Are You A Progressive Christian?

So much to write about! Today I will look at a common term often heard among the conservative evangelical fringe called "progressive Christianity". 

What is progressive Christianity (PC)? Alisa Childers describes it as a movement that seeks to re-interpret the Bible, re-assess historic doctrines, and re-define core tenets of the faith. [1]

Michael Kruger states that "PC" has a low view of Christ. They don't believe that Jesus is the divine Son of God, but rather just a moral example for us to follow. 

That "PC" is focused on moralism, not salvation. Therefore the highest goal of "PC" is that you just have to be a good person. You're not really left with the gospel of salvation; you're left with a moral code, and it really reduces it to sort of this moralistic religion.

Because "PC" think you can be a good person, you must have a low view of sin. It's the idea that people aren't really that fallen and they're not really all that bad...that we're all good people at the core and therefore really do have an opportunity to do even better. [2]

Hopefully this helps to paint a picture for you of "PC" in our post-modern day.

"Orthodox" Christianity also label such "PC" as being those who lack a biblical worldview, that is they take the Bible or Scriptures and mix or blend it's teachings and ideologies with the world's, syncretizing them to create something entirely different. 

Recent polls by George Barna and Gallop showing that only 6% of professing Christians have a biblical worldview; that is, one unadulterated by worldly principles. That even among preachers its not much better as even "youth pastors" only have a 12% biblical worldview for example. That a record-low 20% of Americans now say the Bible is the literal word of God. [3][4][5]

George Barna said the following based on his poll:

One of the implications of the research is that we no longer live in a nation where we can choose a church home based largely on its denominational affiliation. Large proportions of pastors across all Christian denominations do not consistently think and act biblically. Neither can we assume that the popularity of a church, based on the number of people it attracts, is a sign of biblical fidelity. The research outcomes suggest the opposite.

It is time for American Christians to institute a major shift in our church selection process. We cannot attend a church hoping and willing to be spoon-fed theological truth. A healthier way of seeing our church experience would be to do our homework and choose a church we believe is faithful to the Word of God — and then to test and verify everything that we receive in the teaching from the church. When objective data shows that the teaching of most pastors cannot be trusted, we dare not ignore that warning. [6]

Truthfully, this is something a believer should always do. George concluded with the following exhortation:

In the end, God will hold you responsible for what you choose to believe and how you live. On Judgment Day, you will not escape responsibility for bad choices by pointing the finger at a pastor who proposed those beliefs or behaviors. The full responsibility for what you believe and how you apply those beliefs, regardless of what influenced your choices, lies on your shoulders. [6]

Ken Ham from Answers In Genesis also commented on Barna's poll. Following is his description of those lacking a biblical worldview:

Their prevailing worldview is best described as syncretism, the blending of ideas and applications from a variety of holistic worldviews into a unique but inconsistent combination that represents their personal preferences. 

Rather than building their thinking on God’s Word, the majority of pastors are basing their beliefs on “personal preferences.” In other words, it’s like I’ve been saying for years: many in the church, including its leaders, have set themselves up as the authority over God and his Word. It’s a devastating disease and it’s infecting both pulpits and pews! [7]

Sounds quite serious! Man replacing God. In fact Ken has been calling the Body of Christ to repentance for decades!

From a worldview perspective, a church’s most important ministers are the children’s pastor and the youth pastor. Discovering that seven out of every eight of those pastors lack a biblical worldview helps to explain why so few people in the nation’s youngest generations are developing a heart and mind for biblical principles and ways of life, and why our society seems to have run wild over the last decade, in particular.”
This study’s results are extremely alarming for the future and health of the church. If pastors don’t possess a biblical worldview, they cannot pass it along, and individuals and families suffer from the lack of biblical shepherding and teaching.

Sadly, I’m not shocked by the results of this study. Anyone who has heard me speak over the past few decades knows I’ve been calling the church to repent of compromise with the world’s thinking and get back to God’s Word. If we don’t take God’s Word as the ultimate and final authority, from its very first verse, compromise and syncretism are direct consequences. Truth becomes a “pick and choose” buffet instead of a commitment to God’s Word.

We need a new reformation in the church—a return to the authority of God’s Word from the very first verse. Pastors need to repent of compromise and get back to first believing and then teaching God’s Word accurately, instead of adding the world’s opinions into Scripture. [7]

Thus, American Christians who perceive they hold to a biblical worldview are alarmed, though not shocked by the poll and survey results. It has them looking at root causes for this as well as solutions. 

Personally I believe the public school system plays a big part in this. John Dewey introduced progressive education into our public schools. [8] Kids are being taught not how to think but what to think. The thoughts of Vladimir Lenin who said, "Give me your 4 year olds and in a generation I will build a socialist state." [9] have been the goal of our public school system. Even Florida Governor Ron DeSantis sees what's going on in the public schools:

Following woke indoctrination in our schools, that is a road to ruin for this country, and we're not going to let it happen in Florida.

There's an element on the far left that believes parents really have no role in the education of their kids. You drop them off at school ... and they impose the ideology and worldview that they want. [10]

Look at the typical American, whether they profess Christianity or not. Their typical daily and weekly routines are not much different. Both are so wrapped up in worldly pursuits, whether on the job where working 60 or more hours in a week is common, or running their children to extracurricular activities starting at the preschool age for many. Hobbies and entertainment of all sorts. It is evident that Christianity has become progressive and is devoid of a biblical worldview. 

 Erwin Lutzer, the former president of Moody Bible College had the following to say:

Progressive Christianity has the same basic worldview as the theological liberalism that shifted authority away from the Scripture to human opinions. Progressive Christians do not reject Biblical authority outright; rather they purport to walk a middle path with the Bible in one hand and cultural sensitivity in the other.

To put it clearly: Progressive Christianity interprets the Bible through the lens of culture; it does not critique the culture through the lens of the Bible. So, in the name of love and inclusivity, progressive Christians apply their teaching to matters of sexuality, the doctrine of salvation and the eternal destiny of lost sinners. They wish to make Christianity blend in with the culture rather than stand against it. They believe that in this way, the church will become more relevant and loving. “Can’t we just abandon some of the hard edges of Christianity and move toward a more inclusive understanding of the Christian faith?” This, they say, will remove barriers for those who see the church as unloving and hopelessly exclusive.

Progressive Christianity surrenders to the moral revolution, the essential goodness of human nature, and an inclusiveness regarding essential doctrines. In other words, they have developed a worldview based on human desires, not the clear revelation of God. This is exactly what Paul warned against: “The time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth” (2 Timothy 4:3-4). [11]

I like what Erwin said, "They wish to make Christianity blend in with the culture rather than stand against it." Also "...they have developed a worldview based on human desires, not the clear revelation of God. This is exactly what Paul warned against..."

Now what I find as additionally sad is that those who claim to have been warning the Body of Christ about its drifting from the truth through syncretism have likewise been taught by preachers of old to develop "a worldview based on human desires, not the clear revelation of God." They've been duped to believe and practice doctrines and traditions of man and not God! This alarms me!

Whoa! Wait. What am I talking about? Let me begin with some of the things that I've been warning about for years which you can find articles on this blog, like birthdays, Christmas, Easter, Sunday worship which came about largely due to anti-semitism (let that sink in for a minute, especially for the Sunday worshipping "pro-Israel" crowd who dis those who are not "pro-Israel" according to their doctrine), the immortality of the soul, the trinity, non-profit corporations, among others. These were not in the Scripture nor believed by the early church fathers per se. Yet, as more Gentiles believed, they brought their baggage over with them and blended it with the truth much like Christians with a biblical worldview today are saying has been occurring among the people of faith in America. Or as John Mason put it, "Christianity does not "progress" with the times. If it did, it would be a false religion. Do not be deceived into thinking there is a progressive form of Christianity. It doesn't exist because the truth never changes. Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever." This is exactly What Orthodox, mainstream, Evangelical Christianity has done. The truth it professes is false because from early on it blended itself with the culture around them. Remember that God and His truth never change.

These same people who warn (?) against "progressive Christianity" and those lacking a biblical worldview, who are often touting their "Judeo-Christian" faith don't realize they are identifying themselves with "progressive Christianity"! Check it out! It was during World War II, that "Judeo-Christian" was taken up by liberal intellectuals as an umbrella term to designate the religious dimension of the Allied cause. It was the liberal Protestants and Catholics in particular who stressed the existence of the Judeo-Christian tradition to indicate their spiritual solidarity with the threatened Jewish population of Europe.[12] George Orwell is one who helped propagate it. [13] Recall Erwin Lutzer's words, "Progressive Christianity has the same basic worldview as the theological liberalism that shifted authority away from the Scripture to human opinions. Progressive Christians do not reject Biblical authority outright; rather they purport to walk a middle path with the Bible in one hand and cultural sensitivity in the other." The use of this phrase among mainline Christians today shows their ignorance of its origin as well in 1821 referring to Jewish converts to Christianity. [14] Shortly thereafter it was referred to as a type of church that would observe some Jewish traditions in order to convert Jews. [15] Yet Mark Silk states in the early 19th century the term was "most widely used to refer to the early followers of Jesus who opposed the wishes of Paul the Apostle and wanted "to restrict the message of Jesus to Jews and who insisted on maintaining Jewish law and ritual". [16] How can one say they belong to the "Judeo-Christian" faith or use this term to describe themselves unless they are "progressive Christians"?

If these people I've referenced would examine the doctrines and traditions which they were taught to believe through their congregation based on their seminary's or school's biased interpretation of Scripture, which are based on translations from scholars picked for the job to translate according to particular theological biases. There are those who talk about the corruption of what they call the "New Age" perversions that refuse to examine their so-called "pure" translation to see it also has been corrupted by the theological biases of it's translators. Sounds crazy, but honestly check it out for yourself. As George Barna wrote, "We cannot attend a church hoping and willing to be spoon-fed theological truth." Do you know that what you've been spoon-fed is pure, or does it contain GMO's? Again, remember George Barna's words, "... then to test and verify everything that we receive in the teaching from the church." Sadly we do not honestly test and verify everything according to truth without our own biases we have picked up along the way.

Don't laugh. Remember that Harvard was established in 1636 for the sake of educating clergy and raising up a Christian academic institution to meet the needs of perpetrating the Christian faith. [17] Yet in 1869 Harvard started to incorporate evolution into the education system, even as Ken Ham's Answers In Genesis affirms. [18] In this guest article written on May 6, 2000 they reveal what their (AIG) hope is:

In the following guest commentary you will discover how education in America has changed from being Christian-based to humanistic-based, and how evolutionary thinking played a role in this shift.

Remember how Ken Ham has been warning Christians for decades. Not only are public schools diverted in what is taught, but so are Chritian institutes of learning whether K-12 or seminaries, colleges and universities. Look at the poll numbers again. There are professors even in Christian seminaries that are agnostic and atheist yet they are training future scholars and preachers. Again, what have you been spoon-fed or are being fed today? Just because your English Bible may say something doesn't mean it's true to the original languages it was translated from. Have you studied and learned these languages? While the translations are good overall, anyone who studies  languages knows no language can be translated perfectly because of all the nuances. Do you know where the scholars translated according to their own theological biases? If not, you need to! Recall George Barna's words, "The full responsibility for what you believe and how you apply those beliefs, regardless of what influenced your choices, lies on your shoulders." Also remember 2 Timothy 2:15: Study, be diligent, to show, present thyself approved, worthy, qualified unto God, an unashamed workman rightly dividing, accurately apportioning the Word of truth.

I believe I have given you plenty to chew on and digest; to examine and verify. For most, what I have presented today flies in the face of what you have been taught to believe. As Paul said, "Examine yourselves whether you be in the faith. Prove your own selves. Know you not your own selves how the Jesus Christ is in you unless indeed you are unapproved, not standing the test." 2 Cor. 13:5 Today is the day to repent and be not unequally with the world. (2 Cor. 6:14-16). That you come out of the world and it's ways that you do not partake of it's sins nor receive of it's plagues. (Rev. 18:4) Dare to stand alone if need be. Make sure that you are a doer of the Word and not deceived. (Jam. 1:22) Help deliver others who are in error; who have been taken captive by the devil to do his will. (Jam. 5:19-20; 2Tim. 2:25-26)

Sources:

[1] https://whitehorseinn.org/resource-library/articles/what-do-progressive-christians-believe/

[2] https://rts.edu/resources/what-is-progressive-christianity/

[3] https://downloads.frc.org/EF/EF21E41.pdf

[4] https://www.arizonachristian.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/AWVI2022_Release05_Digital.pdf

[5] https://news.gallup.com/poll/394262/fewer-bible-literal-word-god.aspx

[6] https://washingtonstand.com/commentary/rethinking-your-relationship-with-the-church-

[7] https://harbingersdaily.com/pulpit-problems-truth-has-become-a-pick-choose-buffet-instead-of-a-commitment-to-gods-word/

[8] https://teachdiligently.com/articles/john-dewey-secular-humanism-public-education

[9] https://www.azquotes.com/author/8716-Vladimir_Lenin

[10] https://www.npr.org/2022/07/13/1110842453/florida-gov-desantis-is-doing-battle-against-woke-public-schools

[11] https://decisionmagazine.com/making-the-narrow-door-wider/

[12] https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/legal-and-political-magazines/judeo-christian-tradition

[13] Orwell, George (2017-02-04). George Orwell: An age like this, 1920-1940. David R. Godine Publisher. p. 401. ISBN 9781567921335.

[14] M'Caul, Alexander (1820–1821). "Extract of a Letter From Mr. M'Caul"The Jewish Expositor, and Friend of Israel. V: 478. and Judæo-, Judeo- in the Oxford English Dictionary, Second Edition. Accessed online 2008-07-21

[15] Wolff, Joseph (1829). Missionary Journal of the Rev. Joseph Wolff, Missionary to the Jews. Vol. III. London: James Duncan. p. 314.5

[16] Silk, Mark (15 April 2019). "Mark Silk on the history of the term 'Judeo-Christian'". National Catholic Reporter. Retrieved 18 March 2020.

[17] https://christianheritagefellowship.com/the-christian-founding-of-harvard/

[18] https://answersingenesis.org/public-school/education-in-america/creation-evolution-and-harvard/

Happy Birthday?

Happy Birthday? It seems unusual to see a question mark after the popular phrase, "happy birthday" doesn't it? The reasoning is that I'm calling into question this celebration that seems to practiced by people all around the globe. Where did the origin of birthday celebrations originate? We're they a common practice among believers in Scripture? Did the early "church" fathers celebrate them? When did it become acceptable and should it be among Christians?

Remember, Paul warned the Colossians not to be led captive through philosophies, principles, fundaments, traditions and opinions of men. (Col. 2:8)

To begin, there are only three passages in Scripture that we see anyone observing birthdays. They pertain only to two individuals, namely:

1) Pharaoh - Ge. 40:20; and

2) Herod - Mt. 14:6; Mk. 6:21

Pertaining to Pharaoh’s birthday, no evidence for celebrations surrounding the birthday of a pharaoh is known until the first millennium BC. The day of birth may refer to the anniversary of his accession or coronation as king (cf. Ps 2:7), for which there is evidence as early as the Sixth Dynasty (second half of the third millennium). - Cultural Backgrounds SB

Concerning Herod’s birthday:

Only Pagans held birthday celebrations; Jews never did. And the Jews used to look on the Pagan birthday celebrations as a terrible act of shame. In fact, there was a phrase, “Herodis dies” in Latin, which means “Herod’s birthday,” and it came to be a proverb for excessive, orgiastic festivals. In those days, the Romans held stag birthday parties. All the birthday parties were stag parties; only men came – and they were gluttonous, and they were drunken brawls, and they were climaxed by women who came in and danced immoral, lewd, seductive dances; and then the thing became an orgy; and that was Herod’s birthday. - JMSB

Aside from these two men there are no references to observance to a person's date of birth. Therefore we shall look at some sources outside of the Scriptures to gain insight into this custom that we take for granted. Our search begins with astrology.

The Babylonians are generally credited with the birth of astrology. Babylonian astrology was introduced to the Greeks early in the 4th century B.C. and, through the studies of Plato, Aristotle, and others, astrology came to be highly regarded as a science. It was soon embraced by the Romans (the Roman names for the zodiacal signs are still used today) and the Arabs and later spread throughout the entire world. (https://www.astrologers.com/about/history)

“Astrology is an ancient system of divination based on the belief that the stars can influence the fate and behavior of men and the general course of human events. A belief in the supernatural powers of the celestial bodies was common to the Babylonians, Egyptians, Assyrians, and Chaldeans. In the 4th century BC, it reached the Greeks and somewhat later the Romans.” (Negev, Avraham. The Archaeological Encyclopedia of the Holy Land. New York: Prentice Hall Press, 1990.)

Horoscope - The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition.

1. The aspect of the planets and stars at a given moment, such as the moment of a person's birth, used by astrologers.
2. A diagram of the signs of the zodiac based on such an aspect.
3. An astrological forecast, as of a person's future, based on a diagram of the aspect of the planets and stars at a given moment.

In Scripture we find reference that God does not want His people to observe or practice the ways and customs of the other nations around them, including astrology.

Ye shall not eat any thing with the blood: neither shall ye use enchantment [5172], nor observe times [6049]. - Le. 19:26

5172 nachash {naw-khash'}

Meaning: 1) to practice divination, divine, observe signs, learn by experience, diligently observe, practice fortunetelling, take as an omen 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to practice divination 1a2) to observe the signs or omens

6049 anan {aw-nan'}

Meaning: 1) (Piel) to make appear, produce, bring (clouds) 2) (Poel) to practise soothsaying, conjure 2a) to observe times, practice soothsaying or spiritism or magic or augury or witchcraft 2b) soothsayer, enchanter, sorceress, diviner, fortuneteller, barbarian, Meonenim (participle)

 15 Take ye therefore good heed unto yourselves; for ye saw no manner of similitude on the day that the LORD spake unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire:
 16 Lest ye corrupt yourselves, and make you a graven image, the similitude of any figure, the likeness of male or female,
 17 The likeness of any beast that is on the earth, the likeness of any winged fowl that flieth in the air,
 18 The likeness of any thing that creepeth on the ground, the likeness of any fish that is in the waters beneath the earth:
 19 And lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, and when thou seest the sun, and the moon, and the stars, even all the host of heaven, shouldest be driven to worship them, and serve them, which the LORD thy God hath divided unto all nations under the whole heaven.
 20 But the LORD hath taken you, and brought you forth out of the iron furnace, even out of Egypt, to be unto him a people of inheritance, as ye are this day. - Dt. 4:15-20

 21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
 23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
 24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
 25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. - Ro. 1:21-25

 9 When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations.
 10 There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch,
 11 Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.
 12 For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee.
 13 Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God.
 14 For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the LORD thy God hath not suffered thee so to do. - Dt. 18:9-14

We even see that the prophets derided those that consult astrologers.

 12 Stand now with thine enchantments, and with the multitude of thy sorceries, wherein thou hast laboured from thy youth; if so be thou shalt be able to profit, if so be thou mayest prevail.
 13 Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels. Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save thee from these things that shall come upon thee.
 14 Behold, they shall be as stubble; the fire shall burn them; they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame: there shall not be a coal to warm at, nor fire to sit before it. - Is. 47:12-14

 2 Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. * Jer. 10:2

There are also references to astrology in the apocrypha. In the Book of Jubilees 12:16–18 it says that Abraham overcame the beliefs of astrologers by accepting one God. In the first Book of Enoch (8:3) includes astrology among the sins spread among mortals by the primeval giants (nefilim).

It is palpable that astrology and all things relating to it are an abomination to the Lord. Which things consist of horoscopes and birthdays.

“The Egyptians… discovered to which of the gods each month and day is sacred; and found out from the day of a man’s birth, what he will meet with in the course of his life, and how he will end his days, and what sort of man he will be” (Herodotus, Persian Wars, Book II, ch. 82)

Since it was believed that the positions of the stars at the time of birth influenced a child’s future, astrological horoscopes came into being, purporting to foretell the future, based on the time of birth. “Birthdays are intimately linked with the stars, since without the calendar, no one could tell when to celebrate his birthday. They are also indebted to the stars in another way, for in early days the chief importance of birthday records was to enable the astrologers to chart horoscopes” (The Lore of Birthdays, p. 53). Rawlinson’s translation of Herodotus includes the following footnote: “Horoscopes were of very early use in Egypt… and Cicero speaks of the Egyptians and Chaldees predicting… a man’s destiny at his birth"

The Greeks believed that everyone had a protective spirit or daemon who attended his birth and watched over him in life. This spirit had a mystic relation with the god on whose birthday the individual was born. The Romans also subscribed to this idea. . . . This notion was carried down in human belief and is reflected in the guardian angel, the fairy godmother and the patron saint. (The Lore of Birthdays (New York, 1952) by Ralph and Adelin Linton, pgs 8, 18)

The ancient Romans enthusiastically celebrated birthdays with hedonistic parties and presents (Argetsinger K. "Birthday Rituals: Friends and Patrons in Roman Poetry and Cult." Classical Antiquity 11 (2), 1992: pp. 175–193).

It is of little wonder that we find disdain of birthday observances among the Jews, as we view more of their beliefs and practices:

 The famous historian Titus Flavius Josephus lived in the first century - a contemporary with Christ - and he wrote:

"Nay, indeed, the Law does not permit us to make festivals at the births of our children, and thereby afford occasion of drinking to excess; but it ordains that the very beginning of our education should be immediately directed to sobriety. It also commands us to bring those children up in learning, and to exercise them in the Laws, and make them acquainted with the acts of their predecessors, in order to their imitation of them, and that they might be nourished up in the Laws from their infancy, and might neither transgress them, nor have any pretense for their ignorance of them." (Josephus. Translated by W. Whiston. Against Apion, Book II, Chapter 26. Extracted from Josephus Complete Works, Kregel Publications, Grand Rapids (MI), 14th printing, 1977, p. 632). 

The Imperial Bible-Dictionary (London, 1874), edited by Patrick Fairbairn, Vol. I, p. 225 says:

 "The later Hebrews looked on the celebration of birthdays as a part of idolatrous worship, a view which would be abundantly confirmed by what they saw of the common observances associated with these days."

 M'Clintock & Strong's Cyclopedia (Vol. I, p. 817) says the Jews "regarded birthday celebrations as parts of idolatrous worship ... , and this probably on the account of the idolatrous rites with which they were observed in honor of those who were regarded as the patron gods of the day on which the party was born."

"Birth-day: The observance of birth-days was common in early times (Job 1:4, 13, 18). They were specially celebrated in the land of Egypt (Gen. 40:20). There is no recorded instance in Scripture of the celebration of birth-days among the Jews. On the occasion of Herod's birth-day John the Baptist was beheaded (Matt. 14:6)." - Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary

In addition, even among the early "church: fathers the observance of birthdays were frowned upon.

"Some one of those before us has observed what is written in Genesis about the birthday of Pharaoh, and has told that the worthless man who loves things connected with birth keeps birthday festivals; and we, taking this suggestion from him, find in no Scripture that a birthday was kept by a righteous man. " (Ante-Nicene Fathers Vol IX Origen's Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew Chapter XXII, p429)

“The notion of a birthday festival was far from the ideas of the Christians of this period in general.” (The History of the Christian Religion and Church, During the Three First Centuries; New York, 1848, Augustus Neander - translated by Henry John Rose, p. 190.)

Grolier's The New Book of Knowledge, 1979, p. 289 states: "The early church fathers frowned upon the celebration of birthdays and thought them a heathen custom."

Origen of Alexandria, in 245 A.D., wrote in a dissertation on Leviticus that:

". . . none of the saints can be found who ever held a feast or a banquet upon his birthday, or rejoiced on the day when his son or daughter was born. But sinners rejoice and make merry on such days. For we find in the Old Testament that Pharaoh, king of Egypt, celebrated his birthday with a feast, and that Herod, in the New Testament did the same. But the saints not only neglect to mark the day of their birth with festivity, but also, filled with the Holy Spirit, they curse this day, after the example of Job and Jeremiah and David."

The writings of the late third century Catholic theologian Arnobius show that, even that late, most Catholics were against the celebration of birthdays as he wrote: "...you worship with couches, altars, temples, and other service, and by celebrating their games and birthdays, those whom it was fitting that you should assail with keenest hatred." (Arnobius. Against the Heathen (Book I), Chapter 64. Excerpted from Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 6. Edited by Alexander Roberts & James Donaldson. American Edition, 1886.).

The origin of birthday celebrations among Christians was inaugurated in the fourth century when faith and practice became syncretized with gnostic philosophies and took hold of another, foreign identity after Constantine supposedly came to Christ and granted Christians full liberty, favoring them in every way. Thus for the first time it became popular to be a Christian.

What Do You Fear?

 Yes, what do you fear? Humans typically have a fear of something. According to one study, Americans in the USA top 10 years are:

1) Corrupt government officials - 79%

2) People I love dying - 58.5%

3) A loved one contracting COVID - 58%

4) People I love becoming seriously ill - 57.3%

5) Widespread civil unrest - 56.5%

6) A pandemic or major epidemic - 55.8%

7) Economic/financial collapse - 54.8%

8) Cyber-terrorism - 51%

9) Pollution of oceans, rivers and lakes - 50.8%

10) Biological warfare - 49.3%

https://www.chapman.edu/wilkinson/research-centers/babbie-center/_files/Babbie%20center%20fear2021/blogpost-americas-top-fears-2020_-21-final.pdf

Job said, "For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me." (Job 3:25)

Proverbs also says, "The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon them..." (10:24)

Seeing what these verses declare and what the fears of the American people are, most likely they will occur to them.

Are any of the items mentioned on the aforementioned list on your list?

My point in bringing this up is that there are many things that people fear. How many of those items on the aforementioned list are spiritual? 

In this post, I'm going to be looking at the fear of man from a biblical perspective.

Proverbs 29:25 says, "The fear of man bringeth a snare..." Yes, the fear of man is a trap that needs to be avoided. Caring about what someone else thinks of you is a dangerous trap!

When we fear man, it's because we fear something negative will occur to us if we do not give in to their "peer pressure". We are afraid of their displeasure or rejection. Therefore we often will try to please people to keep their favor, because we seek their approval and friendship. Therefore, Christians are tempted to cast behind them the Word of God to maintain unity and peace, regardless of the spiritual consequences that will result by accepting a sinful lifestyle, or a false doctrine. Brethren, this thing ought never to be done!

What are some of the things we fear from our fellow man? People often fear their boss and some will compromise their faith when asked to for the sake of the company, or because they are given the ultimatum, do it or lose your job.

A HUGE fear for many comes from their own family. If you are a believer and married to an unbeliever the pressure can be great, as even some spouses will test their mates in hope it will cause them to reject God. 

A greater fear is when you come from a family full of believers and through diligent study of the Scriptures you discover that something you and your family believe, let's say the trinity, you have become convinced that it's not Scriptural. When you try to reason through the Scriptures with your family you are met with opposition, because everyone else you know believes it. Do you change your convictions to line up with God's Word, or do you buckle under your family's pressure to forget it?

Like the Jews in NT days (Jn. 7:13; 9:22; 12:42-43), they feared confessing that Jesus was the Messiah, lest they should be removed from the fellowship. These days if you speak out concerning "sin in the camp," or false doctrine being taught when they are accepted among the congregation, you will eventually be told to "zip-it" or leave, because you are a troublemaker, judgmental, and unloving.

Preachers, which most are nothing more than hirelings - to appease the people who hired them, present messages that appease and tickle their ears according to their favorite brand of doctrines (or preferences). Assuring them "peace and prosperity" only as long as they preach what they were hired to preach.

They will show partiality for their wages (Pr. 28:21). They will corrupt the Word of God for their earthly gain. They fear man rather than God. I know many preachers who hold to one set of doctrines and preach another according to the people that hired them, knowing that they cannot tell these people the whole counsel of God (Ac. 20:27), if they desire to keep their employment. So they will lie and deceive the people, telling them what they want to hear. This is a spiritual "lose, lose" situation. 

Proverbs 14:25 says, "A true witness delivereth souls, but a deceitful witness speaketh lies."

Proverbs 26:24 says, "He that hateth dissembleth, disguises with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him. Verse 28 says, "A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it, and a flattering mouth worketh ruin."

Such preachers are hypocrites! Jesus warned His disciples about them. One such example is found in Matthew 16, where He warned them to beware of their doctrine, or leaven. Why? Because these hypocrites like the praise, and approval of men. Appearing to be ministers of truth and righteous on the outside while being corrupt on the inside (Mt. 23). Remember, it only takes a little leaven, unsound teaching, immortality, etc to leaven the entire lump (1 Cor. 5:6-8; Gal. 5:9).

Therefore, your hired preacher may be a wolf in sheep's clothing as he keeps a tight lip for financial gain and allows not only your own soul, but all others that trust them to perish for eternity, but it will also cost them their very own souls. 

Unfortunately, most "churches" are nothing more than businesses, set up after the pattern of the antichrist worldly system in the form of a nonprofit 501c3 corporation. They don't follow the NT apostolic pattern to their own destruction. 

These preachers are like Aaron who listened to the people and syncretized the worship of the One True God when he made them a golden calf to worship (Ex. 32). They are like Eli who allowed his sons to corrupt the ministry and the people they ministered to (1 Sam. 2:12-17). They are like king Saul who sinned against God because he feared the people and obeyed their voice (1 Sam. 15:24). 

Why? For some, the fear of losing their jobs. For others, the fear of the people's rejection. Still others will fear losing their popular status in the community, like Nicodemus (Jn. 3) and Joseph (Jn. 19:38-40) who were members of the Sanhedrin. They feared excommunication from the synagogue, which would end many of their long-standing relationships and impact their livelihood by causing them to lose their prestigious place in the community. But the praise of others is fickle and short-lived. We should be much more concerned about God’s eternal acceptance than about the temporary gratification of other people’s approval. How do you compare with them?

People aren't much different today than they were in the first century. Jesus warned His hearers, "How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only? (Jn. 5:44) Who was Jesus' greatest enemy among men when He walked the earth? None other than the religious establishment of His day. The scribes, Pharisees and Sadducees. Even the Herodians joined them in their plot to remove the Truth (Jn. 1:14; 14:6; 18:37; 1 Jn. 5:20; Rev. 19:11) from them because Jesus was a threat to the livelihood of their institution and throne. What is peculiar about these alliances is that they despised each other. Yet, they banded together in their war against the Truth, which picture is depicted in Psalm chapter 2 among other passages. It's the same religious establishment that fought against His apostles. We have seen this pattern throughout history. It is the orthodox religious establishment that often persecuted those that oppose their teachings.

Today it's no different. The orthodox Christian establishment speaks evil of any who do not follow after their commandments, doctrines, and traditions. Whose foundational tenets have been syncretized with gnosticism and the scholars who should know better, choose to let people believe these lies for at least two reasons: 1) to please the people they minister to; and/or 2) to please their peers in the ministry. Knowing that if they go against either they could lose all the worldly esteem, popularity, prestige, approval, financial benefits, friends and other things all their earnest study has gained them. Forgetting the example of Paul who told us to follow him (Php. 3:17), who lost all that he had gained from his diligent religious study and work and counted it as worthless and detestable that he might gain the true riches of Christ. (Php. 3:4-15)

A famous German once said, "If you tell a big enough lie and tell it frequently enough, it will be believed."

That is what has happened to us in Christianland. A portion of what we have grown up believing to be sound doctrine is falsehood. Our translations were translated according to biases and not always according to theological bias. Much of what we read in our translations are accurate representations, though as a little leaven leavens the whole lump, a number of the foundational tenets have been syncretized with gnosticism, the very things the apostles warned about. The apostle John referred to it as the spirit of antichrist (1 Jn. 2:18, 22; 4:3; 2 Jn. 1:7). Therefore, a number of our foundational orthodox Christian tenets are unscriptural. We were bamboozled to believe lies!

I've shared what some of these are in past posts, like the doctrine of God; the doctrine of man; the destiny of man, and the Christian assembly.

John Bunyan once wrote, "What God said is best, is best, though all the men in the world are against it." 

Even as Paul warned the Colossians, "Beware lest any man spoil you [capture and enslave you] through philosophy [Platonic, gnostic philosophies] and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments [primary and fundamental principles of any art, science, religion, or discipline] of the world, and not after Christ."  (2:8)

As you learn how our doctrines were corrupted and you learn the true apostolic doctrines that were delivered to us (the faith once delivered unto the saints - Jude 3) and begin to practice and teach them, it will seem that all the Christian world will be against you. Of the truth, it will be! Keep in mind that "whosoever will do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven." (Mt. 5:19)

Now this is where the "fear factor" comes in for you. Will you obey God rather than men? (Ac. 5:29) Are you willing to lose all that you have on this earth for Christ, if it comes to that? Are you ready to be hated by all men, and have them banish you from their fellowship and call you a troublemaker? (Is. 66:5; Lk. 6:22; Jn. 15:18-16:4; Ac. 24:5)

How do you overcome the fear of men? The first step is to examine the doctrines you have freely received as truth. Are they apostolic doctrine or the doctrines of men? Did they originate in the 1st century, the 4th century, or the 16th century? If what you believe and practice doesn't originate from the 1st century it cannot be apostolic doctrine. 

Another step is to study the original manuscripts. Our English translations have been doctored, chopped and changed to express human ideas and philosophies and not the truth of God's inspired Word. Many well meaning people have based doctrine on the English, which was tailored to teach after pet doctrines of men and not God's truth. I have shared some of these on my blog. It will amaze you how much our English translations have deviated from the genuine words of the manuscripts. 

Then after doing these first two steps, make sure you fully comprehend the honest truth of God's Word. Jesus said, "You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (Jn. 5:32) Once you have a firm grasp and have laid a firm foundation, you will be able to preserve through any storm that comes your way (Mt. 7:24-25) and your root will be in good ground and not wither and dry up when persecution comes because of His Word (Mt. 13:20-21). 

Once you've done these three steps remember to meditate in His Word day and night, and hide it in your heart, which is what those who delight in the Lord do (Ps. 1:2; 40:8; 104:34; 119:11, 97; Jos. 1:8) Remain constant in prayer (Lk. 18:1; 21:36; Eo. 12:12; Eph. 6:18; 1 Th. 5:17). Love God with your entire being (Mk. 12:30), knowing that His perfect love casts out fear (1 Jn. 4:17-18; 2 Tim. 2:7) Don't be like the Ephesians who left their first love in the process of keeping His Word untainted (Rev. 2:1-7) Furthermore, love others (Mk. 12:31; Eph. 4:2, 32; Col. 3:13). 

Count the cost of following Christ (Lk. 14:26-33). Are you ready to lose your livelihood for Him? Are you ready to lose your job, your family, your property, your checking and saving accounts and retirement funds? Are you ready to be excommunicated from your congregation, and other congregations, as well as lose your dear relationships with others in the faith because of your convictions to obey God's Word, knowing that Jesus Himself learned obedience by the things He suffered. Also understanding that He is the source of eternal life to those who obey Him (Heb. 5:8-9). 

If you continue and persevere in these things you should do well. Do not make the mistake of comparing yourself with others (2 Cor. 10:12). When we compare ourselves with others, we may feel proud because we think we’re better than them. It is so easy these days because Christianland is by and large anemic spiritually. I know of far too many professing believers, whether just pew sitters, or others involved in "ministry programs*" or that even head them up, who barely find time to simply read the Bible during the week, much less, study it. They also do not spend much time in prayer. They are as the seed that is planted among thorns and the care and anxiety of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, wealth, possessions, and worldly ambitions, utterly choke the word, and they become unfruitful, being no fruit to maturity (Mt. 13:22; Lk. 8:14; Jn. 15:2, 6; Mt. 3:10; 15:13; 21:19; Heb. 6:7-8).

[* Speaking of programs, where do we find men and women Bible studies and retreats and conferences and cruises in Scripture? Where do we see the segregation of ages with children's ministries, and classes for adults according to differing age classifications? Where is Sunday school in Scripture? Why are we programed to seek out the latest Bible study resources whether by book, workbook, or DVD? Could it be to fleece the flock? What ever happened to teaching the flock and encouraging them how to accurately appropriate the Scriptures for themselves? Is it because the flock is too lazy in their pursuit of eternal spiritual treasures while they are in hot pursuit of temporary earthly treasures?] 

But when we measure ourselves against God’s Word, we quickly realize that we have no basis for pride. Continually ask yourself, "How does my life measure up to God's Word?" "How does my life compare to that of Jesus Christ's?" We will have to give an account to God for all of our choices and decisions. Our ignorance will not stand on that day. We won't be able to point the finger and pass the buck. We alone will be responsible with how we have handled His Word. As Solomon said, "Fear God and keep His commandments for this is the whole duty of man." (Ecc. 12:13) We are to fear Him Who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. (Mt. 10:28)

Are you ready to walk in the love and fear of God and not according to the fear of men? Are you ready to stand alone for truth if that is what is required? Will you be like John the Baptist who rebuked the religious and political leaders of his day for righteousness's sake? (Mt. 14) Are you ready to take up your cross daily and follow Him? (Lk.9:23) Will you die daily? (1 Cor. 15:31)

What Does England Have To Do With It?

Today's blog is going to take us on a trip starting in 16th century England with King Henry VIII to the shores of the Americas.

Why Did Henry VIII Break Away From the Catholic Church?

Henry VIII broke away from the Catholic Church so that he could divorce his first wife, Catherine of Aragon, and marry his lover Anne Boleyn.

The year was 1527, and Henry VIII wanted a male heir. Unfortunately, his wife was too old to bear a child, so he needed a new wife. At the time, divorce was not allowed in the Catholic Church, and if Henry got a divorce without the pope’s permission, he could be excommunicated or kicked out of the church – a fate that would ultimately lead to an eternity in hell.

Henry asked the pope for a dispensation to get a divorce, but the pope would not grant him that. In response, Henry asked the archbishop of Canterbury to grant him a divorce, and the bishop had no choice but to comply. The pope was appalled, but Henry just used the occasion to split away from the Catholic Church and to establish the Church of England.

The break away from the Catholic Church had far reaching consequences, and it subverted the current world order. Prior to the break from the Catholic Church, the commonly accepted hierarchy was God, pope, king, but Henry thrust himself between the pope and God in a move that was unprecedented. The king, or monarchy became the head of the "church". This is important as I'll reveal later. Ultimately, the break opened the door for the Protestant Reformation to enter England, but that movement did not gain speed in the country until after Henry’s death during the reign of Edward VII.

Henry's clean break from the "Church of Rome" did not seriously deviate from Catholic doctrine. With the exception of the denial of papal supremacy and expressions of skepticism about the existence of purgatory, Henry upheld all the central pillars of the Roman Catholic faith. It was also during this time that Henry commissioned a new English Bible, the Great Bible, to replace Rome's Bible.

Henry considered Martin Luther's teachings on justification by faith alone, the sacraments, the priesthood, and the Mass to be dangerous and erroneous.

When Edward VI (ruled 1547–1553), England made a religious shift towards Protestantism. It was during this time Archbishop Cranmer created the Church of England's statement of faith, the Forty-Two Articles. All of Edward's reforms were short lived. When "Blood Mary" reigned she reversed all his reforms and great persecution ensued.

Mary's reforms didn't last long. Queen Elizabeth took over the throne and turned the kingdom back towards Protestantism. It was during her time that the Forty-Two Articles were revised to the Thirty-Nine Articles and the Bishop's Bible came into existence.

Now I turn to King James I of England, who was formerly James VI, King of Scotland, whom had been raised and schooled in Protestantism. Of an interesting note, in 1601, while still King of Scotland, he entered the secret society of the Freemasons. The Masons credit him as being the originator of their lodges as they are to this day. 

One would think that King James was a godly man being raised a Presbyterian and commissioning a new Bible translation. Yet what do we learn of his character? It was said that he "perverted the laws, both of man and of God." (History of the Scottish Church, pg. 309) That he was "notoriously and outrageously wicked." (The Bible Question, pg. 37) The meanest and most despicable sovereign that ever held an English scepter." (Bye-paths In Baptist History, pg. 80) 

For a man raised Protestant he was notorious for persecuting them. In Scotland it was noted that "the ministers perfectly understood that James was ready to change his faith the moment he should find it expedient." (History of Scotland II, pg. 192) After becoming King of England, James "immediately revealed his deep hatred of Puritans and Presbyterians alike." (Church & State, pg. 96) He "was determined to tune the pulpit to the Royal pleasure, and the bishops were expected to play their part in controlling the sermons of the clergy." (King IV & I, pg. 213) "To suppress the Puritans, the people were subject to severe penalties if they did not attend the services of the state church; and if a minister refused to conform to the prescribed ritual, he was removed." (The Freedom Story, pg. 30) It was said that "his Majesty's bishops and ministers had been armed and weaponed with fire and sword and not with Scripture." (Bye-paths, pg. 80)

Yet, in 1604, he commissioned, or "authorized" [though there are no official records of him doing so] his own translation of the Bible. The translating work did not begin until 1607 and of course was released in 1611. The other versions, namely the Geneva Bible, fell to the Kings disfavor because their footnotes failed to honor the King, and his Church of England, or Anglican Church. To correct this, he invited fifty-four scholars, of which only 47 heeded the call (one-third of them being Protestants), and gave them fifteen edicts to follow [one of which is important to note is the chopping and changing (Tyndale) of Scripture with the word "church" corrupting apostolic doctrine in the process which corruption continues today without a bat of an eye] as they translated and published his Authorized Version according to the 39 Articles of the Church Of England (Anglican Communion), which is an interesting mixture of Catholic and Protestant theology or dogma. It is sometimes referred to as a middle way between Protestantism and Catholicism. This is troubling to say the least. (Are you unfamiliar with the "chopping and changing" of Scripture with the word "church"? Read my old blog post at the link below.)

https://fulekifiles.blogspot.com/2020/12/what-more-greek.html

Why? Because both dogmas have a mixture of Platonism which we know the apostles were combating in their writings. To put it another way, Platonism became mixed or syncretized with Scripture, and corrupted it. The translations of the Bibles were based on these biases. The apostolic doctrine was diluted with Greek philosophy and taught in the monasteries, seminaries and universities that not only influenced the Catholics, but later the Protestants and then the Evangelicals. Therefore, it created a different god and another Jesus. A good portion of the core "Christianity" we have been conditioned to accept is not according to apostolic doctrine. This is alarming!

The Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics said, “…it is Augustine who gave us the Reformation. For the Reformation, inwardly considered, was just the ultimate triumph of Augustine’s doctrine… the Reformation came, seeing that it was, on its theological side, a revival of Augustinianism…” Martin Luther, John Calvin and Ulrich Zwingli were highly influenced by the teachings of Augustine.

The systematic theology that is taught is contrary to what is revealed in the manuscripts that were translated. Much of what we were taught is core "Christian" doctrine, is actually nothing more than a syncretism of religious and philosophical ideologies. All of our English translations were distorted and twisted to keep these syncretistic doctrines in tack. Yes, it is amazing how man did not fear to tinker with God's Word.

Some of these gnostic philosophies are trinitarianism; original sin; immortality of the soul and an eternal afterlife in heaven or hell; gnostic allegorical interpretation of Scripture leading to acceptance of amillennialism in Catholicism as opposed to chiliasm.

Paul warned us not to be entangled and taken captive by empty philosophy devoid of truth after the instruction of men and the fundamental principles of the world and not after Christ (Col. 2:8). As Donald C. Stamp said. "Any teachings, doctrines or ideas originating from persons, congregations, or traditions and not expressed or implied in God's Word may not be included in the apostle's doctrine. To mix [syncretize] them with the original content of the apostle's doctrine is to pervert the Word of God. Anyone adding to or taking away from the original and fundamental truth of God's Word and the apostle's doctrine are under God's curse."

Mr. Stamps continued, "Those who reject the original revelation of Christ and the apostles do not have God. Although they may claim to know Him (1 Jn. 2:4 [John wrote this letter to combat the gnostic teachings infiltrating the Body of Christ]), they are deceived if they do not continue in the teaching of Christ; those who forsake Christ's doctrine forsake Christ. All theology that does not hold to the truth and righteousness revealed in the NT is not Christian theology and must be rejected. Those who distort and oppose the NT faith must not be received into the fellowship. God warns true believers to guard against accepting false teaching."

Paul's fear in 2 Corinthians 11:1-4 has become a reality and like the frog in a pot of water being brought to a slow boil, so people have been deceived through a corrupted English translation in holding, as truth, principles that are not truth. Are you among the many who hold to the pseudo "mainstream" "Christianity" that is propagated from "sea to shining sea"? If so, heed Donald C. Stamp's warnings above, as well as the warnings of the apostle's and return to the simple, unmixed, unadulterated, unaltered doctrine of Christ.

Moving on in history, the Church of England, or Anglican Church, is the primary state "church" in England, where the concepts of "church" and state are linked. The British monarch is considered the supreme governor of the "church". Among other privileges, he or she has the authority to approve the appointment of archbishops and other "church" leaders. All of this is contrary to the ekklesia of Christ (Mt. 16:18). Remember how I had mentioned earlier King James' edict on the use of the word "church" in the AV corrupted not only the Scriptures, but also the way we understand and practice them? 

According to the Twenty-third Article of Religion, the canons of 1604, the Article, though derived from one (No. 10 of the 13 Articles of 1538), asserts that the institution or licence to minister publicly belongs to some superior jurisdiction, and that ministry in a particular place is not a thing which a man can take upon himself. It is well known that such power of jurisdiction was claimed and exercised by the Crown, often on a large scale, in the 16th century, that power of licensing to preach, is, according to canon 36 of 1604, possessed also by the two Universities, and that power to institute and license has often been delegated to Bishop's officials...and forbids any to preach without licence of the King... - as I talked about in recent blog posts, if the head of your "church" is a man, a king, a monarch, the state, etc, by whom you are granted privelleges to operate or conduct business, you Head is not Christ!

Observe Peter Kershaw's take of the situation in England:

The British crown represented the establishment church system -- the Church of England. Moreover, the king, by royal edict, was "lord sovereign head" of the Church. Even many years subsequent to the official separation of the Church of England from the Church of Rome, Anglicanism remained thoroughly steeped in the tyrannical and despotic traditions of popery. In Rome, the pope was sovereign head of the Church; but in England, it was the monarchy. The "divine right of popes" was exchanged for the "divine right of kings."

All preaching and publishing was sanctioned by royal license. No religious license could be obtained without the public proclamation that the king was "lord sovereign head" of the Church. For those of Romish persuasion, there was no personal conflict in such an affirmation; but no Christian of Reformational faith could swear such an oath of assent. Many thousands of Presbyterian, Congregational, Baptist and Independent ministers were excommunicated, their churches locked, and they were ordered to preach and publish no more. Most defied the ban on unlicensed preaching, taking to their horses and preaching wherever they could find an audience. The era of the circuit-riding preacher was born!

Anglican Bishops routinely engaged in a campaign of terror against "Nonconformist" ministers. The most brutal and barbaric of men often received their Bishoprics as a direct result of their notorious and gruesome reputations. Such is the case of Bishop Paterson, inventor of the thumbscrews. Many a bishop actively engaged in inventing "machines of torture." If excruciating pain proved unsuccessful in compelling the "Dissenter" to recant of his "heresy," he would be shackled to a stake and burned alive. Few bishops showed any mercy, and this became their final, and most tormenting, of all punishments. Rather than setting light to combustibles which would engulf the victim in a roaring inferno and promptly dispatch them, the bishops would quite often select green wood. Many a bishop delighted in "slow-roasting" their victims.

It is, therefore, easy to understand why thousands of Nonconformist preachers fled to America's shores, and for a time at least, the Stuart monarchy* was glad to be rid of them. Few colonists shared the religious convictions of the British crown. For the most part, they were of the "Protesting faith." Many of the emigrant clergy had been convicted criminals, guilty of "preaching without a license" and "publishing without a license." Some had been "banished to the plantations." Others were fugitives of the law, having received subpoenas to appear before the king's Star Chamber, but fleeing rather than facing a heretic's trial. Some had even escaped from the king's prisons.

The Pilgrims arrived in 1620 to America to escape the shackles of the Church of England and it's head's lordship. They brought with them the Geneva Bible, and not the King James Bible. As noted earlier, both versions were corrupted from their purity with biased gnostic syncretism. The KJV was seen as the Bible of the English king and the state Church of England which had been persecuting them. This happened only for a short period of time, as the Anglican Communion had actually been established in the colonies beginning in 1607 with the establishment of Jamestown.

Kershaw continues:

But the arrival of thousands of unlicensed preachers in America did not spontaneously result in freedom of religion. While Protestants firmly adhered to a policy of the independence of the church from the State, Anglicans exerted their influence in an attempt to bring all American churches under the sway of the monarchy, and later, also under the parliament. In an effort to control religion, the British crown established hundreds of Anglican churches throughout the American Colonies. Through imposition of various "religious acts," the king sought a church monopoly. Unlicensed preaching and publishing was forbidden, and just as in England, the king declared himself "sovereign head" of America's churches. To America's Dissenting clergy, this was nothing short of blasphemy. It was in the unlicensed pulpits of America's Nonconformist churches that the phrase was coined, "No king but King Jesus!" It was also there that such patriotic phrases originated as "Live free or die!"

America's unlicensed clergy were typically among the most highly educated and brilliant men of their time. The Puritan world view held to the political philosophies of Locke, Milton, Sydney and Montesquieu. They abominated "pluralism," the view that one set of laws governs the church, while an entirely different law code governed the civil affairs of man. Only God is truly Sovereign, and the ruler that does not govern according to His Law's is not a ruler, but a usurper. As the Puritan's would say, "By his own tyranny, the king unthrones himself." They also abominated "Erastianism," the political philosophy that the civil ruler is supreme in authority over not only the the sphere of civil government, but also in the affairs of the church.

All clergy in America exercised an immense influence over public opinion, either for good, or for evil. The Anglican clergy were sent to our shores to convince the Colonists of the king's agenda.

The young candidates for the Anglican clergy were taught at Oxford that submission and obedience, clear, absolute, and without exception, was the badge and character of the Church of England. The Anglican clergy were compelled to read on the anniversary of the death of Charles I the Oxford homily "against disobedience and wilful rebellion,' or to preach a sermon against that sin.

Protestant preachers in America (and in England, for that matter) shared no such affections for the despot Charles, nor did they mourn his execution at the hand of Oliver Cromwell. Charles II, the "Supreme Governor of the Church," declared his father canonized among the "army of martyrs" and "saints," with the anniversary of his death solemnized, in the Anglican prayer book, a national holy-day of fasting. Not only was the reading of the Oxford homily compulsory for all ministers, but they were required to say a prayer for Charles I, and pronounce a benediction, "Let his memory, O Lord, be ever blessed among us." Many an unlicensed colonial preacher obeyed the letter of the law, but they did so with an air of solemn mockery, much to the delight of their congregations.

When you compare this blog with my recent blog posts it should be evident that the battle has been raging on for centuries over who will be lord or head over the "Christian" faith, man, or Jesus Christ. What doctrines of faith will be allowed to be taught? Man's through their corrupted, syncretized theology based translations, or the unadulterated, pure Word of God? See where the nonprofit 501c3 corporations fit in? I hope that it is becoming more evident that we have been bamboozled to believe lies mixed with truth. Plenty for you to chew on until next time.

https://www.reference.com/history/did-henry-viii-break-away-catholic-church-83929a640b7d87bd

https://www.gotquestions.org/39-Articles-42-Articles.html

https://christianityfaq.com/protestant-anglican-comparison/

https://www.encyclopedia.com/philosophy-and-religion/christianity/protestant-denominations/church-england

https://www.history.com/topics/british-history/church-of-england

https://digitalcommons.cedarville.edu/kjv_america/

https://scottishrite.org/about/history/

https://farnesius.wordpress.com/2018/11/21/the-interconnection-between-the-knights-templar-freemasonry-and-jesuits-and-illuminati/

http://hushmoney.org/DRK501c3.htm

Tithing Verses The NT Pattern Of Giving

Welcome back to this week's blog post! I hope you've had some time to search out what I shared with you last week. It is very important for you to grasp the deception and strong delusion and snare we've been entangled in, and to escape it!

Last blog I mentioned that I should do a study on the Scriptural pattern of giving as revealed by the Holy Spirit through the apostles concerning New Testament giving.

Without beating around the bush and instead making a spirited spring out of the gate, you will find that there is no biblical apostolic doctrine for tithing. The apostles didn't teach it. Scripture the NT Scriptures! Stop and do It now. It won't take you long, because you won't find a single verse that calls a Christian to tithe.

If there is not a single passage on Christian tithing then why is it a common and expected practice in "Christendom"?

The OT tithe was under the law (which we are not under - Gal. 3:19-24). A brief look at tithing will reveal the following:

Tithing was to be done only with what was grown, like wheat, barley, fruit, etc. and of cattle. If your employment was of other another type you did not tithe! This tithe was for the Levites because they were the only tribe not given land inheritance in the promised land (Lev. 27:30-33; Num.18:21-31).

Therefore, to equate it with today, only farmers would be required to tithe! If you work in healthcare, public education, industry, retail, transportation, etc. you wouldn't be required to tithe! If your congregation practices tithing, I'm sure they aren't requiring only those in the farming sector to tithe!

Next, a tithe of the aforementioned was to be kept for the people when celebrating the appointed feasts of the Lord. It is important to note that it that the tithe of the crops and cattle could be exchanged for money to make the journey to Jerusalem less burdensome. (Dt. 14:22-27) The reason I said to take note of this is because preachers will say that a reason you tithe with money today is because they didn't have money back then. The truth is they did, and this is the only exception when they were allowed to exchange the tithe for money. Even in the first century they tithed on what was grown (Mt. 23:23). Even Abraham had money before the law. (Ge. 17:12-13; 23, 27)

Lastly, the tithe, as aforementioned, brought in every third year was not only for the Levites, but also for the poor among them. (Dt. 14:28-29; 26:12-13) What does the "tithe" your "church" receives go to? If it goes to anything else, they are mishandling it! 

With the truth of tithing revealed above it should help you to understand a popular passage that is in the arsenal of every "tithe thumper" that is worth their salt to employ to induce guilt into the people to give. You may have guessed it already - Mal. 3:10. From what we have already learned, that if you do not have crops or herds you are not required to tithe. So in Malachi if you do not grow crops or raise herds you are not robbing God by not giving a tithe! Just think, if your preacher taught biblically, only the farming sector should be bringing their tithe into the storehouse for the Levites and the poor! If your preacher teaches otherwise they are wolves, scoundrels, criminals and wicked; fowlers who set a trap to catch people. They are FULL of deceit and prosper and enrich themselves off the people (Jer. 5:25-28). Trampling and crushing them (Amos 8:4; Is. 3:15). They are fleecing the flock! (Mic. 3:1-3) They are greedy dogs that look to make their living robbing God's people (Is. 56:11; Jn. 10:10). Such people will not inherit the kingdom of God! (Rev. 22:15)

Furthermore, some will point to Abraham as giving a tithe before the law to justify that tithing of all your income is to be practiced. However, the account they are referring to is Genesis chapter 14, when Sodom and Gomorrah was led captive by opposing kings and took Abraham's nephew Lot and his family as well. Therefore Abraham set out with 318 of his servants and overtook the opposing armies and delivered Sodom and Gomorrah and Lot. Afterwards, Abraham gave a tithe of the spoils to the king of Salem, the priest of the most high God. To be noted, it was a tithe of the spoils from battle and the remainder of the spoils he gave back to the king of Sodom, so the king could not say that he made Abraham rich. Therefore of what Abraham tithed he kept none of it! If your preacher is consistent, then in today's vernacular, after we have received our wages from battle, or employment, after giving a tithe to the Lord, we are then to give the remainder back to our employer, so it cannot be said that our employer made us rich! I'm positive no preacher that advocates tithing has taught this!

These preachers, the greedy dogs that they are, are of the many who corrupt the word of God, or as Tyndale translated it, "chop and change the Word of God." They cannot be trusted! We are to withdraw and depart from them! (1 Tim. 6:5; 2 Tim. 4:4)

I think I have shown what biblical tithing is and how it differs from what is promoted from most pulpits today. Therefore, I will move on to see what the apostolic doctrine of giving is in the NT. 

If we look in the book of Acts and the history of our faith, we note that right at it's inception that they "had all things in common and sold their possessions and goods and distributed them to all men, as every one had need." (Acts 2:44-45)

We see this pattern continues a little later in Acts 4:34-37, though here they bring the money to the feet of the apostles. 

In Acts 6:1 We see that there was a daily distribution to the widows. Ministering to the poor, fatherless and widows derived from the law (Dt. 26:12) and was taught in the OT, before the law (Job 31:16), and afterwards (Is. 1:17; Ez. 22:7; Mal. 3:5). It was the practice of apostolic doctrine as well (Jam. 1:27; 1 Tim. 5:1-16; Gal. 2:10; Jam. 2:15-16). 

Therefore, selling your own property (which everything we have received comes from God - Jn. 3:27), and giving it to those in need is expected (Rom. 12:13; 15:26; 2 Cor. 8:2, 4). In fact, we are to work, not so we can consume it upon our lusts, but rather "that we may have to give to them that has need." (Eph. 4:28; Ac. 20:34; 2 Cor. 8:14-15) 

Jesus talked about how we are to be content with the basic necessities of life (Lk. 12:23). He certainly didn't teach the pursuit of the "American dream" filled full of worldliness, which He and His apostles told us to separate ourselves from (Jn. 15:18-19; 2 Cor. 6:14-7:1; Gal. 6:14; 1 Tim. 6:1-11; 1 Jn. 2:15-17). John the Baptist taught it (Lk. 3:14). The apostles also taught contentment as they had received from the Lord and practiced it (1 Tim. 6:6, 8; Php. 4:11-12; Heb. 13:5), which is a far cry from the false doctrine the preachers teach their disciples to practice today. Paul taught against the ideology of the "American dream," saying that the desire to gain earthly wealth and pleasure is the root of all evil (1 Tim. 6:10). Such greedy desire, avarice, covetousness, is idolatry (Col. 3:5) Sadly, the English in 1 Timothy 6:10 translates the Greek word "philarguria" as money, rather than avarice which gives the true mean as I shared above. 

If we are Christ's (Gal. 5:24; Php. 2:21), we have His mind (1 Cor. 2:16; Php. 2:5) and are imitate His ways (Eph. 5:2; Mt. 5:48; Lk. 6:35-36; 1 P. 1:15-16; 1 Jn. 4:11) then why do "Christians" engage themselves like unbelievers entangling themselves in hot pursuit of gaining earthly wealth and pleasures according to the flesh and not living according to the Spirit as apostolic doctrine teaches?  (Gal. 5:16-26) 

Jesus told us to lend, hoping for nothing in return (Lk. 6:35; 14:12-14). That doing good to others, is as if we are doing it directly towards Him (Mt. 25:34-40). His apostles also followed suit (Gal. 6:10; 1 Tim. 6:18; Jam. 2:15-16; 1 Jn. 3:17-18) Remember Jesus' words, "it's more blessed to give than to receive." (Ac. 20:35) Are you more happy to receive than to give? This is not the mind of Christ! Examine yourself honestly (1 Cor. 11:28, 31-32; 2 Cor. 13:5)

The apostle's doctrine also instructs us to give to those that teach us the spiritual truth of God's Word (Rom. 15:27; 1 Cor. 9:9-12; Gal. 6:6; 1 Tim. 5:17-18; Heb. 13:16). Though we see that the believers gave to meet these teachers need primarily (Php. 4:14-18; Ac. 20:33-35; ). Even as I have shown earlier. Jesus said, "that the foxes have holes and the birds have nests, but He had no where to lay His head." (Mt. 8:20) Paul taught that "having food and clothes we should be content." (1 Tim. 6:8) This is a blow below the belt to the worldly Christian establishment and their "American dream", syncretized doctrine, which is more in line with the greedy religious doctrine of the scribes and Pharisees that Jesus rebuked (Lk. 16:13-15). It's not much different today among our religious institutions. Neither John The Baptist, nor Jesus, nor any of the apostles had worldly wealth, but rather practiced what they taught, giving away that which was not a true, basic life necessity. Much that an American Christian has far exceeds basic necessities. Examine what God's Word identifies as necessities and compare it with our worldly culture's ideologies of necessities.

Think back about my recent blog posts on the whoredom played with the government's nonprofit corporation tax exempt status the religious establishment has corrupted herself with. This blog post should continue to open your understanding that what you believe and practice on these topics is not Scriptural.

Some other things which are related that I encourage you to search out are the origins of clergy and laity; salaries and retirement for ministers (sounds and looks very worldly), which you will find to be unbiblical. First, start with NT Scriptures. Let me give you a head start. As seen in our study today, neither the apostles or other NT teachers received salaries and benefit packages. The only time they "retired" from "the ministry" was at their death! Also, 1 Corinthians chapter 12 is a good place to start your search on clergy/laity. It shows we are all one. Christ's Body is not divided! (1 Cor. 1:13) A kingdom or house divided against itself cannot stand! (Mt. 12:25)

Again the worldly ideology of the "American dream" has crept in among God's people by men of corrupt minds, destitute of the truth thinking that worldly gain is godliness. That we are to withdraw from such (1 Tim. 6:1-5). Paul also said they only have a resemblance of godliness, but they reject and refuse such virtue and nature. To depart from them! They are always learning but never come to the knowledge of the truth (possibly because the love of the truth is not in them 2 Th. 2:12). They set themselves against the truth because they are of corrupt minds, and unfit and worthless concerning the faith (2 Tim. 3:5-8).

The pattern of apostolic NT giving looks night and day different for what is taught and practiced in mainstream Christianity today. Search the Scriptures and see if your congregation practices giving and it's distribution of what is given in a Biblical manner, or after the manner of men who distort and twist the Scriptures to deceive the simple minded. Just think, if they so easily manipulate the Scriptures to make this an expected rite as being a member of the institution, what else have they twisted and distorted to lead you astray from the truth of God's Word? You better be digging into the Scriptures to learn the truth! If you aren't obeying God's Word how do you expect to hear, "well done thou good and faithful servant"? (Mt. 25:21)