From the Pastors Desk

Years ago, when I first became a believer, I took my young son to McDonald's for breakfast. While ordering, I saw someone who looked familiar. It was a guy I went to school with. He was there to order food too, and we ended up sitting together in the middle of the restaurant, catching up. Thankfully, McDonald's had a play area, and what happened next reminds us of why we need to understand what truly matters when it comes to faith.

After some initial small talk, my brother and I started discussing religion. He shared with me the details of the religious system he grew up in, including its traditions and regulations, which took about 3 to 5 minutes. He then asked me about the church I attended, expecting a similar exchange. However, my response differed from what he expected. Let me elaborate on why that was the case.

As a child, I did not attend church regularly. Although I may have gone occasionally, it wasn't enough to become part of any man-made religious system. I found this to be beneficial because it allowed me to understand scripture without any biases or interpretations that come with attending many religious institutions. Often, organized religion is factionalized, and the subtle differences between individuals can cause division and fragmented fellowship. This keeps us from truly experiencing the essence of religion, which is to have fellowship with God's son and find harmony with other believers. Instead of following a manufactured system of church attendance, I decided to focus on talking about God with others. I experienced this first-hand when I suggested to a friend that we talk about God at McDonald's. We ended up spending 2-3 hours discussing Him and our shared beliefs. This confirmed to me that true religion is righteousness and finding common ground with each other, rather than focusing on our differences.

When one delves deep into studying the word of God, it leads to a revelation that helps us to understand the need for gleaning from the yoke of Christ. It is important to realize how problematic it is when we don't know what practical religion is and how manufactured expressions only serve to marginalize rather than unite us in fellowship. It's not about the names we give to the buildings we attend or what we call ourselves when asked by others. In Acts 26:24, Festus calls the Apostle Paul mad because he preached about Christ's crucifixion and resurrection, which brought light to both Jews and Gentiles, enabling them to be in joint fellowship with Christ and each other, and giving them the right to be called sons of God. Despite this, the church still needs to learn more about the practical aspects of the Christian experience. The lack of rational understanding of true religion is a major hindrance for many. Jesus Christ spoke about two gates, two ways, and two foundations, and he also discussed two types of fruit (Matthew 7:21-25); righteousness versus unrighteousness.

If you carefully analyze these teachings, you will notice a recurring theme that simplifies what true religion is and how many there are. You might face opposition from those who disagree with your interpretation and even be called crazy, just like Festus thought of Paul. However, in reality, there are only two types of religion; this is Christ's message in Matthew 7:13-29. Your desire to connect with others in fellowship must be motivated by one of these two types, either the light of grace or the darkness of sin. The practice of righteousness or unrighteousness is the central theme of these two types of religion, represented by the two gates, two ways, two types of fruit, and two foundations.

· He is the Authority and Power (the Narrow Gate; the Greek word for gate: pulé. In antiquity, represented authority and power; Mark 1:22).

· He is the Way (the Narrow Way; John 14:6; the Greek word 'for the way' is hodos, which means a way, road, journey, the path that leads to life). 

· He is the alignment true teachers of His Word should have with Him and others (the Truth; John 14:6; the Greek word for truth: alétheia. Truth, but not merely truth as spoken; the truth of an idea, reality, sincerity, truth in the moral sphere, divine truth revealed to man, straightforwardness, reality instead of illusion).

· He is the true Foundation (what we find when we embrace the truth and build upon it; The Greek word for it had been founded in Matthew 7:25: themelioó).

During our conversation at the restaurant, we talked about righteousness. I hope everyone who was listening then could gain some valuable insights. Even though we have different life paths, we all have access to Jesus Christ and His guidance through the ever-present work of the Holy Spirit. Understanding His teachings allows us to align ourselves with God and live a practical and fulfilling Christian life. We should examine ourselves to see if we are truly living by faith and ensure that we do so. Jesus made it simple for us to follow Him, so we shouldn't complicate things. We must choose to follow the path of life or the path of death. So, whenever people ask me about my denomination, I tell them that I follow the path of righteousness. A Christian of the Way (Acts 24:14).

 Pastor Anthony

True worship of God does not start with singing and clapping hands during scheduled worship sessions. Although these experiences have their importance in fellowship, they need to be scrutinized according to what we know to be true of God through His Word.

True worship of God is elicited by understanding Him through His Son (John 14:6-7) and being convicted to obey the scriptures through the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16-17; John 15:26) so that righteousness may reign in our lives. In other words, the worship leader in any church must be the pastor. The Holy Spirit has given him the understanding of our Father’s wisdom to help people be redeemed unto faithful obedience.

Therefore, true worship starts with gaining knowledge of the Creator and living by His doctrinal message to us. Then, we worship God by having a zeal for active belief (John 3:36), being known by Him because of it (Galatians 4:9; 1 Corinthians 8:3), and avoiding having a zeal for Him without understanding (Romans 10:2&3).

In addition, the songs that we sing during fellowship (Ephesians 5:15-20) mean nothing without the teaching and admonishment of wisdom from God through Christ (Colossians 3:16). It's this wisdom that needs to dwell in us, so that our spiritual songs, hymns, and amen can be intelligently presented to and recognized by others, and those who are seeking salvation can become convicted and have an intelligent amen (1 Corinthians 14:24&25).

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God" (Colossians 3:16).

God requires intelligent worship (1 Corinthians 14), not brazen attempts to adhere to unintelligible jargon developed through pagan rituals performed before Gentiles who believed became Christians. Understanding God's wisdom comes first! Having a reverence for God through Christ is the beginning of knowledge that leads to true intelligible worship of God.

Pastor Anthony

Do you consider yourself a Christian? You're not if you don't prefer (agapao) what God through Christ prefers (agape). I  have spoken and listened to so many people who say they are Christians, but the fruit bared resembles the world. Know this, if any of the New Testament edicts are neglected to make scripture fit your preference, what you claim to be is in question.

I know many of my brothers in Christ don't like when I say this, but it's true. If I preached a sermon in a charismatic, prosperity, Word of Faith or any other emergent building movement today, I would get stoned or thrown out. Why? Because many want their ears itched and would rather have one who does not love them at the pulpit so they can avoid conviction. As a result, the full context of the divine doctrinal message is avoided, and many who should be the lights of the world are merely smug moralists claiming to be what they aren’t. Romans 10:2 Christians indeed. 

If you claim to be Christian but don't know Christ very well, you should question the one whom you go to listen to on Sunday. It should be a man who knows how to teach and provide pastoral care—telling you what God prefers! He and the staff that righteously assist with the gifts they have been given should complement one another, helping you through the Holy Spirit to study the One Whom we worship when we use the truth of His Word to overcome the flesh, the world, and Satan. 

You can believe as the demons believe (James 2:19) or put your belief into action (John 3:36). I suggest the latter. 

Be better, and be blessed.

Pastor Anthony 

A friend and brother in Christ posted a Facebook post where he said, “America is going to hell, and Christians are silent!” This was the headline of his post, where he shared a pic of a 13-year-old boy dancing on stage in revealing women's clothes and a grown man with a smartphone taking a picture of the boy on stage. In response, I wrote:

“Many Christians not only support this nonsense with their silence but vote for people that promote this and other erroneous behavior that does not align with the morality that God prefers. However, many cannot defend their faith because they cannot rightfully divide the Word of Truth. Too many of them have a zeal for God without knowledge (Romans 10:2). I pray that the Lord would lead them to you, me, and others with ministries that convict rather than appease. Pray for my ministry in this effort. You and your ministry are in ours, brother. God bless…”

All victim-based crime is wrong; we just had a shooting at a Christian school in Tennessee, whereby three children and three adults were killed. This administration in Washington supports the transgender woman who shot them and the transgender community as the victims. Really?! They’re victims, alright. Like the many people who prefer the darkness of this world (John 3:19-20), they are victims of willful and affirmed sin. Who do you think they see as their enemy if they support them? Who do you think they are coming after next?

 Wow! We are indeed living in Isaiah 5:20 world.

It’s time to step out of anonymity and be the light of the world that those in the dark need, or are you, oh Christian, going to be like those in Ezekiel 22:30:

“I searched for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand in the gap before Me for the land so that I would not destroy it, but I found no one.”

Sadly, so many will not stand in defense of what is righteous. They'd instead look to speak in ecstatic utterances and be delivered from demons every week instead of working toward the goal of preferring what God prefers. They do not study to be approved by Him (2 Timothy 2:15); to be known by Him (Galatians 4:9), so they will be able to defend Him (1 Peter 3:15). God is not overlooking this. He will forget about this nation and leave it to itself if this abhorrence continues. Psalms 9:17-20 states,

 “17 The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.

18 For people in need shall not always be forgotten: the expectation of people experiencing poverty shall not perish forever.

19 Arise, O Lord; let not man prevail: let the heathen be judged in thy sight.

20 Put them in fear, O Lord: that the nations may know themselves to be but men. Selah."

 Repent, be better, and be blessed.

 Pastor Anthony 

It amazes me that people are fighting for things not recognized by God. Let me provide context. Actual people of faith or true believers understand that if God established something, man could not overrule it. Although they may try, God established marriage before the Fall of Man (Genesis 2:24), which is supported by the words of Christ from Matthew 19:4-6 which Jesus (the incarnate Christ being entirely man and God) stated to the scribes questioning Him at the time. Remember, Jesus is God: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1)." The classic argument many will use is that Jesus never spoke against same-sex unions. Still, Him being God, not only spoke against it as God incarnate in the man Jesus (Matthew 19:4-6), He being God (John 1:1) established it (Genesis 2:24). Unfortunately, there are a lot of people who engage in or support the LBGTQ+ community who claim to be Christian, stand on the premise that Jesus never spoke against same-sex marriage. We must pray for them and tell them the truth because informing loves them.

Another quick point: don't let those who may call you bigoted or homophobic dissuade you from speaking against disobedience just because they disagree. As a true believer, you cannot be either. If they blatantly reject your love, stop casting your pearls before swine. Due to their unbelief, they will only trample it under their feet (Matthew 7:6). They blindly profess something they don't possess because of their inability to obey. These grumblers cause divisions with their error, not you (Jude 1:16-19).

So, are people in same-sex marriages genuinely married? No, not even close. These manufactured unions are just a counterfeit of what God established.

"There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death (Proverbs 14:12)."

We tell the truth in love because they are harming themselves by not making peace with God. Ultimately, this will not end well for those who engage and support what God abhors.

In Jesus' name.

Amen

Pastor Anthony

I’ve had the chance to talk to many and observe the behavior of others who call themselves Christians, and I hear and see a very different walk than what is professed. The problem is understanding what’s required when it comes to faith. 2 Corinthians 5:6-7 states, “Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord—for we walk by faith, not by sight.”

One of the main reasons many Christians do not live by what they profess or struggle with belief in God through Christ (including those who live unto unrighteousness) is that they do not understand the context of walking by faith. The key to gaining meaning here is found in verse 6. Mainly, verse 6b: “We know that while we are at home in the body (the heart, mind, and soul of man - Matthew 22:37) we are away from the Lord.” The main discussion concerning the Great Commandment given in Matthew 22:37-39 is the conduct of Christians toward God and our neighbors. Please keep this in mind for a moment as I provide more context. Jesus also stated in Luke 11:33-36: “No one, after lighting a lamp, puts it away in a cellar nor under a basket, but on the lampstand, so that those who enter may see the light. The eye is the lamp of your body; when your eye is clear, your whole body also is full of light; but when it is bad, your body also is full of darkness. Then watch out that the light in you is not darkness. If, therefore, your whole body is full of light, with no dark part in it, it will be wholly illumined, as when the lamp illumines you with its rays.”

The word “walk” in 2 Corinthians 5:7 means conduct (in an ethical sense:  the way I conduct my life or live my life). I've told many that righteous behavior is one of the most significant pieces of evidence God displays in and through us (a wholly illumined one). Good Christian behavior is evidenced by growth and development in the grace God gives by way of Christ, through and through the Holy Spirit. Remember what the apostle Paul said about being rescued from this body of death (Romans 7:24). Only God, through Christ via the Holy Spirit, can liberate the person from walking by sight! A person can tell me they are a Christian all day long, but if your conduct is contrary to faith alignment in Christ, you are walking by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7b). Conduct which is opposite that of righteousness.

As Christians, we should know and have a wanton desire to conduct ourselves according to righteousness. It should be the primary focus of our thought processes and subsequent actions. We examine ourselves daily (2 Corinthians 13:5; 2 Peter 1:10-11) to see if we are truly walking by faith and aligned with Christ. We do not sign any truce with the thought processes of the world. Therefore we walk by faith, destroying lofty arguments based on man's fleshy desires (2 Corinthians 10:5). We accomplish this by defending our faith. Living by the hope within us based on sound biblical principles (1 Peter 3:15). We are to walk and live for Christ as adopted sons of the faith (Romans 8:14-17).

2 Corinthians 5:6-9

“Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord— 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight— 8 we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord. Therefore, we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, 9 to be pleasing to Him."

If this is true of you, continue to walk by faith in Christ and have Christian conduct worthy of being born again. If not, seize the opportunity while it is still Today (Hebrews 3:13), as long as God offers salvation by grace through faith continues.

Pastor Anthony

Love and obedience go together! I express that with exclamation because it's so important. They are allies and must be utilized in that way. I often hear Christians talk about love but neglect to talk about obedience in the same breath. If we are going to proselytize properly unto others (within and outside of the building), we must elicit the need for both to be spoken about in context as Jesus did. The book of John will speak for itself in the following scriptures of what was inscribed by the apostle. They are the most expressive on the subject spoken by Jesus himself.

"If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." (John 14:15)

"He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him." (John 14:21)

"If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love." (John 15:10)

The apostle John was called the "apostle that Jesus loved" (John 21:20). He realized that obedience is critical in loving God through Christ (John 14:6). His gospel is written with no parables as the other synoptic gospels are. It only includes seven miracles (five of which are recorded nowhere else) and many personal interviews where the personage of Jesus is revealed even more (I will be rereading the book Gospel of John very soon). He presents Him as the Commandment in John 1:1. The Logos (in word, thought, concept, and expressions thereof). In the Old Testament, the word or wisdom of God personified (Psalms 33:6). He is Reason, and the justice of God flows through Him. Justice requires that we conform (to be obedient or compliant) to truth, fact, and reason. God loves justice (Psalms 33:5). As Christians, we fall into the Father's sphere of jurisdiction, requiring us to obey the Commandment. Whereby obedience to biblical knowledge leads to growth in and love for Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:15; Colossians 1:10; 1 John 2:3).

Claiming that Jesus is our Lord comes with more than just reckless profession. If you do not obey His Commandment, the love walk you claim to be acceptable isn't as successful as you may think. "Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you [are unapproved] fail the test" (2 Corinthians 13:5)?

Love Him! Keep His commandments and show others that Jesus Christ is in you. Oneness with the Father requires it.

"Now therefore, O sons, listen to me, for blessed are they who keep my ways. "Heed instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it. "Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, Waiting at my doorposts. "For he who finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord. "But he who sins against me injures himself; All those who hate me love death." - Proverbs 8:32-36 (NASB)

Scripture to reference: 1 John 2:3; 1 John 5:3; 2 John 1:6

Pastor Anthony

I remember when it felt like I was being harassed by those who would address me about the things of the Lord. Someone always tried to give me a Bible or a word about His grace. It bothered me so much that I silently rebelled against those who embraced His doctrinal message.

I roamed and relished in my false version of reality rather than embracing the truth God through Christ was graciously prodding me to accept through those He deemed worthy to present. My avoidance of His instructional love from others was avoidance of His love for me, and oh boy, I'm glad that he loved me as a son because soon, my life started to get worse. Unrighteous living led to destitute results. The urging of correct living unto Christ began subtlety and exploded into its full-on assault of what it meant to be accounted righteous, helping me realize that I was a wretch needing a Savior (Romans 7:24-25). The embracing of falsehoods sowed by our enemy was debilitating. Still, God used tactics on me that elicited the reverence in Him required to get me to acknowledge Christ as supreme in my life. I would be lost forever without understanding and adhering to the gospel message.

God uses those who are lights to help you to see His Son. They are His workmanship, and they love Him more than anything. In this abundant desire to love others, He enables them to tell the truth to those in a lost and dark world. In my subtle rejection of those He sent, He disciplined me unto the message of His preference for my life. This is what true love is! Not the sentimentalism that the enemy of this world uses to fool those who live outside of God's desire for what is right, trustworthy, and honorable, but true agape love, which requires obedience, preferring what God prefers. Righteousness.

Hebrews 12:6: "For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives."

Revelation 3:19: "Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent."

Does God love you, or are you focused on the darkness of this world? It may seem normal to you, but it's only a deception. If you embrace Satan's ruse, he is your master, and you continue to be a person of disobedience.

"Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don't believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don't understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God" (2 Corinthians 4:4 NLT).

Be better, and be blessed.

Pastor Anthony

Some of you have probably heard the phrase "deconstructing one's faith." Be aware of this statement. It is a dangerous thought process that has led some from the faith or, at least, caused some to try and delude the truth with error. Unfortunately, this happens when our feelings are dictated by culture, not reality.

The truth does not run to corners to hide or shelter from its purpose. Those who are in error run, hide, and seek refuge from the truth: "This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God." (John 3:19-21).

Error is equivalent to evil, and when one starts down the path of deconstruction, it separates them from God. They are becoming divisive and inverse. Deconstructionists become worldly-minded, not setting their minds on the things above but rather focusing on the things of the world, eventually becoming agents of Satan (Matthew 16:21-23).

It is so important to know that Christ is Supreme and Sufficient! Nothing else matters, and if you are becoming discouraged by what you see around you when it comes to the church, faith doesn't rely on what you see. It comes from hearing and faithfully adhering to the Word of God (Romans 10:17), aligning your thoughts, feelings, and actions in obedience to Christ so that you can be revealed with Him in glory (Colossians 3:4).

Be better, and be blessed.

Pastor Anthony 

Could you tell me if you are genuinely covering your wife?

If you're a married man and consider yourself one of the Way, but are not nurturing your wife in the things of the Lord, you are not fulfilling your purpose as a spouse.

With all of the ways we show affection to our wives, if your love does not provide a covering in Christ, you are missing the mark of what love truly is. It means to prefer what God prefers. Everything else we do to show endearment, loyalty, protection, and provision stems from an agape preference. Therefore, you must also be the priest and prophet of your home, being the covering she and your children require and deserve.

Therefore, learn what the Lord says according to His Word. You should be out studying everybody in your home, which leads to a life of serving your family in holiness, being the godly example of manhood they need, which God designed you for.

Pastor Anthony

"If the gospel were more faithfully preached, there would be fewer people professing to believe."

- A.W. Pink

Unfortunately, I find the quote to be true. I have experienced this on occasion when teaching others. The truth from God's word did not sit well, and they either left during the teaching session or never returned. See, we have a problem when it comes to spiritual development. Much like the body grows up physically from the subtle movements of a baby or a toddler to standing, the same should be true for our growth in the Lord. Feeding ourselves the word of Truth to mature our spirit man (Acts 17:11; 2 Timothy 2:15). Unfortunately, many ministers desire horizontal growth in the form of people in the pews. This is okay, and even I would love to teach and preach to more people, but in many cases, a feel-good message is what they yearn to hear rather than strict absolute truths that God has given us through His holy Word. I pray that this does not happen in houses of worship, but unfortunately, the actions of many church elders and parishioners make it likely. We should not be surprised because the Bible states this will become a reality. 

2 Timothy 4:3-4 states:

"For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths."

As a pastor, I am not as concerned with quantity as quality. So, my teaching and preaching for servant growth is based on God's truth. Promoting the need for seeds to grow in good soil (Matthew 13:23) by declaring and living by the truth of God through Christ to the best of my ability as an example to those who would gain their salvation (Romans 10:9). This is what it means to be a light on the hill of truth and salt that has flavor (Matthew 5:13-16). Unfolding the truthfulness of the gospel message is paramount to one’s success as a servant who teaches, preaches, or otherwise shares the gospel of Truth with others. Sadly, we are inundated with ministers and others who cater to secular interests rather than strict dedication to God's truth. Culturalists who cater to man rather than obeying God. I truly believe that if the truth-tellers of God's word were to go out and be able to teach and preach to many congregations across this country, many of the elders and others in the church would call for their removal from the facility. Why? The lack of faithful teaching and preaching unto the truth of God's word related to sin and sinners does not bring conviction, which is sorely needed and must be paramount regarding what the church is for (1 Corinthians 14: 24-25).

In closing, concentrate on being Berean (Acts 17:11). Reason with God through His Word by attending to it. Take the necessary time to examine and apply scripture to your life. Faithful adherence to this will translate into godliness.

Pastor Anthony

Identity is a topic that is often discussed today, with various forms and meanings. However, as Christians, our primary focus should not be on these worldly identities. Instead, we should place our attention on our spiritual identity in Christ. Our spiritual identity is not based on our cultural discernment about societal roles, but on being children of God who are redeemed and loved by Him. As true believers, we understand that our genuine distinctiveness is found in Christ alone and not in the constantly changing societal norms.

Galatians 3:26-28 eloquently encapsulates our shared identity in Christ, “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” This scripture is a powerful reminder of our collective identity in Christ, fostering a sense of belonging and unity among us believers. 

Worldly identities are not an issue if you live a righteous Christian life. Living a virtuous Christian life means striving to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind and to love your neighbor as yourself. It means rejecting sin and seeking to live by God's word. In this way, you don’t racially, sexually, or politically identify with culturally manifested 'my truth' statements. 

John 8:31-32 reinforces this truth, “So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” This assurance from Jesus Himself provides a sense of reassurance and confidence in our identity in Him.

Indeed, our faith in Christ liberates us from the constraints of societal labels and expectations. Our identity, found in Christ, frees us from the pressure to conform to cultural norms. As true believers, we are no longer burdened by these societal expectations. When Jesus declared that His yoke is lighter than the world's, He truly meant it!

Matthew 11:28-30 states, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.”

Through my years of following God's sanctifying process through Christ (John 17:17; John 14:6), I have learned that celebrations like Black History Month do not promote unity. I have moved beyond the need to celebrate a falsehood created by separatist beliefs. We are all part of history, a tapestry of individuals who have lived and died as part of the passage of time. Though history may have its dark moments, through Christ, we can be released from the pressure of celebrating something that Satan can use to bring division instead of unity. Instead, we should focus on the positive figures of history, regardless of their nationality, celebrate their achievements, and learn from their mistakes and the morally deficient actions of others who did not lead exemplary lives.

Identity is a hot topic today, but as Christians, we should focus on our spiritual identity in Christ. Our distinctiveness is found in Him alone, freeing us from the constraints of societal labels and expectations. As believers, we all share a collective identity in Christ, regardless of race, gender, or background. Our faith in Christ liberates us from the pressure to conform to cultural norms and societal expectations. By following Him, we can find rest and freedom from the weight of trying to live up to the world's standards. Don't let the constant cycle of seeking and defining identity, which I call the identity merry-go-round,' hold you captive; live fully for Christ and discover the peace that comes from finding your true identity in Him. 

"If you are a Christian and feel like you're always struggling to define your identity, it's time to stop and start living your life fully for Christ. You'll find that a great burden will be lifted off your shoulders. When you try to live your life based on your own understanding of what's right and wrong, you're bound to run into conflicts with others who do the same. Instead, make Christ the center of your life and follow the truth that comes from Him.

Pastor Anthony

I want to express a message that I taught during the early stages of my ministry. I educated my audience on how people can stray from their path of faith in Jesus Christ. To explain this, I used a highway as a metaphor and clarified that the off-ramps were the exit points leading to sin. These were the paths that lacked clarity. I confidently quoted a verse from the book of Jeremiah where God spoke about this topic.

"For My people have forgotten Me, They burn incense to worthless gods, And they have stumbled from their ways, From the ancient paths, To walk in bypaths, Not on a highway" (Jeremiah 18:15)

Many people ignore the importance of being morally upright in our modern world. Those who engage in corrupt and unethical behavior often do so because they are lured by their own selfish desires and eventually succumb to the deception of Satan and the enticements of a dark and immoral world. Even some individuals who are considered to be virtuous have been ensnared by the darkness of unrighteousness. This issue is not limited to individuals, as morally weak leaders in church and society have caused many nations to suffer. When morality is compromised, everyone is affected by the consequences of unrighteousness. Even though humanity may experience cycles of strength and weakness, it is vital for us to uphold morality to prevent suffering.

Psalms 19:17-20 states, "The wicked will return to Sheol, Even all the nations who forget God. For the needy will not always be forgotten, Nor the hope of the afflicted perish forever. Arise, O Lord, do not let man prevail; Let the nations be judged before You. Put them in fear, O Lord; Let the nations know that they are but men. Selah"

Many countries, including ours, have a crisis of weak moral leadership. This has led to people straying from the right path and heading towards sin. Psalm 19:17 warns that God will forget nations who choose darkness. Therefore, our individual responsibility is to turn away from sin and embrace righteousness. This is important because individuals come together to form a nation, and our collective actions shape our country's future. However, due to a lack of moral clarity, many are subject to the abandonment wrath of God. 

Abandonment wrath refers to people turning away from God's process of salvation. In Romans 1:18-32, the apostle Paul describes a scenario where God allows people to have their own way. When this happens, the process of sanctification comes to an end for them. They have moved so far away from the right path that they cannot find their way back. A poor understanding of the concepts of redemption and faith leads to continued disobedience by those who would otherwise gain their salvation.

Unfortunately, many individuals are attracted to sin and prefer to indulge in their worldly desires and pleasures instead of following what is righteous. A recent study conducted by the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University in 2022 revealed an alarming fact that only 37% of pastors possess a biblical worldview (Arizona Christian University 2022). This syncretism (Matthew 6:24), practiced by the remaining 63%, is a significant reason for the lack of moral clarity in the world today. It is one of the noteworthy reasons why the truth of the gospel of Christ is difficult for many to comprehend.

Jeremiah 18:16 continues, "To make their land a desolation, An object of perpetual hissing; Everyone who passes by it will be astonished And shake his head."

We have witnessed an unsettling rise in unrighteousness, not only in our country but also in other parts of the world. This increase in unrighteousness is accompanied by increased syncretism in the church and weak leadership in society (Isaiah 1:23). In today's social order, illegal actions are often celebrated while righteous ones are condemned. Child and adult trafficking are on the rise, along with a myriad of other issues that stem from sin. Unfortunately, we live in a time of great sorrow, where moral values are reversed as people's appetite for sin increases. This escalation of unrighteous actions results from a deception of people who don’t know Christ very well, if at all. This phenomenon of inverted moral distinctions is aptly described in Isaiah 5:20. 

“Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil;

Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness;

Who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!”

As we come to the end, I have a question for you - what will you do about it? You may feel helpless, but there is something you can resolve. God is focused on your faith in Him through Jesus Christ (John 14:6). The path that seems right to us will lead to death (Proverbs 14:12), but God is calling us to follow Christ and live a righteous life. Besides, a nation is made up of individuals. Begin by praying to God for guidance and strength to walk in the right direction. Stay away from sin and embrace righteousness so that your light may be an example to others (Matthew 5:14-16). 

"All the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats; and He will put the sheep on His right, and the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. “41 Then He will also say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, you accursed people, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels; (Matthew 25:32-34;41, c.f. Mt. 25:31-46).”

Pastor Anthony

Arizona Christian University, (2022) American Worldview Inventory 2022. Retrieved from, 

https://www.arizonachristian.edu/wpcontent/uploads/2022/05/AWVI2022_Release_06_Digital.pdf

The argument for once saved, always saved is one that I do not fancy as it relates to the common debate that has been propagated in many circles. I get irritated by the back and forth and turn off the countless accesses to the debates provided by the various media sources used. I genuinely believe that many who engage in the debate are ill-informed about a subject clearly set in scripture and can be well established by correctly understanding them. Those who engage in the debate seem to find some intrinsic value in participating. According to Self-Determination Theory, O’Hare (2017) states that “SDT emphasizes intrinsic motivation—the internal desire to engage in an activity because it’s personally meaningful or enjoyable.” This personal enjoyment and meaning in the debate may be a crucial motivator for many.

Let's turn our attention to the verses that provide us with a solid biblical foundation for the concept of being enlightened. These verses, such as Hebrews 6:4-8, comprehensively explain this concept, reinforcing our argument with solid biblical evidence. This evidence should reassure us and give us confidence in our understanding of enlightenment.

“For in the case of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame. For ground that drinks the rain which often falls on it and brings forth vegetation useful to those for whose sake it is also tilled receives a blessing from God; but if it yields thorns and thistles, it is worthless and close to being cursed, and it ends up being burned” (Hebrews 6:4-8, 1995 NASB).

John McArthur eloquently explains the concept of being enlightened. He emphasizes that enlightenment means “they had received instruction in biblical truth which was accompanied by intellectual perception. Understanding the gospel is not the equivalent of regeneration” (cf. 10:26, 32). This understanding of biblical truth is crucial for our enlightenment unto said actuality.

Hebrews 10:26 states, “For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins.” Hebrews 10:26-32 (1995 NASB) continues by stating, “but remember the former days, when, after being enlightened, you endured a great conflict of sufferings, partly by being made a public spectacle through reproaches and tribulations, and partly by becoming sharers with those who were so treated. For you showed sympathy to the prisoners and accepted joyfully the seizure of your property, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and a lasting one. Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.”

I highlight Hebrews verse 26 for a specific reason, which we will examine shortly in the Parable of the Sower. Please keep it in mind.

Now, we examine the word tasted. Just because you taste or experience something doesn’t mean that you will continually pursue it. For example, you taste a specific type of ice cream, and although it may be good and you have been enlightened from your prior thoughts about its flavor profile, it doesn’t mean you will continue to pursue it when you go to the ice cream store. Why? It’s not what you prefer. The unfortunate reality about being enlightened is that it does not mean that you are regenerated (Ezekiel 36:24-26; Titus 3:5). McArthur further elaborates with the following: “Tasting in the figurative sense in the NT refers to consciously experiencing something (cf. Heb. 2:9). The experience might be momentary or continuing (just like the ice cream analogy provided). Christ’s “tasting” of death (Heb. 2:9) was obviously momentary and not continuing or permanent. All men experience the goodness of God, but that does not mean they are all saved (cf. Matt. 5:45; Acts 17:25). Many Jews, during the Lord’s earthly ministry, experienced the blessings from heaven He brought—in healings and deliverance from demons, as well as eating the food He created miraculously (John 6). Whether the gift refers to Christ (cf. John 6:51; 2 Cor. 9:15) or the Holy Spirit (cf. Acts 2:38; 1 Pet. 1:12), experiencing either one was not the equivalent of salvation” (cf. John 16:8; Acts 7:51).

This leads me to my next point regarding these foundational principles. Our Lord’s explanation from part of the Parable of the Sower helps here. True belief (John 3:36; actionable faith) in the gospel will bring its challenges. Matthew 10:22 (1995 NASB) states, “You will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved.” Enlightenment does not mean regeneration. It means that one has tasted the gift of the gospel via the Holy Spirit. Although they may experience joy after being informed, they will falter under pressure, affliction, and persecution if no firm foundation has been established. They will fall away when these challenges of a disciple in Christ arise. Matthew 13:20-21 (1995 NASB) states, “The one on whom seed was sown on the rocky places, this is the man who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no firm root in himself, but is only temporary, and when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he falls away” 1 John 2:19 (1995 NASB) confirms by stating how they operate when no firm root has been established. “They went out from us, but they were not really of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us; but they went out, so that it would be shown that they all are not of us.” On a micro level, verses 22-26 of 1 John 2 further elaborate on the aspects of false teachers and deceivers. Still, on a macro level, the verse also places emphasis on the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints. “Those who are genuinely born again endure in faith, fellowship, and the truth (1 Cor. 11:19; 2 Tim. 2:12). The ultimate test of true Christianity is endurance (Mark 13:13; Heb. 3:14). The departure of people from the truth and the church is their unmasking” (McArthur, 2019).

As for partakers, taste is the action that defines what it means to partake. Like Simon Magus (Acts 8:9–24), these Hebrews (the people the author of Hebrews was writing to) had not yet been regenerated despite all they had heard and seen (cf. Matt. 13:3–9; John 6:60–66). They were repeating the sins of those who died in the wilderness after seeing the miracles performed through Moses and Aaron and hearing the voice of God at Sinai. Why? Lack of discipline to the tasted gift which brought enlightenment that would lead to endurance by way of regeneration: “But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness” (Hebrews 12:8-10).

I believe it's important to emphasize the significance of avoiding a prolonged debate about the concept of "once saved, always saved." The Bible clearly interprets the precursor, “the truth that enlightens.” God knows who will embrace the enlightenment and endure. Once we comprehend this fundamental understanding, we can delve into the Doctrines of Election and the Adoption of Sons with clarity. This understanding enables us to see things from God's perspective rather than our own. It involves God's selection of individuals, chosen by Him before creation. He was unaffected by external influences regarding those who are predestined to be saved. It's about relying on God's word rather than distorting it with our interpretations.

Strongs Concordance References (NASB)

·        been enlightened: Greek 5461. phótizó -  to enlighten spiritually, imbue with saving knowledge.

·        and have tasted: Greek 1089. geuomai is equivalent to feel; make a trial of experience.

·        partakers: Greek 3353. metochos - sharing in, partaking of.

McArthur, J. (2019). “NKJV MacArthur Study Bible, 2nd Edition.” Retrieved from

     https://www.biblegateway.com

O’Hare, D. (2017). “The intrinsic motivation of Richard Ryan and Edward Deci.” Retrieved

     from, https://www.apa.org/members/content/intrinsic-motivation

 Pastor Anthony