Michael Boldea

Dear Brethren,

I've had what I believed would be the first installment of our e-newsletter ready for some time now. It was a lovely little essay about Nicodemus, a man misunderstood, with an introduction of sorts, and even a welcome greeting to all who signed up for this new endeavor thus far. There is nothing wrong with the article, it is Biblically sound, and I believe sheds some light on the man who was labeled a coward for coming to Jesus by night, but every time I was ready to send it out, something kept me from pushing the button. I knew God was telling me to write something very different, but as we as human beings are known to do from time to time I kicked against the goads, because just as one is able to visualize the chain reaction that will take place after the first domino is tipped over, I am clearly able to see the reaction of some of you to the article I am about to write. I can already see the angry e-mails coming in calling me unloving, judgmental, a stubborn man who is unwilling to change with the times, and a dinosaur who can't wrap his mind around the fact that God is doing something new. Yes, I admit when it comes to the truth, I am stubborn for I must be.

It was not my intention to anger anyone with the very first issue of this means of correspondence, but I must be obedient to the voice of God even though in my mind's eye I can already see the outcome.

2 Thessalonians 2:11-12, "And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness."

We live in a generation that is constantly finding new ways and means by which to bypass the necessary, in lieu of the trivial. Why take six years out of your short life, going to medical college and learn to be a doctor, when with a click of your mouse, and a credit card number you can get your diploma in the mail in less than a week? If one so desired, within a matter of days they could fill a wall with diplomas and doctorates, all framed in beautifully ornate, shiny glass, which would ostensibly be worthless. Other than the ego boost of seeing a diploma with one's name on it, such documents are not even worth the paper they are printed on. Without going through the process, without learning the necessary and relevant attributes of your chosen profession, a diploma is just a worthless piece of paper.

In recent years some have discovered that there is also a great demand for similar services when it comes to the spiritual. There are countless souls that want to have the experience, without going through the transformation. They want to experience the external manifestation of the spiritual, without allowing God to change and transform them inwardly. Such endeavors are as worthless as the Internet diplomas that are so readily available.

By attempting to bypass the process of repentance, regeneration, transformation, in essence by attempting to bypass the cross and the Christ, the modern church has become a lifeless organism, constantly searching for the new experience, the new thrill, and the new movement. The reality that Christ is sufficient and that in Him we are fulfilled is alien to such individuals, because they never truly knew Christ. Truth was rejected because the cost was too great. Some soon discovered that receiving the love of the truth that they might be saved, was not as simple as writing out a check, but it entailed dying to self, mortifying the flesh, leaving the old life behind, and being broken before God. Why go through all that, when other options were readily available? Why live a life of righteousness in order to experience the fullness of God, when we could travel to the newest location of spiritual outpouring and soak ourselves without ever having to give up the things that the flesh so loves?

We want to have the experiences of the saints, without being sanctified. We want to see what the Apostles saw, and do what they did, without taking the time to grow in God, to become mature, and to establish a relationship with Him.

The Word tells us that the mystery of lawlessness is already at work, and even now is working with all power, signs and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish. Beware child of God lest you substitute the truth for a lie, lest you substitute life for death, lest you substitute intimacy with Christ for a momentary fleeting experience.

God's purpose is not to amaze, it is not to wow, it is not to entertain; God's purpose in sending His Son to die on a cross was to save your soul and mine from eternal damnation.

We've all read the verse, have it memorized, but along the way missed out on the essence of the revelation it entails.

John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."

The principle thing is not signs or wonders, it is not an experience; it is believing in Jesus Christ the Lord, that we might not perish, but rather have everlasting life.

Because we have chosen to depart from truth, because we have chosen not to receive it when it was presented to us, it is God who has sent a strong delusion upon the land that many should believe the lie. May we rightly tremble before God's righteous judgment. When truth is removed, all that remains is deception!

The truth is absolute. It is an all or nothing proposition when it comes to believing it.

The truth is Christ! The truth is God's Holy Word! The truth is the Holy Spirit! The truth is that we are sinners! The truth is that we must be washed of our sins in the blood of the Lamb. The truth is that we can be saved and thereby become sons and daughters of God!

The truth is that there is no other way to the Father, but by Christ!

'But brother Mike, these people are sincere in their convictions, surely you see this.' In large part yes, however man will not be judged based on the level of sincerity with which he received a teaching, he will be judged on whether or not he believed the Word of God, and whether or not he received the love of the truth that he might be saved.

It is the same snare many modern day preachers have fallen into, wherein they reason that since there are sincere souls in every religion, we must accept and embrace all religions and philosophies. Sadly, one can be in the darkest of errors, while wholly sincere, and firmly convinced that they are in truth. There is only one truth, and that is Christ! There is only one way and that is Christ! There is only one life and that is Christ! Truth gives hope, truth gives strength, truth gives joy and peace, for Christ is truth and He promised these things to those who would follow Him.

I do not need to mimic an epileptic seizure, be punched in the face, kicked in the stomach, laugh like a fool, cluck like a chicken, bark like a dog, or find glitter in my Bible to experience the fullness of the power of God. I know that my redeemer lives! I fellowship with Him every morning upon waking, throughout the day as I go about my labors, and every night before I rest my weary head on my pillow! I do not need extra sensory experiences to know the power of God, He saved my soul, He washed me in His blood, He made me a new creature, He calls me His son, I feel His presence, I know His power, He is sufficient. In Him and through Him I am satisfied, fulfilled, sanctified and redeemed.

Much more can be said, and there is a good chance of a follow up article on this subject, for the Word of God is filled with warnings and exhortations concerning these things. For now however, I leave you with the love, peace and joy of Christ, praying that you will see the truth not of my words, but of God's Word in what I have written.

2 Thessalonians 2:13-17, "But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in truth, to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle. Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish in you every good word and work."

With love in Christ,

Michael Boldea Jr.