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Telling the Truth May Get You Killed
Have you ever considered why religious people plotted to kill the Lord Jesus 2000 years ago? Why would devout Jews, who had a zeal for God, kill one of their prophets? It was not because He was so merciful (Luke 23:34). Nor was it because of His abundant grace and sacrificial love (John 15:13). So why did the religious leaders seek to have Jesus crucified? This may surprise you. It was because Jesus told them the truth (John 8:40). He proclaimed the truth about Himself and the truth about who they were (John 8:44). As the personification of truth, He declared His Word to be the truth (John 14:6; 17:3). He told them that He came from heaven to testify to the truth (John 18:37). He did not come to be a man-pleaser, but to do the will of God. This truth angered the Jews so much they plotted to have Him killed.
The self-righteous Jews became incensed when Jesus said, "Unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins" (John 8:24). Their religious pride, a powerful tool of the devil, had blinded them from the truth (2 Cor. 4:4). It is no wonder the proud oppose God, and God opposes the proud (Jas. 4:6). In one of the Bible's curious paradoxes, people were put to death for telling the truth, but made alive for believing the truth (John 5:24).
Jesus said, "You seek to kill Me because My word finds no place in you" (John 8:37). The Jews would eventually deliver Jesus to be crucified and killed by lawless men, according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God (Acts 2:23). God used the truth that was rejected by stiff-necked, stubborn-hearted, religious people, to have the Lord of Glory put to death.
Telling the truth would also threaten the apostles with death. When they were brought before the High Priest and his council, they began proclaiming the truth, and the Jews became infuriated and wanted to kill them (Acts 5:27-33). Eventually, eleven of the 12 Apostles would all die a martyr's death for proclaiming the truth of the Gospel.
It was also the truth, spoken so boldly by Stephen, that had him killed. When the Jews heard his message of truth, they became enraged and stoned him to death (Acts 7:1-58). Throughout the New Testament, we see a fierce opposition and hatred of God's truth. After King Herod killed James with the sword and saw how it pleased the Jews, he made plans to arrest and kill Peter also (Acts 12:1-3).
The Jews have not been the only religion that have killed God's people because of the truth. During the Counter Reformation, the Roman Catholic religion brutally murdered hundreds of thousands of Christians who had been set free by the truth of God's Word (John 8:31-32).
The gospel of Rome has not only been fatal for those who believed it, but also fatal for those who had the courage to expose it. As the Reformers were calling people out of their apostate religion, many of them were tortured and burned at the stake by the Jesuits. Tragically, the truths they died defending are now being compromised by evangelicals who are uniting with Rome.
The Vatican's hatred for the profound truth that Jesus Christ died once for all sin for all time has been demonstrated
by its blasphemous sacrifice of the Mass. In this abominable tradition, a counterfeit Christ is immolated on an altar as a propitiatory sin offering for the living and the dead. It grieves me to no end that over one billion faithful Catholics embrace this utter nonsense instead of believing the clear truth of God's Word (Heb. 10:10-18). Because of religious indoctrination, Catholics are denying and suppressing the truth of God's Word to their own destruction.
People who are woefully deceived by their religion will never know it unless they hear the truth. Their only hope is to be lovingly confronted by Christians who have been entrusted with the truth. As Ambassadors for Christ, we must proclaim the truth with boldness and courage. We cannot be man-pleasers and servants of Christ at the same time. Sadly, we already have too many man-pleasers who allow the truth to be trampled in the streets in order to be loved by all. We need more God-pleasers who are willing to die for the Gospel that has the power to bring life to those dead in sin. We need to do what Jesus did by refuting error, opposing those who spread it, and contending earnestly for the faith! This means we must strive to be biblically correct instead of politically correct!
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God and Government
John MacArthur gave a powerful message at Believers Chapel in Dallas one week after five policemen were ambushed and murdered in our city. His message
God and the Government
is a warning to America. We are a nation that can expect the most terrible of God's judgments because we have sinned against the greatest spiritual light any nation, outside of Israel, has ever received.
Mike's Comment: Our nation needs to hear this message because we have encouraged the worship of false gods under the banner of religious freedom. God commands all nations to worship the one true God. He is the one who gave the nations their inheritance when he divided mankind and fixed the borders (Deut. 32:8). America needs to be warned that the presence of strange gods are provoking God to anger (Deut. 32:16). As a nation we have turned our backs on Him and should not longer say, "God bless America." Instead we should recognize that "God blessED America" and now we must repent! It must begin with the household of God (1 Pet. 4:17).
An example of this was duly noted at an
interfaith prayer
service at Thanks-Giving Square in Dallas after five of our policemen were murdered. Those who were asked to offer prayers were a Catholic bishop, a Muslim imam, a Jewish rabbi, a Oneness Pentecostal, along with clerics from other religions. There was also an evangelical pastor from Park Cities Baptist Church who represented the only true faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. As he gave his prayer message, I was appalled when he cited Martin Luther King but never mentioned Jesus Christ, the Name above all names. Was this an oversight or an attempt to be politically correct? Only God knows his heart.
I decided to write him an email to encourage him to be bold for the Lord Jesus Christ the next time he has a similar opportunity. Since he never responded, I thought I would share it with our readers as an exhortation for us all to be passionate for our Savior (Titus 2:15).
Dear Dr. Warren,
I write this with a heavy heart in hopes that you will be convicted by the Holy Spirit for what you failed to do last week at the Dallas Thanksgiving
prayer service. You were the only evangelical among all the clerics from a variety of religions. All the hurting people of Dallas and beyond were listening to you for a message that would bring them hope and heal their hurting hearts. Yet, you never mentioned Jesus Christ, the Name above all names, the only mediator between God and man, the only hope for a world spinning out of control. You could have pointed people to the only Light that can dispel the darkness in our world, the only Way for those who are lost, the only truth for those who are deceived, and the only life for those who are dead in sin. But no! You chose to avoid the truth that might make you unpopular. You chose to seek the approval of all the men and women who were gathered, rather than seek the approval of the only true God who you were called to represent. You chose to lift up the popular name of Dr. Martin Luther King but not the Name of the only One who can make a difference in people's lives. It is now my prayer and hope that you will take this constructive criticism with a humble, teachable heart.
Sincerely, Mike Gendron
May God grant us all more grace to be faithful in our devotion to Christ, bold in contending for the faith, clear in our testimony to the world, steadfast in our defense of the truth, and courageous in fighting for the faith.
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Janet Mefferd Interviews Mike Gendron on The Tragic Decline of Biblical Discernment
The Bible exhorts Christians to exercise discernment so we can separate truth from error and contend earnestly for the faith. So why do statistics reveal that many evangelicals are doing just the opposite? They are compromising the Gospel and refusing
to take a stand for truth? Part of the problem is a decline of biblical preachers who faithfully preach the Word of God. Mike's interview with Janet Mefferd can be heard
here.
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Responses to "Together 2016"
Dear Mike, This is despicable and inexplicable. How can these "evangelicals" be so naïve or deluded into thinking that the RC Pope or the religion he represents is anything but a pseudo-Christian, anti-Christian, blasphemous, idolatrous, pagan, man-made, religious cult that is diametrically opposed to evangelical beliefs, while damning its followers to Hell? Did Josh McDowell, Francis Chan, etc. know that Nick Hall invited the RC Pope to join them? If so, how can they approve of this outrage? What message will this send to their evangelical followers? Are they suggesting that we should now blur the differences between good and evil? I might send out a letter to each of the confirmed participants and ask them these questions. It is going to be difficult to enjoy my birthday on July 16th this year, while this misguided disaster of biblical proportion is taking place at our nation's capital. You can bet I will be praying up a storm. If Jesus wept over Jerusalem (and He did), we should weep over America. Blessings, J. and J. R., Costa Mesa, CA
Dear Mike,
Your last newsletter article on Who Is Reversing the Reformation was quite timely. As I watched Together 2016 on live-streaming via the web, the Social Justice, ecumenical "kool-aid" message of Rome was alive and well. It was "preached" from the base of the pagan obelisk in Washington D.C. Ravi Zacharias and Josh McDowell literally failed to deliver the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ alone. The event truly saddens me, but does not surprise me, as we watch the One-World religious harlot being prostituted by these "wolves in sheep's clothing." Thank you, brother, for standing for The truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. May the Lord bless you, your family and ministry in His awesome power for His glory! S.M., Eagan, MN
Mike, When I looked at the promotions for
Together 2016, it was all about "uniting" and "not dividing", "putting aside our differences" (the true Gospel, and the real "Jesus" if need be). The word "collective" is used a lot (suggesting the Pope's world socialism goals.) Also, "Oneness", "Together" and "fire." Everything is going to "catch fire." (Actually they are right; It is called "Hell.") I would like to say also, that in watching your videos (and I think I have watched all of them), these evangelicals claim to "love people'" but they close the door of heaven to them by "suppressing the truth in unrighteousness." Regarding your encounter with Francis Chan at his church, I have never seen anyone speak more "tactfully", and "lovingly" to Catholics using Biblical truth. I am sure there is nothing you said at Francis Chan's church that was "disrespectful," or "insulting," or "unloving" to Catholics. Francis Chan was offended by the truth because some might turn away from the truth, as they did when Jesus himself presented it. Francis wanted to keep his church packed. That was his concern. L.B., Rockport, TX
Mike's Comment: At one time I esteemed Josh McDowell very highly for his work in apologetics. However, it was troubling to see him speak at a conference that promoted unity with Catholics. This was not the first time he chose not to be sanctified by the truth. Earlier this year, he had a Roman Catholic priest, Sean Kilcawley, speak at his Set Free Global Summit Conference. In his message, the priest emphasized "that helping people with porn and proclaiming that they are beloved children of God is simply evangelization in a world that has been pornified."
I emailed Josh to warn him that Pope Francis would be calling for unity among all Christians. He did not respond to me. The pope invited people to Together 2016 with these words: "Jesus is waiting for you. He is the one who planted the seeds of restlessness in your heart. Give it a try. You don't have anything to lose. Try it! Then you can tell me." Nick Hall, the organizer of the conference, called the pope, "His Holiness."
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Join Us in Germany and Switzerland to Celebrate the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation
Join Mike and Jane Gendron along with Mike Abendroth, pastor of
Bethlehem Bible Church, and his wife Kim, as we celebrate the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation during an inspiring tour of Germany and Switzerland. Mike Gendron's extensive knowledge of Catholicism and the Reformation will equip you to be an effective witness and contend for the faith. You will also glean from Pastor Mike Abendroth's expository teachings and learn how to dive into the scriptures and discover the truths just as Martin Luther did those 500 years ago. This exciting tour will take you to the places where Martin Luther, John Calvin, and other Reformers ministered and give you a biblical perspective of why the Reformation must never be forgotten or reversed.
See brochure here.
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Letters from Around the World
Dear Mike, Please send 2 copies of
Preparing For Eternity so that we can give one to our granddaughter who has become involved with a Catholic. All of his family are devoted Catholics and they are forcing them to attend their services and keep their traditions. Please join us in praying that they will flee from the bondage of deception and God will grant them repentance and the knowledge of His truth. Your book written in comparison style lays out both sides so clearly and answers so many questions. It is indeed a blessing! C.P., OK
Dear C.P., During our 25 years in this ministry, we have received many letters, emails, and phone calls similar to yours. It is tragic that our children and grandchildren get romantically involved with Roman Catholics because we fail to warn them about being unequally yoked with unbelievers (2 Cor. 6:14-18). We will join you in prayer for your intentions, and we will also pray that your letter would encourage Christian parents to instruct and protect their children from any relationship that goes against the Word of God.
Mike, Anyone that says they know for sure they have eternal life is lying to themselves. It is either pride or vanity that makes people say that. Unless God personally showed up and said it, it is not true. The Bible speaks the opposite of the 'assurance of salvation'. It is an idea Luther created out of the air. Steve, Internet
Steve, Throughout the New Testament, we read about the Gospel's promise of eternal life. It is not a promise of conditional life. However, this does not mean that every one who professes faith in Christ is secure for eternity and has the assurance of eternal salvation. There are professors of Christ who have never been born again. The promise of eternal life is given to every born-again Christian and is backed up by the power of God (1 Pet. 1:3-5). To deny the promise of the Gospel is to deny the Gospel itself. The apostle John made it positively clear that we can know (right here and now) that we have (in our possession), eternal, everlasting life with Christ (1 John 5:13). When God saves sinners by His grace, He no longer counts their sins against them (Rom. 4:8; 2 Cor. 5:19). All past and future sins are imputed to Christ and His righteousness is imputed to the new creature in Christ (2 Cor. 5:21). This gives the believer a permanent right standing before God (Heb. 10:14). May God open your eyes to see these glorious promises and cause you to be born again!
Mike and Jane, It is rarely a week that goes by that I do not have an opportunity to share the Gospel with those who have been deceived by the Roman Catholic Religion. And I am so very grateful for the book that you wrote Preparing for Eternity to clearly articulate the truth, using Scripture as you contrast it to the false teaching of the doctrines of men in the Roman Catholic Religion. Thank you for your heart, and your faithfulness to equip and encourage those who share your passion for those who have been deceived and are heading to an eternity in hell. Blessings, C. R., Minneapolis, MN
Mike, I recently helped a professing Christian with her estate sale. Among her possessions were several family "heirlooms" and she was trying to decide what do with them. All of these heirlooms were from her extended Roman Catholic family and the items were all embellished with Roman Catholic artwork and themes. To my astonishment, her Christian friends advised her to donate the items to the Roman Catholic church. I believe that by doing this, these Christians were just confirming the error of the RCC. How would you have advised her? JP, McKinney, TX
Dear J.P., I am astonished as well with the suggestion to donate the icons to the RCC so that they can be used again to perpetuate the sin of idolatry. Knowing how much God hates idolatry, I would have told her to destroy them or burn them as God instructed the Israelites to do (Deut 7:5; 12:3). The new believers in Ephesus, who were converted out of sorcery, burned their books to prove their repentance was genuine (Acts 19:19).
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The Ark Encounter Opens
Thousands flocked to the grand opening of Answers in Genesis's
Ark Encounter last month. It was the two year culmination of a project of biblical proportions. The theme park features a full-scale replica of the ark that God instructed Noah to build to escape the coming flood, as outlined in the book of Genesis. The ark is the largest timber-frame structure in the US and measures 510 feet long.
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Consumer Driven Pastors Are So Predictable
Rick Warren is stooping to rely on the foolishness of this world to "win souls" to Jesus. The seeker-friendly pastor is using
Pokemon GO! to get people to his church. He doesn't rely on the power of the Gospel and the Holy Spirit to draw people to be saved. Instead he is relying on the latest gimmick and the latest popular fad.
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We hope you've enjoyed this month's e-Newsletter. Please let us know how we can serve you!
Mike and Jane Gendron
(972) 495-0485
PO Box 940871, Plano, TX 75094
www.ProclaimingTheGospel.org
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Northwest Bible Church
Ft. Worth, TX
Oct. 9
Mike will preach two services at 9:30 and 10:45 am at Northwest Bible Church, 5025 Jacksboro Hwy in
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