Ignorance is not Bliss

When we hear the old saying that asserts that ignorance is bliss, we often fail to realize that statement is far from the truth. Those that remain ignorant will be easily taken advantage of. Much like the belief that closing your eyes will somehow make trouble or evil go away, it will only lead one to discover that you just won’t see the misfortune approaching. When there are issues that need to be addressed, we often ignore our responsibility and file it away for another day. Ignoring important matters will, more often than not, cause us much more trouble than just dealing with them in a timely fashion. Those that ignore the heretical assertions of the ELCA leaders and scholars, because they think that they are somehow insulated from the national synod, are in for a rude awakening. Mark 7:6-8, Jesus replied, “Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 7 They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men. 8 You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men.” The leaders of the ELCA have abandoned the commands of God and are replacing them with the experience, understanding and traditions of men. Those that sit by idly while the leadership of the ELCA hijacks God’s church are complicit in the crime.

Ephesians 5:6-7, “Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be partners with them.” The doctrine of bound conscience deceives those that accept this false teaching. Allowing ones personal experience and understanding to place man in authority of Scripture only allows a sinful humanity to disobey God’s law with the blessing of an errant church. God’s church has the responsibility to preach the pure truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to uphold the authority of Scripture. The church is to lead people to the Lord by the clear and concise Word of God, preached truthfully and effectively so that people will understand and through the Holy Spirit, come to believe. John 8:31-32, “To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” There are many organizations that strive for social justice, to feed the hungry and to try to save the planet throughout the world, but there is no other organization, but His church, that is charged with the responsibility to save souls by bringing people to faith in Jesus Christ.

So, the leadership of the ELCA strives to create a “Big tent” complete with a diversity of opinions, some of which deny the very truths they are charged to uphold. Open and varied dialog, acceptance of other religions and spiritual beliefs are considered so very important to add to the strength of the ELCA’s organization. The faith that has been instilled in us since childhood is being phased out by the enlightened elites of the ELCA. It is no longer necessary to deny yourself and place Christ first in your heart. It is no longer necessary to be filled with the Holy Spirit, since we can provide all the love that the world needs ourselves. Heaven, well that is right here, we only need to make it perfect here on earth and Heaven will be all around us. Don’t feel the least bit guilty of sin because this wayward denomination will affirm your behavior and pass resolutions declaring God’s Word null and void. This diversity of opinions does not make this church grow stronger, it diminishes our God and renders our faith empty and worthless.

2 Timothy 2:11-13, “If we died with him, we will also live with him; 12 if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us; 13 if we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself.” Our God has freely offered us the gift of His grace. Accepting the false gospel that the leaders of the ELCA peddle as truth will cause us to spurn our God and reject His grace. This enlightened ELCA may see itself as a fresh and new version of the church that God intended, but those that hold fast to the Truth can see that this new version no longer has the approval of our God. God is not telling us something new. We are cautioned to resist false teachings and to have nothing to do with the things of this world. 2 Peter 3:17-18, “You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness, 18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity.” The evil one uses deceit and deception to encourage us to engage in sin. The leaders of the ELCA deceive their membership by contriving doctrine, making it seem so appropriate, to allow them to engage in behavior that dishonors our God.