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	<title>What is a Christian?</title>
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	<description>Grafted by God--God&#039;s Plan for Our Salvation</description>
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		<title>What is a Christian-Spirit of Anti-Christ</title>
		<link>http://www.graftedbygod.com/what-is-a-christian-spirit-of-anti-christ/</link>
		<comments>http://www.graftedbygod.com/what-is-a-christian-spirit-of-anti-christ/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 06 May 2012 22:38:40 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Brad</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[What is a Christian?]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[anti-christ]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[antichrist]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[believe and be saved]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gods redemption]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[redemption and salvation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[spirit of anti-christ]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[spirit of the antichrist]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[What is a Christian]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.graftedbygod.com/?p=197</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p><p><a href="http://www.graftedbygod.com/what-is-a-christian-spirit-of-anti-christ/">What is a Christian-Spirit of Anti-Christ</a></p><p>Spirit of Anti-Christ&#8211;As I look at around the world and see all the religious beliefs and practices, I thank God that he has provided his truth through his word, the Bible.  Christianity is different than all other religions.  What is a Christian? Christianity puts faith in what Jesus did on the cross for our redemption, &#8230; </p><p><a class="more-link block-button" href="http://www.graftedbygod.com/what-is-a-christian-spirit-of-anti-christ/">Continue reading &#187;</a></p></p><p>Find out more about God's plan here:  <a href="http://www.graftedbygod.com">What is a Christian? - Grafted by God--God&#039;s Plan for Our Salvation</a></p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.graftedbygod.com/what-is-a-christian-spirit-of-anti-christ/">What is a Christian-Spirit of Anti-Christ</a></p><p style="text-align: left;">Spirit of Anti-Christ&#8211;As I look at around the world and see all the religious beliefs and practices, I thank God that he has provided his truth through his word, the Bible.  Christianity is different than all other religions.  <a title="What is a Christian?" href="http://www.graftedbygod.com/"><strong>What is a Christian?</strong></a> Christianity puts faith in what Jesus did on the cross for our redemption, while almost all other religions, teach that we can earn our salvation through certain actions or lifestyles.  Christianity says we can&#8217;t earn our salvation because we can never be good enough.  Our redemption and salvation come as a free gift from the only one good enough to earn it&#8212;Jesus Christ!  Our belief in him as the Son of God, and that he died on the cross taking the punishment for our sins is where our salvation comes from.  If you want to know you will spend eternity in with the one true God then trust in Jesus today.  The Bible makes it clear that he is the only way to salvation.  Don&#8217;t trust in yourself.  Trust in the God who made you and all things that are created.  He is the one with the power to save.  God&#8217;s word says that we will face him in judgement and be condemned, or we will believe and be saved.  It&#8217;s that simple!</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Brad Weese  <a href="mailto:info@graftedbygod.com">info@graftedbygod.com</a>    This article by Jack is one of my favorites for the week:</p>
<h1 style="text-align: center;"><strong>The Spirit of Anti-Christ </strong></h1>
<p><strong></strong>– Jack Kelley – <a href="http://www.gracethrufaith.com/">www.gracethrufaith.com</a></p>
<p>Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us. (1 John 2:18-19)</p>
<p>These days, any kind of teaching about the coming anti-Christ is very popular. But less than 60 years after the cross John was already writing about the spirit of anti-Christ being evidenced in the false teaching that would later come to be known as “gnosticism”. The fact that those false teachers had come from among believers gave them a certain credibility in the growing church, but in John’s view the error of their doctrine proved that they had never been true believers. “For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us” (1 John 2:19)</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2 style="text-align: center;"><strong>What’s New?</strong></h2>
<p>We’ll explore the power of that observation in a minute. But first let’s review the basics of gnosticism as it was being presented in John’s time. In essence gnosticism held that all spirit was good and all flesh was evil. They further believed that good and evil cannot exist together, so neither can spirit and flesh. Therefore God, being Spirit, could not dwell in Jesus, with His body of flesh. Jesus, being a man and therefore evil, couldn’t have been sinless, so He couldn’t have qualified to be our redeemer. Because of this, they claimed, the path to salvation was not through His death on the cross, but through the progressive attainment of secret spiritual knowledge (Greek: gnosis). This same idea permeates Freemasonry, Scientology and the New Age religions, demonstrating that gnosticism in various forms is still around today.</p>
<p>Now back to John’s amazing declaration. “For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us.” If these proponents of gnosticism had truly received the Gospel in their hearts, they wouldn’t have begun propagating false doctrine. Their belief in the truth would have prevented this. The fact that they were teaching lies proves that they had never believed the truth.</p>
<p>Think about that. The fact that they were teaching lies proves that they never believed the truth. Ever hear a speaker who sounded so good and was so persuasive, but put forth a view that you knew to be at odds with Scripture? I’m not talking about ancillary things like how old we’ll be in Heaven, or what the Millennium will be like on Earth, but basic components of the Gospel.</p>
<p>Let’s take the Doctrine of Grace for example. “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith – and this not from yourselves it is the gift of God – not by works so that no one can boast” (Ephe. 2:8-9).</p>
<p>According to the way I read 1 John 2:18-19, any teacher who denies that salvation is by grace alone is teaching a lie. If he says we have to do more than believe and receive in order to qualify for eternal life it means the truth is not in him. Remember, grace plus work is no longer grace.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2 style="text-align: center;"><strong>Can You Believe That?</strong></h2>
<p>And what about those who believe the false teaching? “But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth” (1 John 2:20). Here John explained that just as those who have the truth in their hearts would be constrained from teaching lies, so also we who believe the truth will be constrained from believing those lies. Those who claim to be Christian but then join a religion that rejects the truth in favor of lies, demonstrate that they never really believed the truth in the first place.</p>
<p>“The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.” (2 Thes. 2:9-10)</p>
<p>The implication here is that those who are perishing knew the truth but refused to believe it. Their unbelief was willful and intentional. Many scholars believe these people will not get a second chance to believe the truth after the rapture but will be deceived by the false teaching of the anti-Christ and will perish.</p>
<p>“For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers who say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths (mythology).” (2 Tim. 4:3-4) Again, the notion here is of willful and intentional rejection of the truth in favor of more palatable lies. I’m convinced John was of the opinion that the people Paul was writing about here didn’t just stray away, they never believed in the first place.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2 style="text-align: center;"><strong>A Tale Of Two Gates</strong></h2>
<p>In Matt. 7:13-14 Jesus said, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”</p>
<p>Some religions promote a way of salvation based on works. Others try to combine grace and works. They may claim to be Christian or they may claim a different God. But they are all on the broad road heading for the wide gate. The small gate is labeled “grace” and the narrow road is called faith alone.</p>
<p>This is what led Jesus to issue the warning that not everyone who calls Him “Lord” will enter the Kingdom. Even if they drive out demons and perform miracles in His name, He will deny ever knowing them (Matt. 7:21-23). They’re on the broad road.</p>
<p>He said only those who do the will of the Father in Heaven will enter the Kingdom. And what is the will of the Father? Listen to the Lord’s own words.</p>
<p>“All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:37-40</p>
<p>Our Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life. It’s the shepherd’s job to keep the sheep, and it can never be said that the Good Shepherd saved us but then couldn’t keep us. If we present ourselves to the Father as sinners in need of a Savior, and ask that the death of His Son be considered as payment in full for our sins, the Father will place us under the protective care of His Son and no power in Heaven or on Earth can ever can ever steal us away. If we happen to wander off for some reason, He will track us down and bring us back because it’s the Father’s will that the Son should lose none of us.</p>
<p>As I understand 1 John 2:18-19 then, believing that trusting in Jesus alone can’t save us is evidence of the spirit of anti-Christ. If someone thinks they have to do even part of the work, or that even though He did save them He could subsequently lose them, that’s the spirit of anti-Christ. Those who believe these things may have come from among us, but they never really belonged to us.</p>
<p><a class="a2a_dd a2a_target addtoany_share_save" href="http://www.addtoany.com/share_save#url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.graftedbygod.com%2Fwhat-is-a-christian-spirit-of-anti-christ%2F&amp;title=What%20is%20a%20Christian-Spirit%20of%20Anti-Christ" id="wpa2a_2"><img src="http://www.graftedbygod.com/wp-content/plugins/add-to-any/share_save_171_16.png" width="171" height="16" alt="Share"/></a></p><p>Find out more about God's plan here:  <a href="http://www.graftedbygod.com">What is a Christian? - Grafted by God--God&#039;s Plan for Our Salvation</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>John 3:16 &#8220;The Son of God&#8221;</title>
		<link>http://www.graftedbygod.com/john-316-the-son-of-god/</link>
		<comments>http://www.graftedbygod.com/john-316-the-son-of-god/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 03 May 2012 06:05:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Brad</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Who is Jesus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gift of god]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[how to be a christian]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[john 3:16]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[the son of god]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[what happens when you die]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.graftedbygod.com/?p=192</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p><p><a href="http://www.graftedbygod.com/john-316-the-son-of-god/">John 3:16 &#8220;The Son of God&#8221;</a></p><p>John 3:16 &#8220;The Son of God&#8221; What happens when you die?  What is the bible and Jesus all about?  Why is there so much pain and suffering in the world?  God has answered these questions and many more in His Word the Holy Bible.  Here&#8217;s a small sample of what God says. The Bad Romans &#8230; </p><p><a class="more-link block-button" href="http://www.graftedbygod.com/john-316-the-son-of-god/">Continue reading &#187;</a></p></p><p>Find out more about God's plan here:  <a href="http://www.graftedbygod.com">What is a Christian? - Grafted by God--God&#039;s Plan for Our Salvation</a></p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.graftedbygod.com/john-316-the-son-of-god/">John 3:16 &#8220;The Son of God&#8221;</a></p><h1 style="text-align: center;">John 3:16 &#8220;The Son of God&#8221;</h1>
<p>What happens when you die?  What is the bible and Jesus all about?  Why is there so much pain and suffering in the world?  God has answered these questions and many more in His Word the <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Holy Bible</span>.  Here&#8217;s a small sample of what God says.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">The Bad</h3>
<p>Romans 3:23 &#8220;for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.&#8221;  John 3:3 Jesus answered him, &#8220;Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is &#8220;born again&#8221; he cannot see the kingdom of God.&#8221;  John 14:6 &#8220;&#8230;.No one comes to the Father except through me.&#8221;  Matthew 13:40-42 &#8220;Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the close of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, and throw them into the fiery furnace.  In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.&#8221;</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">The Good</h3>
<p>John 3:16 &#8220;For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.&#8221;  John 3:17 &#8220;For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.&#8221;  John 3:18 &#8220;Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the of the only Son of God.&#8221;  Romans 5:1 &#8220;Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.&#8221;  Romans 5:8 &#8220;but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.  John 14:3 &#8220;And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.&#8221;</p>
<p>All scripture in this post is from the English Standard Version of the <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Holy Bible</span>.</p>
<p>Satan sinned against God and God created a place we call Hell where Satan will eventually be judged and condemned to for eternity.  When mankind followed Satan in disobedience to God, mankind earned the same destination.  God&#8217;s love for us was so deep that he provided a way for us to be set free from the debt we owe.  By sending his one and only Son to become a man, live a sinless life (which we cannot do) and then die on the cross taking the punishment we deserve, we can be forgiven.  God makes it clear that we can be forgiven completely by believing in his Son.  Read the Gospel of John in the New Testament of the Bible and see the wonderful thing God has done so you can escape the judgement to come.  Then put your faith in Jesus and accept the free gift!</p>
<p>by Brad Weese  email me at <a href="mailto:info@graftedbygod.com">info@graftedbygod.com</a></p>
<p><a class="a2a_dd a2a_target addtoany_share_save" href="http://www.addtoany.com/share_save#url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.graftedbygod.com%2Fjohn-316-the-son-of-god%2F&amp;title=John%203%3A16%20%E2%80%9CThe%20Son%20of%20God%E2%80%9D" id="wpa2a_4"><img src="http://www.graftedbygod.com/wp-content/plugins/add-to-any/share_save_171_16.png" width="171" height="16" alt="Share"/></a></p><p>Find out more about God's plan here:  <a href="http://www.graftedbygod.com">What is a Christian? - Grafted by God--God&#039;s Plan for Our Salvation</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>What is a Christian?  Why Christianity Matters!</title>
		<link>http://www.graftedbygod.com/what-is-a-christian-why-christianity-matters/</link>
		<comments>http://www.graftedbygod.com/what-is-a-christian-why-christianity-matters/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 22 Apr 2012 04:09:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Brad</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[What is a Christian?]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[a christian is]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[christian]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[christians]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[grafted by god]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[how to be saved]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jesus christ]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[what are christians]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[what do christians believe]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[What is a Christian]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.graftedbygod.com/?p=187</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p><p><a href="http://www.graftedbygod.com/what-is-a-christian-why-christianity-matters/">What is a Christian?  Why Christianity Matters!</a></p><p>What is a Christian? Is a Christian simply someone who believes there is a God? What is a Christian? Is a Christian simply someone who was born in a Christian Nation? Is a Christian simply someone who believes their good works will get them to heaven? Is a Christian simply someone who believes some of &#8230; </p><p><a class="more-link block-button" href="http://www.graftedbygod.com/what-is-a-christian-why-christianity-matters/">Continue reading &#187;</a></p></p><p>Find out more about God's plan here:  <a href="http://www.graftedbygod.com">What is a Christian? - Grafted by God--God&#039;s Plan for Our Salvation</a></p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.graftedbygod.com/what-is-a-christian-why-christianity-matters/">What is a Christian?  Why Christianity Matters!</a></p><h1 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.graftedbygod.com/what-is-a-christian-the-problem/"><img class="size-medium wp-image-14 aligncenter" title="Jesus on a cross jpeg" src="http://www.graftedbygod.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/clouds-cross-jesus-300x61.jpg" alt="What is a Christian? This picture of a cross helps point to the answer.." width="300" height="61" /></a>What is a Christian?</h1>
<p>Is a Christian simply someone who believes there is a God? What is a Christian? Is a Christian simply someone who was born in a Christian Nation? Is a Christian simply someone who believes their good works will get them to heaven? Is a Christian simply someone who believes some of the stuff in the bible? Is a Christian simply someone who lives a better life than most of the people around them? The answer to these questions is an emphatic, absolute NO.<br />
The answer believe it or not is quite simple. A Christian is someone who believes that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that he came and died on the cross to take the penalty for their sins. John 3:16 (NIV) says: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:17 (NIV) goes on to say: “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:18 (NIV) adds even more: “Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.”<br />
<a title="What is a Christian?" href="http://www.graftedbygod.com/what-is-a-christian-the-problem/">What is a Christian?</a> You see just believing there is a God or trying to be “good” is not enough. Jesus made this perfectly clear when he said in John 14:6 (NIV): “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” According to Jesus he is the only way to the Father. While the world tries to make up their own way to heaven, Jesus says it won’t work. We are told by this world that there are many ways to Heaven, but we are told by Jesus that he is the only way. God’s word, the Bible, tells us that multitudes of people will end up in Hell for believing the lies of the world.<br />
God gave us the Ten Commandments to show us that we fall short and can’t live the perfect life that he requires. What is a Christian? None of us can keep the Ten Commandments. Ever since the fall of man in the Garden of Eden we have had a fallen and corrupted nature that is very often contrary to God’s nature. Jesus said if we look at a woman with thoughts of lust then we’ve committed adultery in our heart. He said if we are angry with a brother then we’ve committed murder in our heart. We just can’t live up to God’s standards. That is why Jesus came. He lived a perfect life. He owed no debt. He gave his life in our place paying our debt in full if we will only believe in Him.<br />
We all fall short. We’ve all made terrible choices. We’ve all sinned against God. We’re all lost and headed for hell in our natural state. Our only hope is in the Lord Jesus Christ who loved us enough to die for us. He offers us abundant life with him for eternity and freedom from the debt we owe. What is a Christian? A Christian is the person who believes in Jesus and follows him. You can be a Christian today. It’s that simple!<a href="http://www.graftedbygod.com/what-is-a-christian-the-problem/"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-120" title="jesus.jpg" src="http://www.graftedbygod.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/iStock_000007117793XSmall-crop.jpg" alt="What is a Christian? Jesus is the answer. Jesus Picture" width="163" height="197" /></a><br />
By Brad Weese email me: <a href="mailto:info@graftedbygod.com">info@graftedbygod.com</a></p>
<p><a class="a2a_dd a2a_target addtoany_share_save" href="http://www.addtoany.com/share_save#url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.graftedbygod.com%2Fwhat-is-a-christian-why-christianity-matters%2F&amp;title=What%20is%20a%20Christian%3F%20%20Why%20Christianity%20Matters%21" id="wpa2a_6"><img src="http://www.graftedbygod.com/wp-content/plugins/add-to-any/share_save_171_16.png" width="171" height="16" alt="Share"/></a></p><p>Find out more about God's plan here:  <a href="http://www.graftedbygod.com">What is a Christian? - Grafted by God--God&#039;s Plan for Our Salvation</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Apostasy in the End Times</title>
		<link>http://www.graftedbygod.com/apostasy-in-the-end-times/</link>
		<comments>http://www.graftedbygod.com/apostasy-in-the-end-times/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 21 Apr 2012 22:53:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Brad</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Apostasy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[apostasy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[apostasy in the church]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[apostasy in the end times]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gods truth]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[truth vs apostasy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[turning from the truth]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[What is a Christian]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[<p><p><a href="http://www.graftedbygod.com/apostasy-in-the-end-times/">Apostasy in the End Times</a></p><p>This weeks article by Ron Graham helps explore the apostasy we are seeing in the world today. God&#8217;s word tells us this turning away from the truth will get worse and worse as we approach the tribulation period and return of Christ. We must be on-guard as we strive to live for Christ in this &#8230; </p><p><a class="more-link block-button" href="http://www.graftedbygod.com/apostasy-in-the-end-times/">Continue reading &#187;</a></p></p><p>Find out more about God's plan here:  <a href="http://www.graftedbygod.com">What is a Christian? - Grafted by God--God&#039;s Plan for Our Salvation</a></p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.graftedbygod.com/apostasy-in-the-end-times/">Apostasy in the End Times</a></p><p>This weeks article by Ron Graham helps explore the apostasy we are seeing in the world today. God&#8217;s word tells us this turning away from the truth will get worse and worse as we approach the tribulation period and return of Christ. We must be on-guard as we strive to live for Christ in this fallen world. Enjoy the article!  Brad Weese</p>
<h1 style="text-align: center;">APOSTASY</h1>
<p>“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in there at: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” Matthew 7:13-14. The first three words of verse 13, “Enter ye in”, can also be rendered “there is only one way in”. Jesus makes the same declaration in John chapter 14 “…no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” John 14:6b. In both instances the words of our Lord Jesus are emphatic &#8211; resolute. The word “many” also carries a very significant meaning in the Greek. When Jesus speaks of “many” He’s speaking of multitudes, a massive number.</p>
<p>After Jesus gives the admonition that all would do well to enter in through the strait gate, He then explains what happens when the strait gate is by-passed; destruction/damnation is the only alternative. Then in the next verse it seems He changes the subject a bit “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep&#8217;s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” Matthew 7:15. Combining the intent from the previous two verses, Jesus is stating that teachers (false prophets) who seem to be learned in the Word will be accepted by a mass number of the populous as teaching biblical truth. Although their words will appear to be sound and correct, these deceivers will actually be ravening wolves (emissaries of Satan). Because of their convincing style, their ability to present themselves, and their message as truthful, they will lead many (multitudes) down a treacherous path which will only lead to apostasy.</p>
<p>Apostasy is a fact; it was prophesied as a future event. Sadly, apostasy is now in full swing. As Jesus speaks of the apostasy that will be widespread in the last days, He addresses the apostates themselves in the following verse “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? Mat 7:22. You might be asking yourself, “What’s the problem?” These zealots did everything correct, right? Did they not declare the name of Jesus in all their activities? In His name they prophesied, cast out demons, and did many other wonderful works. What can we say about these folks? They’re active, they’re persuasive, and they’re fully adept at convincing the masses of their spirituality simply by evoking the name of our Lord. So what’s the problem? Just this, He (Jesus Christ) is not their Lord. I’ll explain further in a moment. But know this, Satan too will perform miracles and wonders to behold, and the apostates will be in league with him.</p>
<p>The fact of the matter is our foundation must be built on Jesus Christ, holding the Word of God as our final criterion, the final source of authority for all matters of faith and practice. Apostasy begins as folks move away from sound doctrine and begin moving towards the teachings of false prophets. In the new wave of apostasy occurring today there is no sound doctrine. The false prophet’s instructions are all doctrines of demons. “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;” 1 Timothy 4:1. The word “some” can also be translated as “men”. Men will, in the latter times, depart from the truth, which is Christ Jesus, as they are presented with the doctrines of demons by seducing spirits. The above verse is not merely a suggestion of what might happen, but a firm declaration of what the majority of the earth’s populous will be consumed with in the last days.</p>
<p>“They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.” Titus 1:16. The false teachers/false prophets are quite adept in their teaching, and in their outside appearance they attempt to put on Christ. Although their deceptions rely heavily on the incessant use of the name “Jesus” it’s all just a façade as there’s no indwelling by the Holy Spirit. By their works they are laid bare.</p>
<p>In the Greek the word for falling away is “apostasia” or apostasy, and it actually means to refuse to accept a certain belief or faith. It refers to those who have forsaken or rejected the true faith by turning to false doctrines, doctrines of demons. Any teaching that denies the deity of Jesus Christ is a false satanic doctrine. The religions of Islam, Mormonism, Jehovah Witness, Scientology, as well as many more, all fall under the umbrella of doctrines of demons. Yet they are convinced that they have the true faith, the true doctrine, thus they promote falsehoods and lead many others down the same destructive path. The only possible way for someone to be led astray is to neglect the study of the truth – in the infallible Word of God. Everything we are taught by others must be filtered through the Word of God. The scriptures are our only link to truth and our shield protecting us from the deceptions of the doctrines of demons. One of the worst corrupting influences is our own feelings. Feelings can be deceptive, filter every feeling trough the Word of God.</p>
<p>“But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him… For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ”. 2 Corinthians 11:3-4 &amp; 13. Paul tells the Corinthian “ekklesia” (called out assembly) that he was fearful that through subtle means they may be led astray by false apostles, just as Eve was led astray by Satan. He goes on to explain that even Satan has the ability to transform himself as an angel of light. “And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” 2 Corinthians 11:14-15. We are deceived when we look at the outside appearance and accept that person as wise and without fault, while dismissing the fact that the heart of man is deceitful. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Jeremiah 17:9. Have you noticed that God always declares that their end will be according to their works? Since the apostasy of the true faith leads to a works based faith, all who fall into that category will be judged by their works. Herein lies a major problem, there will be no salvation attributed to any person’s works. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” Ephesians 2:8, 9.</p>
<p>It’s imperative that we take a look at the how and why false prophets and the transformed ministers of righteousness (demons) are so successful, as they will lead many people down that apostasy trail. “Tarry ye and wonder; take your pleasure and be blind: they are drunken, but not with wine; they stagger, but not with strong drink. For Jehovah hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes, the prophets; and your heads, the seers, hath he covered. And all vision is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one that is learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee; and he saith, I cannot, for it is sealed: and the book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee; and he saith, I am not learned. And the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw nigh unto me, and with their mouth and with their lips to honor me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment of men which hath been taught them; therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder; and the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid.” Isaiah 29:9-14.</p>
<p>These six verses of Isaiah contain the how and why many are so easily led astray. First of all, people take pleasure in being led, even to the extent that they are being led to the slaughter. They are caught up in the experiential instead of acquiring knowledge by the diligent study of God’s Word, and in their jubilation staggering around as though they are drunk on wine, but they are actually full of the delight that has tickled their ears. “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” 1 Timothy 4:3-4. These folks will receive only what they desire to hear, what will be pleasurable to them, and as they progress down this path more and more the truth will elude them.</p>
<p>As Isaiah continues, he explains what happens when the Word of God is supplanted and replaced by the doctrines of demons. A deep sleep comes over those who fall for this kind of teaching and their eyes and ears are closed to the truth. They can no longer understand the truth of God, it’s as though God’s Word has been sealed and they can’t open the seal. What happens then is they begin to seek the truth from those who are just as deluded as they are. They will turn to the educated (those who’ve been through seminary or some Christian college) for the truth, but in many cases today even those folks have been taught deceptions (Satan’s emissaries have moved into those arenas also) so that they, too, can no longer understand the Word of God. God says He will make His truth to be sealed even from the learned (educated). Thus they turn to interpretations that are contrary to God’s truth (doctrines of demons).</p>
<p>Isaiah goes on to explain that these people actually possess a form of spirituality, they draw close to God with their mouths and their words seem to honor Him, but their hearts are far from God. They have been taught the doctrines of demons and men, and the truth is not in them. God says that as they persist in this mode He will hide wisdom and knowledge from them. Apostasy will have them.</p>
<p>Amos tells us there will come a famine in the land (the whole earth), a famine of hearing the Word of God. “Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it.” Amos 8:11-12. People will seek to learn God’s truth, and in so doing they will settle on a counterfeit – lies, as the Word of God will have gone missing.</p>
<p>So how shall we know them, these teachers of deceit? “Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” Matthew 7:16-20. First of all the Holy Spirit will not be a part of their lives, thus their teachings will contradict the Word of God (producing no good fruit). Secondly the fruit of their labor is works based and this concept will fully corrupt the masses, the results of which will only bring destruction. Hell will be their destination.</p>
<p>If you know the Word of God these purveyors of lies/false doctrines will not be able to deceive you in any way, even though their persona may be impeccable. They will speak of Jesus as if they know Him but Jesus Himself says “And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity (wickedness).” Matthew 7:23. Even though in the previous verse of Matthew chapter 7 we understand that these folks were apparently successful in their casting out demons, prophetic predictions, and achieving a level of apparent wondrous signs, their doctrines were of demons. The Holy Spirit was not indwelling them as they had never truly believed in Messiah Jesus.</p>
<p>Those who are intent on fulfilling their own lusts will accept any lie as long as it makes them feel good. This is, then, the apostasy that the Bible speaks of as coming upon the inhabitants of earth in the last days. Don’t put your trust in man but in God and His Word. There is no substitute, and for the apostate there is little time to reverse course.<a href="http://www.graftedbygod.com/"><img class="alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-16" title="bluecross.jpg" src="http://www.graftedbygod.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Blue-Cross-6-150x150.png" alt="Apostacy of the Church-Blue Cross picture" width="150" height="150" /></a></p>
<p>God bless you all,</p>
<p>Ron Graham<br />
All scripture is “theopneustos” God breathed</p>
<p>Please continue to pray for my health. Your prayers and gifts are greatly appreciated. If God is leading you to send a gift of support, send it to Ron Graham – 96 County Road 5480 Salem, MO. 65560. Thank you my dear brethren, God bless</p>
<p>by Ron Graham &#8211; <a href="mailto:twotug@embarqmail.com">twotug@embarqmail.com</a></p>
<p>My past commentaries are archived at the following link<br />
<a href="http://www.raptureready.com/featured/graham/graham.html">http://www.raptureready.com/featured/graham/graham.html</a><br />
If you’d like to be on my email list to receive the commentaries just drop me a line and let me know</p>
<p><a class="a2a_dd a2a_target addtoany_share_save" href="http://www.addtoany.com/share_save#url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.graftedbygod.com%2Fapostasy-in-the-end-times%2F&amp;title=Apostasy%20in%20the%20End%20Times" id="wpa2a_8"><img src="http://www.graftedbygod.com/wp-content/plugins/add-to-any/share_save_171_16.png" width="171" height="16" alt="Share"/></a></p><p>Find out more about God's plan here:  <a href="http://www.graftedbygod.com">What is a Christian? - Grafted by God--God&#039;s Plan for Our Salvation</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>God Had a Plan</title>
		<link>http://www.graftedbygod.com/god-had-a-plan/</link>
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		<pubDate>Sun, 15 Apr 2012 21:26:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Brad</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Who is Jesus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[god had a plan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gods plan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gods plan of salvation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gods redemption]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[perfect love]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[plan of salvation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[redemption]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[salvation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[who is jesus]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[<p><p><a href="http://www.graftedbygod.com/god-had-a-plan/">God Had a Plan</a></p><p>Are You Weary?  Are You Broken? God is the source of the rest you desire.  The struggles of this world are a result of sin.  In the very beginning man turned away from God.  The bible is God’s word to us.  The bible tells our history including the past, present and future of our lives &#8230; </p><p><a class="more-link block-button" href="http://www.graftedbygod.com/god-had-a-plan/">Continue reading &#187;</a></p></p><p>Find out more about God's plan here:  <a href="http://www.graftedbygod.com">What is a Christian? - Grafted by God--God&#039;s Plan for Our Salvation</a></p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.graftedbygod.com/god-had-a-plan/">God Had a Plan</a></p><h1 align="center">Are You Weary?  Are You Broken?</h1>
<p>God is the source of the rest you desire.  The struggles of this world are a result of sin.  In the very beginning man turned away from God.  The bible is God’s word to us.  The bible tells our history including the past, present and future of our lives with or without God.  It is also the blueprint of God’s offer of forgiveness for all who will come back to him and seek his rest and reward.</p>
<p>God created mankind in his own image.  He gave us a perfect garden full of plants and animals of all kinds.  He gave us dominion over it.  He walked among us, visited and talked with us.  He enjoyed our company and took care of our needs.  He gave us free will.  He loved us, and yet, from the beginning he knew we would betray him.</p>
<p>Satan fed us a lie.  He twisted God’s words and seduced us with greed.  He desired the position of God and with a little seduction so did we.  God knew it was coming all along, and yet he still created us.  Why did he create a people who would betray him? Did he have even greater plans for us?  Were Gods plans unknown from the beginning?  Was God looking forward towards something in the future, something that would far outshine the difficult times of the short term?</p>
<p>He knew we would suffer for our sins.  He knew the relationship between him and his people would be broken.  He knew his creation would suffer from the curse to come.  He knew evil would prevail at least for a time.  He knew every single person would fall short and live an imperfect life.  Yet, he did not forsake it.  Even with the foreknowledge that he himself would suffer and die for our sins, he did not forsake it.</p>
<h1 style="text-align: center;">God Had a Plan</h1>
<p><strong>God had a plan</strong>, a much bigger plan.  He had a vision, a great vision.  He would prevail.  He would accept the pain.  He would accept the disgrace. He would humble himself.  He would send his one and only son. His Son would die, but he would prevail.  He was innocent.  He died for our sins, and he arose from the dead.  He set the stage to reclaim his creation.</p>
<p>He redeemed those who believed and those who are yet to believe.  He knows each one by name.  He is preparing a place in his father’s house for those he has redeemed.  Sin, sickness, pain, suffering and all the consequences of sin will be no more.  We who believe in and follow Jesus will experience happiness beyond our imagination with our true God forever.</p>
<p><strong>God had a plan</strong>, a much bigger plan.  He would judge in perfect justice.  He would love in perfect love.  He sacrificed himself for those who will simply come to him.  He warned also of a place of eternal suffering where Satan, the fallen angels and those people who reject the free gift of redemption will spend eternity.  He made the choice simple.  He made the choice permanent.  There are no second chances.  God wants to forgive you and adopt you into his own family.  What is your decision?<a href="http://www.graftedbygod.com/god-had-a-plan/"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-44" title="God Had a Plan-What is a Christian-Cross.png" src="http://www.graftedbygod.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/3-Cross-150x80.png" alt="What is a Christian? God Had a Plan-picture of crosses." width="150" height="80" /></a></p>
<p>May God give you the peace and hope that he has given me.</p>
<p>by Brad Weese       <a href="mailto:info@graftedbygod.com">info@graftedbygod.com</a></p>
<p><a class="a2a_dd a2a_target addtoany_share_save" href="http://www.addtoany.com/share_save#url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.graftedbygod.com%2Fgod-had-a-plan%2F&amp;title=God%20Had%20a%20Plan" id="wpa2a_10"><img src="http://www.graftedbygod.com/wp-content/plugins/add-to-any/share_save_171_16.png" width="171" height="16" alt="Share"/></a></p><p>Find out more about God's plan here:  <a href="http://www.graftedbygod.com">What is a Christian? - Grafted by God--God&#039;s Plan for Our Salvation</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
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