Berean Path Ministries

06/24/2022

Praise God for today’s decision on Roe v. Wade being overturned. We believe life in the womb is truly human.

One of the core essentials of the Christian gospel is the incarnation of Jesus Christ. In Luke 1:39-45 we learn that John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Spirit and recognized Jesus with joy— while both were in their mother’s wombs— as being truly God and truly human.

"Now at this time Mary arose and went in a hurry to the hill country, to a city of Judah, and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. And she cried out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And how has it happened to me, that the mother of my Lord would come to me? For behold, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord."
— Luke 1:39-45

07/20/2021

Unsound teaching will produce unsound churches. It would do us well to remember that the world around us is constantly seeking to deform the church.

04/23/2021

EIGHT WRONG REASONS FOR STAYING IN A CHURCH THAT TEACHES FALSE DOCTRINE

Should you stay or should you go now? When God removes the scales of deception from your eyes, you may very well find yourself in a dilemma. The church that you love, attend, and where you were possibly even saved, teaches false doctrine. False doctrines such as word of faith, NAR dominion theology and many others are working their leaven in the visible church. Furthermore, accompanying these false doctrines are false practices and manifestations. You are torn in two. Should you leave, or should you stay and attempt to navigate the spiritual minefield that you find yourself in? Perhaps try to fix things, or be a light? Within this article, we will list eight wrong reasons or excuses that many give to justify their refusal to walk away from a poisoned well, and offer biblical reasons to consider instead.

These are not legitimate reasons to stay in a church that teaches false doctrine: (
1. I will simply ignore the bad teaching – eat the meat and spit out the bones
To put it another way, do not throw the baby out with the bathwater. There is no biblical mandate for this argument. Those who teach contrary to the gospel need to be marked and avoided, not marked and ignored. “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them,” Romans 16:17. In his letter to Timothy, Paul explains that someone approved by God “rightly divides the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). He then gives an example of two teachers who did not rightly divide God’s word: “Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have swerved from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some.” (vs 18). Finally, Paul tells us what our response should be: “But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.” (vs 19).
By sitting under a pastor who twists the word of God, you are submitting yourself to someone God has disqualified, and submitting yourself to someone who is responsible for damaging the faith of their followers. You pastor should, in fact, be the one rebuking those who teach false doctrine. He “must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it,” Titus 1:9. The church at Thyatira was rebuked for “tolerating that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants.” Revelation 2:20.
We must avoid the irreverent babble of those who distort the word of God to suit their own carnal appetites. False teachers need to be silenced, not supported: “For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach” Titus 1:10-11. A ravenous wolf has nothing to offer you: they come to steal, kill and destroy.

Do not fool yourself into thinking the situation is static in the sense that the current level of false doctrine will remain constant. It begins with singing Hillsong or Jesus Culture songs, and before you can say “heaven meets earth like a sloppy wet kiss” your pastor will be introducing the doctrines of Hillsong and Bethel. Soon your leaders will find it necessary to attend a Bethel or Hillsong conference, and then new materials and courses such as Sozo or a school of supernatural ministry will be introduced. You will probably observe new terminology coming from your pulpit, as new teachings come with some catch phrases. These words, for example, accompany NAR teachings: shift, alignment, presence, atmosphere, impartation, acceleration. God’s word is ignored or twisted beyond it’s original meaning, resulting in progressive error. Remember, “while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:13-17.

2. I will just stay and be a witness
That may work for a short while, but at some point you are going to be accused of sowing division, and your rebellious spirit will be dealt with by your leaders. Your first port of call in any case should be your leaders. A meeting with them, explaining your concerns, will quickly determine whether your discernment is appreciated. There were no undercover believers in the early church; they broke away from the various sects and teachings of the pharisees. If you want to be a testimony then you need to leave and have no fellowship with darkness. Those who are interested in truth will come and ask you for the reasons you left and that will be your opportunity to present the truth.

3. I have family members in the church; if I leave I will offend them.
This is a difficult case, but one that Jesus warned about: “Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. For from now on in one house there will be five divided, three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.” Luke 12:51-53. You have the advantage of spending time with your family members and giving your reasons for leaving. I realize there may be some complications, but ultimately your leaving may be the catalyst for their eyes to be opened. You may offend them if you leave, but you will not be offending God. What is offensive, and indeed unloving, is to stay silent when doctrines that may shipwreck the faith of your family members are not addressed. You have a duty to warn your family and friends. They should not feel at ease among enemies of the cross. “I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears.” Acts 20:29-31.

4. I stand to lose too much.
The opposite is true; you stand to lose much by participating in any ministry that has swerved from the truth, and is deceiving people. Many are heavily invested in their churches. Apart from the possible loss of friendships that are dear, there are other factors that may come into play. A church that I am familiar with had a business directory for church members. Members were encouraged to support the businesses of church members, and there is nothing wrong with that. However, some may find themselves in a situation where their business is largely dependent on the support of fellow church members, or even the church itself. The choice then is simple – God or mammon. The same God who leads us out of deception, will provide for our needs and make a way when disaster seems imminent. Your spiritual welfare must be prioritized above any earthly concern. You can never lose when you obey the word of God.

5. Despite some bad doctrine God still moves.
We need to clarify what “God still moves” actually means. By this argument, people are usually referring to signs and wonders, testimonies from people in the church, or perhaps their own experience. I’m sure you have heard similar expressions such as these: “the presence of the Lord was so strong during the service,” or “there was such a powerful anointing during the meeting and Holy Spirit was present.” When subjective experiences take precedence over the word of God, we are dealing with mysticism, not biblical Christianity. People falling over backwards at a whim, gold dust appearing during services, rain falling during a prayer meeting, fire tunnels, goosebumps during worship, and even signs and wonders are not evidence of God moving. These last days will include many signs and wonders, but they will not be a result of God moving, but of deception. “For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.” Matthew 24:24. “The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” 2 Thessalonians 2:9-11.

In another scenario, people may actually have been saved or even healed in the church they now realize teaches false doctrine. Perhaps the church started off well, but gradually succumbed to the ear tickling doctrines of demons, or perhaps the church has always been rooted in NAR and other false teachings. Be thankful God is his mercy and grace has saved or healed you in spite of people, not because of them. God saved you, God healed you, be faithful to God!

6. I will be without a spiritual covering.
You have not been under a spiritual covering in the first place. The spiritual covering that false teachers offer is nothing but a means to manipulate and control their followers. There is no mutual submission to one another in their vocabulary. False teachers serve their own appetites, and to get what they want, they will dominate if they have to. True shepherds lead by example with pure motives: “shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock” 1 Peter 5:2-3. We are still experiencing the influence of the heavy shepherding movement of the seventies and eighties, and the fear instilled in many due to “covering” teaching remains. Those who experienced this will know what I’m talking about. In some cases leaders had such control over those under their authority, that they had the power to determine who your spouse should be, where to live, and what work to do. If the leaders did not have peace or managed to find a scripture in Jeremiah for example (pulled out of context) contradicting your choice, you had little option but to submit to them.
God did place leaders in the church; not to dominate people but to instruct them through rightly dividing the word of truth, and setting an example through servanthood. Furthermore, we are commanded to test all things. The Bereans were commended for comparing Paul’s teaching with scripture (Acts 17:11). The same teachers that want you to be accountable, are accountable to no one. They live in comfort, concoct a new revelation at will, and have established themselves as an intermediary between God and their followers. Our head is Christ, and he has given his body gifts in the form of pastors and teachers to mature us in the faith. These leaders need certain qualifications according to scripture. Their lives need to be an example, and they need to rightly divide the word of truth (life and doctrine). Jesus Christ is your covering, and, while we need to be in fellowship, remain accountable and submit to one another, leaving a church that teaches false doctrine is being obedient to your head, which is Christ.

7. I play a valuable role in the church.
All the more reason for you to leave, especially if you are in leadership. You may be the secretary, lead the worship, teach a bible study group, or as in my case even be one of the pastors. You might think you will let people down, and the thought of leaving can cause a sense of guilt and betrayal. This is when you need to step back, and examine the situation in the light of God’s word as well as from an eternal perspective. When you leave a church that teaches false doctrine, you are playing a valuable role! Your actions alone will be a powerful testimony. You have made a stand for the faith and you are refusing to betray the word of God. Rather be guilty in the eyes of carnal men and women, than stand before God and give an account for compromise. Your choice is between contending for the faith, or remaining content with a distortion of the faith.

8. There is no alternative nearby.
This is a reality for some, and it is not just a problem for those leaving a particular church. People live in isolated areas all over the world and others live in communities with hardly any believers. Using the “no alternative” argument to remain in a church that teaches false doctrine is choosing to support a false teacher. At times, we are simply not aware of any alternative churches because we are still looking for a denomination or movement that we are familiar with. It may take a while to find a fellowship with good sound expository teaching and a body of believers that will encourage you in the faith. God has not forsaken you; you have forsaken false teaching. Keep that in mind if you find yourself in limbo as far as finding a fellowship is concerned. Study the word of God, pray, and if possible find fellowship with others who may be in the same predicament: “not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:25.

CONCLUSION:
If you know that your church is teaching false doctrine (NAR, word of faith, prosperity gospel, seeker sensitive and other forms of false doctrine) there is no valid reason to stay. If your church has started introducing these doctrines and promotes any of the teachers mentioned, you should set up a meeting with your pastor. Be prepared and make sure you are able to articulate your concerns. Prayer is part of preparation. You are not going in to attack an individual, but are going to test their teachings. You should mention specific teachings that you find to be contradictory to the word of God, and give examples.

A pastor worth their weight in salt will want to hear what you have to say. As an overseer they should be concerned for you, and as a teacher of God’s word, they should be only too happy to let God’s word in context be the arbitrator. If they ignore your concerns, they will, in all probability, begin the slippery slope that leads to delusion. Flee from pastors and churches that do not preach the gospel. You have nothing in common with an enemy of the cross. You have no business fellowshipping with those who are “tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.” Come out from among them and contend earnestly for the faith! Resist, rebuke and run from those who distort the faith.

“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel – not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.” Galatians 1:8-9.

04/10/2021

12/25/2020

06/06/2020

SOCIAL JUSTICE VERSUS BIBLICAL JUSTICE

Social Justice Defined

Social justice is a term often thrown around, but very rarely defined, explained, or even clearly understood in daily discourse. Yet a clear definition of this concept is necessary because there is indeed such a thing as social justice, and then there is justice. Contrary to popular delusion, there is a difference between the two, for if they were indeed one and the same, the term justice would be sufficient. No qualifier or modifier would be necessary. But I have found that most often conflate these two concepts, which causes much confusion, contention, and debate amongst Believers regarding our charge as Christians. One might argue that it is just semantics, but I would passionately beg to differ. I am sincerely alarmed when professed Christians not only claim social justice is what the Body of Christ is charged to pursue, but that they would dare argue it is what Jesus preached or supported during His earthly ministry.

Justice is the impartial administration and maintenance of what is just. It involves righteousness, equitableness (fairness), impartiality, and moral rightness. We see justice demanded of God's people in Isaiah 1:17, Proverbs 31:8-9, Exodus 23:1-9, Leviticus 19:15, James 1:27 and elsewhere in Scripture.

Social justice is formally defined as: “a state or doctrine of egalitarianism, which is the notion that all social, economic and political inequalities must be removed from society.” Social justice is justice in terms of the distribution of wealth, opportunities, and privileges within a society. This iteration of justice is not commanded in Scripture.

Justice pursues what is right according to an absolute, impartial standard. Social justice pursues what is believed to be lacking for some based on what is believed to be possessed by others. Justice is driven by what is morally acceptable, or what God says is right. Social justice is driven by what is socially acceptable, or what the people say is right. Justice is objective. Social justice is subjective. Justice involves matters that can potentially impact anyone. Social justice involves matters that are believed to only impact specific groups. With these clarifications in mind, it is obvious that upholding justice most certainly is the Church’s charge. Yet, here is why Jesus did not pursue nor should the Church fight for social justice.

Because “no one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier” (2 Timothy 2:4)

From its formal definition, it is clear that social justice deals with the affairs of this life. Social, economic, and political matters are an ever-present reality of the human condition. Whether real or perceived, assumed inequalities in these areas are byproducts of sin and will never be remedied as long as we dwell in a fallen world populated by carnal men at enmity with God. Jesus, Himself, said the poor will always be among us (Matthew 26:11). This is not to say the Church is to turn a blind eye to the legitimate needs of the less fortunate. But it is to say that our focus is not and has never been to fight for the ultimate resolution of their earthly needs, and it is especially not our charge to take on social issues born of nefarious agendas. There are professed Christians who erroneously argue that social justice was at the heart of Jesus’s earthly ministry. Yet, Jesus repeatedly said He was about His Father’s business. “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent,” Jesus said (John 6:29). His mission, to call sinners to repentance, is a spiritual one (Luke 5:32), and His Kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36).
The Jews thought Jesus came to overthrow the Roman government and re-establish Israel’s earthly kingdom at that time. But that did not happen. They thought Jesus came to grant them earthly justice from their earthly oppressors, but Jesus told them to “render unto Caesar that which belongs to Caesar” (Matthew 22:21). Instead of charging His fellow Jews to resist, march, and protest, Jesus told them to pay their taxes. No worldly pursuit of justice they thought to ascribe to Jesus would stick. He instead corrected them about His mission and made His rounds only speaking and doing the will of His Father.

“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled — 2 Corinthians 10:4-6

We, the Church, are also charged to only speak and do the will of God. There are detractors who undermine this charge to preach the Gospel, and to pray and to pursue righteousness through Christ. They characterize it as apathy, doing nothing, or insufficient works. But those who know Christ and His Word are well aware that the Gospel is the power of God, and that it deals with the very source from which the issues of life spring: the hearts of men (Proverbs 4:23); that spiritual warfare is far from an apathetic feat (see 2 Corinthians 10); and that our good works in the world come as the fruit of our saving faith, not as a prerequisite for it (Ephesians 2:9). Because we believe on Christ; because we are born again of the Holy Spirit, God works in us to will and to do for HIS good pleasure (Philippians 2:13). Society does not guide our activities, the Holy Spirit does. The Church is here to be salt and light that we point others to Jesus Christ. Our great commission is to spread the Gospel to the ends of the earth (Matthew 28:16-20). We care for and extend compassion to those who suffer, but we are not here to eradicate suffering in the world. Our ultimate battle is not against flesh and blood, but “against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12). We are soldiers in the army of the Lord. As such, we do not war according to the flesh and the weapons of our warfare are NOT carnal (2 Corinthians 10:3-4).

Because Social Justice Perverts Justice

Since our charge is to seek justice (Isaiah 1:17), an earnest pursuit of it exposes social justice as a hindrance to our ability to do just that. Even as there are legitimate causes lumped under the social justice umbrella, there are many that actually contradict the will of God. Again, social justice pursues the absence of inequality in society. Not only is this never going to be achieved but, unfortunately, mankind has also found a way to pervert the meaning of equality. All mankind were created equal in value to his Creator. God is no respecter of persons; He does not show favoritism but welcomes all who fear Him and seek HIS righteousness (Acts 10:34). But mankind is not guaranteed nor promised anything in this life, except trouble and a natural death (John. 16:33; Hebrews 9:27). Our economic, social, or political standing is not guaranteed. Some the Lord wills to be rich, some poor, some male, some female, some Black, some White. That is not inequality. That is diversity. Should we ignore the legitimate needs of others or take advantage of, abuse or oppress one another? Absolutely not! But is each person owed what another has for equality sake? Absolutely not!

““You shall not follow a crowd to do evil; nor shall you testify in a dispute so as to turn aside after many to pervert justice. You shall not show partiality to a poor man in his dispute.” — Exodus 23:2-3

Yet the latter is what social justice battles tend to encompass. It is the leaven that leavens the whole lump. The plight for all things being equal has gotten so perverse that society is allowing even that which undermines the common good to be legitimized. Aiding the less fortunate with their basic needs to survive (food, clothing and shelter) is a just cause. Rebuking a professed Christian for his individual display of clear, undeniable racism is a legitimate reproof. But advocating for one’s right to sin is just evil. In the name of equality, pastors have urged Christians to support same-sex marriage. In the name of fairness, there are professed Christians who march for a woman’s right to abort her unborn child. In the name of justice, there are professed Believers willing to defend clear criminals just because they share their skin color or gender. In the name of doing what is right, we legalize and normalize gender confusion and demonize (and will soon criminalize) those who call them what God created them to be! Jesus did not die for us to fight these earthly battles, and He most certainly did not die for us to fight in favor of sin and perversion.

True justice is doing what is right before God, and God tells us not to imbalance the scales or justify the wicked (Proverbs 17;15; 20:23). We should not show favoritism to a poor man simply because he is poor (Exodus 23:2-3), nor should we call evil good and good evil (Isaiah 5:20). But this is precisely what social justice does. It encourages and enables a Robin Hood-esque application of justice and doing good, which the Lord never ordained. While some see social justice as merely justice, it is clear that its application is wholly unjust, unfair, entails group/identity politics (partiality), and promotes wickedness in society. The scales of justice become imbalanced because now the plight is for some typically nefarious right for a given group by demonizing another group. Rather than looking at individuals and specific details on their own merit, social justice rewards or punishes us simply for belonging to a given social group. It is impossible to ensure justice for all under this perverted application.

Because Christ Suffered Injustice for the Gospel to God's Glory

If social justice were the ultimate justice Jesus came to fight for on earth, He undermined His own mission by subjecting Himself to suffer an unjust and inhumane crucifixion. After all, Jesus was an innocent Man. Pilate, the Roman governor who presided over Jesus’ case, declared Him so (Luke 23:13-16). Still, in the most grievous act of injustice ever known to mankind, Jesus was arrested and delivered to the Jews. He endured an unfair trial. He was mocked, flogged, made to wear a crown of thorns, made to carry His own cross, nailed to said cross, and scorned until He hung His head and died. Certainly, on the third day, He rose to victory, fully vindicated. But it was not because of the actions of men, but by the power of God.

Indeed, if social justice were Jesus’ charge, He would have neglected the cross altogether to instead focus on delivering the Jews from the Romans. With the exception of the few who exercised discernment, the Jews were expecting Jesus to come as their earthly King and free them from oppression. But instead of leading a resistance and establishing His kingdom on earth, Jesus walked around performing miracles and preaching about a Kingdom in another realm.
If social justice were His cause, Jesus could have led the greatest social justice mission known to men during His earthly ministry. But He chose to pursue a justice of heavenly proportions with eternal rewards. It undoubtedly would have been great for the Jews to be delivered from the hand of their oppressors. But Jesus was offering them and others eternal deliverance from the oppression of sin and death as well as the ultimate justice due us all, which is the wrath of God! Thankfully, as He passed on the social justice cause that seemed pressing to His contemporaries. Jesus remained focused on making a way for eternal justice to be established between God and man.

Because Social Justice is NOT a “Gospel Issue”

Believers are to seek first the Kingdom of God and HIS righteousness (Matthew 6:33). Yet, those fighting for social justice often find themselves seeking first the cares of men and their own self-righteousness. They fight for what they believe is right. Because if social justice is, indeed, the Church’s duty and “a Gospel issue,” social justice proponents need to explain why our Chief Cornerstone, on multiple occasions, did not do what they might think is right, expedient, or even just.

They would need to explain why a “social justice Jesus” did not allow justice to be served when He prevented the Pharisees from stoning the adulteress they were well within the rights of the Law to condemn (John 8:7). They would need to explain why a “social justice Jesus” thought it a better deed that His body be anointed with expensive perfume than to sell it and give the money to the poor (Matthew 26:6-13). They would need to explain why Jesus rebuked Martha for what they would call “taking action” while He praised Mary for what they’d describe as “doing nothing” (Luke 10:38-42). They would need to explain why a “social justice Jesus” worked a miracle to give Peter the money he needed to pay the temple tax (Matthew 17:24-27), but Peter had not a dime to give the lame beggar asking for change outside the temple (Acts 3:6).

They would need to explain why Peter healed the beggar in Jesus’ name and used that opportunity to share the Gospel instead of protesting against the economic and healthcare disparities that might have caused the man to become a lame beggar in the first place! (Read all of Acts 3). They would have to explain why Jesus fed the 5000 (John 6:10-14), but later preached to them the following: “Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.” (John 6:26-27).
They would also have to explain why a “social justice Jesus”, whom they say came to serve the marginalized in society, shared a lesson on how to love others using a parable of a marginalized man serving someone else (Luke 10:25-37). Moreover, they would have to explain why the parable of the Good Samaritan was not a tale of the Samaritan bringing his neighbor’s attackers to justice!

They would need to explain why a “social justice Jesus”, who knew John the Baptist had been unfairly arrested, did not go visit John in prison or attempt to rescue John from his unjust ex*****on, but instead kept traveling and preaching the Gospel (Matthew 11:1-6)! They would need to explain why a “social justice Jesus” allowed Lazarus, whom He loved, to die from his illness and waited days before going to see about him (John 11:5-6). Better yet, they would need to explain why a “social justice Jesus” raised Lazarus from the dead rather than lobby the Romans for universal healthcare (John 38-44).
They would need to explain a lot about Jesus, because these and other instances suggest Jesus’ actions were not driven by social justice but His Father’s business. Did that business include love and compassion? Indeed! But love and compassion did not obligate Jesus, nor does it obligate the Church, to pursue every cause man says is right. But it does require us to tell the world the truth, call men to repentance and declare that the Kingdom of God is at hand.

Because We ARE TO Walk According to the Spirit, Not the Flesh (Galatians 5:16-26)

Though Christians are in this world, we are not of it. Thus, we are not to be conformed to it but be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:1-2). Our perspective of the world should be from an eternal perspective and we are charged to always look up that we are not overcome by the affairs of this life (Colossians 3:2; Matthew 6:33; 2 Timothy 2:3). With a mind stayed on Christ, we remain focused on His mission. With this mind, it is virtually impossible to be engulfed in fighting earthly battles. It is impossible to desire to fight for everyone to live an utopian existence here on earth when the Gospel says utopia is on the other side of this life, which is passing away, and will only be enjoyed by those who are in Christ. You cannot truly believe and understand what Christ teaches us and do the literal opposite.

Again, the Jews knew that Jesus was coming, but their understanding of his purpose was carnal. They were expecting Him to deliver them from other men. Instead, Jesus walked around for three and one-half years preaching the Gospel to deliver men from the wrath of God. Walking in the Spirit, Jesus was also able to subject Himself to the greatest injustice ever known to mankind that a greater justice would be established. Walking in the flesh, Peter attempted to prevent Jesus’s mission; not once, but twice. Acting out of carnal emotion rather than Spiritual discernment, Peter sliced off someone’s ear on one occasion and spoke under the influence of the Antichrist spirit in another. Jesus sternly rebuked Peter for both (Matthew 16:23-27; 26:51-53).
It could be argued that Christians focused on social justice are acting similarly to Peter before he was firmly rooted in his faith. They are quick to spring into action and may even mean well when they speak, but what they do and say are actually stumbling blocks to the cause of Christ. Despite their best intentions, they are not mindful of the things of God, but of men. They may truly be zealous for Jesus and abhor legitimate injustices, but they are still a bit hot-headed and ruled by their flesh rather than discernment that comes from God’s Spirit. They may take up certain social justice causes that seem right to them, believing they are doing good. Yet, in truth, they are a hindrance to the will of God. Either they take up a legitimate cause and push it with great zeal while neglecting to share the Gospel, or they take up a cause that utterly contradicts God’s Word believing they are being compassionate like Jesus. In either scenario, there is spiritual immaturity, compromise and sin at work.

Failure to exercise discernment caused Peter to resist the will of God. Had he not heeded correction, he would have certainly remained on a path of doing Satan’s bidding, even if he meant well. Believers who are married to social justice must examine themselves. They must determine why they are taking up the causes with which they associate themselves. Then they must determine whether the causes are just and if their methods for addressing them truly align with the Word and Spirit of God.

I honestly believe I have said enough and, if it pleases the Lord, I pray I never have to revisit this topic again. The social justice debate frustrates me deeply. It is such a frustrating display, as Satan’s hand in this debate could not be more evident and otherwise solid brothers and sisters in the faith are being ensnared by it in droves! May the Lord open the eyes of Believers presently seduced by the social justice gospel, and who are lending their hands and voices to the social justice movement. May their zeal for justice and doing good remain. Yet, I pray the Lord brings their understanding and ex*****on of justice and good works back into alignment with His will and His righteousness as they increase in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. But, until that moment occurs, I cannot take that journey with them, and I have no shared covenant with their ilk. If they seek to find me, I hope to be found striving to diligently preach the gospel, making disciples, and living as the Bible said. I think that if we all did that, not many of these present problems would even exist.