“Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil;
Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness;
Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes,
And prudent in their own sight!” (Isaiah 5:20-21).
If you have been paying any attention to the world of politics for the last 8-9 years, you have undoubtedly noticed that something is missing: truth, honesty and integrity.
The current administration is undergoing numerous investigations for everything from a U.S. Ambassador being murdered in Benghazi, to the improper handling of classified emails, to the Internal Revenue Service being used to silence those who would dare to disagree with a sitting president, to deals being made with Iran (the number one sponsor of Islamic terrorists and their attacks), to the Veterans Administration being so corrupt that some men and women were not able to receive proper treatment which resulted in their death.
Has anyone been held accountable? Has anyone been charged with a crime? Has anyone lost his or her six-figure government salary? Where is the truth? Where is honesty? Where is integrity?
It seems as though some politicians, on both sides of the aisle (Republican and Democrat), have forgotten why they were elected. For some, it has simply become a way to amass more financial security for themselves and a means to exercise political power and position.
There was time in our country’s history when serving as a representative of the people was an honorable, noble and selfless task. Things have changed, but we shouldn’t be too surprised. A majority of those who are running our country will readily say, “God bless America” with no idea Who He is or what He requires. A majority of those running the country have acquiesced to the loud voices of sinful people who don’t want God at the center of their world or this country. And, once again, those same loud voices are screaming to remove “In God we trust” from all of our currency. This is not new but now they have momentum on their side.
There’s an old saying: “Politics isn’t everything; but it is in everything.” That saying is both true and sad. Perhaps the saddest part of that statement is that there is politics even in churches, the one place where God and His Word should be honored and obeyed above all else.
The verses above, Isaiah 5:20-21, seem to fit the time in which we are living. The world, as whole, has rejected the God of the Bible in favor of countless other gods of their own making. For those who reject the God of Scripture, they can use a relativistic scale (instead of God’s absolute scale) to determine what is good and what is evil. Each person can be “wise in their own eyes” and choose what’s acceptable to them without regard for the One who created them.
Politics and religion are two of the most divisive topics known to man. It is no exaggeration to say that friends and family members have parted ways due to the heated discussions that occur with regard to these two subjects.
First, let me encourage you by saying that God is still in charge. No one has, or ever will, knock Him off of His throne. Jesus is still the Savior of the world and He is still interceding for the saints. The Holy Spirit is still at work convicting individuals of sin and drawing them to the Father through grace and faith.
Second, as this next presidential election gets closer, remember that we are ambassadors for Christ. Certainly share your political opinions, but remember to keep a loving attitude towards those with whom you may disagree. It may very well be that a loving attitude will open the door to share Christ with a lost and dying world.
May the Lord bless you as you seek to serve Him in this New year.
By His Grace,
Gary T. Dromi, Ph.D.
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
The Wages of Sin
My first thought as I sat down to write this article was
begin by wishing everyone a Happy New Year.
However, God, in His sovereignty brought an event into my life that
caused me to change directions.
“The wages of sin is
death” (Romans 6:23a). The truth of that statement by Paul was
brought home all to clearly for me this past week. Our pet rabbit, Mocha, died. She was an elderly rabbit, eight and one half
years old. Most rabbits don’t live much
past 4-5 years. God brought Mocha into
our lives just before our lives were about to get rather chaotic. During that time, especially, she brought
smiles to our faces and, like most pets, helped us to take a break from what
was happening all around us.
So how is it that Mocha’s death drove home the point of sin
causing death and grief? If it weren’t
for Adam and Eve’s sin of disobeying God, death would never have entered our
world. The day that they sinned, to all
of Adam’s progeny was added a sin-nature.
No human being has escaped it except for Jesus. And it
is to Him we look for a pardon from the wages of our sin.
As I spent the hours after Mocha’s death grieving, crying
and even weeping, the heinous nature of sin became much more clear. The consequences of sin are never, ever
confined to the individual committing the sin.
For example, when someone has an affair and commits the sin of adultery,
the consequences of that sin are catastrophic.
More often than not, a marriage dies; trust is obliterated; and grief is
overwhelming. If there are young
children, they are caught in the middle and don’t understand why their parents
are no longer living in the same house or why mommy and daddy are no longer
married. The consequences of this particular
sin will affect the children, literally, for the rest of their lives. If you doubt it, just ask someone whose
parents divorced when they were young.
How many friendships have been destroyed because of
sin? How many friends have lost their
close relationship because of sin? How
many families have been torn apart because of sin? How many churches have split because of
sin? How many neighborhoods are
destroyed because of sin? How many
countries are left impoverished because of sin?
How many people are dying as a direct result of sin? Those are tough questions to think about and,
most of the time, we don’t want to discuss it because we would have to be
willing to admit that there is a God who sets the standard of righteousness; we would have to acknowledge that sin is real and the consequences are real and far
reaching.
“… but the gift of God
is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord,” (Romans 6:23b). The last
part of the verse brings us the reason for rejoicing. This same Jesus, who is the sinless, spotless
Lamb of God, the Savior of the world, who would take away the SIN OF THE WORLD,
He is still actively interceding on behalf of all believers. He is still talked about and shared with a
world that is in desperate need of the Savior.
As we begin a new year, it is my prayer that all believers
will rejoice in their deliverance from the penalty of their sin: death.
Secondly, that we will be ever cognizant of the fact that sin can, and
does, have far reaching consequences.
All of us still struggle with our sin nature but if we will live our
lives yielded to the power and guidance of God’s Word and His Holy Spirit, we
can avoid a lot of the grief, sorrow and pain that is caused by our sin. Thirdly, there are people, real people, who
need to know about Jesus and His amazing sacrifice on their behalf. Tell them about Him; ask the Father to draw
them to Himself that they, too, would know the love, forgiveness, mercy and
grace that is found only in Jesus’ death and resurrection.
May the Lord bless you and keep you as you seek to serve Him
all the more in 2016.
By His Grace,
Gary T. Dromi, Ph.D.
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Overcoming the World
Peace on earth? Good will towards men? Some would question that those things exist in our world today, and with good reasons. We have watched as Islamic jihadist terrorists have wreaked havoc in virtually every part of the world, killing and injuring hundreds of innocent people. We have seen what happens when “political correctness” takes precedence over common sense and facts in evidence. For reasons that are baffling at best and fatally dangerous at worst, our country’s leader(s) has chosen to ignore or suppress the truth regarding an Islamic caliphate and those who are seeking to perpetuate its increase in size and geography.
History tells us that the religion known as “Islam” has always spread by the sword. The current generation of power seeking Muslim jihadists is not presenting anything new. What’s most frustrating is that our leaders refuse to acknowledge it and continue to make up excuses for their barbaric behavior. Cutting someone’s head off with a knife; burning people alive inside of a cage; throwing people from the tops of buildings; modern day crucifixions; raping little girls and women; all of this done in the name of a religion known as “Islam” and its prophet, Muhammad.
People have been clamoring for peace for hundreds of years, yet peace is the last thing we seem to have in our world today.
The economic situation around the globe has investors extremely cautious. We have seen the stock market decline consistently for months. Some of our political leaders are being investigated, and indicted, for criminal behavior, thinking that somehow, they are above the law. Unemployment is high; there has been rioting on the streets of Missouri and elsewhere; and there is very little trust in our governing officials, as time and time again, they have proven themselves to be inept or incompetent.
Wasn’t that an uplifting way to start this Christmas season? Keep reading, please.
Shortly before Jesus’ betrayal by Judas, He said to His disciples:
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).
There it is ~ “in the world, you will have tribulation.” What I take from this is, don’t be surprised or fearful about what is happening all around us. Jesus confirms that that is what is going to happen. This is the rule, not the exception. This is the norm.
Believers are not supposed to seek peace in this world because it is filled with sin and sin brings tribulation, sorrow, sadness, evil, and all sorts of terrible crimes against humanity.
Believers are to seek peace in their right relationship with Jesus. Notice what He says, “that in Me you may have peace.” The peace that Jesus is speaking of is a peace between all believers, and our holy, heavenly Father. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, there has been made available to all believers forgiveness of sin, mercy, grace and a “cessation of wrath,” and that is the definition of peace. It is an inner peace, a spiritual peace.
Why is that true? Jesus tells us to “take courage, [because] I have overcome the world.” Jesus has defeated sin and death through the cross and His resurrection. He overcame the forces of evil and provides a way out of sin and separation from God for anyone who will believe and receive Him as their personal Savior.
In His high priestly prayer, Jesus defined eternal life, “And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” (John 17:3).
There will never be peace in this world until Jesus returns to rule and reign during His Millennial Kingdom. Until that happens, living under this world-system will always bring trials and tribulation, sin and sorrow.
So the question is, do you know the only true God and Jesus Christ, His Son whom “the Father sent to be the Savior of the world” (1 John 4:14)?
There is no greater gift that can be received than “the gift of God,” which is eternal life (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Let us keep an eternal perspective. This is not our home. We are citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:20a). This world is just layover on our way to our heavenly Father’s house.
As we prepare to celebrate the birth of the Messiah, our Savior, Jesus of Nazareth, may the peace that passes understanding, found only in Jesus, guard your hearts and minds.
“For today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11).
By His Grace,
Dr. Gary T. Dromi
History tells us that the religion known as “Islam” has always spread by the sword. The current generation of power seeking Muslim jihadists is not presenting anything new. What’s most frustrating is that our leaders refuse to acknowledge it and continue to make up excuses for their barbaric behavior. Cutting someone’s head off with a knife; burning people alive inside of a cage; throwing people from the tops of buildings; modern day crucifixions; raping little girls and women; all of this done in the name of a religion known as “Islam” and its prophet, Muhammad.
People have been clamoring for peace for hundreds of years, yet peace is the last thing we seem to have in our world today.
The economic situation around the globe has investors extremely cautious. We have seen the stock market decline consistently for months. Some of our political leaders are being investigated, and indicted, for criminal behavior, thinking that somehow, they are above the law. Unemployment is high; there has been rioting on the streets of Missouri and elsewhere; and there is very little trust in our governing officials, as time and time again, they have proven themselves to be inept or incompetent.
Wasn’t that an uplifting way to start this Christmas season? Keep reading, please.
Shortly before Jesus’ betrayal by Judas, He said to His disciples:
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).
There it is ~ “in the world, you will have tribulation.” What I take from this is, don’t be surprised or fearful about what is happening all around us. Jesus confirms that that is what is going to happen. This is the rule, not the exception. This is the norm.
Believers are not supposed to seek peace in this world because it is filled with sin and sin brings tribulation, sorrow, sadness, evil, and all sorts of terrible crimes against humanity.
Believers are to seek peace in their right relationship with Jesus. Notice what He says, “that in Me you may have peace.” The peace that Jesus is speaking of is a peace between all believers, and our holy, heavenly Father. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, there has been made available to all believers forgiveness of sin, mercy, grace and a “cessation of wrath,” and that is the definition of peace. It is an inner peace, a spiritual peace.
Why is that true? Jesus tells us to “take courage, [because] I have overcome the world.” Jesus has defeated sin and death through the cross and His resurrection. He overcame the forces of evil and provides a way out of sin and separation from God for anyone who will believe and receive Him as their personal Savior.
In His high priestly prayer, Jesus defined eternal life, “And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” (John 17:3).
There will never be peace in this world until Jesus returns to rule and reign during His Millennial Kingdom. Until that happens, living under this world-system will always bring trials and tribulation, sin and sorrow.
So the question is, do you know the only true God and Jesus Christ, His Son whom “the Father sent to be the Savior of the world” (1 John 4:14)?
There is no greater gift that can be received than “the gift of God,” which is eternal life (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Let us keep an eternal perspective. This is not our home. We are citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:20a). This world is just layover on our way to our heavenly Father’s house.
As we prepare to celebrate the birth of the Messiah, our Savior, Jesus of Nazareth, may the peace that passes understanding, found only in Jesus, guard your hearts and minds.
“For today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11).
By His Grace,
Dr. Gary T. Dromi
Saturday, October 10, 2015
Thoughts On Bravery and Courage
In western culture, words have been being redefined for the
last few decades. For example: In the 1960's “bad” meant good rather than something to be
avoided. The word; “gay” has been redefined to mean homosexual rather than happy or joyful. The word “sick” means
outstanding or amazing rather than an illness or a perversion.
“Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his
life for his friends,” (John
15:13).
There are, obviously, many other examples.
Two words that are now being redefined are: “brave” and
“courageous.” Criminal behavior such as
looting or stealing from shop owners during recent riots are now being redefined as “brave” or “courageous” rather than as vandalism and stealing.
Criticizing and personally attacking someone (verbally and physically) because they
hold to traditional, biblical values is now considered “brave” or
“courageous” by so-called "progressive" individuals.
The postmodern mindset of our culture, with its relativistic
mantra, has only made this redefining of words that much simpler because for
the postmodern mind, there are no absolute truths. Each person is encouraged to define truth in
whatever way it suits him or her best.
The deviations, magnetic or otherwise, of one’s moral compass are
largely ignored because, for the relativist, there is no “true north” from
which a proper calibration of right and wrong can be achieved.
It’s been said that if a lie is told often enough, and left
unchallenged, it will soon become the new truth. History has proven this to be true all too
often.
Food for Thought:
Bravery is being the second
person to be asked “Are you a Christian?” after having just watched the first
Christian being shot in the head and responding, “Yes, I am.”
A brave man dies only once; but a coward dies a thousand
times.
It is neither brave nor courageous to snipe from a place of
anonymity.
It is neither brave nor courageous to be an arrogant
know-it-all when, in fact, this type of person is nothing more than a
manipulative, self-centered person who preys upon emotionally weak individuals
to shore up their own emotional insecurities.
It is neither brave nor courageous to use sarcasm as a form
of humor, as sarcasm shrouds a deep-seated anger, immaturity, insecurity and
unforgiveness that the person has not the courage to face.
It is neither brave nor courageous to be critical of the job
that someone else is doing if:
(1) You don’t have the education, experience or skills to do
the job yourself; (2) You have never done the job with any degree of success;
(3) You are not willing to step up and take on the responsibilities of the job
and do it yourself.
True bravery and courage is never self-proclaimed.
History has taught us over and over again that freedom is
not free. It must be fought for,
protected and preserved with vigilance, determination and self-sacrifice. When push comes to shove, the ultimate
protectors of freedom and liberty are the brave men and women in our armed
forces. Throughout the history of the
United States, they have answered the call with bravery, courage and sacrifice. Were it not for their bravery, the pseudo-intelligencia would not be able to
criticize -- with immunity -- without ever having lifted a finger (or shed one
drop of their own blood) to defend the very freedom that they exercise in such
an arrogant and condescending manner.
Monday, September 21, 2015
The Pope vs. the Scriptures
This is an article in a series of articles written for the Scofield Prophecy Studies website (www.scopro.org) under the main heading: What In the World Is Going On?
The battle between Roman Catholic theology and its traditions vs. Biblical truth (given to us by the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit through the prophets and apostles) has been raging since before the time of the Reformation. This article is in no way attempting to resolve that dispute.
This article is being presented in order to look at what Scripture says with regard to forgiveness of any and all sin, with only one exception – blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (a subject for another article).
Having been raised as a Roman Catholic for the first 19 years of my life and having attended Roman Catholic schools for 12 years, the issue of forgiveness being granted by a mere man wearing a black, white or red robe was one of many issues that caused me to, literally, walk out of St. Patrick’s Church 40 years ago. By God’s gracious calling, He led me to the truth of His Word, for which I am eternally grateful.
Pope Francis, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church around the world, is once again in the news. According to the Wall Street Journal (Sept.1, 2015):
The question becomes, is the Pope of the Roman Catholic Church the arbiter/dispenser of forgiveness? Or is real forgiveness made available, solely, through the blood sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross at Calvary?
The Truth from Jesus and the Apostles
The Scripture passages below speak Truth with regard to sin and its complete forgiveness for the true believer in Jesus as their Savior:
As is clear from these few passages, the true believer in Jesus Christ, the person who is, by faith alone, trusting in Jesus’ death and resurrection as the means to obtain forgiveness for sin, all of their sin has been forgiven and, by God’s grace, they have been given the free gift of eternal life (Eph. 2:8-9).
This gracious forgiving work of God cannot be performed by or carried out by any man or woman as a representative of any denomination. To make that claim is to call God a liar. No human being has the “authority to absolve” people of their sin. To make that claim is to elevate an individual to a position of equality with God. No wonder the Reformers were so polemic in their writings and discussions with the Church of Rome.
If you are a true believer, struggling because you participated in some way in taking the life of an innocent unborn child, know that there is forgiveness and freedom from guilt and shame. That freedom and forgiveness can only be found in coming before God with a humble and contrite heart in honest confession of sin.
Reconciliation has already been accomplished for the believer (Romans 8:1). Grab a hold of the truths of God’s Word and know that you are forgiven. The Father completely accepted the sacrifice of His Son on behalf of all those who will believe and receive Christ as their Savior.
If you are not a believer in Jesus as your personal Savior, your struggle with guilt and shame will go on until you recognize that you are sinner in need of forgiveness for all your sins. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). He is the one who suffered, died and rose from the dead on your behalf. He is the one who took your sin upon Himself so that you could be forgiven and restored to a right relationship with God and receive the free gift of eternal life.
“Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your heart” (Hebrews 3:15).
By His Grace,
Gary T. Dromi, Ph.D.
The battle between Roman Catholic theology and its traditions vs. Biblical truth (given to us by the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit through the prophets and apostles) has been raging since before the time of the Reformation. This article is in no way attempting to resolve that dispute.
This article is being presented in order to look at what Scripture says with regard to forgiveness of any and all sin, with only one exception – blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (a subject for another article).
Having been raised as a Roman Catholic for the first 19 years of my life and having attended Roman Catholic schools for 12 years, the issue of forgiveness being granted by a mere man wearing a black, white or red robe was one of many issues that caused me to, literally, walk out of St. Patrick’s Church 40 years ago. By God’s gracious calling, He led me to the truth of His Word, for which I am eternally grateful.
Pope Francis, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church around the world, is once again in the news. According to the Wall Street Journal (Sept.1, 2015):
- “Pope Francis will make it easier for the [Roman] Catholic Church to forgive women for having had abortions, one of several outreaches planned during a “year of mercy” starting in December . . . . .”
- “Under church law, anyone who willingly participates in an abortion—including the pregnant woman, the abortion provider and any assistants—incurs automatic excommunication, which normally can be lifted only by the local bishop.”
- “But in a letter, the pope said he would grant all Catholic priests authority to ‘absolve of the sin of abortion those who have procured it and who, with contrite heart, seek forgiveness for it.’”
- “The power to lift the excommunications would extend during the year of mercy, which starts Dec. 8 and ends Nov. 20, 2016. The church observes so-called jubilee years for pardons and the remission of sins every 25 years and on other occasions designated by the pope . . . .”
The question becomes, is the Pope of the Roman Catholic Church the arbiter/dispenser of forgiveness? Or is real forgiveness made available, solely, through the blood sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross at Calvary?
The Truth from Jesus and the Apostles
The Scripture passages below speak Truth with regard to sin and its complete forgiveness for the true believer in Jesus as their Savior:
- “Therefore I say to you, any sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven men, but blasphemy against the Spirit shall not be forgiven. And whoever shall speak a word against the Son of Man, it shall be forgiven him; but whoever shall speak against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven him, either in this age, or in the age to come” (Matt. 12:31-32).
- “Truly I say to you, all sins shall be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they utter; but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin — because they were saying, ‘He has an unclean spirit’” (Mark 3:28-30).
- “But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith” (Romans 3:21-25a).
- “In Him [Jesus] we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace, which He lavished upon us” (Eph. 1:7-8a).
- “For He delivered us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:13-14).
- “. . . but if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).
- “See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ. For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority; and in Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, in the removal of the body of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ; having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. And when you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us and which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross” (Colossians 2:8-14).
As is clear from these few passages, the true believer in Jesus Christ, the person who is, by faith alone, trusting in Jesus’ death and resurrection as the means to obtain forgiveness for sin, all of their sin has been forgiven and, by God’s grace, they have been given the free gift of eternal life (Eph. 2:8-9).
This gracious forgiving work of God cannot be performed by or carried out by any man or woman as a representative of any denomination. To make that claim is to call God a liar. No human being has the “authority to absolve” people of their sin. To make that claim is to elevate an individual to a position of equality with God. No wonder the Reformers were so polemic in their writings and discussions with the Church of Rome.
If you are a true believer, struggling because you participated in some way in taking the life of an innocent unborn child, know that there is forgiveness and freedom from guilt and shame. That freedom and forgiveness can only be found in coming before God with a humble and contrite heart in honest confession of sin.
Reconciliation has already been accomplished for the believer (Romans 8:1). Grab a hold of the truths of God’s Word and know that you are forgiven. The Father completely accepted the sacrifice of His Son on behalf of all those who will believe and receive Christ as their Savior.
If you are not a believer in Jesus as your personal Savior, your struggle with guilt and shame will go on until you recognize that you are sinner in need of forgiveness for all your sins. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). He is the one who suffered, died and rose from the dead on your behalf. He is the one who took your sin upon Himself so that you could be forgiven and restored to a right relationship with God and receive the free gift of eternal life.
“Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your heart” (Hebrews 3:15).
By His Grace,
Gary T. Dromi, Ph.D.
Monday, August 17, 2015
Culture Forcing “Unity” ~ But At What Cost?
This is an article in a series of articles written for the Scofield Prophecy Studies website (www.scopro.org) under the main heading: What In the World Is Going On?
“I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; 7 which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you, and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8 But even though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to that which we have preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to that which you received, let him be accursed. 10 For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.” (Gal.1:6-9).
I wonder how Paul’s words to the church at Galatia would be received today. Would he be embraced as a pastor or “let go” for preaching so narrow a gospel message? Would he be sought after as a guest speaker or labeled as “too closed-minded for our group”? Would he be welcomed as one who could help illuminate the Scriptures, as given by God, or dismissed as one who takes the Bible way too literally?
Paul was “amazed” (and not in a good way) that those with whom he had, personally, shared the Gospel if Jesus Christ were “so quickly deserting” (literally: departing or turning away from) the one and only God who had “called” them by grace to Jesus, the Savior. It was a remarkably short amount of time between Paul’s first proclamation of the true Gospel to the Galatians and their rejection of it.
Paul’s diagnosis of the Galatians’ problem was that they exchanged the true Gospel “for a different gospel.” And then Paul tells them (and us) that there “is really not another [gospel],” which seems so simple. Paul is telling them, “Listen, there is no other good news about forgiveness of sin and eternal life! Jesus is it!”
The same Gospel that was true back in Paul’s day is still true in our day. There really isn’t any other way to be saved from one’s sin and condemnation other than by God’s gracious calling, through personal faith and trust in Jesus’ payment for the sin of the world, through His death and resurrection.
But there were those who were “disturbing” (literally: to stir up; cause great distress) the Galatian believers and their belief in Jesus. The disturbers were those who “want to distort (literally: to change or turn about) the gospel of Christ.” In Paul’s day, the Judaizers were the one’s who were pushing for the rejection of Jesus of Nazareth and a return to the Mosaic Law.
Fast-forward about 2000 years and not much has changed. Paul’s words are as true today as they were in his day.
Within the last few decades, the cry has been for the Church to drop its rigid stance on doctrinal truths and to embrace everyone --- after all, “God loves everyone” and “who are we to judge?” The proponents of this not-too-biblical “gospel” have succeeded to a great extent in convincing their followers that “we just need to love everyone, that’s all God wants us to do. Let’s not argue over doctrine. After all, who can honestly know what the Bible really means?”
A few quick questions for that “theological” stance:
What’s happening today is nothing short of “amazing” (in the same sense of the word that Paul meant it in Galatians 1:6). We’re witnessing many well-known pastors and church leaders promoting a “unity” message that is embracing the Roman Catholic Church and some of its theology including the eucharist, the papacy, and other exclusively Roman Catholic teachings and traditions. Some pastors and leaders of today’s church are inviting Islamic Imams into their pulpits in spite of the fact that Islam clearly teaches that Jesus, though considered a prophet, was not as great as Muhammad, nor was He the Savior, nor was he really crucified.
As Paul tells us in his letter to the Galatian church, there really isn’t another gospel; there really isn’t another savior; there really isn’t another way to the Father.
Galatians was written to correct a desperate situation. It was written to call the Galatian believers back from the Mosaic Law to grace, from legalism to faith. It is an emphatic statement of salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone and apart from works and it is as relevant today as when it was originally penned.
Today, there are some who are “disturbing” (stirring up) the Church. There are some who are “distorting” (changing or turning about) the true Gospel of Jesus. This theology of “unity” is nothing new. It is also known as “ecumenicalism” and its premise and purpose is the same.
Its important for us to remember what is written in Numbers 23:19, “God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent; has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” All that has been recorded in the Bible is true. To diminish the doctrines found in Scripture for the purpose of “unity,” (in spite of clear non-biblical teaching), is to “desert” the true Gospel and chase after a false one. It is to “disturb” the Church and create division and strife. It is to minimize the sacrifice of the Lamb of God.
God’s Word is true and trustworthy, from Genesis to Revelation. Don’t let the ever-changing whims of culture or political correctness take the wind out of your sails. Don’t allow the “disturbers” to knock you off your course or to embrace “another gospel.”
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful,” (Hebrews 10:23).
By His Grace,
Dr. Gary T. Dromi
“I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; 7 which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you, and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8 But even though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to that which we have preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to that which you received, let him be accursed. 10 For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.” (Gal.1:6-9).
I wonder how Paul’s words to the church at Galatia would be received today. Would he be embraced as a pastor or “let go” for preaching so narrow a gospel message? Would he be sought after as a guest speaker or labeled as “too closed-minded for our group”? Would he be welcomed as one who could help illuminate the Scriptures, as given by God, or dismissed as one who takes the Bible way too literally?
Paul was “amazed” (and not in a good way) that those with whom he had, personally, shared the Gospel if Jesus Christ were “so quickly deserting” (literally: departing or turning away from) the one and only God who had “called” them by grace to Jesus, the Savior. It was a remarkably short amount of time between Paul’s first proclamation of the true Gospel to the Galatians and their rejection of it.
Paul’s diagnosis of the Galatians’ problem was that they exchanged the true Gospel “for a different gospel.” And then Paul tells them (and us) that there “is really not another [gospel],” which seems so simple. Paul is telling them, “Listen, there is no other good news about forgiveness of sin and eternal life! Jesus is it!”
The same Gospel that was true back in Paul’s day is still true in our day. There really isn’t any other way to be saved from one’s sin and condemnation other than by God’s gracious calling, through personal faith and trust in Jesus’ payment for the sin of the world, through His death and resurrection.
But there were those who were “disturbing” (literally: to stir up; cause great distress) the Galatian believers and their belief in Jesus. The disturbers were those who “want to distort (literally: to change or turn about) the gospel of Christ.” In Paul’s day, the Judaizers were the one’s who were pushing for the rejection of Jesus of Nazareth and a return to the Mosaic Law.
Fast-forward about 2000 years and not much has changed. Paul’s words are as true today as they were in his day.
Within the last few decades, the cry has been for the Church to drop its rigid stance on doctrinal truths and to embrace everyone --- after all, “God loves everyone” and “who are we to judge?” The proponents of this not-too-biblical “gospel” have succeeded to a great extent in convincing their followers that “we just need to love everyone, that’s all God wants us to do. Let’s not argue over doctrine. After all, who can honestly know what the Bible really means?”
A few quick questions for that “theological” stance:
- If the only thing that mankind is supposed to do is to love everyone, then why are the Scriptures so wordy? God could’ve avoided a lot of confusion and time-consuming preservation of His Word by simply saying, “Accept everyone’s beliefs and don’t sweat the doctrinal stuff. All roads lead to heaven anyway.” But He didn’t say that.
- If ecumenism was what God had in mind, then why did He tell us to “test the spirits” (1 John 4:1) and that “we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming” (Eph. 4:14)?
- If “unity” was the main goal, then why did Jesus say “I am the way, the truth, and the life and no one comes to the Father but through Me”? He, most certainly, was exclusive of any, and all, “other gospels.”
What’s happening today is nothing short of “amazing” (in the same sense of the word that Paul meant it in Galatians 1:6). We’re witnessing many well-known pastors and church leaders promoting a “unity” message that is embracing the Roman Catholic Church and some of its theology including the eucharist, the papacy, and other exclusively Roman Catholic teachings and traditions. Some pastors and leaders of today’s church are inviting Islamic Imams into their pulpits in spite of the fact that Islam clearly teaches that Jesus, though considered a prophet, was not as great as Muhammad, nor was He the Savior, nor was he really crucified.
As Paul tells us in his letter to the Galatian church, there really isn’t another gospel; there really isn’t another savior; there really isn’t another way to the Father.
Galatians was written to correct a desperate situation. It was written to call the Galatian believers back from the Mosaic Law to grace, from legalism to faith. It is an emphatic statement of salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone and apart from works and it is as relevant today as when it was originally penned.
Today, there are some who are “disturbing” (stirring up) the Church. There are some who are “distorting” (changing or turning about) the true Gospel of Jesus. This theology of “unity” is nothing new. It is also known as “ecumenicalism” and its premise and purpose is the same.
Its important for us to remember what is written in Numbers 23:19, “God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent; has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” All that has been recorded in the Bible is true. To diminish the doctrines found in Scripture for the purpose of “unity,” (in spite of clear non-biblical teaching), is to “desert” the true Gospel and chase after a false one. It is to “disturb” the Church and create division and strife. It is to minimize the sacrifice of the Lamb of God.
God’s Word is true and trustworthy, from Genesis to Revelation. Don’t let the ever-changing whims of culture or political correctness take the wind out of your sails. Don’t allow the “disturbers” to knock you off your course or to embrace “another gospel.”
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful,” (Hebrews 10:23).
By His Grace,
Dr. Gary T. Dromi
Wednesday, July 1, 2015
"Only God Is Supreme"
This has certainly been an interesting week in the political and legal world. There has been no shortage of debate and discussion throughout our land regarding the latest ruling handed down by the U.S. Supreme Court.
A very good friend of mine, whom God has gifted with the ability to write amazing poetry, sent me the following poem. With his permission, it has been copied below.
For those who hold to a Biblical world-view, this poem will be encouraging. For those who are struggling, remember: God is Sovereign and nothing and no one will ever overrule Him.
Thank you, Bob West, for sharing your gift of poetry with us and for reminding us of Who, exactly, is the Supreme Judge.
By His Grace,
Dr. Gary T. Dromi
A very good friend of mine, whom God has gifted with the ability to write amazing poetry, sent me the following poem. With his permission, it has been copied below.
For those who hold to a Biblical world-view, this poem will be encouraging. For those who are struggling, remember: God is Sovereign and nothing and no one will ever overrule Him.
Thank you, Bob West, for sharing your gift of poetry with us and for reminding us of Who, exactly, is the Supreme Judge.
By His Grace,
Dr. Gary T. Dromi
Our
Beliefs Under Attack, So Painful And So Loud
Newest On That List Prospered The LGBT Crowd
Lesbian And Gay And Bisexual And Transgender
You
Christians, Hear Us, “Shut-up And Surrender!”
Guessing
You Noticed There’s Trouble In The Wind
Oh,
But That All Started Back When Adam Sinned
Do Not Be Fearful Of These New Laws Of The Land
It Might Appear Chaotic, But Nothing’s Out Of Hand
Someone Resides Over Those Nine Errant “Judges”
Someone Unmoved By Man’s Schemes And Fudges
Ultimate
Authority Is Neither Appointed Nor Elected
Preeminence Is The Creator’s, Embraced Or Rejected
Redefining Marriage Through Their Worldly Opinion
Exposes The Court’s Ignorance Of Sovereign Dominion
Members
Of The Court, Are You In Denial Or Fooled?
Expect That Your Decision Was Divinely Overruled!
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