Living in Laodicea
Let’s face it, if the present day preachers of our so-called Christian churches preached what was contained in the pages of Bible scripture they would clear out their churches in no time at all. What they have done instead is invent a socially acceptable Gospel message that crosses all ethnic and cultural barriers and keeps the people coming back for more. Doctrinally it doesn’t seem to matter what side of the theological fence you’re on, the present day gospel message can be summarized in the following manner:
What makes matters worse is that most of the preachers, teachers, evangelists, etc ministering in the so-called church THINK they are doing the people a favor by soft peddling the Gospel message to them in this socially acceptable manner. They preach and teach a ‘moral’ message, based on Christian values, which contains all the right Bible jargon, but leaves out the incentive for godly living. Much like all the other seminars and self-improvement classes in our society, these methods create a flurry of activity in the churches that keep everyone busy and off focus….thinking that because of the success in numbers….it all MUST be blessed of God with His seal of approval.
The lack of Sound preaching and teaching in today’s so-called Christian church is almost beyond comprehension. Finding anyone who will stand up and contend for the faith is nearly impossible. There is almost NO sense of urgency among the ministering leaders to confront these issues of complacently and apathy toward sin. The churches are overwhelmed with professing Christians who think Grace is God’s permission to live a vicarious lifestyle, wrapped up in your own self-fulfillment and worldly endeavors. They have no desire to bring anyone into the Kingdom through true godly sorrow and repentance and no motivation to KEEP any of Christ’s Commands, except that it would add to the size of their congregation and increase the appearance of success.
Works, love and service do indeed abound in the present day churches, more than in the past. But it’s works without foundation in Truth and service that ministers only to the physical and material needs of people. Even giving your body to be burned however, can become clanging cymbals if not accompanied by a love of the truth. God’s love does NOT rejoice in iniquity but ONLY when truth and righteousness prevail, 1Cor13:6. If iniquity (or sin) abounds, as it does in the present day church, all the works are ‘dead works’ and unacceptable to the Lord. He will not deny that you have done them, but at the same time He will also NOT approve of you!
He said, "MANY will come to Me that day saying, Lord, Lord, have we not done many mighty works in your Name? And I will declare to them, depart from Me, I never knew you, you who practice iniquity." Matt7:22-23
Don’t distance yourself from this admonishment too quickly reader. This is NOT a doctrinal issue about once saved always saved or never saved to begin with. This is simply the Lord rolling back the vale of time and allowing you to pear into the future. Those approved will NOT be crying ‘Lord, Lord’ but rejoicing with Him in His Kingdom.
To be ‘unapproved’ is to practice a Christianity based on assumptions that lead to a loose, corrupted lifestyle that condoned the EXACT kind of immoral behavior that the Bible warns you time and again will KEEP you OUT of the Kingdom! The real question from this point on however, is WHAT do you believe to be the truth?
Is the Bible a reliable record from God revealing His will to mankind and the Narrow Path into His Kingdom, or is it subject to a thousand varying opinions of men that throws everything up for grabs?
The Laodicians were rich, increased with goods and in need of nothing, Rev3:17, yet the Lord said they were in reality, ‘wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked.’ How anyone who ministers in the present day church could say in right conscience that this isn’t a perfect description of the church they attend is beyond reason. Even non-professing Christians can recognize the appalling conditions within our churches. Everything from sexual immorality, to homosexuality to drunkenness, to addiction to pornography, to child molestation, to lying, cheating, back-biting, malice, hatred, anger, strife, filthy talking, selfishness and jealously, is condoned and practiced by professing Christians. And NEVER are these subjects addressed in the pulpits as the type of behavior listed in scripture that will KEEP them OUT of the Kingdom of God! . (Gal5:19-21)
It’s not unusual to find professing Christians living together unmarried and attending church as upstanding members, even teaching Sunday school classes. Pastors involved in blatant infidelity still preaching! Elders and Deacons who cannot bridle their own tongues or control their vile tempers are occupying positions of leadership everywhere. Board members who claim full Sanctification of the Spirit are Biblical illiterate and spiritually bankrupt, making important decisions on how to spend the Lord’s money. Church leaders admittedly addicted to pornography remain in authority. Pedophile Priests are free to continue in service. Is it any wonder why our youth wallow in sex, drugs and moral decay when they are told by church directors that nothing they do matters as long as they ‘believe’ in Jesus?
The seminaries are full of so-called Bible scholars who discredit the Bible as the inspired Word of God and base the bulk of their message on humanistic philosophy. (Thus the rash of books, tapes and other humanistic based material circulating in the churches!) The pulpit has become a place to stage the cultural war against the ills of society rather than the platform to bring people to godly sorrow and repentance. They will battle for school prayer, against abortion, gambling and gay rights, while at the same time professing converts remain addicted to gluttony, lust and greed without fear of consequences because they are told that God is love and doesn’t see them sin! The Lukewarm message has created a society turned on its head and NO ONE seems to have the moral fiber to Stand in the Gap against it.
The massive conspiracy behind this malaise is diabolical and very difficult to unravel. We are dealing with multiple layers of deception and a delusion so STRONG, the Bible calls it the ‘Mystery of iniquity!’ (2Thess2:7) It is so complete that the Author of this delusion has everyone looking for a particular man to rise up and exert his authority over the religious and political powers of the earth, when in reality this ‘man of sin’ (as they refer to him) is MANKIND itself! His opposition has taken the form of self-worship and created an ‘image’ of a Savior that is ‘against’ (anti) everything Christ came to teach! His ‘mark’ is the evil eye of the flesh professing Christians have refused to pluck out and cast from them in order to enter into the Kingdom with singleness of purpose. (for further explanation read Mark of The Beast)
While the pulpits are busy arguing in favor of dispensational theology, trying to prove a ‘pre, post, or mid’ Trib Rapture of the church, Satan is working hard behind the scenes spinning his lies and keeping them enslaved to their fleshly desires. They watch closely for certain ‘signs’ to take place and eagerly snap up the latest End Times books, tapes and videos. (making the authors of this material rich & increased with goods) hoping to be snatched away in the nick of time from any ‘tribulation’ that may arise. The Great falling away, (‘Apostasy’ 2Thess2:3) is taking place under their nose, by their own design, yet they wallow in mediocrity comparing themselves with themselves and debating the Winds of doctrine.
What happened in Laodicia is a combination of the compromised, corrupt and dead churches of Pergamos, Thyatira and Sardis.
Each of these churches had given in to some form of immoral behavior that deserved the Lord’s personal scorn and severe WARNING. None of these can be easily passed over as unrelated to our present day mess.
The warnings stand by themselves and promise the most dreadful of consequences unless they repent and return to godly living and a pure message. Laocidia has NOTHING in its favor however and is spiritually blinded to what is in store for the Lukewarm. The Gold refined by fire, white garments and eye salve, offered by the Lord, are indicative of the totality of the delusion. Spiritual numbness is almost universal and the higher up you go in church organization the STRONER the duplicity! Leadership appears obligated to protect the status quo and maintain an air of acceptability.
They will go to great lengths to keep the peace at the expense of preaching the truth and call it ‘doing their job’ for the people. Church ‘Trouble makers’ (truth tellers) are branded notorious, without love, judgmental and intolerant. Professed Christians are pre-programmed to reject the ‘stronger’ message and gravitate toward the softer side. That’s why it is customary to see the larger churches packed to the walls when one of these modern day purveyors of spin conducts their meetings. (a good rule of thumb to go by here is the ‘larger’ the crowd, the more corrupt the message. But never expect the obvious!)
Is there a ‘faithful’ remnant among the majority? Yes, but they are Small in number with little strength, Rev3:8. Don’t falter yourself reader that you are one of them unless you have KEPT His Word and NOT Denied His Name! By this the Lord is saying that ONLY those who are NOW HOLDING Fast to My Word, Keeping and guarding it as valuable treasure are among this number. Don’t include yourself unless you’re now standing firm against the prevailing winds blowing at Gail force in the church today. Expect also intense opposition from the religious establishment IF you are making this stand. You will most certainly be isolated, ostracized and excluded for your efforts. In many cases you will no longer be welcome among the so-called believers or included in any of their activities.
Therefore if you are a popular member of your religious community well received by others and possess a ‘form’ of godliness (not radical or confrontational) you have definitely bought into the modern day lie that passes for Bible Christianity. (to one degree or another) Is this a dangerous state to be in? Is ANY Spiritual slumber safe? Ask the Ten Virgins, Matt25:1-13, all SLEPT, the Scripture states, but the Five Wise had prepared themselves for their Lord. Revelation 19:7 says: "His wife MADE HERSELF READY!" For the marriage super of the Lamb. The unprepared awoke, but it was TOO late for them. Spiritual complacency had already taken its toll and they were EXCLUDED form the Kingdom!
(Of course your once saved always saved teachers will make some lame excuse why the five foolish Virgins weren’t really ‘virgins’ in the first place and could not have lost their salvation and many will buy into it, like all the rest of their lies, and sleep on until the Judgement.) But this is exactly how the deception works. Something SIMPLISTIC given to us out of a heart of infinite love is twisted beyond all recognition and the devil is standing by whispering into their ear, ‘Did God really say…..’ But unless someone warns them, HOW can they know the DANGER that lies ahead? (if awake you can see the importance of stepping on few toes here. Better to risk hurting their feelings now than seeing them burn later!)
If the Scriptures cannot stand as Proof unto themselves that they are speaking to us from the Will of God without the necessity of man’s ‘interruptions’, then we are the most to be pitied in this universe. If God created us and set into motion all things seen and unseen would He then abandon us to the opinions of our fellow creatures? Would He NOT make crystal clear the WAY into His Kingdom and the type of behavior that would KEEP us out? Otherwise He would not be GOD, but only what men can perceive him to be.
Therefore if we have no bases for Truth in the pages of scripture, we may as well stop now, ‘eat, drink, make merry’ for tomorrow we die. But if you want to trim your lamp, prepare for the Lord and unravel this deadly deception that has millions in its grip, blow the dust off your Bibles, open them up and continue with us down the path to truth!
www.standingthrgap.org
Let’s face it, if the present day preachers of our so-called Christian churches preached what was contained in the pages of Bible scripture they would clear out their churches in no time at all. What they have done instead is invent a socially acceptable Gospel message that crosses all ethnic and cultural barriers and keeps the people coming back for more. Doctrinally it doesn’t seem to matter what side of the theological fence you’re on, the present day gospel message can be summarized in the following manner:
- Jesus Obeyed for you
- God doesn’t see you sin
- And nothing you do effects the outcome of your salvation
What makes matters worse is that most of the preachers, teachers, evangelists, etc ministering in the so-called church THINK they are doing the people a favor by soft peddling the Gospel message to them in this socially acceptable manner. They preach and teach a ‘moral’ message, based on Christian values, which contains all the right Bible jargon, but leaves out the incentive for godly living. Much like all the other seminars and self-improvement classes in our society, these methods create a flurry of activity in the churches that keep everyone busy and off focus….thinking that because of the success in numbers….it all MUST be blessed of God with His seal of approval.
The lack of Sound preaching and teaching in today’s so-called Christian church is almost beyond comprehension. Finding anyone who will stand up and contend for the faith is nearly impossible. There is almost NO sense of urgency among the ministering leaders to confront these issues of complacently and apathy toward sin. The churches are overwhelmed with professing Christians who think Grace is God’s permission to live a vicarious lifestyle, wrapped up in your own self-fulfillment and worldly endeavors. They have no desire to bring anyone into the Kingdom through true godly sorrow and repentance and no motivation to KEEP any of Christ’s Commands, except that it would add to the size of their congregation and increase the appearance of success.
Works, love and service do indeed abound in the present day churches, more than in the past. But it’s works without foundation in Truth and service that ministers only to the physical and material needs of people. Even giving your body to be burned however, can become clanging cymbals if not accompanied by a love of the truth. God’s love does NOT rejoice in iniquity but ONLY when truth and righteousness prevail, 1Cor13:6. If iniquity (or sin) abounds, as it does in the present day church, all the works are ‘dead works’ and unacceptable to the Lord. He will not deny that you have done them, but at the same time He will also NOT approve of you!
He said, "MANY will come to Me that day saying, Lord, Lord, have we not done many mighty works in your Name? And I will declare to them, depart from Me, I never knew you, you who practice iniquity." Matt7:22-23
Don’t distance yourself from this admonishment too quickly reader. This is NOT a doctrinal issue about once saved always saved or never saved to begin with. This is simply the Lord rolling back the vale of time and allowing you to pear into the future. Those approved will NOT be crying ‘Lord, Lord’ but rejoicing with Him in His Kingdom.
To be ‘unapproved’ is to practice a Christianity based on assumptions that lead to a loose, corrupted lifestyle that condoned the EXACT kind of immoral behavior that the Bible warns you time and again will KEEP you OUT of the Kingdom! The real question from this point on however, is WHAT do you believe to be the truth?
Is the Bible a reliable record from God revealing His will to mankind and the Narrow Path into His Kingdom, or is it subject to a thousand varying opinions of men that throws everything up for grabs?
The Laodicians were rich, increased with goods and in need of nothing, Rev3:17, yet the Lord said they were in reality, ‘wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked.’ How anyone who ministers in the present day church could say in right conscience that this isn’t a perfect description of the church they attend is beyond reason. Even non-professing Christians can recognize the appalling conditions within our churches. Everything from sexual immorality, to homosexuality to drunkenness, to addiction to pornography, to child molestation, to lying, cheating, back-biting, malice, hatred, anger, strife, filthy talking, selfishness and jealously, is condoned and practiced by professing Christians. And NEVER are these subjects addressed in the pulpits as the type of behavior listed in scripture that will KEEP them OUT of the Kingdom of God! . (Gal5:19-21)
It’s not unusual to find professing Christians living together unmarried and attending church as upstanding members, even teaching Sunday school classes. Pastors involved in blatant infidelity still preaching! Elders and Deacons who cannot bridle their own tongues or control their vile tempers are occupying positions of leadership everywhere. Board members who claim full Sanctification of the Spirit are Biblical illiterate and spiritually bankrupt, making important decisions on how to spend the Lord’s money. Church leaders admittedly addicted to pornography remain in authority. Pedophile Priests are free to continue in service. Is it any wonder why our youth wallow in sex, drugs and moral decay when they are told by church directors that nothing they do matters as long as they ‘believe’ in Jesus?
The seminaries are full of so-called Bible scholars who discredit the Bible as the inspired Word of God and base the bulk of their message on humanistic philosophy. (Thus the rash of books, tapes and other humanistic based material circulating in the churches!) The pulpit has become a place to stage the cultural war against the ills of society rather than the platform to bring people to godly sorrow and repentance. They will battle for school prayer, against abortion, gambling and gay rights, while at the same time professing converts remain addicted to gluttony, lust and greed without fear of consequences because they are told that God is love and doesn’t see them sin! The Lukewarm message has created a society turned on its head and NO ONE seems to have the moral fiber to Stand in the Gap against it.
The massive conspiracy behind this malaise is diabolical and very difficult to unravel. We are dealing with multiple layers of deception and a delusion so STRONG, the Bible calls it the ‘Mystery of iniquity!’ (2Thess2:7) It is so complete that the Author of this delusion has everyone looking for a particular man to rise up and exert his authority over the religious and political powers of the earth, when in reality this ‘man of sin’ (as they refer to him) is MANKIND itself! His opposition has taken the form of self-worship and created an ‘image’ of a Savior that is ‘against’ (anti) everything Christ came to teach! His ‘mark’ is the evil eye of the flesh professing Christians have refused to pluck out and cast from them in order to enter into the Kingdom with singleness of purpose. (for further explanation read Mark of The Beast)
While the pulpits are busy arguing in favor of dispensational theology, trying to prove a ‘pre, post, or mid’ Trib Rapture of the church, Satan is working hard behind the scenes spinning his lies and keeping them enslaved to their fleshly desires. They watch closely for certain ‘signs’ to take place and eagerly snap up the latest End Times books, tapes and videos. (making the authors of this material rich & increased with goods) hoping to be snatched away in the nick of time from any ‘tribulation’ that may arise. The Great falling away, (‘Apostasy’ 2Thess2:3) is taking place under their nose, by their own design, yet they wallow in mediocrity comparing themselves with themselves and debating the Winds of doctrine.
What happened in Laodicia is a combination of the compromised, corrupt and dead churches of Pergamos, Thyatira and Sardis.
Each of these churches had given in to some form of immoral behavior that deserved the Lord’s personal scorn and severe WARNING. None of these can be easily passed over as unrelated to our present day mess.
The warnings stand by themselves and promise the most dreadful of consequences unless they repent and return to godly living and a pure message. Laocidia has NOTHING in its favor however and is spiritually blinded to what is in store for the Lukewarm. The Gold refined by fire, white garments and eye salve, offered by the Lord, are indicative of the totality of the delusion. Spiritual numbness is almost universal and the higher up you go in church organization the STRONER the duplicity! Leadership appears obligated to protect the status quo and maintain an air of acceptability.
They will go to great lengths to keep the peace at the expense of preaching the truth and call it ‘doing their job’ for the people. Church ‘Trouble makers’ (truth tellers) are branded notorious, without love, judgmental and intolerant. Professed Christians are pre-programmed to reject the ‘stronger’ message and gravitate toward the softer side. That’s why it is customary to see the larger churches packed to the walls when one of these modern day purveyors of spin conducts their meetings. (a good rule of thumb to go by here is the ‘larger’ the crowd, the more corrupt the message. But never expect the obvious!)
Is there a ‘faithful’ remnant among the majority? Yes, but they are Small in number with little strength, Rev3:8. Don’t falter yourself reader that you are one of them unless you have KEPT His Word and NOT Denied His Name! By this the Lord is saying that ONLY those who are NOW HOLDING Fast to My Word, Keeping and guarding it as valuable treasure are among this number. Don’t include yourself unless you’re now standing firm against the prevailing winds blowing at Gail force in the church today. Expect also intense opposition from the religious establishment IF you are making this stand. You will most certainly be isolated, ostracized and excluded for your efforts. In many cases you will no longer be welcome among the so-called believers or included in any of their activities.
Therefore if you are a popular member of your religious community well received by others and possess a ‘form’ of godliness (not radical or confrontational) you have definitely bought into the modern day lie that passes for Bible Christianity. (to one degree or another) Is this a dangerous state to be in? Is ANY Spiritual slumber safe? Ask the Ten Virgins, Matt25:1-13, all SLEPT, the Scripture states, but the Five Wise had prepared themselves for their Lord. Revelation 19:7 says: "His wife MADE HERSELF READY!" For the marriage super of the Lamb. The unprepared awoke, but it was TOO late for them. Spiritual complacency had already taken its toll and they were EXCLUDED form the Kingdom!
(Of course your once saved always saved teachers will make some lame excuse why the five foolish Virgins weren’t really ‘virgins’ in the first place and could not have lost their salvation and many will buy into it, like all the rest of their lies, and sleep on until the Judgement.) But this is exactly how the deception works. Something SIMPLISTIC given to us out of a heart of infinite love is twisted beyond all recognition and the devil is standing by whispering into their ear, ‘Did God really say…..’ But unless someone warns them, HOW can they know the DANGER that lies ahead? (if awake you can see the importance of stepping on few toes here. Better to risk hurting their feelings now than seeing them burn later!)
If the Scriptures cannot stand as Proof unto themselves that they are speaking to us from the Will of God without the necessity of man’s ‘interruptions’, then we are the most to be pitied in this universe. If God created us and set into motion all things seen and unseen would He then abandon us to the opinions of our fellow creatures? Would He NOT make crystal clear the WAY into His Kingdom and the type of behavior that would KEEP us out? Otherwise He would not be GOD, but only what men can perceive him to be.
Therefore if we have no bases for Truth in the pages of scripture, we may as well stop now, ‘eat, drink, make merry’ for tomorrow we die. But if you want to trim your lamp, prepare for the Lord and unravel this deadly deception that has millions in its grip, blow the dust off your Bibles, open them up and continue with us down the path to truth!
www.standingthrgap.org
