“Speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15)

My friends in Bible Presbyterian Church on earth,

Peace and grace from the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit.

I hope you read this letter with your hearts, wills, strengths, and minds.

Paul wrote, “But speaking the truth in love, we are to grow into him with reference to all things, who is the head, Christ, from whom the whole body, joined together and held together by every supporting ligament, according to the working by the measure of every single part, the growth of the body makes for the building up of itself in love” (Eph 4:15–16).^[1]

We are to speak the truth in love, not to speak any word without love. This is the main reason for the split and separation among us.

Of course, this should never involve a compromise in doctrine. This is just using good sense. Ephesians 4:15 says to speak “the TRUTH in LOVE.” One does not exclude the other. They should go hand in hand.^[2]

We must have truth and love. In this we are united, there will be no stumbling block between us.

This unity is not negotiated by men; it comes from doing the will of God. If we are in Christ, we are one with all others who are also in Him. This unity is not something man creates; God does. We are to maintain, guard, preserve it.

Such unity is broken when we teach or live contrary to what the Holy Spirit desires. Unity existed in the church described in Acts (see 4:32). It can today. As repentant believers are baptized into Christ, they have assured the presence of His Spirit within (Acts 2:38). The Spirit then works to build us into a dwelling where God can live (Ephesians 2:22).^[3]

But some of you spoke the truth without love, therefore we split and were at war with each other.

Paul admonished the Ephesians to speak the truth in love (Eph 4:15) in the context of each member of the body doing his part as the church grows and matures.^[4]

We need each other’s in Christ, we are one. We see the call to walk in humble majesty as the body of Christ building one another up in love as we stand in the one established and true faith.

The question now arises, what does Christ want from us?

Christ wants us to grow up “and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13). So that we don’t miss his point, Paul says the same thing again: “Then we will no longer be infants.” And again: “We will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ” (Ephesians 4:14, 15). We can’t escape the implications: To grow up is to become like Christ. To fail to grow toward Christ is to remain infantile.^[5]

We must move on in unity, there is no other way now.

At War with Each Other (James 4:1a, 11–12)

“What causes fights and quarrels among you?” (niv) Among Christians! “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity” (Ps. 133:1). Surely brethren should live together in love and harmony, yet often they do not. Lot caused a quarrel with his Uncle Abraham (Gen. 13). Absalom created a war for his father David (2 Sam. 13–18). Even the disciples created problems for the Lord when they argued over who was the greatest in the kingdom (Luke 9:46–48).

When you examine some of the early churches, you discover that they had their share of disagreements. The members of the Corinthian church were competing with each other in the public meetings, and even suing each other in court (1 Cor. 6:1–8; 14:23–40). The Galatian believers were “biting and devouring” one another (Gal. 5:15). Paul had to admonish the Ephesians to cultivate spiritual unity (Eph. 4:1–16), and even his beloved church at Philippi had problems: two women could not get along with each other (Phil. 4:1–3).^[6]

 

It is unfortunate that the saints are at war with each other, leader against leader, church against church, fellowship against fellowship. The world watches these religious wars and says, “Behold, how they hate one another!” No wonder Jesus prayed, “That they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us; that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me” (John 17:21).

But why are we at war with one another? We belong to the same family; we trust the same Saviour; we are indwelt by the same Holy Spirit—and yet we fight one another. Why?^[7]

 

I hope we pause and think about this, why?

 

I pray that this letter reaches you in time before the devils harm you further, he has deceived some of us to believe in false doctrine and false teaching, in this, I pray the Lord to open your eyes to see the greatness of our Lord on the Cross, there He shed His blood to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, please reconcile to one another, read the Bible daily, stay away from pride, be humble, seek justice, take care the poor and needy, look after the orphans and widows, stay away from the sin of self-centeredness. All men should be lifting up holy hands to pray to the Lord. Join the fellowship of the saints, in this, we meet the Lord.

One faith, one body.

 

---

^[1] John D. Barry and Rebecca Kruyswijk, Connect the Testaments: A One-Year Daily Devotional with Bible Reading Plan (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012).

^[2] A. R. Stanford, Handbook of Personal Evangelism (WORDsearch, 2007), 220.

^[3] Sam E. Stone, Sermon Outlines on Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, ed. Sam E. Stone, Standard Sermon Starters (Cincinnati, OH: Standard, 1995), 27.

^[4] Daniel L. Akin, 1, 2, 3 John, vol. 38, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2001), 221.

^[5] LeRoy Lawson, Galatians, Ephesians: Unlocking the Scriptures for You, Standard Bible Studies (Cincinnati, OH: Standard, 1987), 208.

niv New International Version

^[6] Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 366–367.

^[7] Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 367.

Lukewarn Bible Prebysterian Church

What kind of Christian Church is called a lukewarm Christian Church?

They are those who have the truth without love or those who have love without the truth.

In this case, this refers to lukewarm Churches like some Bible Presbyterian Churches on earth. They have the truth but without love.

For this, I am writing this letter to you,

In this repent!

You in this lukewarm church, like to be many masters. You are good at teaching Christian doctrine, Systematic Theology, Old Testament's truth, New Testament's truth, talking about Bible versions and translations, you are doctors of theology, you are the theologians, elders, deacons, leaders. You are on fire 24 hours x 7 days for theology. You said you are faithful to God, the true remnants of Abraham. True Israel. Spiritual men and women, servants of the Most High God, you said you are Christ's disciples, teacher of God's Word, 21st Century Reformers. You said you are 100% true to God, others cannot be compared with your faith, you see yourselves as the most faithful Christians on earth, 100% on fire for God, hot! Being useful in the kingdom of God. God pleasers, not a man-pleaser. Having freedom. 

Furthermore, you want your church to obey your teaching 100% totally. You threatened them with ex-communication, separation from Christian fellowship if they disobey your teaching. Many of them keep quiet, they have a sentimental feeling toward your church because they grew up there, they do not want to leave your church, you thought they are obeying you 100% totally, they are saddened by what happened in your luke-warm church.

You do not have love. You are cold blood serpents, wolves in sheep clothing. You are full of lust and pride. You still dare to say you have a 100% preserved Perfect Bible in your hands. What a shame. You are a lukewarm heretic! Teaching a false doctrine which splitting the church, that is why I called you a heretic, you fight over a doctrine, meaning you have a perfect Greek Bible underlying the KJV, proclaiming Verbal Plenary Preservation as a doctrine of our life and death, in this, you split churches, not many people go so as low as that, even to make a claim like that.

We believed in a 100% perfect, 100% inspired Word of God in the original text, manuscripts written by the Apostles. (We called those copies the autographs.)

We believe too in the copiest after those autographs, these are the Word of God, these copies are not far from the autographs, we are still seeking to find the 100% original readings. In this, we need the patient to love those who are reading KJV, NIV, ESV, CUV...That is why I am writing this letter to you. To call you to be patient with others, not to be too harsh with brethren in Christ. Accept them as your brothers and sisters in Christ, they too believe in the Triune God, everybody is right with God, not only you, because they believe in the Son of God, the Saviour of the World, the Lamb of God, who took the sins of the World, in Him we reconciled and have peace. Be content with what we have, either KJV, NIV, ESV, or CUV...

But when you are living in a delusion, saying that you have the truth, but you are living without brotherly love, you are to spit out by God! You are lukewarm.

When your hot "truth" is mixed with your cold blood in you, in this, you become a lukewarm Christian church.

In this repent quickly, before it is too late. I appeal to you. Reconcile to brethren in Bible Presbyterian Church. You need to commit to the Lord 100% totally. Give Jesus Christ your whole heart. Under Him, we are one flock.

Revelation 3:15-22

 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17 You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.

19 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. 20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.

21 To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

ONE OF THE MOST DIFFICULT JOBS IN THE WORLD

Being a PASTOR is ranked among the most difficult "professions" in the world.

This is because a PASTOR must be at the same time:

•preacher • example • advisor • formator • planner • minister • visionary • director • mentor • friend • nanny • reconciler • marriage counselor • youth director • leader trainer • Bible teacher • psychologist • intercessor, etc.

Besides being:

• church porter

• corporate administrator

• event organizer

• first to arrive and last to leave (sometimes)...

And yet, all pastors face constant criticism such as:

- "the Holy Communion doesn't fill me"

- "the sermon is too long"

- "just think about money"

- "endless fund raising"

in addition to many others ...

One of the most difficult things in a pastor’s life is knowing that the people for whom they give their life will betray them.

The PASTOR is usually the most lonely person in the community: you can even see a PASTOR is always surrounded by people, but rarely by people interested in their problems, needs or even in their life, let alone in the demands that the communities themselves place on them.

IF you have a PASTOR as friends, take care of them, protect them, pray for them, understand their vision, support them, but above all love them, don't forget the promise of Jesus Himself. "And I will give you shepherds after my heart, who will feed you with knowledge and intelligence" (Jer 3:15).

Therefore, take care of them because "they personally watch over your souls, since they will be accountable for them" (Heb 13,17).

Let us honour with our prayers the lives of all those men of God who have sacrificed so many things, including some of their own needs and that of their families to fulfill God's call.

Value the time a PASTOR dedicates to you.

Paul used strong language in the Bible

Galatians 5:12

As for those agitators, I wish they would go

the whole way and emasculate themselves!

 

in Galatians 5:12 should thus be translated as "they will have it cut off" (or: "they will have themselves emasculated/castrated", if one prefers to use these words in one's translation), and not as "they will cut it off/emasculate/castrate themselves."

 

Paul has been writing to the Galatian Christians, explaining that they need nothing other than faith in Christ in order to be saved (Galatians 3:23–29). False teachers claim one needs to follow rituals and sacraments to be made right with God (Galatians 2:4). Paul has written some harsh words in Galatians, especially to those who bring a lie (Galatians 1:6–9). At times his other letters deal with false teachers using strong terms.

 

This, however, may be Paul's most severe comment. He declares angrily that he wishes that those false teachers who are misleading the Galatians would go past circumcision and castrate themselves!

 

Though it may sound like Paul is just lashing out at his theological enemies, he is not out of control or speaking without thinking. Not all anger is sinful (Ephesians 4:26). Jesus expressed anger in a righteous way, and for righteous reasons (John 2:13–22; Mark 3:1–5). So, Paul is suggesting something much deeper than a callous physical act. Those who have been castrated can't produce new converts that are like them. In a spiritual sense, then, those who are "castrated" cannot pass along their lies to a future generation. Their false spiritual perspective would die out.

 

Perhaps Paul also has in mind the pagan cults of the day whose priests did exactly this, castrating themselves in the worship of their gods. Though circumcision under the law of Moses once carried great meaning in Israel, the arrival of Christ has made it meaningless. Now there was only faith in Christ or nothing at all. Circumcision had no more spiritual value in God's eyes after the arrival of Christ that full castration would have.

 

copied from https://www.bibleref.com/Galatians/5/Galatians-5-12.html

 

My observation: I wonder what Paul will say to these false teachers who are promoting faith in a Perfect Bible underlying the KJV, and promoting KJV only? 

 

Will he use harsh words to these false teachers? 

Emotional Paul in the Book of Acts

 

KJV (WS)

The New International Version

Acts 13:46

Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. Paul was waxed bold.

Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles.

Acts 14:14

Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out, Paul tore his cloth and ran.

But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, shouting:

Acts 15:2

When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question. Paul had sharp disputes and debates.

This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them. So Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question.

Acts 16:18

And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour. Paul being grieved.

She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!” At that moment the spirit left her.

Acts 16:25	And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. Paul was full of joy.	About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.
Acts 16:28	But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here. Paul was serious.	But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!”

Acts 17:16

Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry. Paul was greatly distressed, sad.

While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols.

Acts 18:9

Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: Paul was in fear.

One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent.

Acts 19:6	And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. Paul with the Spirit.	When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.
Acts 19:11	And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul:  Paul with the power of God.	God did extraordinary miracles through Paul,

Acts 19:30

And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not. Paul had a strong will.

Paul wanted to appear before the crowd, but the disciples would not let him.

Acts 20:1

And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia. Paul had comfort.

When the uproar had ended, Paul sent for the disciples and, after encouraging them, said goodbye and set out for Macedonia.

Acts 21:4

And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem. Paul had a strong will.

We sought out the disciples there and stayed with them seven days. Through the Spirit they urged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem.

Acts 21:13

Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. Paul determined to die.

Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”

Acts 23:1

And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day. Paul had an eagerness and good conscience.

Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and said, “My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day.”

Acts 23:6

But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question. Paul stood strong.

Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and the others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, “My brothers, I am a Pharisee, descended from Pharisees. I stand on trial because of the hope of the resurrection of the dead.”

Acts 23:11

And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome. Paul was saddened.

The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”

Acts 26:28	Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. Paul was persuasive.	Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?”
Acts 26:29	And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds. Paul had high hope in God.	Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”

Acts 28:25

And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers,  Paul had spoken.

They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: “The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your ancestors when he said through Isaiah the prophet:

Rebuke

 

Proverbs 27:5–6	5 Better is open rebuke than hidden love. 6 Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.
Mark 8:32–33	32 He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 33 But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”
Luke 17:3	So watch yourselves. “If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them.
1 Timothy 5:1	Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers,
1 Timothy 5:20	But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning.

 

 

Say hi to brethren in Christ.

 

Amazing grace

1 Amazing grace (how sweet the sound)

that saved a wretch like me!

I once was lost, but now am found,

was blind, but now I see.

 

2 'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,

and grace my fears relieved;

how precious did that grace appear

the hour I first believed!

 

3 Through many dangers, toils and snares

I have already come:

'tis grace has brought me safe thus far,

and grace will lead me home.

 

4 The Lord has promised good to me,

his word my hope secures;

he will my shield and portion be

as long as life endures.

A Church Falters-Further Division in Bible Presbyterian Church

A Church Falters-Further Division in Bible Presbyterian Church

The 48th General Synod held in 1984 saw a further sad parting of ways as Dr. Carl Mclntire led 16 other commissioners to walk out and hold separate synod meetings at another location. Although this group represented only a small percentage of the churches, Dr. Mcintire claimed this was the true synod, Efforts at reconciliation proved fruitless and the majority continued the work of the church until there were apologies and a reuniting in the synod of 2001, meeting in Tacoma, WA.

 

In 1983-1984, several Bible Presbyterian missionaries were faced with the dilemma of chOOSing to declare unreserved support for the lCCC or they would not be returned to their fields of service abroad under the IBPFM. The compromise within certain church bodies of the ICCC in various countries overseas was well documented (and later publically admitted) so a partition took place with the Raymond Carlsons (Africa), Judith Collins (Africa), and the Irwin Steeles (South America) resigning from The Independent Board. A number of board members either reSigned or were not reelected to their positions on the board.

 

In view of this development, the Presbyterian Missionary Union was formed in a meeting of Bible Presbyterian ministers, elders, and missionaries on January 15-16, 1985, in Media, PA. Dr. G. Thomas Proctor was elected president and Dr. Morris McDonald was asked to serve as the missions coordinator. A Missions Council of 20 was elected to serve. The ministry of PMU was seen as that of supporting the work of missions abroad and church planting at home.

 

Over the years, God blessed in assisting ministries overseas, sending forth missionaries, and assisting churches at home. Bibles and theological books were shipped to 15 countries overseas, valued at over $300,000. The Missions Banner became a monthly missions and church update newsletter.

 

The end of July 2002, Dr. Morris McDonald retired from his position as PMU's field representative and the Missions Council appointed Dr. Len Pine to fill that post. The headquarters was then moved from Palm Harbor, FL, to Grand Island, NY.

 

Over the past decade and a half, these agencies, among others, have gained approval by the synod: Fundamental Presbyterian Publications (Charlotte, NC), Cohen University and Theological Seminary (Los Angeles, CA), and Western Reformed Seminary (Tacoma, WA).

 

Western Reformed Seminary opened for classes in October 1983 in facilities in the Bible Presbyterian Church of Tacoma, WA. Dr. John Battle assumed the office of president.

 

A first for the Bible Presbyterian Church was the 2003 meeting of the General Synod in Canada. The Synod accepted an invitation from the Bible Presbyterian Church of Edmonton, Alberta, to host the 67th Synod meeting.

 

ABOVE ARTICLE CAN BE RETRIEVED FROM: https://bpc.org/?page_id=646

 

My observation: Bible Presbyterian Churches are militants, they like to have infighting, and they like to shoot their own comrades. WHAT A JOKE!

Do not eat pork, you may stumble the Jew!

I am challenging these false teachers and false theologians since they said they are faithful to God in everything. (In saying this, they are a stumbling block to our young people.)

I am hereby, challenging these false teachers and false theologians to stop eating pork, because eating pork may stumble the Jewish people. Why? Because the Jew is prohibited to eat pork in Old Testament. Eating pork may stumble the Jewish people from coming to believe in the New Testament. May stumble the Jews from believing in the Lord Jesus Christ. Eating pork may Stumble the Jew from believing in the Gospel.

I hope these false teachers and false theologians stop becoming a stumbling block to the world.