Introduction

This book includes four major parts, many chapters and several sections and subsection. Each part builds on each other to make a single argument. Our argument, as you will see in each part, whether looking at it from a spiritual or an historical perspective, is that Christianity is following traditions—the doctrines of men—not the doctrines that were laid out by Jesus Christ. We attempt to show this in three different ways. First, we explore the spiritual landscape of the church. We evaluate the evil spirits that have gotten involved with the body of Christ that have been waiting since the foundation of the world to attach themselves to God's people. They did it with the Jews first and now us. Second, we explore the history of the church; we explain how the church throughout history has been accepting tradition and, from very early on, has rejected God's Word. Third, we look into the modern church to see clear evidences of the church's corruption. Here we mainly show what is going on in most churches through practices and doctrines. We also further explain the proofs that Satan is involved in the church through those practices and doctrines we introduced in Parts One and Two. Last, we present what the Lord has shown to us that the church is supposed to be doing. We first indicate what is wrong; we then say what we should do that is right.

In the first part of this book ("Part One: Leaven of the Pharisees") we outline the key principalities and powers of Satan that Christians must battle if we want to have a winning church, a church that abides in the kingdom of God and not just makes frequent trips there. The second part of this book ("Part Two: The Decaying Church") has three major chapters. In the first chapter ("Resurrection and the Kingdom of God"), we explain that the resurrection of God's son Jesus is the Cornerstone of the Church. Believing in Jesus Christ is the only way into God's kingdom, where God reigns. In the second chapter ("The Early Church (Built on Rock): Church of God"), we explain what the church looked like when Jesus founded it through his Apostles, built on a rock. Finally, in the third chapter ("The Pre-Modern Church (Built on Sand): Church of Man"), we then discuss the church that lost focus on her Lord and placed that focus on herself. This movement in the church we deem the Church of Man, built on sand.

The third part of this book ("Part Three: The Modern Church (Built on Quicksand): Synagogue of Satan") exposes how the church built on sand is in a worse predicament than it thought. Because of no firm foundation, the sand has been changed into quicksand and Satan is running rampant throughout the church. He is in places where no one ever thought he would be. We explain here what is wrong with the church; we make attempts to identify Satan and his evil spirits as they rule in different parts of the body of Christ. Finally, in the final part of this book ("Part Four: The Resurrected Church—Built on Solid Rock") we articulate God's vision for his church. We explain how a Christian should think and act in addition to how Christians should conduct church services. We attempt to explain what real life in Christ looks like. We show you what the kingdom of God is really all about here.

We have also provided some back matter to aid in further study. Our "End Notes" section contains primarily the book's footnotes and bibliography. Of special note is our "Bible Study Notes" section, which lists by chapter or section the relevant scriptural references for those that want to roll up their sleeves and "Study to shew thyself approved unto God" (2 Timothy 2:15). Finally, our "Topical Index" section should be of significant aid along with the "Table of Contents" in navigating this rather large book.

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