Sign of the times, and these times would be the last of the last times…

First, they aren’t migrants. They are illegal aliens. This is part of the erosion, the destruction of language, the breakdown of law that I and some other people continue to write about, speak of, even though the great majority appears to care less about accuracy in language.

Yet that is not the most important fact here.

This is — the overwhelming majority of people, including those making the claim to be a Christian, to be converted, have no clue, no idea at all, are as ignorant as it comes to what it truly means to be a true Christian. Born again. Putting off the old and being made into a new creature. Not by our efforts, our works, how things appear. No, by the working of the Holy Spirit in an individual sinner’s heart, mind, spirit and soul — thus life that the renewed of mind and spirit person saved by the free gift of grace from God, through faith and OBEDIENCE in the shed blood of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, is different. From the inside. Which becomes revealed on the outside.

Not by one’s own efforts or works. Not by following a prescribed list of do’s and don’ts.

Might help to actually pick up a Bible. Pray for spiritual understanding, faithfully, open, read, study, pray, meditate deeply — THINK DEEPLY on what is read, ponder the words read, put them into practice, and continue in this pattern every day of one’s life. Living for the Lord. Not going ice skating [this will make sense a bit later] not so a certain school can be attended.

Naive Christians? Most certainly.

But are they really Christians?

Oh, the gasps I can hear upon people reading that. “Oh, he’s so judgmental! So not a Christian himself!”

Read the Bible. Really read the Bible. Without taint of denomination, personal interpretation, only going to the parts, passages, verses you like and personally approve of — still even wanting to rewrite them to suit yourself and this evil world made evil be men and women, not by God — or what a pastor is telling you that is not in the Bible, not what a friend might be telling you — go to the God-breathed inerrant infallible living Word of God and hear what God Himself can and will tell you.

Naive? Certainly.

Misunderstanding what they read in the Bible, if they are reading the Bible at all, but most of these folks are adhering to what a denomination dictates, what a certain pastor says rather than having even a basic understanding of what it means to be a Christian, a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ.

And no matter what none of their efforts, their going through the motions matter until and unless an individual is truly BORN AGAIN.

Yet even that term those words have been perverted, eroded, and corrupted in this dark age.

I came across the following this afternoon and was moved immediately to sit down and put this together.

Come on people! Enough of the pretending, the make-believe believers, the great pretenders using God, using Christ, using the Holy Bible as they use their VISA cards, as they use some appliance in their life. Yes, they are that dead, that lost.

There are two articles below. The first one is written by a devout Roman Catholic follower. The latter by a Jew who converted to Christianity. I pray you will take the time, if already here, to read them both. Then go to God, go to the Lord Jesus Christ, go to the Holy Spirit, go to the Lord in prayer and within His Word more than anyone else, anything else the remainder of your days.

Take time to ponder the words.

For the times get darker and more evil by the hour.

And there is only one Saviour. And he or she or it cannot be found anywhere, in anything of this world. Other than the pure whole Word of God, other than the only Pure True One, the Lord Jesus Christ.

No adornments, other than adoring your heart and life in faith, obedience, and true discipleship to Him.

No big show. Other than the big, eternally big, change that takes place in an individual heart, mind, and life. That shows the Lord the sincere, contrite, humbled, changed heart and mind to believe Him, serve Him, and obey Him.

True Christianity is not an anything goes, do what pleases you, do as you like, make things up to suit your conscience, pretend, make-believe. A person either does and therefore is, or they do not and therefore are not truly one of His. One of God’s people, one of the Lord Jesus Christ’s disciples and flock.

Folks, it’s either REAL or it isn’t. Pretending, and playing at it does not make a person a truly born anew true disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ, a true child of God.

With the Holy Spirit living within and that truth revealed without. In everyday life. In how we think, how we speak, how we live, and Who we are truly living for.

Most remain in darkness, living for themselves and this world while pretending, going through some motions, vainly, foolishly thinking if they do this, this, that, and the other things they can punch their get out of hell card and enter into heaven for eternity with God.

Might want to rethink that. Might want to revisit the whole Word of God and do so regularly.

Ken Pullen, Monday, February 5th, 2024

Migrants are taking advantage of naive Christians

Monday, February 5th, 2024

By Catherine Pepinster

Reprinted from The Telegraph

Ican still remember the day I answered a phone call from a friend of a friend, asking me about her conversion to Roman Catholicism. Did she and her two children really have to go to a special cathedral service as part of their preparation for being received, when it meant giving up their weekend ice skating session?

I was taken aback, for after all, this cathedral event was a unique occasion that formed part of their Christian journey. They did abandon the ice skating, and weeks later I was there when the three of them were baptised and became Catholics.

But then some years later they abandoned something else: going to Mass, but only after the children had completed their education at a prestigious Catholic school they joined after their conversion. They weren’t the only ones either; I knew others who went down the same route, got their children into good schools, and then left the Church.

I now feel very naïve about believing these people really had discovered a calling to Christianity. But the parents must have thought such cynical behaviour worth it, given the education they acquired for their children. It must seem even more so, when the pot of gold at the end of the spiritual rainbow is securing your right to stay in this country.

Now, after the revelation that chemical attacker Abdul Ezedi claimed to have converted from Islam to the Church of England, as did Emad al-Swealmeen, who detonated a bomb outside a Liverpool hospital in 2021, there is growing concern that “conversion” has become a ruse for dangerous people.

Ezedi, who had twice been denied asylum before converting, was known by locals to be a “good Muslim”. Politicians also point to 40 asylum seekers out of 300 housed on a barge turning to Christianity as evidence of conversion rubber-stamping by the Churches. While various Conservative MPs have complained that the Churches need to provide much more scrutiny, it’s difficult to see how this would happen.

After all, if people swear – no doubt on the Bible – that they now believe Jesus Christ is the son of God and accept the teaching of the Church, how is a vicar or a parish priest to prove that they are lying? And of course many people who convert are genuine believers, who become active members of their congregations, and would face grave dangers if they returned to their home countries where Christians face persecution. The Open Doors report into Christian persecution, published in January, highlighted just how perilous the Middle East and Africa, where many refugees come from, are for Christians.

But perhaps we Christians need to be a little less understanding, a little less forgiving when people come to us with their woes, even if it does go against our religious instincts. Just as my antennae should have twitched when a would-be convert complained she would rather visit an ice-rink than attend a conversion ceremony, so priests and bishops need to be less naive.

Being a member of a church brings rewards, and some of the best – school places, a refugee’s right to remain in the UK – are this side of paradise. However much a priest practises the Christian admonition to love one’s neighbour, there should surely be a little more scepticism about people’s intentions.

After all, Christianity is quite clear that while the world is a place where you find goodness, it also recognises that human nature is deeply flawed. But it’s as if today, we would rather ignore that disquieting truth.

Is It Time to Scrap the Term ‘Evangelical’?

Before reading the excellent article “Is It Time to Scrap the Term ‘Evangelical’?” by Michael Brown some preliminary work needs to occur.

Context is everything. Understanding, discernment are everything.

“It shall greatly help ye to understand the Scriptures if thou mark not only what is spoken or written, but of whom and to whom, with what words, at what time, where, to what intent, with what circumstances, considering what goeth before and what followeth after. ”

~Miles Cloverdale

The following is from Ligonier Ministries:

Do the Work of an Evangelist

By Steven Lawson

Ligonier Ministries

September 7, 2020

In his final letter, Paul charges Timothy, his son in the faith, to “do the work of an evangelist” (2 Tim. 4:5). By these words, the aged Apostle establishes the timeless standard for pastoral ministry, not only for young Timothy but for all pastors in every generation and in every place.

With Apostolic authority, this imperative command comes with binding force. All pastors must do the work of an evangelist. They must earnestly proclaim the gospel message, urging people to trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation. So, where should this pastoral evangelism begin?

First, every pastor must preach the gospel to himself. Before any pastor can call others to repent, he must believe in Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul exhorts Timothy, saying, “Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you” (1 Tim. 4:16). That is, every preacher must examine his own soul first. The success of one’s evangelism is, first and foremost, dependent upon his right standing in grace.

In The Reformed Pastor, Puritan Richard Baxter addressed the ministers of his day, many of whom were unconverted: “See that the work of saving grace be thoroughly wrought in your own souls. Take heed to yourselves, lest you be void of that saving grace of God which you offer to others.” Simply put, pastors must embrace the very message they preach.

Charles Spurgeon writes:

A graceless pastor is a blind man elected to a professorship of optics, philosophizing upon light and vision, discoursing upon … the nice shades and delicate blendings of the prismatic colours, while he himself is absolutely in the dark! He is a dumb man elevated to the chair of music; a deaf man fluent upon symphonies and harmonies! He is a mole professing to educate eaglets.

Sadly, unconverted pastors do exist. Martin Luther was a doctor of theology and professor of Bible before he was born again. John Wesley was an overseas missionary prior to his conversion. Every pastor must be certain of his own salvation before he can powerfully preach the gospel to others.

Second, every pastor must preach the gospel to his family. Evangelism in the home begins with shepherding one’s own wife in her relationship with Christ. I will never forget an elder’s meeting in which one of our pastors shared that his wife had been converted the previous night. She was one of the nicest people in the church, yet, unknown to us, she was unconverted. How often is this the reality? To this end, every pastor must give attention to the spiritual state of his wife.

Similarly, he must give the same attention to his children. This evangelism should begin early and involve disciplines such as Bible readings, catechizing, and family devotions. I came to faith in Christ as a result of my father reading the Bible to me in the evenings. Moreover, home evangelism should include informal conversations, probing questions, and a consistently godly life modeled before the children.

Third, every pastor must preach the gospel to his flock. There must be a sober realization that not every church member is regenerated. Every pastor’s evangelistic work must center in his pulpit ministry as he regularly presents the gospel with clear, decisive appeals. He must implore his congregation to respond to the gospel and be saved. There should be a distinct urgency in his voice as he exhorts, even pleads, for his flock to be converted.

Certainly, this evangelistic thrust is not to be confused with abuses and manipulative methods. I am not contending that people raise a hand, walk an aisle, parrot a prayer, and be declared saved—all within five minutes. But I am insisting that our gospel preaching must be compelling. It must come with bold proclamations of the cross, warm appeals to come to Christ, and passionate persuasions that urge people to respond by faith alone. Pastors must give gospel messages that call for repentance and issue severe warnings of eternal consequences for unbelief.

Fourth, every pastor should evangelize the community. The strategies will differ from one man to the next, depending upon his gifts and opportunities. As a fisher of men, he must go where the fish are. He must leave dry land, sail out into deep waters, and cast his net. Pastors must venture out into the community, share the gospel, and urge people to believe upon Christ. Community outreach involves building bridges to unbelievers. This may include hosting a Bible study in an office, a restaurant, or a home. It can involve a local radio program, a newspaper editorial, or an Internet blog. It means showing acts of mercy with a gospel presentation. Whatever the strategy, making such inroads requires going where unconverted people are and unashamedly sharing Christ.

It has been rightly said that the greatest joy is knowing Christ and the second greatest is making Him known. May every pastor enter joyfully into this privileged task of doing the work of an evangelist.

~~~ ~~~ ~~~

Of whom and to whom? What words? When? Where? What are the circumstances?

So much of Scripture is misunderstood. So many words losing their meaning in modern times.

Are we ever going to make words matter again? Be wise and careful in our speech rather than as lazy and unthinking as we have been for so many years now.

I would say forget the term evangelical, or even Christian in these times. Because a person is either a true disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ [you may find that written here with great frequency over the years] or they are just another person. No matter their words. No matter how expensive or shiny the jewelry cross around their neck. Or how they define themselves — Methodist, Lutheran, Baptist, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, and on and on.

ll these words, all these terms merely pull one from the Lord Jesus Christ, from the Word of God, and have greatly aided the divisions and strife within what passes for Christianity.

There are no denominations in the Holy Bible.

And to call oneself a Christian in these times has lost its meaning. It has become so diluted in the world and in false teachings and perverted, corrupted meaning. Actresses who perform nude scenes in films call themselves Christian. Rock music and pop music individuals who promote the premeditated murder of human children call themselves Christians. Individuals who practice sexual immorality, either in pre-marital sex, adultery, or homosexuality call themselves Christians. Those who embezzle, who treat their employees and others horribly, the greedy, the chronic liars call themselves Christian.

Put a shiny jewelry cross around one’s neck and what? Whala! Say I believe in Jesus and Shazam!

Satan believes in Jesus. Satan has met Jesus face to face. All the demons recognize and believe in Jesus. Doesn’t make them repentant, transformed, born anew disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Most of what is practiced these days is Christianity Light, or being a make-believer.

It takes more than words, the external to be a true disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ.

People didn’t identify as this or that as individuals. The collective body of DISCIPLES of the Lord Jesus Christ were called Christians in the Bible — when it meant what it meant. When it meant something because the people calling themselves that were clearly seen by all as being different from the rest of the people of the world. Distinct. Distinguished from the non-believer.

No more. And not for the longest time.

Words matter.

What matters most is the condition of the heart, what is truly believed, what and how a person truly lives.

Most calling themselves Christian today, and for many past decades now, are indistinguishable from any heathen, pagan, person of the world. No difference. People delude themselves by thinking otherwise.

There are only two kinds of people anywhere on this earth.

Either true disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, followers of the Jesus of the Holy Bible, faithful, obedient, members of His body, The Church [no denominations, nothing tainted by a man or woman making something they deem a priority taking folks away from Scripture in the establishment of a denomination thusly following a man over following God and Christ].

Or they are not true disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ. This category embodies the overwhelming majority of those walking upright, the walking dead, walking dead in their sin worshipping something, anything, everything other than the God of the Bible, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.

True disciple or other?

True disciple or not?

Is it all about Jesus or something, someone else?

Read on…

Ken Pullen, Sunday, February 4th, 2023

Is It Time to Scrap the Term ‘Evangelical’?

January 22, 2024

By Michael Brown

Reprinted from ASKDRBrown

There are many followers of Jesus in America today who do not describe themselves as “Christians.”

It is not because they are ashamed of their faith. Instead, it is because the word “Christian” has become so diluted that almost anyone can call themselves a Christian, regardless of how they live or what they believe. To say, “I’m a Christian” does not necessarily convey a specific set of beliefs or moral standards, and this has been the case in America for many years now.

The positive side to this is that, as followers of Jesus, we have the opportunity to define who we are and what we believe. Even to say, “I’m a follower of Jesus” is to trigger a potential discussion.

What, exactly, does that mean? And what’s the difference between saying, “I’m a follower of Jesus” and, “I attend such and such church”?

Or, to take things one step further, what if we told people who asked, “I’m a disciple of Jesus”?

What does that mean? Or do we even dare make the claim?

(For the record, followers of Jesus in the New Testament were most commonly called “disciples.”)

When it comes to the term “evangelical,” it is not so much that it is a potentially ambiguous term (like “Christian”) as it is a misleading term, a term that has become cultural and political more than spiritual.

Explaining the history of the word “evangelical,” which first came into use in the 1500s as a synonym for “gospel,” Thomas Kidd notes that,

“By 1950, the use of the word had changed dramatically, especially because of the founding of the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) in 1942. ‘Evangelical’ was coming to denote conversionist Protestants who were not fundamentalists.” 

A major factor in this was that, “in 1949, Billy Graham rose to prominence, and by 1950 he had become the undisputed standard-bearer for what people saw as evangelical faith.”

Evangelicals, then, believed what Billy Graham believed.

That was pretty simple.

But, Kidd explains,

“in 1976. That year, Jimmy Carter, a self-described evangelical, won the presidency, and Newsweek declared 1976 the ‘year of the evangelical.’

“Of more enduring importance, Gallup for the first time began asking survey respondents in 1976 if they were ‘evangelical’ or ‘born again’ and pairing that response with political behavior. Of course, the rise of the Moral Majority in 1979 was a decisive moment in the politicization of the word ‘evangelical,’ too, but once ‘evangelical’ became a standard category in polling, the public perception began to shift inexorably toward a political understanding of what it meant to be an evangelical. By the 2010s, most casual American observers had come to assume that evangelical meant ‘white religious Republican.’”

That’s why, for a decade or more, some evangelical leaders have suggested that we drop the term entirely, since to most Americans, it speaks of a cultural and political aspect of our faith more than the essence of our faith.

Recent studies suggest that the trend in that direction has deepened, with many conservative white voters (especially Trump supporters) self-identifying as evangelicals, even if some of them do not hold to traditional evangelical beliefs.

And so the term, which was first entirely spiritual in meaning, became a spiritual term with cultural and political associations, and now, perhaps, primarily a cultural and political term.

As noted in a January 8 article in the New York Times by Ruth Graham and Charles Homans,

“religion scholars, drawing on a growing body of data, suggest another explanation: Evangelicals are not exactly who they used to be.

“Being evangelical once suggested regular church attendance, a focus on salvation and conversion and strongly held views on specific issues such as abortion. Today, it is as often used to describe a cultural and political identity: one in which Christians are considered a persecuted minority, traditional institutions are viewed skeptically and Trump looms large.”

To be sure, some of the scholars cited might see things through the lens of their own biases, viewing many evangelical Trump supporters as White supremacists and/or insurrectionists.

But either way, there is no doubt that the term “evangelical” does not mean what it used to mean, especially to the general public.

In house, among committed Christians who identify as evangelicals, or distinguishing between Catholic Christians and evangelical Christians, the term still speaks of those who hold to a certain set of beliefs (in harmony with what Billy Graham preached).

But for the outside world, it may be time for us to reconsider how we who are traditional evangelicals describe ourselves.

It might also lead to more conservations about Jesus and the Scriptures.

Shall we take that step?