FABLES
By Pastor Jim May
2 Peter 1:13-21, "Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance; Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me. Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance. For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost."
A Fable is defined as nothing more than a falsehood, or a lie. You may read many fables in many places such as in the world of literature and think of them only as cute stories, or something that demonstrates a truth, like those that have a moral at the end. And some that are not so cute like those contained in Grimm’s Fairy Tales or some of our modern fantasy and occult based films. But there are some fables that are very dangerous, especially to the souls of men.
Today I want to talk about a few of these fables that are nothing but lies, perpetrated upon gullible people, who are willing to accept just about anything in lieu of the Truth of God’s Word. In the Scriptures that we read a moment ago, Peter referred to them as “cunningly devised fables”; lies made up in the demented, unholy, unsanctified and satanically influenced mind of a man or a woman, that are very deceptive in their nature because there is a little bit of truth mixed in with the lie. There are untold numbers of souls, burning right now in Hell’s flames, and multitudes of deceived people will soon be joining them because of these fables.
How many of you know that when you base your entire belief system on a lie, then that system itself becomes a lie, your life becomes a lie, you become a liar by continuing to support it and teach it, either by word or deeds?
The Word of God still says in Revelation 21:8 that “…all liars shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death?"
There isn’t one of us this morning that haven’t heard of a group of people who claim to be Christian but who have fallen prey to believing the lie of the Jehovah’s Witness Church founded upon the teachings and beliefs of Charles Taze Russell.
Russell was active in the Christian Congregationalist church in Pennsylvania, but broke off and formed an independent congregation in 1880. Russell wrote and lectured on Biblical prophesy, preaching that the return of the invisible spirit of Jesus Christ actually happened in 1874. Russell began publishing his journal, "The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence", in 1879, and in 1884 he formed "The Watch Tower Bible And Tract Society". He traveled the world and finally relocated to Brooklyn, New York, earning followers across the globe.
Russell did not claim divinity himself, nor did he declare any special revelations, but he did have a strict interpretation of the Bible and his leadership caused some to call him a messenger chosen by God. After his death his followers split, with some following Judge Joseph F. Rutherford, who coined the term "Jehovah’s Witnesses" in the 1930s.
Today the religion claims 6,000,000 members worldwide.
This whole movement began because of the demented mind of a man who had a “private interpretation” of the scriptures that he read. He decided to teach what he believed even if it wasn’t what the scriptures really taught.
Russell first sold his Men’s Furnishing Store and then set out to condemn the translators of the Bible and ministers for what they taught. He taught that the church belongs to the ecclesiastical wing of Satan’s organization. He condemns the teaching of the church of all ages believing that only he and his followers know the real truth.
Jehovah’s Witness followers are "friendly" and they hold regular "Bible" studies and meetings that draw a crowd. But are their Bible studies based upon truth? It does little good to study if you don’t study to learn the truth, but only to enforce your own opinions.
No matter how much they study, they still have some cunningly devised fables in their doctrine. Let me tell about a few of them and you decide whether they are really Believers in the Lord Jesus Christ or not.
1) They teach that Jesus did not rise from the dead. Russell says His body either dissolved into gases or is still preserved somewhere.
2) They teach that there is no such thing as a hell of everlasting torment. Hell is just the grave. The wicked are simply annihilated.
3) They teach that man has no spirit.
4) The Holy Ghost is not a part of the Godhead, just a "life force" of God.
5) They teach and practice mind control over members. We call this brain-washing.
6) They believe that only 144,000 people will live in heaven with God.
7) They refuse blood transfusions because it is included with the commandment to not each blood in the Law of Moses. They teach that blood transfusions “may result in the immediate and very temporary prolonging of life, but that at the cost of eternal life for a dedicated Christian”.
8) Why do they go around knocking on doors? It’s because they believe that this is way that Jesus usually shared his message of salvation, basing their belief on Revelation 3:20, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." Never mind the fact that Jesus didn’t literally go around knocking on doors. He was only speaking of knocking at the door to your heart. It’s not just your house He wants to live in; it’s your heart. Everywhere you want to look in the scriptures, multitudes followed Jesus, to see his miracles and hear his words. He was often found trying to find a way to escape the crowds to be alone with the disciples and have time to pray
9) They claim to know Jesus more personally than most so they call can him by his "personal name", Jehovah. I would rather call him Jesus, for there is no other name given among men whereby we can be saved.
10) The "Witnesses" teach and believe that "ALL" dead people will have a second chance for eternal life at the millennium. If you do not prove worthiness when that time comes, you’ll be destroyed. My Bible teaches that, “… it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” There is no second chance after death.
11) They teach that the blood of Christ does not forgive sins; it only gives us a "chance" to live again. They have NO assurance of salvation... The Bible says the blood of Jesus Christ “cleanseth us from all sin”. Why would God send His Son to die if there was another way to be saved? What chance is there without the sacrificial blood of Jesus Christ? That teaching negates the Word of God completely.
12) They teach that Jesus is the archangel Michael--a created being. My Bible says that Jesus Christ is the same “yesterday, today and forever” and that he is God manifest in the flesh.
13) They teach that Jesus’ second coming occurred invisibly in 1874. Russell’s successor, Rutherford, says this was confirmed by the creation of the first labor organization in 1874. God help us if an ungodly economic system where labor and management will usher in the New Millenium. My Bible says that every eye will see Jesus when he comes, not just the labor unions and a few "Witnesses".
14) Russell said that in 1914 the millennium would begin and that righteousness would be restored to the earth. As 1914 approached, he, and his successor, changed the date to 1915, 1916, 1924, 1928, and on and on to the present day! If they would really look at the Bible, they’d know Russell was a false prophet. Deuteronomy 18:22 says, "When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken..."
The lies and deception go on and on …deceiving millions and condemning them to eternal death in a place that they don’t even believe exists. Today over 6 million people are trapped in this ungodly, “cunningly devised fable”, put together by Charles Taze Russell, a man inspired by the devil, and all those who want the same power and control over people that he had.
What about another “cunningly devised fable” known as the Mormons, or Latter Day Saints? I know some very good people who are caught up in this lie and I count some of them as good friends, but I can’t hang out with them very much, because if you stay around lies long enough, you will begin to believe them. I love those friends, but I can’t be a part of their lives, because I am instructed to not be “equally yoked” with unbelievers. Oh, they believe in Jesus, but their Jesus isn’t the same Jesus I know and believe in. They call themselves "Christians" but they follow a different "Christ" than we do.
How did this fable begin? It all began with a self proclaimed prophet by the name of Joseph Smith around 1820 when he was 14 years old. Smith claimed that his authority over his flock was granted to him by God and he used this “God Given” authority to demand obedience from his followers. He used the threat of God’s wrath to control them. This fear of God and the fear of Smith’s wrath caused his followers to endure great suffering and anguish during his short 14-year reign as head of the Mormon Church.
Because his appetite for authority and glory was so strong he made many mistakes that led the “Children of Israel” into crisis after crisis. (Mormons claim to be one of the "lost tribes of Israel". GOD DIDN’T LOSE ANY OF THE TRIBES OF ISRAEL. HE KNOWS WHERE EACH AND EVERY MEMBER OF EACH TRIBE IS RIGHT NOW.)
In addition, he used his keen imagination to form extravagant religious inventions, using “magic stones” and other instruments, many of which he claimed were revelations from God. These inventions were of a religious nature and were the cornerstone of his ability to control his followers. His imagination and ability to conjure up religious inventions were reinforced by his magnetic influence over his friends.
First, he claims to have had a vision of an angel by the name of Moroni (MAYBE HE MISINTERPRETED THE ANGEL’S NAME. IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN MORON.) This "angel" then began to instruct Smith on the Word of God. Then he claims to have had a visitation of 2 more angels who instructed him even farther.
Let me just tell you that no “angel” is my teacher. The Holy Spirit is there to lead us into all truth and not some angel surrounded by light. In fact, I am convinced that the angel Smith saw was not a holy angel at all but “Satan, appearing as an Angel of Light”.
What kind of fables did he teach that the Latter Day Saints church still hold to be truth today? See if you think you can believe these lies and still make Heaven your home through the blood of Jesus Christ?
1) First and foremost is the fact that they have established their own book of scriptures that are supposed to be inspired by God as given to Joseph Smith and others since his time. They call it “Another Testament of Jesus Christ” or the “Book of Mormon”. They live by its words even though it is not the Word of God, and by adding their book to the Word of God, and placing it above the true Word of God, they have removed their chances of making it to Heaven and taken upon themselves all of the condemnation for sin found in God’s Word.
Revelation 22:18-19, "For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book."
2) Quoting from Joseph’s Smith teachings, this is what he believes about God. "God himself was once as we are now, and is an exalted man, and sits enthroned in yonder heavens! By teaching this he has convinced every Mormon that, if they live right and obey the rules of Mormonism, that they will all become gods, just like Jesus one day.
3) Mormons teach that there was no virgin birth of Jesus. Instead they say that "The birth of the Savior was as natural as are the births of our children; it was the result of natural action. He partook of flesh and blood - was begotten of his Father, as we were of our fathers." He was never conceived of the Holy Spirit and therefore was not born without sin as the Bible says. If so, then he could not be the Savior at all, for he had to be the perfect sacrifice, or the Father in Heaven would never have accepted him. This destroys all hope of salvation through the perfect blood of Christ.
4) Since Jesus had a beginning, just like you and I, and all other created beings, then the Mormons also believe that Jesus and Satan are brothers in the spirit. What blasphemy! Jesus is God, the Son of God, perfect and eternal!
5) In the Mormon Articles of Faith, this is what you will read, "As …sins are the result of individual acts … forgiveness for them should be conditioned on individual compliance with prescribed requirements -- ’obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.” Whatever happened to the fact that the Bible teaches that salvation is “…not of works lest any man should boast”?
6) Mormons justify the use of their own book by saying that "They believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly. . ." In other words, the Bible is wrong and theirs is right because it was translated by their prophet Joseph Smith who is infallible.
There are many other points of doctrine that have been misinterpreted, added, changed or deleted from the truth of God’s Word. There are a lot of secret rituals that every "confirmed" Mormon must complete. And even then, no Mormon can enter a Mormon Temple without the express written approval of one of the Temple leaders. I can’t cover all of their lies and deception right now, but understand that this whole denomination and religious system is founded upon “cunningly devised fables” and that today there are over 7 million people who have fallen into this trap in the United States alone and it is one of the fastest growing religions in the world, because people would rather believe a lie than the truth.
Let us look at one other “cunningly devised fable” this morning. I’m sure that most of you have heard of the fable called “Christian Science”? Let me tell you that it is neither Christian nor is it true Science at all.
The Christian Science “church” was founded by Mary Baker Eddy in 1879. Just one quote from a letter she wrote would be sufficient for any true Child of God, with even the slightest ability to discern the spirits, to determine that this “church” isn’t Christian in the least.
Her words were, "I have marveled at the press and pulpit’s patience with me, when I have taken away their Lord."
This cult is founded on Mrs. Eddy’s book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures". She claims to have received divine revelation in writing this book since they do not believe in a personal God, who else could she be inspired by other than Satan?
Mrs. Eddy said, "In the year 1866 I discovered the Science of metaphysical healing, and named it Christian Science." She simply took eastern mysticism (Hinduism) and pantheism (all is God) and called it Christian Science.
These tenets of this “faith” are so spiritually dead, and opposed to God’s Word that even common sense will tell you that they are wrong. You can answer these lies with your own knowledge of the Word of God, even in you are a babe in Christ. Here’s what the Christian Scientist church teaches.
1. There is no such thing as sin. It is an illusion.
2. There is no such thing as sickness. It is an illusion.
3. Sick people must be convinced that they are not sick. Then they will get well.
4. There is no such thing as death. A person gets old and dies because they believe that is what is supposed to happen.
5. They don’t believe in the God of the Bible. Instead, Everything is god and god is good. Therefore there is no sin, disease, or death because all is god and god is good. The whole universe is a falsehood--an illusion.
These folks claim to be members of a Christian church. They sing many of the same hymns and read the Bible, but they only the read the Bible to support the beliefs of "Science and Health". As a result of their misinterpretations of scripture, they commit blasphemy by saying that Jesus did not die because there is no death. Man is not made of the dust of the earth as it is said in Genesis 2 because matter, including matter, doesn’t exist. Mrs. Eddy calls Genesis 2, "a lie" and her deceived followers believe her word over the Bible.
What do they believe about Jesus?
1) Jesus is not God. He was the highest human concept of the perfect man, but he is not to be worshipped.
2) Jesus never died because death does not exist. He just thought He was dead.
3) The Blood of Jesus has no atoning value and since sin is an illusion we are not guilty in the first place.
4) Salvation is deliverance from delusion and entrance into Christian Science.
I don’t know about you, but I believe that anyone who doesn’t believe that Jesus is God, and that His blood washes our sin away, and that He is the only way to salvation, cannot be a Christian.
I think that by now you can realize what Peter was talking about when he spoke of “cunningly devised fables”. These are only a few of literally hundreds of such fables that are actively being presented to people every day.
The word that I preach to you from this Book every time we come together is not part of some “cunningly devised fable”. It is the Truth, the Whole Truth and Nothing But the Truth!
The Bible that I read, and preach to you from, was not inspired by some demonic power, a shining angel or some vision given to a demented mind and corrupt heart. It was given by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit as He moved upon the hearts of true prophets and committed disciples. This Word that I give to you was given from the very heart of Almighty God and every word of it is true and gives glory, honor and praise to Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
It has proven its truth over and over again because not word of it has ever failed, nor shall it every fail to perform that which it says, and that it is meant to do in the hearts of men.
God didn’t use one man, or one woman, to bring His Word to the hearts of men. The Truth is far too important than to trust it to the mind of one man. That’s one of the reasons that God chose to use many prophets and writers, so that we would be able to check one against the other, and prove that what they say is right. It is written in an understandable form so that all men can read it for themselves and allow the Holy Spirit to lead them into its truths. No one person, whatever they claim to be, and no one religious organization, however large or popular they become, has the truth all to themselves.
God instructs each of us to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling, and not to trust anyone to be our only source of knowledge concerning His Word and eternal life.
Let us ever be on guard against “cunningly devised fables” for there are many more yet to be created in the hearts of unregenerate and backslidden men.
Let us prove all things against the Truth of God’s Word found in the Holy Bible. Let no other book take its place.
Let us prove those who labor among us, lest we be led astray. Let us never forget that there is only One Way, and that Way is the Lord Jesus Christ.
Cunningly devised fables will lead to eternal death. Words of men, no matter how beautiful they appear and are presented, will only tend to deceive if we do not prove them by the Words of the Bible. False Prophets and false teachers abound, and their words carry the powers of Hell to convince even the very elect if we allow them to.
Proverbs 4:20-22, "My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh."
John 6:63, "It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life."
Be careful of fables. Don’t allow someone to draw you away from the Truth with a deceitful lie. Jesus is the Way, the only Way, and will always be the only Way. Salvation can only come through being Born Again by the Holy Spirit, after your sins are washed away by the blood of Jesus Christ.
That’s what it means to be a Christian – We must become more like Christ every day. Anything less is not Christian at all.
