False Teachings

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Q. Was troubled by your dilution of the Word of God - Mat 7:21-23 etc. When Jesus said He never knew them - He means he never knew them as walking in His light fully. Many Christians today are saved, born-again, but are not walking worthy - consider the church of laodecia in Rev chapter 3. The word says "without holiness, no man shall see the Lord"

A. Please don't be troubled! I have no intention whatsoever to dilute the Word of God. Considering the church of Laodecia I will make my point.

Revelation 3:14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; 3:15   I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. 3:19: As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. 3:22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Verses 14 thru 21 is speaking directly to the pastor (angel) of the church of Laodecia about his own flock. In verse 19 Jesus is telling them in the same verse that there will be a special honor granted to them if they will just repent of the wickedness mentioned in the previous verses. Then in verse 20 the Lord is trying to tell them that he's on the outside looking in. He's telling these born again folks that unless they let him back in control there is a chastizing  (punishment) on the way. Verse 20 has absolutely nothing to do with ones salvation but a sincere desire on the Lords part to come in and be where He belongs in the first place!

The only verse I found that came close to your example was Hebrews 12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: I would assume this is the one. Look at the word underlined! That word is Holiness from the greek (hagiasmon) which means "Sanctification". How then are we sanctified? By the Blood of the Lamb when we are born again! Therefore this verse means that unless you are sanctified you're not going to see Him. Isn't that the Gospel we've been proclaiming here in the first place? It doesn't in any way mean that your going to loose your salvation.

Normally, I don't revert to the Greek, Hebrew & Aramaic because the Holy Spirit always speaks thru His Word plainly in the King James English but this time seemed appropriate. Actually there is no harm in dividing (dissecting) the Word of God into the original language though. Have you ever considered what Paul meant when he penned 2nd Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. and in Titus 1:9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

[Timothy]

Q. In Mark 24:29-34... It speaks of: They will see the son of man coming on the clouds...this generation will not pass away,... and it did..... what was meant by that? [Becky]

A. Becky, you mean Mark 13:30, Matthew 24:34, & Luke 21:32.

• Mark 13:30 Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done.

• Matthew 24:34 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.

• Luke 21:32 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled.

What Generation was the Savior talking about? Couldn't be the generation that was with the Lord because the Lord intended to build His church first! (Matthew 16:18) Then He must be speaking of the Generation of the end times! This isn't an error nor is it a false teaching Becky. This is the Lord speaking with the understanding that to Him it's already happened.

[Timothy]

Q. Sir, the Nation of Islam is one of the fastest growing religions today. Many of their believers are very aggressive and hostile when they come into contact with Christians. In many cases, they know scripture better that I, but always seem to be selective and not looking at the whole meaning or even the whole bible and the message it gives us. I know that I am supposed to evangelize and attempt to correct those who believe falsely, but I have no luck with these guys. I just tell them they are missing the true meaning and go on about my business. Any suggestions? (I teach in a prison in Texas, and have had these spiritual battles for 9 years. I tell my Christian students that they are better off avoiding debates and confrontations. Thanks for your reply on judgment last year!) [Lloyd Cain]

A. Lloyd, man are you up against it! Allah is who they worship and Allah "IS NOT" God! Allah is actually the Moon God that was worshipped in Arabia by the Sabean tribes before and at the time Muhammad created this wide spread cult. There is archeological proof to this! A man by the name of Dr. R.A. Morey has a description and a photo of a relic idol of the pre-Muhammadian "Allah" the moon god in his book; Archeology of the Middle East! That should at least give you a reference to open a dialog with some of these deceived folks!

They believe that the Old Testament is true but ignore the very words that are in it from God. They believe it is their duty to kill Christians, but God says: Deuteronomy 32:35 To me belongeth vengeance and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste. Point them to this passage and see what reaction you get! Lead them thru the Old Testament in Isaiah 53 and show them the prophesies of the Lord. It's just as easy to lead them into the Salvation of the Living God in the Old Testament as it is the New.

Islam, by the way, doesn't totally discount the Lord Jesus Christ though. The say He was a Great Prophet! This is another piece of ammunition for you. You see, Islam teaches that a prophet is a deliverer of messages from God! They also say that a true Prophet can't lie! If this be the case, Jesus said: John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Either they had better listen to the Savior or rewrite their religion!

You are doing your service for the Savior and I respect and admire what you are up against. To be in a jail ministry requires a special gift of God! I'll be praying for you and if you need a deeper answer, don't hesitate to ask me! If any of these men are allowed to access the internet, have them come to the Parsons Corner and ask me direct questions. I'll give them direct answers as the Holy Spirit leads!

[Your servant in Christ Jesus - Timothy]

Q. I go to a "Christian" College and am required to take a certain number of religion courses in order to graduate. This semester, I have a religion professor who rejects many of the central teachings of Christianity. For example, he believes that Jesus was an just ordinary man and that the resurrection is just a myth. He views the Bible as a self-contradictory story. To make matters worse, he is terribly cruel when anyone disagrees with him. I often feel like I am faced with either rejecting what I believe about God and Jesus or from suffering humiliation and bad grades. How should I deal with this professor and this class? [Anon]

A. Are you "really" attending a "Christian" College? Do you believe that this is where you were sent to be by the Lord? Would He put you into a place that wants to teach you something contradictory to His Word?

I have had a dose of some of these "so called" Christian Colleges and Bible Schools. I could only come to one conclusion as to the definition of such places. They are a place where young, on fire for the Lord, Bible believing Christians go to have their fire's put out! Not all today, but most.

This man is trying to teach you that you are not serving a Risen Savior! Isn't that against Gods Word? Doesn't this cause confusion? 1st Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. But Jesus Christ is the Author and Finisher of our faith. Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. If He had not risen from the Grave, how then could He have been victorious? It took the Death, Burial, and the Resurrection to make God's plan complete! 1st Corinthians 15:12 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? 15:13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: 15:14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. 15:15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. 15:16 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: 15:17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Don't allow this man to tell you that your faith is in vain!

If this Christian College allows such a man to teach there, is it really a Christian work according to the Scriptures? If you are a Blood bought, born again Christian, why are you still there under this mans teachings?

You stated that he ridicules anyone who disagree's with him, right? Luke 9:5 And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them. It's not a difficult concept and this is how the Lord told us to deal with them. Hosea 4:17: Ephraim is joined to idols: let him alone.

If you are called of God for a purpose, HE WILL MAKE SURE THAT YOU ARE TRAINED FOR HIS PURPOSE. 1st John 2:27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. Get yourself away from those who would try to tear down your faith! 2nd Corinthians 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

[Timothy]

Q. If you say that a person cannot loose their salvation, yet the scripture (speaking to the believers) says that many shall come to Him and say 'Lord, look at what we have done in your name' and He shall say 'Get away from Me for I know you not'. If a person backslides and goes back to their sins 'as a dog goes back to his vomit' will they still be saved? What about the parable of the 10 virgins. All 10 were chosen to be the brides yet 5 were foolish and did not have enough oil (or Holy Spirit) and had to go get more returning to find out the Groom had already come and would not let them in. And did not Jesus say 'Many are called (saved) but few are chosen (to go to Heaven/New Jerusalem)? I do agree, it is not our works that is seen, nor our works that give us salvation but grace. Yet Paul said that everything doesn't matter except our walk with Him..therefore, stop walking with him and he will not know us. Don't remember the scripture, but the Word also states something about 'do not blot our name out if we do not endure to the end'..does this mean we are always saved as well. I believe the statement was in Revelations but not sure. In fact it is in Revelations 3:5.

A. The first passage you are refering to is Matthew 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Really, isn't this speaking of those who are outwardly "RELIGIOUS" and inwardly are the children of the devil? If Jesus says He never knew them then they never were saved in the first place. If this scripture, which is our Saviors words, were speaking of the redeemed, how could Jesus say He never knew them because He is the one they would have to rely on for their salvation.

The same can be said for the 10 virgins, Matthew 25:10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. 25:11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. 25:12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. What exactly do you believe that the oil for the lamps represents? Without the oil (Salvation) how can the Light (Jesus) shine in your life? Of course they had oil while the were in this world  which is the oil that the entire world can see (Jesus) but they didn't have enough of Him, they were foolish and didn't quite see the need to get the sufficient amount (Salvation).

The many that you were referring to is Matthew 22:10: So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. 22:11 And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: 22:12 And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. 22:13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen. How many hear the Word of God and reject it? How many are drawn (Chosen) by the Holy Spirit to accept eternal life who reject this precious gift?

And last but not least, you mentioned Revelation 3:5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. Do you realize that there are 2 (two) Books of Life? Has anyone ever brought that to your attention?

Why do you suppose that there are two books called the Book of Life? I really believe that when we are born into this old sinful world, our name is  written in the book of life but if we reject the Savior it would seem that our name is blotted out. When our name is written in the Lambs Book of Life, it will abide there forever!

I'll leave you with a thought! We are part of the Body of Christ once we are saved. Go to your kitchen sink and fill it full of water. Next, I want you to put your finger under the faucet and let a drop of water fall onto it. Place your finger over the full sink and let the drop of water fall into it. The final thing I want you to do is reach into that sink full of water and retrieve that very same drop you placed into it from your finger. - Did you find it????? Surely you should be able to pull that drop of water out of that body of water in the sink! I'm not trying to be cute, just making a point.

[Timothy]

Q. In the first chapter of Galations Paul uses strong words in reference to anyone preaching a different gospel than what he taught. "If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed" (Galations 1:9). The book of Galations addresses the issue of "legalism". In chapter 3:3 he asks the question "Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?" My question is concerning the eternal security of the believer and those (entire denominations as well as individuals) who teach that a truly born again person CAN lose their salvation. If we say that we CAN lose our salvation we must also be saying that our salvation is based partly on our obedience to the law (or our behavior). Does this not reject the teaching that "Jesus paid it all and all to him I owe"? Doesn't this deny what Christ accomplished on the cross? If so, then would you say that anyone teaching that one CAN lose their salvation once truly born again is teaching a "false gospel" and according to Paul is cursed? Most denominations do not believe in the security of the believer but believe that our behavior plays a part in whether a Christian goes to heaven or not. Do you believe that such teachers fall into the category of teaching a "false gospel"? I would like to know your thoughts on this. Thank you very much. [Kevin]

A. Sure it is wrong, there are many who teach that after you are saved you must "WORK" to remain saved! This is totally against what the scriptures teach. Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 2:9: Not of works, lest any man should boast. 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

These teachings originally in the christian world came from the Roman Catholic church and have crept into the charismatic teachings of today. To deny the power of God to keep that which he has bought means that He can have what is His stolen from Him. I don't think so! Did He not pay the price for us with the sacrifice of His Holy Son? Are we not His once we are indeed "BORN AGAIN"? John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 10:29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. 10:30 I and my Father are one. and 1st Corinthians 7:22 For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant.  7:23 Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men. 7:24 Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God..

Now with the plainness of these scriptures it would seem that yes, those that teach the loss of salvation are teaching a false gospel. Now, what to do about it? 2nd Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. 5:11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.  5:12 For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart.

Let us persuade the brethren about the error of their doctrine. Not with anger, but with love. As one's having knowledge of the old pathways which were good ways.

[Timothy]

Q. Pastor, I am Baptist also. I visited my nephew's Congregational church recently 4000 miles away and attended an hour and a half Bible study, where the Bible was never opened and a sermon that was entitled "Letter to the President", where the Bible was barely touched on. The sermon was all on why the pastor wanted his congregation to make sure Clinton gets impeached.

My nephew is like my son, we have always been that close. But he is very defensive about this church and these pastors. I tried to gently talk about my concerns with the associate pastor (a woman pastor) and she told me that "my level of understanding of the Bible was greater than the people she is trying to teach". I've never heard such a lame, patronizing statement. I wanted to say "IF that is true, how is your congregation going to learn if you don't teach them scripture" But, my nephew was sitting there and I would not do anything to turn him away from his church. He has also been saying things this past year such as that he now regards "interpreting" the Bible is o.k. because it can mean different things to different people and woman can be pastors because the Bible was talking about 2000 years ago, not today. Needless to say, I've been concerned.

So I sent an email to his associate pastor voicing my questions and concerns. Not only did neither pastor respond to me, but they turned over my letter to my nephew to boot. He has not spoken to me since for the first time in his life. I've never had a pastor not answer a letter from me before and I've never had to stipulate that correspondences with pastors are private. They obviously felt attacked by me and could not respond because I asked them to back up these issues with corresponding scripture. So, they turned over my letter to my nephew to justify themselves to themselves. They had to know that would tear a family apart. It's now been months. I had saved a copy of the letter for my nephew to read (they didn't know that) for after I heard their response, which never came. I told my nephew I had written them and that I would talk to him about it after.

I read the Bible every day. My husband and I are members of a solid doctrine church with wonderful pastors who teach the scriptures on Sunday and throughout the week in Bible studies that we also attend. I'm always opened to learning, if what is being taught is scriptural and not peoples opinions. I have been Christian 29 years and I learn every single day something I did not know before. I truely felt God's hand on me to write this letter that I really didn't want to write. But I never expected pastors to act like this and I'm at a loss to know what to do. Should I contact their board of deacons? Or the Congregational Conference or should I just leave it in God's hands? My husband is leaving it up to me, but he said if they would hire a woman pastor and hire this pastor, how much scripture do you think they know? I know they are filling my nephews head with a great deal of garbage and I'm angry that they were more concerned about themselves than about my the hurt they caused my nephew by their actions. Since when is correspondence with pastors public knowledge? What should I do and what should I not do? [Carolyn]

A. Wow, I get to cover alot of territory on this letter Carolyn. I praise God for sending you to me! Lets start out with what is the Word of God! You can probably tell by this site that I have no hesitation telling you that the Bible is the inspired word of God. Gods mighty hand was upon those who were chosen by Him to pen the scriptures, and yes those who translated it into english! (KJV)

Those who say that what was true in the Bible when it was penned isn't true today are in fact denying Jesus Christ Himself! Why? Because Jesus is the WORD of God and everything that is scripture is our Savior! John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 1:2 The same was in the beginning with God. 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 1:4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 1:5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. and John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. 1:15 John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. 1:16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. 1:17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

And if Jesus Christ is the Word and also that He is one with God the same as the Holy Spirit, John 10:30 I and my Father are one. and also John 14:7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. 14:8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. 14:9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? 14:10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. 14:11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.

Now ,knowing that Jesus is the Word, what does the scriptures say about Jesus and the changing of time? Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. and 1st Peter 1:25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you. and James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

So much for Gods word meaning something different or having no meaning at a later time. To say such a thing is not just foolishness but blasphemy! The Bible has the same meaning today! No question about it!

Understanding this, lets see what the Bible says about a woman Preacher and or Pastor!

• 1st Timothy 2:11 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. 2:12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. 2:13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve. 2:14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.
  • How would the woman preach if she is to remain silent?
  • How could she be in subjection if she is in the authority of the pulpit?
  • And in the 14th verse does it not speak of the woman being deceived and the man harkening to her? Genesis 3:16 Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. 3:17 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;

So then Paul told us in 1st Timothy the qualifications of a Pastor (Bishop)

• 1st Timothy 3:1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 3:2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 3:3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; 3:4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; 3:5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
• Titus 1:6 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. 1:7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;
  1. From the scriptures above, allow me to state the obvious! 1st Timothy, chapter 3 states "If a man desire the office of a bishop", not "if a woman or just a person" but if a man!
  2. Also, if a woman be the "husband of one wife" she is defiantly out of the will of God and not one who should be a pastor! Not trying to be cute, just stating the obvious, this would be homosexuality!
  3. What about "One that ruleth well his own house"? Isn't the man the head of the Household? 1st Corinthians 11:3 But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God. and Ephesians 5:22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. 5:23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. 5:24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. If she is the head of the household and over her husband, is she in the will of God?

It is impossible for a woman to be a preacher, much more a pastor. Why? Because the scriptures say so!

Now, on to the statement your nephew made to you: (he now regards "interpreting" the Bible is o.k. because it can mean different things to different people) The Holy Spirit is our interpreture and not mans carnal mind! 2nd Peter 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

Hum, could it be that I am reading out of a different Bible than those you speak of? I hope you don't mind if I make this observation but all these new versions of the Bible are heading further and further from the truth. I would challenge anyone to prove to me that the King James 1611 Bible isn't a true translation. These other versions are using anything and everything that seems like scripture including the corrupt Catholic Alexandrian texts! A little food for thought there! We covered this issue on the Parsons Corner and it can be found in several of the categories.

You asked the Parson for the truth and I give it to you in light of the scriptures. If your nephew has gotten himself involved in a worldly and unscriptural church, read this scripture to him and ask "HIM" what it says! 2nd Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4:4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

I also ask you to email the pastor of this church and give them the URL of the Parsons Corner "http://parsonscorner.8m.com/ and let them read your question and answer here. Please don't go any further than that. It is appearant that they have their conscience seared and to push the matter may send them further from the Truth. I'm sure you don't want to be a stumbling block and neither do I! I know you love your nephew and want him to do right! Just tell him the truth and then turn him over to God. The Lord will deal with it! IT IS WRITTEN! James 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

The Savior plainly told us Mark 6:11 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. Let them know the error they practice and let God handle the rest!

Here are a few more scriptures to ponder on:

• Hosea 4:17 Ephraim is joined to idols: let him alone.
• Proverbs 24:21 My son, fear thou the Lord and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change: 24:22 For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the ruin of them both?
• 1st Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 4:2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 4:3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

[Timothy]

Q. Mr Davis I have a problem with a friend of mine who thinks no one is saved unless they can speak in tongues this is not to say a known language but jib-ber-jaber he admits he does not know what he's saying when he speak's these so-called tongues but a lady in the church always interprets....I need an answer as soon as possible as he is going around work telling people they are not saved or they can't be saved unless they speak in tongues. Please Help. Thanks, Still on the Milk [Anon]

A. Jesus said in John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. The "whosoever" doesn't mean only those who speak in tongues! It means anybody!!! That sounds unconditional to me.

I'm not going to pretend that I know all there is about tongues but the Bible does mention them. Paul had a problem with those who were practising tounges and he had to plainly tell them that if it doesn't edify, (improve) it's better not to use them. 1st Corinthians 14:14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. 14:15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. 14:16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? 14:17 For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. 14:18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: 14:19 Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. 14:20 Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.

As for knowing that we are saved and letting others know that we are saved, they can see it by our walk and our conversation and by the Love the Savior has placed in us.1st John 3:14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. Not because we speak in tongues.

On the other hand, just because I speak Italian doesn't make me Italian and the unknown tongue I do speak is the prayer I make through the Holy Spirit that he interprets to the Father. Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

[Timothy]

Q. What do you think of the use of incense in the home? Someone I know goes to celestial church of Christ where incense and candles are used with prayer. An Alter is built on one side of the bedroom where no one can go by with shoes on.

A. To start off with I will try to place the use of incense in the proper perspective. First of all it was used in Jewish Temple worship. The Alter of incense was on the inside of the Temple behind the vail, we see in Exodus 30:6 And thou shalt put it before the vail that is by the ark of the testimony, where I will meet with thee. This was the point that the priests could go to, but no farther, except on the Day of Atonement. And it was not just any incense that they happened to have on hand but a very special mixture that the priests made up for the worship of God.

Other references in the Old Testament also have to do with worship of God. References to not using incense if you were not of the seed of Aaron in Numbers 16:35-40. So even though we are no longer under the Law we have this as a precedent to go by. In the New Testament, I located five verses referring to incense and its use and in Luke's gospel, chapter 1:9-11 refers to Zechariah the father of John the Baptist and what He was doing at the time the Angel of the Lord appeared to tell him of the immanent birth of his son. And in Revelation there are two verses chapter 8:3,4 and they have to do with the time in Heaven just after the Lamb that was slain opened the last or seventh seal on the Book held in the right Hand of God.

So even though the Bible does not have a prohibition on the use of incense in the home, all I can advise you on it is that in our society the use of incense has had a long standing association with the drug culture of our time, and I personally would not use it for that reason because the New Testament in the book of 1 Thessalonians 5:22 says: (5) Abstain from all appearance of evil! What may happen is that someone who does not know the way in which you worship may find out that you use incense, and if this person is not saved, or is a weak Christian they could assume you are doing something that is not proper for a child of God to do, and thereby they could either not come to know Jesus in the Free Pardon of sin, or fall away from the Faith because you were looked up to as a stronger Christian.

As to the use of an Alter in the Home I personally see no problem of a family having a place set aside for prayer and worship, we have Alters in our Churches! They are not used in the same manner that the Jews used them but they are still there to Honor God, and as a place of prayer and repentance. The candles are used in most Churches also, so I see no problem there either. The main thing I would stress is not to use anything that would lead to the wrong impression by someone not familiar with your church, or to be so ritualistic that you become leagalistic in your Worship of God. Because God is a Spirit and wants to be Worshipped in Spirit and Truth, not by rote ceremony of a leagalistic nature.

Wayne

Q. What do you think about the book of Mormon. P.S. This is not meant to be a contentious question. I am honestly interested in your opinion..[Joe Zoller Onalaska, Wisconsin]

A. Thank God for this question, and thank you. I saw sincerity in the brief, three sentence submission you made and I realize that the question was not mean't to cause contention.

The Book of Mormon is supposed to be a New Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and yet by what I understand to be a reasonable source. The Book of Mormon has been revised over 4,000 times since its supposed translation in 1830. Notice the the key word was "revised" and not translated. There are thousands now in these days (today) that profess the faith in the Mormon Church but by what I can tell, not to the book of Mormon which is supposed to be the basis of their religion.

They claim this to be not a new but another Gospel or Testament of Jesus Christ, but Paul warned us of other Gospels in 2 Corinthians 11:4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him. 11:1 Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me. 11:2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ." 11:4 "For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him."

And also in Galations 1:6 "I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:" 1:7 "Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ." 1:8 "But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed." 1:9 "As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed." 1:10 "For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ." 1:11 "But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man."

This to me is one of the proofs that we are in the last days before Christ comes back to call out his people. In 1 Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;" 4:2 "Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;"

I believe that the Book of Mormon is an untrue Gospel spoken of by Paul as a warning to the church. If you would like to discuss this matter in more detail, Email me back with further questions and we will correspond with each other on the matter.

The simple truth is that we need to focus on the matter of Salvation which is the true and only Gospel. That Jesus Christ died for our sins, that on the third day he arose alive and victorious over Death, Hell, and the Grave. That at this moment he is sitting at the right hand of the Father, being an advocate for us. Because of his precious blood, we may now be called the children of God the Father and we may have inherited eternal life. This is the Gospel, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved!" We cannot receive this by works or by any other way. The key to heavens gates is the Precious Blood of the Lamb. [Tim]