News from Evangelist Mike Gendron
 January  2015
Why Did Jesus Have to Die?

This is a question I have been asking people who attend various churches but only a few have been able to give the right answer from Scripture. Most will say, "Because He loved us." It is true that was His motivation for dying, but it does not explain why He had to die. Some will say "He died to forgive us." Then I will ask, "Why couldn't He just forgive us without dying?" It is because His holy law demands death as the punishment for sin (Rom. 6:23). "The soul who sins shall die" (Ez. 18:4). The sinless Savior went to the cross to die as a substitute for sinners who deserve the death penalty for their sins. Divine justice had to be satisfied because our holy and righteous Judge in heaven must punish every sin that has been, and ever will ever be, committed. There is not one sin that will ever go unpunished. Any judge who pardons law-breakers by letting the guilty go free is not a righteous judge.

Jesus was born to die. "The Son of Man came...to give his life as a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45). He was delivered up to be crucified according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God (Acts 2:23). This was to demonstrate His righteousness so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus (Rom. 3:26). Since God's laws were broken and His justice was provoked, it had to be satisfied by Christ before divine forgiveness could be applied to sinners. Dying as a substitute for sinners, the Lord Jesus paid the eternal debt for sin. He satisfied the demands of justice while appeasing God's wrath so that He could extend mercy and grace to those who trust Him. God's perfect Son satisfied divine justice when "God made Him (Christ), who knew no sin, to be sin" for those who would trust Him (2 Cor. 5:21). He cancelled the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands (Col. 2:14).

For those who die having rejected the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior, divine justice will be satisfied in the eternal fires of hell. Since all sin is committed against an infinitely holy and majestic God, the punishment must be infinite. Therefore, the wrath of God is poured out in an everlasting fire. No tears can quench the flame of God's anger. Unrepentant sinners will be in the fiery furnace forever. There is no escape because God is "a consuming fire" (Heb. 12:29). He "feels indignation every day" toward the wicked because He has "hated wickedness" (Ps. 7:11; 45:7). Anyone who rejects God's only provision for their sin is choosing to suffer God's eternal wrath. Tragically, there are many who stubbornly refuse to seek wisdom from God's Word. "Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered" (Prov. 28:26). Christ Jesus, is not only "wisdom from God, but righteousness and sanctification and redemption" to those who trust Him (1 Cor. 1:30)."There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Rom. 8:1). What a glorious Savior!

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Letters From Around the World
 
I watched your interview with Dr. David Reagan on the differences between Evangelicals and Catholics and I was blown away.  Now I am seeking your counsel on a most delicate and perplexing matter. My husband and I have been attending Rick Warren's Saddleback Church and fell in love with him, his sermons and the people. We knew Rick was invited to the Vatican by the pope and wondered why Pastor Rick would be so friendly with the RCC when we are so divided on the Gospel. After watching this video, I was shaken to my core.  The spirit in me was screaming, "What are you saying Pastor Rick? Why are you conveying that Protestants and Catholics believe in the same things?" Why are you watering down and compromising our precious Gospel, which is the very foundation of our Christian faith?" Needless to say, my heart broke. Not only did I lose trust in Pastor Rick but I lost respect for him as a Christian leader and pastor. What do we do now? We met with a staff person and through tears, explained our concern about Pastor Rick and his compromise. He defended Rick as a godly man and explained that doctrine was not as important as love. (Name withheld to protect the discerning.)

Dear Sister in Christ,
I praise God for your discernment and how He is making you aware of false teachers. Anyone who embraces the false and fatal gospel of Roman Catholicism is rejecting Christ and His Gospel (Gal. 1:6-9). Rick Warren has been confronted in his error but has refused to repent. He continues to lead people away from the truth by elevating love over doctrine. Biblical love and biblical truth cannot be separated for they are friends! People who think love is more important than doctrine are in essence saying the Reformers died for theological pettiness. The truth is that they were brutally tortured and killed because their love for the truth far exceeded their love for those who perverted the truth. Since God seeks worshippers in Spirit and truth, I encourage you to find a church that exalts Christ over man and contends earnestly for the true Gospel against those who compromise it (John 4:24).

Mr. Gendron, I read with humor your comments about the Roman Catholic Church being an apostate religion. Where do you think the Bible came from? You can thank the Holy Roman Catholic Church for compiling and handing down the Bible that you cherish today (it didn't fall from the sky). The Vatican's "strategy for world dominion" has already happened because Jesus ordained it (Matthew 28:19-20). The Catholic Church is that tree that grows from a mustard seed in Matthew 13:32. I do sincerely pray for you that your eyes and heart may be opened to the truth. There is only one Church started by Christ two thousand years ago and that is the Catholic Church. And he keeps his promise to be with her. I challenge you to study early Church history and the Church Fathers but be careful as you might be quite surprised by the truth. Forgive them Father for they know not what they do. M.S., Internet

Dear M.S., The canon was determined by God and discovered by man. The church did not create the canon, it simply recognized the letters that were already accepted as Scripture by the early Christians. Church elders were constantly evaluating and deciding which of the many writings carried apostolic authority. It can be shown that letters were circulated and accepted before the canon was formally established. "After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans" (Col. 4:16). To collect various letters and books of Scripture into one volume was the task given to Christians already converted to Christ by the Word of God. Hence, the Word of God established the Church, not vise versa. The actual gathering together of the Scriptures into one volume took place in God's providence, under the supervision, persuasion, and conviction of the Holy Spirit. Christians labored together to separate the actual Word from false writings. The early Christians pooled their cognitive convictions and brought together a Canon of the text to end speculations and dismiss false writings. Paul cites Luke's Gospel as Scripture (1 Tim. 5:18). Peter referred to Paul's writings as Scripture (2 Pet. 3:15-16). Paul commanded the Thessalonians to have his letter read to all the brethren (1 Thes. 5:27). John promised a blessing to all those who read the Revelation (Rev. 1:3). Instead of challenging people to read the Church Fathers, I encourage you to read the inspired, inerrant Word of God. It is the only seed that can bring forth life to those who are spiritually dead (1 Pet. 1:23).

The War Within - A New Movie that Will Bless You

 

This new movie takes viewers to a world that only God can see; the world of the inner man. Tragic events in a husband's family results in a war that wages within his soul which is personified by six members; Mind, Memory, Emotion, Will, Conscience, and Heart. The ensuing battle for control adversely effects his relationship with his wife and causes him to doubt his faith. As viewers follow his quest for answers, they may discover their own war within. we highly recommend this film because it offers a solid Gospel presentation with a call to repentance for forgiveness and reconciliation. Order here.
Pope Issues Blistering Indictment
 
Pope Francis issued a blistering indictment of the Vatican bureaucracy, accusing cardinals and bishops of using their careers to grab power and wealth, of living "hypocritical" double lives and forgetting that they're supposed to be joyful men of God. He made clear that his plans for a radical reform of the structures of church power must be accompanied by an even more radical spiritual reform of the men involved. Francis urged the prelates sitting stone-faced before him to repent and atone and make the church a healthier, holier place in 2015. Francis had some zingers: How the "terrorism of gossip" can "kill the reputation of our colleagues and brothers in cold blood." How cliques can "enslave their members and become a cancer that threatens the harmony of the body" and eventually kill it off by "friendly fire." How some suffer from "spiritual Alzheimer's," forgetting what drew them to the priesthood in the first place. Read more.

Mike's Comments: While the pope should be applauded for trying to root out the many problems within the Vatican bureaucracy, his desire for a radical spiritual reformation will never happen until he starts preaching the true Gospel. He urged his prelates to "repent and atone" for spiritual reform. However, that is not the solution. They need to "repent and believe" that Christ made atonement for sin. All Catholics need to repent from their works-righteousness gospel and believe the Gospel of Christ which declares that He is sufficient to save sinners completely and forever. Spiritual reform is impossible apart from being born-again by the imperishable seed which is the living and abiding word of God (1 Pet. 1:23). If the pope really wants spiritual reform he will renounce his ungodly traditions of men and proclaim God's Gospel that is fully contained in God's Word (1 Cor. 15:1-4).
Practical Reminders When You Evangelize
 
Be Prayerful. Pray for open doors and open hearts and for the words to say (Col. 4:2-6).

Be Purposeful. Your goal is not to make decisions, but to make disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, teaching them to observe everything He has commanded (Mat. 28:19-20).

Be Gentle and Compassionate. Avoid quarreling and arguing. Be kind and courteous. There are times to share and times to listen. People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care (Mark 6:34, Titus 3:2, 2 Tim. 2:24-26).

Be Patient and Loving. Be ready to invest time as you make disciples and share the love of God. Your love for Christ and your love for the lost will motivate and encourage you to be a faithful witness (1 Cor. 13:4).

Be Specific. Your mission is to tell people how the Lord Jesus Christ can save them from the power, punishment and ultimately, the presence of sin (1 Pet. 2:24; 1 John 1:7).

Be Persuasive and Passionate. You are sharing the greatest news they will ever hear about the greatest gift they could ever receive from the greatest Man who ever lived. Implore them on behalf of Christ to make a volitional response to the Gospel (2 Cor. 5:11, 20).

Be Bold. Warn people who reject Christ and the Gospel that God's wrath will be their punishment and hell will be their prison with no escape (2 Thes. 1:5-10).

Be Christ-like. God gave us the ministry of reconciliation and we are ambassadors for Christ such that God is making His appeal through us (2 Cor. 5:18-20).
Catholic Church Losing Ground in Latin America
 
In just one generation, Latin America has seen the number of people who identify themselves as Catholic plummet, with more people becoming Protestant or dropping religion altogether. The shift is dramatic for a region that has long been one of the bastions of Catholicism in the world. With more than 425 million Catholics, Latin America accounts for nearly 40% of the global Catholic population. Through the 1960s, at least 90% of Latin Americans were Catholic, and 84% of people surveyed recently by the Pew Research Center said they were raised Catholic. But a recent report found that only 69% of Latin Americans still consider themselves Catholic, with more people switching to more conservative Protestant churches (19%) or describing themselves as agnostic or religiously unaffiliated (8%).
Pope Continues Heresies About Mary
mary

Pope Francis venerated the statue of the Immaculate Conception on December 8 and invited others to join him. The statue was created in 1857 as a mark of the Roman Catholic belief that Mary was conceived without sin. "I ask you to spiritually unite yourselves to me in this pilgrimage, which expresses filial devotion to our heavenly mother," he said. The concept of the "immaculate conception" was declared by Pope Pius IX on December 8, 1844, who issued a proclamation stating, "The most Blessed Virgin Mary was, from the first moment of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege of almighty God and by virtue of the merits of Jesus Christ, Savior of the human race, preserved immune from all stain of original sin."

Mike's Comment: The doctrine of Mary's pure conception without sin is pure heresy. Catholic doctrine, not only teaches that Mary was sinless, but that she has power to save. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC)] teaches "Mary did not lay aside this saving office but by her manifold intercession continues to bring us the gifts of eternal salvation" (CCC, para. 969). "The Immaculate Virgin, preserved free from all stain of original sin, when the course of her earthly life was finished, was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory, and exalted by the Lord as Queen over all things. In giving birth, you kept your virginity. You conceived the living God and, by your prayers, will deliver our souls from death" (CCC, para. 966). Read more of Mike's interview with CNN here.
 
Christianity Today: Engagement Between Catholics and Evangelicals is the Best News of 2014

"Engagement between evangelicals and Catholics has gone to a whole new level. There's a shift taking place under Pope Francis. He seems clearly geared toward evangelicals." Read more.

Catholics and Lutherans Will Celebrate Together the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation 
 
Pope Francis received a delegation from the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Germany last month to discuss a mutual celebration of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in 2017. The pope said, "Lutherans and Catholics around the world will have the opportunity to share the profession of our common faith in the Triune God. At the center of this event will be common prayer and the plea that our Lord Jesus Christ pardon for our mutual faults, along with the joy of journeying together on a shared ecumenical path. Last year a document was produced by the Lutheran-Catholic Commission for Unity entitled "From Conflict to Communion: The Joint Lutheran-Catholic Commemoration of the Reformation in 2017." Read more.
Let us tell others of the greatest gift anyone could ever receive. The gift will last throughout all eternity!

Mike Gendron

(972) 495-0485
PO Box 940871, Plano, TX 75094
www.ProclaimingTheGospel.org
Mike's Ministry Schedule
Mike at TC Pulpit  

A Call for Discernment Conference
Cornerstone Baptist Church
Orlando, FL
Jan. 23-25

Mike's topics will be: "And Such Were Some of You", "The Compromising Church" and "A Servant of the Lord Must Not Quarrel." Cornerstone Baptist Church will host the 3 day conference on Hope and the Homosexual Agenda.


Emmanuel Baptist Church
Bryan, TX
Feb. 1 

Mike will preach three times on Sunday, including the morning worship hour at 10:30 am, the Sunday School hour at 9:00 am, and the evening service at 6:00 pm. For more information click here.

Joe Atkinson International Ministries
Arlington, TX 
Feb. 14

Mike will speak to the members of Joe Atkinson's Evangelistic Association at their annual meeting at 10 am in Arlington, TX.
Steeling the Mind Bible Conference
Peoria, IL
Feb. 28


Mike will join 5 other speakers presenting 9 messages at the all-day conference hosted by Groveland Missionary Church. To register for the conference call 800-977-2177 or click here.

The Master's Academy International Symposium
Burbank, CA 
March 2

In conjunction with 
The Shepherds Conference Inerrancy Summit, 
The Master's Academy International is hosting a Symposium 
on "The Implications of Inerrancy for the Global Church."
Mike will join Paul Washer, James White, Marl Tatlock and 4 other speakers to address the topic of biblical inerrancy.


Which Jesus Do You Trust?


This 6-panel Gospel tract reveals a thought-provoking contrast between the Eucharistic Jesus of Catholicism and the Jesus of Scripture. Those who embrace a counterfeit Christ must be lovingly warned. Order here.

The 12 Most Important Words of the Gospel


These twelve cards define the most important words of the Gospel with 4 bullet points on the back of each card. They can be used as an effective witnessing tool or to help you gain a greater understanding of the best news anyone could ever hear. Order here. 

DVD of the Month
Hard Questions for Good Catholics
Hard Questioins

The Lord Jesus exposed religious errors by asking the Jewish leaders hard questions. We can do the same as we evangelize Roman Catholics. Discover key questions that will challenge Catholics and hopefully, bring them to repentance and knowledge of the truth. The 2nd message, Last Days for Catholics
objectively examines their religion through the lens of Scripture and presents biblical principles for witnessing. Order here.

Sermon of the Month

Jesse Barrington, pastor of Grace Life Church of Dallas, preaches a powerful sermon on how God raises His people from the dead. "You, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses" 
(Col. 2:13). Listen here.

The Supremacy and  Sufficiency of our Lord Jesus Christ

  God's Gospel reveals all the Lord Jesus Christ accomplished to save sinners from the power, punishment, and ultimately, the presence of sin: righteousness had to be perfected, divine justice had to be satisfied, blood had to be shed, redemption had to be paid, sins had to be forgiven, reconciliation had to be achieved, death had to be conquered, and salvation had to be secured. 
What a glorious Savior we have to proclaim to those who are in bondage to sin! 

 

 

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