Staying TRUE to the GOSPEL

 1 Peter 5:8

King James Version

8 Be sober, be vigilant; 

because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, 

walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Is it really that difficult to understand GOD's laws?

Doesn't SPIRIT and Scripture make the LORD's laws clear?

Hasn't the LORD JESUS given specific commands?

Why, then would a respected pastor, like Alistair Begg, agonize over a simple question?

Wherein a grandmother asks if she should attend her grandson's wedding to a transgender.

Not only did Begg encourage her to go.

He also told her to bring a gift.

This rocked the Christian world seven months ago.

Many pastors have given their Biblical piece on the matter.

"In January 2024 Begg received criticism for advising a grandmother to attend her grandson's wedding to a transgender person.[9][10] Critics included Owen Strachan, provost of Grace Bible Theological Seminary,[10][11] and the American Family Association;[12] the latter removed Begg's Truth for Life broadcasts from its American Family Radio network."

-- Wikipedia

I, a five-year born again, feel sad, too.

For I've enjoyed Begg's teachings.

And that lovely, Scottish voice that rings clear, and true.

But I agree with the pastors.

We must not condone acts that are abominations to GOD.

Same-gender marriage is not acceptable to GOD.

We already wrote something about genders here.

Actually, we already wrote many articles on that.

Please see the related links at the bottom of this page.

GOD's laws are pure, perfect, and precise.

We abide by His laws.

This is the thing about being born again.

You become subject to GOD's laws -- happily.

If a pastor calls your attention to an error (which my pastor-friend has done, on several occasions), I immediately turn to Scripture.

And because I was wrong, I immediately edit any erroneous material because I don't want to mislead anyone.

Such is our love for the WORD.

We must be true to GOD's WORD.

We must be teachable.

But it seems Begg refuses to to see other pastors' Biblical view.

I feel it is the sin of "pride".

With regards to criticism from John MacArthur, this verse applies to Begg:

1 Peter 5:5

King James Version

5 Likewise, ye younger, 

submit yourselves unto the elder. 

Yea, all of you be subject one to another, 

and be clothed with humility: 

for God resisteth the proud, 

and giveth grace to the humble.

A born again's heart is open to correction.

The HOLY SPIRIT corrects us all the time.

For He is GOD's "Spirit of truth".

John 14:16-17 

King James Version

16 And I will pray the Father, 

and he shall give you another Comforter, 

that he may abide with you for ever;

17 Even the Spirit of truth; 

whom the world cannot receive, 

because it seeth him not, 

neither knoweth him: 

but ye know him; 

for he dwelleth with you, 

and shall be in you.

Scripture corrects us all the time, too.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

King James Version

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, 

and is profitable for doctrine, 

for reproof, 

for correction, 

for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God may be perfect, 

thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

The pastors were kind, and gentle, towards the esteemed Begg.

But they were surprised, and disappointed, at the advice he gave that grandmother.

Many couldn't even believe Begg would give such an advice, considering his role as wonderful Bible teacher.

This is the latest on Begg:

"On September 8, 2024, Alistair Begg announced to the congregation of Parkside Church that he will be concluding his time as senior pastor in September of 2025. He will continue his pastoral and ministry work at Truth For Life. Alistair informed the Parkside Elders about his decision in August of 2024, and the Elders will nominate a candidate for senior pastor in the year ahead."

-- Parkside Church

I believe pastors are not ganging up on him.

They're merely staying true to the WORD of GOD.

It is because we love Alistair Begg that we point things out to him.

That we may not cause others to stumble.

Romans 14:13

King James Version

13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: 

but judge this rather, 

that no man put a stumblingblock 

or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.

We take great responsibility that way.

We cannot condone that which displeases GOD.

We cannot be part, and party, to sin.

We love our GOD.

But we fear Him, too.

We cannot be careless about His laws.

We are not here to please men.

We are here to honor the ONLY GOD.

Galatians 1:10

King James Version

10 For do I now persuade men, or God? 

or do I seek to please men? 

for if I yet pleased men, 

I should not be the servant of Christ.

We shall miss Alistair Begg.

May he re-consider the error of his judgment.

GOD-willing.

Related material:

JESUS on GENDER and MARRIAGE

In a WORLD gone GENDER-mad

What are ABOMINATIONS to GOD?

Sodom and Gomorrah

GENDER INSANITY

DEACON duties

BOY or GIRL?

GOD's RAINBOW

The BIBLE on genders

GODLY men and women

BORN AGAIN articles

Related videos:

Can a Christian Attend a Homosexual/Trans Wedding?

Biblical Love & Attending a Transgender Wedding: A Response to Alistair Begg - Pastor Patrick Hines

Transgender Wedding Controversy: Alistair Begg Doubles Down, John Piper Response

Alistair Begg Makes MAJOR Announcement

On BICKERING churches

 

1 Corinthians 7:17

King James Version

17 But as God hath distributed to every man, 

as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. 

And so ordain I in all churches.

It's gone really crazy.

How Christian churches argue.

Almost about anything, and everything.

ESPECIALLY about gender issues, ethics, and lifestyle.

Something they ought to have mastered, to a "T".

When the Bible's really clear about it:

Genesis 1:27

King James Version

27 So God created man in his own image, 

in the image of God created he him; 

male and female created he them.

Genesis 5:2

King James Version

2 Male and female created he them; 

and blessed them, 

and called their name Adam, 

in the day when they were created.

Mark 1:15

King James Version

15 And saying, 

The time is fulfilled, 

and the kingdom of God is at hand: 

repent ye, 

and believe the gospel.

John 8:24

King James Version

24 I said therefore unto you, 

that ye shall die in your sins: 

for if ye believe not that I am he, 

ye shall die in your sins.

John 15:12

King James Version

12 This is my commandment, 

That ye love one another, 

as I have loved you.

Romans 3:23

King James Version

23 For all have sinned, 

and come short of the glory of God;

1 Corinthians 6:9-11

King James Version

9 Know ye not that the unrighteous 

shall not inherit the kingdom of God? 

Be not deceived: 

neither fornicators, nor idolaters, 

nor adulterers, nor effeminate, 

nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, 

nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, 

shall inherit the kingdom of God.

11 And such were some of you: 

but ye are washed, 

but ye are sanctified, 

but ye are justified 

in the name of the Lord Jesus, 

and by the Spirit of our God.

If you are truly GOD's own, you'd be grateful.

That Scripture was given to us, to guide us.

The true born again understands Scripture clearly.

And easily.

For GOD gave us His SPIRIT.

That we may know GOD's TRUTH.

Let the LORD JESUS have the last word:

John 14:26

King James Version

26 But the Comforter, 

which is the Holy Ghost, 

whom the Father will send in my name, 

he shall teach you all things, 

and bring all things to your remembrance, 

whatsoever I have said unto you.

The Bible tells us everything we need to know.

The Bible ends all debate.

SPIRIT makes sure of that.

Related posts:

DEVOTION to the WORD of GOD

LIVE by the BIBLE

WORD of GOD

Related videos:

What Happened at Southern Seminary?

The Christian Reformed Church Fights Over Homosexuality

Conservative Christians Respond to the Queering of America

Image: Clipart Library

REVIVING a CHURCH

 

Psalm 22:27

King James Version

27 All the ends of the world shall remember 

and turn unto the Lord: 

and all the kindreds of the nations 

shall worship before thee.

What does it take to revive a church?

JESUS, of course.

Who speaks only of GOD.

Who brings us back to GOD.

Who gives us eternal life.

With SPIRIT reminding us everything JESUS taught.

So far, this is third* in a series of articles on revival of our churches, and spirits.

All because SPIRIT led me to a Leonard Ravenhill video on preachers.

From which, two other articles were born.

This, being the third.

In that video, Ravenhill says much about revival:

Oh God, 

don't let this generation pass, 

without seeing your glory.

There isn't a revivalist in America today; 

not one.

When revival comes, 

the total environment is changed.

Weeping 

is an integral part of revival.

No life

We've got the letter but no life.

We've got the words but no Spirit.

We've got the terms but no reproduction.

the word of God is alive

And now, Scripture tells us about revival.

How our sagging spirits, and churches, can be revived.

Through the TRIUNE GOD:

2 Chronicles 7:14

King James Version

14 If my people, 

which are called by my name, 

shall humble themselves, 

and pray, 

and seek my face, 

and turn from their wicked ways; 

then will I hear from heaven, 

and will forgive their sin, 

and will heal their land.

Psalm 19:7

King James Version

7 The law of the Lord is perfect,

converting the soul: 

the testimony of the Lord is sure, 

making wise the simple.

Psalm 36:8-9

King James Version

8 They shall be abundantly satisfied 

with the fatness of thy house; 

and thou shalt make them drink 

of the river of thy pleasures.

9 For with thee is the fountain of life: 

in thy light shall we see light.

Psalm 42:1-2

King James Version

42 As the hart panteth after the water brooks, 

so panteth my soul after thee, O God.

2 My soul thirsteth for God, 

for the living God: 

when shall I come and appear before God?

Psalm 51:1-3

King James Version

51 Have mercy upon me, O God, 

according to thy lovingkindness: 

according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies 

blot out my transgressions.

2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, 

and cleanse me from my sin.

3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: 

and my sin is ever before me.

Psalm 51:10-12

King James Version

10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; 

and renew a right spirit within me.

11 Cast me not away from thy presence; 

and take not thy holy spirit from me.

12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; 

and uphold me with thy free spirit.

Psalm 80:3

King James Version

3 Turn us again, O God, 

and cause thy face to shine; 

and we shall be saved.

Psalm 85:6-7

King James Version

6 Wilt thou not revive us again: 

that thy people may rejoice in thee?

7 Shew us thy mercy, O Lord, 

and grant us thy salvation.

Isaiah 57:15

King James Version

15 For thus saith the high and lofty One 

that inhabiteth eternity, 

whose name is Holy; 

I dwell in the high and holy place, 

with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, 

to revive the spirit of the humble, 

and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

Isaiah 64:1-3

King James Version

64 Oh that thou wouldest rend the heavens, 

that thou wouldest come down, 

that the mountains might flow down 

at thy presence,

2 As when the melting fire burneth, 

the fire causeth the waters to boil, 

to make thy name known to thine adversaries, 

that the nations may tremble at thy presence!

3 When thou didst terrible things 

which we looked not for, 

thou camest down, 

the mountains flowed down 

at thy presence.

Jeremiah 17:13

King James Version

13 O Lord, 

the hope of Israel, 

all that forsake thee shall be ashamed, 

and they that depart from me 

shall be written in the earth, 

because they have forsaken the Lord, 

the fountain of living waters.

Ezekiel 37:1

King James Version

37 The hand of the Lord was upon me, 

and carried me out in the spirit of the Lord, 

and set me down in the midst of the valley 

which was full of bones,

Ezekiel 37:4-6

King James Version

4 Again he said unto me, 

Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, 

O ye dry bones, hear the word of the Lord.

5 Thus saith the Lord God unto these bones; 

Behold, 

I will cause breath to enter into you, 

and ye shall live:

6 And I will lay sinews upon you, 

and will bring up flesh upon you, 

and cover you with skin, 

and put breath in you, 

and ye shall live; 

and ye shall know 

that I am the Lord.

Ezekiel 37:9-10

King James Version

9 Then said he unto me, 

Prophesy unto the wind, 

prophesy, son of man, 

and say to the wind, 

Thus saith the Lord God; 

Come from the four winds, 

O breath, 

and breathe upon these slain, 

that they may live.

10 So I prophesied as he commanded me, 

and the breath came into them, 

and they lived, 

and stood up upon their feet, 

an exceeding great army.

Ezekiel 37:11-14

King James Version

11 Then he said unto me, 

Son of man, 

these bones are the whole house of Israel: 

behold, they say, 

Our bones are dried, 

and our hope is lost: 

we are cut off for our parts.

12 Therefore prophesy and say unto them, 

Thus saith the Lord God; 

Behold, O my people, 

I will open your graves, 

and cause you to come up out of your graves, 

and bring you into the land of Israel.

13 And ye shall know that I am the Lord, 

when I have opened your graves, 

O my people, 

and brought you up out of your graves,

14 And shall put my spirit in you, 

and ye shall live, 

and I shall place you in your own land:

 then shall ye know that I the Lord have spoken it, 

and performed it, 

saith the Lord.

Habakkuk 3:1-2

King James Version

3 A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet 

upon Shigionoth.

2 O Lord, 

I have heard thy speech, 

and was afraid: 

O Lord, 

revive thy work in the midst of the years, 

in the midst of the years make known; 

in wrath remember mercy.

Matthew 6:30

King James Version

30 Wherefore, 

if God so clothe the grass of the field, 

which to day is, 

and to morrow is cast into the oven, 

shall he not much more clothe you, 

O ye of little faith?

Matthew 6:31-34

King James Version

31 Therefore take no thought, saying, 

What shall we eat? 

or, What shall we drink?

or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) 

for your heavenly Father knoweth 

that ye have need of all these things.

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, 

and his righteousness; 

and all these things shall be added unto you.

34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: 

for the morrow shall take thought 

for the things of itself. 

Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

Mark 1:15

King James Version

15 And saying, 

The time is fulfilled, 

and the kingdom of God is at hand: 

repent ye, 

and believe the gospel.

John 4:10

King James Version

10 Jesus answered and said unto her, 

If thou knewest the gift of God, 

and who it is that saith to thee, 

Give me to drink;

 thou wouldest have asked of him, 

and he would have given thee living water.

John 6:35

King James Version

35 And Jesus said unto them, 

I am the bread of life: 

he that cometh to me shall never hunger; 

and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

John 7:38

King James Version

38 He that believeth on me, 

as the scripture hath said, 

out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

Acts 2:1-4

King James Version

2 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, 

they were all with one accord in one place.

2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven 

as of a rushing mighty wind, 

and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

3 And there appeared unto them 

cloven tongues like as of fire, 

and it sat upon each of them.

4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, 

and began to speak with other tongues, 

as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Acts 3:19-21

King James Version

19 Repent ye therefore, 

and be converted, 

that your sins may be blotted out, 

when the times of refreshing shall come 

from the presence of the Lord.

20 And he shall send Jesus Christ, 

which before was preached unto you:

21 Whom the heaven must receive 

until the times of restitution of all things, 

which God hath spoken 

by the mouth of all his holy prophets 

since the world began.

2 Corinthians 5:17

King James Version

17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, 

he is a new creature: 

old things are passed away; 

behold, 

all things are become new.

Galatians 5:16

King James Version

16 This I say then, 

Walk in the Spirit, 

and ye shall not fulfil 

the lust of the flesh.

Ephesians 5:14

King James Version

14 Wherefore he saith, 

Awake thou that sleepest, 

and arise from the dead, 

and Christ shall give thee light.

James 4:8-10

King James Version

8 Draw nigh to God, 

and he will draw nigh to you. 

Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; 

and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: 

let your laughter be turned to mourning, 

and your joy to heaviness.

10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, 

and he shall lift you up.

John 6:35

King James Version

35 And Jesus said unto them, 

I am the bread of life: 

he that cometh to me shall never hunger; 

and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

Revelation 22:17

King James Version

17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. 

And let him that heareth say, Come. 

And let him that is athirst come. 

And whosoever will, 

let him take the water of life freely.

The revived church is the humble church.

A humbled, and repentant church.

Realizing, only through JESUS can we accomplish anything worthy.

John 15:5

King James Version

5 I am the vine, 

ye are the branches: 

He that abideth in me, and I in him, 

the same bringeth forth much fruit: 

for without me ye can do nothing.

*Other articles to the series:

SPIRIT-filled ministers

GOD is HOLY

Related material:

A PERSONAL approach

LIVING WATERS

The LIVING GOD

SPIRIT of GOD

WORD of GOD

JESUS

Video:

"To the Preacher" - The Idolatry of Intelligence, by Leonard Ravenhill

A Real Revival | Doug Batchelor

Image: Seek Png

The UNIFIED church

 

1 Corinthians 1:9

King James Version

9 God is faithful, 

by whom ye were called 

unto the fellowship of his Son 

Jesus Christ our Lord.

How must churches be?

People comprise a church.

So, how must people of that church be?

SPIRIT led me to a lovely chapter by apostle Paul.

Wherein he attends to the matter of division among its members, admonishing them:

1 Corinthians 1:11-14

King James Version

11 For it hath been declared unto me of you, 

my brethren, 

by them which are of the house of Chloe, 

that there are contentions among you.

12 Now this I say, 

that every one of you saith, 

I am of Paul; 

and I of Apollos; 

and I of Cephas; 

and I of Christ.

13 Is Christ divided? 

was Paul crucified for you? 

or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?

14 I thank God that I baptized none of you, 

but Crispus and Gaius;

Herein we shall find what the apostle says a unified church must be:

1 Corinthians 1:2

King James Version

2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, 

to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, 

called to be saints, 

with all that in every place 

call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, 

both their's and our's:

1 Corinthians 1:5-8

King James Version

5 That in every thing ye are enriched by him, 

in all utterance, 

and in all knowledge;

6 Even as the testimony of Christ 

was confirmed in you:

7 So that ye come behind in no gift; 

waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:

8 Who shall also confirm you unto the end, 

that ye may be blameless 

in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 1:10

King James Version

10 Now I beseech you, brethren, 

by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 

that ye all speak the same thing, 

and that there be no divisions among you; 

but that ye be perfectly joined together

 in the same mind 

and in the same judgment.

Apostle Paul reminds them of what we need to focus on.

1 Corinthians 1:17-18

King James Version

17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, 

but to preach the gospel: 

not with wisdom of words, 

lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.

18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish 

foolishness; 

but unto us which are saved 

it is the power of God.

He continues to teach them about the CROSS of CHRIST.

1 Corinthians 1:23

King James Version

23 But we preach Christ crucified, 

unto the Jews a stumblingblock, 

and unto the Greeks foolishness;

He reminds them to be humble before GOD.

1 Corinthians 1:27-29

King James Version

27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world 

to confound the wise; 

and God hath chosen the weak things of the world 

to confound the things which are mighty;

28 And base things of the world, 

and things which are despised, 

hath God chosen, yea, 

and things which are not, 

to bring to nought things that are:

29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.

Reminding us all, that all GLORY belongs to GOD alone.

1 Corinthians 1:30-31

King James Version

30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus,

 who of God is made unto us wisdom, 

and righteousness, 

and sanctification, 

and redemption:

31 That, 

according as it is written, 

He that glorieth, 

let him glory in the Lord.

Related material:

STATE of the church

CHURCH of GOD 

BODY of CHRIST

JESUS

PRIEST from JUDA

BORN AGAIN articles

HOLINESS

PARADOXES

Image: Pixabay