CHUCK KOLB 03/04/2014

Lenten Blessings - True Christianity and What is Not !!!

Previously posted ...
China's Poorest beat our Best Pupils !!!
http://conpats.blogspot.com/2014/02/chuck-kolb-02272014.html


Lent - Origins and Meaning
Mardi Gras (also known as Carnival and “Fat Tuesday”) precedes the Holy Season of Lent. Most people,
Christians included, know more about Mardi Gras than they do about Lent.


Origins of Lent There is nothing in the Bible establishing the celebration of the Lenten Season. Its origins are in Christian tradition, perhaps as early as Apostolic times. Early Christians began preparing for celebration of the Resurrection (Easter or the Paschal Feast) with two days of reflection and fasting (modern Good Friday and the Saturday following.) Gradually, the time of preparation and fasting was expanded until by 350 CE it was 40 days.

The Season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday (March 5, 2014) and runs though the Saturday preceding Easter (April 19, 2014). The 40 days of Lent exclude Sundays, the Lord’s Day.

Purpose

In the early days of the Church (Roman Catholic was the only church then), Lent had two major emphases:
(1) It was seen as a time of repentance and denial of self. All Christians were to examine their lives according to the Ten Commandments and other Christian ethical precepts and repent where necessary. They were to remember what it cost their Savior to save them.
(2) It was a time of instruction and preparation for the electi who wanted to become members of the Christian Church. This practice has generally been replaced with formal preparation for First Communion or Confirmation in the modern church.

The celebration of Lent varies widely among various denominations today. For some, especially in the Eastern Orthodox Church,
Lent is given great importance. In some Protestant denominations, Lent is barely recognized at all.

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THINK BEEFORE YOU DENY GOD
Some Creationists Need a Science Lesson and Some Scientists Need a Brain
by lisarichardsrocknrollpolitics
Nothing is worse than Christians who place time limits on God by insisting the earth is only 6000 years old when the Bible
does not specify the exact age of the earth or creation. This thinking comes from people who insist they can do God’s
thinking for Him. Christian who limit God are as bad as anti-God/anti-creationists who insist nothing creates anything and
that’s science. The latest creation versus science debate brought out two men who think they know more than God. [...]
http://conpats.blogspot.com/2014/02/think-beefore-you-deny-god.html
http://lisarichardsrocknrollpolitics.wordpress.com/2014/02/07/some-creationists-need-a-science-lesson-and-some-scientists-need-a-brain-2/

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The Coming Blood-Moon Events
Is Israel going to be involved in a war during the blood-red moons of 2014 and 2015?  According to ancient Jewish tradition,
a lunar eclipse is a harbinger of bad things for Israel.  If that eclipse is blood-red, that is a sign that war is coming. 
And blood-red moons that happen during Biblical festivals seem to be particularly significant. [...]
http://ptl2010.com/2014/03/05/the-coming-blood-moon-events/

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The blessings of Lent to all who wil accept ...


My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
1 John 3:18 KJV



Lenten Blessings - True Christianity and What is Not !!!



What is True Christianity and What is Not
by Pastor Lee S Gliddon Jr.

We ‘True Christians are getting to be a rare breed as more and more groups and Denominations who name themselves as Christian fall into apostasy. It is as if these groups and Denominations think and teach that they are improving on God’s Word and His actions.
 
If the truth were to be laid bare it would be easy to realize that Christianity is not a religion at all. True Christianity is a ‘personal relationship’ with God and not a ‘system of attitudes, beliefs or practices.’ To clearly explain the difference of any religion and Christianity would be to say, ‘A religion is man seeking God,’ and Christianity is, ‘God seeking man.’
 
Let us look at the groups and Denominations that are saying, “We are Christian,” but are either far from this or close but not really practicing ‘True Christianity.’
 
Satan has been around much longer than any living man and with that known we must realize that he has cleverly penetrated groups and Denominations and winning them over to his desires and thereby leading them astray.
 
If any group or Denomination is guilty of, ‘toning down’ as they accept and excuse the sinful frivolities of today, that group or Denomination is teaching apostasy and is guilty of heresy.
 
If any group or Denomination is, ‘providing amusement, and not teaching the True Gospel,’ that group or Denomination is not following the teachings of Jesus Christ and is not truly Christian.  There is nowhere in God’s Word (the Bible) that amusing the people is spoken of in any way. What is written in Scripture is Jesus pitying sinners, sighing and weeping over them but there is not one word about His seeking to amuse them.

What we see today in ‘so-called’ church services is amusement through the use of , ‘rock bands, rap music, so-called ‘worship leaders’ that seek to stir up the emotions of people with mindless music, repetitive choruses as they deliver ‘feel-good’ messages to those in attendance.
 
Then we see short sermons that resemble a motivational message rather than one of meaning. We hear more about ‘jazzercise, inner healing and tolerance training than we hear of the teaching of Jesus about the necessity of repentance and His teachings that are of utmost value to all.
 
As we look about these groups and Denominations we do not see or hear teachings that are focused on the Word of God and Jesus Christ. More and more we are taught, ‘be tolerant, be open-minded, don’t offend someone for their lifestyle and even taught that to live by God’s Word as evil is condemned, is a sin!
 
The result is that many groups and Denominations refuse to preach and condemn the acts of abortion, rape, adultery, homosexuality, teen pregnancy, divorce, alcohol abuse, drug abuse, stealing, lying or any number of sinful acts.
 
Ask yourself a simple question. ‘Is this what our Lord intended how His people were to be taught?’
 
The answer to that question is as simple as this…NO…Most certainly NO!
 
2 Timothy 4:  1In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 3For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry

What we are seeing is groups and Denominations denying, “sound doctrine,” as they “suit there own desires.” They will not listen to truth as they prefer to listen to amusement, fables and myths of their own making.

It is clear and cause for concern that all too many groups and Denominations are guilty of ‘apostasy.’
 
Apostasy is defined as: ‘An abandonment of a previous loyalty.’
 
Thessalonians 2: 3Don't let anyone deceive you in any way, for (that day will not come) until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction.

The ‘rebellion’ spoken of here is the ‘apostasy’ are witnessing this very day. What we know as Christianity is being abandoned by the very groups and Denominations that claim Christianity as there sole teaching!
 
What we are witnessing is two ‘streams’ of Christianity. First is the True Christianity which is the Christianity of the Apostles. The second Christianity, what I refer to as ‘so-called’ Christianity is that taught by the apostate groups and Denominations and increases with each passing day.
 
Jude 1:  3Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints.
 
The “faith…entrusted to the saints,’ is True Christianity.

We must continue to have faith as we learn of God’s having knowledge of that apostasy seeking to overthrow Christianity.
 
Matthew 18:6 18And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
 
In this Scripture, which has been wrongfully interpreted by many Denominations, Jesus said, “On this rock I will build my church…” Think about it…Who is the Rock? Know this, there is but One Rock and that Rock is Jesus Christ.

In the Words of God Jesus affirms two major points. One is that He is the Rock and the other is that, “the gates of Hades will not overcome,” the church He builds.

The Second ‘stream’ of Christianity began in the foundation years of belief in Christianity.
 
Acts 20: 29I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. 30Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them.

In the days of Paul’s life his works were subjected to apostasy.
 
2 Corinthians 2: 17Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God.
 
Any that, “peddle the Word of God for profit, “are themselves guilty of apostasy.

Apostasy has become so vile and disguised by Satan as Christianity that many refuse to speak out against apostate groups and Denominations fearing themselves to be labeled as intolerant and thereby not Christian! This is detestable and cause for every Christian to be concerned.
 
2 Timothy 3: 13while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.
 
1 Timothy 4:  1The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. 2Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. 3They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth.
 
2 Peter 2:  1But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. 2Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. 3In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.
 
As True Christians we are to recognize, and with the gift of discernment given us by the Holy Spirit, stand firm and refuse to deny the True Word of God. We must not sit silent as any group or Denomination distorts His Word and His teachings.
 
In subsequent sermons I will continue to reveal all that is necessary to tell you what being a True Christian is and requires of each of us.
 
(Closing prayer)
 Abba, our Father who alone are worshipped, we come to You with praises and ask that You see us as true to Your teachings. Lord, we see the many apostasies as Your Word is either twisted in meaning or ignored. We see additions to Your Word that are not correct in either meaning or in truth. It is Your Word we seek to follow and it is Your will to be done. We are Your children and You are our Lord and Savior. Be with us.
 
Lord, as we learn of Your Word we ask that You send Your Holy Spirit to be with us and reveal the truth of Your Word. It is only with the help of the Holy Spirit that we will gain the true meaning of exactly how we are to serve You and live by Your Word.
 
Be with us O Lord and allow us to worship You and to correctly adhere to all You have taught us.
 
We also ask that You protect our military, comfort them as You lend Your mighty strength to their efforts. Bless our brothers and sisters throughout the world as well as those within the borders of this nation.
 

We pray these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior,
who is One with You and the Holy Spirit, One God forever and ever,
Amen, amen and amen.

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PART 2

To completely understand some of the apostasies being taught by the many groups and Denominations I shall set some examples and set forth clarifications as to why apostasy is contained within the doctrines being taught as Christianity. I cannot hope to reveal each and every one as they are so vast in number that the time to tell of each would be exhaustive.

If you correctly identify any ‘religion’ you learn that most are truly satanic. Most ‘religions’ practice methods and rituals they teach as necessary for practicing so as to become more righteous. Self righteousness is not the way! Only God is truly righteous. Being righteous would be without sin. I ask who amongst us is without sin?

Romans 3: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Apostate Christians and their groups and Denominations would have all men of any religion join forces. Their Christianity recognizes Buddhism, Hinduism, Muslims, Shinto, and many other religions as worthy simply due to their belief in a higher power. People, demons believe in a higher power! Satan believes in a higher power although he resents God’s existence. There can be no alliance of True Christianity and any non-Christian group or Denomination.

There are many ‘so-called’ Christians that actually believe that their hard works for church groups and Denominations will overcome their need to repent from sins and grant them a right to Paradise . One Denomination goes so far as to teach a man can be saved through grace and works of merit. God alone determines who does and who does not gain eternal life.

Romans 6: 23For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

There are many groups and Denominations that teach gay marriage, gay clerical members, gay living together as acceptable. I can list many verses of Scripture where God names such unions as sinful, evil and reason for damnation. These teachings are certainly not Christian.

In the Book of Revelation it is clearly stated that no angels, saints, or any other being is to be prayed to as it is only God to whom we must pray. In spite of this admonition prayers to Mary, the earthly mother of Jesus, as well as prayers to saints are more repeated than prayers to God. If Mary were to be as an equal to God therefore worthy of being prayed to God would have seen to it that it was clearly set out in His Word, the Bible.

Revelation 19:  10At this I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, "Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."

Many groups and Denominations observe doctrines and dogma that is not of God and exists not once within God’s Word. Prohibitions naming dancing, eating certain foods on any week-day, and the myriad of wrongful acts are not in God’s Word and therefore not of consequence.

There are groups and Denominations that practice rituals that are actually contrary to what is set forth in God’s Word. They recognize writings of earlier church leaders as having the same, or more, value than the Words of God!

Some groups and Denominations practice granting their leaders (Pastor, Priests) the right to grant absolution to those that confess to them their sins. This is directly contrary to God’s Word. There is but one mediator between God the Father and man. That is Jesus Christ. I ask which man representing any religion is sinless enough to act as an intermediate before and as replacement of Jesus Christ.

1 Timothy 2: 5For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

There are groups and Denominations that verbally abuse fallen warriors and their families claiming to speak out as representatives of Christianity. Christianity is a fellowship of love and compassion not evil!

There are groups that actually practice adultery claiming that this is God’s Way! That is written against time and again in God’s Word. Sexual activity is sinful with the exception of husband and wife. 

Several groups and Denominations claim that holy water, medals, necklaces of a religious nature that have been blessed are particularly holy. The only thing holy about those objects and practices is NOTHING AT ALL!

Isaiah 42:  8 "I am the LORD; that is my name! I will not give my glory to another or my praise to idols. 

Many groups and Denominations teach those true believers are saved by the ritual of Baptism. It is not the ritual; it is what is in a man’s heart upon being baptized! It is also worthy of saying that Baptism of a baby is not of consequence! A decision to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior requires the presence of mind to willfully make that decision.

Romans 6: 3Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?

Some groups and Denominations condone abortion as well as birth control. Abortion is nothing short of murder! Birth control is nothing short of ‘pre-abortion.’

Psalm 139: 13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.

Most all ‘so-called’ Christian groups and Denominations display depictions of the crucifixion of Christ and God said…NO IDOLS…NO craven images.

Most groups and Denominations incorrectly name the building wherein they meet to be a ‘church.’ A building, however ornate, will forever be a building. Jesus Christ is the Head of the Christian body and each true Christian is a part of the church. The ‘church’ as revealed in God’s Word is the believers as they gather to worship God.

Colossians 1: 18And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 18And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. .

There are groups and Denominations that teach of person definitely not Christian unless that person speaks in tongues. This is contradicted by God’s Word and to claim a person is not Christian due to the failure to speak in tongues is heresy! To claim all Christians are to speak in tongues is directly opposed to God’s Word.

1 Corinthians 12: 29-31 (Too lengthy to copy. Please read.)

Most groups and Denominations openly make the claim of anyone not of their group or Denomination is doomed to eternal damnation. This is particularly hateful when the speakers of these outrageous proclamations are claiming to be Christian!

As true Christians and with total belief in God we know that to render judgment of another’s actions is sinful. We are to use the discernment given us to differentiate between what is good and what is evil. We have not been given the right to condemn anyone as God is the Judge not any man.

There are many non-Christian religious groups and Denominations that claim to the general public that each is Christian for nefarious reasons. It is their hopes to attract any that seek Christian teachings to their groups or Denominations so they can teach them their own warped doctrines and dogmas.

2 Corinthians 11: 14And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 15It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.

There are groups that abhor any of Jewish, Black, Oriental or Hispanic descent naming them as ‘Mud people.’ To do such is to say to God, “we are right and You are wrong!” If a Christian is to love his neighbor as he loves himself how can he discriminate against another race?

It is the duty of every true Christian to learn which teachings are true and which are false and be willing to speak out when confronted whether it be in private or publicly. This too is in God’s Word.

Titus 2: 15These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.

I have stood up in a service where a Pastor did not correctly interpret Scripture and rebuked him. This was years before I was ordained. I read the correct Scripture and asked if it was his decision to maintain his interpretation as earlier stated. After a lot of hemming and hawing God’s Word prevailed and he corrected himself. Sadly his gathering has proven to be apostate and he maintains his statements of being Christian.

In the next sermon I will  endeavor to tell you of things of God’s Word that are of great importance to any True Christian and to tell each of you how you can truly rest assured in your faith in Jesus Christ, your personal Lord and Savior, who lived, died and was resurrected to wash away your sins..

(Closing prayer)
Heavenly Father, Lord Most High, we come to You with the joy of knowing that our love for You will be returned as Your love for us, Your children. Lord, we ask that You allow us to worship You and to have You know of our total loyalty to You. As is sung in hymns that praise You, we sing with love and joy in our hearts as we say Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God in heaven; we lift our hearts to Thee.

Lord, You fulfill our every need and often we fail to realize this. Please know that we thank You for all that You do and we
know that You are there for us at every moment of our lives. El Shaddai, our Provider, we bow before You and no other.

El Gibbor, our Divine Rock, our Strength, our Savior, thank You for being there in times of our need. There is none like You.

Father, we pray these things in the name of Jesus Christ who is one with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever,
Amen, amen and amen.
http://conpats.blogspot.com/2014/02/sermon-what-is-truue-christianity-pt-1.html
http://conpats.blogspot.com/2014/02/what-is-true-christianitypt2.html

Pastor Lee S Gliddon Jr
God's Word Christian Ministry
Conservative Patriot
http://conpats.blogspot.com