And the Clocks Were Striking Thirteen

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What Does Ben Shapiro Believe about Jesus?

Last month Ben Shapiro, editor-in-chief of the Daily Wire, syndicated columnist, and host of “The Ben Shapiro Show,” was interviewed by Joe Rogan. 

Shapiro is a trusted and respected voice in many conservative and Christian circles. He has become a prominent pro-life, pro-Israel voice in many Christian communities. Christians and preachers worldwide embrace him as a bright, articulate, and thoughtful political pundit.

Most Christians know that Shapiro is an Orthodox Jew; however, they would be quite shocked to know what he unabashedly believes about Jesus Christ.

(The exchange lasts about :40 seconds and runs from the 1:33:00-1:33:40 mark)

Transcribed below is a brief exchange from Rogan’s interview with Shapiro:

Shapiro: “From a Jewish point of view we don’t believe in the divinity of Christ. There you can make an argument that the gospels which were written…”

Rogan: “He was just a prophet .. right?”

Shapiro: “No, no, no, we don’t even believe that he was a prophet.”

Rogan: “What do you think he was? What do you guys think he was?”

Shapiro: “I don… I mean… I… What do I think he was, historically? I think he was a Jew who tried to lead a revolt against the Romans and got killed for his trouble. Just like a lot of other Jews at that time who were crucified for trying to lead a revolt against Rome and got killed for their trouble.

Rogan: “So he became legend in story and became a bigger and bigger deal as time went on…”

Shapiro: “Yea, and he got a group of followers and then that gradually grew and then there was a…”

Rogan: “Do you think he was resurrected?

Shapiro: “No. No, that’s not a Jewish belief.”

Even though Shapiro dismisses Jesus as nothing more than a zealous idealist who died for fomenting revolution against Rome, some professed Christians don’t think his views are insulting.

“As a modern Orthodox Jew, Ben is a practitioner of Judaism, and so, he does not believe that Jesus is the Messiah of Israel, let alone God. But he doesn’t go around mocking Jesus and he doesn’t insult Christians who worship Him as Lord.” Dr. Michael Brown, author and host of Line of Fire radio program.

But other Christians were not so willing to look the other way. They condemned Shapiro’s comments about the Lord Jesus Christ as demeaning and blasphemous. 

“Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ?” 1 John 2:22 KJV

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Is the People’s God the God of Scripture?

Most people’s concept of God is foreign to what Scripture actually teaches, which explains why one of the most hated teachings of the Bible is the doctrine of God.

Most people believe that God is the cause of good things and not the cause of bad things such as earthquakes, war, sin, and evil. They believe that God is love, not justice, and a loving God honors their rights and freedoms to choose and permits them to do whatever they want to do.

The role for the people’s God is to get them out of trying situations, no questions asked, and to help them improve their lives and livelihood. The popular slogan, “Let go and let God” is as empty as it is meaningless.

The God of Scripture doesn’t need the people’s permission, approval, or agreement to perform His work or carry out His purpose.

The problem is the people’s God is not the God depicted throughout Scripture. Scripture repeatedly and emphatically teaches that God is a holy, just, Almighty Creator and that nothing exists apart from His will and power.

“And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee [Pharaoh] up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.” Exodus 9:16 KJV

“But he is in one mind, and who can turn him? and what his soul desireth, even that he doeth. For he performeth the thing that is appointed for me” Job 23:13,14 KJV

“The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will. Proverbs 21:1 KJV

Studying the Bible is less dangerous than ignoring it. God’s written word is meant for all people. It was not written to be read and studied by priests, preachers, and scholars only.

Peace.

I.M. Kane

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Apostate Enemies of Truth

The denominations that make up Christendom are full of unregenerate and reprobate enemies of truth who profess belief in Jesus Christ. They sow confusion by mixing lies with Christian doctrine to undermine and discredit the truth of God’s written word.

The Corinthian church in Paul’s day had false teachers who had blended a quasi gospel with Jewish legalism and pagan mysticism. They taught acceptance, and they worked to unite the people of God with idolatrous worshipers and the truth of Scripture with the practices and rituals of paganism.

When Paul found out what was being taught, he called for believers to separate themselves from unbelievers.

“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord” 2 Corinthians 6:14-17 KJV

Paul understood that it’s impossible for believers and unbelievers to work together to produce anything that’s spiritually beneficial.

The Lord commanded the Israelites, “Thou shalt not plow with an ox and an ass together” Deuteronomy 22:10 KJV. Both animals have different natures, gaits, and strengths. When unequally yoked, it’s impossible for them to plow together effectively.

Partnering with unbelievers muddies the doctrinal waters and cripples the ability to preach Paul’s Gospel and the full counsel of God in Scripture.

Undiscerning believers who partner in a common spiritual cause with unbiblical forms of Christianity or other false religions have opened the door wide to satanic corruption. The appearance of unity, no matter how enticing, is not worth sacrificing Scriptural truth and Gospel clarity.

Jesus told His disciples, “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men” Matthew 5:13 KJV.

The primary issue with Christ is the salt, not society. It’s the salt that keeps society from putrefying. “When nations are to perish in their sins, ’tis in the Church the leprosy begins.”

Christendom’s denominations have become apostate. They falsely reassure their flocks that all is well between them and God, when in truth they are headed for eternal damnation.

When the foundations of the Christian faith are under attack, Christians must contend for the faith, not compromise Scriptural truth for the sake of ecumenical unity. Christians are called to “obey God rather than men”Acts 5:29 KJV.

It may be polite and pleasant to tone down teachings and soften messages, but neither Christ nor the apostles built collegial relationships with false teachers; in fact, Scripture forbids it, see Romans 16:17, 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 2 Timothy 3:5 KJV.

Christ warned that He will spue a lukewarm church out of His mouth. “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” Revelation 3:20 KJV.

Praise God for Christians who will open the door to Christ, confront Satan’s unscriptural nonsense, earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints, and not shrink back in declaring the whole counsel of God.

Peace.

I.M. Kane

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God Is Not the Author of Sin, but He Causes It

God is the ultimate cause of everything, and He is neither responsible nor sinful. Whatever God does is just and right because righteousness is what God does.

God is the ultimate cause of sin, but is not its author. The immediate cause or author of sin is the one who commits it.

The laws that God imposes on men do not apply to Him because He is above law. God is the sovereign Creator, and He has absolute and unlimited rights over everything He created. He can make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor, and the vessel has no claim on Him.

God cannot be responsible for sin, even though He causes it. God’s causing Judas to betray Christ is not sinful. Judas, not God, betrayed Christ, and Judas, not God is the agent responsible for the sin. 

God doesn’t submit to law for no law is superior to Him. No law forbids Him from decreeing sinful acts to be carried out by secondary agents. 

Too often Christians have said that God permits sin, when the truth is He causes it. Scripture reveals how God decreed and caused the prophets of Ahab to lie:  

“I [Micaiah the prophet] saw the Lord sitting upon his throne, and all the host of heaven standing on his right hand and on his left. And the Lord said, Who shall entice Ahab king of Israel, that he may go up and fall at Ramothgilead? And one spake saying after this manner, and another saying after that manner. Then there came out a spirit, and stood before the Lord, and said, I will entice him. And the Lord said unto him, Wherewith? And he said, I will go out, and be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And the Lord said, Thou shalt entice him, and thou shalt also prevail: go out, and do even so. Now therefore, behold, the Lord hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of these thy prophets, and the Lord hath spoken evil against thee.” 2 Chronicles 18:18-22 KJV 

The sinner is the author of sin and is responsible for it. God cannot be responsible for causing sin because there are no superior or greater powers to hold Him accountable and punish Him, and there are no laws for Him to disobey. 

Peace.

I.M. Kane

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Was Mary Born Without Original Sin?

For Roman Catholics their source of truth is the Roman Catholic Church. They trust their church for truth and for salvation, and they believe that there is no contradiction between what Scripture teaches and what an “infallible” Pope and the Roman Catholic Church teaches.

They believe and trust their church’s interpretation of Scripture, which can be a fatal mistake because they can be deceived and won’t know it. The only way they can know for sure if their church’s teachings are correct is to do what the Bereans did in Acts 17:11, compare the teachings to the Scriptures.

The Roman Catholic Church’s teaching that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was immaculately conceived, i.e., born without original sin clearly contradicts the clear teaching of Scripture. The verses quoted below are from the the Roman Catholic Douay-Rheims translation of the Bible (DRV).

If Mary was born sinless, why would she need a savior? In Luke’s Gospel, Mary says, “And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.” (Luke 1: 47 Douay-Rheims) 

If Mary’s life was pure and sinless, why did she go through the purification period and offer a sacrifice to make atonement for her sin and to cleanse her? According to Old Testament Law (Leviticus 12:1-8), the mother must be purified after a birth because the issue of blood makes her ritually unclean. According to the law of the Lord, Mary went to Jerusalem and offered a sacrifice of turtledoves or young pigeons Luke 2:22-24 Douay-Rheims.

If Mary were the only human being born sinless, why would Jesus say, “there hath not risen among them that are born of women a greater than John the Baptist (Matthew 11:11 Douay-Rheims)? Surly the sinless Mary would be greater than John the Baptist.

If Mary were truly sinless, why did Jesus downplay Mary’s importance and put her on the same level as everyone else? After hearing Jesus teach, a woman shouted from the crowd, “Blessed is the womb that bore thee, and the paps that gave thee suck.” And Jesus responded saying, “Yea rather, blessed are they who hear the word of God, and keep it” (Luke 11:27-28 Douay-Rheims). Not only did Jesus not elevate Mary when given the opportunity, He diminished her status by making her equal with everyone else who hears the Word of God and obeys it.

The following Scriptures teach that all human beings are born sinners:

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned 

Romans 3:9-12 For we have charged both Jews, and Greeks, that they are all under sin. As it is written: There is not any man just. There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. All have turned out of the way; they are become unprofitable together: there is none that doth good, there is not so much as one.

Romans 5:12 Wherefore as by one man sin entered into this world, and by sin death; and so death passed upon all men, in whom all have sinned.

Romans 7:14  For we know that the law is spiritual; but I am carnal, sold under sin.

Ephesians 2:3 In which also we all conversed in time past, in the desires of our flesh, fulfilling the will of the flesh and of our thoughts, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest:

Isaiah 53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray, every one hath turned aside into his own way: and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is perverse above all things, and unsearchable, who can know it?

Job 15:14-16 What is man that he should be without spot, and he that is born of a woman that he should appear just? Behold among his saints none is unchangeable, and the heavens are not pure in his sight. How much more is man abominable, and unprofitable, who drinketh iniquity like water?

Genesis 8:21 And the Lord smelled a sweet savour, and said: I will no more curse the earth for the sake of man: for the imagination and thought of man’s heart are prone to evil from his youth: therefore I will no more destroy every living soul as I have done.

Roman Catholics can believe either what Scripture clearly teaches about the mother of Jesus, or they can believe what their church teaches about the immaculate conception, they just can’t believe both any longer.  

Peace

I.M. Kane

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Roman Catholic Church’s Teachings Are Antithetical to Scripture

Until Vatican II, popes throughout history have condemned Bible-believing followers of Jesus Christ as heretics for believing and teaching that salvation is through Christ alone.

Pope Innocent III  said, “Anyone who attempts to construe a personal view of God which conflicts with (Catholic) church dogma must be burned without pity.” (Source: Papal Bull, 1198 A.D.)

The foundation for the Christian faith is in God’s written word, the Bible, and not the Roman Catholic Church, whose teachings are antithetical to Scripture.

The Catholic Church teaches the Pope’s word is truth. “The Supreme Pontiff, in virtue of his office, possesses infallible teaching authority…” (Canon 749*).

In marked contrast, Scripture teaches every word of God is true. “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” (John 17:17).

The Catholic Church teaches that sacred images are acceptable and encourages “veneration,” or the act of bowing down before them. “The practice of displaying sacred images in the churches for the veneration of the faithful is to remain in force…” (Canon 1188).

Scripture teaches against making sacred images and bowing down before them. “Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God” (Exodus 20:4-5).

The Catholic Church teaches the sacrifice of the cross must be continually offered. “Remembering that the work of redemption is continually accomplished in the mystery of the Eucharistic Sacrifice, priests are to celebrate frequently…” (Canon 904).

Scripture teaches that Jesus was offered one time as the perfect and complete sacrifice for sins, and He now sits at the right hand of the Father in glory. “When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.” (John 19:30). “And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: But this man [Jesus Christ], after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God” (Hebrews 10:11-12).

The Catholic Church teaches priests are necessary mediators between men and God. “They [the priests] are in fact sharers of the priesthood of Christ Himself…to celebrate divine worship and sanctify the people” (Canon 835).

Scripture teaches that all believers are part of the royal priesthood having direct access to God. “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” (1 Peter 2:9). “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all” (1 Timothy 2:5-6).

The Catholic Church teaches salvation begins at baptism. “Baptism, the gate to the sacraments, is necessary for salvation in fact or at least in intention, by which men and women are freed from their sins, are reborn as children of God, and configured to Christ…” (Canon 849).

Scripture teaches that salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone. Nothing can be added to what Christ has already done that will merit God’s favor. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9). “This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.” (John 6:29). “And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace” (Romans 11:6).

Jesus told the Pharisees that they worship God in vain and transgress His commandments because they keep for doctrines the commandments of men (Matthew 15:3,9). Peter and Paul also warned that “false teachers” would become leaders in the churches and bring in “damnable heresies” and “doctrines of devils”. (2Peter 2:1-3, and 1Timothy 3:2-5). 

As an evangelical Bible-believing Christian, I disagree with virtually every doctrine and practice of Roman Catholicism.

I.M.Kane

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Mary Takes God’s Place on the Ark of the Covenant

“The Monstrance of Our Lady of the Sign, Ark of Mercy” (photo below) is an icon receptacle that holds the Eucharist (the large white round wafer at the center of the monstrance) for Roman Catholics to worship.

 

The Monstrance of Our Lady of the Sign, Ark of Mercy

The 9 foot tall, 900 pound, gilt-wood monstrance is billed as the largest in the world. Stefan Niedorezo was commissioned to sculpt it according to the ‘Woman arrayed with the Sun’ from the Book of Revelation.

Niedorezo’s design has the Virgin Mary surrounded by rays and a crown of thorns, flanked by angels, and sitting on the Ark of the Covenant.

The monstrance belongs to St. Stanislaus Kostka Church/the Sanctuary of The Divine Mercy in Chicago, Illinois.

Consider for a moment what the Roman Catholic Church has done here.

For starters the monstrance suggests that the Roman Catholic Church has replaced Judaism’s sacred symbols and Israel in God’s plan.

Then as Revelation’s “Woman arrayed with the Sun,” Rome’s Mary has usurped and displaced Israel’s twelve tribes.

Her crown of thorns has usurped and displaced the Lord Jesus, and her sitting on the Mercy Seat atop the Ark of the  Covenant between the Cherubim has usurped and displaced God.

“These two women ‘Mary and the Church’ carry on the hope that is Christ, they give us Christ, they bring forth Christ in us. Without Mary, there would be no Jesus Christ; without the Church, we cannot go forward.” Pope Francis, speaking to mark the occasion of the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows in Casa Santa Marta

Mary is not the Queen of Heaven. She has no divine power. She neither hears nor answers prayers, and sends no grace. She does nothing.

The Monstrance of Our Lady of the Sign, Ark of Mercy steals glory from God the Father, from God the Son, and from God the Holy Spirit.

“I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.” Isaiah 42:8 KJV

 

 

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Dueling Pastors Discuss Sin, Hatred, and Homosexuals

Pastor Jesse Lee Peterson interviews Pastor Steven Anderson of Faithful Word Baptist Church.

Peterson and Anderson discuss whether a person can be born again of God and still sin. Peterson asks Anderson if the flesh is stronger than the Spirit, and is that the reason people sin.

Anderson tells Peterson that he hates homosexuals because they are reprobates who hate God. Anderson quotes from Romans Chapter 1 to support his claim that homosexuality is the only sin that shows hatred for God. 

It’s obvious Peterson clearly doesn’t understand Scripture, and although Anderson makes some valid points from the Scripture, both men are unregenerate Christians.

According to Scripture, Anderson is wrong to say that all homosexuals are reprobates. It’s true that many are, but Paul writes in 1Corinthians 6:9-11 that some in the church at Corinth were once homosexuals and have been washed, sanctified, and justified by the Spirit of God.

To be reprobate means rejected of God and eternally damned. Reprobates have been abandoned to their sinful nature and have no hope of salvation. Scripture clearly teaches that some homosexuals have been saved, which means that not all homosexuals have been given over to a reprobate mind.

The interview begins at the 2:08.03 mark and ends at the 2:31.03 mark.

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The Example of Judas

Some unregenerate Christians insist on the importance of having a personal relationship with Christ. They seem to forget that Judas had a personal relationship with Christ.

The example of Judas teaches that one may be a disciple of Christ, a worker of miracles, a doer of good deeds, and an evangelist, but still be an unbeliever and go to Hell.

Until he betrayed Christ, to all the disciples, Judas led the sort of life that the faith-plus-works (Lordship salvation) teachers say distinguishes a true believer from a false believer.

“Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.” Romans 4:4-8 KJV

Peace.

I.M.Kane

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