His face, so often
in the guise or form of faulty theology.
In
other words, grace isn’t for those who willingly continue to sin, for
in their case, the Spirit is hardly within, and they, thus undeserving,
for it’s self and not God that they’re serving, and that’s where it’s
at, it’s as simple as that — both logical and biblical.
Yes,
"Works!" they say, "You’re just into works!" — well, so was my Saviour,
for look at His behaviour, and how He obeyed His Father’s will, (and
does still) — thus, even though we're offered God's gift of grace, works clearly has
its appropriate place, and to say otherwise, is really to just deal in lies,
and hence why we need to be sure of what we say, for at the end of the
day, teaching what's wrong not only leads astray, but our own
foolishness can advertise.
Yes,
"Works!" they say — well, I don’t know about you, but I’m certainly going
to obey, for that is what God wants us to do, and look at what He did
for us — thus, we’ve got the easy part, I venture to say, (speaking in a certain
kind of way), and yet, due to a certain mindset, there are those who
still haggle over whether one should obey.
Honestly!
By Lance Landall
“ ‘Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but [only] he
who DOES the WILL of my Father in heaven’ ” (Matt 7:21, NKJV).
“For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, THERE NO LONGER REMAINS A SACRIFICE FOR SINS [we will not be covered by God’s grace — it's made void], but a terrifying expectation of judgment...” (Heb 10:26, 27, NASB).
Not Into Theology?
There
are those within the Christian Church, (most, possibly), who seldom
study, nor deeply search, but who accept Christ as their Lord and
Saviour, despite their shallow walk and worldly behaviour, thinking
that having accepted God’s grace, they’re assured of a coming heavenly
place, which hardly fits with Scripture, for God’s Word paints a
different picture, one where obedience and truth figure highly, though
both are discredited by a foe who’s wily, and who doesn’t want
Christians into deep theology.
Yes, though the Gospel message is
simple, and the issue of salvation clear, biblical truth is also deep,
and purposely has been placed there.
Thus, if we’re not into deep theology, we’re hardly into the sacred
Word, and hence why many only think superficially, for deeper things
they’ve neither read nor heard.
And thus they insult the Bible’s Author, God Himself, whose Holy Word
so oft remains sitting on a shelf, or that’s simply removed once a
week, when such Christians another fix seek, rather than daily
searching the Word, and hence why God’s voice is barely heard — a voice
calling all to study deeply, to embrace biblical theology, and to not
just skim the surface, which more often than not is preferred, and
hence why for most, who even in Christ boast, the peril of their folly
hasn’t occurred.
By Lance Landall
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God..." (2 Tim 2:15, KJV).
Let's Face Things With God
In
our weak and fallen state — thinking, “Oh dear, what might be my fate?”
— or so it seems to me — and sadly, only too eagerly, we embrace
illusions, draw desired conclusions, hoping that we’ll be spared from
whatever we’ve feared, rather than looking to Christ our Lord, for only
in Him is one safely moored — yes, able to face reality — and that is,
whatever might be, rather than being lulled into a false sense of
security, via the likes of some foolish and erroneous rapture theory,
for let me tell you very clearly, friend, that before Earth’s
apocalyptic end, Christians just like those who’ve gone before, won’t
be freed from troubles, pain or war, and nor from persecution, and even
execution, for Scripture shows that such will be, until that day Christ
sets us free — yes, descending through the lighted sky, midst trumpet
blast and victory cry, surrounded by angels who’ll retrieve the saints
— yes, that’s the picture that Scripture paints.
Meantime,
as we can surely see, Christians will suffer from Earth’s reality, and
oh, how they do, right within our view, for so often on the six o’clock
News, (possibly midst wrongful programmes we choose), are seen
Christians suffering too, even horribly dying, and not just a few, be
that via tyrants, criminal acts, famines and earthquakes — yes, let’s
face the facts: Christians won’t be spared till Christ’s triumphant
hour, and will have to face yet another evil power, perhaps a wolf in
sheep’s clothing, its perpetrators truth loathing — oh yes, while
pretending otherwise, for that’s the nature of disguise, and the
devil’s trickery — yes, just like that false rapture theory, one that
tickles the itchy ear, for it’s just what some want to hear — oh, dear,
what a tragedy, and what a repeat of history.
So
let’s put our trust in the Lord, not some false theory or fraud, be
such one person or many, for believe me, there isn’t any, but Christ
who can save and reward, but who won’t remove from trials nor sword,
till He at His soon return, for which Christians yearn, descends
triumphantly, His timing chosen perfectly — yes, avenging the blood of
the saints — that, dear friend, is the only picture that Scripture
paints.
Yes,
let’s face things with God, down on our knees and seeking to please, that
His will be done, and also praising the Son, who bore a cross and
suffered too, knows what we’re all going through, and who’ll supply the
strength we need, if we’ll contritely seek and plead, for there’s just
no other avenue, but to trust in Him who’s faithful and true, who, what
seems impossible to us, can so easily do.
By Lance Landall
Modern Babylon
It’s
tragic but true, not simply a view, that since the Protestant
Reformation took place, the desire to live more righteously, (more in
harmony apostolically), and the search for nothing but the truth, has
slowed to a snail’s pace, and that contemporary Protestants — that is,
the vast majority of Protestants — have as good as done an about face,
seemingly no longer as greatly concerned, (if at all), having retreated
from the lessons once learned, (hence their fall) — yes, now staggering
under the influence of ecumenical wine, and due to blurred and double
vision, (come modernistic and humanistic revision), a Church and State
union is appearing more divine, hence their forays into politics, a
telling and worrying sign, for via such a mix, their religious dogma, (come
heresy), they'll enforce legislatively, and some usurper wrongly
enshrine.
And
hence that current New Age people pleasing spirituality, spreading,
engulfing, and gaining momentum universally, that “Don’t rub anyone up
the wrong way” flawed mentality, that fixation with numbers rather than
with quality, those wrongful compromises in the interests of unity, the
embracing of that which is tainted, unworthy and contrary, that
preaching that’s benign, generic, casual and syrupy, that worship
that’s riddled with unholy fusions, “Me,” and physicality, that obsession with
musicians, singers and actors, blending and popularity — in other
words, that mere form of Christianity, oft arrogant, bigoted, militant,
intolerant, and most certainly worldly, more concerned with comfort,
wants, healings and security, where prayer’s nothing more than sentence
after selfish sentence, devoid of gut wrenching contrite godly
repentance — yes, a condition unworthy of God’s gift of grace, a
condition that’s more like a slap in God’s face, one that with the Word
of God isn’t in harmony, and one that rather than the heavenly, just
reflects the state of our fallen race, of which many, whilst still in
rebellion, grace eagerly chase, such a cheek and disgrace, for it’s
mostly, "I want but obey I won’t," and when it comes to judging, “Please
don’t!” and yet, they’re so in need of the telling, given where they’re
heading and dwelling — yes, confused, deluded, besotted by Babylon’s
plonk, hence that cry, “Come out of her my people!” — they being, those
under many a Church steeple, unaware that they’re so lacking and off
track, and hence God’s warning call to head on back, for where they are,
they’re as lost as the sneering jeering infidel, for their blindness, (come
apostasy), is simply ancient Israel’s parallel, and is how they’ll
create an "image" to the "beast," (become a "false prophet"), for truth’s no
longer their strong point, but more something they scoff at, and for
the sake of what suits, the opposite anoint, thereby effectively rejecting
their Lord, and instead, thereby paying homage to some fraud, Satan
having deceived and misled, for they've chosen the road that's easy, popular
and broad — modern Babylon instead.
Yes,
Babylon’s all that’s false and corrupt, a spiritualistic, pagan,
secular, political and religious mix, and also an “image,” a “beast,” one
that's surrounded by “signs and wonders," one that’s riddled with propaganda
come Satan’s tricks, one that's a fornicating “harlot,” rather than a chaste and
pure “bride,” a power that’s the brainchild of a serpent whose falsehood's
deadlier than cyanide — yes, a dragon, a devil, a roaring lion, with
whom so many are blindly allied, but isn’t that the way when God’s
children stray —
the narrow path too hard and unpopular — and they, thus easy prey,
and who, if they don't "Come out of her!" Christ will have no option
but to slay.
By Lance Landall
"Then I heard another voice from heaven say, "Come out of her my people, so that you do not share in her sins,
so that you do not receive any of her plagues" (Rev 18:4, NIV).
Ecumenical Folly
It
was hardly that long ago, (we're talking, two hundred years), that blood and
tears ceased to flow, thanks to those Reformation engineers, who,
condemning the heresy of their oppressor, condemning the evils of their
aggressor, went their own rightful way, though still clinging to their
persecutor’s day, and thus retaining a very strong link, which in their
armour became a chink, ensuring that their past foes still had a say,
and which aids the flawed call for unity today.
Yes, it only takes
a little chink, an erroneous perilous link, along with a sudden loss of
memory, or a convenient forgetfulness seemingly, aided by a certain
naivety and doctrinal bankruptcy, which soon sees an alliance crystallize, a foolish ecumenical
exercise, one that God would never authorise — for He never sanctioned
that borrowed day, doesn’t want any truth of His going astray, nor
endorses unions that are built on clay, or quietly engineered behind
closed doors, for heresy, interference, and faulty fusions, God abhors.
No,
God won’t bless unity built on error and compromise, on that which with
Scripture doesn't harmonise, for such is
nothing but a sham, forbidden and unwise, just the product of apostasy,
an unbiblical Christianity, one that will see the return of trouble,
one that’ll burst the current euphoric bubble, for in time, under the
one umbrella, the new order of things will prove far from stellar, for
history tends to repeat itself, and more so, when relegated to a high
and dusty shelf, where soon forgotten midst a fog of self-serving
man-pleasing heresy, it quietly smoulders until it ignites, only
to
burn again more furiously.
By Lance Landall
Adrian Rodgers (1931-2005)
History shows that wherever religious fervor and political power merge, it results in either the
secularization of the Church, or oppression, persecution, and so-called holy wars.
Poaching
It’s every Christian’s God-given right to share what they believe, and as a result — some folk from their church for another church leave — and so it should be, for true Christianity sets one free, lets us another side see, allows us to change our mind, should we a different path find, and such willingly pursue instead, having pondered on such, decided on such, and previous beliefs, or some beliefs, thus shed.
Yes, only pride, insecurity, fear, ignorance and bigotry would have it any other way, and be heard to “Stop the poaching” say, for I can certainly tell you this much, that complaints and protests over such, simply forgo wisdom and sense, and in God’s eyes are a glaring offence, for the God of liberty hinders no man, and any outreach, sharing and debate didn’t ban, knowing such is how truth is found, or a pathway that’s much more sound, for denominations and Christians can err, and many, error foolishly prefer, or downplay truth for the sake of unity — in other words, ecumenical folly, which once again offends our Lord, who likens His truths to a sword, for God takes His truths very seriously, and likewise, wants us to too, which is why we should teach them correctly, after having searched for them conscientiously.
Those who holler “Don’t poach!” on God’s own territory encroach, for God Himself, draws folk from various folds, and once they’re in His, not one against their will holds, even allowing the devil to tempt them away, even allowing all within His flock to stray, even allowing them to change their mind and go their way, for wisdom and true love don’t imprison, pressure or force, but rather, lets all constantly search and even reset their course, which those who holler “Poaching” clearly don’t endorse — (well, effectively anyway) — rather than leaving things in God’s hands, who any “poaching” demarcation line bans, for such lines aren’t His, but foolish man’s, who with a lock and key, and dictatorially, at some church door stands, and thereby, interferes with heavenly plans, that only the open-minded one understands, and no one a "poacher” brands.
By Lance Landall
Strange Shepherds: Women Pastors
One thing is very clear to me, and I must add, black and white biblically, and that is: That if Christ had intended that women be pastors too, (a misguided and heretical contemporary view), He would have included them amongst the favoured twelve, but when over the Scriptures we ponder, and into this delve, it’s clear that He didn’t, and clear that He wouldn’t, for God is a God of order, whose way is narrow rather than broader, one He wisely laid out intentionally, methodically, succinctly, logically and harmoniously, and not in order to please men, for His ways are oft beyond their ken, though not here, for God has made things very clear, as is seen all throughout Scripture, lest folk misinterpret the picture.
That picture being: That men and women are equal in worth, but different in function — however, it’s at this very junction, that opposition to women pastors meets with derision and mirth, and why heresy has given birth, for foolish men, once again, their own kind have sort to please and appease, rather than the truth of the matter rightly seize.
No, Christ was no prisoner of time, inconsistent in rhythm and rhyme, nor one to bow to culture, but rather, an organised radical, one seeking what was best and blessed, not that which wasn’t wise or ill, and who came to free women from male tyranny, enforced inequality, and yet, a pattern still set function wise — that is, headship and submission wise; and ecclesiastically, elder and pastor wise, by choosing to appoint men specifically, (as shepherding apostles, that is; authorised apostolically), in line with His creational design, a demarcation line, and a pattern reiterated and upheld by Paul, who conscientiously pointed to the order pre-Fall, for to go contrary to God’s creational design, is to clearly say and convey, “Not Your will, Lord, but rather, mine,” which places one on the side of the enemy, who women elders and pastors, (one and the same, just different in name), wishes to see, for such distorts the pastor’s role, which is clearly Satan’s goal, for symbolically, and I must say, realistically, a pastor, (man), represents God the Father, Christ who’s the Head of the Church, which He never intended lurch — that is, towards apostasy, a pagan female priesthood, which embraced and implemented, is clearly heresy.
Even when Judas was replaced, and a gathering of men and women that decision faced, they still chose a man in harmony with God’s plan, and in harmony with Scripture too, for there, bold and clear, and for all to view, (and where we’re more than just the once told), that within the Master’s fold, only men are to shepherd each flock — in other words, those churches that have been built upon Christ the Rock.
Yes, it’s crystal clear, (and to which we’re to adhere), for no woman can represent the Father above, who, in His great wisdom and everlasting love, gave us a pattern to follow, lest we, as many have, Satan’s scheming and heresy swallow, thereby giving glory and credence to a devil, who in our unwitting adoration will revel.
Personally, if God were to appoint women pastors, it wouldn’t concern me, but nowhere has He done so, said so, and the following all should know: That behind this push for woman pastors, (which ordained woman elders provide with castors), is the evangelical feminist, who civil and humanistic sources seeks to enlist, a telling sign indeed, and one that we all should heed, and more so, given that as far as woman pastors go, there’s certainly no need.
Yes, it’s very clear and simple, as God intended it be, but not so for some who’re more learned, who oft lose sight of things intellectually and academically.
Yes, too full of acquired knowledge and ability, (and often even pridefully), such soon get carried away, and thereby, take things astray, for rather than a clear biblical conclusion, they come up with some aberrant man-made fusion, aided and abetted by those institutions from where they gain their theology, which more often than not, are riddled with man’s opinion, error and liberality.
Oh yes, so much more could be said, but unless one is truly Spirit-led, a raft of evidence won't necessarily convict, and more so, where the Spirit and flesh are in conflict, for it's only the willing seeker of truth, (propelled by faith more than proof), and the open mind, (that has put self and ambition behind), that the truth of the matter will eventually find, for when all is said and done, courtesy of the Son, different roles for men and woman were undoubtedly designed — and God is not mocked, let me remind.
By Lance Landall
“These things God has revealed to us through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. And we speak of these things in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual things to those who are spiritual” (1 Cor 2:10,13).
Thus, women can only be pastors if they openly disobey the Bible’s teaching.
For a more indepth yet simplistic summary of the above subject, you may wish to visit my Potpourri page, (and page two), which can be accessed via the link button found midway through my Christian poem list.
