Taking a Look at our 5 Senses

Smell

 

According to researchers, we are able to smell over 1 trillion scents. ⁽¹⁾ We smell using what is called the ‘olfactory cleft’, that is located on the roof of our nasal cavity. It has nerve endings in the olfactory cleft that transmits various smells to our brain. The sense of smell is important Biblically speaking because it is involved in how we smell to God. According to scripture we smell as fragrant perfume to our Lord. 

The Temple of God had an altar of incense which was filled with Frankincense. The altar was in the Holy Place, right outside the Holy of Holies or Most Holy Place. The smoke from the incense would rise and flow over the veil into the Most Holy Place and fill that place with the fragrant smell of the Frankincense herb. The priests taught that the smoke carried the prayers of the people up to God.

Ephesians 5:2 says, “Walk in love, as Christ also has loved us, and has given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for the sweet-smelling fragrance.” In place of the incense burned in the Holy Temple of God in the Old Testament, Christ’s sacrifice of himself for our sins was a fragrant scent to God. We are also as a pleasing scent to our God if we walk in righteousness and are blameless before the Lord.

Right living is paramount in a believer’s life. While there may be several ways to look at certain scriptures, the crux of our belief is never open to interpretation; that being the existence of God, the fact that Jesus was God’s Son, the fact that Jesus was the Christ, the Messiah who willingly died a grisly death on a wooden cross to pay for the multitude of man’s sins. No deviation from those key elements can be allowed. Forgiveness is freely available. It’s a prepaid gift. Receive it today. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries 

 ⁽¹⁾ The American Rhinologic Society.

Taking a Look at our 5 Senses

Taste

  

One’s sense of taste is usually broken down into the perception of four different tastes: salty, sweet, sour, and bitter. There is also a fifth taste, defined as savory. Taste is sensed in the taste buds. Adults have 2,000 to 4,000 taste buds. Most of them are on the tongue, but they also line the back of the throat, the epiglottis, the nasal cavity, and the esophagus. We have sensory cells that form capsules that have pores that work like funnels with tiny taste hairs. Proteins on the hairs bind chemicals to the cells for tasting. The smell of the food greatly affects how the brain perceives the taste. Smells are sent to the mouth in a process called olfactory referral. This is why someone with a stuffy nose may have trouble tasting food properly.

Psalm 34 is a Davidic psalm that speaks of God as his provider and deliverer. The 8th verse says, “Taste & see that the Lord is good; how blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him.” When we speak of someone who is good, we speak of someone who exhibits the following qualities: upright, of moral excellence, benevolent, kind, worthy of respect, honorable, competent, reliable, true, genuine, or real. Is it any wonder Jesus said in the gospels: "Why do you call me good?" "No one is good--except God alone.” We are frail & broken vessels, especially in comparison to a Holy God. But we are loved without condition in spite of our weaknesses & failings. 

For all those who have tasted of the goodness of the Lord, their life shall never be the same. It may not be a perfect life by their own standards, but it will be a complete life, because our Lord completes us. He is the period at the end of the sentence. Once forgiveness is received it’s all up hill from there. Don’t be like Lot’s wife, who looked longingly back as everything she valued in life burned. The Hebrew defines “looking back” as much more than a glance. For her disobedience she was turned to a pillar of salt & was no more. Don’t be like Lot’s wife. Once you taste of God’s forgiveness, mercy, and kindness, you must surely realize the past holds nothing for you any longer. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Taking a Look at our 5 Senses

THE NEXT 5 POSTS WILL TAKE A LOOK AT OUR 5 SENSES & HOW THEY RELATE TO THE THINGS OF THE LORD.

Touch

 

                  Touch involves various distinct sensations that communicate to our brain thru neurons in our skin. The importance of touching is that it can convey tenderness and compassion towards another human being. This is obviously true if we are the recipients of touch as well. In the Christian realm Jesus did a lot of touching. Only when dealing with the money changers in the Temple courtyard did he exhibit anger as he tossed the tables and their goods asunder. Jesus metaphorically touched the hearts and lives of not only his disciples, but all who came in contact with him.

                  There is one thing for sure that must transpire regarding touch and our Lord. We all need to be touched by Him. Scripture is clear, (Luke 6:17-19) when it tells us ‘whosoever is touched by Jesus is made perfectly whole’.  Here I give you 5 scriptural instances of Jesus touching individuals. 

In Matthew 8:1-4 the touch of Jesus healed a leper. In Matthew 9:20-22 the touch of Jesus healed a woman with the issue of blood. In Matthew 20:29-34 the touch of Jesus gave sight to the blind. In Luke 22:50-51 the touch of Jesus healed the ear of the high priest’s servant. In Matthew 9:23-26 the touch of Jesus gave life to the dead.

                  Even to this day the touch of Jesus is desperately needed by the huge masses of lost souls who, unbeknownst to them, must make a payment they could never afford. It is a fact that the wealthiest person on earth doesn’t have enough riches to pay for his own forgiveness. That’s because in God’s economy money is worthless; the payment must be made in blood. Not just anyone’s blood, but the blood of a sinless offering. Namely, Jesus Christ.  

                  Touch … they say that is the first of our 5 senses that we use when we are born. It remains important throughout our lives. Allow the Holy Spirit of God to touch you today. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: http://sovereigngrace.homestead.com/files/SermonTouchingJesus.htm

OTHER QUESTIONABLE GROUPS

WHAT ABOUT THE PROPERITY GOSPEL? Part 2

 

There are many, many propagators of what I must refer to as a false teaching. It requires spiritual discernment to determine who is teaching false doctrine. The Holy Spirit can help in that regard. Our focus is to be on God and not material things. So what are the main beliefs of the Prosperity Movement? The prosperity gospel movement has four main beliefs:

 

Jesus purchased all the benefits of salvation for this life. 

Jesus purchased complete physical healing for His people in this life through His death on the cross. By perverting the teaching of Isaiah 53:5 and John 10:10, prosperity gospel preachers assert that Jesus died to take away every sickness in this life and to atone for the “sin” of financial poverty.

 

A present-day inheritance. In the Abrahamic covenant, God promised a vast material and financial inheritance for believers in this life. If a person believes in Jesus, he will inherit great possessions and tangible blessings in this life. This is borne out in the fact that each of these preachers of heretical doctrine are very wealthy, with mega homes, yachts, and personal jets.

 

Give to get. Prosperity gospel preachers teach their followers that the way to gain riches is to give more money to the kingdom, especially by giving to their churches and ministries. The quantity of material and financial prosperity one expects to gain is in proportion to what one gives. Sadly, I’ve heard of elderly folks who have donated everything to these charlatans in the hopes of receiving a ten-fold return. 

 

Name it and claim it. Faith and prayer empower people to lay hold of physical and material blessings in this life. Certain leaders in this movement have popularized the term ‘Word of Faith’ to capture the essence of their teaching. Accordingly, if someone exercises enough faith, he will no longer have to be subject to the crippling effects of sickness and disease. If individuals continue to suffer afflictions or poverty, it is due to their lack of personal faith. When we pray in faith, we compel God to make us prosperous, particularly when we declare that we already possess the desired blessing. Likewise, some teachers discourage their followers from speaking negative words, lest they bring negative things into being. It is very sad to me that such as great gift as salvation is subjugated by wrongly interpreted scripture. 

Be careful with this because while God doesn’t desire for us to be poor and sickly, we do live in a sin-sick world where right is often clouded by the deception of our adversary. God allows all this for His own purposes; purposes we may never understand. “Trust the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” ^{(Proverbs 3:5-6 NASB)}

            Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: https://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/field-guide-on-false-teaching-prosperity-gospel

OTHER QUESTIONABLE GROUPS

WHAT IS THE PROSPERITY GOSPEL? Part 1

 

            This version of the gospel is not biblical. Sure, they appear to adhere to the main doctrinal truths It’s attractive because it highlights those things that all people want; money, good health, and whatever their little heart desires. What about God’s will? Scripture tells us we cannot serve both God and money. 

 

“No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon [money, possessions, fame, status, or whatever is valued more than the Lord]. (Matthew 6:24 Amplified Bible)

 

            Many years ago I heard about the Prosperity Gospel. Kenneth Hagen & Kenneth Copeland were preaching this belief system back in the ‘70s & ‘80s. It didn’t sound right to me then and I still cannot sign off on it as being biblical. It was affectionately referred to by opponents to it as the “Blab it - Grab it” teaching. If you wanted a brand new Jaguar in your driveway then simply ask for it, believing and expect to see it in your driveway the following morning. If it wasn’t there you didn’t have enough faith to believe it would come to pass. How convenient. That came from Kenneth Copeland. If you had cancer and didn’t get healed you simply didn’t have enough faith. THAT is ridiculous. Wasn’t it Jesus who said, “Because of your little faith [your lack of trust and confidence in the power of God]; for I assure you and most solemnly say to you, if you have [living] faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and [if it is God’s will] it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20 Amplified Bible) A mustard seed was the smallest seed in Bible times, so tell me again how much faith we need to accomplish GOD’S WILL?

            Now I am not one who believes that Christians should be dirt poor, but neither should they be seeking wealth above all else. My two questions regarding wealth is: How did you get it & what do you do with it? Our focus is to be on Christ, His teachings and living a holy, humble life with the cross as our symbol of a life forgiven; of death & rebirth. To say that by Christ’s death we will NEVER be sick again if we have the faith to believe is rubbish. Nobody WANTS to be sick or have a terminal disease, but we live in a fallen world. Our mission according to Jesus is to spread the message of the cross far and wide, not spend our time seeking perfect health and riches. To say we don’t have enough faith to be healed is not true. If so, why was Paul stricken with a “thorn in his side”, which could have been any number of things. Did HE not have enough faith? Or Timothy, who obviously had stomach issues, to which Paul said to drink a little wine for his stomach. Are those great men of God lacking in faith? 

            Tomorrow we’ll break this erroneous teaching down a bit more. Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: https://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/field-guide-on-false-teaching-prosperity-gospel

OTHER QUESTIONABLE GROUPS

Who are the Knights of Columbus?

 

The Knights of Columbus (K of C) is a Catholic fraternal lay organization started in Connecticut in 1881. Father Michael J. McGivney wanted to provide a Catholic alternative to secret societies (such as Freemasonry) and to support the families of men who died while working in factories. The organization grew quickly as men were drawn to the ideals of serving the church and living with loyalty, charity, and respect for others. The fraternity was named after Christopher Columbus as proof of their patriotism to the United States. Priests may supervise meetings, but they are not allowed to join, as they are already under orders through the church.

Although membership is limited to “practical” Catholic men, the Knights of Columbus are known for their work outside the Catholic Church, as well. The K of C worked to quell religious prejudice, starting with anti-Catholic sentiment, and extending into freedom-of-religion causes. Since before World War I, they have supported military service members with recreational facilities and, later, job placement. They were also instrumental in adding “under God” to the Pledge of Allegiance. The K of C cannot endorse political candidates, but they are active in both political and moral causes such as the pro-life movement, religious freedom, racial equality, immigration, and a biblical view of marriage.

Applicants to the Knights of Columbus must be 18 years of age or older and in good standing with the Holy See, and they must accept the teaching authority of the Catholic Church. Boys between 10 and 18 can join Columbian Squires. Some councils have women’s auxiliary groups. Beyond participating in the various service fields, members are eligible for life, long-term care, and disability insurance.

The four degrees of membership in the Knights of Columbus are based on four principles: charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism. There are also leadership positions, from Assembly Commander to Supreme Master, and a color guard which marches in parades.

Verifiable public controversies regarding the Knights of Columbus are relatively tame. Gonzaga University (a supposed Catholic school) rejected permission for a Knights group application, declaring them discriminatory because they would only allow male Catholics. The K of C heavily campaigned for Proposition 8 in California and is active in the fight against same-sex marriage. There are internal controversies, as there are in any organization, and it’s entirely possible that any fraternal group can take on a cult-like character, although, if this is the case with the K of C, it appears to be limited to individual chapters.

The initiation rites for advancing through the degrees are secret; one internet commenter says, “If you fully embrace Catholicism, you’ll have no problem with the initiations.” That seems to be the gist of the entire organization. Many of the things the Knights of Columbus do are good and benefit society. Much of what they do is even in line with evangelical Christianity. The big “but” being, it is a Roman Catholic organization and one of its primary goals is to advance Roman Catholic beliefs. It is obviously neither recommended, nor possible, for an evangelical Christian to join the Knights of Columbus. This is absolutely NOT cultic in any way.

Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Source: https://www.gotquestions.org/Knights-of-Columbus.html

OTHER QUESTIONABLE GROUPS

Freemasonry

What do Free Masons believe?

 

Freemasonry, Eastern Star, and other similar fraternal organizations typically present themselves as helpful organizations to local communities. Further, faith in God seems to be encouraged. However, a closer investigation reveals that membership requires acceptance of the belief in the existence of a Supreme Being that includes the gods of Islam, Hinduism, or other religions. As such, a person who joins or is a member of these organizations accepts a belief in God that is directly opposed to the clear teachings of the Bible (Exodus 20:3; Isaiah 43:10). Freemasonry refers to its god as the Great Architect of the Universe. In honoring this generic "Great Architect," the person involved in Freemasonry does not worship the God of the Bible but another god.

 

Other areas of the Masonic Lodge tradition also stand in contrast with Christian teachings. 

For example:

 

Salvation: The Bible is clear that salvation is a free gift of faith received by grace through faith, apart from works (Ephesians 2:8-9; John 3:16). Masons teach that a person can go to heaven as the result of a person's good works. Of course, to encourage allegiance to any god other than the God of the Bible also reflects a belief that salvation can be found outside of Jesus. Yet Jesus claims to be the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6) and that there is no other name under heaven by which people must be saved (Acts 4:12).

 

The Bible: The books of the Bible are considered the inspired revelation of God to humans (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Jesus Himself referred to the existing Scriptures of His time as from God (Matthew 5:17-18). Mason teachings, in contrast, consider the Bible one of many sacred books (called Volumes of Sacred Law) that hold equal importance.

 

God: The Bible presents God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as one God in three Persons. Besides Him there is no other god (Isaiah 43:10). In contrast, the Mason view of God is a god who is a general being inclusive of all deities. Called the "Nameless one of a hundred names," this view of God represents a multi-god worldview incompatible with biblical Christianity. Further, in Masonic teachings Jesus is only one of many spiritual leaders rather than the only Son of God (John 3:16) and God in human form (John 1:14).

 

Masonic teachings deny and contradict the clear teachings of Scripture on numerous essential teachings. As a result, a Christian who desires to live by the teachings of the Bible should not be a member of any society or organization connected with Freemasonry.

Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Source: https://www.compellingtruth.org/Freemasonry-Free-Masons.html

OTHER QUESTIONABLE GROUPS

What Do Christian Scientists Believe?

 

Christian Science is a set of beliefs and practices which are associated with members of the Church of Christ, Scientist. Adherents are commonly known as Christian Scientists or students of Christian Science, and the church is sometimes informally known as the Christian Science church. It was founded in 1879 in New England by Mary Baker Eddy, who wrote the 1875 book Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, which outlined the theology of Christian Science. The book was originally called Science and Health; the subtitle with a Key to the Scriptures was added in 1883 and later amended to with Key to the Scriptures. The book became Christian Science's central text, along with the Bible, and by 2001 had sold over nine million copies.

Eddy, for her part, described Christian Science as a return to "primitive Christianity and its lost element of healing".  Adherents subscribe to a radical form of philosophical idealism, believing that reality is purely spiritual and the material world an illusion. This includes the view that disease is a mental error rather than physical disorder, and that the sick should be treated not by medicine but by a form of prayer that seeks to correct the beliefs responsible for the illusion of ill health.

The church maintains that Christian Science prayer is most effective when not combined with medicine. The reliance on prayer and avoidance of medical treatment has been blamed for the deaths of several adherents and their children. According to my research, constituents don’t HAVE to avoid medical care; however, being told prayer is more effective than medicine would have been reason enough for those dedicated to this system to avoid medical treatment.

 

Metaphysical family

 

The term metaphysical refers to the movement's philosophical idealism, a belief in the primacy of the mental world. The metaphysical groups became known as the ‘mind-cure movement’ because of their strong focus on healing. Medical practice was in its infancy, and patients regularly fared better without it. This provided fertile soil for the mind-cure groups, who argued that sickness was an absence of "right thinking" or failure to connect to the Divine Mind.

Eddy saw her views as a UNIQUE & FINAL revelation. Eddy's idea of ‘malicious animal magnetism’ (that people can be harmed by the bad thoughts of others) marked another distinction, introducing an element of fear that was absent from the ‘New Thought’ literature. Most significantly, she dismissed the material world as an illusion, rather than as merely subordinate to the ‘mind’, leading her to personally reject the use of medicine, thus making Christian Science the most controversial of the metaphysical groups. Reality for Eddy was purely spiritual.

As already stated, when Eddy founded the Church of Christ, Scientist she wrote that she wanted to "reinstate primitive Christianity and its lost element of healing". Later she suggested that Christian Science was a kind of second coming and that “Science and Health” was an inspired text. In 1895, in the ‘Manual of the Mother Church’, she ordained the Bible AND “Science and Health” as "Pastor over the Mother Church".

            Since this group is without mention of man’s sin or Christ’s redemption, nor His deity, among many other critical tenets of our faith, it is classified as a dangerous cult that will take you nowhere but hell. They may be healthy, but they will still remain in sin, thus making them unfit for heaven.

            Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: www.christianity.com

OTHER QUESTIONABLE GROUPS

HARE KRISHNA

 

Hare Krishna, popular name of a semimonastic Vaishnava Hindu organization founded in the United States in 1965 by A.C. Bhaktivedanta (Swami Prabhupada; 1896–1977). This movement is a Western outgrowth of the popular Bengali bhakti (devotional) yoga tradition, or Krishna Consciousness, which began in the 16th century. Bhakti yoga’s founder, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (1485–1534?), advocated the pursuit of mystical devotion through repetitive chanting, especially of the Hare Krishna mantra: “Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.”

As a young man, Bhaktivedanta was instructed by his teacher to carry Krishna Consciousness to the West. After fulfilling family obligations, he took the vows of a sannyasi (a religious ascetic who renounces the world) and moved to the United States. His first converts were hippies in New York City, who shaved their heads and adopted Indian clothing as signs of membership. They took to the streets to chant and dance (a practice called kirtan) and to airports to sell their teacher’s books. In the process, they became one of the most visible symbols of the new religious movements in the 1960s.

The teachings of the Hare Krishna movement are derived from ancient Hindu scriptures, especially the Srinad-Bhagavatum and the Bhagavadgita. Adherents believe that Krishna (an avatar of Vishnu) is the Supreme Lord and that humans are eternal spiritual beings trapped in a cycle of reincarnation. The nature of the cycle for individual beings is determined by karma, the law of the consequences of past actions, which returns beings to physical existence. According to the movement’s doctrine, it is possible to change one’s karma by practicing extreme forms of yoga; however, the Lord has provided an easier method, the recitation of his holy names, Krishna, and Rama.

Believers devote their lives to serving Krishna and spend several hours each day chanting the Hare Krishna mantra. They are vegetarians, and they renounce the use of alcohol and drugs. Sex is allowed only for procreation within marriage. Male devotees shave their heads, leaving only a small tuft of hair called a sikha, a sign of surrender to their teacher. Each morning male and female believers mark their foreheads with clay as a reminder that their bodies are temples of Krishna.

Prior to his death, Bhaktivedanta appointed the Governing Board Commission to guide the movement internationally. Included in the commission were several people he had designated as teachers (gurus), and, as the movement expanded, more gurus were named. By the end of the 1990s, there were about 225 Hare Krishna centers in 60 countries, including 50 centers in the United States. While the number of formally initiated members is only a few thousand, several hundred thousand regularly worship at the Hare Krishna temples, including many expatriate Indians.

The Hare Krishna movement was among the first groups to be targeted by anticult organizations in the early 1970s. During the 1980s it was frequently accused of brainwashing, and anticult groups attempted to deprogram some Hare Krishna members. Claiming psychological and emotional damage, several former members sued the organization unsuccessfully. There is no question that based on their beliefs and how they are significantly contrary to what the Bible teaches, Hare Krishna is very much a cult that should be avoided at all costs. They have no connection with the one true God, His son Jesus, or the Holy Spirit. We find in there teachings no mention of sin or the forgiveness thereof.  In fact, Hare Krishna is diametrically opposite to Christian beliefs on nearly all fronts. 

Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Source: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Hare Krishna

OTHER QUESTIONABLE CHURCHES

WHAT IS THE RESTORED CHURCH OF GOD, AND WHAT DO THEY BELIEVE?

          The Restored Church of God (RCG) is one of many offshoots of the original Worldwide Church of God (WCG), founded by Herbert W. Armstrong in 1934. The Restored Church of God was started by David C. Pack in 1999 after he was fired from the Global Church of God. The Restored Church of God claims to retain the “tenets, style, and structure of the earlier Worldwide Church of God, before the death of Herbert W. Armstrong in 1986.”
            The mass splintering of the Worldwide Church of God began after a series of major doctrinal changes in 1992. This has given rise to so many groups (including the United Church of God, Grace Communion International, the Philadelphia Church of God, the Global Church of God, the Living Church of God, House of Yahweh, the Intercontinental Church of God, the Church of God—Worldwide Association, and the Church of God—International Community) that the term Armstrongism was coined to cover all their errant theologies.
            David Pack considered himself an “Elijah” to Herbert Armstrong’s “Apostleship,” until he more recently began claiming the office of Apostle for himself. According to Pack’s website, “he has reached millions around the globe with the most powerful truths of the Bible, unknown to almost all” (emphasis added). It is this “special knowledge” of the Bible that is part of the problem with the Restored Church of God.
            The church’s belief system is founded on select principles from the Old Testament such as the Ten Commandments, dietary laws, tithing (three types are required), and compulsory celebration of the high Sabbaths and feast days. They follow an Old Covenant Sabbath, worshiping from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday. Celebration of Easter and Christmas is not allowed.
            Members of the Restored Church of God are warned that leaving the fellowship will cause them to lose any chance of eternal life. Salvation is found only in the Restored Church of God. All other churches are considered apostate or counterfeit.
            The Restored Church of God teaches Binitarian* theology rather than Trinitarian. They believe that the Godhead temporarily consists of Jesus the Messiah, as the creator and spokesman, and God the Father. Their God Family doctrine states that every human who ever lived may be spiritually born and enter into the Godhead.
            Pack teaches an imminent end of the world, with World War III beginning in the United States and Britain, the economy collapsing, and death and destruction reigning. In making such prophecies, Pack continues the tradition of Armstrong himself, who made over 200 prophecies (with specific dates) of massive destruction in the United States. Armstrong’s prophecies never came to pass. Pack typically avoids referencing specific dates.
            The Restored Church of God teaches the false Anglo-Israel theology, stating that residents of Britain are the tribe of Ephraim and that those of the U.S. are Manasseh. They also teach that white Anglo-Saxons are the chosen people of God.
            A religious sect can be considered a cult when it denies the basic theology that defines the Christian faith. Armstrongism, with its denial of the Trinity, its false prophecies, and its promotion of Law-based justification, has always been considered a cult. The Restored Church of God, in seeking to restore the original doctrines of Armstrongism, falls into the same category. “‘They are prophesying lies to you in my name. I have not sent them,’ declares the Lord” (Jeremiah 29:9).

            Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Source: www.gotquestions.org

* Binitarianism is a Christian theology of two persons, personas, or aspects in one substance/Divinity (or God). Classically, Binitarianism is understood as a form of monotheism—that is, that God is absolutely one being—and yet with binitarianism there is a "twoness" in God, which means one God family. The other common forms of monotheism are "unitarianism", a belief in one God with one person, and "trinitarianism", a belief in one God with three persons.

OTHER QUESTIONABLE CHURCHES

What is the Church of God (Cleveland, TN), and what do they believe?

 

The Church of God (COG) was founded in 1886 in Tennessee by Richard Spurling, a former Missionary Baptist minister who desired to restore the New Testament church to its roots, free Christians from tradition and man-made creeds, and promote Christian unity. He formed a Christian Union, which was later called the Holiness Church; the movement grew, and the official name, the Church of God, was adopted in 1907. Later, the specification “Cleveland, Tennessee,” was added to distinguish the group from other groups that also use the “Church of God” label—there are a multitude of organizations, some heretical, that call themselves the Church of God, and careful distinctions are necessary. The Church of God has always been a part of the Pentecostal and Holiness movements, and Spurling himself was involved in the Latter Rain movement. The Church of God claims some 7 million members worldwide, with about 1 million in the United States and Canada.

Members of the Church of God (Cleveland, TN) tend to be moral, law-abiding citizens who are engaged in society and the culture enough to try to have a positive influence. They are politically active, especially in regard to conservative social policies. They have several unique practices, such as foot-washing as an ordinance.

The Church of God holds to orthodox Christian doctrines concerning the Bible as God’s infallible Word (Psalm 119:89), the Trinity (Matthew 28:19), original sin (Romans 3:9–20), the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ as God’s plan for salvation (Mark 8:31–33; John 2:19), and personal salvation by faith in Christ alone (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). The Church of God stresses the need to live in moral purity, preaching against sex outside marriage, homosexuality, and other forms of sexual immorality; Church of God members are expected to abstain from alcohol, tobacco, and recreational drugs; they avoid foul language and ungodly amusements such as are common in modern movies and TV shows. The Church of God also encourages moderation in makeup, jewelry, perfume, and elaborate hairstyles.

A questionable point of doctrine in Church of God doctrine is the Wesleyan teaching of total sanctification or sinless perfection in this world, which, according to the Church of God and others in the Holiness Movement, is not just the goal but a mandate for all believers. Like all Holiness churches, the Church of God teaches sanctification for believers. There are varied views of sanctification within the Holiness movement: 1) sanctification is an instantaneous work of grace resulting in the eradication of the sin nature; 2) sanctification is the result of a “second blessing” leading to the “Higher Life,” in which a believer lives above the power of sin; or 3) sanctification is simply a lifelong process every believer undergoes following conversion, with or without the “second blessing.” Whether a Christian can ever attain a state of sinlessness in this life is debated within Holiness circles, although all Wesleyans agree there will always be room for an increase in love for God and for neighbor. Any claim that the sin nature is eradicated or that we can be totally free of sin in this life is contrary to the reality of the human condition presented in both Old and New Testaments (Psalm 19:12; Proverbs 20:9; Luke 11:4; John 1:8–9).

The Church of God ordains women as ministers, a practice not uncommon in other Pentecostal churches. The Church of God teaches the full restoration of the gifts to the church. Unlike some Charismatic denominations, the Church of God doesn’t claim any leaders as apostles or prophets. However, members do prophesy, and miraculous signs are sought, based on the statement in Mark 16:17 that “signs shall follow them that believe” (KJV).

The Church of God also teaches that Christ’s atonement provides for physical healing for everyone, and that God has restored the gift of healing to the church. While it’s true that God can heal any disease, the Bible does not teach that physical healing is always God’s will. The apostle Paul, a tower of unwavering faith, experienced serious illness (Galatians 4:13–14). So did his fellow worker Epaphroditus, who nearly worked himself to death serving the church (Philippians 2:25–30). Paul’s spiritual son Timothy was often sick. Paul didn’t tell him, “Just increase your faith, and you’ll be healthy whenever you want.” Rather, he advised Timothy to drink some wine, not just water, for his stomach’s sake (1 Timothy 5:23).

The Church of God (Cleveland, Tennessee), while having an accurate view of salvation by grace through faith, adds some teachings that are problematic. These teachings do NOT make the COG a cult; however, they ARE a church that cannot be endorsed as a definitive Christian church.

Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Source: www.gotquestions.org

OTHER QUESTIONABLE RELIGIONS

WHAT IS ISLAM? Part 2

What Do Muslims Believe?

NOTE: You may see some repetition in this post, but to solidify your ability to remember certain facts more completely I felt it necessary.

 

The six key teachings in the doctrine of Islam include:

 

1. Belief in one Allah: Muslims believe Allah is one, eternal, creator, and sovereign.

 

2. Belief in the angels: Both good and bad angels exist.

 

3. Belief in the prophets: The prophets include the biblical prophets but end with Muhammad as Allah's final prophet (Jesus is considered one of many prophets.).

 

4. Belief in the revelations of Allah: Muslims accept certain portions of the Bible, such as the Torah and the Gospels. They believe the Qur'an to be the preexistent, perfect word of Allah. 

 

5. Belief in the last day of judgment and the afterlife: Everyone will be resurrected for judgment into either paradise or hell.

 

6. Belief in predestination: Muslims believe Allah has decreed everything that will happen. Muslims testify to Allah's sovereignty with their frequent phrase, inshallah, meaning "if God wills."

 

In comparison with the Bible's teachings, Islam shares some similarities but also major differences. Among the major differences, four can be easily demonstrated:

 

View of God: Muslims believe in one God named Allah and reject the concept of the Trinity that includes God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and God as the Holy Spirit.

 

Holy Books: Muslims accept the Qur'an and the Hadith (commentaries on the Qur'an) as inspired. They teach that the Bible is a good book that has been corrupted. This stands in stark contrast with the Christian belief of the Bible as the inspired Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21).

 

Jesus Christ: Jesus is considered a prophet in the Qur'an, but not God's Son or divine. Many Muslims also believe Jesus did not die on the cross (Some suggest Judas died in His place on the cross.). In Islam Jesus was one of many prophets, but is not considered the way, the truth, and the life (as in John 14:6) and is not considered the Messiah.

 

Salvation and the Afterlife: In Islam, salvation is based on good works, primarily obedience to the five pillars, along with the Qur'an's other teaching. Through obedience, a Muslim can earn eternity in paradise with Allah. This is much different than salvation as presented in the Bible that is based on God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone apart from human works (Ephesians 2:8-9). Further, the Bible teaches the only way to spend eternity with God is through Jesus, not through other gods.

 

Because of these essential differences and contradictions, Islam and Christianity cannot both be true. Each religion holds vast differences on major areas of belief. As a result, Muslims are compelled to evaluate the claims of Jesus as presented in the Bible while Christians are urged and commanded to share Jesus with Muslims whenever possible (Matthew 28:18-20). Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Source: www.compellingtruth.org; The Kingdom of the Cults by Dr. Walter Martin.

 

NOTE: Because “experts” from various theological fields fail to declare Islam a cultic religion, I will not be the first to do so, although I don’t quite understand how they cannot be considered cultic in their beliefs since they obviously contradict what Christians believe. I step away from this topic with questions. I will seek to find answers thru continued research and report my findings at some later date. rlk

OTHER QUESTIONABLE RELIGIONS

WHAT IS ISLAM? Part 1

What do Muslims believe? 

 

Islam is considered one of the three Abrahamic faiths (along with Judaism and Christianity), is the world's second-largest religion, and was founded in the seventh century by Muhammad. More than one billion people around the world are considered Muslim.

Islam's origin is told as follows: Muhammad claimed the angel Gabriel visited him some 500 years after Christ. During these angelic visitations, which continued for about 23 years until Muhammad's death, this angel purportedly revealed to Muhammad the words of Allah (the Arabic word for "God" used by Muslims). These dictated revelations were collected in the Muslim holy book, called the Qur'an, that consists of 114 suras (or surahs, meaning chapters). 

While there are many subgroups within Islam, the three major groups include Shia (or Shiite), Sunni, and Sufi Muslims. Each practices Islam somewhat differently, yet all hold to the five pillars of Islam, the Qur'an as its holy book, and six key doctrines of Islam.

 

These five pillars include:

 

1. The testimony of faith (shahada): "la ilaha illa allah. Muhammad rasul Allah." This means, "There is no deity but Allah. Muhammad is the messenger of Allah." A person can convert to Islam by stating this creed. The shahada shows that a Muslim believes in Allah alone as deity and believes that Muhammad reveals Allah.

 

2. Prayer (salat): Five ritual prayers must be performed every day. 

 

3. Giving (zakat): This almsgiving is a certain percentage given once a year (2.5 percent of one's income).

 

4. Fasting (sawm): Muslims fast during Ramadan in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. They must not eat or drink from dawn until sunset.

 

5. Pilgrimage (hajj): If physically and financially possible, a Muslim must make the pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia at least once. The hajj is performed in the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar.

 

Here are some additional facts about Islam:

 

 

1. Muhammad was Allah’s principle prophet, which essentially placed Jesus on the same level as Muhammad, rather than being God’s Son.

 

2. Islam doesn’t believe in original sin. To them, man is not pre-disposed toward sin, but DO commit sins.

 

3. Allah has NO son, making the Trinity a false teaching.

 

4. They viewed Jesus as a spiritual guide; a prophet like Muhammad.

 

5. The Holy Spirit, rather than being the 3^rd person of the Trinity, is in fact, the Angel Gabriel.

 

6. Salvation is by the will of Allah thru man’s obedience to his law.

 

7. To escape Allah’s judgment man must fulfill the works of the Five Pillars listed above.

 

8. The Holy Bible is considered by them to be corrupted and full of falsehoods. The Qur’an is the only perfect Word of Allah.

 

9. The Bible is a wise book, but the Qur’an is the final authority.

 

 

As stated in point 6 above, a Muslim's entrance into paradise is based on one's level of obedience to these five pillars. Still, Allah may reject them. Even Muhammad was not sure whether Allah would admit him to paradise (Surah 46:9; Hadith 5.266). While Islam is considered a world religion and not technically a ‘cult’ as defined in THE KINGDOM OF THE CULTS, the Quran directly contradicts the teachings of Jesus. They adhere to anti-biblical theology, which brings their status as a religion into question. 

Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Source: www.compellingtruth.org; The Kingdom of the Cults by Dr. Walter Martin.