What is the Gospel?

“I just want to love Jesus” say charismatics who wish to avoid theological or Biblical discussion about their beliefs. In reality, they have no beliefs – just a childish reliance on their own emotions and experiences. What on earth does “I just want to love Jesus” mean? It is completely meaningless!

To ‘love Jesus’ is to do what He says, and to do that we must know what He says! And, this is not restricted to what Jesus the Man said – it embraces everything in scripture, for Jesus is God, and the Bible is His word. Thus, the airy-fairy nonsense uttered by glazed-eyed folk is not acceptable.

On the other hand, neither is the complex and dark thinking of Roman Catholics. A Roman Catholic would agree with charismatics who “just want to love Jesus” because the wording is the same as their own. But, what they mean by that wording is not scriptural. They love the Jesus of their own making, not the Jesus of scripture. What they, and charismatics, mean by the ‘Gospel’ is very different from that of the born-again.

What, then, is the Gospel? For those who inevitably write to me complaining that I have not given one Bible text in support of what I say (!!) the following is only meant to be a summary of what scripture says….

The Gospel is indeed the ‘good news’ – but not for all. In everyday language, the Gospel is for ‘everyone’ as far as preaching and witnessing is concerned. That is, because we don’t know who God will save, we must preach to ‘all’. But even then there is a proviso, for Christ instructed His disciples to leave scoffers and scorners to their own devices, never to return.

The Gospel message is that Jesus Christ came to this earth to die, not for everyone, but for the elect, as John 3 adequately teaches. He died for the men and women who were predestinated by God Himself before the world began.

As I keep telling Arminianists time and again, if God chose who would be saved before time began – in other words, in eternity – then no man can beg, buy, or in any way secure, salvation outside of this election. It is simply not possible. We are either elect or we are not.

The good news, then, is not universal but restricted to a few only. This salvation is entirely of grace. The unwary would accept, without question, the Romanist statement that Catholicism teaches exactly that. It does not. One must examine Roman teaching in detail (and charismatic teaching, for that matter), for though it uses the same terms and words, what it means by them is very different from what scripture says.

By ‘grace’ a Romanist includes works. I will not complicate this brief article by defining this in detail, for I have already done so in my critical analysis of Thomas Aquinas. Suffice to say that the Roman view is that ‘grace’ includes acts of good done by men, for God gave those works to the man who would be saved, and so the works go toward salvation. By very clever mental acrobatics, then, Rome manages to make works part of salvation.

This is all based not on scripture but on religious philosophy. When confronted with this fact, Catholics are quite proud of it. When I asked the leader of the Jesuits in the USA how Rome can maintain its stance, he just said “through 2000 years of Catholic teaching”.

That is, Bible plus Catholic dogma. Though I point out that this dogma is produced by mere men, it does not have an impact. I tell them that once we move outside of statements made by God in scripture, we begin to accept the words of frail and faulty men. Again, this makes no difference to the Catholic, such is his or her brainwashed state.

What this shows us is that Roman Catholicism is not a denomination but a false church, proof not of God’s grace but of His judgement upon men. Because they are lost and not elect, they are content with a Satanic deception, a false church.

And the same goes for ‘true’ charismatics, who follow almost the same lines as Romanists, being extra-Biblical in their thinking and Arminian.

Do not become enmeshed with false Gospels and don’t just accept claims to salvation made by those in false systems, just because they use similar words and phrases. Rome accepts charismaticism because they share the same false ideologies.

Their idea of what the Gospel consists of is false and universalist. That is why “I just want to love Jesus” is not acceptable but is a ridiculous and utterly childish thing to say! Study scripture fully, friends, for it is your defence and shield.

Oh well…

It seems that British folk don’t mind being ruled with an iron hand. So, Mr Blair is back in power. The main objection I have is that his party is socialist (socialism being inherently antagonistic toward God and Christianity) and that he himself is a dictator.

After two terms in office, he now imperiously says that he is listening to the people! That is, after he has inflicted maximum damage upon the UK and has had his own way!!

Now, he will continue with more of the same and complete our subjugation under the EC, pretending to listen to objections.

Already, just two weeks after being re-elected, Labour plans to introduce another new ‘stealth’ tax (to join the scores of previous ones) and plans to increase many working lives to age 70. Watch out for an increasing number of new taxes and repressive measures.

Part of that repression is the refusal of Labour to hold a referendum on the EU constitution. I am not alone in thinking that this will allow Labour to bring us the constitution bit at a time through the back door.  Indeed, Blair has said that the constitution is the ‘key’ to an enlarged Europe; he is extremely loyal to the idea. Watch Labour carefully!

Seidr

When the Norsemen (not Vikings, or vikingr – these were Nordic outlaws bent on violence and brigandy) were forced to accept Christianity (i.e. Catholicism) by their king, many were too afraid to oppose him. Some, whilst outwardly acting as good Catholics, retained their faith in the seidr.

The seidr were followers of the ‘old ways’, believers in Odinn, Thor, and the pantheon of mythical gods who ruled Norway, Iceland, Greenland, Northern Europe, Ireland, the Scottish Islands, and even parts of the east coast of northern America.

What’s interesting is that the description of these shaman-equivalents is very like that of many charismatic ‘prophets’, whose visions and dreams come about by mystical means, whilst those who claim them pretend to be Christian.

The seidr were powerful men and women, whose visions and other activities proved their status as channels of spiritual forces…just as the powers of charismatics prove their own demonic sources.

The more I come to know about shamans, seidr, and others who use demonic power in the guise of ‘God’, the more I come to see the links with true charismatics. In particular, I see a very strong link between them and Roman Catholicism, the false ‘church’ that stands side-by-side with the true Church causing millions to stumble.

Blind Beliefs

I receive many emails, as you can guess, and some of them are amazing. It seems that many folk who claim to be Christians are quite willing to ditch scripture for the views of other men.

I get many, for example, who claim that because this or that theologian does not believe in predestination, then the teaching must be untrue! Though I point them to specific texts that even contain the word, they reject them.

Another recent communication told me that I was being heretical in my views on babies and heaven, because other reformed men did not agree with me!!

The same fellow pompously referred me to babies taken to Jesus; Jesus said that “the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” This does NOT mean that babies go to heaven – the whole context is about adults being as trusting as children!!

Nowhere in scripture are we given ‘let-out’ clauses by God for any person, whether child or adult, whether mentally incapable, or not. There is but one way to God, and that is through faith in Jesus Christ…and that is only given to those who are predestinated.

Friends, I did not write scripture! I did not declare the only way to God. I did not determine that salvation is given as a free gift and that no man can earn it. Nor did I say that babies do not go to heaven. I only teach what scripture says, so don’t shoot the messenger!

Oh Yeah!

When I first heard that a hospital in England was going to remove Gideon Bibles from lockers because they might harbour the MRSA bug, I thought “Oh yeah!”

My first reaction was that this was the action of a single individual who does not believe in God and who wants to deny others the option of reading His word, especially at a time of stress.

Since then I have heard the pathetic excuses put out by the hospital spokesman…the hospital does not wish to offend people of other faiths, and also wants to avoid MRSA being collected on its covers!

MRSA can be harboured on the pens of nurses, as research has shown; it can collect on beds themselves, on pillows, on plates with hospital food, on the hands of visitors…to blame Bibles is ridiculous. As for offending people of other faiths…they need not look at the Bibles, or pick them up. They can be removed by staff if requested to do so. To bosses of University Hospitals of Leicester Trust, we say “Grow up!” Don’t let your own unbelief and intolerance cause you to make such stupid decisions!

Thuggery as a Way of Life

Thugs are rarely punished. One thug who had only just been given an ‘ASBO’ notice killed a man in cold blood.

The 52 year old man was clubbed on the back of the head by the 16 year old, for trying to save a girl from being beaten up.

The youngster who killed him had been given an ASBO notice just days before, not to cause havoc in his home city…wearing hoods, drinking on the streets, vandalism, abusing others, etc.

This kind of thuggery is prevalent in every area of the UK. It was not a problem back in the days when kids did not roam the streets and were not given so many ‘rights’. A good ‘clip around the ear’ at the right age did wonders!

Today’s young thugs are afraid of nothing. About five years ago we were plagued by a group of about 20 young kids who used to throw objects at cars and houses, and smashed things on the road. Their language was disgusting and they would run around screaming and shouting for hours. They were aged between about 6 and 12!!

One day I heard my wife outside telling one young boy off – he was about 10 or 12. Without a sign of anxiety he stood right in front of her and swore at her, calling her some very bad things. I will not apologise for what I did next – I ran outside and chased him.

The rest of the kids ran away laughing and they all started jeering at me, thinking that because I was older I could not keep up – but I did, and I caught the one who swore at my wife. I grabbed him by his coat and put my face right next to his. I quietly told him that if he dared to come near my home again he would be very sorry indeed.

I must admit that I wanted to slap him hard!! A short while later, his mother arrived and demanded an explanation. I told her that if he tried the same antics again I would not be so lenient. I told her that I did not harm him, but only wanted to scare the life out of him. My objective was simple – scare him so much that he would think twice about coming near us again. Frankly, it worked! The gang never came near us again.

Now, the point is this – I am only human. I am also a Christian. But, there can be times when human nature takes control, especially at times of crisis or danger. There are times when a person, Christian or not, can ‘snap’. Around my way there are parents who let their kids roam, but who would be appalled at what they get up to when in a gang.

That is why the law must be realistic. Youngsters under the age of 16 should obey a curfew! They should not be in the streets after about 6 at night, let alone 4 in the morning!! Kids are becoming thugs only because adults are not allowed to control their behaviour.

I see a time coming when gangs and individual thugs will be subject to the actions of vigilantes, because the law does nothing. We may be Christians, but we should not be doormats for youngsters who cause fear and damage.

No doubt some who read this will be dismayed and will tut-tut. I can only suggest that they come and live here.

I like to see children with a spark of life in them, but I cannot subscribe to the growing ‘Christian’ idea that promotes talking back to adults, and saying what they please, because such insolence can be the start of a life of thuggery.

A Pint and a Vocation, Please

One Roman Catholic diocese has resorted to advertising for potential priests on beer-mats! This is a very clear indication that priests are much the same as any other employee of a business, and not called by God. If a ‘church’ has to advertise for a minister, then the one who answers that advertisement is not called by God, and the church is not acting in a godly manner.

Causing Divisions

I am always interested to see Christians perform mental acrobatics, in order to explain away their favoured error. Inevitably, one way to deflect criticism is to call your opponents ‘schismatic’ or  agents of ‘division’ within the church. This is a very common ploy, also used by dictators, criminals and other wrongdoers.

Often, those who appear to be sound are not. They learn in a second-hand way and take on board the views of others. But, in their hearts, they harbour error.

This is exactly what happened when the Toronto Blessing came along. Christians everywhere bemoaned the fact that ‘sound’ brethren defected to charismaticism…but, in reality, they were not brethren at all; they wore the same clothes as their fellow Christians, but their hearts were not convinced by scripture. So, they simply went where their heart was really anchored.

In reformed circles, many pastors and even well-known teachers, harbour Arminian thinking, so when they defect to that particular heresy, they do so because that is where their hearts are anyway. Then, when others question their moves, they hit back by charging them with schism and causing divisions!

These turn-coats should heed the words of Jesus, Who warned that He did not come to bring a cosy sewing circle, but came to cause divisions! That is, His truth would automatically split people asunder, even sons from fathers.

Christians need not be upset, for the error is on the part of their once-sound pastors and churches, who start to show their true colours. Their reformed position was a sham, and they now veer toward the same errors shown by Rome, charismaticism and dead denominations. Those who remove themselves cannot be charged with spreading heresy – only with dividing from heresy. Thus, the real culprits are those who bring charges against them!

EU Rules, Like it Or Not!

It seems that the EU rule that all member countries must ratify the EU constitution, was just a front. According to EU Observer (6/6/05) Brussels will forge ahead anyway, demanding that the Constitution goes ahead by ignoring unilateral votes against it!

Meanwhile, some EU ministers suggest that a new, shorter, version of the constitution is written. Many member states are opting to ‘cherry pick’ certain parts of the constitution to fit into their existing laws. The day is fast approaching, friends!

We are on the verge of a solid wall of European union, with a single law machine and aim, all based on lies and deception. Back in 1971 the UK was lied to about the real agenda of the EU, and the same deception continues today.

Duplicity

Not so long ago the BBC scuttled an animated series that lampooned the papacy and Catholicism, because it offended Catholics. It is now about to appear on New Zealand TV, despite Catholic protests. So, why did the BBC continue to scornfully air the disgusting Jerry Springer Show despite thousands of protests from Christians?

Catholics Turning?

The RC bishop of Memphis, USA, is urging churches in his diocese to welcome gay and lesbian people ‘into the church’. (total catholic.com).

This is not only in defiance of Rome but also in defiance of scripture. No man can ‘apply’ to ‘join’ the Church – he or she must be predestinated and saved…and those who practice homosexuality are bound for hell according to God’s word.

The Cause of Crime

When I was young my family had almost no money. We lived on a council estate and I always walked everywhere, because I had no pocket money. Every Friday my father brought home some sweets, and that was that.

As a young teenager in school I wore clothing made for me by my mother and had cast-offs from cousins, etc. My only other clothing was my school uniform – black trousers and a black blazer with a school badge. We could rarely afford new shoes, so I wore mine until they literally fell off. When the soles wore through into large holes I put cardboard into the shoes in an effort to stop water soaking my feet and gravel causing cuts, but that was not very effective! (This continued well into my marriage).

As an older teenager I had an intense interest in rock music – writing songs, playing piano and guitar. I had to borrow the guitar from an uncle, but my mother already had an old piano. I spent many hours at this, and then playing in rock bands. Even when I went for an audition in London, my guitar was borrowed, my travel was provided by my father’s free rail ticket, and my shoes still had holes underneath! I had no actual money or food with me.

When I began in art school I could not afford paints or canvas, so I painted on walls and cardboard, and used discarded tubes of paint I found in college. I even used kids’ poster paints.

When I got my first part-time job, I gave all my money to my mother, and I did the same when I got a full-time job as a trainee shop manager…when my ‘suit’ consisted of my old school trousers, and my school blazer with the badge removed (and the outline of where it once was could still be seen). When I married at age 21, my ‘suit’ was…yes, my school blazer and school trousers (with a much-repaired hem)!! And yes, my shoes had huge holes underneath, with fresh cardboard inside.

Our wedding feast was a buffet in my mother’s house, for which she had cooked everything…a common practice in those days and one that ought to be retained today.

After the buffet my new wife and I took a stroll around the council estate, and that was our ‘honeymoon’. We returned home and helped with the washing up, and that was the start of our married life.

At the end of the day, we unfolded the bed-settee in the room next to the lounge – we did not have a proper bed until about five years later. We lived in that one room, with no possessions of our own, until after the birth of our second son, and almost everything was handed-down to us from others. I still did not have new clothes and my shoes always had large holes in them.

This continued after I became a Christian, when I was a rather shabby sight!

At home we had nothing. When we moved to our own council house, we still had nothing…everything we had was given to us – pre-war furniture included. And, as I have said before, we spent much of our time in poverty. Very often, our ‘food’ was no more than a packet of salted crisps and a slice of bread. Sometimes we had one tin of beans between us.

We also had times when we had no food for several days at a time, so we had to somehow obtain food for the two children. Whenever my mother was aware of this (I never told her myself), she would give us a bag of food, reducing her own food stock without a grumble, but she was on a very low income herself. (Yet, when she saw a destitute person on the street, she gave everything she had in her pocket, and even her shoes and coats).

What is my point? It is this – despite poverty and dire need, I did not resort to criminal behaviour. Nowadays, those who are called ‘deprived’ have far more than I ever had!! Yet, many of them become criminals. The most recent figures show that most crime occurs in ‘deprived’ areas. Therefore, the government’s social policy advisers will be looking at ways to reduce deprivation, because this is the ‘cause’ of their criminal behaviour.

But, what are they deprived of? Most wear designer clothes and footwear (though unemployed by choice); they have computer games, large colour TV’s; they drink and smoke, and take drugs. Some even have cars. This is what is called ‘deprived’!

The government, in line with its socialist principles, sees crime as the result of deprivation. The Bible is the most accurate indicator, when it says crime is the result of sin.

One man, who once lived on a council estate and was known for his thieving, thuggery and car thefts, won millions on the lottery not so long ago. Now, he is just a rich thug! He obtains old cars and races them around his grounds, finally to smash them up against piles of other cars he has already destroyed and left burning. He makes his neighbours’ life a misery, holding all-night drinking binges with his cronies, and generally living as he did on the council estate. Money did not change him, nor did the cessation of his ‘deprivation’!

Sin is allowed free reign in the world, because no-one recognises it as sin anymore. So, billions of pounds are spent on creating the ‘right environment’ in which people will somehow change from sinners to goodies, to no effect.

Even the coming ‘Live 8’ concert for Africa is based on a do-good idea of what makes Africa poor. The reality is, that Africa has many despotic leaders who steal food and money from their own citizens, to keep themselves in luxury. But who is going to recognise what is going on? Who will deal with it? 

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©May 2005

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