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| AN OPEN LETTER; Lukewarmness | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Nov 20 2004, 07:42 PM (56 Views) | |
| Pastor Charlie | Nov 20 2004, 07:42 PM Post #1 |
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Friday, November 19, 2004 An Open Letter: To Followers of Jesus Christ Around the World, "Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness..." 2 Corinthians 11:14-15 I'm brokenhearted as I write this to you. I weep for a twenty-first century "Church" that has embraced a lukewarm gospel under the guise of "grace." Lukewarmness has permeated the "Church" under the guise of "becoming all things to all men." Of this lukewarm church Jesus said, "I will spit you out of My mouth" (see Revelation 3:16). These are not my words (Revelation 3:16) and this is not my opinion (Revelation 3:16). Jesus spoke them directly to the "Church" and they cannot be explained away by saying, "we are not under the law," for they are a part of the New Covenant. There is a new theology in the "Church" today that the Bible warns is of the devil. It is a "middle-of-the-road" Christianity. I call it "Custom Christianity." It is what the Bible calls a "doctrine of demons." Vast numbers of professing Christians are being deceived by it because countless preachers are preaching it. It's not surprising, The Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons" (1 Timothy 4:1). Nonetheless, it's heartbreaking. Preachers everywhere are now proclaiming, "Peace, peace," but there is no peace (Jeremiah 6:14; 8:11; see also, 1 Thessalonians 5:3). In other words, every Sunday congregations are being told that "lukewarmness" is OK. "Lukewarmness" is OK because we're not under law but under grace. "Lukewarmness" is OK because God's love is unconditional. "Lukewarmness" is OK because we live in a "tolerant" and "politically correct" and "enlightened" society. Brothers and sisters, according to the Bible, "lukewarmness" is NEVER OK! Biblically, there is a wide road, "many are those who enter by it," and there is a narrow road, "few are those who find it." (see Matthew 7:13-14), but there is no "middle road." Jesus said, "He who is not against us is with us" (Mark 9:40). He also said, "He who is not with us is against us" (Luke 11:43). And it was Jesus Himself who warned, "Let your statement be, yes, yes or no, no: and anything beyond these is of evil (Literally, from the evil one)" (Matthew 5:37; see also, James 5:12). There is no middle ground in the kingdom of God, though many may preach to the contrary. There is, of course, the reality of "sanctification," the day by day process of being transformed by the renewing of our minds (see Romans 12:2) and becoming more and more like Jesus. Nobody's perfect, that's why Jesus died. Praise God that this is where the grace of God comes in. "Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on" (Philippians 3:12). But Biblically, Christians are defined as those who are "willing and committed." Willing to be sanctified and committed to, Getting to Know Jesus and Representing Him in Everything They Do. Lest anyone misinterpret my motives, please understand. Among sinners, I regret that past actions have placed me somewhere near the top of the sinner list. But even in my darkest hour, sin was always SIN. And it wasn't until I confessed my sin, and repented of it, that the blood of Jesus cleansed me from my unrighteousness (see 1 John 1:6-9). The Bible is crystal clear that grace is never to be misunderstood as a license to sin. "What then? Shall we sin because we are no longer under law, but under grace? May it never be!" Romans 6:15 Indeed, the scripture has come to pass that says, Certain persons have crept in unnoticed...ungodly persons who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness..." (Jude 1:4). The world may call it "an alternative lifestyle," but if the Bible calls it sin, then it's sin. The world may call it "eye candy," but if the Bible calls it sin, then it's sin. The world may call it "tolerance," but if the Bible calls it sin, then it's sin. No matter what the world may call it, if the Bible calls it sin, then it must be confessed and repented of if we are to remain in right standing before God. Grace does not make sin OK. Sin is never OK. ALL SIN must be confessed and repented of, in order to be forgiven (see 1 John 1:6-9). According to Jesus "middle-ground" is the devil's domain. Half-hearted Christianity is not Biblical Christianity. Partial obedience is disobedience. The demonic doctrine of "purgatory" may bring temporary comfort to the ignorant, but Biblically, there are only two options once you die...Heaven or Hell, eternal life or eternal punishment (see Matthew 25:41-46). If you believe the Bible to be the inspired ("God-breathed") word of God, then this is what you believe...because this is what the Bible says. Sincerely, Dr. Brad Reiches Senior Pastor, Willow Spring Church of Moraga, CA, United States of America |
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