“Wherefore if you be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are you subject to ordinances,  (Touch not; taste not; handle not;  Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?” Colossian 2:20-22.

If we are buried with Christ by the baptism into His death, planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall also be in the likeness of His Resurrection.  We no longer serve sin.

Why then does religion subject the Believer to ordinances?  Why are we subjected to 40 days of purpose for God’s favor?  Why must we fast 21 days for deliverance from sin? Why must we partake in the Jewish feasts which were all representative of Jesus?  Why are we subjected and seduced by the extra biblical revelations which appeal to our emotions?  All of which appeal to the flesh but have no effect against the sin that so easily besets us.  There is only one answer to sin; one answer to victory over the world the flesh and the devil and that is faith in Jesus Christ and HIS redeeming work on Calvary’s Cross…not worldly ordinances, commandments or vanities from the mind of man.

“⁵ For if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also in the likeness of His Resurrection:

⁶ Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

⁷ For he that is dead is freed from sin.”  Romans 6:5-7

We are planted together in the likeness of Jesus’ death through our faith in Who He is and what He has done on Calvary’s Cross.  We are in the likeness of His Resurrection through our faith in Jesus Christ, Who He is and what He has done on Calvary’s Cross.

Why, as though living in the world, do we subject ourselves after the commandments and doctrines of men?

” ¹⁶ And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? for you are the temple of the living God; as God has said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My People.

¹⁷ Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, says the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.

¹⁸ And will be a Father unto you, and you shall be My Sons and Daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:14-18.

-Donna Clark Warren

“¹³ For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

¹⁴ And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

¹⁵ Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.”  2 Corinthians 11:13-15.

Just because something is labeled or promoted as “Christian” does not mean it is of God.  Let us not forget, satan knows the Bible better than most and he is still the devil.  Furthermore, we must understand the devil knows the Bible word for word, not just “thought for thought“.  Most of the modern Bible translations are a thought for thought translation.  (For further information on how the thought for thought versions of the Word of God are disarming the Believer, start here.)

“¹⁷ The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keeps his way preserves his soul.

¹⁸ Pride goes before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

¹⁹ Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.”  Proverbs 16:17-19.

Many have been given the opportunity to learn what is referred to as the “Message of the Cross” but have chosen to ignore.  This message is not a new message it is THE message of the Bible; the message of Jesus Christ and Him crucified.  This message of Who Jesus is and what He has done on Calvary’s Cross will set at liberty those who are bound.  This message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ will heal the sick and cause the lame to walk.  This message is the same message the Apostle Paul declared to the Romans, the Galatians, the Corinthians, the Colossians, the Ephesians, etc., etc.

This message, the Message of the Cross of Christ for victory over the world, the flesh and the devil, has been replaced with The Shack, The Purpose Driven Life, 100 Days of Favor, Blood Moons, Shemitahs, Jewish feasts, fire tunnels, extra biblical revelations, emotional manifestations, sanctimonious ceremonies and man made traditions.

Did you know that NAR (New Apostolic Reformation), also known as Dominionism, Kingdom Now or 7 Mountains, is referred to by Al Jazeera as American’s Taliban?  NAR’s ultimate goal is to replace secular democracy, both in America and around the world, with a Christian theocracy.  The supposed purpose is to “purify” the world for Christ’s return – again, strikingly similar to what the Taliban believes regarding Islam, but more importantly at odds with what the Word of God says about end time events.  Instead of cell groups, there are home groups who are studying, following, declaring and decreeing another Jesus and another gospel.

“But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.”  Galatians 1:8.

Hear me church. You would not let allow a harlot to seduce your child, your spouse or anyone else you love into danger.  Why then do so many allow their brethren to be swept away into the harlot’s bosom simply because she claimed Christianity?

Pride goes before destruction.

-Donna Clark Warren

“¹⁷ Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

¹⁸ And all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and has given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

¹⁹ To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and has committed unto us the Word of Reconciliation.

²⁰ Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be you reconciled to God.

²¹ For He (God) has made Him (Jesus) to be sin (the Sin Offering) for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the Righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:17-21.

The reconciling act of Jesus was in His dying on Calvary’s Cross.  It was there that the Lamb of God was offered up as a Sin Offering for the sin of man.  On Calvary’s Cross the penalty of sin was paid:

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”  Romans 6:23;

and the power of sin was broken:

“For sin shall not have dominion over you: for you are not under the law, but under Grace.” Romans 6:14.

Know this, WHO Jesus is and what He has done for whosoever will believe, there is no doubt as to the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.  The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is proof that every sin was paid in full for those who accept Him as their Lord and Saviour. Bear in mind, the sinner is called to believe but the Saint is called to follow Jesus (Luke 9:23).

The means by which Jesus Christ broke the power of sin in the Believer’s life is through Calvary’s Cross.  Religion will attempt to make the Righteousness of God a rule to be kept in order to be righteous.  However, Grace will manifest God’s Righteousness in the hearts of those whose faith is placed solely and exclusively in the Source by which God’s Righteousness is applied (Jesus Christ) and the means by which it is applied (Calvary’s Cross).  This is the working of the Holy Spirit being applied in our hearts and lives because of our faith in Jesus…looking unto Him, Who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the Cross and is now sitting at the Right Hand of the Throne of God (Hebrews 12:2).

Precept upon precept, line upon line, the Lord will author and finish our faith. Recognize when laws are given to uphold righteousness.  When we’re faced with temptation, do we immediately remember that law/rule/oath that we made to “be” righteous or do we immediately look to Jesus to deliver us from that temptation?  Our answer will determine our victory or defeat.  That law didn’t give us dominion over sin, Jesus Christ gave us dominion over sin.  Choose accordingly.

“¹⁹ For it pleased the Father that in Him (Jesus) should all fullness dwell;

²⁰ And, having made peace through the Blood of His Cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself; by Him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

²¹ And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now has He reconciled

²² In the Body of His Flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in His sight:”  Colossians 1:19-22

We have been reconciled to God through the Body of His Flesh, Jesus Christ.  We have been given the ministry of the Word of Reconciliation.  We do not preach, declare or decree from behind the pulpit oaths, laws, 40 days, “series”, blood moons, shemitahs, traditions, feasts or festivals – we preach the Word of Reconciliation to the entirety of the world and then the end will come…we preach Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

-Donna Clark Warren

“By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.” Proverbs 11:11

The wicked oppose and overthrow the upright never understanding it is because of the upright that they too were blessed.  Once the upright are overthrown and their blessings removed, the wicked blame the pending wrath on the upright.

“²⁴ Then the Lord rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the Lord out of Heaven;

²⁵ And He overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground.

²⁶ But his (Lot’s) wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.” Genesis 19:24-26

Beware, the upright who turn back to the city, whose heart remains with the wicked became a pillar of salt.

“Remember Lot’s wife.” Luke 17:32

-Donna Clark Warren

“He that hides hatred with lying lips, and he that utters a slander, is a fool.” Proverbs 10:18

Hiding hatred with lying lips, which is hypocrisy, is what many refer to as grace but God refers to them as a fool.  The hyper grace, word of faith and seeker sensitive doctrines have turned the Grace of God into a law of man in order not to offend the world.  They have sugar coated the Gospel of Jesus Christ and Him crucified with honeyed words and methods of man from vanities of their own minds and have made the Cross of Christ of no effect.

“¹⁷ For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the Gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the Cross of Christ should be made of none effect.

¹⁸ For the preaching of the Cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:17-18

Jesus Christ paid the penalty of sin on Calvary’s Cross for whosoever will believe.  He also broke the power of sin on Calvary’s Cross (Romans 6:14).  The Holy Spirit cannot break the power of sin and free us from the law of sin and death when our faith is placed in things we do.  Our 40 days of purpose, 21 days of fasting, declaring and decreeing are of no effect.

The honeyed words and methods of man feed our self righteousness and make us feel as if we’re doing “our part”.  Make no mistake, “our part” is faith – faith in Jesus Christ, Who He is and what He has done on Calvary’s Cross for whosoever will believe.  This fight, the fight of faith, is the only fight we as Believers are commissioned to fight.  The result of these honeyed words are lies spoken which are at odds with the actual condition of our heart.  We hide our hatred with lying lips but the Lord looks at the condition of our heart.

This is not the Grace of God my friends.

“And He said unto me, My Grace is sufficient for you: for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

God’s Grace is sufficient.  His strength is made perfect in our weakness.  We don’t have to lie about our weakness but glory in our infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon us.

“For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him….” 2 Chronicles 16:9

-Donna Clark Warren

“¹⁸ But I (Apostle Paul) have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a Sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God.

¹⁹ But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

²⁰ Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” Philippians 4:18-20.

Many of us recognize “But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”  However, when we read the preceding Scripture we will see the Apostle Paul had received a gift from the Philippians which enabled him to further the preaching of the Cross of Jesus.

This gift the Apostle Paul received helped spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ and Him crucified to a lost and dying world and was looked at by God as part of the atoning work of Jesus.  It was an “odor of a sweet smell, a Sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God.”  This gift given by the Philippians to help further the Gospel of Jesus was a result of His atoning work; therefore it was a part of  His atoning work.  The fruit is a result of the vine.

So I humbly ask you, is your giving because of the atoning work Jesus Christ has done in your heart?  Is it given to help further His atoning work to others or is it given for increase?  Is it a part of (a fruit of) Jesus’ atoning work?  If so, your giving is an odor of a sweet smell, a Sacrifice acceptable and well pleasing to God…and He WILL supply all your needs according to HIS riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

We are all responsible for discerning the work to which we give.  If it is not the work of God…to be plain and blunt, that promise is not for you.

Prayerfully consider.

-Donna Clark Warren

Some may be surprised that many Christians are no longer attending church in a church building. As for me, here are the reasons why I don’t attend the religious services in my area. Before going forward, let me say my husband and I have been to many local churches but certainly not all in our immediate area. I’m sure there are some out there but sadly we have not found them. I have no doubt there are many who love the Lord. While there are some churches within driving distance, due to my work schedule they are just too far and we cannot attend. However, first and foremost, we strive to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and feel like we are exactly where He wants us at this time in our lives.

So here we go…the list of reasons why we don’t attend some of our local churches:

1. Many preach and teach humanistic psychology to overcome sin.  Psychology is the study of the mind and the mind is at enmity with God.  Jesus Christ is still the Way, the Truth and the Life…even after our Salvation.  “Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” Romans 8:7
2. We don’t want to “soak”.  Soaking prayer is a mystical experience that replaces sound biblical teaching with emotion driven responses.  The Word of God says “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”  Philippians 4:6
3. Gold dust and angel feathers are not biblical.
4. They don’t believe in Baptism of the Holy Spirit with evidence of speaking in tongues (Acts 2:4, Acts 10:45-46, Acts 19:1-7).
5. They believe you must be baptized in water to be saved.
6. They believe you must join their church to be saved.
7. They believe you must be baptized in the Holy Spirit to be saved.
8. Sunday school is about the latest church fad coming down the pike (Harbingers, Shemitahs, Blood Moons, Pythons, Purpose Driven Life, 21 Days of fasting,etc.) instead of the Word of God. “And I (Jesus), if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Me.” John 12:32.  Instead of lifting up Jesus to the congregation/class, the fad is lifted up among men.
9. They observe the Jewish feasts and festivals which were symbolic of Jesus Christ.  As a New Testament Believer, I don’t have to partake in the religious symbolism…I have Jesus Christ.  Furthermore, where are the partakers doing their sacrifices? “For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continues not in all things which are written in the Book of the Law to do them.” Galatians 3:10.
10. Mysticism, extra biblical revelations and emotional experiences are decreed and declared from the pulpit…not the Word of God.
11.  My husband and I both grew up in the 80’s.  We were both far from God and we recognize the bar atmosphere in many modern churches.  From the entertainment (not worship) to the coffee bars and overall hip hop attitude in the “House of God”.  This is not fear of the Lord.  This is not sacred.  This is not holy.  This is the world infiltrating the church in order to increase numbers in the pews and is not of God.

Obviously these are just some of the reasons we don’t attend church.  I don’t doubt their love for God and I’m not saying all are alike.  Sadly though this is what we have encountered in our little corner of the world.  When I first began hearing of these things, I thought is that really happening in the world?  It must be in the big cities.  We all see the “big time” televangelist that everyone else loves and trusts and we fall in beside them in order to blend in with the rest.  It starts to get fun.  Yes, the music is great.  I can still be “me” and do this “God thing”.

Then there comes a time; a point of decision if you will, that the Lord will prick your heart and show you “this is not of Me”.  Whatever “it” is, it doesn’t line up with Scripture. At that point we can test the spirits according the the Word of God whether they are of God (1 John 4:1) or we can ignore the conviction of the Holy Spirit and follow that which is feeding our flesh.

Let me tell you friend, if the Lord is pricking your heart to test the spirits…test them.  “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15  The Holy Spirit is faithful to guide us into all Truths when we look to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith.

“And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:  Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as you see the day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25

Every Sunday morning, Sunday night and Wednesday night my husband and I gather together in front of the television and worship together with untold thousands of Brothers and Sisters in Christ all over the world at Family Worship Center in Baton Rouge, LA.  where they teach, preach, declare and decree Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Every morning we have our Bible Study via The Message of the Cross.  You can join us here: SonLife Broadcasting Network .  Let us not forget, the first church started in the homes of like minded Believers.  Furthermore, the first church was actually Pentecostal (sorry my Catholic friends).

“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

² And suddenly there came a sound from Heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

³ And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.

⁴ And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”  Acts 2:1-4

If you don’t believe Pentecost is still working in the church today, that is between you and God…not you and me.  As for me and my house, it is too late to tell us any different.

-Donna Clark Warren

“³ But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

⁴ For if he that comes preaches another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if you receive another spirit, which you have not received, or another gospel, which you have not accepted, you might well bear with him.”  2 Corinthians 11:3-4

The beginning point of all false doctrine is an improper understanding of the Cross of Christ.  Many false prophets have come into the world presenting a Peace Offering with no Burnt Offering.  In the Old Testament, the Peace Offering never came without the Burnt Offering, which symbolized Calvary (Leviticus 6:12).  Make no mistake, Calvary is the only way we can have peace with God.

These false prophets offer peace with God through various methods of man with no regard to Jesus Christ and His atoning work on Calvary’s Cross.  These extra biblical revelations and prophecies from their own minds direct the Believer to another Jesus.  A Jesus that they mold to fit their lifestyle according to what seems right in their own mind.

The mere fact that some denominations are even discussing the acceptance of social drinking and homosexuality shows the condition of the church today.  They are presenting a “peace” to the people in order to fill the pews and further their own agenda. Make no mistake, this “peace” offering comes with no Burnt Offering…it is another Jesus.

“For the time is come that judgment must begin at the House of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the Gospel of God?” 1 Peter 4:17.

We must choose today, while it is today, in Whom we are going to serve.

-Donna Clark Warren

“⁹ Wherefore God also has highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name:

¹⁰ That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in Heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

¹¹ And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”  Philippians 2:9-11

In Hebrew, His name is Yeshua.  In Italian His name is Gesu’ Cristo.  In China they call Him Yesu Jidu.  In Russia, His name is lisus Khristos.  However, I am from the USA and I speak English.  For me, His name is Jesus.

God the Father has highly exalted Jesus and given Him a name which is above every name.  That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow…..and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.  The name that God gave Jesus, which is above every name is Lord – master of all.

For the English-speaking Believer, we call Him Jesus Christ and He is our Lord.  The Person of Jesus Christ is Who paid the penalty of our sin and broke the power of sin on Calvary’s Cross.  We have accepted Him as our Lord and Saviour because of Who He is and what He has done for whosoever will believe.  God has already exalted Jesus as Lord.  It is up to us individually whether or not we accept Him as Lord.

Let it be made clear, no matter the different languages, if our Lord is not the Person of Jesus Christ according to the Word of God, THE Person in which God the Father exalted as Lord because of His finished work on the Cross…it is another Jesus and is accursed. Not all paths lead to Jesus and NO MAN comes to the Father except through Jesus (John 14:6).  Did you hear that Oprah?  NO MAN.

“¹⁰ Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, Whom you crucified, Whom God raised from the dead, even by Him does this man stand here before you whole.

¹¹ This is the Stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the Head of the Corner.

¹² Neither is there Salvation in any other: for there is none other name under Heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”  Acts 4:10-12

Salvation for man was made possible by the person of Jesus Christ, God manifested in the flesh (1 Timothy 3:16), Who came to die on Calvary’s Cross to reconcile mankind to our Creator.  There is none other name under Heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved – Jesus Christ.  No matter the language…is HE, the Son of God according to the Word of God, the One in Whom God has exalted as Lord, your Lord?

“For if he that comes preaches another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if you receive another spirit, which you have not received, or another gospel, which you have not accepted, you might well bear with him.”  2 Corinthians 11:4

-Donna Clark Warren