Yes, I believe that the churches have the power to change the world for God, or for Satan. Unfortunately, more and more preachers think that they can change the world to be a better world with no more law (with radical grace instead). But common sense tells us that a country, a community, a church, a charity organisation, or a world, which has no more law can never be possible. Even the churches which believe and preach radical grace or prosperity may still have more laws, rules, and internal governance than other churches. Only blind believers would listen to their preachers who tell them that their churches can believe and function better than other churches because they have no more law or believe in no more law. Please think, If your churches still need many laws, bookkeeping principles, or internal governance to keep track of your church's financial transactions, don't you think that it is more effective if those who do the finance in your churches, eg. your finance directors, accountants, account assistants, bookkeepers, or pastors, have God's laws in their hearts too. If the churches still need the laws, internal governance, non-profitable organisation law, or society law from the secular world, don't you think that they need the laws of God more?
Many of us think that the world or a society would become lawless only if there is no more law or no more order. But this is not necessary true. A country or a person can be lawless in God's eyes when he departed from God's laws. Adam and Eve did not do any lawless deeds (only their children and descendants started to become lawless). However, in God's eyes and in their own eyes, Adam and Eve knew that they have departed from the glory of God and become 'clothless' or lawless the moment they departed from God's command.
Yes, Jesus came to call the sinners to repentance. But, do we know that He came to call His believers to light or glory too? He would then call His disciples, His servants, or those who preach the gospel, to bring others to His light and glory too? What is His light?
- Joh 1:1-2 KJV In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (2) The same was in the beginning with God... (14) And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth... (3:19) And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. (20) For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. (21) But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
- Mat 5:14-19 KJV Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. (15) Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. (16) Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (17) Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. (18) For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. (19) Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
- Rom 3:23 KJV For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
- Mat 22:11-14 KJV And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: (12) And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. (13) Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (14) For many are called, but few are chosen.
God's glory is not just measured based on how much law we can do; but it is also based on how much God's law we have in our hearts
Now, please look around, Has the preachers of the churches today brought more light to the people, or more darkness instead? I am afraid, They brought darkness. It's because they brought freedom or lawlessness that will make them feel good when they depart from God's laws and commandments. They might think that they are helping people to experience victory in life, but they did not realise that they are helping them to wander further and further away from God's command, glory, and the light of Christ.
Many of us think that the world would become lawless only when there is no more law or no more order. But this is not necessary true. A country or a person can be lawless in God's eyes when he departed from God's laws. I have shown how Adam and Eve became lawless before the world became lawless and reaped the fruit of its consequence in its future generations.
Now, please look around again, Have we become better than Adam and Eve because we have more laws or better laws today. NO. We can still become as lawless as Adam and Eve even though we have more laws than the Pharisees. God would not measure or count our lawlessness based on the amount of laws or the lack of laws (that we we can do or we cannot do). He would look at our heart because our heart is the place where every good thing or evil thing will start before the fruit of it will finally appear. That's why God would still want to put His laws in our heart at the end of His plan or covenant. And when that happen (when the laws are put into our hearts and minds), our sins and lawlessness will not be there any more. It will not be remembered any more:
- Heb 10:16-18 KJV This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; (17) And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. (18) Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.
- Mat 7:15-23 KJV Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. (16) Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? (17) Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. (18) A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. (19) Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. (20) Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. (21) Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. (22) 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? (23) And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
- Luk 6:46-48 KJV And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? (47) Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: (48) He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood (false doctrine) arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. (Hence, Jesus said clearly that He would not just want us to have right believing, right faith, right miracles, right preaching, or right confession only; he wants us to have right doing with His words too, because right doing would prove that we are His true disciples on the rock of salvation.)
- Mat 12:33-37 KJV Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit. (34) O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. (35) A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. (36) But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. (37) For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
(I have just read something which is quite relevant for this reflection today - read the news here: kidnap of the school girls in Nigeria from The Washington Post. Maybe we should ask the question and find out if laws or God's laws is still relevant to our countries and churches?)
Jesus preached about Judgement and Judgement of God has not become obsolete yet
Some radical grace preachers said, "No, we have greater glory if we have grace instead of the laws. Contrary to what you said, God's glory is not measured based on the amount of laws in your hearts; it is based on the amount of grace in your hearts. If you have no grace, you have no glory. But, if we have more grace, we have more glory .. Hence, all the grace churches today will shine brighter and brighter than other churches who have less grace. Why? It's because they have laws, and laws mixed with grace will pollute or dilute grace and the gospel of God. Generally, we are the true churches. God will not judge His churches. Everyone who believe is saved and sound. We will shine brighter and brighter as the sons of God. We can never fall because of the grace of God .. haha.. rejoice.."
I will tell them, I know which scripture you will use to support what you said. But, did you read it properly?
- Mat 13:36-51 KJV Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field. (37) He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; (38) The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; (39) The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. (40) As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. (41) The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; (42) And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. (43) Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. (44) Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. (45) Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: (46) Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. (47) Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: (48) Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. (49) So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, (50) And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. (51) Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord.
Jesus was not talking about these parables to the non-believers but to His disciples. Hence, He would ask the preachers and the believers today, Have you understood all these things? too. Please think, If He would ask the believers to understand all these things, don't you think that He would ask you to understand and teach those who believe in Him too.
Ok, what are all these things in the parables above? Was it only about the churches who can never fall? No,we know that the main theme of all these parables points to one common important truth: ie. there is a final separation of peoples from the churches, from the seeds, from the field, from the net, and from the world. In another words, there will be a final judgement or separation of God's people from the world. However, before the separation or judgement, did Jesus say that we will shine as the sun? No, Jesus said that we will shine as the sun only after the separation or judgement. Hence, it is too quick to pass judgement when God has not judged yet. It is one thing if we think that we are the righteous, but it is another if we radically pronounce or judge everyone as the righteous, including the unrepentant and the wicked ones, when God has not judged yet. I think some preachers have overstepped the boundaries and tried to act like God, or think like God, without giving God the sovereignty to judge. They think that they are like 'Jesus' who can preach or pronounce everyone as saved. However, most of them have read the Bible with certain part of their scripture removed. I will ask them, Did you read the scripture or the part of the scripture that tells us that even Jesus would not preach or pronounce everyone as saved? I don't have time to go through the whole Bible. I believe the words of Jesus in the parables above (Mat 13:36-51) should be clear enough.
When they cannot deny these parables which were clearly written for us, they would argue, "Oh, the words of Jesus, His law-based teachings, and His commandments, were mainly for the Jews. After He was crucified, we would no longer need to follow any of His commandments. He has kept all the commandments for us. He has kept them so well that all our past, present, and future sins are totally forgiven even we do not keep any laws. Today, we do not listen to the written words or commandments, we hear only. We hear the words from the preachers. And we are God's preachers who can speak the words of encouragement, the words of grace, and the words of success to you. We preach the gospel that Paul preached and we would preach like him, until everyone misunderstood us; or else, we have not preached the true gospel. So, listen to us; not those who still keep many laws and commandments.."
I will tell them, Everything you said sound very biblical; but except one thing. What makes you think that the words of Jesus has become obsolete? Please read the parables of Jesus in those Bible verses again (Mat 13:36-51). Do you know that Jesus was talking about the end time? If the end time has not come to past yet, how can we say that His words have become obsolete? It is hard to believe that you can call yourselves a preacher of Jesus Christ when you make all His words of none effect with 'blind' theology!
We can never throw away the foundation or the doctrine of eternal judgement because it is still the foundation of our belief
No wonder, Paul would still want us to go to the basics and the basics can never be obsolete:
- Heb 6:1-3 KJV Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, (2) Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. (3) And this will we do, if God permit.
- Heb 5:12 KJV For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
- Heb 6:4-6 KJV For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, (5) And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, (6) If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
- Heb 10:26-30 KJV For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, (27) But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. (28) He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: (29) Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? (30) For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.(We must read it with Heb 10:16-17. After God has put His laws into our hearts, He would no longer remember our lawlessness, our sins, or our love for lawlessness too. However, can we sin and tell others that we can be more lawless than before or than Adam and Eve because God has forgiven all our lawlessness? No, if we do that, we sin willfully and justify ourselves with the wrong use of grace. Grace is not given for more lawlessness; grace is given for returning to His laws with true repentance.) But can we twist it and argue that this warning is not for God's people? No, it says very clearly that God will judge His people; not other people. When He used the comparison of a sorer punishment, He confirmed again that He was comparing and warning two of His people - one who despised Moses' law under the Old Covenant, and another who will dishonour the Spirit of grace under the New Covenant. Please think, who were able to despised Moses' law? Of course, nobody except the Jews or God's people who were given the law? Similarly, who can dishonour the Spirit of grace? Of course, no one, except God's people who have been given the grace of God too?
- no more commandments and judgement (or law and prophets?),
- no more repentance with living testimonies,
- no more sound doctrine,
- no more praying and intercession for others
- no more baptism of death (in the flesh),
- no more living faith (with good works),
- no more true spirit of being born again ..
The world will become more and more lawless after they 'kill' the 'law and prophets' in the end time
Do you remember the two prophets or the two olive trees who were killed by the people of the earth in the book of Revelation and who were resurrected on the third day? They might be the metaphor of law and prophets which could be removed from the churches of God in the end time:.
- Rev 11:4-12 KJV These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth. (5) And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed. (6) These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will. (7) And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. (8) And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. (9) And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves. (10) And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth. (11) And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them. (12) And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.
Jesus fulfilled the law and prophets so that the commandments of God can be kept better by all His believers in their hearts
Many radical grace preachers argue, "But Jesus has fulfilled the law and prophets and therefore there is no more law in the doctrine of Christ." I will tell them, Contrary to what you think, there is better law and prophets in the doctrine of Christ. Please read your Bible again:
- Mat 5:17-19 KJV Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. (18) For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. (19) Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
- Mat 7:11-12 KJV If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? (12) Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
- Mat 22:37-40 KJV Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. (38) This is the first and great commandment. (39) And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. (40) On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
- Luk 16:16-17 KJV The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it. (17) And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail.
- Luk 24:44-47 KJV And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. (45) Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, (46) And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: (47) And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
- You could have interpreted that the fulfilment of the law and prophets means meeting all the requirement of the laws to have no more law or to destroy all the laws.
- I would interpret that the fulfilment of the law and prophets is not to destroy or remove the laws, but to accomplish the laws so that His laws and commandments can be kept better in the lives and hearts of the believers. God's laws and commandments are like the blueprint. It is the foundation which can never be removed but everything would be built upon it until the final building is accomplished.
Jesus would never destroy or remove the doctrine of eternal judgement from His doctrine
They will still argue, "But Jesus showed us that there should not be any law or judgement. Do you know that Jesus rebuked Peter for thinking of the law and prophets when Peter told Him that he will build one tabernacle for Him, one for Moses, and one for Elijah? Jesus rebuked John and James too when they asked Him to send fire to destroy those who did not receive them. Hence, Jesus showed us that He would rebuke anyone who would still think of the law and prophets, or judgement too."
- Luk 9:53-56 KJV And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem. (54) And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? (55) But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. (56) For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.
- Heb 6:1-3 KJV Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, (2) Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands (of the ministries of healing and gifts of the Holy Spirit), and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. (3) And this will we do, if God permit.
- Mat 13:40-50 KJV As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. (41) The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; (42) And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. ..(44) Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. (45) Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: (46) Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. (47) Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: (48) Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. (49) So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, (50) And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
- Luk 16:29-31 KJV Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. (30) And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. (31) And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.
God's commandments are still better than any men's reasoning
Many will still justify themselves, "Please don't falsely accuse us as the lawless just because we refuse to teach God's laws or commandments. Do you know that we still teach in the marriage seminars? I still tell my church members to uphold their marriage vows and be faithful to one another. I did not tell them the law and commandment. Instead, I told them that why it is not wise to commit adulteries.. I told them the reason why it is not good to have free sex with everyone.. I told them that grace will teach them, not God's laws, doctrine, or principles of Christ .. I only told them grace or favor to live godly lives; not commandments of God to live godly lives.."
I will ask them, Please do not be hypocritical. Do you expect us to listen to you and your reasons on why we should not do this .. and that .. based on your own understanding and reasoning?
- Firstly, if we have to choose, we would rather listen to God's commandments which could be 'dry'. We would rather listen to Him than your 'beautiful musics' or 'ding dong bell' reasoning against His laws and commandments.
- Secondly, God has said it: we must listen to His words rather than the words of men, no matter how fantastic is the reasoning of men.
- Thirdly, whatever you preach on godly living, holiness, or faithfulness to your wives without the law of God is just your brilliant way; but hypocritical way, of stealing the glory of His words and commandments. You know that it is wrong to commit adultery, steal, and kill; yet, you preach it as though it is not the commandments of God. You are not giving due credit to God's words or commandments. Instead, you condemn His laws and commandments so that your blinded believers think that you have better wisdom and reasoning than God who is the lawgiver:
- Isa 33:22 KJV For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; he will save us.
- Jas 4:12 KJV There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?
- Joh 15:8-15 KJV Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. (9) As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. (10) If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. .. (14) Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. (15) Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.
- Joh 6:63 KJV It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life... (7:16) Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. (17) If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. (18) He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.
- Mat 7:21 KJV Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
- Luk 6:46-48 KJV And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? (47) Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: (48) He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood (false doctrine) arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. (Hence, Jesus said clearly that He would not just want us to have right believing, right faith, right miracles, right preaching, or right confession only; he wants us to have right doing with His words too, because right doing would prove that we are His true disciples on the rock of salvation.)
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The banking sector ie the financial system industry has become completely lawless whereby the lawless one will be seen to be the ruler of the world financial system.
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