Saturday, December 23, 2023

Bible study and Politics??


 
Jon had accepted a job offer in another state which presented him with the opportunity for advancement and a better income. He was torn between staying where he was and taking advantage of the terrific offer before him. He was an elder in his home church and had been deeply involved in the church’s Bible teaching ministries and other activities. He was content with his job and then the offer came from a man he had went to college with. He told Jon he was familiar with his work and really wanted him to come and work with him. Jon prayed hard about this move and spent time praying with his wife and discussing it with her. Jon had two children in middle school, and this would be a big move for them. Finally, Jon believed it was the Lord’s will for him to take advantage of this opportunity and make the move. He trusted this was the right move for his family’s future. He knew it would be a big adjustment for them but in the long run, it would be a big advantage.

He had video calls with his old friend and as they talked, Jon discovered that his old friend and new boss, Jim, was a Christian. This seemed to confirm that the Lord was definitely in this move. And so, off they went. It was a bit of an inconvenient move as most are, but they managed. Jim had set Jon up with a real estate agent and Jon and his wife had found and purchased a home prior to the move. This actually made the move that much easier. It took a couple of weeks of settling in and getting the children enrolled in school. Jon’s wife asked him, “What about a church? We have been here over two weeks and haven’t thought of or even discussed church.” Jon told her, “You know you are right. Jim mentioned something about the church he attends but at the time I didn’t give it much thought. We were still trying to get settled and I simply forgot. But now we should be looking and finding a church we can attend. A good Bible teaching church.”

Monday morning Jon talked to Jim about the church he attended, and Jim told him it was a good church with a good pastor. It was a little bigger than the church Jon and his family had attended back home. He trusted Jim’s information, so he took his family there the following Sunday. It was a nondenominational church and that is the kind of church they had attended back home. The pastor was a good Bible teacher, and the music was the contemporary style and the service in all was similar to their home church. They seemed to be very satisfied with it and decided they would make this their new home church.

On Monday morning, Jim asked Jon what he thought of the church and Jim told him his family really enjoyed it and they would be back. Then, Jim invited Jon to the Men’s Bible study on Saturday mornings. It would start at 8 AM and the assistant pastor was the teacher. So, the following Saturday morning, Jon showed up for the Bible study where there were about thirty guys standing around some tables and talking about various topics, but none seemed to be about the Bible, the Lord or anything church related. The topic he heard the most was politics. It was a big election year and that seemed to be of most interest to these guys.

 Finally, the assistant pastor got them all seated around the tables. He opened in prayer and within his pray, he seemed to spend a great deal of time asking God for special favor for specific political candidates and ballot measures. Jon was becoming uncomfortable with this but decided he would not judge the man on his prayer since it was the first time he had heard anything from him.

But he still was uneasy with the political rant within the prayer. They were in the book of Romans in chapter 13. The pastor read through the first five verses and then stopped and began to explain what Paul was actually saying. ‘What Paul was actually saying’ stood out to Jon like no turkey at a Thanksgiving Day meal. He thought, “What does he mean what Paul is actually saying?” That was the first red flag. But when this pastor said they needed to vote for a certain candidate to ensure that God’s will would place the right man, their candidate, into office, Jon knew he was at the wrong Bible study. This man actually believed that voting for their chosen candidate was God’s way of using them to make sure His person of authority was in office. Or, in other words, they had to vote for their chosen candidate so God would have the right person in office. So, it was up to them to make sure God got it right.

Jon couldn’t believe what he was hearing. A discussion on this began and it was close to being a heated discussion at times. This pastor had totally twisted God’s word into saying He needed people to accomplish His will. Jon wanted to get up and leave but thought better of it and decided to stay and hear how much crazier this Bible study turned political convention would get. So, Jon sat quietly and listened and at one point almost laughed out loud at the ridiculous rhetoric being spread. Jim looked over at him and seemed embarrassed by all of this.

Then, the pastor looked at Jon and asked, “Jon, right, your name is Jon? You haven’t said anything. Do you have any input?” Jon was quiet for a few seconds while he asked God for guidance in what he was about to say and then spoke. “First, I have never been to this Bible study before. I am new in this community and my family and I were looking for a church to attend and I thought we had found one here. I also thought I was coming to a Bible study this morning, but it appears I was wrong. In the church I attended back home, I was an elder and we had a standing policy there. There would be no political discussion taking place in a church service or Bible study. That time was for God’s people to hear from Him and His word, not the world and its issues. We weren’t against one-on-one political discussions but not like this. Not what I’m hearing this morning. These are my convictions and I’m not here to attempt to criticize or judge anyone. I was invited to attend so I came. But now, I’m going to politely get up and leave.” “Just wait a minute!” This came from a man across the tables from Jon. Jon was getting up but stopped and asked, “Yes? What do you want?”

The man was older, maybe in his 60s and he said, “Who do you think you are coming in here and saying that? We are Christians just like you. Why do you think you’re better or smarter than us?” Jon sighed and replied, “I don’t consider myself a better or smarter person than anyone in this room. I simply don’t believe in discussing politics on God’s time. I feel the same way about sports or any other worldly topic being discussed on God’s time when we should be hearing His word being discussed. Now if you will excuse me, I am going to go.”  

This is a fictional account of what happens in churches all across this nation. And it doesn’t just happen in a Bible study, it happens on Sunday mornings in the pulpit. Political candidates are invited to come in and speak on Sunday mornings from the pulpit and these people are not talking about Jesus. They are talking politics from the pulpit. Do any of the leaders and pastors in these churches ever stop and consider what God thinks about this? If those in attendance are Christians, why do they want to come to church on Sunday morning and listen to this rhetoric?

Well, Paul tells Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:3-4, 

For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths.

While Paul is telling Timothy that these people will be chasing after false teachings, religions and myths, this is what politics and issues have become in our time and culture. Climate change has become a religion as well as a political issue. The same is true with abortion and other political issues. So, why would people want to go to church on Sunday and listen to someone talk about climate change? Because it is what their itching ears want to hear.

Our God doesn’t want us putting anything in His place. He doesn’t want us giving our allegiance to anyone else but Him. He doesn’t want us having any idols in our lives is want I’m saying. He is a jealous God.

You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods     Ex, 20:4-5a

Some might say they are not worshipping false or other Gods when they discuss politics and that can be true for many Christians. But when they place a politician or candidate on a pedestal and march around and protest and scream and shout at others in support of the person, it has become an idol. I only have one question for them, “Would you do this for Jesus in a public gathering?” Jesus never protested against any government. He never protested against the Roman rulers. The closest He came to any political discussion was in MT 22:15-22 when He answered a question concerning if it was right to pay taxes to Ceasar or not. His answer was simple.

 ….he asked, “Whose picture and title are stamped on it?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. “Well, then,” he said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.”

He didn’t begin a debate over why they should or shouldn’t pay taxes to the Romans. Jesus didn’t come to debate or discuss the politics of that time or the abuse of the Roman rule. He came to tell as many as he could about the kingdom of heaven and why He was there. So, think about this; the Christian who spends hours watching cable news or listening to political talk radio or engaging in political discussions, do they spend an equal amount of time in God’s word or telling others about Jesus?

My main point in this post is there is no problem with Christians being aware of current news events or what’s happening in the realm of politics, but it has its place in our Christian lives in the same way sports and other worldly activities do. But they are never to supersede our time with God or take His place at any time. It’s just my opinion but politics should never be heard in a Bible study or church service.

That’s a time for God’s word to be heard and bringing in a guest speaker on a Sunday morning to step into the pulpit and talk about anything but God’s word is wrong. That person who comes in and talks about political policies or a political agenda is cheating those in attendance out of the opportunity to hear God’s word. And no one ever was saved listening to a political lecture, that I’m aware of. When you just stop and think about it, what is gained by a political discussion in a Bible study? Is there any spiritual growth as a result? Does it bring you any closer to the Lord in your relationship with Him? Have you gained any spiritual insight at all? The answer to all these questions is no. When we meet together and study and discuss God’s word, we grow closer to Jesus. We mature in our walk with Jesus. Anything else which might be discussed is simply wasted time and adds no value to our Christian lives.

Churches, on Sunday mornings, are setting up voter registration tables along the way from the parking lot to the building. They have political ministries established within the church and a spokesperson who will travel around the country giving lectures to churches telling them how they too can start these political ministries in their churches. And it is all to ensure they get their candidate elected. It seems to me they have lost sight of the sovereignty of God. He is the one, the only one, who has the power and ability to place a person in the position of authority. (Rom 13) Wouldn't this time be better spent telling people about Jesus instead of how to start a political ministry?

Politics has created the largest divide this nation has known since the Civil War. And for Christians to jump onto this worldly bandwagon on either side, is a waste of time in their walk with the Lord. His concern for it is far less than His concern for your spiritual wellbeing and your walk with Him. Remember, He is a jealous God and wants you to worship only Him. When I saw all those flags and banners with the name of Jesus on them before the mob stormed the capitol, I just cringed. Jesus would never bless that activity and He really didn’t want His name associated with it.

As a Christian, having a political discussion with a family member, friend or neighbor is not a bad thing (unless, of course, it turns ugly). But when it becomes a major part of the Christian’s life, it is a problem. There is more, much more, benefit in reading and studying God’s word than discussing politics or anything in the realm of politics. Just know and understand where the line to cross is located and then don’t cross it. Life will be so much happier and more blessed.

-Bill Petite

 

Saturday, November 25, 2023

Narrowminded Christians


 I recently read about a First Baptist Church in the state of Indiana who had invited two men from a creation ministry to come into their church and give a presentation on the fallacies of evolution. The article, or post, didn’t say if the presentation concerning evolution was good or bad but it could be because the pastor of this church made it a point to apologize to his church and those visitors who were in attendance for the appearance of the two men. What this article did, regardless if it was intended or not, was display the narrowminded Christians in this church.

First the pastor apologized for one of the men because he had long hair. How long was his hair? The post didn’t say but evidently it was longer than acceptable by the people of this church. (He has since cut his hair so as not to offend anyone else where he might be invited to speak) The apology also included a statement which said that one of the men used an NIV (New International Version) Bible translation. Oh my, what’s this faith coming to? Of course, it is apparent that this Baptist church probably uses only the KJV (King James Version) and I’m sure they are of the KJV only crowd. (All scripture was quoted from the KJV) Now, I don’t use the NIV but I did years ago. Actually, the NIV is a very popular version among many pastors in this country. And, as far as the KJV is concerned, it’s not even the most accurate version in use. Christians who insist it is the only Bible that is trustworthy need to get a parallel Bible which has the original language in the center with the literal English beneath each verse. I have one which displays the original Greek in the center and the NIV on the left and the NRSV (New Revised Standard Version) on the right. Beneath each Greek verse is the literal English translation. It is my opinion that the NRSV is the closest to the original languages. The NRSV is not my commonly used Bible, but I do refer to it frequently. That is a good practice for Christians who spend time studying the Bible. Use different versions, reliable versions, and the original languages to help get a good understanding of what the passages are saying.

This church openly criticized these two men for their choice of Bible version and for the long hair. Of course, the scripture they called out against the long hair was 1 Corinthians 11:14.

   Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him…

This is from the NRSV and is almost word for word how it is stated in the Greek. There is no command here from God or even Paul, the writer, to not wear long hair. It was thought to give the image that a man was effeminate or womanish and that was a dishonor to the man. But there is no direct command from God to not wear long hair. The Law says men should not dress like women and women should not dress like men, but it says nothing about the length of hair. Even so, the Nazarites wore long hair because they were not allowed to cut it. Does God have double standards? No, He doesn’t. This is what I refer to as Red Neck Christianity. And, in the case of this seminar or conference on evolution, these people couldn’t see the forest for the trees. In other words, the long hair and the NIV use totally distracted them from the facts being presented.

The narrowmindedness of the choice of Bible and thinking the KJV is the only reliable version shows their lack of knowledge concerning the reliability of other versions on the market which are fundamentally sound in their translation.

This comes from listening to and accepting the lie that the KJV is the only version. They have been taught this since they were saved, if they are saved. They were harsh in their criticism of these two men.

Another pastor in attendance also chimed in with harsh criticism and accused the two of directly disobeying the word of God. This was pertaining to the long hair and the misquoting of 1 Cor 11:14. Being critical of another person for doing or being something which they believe is right, but you disagree with is portraying yourself as a bigot. It’s no different than a person of one race blasting another person because of that person’s race. It's referred to as being a bigot. Now, I don’t use that word lightly and very seldom every use it but, in this case, this church has displayed themselves as bigots. But what’s worse is basing their reasons for this criticism on misquoting the Bible and accusing a proper and correct version of God’s word as being basically blasphemous. They are narrowminded, bigoted Christians. They are Red Necked Baptists who have been misled to believe there is only one correct version of the Bible. They believe in a misunderstood interpretation of a verse in the Bible and have used it to extremely criticize another Christian. This sure sounds like Alabama in the 1950s and it’s sad that there are still people like this claiming to be God’s people.

Nowhere else in God’s word does it say men will not have long hair. There is no command from God saying men cannot have long hair. It is widely believed by scholars that this was a cultural way of thinking just as this church in Indiana has made this a cultural doctrine. In a lot of cases, and especially today with the man bun being a popular item among some men, a man does not look right with long and fluffed hair or a man bun. (I personally don't have a problem with a man having long hair) It reminds me of a quote from Adam Clarke concerning this issue.

Perhaps there is not a sight more ridiculous in the eye of common sense than a high-dressed, curled, cued, and powdered head, with which the operator must have taken considerable pains, and the silly patient lost much time and comfort in submitting to what all but senseless custom must call an indignity and degradation. Hear nature, common sense, and reason, and they will inform you, that if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him.

Now, remember that Adam Clarke probably wrote this in the late 1700s to the early 1800s. He was an English Methodist pastor so his perspective on long hair on men might be, and probably was, much different than ours today. But I did find this quote humorous.

 It’s sad to know there are still people like this calling themselves Christians but acting like the racist bullies of the South in the 1950s and 60s. Christians, the Bible teaches us to love our brothers and sisters in Christ. It doesn’t teach us to think differently of other Christians who attend different meetings which are centered on Jesus. If the message is centered on the gospel and Jesus and is of sound Bible teaching, what is it any of our business if a person is using an NIV or a KJV? Both are sound and acceptable translations of God’s word. Don’t be a narrowminded Christian.

One last thing, I have nothing against the Baptist Church unless they are teaching a wrong and false doctrine. This specific church does border on false teaching by stating the KJV is the only version. Well, this was inferred by their criticism of the use of the NIV. Their misuse of scripture pertaining the length of men’s hair also is on shaky ground. If you personally don’t like long hair on a man, keep it to yourself and don’t criticize the person openly. There’s probably something about you that people don’t like. And finally, these two men were also criticized of where they attended church. Actually, they were criticized for the denominational church they attended. I would only ask, “Was the material they presented sound and truthful? Did they present any information that was incorrect or misleading? If the answer to these questions are first, yes and then no, then why be concerned with where they attend church? There are plenty of narrowminded bigots outside of the Church so we don’t need any on the inside.

-Bill Petite

Sunday, October 1, 2023

When They Come Knocking

 

On any given Saturday, there might be someone knocking on your door. It could be a door-to-door salesman (yes, they still exist), a neighbor or it could be two people from the Watchtower Society. These people are better known as The Jehovah’s Witness. When they come knocking, it always seems to catch you off-guard, right? Then your first impulse might be to just tell them you’re not interested and slam the door. But, as a Christian, we should consider that these people are destined for eternal suffering if they don’t hear the truth.

In my many years as a Christian, I have had several encounters with JWs at my door. Understand and know that Satan is very intelligent and wise and knows exactly when to have them interrupt your day. It’s mostly when you don’t expect them or when you’re having a bad day or following a spiritual high. Whatever the situation, you are never expecting them and if you are, they don’t come. I don’t think I have ever heard a Christian tell me they waited anxiously by their door on Saturday morning waiting for the JWs to come knocking. Actually, I’ve never heard anyone say that Christian or not.

But when they do come, you don’t have to be an expert on their doctrines and beliefs. What you need to know is what the Bible says. Studying the Bible and knowing its truth is the best weapon you can have against any cult or false doctrine. So, if you know your Bible, all you need to do is listen to their rhetoric and the false beliefs will be glaring. When they tell you that Jesus was just a man and not God or a different God, you will know that is a lie and not what the Bible teaches. (I don’t mean you have to listen to them go on and on) Always keep in mind that these people have bought into a lie and some of them for twenty or thirty years. They actually believe they have the truth. And that lie is leading them straight to hell and eternal suffering.

Don’t argue with them; that gains nothing, and you can’t argue anyone into heaven. I used to love debating with them and getting the “upper hand” so to speak. But in my aging years and ongoing maturity in my faith, I now have a sense of compassion for them while knowing they are doomed for hell if they don’t know and accept the truth. Just last week, on Saturday morning, two JW women came knocking at my door. One is always the primary speaker and more than likely a mentor of sorts to their partner. That seems to be the way they work. When I went out to greet them, I, at first, thought they were from a local church, so I told them I was a Christian and had been in ministry for years.

The primary seemed to like that or accepted it as a challenge but that was not my intent. When I asked what church they were from, she told me, “The Jehovah’s Witness.” Yes, it caught me off guard since I was expecting to have a brief conversation with two Christian women involved in a cold door knocking ministry. So, I quickly gathered myself and the woman began to tell me that they were at my door to tell me about the kingdom of God. She rattled on with some other nonsense and I informed them that I already have the kingdom of God within me. It was as if I had swooshed them back a step. They were almost leaning back in surprise at what I had said. Then I began to feel the compassion kicking in and I had to tell them the truth. They needed to know who Jesus really is.

The primary went to John 1:1 and I waited until she got to ‘the word was a god’ and I stopped her. I informed her that the interpretation of their New World Translation was incorrect. I explained that the original Greek which that was written in does not include the word, or article, a, because it does not exist in the Greek language. I also informed her that Col. 1:15-16 are translated incorrectly in their Bible. Where it says that Christ is the creator of all things, the word other is inserted and it is not in the original Greek manuscript. Again, they were a little stunned and then immediately said, “Well, we want to talk about the kingdom of God.” That’s when I informed them that I already have the kingdom of God within me. But before I could explain what I meant by that, and as they usually do when you have given them information they can’t respond to, they made their excuses for why they had to rush off and left. I wanted to spend more time explaining who Jesus really is, what He has done for us and how to be saved. But that’s not part of their training and indoctrination.

Let them talk when they first approach you. If you have told them you are a Christian, then set the ground rules. Tell them you will listen to them if they will listen to you. Now, sometimes that works and sometimes it doesn’t. Most times when you began to counter their lies with the truth, they have not been trained on this or how to respond. So, they make an excuse for why they have to go and then leave. That’s one approach but I simply allow them to talk and when they get to the heart of the lie, I stop them. For example, if they insist that Jesus is not God, as one told me last week, and it doesn’t say it in the Bible, stop them. At that point a simple, “Yes, the Bible does say that. Jesus said the Father and I are one.” But they might try to say He simply meant they are one as father and son are one of a kind or some other nonsense. They can’t prove that lie.

But remember, don’t get into an argument with them. Just explain what the Bible really does say. And remember they have been fed those lies for years. Don’t expect them to drop their New World Translation and start doing cartwheels in your front yard and praising the one true God. I’m not saying God can’t do that, but it would be an extreme rarity.

Over the years I have heard stories about how they have had hot water thrown on them, dogs sicked on them and even threatened with violence if they didn’t leave. I always wanted them to know I was never going to do anything like that. But I always let them know I am a Christian and in no way would ever buy into their cultish teachings. After that, it was up to them if they wanted to talk. Just listen closely and the lies will begin to stand out loud and clear, if you know your Bible. If you don’t want to talk with them, just politely let them know you can’t hear them out at that time and then include them in your prayers. Remember, they are headed for hell if they are not saved. These unsaved people are coming to your door and it’s a golden opportunity to tell them the truth about Jesus and the free gift of salvation. You don’t even have to leave your home to tell these people about the gospel.

Just remember, they might show up when you least expect it. You might be working on a project, preparing to go somewhere or just going through a normal routine on a Saturday morning. (It’s not always on a Saturday) Try not to be rude or offensive. And don’t think you have a superior knowledge over them. Simply allow the Holy Spirit to lead the conversation. And remember what a golden opportunity it is to be able to have them at your front door so you can tell them about the real Jesus. Two men caught me in my garage on a Saturday morning when I was only months into my Christianity. I wasn’t expecting them and wasn’t totally prepared. Before I knew it, an hour and a half had passed by, and the Holy Spirit had continued to give the words I needed to fend off the lies and false teachings they were throwing at me.

Again, the best way to be prepared or ready is by reading and studying the Bible. When you know that, you will always be prepared. As Paul told Timothy in 2 Tim 2:15-16.

Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior.

 

And what Peter says in 1 Pet 3:15-16,

Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way.

Don’t look at them as if they are a bother or just interrupting your day. These are people who must hear the truth about Jesus. They are destined for eternal suffering if they are not saved. It is no different than an unsaved family member or friend. You don't know that God might have sent them to you to hear the gospel message and the truth. And they are coming to you to hear the gospel but just like you were not expecting them, they are not expecting to hear the truth. Tell them and plant some seeds and pray for them.

-Bill Petite

Wednesday, August 30, 2023

A Wrong Interpretation


Have you ever heard someone give a wrong interpretation of a Bible verse or passage? I’m sure many of you have. If you noticed it and were bothered by it, did you approach the speaker later and discuss it with him/her? I remember as a new Christian I depended a great deal on more mature Christians to help me understand the Bible. I sat under some pastors who taught a wrong doctrine concerning a Christian losing salvation. It always bothered me because I couldn’t reconcile it with anything in the Bible. The verses used just didn’t add up or appear to present a clear meaning of how the pastor had used it. As I matured in the Lord and furthered my study of the Bible, I soon discovered all that teaching was wrong and a misinterpretation of the scripture.

Some may ask, “Why would someone teach these things if they’re not true? Why would they want to teach these things?” The answer is simple; either they have an agenda to intentionally teach these false doctrines or they simply haven’t learned how to properly interpret scripture. It’s so easy to pull verses out of context and give a wrong meaning or a false interpretation. Maybe the teacher or pastor has been taught this false meaning or doctrine so he forces a verse or passage to support his false doctrine. I have witnessed this practice and it can be very difficult to get these people to accept they are wrong even when the evidence is crystal clear when presented to them.

Allow me to give an example of how this might be done concerning water baptism as a requirement for salvation. Let’s look at Mark 16:16,

He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.

A simple cursory look at this scripture tells us in order to be saved, we must believe and be baptized. That is what this verse says. But does the Bible tell us this anywhere else? Can we support this idea or false claim by using another verse, passage or anything elsewhere in scripture? The answer would be no. This is not found anywhere else in the Bible concerning salvation. As a matter of fact, Eph. 2:8-9 tells how we are saved.

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God  not of works, lest anyone should boast. 

These verses tell us we are saved by God’s grace and our faith in Him but says nothing about baptism. Another verse which is used to refute this idea is the thief on the cross next to Jesus. He believed Jesus was the Son of God, the Messiah, and Jesus told him,

Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.  Lk 23:42-43

Even in the anguish which Jesus was suffering, he knew the sincerity of the man’s heart and saved him. Jesus said nothing to him concerning his lack of water baptism. Can you imagine what that would have sounded like?

“Well, I’m sorry sir but I can’t save you today from the fires of hell. If only you had been baptized prior to your death sentence and time on this cross. Then, I could have saved you.”

So, why would the gospel writer make this statement in scripture? What did he mean? This is how the Bible is misinterpreted. The verse says, “whoever believes and is baptized” and therefore, many just assume the meaning to be we need both of these for salvation. But that is wrong. The emphasis here is first to believe and following salvation, be baptized. It also says that he who does not believe, and there's the bottom line, will be condemned. It doesn't say he who does not believe and fails to be baptized will be condemned. Baptism is the outward display of what has happened on the inside. In Acts 10:44-48, Gentiles at Caesarea were saved and later baptized. Paul told the Corinthians,

  For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.   1 Cor 1:17

Paul, probably the greatest evangelist/pastor and Bible teacher to ever live (except Jesus), said he was sent to preach the gospel and not baptize. If water baptism was a requirement for salvation, why would God send Paul to only preach the gospel and not baptize? So, if a proper study and research is done concerning water baptism, it is easy to see that is not what MK 16:16 is saying as far as it being required for salvation.

Alright, I think you get what I’m saying about how scripture is wrongly interpreted. This is just one example and there are so many others. If you listen to some of the stuff that comes out of Bethal Church, Kenneth Copeland Ministries and those like them, you will hear some crazy things said concerning the Bible. The money and prosperity preachers have for many years taught a twisted scripture meaning to get you to send them your money and lie about how you can get rich. And many have fallen for it and believe it.

Finally, you might be scratching your head and wondering why people buy into these lies and believe them. The answer is simple; they don’t read and study the Bible. Being prepared through prayer and yielding to the Holy Spirit for His help, will enable any Christian to read, study and rightly know what the Bible is saying. It takes discipline, determination and the wisdom of God. But in too many cases, it’s easier to just sit and listen and believe everything that is said. The thinking can be something like this, “Well, he’s the pastor, he must be right. Why would he say things that are not true?” 

Those who think this way need to know about the Bereans in Acts 17:11. After listening to the Apostle Paul preach the gospel to them, they went to the scriptures and checked to see if he was telling them the truth and what the scripture says. If you’re listening to a pastor or Bible teacher and you hear something that doesn’t sound right, you should check your Bible and if it doesn’t add up, go talk to him. If the pastor is unapproachable, find another church. If he’s preaching false doctrine, run to another church.

So, the biggest problem on the teaching wrong doctrine end is a lack of understanding the scripture, laziness in study or bad study habits or just an outright attempt to intentionally teach a false doctrine. And a person who has been taught wrong his entire Christian life will use scripture wrongly to fit his wrong beliefs. For the Christian who buys into these wrong teachings, it’s what they have always heard and so they continue to believe it. They haven’t been taught why it’s wrong and shown from the scripture why it’s wrong. So, they continue to buy into teachings such as, you can lose your salvation, or you must be baptized to be saved and so many others. I was misled for years and even taught the wrong interpretation. (Concerning a different doctrine than losing your salvation)

But someone took the time to explain to me and show me from scripture where and why I was wrong. And that is what has to be done. An argument over doctrine or interpretation will not educate and allow the person to see and understand how and why they are wrong. I’m referring to essential doctrines such as salvation, the resurrection, heaven, hell and eternal security and others. Take them to scripture and passages in context so they can see and understand for themselves. Pray, educate and encourage; don’t argue. They will probably want to argue but keep the situation calm and kindly explain with God’s word how they can see and understand the truth. 

For me, I wanted to argue. I knew I was right, and I wasn’t going to accept their ‘wrong interpretation.' But the man who showed me used scriptures to show me how and why my beliefs didn’t add up. And then I knew. It was like a light bulb went on and it was all clear to me. It was then that I knew why those teachings didn’t add up or why I couldn’t get the verses to make sense.

Do it in love and kindness. Don’t raise your voice or type in all caps. Just simply explain the truth with God’s word. If you might have been exposed to a wrong teaching and are having doubts, pray and also ask for help from a trusted source and not someone who might be caught up in the same teaching. Don’t just sit and listen. Study and know what God’s word says. It is the document which we live our Christian lives by. Don’t just take someone’s word for it. Check it out in the Bible. Can it be systematically proven, or be threaded through the Bible, as scripture interprets scripture? Or does it fall apart.

Bill Petite

 

Saturday, July 15, 2023

What If


 (The following is an excerpt from the final chapter of my book, The Lost Church)

We live in a country, the USA, where we are still free to meet as a church body and worship God. Some churches meet several times a week and some only one time a week. But there is no limitation as to how and where and how many times we can meet. At the time of this writing, we still have the right to preach and teach God’s word, the Bible. And even though there are those who will say the Bible is hate speech, it has not been outlawed, yet.

There is no limit on how many people are allowed to meet in any one church providing there is enough legal space. There is no law that says a preacher can’t preach certain topics from scripture, yet. Pastors still have the right to refuse to perform same sex marriages. Many churches have this embedded into their bylaws and that is still legal. The right to practice religion is still in the constitution. But what if these rights were to be taken away? What if the church was outlawed and ordered to shut down? What if it was against the law to own a Bible? And what if you were thrown into jail for worshipping God or practicing Christianity?

None of this has happened in this country, yet, but what if it did happen? How would Christians react? Would they just throw in the towel and give up? I think many of them might do that just that. In India, church buildings are burned and pastors killed as well as in other parts of the world where Christianity is hated. People in China are tossed into prison all the time for practicing Christianity. It’s the death penalty in North Korea. And the same if you’re caught with a Bible. The Bible is not allowed in Saudi Arabia and other Muslim countries. Christians die for their faith in Jesus every day around the world. But in this country, Christians take the Bible for granted, if they take it anywhere. It sits on a shelf or in an app on their device and is seldom opened. If it is, it is only on Sunday mornings when they attend church.

In a very subtle way, we are getting closer and closer to all of this possibly becoming a reality. Just think back twenty years. There was really not a lot of noise concerning the transgender population, if there was one. The Gay community was out and speaking their minds but not as loud as it is today. As a disclaimer, not every Gay person is an activist. So, I’m not bashing the Gay community even though I don’t agree with the lifestyle. We were probably in the early stages of the greatest political divide this country has ever experienced. Of course, I’m speaking of the hanging chad election of 2000.

Just that alone has caused more division in this country than any other social agenda. But the realm of politics has drawn in all of those social hot potato topics. Abortion rights, the Gay agenda, transgenderism as well as other social activism which dominates the 24-hour news channels. And, those news channels have chosen sides of the political divide and drive the division even deeper in this country.

So, what does all that have to do with being a threat to Christianity? Most, if not all of those hot potatoes, are opposed to Christianity. The Bible speaks against the Gay lifestyle and abortion so those who support these are naturally opposed to the Christian Church. When Hitler’s Dr. Mengele butchered Jewish children during his demented experiments, the world considered it atrocious. But today, doctors do the same thing to children in transgender surgeries and it’s fine. The trans surgeries are not as cruel as what Mengele was doing but still not right according to God. It is God who creates every life so who are humans to try to change all of that.

But when Christians or the Church opposes this, we are called bigots, homophobes and transphobes as well as other choice names and told we are not living in the 21st century. The world insists on God adapting to their way of thinking and their “modern day” agenda. The Gay community has not only desecrated the rainbow, but now insists that love means to be all inclusive. I guess it could mean that but that’s not the Greek word used for God’s love in the Bible. But most don’t want to hear that. They will say God is love so why do Christians say He opposes the Gay lifestyle. He is a God of love so He must approve of their lifestyle. The love they refer to is a love which makes them and their partner happy. It’s a fleshly type of love with conditions. God’s love is unconditional. There are no strings attached.

When He forgives us, He will never bring those sins up again. Can you really say you will never again mention something your spouse or partner did wrong to you? If you say you have never done that or never will, I can’t believe it. It’s our sin nature which does that. God has no sin. He is pure. He forgives and never mentions your sin to you again. That’s not the kind of love the world or the Gay agenda speaks of. And when they try to force God into that type of love, they are dead wrong.

So, are we getting close to having Christianity and the Church outlawed? Well, I don’t really know. I do know in this country the Church is still here. But many local churches, small and large, have traveled off of the road which represents Jesus and His gospel. Many have bought into worldly agendas and false doctrinal teachings as well as tools which do nothing to glorify Christ.

When we gather to worship, we should be worshipping God. We should be telling people about the cross and what it represents. When we sing, we should be glorifying Jesus through that music, not act like we are attending a concert. The Church, in the last thirty years has been converted into a type of business using marketing schemes and ploys to entice a nonbeliever into attending. But once the unsaved has been lured in, they might never really hear the hard truth of the gospel.

Local churches have resorted to using worldly type events and practices to draw people in and some never get saved. Oh, but the numbers are up. Vast numbers in attendance don’t save anyone. It’s the gospel message which gets their attention and Jesus who saves. The 21st century Church has traveled off of the center lane and out into the cornfield. It entertains and keeps people hyped but none of that will save anyone.

But God always has a remnant. Today, these are the local churches that teach the Bible every time the doors are open. The gospel message is heard, the cross is preached and the name of Jesus is glorified. Jesus is glorified. So, are you being entertained or are you hearing the Bible being taught and Jesus glorified?

I don’t know how close we are to His return. I don’t know if the Church and Christianity will ever be outlawed in this country. But I do know this; the Church of Jesus Christ will not be defeated or destroyed. When they burn a church building in India, it doesn’t stop the Church there. They murder pastors and abuse believers but it doesn’t destroy the Church; it makes it stronger. The Church is underground in China. I spoke with a missionary who serves in China. At that time, Christians were going there as teachers of the English language. He told me how they had to constantly move from apartment to apartment because they were on the verge of being discovered. They taught the Bible from their home. The authorities in China throw Christians into prison and some never get out. But the Church doesn’t die or go away. It grows under the persecution.

So, even if a time comes and local churches are forced to close, it will never stop Christianity. Just recently, during the pandemic, we witnessed the closing of churches across this nation. Some refused to close but most were obedient and closed their doors and held services via many online services. I’m not going to go into the politics of all this and whether it was right to close the doors or not. My point is this: The doors on many churches were closed but it did not hinder or stop the Church or Christianity. Yes, many have not gone back to their local church and instead stay home and watch online or they don’t watch or attend at all.

That’s between them and the Lord. But churches are full every Sunday morning. All the powers of hell will never destroy the Church of Jesus Christ. And the Church will never be lost. It will be alive and well until Jesus returns for it.

Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.  MT 16:18

(In this verse, I have to point out that in the context of the passage, Peter is not the Rock which the Church is built on. Earlier in the passage, Peter tells Jesus He is the Messiah. This is the confession which Jesus refers to as the Rock which the Church is built on.)

-Bill Petite

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friday, May 19, 2023

Like a Dying Ember

 

For those who have spent any time camping in the great outdoors, you might have sat and watched as the camp fire slowly burned down and finally, you saw the last dying ember fade away. As I look and listen to things and events and happenings in the Church in this country, the USA, it’s easy to see something similar. I know there are many Christians who would argue that point and that’s their privilege to do so. But for those who would choose to argue, I would simply suggest comparing some of the local churches in this country to what the Bible says.

Allow me to give just one quick example. A mega church pastor in Arizona was asked to step down because he wrote a book which, in so many words, compare our relationship with Jesus to sexual intercourse. (That is a brief and blunt description) Now, where do we find that in the Bible? Jesus does refer to His Church as the bride of Christ but never any mention of what this pastor is referring to. Seriously, what kind of mind goes there? It’s just my opinion but, this guy shouldn’t be allowed near a pulpit again with those kinds of ideas. It ranks right up there with Benny Hinn, years ago, stating that the trinity is real and each person of the trinity consists of its own trinity. So, he said there are nine of them. He made this statement to his church congregation on a Sunday morning and later on live TV. That ember wasn’t dying, it was dead!

We live in a country divided by many topics. You can read an article or post on a media web site and then in the comments which follow, you can read and notice the sharp divide in the disagreements. There is no more, “Well, let’s discuss this issue.” No, it is name calling, put downs and harsh character assassinations. And, it’s not just on the secular sites. It’s the same on Christian web sites. I expect it on the secular sites but when I read that type of nonsense on a Christian site, it’s obvious the ember is dying. Another thing I have noticed is regardless of the topic of the post or article, the comments will always go to politics and political assassination.

That’s probably the biggest divide we can witness in this country. The division between those who differ in their political views is as sharp and wide as it has ever been. Again, I expect that from the nonbelieving world but it is just as bad with Christians. I’m a firm believer that there is no room or space for politics in the pulpit. That’s not what I go to church to hear. That’s God’s time. It’s a time reserved for worshipping Him, not discussing political views and agendas. If two people want to stand outside of the sanctuary and discuss politics, that’s their business. But again, why go to church to discuss politics? But that’s the mind set of many Christians today. Jesus walked this earth during the reign of the Romans. They could be brutal and we read and know that as it pertains to Jesus’ execution on a cross and the beatings He experienced before the cross. He shed more blood before He was nailed to that cross then on the cross. But not once, during His time here, did He dive into a political lecture on the politics and policies of the Roman government. He never once spoke of politics. I believe there is a time and place for those discussions (calm and mannerly discussions) but it’s not in the pulpit or ministry.

There have been many moral issues dragged into the political realm. The Gay lifestyle and gay marriage, abortion rights, transgenderism and attacks on the Christian church. It has to break Gods heart to see people marching and protesting loudly for the right to kill the child in the womb. Women crying over the right to kill the baby in their womb.

These people have been deceived by the ruler of this world, Satan, into believing it’s not a life which lives within them. So, to them, it is simply an inconvenience. It’s something which is going to interfere with their life or their life plans so they decide to have it removed. I do know and understand why they do this and why they believe what they believe about the unborn child. They are not Christians so how could they know and understand what they are really doing. But know this; every one of those 70+ million babies which have been killed are now in the presence of Jesus. They are not dead; they are very much alive and well with Jesus. But for those who have, without a second thought, committed these murders, they will have to answer for them when they stand before Jesus, unless they have asked Him to forgive them and know His as their Lord and savior.

What some of us refer to as the Liberal Progressive Church has been participating in the marriage of Gay couples for many years now. Some of these churches have ordained and allowed Gays to be in ministry as pastors and leaders. The Bible is very clear on God’s standing on these issues. He’s is against it. But these churches have their own interpterion of the Bible or simply ignore the parts which speak against their actions. Some of them have spoken against Israel and taken up support for the Palestinians. I had the opportunity to explain this error to a member of one of these churches and his eyes were opened to his being mislead in this belief. The gospel is a rarity in these churches but strong social justice lectures can readily be heard. I can’t judge, nor would I try, but I have to wonder and question, is Jesus in these churches or is He on the outside looking in?

Another serious issue is the way some in the churches in this country are so quick to accept any lie which sounds good. Take the Enneagram for instance. Now, I’m not an expert on this fallacy but I know it’s not biblical. It’s not even close to being biblical. Yet many churches in this country welcomed it in with open arms. It is based on New Age philosophy and is nothing more than an updated type of Ouija board. Instead of me butchering what it is all about, allow me to recommend a very good book on the Enneagram and why it has no place in Christianity.

Richard Rhor and The Enneagram Secret, by Don and Joy Vienot and Marcia Montenegro

This is just one of many false teachings and misleading tools which Satan has brought into the Church. What is really surprising to some Christians is the way so many accept these lies with open arms and never investigate any of them. They are so gullible and ready to take part in any thing new which they believe to be from God. The problem is they don’t read the Bible so how could they ever know what was from God and what isn’t? They have pastors and leaders who have a skewed view of the Bible or of God. They have their own ideas of who God is and most of the time, it’s not God. That is why so many have been misled and deceived by the lies over the years. The solution is really simple. Read and study the Bible. Attend a church which teaches the truth of the Bible, from the Bible. Be a Berean (Acts 17:11) and check it out in God’s word to see if what you hear is biblical truth or someone’s home spun fantasy.

Before I close, I want to make one thing clear. The Church of Jesus Christ will never be a dying ember. Jesus told Peter that all the powers of hell will never destroy it. Jesus will return one day and take His Church with Him to spend eternity in heaven. But the dying ember in this country consists of those whose faith is based on stories and lies told to them by agents of the devil himself. Maybe the seed never took root in their hearts or they have just been along for the ride because it sounds good. But those who have been truly saved by Jesus and the grace of the Father will never be a part of the dying ember. As MT 22:14 tells us, “Many are called but few are chosen.” Many of these people taking part in the belief of these fallacies may have very well heard the gospel at one time or another in their lives but never fully accepted it and went on their own. Again, we can’t judge the heart of anyone so we don’t know. But for those who might be wrestling with that call, stop struggling with it and accept Jesus into your life. You don’t want to be a part of the dying ember.

-Bill Petite

Thursday, April 13, 2023

Why Did God.....?


Adam was mourning the death of his closest friend following an auto accident. He was at a loss trying to understand why God allowed this to happen. He sat with his pastor and asked him, “Why did God allow this to happen?” Adam attended church basically when he felt like getting up on Sunday morning and attending with his wife. Most Sundays, she attended by herself. Adam claimed he was saved as a teenager but had never shown any spiritual fruit as a result. Now, he was angry at God and told his wife that attending church was a waste of time and God wasn’t doing anything for him. And now, God had taken away his closest and best friend. Never mind that Adam’s best friend, Jerry, had been driving while extremely intoxicated. Jerry just missed involving another vehicle when he ran off of the road and down an embankment. The car rolled over multiple times killing Jerry in the process.

Does Adam have a right to be angry with God about this? Wasn’t Jerry at fault for this accident? Why would Adam think this was all God’s fault? Jerry was not a Christian and that’s the really sad part of this story. Adam thought he was a Christian himself because he said a prayer which he was told to repeat but it never took root in his heart. He thought he was a Christian because he attended church with his wife on occasion and was checking the box, so to speak. The truth is Adam was never saved and now he was living a phony religious life. He did not have a relationship with Jesus and therefore had no way of really understanding who God really is. And so, he doesn’t have a clue concerning the sovereignty of God.

As the pastor sat and listened to Adam’s complaints about God and the loss of his friend, he finally interrupted Adam and asked him, “Adam, are you saved? Do you know Jesus as your savior? Do you have a personal relationship with Him?” Adam was a little surprised by these questions and answered, “Well, I think so. I come to church with my wife. I know I’m not here ever Sunday, but I come when I can.” The pastor told Adam, “Attending a church service does not mean your saved. Unless you have confessed to Jesus your sin and ask Him for forgiveness, you’re not saved. You are simply attending church. Have you ever done this?” Adam told the pastor about his experience as a teenager and that he thought he had been saved. The pastor went into further detail concerning the price Christ had paid for our sin and explained thoroughly what we must do to be saved.

Adam was stunned. He had thought he was saved but had just been going through the motions. The pastor asked if he could pray with him and if he wanted to really be saved. Adam agreed and accepted Jesus that evening. When the pastor was finished praying with Adam and knew Adam had finally given his heart to Jesus, he began to explain the sovereignty of God concerning the death of his friend.

The pastor took him to Isaiah 55:8 and 1 Corinthians 2:16

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord.
    “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine
.

“Who can know the Lord’s thoughts?
    Who knows enough to teach him?”

The pastor went on to explain to Adam that we are mere human beings who have had our minds contaminated with sin. But we could never have the mind of God anyway because He is God and our mind would never be able to know His thoughts. To question what or why God does anything is not for us to question. If God wants us to know anything, He will direct us to His word. He went on to explain God is the only giver of life and is the only taker of life. He knows all and we have no authority to question Him and demand an answer.

As the pastor explained this to Adam, he realized his anger toward God had gone away. He realized it had begun to subside when the pastor had finished praying with him. He listened intently to what the pastor was telling him and now it all made sense to him. Before this evening, Adam had just been playing at being a Christian but now he had a sense of understanding and seeing God totally different. He didn’t fully grasp everything concerning God’s sovereignty but now had the faith to believe and a desire to know more.

Adam had the benefit of talking to someone who was able to realize he was not saved and led him through that process. At the moment he was saved, the Holy Spirit came into his life and enabled him to know and understand the things of God. Of course, he still had a lot to learn and a lot of spiritual growth to accomplish. But God had taken the anger from him and allowed him to listen to what the pastor was telling him about God. He had an advantage now which he didn’t have before he was saved. Now, he was able to know by faith that God was in charge of all things in life. Before he was saved, he thought he was in charge of everything in his life. He now had the Holy Spirit to help him understand God’s word and things of God we are allowed to know.

The unbeliever does not know God. The unsaved person will be angry at a God they don’t really know. They will demand answers from Him concerning anything which they are dissatisfied about. “Why did God…” It’s a question many nonbelievers ask all the time. As long as they reject Jesus and salvation, they will never get an answer and will never know God personally. They rant and rave about God taking a loved one or not providing for their needs which just might only be their greed. They have to know that the first step in knowing why God did anything is to be saved and begin that personal relationship with God. If they refuse to do that, then they will never know or understand why God does anything. Even if they do get saved, God still doesn’t owe anyone of them an explanation for why He has done anything. As Christians, we learn to trust Him and believe by faith He is God, and we are not.

Is it only those who are not saved who become angry with God and demand answers? No. Many Christians become extremely distraught over the loss of a loved one or some other tragedy and ask God why and demand an answer. Is this alright to do? Well, they can do it but it doesn’t mean God will honor their demands. Many times, this could simply be a Christian who has not spent time in God’s word and prayer. A person can have a relationship with someone but if they spend very little time with them, they will know very little about them. It’s the same for the Christian who spends very little time with God. Time in God’s word and in prayer enhances our relationship with God and eventually we stop making demands of Him. It’s the advantage we have over the nonbeliever.

We can understand that God doesn’t have to answer any of our question put to Him in anger. But most of all, we learn not to become angry with God and realize and understand His sovereignty.

Why did God allow that to happen? Because He is God and He is sovereign. He calls the shots, we don’t. He knows what is best for us. He controls the things of this world and this life, and we only think we do. That is until we are saved and know God. The next time you hear a nonbeliever ask, “Why did God….” Seek the opportunity to help them understand and know Jesus as their savior. And explain to them that if and when they do accept Jesus into their life, they will then be able to understand that God is God, and we are not.

-Bill Petite