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

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

CHURCH of GOD

 

1 Corinthians 3:16

King James Version

16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, 

and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

In one curious conversation, I learned something new.

A co-commuter asked what church people must have?

Being a baby born again then, I had no ready answer.

But he had.

He said it should be a "church of God".

Intrigued, I committed it to memory.

Promising myself to search Scripture for its truth.

And here's what I found:

1 Corinthians 1:2-3

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:

3 Grace be unto you, 

and peace, 

from God our Father, 

and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 10:31-32

King James Version

31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, 

or whatsoever ye do, 

do all to the glory of God.

32 Give none offence, 

neither to the Jews, 

nor to the Gentiles, 

nor to the church of God:

1 Corinthians 11:16

King James Version

16 But if any man seem to be contentious, 

we have no such custom, 

neither the churches of God.

1 Corinthians 11:18-22

King James Version

18 For first of all, 

when ye come together in the church, 

I hear that there be divisions among you; 

and I partly believe it.

19 For there must be also heresies among you, 

that they which are approved 

may be made manifest among you.

20 When ye come together therefore into one place, 

this is not to eat the Lord's supper.

21 For in eating every one taketh before other 

his own supper: 

and one is hungry, 

and another is drunken.

22 What? 

have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? 

or despise ye the church of God, 

and shame them that have not? 

what shall I say to you? 

shall I praise you in this? 

I praise you not.

1 Corinthians 15:9-10

King James Version

9 For I am the least of the apostles, 

that am not meet to be called an apostle, 

because I persecuted the church of God.

10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: 

and his grace which was bestowed upon me 

was not in vain; 

but I laboured more abundantly than they all: 

yet not I, 

but the grace of God which was with me.

2 Corinthians 1:1-2

King James Version

1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ 

by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, 

unto the church of God which is at Corinth, 

with all the saints which are in all Achaia:

2 Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, 

and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Galatians 1:11-13

King James Version

11 But I certify you, brethren, 

that the gospel which was preached of me 

is not after man.

12 For I neither received it of man, 

neither was I taught it, 

but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

13 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past 

in the Jews' religion, 

how that beyond measure 

I persecuted the church of God, 

and wasted it:

1 Timothy 3:1-5

King James Version

3 This is a true saying, 

if a man desire the office of a bishop, 

he desireth a good work.

2 A bishop then must be blameless, 

the husband of one wife, 

vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, 

given to hospitality, apt to teach;

3 Not given to wine, 

no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; 

but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;

4 One that ruleth well his own house, 

having his children in subjection with all gravity;

5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, 

how shall he take care of the church of God?)

A common ingredient of all the verses above?

It was written by the devoted apostle Paul.

All verses so very worthy of personal meditation.

Related material:

BODY of CHRIST

BISHOP behavior

HOLINESS

BORN AGAIN articles

Image: Clipart Library

7 things JESUS asks of us

 

The LORD JESUS said:

Revelation 3:20

King James Version

20 Behold, 

I stand at the door, and knock: 

if any man hear my voice, 

and open the door, 

I will come in to him, 

and will sup with him,

 and he with me.

In the FIRST three chapters of the BOOK of REVELATION, the LORD JESUS revealed much.

Here are SEVEN things He asks of us, in the third chapter, after having given His epistle to the seven churches of Asia, through His apostle, John:

1. Be zealous.

2. Repent.

Revelation 3:19

King James Version

19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: 

be zealous therefore, and repent.

3. Hear my voice.

4. Open the door.

5. Sup with Him.

Revelation 3:20

King James Version

20 Behold, 

I stand at the door, and knock: 

if any man hear my voice, 

and open the door, 

I will come in to him, 

and will sup with him, 

and he with me.

6. Overcome.

Revelation 3:21

King James Version

21 To him that overcometh 

will I grant to sit with me in my throne, 

even as I also overcame, 

and am set down with my Father 

in his throne.

7. Hear what the Spirit said unto the churches.

Revelation 3:22

King James Version

22 He that hath an ear, 

let him hear what the Spirit saith 

unto the churches.

The Lord truly desires to have fellowship with us, the body of His church.

The Lord knows my response.

What about you?

What is your reponse?

I agree with apostle John:

1 John 5:3

King James Version

3 For this is the love of God, 

that we keep his commandments: 

and his commandments are not grievous.

Image: Nathaelus

JESUS introduces HIMSELF to the 7 churches

 

The LORD JESUS said:

Revelation 1:8

King James Version

8 I am Alpha and Omega,

the beginning and the ending, 

saith the Lord, 

which is, 

and which was, 

and which is to come, 

the Almighty.

How did the LORD introduce Himself to the SEVEN churches in Asia?

Why is it important to know that?

This BOOK is the Revelation of Jesus Christ.

The HOLY SPIRIT wants us to know the might, and power, of the LORD.

It is time we acknowledged His power over ALL people, the churches, and over EVERYTHING God gave Him.

For greater emphasis, Spirit and I highlighted the words JESUS spoke of Himself, even as all words on these verses were His.

To the church of EPHESUS:

Revelation 2:1

King James Version

2 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; 

These things saith he 

that holdeth the seven stars 

in his right hand, 

who walketh in the midst 

of the seven golden candlesticks;

To the church of SMYRNA:

Revelation 2:8

King James Version

8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; 

These things saith the first and the last, 

which was dead, 

and is alive;

To the church of PERGAMOS:

Revelation 2:12

King James Version

12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; 

These things saith he 

which hath the sharp sword with two edges;

To the church of THYATIRA:

Revelation 2:18

King James Version

18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; 

These things saith the Son of God, 

who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, 

and his feet are like fine brass;

To the church of SARDIS:

Revelation 3:1

King James Version

3 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; 

These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, 

and the seven stars; 

I know thy works, 

that thou hast a name that thou livest, 

and art dead.

To the church of PHILADELPHIA:

Revelation 3:7

King James Version

7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; 

These things saith he that is holy, 

he that is true, 

he that hath the key of David, 

he that openeth, 

and no man shutteth; 

and shutteth, 

and no man openeth;

To the church of LAODICEA:

Revelation 3:14

King James Version

14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; 

These things saith the Amen, 

the faithful and true witness, 

the beginning of the creation of God;

Related posts:

SPIRIT and the 7 churches

The REVELATION of JESUS CHRIST

The POWER of JESUS

The LORD's command to the SEVEN churches

JESUS is HEAD of the CHURCH

REVELATION 1 to 3 describes JESUS

WHICH church are YOU?

 

Deuteronomy 5:32-33

King James Version

32 Ye shall observe to do therefore 

as the Lord your God hath commanded you: 

ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.

33 Ye shall walk in all the ways 

which the Lord your God hath commanded you, 

that ye may live, 

and that it may be well with you, 

and that ye may prolong your days in the land 

which ye shall possess.

From this tab, we got to know about the SEVEN churches in the Book of Revelation.

Out of the SEVEN churches JESUS admonished six of them.

He wanted each church to take specific measures to correct themselves.

Or to hold on fast to what they have.

The Lord warned that He was to come quickly.

In summary, based on my simple understanding of the SEVEN churches, here's what I found regarding what they represented:

The church of EPHESUS -- unfaithful

The church of SMYRNA -- dishonest

The church of PERGAMOS -- unfaithful

The church of THYATIRA -- corrupt

The church of SARDIS -- imperfect

The church of PHILADELPHIA -- faithful

The church of LAODICEA -- lukewarm and proud

Which one are you?

Updated 10 November 2023