Tuesday, February 26, 2008

One of Many?

There is a trend emerging in the church today, and it is not good. Okay, that was putting it mildly. The trend I am seeing within many Christian denominations is that of sacrificing foundational beliefs, the beliefs that sets us apart, the beliefs that makes our walk relevant, for the sake of unity and interfaith tolerance. We have gone from Christ being the only way, the only truth, and the only life, to teaching a powerless and irrelevant gospel that suggests Christ, is simply one of many means by which we attain enlightenment, one of many paths we can take that will eventually lead us to eternal paradise.
If these teachings were being expounded upon by some new cult or religion, the likes of which believes in unidentified flying objects, alien abductions, and the such, one could readily dismiss them, waiving them off for the lunacy that they are. The danger however, is that these these teachings are being promoted by men who call themselves Christian leaders, the newly hip, the newly relevant, those eager to make an impact on the world by using their intellect and ability to be tolerant, accepting, and embracing of all religions, all beliefs, brewing up a stew of sorts that has a little of everything everyone likes.
We start off with an abstract notion of a benevolent deity, not any particular god of any particular religion mind you, because that would be divisive, throw in some transcendental meditation, apply some Buddhist rhetoric, quote some Hindu shamans, with just a pinch of prosperity and flesh pleasing, and we have the new faith, relevant to all, helpful to none.
The damage this does to the body of Christ, can only be quantified when, and only when the faith of those who follow this new faith is tested, when they must place their trust in the one in whom they believe, and they discover belatedly so that they don't really know what they believe, who they believe in, or why they believe it.
Unwilling to surrender their all, multitudes of people are flocking to this new found faith, which requires nothing in way of sacrifice, mortification of the flesh, or true repentance. They flock to it, because its easy, convenient, and it allows them to dip their toes in the world, pursue the desires of the flesh, all the while thinking themselves in good standing with God.
Yes, I have stated this before, but apparently it cannot be stated enough during these times, Jesus is the only way, the only truth and the only life.
John 14:6, "Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes to the Father except through Me."
Some things are debatable within the church, but somethings are not up for debate. Whether it's okay to wear a wedding ring, or a necktie, is something that can be appropriated through individual conviction, but some things such as Christ being the one and only path to salvation are not debatable. They are set in stone, unwavering, and unchanging.
I once heard a story of a man who lived in what is referred to as tornado alley. One day the tornado warnings went off, but since the man had livestock to feed, and grass to mow, he did not heed the sirens, and continued about his business. The tornado came, and though the man suffered injuries ranging from broken bones to multiple lacerations, he survived. Later, in the hospital while he was being interviewed, he was asked if the reason he had not sought shelter was because there was something faulty with the warning system. An embarrassed grin spread across his face at this question and he answered, 'No, the warning system worked just fine. I heard the warnings, but I did not heed them.'
Throughout the Bible, the children of God are warned concerning these end times. We are warned of false teachers, who would deny even the Lord who bought them, we are warned of the blasphemers that will arise and deceive the innocent, but the warnings are useless if we do not heed them.
What is certain, is that we will have no excuse for not having known the truth, we will have no excuse for not having been vigilant, just as the man in the storyhad no excuse for not having sought shelter.
The warning system is not faulty, it is not broken, it is not in need of an upgrade, this present generation simply chose to dismiss it. May we be wise and seek the shelter of our Father's embrace, for there is safety in Him.

With love in Christ,

Michael Boldea Jr.

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

Amen. Good word, and so true. God bless you in your work.

I sent a question a while back and don't know if it got lost in cyberspace or what, but wanted to try again in case it did.

Just wondering what beliefs on the white horse rider everyone holds.

Most hold that it is controlled by the anti-christ spirit, but lately have heard some say that it is the 'manchild manifest with judgement in the earth. Was a little confused at this, but wanted to see what your take on the first white horse rider.

Not trying to cause disagreement, just disscussion, and hope I'm not being out of line with this. If so , please forgive me, I just wanted to know the groups thoughts on this.

God bless you all in Jesus,

A Seed Sower said...

AMEN, AMEN and AMEN, and God bless you for remaing true to The Lord and HIS Word.Thank you for feeding HIS sheep faithfully...

A Seed Sower said...

Pastor Micheal, I want to share this word the Lord just gave me with the saints who come to this blog …only if this meets with your approval of course.
The Lord spoke to my mind..
“Satan Has Come Down, Knowing he Has But A Little Time”
I went to the word and this is where He led me:
Revelation 12:10- 12,17
And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.

And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Now Satan is more subtil than any beast, and he will make war with the Saints of God, he does currently make war with the Saints of God. He is the accuser of the brethren, he is the one who says thou shalt not die,..(the Word says it is appointed once for a man to die and then the judgment)…. but ye shall be as God…let the saints hear what the Spirit is saying to the Body of Christ…Oh Lord encourage your saints, to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves…Satan comes to us in many forms and in many ways, all are to discourage, tear down,destroy the faith of and wear out the saints of God, recognise him folks and take heart. If God be for us who can be against us...Amen..whether we live or die we are Christ's Amen

Elm Street Chapel said...

Amen Michael,
The love of the truth is not in them, nor is the knowledge of the truth.

Michael you said: "some things such as Christ being the one and only path to salvation are not debatable. They are set in stone, unwavering, and unchanging."

They are actually written on tables of flesh by the will of the Father. Recognizing on who heart they are written on, is revealed by the Holy Spirit, the "Fruit". The evidence of the presence of the Holy Spirit is we overcoming the flesh, by faith, allowing the characteristics of God (brought to us by the Holy Spirit); love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance, to manifest in truth. Some blindly say, you will know them by their fruit, miss quoting scripture.

Matthew 7:15Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

The presupposition is that a true prophet, one baptized in the Holy Spirit is evidenced by one of the gifts of the Spirit, prophecy, and know by his righteousness, the Spirit Himself bearing witness. Not in easily duplicated manners of speech and polite conversation manifested by wolves.

Those who actually are temples of the Holy Ghost, have writing on their walls, written by the Holy Ghost, known as the Law of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit (or Ghost, who cannot be separated from His gifts) leads us in and bears witness to all truth. The Holy Spirit (not works, good intentions, denominations or time on the job) is the deposit of the Father; proof of beings a joint heir with Jesus the Anointed. We have the same Anointing, the same Baptism, the Oil of Gladness.

Who can hear this? Who has ears to hear?

No Holy Spirit, no life in the Spirit, no walking after the Spirit. No ears to hear, oil less virgins at best.

God is; Love, Joy, Peace and the Holy Ghost (accept no substitute!)
Dave

Anonymous said...

*A Warning to the Church-

…You say that I am the name of many gods, that they and I are one in the same. NO I say, I am the One True God and there is no other in heaven or in earth. For they are dead, but I am alive…

…Woe to you ministers of the Word. But what word are you speaking, as they are not My words. This word that you speak is foreign to Me. You do not teach My ways, but rather the ways of division within the body. You are more concerned about denominational doctrine, than My doctrine.

You refuse to acknowledge the Holy Spirit, or to teach My people of Him and His gifts and power that is given to you from on High. Therefore your works are that of just works done in vain, without His leading, guidance, or power.

You are more worried about being politically correct, than being Biblically correct. For you close your eyes and condone the shedding of innocent young blood. Politics are man made and only for a time, but My ways are law and eternal.

You worry more about offending people with My Word, rather than worrying about giving them My Word and feeding their souls. You do not warn those of their perversion and their blood is on your hands.

You depend on your government to do the work that I have called the Church to do. You close your ears to the cries of those in need. You turn your head and close your eyes, saying that you do not see or know of their hurt. As you have turned away from them, so I am turning away from you.

Repent!!! Stop polluting, perverting and defiling My people, for you are misleading them. My Word and hand is strong and moving against you even now. For I have already raised Me up a people, even children to take your place, who will do My bidding, to teach My Word and My Ways, to lead My people back to Me… 2/18/03

Anonymous said...

Thank you Michael for sounding the warning to us.

Anonymous said...

Michael,

What you are saying reminds me of what Paul wrote to the Galatians:

Galatians 1:6-10
6 "I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7 which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! 9 As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned!

10 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."

Let us heed the word of the Lord!

deannaslater said...

Michael, we know its all so wrong, the whole set up, we are all priests, equal in the Lord, it was never intended to be this way, one man being the focus, how dumb, why didn't I see this years ago? but I do now and thats all that matters, I will pray that the body of Christ begin to see this same revelation. Blessings

Anonymous said...

Hi Michael, the time is fast running out, please take a look at this website.

OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN SPEAKS!
RECEIVE, BELIEVE, AND ASK!

http://www.prophecies.org/DOCS/Book%2012/Chapter42.htm#Part1

Anonymous said...

OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN SPEAKS!
RECEIVE, BELIEVE, AND ASK! http://www.prophecies.org/DOCS/Book%2012/Chapter42.htm#Part1

I personally think that when she talks about being divorced from her 1st. husband, it tells a whole story in itself, among everything else that is said.

Anonymous said...

To 'anonymous' that left the above website.
Please do not be misled by Linda Newkirk. No one that believes in reincarnation (among many other things) is God sent. This woman is a fraud. DO NOT be misguided by her.

Mrs. Pugh

Bonny said...

Amen, Michael. A couple of years back the Lord spoke clearly to me that He was using my immediate circumstances to train me for the days to come, that is, some hardship now is teaching me perseverance, endurance and the ability to love when 'the love of many will wax cold'. I think your message is so necessary, and I thank the Lord again for your faithfulness. I pray that it will speak to many, as a watchman on the walls sounds the alarm. Thank you Brother Michael, your posts are written in truth and wisdom.

A Seed Sower said...

Anon, which of these two scriptures are you referring to in regards to the "White Horse"?

Revelation 6:1-2
And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.
2And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.

Revelation 19:11-16
11And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.
12His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.
14And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
15And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
16And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

A Seed Sower said...

Anon, Also is this the "man child" scripture your refering to..?
Rev 12:5
And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.

A Seed Sower said...

In regards to whom ever left us all the following link:
http://www.prophecies.org/DOCS/Book%2012/Chapter42.htm#Part1....

Your kidding right?????
We all need to pray for this poor deluded soul. My goodness delusion is so far reaching these days it's incredible.
This person is claiming to be the woman of Revelation 12.

Oh dear, poor Brother Michael ... what you have to be longsuffering with...God Bless you, God help you.

Anonymous said...

Michael, I agree, but if I might dissent in one part:

"Unwilling to surrender their all, multitudes of people are flocking to this new found faith"

That simply isn't happening in my neck of the woods, rather such religion consigns itself to obscurity - people simply stop going to Church because there really is no good reason to go.

JasonJC said...

Peter,

I agree, there is no good reason to go to "church". Why subject ones self to a false Christianity. The few who will enter through the narrow gate are spread out thin among the world. They are the Church. The path of righteousness is not easy and most will not endure it's challenges. The majority will endure the wishy washy Christianity that makes them appear righteous but yet they fall short of a walk that is justified by faith. Faith in men is not what scripture talks about, unfortunately this is the practice of this western culture... I long to be in fellowship with those whom the Lord has chosen, but they are few and far in between. It seems the internet is the better source for communication with this kind of true brethren... I hope to find some locals in the area.


Good word brother Mike. :)

Anonymous said...

Seedsower,

I am referring to the white horse rider in Rev.6...........the first rider of the four horses. Also, yes the 'Manchild ' in Rev. 12 brought forth from the women.

I have always heard that this rider was antichrist, but I have heard a teacher say that this rider is the same as the manchild in Rev. 12, who will be given authority to bring judgement in the earth. I was just wondering what the brothers and sisters here felt about this teaching.

I have never heard this before.

Thanks for responding,

Blessings in Jesus