Biblical Shunning or Apostate Church?

by John McGlone
Feb 12, 2024

What is the shunning process according to the Bible? I have believed since 2015 that failure by the leadership of local churches to correct errors within the body leads to a progression to apathy generally and individually. This apathy often will then grossly morph into general and individual apostasy. We see that in large churches and movements like the Methodists and Salvation Army that started so well to end in miserable apostate conditions.

What if we come before the Lord, and people we have served, taught, prayed for, discipled, loved, and had fellowship with are castaway by Jesus Christ on that final day? What if the souls that we were given responsibility over, are turned over to eternal torment in God’s justice called hell? What if we feared what men thought of us, more than we feared what God taught us by the Holy Spirit? The fear of man is a snare, but the fear of God is wisdom. Prov 29:25

Luke 12:4-5 And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. 5 But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.

STEP ONE: DEALING WITH THE OFFENDER/S AND OFFENSES AMONGST US
Matt 18:15-17
15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. 16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.
a. alone
b. with a witness in this second step it is important to not reveal any of the problems of the situation to the second or third witnesses that they may judge the situation between the parties without bias or partiality. The person that seeks the witness to reveal sins, may in fact be revealed as a false accuser.
c. before the church (some teach this means elders/pastors only, I believe this to be a serious error)

STEP TWO: ACTIONS OF THE LEADERSHIP AND THE MEMBERS OF THE LOCAL BODY
a. to teach every member of the church, youngest to oldest this Matt 18 process so that sinful; behaviors, doctrines(ideas) are removed from the fellowship of the saints over the course of time. This will eliminate the tendency of some members to gossip, slander, and backbite as the exposure, correction and solving of problems amongst ourselves helps to purify the local body.
b. to monitor these practices to ensure they are in order and above all to love one another.
c. to periodically check on the divisive brother to see if he’s changed his mind and behaviors which would lead them to be welcomed back into the body after he’s made his apologies/restitutions then he would be restored.

Titus 3:9-11
But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. 10 A man that is an heretick (some translations divisive) after the first and second admonition reject; 11 Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.

This passage begs the question, “Is it divisive to then address bad doctrines or behaviors within the members that may lead to divisions? No, because the truth as taught by the Holy Ghost from the Holy Bible is in authority amongst all of us. For example, Hell and it’s real existence by the teachings of Jesus multiple times in the NT would never be called foolish strivings. In fact, doctrines are salvational not only for ourselves but those that hear us.

1 Tim 4:16
16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

I suppose the doctrine the Apostle Paul is speaking of is generally the letter he wrote. We could at least call it the Gospel. IF that is the case then the warning of God’s justice and hell are an important part of that presentation.

HOW DO WE EXECUTE THIS DIFFICULT PROCESS?

Galatians 6:1 – Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

2 Thessalonians 3:14-15 And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. 15 Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

Ezekiel 33:8-9 When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.

2 Tim 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

STEP THREE: PUTTING THE SINNER OUT OF FELLOWSHIP.
Once sin among a member is discovered and processed biblically according to Matt 18, what’s next? The Bible is clear to put out or shun that person from the fellowship. I am not saying that we can not keep a relationship with them IF they are willing. But, that relationship is understood as a saint and an errant brother who needs to repent.

1 Cor 5:9-13
I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:
10 Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world. 11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, IF ANY MAN IS CALLED A BROTHER (emphasis mine) be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. 12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? 13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.

James 5:19-20
Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;
20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

1 Cor 5:4-8
In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together (assembling of the saints), and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, 5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. 6 Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? 7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: 8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

BENEFITS TO FOLLOWING GOD’S INSTRUCTION ON DEALING WITH SINNERS IN THE LOCAL CHURCH
In spiritually rejecting the willful sinner in your midst, you are purging the leaven/sin from within the local body. This is painful, but what are the affects on the individual and the body of Christ as a whole?

1. it may bring forth good fruit IF the transgressor repents and returns to the Lord Jesus and good doctrine/behaviors.

2. The biblical judicial exercise within the local church when exercised properly will cause the body to fear God. It will also cause the saints to obey Jesus’ commandments. Holiness unto the Lord!

3. Those that are lukewarm will either repent properly and be converted or they will depart themselves being pruned by the Holy Ghost. Better this than for Jesus to say depart from Me, ye cursed…

John 15:5-6
I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. 6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

Rev 3: 16
So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

Matt 25:41
Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

4. Lastly, for those that are unbelievers amongst us, it will instill the Fear of God which is the beginning of wisdom leading unto salvation. However, it may cause them to depart as well thus cleansing the local church. Or they may depart for a season, returning when the Lord has convinced them to repent by the instruction of the Holy Ghost and those seeds we’ve planted and watered amongst them. I won’t list the five verses these ideas in this paragraph are based upon. Do you know where they are dear reader?

I would sadly estimate that nearly all visible churches in America fail to implement proper judicial and biblical corrections for it’s members. It is the responsibility, therefore greater judgment by God, of the elders, pastors, teachers, and deacons to administrate the local assembly of believers. What are some of the reasons for this terrible failure? a. Our culture and people are offended at any correction, even if it’s from the Bible. b. Our nation has fallen for the false idea that truth is relative, therefore what is good for this person may be okay for them even if the Bible condemns it. c. The church leaders refuse to teach that we are to live holy and obey Jesus and the Gospel. d. A false system of evangelism of ‘invite the sinner’ into the church or ask Jesus into your heart. e. A false idea that we are not to ‘judge’ which is disproven by many verses in the Bible. 1 Cor 6:2-5 f. A false idea that Christians sin in thought, word, and deed daily.

I believe that many who are believing this lie propagated by Augustine, Calvin, and the ‘churches’ through the ages have not sought holiness in Christ, thought, word, and deed daily. I believe the confusion is that people consider temptations to be sin. We are all tempted in many things daily, our afflictions are great, but we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Phil 4:13, 1 Cor 10:13
Jesus was tempted in all points, yet without sin. Heb 4:15 He is our example, and whom we should model our thinking, and behaviors upon. 1 John 2:3-6 John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Ghost from the womb of his mother Elizabeth. See my blog post Doctrines of Temptations for more of God’s Word on this vital subject.

Prov 17:15 He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD.



This model of evangelism in most churches is in direct contradiction to what we see in the book of Acts the blueprint for the church. All of the saints should have times of prayer individually and corporately, fasting, seeking the Holy Ghost, preparing, and going out into the world to preach or witness the Gospel to connect with our communities. We should: 1. bring them in if they are already born again and not attending fellowship (the spirits must be tested) 2. bring them in, if they are sincerely humble and seeking the truth of Jesus in a deeper way. (should go to immediate personal counsel with the leadership) 3. if they are choosing to hear another day then ask for a personal follow up over coffee. 4. If they mock and scorn then leave them to their wiles, tell them to repent or they will perish. Then pray that God would soften their hearts in the future. Thoughts of what happened with the Apostle Paul on Mars Hill come to mind in these scenarios.


#Shunning, #Shun, #Apostacy #ApostateChurch

Casting Pearls Before the Gay Swine?

Nashville Pride 2015

by John McGlone June 4, 2019

We are in full swing into another year filled with God hating, homosexuality promoting, PRIDE parades and festivals which are kicked off in the month of June.

I find a continuing idea among Christians to be especially grieving. Almost every social media thread regarding those preachers that are going out into these filthy events will contain comments along the lines of why bother? They will include the ideas these homosexuals are reprobates, and you are simply casting your pearls before swine. So, I want to answer these foolish ideas with some of my observations of what I have experienced in going there and how the Bible relates to these outreaches.

Firstly, these events are filled with children, youth, and young adults many who have no idea that these things they are being taught are sinful and condemnatory. Many are being sexually abused by the ‘parents’ before, during, and after these public displays of lewdness and sexual predation. Don’t you care to try and reach them before they become ‘reprobates’ if that idea homosexuals you are believing and communicating is true?

Secondly, reprobation is a process unto death. Either God has given you over to your sin before you die, or you are in the process of resisting the Holy Spirit unto condemnation until your death. A question I have for you is can a Christian who is not living the LGBTQP life be reprobated? Let’s see what the Bible says.

2 Cor 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

Wait a minute! A Christian believer if he fails to examine himself, according to the Bible, may fail and become reprobate? That’s what God’s Word says folks!

If we are careful how we examine Rom 1 we will realize that starting in vs 18 that God is angry with all sin, all ungodliness, and wretched depravity of mankind. Who hold Jesus, who is the Truth, as not being correct or righteous. This is the start of every creature who grows into these monsters of iniquity, called ‘sinners’. This is the start of reprobation. God has given all mankind a period of probation on this earth to seek after Him. many things and evidences of Himself that He may be found. He is not far from any one of us. Acts 17:26-28. It is right in front of them if they would simply look to Him and them; creation, history, the Bible, faithful Christian witnesses, conscience, the moral law, the light of men, etc. I consider at a minimum that all believers are in a period of probation. Meaning that God the Judge has forgiven us based on what Jesus did at the cross. Now, to willingly trample in that mercy will bring condemnation and possible reprobation for even the believer, if they will not repent!

Rom 1:18-25 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

Thirdly, the whole idea of not casting your pearls before swine is communicated by Christians who usually don’t share their faith verbally, and publicly with any others. I think this is a serious error in Christendom. If this idea were true we shouldn’t share our faith with any sinner swine at all. Please read this carefully, the swine are the proud in heart, the good ground is the humble heart. So we don’t share the pearl or good news of our faith with the prideful swine sinner. But, if the swine humbles themselves under the preaching or the witness, then we give them the grace of God. Well, this idea does not just apply to the homosexual community but the human community who is living in rebellion to God. God is impartial. He hates partiality. I often will say when preaching to this generation of homosexuals and approvers that God is an equal opportunity condemner.

James 4:6 “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” 

But, wait a minute preacher this is a PRIDE event! Sure it is, but that does not mean that God’s Word can not crush that pride in an individual or perhaps a whole crowd of sinful people. God’s Word is like a hammer, and it does not return void. So, though like Lot I am vexed by neo Sodom & Gomorrah called America. But Lord willing, I want to stay the course and preach as Noah did until God calls me home via the ark of His Son Jesus Christ.

This is an unkind preacher dealing with a loving homosexual.
Can you tell which one is which?

Master, What Will be the Sign of Your Coming? Vol 2

Acts 1:11
Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is
taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

End Times Considered
by John McGlone

Acts 1:11
Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is
taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.


The passage from Acts 1 of Jesus’ Ascension gives us a beautiful clue about Jesus’ return at the end of the age. He will come down the same way He went up to return to the Father in heaven.

Another clue about Jesus’ return is given in the remarkable passage in 2 Thess 1:7-10, which must happen after the seventh trumpet of God sounds.

2 Thess 1:7-10 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.

Mark 13:3-37
And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately,Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled?And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you:For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet.For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them.10 And the gospel must first be published among all nations.11 But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.12 Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death.13 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.14 But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:15 And let him that is on the housetop not go down into the house, neither enter therein, to take any thing out of his house:16 And let him that is in the field not turn back again for to take up his garment.17 But woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!18 And pray ye that your flight be not in the winter.19 For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be. 20 And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect’s sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days. 21 And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not:22 For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.23 But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.24 But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light,25 And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken.26 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.27 And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.28 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near:29 So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors.30 Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done.31 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.32 But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.33 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.34 For the Son of Man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.35 Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:36 Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. 37 And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.

Many things are outlined in these passages from Mark regarding the return of Christ and signs that we will know of Jesus’ coming.

Jesus warns believers not to be deceived, because many will claim to be He, fooling many but it can not be Him, why? Because 2 Thess 1 which I outlined above gives us HOW Jesus will come back from heaven just as He went up in Acts 1. That return will be dramatic with the whole of the heavenly host with Him, riding on white horses as Rev explains. It will be fiery and destructive to all who are not converted before His return.  

Rev 19:11-16 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.
12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, King Of Kings, And Lord Of Lords.

As we see many ideas from Scripture begin to formulate how we can can understand what is to come if we diligently seek the knowledge from God’s Word. This passage from Rev 19 begs the question of where believers are when this happens. I think it is clear, at that time in the future, we are caught up in the air with Him and the armies descending upon the earth.

1 Thess 4:13-18 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.1Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

Fake News! Fake Gov’t! Fake Church!

US govt shutdown Jan 2019

by John McGlone Jan 26, 2019

With the US government shutdown running into it’s record length, one has to wonder is it real at all? Is it just another shell game to fool the masses, to expand corruption, to instill fear that we lose our precious way of life here in America? It begs the question in this wicked and apostate age is anything in the human experience anymore actually genuine? Here are a list of things in this world that come into questions about what is authentic: 1. Truth 2. Love 3. Family 4. Information 5. Government 6. Education 7. Medicine-Science 8. Sexuality 9 Money 10. NASA 11. ad infinitum-nauseum.

Jesus is the TRUTH, God is LOVE, God designed the FAMILY structure, the Holy Bible instructs us with righteous INFORMATION, Jesus is the KING of kings, the only true, righteous, and good GOVERNMENT, God wants to EDUCATE us and our progeny, Jesus is our HEALER the only true medicine, God designed NORMAL SEXUALITY between a man and a woman in holy matrimony, the LOVE OF MONEY is the root of all evil, NASA is full of lies about God’s cosmology and creation.

In all of these areas the church, I mean all true Christians, have become sugar and darkness instead of salt and light! They have feared men instead of God, hidden the true Gospel under a bush, and failed miserably in being effectual for the true ministry of Jesus Christ. Thus God’s Word is proven true about our nation and the god we have made up for ourselves collectively.

Matt 5:13-16
Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

If we are to preach and proclaim the truth of Christianity to a lost and wicked world what is the standard by which we make such claims on absolute truth? This FB article by Jesse Boyd was so filled with the fire of the Holy Ghost I had to share it! Church REPENT!

by Jesse Boyd
Those of you who claim the name of Christ and lightly esteem the written Word of God, BEWARE. Those like wicked pastors out there who claim to love God and to love people and yet mock the Bible, BEWARE. The written Word of God is not just a book, it’s not some antiquated diatribe. It’s a giant spiritual BEAR TRAP, so beware. After all, HE (see Hebrews 4:13–“neither is there anything that is not manifest in HIS sight”) can DISCERN (Hebrews 4:12); HE can SEE with x-ray vision (Hebrews 4:13); HE can RAISE UP people out of the dust for the sole purpose of judgment (Romans 9:17); HE can FORESEE and PREACH details about the future long before they happen (Galatians 3:8); HE can BREAK in pieces (Jeremiah 23:29) and HE inevitably leads people to saving faith (Romans 10:17).

In the wilderness, Israel waxed fat, grew thick, and lightly esteemed the Rock of her salvation (Deuteronomy 32:15). Have we Christians here in America done the same, making our feelings, whether or not we “have a peace” about something, and our “convictions” the authority over and above the Written Word of the Living God? Without the Holy Bible inspired by God and perfectly preserved for us in a language we can understand, we spoiled Americans wouldn’t even know the Lord and Saviour and what He wants us to do, let alone who He is.

You say the rallying point, the common ground, is the person of Jesus Christ. But which Christ? The Catholic Christ who can’t deal with you directly? The Mormon Christ who is the spirit child of an alien from the planet “Kolob” and has a brother named Satan? The Charismatic Christ who changes with the wind and wouldn’t dare offend a Jesuit priest or a lesbian with the truth? The Emergent Christ who appeases the wicked and yet despises His own Body (i.e. the church)? The Postmillennial Christ who has no tangible throne and can only speak in dark allegories that a select few can understand? The Muslim Christ who didn’t really die on a cross? The Christ of Judaism who has never even been to this earth? The Hindu Christ who survived the crucifixion and is buried somewhere in Kashmir? The Baptist Fundamentalist Christ who cares more about whether or not you attend every Sunday and Wednesday service than if you love your brethren, preach the Gospel, and obey the Great Commission? The Methodist Christ who said homosexuality is a sin and that women are not to pastor churches, but he was really only joking? The Buddhist Christ who was absorbed into nothingness? The Lutheran Christ who checks off confirmation class attendance? The Presbyterian Christ who died for a select few that were sprinkled with water? The Christ of the Church of Christ who begats with water instead of with the Holy Ghost? The Southern Baptist Christ who entertains and performs? The Abolitionist Christ who cares more about abortion and frozen embryos than going into all the world and preaching the Gospel to every creature? The Replacement Christ who can’t keep promises? The Reformed Christ who venerates men? Which is it? Which Christ are you talking about? That’s easy, whatever you make Him out to be . . . UNLESS you rally around the BOOK that declares exactly who HE is and what HE wants from you.

Without the written Word of God as the center of Christian fellowship and the final authority in matters of faith and practice, all such fellowship is a ultimately a facade and a farce.

The HOLY BIBLE–the divinely inspired, perfect preserved, saint-used, time-tested, words of the Living God and the ABSOLUTE MONARCH of all BOOKS. O BIBLIOS, THE BOOK!

And, in the BOOK it is written: “He is not here: for he is risen, as he said” (Matthew 28:6). Moreover, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore . . .” (Matthew 28:18-19).

Turning Cities Upside Down During the Xmass Season

by Bro John McGlone

Saints, we have started our ‘holiday’ season preaching last Black Friday in Louisville at the Light Up Louisville Xmas tree lighting ceremony revelry.   We have been preaching there many years and were blessed again to lift up our voices for Jesus, and to be reviled for the truths that we preach from the Bible which is in such marked contrast to American culture and ‘churches’.

Bro Bill Preacher and John McGlone @ LightUpLouisville

Today, Dec 1st,  Bros Marvin Heiman and Joshua will head out to Columbia, Ky to preach at their small Christmass parade event.  We have always been given great favor using banners and small amplifiers to preach to our local community.

Tomorrow Bro Joshua and I will head out to Glasgow, Ky to preach at their local Xmass parade event.   Last year the city was set on it’s head with the truths of the Bible they obviously have not been hearing in their ‘churches’.    I will share here some of the media and events that happened after that fateful night of exciting preaching on the public square in that city.

Bro Marvin starting the night of preaching Dec 2017

Silly Statements by Parade Goers Glasgow, KY

Glasgow Xmass Parade Article

CITY ATTORNEY RICH ALEXANDER TO ADDRESS THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL REGARDING RECENT FIRST AMENDMENT FREE SPEECH ISSUES [OF PREACHERS WHO UPSET US]

Daniel Rusk Beaten in Glasgow
Br. Daniel had only preached for some 15 minutes before he was beaten and I was restrained from trying to intervene on his behalf.  He was subsequently arrested and charged for disorderly conduct by the police and attacker who claimed Daniel had spit upon him.  We filed charges against the man the next day after Daniel was released from prison.  We followed up months after Daniel’s court date and dismissal of all charges concerning the attacker.  The city attorney claims the man has not shown up for court, is on the run, and they can’t locate him.

In Kentucky, we have all manners of Xmass parades in multitudes of small towns that we can’t even keep up with all of them.  I exhort everyone to get out there to make the message of Christ, known among the heathen in your Jerusalem, your Samaria, and the outer parts of the world.
God bless you.

God’s Mercy or Damnation?

by John McGlone 01/28/18

Often the open air preacher is viewed as harsh, unloving, and imbalanced because of the words, tones, and behaviors that we will use in the streets.  This is done to try and bring an awakening in the hearers which are spiritually dead and care less for the things of God.  It seems to the average Christian that we never talk of God’s love, mercy, and kindness which leads sinners to repentance.  So, here are few of my thoughts on this matter:

1.  We do speak often of God’s love at the cross of the Son Jesus Christ for the sinner as we call them to repent of sin and turn towards God.
2.  Until they get to the point of humbling themselves to esteem that sacrifice what greater love could we speak of?
3.  Can they get God’s mercy any other way than through that cross of Christ?
4.  The preaching of the cross is an offense, why would any believer be surprised by the apathy or reactions of the lost?   1 Cor 1:18
5.  God loves humility and hates pride. Thus, if someone approaches the believer in humility we give him grace, love, and mercy.  If they approach in a state of pride, anger, or suppression we give him the law, God’s hatred, and justice against him.
6.  God does NOT desire the destruction of the wicked, but that he turn and live.  So, there is the condition, one has to turn from sin in order to have life in Jesus.
7.  God loves mercy above justice.

Matt 9:13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

In summation, to the sinners I say, ‘Humble yourselves!’, to the saints I say, “Stay humble, and use God’s ideologies to express God’s will and Gospel to the lost.
God bless you.
Br. John

Psalms which speak of the Lord’s mercy.

Psalm 13:5, 6
But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation. I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.

Psalm 23:6
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Psalm 25:6-7
Remember, O LORD, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old. Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness’ sake, O LORD.

Psalm 31:7
I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities;

Psalm 33:22
Let thy mercy, O LORD, be upon us, according as we hope in thee.

Psalm 57:9-11
I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations. For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds. Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: let thy glory be above all the earth.

Psalm 86:5
For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.

Psalm 94:17, 18
Unless the LORD had been my help, my soul had almost dwelt in silence. When I said, My foot slippeth; thy mercy, O LORD, held me up.

Psalm 100:4, 5
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

Psalm 103:8-12
The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.

Psalm 109:26, 27
Help me, O LORD my God: O save me according to thy mercy: That they may know that this is thy hand; that thou, LORD, hast done it.

Psalm 130:7
Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption.

Psalm 136:1
O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Psalm 145:8-10
The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy. The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works. All thy works shall praise thee, O LORD; and thy saints shall bless thee.

Psalm 147:10, 11
He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man. The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.

Christmas is a Pagan Holiday?

by Adam Bishop
afterword by John McGlone
Dec 25,  2017

 A nice chart which debunks the myth of claims by Zeitgeist and other New age disinformation propaganda material.

Note: I do believe that Jesus was born on December 25th.

Biblically speaking, it’s really based off of the conception of John the Baptist and the annunciation of the Holy Spirit to Mary.

The Archangel Gabriel appearing to Zachariah in the High Temple when he was serving as high priest on the Day of Atonement (Luke 1:8). This placed the conception of St. John the Baptist during the feast of Tabernacles in late September, as the Archangel Gabriel said (Luke 1:28) and his birth nine months later at the time of the summer solstice.

Since the Gospel of Luke states that the Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary in the sixth month after John’s conception (Luke 1:26), this placed the conception of Christ at about the time of the spring equinox, that is, at the time of the Jewish Passover, in late March. His birth would thus be in late December at the time of the winter solstice.

Historically speaking, we see numerous examples.

Saint Telesphorus, Bishop of Rome, who reigned from 126-137 AD, instituted the Lord’s Supper on Christmas Eve. Liber Pontificalis, shows that he was already keeping Christmas, and then added the Supper right before the day occurred.

Theophilus (115-181 AD) was a Bishop in Caesarea who lived under the reign of the Roman Emperor Commodus. Within 100 years of the Apostles, he wrote:

“We ought to celebrate the birth-day of our Lord on what day soever the 25th of December shall happen.” Magdeburgenses, Cent. 2. c. 6. Hospinian, de orign Festorum Chirstianorum

Hippolytus of Rome (170-240 AD), in his commentary on Daniel, wrote this in regards to the date of our Lord’s Birth:

“The first coming of our Lord, that in the flesh, in which he was born at Bethlehem, took place eight days before the calends of January, a Wednesday, in the forty-second year of the reign of Augustus, 5500 years from Adam.” (Commentary on Daniel 4:23)

The eighth before the calends of January is the twenty-fifth day of December, and the forty-second year of Augustus counting from the death of Julius Caesar was 2 BC.

Clement of Alexandria (160-215 AD), also wrote concerning our Lord’s Birth:

“And there are those who have determined not only the year of our Lord’s birth, but also the day; and they say that it took place in the twenty-eighth year of Augustus, and in the twenty-fifth day of Pachon.” (Stromata, I, xxi)

Counting from the death of Antony in 30 B.C., the 28th year of Augustus would have been 2 B.C. The first month of the Egyptian calendar was Thoth, answering to late August (Thoth 1 = August 29). The ninth month was Pachon. The 25th of Pachon answers to the 20th of May. However, this is usually explained by the fact that the months originally took their names from where they occurred in the year. Hence, October, November and December were the eighth, ninth, and tenth months counting from March in the original Roman calendar, which had only ten months. But the Greek Fathers frequently took April, instead of March, for the first month of the year, as we see expressly in St. Chrysostom, in Anastasius Patriarch of Antioch, the Apostolic Constitutions, in Macarius, Stephanus, Gobarus, and other of the ancients. This would make December the ninth counting from April.

Irenaeus of Lyons (120-202 AD), in his works “Against Heresies” believe that March 25th was the date of the annunciation of the Holy Spirit to Mary in Luke 1. Since He based this off of John the Baptist’s birth. Since John the Baptist, was born on the day of atonement, he then set the date of it to September 25th as the day of the feast. Add 9 months later (as you would typically see in a mother giving birth to her child) and you have December 25th

See: Irenaeus: Against Hereseis, 3.10.1-2

Tertullian (160-220 AD), links and equates the equinox with the birth of Christ:

“And the suffering of this “extermination” was perfected within the times of the lxx hebdomads, under Tiberius Caesar, in the consulate of Rubellius Geminus and Fufius Geminus, in the month of March, at the times of the passover, on the eighth day before the calends of April [March 25th], on the first day of unleavened bread, on which they slew the lamb at even, just as had been enjoined by Moses”.(An Answer to the Jews, 8.18)

In 221 AD, you have the Christian Historian Julius Africanus who in his work “chronographai” which lists all of history dating back from 5500 B.C. to the time he wrote this work, lists the conception of Jesus Christ on March 25th.

In the Apostolic Constitutions, which were completed around 380 A.D., lists and dates back all the way to the beginning of the Church, says this about the date of Christ’s Birth:

In the Fifth book, Sec. III, we find:

“Brethren, observe the festival days; and first of all the birthday which you are to celebrate on the twenty-fifth of the ninth month.”

The ninth month counting from Nisan (April) is Casleu in the Jewish calendar. Transferred to our Roman calendar, the ninth month answers to December.

The Byzantine Christian, Nicephorus, wrote an ecclesiastical history in which he lists the Roman Emperor, Diocletian destroying a church on December 25th which celebrated the nativity of Jesus:

“At Nicomedia (a city of Bithynia) when the festival of Christ’s birth-day came, and a multitude of Christians in all ages had assembled together in the temple to celebrate that birth-day. Diocletian the tyrant, having gotten an advantageous occasion whereby he might accomplish his madness and fury, sent men thither to enclose the temple, and to set it on fire round about, and so consumed them all to ashes, even twenty thousand persons.”

John Selden in his work, “Theanthropos” (1661, pp. 33, 34), confirms Nicephorus’ report, saying that ancient Greek and Roman martyrologies date this event to Dec. 25th. And that this event occurred in either 303 or 304 AD.

 afterword by John McGlone

I will be updating this section as I have time to finish studying Adam’s fine assemblage of information concerning this divisive issue that rears it’s ugly head every year.  God bless you, and Happy Birthday Jesus!

Legalism: Handle Not, Taste Not, Touch Not! by John McGlone

 

Legalism and Antinomianism  are both deadly, fiery, spiritual arrows in the quiver of the devils, unbelievers, and even the elect!  The first puts traditions of men, which God never required to be instituted for salvation. The second states there are no more moral obligations to obey God in any area of our walk because of His grace.  They are opposing ends of theological errors which lead many to condemn brothers or to ruin their pure walks with the Lord through living in sin.  These questions that the world, the devils, doubters, and even sincere believers and unbelievers alike put forth for consideration continually assail the body of Christ to bring about divisions, compromise, and legalism among the fellowship of the saints.  Personally, I have seen such problems enter among the saints in our local fellowship, on the streets preaching, believers on social media, and even in my own earthly and spiritual family.

Legalism is defined several ways.  But, generally is an unbiblical concept that is required to be kept or shunned in order to be accepted into fellowship and considered to be a believer.  The Judaizers of the New Testament were attempting to get the NT Holy Ghost filled Gentile believers to follow the Mosaic law to be saved, ie circumcision, Sabbath, and festivals.

Some examples for legalism that leads to believers condemning others believers are:
1. Only certain colors, lengths, patterns for modest fashions for women and men.  If you wear something different you can’t be part of the church, thus you are condemned.
2. fellowship meetings only on Saturday, though they don’t observe the Shabbat properly according to Jewish oral and written tradition.  This hypocrisy is painfully obvious yet you can’t share without offending their traditions, so they condemn and shun you.
3.  No modern equipment, tires, motors, or technology.  Hmmm, how do I even address this nonsensical thinking?  The technology with which people traveled has dramatically changed from horseback to planes, trains, and automobiles.  The Bible speaks of the idea of in the later days people will be given unto going to and fro and flying in silver eagles.
4.  Only certain foods and drinks, ie vegetables, nothing with ears, ears, or nose, coke products, etc.  Every time you sit to a meal it can not be enjoyed simply because every latest scientific finding must be discussed at length and your food examined and critiqued while you are trying to consume it.

 

 

Antinomianism is defined as a ‘putting away’ of the law of God.  They believe any form of nomas or law does not have to be kept by the NT believer.  If people try, then they are labeled as working for their salvation. 


Some examples of the practices of antinomianism are:
 smoking, vaping, drinking, sexting, tatoos, makeup, immodest fashions, fornicating, pornography, etc.

The antinomian ‘believer’ will simply excuse any and all sin that may be in their lives at the expense of God’s grace.

Col 2:16-23  Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: 17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. 18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. 20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, 21 (Touch not; taste not; handle not; 22 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? 23 Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body: not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.

Col 3:1-15  If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; 10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: 11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. 12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

Many will use Col 2 passage as reasonings to bring in various lowly standards of questionable behaviors and ideologies.  Also, for legalists to bring in traditions of men that God never intended to be standards for believers to live by.

I don’t think vs 5 is an all encompassing list, as we see other lists that show other sins which are not listed here.  But, in comparing all the lists are vaping, tatoos, etc shown in them?  I simply want to ensure as we go forward to that we are not casting aside people for traditions we are making up which are based on our preferences which hate certain tastings, touchings, and handlings of earthy objects or ideas.

I also see in vs’ 12-17 which clearly outlines how believers are to deal with such things.  Very convicting to me to be more long suffering in all things with all people, but especially those of the household of faith.

God’s grace solves the problem!  Titus 2:11-15 was a passage in the Bible I am sure I must have read somewhere over the seven years of my lukewarm walk with Jesus.   But, it never registered in my heart and mind of the blind fool in sin.

The Law of Love solves the problem! Obey the Holy Spirit and walk as He guides and you will find yourself on the narrow and difficult way Jesus taught about.  Resist the temptation to rebuke other believers in the Gospel of Christ who have varying traditions about holidays, festivals, etc.  We are to be an example to the flock not sheep butchers or beaters.  God bless you as you seek to please Jesus supremely and love your neighbor as yourself.

Rom 14:12-17 So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. 13 Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way. 14 I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean.  15 Yet if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died. 16 Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil;  17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

 

 

 

Body of Christ or Bride of Christ? by John McGlone

09/19/17 by John McGlone

I have gathered together differing resources; videos, audios, pdf documents, etc. to bring to light this question which has been on my heart and mind for some time. I ask myself, “If we are the body of Christ, then how is that the same body as the Bride of Christ?” If it is different bodies, then who is the Bride that Scriptures speaks of over and again? The Word teaches that it was and is Israel.  As I began to research this some months ago I got confused by the differing views especially Dispensationalism. When I recently heard and read Bob Enyart’s teaching in these audio and pdf links below, regarding Israel being the bride the spiritual white flag of surrender went up.

I think the Apostle Paul in Rom 11 is very clear about how the Jews were cut off because of unbelief in the Messiah so that the Gentiles may be grafted in.  Yet, the Gentiles are warned not to by haughty or high minded because they could still be rejected for that.

Rom 11:11-36  I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy. 12 Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness?  13 For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office: 14 If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them. 15 For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead? 16 For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches. 17 And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; 18 Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee. 19 Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in. 20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: 21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. 22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. 23 And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again. 24 For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive tree? 25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. 26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: 27 For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. 28 As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sakes. 29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. 30 For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief: 31 Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy. 32 For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all. 33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! 34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? 35 Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? 36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.

Could this be the answer I’ve been looking for? Take a listen and let me know your thoughts and how this view may be truth according to the understanding of your heart and mind.  God bless you.

BOB ENYART ON THE BODY OF CHRIST &
ISRAEL, THE BRIDE OF CHRIST

 

Download (PDF, 569KB)

 

OTHER RESOURCES WHICH ARE BOTH CONFUSING & DISPENSATIONAL  

08/03/17 Coach Dave Daubenmire spoke of a Hageman and Hageman radio show which featured Pr. David Lankford [Hyper Dispensationalist]  This is what got me started down this inquiry of these ideas.

https://www.facebook.com/dave.daubenmire/videos/10211568462300874/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eV34vosjENg

 

Br. Breaker [Semi Dispensationalist] on The Bride of Christ

 

 

First Church of Sinners

CMA Festival 2017 This is an Eric Church blasphemy tee that he will surely give an account to the Ancient of Days

“The New Testament knows no salvation while continuing in a state of sinful indulgence. Sin as a manner of life is always referred to in the PAST TENSE in Christians.

1Co 6:11
Such were ( past tense ) some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.

Eph 2:1
And you were ( past tense ) dead in your trespasses and sins,

Eph 5:8
for you were ( past tense ) formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light.

Tit 3:3
For we also once were ( past tense ) foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.

Gordon Olson

SINNER or SAINT… It has been said many times by professing Christians ” I’m just a sinner saved by Grace ” It’s sad that the American pastors teaching has confused the masses with such nonsense. What they should be taught is ” We WERE ( past tense ) sinners saved by grace.

The word sinner in the Greek means, devoted to sin, not free from sin, especially wicked.

” In the NT. we are called 61 times ” Saints ” never sinners again. The word holy and Saint comes from the same Greek word ( Hagios ) which means the most holy thing, a Saint.

In 1 Peter 2:9, Peter explains what position the Saints are in.. You are a Chosen Race, a Royal priesthood, a Holy Nation ( in the Greek nation means group of people ) a people for God’s own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

1Co 6:11
Such WERE ( past tense ) some of you; ( sinners ) but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.

1 John 3:7-8… Those who practice ( those who do ) righteousness is righteous… ” A SAINT “….
Verse 8… Those who practice ( those who do sin ) sin is of the devil ” A SINNER “.
Scriptures makes it clear the difference between a Saint and sinner.
Practice in the Greek means who do sin or those who do righteousness..

If we value the sacrifice of Jesus Christ’s suffering for our sin on the cross, why do we revive the power of the serpent?