Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

Mormonism

Wednesday, October 26th, 2011

A new controversy is brewing over the status of Mormonism in America. We have a major presidential candidate who is a Mormon. A famous preacher came out recently claiming that Mormonism is a legitimate branch of Christianity. This, of course, is a surprise to many Christians.

In my lifetime, Mormonism has always been considered a false cult. Usually the definition of a “cult” is a religion which claims to be “Christian” but which violates Scripture in its view of the Deity of Christ and its view of salvation by faith in Christ and through His grace alone.

So, is Mormonism still a cult? Here are several key doctrines of Mormonism, which will certainly qualify it as a false cult.

a. The Mormon Church adds the Book of Mormon and other Scriptures to the Word of God — which is forbidden by Revelation 22:18-19.

b. Mormonism founder Joseph Smith was guilty of at least 11 false prophecies — a violation of Deuteronomy 18:21-22.

c. Mormonism claims the 2nd Coming of Christ has already occurred — a violation of II Thessalonians 2:1-4.

d. They teach that Christ is a created being — a violation of Hebrews 1:8 and Colossians 1:15-19.

e. Their teaching that the New Birth occurs through baptism into the Mormon church — violates John 3:5-7.

f. They teach that the Atonement is God’s provision for you to earn salvation by obedience — a violation of Ephesians 1:7, and 2:8-9.

g. They teach that Salvation is based on individual good works & personal merit — a violation of Titus 3:5.

There are many other Scriptures which refute these false teachings as well. Now these teachings are not what critics say about Mormonism — these are the actual teachings of the Mormon church itself. It is not popular in this age of pluralism to correct the teaching of another group, but Mormonism certainly comes up short in trying to be defined as a legitimate branch of Christianity.

Iranian Pastor

Wednesday, October 5th, 2011

All Christians should be praying for the Iranian pastor, Yousef Nadarkhani. Raised in the Isalmic country, he converted to faith in Christ as a teenager. Today he is a very effective pastor — bringing a number of people from Islam to faith in Christ.

Consequently, in this Islamic state — due simply to his faith in Christ – Iran’s Supreme Court has sentenced him to death. The court is demanding that he renounce his faith in Christ and turn back to Islam. World rights groups are shocked that a person can be sentenced to death simply by criminalizing one’s choice of religion. The court says it will suspend the sentence, if Nadarkhani will renounce his Christian faith. He says he certainly will not renounce his faith in Christ and turn to Isalm.

We need to pray for him. In addition. there are websites where you can send a letter of concern to the Iranian government — as I have done.

Yousef Nadarkhani is a modern Apostle Paul. What a wonderful example of faithfulness to our Lord!

Others

Friday, September 30th, 2011

One of the themes of Scripture is that each of us should put others first. James tells us that if we will humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord, He will lift us up. Peter says the same thing. And Paul reminds the Philippians, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.” Wow! What a challenge! How many of us truly live that way.

Others, Lord, yes others;
May this my motto be;
Help me to live for others,
That I may live for Thee.

Years ago, late in his life, the founder of the Salvation Army, William Booth, was unable to attend their annual convention for the first time in his life. So, he sent a short message which was read to the entire convention. His message said, simply, “Others.”

Focus on Missions

Tuesday, September 27th, 2011

We have just completed our statewide home missions emphasis with our Maguire State Missions offering here at Delaney Street Baptist Church. In October we will have a foreign missions emphasis, as we have the opportunity to have two outstanding international speakers.

Sunday evening, October 9, at 6:00 we will hear Saul Paul Kes, an IMB missionary from Thailand. A former devout Buddhist, Brother Kes’ testimony is fascinating!

The weekend of October 22-23, our speaker will be Dr. Abraham Thomas, a college president and missionary statesman from south India. Dr. Thomas will speak at our men’s breakfast on Saturday, October 22, at 8:00, then in both our morning and evening Sunday services on October 23. International evangelist Larry McFadden told me that Dr. Thomas is the outstanding national Christian leader he has worked with anywhere in the world. Having worked with Abraham Thomas extensively myself, I would concur!

So, we look forward to a great missions emphasis for the month of October!

September 11, 2011

Wednesday, September 7th, 2011

This Sunday we will observe the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on America on September 11, 2001. If you are 20 years old or older, you remember where you were when you heard the news. It was a day that lives in infamy, similar to December 7, 1941, the day the Japanese Navy bombed Pearl Harbor.

Such a day also brings back the memories of how God worked. God was at Ground Zero working through people who cared about others — giving care, witnessing to His love and mercy, risking lives for others, etc.

This Sunday morning at our church we will honor our “first responders.” My message from the Bible will be based upon Psalm 23. I hope you can join us!