Paul said, ":For the time will come when "they" will not endure sound doctrine, but after their own lust shall "they" heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears. And turn away from the truth (Jesus) and shall be turned unto fables. 2 Timothy 4:3-4.
"They" would have a form of godliness, but deny the power of God. "They" would be ever learning and never able to come the the knowledge of the truth of God's Word. "They" shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. "They" shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils.
"They" will speak lies in hypocrisy having their conscience seared with a hot iron, professing themselves to be wise. "They" became fools, who know the judgements of God, that "they" which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same but have pleasure in them that do them.
"They" received not the love of the truth (Jesus Christ) that "they" might be saved. For this cause God shall send them strong delusions that "they" should believe a lie. That "they" all might be damned who believe not the truth (Christ Jesus) but had pleasure in unrighteousness.All of Paul's writings were to the churches in certain areas, My question is, Who are "They"?
Not to call names, I believe "they" are from all walks of life, rich and poor, famous and the unknown. I believe "they" are from all types of Churches, some Holiness,some Baptist some Methodist, ect.from every organized and every unorganized Church.I believe "they" come in all colors, white and black, red and yellow. I believe that "they" have had an opportunity to walk with God.
Who are "they"? Could be your dentist, your employer or even your next door neighbour. Could be your Pastor, your Sunday School teacher or even Brother Deacon.Who are "they"? "They" are those that have taken their eyes off the Lamb of God. "They" have tried to live a Spirit-filled live with natural (fleshly) means. The apostle Paul used the word, "they" as to where it could apply to any of us.
"They" have said, I am rich and increased with many goods and have need of nothing. But Jesus says, "They" are wreatched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. Jesus also said, "they" that endure until the end the same shall be saved.(This is "they".)I choose to be associated with those that hold to a faith in Jesus Christ.
As I read the writing of the apostle Paul, there was such an uproar over the teaching of circumcision. Acts 15:1, Certain men thought except you be circumcised after the manner of Moses, you could not be saved.Paul had to get Timothy circumcised to get the Jews off his back. (Timothy was part Jew) But Paul refused to allow the teachings of circumcision to be a requirement for salvation. The issue of circumcision was debated over several times concerning the Gentiles being accepted as part of the body of Christ.
I see Satan rearing up his head, using this tactic to divide the body of Christ. It's sad to say but circumcision caused people to leave the Church. The laws of Moses were popular when they applied to what the Pharisees taught. These same folks would get up in arms at Jesus for healing on the Sabbath. Yet had no problem circumcising an eight day old child on the same Sabbath. I would imagine there were folks who believed they were saved because of circumcision. I can see the same thing happening with water baptism that was done with circumcision.
There are those well meaning folks that insist to be a Child of God, one must submit to some formula of water baptism. (Acts 2:38 or Matthew 28:19) Jesus did command us to be baptized as to be obedient unto him.Salvation does not hinge on water baptism, but on keeping the whole Word of God.People are not as head strong about washing the saints feet or having the Lord's supper. These were also taught by our Lord Jesus. The Lord was our example in being baptized, I wonder if this same bunch taught Jesus was lost until he was born of the water and the spirit.
Jesus was our example in loving, forgiving and all manners of living. People get on a one track mind set, and that is all they ever preach or teach, thus limiting themselves to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.We are living during a time when it's hard to get people to mature in Christ, because they are bogged down with a few issues instead of following the fullness of God's Word. Paul said, For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the Gospel. (1 Cor.1:17) I believe that Paul's statement was not to under emphasize baptism, but to focus us back on salvation through believing in Jesus Christ.
Water baptism did not bring about the change in Simon the Sorcerer. (Acts 8:13,18) After being baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus, he wanted to purchase the ability to lay hands on people that they might receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Peter exposes Simon, saying that he saw a spirit of bitterness and a bond of sins,possibly not yet repented of by Simon. I believe a man can be baptized unrepented of his sins and the only difference you have is he'll go down a dry sinner and come up a wet sinner. Removing the fore-skins or baptizing in water will not remove sins. Only the Blood Of Jesus!