"Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?" - Jeremiah 23:29

Tuesday, November 25, 2025

In Remembrance Of Me

Often we do not remember that every moment in life is a moment which we should be thinking upon the Lord and his Truth. The mundane and common and everyday thing, is a thing in which the Lord delights. Every moment is sacred. Every time is a time to think, to praise, to give thanks. 

In the portions of Scripture below, as well as others pertaining to what we commonly call Communion, or the Lord's Supper, or even Passover; there is something more. 

We often miss what the scriptures clearly say. We often overlook that the common and everyday occurrence is and should be sacred. 

When Jesus taught what we call Communion... The partaking of the bread and cup in Remembrance of him and the symbols of the bread to remind us of the his body broken for us... The cup to remind us of the blood he spilled for us... The New Covenant. The New Testament. 

Jesus said, do this as often as you drink this cup and break this bread. I believe that whenever we break bread and eat it, and whenever we drink this cup, that is, the fruit of the vine, being grape juice, fermented (wine) or fresh... We should be remembering Christ and his death and resurrection. To think of both the responsibility and freedom that he has given us and all those who believe in his Holy name and his redemptive work, his death and resurrection. 

Let us remember Him in the everyday acts of Life. That the bread and wine may be more as we remember Christ Jesus our Lord. Let the nourishment for our body also be the nourishment for all of our being. 

1 Corinthians 11:23-29

Luke 22:15-20

1 Corinthians 10:16

Psalm 118:24




Saturday, April 18, 2020

Our God Works Miracles: The Power In Jesus Christ

During this time of sickness and business closures due to the Coronovirus (Covid-19) I have had the opportunity to enjoy more time in prayer and Bible Study. This includes listening to sermons on both sermon audio and various preachers/messengers on youtube such as Steven Lawson, Bill Wiese, and R. C. Sproul.

Lawson's preaching and teaching is very good and Biblical generally. But I was extraordinary upset with his recent denial of miracles. So much so that it prompted this writing you now read. Many modern Christians do not believe that miracles in the present day are possible. This is disturbing, because it is unbiblical, and really a form of misunderstanding and disbelief in correct understanding of the One True God as he is Biblicaly discribed. This false belief in the limiting of God makes him something he is not in the minds of what I call "misbelievers". Misbelievers herein defined when applied to Christians are believers who profess Christianity but do not believe or understand or have knowledge of the correct and true Christian faith and its teachings as they are Biblically defined. They are mislead believers, also known as misbelievers. Not to be confused with unbelievers.

In 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 below we read of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which includes the working of miracles.

"But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will."

If there is a shortage of miracles today it is due to lack of Faith. (Matthew 13:58)

Jesus said in John 14:12

"Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father."

In John 14:26

"But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."

In John 7:39

(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

Jesus went to the Father, after his Crucifixion, Resurrection and Ascension took place. 

In the book of Acts chapter 1 we read of Jesus' ascension up into heaven and the disciples who where waiting for the promised gift of the Holy Spirit that was to come after Christ's work on earth as a man was finished. In Acts chapter 2 we see when the Holy Spirit first came as promised to the disciples.

From many scriptures we read clearly that those who believe in Jesus Christ recieve the Holy Spirit (Holy Ghost) and are able to do things just as great through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit as those things which he did. This is according to the very words of Christ the Son of God. It is for His glory and according to His purpose.

"Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you." John 16:7

"Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen." - Mark 16:14-20






See also additional study references - Acts 1:5, Acts 11:16, Luke 24:49, John 15:26, John 16:7-15, Ephesians 1:13-14, Luke 11:13, Acts 5:32, Galatians 3:5, 1 John 4:13, Matthew 3:11, John 20:22, John 14:16-17

Wednesday, April 1, 2020

What Times Are These: Suffering And Looking To The Father


What times are these in which we live? Who among us saw these things coming? A disease spreading and perhaps 40 percent of the world temporarily shutting down?

Here is what times these are. 

I will tell you. 

These are times when some, who have not previously now begin to pray. Others who have prayed begin to pray more. These are times when many are forced to slow down. Either by job loss or disease or from a loved one getting sick. Perhaps only because of reading and hearing of bad news. These things are sometimes beyond our previous experiences. We learn and are unsure of what to do and how to adjust. Many are more open to God, and to learning of him at this time. And yet, unusually we must point those open to receive truth to the Bible and to council from ourselves or another we know. Unusually, most churches at present are closed.

This is a time for reflection. 

Counterintuitively this is also a time for Great Thankfulness. Thankful in part that things are not worse, but more so because all this upheaveal should cause us to realise all which we had and most which we continue to have. A decent job. Food to eat. Freedom to move about. The health to live our daily lives. Our family and our friends. Even those strangers who show kindness and concern and whose helpful acts are like the gifts of angels.

Time to slow down and be thankful for the small things in life. Catch up with family. Enjoy a good home cooked meal, a warm bed by the fireplace, sunshine, a gentle breeze.

Time to focus

What does God want? If Coronavirus is what it takes to bring souls that were once lost and point them toward God then Coronavirus is a blessing to those lost souls. Praise be to God if we bring these lost to God without disease so we could all be more comfortable. Sad it is that discomfort is often necessary to move forward in a society which turns its back to God. To a people which work hard to legislate away the Gospel of the saving grace of Jesus Christ. The saving grace to those who believe in the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. The forgiveness of sins because of his death on the cross and his ressurection from the dead. The spiritual rebirth to all who believe on Jesus Christ and call upon his name for the forgiveness of their sins for which he died. For which he suffered. Our suffering is not great. Though many times it seems to be great to us.

Let us take this time to be fully focused. Having 2020 vision seeing all through the eyes and the perspective of God the Father. In Jesus' Name this I pray. Amen. 

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved." - John 3:16-17


"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." - Romans 12

Thursday, September 26, 2019

The Devil's Lie

Greetings everyone!

Too many posts I have here in various stages of drafts! So I shall attempt to begin completing and publishing them. I cannot believe how quickly the time has past, and all that I have learned and experienced. It is time to begin reflecting more of that and other things in writing here! It feels to me but a short time since I posted here, though I know its over 3 years as time measures.

So here goes a post I had begun writing years ago and finally completed now.

The Devil's Lie

His first specific and documented lie was when he told the woman that she would not die from eating from the tree from which God said they were forbidden from eating. It was a lie because he contradicted God, saying that they would not die, when God said they would, and the devil was incorrect (Genesis chapter 3). Note that the devil may not have actually lied with his words. What he did was far more tricky and similar in fact to what he still does to us today. The Devil placed a doubt, leading to first disbelief and then disobedience.

His general lie is less specific and is not quoted from a particular verse.

But as we study the scriptures we can figure out lies the devil tells. His general lie is a pattern that we can see. When men disobey God they are believing the devil's lie through their actions. They believe the devil's lie that "they can do what they want," and most often, this is better expressed by "they believe they can do what they want while avoiding God's promised consequences." Essentially they believe the devil's lie that God is lying.

Interestingly, failure to believe in God at all also falls under the category of the lie that "they can do what they want" they think they can do what they want and so they disbelieve God. Believing the devils lie that they can do what they want to is the category of all disobedience of commands and teachings. Adding to and taking away from Scripture is also an example of this. Trying to fit worldly teachings into the scripture is another way of calling God a liar. This is common in churches today by proffessed Christians who somehow have no idea what the Bible teaches, much less what it even says.
 
In fact, all the devils lies come back to this one lie.

In the devils first lie above, the woman and man sinned by believing the devils lie that they can do what they want. At the same time, it could be said that it is unbelief in God, and/or disobedience to God.

Another lie people believe is that they aren't good enough to work for God. But this very belief is also accepting the devil's lie. God commands and teaches many things in the Holy scriptures. He never says that anyone isnt "good enough" to follow him. In fact, no one is "good enough" that's the very reason we need him. Logically it's silly as well. The very idea that someone failing to follow God's teachings in one thing is free from following God's teachings in other things is illogical. This all is a devils lie. We are not saved through obedience to God's teachings, neither are we made more useful for his kingdom by what appear outwardly as acts of obedience. We are saved by Grace through Faith and it is by Faith and him in us that we do all things of value. Granted faith will produce good works (Ephesians 2, James 2, Galatians 2:16). But good works alone are not justification. Dangerously, good works without faith are a stumbling block to justification.

Often I am afraid, it is being too obedient to false ideas of what God is and wants that keeps us from serving him. (Luke 18:9-14)

Always, if you know the good God wants you to do, then do it (James 4:17).

Psalm 50:23

Tuesday, June 7, 2016

Lessons From Want And Luxury, Their Vanity And Giving And The Gospel

This post is much like a modern example of the book of Ecclesiastes.

I have observed in this life that those who have more material wealth in this world and those who have less are most often neither living a better life or a worse life than the other. Those who have more tend to worry more about what they have. Those who have physical comfort often dull their mind. Those who have luxury have distraction and greater temptations. In no way does the ownership of material goods make one live a better life, as long as their basic needs are met.

That being said it is best, for wisdom’s sake at least, to experience both want and excess – and to choose to live with less even when more could easily be had. It is best to experience all that you can to show as an example to the world that you reject luxury with full knowledge (Isaiah 7:15). It’s best to surround yourself with convenience and temptation – and turn away from its overuse (of convenience) and fleeting satisfaction (of giving into temptation). Why? Because if you can learn to say "no" to temptations everyday when they are before you, then you have no need to fear the avoidance of situations that may tempt you. But this is not meant to misconstrued and used as an excuse for worldly living. 

We should enjoy the money or compensation we receive from labor. It is the gift of God to a man. But we should also be willing to give generously and live without addiction or dependence on anything which God has given to us. To love and enjoy the gifts of God – while willing at a moment’s notice to give them up for the sake of Christ, is the best position and only Christian attitude we should allow ourselves to hold. Anything contrary to such a posture is idolatry.

Our flesh will deceive us sometimes and trick us into believing that we can give anything up at any time for the sake of Christ and his gospel. Let us not deceive ourselves. Sometimes we must sacrifice just to be sure we are of a pure intent. If we put ourselves through the fire we can perhaps spare entering it later on. To clarify, if we test our desires, affections, and beliefs – if we test ourselves we may avoid Hell by removing our own dependence on deceptions we may have falsely, unknowingly, imperceptibly, or subconsciously embraced. Let this message not be misunderstood. I'm not saying that we are saving ourselves from anything. I'm saying that by allowing the Holy Spirit to lead us and test us we can be refined and made more fruitful for the sake of Christ and the Good News of his message. (2 Corinthians 13:5, Mark 8:35, Romans 12:2)  

Where do we find balance between giving to others and enjoying what we have been given? I’ve observed that for the most part it is all vanity and makes no difference. In other ways it can be life and death or day and night. In conclusion what matters is our attitude toward God, mankind and ourselves. (Ecclesiastes 12:13) It is best to give to others in a meaningful and purposeful way. Giving to the poor can be synonymous with throwing your money away – it can be foolish and meaningless to help the poor sometimes*. (Matthew 26:6-13)

Money (material value) doesn't necessarily make the gift good, and neither do words without money or sacrifice convey meaning. If your gift to an individual (every gift is eventually a gift to an individual) does not come across as meaningful or directed in the right way you might very well be paying to enlarge Hell itself. 

How you ask? 

*By funding addiction and dependence. Sometimes people seek their own destruction. Sometimes people need pain in this life to prevent Hell in the next. God has many tools and means by which he calls men unto himself. Again, do not misunderstand. I am not saying we in any sense "earn" heaven by suffering now. Nor is it the case that only because of the suffering that our heart is changed to accept Christ. Merely and simply the fact is that God uses different tools and experiences to teach us lessons and direct the chosen unto himself. Those whom God has chosen will receive him, and they will follow him. (John 15:16,19, Ephesians 1:3-19, 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14)

Other times if you relieve their pain you can take them to heaven (by being a witness, and “Saviour” who points them to THE SAVIOUR). Again, let me not be misunderstood. We in ourselves can do no good thing, much less save anyone. But by doing the will of God, it is Him working in us that accomplishes good works yielding fruits for his Kingdom .... Both in the salvation of men and in their edification. 

But never can you afford to destroy your witness by withholding help you can easily or even perhaps not so easily give.

Giving by many should be more carefully done in a way that maximizes meaning and the witnessing of the gospel. For example,,,there are many charities that do not even truly help people...and there are many charities that help people but do not impart a message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Let us seek to both help the needy....and to change their life for the sake of Christ and the Glory of God.

We must seek the will of the Lord continually (1 Chronicles 16:11) so that we neither flounder our money casting pearls before swine nor miss the opportune time to be a witness as the gracious unselfish Gospel proclaiming giver God desires and requires us to be. 

Amen.

Monday, June 6, 2016

Prayer Power: What Do You Want?

For this post I'll be writing more in a similar style to my original 2010 posts. Id est just sharing experiences and what I learned from them. I'm just basically going to share some of my prayers and how they were answered.

1. While on vacation at the beach for a week last year I prayed that I would not get sunburnt (I usually do at least a little). God answered my prayer by...surprise! Cloudy almost everyday. Even got to experience swimming in the ocean in the rain, something I'd never done before, and it was fun. I wasn't about to let the clouds and rain ruin my vacation.

2. Prayed to loose weight. ....And I did, because I became sick for a whole month...at times I couldn't eat or keep down food. But I lost the weight I wanted to loose and I didn't miss any work so it was all good. Never did find out what was wrong with me, never went to the doctor, but that was about 9 months ago now and I've been healthy since (and still without the extra weight).

3. Prayed for safety while driving. All these years. All these miles. I have no doubt in my mind that the daily prayers for safe travels have kept me safe. At least twice this year and many times more in the last couple I have had many close encounters with ice or deer or falling asleep on the road. Twice recently at night, driving 75 MPH there was a deer directly in front of me on the road..just standing there. I saw it both times and swerved just in time to avoid a collision.

4. The Mimosa tree. At my parents house growing up we always (or at least often) had little mimosa trees that would grow up as "weeds" in the driveway or the garden. I always liked them and their light and touch sensitive leaves and when I moved to my own house I prayed that a mimosa tree would grow up at my house. And...one did...unfortunately at a location considered bad by some. But nevertheless it is there and it is beautiful, right by my porch steps. I've always liked plants.

5. Oh...this one goes back quite awhile. But it is very important. And one of those things I haven't shared for years because I'm not sure how people will take it.

The pastor at the church I usually attended stopped preaching good sermons. Something was wrong. He would rarely preach about anything except the end of the world. Which is fine, because it is certainly getting closer, but all that he would talk about was "the rapture" which was really annoying and unedifying. Annoying because I disagreed with his "theory" of a pretribulation rapture, and unedifying because he never talked about anything else. So I began praying hard for his preaching to improve and for him to really get into the word and preach true and useful lessons like he used to. Then he almost died. He fell down a flight of steps and was discovered sometime later. I believe he had a stroke also. He was in a nursing home for months and had to go through rehabilitation...and we didn't know then if he was going to ever be back. But we prayed much for him. He came back! And since then has preached good messages every Sunday.

So these experiences are being shared primarily for two reasons. First, as a testimony that God answers prayers. Second, as an example of how God does not answer our prayers in the same manner that we necessarily intend, and that in order to answer prayers certain events must take place. God uses people and events to create changes in our life experiences....thus effecting and creating physical, emotional, spiritual, and intellectual adjustments to each person which bring about the answers to our prayers. For example, when I prayed not to get sunburnt, God didn't just surround me with a magical force field...he sent clouds to block the sun. When God helped me loose weight he sent sickness....so I could not over eat. So when we pray a prayer desiring a change in our life...we must be accepting to the fact that a change requires a change. Fruit does not magically appear on a dead tree. We can't pray to be rich without expecting to work hard. We can't pray to do well on a test without expecting to study. We can't pray for a closer relationship with God without expecting to spend time alone with God in prayer and Bible Study. We can't expect God's power to work in us and through us if we do not have Faith and a willingness to take the time to strengthen our Faith. We can't expect our everyday life to reflect the values taught by God if we do not take the time to study His word and what it is that He teaches and desires us to be. (2 Timothy 2:15) We can't pray for someones life to be changed without expecting some type of major event to happen in their life which brings about that change. We can't pray to avoid a sin without learning to hate that sin. We can't pray for the garden to grow if we refuse to take time to water it. (Matthew 6:6,18, Isaiah 3:10, Luke 8:15)

God let us change the world for your Glory. Amen.

Monday, December 15, 2014

Beware: Tradition Acrostic

Tempting - inclined to give in to peer pressure
Rationalizing - we reason it away
Addicting - habit forming
Demoralizing - it makes us do things we normally wouldn't
Inescapable - people often can't get away from it
Tricky - tradition deceives
Ill conceived - tradition is illogical
Owned - you are owned (controlled) by tradition
Nullified - your faith is proved null and void

"Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ." - Colossians 2:8




Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Four Revelations: "Goodbye"

In this post I return to the original spirit of this blog and am again writing simply - saying naught but what I have learned through relatively recent experience.

So let the story begin...

Due to the immense pressure placed upon me by family and coworkers I began dating in the vain effort to find a godly woman among worldly "Christians" This took place over the past 10 months or so, I dated three women (one at a time) they were all nice people, and being the optimist that I am I thought that perhaps it would be a successful effort. It was successful in every way, with the glaring exception of meeting the stated goal, that goal of finding a godly woman. So why then was it still a success?

Because it clarified exactly what I am looking for, and it “proved” (at least momentarily) to certain harassing people that finding a wife is no easy task.

First Revelation: The strongest reaction to discovering others sins should not be negative thoughts against them, but thankfulness that we are free from experiencing the consequences and guilt of that sin.

To realize what I mean by this let me first give some background. Undoubtedly the reader may think this sounds crazy – but it is true and has a considerable impact on my life. Sometimes I experience – I don’t know what you want to call them – but out of nowhere a “movie clip” plays in my mind’s eye. In my head I see a happening, an event, or an experience, so real it is as if I am there. It always involves myself – or a close member of my family or someone I care about. These “sightings” always involve situations of physical or spiritual danger that a loved one or I is going through – they have never been “real” that I am aware of, but things that could happen. For specific examples – I might see someone dying in an auto accident, or someone reject long held biblical teachings. When I see these things I feel anguish, terror, fear, sadness etc., as if, or nearly as if it actually happened, and it immediately causes me to pray about it, that it would not happen, that God would guard them about it, and ultimately ends in thanksgiving that such a thing has not really occurred. Though sometimes it may have occurred and I don’t know for certain, like a “vision” that someone committed some certain sin, in which case I pray that they can become free from it.

Second Revelation: Killing one’s self to escape a reality only traps one in the very thing they are trying to escape.

This one came to me as I imagined if I had sinned in the same way this one girl I dated had. I would want to kill myself, which made me consider that for perhaps the first time with sincerity that doing such a thing would merely be turning one Hell into another.

Third Revelation: Marrying a woman who disagrees with me on biblical teachings I feel strongly about would be tormenting.

In other words, agreeing to disagree only works for minor things.  This much I knew before, but I hadn’t realized how major certain things were that I thought to be minor.

Forth Revelation: "I KissedDating Goodbye" by Joshua Harris has a lot of good principles.

The third girl I dated, on our second date, she told me about the aforementioned book and suggested I read it. So we read it together. Not sure why or how come she was ever reading it, as our relationship ended due to the fact that she nearly completely disagreed with it, and I nearly completely agreed with it. Nevertheless, it was a good book, and one which brought me back to support justifications I had for why I wasn’t dating in the first place.


Stay tuned for a future post titled; Book Review: Why I Kissed Dating Goodbye

Monday, October 21, 2013

Prayers Of Protection Part II: The Will Of God Is Open

O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come. – Psalm 65:2

Christians have a lot of responsibilities. Prayer and using the power provided through it is one of these responsibilities. The Lord hears the prayer of the righteous and the prayer of the upright is his delight.  (Proverbs 15:8, Proverbs 15:29) But for those who turn their ear from hearing God’s commands? God regards their very prayers as an abomination. (Proverbs 28:9, Isaiah 1:15, Psalms 109:2-7)

In 2 Kings 20:1-6 (Isaiah 38:1-6) we read of Hezekiah and his serious illness. The prophet Isaiah came to King Hezekiah and warned him to set his house in order since the Lord said that he would die. What does Hezekiah do? He changes the mind of God. How? He prays and weeps before God. We see that the word of the Lord came again unto Isaiah and Isaiah returns to Hezekiah and says this word; “Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee…and I will add unto thy days fifteen years; and I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city for mine own sake, and for my servant David’s sake.”

In Exodus 32:7-14 we see how the Lord told Moses that he was going to destroy the Israelites because of their Idolatry. The Lord planned to consume them entirely and make a nation of Moses (Exodus 32:10). But Moses changed the mind of God. How? He besought the Lord and pleaded with him. He spoke to the Lord of his faithful servants Abraham, Isaac, and Israel. Thus Moses interceded and spared the lives of the then living Israelites whom God was prepared to destroy. 

This is what those who love and serve God can do…they can change the mind of God and by so doing change not only the lives of those whom they love, but they can change the very course of history.

This is not a game to be played. We don’t gain power to change God’s plans by obeying him. We love God and because we love him, we obey him. Because we love him we are his friends, as friends of God we work with God since his will is our desire. Thus his will becomes ours…and our will becomes his. This is just how it is supposed to be with human friendships and in marriage.

John 15:12-16 – “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of my Father in my name, he may give it you.”

In Jeremiah 11:12-14 we can see how God turned away from hearing the prayers of those who were formerly his people. We read that he not only refused to hear them, but he commanded that the righteous should not pray for them. Why? Because these people who knew better had fallen into great Idolatry. They had set up alters and worshiped gods contrary to the commandment of the Lord.

When we pray to God we protect people, awake and transform people, becoming an ever needed agent of change and spring of miracles in a world that is lost, perverse, and starving for the truth and grace of the living, loving, eternal God. But we dare not expect to see change or really any effects from our prayers if we have or are committing Idolatry. Idols are anything we place before God. Any priority we hold as more important than God. In 1 Peter 3:7 we see that prayers can be hindered in the lives of men who mistreat their wives. This in one example of many in how our lives must be ordered by the principles of God if we are to have any power in prayer.

Thus, the reason we do not see God working today as much as we could is because of the multitude of Idolatries in the “Christian church” and in society at large. Let us dare to believe God in completeness, becoming his friends and the directors of change in the world for the sake of His Kingdom. 

But woe unto him who thinks he can direct the world without surrendering to the Lord. Woe unto him who attests to be God’s friend without bringing his behavior into the subjection of the Lord’s commands. For surely he shall change the world, but he will do so in opposition to the will of God receiving just damnation in due time. 

He shall regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer. – Psalm 102:17

Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me. – Psalm 66:20

For more about prayer see the following verses - Matthew 21:22, Philippians 1:19, James 5:15-16, Revelation 5:8, 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Acts 6:4, Luke 6:11-17

Let all mortals pray thus; Lord let me feel the burden of my sin, not so that it may crush me, but so that I may be wise, beholding the evil that I may choose the good. Amen.



Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Prayers Of Protection Part I: Power In Prayer

Often we falsely believe that since God is in control of everything we are absolved from guilt for the bad things which happen in the world and amongst our family, friends and communities. While it is true that we are not necessarily directly responsible for others, it is equally true that we as individuals are more responsible than is often thought.

Much of the sin and maladies in the world whould not be if those claiming to be Christians took the Christian calling seriously and allowed it to permeate all aspects of their lives. By both failure in right action and failure in right thoughts, many perish and suffer needlessly. The priorities of professed Christians appear to be shuffled rather than placed in order.

We must take the time to insure right relationships with and godly growth in those whom we influence in all areas of our lives. There come times when those we know are making decisions and we are in a place to lead them either to Christ and his Word...or to the devil and his world. There are times when they are open to our influence and in need of our words and of our prayers. We must not wait till we think they need us, but we must provide the example or teaching at the opportune time, because it may be too late later. Later they may be closed to our influence. Later we may not be able to do anything. We must discern when is the right time and when the time has past. But if we see someone grow through their whole life and never do anything then woe unto us if we say we are leaving it in "God's hands." We are God's hands. At least we are called to be.

Death and life are wrought by the very words of our mouth. (Proverbs18:21) Thus we posses a power which is best not neglected. This is why also our prayers and prayer life are so important. This is why we must spend time alone with God, and time apart from this worldly society which loves pleasure more than God and entertainment more than wisdom and fantasy more than reality.

Never should our thoughts and prayers be so high elevated that our actions are considered irrelevant. No, rather our thoughts and prayers become our actions and our future. This is why we must spend time in prayer and have our thoughts rightly directed toward the word and will of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is why those who love the world, pleasures, entertainment, and fantasy more than God and his teachings do not merely have their priorities disorganized. They actually hate God, and toss him and righteousness aside because it is impossible for them to commune with the King of Glory when they love what he hates.

I came across some real gems (to me personally) when moving boxes of stuff from my basement to my shed. Some things I had written back in 2005-2006. I found a prayer I had written and marveled as I reflected on how God has answered it in the times that have elapsed since then.

Below is the prayer I penned in late 2005 or early 2006.

Almighty God thank you for all that you have done for me in my life. Help me to go and do throughout my life what you want me too. Help me to not limit myself or you by the expectations and false limits of the world, but God that only you would set limits and expectations in my life. Be with me as and when I study and take my finals, and when I start my new classes for the last half of 12th grade and when I go to college next fall. Help me to live as a true Christian and thank you that this is possible because of Jesus Christ. Lord let him be the way, the truth and the life for me. Help my car to run well until I have more money not too worry about it. But even then help me to remember what is important and not waste money on worldly possessions. Be with me and guide me always Lord,  if I stray bring me gently but surely back to you. Amen.

I had not seen nor remembered this prayer over the past years, but I am able to see now how the Lord heard me. Everything in this prayer was answered by the Lord as far as I can ascertain. I believe this is an example of how the Lord hears, answers and blesses us as we ask him in faith.

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." - James 1:17

Monday, January 7, 2013

Love Man More Than God?

I was thinking the other day about what my motivation is. Why do I want to see people saved? Why do I want people to be Christians? Why do I want people to live in accordance with the word and will of God?

So often I desire to see people find peace. There are those who are hiding running, and turning from God, and they are restless, troubled, and without peace. I see people suffering and living through trying and difficult days and times as a direct result of their sins. I have known men who suffered through the day because they drank too much alcohol the night before. I know those who are poor and overworked because they committed fornication, having children out of wedlock for which they have neither time nor money to care for. (Worse yet, there are those who have murdered there own children, taking upon themselves the curse of shedding innocent blood. Worse yet are they who live in the enjoyment of their sin bearing the guilt of murder but with out shame or pain living in complete callousness to God and his coming judgment.) I know those who have nearly been and who are divorced because they have neglected their duties, misdirected their affections, and ordered their life and responsibilities in a fashion contrary to the plan of God as it is so clearly prescribed in his Holy Word. His Word which so few retain in their knowledge and much less do they obey it. These are common sins of so many and the fruit of their sin is ever before them as they reap it day after day. Yet they change not and their hearts are hardened. As we get to know some of these people we feel sorry for them, we wish to help them. We try to brighten their day and cheer them as they go their way. Those who love men more than God so often will do things which appear to help men but are in fact prohibited by God. When we love men more than God humanism becomes our God and we endorse not only Idolatry but we in essence reinvent Christianity and change it into a lie, a blasphemy, and an alternative to the only true Christianity - Biblical Christianity. We must remember that Christ associated with sinners and sought their salvation - but we must not forget that he also boldly spoke against hypocrisy and sin. We can observe from the scriptures that it was the lost sinner who received much grace, not the self-righteous hypocrites who mistakenly thought they knew God. Thus by the scriptural example we show more grace to those who never had much chance to learn the righteous way. We invite them to church, we speak of Biblical principles, and we treat them with respect. We desire for them to find the peace that is only available through our Lord Jesus Christ. That name above all names – who they know only as a swear word – or a distorted distant memory.

If only they would find Christ and his salvation and live in accordance with the word of God: then so many of their problems in this life would simply cease to be. Then they would have the joy, peace, and grace of God to help and to lead them victoriously through the trials and difficulties that all must endure as they are yet in the body of flesh upon the earth.

But let us not forget the reason for desiring the salvation of lost souls. The greatest reason for seeking the lost is not to see them find peace. The greatest reason to see them find peace is not so that their life will be comfortable. These reasons are far too earthly minded, and could even be motivated by selfishness. The reason we should desire to see men saved is for the Glory of God and the sake of his kingdom. Further, we should desire to see men saved to have them avoid eternal Hell fire, rather than to merely see them live comfortably in this short time we have here upon the earth. We should be motivated by fear, heeding the word of God and knowing full well, the torment and fury to which the unsaved are to be subject!

It is vital not to lose our focus; for we stand in danger of loving man more than God, and of desiring peace for men rather than Glory for our Holy Father. We stand in danger of desiring peace on earth, more than, or instead of peace in the eternal. In fact, there are ministers who have done God disservice to this very end. They have overlooked truth and discarded righteousness and attempted to extend love beyond the limits of its character. They have cut some from the peace of eternal life in an attempt to bring them peace in this world, and the very prince of darkness applauds their efforts.

To keep the proper focus we must know, believe, and live the truth of the scriptures, not only to live righteously in the sight of God, (who sees all) but to live righteously in the eyes of men, to the end that we may turn them to Him. Him to whom all praise and honor and glory is due, to Him who is the author and finisher of our faith.

Let us see the greatest commandments spoken by Christ Jesus in Matthew 22:36-39 and regard their order. "Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." These laws are very much intertwined, for we cannot possibly love God unless we love man. However, I believe that we can love man to a point without loving God, for even sinners love that from which they benefit. Even unselfish and sacrificial love is I believe possible without necessarily loving God. But loving man without loving God is like having zeal for God without knowledge. More harm than good could be done if we are not wisely and rightly directed. It is a love which is without understanding. Let us first Love God and seek his Glory, and in doing so we will love man and seek his benefit in the way which is right and pleasing to God in light of his will and the eternity into which we shall shortly pass. Amen.

http://thethoughtsofhans.blogspot.com/2011/12/make-difference-share-gospel.html

Monday, December 17, 2012

The Twelve Lies Of Christmas Told By The Father Of Christmas

Lie # 1 Jesus was born on Dec. 25

Jesus was not born on December 25, nearly all scholars and historians agree that it could not be possible. I hear September is more likely. So why do some "Christians" say Jesus was born on the 25th? Because the Pope of Rome long ago said he was.  (I guess the current pope has his own story).

Lie #2 Jesus is the reason for the season

Perhaps some people think he is, or like to believe he is. But the reason that the Christmas season is celebrated today is because businesses want to make money, because the pope says it should be, and because it feels good to those who have lost the love of the truth.

Lie #3 Christians celebrate Christmas

Professing Christ and following his teachings is what makes you a Christian. That being said, the question comes to how do we know Christ and his teachings? The Christian who knows Christ and learns his teachings from the Holy Scriptures rather than extra-biblical ideas knows that Christmas is foreign to Christ and his teachings. 

Lie #4 Christmas is in the Bible

No Christmas is not in the Bible. The story of the birth of Christ is in the Bible, so are many other stories. Why have some kept a rather elaborate tradition currently called Christmas? Because once upon a time it was convenient for the Roman Catholic Church.

Lie # 5 We give gifts because the wise men gave gifts to Jesus 

No we give gifts because of the anti christian consumerism driven culture, and because it is an ancient tradition.

Lie # 6 Christmas is good because it is an easier time to get unbelievers to come to church. 

I still remember the last time I went to a Christmas service at a church. It was many years ago now, since I avoid church at that time of the year having yet to find a "Christian" church that has not at least dabbled in Babylonian Pagan Idolatry. 

It was a very sad service, to me only perhaps. True it was that the church was packed with Chreasters and other backsliders. No doubt many who don't normally go to church were there because it is more culturally acceptable that time of the year, perhaps they were getting gifts or a free meal. Why was the service so saddening? Because all these unsaved were in the church and I kept waiting to hear the Gospel or at least enough of it...but nothing. It was all about the precious, helpless Jesus who came to earth and was born in a manger. Here he is...come to earth because God loves people so so much. And that's all the Pastor said...with a multitude of words. I have fear it my heart when I imagine what unrepentant pastors like this face on judgement day. I am no pastor, but this also makes me look at myself and consider; what more can and should I be doing? The service did nothing to save anyone from their sins. It did nothing to transform anyone into the likeness of Christ. But what did it do? It convinced a multitude that whatever they were doing it was alright because God loved them just how they are. It convinced a multitude that they can continue to live in sin, and be at ease and enjoy the holiday traditions. It convinced a multitude that Christ is a helpless babe and nothing but a loving friend. It convinced the multitude that Jesus Christ was not the Jesus Christ described in the Bible. It convinced a multitude that the scriptures are irrelevant to Christianity today.

Lie #7 Jesus Christ is a baby in a manger 

As already discussed Christmas gives a false impression that Jesus is still a helpless baby. Sometimes this is done to get unbelievers to accept a Christ that they feel comfortable with. This way they will join the "church" and pay the pastor, so that everyone can live both physically and psychologically comfortable until they die and are cast into Hell for the Idolatry of worshiping a false Christ.

Lie # 8 The wise men visited baby Jesus about the night he was born

Actually Jesus was a young child by the time the wise men got to see him (Matthew 2:6-12). 

Lie #9 Christmas honors Christ 

Christmas is an Abomination in the sight of God. It disobeys his word in multiple ways. The mixing of Pagan traditions into God's commands is forbidden by God as every Bible believer and reader knows. Often the Israelites were punished for this very thing. "Learn not the way of the heathen" says God.

Lie #10 Christmas trees 

See Jeremiah 10:1-4

Lie #11 Santa clause mythology is a nice little children's story

After deceiving children into believing that Santa is real is it any wonder that they think Jesus is a myth also? What can we say of a people who lie to their children?

Lie # 12 Christmas is too important and too widespread to end.

By exposing the truth of a matter progress against it can move forward. However as the antichrist(s) continue to grow and multiply many will become and remain deceived. But by spreading the truth those who love it will learn and accept it as they seek the will of the Lord. Resistance is not futile. The Christian battle is fought for a cause most glorious.

Can something based on Lies be of God? If you even have to think about that question it shows you are deceived.

We can see that Lies are of the devil. The Father of Christmas is none other than the Devil himself.

Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. - John 8:44


The above "12 lies of Christmas" is not a comprehensive list.

Monday, December 10, 2012

The Mark Of The Beast: Idolotry In Thought And Action

Maybe the beast is the devil and his ways. Perhaps the mark on the forehead symbolizes believing in the ways or teachings of the beast and the mark on the right hand symbolizes doing his will. If then the beast is epitomized by an idol, whatever that idol may be, we can give example and see how individuals by their false beliefs and practices receive to themselves the mark of the said beast. Consider the idol of Christmas. For this is a beast and those who receive the marks of it bear them by their thoughts and actions. For those of us who know the reasons why Christmas is celebrated we also know the reasons it is to be shunned. It is only by ignorance that Bible believing Christians can celebrate Christmas, and even that may be too gracious a statement. If we are to examine ourselves as the Holy scripture demands we shall certainly question why it is that we do the things we do. When we examine our lives in light of this question we shall eventually ask; "Why do we celebrate Christmas" and "Why does it even have that name?" We shall see that the mixing of pagan traditions into God's commands is forbidden in the scriptures and we shall find that people celebrate Christmas because it is a web of lies that many believe and practice simply because everyone else does. As we search we shall find that the scriptures tell us nothing of such a celebration, nor do they tell in any way shape or form to remember Christ's birth above the other events. We will find that we are to remember his death, but are we wise to make a festival that we claim is to honor his birth? If we look at the very name, "Christmas" we can see how it came about from its original name "Mass of Christ." This term makes it clearer of its roots in Roman Catholicism. Where did they get this idea of Christmas from? The Babylonian pagan traditions of course. Some foolishly say that that cannot be true, but to deny that is to deny documented history. Clearly the source of these traditions is not biblical, and so it is from the imagination of man and the devil. Christmas is to Christianity what butter is to bread in the eyes of the unlearned. When they hear that some Christians (the bible believing one's) don't celebrate Christmas they often misunderstand because they are so accustomed to butter on their bread that they don't recognize bread without it. Those who have received the knowledge of the truth dare not give up the bread just so they can have the butter. But this is what many have done and are doing. Perhaps God may have mercy on their souls.



For more information search this site and the web.

Sunday, October 14, 2012

The Sins Of Job: Revealed By Elihu

Most of us are familiar with the story of Job and how God allowed Satan to test Job by taking away all that he had; his family and possessions, and lastly his good health. For the Lord said unto Satan, "Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life." (Job 2:6)

After Job lost all of his possessions how did he respond? He responded in word and by his actions, what was it that he did and said? We can see in Job 1:20-22. "Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly."

After Job was afflicted of Satan and suffered sores and pain how did he respond? Initially he did not sin, but as time passed Job did sin, and soon we shall look at what the sin of Job was.

Many assume or mistakenly believe that Job did not sin. It is apparent that they did not read very far into the book of Job. Perhaps they thought that the foolish responses from Job's three friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar made Job look more righteous than they. Perhaps the foolish response of Job's wife made Job appear more righteous than he really was. (Job 2:9) Is it to be assumed that Job was without sin merely because he was less foolish; and merely because he spoke words of faith? (Job 13:15) Do we think we are righteous in our own right merely because we have not entirely gone astray, merely because we do not live in sin as the world does? Woe to him who thinks he has no need of repentance, for the slightest error is still sin and any sin howsoever small or seemingly insignificant places us in the path which leads to gnashing teeth and flames of the very fires of Hell.

The only righteous man in scripture who did not sin was our Lord Jesus Christ, and this is no surprise for he was God dwelling in a body of flesh upon the earth to fulfill the plan of God. He alone was worthy to be slain for the sins of the world, for he alone was without sin. (1 Peter 2:22, 1 John 3:5)

So what was the sin of Job and how do we know without a doubt that he did indeed sin? Our first clear indication is at the beginning of Elihu's speech. Elihu was the only person in the book of Job to speak any length of words and be entirely without condemnation in the eyes of God, insofar as the book of Job has told us. It is Elihu and the prophets Isaiah and Malachi who tell us the sins of Job. We also know without a doubt by what is said in the last chapter of the book of Job.


The First Sin Of Job: He Justifies Himself Rather Than God

We read in Job 32:1-2 "So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God." This is also similar to what God questioned Job about in Job 40:1-8 "Moreover the Lord answered Job, and said, Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him? He that reproveth God, let him answer it…Gird up thy loins now like a man: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me. Wilt thou also disannul my judgment? Wilt thou condemn me, that thou mayest be righteous?" So this is a sin of Job, that he justified himself rather than God. Let us hear what the prophet Isaiah hath said "Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!" – Isaiah 5:21 (also see Proverbs 3:7, 12:15, 16:2, 21:2, 30:12)

The Second Sin Of Job: He Calls Delighting In God Unprofitable

We read in Elihu's speech in Job 34:7-9 "What man is like Job … For he hath said, It profiteth a man nothing that he should delight himself with God." Let us hear what the prophet Malachi hath said "Your words have been stout against me, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, What have we spoken so much against thee? Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts?" Let us also hear what is written in Hebrews 11:6 "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."

These words of Isaiah and Malachi were obviously not originally directed at Job. Nevertheless their words apply to any who sin in the same manner, including Job and every man before and until this very day. Many say that Job's sin was saying that he had no sin. This is true, Job did also sin by claiming to be sinless. (Job 33:9, 9:21) (1 John 1:8, 1 Kings 8:46a, Ecclesiastes 7:20) But if we can say he sinned by claiming to be sinless, we can also say he justified himself by admitting his sin. (Job 7:21, 13:23, 14:17, 15:14) Or we could argue that he knew he had sin, but his claim to be sinless was merely a figure of speech or a reference to how God had covered or forgiven his sins. Therefore it is much more profitable and wise to pinpoint specifically what the actual sins of Job were. Consider the pharisees who accused our Lord Jesus Christ of sin falsely. Had they actually judged Christ honestly looking for a sin he had committed, they would have found no sin and had perhaps believed him.  


Proof That Job Sinned: He Had Need Of Repentance


In Job 42:1-6 Job confesses his sin and repents. (Job 42:6) This is how we know without a doubt that Job sinned, because he who sins not has no need of repentance, but Job had need as do we all. (1 John 1:8) Job is forgiven by God and called a servant of God because he did that which was right in that he repented and in that he prayed for his friends as the Lord commanded. (Job 42:8,9,10) What became of Job? In the end of his life he was more blessed than he was before. (Job 42:10-17) 


We all can be called "servants of God" if we too, like Job, repent and do that which is right, coming to God in Faith believing that he indeed is the rewarder of them that diligently seek him, for this is what he is, and what he does, for he has promised, and his word is faithful and true. (John 12:26)



"The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" – Psalm 27:1

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Know Thyself: The Biblical Edict Of Introspection And Self-Examination

In the below verses we are given the Biblical command to examine ourselves, and prove whether we are in the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ - or not.

It is important to understand that by judging ourselves we do so, and can only do so, by the Holy Ghost. It is the spiritual man who can judge himself, and even all the world, because of the Holy Ghost given him by God, as well as his renunciation of and turning aside from the flesh - his carnal nature.

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?” - 2 Corinthians 13:5 (also consider Galatians 6:4 and 2 Peter 1:10)

For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.” - 1 Corinthians 11:31-32 (also consider 1 Corinthians 11:28-34)

But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.” - 1 Corinthians 2:15 (also consider 1 Corinthians 6:2-4).

An individual can only judge themselves (accurately) by the Holy Spirit’s presence within them. It is difficult for any man to examine themselves naturally speaking because of the prideful, sinful, nature of man. If we are to possess an accurate picture of ourselves, which is necessary to better serve God and to fulfill the biblical command of self examination; we must be filled with the Spirit, and cast aside our pride. This is why examining ourselves is so difficult, because if we are honest, we are miserable failures, which is not something anyone wants to admit. But this is what the Lord has told us from the beginning to the end of the scriptures. This is why our Lord Jesus came and paid the price; we cannot measure up to God’s high standard apart from Christ our righteousness (2 Peter 1:1, Romans 5:21).

Some Christians have a problem with the idea of Christians being failures. They somehow take this statement to be an attack on the righteousness of God's people and even an affront to the work which Christ does through believers. People who feel this way appear to be self-righteous and unattuned to the extreme perfection which the law demands. Perhaps they misunderstand the message which is meant to be communicated. Never there was a man who measured up by his actions only, only by his faith. Lest this be an argument of semantics, it should be stated clearly; Yes, Christians are more than conquerors through Him, our precious Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. But when we, as individual Christians measure ourselves against God and his perfection and supremacy, we cannot but help to see our insignificance and leanings toward a nature of sin. It is also true that we, per se, are not required to be measured against the standard of the law, for Christ cast that down in a sense (Romans 10:4). If we consider all the faithful patriarchs, none of them were perfect, even though they may have been described as righteous or faithful, and as prophets and men after God's own heart. Consider David and Abraham, they were men who were epitomies of faith and righteousness, and yet they failed at times (2 Samuel 11:1-27, Genesis 12:10-20, 20:1-18). And when we see the failures in their lives, and especially in our own (if we can see them, for many I fear cannot), we can point to these and consider ourselves miserable failures; though perhaps we are as perfect as a man can be by faith. When the accuser Satan points to our sins and says "see Lord, they are unworthy of your salvation," it is then that we can say "Lord we would be unworthy, but we have been made worthy by our faith in your Son." Then Christ our advocate will turn to the Father and say, "It is true, these are mine, for they had confessed these sins, my blood has covered them." (Ephesians 1:7, 1 John 2:1, Job 16:19, Revelation 12:10-11)

We cannot, it appears, move on to a more mature Christian walk, unless we are able to examine ourselves, see our sins, and confess them with the promise to be cleansed from them (1 John 1:9). This is also why spiritual men judge all and are judged by none; because it is not they that judge but God in them.

We should pray as Job did in Job 13:23 - “How many are mine iniquities and sins? make me to know my transgression and my sin.” We should pray as did David in Psalm 51:3 - “For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.” We must desire for the Lord to convict us so strongly of our sins, that we develop a hatred toward them and cannot but weep till we have departed from them.

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. - 1 Peter 5:6-11

Monday, May 21, 2012

Playing With Fire: Befriending The World

The church's habit of playing with fire is getting the church burnt. 

The Christian church has befriended the world is so many ways, that it is unable to discern right from wrong (Hebrews 5:14). Popular cultural has so been absorbed into the church, that the church is blinded to its effects and unable to conceive in its mind what holiness or righteousness even are. This is an enormous stumbling block, and an obstacle which prevents the church from being what God has called it to be. Yet the true Church cannot ultimately fail, those who are the called are the true Church. It is the institutional "church" which fails to live up to its professed calling. 

This is not a process which happened over night, but a process that has been going on since Christianity began; only perhaps to be expanded and easily exampled in recent decades. This is a tragedy which can only be prevented or solved by radical faith, and a willingness to risk ridicule and temporary discomfort for the treasures of heaven (Hebrews 11:6). 

What is sad, very, very, sad, is that few professing Christians, know, or even care. This is only evidence of the craftiness of Satan, and the dominion he wields over those who fail to use the power for deliverance which is available through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

To those who grow up in the worldly "Christian" church, this type of talk seems to them to be nonsense. Something must awaken them, and unblind them or they cannot understand. 

Reason for but a moment... Not only is the Church's love of the world condemned in scripture as sin, but it is not even logical. How can a Christian profess to be a Christian, when they fill their minds with the same things as those who are not Christian. Can we really continue to fool ourselves into believing that we are Christians when we watch and hear movies, music and television which blasphemy God and promote what His Word detests? How can we say "Oh, we're mature enough to handle it." Really? I guess that's what the devil wants you to think isn't it. God knows the saturation of the minds of individuals with television and modern music has corrupted them nearly beyond repair. Dare we promote what God hates and excuse ourselves by saying "it's just for entertainment." Entertainment in its self, (for no other purpose), is nothing other than an excuse to delay doing that which God has for us to do (James 4:17). That is why there is no excuse for "cheap" entertainment. "Cheap" entertainment is herein defined as entertainment that does not teach some lesson or value to make us the wiser and better equipped for the purpose we as Christians have. We must ask ourselves if our acting or thinking places us within the will of God as it is proclaimed by scripture; weather it diminishes or allows or enhances the fulfillment of verses such as Romans 12:1-21, Colossians 3:17 and Philippians 4:8. 

I would venture so far as to say that many professing Christians do not even know what "the world" refers to in the phrase "love not the world." Neither do they understand what "befriending the world" is. In part, they imagine it as gross materialism or illegal acts to avoid doing; they fail to realize that it involves every aspect of their life; that they have been living in error, deceived into thinking that music, television and dress do not affect who they are. To love God, and not the world, is not something which can be done without deliberate effort; and yet, it cannot be done by the will of man (John 1:13, Romans 9:16). We must actively guard against the craftiness of the devil, and not be unwise dealing with an enemy which we, apart from Christ, are powerless to withstand (Matthew 10:16). The cares of this world have choked the spiritual life of many, and the love of it has turned many aside to death and destruction, though they know it not (Mark 4:19, 1 Timothy 6:9).

Not only have churches befriended the world; they have redesigned themselves by the philosophies and standards of the world. To the extent that they have done this, they have lost the power of God and the gifts of the Holy Spirit; giving themselves to be naught but institutions of man, becoming fodder for the fire of the wrath of God (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9, Revelation 14:10-11, Luke 3:9).

The verses below have much to do with this subject, and their reading provides further insight into what it means to obey and believe the God of the Bible concerning the key topic of avoiding worldliness. We can see from the verses below that it is desirable to be unspotted from the word, and to deny friendship to the world. We also observe that those who love the world are enemies of God, and that those who are chosen by God are hated by the world. We also see that the Gospel is foolishness to the world which is perishing, but to those who are saved it is the power of God. 

Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. – James 4:4 

Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. – James 1:27

If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. – John 15:19

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. – 1 John 2:15

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.  – 1 Corinthians 1:18-24

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Yom HaShoah: Holocaust Remembrance Day

Today, Thursday, April 19, 2012 is Holocaust remembrance day

http://www.ushmm.org/remembrance/dor/calendar/


Click Here to supply your shipping address and receive the chick tract "Holocaust" while supplies last. (Put your address in the comment box).

Q. Why is this post here? A. For four reasons.

First, the Holocaust should never be forgotten.



Second, Israel as a nation has yet to accept their Messiah. My prayer is that this post may lead some of them to Him before it is too late.

Third, the whore of Rome needs to be exposed for what it is.

Forth, to share the thoughts written below.

Update 5/7/2012: About a week ago I had the opportunity to hear a Holocaust survivor speak for three hours of his experience in Europe during WWII. He was captured by the Nazis in 1941 and was a prisoner at Auschwitz for 8 months, until he escaped. He narrowly escaped death on many occasions, by the grace of God and his ability to speak many different languages. The account he shared was not pleasant to hear, but it was and is a good thing that the truth of what went on is heard and known. It was something I did not want to miss. Soon all of those who experienced that Holocaust will no longer be living. Then we can no longer hear it from someone who actually experienced it. Fortunately, books have been and will be written to preserve this history which the world would be wise to remember, in hopes that we can avoid repeating it. But in reality, this Holocaust was not the first, nor the last, and even at present the evil forces in this world are driving multiple holocausts, not least of which is that of abortion. Ecclesiastes 1:9, 3:15.

Perhaps the point that people most need to understand about the Holocaust is this; that those committing such atrocities thought themselves sane, reasonable, and even righteous. Today we may picture these evil Nazi cultists, but they were no different then many people living today. This is not to say that they were not evil, rather, it is to point out how evil many are today even though they believe themselves good-doers. Another point is this; when everyone around you is doing something evil, it is a test which you can fail by not standing up for what is right despite the perceived consequences.

Many of these 1940's Nazis would brutally murder and humiliate those whom they captured. Then they would go to church on Sunday, being kind to their own children, living the example of Hypocrisy. Today, churches are filled with many doing the same thing. They are murderers, fornicators, and friends of the world, faining a hope of salvation from the same Lord whose blood they continually shed. Matthew 25:40,45, Hebrews 6:5-6, Luke 6:46, Matthew 7:21, Matthew 25:31-46.

Sunday, March 4, 2012

A Present Danger: A Worldly Hope

If one pays much attention to the news today in the United States, they cannot miss the ongoing Republican primaries; which in some ways are quite interesting. One after another the self proclaimed conservatives are rising in popularity to "frontrunner" status only to fall down before Mitt Romney, the moderate. I forget the exact order now, and it is not worth researching. But I can clearly remember that in the very beginning Michele Bachmann was leading among the conservatives (the "conservatives" among these contenders for the republican nomination are essentially everyone besides Romney). For a while we saw Herman Cain grow in popularity, for a while it was Rick Perry. As of late Newt Gingrich seemed to be a real threat to Romney. Then Rick Santorum was in the spotlight, where many never thought he would be. Things may change again, and they will, but it appears Romney continues to hold his position as the established frontrunner in this contest. It only makes sense that he will get the nomination, seeing as he has more money than anyone else.

After their fall to Romney and the other conservatives we are at present down to four individuals, one of which will likely be the Republican nominee to run against Barack Obama in the upcoming general election. Some of you may be wondering why I have written on some political subjects here, you may also be wondering where it is I am going. The title gives a good summery, but there are a number of places I'm going and points I plan to make.

Let us briefly examine the four remaining contestants for the republican nomination.

First, there is Rick Santorum. Much good could be said about his opinions on various subjects. But it cannot be ignored that he is a political hypocrite and a member of an antichrist religion. That religion which masquerades as Christian, but is in fact an unbiblical, God forbidden mixture of Babylonian falsehoods. A religion which has left her first love (Christ) and gone a whoring after strange flesh, all the while maintaining in the sight of the blinded world its innocence. This is exactly what the Jewish people have done in time past (Deuteronomy 31:16).

Second, Newt Gingrich, who, is not only a political hypocrite, but a religious hypocrite as well. Not to mention the fact that he belongs to the same false religion as Mr. Santorum. "Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her. And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery." – Mark 10:11-12, Luke 16:18, Matthew 5:32 This could be a post in an of itself. A lot of Pastors today join in matrimony and attempt to legitimately establish relationships between adulterers and adulteresses. These Pastors would do better if they were less brazen than to dare to call holy what God has called unholy.

Third, we have Mitt Romney, who may owe some of his success to having less of a voting record; which gives him less chance to be found guilty of political hypocrisy. He may make conservative claims, and even say that we need to cut government spending, but if you view his past performance to predict his future actions, then it appears he is merely saying what he thinks people want to hear. It is known that Romney is a Mormon, that is, a member of what is called "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints." The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, is like Jehovah's Witnesses, a misnomer. Also, much like Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons are also antichrists, because, like them, they deny Biblical teachings, including who Jesus Christ is (the Trinity/Godhead). The Mormons have many unbiblical beliefs, which we will not go into now, but the notation of some facts comparing their similarities with other false religions will continue.

Mormonism is in any ways like the false religion of Islam. Both Islam and Mormonism were begun by a false prophet. Both false prophets (Joseph Smith of Mormonism and Mohammad of Islam) introduced (or were attributed with introducing) "new holy scriptures" either in addition to (Mormonism) or as standalone holy scriptures (Islam). Both of the founders of these false religions had numerous wives, and as a consequence, numerous children. Perhaps both were merely trying to multiply their newly invented religion as quickly as possible; perhaps more likely, they were hedonists of the first class. Both of these false religions teach many good, moral, and even godly ideals and principles (especially if you ignore the lives of their founders). But they both also teach just enough lies to sufficiently damn their adherents to everlasting judgment. This of course is the Devils design, just enough goodness to appear true, while lacking that which is necessary for salvation; the perfect plan for counterfeit religions capable of deceiving, enslaving, and damning a multitude of souls. This should make us weep.

Fourth, is Ron Paul. He is the only conservative who is not obviously a political hypocrite. He is the only one of these four, who is purportedly a Christian and is not a member of an antichrist religion. Pertinently, he is the one who is perhaps most likely, if elected president, to save our country from the financial destruction, which is coming upon us as the just cause of our moral and spiritual failings. He is the only one of these four who is able to think clearly enough to not only realize what is wrong with the situation our country is in, but how to fix it. He is the only one who conducts himself based on principles, who is open minded enough not to be completely blinded by the political games which corrupt so many. He is the only one who can see the drastic cuts to the size and funding of government and government programs, which must take place if we are to avoid catastrophic financial ruin. Further, he is the only one who is actually qualified for the presidency, based on the fact that he is the only one who would not be lying were he to take the pledge of allegiance to the constitution, which the president takes prior to entering office. He is the only one whom the founding fathers of this nation would perhaps not be ashamed.

But before we place false hope in a political system let us examine some things which cannot wisely be ignored. To pledge or affirm allegiance to the constitution of the United States necessarily denies Christ, and Christian teaching. One cannot serve two masters, and to put the constitution first in political matters denies Christ in the political realm. Matthew 6:24 As I have heard said before; Christ is Lord of all, or he is not Lord at all. Ron Paul understands what pledging allegiance to the constitution means. He has already denied Christ, essentially saying that his Christianity affects how he deals with people, and his personal life, but that it would not affect his decisions as president.

The only political system or kingdom to which biblical Christians belong is the Kingdom ruled by Christ. This kingdom began, and has endured among men since the time of Christ's coming. Isaiah 9:7, Luke 1:33, Luke 17:21, Romans 14:17 But it will not, and cannot manifest itself as an earthy kingdom until Christ returns in the flesh and rules it himself, with his saints.

Next we look at the founding fathers of the United States of America. Was the Revolution not fought to overthrow the reign of British tyranny upon the American people? What Biblical Christian principle did those early Americans use to justify the shedding of blood for the sake of a new earthly kingdom? How does killing men, who are created in the image of God, spread the Christian faith and serve as an example to unbelievers? Genesis 9:6, Philippians 2:14-15 How is it that so many seem impressed by the "Christianity" of the early American founders, when in reality, it is quite clear that they did what they did partially for their personal gain and for the ideals of liberty and independence, which, while unquestionably American, are not necessarily Christian. The strong "christian culture" which existed in early America was a positive force affecting society toward a form of godliness. However, a mere "christian culture," while good for the orderly functioning of society, is not necessary a means of salvation to those who are part of it. More dangerously, it convinces some that they are saved, even when they are far from God, because they foolishly compare themselves to other professing Christians; rather than the eternal standard which is God's word. 2 Corinthians 10:12 Consider all those who attend church regularly for years, but who never yield good fruit, or who refuse to give up their sacred cows (idols) and are thereby prevented from entering the Kingdom of God. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Revelation 21:8

In fact, in the American culture freedom and independence are often elevated to the status of a virtue. Biblically, freedom and independence are limited within the scope of the responsibility incurred by moral obligations. Freedom and independence can be invoked for either good or evil purposes and are, therefore not necessarily something which should be valued in a truly Christian society. Often they are nothing more than excuses of willfulness, selfishness, and generally loose living. In truth, aside from the bonds of Christian morality, freedom and independence are the tools of the devil and the wings by which sinners fly.

America fought for and obtained its freedom, for the most part, simply to avoid paying taxes. They gained this freedom through killing. The Declaration of Independence could only be signed due to supposed "Christians" who violated an express command of Christ, in order that they would be free to violate another. The command to love, and not kill, and the command to pay taxes. Matthew 5:21-48, Matthew 5:44, Mark 12:14-17. Perhaps they loved their high living more than Christ.

Today, patriotism continues among "Christians" because of the love of the world which dwells in their hearts. 1 John 2:15-17 Strangers and pilgrims they are not. Hebrews 11:13-16, 1 Peter 2:11-12 By their actions they are not followers of Christ, for they do not follow his example nor his words. Preoccupation with politics and hopes that a new leader or government will right the wrongs in society is not only folly, but idolatry, unbelief, and an aid to the devil and his workings.

Christians are to honor and pray for the government in the land where they dwell. They are not to mock the authority over them. It is one thing to state the facts, which is just criticism, it is another thing to mock and make fun in an inappropriate manner. 1 Timothy 2:1-3, Ecclesiastes 10:20, Romans 13:1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13

As America and all earthly nations are antichrists in one way or another, is it any wonder that we are ruled by leaders who are antichrists? 2 Corinthians 4:4, 1 John 4:3, Luke 4:5-7 The only Kingdom which can be anything other than antichrist, is a theocracy ruled by Christ himself. The Pope who labels himself as "Vicar of Christ" is not a legitimate substitute.

Christians rejoice! For your citizenship is in heaven, and your redemption draweth nigh! Philippians 3:20, Luke 21:28.