So long as the church is in the world, controversy is inevitable. Spiritual warfare is the theme of the Bible, from Genesis through Revelation. It is the ongoing struggle between good and evil. It is chronicled in Holy Writ from the temptation of Eve in Genesis to the war between the Lamb and the beast in Revelation, and it was a principal characteristic of Jesus' life and personal ministry.
The continuing spiritual battles that men must wage is figuratively alluded to in Paul's reference to the “whole armor of God” (Eph. 6:10-17), his admonition to Timothy to, “war a good warfare” (1 Tim. 1:18), to, “fight the good fight of faith” (1 Tim. 6:12), and his charge to, “endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ” (2 Tim. 2:3). In those battles, there is no middle ground. Jesus said, “He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad” (Matt. 12:30). Our spiritual battles are either fought in Christ's kingdom for His cause, or in Satan's kingdom to advance his.
The city of Meroz,is mentioned only once in the Bible, subsequent to the battle in which Deborah and Barak defeated Jabin's Canaanites led by Sisera (Judges 4). Meroz remained indifferent to the battle of God's people, refusing to come to their aid, and in the song of victory by Deborah and Barak, they said, “Curse ye Meroz, said the angel of the LORD, curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof; because they came not to the help of the LORD, to the help of the LORD against the mighty” (Judges 5:23). God could—and did—defeat the Canaanites without the help of Meroz, but the lesson is that if one claims to be a child of God, he cannot remain neutral in spiritual battles.
If there was anything good that could be said about Meroz, it would be noted that they did not actively oppose the Lord's people. They just turned a blind eye to the battle. On the other hand, both things can be said today of the Memphis School Of Preaching (MSOP) concerning Dave Miller. When Miller's false doctrines became widely known in 2005, the MSOP administration, staff, and faculty jumped aboard his bandwagon, defending him and opposing faithful brethren who called for his repentance. Their claim was that brethren were being hateful to Miller because, according to them, he "had repented." That claim is, of course, false. In all of Dave Miller's public writings and pronouncements in the ensuing years since then, he has never once confessed sin or uttered the words, "I repent."
Miller's elevation to the directorship of Apologetics Press (AP) in 2005 brought him paeans from financial and prestigious interests—especially in Alabama. Miller, who had replaced Bert Thompson at AP amid objections from faithful brethren, was instrumental in the unscriptural elder reevaluation/reconfirmation process at Brown Trail in Ft. Worth in 1991. He also taught the false doctrine that two married people may divorce without the scriptural reason if they did not “intend” to marry—false teachings of which he has never repented.
Miller's errors created a great schism in the church between those who opposed them, and those who defended him. Many of us who oppose his errors have pondered the great paradox of his defenders, who in previous decades would have opposed such error, yet wink at his. After 13 years, the only logical conclusion is that there has arisen in the church a cabal whose interests are actually limited to funding their pet projects and not to the "faith once delivered." Keith Mosher confirmed that, though he probably did not intend to do so, during the open forum in the Sunny Slope church's lectureship in Paducah, Kentucky, July 15, 2006. His allegiance to "works" (pet projects) was evident when he said,
The continuing spiritual battles that men must wage is figuratively alluded to in Paul's reference to the “whole armor of God” (Eph. 6:10-17), his admonition to Timothy to, “war a good warfare” (1 Tim. 1:18), to, “fight the good fight of faith” (1 Tim. 6:12), and his charge to, “endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ” (2 Tim. 2:3). In those battles, there is no middle ground. Jesus said, “He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad” (Matt. 12:30). Our spiritual battles are either fought in Christ's kingdom for His cause, or in Satan's kingdom to advance his.
The city of Meroz,is mentioned only once in the Bible, subsequent to the battle in which Deborah and Barak defeated Jabin's Canaanites led by Sisera (Judges 4). Meroz remained indifferent to the battle of God's people, refusing to come to their aid, and in the song of victory by Deborah and Barak, they said, “Curse ye Meroz, said the angel of the LORD, curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof; because they came not to the help of the LORD, to the help of the LORD against the mighty” (Judges 5:23). God could—and did—defeat the Canaanites without the help of Meroz, but the lesson is that if one claims to be a child of God, he cannot remain neutral in spiritual battles.
If there was anything good that could be said about Meroz, it would be noted that they did not actively oppose the Lord's people. They just turned a blind eye to the battle. On the other hand, both things can be said today of the Memphis School Of Preaching (MSOP) concerning Dave Miller. When Miller's false doctrines became widely known in 2005, the MSOP administration, staff, and faculty jumped aboard his bandwagon, defending him and opposing faithful brethren who called for his repentance. Their claim was that brethren were being hateful to Miller because, according to them, he "had repented." That claim is, of course, false. In all of Dave Miller's public writings and pronouncements in the ensuing years since then, he has never once confessed sin or uttered the words, "I repent."
Miller's elevation to the directorship of Apologetics Press (AP) in 2005 brought him paeans from financial and prestigious interests—especially in Alabama. Miller, who had replaced Bert Thompson at AP amid objections from faithful brethren, was instrumental in the unscriptural elder reevaluation/reconfirmation process at Brown Trail in Ft. Worth in 1991. He also taught the false doctrine that two married people may divorce without the scriptural reason if they did not “intend” to marry—false teachings of which he has never repented.
Miller's errors created a great schism in the church between those who opposed them, and those who defended him. Many of us who oppose his errors have pondered the great paradox of his defenders, who in previous decades would have opposed such error, yet wink at his. After 13 years, the only logical conclusion is that there has arisen in the church a cabal whose interests are actually limited to funding their pet projects and not to the "faith once delivered." Keith Mosher confirmed that, though he probably did not intend to do so, during the open forum in the Sunny Slope church's lectureship in Paducah, Kentucky, July 15, 2006. His allegiance to "works" (pet projects) was evident when he said,
The U.S. ranks 15th in Personal Freedom and number 33 in Safety and Security thanks in large part to the cumulative work of progressives and constitution despisers in this country. Wherever the false philosophy of humanism reigns, it will continue to fuel the self-centered socialist elitism mindset. And don't forget, socialism is but one step away toward communism. What is the Christian to do? God's Word reveals the inspired apostle Paul's statements to Timothy as follows:
“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity. I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. (1 Timothy 2:1-9).” (bold mine, glg).
First, the preaching of the gospel dissipates spiritual darkness and that includes humanism, which teaches that man is the center of the universe in place of God. The preaching of the truth thereby saves the soul from sin (of those who seek salvation from sin in Christ by obeying the gospel plan of salvation (see Romans 1:16-17; Hear: Rom. 10:17; Believe: John 8:24; Repent: Luke 13:3; Confess Christ: Rom. 10:9-10; Be immersed in water for the remission of sins: Acts 2:38 & Rom. 6:3-4).
Second, the same preaching of righteous principles teaches Christians to practice what the Bible calls "well doing." "For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men" (1 Peter 2:15, emp., glg).
Many times today when we pray for those in authority it seems we are mostly praying for those elected ones who had slyly become America’s enemies. "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places" (Ephesians 6:12). So, our prayer content is that they will do what they promised to do when elected, as opposed to destroying the very righteous principles upon which this great nation was founded. Corrupt politicians who have waged war against good morals and patriotic citizens must be opposed. When they call upright citizens, who boldly opposed sexual perversion in our society, by derogatory terms such as “racists” and “deplorables” (as Hillary Clinton did), such is not only a false accusation but shameful.
True Christians are engaged in "well doing," which refers generally to Godly living by following in the steps of Christ. Such covers a lot of territory in application in that one seeks to live pure morally, doctrinally and evangelistically. (Titus 2:11-14).
Is it “well doing” to do one’s duty as a citizen of the nation by putting to silence the ignorance of mean-spirited, self-centered, greedy national leaders who seek to take away the rights of patriotic citizens, which rights are God-given liberties? Absolutely. How can this aspect of “well doing” be done? The most effective way is to simply vote them out of office and replace them with God-fearing persons. Our country is such today that this writer has just put a target on his back for making these clear affirmations of common sense. Do you agree that this is ridiculous and not the country in which you grew up?
The freedom of speech, the right to privacy and the right to defend oneself and one’s family from harm and evil are God-given rights. We obey the government, but as God’s Word teaches. The government is a God-originated institution (Romans 13:1-7) and has the obligation to protect these rights. It has the responsibility to protect the good people of society from evil-doers.
In regard to the freedom of speech, when government behaves as God’s Word directs, we seek to obey the laws of the land. When the government (made up of mere fallible man) demands men give up their God-given liberties, then we must obey God and not man. "But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard" (Acts 4:19-20). "Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29).
In regard to the protection of our second amendment and the right to defend oneself and one’s family from harm and evil, Thomas Jefferson rightly stated, “No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms. When governments fear the people, there is liberty. When the people fear the government, there is tyranny. The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.” Thomas Jefferson just became a "deplorable" to the progressives for his good statement! Who can believe it? No right thinking person can disagree with this founder.
Our country was founded upon Biblical principles. Righteousness exalts a nation in God's thinking. The promotion of immorality and tyranny brings a nation down into the gutter. "Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people" (Proverbs 14:34). Thanks for reading this. Our duty is clear.
Documentation: Article entitled, The U.S. Isn’t One Of The Top 10 Most Free Countries In The World, Study Says. October 3, 2016. http://www.mcclatchydc.com/news/nation-world/world/article105618381.html#storylink =cpyOctober 3, 2016 9:05 AM
Article by Gary L. Grizzell
______________________________________________________________
* We are pleased to share this article. This article may be freely distributed as long as 1) there is no cost to others, 2) no changes are made to any part of the content, 3) it is distributed in full, 4) the author's name remains attached to the article, and 5) this web location from which the article was taken is noted.
“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity. I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. (1 Timothy 2:1-9).” (bold mine, glg).
First, the preaching of the gospel dissipates spiritual darkness and that includes humanism, which teaches that man is the center of the universe in place of God. The preaching of the truth thereby saves the soul from sin (of those who seek salvation from sin in Christ by obeying the gospel plan of salvation (see Romans 1:16-17; Hear: Rom. 10:17; Believe: John 8:24; Repent: Luke 13:3; Confess Christ: Rom. 10:9-10; Be immersed in water for the remission of sins: Acts 2:38 & Rom. 6:3-4).
Second, the same preaching of righteous principles teaches Christians to practice what the Bible calls "well doing." "For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men" (1 Peter 2:15, emp., glg).
Many times today when we pray for those in authority it seems we are mostly praying for those elected ones who had slyly become America’s enemies. "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places" (Ephesians 6:12). So, our prayer content is that they will do what they promised to do when elected, as opposed to destroying the very righteous principles upon which this great nation was founded. Corrupt politicians who have waged war against good morals and patriotic citizens must be opposed. When they call upright citizens, who boldly opposed sexual perversion in our society, by derogatory terms such as “racists” and “deplorables” (as Hillary Clinton did), such is not only a false accusation but shameful.
True Christians are engaged in "well doing," which refers generally to Godly living by following in the steps of Christ. Such covers a lot of territory in application in that one seeks to live pure morally, doctrinally and evangelistically. (Titus 2:11-14).
Is it “well doing” to do one’s duty as a citizen of the nation by putting to silence the ignorance of mean-spirited, self-centered, greedy national leaders who seek to take away the rights of patriotic citizens, which rights are God-given liberties? Absolutely. How can this aspect of “well doing” be done? The most effective way is to simply vote them out of office and replace them with God-fearing persons. Our country is such today that this writer has just put a target on his back for making these clear affirmations of common sense. Do you agree that this is ridiculous and not the country in which you grew up?
The freedom of speech, the right to privacy and the right to defend oneself and one’s family from harm and evil are God-given rights. We obey the government, but as God’s Word teaches. The government is a God-originated institution (Romans 13:1-7) and has the obligation to protect these rights. It has the responsibility to protect the good people of society from evil-doers.
In regard to the freedom of speech, when government behaves as God’s Word directs, we seek to obey the laws of the land. When the government (made up of mere fallible man) demands men give up their God-given liberties, then we must obey God and not man. "But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard" (Acts 4:19-20). "Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29).
In regard to the protection of our second amendment and the right to defend oneself and one’s family from harm and evil, Thomas Jefferson rightly stated, “No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms. When governments fear the people, there is liberty. When the people fear the government, there is tyranny. The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.” Thomas Jefferson just became a "deplorable" to the progressives for his good statement! Who can believe it? No right thinking person can disagree with this founder.
Our country was founded upon Biblical principles. Righteousness exalts a nation in God's thinking. The promotion of immorality and tyranny brings a nation down into the gutter. "Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people" (Proverbs 14:34). Thanks for reading this. Our duty is clear.
Documentation: Article entitled, The U.S. Isn’t One Of The Top 10 Most Free Countries In The World, Study Says. October 3, 2016. http://www.mcclatchydc.com/news/nation-world/world/article105618381.html#storylink =cpyOctober 3, 2016 9:05 AM
Article by Gary L. Grizzell
______________________________________________________________
* We are pleased to share this article. This article may be freely distributed as long as 1) there is no cost to others, 2) no changes are made to any part of the content, 3) it is distributed in full, 4) the author's name remains attached to the article, and 5) this web location from which the article was taken is noted.