We all have some religious people on our friend lists. They love to be acknowledged as saved Christians but actually, they are nothing but lukewarm people, practicing religion. Catholics, Muslims, Mormons and Buddhists are also religious people but none will enter the door of heaven, except if they are converted to believe that Yeshua is their Redeemer and become willing to obey to God’s Word. The religious people who operate under the banner of Christianity are the ones so accurately described in 2 Timothy 3:5 and 7.
“5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
They are quite easy to identify on social media, including Facebook. Most of them at least have 2 or 3 of the following “trademarks” or habits:
• They belong to the “Don’t judge” gang as they prefer to take the biblical concept of not judging out of context, in an effort to hide their acceptance of, or their love for things contrary to the Word of God;
• They usually defend their religious views with carnal arguments which either contain no reference to Scripture, or by cherry-picking Scripture from God’s Word and then use it out of context;
• They blatantly ignore Scripture provided to them in an effort to bring them to truth;
• They are believers in the new “Love-Jesus” the world created for itself. Every time that “hot” topics are being discussed, such as God’s sovereignty and will, sinning, judgement and wrath, they will remind you that Jesus is love. This is the only attribute of God’s nature they accept or know;
• Their focus is always on worldly blessings and even Scripture which relates to spiritual blessings are twisted to fit their love for the things of this world. They look no further than for blessings of wealth, blessings of health and blessings of success but hardly ever mention or seek for blessings with regards to God’s grace, the ability to understand the Word of God or any other spiritual blessings;
• Instead of being Christians, many of them should rather be called “Pastorians.” They are the ones who would go as far as to even fight Scripture quoted if it “contradicts” what their pastors taught them. They are usually also friends with their pastors and “like” every single post on their pastor’s profile. When you tag them on something or leave a post on their profiles, they will remove it as quickly as possible, as it may cost them some points with their favourite pastor;
• Some of them like to be heard and they just love the attention they receive from their aggravating comments. Ten Christians will have a discussion or a healthy debate. Then suddenly one of these religious persons would pop in, telling you that homosexuals are born that way, that you shouldn’t judge Benny Hinn, Joel Osteen and the likes as you do not know their hearts, and even that Pope Francis is called a man of God for buying a few poor people some pizzas.
• They are often full of pride in the sense that they will never consider or accept the views or opinions of others. They do not fight for truth but for their own egos;
• They use little to no discernment in identifying false teachers and false prophets. Real men of God are often being named as such, because of rumours they heard from those who hate some “hard to swallow” truths. On the other hand you will find quotes and videos of heretics on their walls. They also eagerly promote interfaith or ecumenical events and so-called “revivals” such as The Gathering 2016, Together 2016 and the biggest religious event ever held in South Africa – called It’s Time. They blindly continue to follow these false prophets and healers even if their prophecies are not coming to pass or their promises of healing result into nothing (Didn’t Jesus and the disciples always healed on the spot and never had any failures);
• Most of them do not understand the meaning of the word “Amen.” Whether they see a post on someone’s profile about Christians being slaughtered by ISIS or about an innocent child being abused and raped by her father, you are almost guaranteed to see an “Amen” from them (There is however nothing wrong with an “Amen” where it is relevant);
• Some are also members of the “chain letter” gang. They just love to share posts in which others seemingly have the authority to decide on God’s behalf what He needs to do within 24 hours or in the week to come. It always reads something like this: “This is the end of your troubles. Share this post with 10 friends and God will bless you within 3 days from now.”
• The profiles of some are catering for all. The odd posts with a single Bible verse on the background of a beautiful picture can be found between the foul language, the dirty jokes and the pics of half-naked girls or muscular idols. (No problem with a clean joke, the sharing of your recipes or your love for animals etc);
• Judged by the large number of “selfies” posted almost on a daily basis, a few of them are clear testimonies that we are living in the latter days. 2 Timothy 3:1-2: “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, ” (Once again, no problem with a new pic of yourself, your children, your grandchildren or even your cat or dog, the places you went to or whatever – but there are also limits to everything in life);
• Almost similar to the last point – There is nothing wrong when a pastor or Evangelist occasionally post some pictures of their outreach or their church meetings. But some of them honestly take this way too far. After every sermon a picture is posted where he stands behind the pulpit, where he reads from the Bible, where he prays, where he kneels before a child and where he “anoint and heal” Maybe we should ask them to read what is said in Matthew 6:1-4.
None of us are perfect, including me. But let us remember, we are known by our fruits as well as by those who surround us, including our Facebook friends. If you have any religious people on your friends list, pray and ask God to guide you on whether you should still sow seeds in the hope to bring them to truth, unfriend or even block them and move on. Remember, often God sends people our way for a purpose, according to His will. But sometimes He also removes them after the purpose has been met.
Shalom
(Posted by Gerhard Woest – Heavenly Remnant Ministries)
HEAVENLY REMNANT MINISTRIES 
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