"Is The United States A Christian Nation? (Part 5)"
Recognizing and Battling False Spirits and Teachers
Given 14-Feb-09; Sermon #923; 66 minutes
By Mr.John W. Ritenbaugh
Click Here to Listen/Download MP3
Description: John Ritenbaugh, reflecting on the works of Martin Luther, suggested that the revered reformer was a crafty political leader and a proponent of situation ethics, suggesting that we owe nothing to God but faith, and it is not what we do, but what we believe that is important. The founders of this nation were similarly guided more by laws of expedience than by ideology or theology, not having the faith once delivered, ardently believing in using the sword, impelling people to accept the government's power. Consequently, we are at the mercy of a myriad of antichrists whose licentious message is more popular than God's message which demands voluntary obedience and submission. We must be able to decipher the meanings of the false prophet's messages, comparing them to the immutable standard of God's word, striving to come out of the hopelessly darkened world, the abode of the enemy—home base for the demonic influences hoping to destroy God's work, God's family, and God's truth. As with our Elder Brother, every confrontation with Satan or his demonic confederates begin with an intellectual battle over truth. Unlike our Elder Brother, we are badly outclassed in these battles. The great equalizer is Jesus Christ, if we have the good sense to maintain a close, intimate relationship with Him through the messages God gives through His Word during our personal studies, and as expounded by His teachers. Though we are in mortal combat, we have the truth to defend ourselves and the heavy artillery of Jesus Christ at our back.
Topics: Abode of the enemy American founders Antichrists Antinomian Battle Christian principles Constitution Conversion Demonic influences Evaluation of false prophets False doctrine False prophets Intellectual Intimacy Knowledge Loss of freedoms Martin Luther Message Messenger Overcoming Protestant Reformation Relativistic age Satan Saving faith Situation ethics Stimulus Package Tests and challenges Trust Truth Usurper World Word of God.
Recognizing and Battling False Spirits and Teachers
Given 14-Feb-09; Sermon #923; 66 minutes
By Mr.John W. Ritenbaugh
Click Here to Listen/Download MP3
Description: John Ritenbaugh, reflecting on the works of Martin Luther, suggested that the revered reformer was a crafty political leader and a proponent of situation ethics, suggesting that we owe nothing to God but faith, and it is not what we do, but what we believe that is important. The founders of this nation were similarly guided more by laws of expedience than by ideology or theology, not having the faith once delivered, ardently believing in using the sword, impelling people to accept the government's power. Consequently, we are at the mercy of a myriad of antichrists whose licentious message is more popular than God's message which demands voluntary obedience and submission. We must be able to decipher the meanings of the false prophet's messages, comparing them to the immutable standard of God's word, striving to come out of the hopelessly darkened world, the abode of the enemy—home base for the demonic influences hoping to destroy God's work, God's family, and God's truth. As with our Elder Brother, every confrontation with Satan or his demonic confederates begin with an intellectual battle over truth. Unlike our Elder Brother, we are badly outclassed in these battles. The great equalizer is Jesus Christ, if we have the good sense to maintain a close, intimate relationship with Him through the messages God gives through His Word during our personal studies, and as expounded by His teachers. Though we are in mortal combat, we have the truth to defend ourselves and the heavy artillery of Jesus Christ at our back.
Topics: Abode of the enemy American founders Antichrists Antinomian Battle Christian principles Constitution Conversion Demonic influences Evaluation of false prophets False doctrine False prophets Intellectual Intimacy Knowledge Loss of freedoms Martin Luther Message Messenger Overcoming Protestant Reformation Relativistic age Satan Saving faith Situation ethics Stimulus Package Tests and challenges Trust Truth Usurper World Word of God.