The Bible Forum

What Point Did John Boehner Miss?

2011-04-09T13:31:00.000-07:00

Those on the Left, as well as those who are simply selfish, constantly harp on the idea that America was never founded on Christian principles, let alone established a 'Christian Nation.'

They are myopic and selective in their view of history. They assume the designator "Christian Nation" means we adopted some sort of Theocracy, when all it really means is we based our laws, government and social institutions on biblical principles.

Was it a Christian thing to just take land away from Native Americans, even though they insisted the land belonged to no one?

Was it a Christian thing to annex Texas, simply because there were so many non-Mexicans living there and the Mexican government was corrupt?

Was it a Christian thing to institute a National Income Tax? Or a National Social Security Administration? Or the Keynesian economic policy that allowed FDR to create the Works Project Administration? Or a Federal Education System, based on the ideas and goals of a Humanistic Psychologist who wanted to indoctrinate our children with anti-Christian, anti-God concepts? Or taking us off the gold standard so the value of money could be floated to meet whatever need might arise?

Was it a Christian thing to take this country to war without the approval of Congress, not once, but five (5) times -- conservatively speaking -- ? Or to create, out of thin air, all sorts of agencies and 'czars' to make sure the pet goals of one President or another might be met? Or to flaunt the laws of the land for political gain?

NO! But men are prone to wanting their own way and often find ways to circumvent law in order to accomplish it. The shame is on those who let them do it.

Those who seek to restore America to her biblical roots are not trying to establish a rigid Theocracy. We simply want to restore the values, principles and laws upon which this nation was built and by which she became the strongest and most productive nation the world has ever seen.

The forces of evil in this world want to destroy The Family, Our Children, The Moral Fiber of our citizens, Our Laws and our Economic Base. Just look at what gets funded or supported and what gets pushed to the side and ridiculed.

The Budget Negotiations of the last week, in Congress, spells it all out.
We can't touch Planned Parenthood -- the poster child for abortion
We can't touch Obamacare -- the Socialist Agenda
We can't touch The Welfare Program -- the Short-track to Guaranteed Poverty
We can't touch the EPA -- the Short-track to destruction of the Middle Class
And we can't touch the deficit -- the Short-track to Globalism
Even if it means the financial ruin of the entire country!

Politics and Religion. They are intertwined at the core level. It's not the State v. the Church, it's Evil v. Righteousness.

Abortion, Marriage, Liberty, Justice, Oppressive Government, Private Property, a Just Weight and Measure, National Security, Rights of every sort and more.

The principle enshrined in our Founding Documents had been preached in our churches for more than 100 years before the Liberty Bell rang. That's why there are so many references to God and to His Favor.

The Republican Leadership in Washington could take a Lesson!

What's In It For Me? The Result of Four Generations of Self

2011-02-15T10:31:00.000-08:00

If I'm a young person in America:

I have tremendous financial freedom: I don't have to work all day, just to eat
I have constant sensual stimulation: Music, Internet, Facebook, Youtube, etc.
I have a world of opportunity: I'm not limited in what I do or where I do it.
I have time for entertainment and relaxation: leisure time; time for Me

What I don't have is a stable, secure and constructive family life.
I don't have the pressure of survival to make me strong.
I don't have to live with the character building consequences of my actions.
I don't have to get along with people.
I don't have to take an active part in my community. I can hone my selfishness.
I don't have to learn from history. My success is not dependent upon it.

In the end, I am over-stimulated, sensually and under-motivated, spiritually. Everything about life is physical or social, not about strengthening the 'inner man.'

Of course, none of this is new! However, in recent years, it has reached new heights due to the invasion of destructive philosophies, largely in our own homes!

Home used to be a safe haven. We protected our children from outside influences. Now, if I try shielding my children from the destructive images of decadence and profanity dominating the media, I'm "The Problem!"

We've had several generations of people who have adopted the greedy, self-centered worldview offered up 24 hours a day, by every digital delivery system known to mankind. Now we're surprised at the suicide rate among young people [which is higher than any other demographic].

Or...the destructive nature of their 'play?' Something the Bible calls 'uncleanness.'
Or...the failure of so many to "launch?"
Or...the dismal way they handle their finances or raise their children?

Life, for the average young person, is artificial. Nothing about it is real. It's a house of cards just waiting for a stiff breeze to blow it down.

So, what are WE doing to counter this destructive cultural pattern? Sadly, with the majority of Americans under the age of 50, we are like 'Pogo.' A Cartoon character who once opined: "we have met the enemy, and he is us!"

Jared Loughner: The Anomaly ?

2011-01-11T07:13:00.000-08:00

Everyone is talking about Jared Loughner, the Tucson shooter. A troubled young man, he clearly has what Dr. Charles Krautheimer (a psychiatrist) says is a "thinking disorder." Others are trying to establish that he is a product of Right-Wing hate speech.

So, who is Jared Loughner? We'll find out over the next few months. But don't be surprised if nothing really stands out!

There may be reports of parental neglect or abuse. There has already been reports of drug use. One of his Community College teachers thought him 'spooky' enough to get him removed from his class. A female student said she deliberately sat close to the door because she thought he would erupt in violence, at some point.

Society will be found to have failed Jared. He will probably be judged insane, which he appears to be, and spend the rest of his life in a Mental Hospital or in jail.

Where do "Jareds" come from? Our secular philosophy doesn't have a concrete answer. It can simply guess. And 70 years' of guessing has taken us on a wild ride!

Sigmund Freud guessed it related to sex. Margaret Sanger (and other psychiatrists) guessed it was evolutionary. Taking her lead from another 'guesser,' Charles Darwin, she and her fellows worked to sterilize undesirable traits from the human genome. They called it Eugenics.

Adolf Hitler's psychiatrists applied Eugenics to non-Arian races, especially Jews. The world was, and continues to be, horrified with the result.

Dr. Spock guessed at how to raise children, apologizing in the late 1960's for his error. Many others have (and are) guessing at who we are, why we do what we do and how to fix it.

I think we'll find that Jared was raised in a permissive home, that his parents were not engaged, that his father was angry and abusive [one neighbor has already said as much], that Jared was a 'troubled child' and this event was simply the boiling-over of all these factors.

But Jared is just one more "Sign-Post" that our secular, psychological, marxist society is ill-equipped to accomplish what it promises.

The Triumvirate of Karl Marx, Sigmund Freud and Charles Darwin have set us on the road to destruction. They saw men and women as incapable of governing themselves. Marx saw a centralized government of the Elite, making all the important decisions. Freud saw the human body as simply a compilation of chemistry and impulses, while Darwin robbed us of our humanity, making us animals only slightly higher than brute beasts.

So, after 150 years, we get Jared. Is there a difference between Jared and the average child you see in the store or in the restaurant, badgering his or her parents, insisting on having his or her own way, at the top of their voice?

Only in the result.

The Bloom is off the Rose! But the Elite among us: the social architects, politicians, scientists, psychiatrists and psychologists and even the preachers don't seem to 'see it.'

Give it some time and these folks will be back 'out there' buffing up that rose. Jared will be a blip on the radar. An anomaly. An exception.

Until the next time! Or, until it is discovered that the majority of us think very much like Jared. Then watch the door of personal freedom slam shut!

Bizaro-World!

2010-12-15T10:22:00.000-08:00

Where are we?

We can't pay our bills so we borrow $3 trillion.
That didn't work, so now we add another trillion.

We have a Constitution that specifies the House of Representatives shall initiate spending Bills, but a select group of Congressmen meet with the President to 'hammer out' an emergency spending Bill, introduce it in the Senate and refuse to allow the House to change any of the particulars.

We have an election where the majority voters speak out against 'ear marks' and a Health Care Bill which was rushed through Congress last Christmas. A Bill very few actually read, it being about 2000 pages in length.

Now, Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid, introduces a $1.1 Trillion omnibus spending Bill [in the Senate] that is 1920 pages in length and contains hundreds of millions of dollars in 'ear marks.' He's threatening to keep the Senate in Session right through to January 4, if that's what it takes.

Two new movies are released: the last of the Harry Potter and Twilight Series.
Both feature gratuitous violence and occultic themes. Yet we are told that they represent the age-old battle of good against evil. NO!!!! They feature Evil against Evil!

The Prince of Wales has a fiance: the next Queen of England. Her friend says one of her strongest features is her ability to drink the prince under the table. "She likes to have a good time."

Is it me? Or is everything up-side-down?

Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!
Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink: which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him! Isa. 5:20-23

What Do You Know...And What Difference Does It Make?

2010-12-10T10:15:00.000-08:00

It is said that young people know everything and get dumber as they age. By the time they are 50 years of age, they know far less than they did at 20.

But, how do you know what you know? You aren't born with knowledge of anything! That means everything you know, you've learned...somehow. Does that mean our understanding of life is the sum-total of all we've learned or been exposed to? As they say in Minnesota: You Betcha!

Politicians are solidly behind the idea that lower taxes mean more production and wealth --- or is it higher taxes mean greater opportunity to extend possibilities and thereby expand wealth for everyone?

It can't be both! But people line up on one side or the other, often with strident opinions which are expressed in absolute terms!

What makes for these differences? The simple answer is: exposure to information and circumstances. It's education, experience and conditioning. For some, it's opportunism, but that's another discussion.

Underneath, however, it's really spiritual. We call it our 'Worldview' and all worldviews are rooted in religious beliefs.

Dr. Al Mohler [albertmohler.com] reminds us of what Carl F. Henry wrote: "Divine revelation is the source of all truth, the truth of Christianity included; reason is the instrument for recognizing it; Scripture is its verifying principle; logical consistency is a negative test for truth and coherence a subordinate test. The task of Christian Theology is to exhibit the content of biblical revelation as an orderly whole."

Heard any biblical content, recently? I mean, by that, any preaching which featured divine revelation, offered in a Theological context, connected to the flow of biblical revelation.

The truth is, most of what we hear from the Big Name Preachers is fluff! Fundamentalists want everyone to be saved. Evangelicals want everyone to have the tools for living a better life. Charismatics want everyone to feel good and be wealthy. Liberals want to feed the world and save the dolphins. And the Contemporary crowd just wants everyone to feel good!

Sprinkled in among all of this are occultic techniques, Eastern meditation and the power of positive thinking (or confession).

The Church of the Lord Jesus Christ, however, thrives on the knowledge of God: His holiness, mercy, justice, grace and love. The Bible is a Treasure Trove of significant and practical doctrinal instruction. It is the knowledge of God that informs the rest of our life.

Telling us how to relate to our mates or raise our children or overcome fears may serve a practical purpose, but without the doctrinal foundation all the knowledge you have is one-dimensional. You may have a lot of it, but it's standing alone.

Maybe this is why so many of us don't really have a biblical worldview. Abortion, stem-cell research, homosexual unions, economics, law, politics, education, global warming and a host of lessor issues are held captive to our perspectives.

Remember: Whatever it is that forms your knowledge and understanding, forms the way you perceive life and how you make decisions.

So....what do you know about God?

Liberty And Equality?

2010-11-10T07:46:00.000-08:00

There is a Not-So-Subtle Tension Between Liberty & Equality. The issue is framed by current events:

Leftists, Libertarians, Progressives and any number of Social Architects seemed fixated on making sure all people groups are treated equally.

Conservatives, Strict Constitutionists and Traditionalists favor Liberty which, by its very nature, tends to limit equality.

The reality is: the more liberty a person has, the greater are the inequalities. When people are free to be and to do what they can, the differences in people become more pronounced.

This is seen as unfair and destructive to those who do not have the same capacities. So, compassionate people step up to limit the highly imaginative and productive people, in order to make the playing field more equal. In so doing, they infringe on the rights and liberties of the creative group.

The framers of our Constitutional Republic understood this tension. They crafted a societal structure which rewarded creativity and industry while fostering and encouraging Christian values. We see it in every State Constitution, in the way our law is structured, in the place given to public prayer and expressions of the Christian religion, as well as the Scripture verses and sentiments carved into just about every government building.

What they knew was: unless people had a God-consciousness, the tendency would be to run rough-shod over those who could not (or would not) compete in this arena. It is only in the Judeo-Christian ethic that we find the selflessness and deference so necessary to a strong society.

The arguments will come, pointing to this religious philosophy or another, as equally good, but the proof is still in the pudding! Which country has out-shined all other societies for enshrining liberty, justice, enterprise, creativity and personal freedom? Which society is as generous and self-effacing? After WWII, America was the only country with the Atomic Bomb. We could have cowered any and all nations into subservience, creating a World Government for and about The U.S. We didn't! It took the atheistic, Communists, to try this.

Critics can find notable abuses in this or any society, but the over-arching testimony of The United States of America is one of industry, innovation and the desire for peace. English is the Trade Language of the world because of America. The dollar (so far) is the standard of currency for the world. People around the world risk their life and future to come to our shores. America is a Success Story never before told.

We have enjoyed this marvelous 'ride' not because our laws force us to be fair or require equality in every area, but because our ethic does. The Greatest Generation is so because of their selflessness. Reared in great deprivation, forced to set their personal life 'on hold' to fight a World War, coming home to a land without enough jobs or housing and dealing with the psychological issues that wars create, this generation set all that aside and simply went to work!

Multiculturalism, Rights advocates, Progressives and Socialists have sought to make us do what our grandparents did out of their own heart. They hate The God of The Bible. They are embarrassed by their own success. That success gives them time to consider something beyond survival. So they are trying to make people be and do what they believe is right and good. How's that working out?

Their goals may be good, but their tactics are abusive. To make sure everyone is treated equally requires laws which limit everyone's freedom.

Keep Religion Out of Politics?

2010-11-05T11:27:00.000-07:00

The Religious Right, fueled by the Neo-Evangelical, Dominion Theology, Kingdom Theology crowds, jumped into the political arena with both feet, in the 1980's. They promptly got both feet burnt! They have wisely backed off.

This political cycle, however, there were a number of political candidates claiming the mantle of God (or at least Christianity) in their bid for election. Does that mean The Religious Right succeeded in affecting the political discourse, for good? Not really.

Apparently the polls show that it is Republicans who are most likely to be God-fearing voters. It is they who favor decency, honesty, morality, fiscal responsibility and social restraint. If you want their vote, it's best to position yourself as 'one of them.' Especially since they inhabit the vast 'fly-over' areas of these United States.

All this brings me to my point: All Politics is Religious! But, then, so is economics and social policy. You need proof?

Look up Revelation, 17. What you see is a woman who sits on many waters [18:3 says the waters are 'multitudes, nations and tongues].
v.2 She has committed fornication with the kings of this earth. She has made the inhabitants of the earth drunk with the wine (product) of her fornication.
v.6 She is drunken with the blood of the saints and the blood of the martyrs of Jesus.

Chapter 18:3 ....the merchants waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. At her destruction, v.9 The kings shall bewail her / lament for her
v. 11 The merchants shall weep and mourn over her.
v. 17 Shipmasters and sailors, alike, stand afar off [from her]
v. 23 ...for by her sorceries were all nations deceived
v. 24 In her...was found the blood of the prophets and of the saints...and all that were slain upon the earth.

Who is she? She is The Woman Who Rides The Beast. The 'Beast' is the leader of the Global Federation that has sought to rule the earth. He has fashioned himself as the long awaited, Jewish Messiah, but he is evil. He is the Antichrist.

She? She is Mystery Babylon, The Great, The Mother of all Harlots. She is The System!

The system, at the end of the age, is a mystery-form of Babel; that system dedicated to supplanting Christ as Ruler of the Earth. It is political. It is economic. It is social. And it is the epitome of evil.

What has appeared to be completely secular is shown to be religious, all the while. It is the culmination of Satan's earliest effort, in The Garden, to take control of the earth and rule over it as God.

We wonder at it, today. It's subjects work to make it all seem secular and to keep the religious crowd from having any part in it. They say it's all about the separation of Church and State, when in reality it's all about leaving them alone to fashion it the way they please.

Keep out of politics? As long as we have a vote, WE are the government. Ceding it to them only hastens the destruction of freedom and marginalization of The Gospel.

Remember Hallowe'en?

2010-10-27T07:50:00.000-07:00

You have to be over 50 to actually remember Hallowe'en. NOTE: it's spelled this way because the word is actually a contraction of four words: All Hallowed Saints Eve.

It used to be that children dressed for school the way people now dress for very special occasions -- more special than church. In playing 'make believe,' children didn't have costumes, they had imaginations and dressed with whatever they had available. A cowboy might have had a cowboy hat and a stick for a gun. A princess might have had a frilly shaw or old dress (usually too big for her).

The point is: children (and adults) used to actually dress in non-controversial garb. Today, we have the Goth culture, with their penchant for all things black and darkly evil. We have 'thugware' and whatever it is that the new or popular Rock Group may be wearing, along with 'grunge' and 'slutware' for little girls.

So, when it comes to Hallowe'en, what's left? Well, apparently (over the last decade or so) it's been an ever-increasing drift toward the most outrageous forms of blood and gore, violence and evil.

This year there seems to be an exception, at least for little girls. Maybe I've not noticed in the past or it hasn't been this obvious, but the costumes for girls have become alluring and sexually charged.

Partycity.com is displaying the popular costumes for girls, this year. They have titles such as: Voodoo Vixen, Veiled Vixen, Lovely Lolita and Twilight Trickster Vampire. These are being marketed to Teen aged girls AND Tweens.

They are what they seem, by their names: sexy, suggestive costumes that transform your little girl into a 'Big Girl.' One has to wonder why. Is it for fun? Is it to impress the boys? Or is it to get the attention of the 35 year old man who comes to the door when out Trick-or-Treating? Or how about the latent sex addict, next door?

I just keep wondering if any of these girls have fathers? Or if any of the mothers who think all this is 'cute' have husbands? Ladies: Do you NOT know men are pigs? Or, do you think the laws of nature are suspended during party time?

And, oh.....Christian families are not immune. Apparently it is okay to participate in this most obviously satanic ritual, each year. Keeping oneself unspotted from the world apparently doesn't include Hallowe'en,

Things We Can't Say

2010-10-14T05:30:00.000-07:00

We can't say that abortion is murder, homosexuality is aberrant, Jesus is the only Way, Darwinian evolution is a flawed theory or that criminals are 'bad.'

We also, apparently, can't call bullies 'bad.' We can say that bullying is unacceptable behavior, or that it isn't 'nice.' But no one is permitted to call any childhood behavior bad, let alone the person doing the deed.

All this leads us to 'therapies' and 'counter measures,' to help children learn how to get along with one another. But it does nothing to actually solve the problem!

What happened to linking bad behavior with character? Some things are constructive while others are destructive. Can't we point out the destructive nature of stubbornness, obsessiveness, being critical, apathetic, self-indulgent, callous, willful, or any number of negative character qualities?

Why do we have to separate the behavior from the attitude that stimulates it?

Oh, I know! Because no one is BAD!!! Only behaviors are bad. People are good.

Here's a News Flash: If you don't know what's wrong, you can't fix it!

Parenting is about training little people who have no values. If we let them simply express what they feel, don't be surprised if they develop a destructive value system.

Some people simply have no empathy toward anyone. They are self-centered and narcissistic. Tell them a particular behavior hurts the other person and they will have no sympathetic response. Psychology calls this Anti-Social Behavior Disorder.

Isn't that nice? They have a disorder of the 'mind.' It's not their fault. Of course, the mental health community has no idea what 'the mind' is, nor do they know why it's disordered! They believe the mind to be the brain, judging from all the brain studies and chemicals applied to make the it work better. Think about that! Seven pounds of grey matter, sitting on top of your neck is running your life. No wonder nothing is my fault.

The Bible says the mind is a function of the heart and that the heart is desperately wicked, beyond anything anyone can 'know.' [Jer. 17:9] Calling this kind of wickedness "unacceptable behavior" isn't attacking the real problem.

Here's another good reason to keep your children out of the State School System. They might get hurt.

The Real Purpose For Separation of Church & State

2010-10-06T12:52:00.000-07:00

What's does the Westboro Baptist Church have in common with the city of King NC? They are both fighting for Free Speech Rights in America

The Westboro folks are in the U.S. Supreme Court (right now) arguing that they have Free Speech rights to insult, inflame and otherwise intimidate families as they seek to bury their fallen heros.

The folks in King NC are arguing before their own City Council for the right to honor their war-dead with flags representing the nation and beliefs of all they died for.

King is a small town of less than 7000 souls, North West of Winston-Salem, just South West of Pilot Mountain (or Mt Pilot for you Mayberry fans)

Both seek the right to free speech. One seeks the right to be rude, obnoxious, incendiary and hurtful – while the other seeks the right to honor their dead, in harmony with their religious beliefs.

One will likely win! The other may very well lose.

Should the Westboro folks win and the King folks lose, it will (once again) expose the myth of equal rights under the law, in America. Our rights stop at the door of our churches. Why? Because 'someone' may be offended.

The mythological tenet of 'separation of church and state' as it is now interpreted, will be the telling factor. Citizens have the right to say all sorts of things – wave all sorts of flags and banners – honoring every crude, rude and indecent thing anyone can imagine. Citizens have the right to believe anything they want – and speak up for it – in any public venue we provide. What citizens can't do, however, is say / display / picture / or pray on government property.

Am I the only one who sees this as contrived?

No! Most people in this country understand what's going on: The forces of evil – in this case anti-God – are working overtime to eliminate any official recognition of the God of the Bible. The gods of nature; the gods of mythology; the god of humanism; the gods of imagination are all OK. Just not the God Who reveals Himself in The Bible

Why? Personal animis! Hatred of authority! Decadence! Narcissim!
Every government known to man has been and is based on religious belief.
Communist countries = atheistic (faith-system) Humanistic
Moslem countries = Allah
French Republic = Humanism (self as god)
Primitive cultures = pantheists / animists [native Americans]
Oriental societies = mythology / ancestor worship
Monarchs of Europe = divine right of kings to rule
Roman / Greek / Ancient Egyptian / Mesopotamian / Minoan / and on and on
ALL based on religious beliefs
The problem is NOT that America was founded on religious beliefs
Rather, that America was founded on biblical beliefs!

Any god you can name or create is better / more acceptable than the God of the Bible! Why? Because He actually rules over the affairs of men, and everyone knows it! He is the only One we do NOT want to answer to. The snake god can be appeased by men. The God of the Bible cannot!

Reconciliation with this God requires submission of the will – to Him! and to what He believes.
That's why the 10-commandments are so odious!
That's why the flags have to come down!
That's why the Pres. can't be seen standing in front of Christian symbols!
That's why we can't even put up a religiously-oriented Christmas display!

Even though “Christmas” is NOT a Christian holy day. The fact that people think it is – scares the humanist / atheist / narcissist to death!

What happens when God is exiled from a culture? The people are then free to govern themselves....any way the see fit.

What happens when people govern themselves according to their own desires? Moral chaos. Political despotism. Run-away corruption in government and business. The co-opting of justice in favor of what men see as fairness. Wait! We're already there!!!!

The God of The Bible is out of our schools; out of our families; out of our government; out of our commerce; out of our churches (for the most part). The forces of Darwinian evolution – even though most people still reject the premise – have won!

The Pope says evolution is an acceptable explanation of how God created the universe and many Christians agree! If God is de-throned, at this beginning point – why serve Him at all? If the Bible isn't accurate at this beginning point, why believe anything else it says?

The battle is to eliminate The God Who has authority and to Whom we are ultimately accountable. Atheists imagine there isn't a God. Humanists substitute the human spirit. Animists, animals. Spiritists, spirits. Mystics, feelings. And so forth.

Who do you worship? Judging from the way Christians live, they aren't worshiping The One True God of Heaven, either. So why the hub-bub, Bub?

We Love Obama -- But We're Willing To Share

2010-10-01T07:56:00.000-07:00

Polls suggest that the American public likes Obama, the man, but not Obama, the policy-maker.

A likable guy, a pleasant personality, a pleasing demeanor, but when he puts his hands into our pockets or supports homosexual unions or funding abortions, we pull up short!

Is this an Obama-problem? Or is this an American people-problem? We voted him in, wanting him to change everything about our country and our way of doing business. We wanted his brand of socialism and 'free lunch' for everyone. Why the hypocrisy?

Well, the theory was grand, but the reality is painful. Did we not see this coming? Sadly, for many, the answer is No! The vision for America that Obama and his crowd have is not the vision most Americans hold. This is a man who clearly does not share our perception nor our dream.

But what else do we NOT see coming? Pundits speculate and Obama operatives claim that Mr. Obama doesn't want a second term as President. They see him using the presidency as a spring-board to a global career.

What's more appealing: having to deal with solving the problems of American polity with solutions that will not please everyone and most of which won't work? Or simply making speeches and being entertained around the world by any and all who see him as either a drawing card for their organization or a set-piece for their own purposes?

This is a man who fits the mold of the one God prophecies for the End Days. A global, charismatic leader who is asked to take control of a global economy and political situation that is careening out of control. A man who will be Israel's 'savior' in her quest to fight off her enemies.

This man will gain the support of ten global 'kings' -- power brokers who may be leaders of countries or leaders of economic regions -- who give their authority and power to him, 'in one hour.'

A man who will be a World Dictator, seemingly in control but ultimately destroyed by the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. A man who will be indwelt, eventually, by Satan, becoming The Antichrist.

Is Obama the Antichrist? I doubt it. But the pattern was set by Bill Clinton's post-presidency. A global career that hasn't really taken off. Could this black, pseudo-christian, mock-Muslim, liberal, progressive, socialist pull it off? This man without a documented past? This man who loves himself more than life? This man who does not see himself as an American and who's wife clearly hates everything about traditional Americanism?

The progressives have ruined our economy and set us on a post-American track. Is this the beginning of The End?

Where Are The Parents?

2010-09-12T06:38:00.001-07:00

A listener writes, regarding the Judge who overturned Prop 8: He saw a law that infringed on the rights of a minority group and ruled it unconstitutional. The majority can not take away the rights of a minority just because they don't like who or what they are.

Is that what happened? A majority of the voting population of a State simply saw something they didn't like and decided to outlaw it? No objective moral or social reasoning, just emotional reaction?

Constitutions exist to protect societies from being hijacked by virtually any person or group which decides to take it in another direction. The Framers of our Constitution did not see homosexuality as a good thing, nor even as a benign "alternative" life style.

Couched, as it is in biblical principle and philosophy, our Constitution protects us from morally destructive ideals and practices. It does not view selfish desire as an alternative to good order.

Homosexuality is not new. It's been around for millennia. It has never been identified with a morally superior culture. The cultures which embraced it eroded from within and vanished. Homosexuality has never been equated with 'good order.'

There is, as yet, no link of homosexual desire with DNA or with brain chemistry. Try as supporters might, they are left with the reality that homosexuality is a self-serving desire. A sexual desire that leaves those who practice it less stable, emotionally, less healthy, physically and less able to strengthen the society in which it exists.

When a small percentage of the population (3/5%) seek to drag the majority into moral and physical degradation, how is it that the majority has no right to protect itself? It seems to me that this is exactly what the majority should be doing.

The States that support homosexual unions have done so against the will of the majority, through legislative fiat. So, how is it that the minority has the right to take away the rights of the majority, simply because they don't like something?

Homosexuality kills! It is physically destructive, resulting in billions of dollars a year in health care costs -- to the majority.

Homosexuality destroys! It is morally and socially destructive to a society. It costs the society in terms of stability, attacking as it does, the family structure.

Homosexuality corrupts! Seen as normal, it is more likely to attract young people into the behavior, experimentally at first, but then like an addictive drug to the complete corruption of their moral fiber.

Homosexuality destroys 'good order.' A judge recently overturned the military's 'don't ask - don't tell' policy, paving the way to open homosexuality in the military. This, despite the opinion of Service Chiefs, all of which claim it will destroy good order and military effectiveness.

That otherwise intelligent human beings can't see the danger and destructiveness of this behavior, points to a moral degradation of our society. We are being conditioned to accept every human desire and behavior as 'normal.'

Do you think this will strengthen our culture? And, if it's not morally strong, do you think it can withstand a concentrated attack from a determined enemy?

Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, killing over 2000 mostly military personnel.
Islamic radicals attacked New York City, killing over 3000 civilians.

We conquered Japan in just over 4 years. With radical Islam, it's been 9 years and we're the bigots if we don't want them to erect a shrine to their treachery, a scant 300 yards from their greatest victory.

Other than fulfilling the sexual desire of those practicing it, homosexuality has no redeeming qualities. Let the 'parents' of this society stand up and tell the 'children' NO!

Obama & Beck: What's The Difference?

2010-09-02T13:50:00.000-07:00

There are probably no two men in America who are perceived to be more radically different from each other than President Obama and Glenn Beck. But that's just on the surface.

Where religion is concerned, and specifically their beliefs about God, Jesus, Salvation, Grace and Heaven, they are two peas in the same proverbial pod! Neither of them hold to the Bible's description / definition of any of these. But that's only scratching the surface.

Obama was born, raised, and educated Moslem. He offers no testimony of ever renouncing his 'faith,' and seems to go out of his way to live up to Moslem tenets. He bows to Islamic Kings but not Christian Queens. He doesn't take his non-Moslem wife to Moslem countries. He covers Christian symbols when delivering speeches. He has been photographed removing his shoes and entering a Mosque for prayer with fellow Moslems. Something no Christian would be permitted to do.

Beck is a Mormon. He claims to be a Christian. But Mormons don't believe Christian doctrine! Mormons believe Christian churches/denominations are 'of the devil.' [Joseph Smith: Book of Mormon] Mormons don't believe in the Jesus of the Bible. Their's 'became' The Messiah at His baptism and attained godhood through obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel [Mormon "Articles of Faith"] Mormons believe water baptism to be the "very gateway into the kingdom of heaven."

What divides these men is their political philosophies and their character. On that score, Glenn Beck is one of the best things that's happened to America is some time. May his tribe increase.

But, Glenn Beck is part and parcel of the Cosmic Humanism [formerly The New Age Movement] that is rapidly taking over religion in America and around the world. Whether it's Oprah or Chopra or Brian McLaren [Emergent Church] or Benny Hinn, or Glenn Beck, the theme is the same: We Shall Be As Gods!

This is all about The Shift! Whether it's Wayne Dwyer's book and now, Movie, or Cirilo Perez Oxlaj, "Grand Elder of the Living Maya," or many other variations of the theme, this "Shift" is from a purely physical orientation to one that is spiritual.

Making this shift means blending with whatever you may call or believe to be God. It may be through Eastern Meditation or Prayer Walking or Incense Burning or the self-hypnosis of Contemporary / Charismatic so-called "worship," or any number of methods.

This is the formulation of the End Times Religious Order! That people can call themselves "Christian" while believing in this sort of thing is what the deception is all about. Those who are swooning or rewarding their physical senses with secular rhythms and discordant beats, through what passes for 'worship' in the Contemporary Church Movement, are simply being prepared for The Shift.

Are you preparing? Or are you paying attention? The Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; [I Tim. 4:1]

In Support of The Park51 Mosque

2010-08-26T11:43:00.000-07:00

Recently a number of 'Religious Leaders' gathered at the site of the proposed Mosque, just 200 yards from 'Ground Zero' to offer their support for Religious Freedom, Brotherhood and Peace. The rest of us are just Bigots!

What you have to do is look at who these Religious Leaders are and what they represent. They are the Liberal, Progressive wing of whatever religious group they represent. The educational institutions listed are also liberal. Liberal Jews. Liberal Protestants. Liberal Baptists. Liberal everything.

What is a Liberal in the world of religion? These are folks who have abandoned the basic tenets of their religion in favor of something else. That 'something else' is whatever liberal, progressive, post-modern or heretical principles appeal to them.

If it's Judaism, the liberal Jew does not hold to the basic principles of Judaism.If it's Catholicism, or Evangelicalism, or any other religious group, the same is true. The exception would Protestantism. This entire group is already Liberal, and has been for over 50 years.

In government, it's the same. A Liberal (now progressive) American is one who has abandoned the governing principles of the United States [The Constitution] in favor what they see as a better way. They give lip service to American Ideals, but re-define the words and concepts to fit their own perceptions.

My point is: Pay attention to what people believe, before you start thinking that their support of peace, brotherhood and religious freedom is legitimate. Should that mosque be built, YOU won't be permitted inside for worship! It's not a Church For All People. And there is ample evidence that Muslims have routinely built mosques at the sites of their most prominent conquests.

When churches can get building permits wherever they wish to build, it might be time to consider some of this rhetoric. But, we all know that churches face up-hill battles to build houses of worship in many (most?) areas of these United States. And churches are truly open to all people.

The Liberal wing of American politics and American Religion do not share the majority view in either. They do have the loudest, most prominent voice. Don't be intimidated by a vocal minority!

The Wrongs of Rights

2010-08-18T08:20:00.000-07:00

Can you list your "Rights?" We have Civil Rights, Personal Rights, Voting Rights, Reproductive Rights, The Right to Choose, The Right to feed our family [think illegal immigration], Childrens' Rights, Individual Rights, The Right to Healthcare, The Right to own a home [think America's economic collapse] and the list goes on, almost endlessly. New Rights are being found or created every day.

Now....can you list your Responsibilities? If you are the average person, this list will be much shorter. We have been taught NOT to think in terms of responsibility. Responsibility mitigates our Rights, controls and limits the free expression of our Rights. Responsibility is quite simply a Killjoy!

However, without responsible citizens, family members, legislators, police officers, teachers, pastors, professors, administrators, executives, etc, the society suffers. Individuals are inflated beyond the bounds of decency and respect. Decisions are more self-centered than magnanimous. Children don't learn to control their desires. Parents don't parent. And society suffers.

We have reached the point where everyone is an individual and no one has any real responsibility for the condition of the group. The 'system' has become so complex and confusing, even the worst abuse can be explained in such a way as to either convince or so obfuscate as to leave most people polarized and frustrated. Often frustrated enough to 'check out' of the debate.

An emphases on Rights leads to Rebellion. An emphasis on Responsibility leads to character. Seen any character lately? Our society is fixated on making sure everyone knows and has essential Rights. This has led to a breakdown of morals and decency. The most obvious abuse has been in The Family. Children who grow up understanding their Rights, generally develop a superiority complex and confront any and all challenges to those Rights. In the process they do not learn Life Lessons.

Look at all the Government Programs designed to compensate for irresponsibility. The Message? Live however you want and the government will pick up the pieces. This is a recipe for government control. The reason we have seat-belt laws is because the government is the final insurer against the damage which accrues to those not wearing a seat-belt. Multiply that by however many Rights you have to do whatever you want. Now, divide that by the laws and policies devised to control for your irresponsible behavior and you begin to see the social slavery created by all those Rights!

Cynical? Wait till you see National Healthcare, Amnesty for illegal immigrants and the Rationing of Energy [Cap-And-Trade] which spells the end to private property. All because people have Rights!

Clearing Up The Confusion

2010-08-04T09:54:00.001-07:00

This Month's American Spectator contains an article by Prof. Angelo Codevilla on the divide between politicians, bureaucrats, the policy establishment and ordinary citizens.

You may not believe it but Prof Codevilla says these folks largely represent an isolated group which disdains the rest of the country. There's no diversity and no sympathy for outsiders.

They apparently have the same education, the same values, the same social canon. For them, evil consists in the sins committed against minorities and the environment, and good is represented by social diversity, political correctness and reverence for the government as God.

Unusual contempt is reserved for those who view America as substantially different from the rest of the world, and like it that way.

The purpose of this Ruling Class, apparently, is to deliberately spend the U.S. into insolvency. This will provide them with aggregate power as more and more folks must depend upon the government. As they do they will likely accept government norms of social and political behavior....increasing the governing class's hold on power.

Is this scary, or what? But you probably already knew all this. If you did not, you certainly felt it. The downward trajectory of this nation, over the last 100 years, or so, has been inexplicable. There is no other rational explanation for the destructive decisions of so many.

Prof. Codevilla reports a conversation between former Soviet ruler, Mikhail Gorbachev and former Vice President George H.W. Bush, regarding then-president Ronald Reagan.

Vice President Bush is quoted as saying: "Reagan is a conservative, an extreme conservative. All the dummies and blockheads are with him."

Any Questions?

You Be The Judge

2010-07-29T13:28:00.000-07:00

Jennifer Keeton is a Christian enrolled in an Augusta State University Graduate Course in counseling. She is also a Christian and does not believe homosexuality to be normal. Her instructors do not believe her position is consistent with current psychological theory and have presented her with a remediation plan to make her more sensitive to the gay population. This is a condition for her graduating from this Course of study.

Jennifer views it as a violation of her rights and has the support of the Alliance Defense Fund to be able to finish the Course without changing her convictions.

Can I tell you: I agree with Augusta State University!

If the tables were turned, would a person who believed homosexuality was inherent and/or natural to some people be granted a Degree from a Biblical Counseling Department? In today's climate, maybe. But they should not!

Until the 1970's, the Mental Health community viewed homosexuality as 'abnormal psychology.' By a vote of the committee developing the DSM IV, homosexuality became 'normal psychology.'

No scientific breakthrough. No objective evidence. Not DNA nor brain chemistry studies. Nothing except the opinion of a majority of the 70, or so, committee members: all respected psychologists / psychiatrists.

Now, you can't even imply that homosexual behavior is wrong on any level. To do so makes you a bigot.

The real question is: Why would a Christian want a Secular Counseling Degree?

Psychological Theory is rooted in a pagan anthropology and a completely secular, humanistic philosophy of life. There is nothing whatever biblical about their premise nor their treatment.

In their world, aberrant behavior is the product of a "Mental Disorder." You are broken! It's not your fault. You cannot be cured. It can only be managed.

The term, "Mental Disorder," sounds very medical, doesn't it? But what is the 'mind?' And how is it 'disordered?'

They tend to see the brain as the mind. That's why there are so many brain studies and brain chemistry medications. For the Mental Health community, the way our physical systems interact to produce feelings or behaviors is somehow twisted or non-functional.

But the Bible teaches us that the 'mind' is a function of the heart. It is the mind that makes the decisions of life, not the brain. The Bible teaches that feelings follow behavior, behaviors following choices, choices flowing from hearts that are either sinful or 'made new' by God's grace.

Maybe there will be more Jennifer Keetons and true believers in the Lord Jesus Christ will stop trying to wed the pagan philosophies of psychology with The Bible! Maybe they will actually begin to study God's Word in order to help folks with social or emotional problems.

One can only hope! And Pray!

Twi-Hards & Godliness

2010-07-06T06:31:00.000-07:00

The newest of the Twilight Series to hit the movie theaters has broken all records! More Facebook fans than Iron Man, Harry Potter, Transformers and Toy Story combined! An opening weekend of approximately $710 million, worldwide!

And who's reading these books; watching these movies; signing up on Facebook? A goodly percentage are young teen-aged Church-goers....and their Mothers!!!

The reports abound: Women can't get enough of these two young hedonists: one a vampire and the other in love with him. Well, probably in love with him. That is until she spends time with another vampire and eventually kisses him. Of course, she comes back to her beloved Edward and even though she harbors an aversion to marriage, she agrees to marry him!

What is so compelling that people who consider themselves Christians can be so drawn to this storyline? And why are they so fiercely loyal? Talk to them. Criticize their choice. See what you get.

For people who are supposed to be Redeemed from sin; declared righteous; sanctified unto God; living The New Life, this is all wrong!

Peter commanded that Christians "Be...holy, in all your conversation [behavior]." I Pet. 1:15

He said we were ... a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: I Pet. 2:9

And here we are reading, watching and fantasizing about vampire-love and werewolf battles, with de-capitations and grisly gore.

I guess you have to be a woman to understand. All those men in The Bible didn't "get it." Things have changed in the last 2000 years. It's a cultural thing.

NO!!!!! It's not! This is further indication that a) many who consider themselves Christian....aren't, and b) Christianity has become less a lifestyle and more a social club.

The preachers ought to be taken out and flogged! Their crime is worse than that of most criminals. Criminals steal your money. These people have corrupted our souls, in some cases through negligence and in others, through deliberate deceit.

What else explains this phenomena?

Elena Kagan is Emblematic

2010-06-30T08:09:00.000-07:00

Pres. Obama's 2nd pick for U.S. Supreme Court Justice is a Poster-Child for all that's wrong with our current political leadership.

In her opening remarks she explicitly stated that she will decide cases based on 1) Principle, and 2) The Constitution. So, what does that mean? Whatever it means, it clearly places The Constitution behind "principle." Her principles? Established judicial principle? The Principle of re-defining the Constitution?

In 1996, Miss Kagan was White House Policy Counsel to President Bill Clinton. At that time, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists [ACOG] issued a statement regarding Partial Birth Abortion. They call it "an intact D&X."

The findings from the ACOG read: "...in the vast majority of cases, selection of the partial birth procedure is not necessary to avert serious adverse consequences to a woman's health." [Kagan Memorandum]

In a subsequent memorandum, Miss Kagan wrote that the draft ACOG formulation "would be a disaster -- not the less so (in fact, the more so) because ACOG continues to oppose the legislation."

So, she crafted an alternative statement, faxing it to ACOG's legislative director, that said, "An intact D&X, however, may be the best or most appropriate procedure in a particular circumstance to save the life or preserve the health of a woman."

The Executive Board (not the Task Force that studied the issue) inserted it, verbatim, into the final statement."

This statement became one of the greatest evidentiary hurdles faced by the Justice Department lawyers in defending the Federal ban. Kagan's role in all this was never disclosed to the courts.

The political scrawling of a biased White House appointee became the pivotal point in a serious legal and moral issue. One that subjects innocent children to one of the most gruesome methods of death man has devised.

For what? Principle or Constitutional Law?

This is the height of Post-Modern morality: the ends justify the means; redefine the words to suit your need. She will make but TWO of these, on the U.S. Supreme Court. Even the other two liberals aren't this bad!

But, understand, even the most conservative President we may get, in the future, is tainted by this philosophy and will bring us more of the same.

Recently I was labeled a 'bigot' (again) by someone using, not the Dictionary definition, but the "popular definition" of the word. A definition that is skewed toward a politically-correct view of the world. Not the Dictionary Definition.

Get used to it!

Useful Idiots

2010-06-24T18:37:00.000-07:00

I was interviewed by a conservative talk show host, recently, who trotted out all the old liberal chestnuts about homosexual rights.

They are a much-maligned segment of society.
The government has no business in our bedrooms.
We can't legislate morality.
They have rights, too.

It was sickening! They are a much-maligned segment of society for good reason! They are seeking to destroy this society. Not the average person who engages in homosexual behavior but the Gay Rights Activists. You can't take your children to a Gay Pride Parade, for example. And, if they get their way, the "family" will forever be dismantled and destroyed. This is no small thing, the family being the Basic Building Block of Society!!!!

The government was NEVER in anyone's bedroom! They brought their bedroom out into the street and into our faces! The laws against homosexuality, in the old days, were about sodomy. Sodomy is a physically, emotionally and socially destructive practice, and every government has the right / responsibility to protect its citizens from harmful people and/or practices.

EVERY law on the books legislates morality! Highway speed laws, animal leash-laws, jay-walking laws, ALL legislate morality. In this world there are some things which are right and therefore good and some things which are wrong and therefore bad. Governments pass laws to support the good and limit the bad. That's legislating morality.

Everyone has the RIGHT to be stupid, but it's not a good idea for the majority to be this way. When a person or a society emphasizes Rights, the tendency is toward Anarchy. When Responsibility is being emphasized it tends toward Character. The "Right" to corrupt our children and co-opt the family is not a good thing. Society's "parents" have a responsibility to control for such things.

You know the inmates are running the asylum when 'conservatives' are convinced that the homosexual arguments are valid! They represent about 3% of the population of this country, they are almost single-handedly responsible for AIDS, and the spread thereof and are openly advocating for the right to have sex with children. They call it 'therapy,' in the psychological publications and articles where the idea is floated. I first saw it in Psychology Today, about 10 years ago. Ever hear of N.A.M.B.L.A.?

One day people like me will be put in jail for writing a blog like this. And you will be right next to me for simply reading I Cor. 6:9 out loud, in the presence of other people!

Such is the power of sin that good becomes evil and evil becomes good. And it will happen through the efforts of 'useful idiots' who see themselves being compassionate and tolerant where this vile behavior is concerned.

Happy Father's Day? Not Likely!

2010-06-18T13:25:00.000-07:00

Noted Theologian and Sociologist, Bill O'Reilly, says "Marriage was invented to domesticate the male of the species." Raised a Roman Catholic, educated in Roman Catholic Schools, and this is what he learned?

There is apparently no human purpose to the monogamy of one man and one woman, for life. I know this because our society is being driven by a secular humanist mindset and this arrangement doesn't fit with their goals.

This, alone, should be ample proof that The Bible is true! If not true, at least reliable, because it is in The Bible that we find the genesis of marriage [pun intended]. God established what we now call The Traditional Family Structure.

But, is it all that necessary? The Feminists say No. The Gay, Lesbian, Transgender community say No. And the humanists aren't quite sure....yet. They're thinking about it.

Well, think about this. According to Drs Patrick F. Fagan and Kirk A. Johnson, in their book, "Marriage: The Safest Place for Women and Children," children in the care of single mothers are:
33 times more likely to be seriously abused (requiring medical attention)
73 times more likely to be killed.

In addition, according to U.S. Government Statistics [in the last decade], when it comes to children from fatherless homes, young people are more at risk for a host of really bad things
63% of suicides
85% of those exhibiting behavioral disorders
80% of rapists [motivated by displaced anger]
71% of school drop outs
75% of adolescent patients in chemical abuse centers
70% of juveniles in State-operated Institutions
U.S. News & World Report Feb. 1995

But The Traditional Family is not all that important, and Fathers are certainly not any more important to the mix than, say, two women, or two men, or three women, two men and a monkey.

It is not a Happy Fathers Day In America! Many fathers are missing out. And many parents are wondering "what went wrong?"

So, let's stay the course on "Alternative Families" and see what happens.
Can't hurt. No one but the children. It's still amazing: The Children Always Pay!

Where's The Beef?

2010-06-10T07:51:00.000-07:00

Dr. Al Mohler, President of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, in his blog, references the trend among young Jewish adults who are polarizing between the Orthodox and the Secular. [http://www.albertmohler.com/2010/06/10/the-briefing-from-young-restless-and-jewish-to-peter-singer-and-the-pope/]

It seems, however, that the fastest growth is among the Orthodox. The Secular Orthodox are not reproducing themselves, either physically or spiritually. Dr. Mohler draws some obvious parallels with Contemporary Christianity, at least in this country.

He references Collin Hansen's article in Christianity Today to make his point. [http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2006/september/42.32.html]

Apparently younger evangelicals are being drawn away from the fluff and emotion that constitutes much of the Contemporary Christian scene, just as much as they are from their parents' brand of Church.

The trends seem to support the idea that young people, being idealistic at heart, and yearning for a more significant spiritual expression, gravitate to the Contemporary Churches or those which offer a Contemporary Service and lots of opportunities for ministry as well as social activities.

Having spent some time there, a growing number are becoming disenchanted. The assumption is that the more exciting, attractive and active churches are more 'alive' than the old, dull and dead churches.

But wait! A growing number are being attracted to the Reformed traditions. If you aren't aware what that means, it means churches where the Bible is actually taught, much like in a Bible College! It means Bible Doctrine takes Center Stage! It means these young people recognize the need for spiritual 'food' and where to find it!

If The Lord tarries, we may see more and more young adults growing up to see the emptiness of busyness that characterizes much of organized Christianity today. You can do just so many Missions Trips, Youth Activities and Social Events, before you start wondering "where's the beef?"

A Brave New World?

2010-06-02T13:32:00.000-07:00

Events are Cascading:

The Middle East is heating up.
The Gospel is all but ignored and/or marginalized in the West.
Christianity is becoming more entertainment than spiritual strength / hope.
Societies are becoming more crude and crass.
Life is becoming less valuable, at every level.
Morality is becoming increasingly more subjective.
Sex is dominating our attention and our lives.
Education is evermore critical and fewer are being educated.
Digital communities [Facebook, etc] are robbing us of real connectedness.
Natural disasters are making us more uneasy.
Everything is revolving around computers and numbers.
The cashless society bankers and law enforcement favor, is becoming a reality.
The bad economy is pushing us into a global society.

Is all this simply the natural evolution of societies? Or is it being orchestrated by intelligent forces?

The cumulative effect is to decentralize the individual, desensitize him in the critical areas of life, deconstruct our traditional support systems and push us toward a global dependency, without national identity.

And it just so happens this is exactly what The Bible predicts will be the situation at the End of the Age!

What Do Young People Teach Us?

2010-05-19T10:32:00.000-07:00

Each year, Beloit College publishes their Mindset List, describing what incoming freshmen have been exposed to since birth. For 2010 this means children born around 1992/1993. The limited context of these young people is always startling for older folks.

For example: This Freshman Class has known only two presidents: Bush and Obama.

But what about the vast array of social, moral, political and economic issues that inform our society? What constitutes their historical context?

Generally, they have a limited understanding of Western Civilization.
They have a limited (and biased) understanding of our Founding Principles.
They have always known a Government that takes care of the poor.
They have have always known sex education in public school.
They have never known a time when people did not have access to credit.
They have never been without a computer, cell phone, or mp3 player.
They get their news from The Colbert Report or the Daily Show.
They view sex as recreational.
They do not comprehend the idea of conservative. For them, everything is disposable.
They have never known a world without AIDs, public homosexuality or porn TV channels.

As a consequence, when older people speak of the breakdown of society, these young people can't relate. When we bemoan the loss of our heritage (Western Civilization), they don't know what we're talking about. And when we speak of morality, they think of the relative morality which makes everything right....for me.

EX: When a senatorial candidate can reference his Vietnam military experience, over a period of several years, when in fact he never served in Vietnam. Then blame the media for not understanding his words, and have a sizable number of people accept that as reasonable, you know we're in trouble.

But, then, it probably depends on the the definition of "is."
Another bit of cultural trivia these young people don't understand.

What Is The Gospel?

2010-05-12T12:59:00.000-07:00

The simple answer to this questions is found in I Cor. 15, where Paul declares that he preached the Gospel: ...which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: [15:3,4]

But, what does all that mean? It means our sinful nature and ways stand between us and a Holy God! It means there's nothing we can do to fix that! It means that God had to send His Son to die in our place. All of that, "according to the scriptures," which means it was not an after-thought.

It means Jesus was God's promised Messiah [Christ], and that his death on the cross was real! He was buried.

It means He did not stay dead and buried, but was given New Life after three days! A resurrected life. Becoming the "first-fruit" of many to come. Those who would also die....to sin.

This is called, in Scripture, The Gospel of The Lord Jesus Christ. It is not to be confused with any other gospel. It is The Gospel of Life, not good health or financial independence. It is The Gospel of forgiveness, not inclusiveness. Sinners are not given a false hope, because they're 'in church' or because they've prayed 'the sinner's prayer,' or because they're doing good works.

The race is sin-sick, desperately wicked and hell-bent. Easy-believism, Inclusivism, Mysticism, Egalitarianism and Phariseeism are no substitute for Repentance of sin and commitment to God, in Christ!

"Church" has become a Party or a Seance in America! The Gospel has been dumped on the scrap heap and a wide-range of new 'gospels' have taken it's place in the minds and hearts of people.

It's a New Reality! And, as with all new realities, we need to be prepared to live by the new standards and expectations it produces. One thing it does NOT produce is New Creatures, in Christ!

The World Is Descending Into Chaos!

2010-05-05T09:33:00.000-07:00

It is the nature of man to seek improvement of his world. In this effort he often comes up with "solutions" that create more problems than they solve. He is not aware that they will do such, or he would not choose them. But, man cannot improve upon God's plan.

Take, for example, those guiding our economic plight. We are told that a large part of our problem came about as people ran up large, unsecured, debt. In addition, people borrowed money they could not afford in order to purchase a home. Home ownership is the proverbial "passport" to wealth.

Now, our government is seeking to "solve" the economic crises, created this way, by borrowing and spending our way into stability and prosperity. If all goes as planned, we will run a $1.6 trillion deficit in 2010. By 2020, they hope to borrow $18 Tril, with a National Debt of $8.5 trillion. THEN we'll be solvent?

Then there's the environment. Human beings are selfish, greedy and wasteful. We are destroying the delicate balance of nature and something must be done to stop it.

In the 1970's an effort was made to cowl us into submission with the warning that the world was descending into a global ice age. When that did not appear, we were told that it was global warming and man was responsible through his destructive practice of burning carbon-based fuels.

Now, the earth's average temperatures are moderating and the ice is building up in the antarctic. But we're still going to proceed with carbon credits and the monitoring of energy usage in every home. One can't be too careful with an eco-system.

Then came the eruption of a volcano in Iceland! How much carbon was spewed into the atmosphere, no one will ever know. What we do know is it closed down most of Northern Europe for weeks! It cost airlines hundreds of millions of dollars and has put pressure on both business and governments.

Then there was an explosion on an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico! That, right after the president opened the door to off-shore drilling! How ironic.

The safe-guards were not in place. The well-head did not close as it is designed to do, and efforts to cap it or diminish it have failed. BP estimates 2 to 3 months, to drill new wells in order to reduce the pressure and stem the flow of oil. Livelihoods along the Gulf Coast are in jeopardy, as well as the eco-system in the area and even up the Atlantic Coast.

This week a man tried to set off a car bomb in Times Square. He bought a ticket to Dubai and boarded a plane at JFK. The door to the plane was shut and the pilots were preparing to taxi out when the call came to wait. Law Enforcement personnel boarded the plane and escorted Faisal Shahzad off! It seems someone didn't check the most recent "Do Not Fly" list.

Human governments just can't catch a break! There's just too much going on. But increased monitoring of financial transactions as well as energy usage will go a long way toward bringing this world under control. We need more and greater computerization, as well as camera and other forms of surveillance. Every move, of every person, must be monitored and controlled. Your privacy is not as important as your security!

But, then, that's what The Bible predicted, 2000 years ago! "For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape." [1Thess 5:3] Not to mention the infamous Mark of the Beast, 666. A system for tracking and approving all financial transactions, numerically.

She-Males & Social Policy

2010-04-20T06:08:00.000-07:00

One of President Obama's recess-appointees, Chai Feldblum, was key counsel on the drafting and negotiations over ENDA: The Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2009.

This is legislation that would require all Federal, State and Local agencies, as well as businesses with more that 15 employees, to stop discriminating against those who are either confused about their gender or simply choose to dress like, or undergo surgery to become like, their opposite gender.

Sponsored by Rep. Barney Frank, with 199 co-sponsors, June 24, 2009, The House Education & Labor Committee hopes to vote on this Bill as early as tomorrow [April 21, 2010]. It prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. According to the Library of Congress summary, it does not apply to religious organizations.

Currently, 38 States have no legislation protecting gender identity. If passed, this Bill will become law in those States, protecting "gender identity" as a minority. This means all State & Local government agencies, as well as businesses employing more than 15 people, will be subject to the law.

Ms. Feldblum is a lesbian activist who advocates for the destruction of the traditional family. She states, "I, for one, am not sure whether marriage is a normatively good institution." [Feldblum, “Rectifying The Tilt"] She is on record as advocating for "polyamorous" relationships. (modern commune?) She wants the government to promote every type of relationship as equal to traditional marriage. Her reasoning is purely subjective: (I believe)

The fact that the American Psychiatric Association currently considers gender identity confusion to be abnormal doesn't seem to factor into this debate. The APA calls it Gender Identity Disorder, meaning it's not normal. But that could change.

Homosexuality used to be considered abnormal, but with upwards of 4% of the population claiming to be homosexual that changed in the 1970's. The APA's new Diagnostic Manual is being released sometime in 2013, so we'll have to wait and see.

The fact that this legislation would allow teachers, undergoing sex changes or just cross-dressing, to continue in the classroom, is appalling to most parents. But for Ms. Feldblum, Rep. Barney Frank and 199 of his peers, this possibility is accepted because people have rights.

Question: Which Government Agency will monitor and enforce this new legislation?
Answer: The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Question: To which Government Agency was Ms. Feldblum appointed?
Answer: You already guessed it!

So, when Johnny's teacher shows up with a dark beard, make-up and wearing a dress, while he is taking female hormones in preparation for surgery, don't be surprised if Johnny gets confused.

Selective Outrage?

2010-04-15T06:35:00.000-07:00

Humanists don't want to be counted among atheists. Atheists don't want to be counted among secular progressives. But they all share one thing in common: subjective morality. Case in point:

A doctor in Sarasota, Florida, has lost his license to practice medicine for performing an abortion....on the “wrong baby!”

Dr. Matthew Kachinas was asked to perform a “selective reduction” by a mother carrying twins. One baby had genetic markers consistent with Down syndrome and the other did not.

Dr. Kachinas was to abort the undesirable baby. He made a mistake, which he credited to faulty ultra sound equipment, and aborted the healthy child instead.

Did we think this could not happen?

Between 80-90% of all babies with genetic markers for Down syndrome are aborted in America. According to Dr. Al Mohler, President of the Southern Baptist Convention, children have become a consumer product. We pick and choose which child we want and which we do not want.

In China, this practice is focused on female babies, since law limits parents to only one child. Today, boys out-number girls, to such a significant degree, that sociologists and others are worried about a number of possibilities: a larger expansion of the international kidnapping of girls that is now a Chinese cottage industry, sex-trafficking, war or an increase in homosexuality.

One can only wonder where circumstances and human nature will take a society that abandons objective morality in favor of what appears to “work.”

Our shock at the doctor who aborted the wrong baby? Selective outrage!

There's Only Two Messages Being Proclaimed

2010-04-07T10:33:00.000-07:00

In the world of men there are only two messages being offered. One is from God, the other isn't! God's message emanates from The Bible: The Revelation of God to man. The other comes from seducing spirits and devils [I Tim. 4:1]

We like to believe in the neutrality of ideas and standards. One society adopts this standard, the other adopts a conflicting standard. But both standards seem to work for each. The reality is that every message is packaged in a philosophy; in a worldview; in a religious context. These messages offer hope and prosperity to those who embrace them.

Societies reflect the messages they embrace. It is a fact of life that what we believe drives how we live. Americans, in the 21st century, have come to believe in everything and in nothing. Post-modern relativism has given way to the frustration of nihilism: nothing is any better than anything else. Everything is equally good/right. Traditional structures aren't important. Objective moral values are not necessary.

The result is a socio-political, religious reality that offers no emotional/rational footholds, nor hand-holds from which to stabilize ourselves and launch onto solid ground. Our entire stystem is floating on the sea of subjectivism and the "now."

The Bible calls this "doctrines of devils" [I Tim. 4:1]. The context is spiritual understanding. But what's true in our spiritual orientation flows over into every other area of life. What you believe about God, sin, salvation and right living, affects every area of your life.

American Christians gave heed to the seducing spirits of religious liberalism in the early 20th century. We ignored the seductive humanistic philosophy that took over American Education, in the mid-twentieth century. We were conflicted about the seducing spirits of the sexual and feminist revolutions, in the 1960's and 1970's. And we never really saw the socialism that steadily crept into our political and economic life, over the last 30 years.

Christian doctrine, characterized in The Bible as "the faith," has always stood against the "doctrines of devils," and the "seducing spirits" of compromise. It has been The Church of Jesus Christ which provided the moral conscience and authority of this nation, protecting us from our own selfishness and moral decline.

But God told us that "in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils." the result will be Christians [so-called] who speak lies instead of truth. Lies even they don't believe nor follow. They will corrupt people without fear or recrimination, their conscience seared as with a hot iron.

When the story of America's decline is written, it will include The Church. Had she not departed from the faith. Had Christians not given heed to seducing spirits. Had the doctrines of devils not been brought into The Church, citizen-leaders would have been less likely to abandon Truth for a 'mess of pottage.'

Social Justice v. Christian Charity

2010-03-24T08:29:00.000-07:00

Glenn Beck stirred it up last week, encouraging Christians (or at least Church-goers) to check their church websites and/or other documents, to see if the words, "social justice" or "economic justice" appeared. If so, he said, leave your church!

At issue is Beck's belief that these terms are code words for the liberal, progressive, anti-American philosophy of forced social change and not charity.

Al Mohler, President of the Southern Baptist Convention, wrote to correct Beck for his rash statement, claiming it "lacked nuance, fair consideration and context." His thesis was: instead of exiting churches that favor social justice, we should exit any church which has abandoned The Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

My opinion is, except for church groups which are ignorant of the terminology and political implications of the phrase, social justice, the two are the same! It's the Liberal Churches, for the most part, that favor Social Justice. These are the same churches which have abandoned The Gospel in favor of a Social Gospel. One that focuses on man's earthly condition and not his eternal soul.

For those pushing for Social Justice, the phrase is but a euphemism for redistribution of wealth. Christian charity gives to relieve suffering. Social Justice seeks to balance society in terms of material things.

Look as long as you like and you will not find the word "social" in front of either "justice" or "gospel" anywhere in the Bible. If you find these phrases, anywhere, you will find they are perversions of the originals.

Religious Social Justice does not demonstrate the love, mercy or justice of God. Instead, it exalts political correctness, multiculturalism, progressive ideals and the advancement of an earthly kingdom instead of the work of Christ upon the Cross.

True Christians have no political agenda. Their purpose is to preach The Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, knowing that IT is the power of God unto salvation for all who believe. And in believing, people are transformed, spiritually and morally.

Enough transformed citizens and the society changes....for good.

Along the way, Christians in this country have an obligation to preserve, to the extent possible under law, our political heritage. This is because our political heritage is largely Christian! The Liberal, Socialist, Progressive philosophies are not about justice at all. They are about power and the elimination of Liberty.

We Are About To Be Deemed Irrelevant

2010-03-17T05:18:00.000-07:00

In the not-too-distant-past, in America, every child and every adult shared a common morality. They did not express it perfectly. They did not express it consistently. But we all knew what was right and what was wrong.

A stranger could correct your child for wrong behavior and you would appreciate it. Not only that, but the child would respond to it and change whatever they were doing. This behavior, on the part of the child, would be done with respect and politeness.

The moral standard we all shared, was biblical. It was the standard handed down through the Levitical Law and the Commandments of Jesus. It was taught in Public Schools and in Churches. It was taught in homes and in the public square. It was not oppressive, it was protective.

And it's gone! When it left, it took our American Heritage with it. All we're left with is the shell. We have a semblance of decency in our public face but behind that there is nothing of value to stand upon. Truth is whatever I want it to be. Character is whatever I think it to be. Every family, every community, every business has a different value-system. Words don't even mean what you think they mean.

And now, the U.S. House of Representatives is about to "Deem" the Health Care Bill to have passed, without ever voting to pass it!

Did you think you would live long enough to see the United States of America being sold down the river on this flimsy raft? Once Health Care becomes Law, it will grow and expand, until it becomes what Canada has and what Europe has: another nail in the coffin of individualism and personal responsibility.

So called Christians are telling us this is a 'moral imperative.' This from the same Bible that tells us, "if a any would not work, neither should he eat." [II Thess. 3:10] The context is a condemnation of disorderliness in living.

Take away mans' responsibility and he suffers in ways that can only destroy the society that sought to do him good. Once freed from the constraints of duty and responsibility, he is free to satiate his desires in more trivial pursuits. The end result being a man, a family, society must now take care of, completely.

The voices of reason, responsibility, independence and all things constructive, have been deemed irrelevant. In their place has come a new "Master," a new "Slave Owner." It's name: Self. The humanist's god. A most voracious task-master. One who's appetite is never satisfied.

What's Right About A Wrong Goal?

2010-03-10T08:36:00.000-08:00

Listen to the cat-fight that is Washington, today. Accusations and condemnations being hurled back and forth, across the aisle. Each political party claiming the High Road of honesty and integrity, all the while illustrating just the opposite.

Of course, it's not limited to Washington. We see and hear it in State Houses and City Halls all across the country. It's become so common that most of don't pay much attention to it anymore. We've come to expect elected officials to be corrupt or at least self-serving.

For Christians, however, the problem has become that we tend to support a policy, a person or a Party, when we ought to be supporting what's Right!

Take Health Care. What's right about the Federal Government taking over health care? The answer is: Nothing! So, why are we supporting one version of the Bill or another?

The Constitution does not support National Health Care. Our Founding Documents point us more toward individual responsibility. Any and all versions of a National Health Care Program threaten both our fiscal well being and the level of service we receive. Listen to the debate: To cut costs, services will be limited and providers will receive less.

Let me suggest something radical: Why don't we just do right?

"Right" is following the rules, being honest, listening to the people, creating a safe, productive environment within the bounds of decency and integrity.

"Right" is a government that protects it's citizens from foreign enemies, illegal immigration, unsafe products or practices and destructive inequities. This includes government intrusion into private affairs, unjust limitations on what citizens can do and say, confiscatory tax structures and "entitlement" programs.

Enthusiastic Christians are at risk of being co-opted and marginalized when they hitch their wagons to one political party or another; one political policy or another. The Bible calls this, zeal without knowledge.

Christians should be advocating for doing right, not for choosing one destructive idea over another. We are able, as a nation, to help those who are truly needy. We are NOT able to take care of everyone and doing so is morally and socially destructive.

No amount of lipstick is going to make this pig look good!

Only Two Cultures In The World

2010-03-04T09:29:00.000-08:00

A recent report indicated that our children spend 7 1/2 hours a day with digital media: cell phones, internet, gaming, TV, iPods, etc. They text, tweet, chat and blog. They talk on their phones, text and send pictures back and forth. And on the internet they not only use the video chat rooms, they have access to every sewer and cesspool in the world!

Once upon a time, parents "programed" their children with the family value system. They controlled what children saw, heard and did. They controlled what they ate and where they went. The end-product was an adult who understood, at least, even if he did not embrace the family value system.

Today, this model is seen as restrictive. We are not convinced a child can grow up balanced unless he or she is exposed to every evil, nasty, degrading and disgusting thing the world has to offer. We certainly don't want them shielded. What will happen to them when they are released into the world? They won't be prepared. The world will eat them alive!

Maybe. But consider this: is it better for a child to be desensitized to sin, or to be shielded from it so that when he encounters it, he is shocked?

Do we want our children to grow up accepting of evil or convinced they will either "get caught" or be damaged by contact with it?

I think we need to ask ourselves: "How's this new morality working out?" How's this new parenting program doing? Is it producing a better product? Every study says No! And even a casual look around would support those conclusions.

We have probably the smartest, most talented bunch of kids the world has ever seen. And, yet we can't educate them, we can't protect them and we can't give them hope. They seem hooked on sensual gratification, whether it's music, entertainment or drugs. The boys want to "party" until they're 35 years of age. Boys and girls want the fulfillment of a relationship without 'benefit of clergy.' And the girls still want babies (at some point), whether or not the fathers are around for the long haul.

Where is all this taking us? Certainly we are not improving, as a society. Our penchant for freedom and a non-judgmental social contract is driving us into distinction as a culture.

The reality is: There are only two cultures in the world: One is a godly culture the other isn't. And, even Christian parents are rejecting the godly one. Why? Because they don't want to be 'the bad guy.' Well, being the 'bad guy' is what parenting is about.

Will The Church Go Through The Tribulation?

2010-02-25T16:15:00.001-08:00

The answer to this question is either YES or NO, or MAYBE, depending on who you ask.

Beware the person who makes elaborate efforts at defining words or explaining grammar, to make his point. The answer is not that hard, nor is it that complicated.

The Church is a unique organism. It is called a "Mystery" because it was unknown until God revealed it to us, through Christ. It is the "wild olive branch" which is "grafted in," now that Israel has been "cut off" for a while. [Rom 11]

It is called the Body of Christ, as each member is baptized into it at the moment of salvation [I Cor. 12:13].

It is called The Bride of Christ [Eph. 5], with Jesus her Bridegroom.

And it is called a Temple: the temple of God on earth. [Eph. 2:21,22]

The Church is said to be 'saved from wrath' through justification [Rom. 5:9]
And...not appointed unto wrath [I Thess. 5:9]. The wrath which God has "revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men... [Rom. 1:18]

Jesus promised another 'comforter' Whom The Father would send, once He was gone. This Comforter would indwell believers (The Church) to convict the world of sin. [Jn. 16:8]

In simple terms: This 'Mystery' had a beginning, with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. It is now the 'holy nation' of God, which will be the focus of God's blessings until Israel is restored, when 'the times of the Gentiles be come in.' [Rom. 11:25,26] And thus all Israel shall be saved.

And it will have an ending:
Before Israel is saved
Before God's wrath is poured out on those who dwell upon the earth [Rev. 3]
When The Comforter is removed, revealing the Man of sin [II Thess. 2]
When Jesus 'descends from heaven' [I Thess 4]

There is no "Church Ministry" in the Great Tribulation.
The Gospel preached is not the same as that preached today.
During the Tribulation, God is not building His Church.
During the Tribulation, God is not dwelling upon the earth.
Tribulation wrath is for earth-dwellers: The nations & Israel.
Christians are not earth-dwellers [Col. 2:20; 3:1]

The doctrines which have to be corrupted to allow The Church to go through The Tribulation are many. The Doctrine of The Church, The Holy Spirit & Salvation are the main ones.

Paul wrote to the Thessalonians about the coming of Christ and told them not to worry. He said the coming of Christ is not something they should be concerned about. The "coming" in view, with 'times and seasons' is all about "them" not us. I Thess 5

It's all about your hermeneutic and whether or not you use a sound exegesis. Without this, you are able to make the scriptures say almost anything.

The Search For A Fountain Of Youth

2010-02-16T06:41:00.000-08:00

It is man's dream to live a longer life. Explorers searched for The Fountain of Youth. Diets and supplements abound, to provide for health and longer life. The medical profession seeks to extend life. Researchers search for causes and cures for old age, and yet, men still die.

We can hook people up to every machine known to man, desperately trying to keep people alive. But when their spirit leaves the body, all that effort is for nought. A dead body will begin to decay, even while machines breath for it and process the bodily functions.

Now an international team of scientists, based at Newcastle University, in North-East England, believe they have found the cause of old age and age-related illnesses. Their research involves a "system biology" approach, involving computer modeling and experiments with cell cultures and genetically modified mice.

Their conclusion: they now believe cells send out a specific internal signal, when serious damage is done to its DNA. This damage is done by the general wear and tear of life and the signals trigger the creation of oxidizing "free radical" molecules, which in turn tell the cell either to destroy itself or stop dividing.

The result is wrinkling of the skin, toughening of the texture, weaker function of muscles and organs, and all the other signs of old age. Apparently, it is the damaged DNA that causes cancers and the ability of the cells to quickly produce these corrective molecules, in a sufficient number, that makes the difference between those who get cancer and those who do not.

Isn't "Mother Nature" amazing? Just imagine how long it must have taken for these cells to mutate into this protective methodology! All this from an explosion of unknown particles, eons ago.

Or, it could be from an infinite, intelligent, purposeful Person, Who designed, built and sustains the known universe, along with all it's systems for purposes known only to Him.

This new research replaces the old research. You see scientists still don't really know why people and animals die, nor how to stop it. The Bible says it's because of sin [Gen. 2:17]. But the evolutionist considers the idea of God to be so repugnant he can't possibly accept this simple solution.

So...he continues his search for The Fountain of Youth! And each new discovery ends in disappointment or leads to a new possibility. Everywhere he looks points him right back to The Bible. It must be frustrating for him.

What Is It About Homosexuality?

2010-02-06T06:47:00.000-08:00

Homosexuality has emerged as the Issue of our Age.

Why are so many, so determined to legitimize and mainstream such a highly personal and intimate human behavior? The answer from those who advocate for acceptance of this lifestyle tell us it's about Human Rights. People are being persecuted for their sexual preferences.

Okay. Define "Persecution." Homosexuals have a higher average yearly income than heterosexuals [$55,430, vs. $32,144]. 59.6% of homosexuals are College graduates, compared with 18% of the general public. 49% hold professional / managerial positions, compared to 15.9% of the general population. [Statistical Abstract of the U.S. 1990]

The suicide rate for homosexuals is 50%. 73% of psychiatrists say homosexuals are less happy than the average person. But 70% of these same psychiatrists say that unhappiness is NOT due to social stigmatization. [Sexual Survey Number 4: Current Thinking on Homosexuality, Medical Aspects of Human Sexuality -- by H. Leif]

Homosexuals live shorter lives [by almost half], are more unhappy, are more unfulfilled, commit more suicides, and are more unhealthy [78% have STDs, account for more than 50% of all AIDs cases, and are infected with intestinal parasites (39 - 59%)].

In addition, they account for 33% of all reported child molestations in the United States -- And this from 2% of the population!

So, I ask: What's with the effort to protect homosexuality?

We can't disparage it. We can't condemn it. We can't discriminate against it. We can't protect our children from being indoctrinated to accept it [State Educ.]. And, if we think this is simply a social issue, consider the new Hate Crimes Legislation or the Bullying Laws being passed. You can go to jail for saying homosexuality is bad!

Is it bad? YES! Is it dangerous? YES! Is it socially destructive? YES! Do you want your 8 year old child introduced to it? NO! But you can't say this in public?

Does anyone stop to consider what's going on and where all this is leading?

A Deaf Ear & Blind Eye To Ba'al Worship

2010-01-06T13:08:00.000-08:00

The ancient worship of Ba'al [lit: Lord] was widespread throughout Mesopotamia, Phoenicia, Carthage, Philistia and Canaan. Also known as Marduk or Dagon, Ba'al was a generic name for an especially horrific form of pagan worship. One that required the sacrifice of infant children.

The Bible speaks of King Ahaz and King Manasseh offering their children to Ba'al/Moloch [2 Kings 16:3; 21:6]. The Bible speaks of making their sons "pass through the fire." History illuminates this practice.

Ba'al worshipers brought their infants to the priest. The priest would set the child on the outstretched arms of an image of their god. From here the child would be either rolled backward into the "chest" of the image, where a fire burned, or simply roasted over the flames of an open fire, below the arms.

Why? Well, as in all pagan religious thinking, the gods held the keys to a nation or a family's well-being. They were sacrificing their children for personal convenience. Either they could keep and nurture these innocent babies or they could have rain, or peace, or victory over their enemies. But, apparently, they could not have both.

In 1973, we're told, women won the right to have an abortion. Until then, they had been forced to bear children regardless of how they were conceived, or their own health -- they said.

But, the truth is more gruesome. Abortion was a right in this country BEFORE Roe v. Wade. What happened in 1973 was that women won the right to have an abortion, On Demand. For no reason other than they didn't want to carry the child full-term and have to rear it.

In less than a decade, abortion on demand, in the first trimester, became abortion on demand through the second trimester and, depending on the doctor, any time the woman demanded it. Of course it wasn't long before that meant partial-birth abortions.

You see, Americans want personal convenience too. Even if it costs the life of an unborn, helpless child.

But what can you expect of those who worship self? The humanist is all about doing whatever will make their life easier or more pleasant. Their "god" is the human potential. And unwanted babies just get in the way.

The real problem is the deafening silence of the visible church. Not the real Church, but the one which either supports this idea or takes the "high moral ground" of not judging.

For too many, this ancient Canaanite practice is somehow a woman's Right.

Healthcare & Progressive Morality

2009-12-26T06:34:00.000-08:00

The Liberals in Congress see opportunity in their newest National Health Care Initiative. Not for a healthier America! But for a more powerful Elite.

The Senate Bill is the best of the worst. The House Bill will have to be wed to it and this is not possible. So, House Democrats will have to go along to get along. And their moral system will allow them to do so.

But, in the process, these folks are willing for Seniors to pay so the more "disadvantaged" citizens can have health care.

Only Seniors are being required to pay with their lives! Medicare payments will be limited, according to age and viability. Of course, this will be in concert with your Doctor, who will be an employee of the State!

All this so those who are dying every day for lack of affordable health care may live. No effort has been made to correct the problems with Health Insurance. All that was discussed and voted on was how to give the Government control over your health care.

And, by their own measure, less than half of those now "uninsured" will benefit.

The Secular, Progressive, Humanist moral code drives a stake into the heart of who and what we are, as Americans. Personal Responsibility, Liberty, Integrity and the Condition of Mankind do not factor into their system. It's all about 'progress.'

So, where is all this 'progress' taking us? Right into bankruptcy and slavery.

The unborn are not worthy to live, if they interfere with our plans.
The elderly are not worthy to live a productive life, if it's too expensive.
The mentally ill are not worthy of a cure, only hopeless therapies.
The traditionalists are not worthy of a voice, being narrow and judgmental.
The patriotic are dangerous, keeping us from making global progress.
The middle class is a threat to good order, they must be eliminated.
The truly educated child is a threat, he must not be permitted to learn.
The biblically literate are confused, they actually believe The Bible.
Only those who rely on PBS and The Daily Kos really know the truth!

But consider: The Liberal Left represents less than 30% of the population! Their effort is to help the 20% who are supposedly not benefiting from the system. Of course, this is at the expense of the 80% who pay the bills.

We keep electing them because they pander to our selfish nature, promising all sorts of things no one is able to actually deliver. But that doesn't occur to us, since our memory is only about 60-days long and our corporate context is only about 8 years.

The fact that other civilizations have traveled this same, destructive, path doesn't occur to us. Western Civilization is a mystery to most Americans, 40 years of age and younger.

So, keep hoping. Maybe one day this insanity will actually work!

Our Love Affair With The Occult

2009-12-23T07:27:00.000-08:00

The visible church has a lot to answer for! Take it's love affair with the occult.

Occult: From the Latin word for hidden. Our traditional definition for occult practices includes any act of divination or spiritual practice which appears to tap into unseen forces, not available on a physical plane. This ability or knowledge is hidden from ordinary sight and must either be taught or developed through practice.

Occultic practices have been the unique domain of pagan worship....until recently. Today, however, they are mainstreamed in churches and homes throughout the world.

What was once the unique domain of strange fringe groups has found its way into almost every church group you can name. It's hard to find a church-group that doesn't embrace some form of occultic practice.

Think of the preacher who claims to be informed by God of someone's illness or personal plight. There is nothing in the Bible that identifies this sort of behavior. So, what's going on?

The preacher is either scamming his audience or he's channeling a demon!

Consider the common practice of "faith healing." The Faith-Healer says certain words or touches the afflicted in a certain way (Oral Roberts claimed the power was only in his right hand) and they are healed [by God].

It may be, according to them, God has given him or her the power, or it may be he or she has simply learned how to do this. Either way, it falls into the category of the occult.

Then there's the Deliverance from Demonic Possession. To accomplish this a person has to a) have the gift, and b) say certain words, in order to cast out the demon. This, too, fits the definition of occultic.

It's about secret knowledge and ability, being transmitted to one individual or another, who is then able to tap into forces beyond the physical, or beyond the ken of science.

Witchcraft is about the ability or knowledge of spells: saying certain words (incantations) and performing certain rituals (waving something, touching someone, etc.) in order to affect the desired result.

Pat Robertson wrote in his book, "Beyond Reason," that there are metaphysical powers in the universe that anyone can tap into, if they know the "Law of Miracles."

The entire Faith Movement rests upon the belief, according to Kenneth Copeland, that "faith is a force just like electricity or gravity," which obeys laws any Christian can use.

"Positive Confession" is Napoleon Hill's "Supreme Secret" which was given to him by demonic entities. He called it "The Magic Power of Belief." [Peace of Mind, pg 176]

These folks have re-defined biblical faith, re-interpreted spiritual gifts and re-structured Christianity to fit their own needs, desires and passions. They are growing wealthy as a result while the people they use are being deceived.

How do they succeed? The Spirit expressly says that in the latter days some shall depart from the faith giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils. [I Tim. 4:1]

This is what that looks like!

The Religion of Babel

2009-12-17T10:09:00.000-08:00

For those who know The Bible, the unmistakable hallmark is Redemption. The cornerstone of Redemption is Grace, while man's religion is all about works.

An argument is made that the Old Testament is also about works: The Mosaic Law, while the New Testament, alone, is about Grace, freely given.

But this is an argument from biblical ignorance! The Mosaic Law covered less than 1200 years of the 4000 years recorded in the Old Testament. And it existed to govern behavior, not redeem anyone. Those redeemed in the Old Testament were saved by grace, through faith, not of works, lest any man should boast. That's the point Paul makes in Galatians 3:6.

When unregenerate men set out to create a religious system, they draw on what they know. And the Bible specifically states that the "natural man" (the unsaved man) does not comprehend the things of the Spirit. In fact, they are foolishness to him (I Cor. 2:14)

Look at all the Christian and non-Christian cults. Every one of them are based on what their members do or don't do. Not one is based on Grace, through faith.

And most of them revolve around our earthly condition, with either annihilation or some sort of reincarnation, while the Christian cults offer a "heaven" of their own imagination.

All this is very human. So, to provide members with a spiritual experience, many have resorted to some form of mysticism. Consider the use of stained glass, for example. Or vaulted ceilings, incense, pipe organs, vestments, candles, statues, altars and, in the case of the Roman Catholic Church, a holy language (Latin).

Then look at the cross-polination. High liturgical groups dipping down into the spiritual vulgarities of the charismatic movement or the contemporary movement. The Emergent Churches reaching out to the sights, sounds and smells of the liturgical tradtions.

For what? To have a more meaningful feeling of worship!

Well, that was Nimrod's purpose, too, at the Tower of Babel. It was artificial then. It's artificial now.

Worship of God is a heart and spirit thing. It isn't found in the trappings, no matter what they are or how they make you feel.

The visible Church has a lot to answer for!!!

Embracing The Devil's Lie

2009-12-10T05:58:00.000-08:00

What does the visible Church have to answer for? This is the issue under discussion. And this is the 4th "charge" being brought against the visible church in America.

The true Bride of Christ is made up of only those who have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb; justified in the sight of God by grace, through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

This Church meets in a number of different places, under a number of different names. But, regardless of what it's called and where it meets, 85% of what it believes is the same.

Christian doctrine is not evolving over time. It is settled truth. What the apostles believed is what we should believe, today. It is "The Faith" once delivered (Jude v. 3). How else can we be of "one mind?"

The devil, too, has settled "truth." His philosophy and tactics remain consistent throughout the ages.

His sin was aspiring to godhood (Isa. 14;12,13). And his attack on righteous Adam was to encourage him in achieving the same: "you shall be as gods..." (Gen. 3:5)

That he achieved his goal in corrupting Adam and Eve has emboldened him to not only continue on this tack, but to continue preaching the same "gospel." As long as it works, why change? And what it does drives striaght to the heart of God's authority and uniqueness.

The 21st Century visible church has bought into this lie! Influential men and women teach that becoming a Christian means partaking in deity. They teach that believers, becoming what Jesus is: God, can simply speak words to achieve physical and spiritual reality.

As God spoke the heavens and the earth into existence, so too can the Christian. If you want wealth, "speak to the money and it will come" (Gloria Copeland)

The ramifications of this one lie are staggering! They claim the Bible teaches that Christians have power in their tongue over life and death. They believe cancer can be removed by simply speaking words of faith and power.

One day, every human being will stand before the Lord Jesus Christ in judgment. Believers at the bema, unbelievers at the Great White Throne. A judgment without appeal. And many who profess to be Christians will have a lot to answer for.

The Way of Cain

2009-12-01T07:45:00.000-08:00

In our consideration of what The Visible Church has to answer for, few of its failures are more destructive than the current contemporary, seeker-sensitive, emergent worship forms.

It is the sin of Cain: The stubborn refusal to worship God the way He prescribes.

This is not a comparison of the music I like vs. the music you like. Nor is it where you worship or what name you give your church. This is about honoring God.

Christians worship God. The unsaved (seekers) do not and cannot
Christians worship God in spirit. Indulging fleshly desire or sensual gratification is not worship of God. It is the worship of self.
Christians worship God in truth. It is God Who determines what worship is.

Contemporary worship-forms are drawn from the culture and from personal desire, not from anything biblical. Efforts to sanctify your idea of worship, from the scriptures, simply exposes your lack of biblical knowledge.

It is not God Who desires the worship of unsaved souls.
It is not God Who likes the sound of raucus or sensual music forms
It is not God Who encourages worshippers to give vent to emotional expressions that result in swooning or thrashing on the floor or "mosh-pits" at concerts.
It is not God Who equates the singing of songs with worship.
It is not God Who ignores the heart-attitude, illustrated by the disrespectful fashion choices of those who claim to be worshiping God in the beauty of holiness.

The list is long. But the point is the same: If God is the One being worshiped, it's His goals, standards and expectations that are important, not our's.

Try showing up in a court of law, dressed for Church. But don't be surprised at the scolding you get or the penalty imposed, simply because you demonstrated disrespect for the Court. The least you can expect is to be sent home to change.

Cain had no respect for God. He expressed his disrespect by choosing a worship form that pleased him.

That's the Way of Cain!

Consumer Alert!

2009-11-24T10:03:00.000-08:00

The visible Church in America rarely corresponds to The True Church of The Lord Jesus Christ! For those who are thinking this is an outrageous assertion, I challenge you to think about it, biblically.

How many churches require that members have a credible testimony of salvation?
How many have based their Doctrinal Stance on The Bible?
How many preach The Gospel of The Lord Jesus Christ, the way the Apostles did?
How many operate on the Free-Will offerings of God's people?
How many have leadership qualified by the standards recorded in Scripture?
How many preach/teach the doctrine described in the New Testament Epistles?

Using this measure, biblical churches are few and far between. Which brings me to the second of the Ten Things The Visible Church Has To Answer For: Opening the door to biblically offensive patterns and policies.

It is offensive to God:
That a group of non-believers could call themselves a Christian Church and have everyone else accept their claim.

To have women in spiritual leadership roles. Women have a vital spiritual role in The Church, but may not hold spiritual leadership offices: elder, bishop, pastor-teacher, deacon.

For those who represent Him to be be supportive of infancticide and/or sodomy.

For churches to draw on the Levitical Law in structuring their organization. Whether it is a priesthood, tithing, or simply imposing rules and regulations that define spirituality.

To sell things or offer gambling opportunities, including Lottery Tickets, in order to support the ministries of His Church. It is an indictment against God that implies He cannot or will not take care of His own.

To develop Seeker-Sensitive Programs and Polices. Such an approach assumes The Gospel is impotent.

To bring worldly musical forms and worldly, selfish worship forms into The Church. It's the same as inviting Allah to a Pig-Pickin' and expecting him to be pleased.

That pastors see themselves as anything other than servants of God and those the congregations they represent. Those who don't understand need to read I Peter 5:1-4 and consider that it is the congregation that "called" you. The one which "hires you" can also "fire you." And there's where the authority lies.

There are many more, but the point is made. If you take exception, let me know. Use the "comment" feature and make your point. But....bring your Bible not your opinion.

The Final Authority?

2009-11-18T09:36:00.000-08:00

When it comes to Christian belief, what constitutes The Final Authority? If you answer: The Bible, you would be out of step with mainstream Christian philosophy.

Mainstream Protestant Churches are characterized, today, as "Liberal." This is not a form of biblical belief. It is a competing belief system. This belief is rooted in feelings and social justice, not biblical principle.

For example: Liberal churches support women in pastoral roles, abortion as a woman's right to choose, homosexuality as the way God made them, socialist public policy and pacifism. Each of these are dealt with in Scripture which concludes the exact opposite of what Liberal religious philosophy teaches.

Evangelical Churches have begun sacrificing biblical authority in search of more people to fill their pews and bank accounts. The Seeker-Sensitive Movement, The Contemporary Church Movement, The Emergent Church Movement are all efforts to make people feel more comfortable and/or close to God.

The only real problem is that none of these ideas are supported by a Bible that clearly sees "Church" as made up The Redeemed of the Lord, not seekers. Corporate worship [which is spiritual not physical], prayer, instruction, training and mutual accountability are the Bible-ideas for what is called "church."

The Charismatic Church began with the desire for assurance of God's presence and power in their lives. The Arminian is never quite sure, since his salvation is the product of his "decision." A decision he could just as casually forsake, since he has Free Will.

Speaking in tongues fit their Bill. The only problem is that the gibberish they spout is not supported by a Bible which defines tongues as known languages, for evangelistic purposes. Not to mention that it occurs when and if the Holy Spirit chooses to express Himself through you, that way. It's not really a "Gift."

But it makes people feel close to God, at best, and superior to others, at it's worst. The subtext is "I'm speaking in tongues, which demonstrates God's power on my life, so you need to pay attention to what I'm saying and doing!"

The Word-Faith Movement is an extension of the Charismatic Idea. It is made up of charismatics who are not satisfied to wait on the Lord for a divine expression. They have further maligned the Bible by teaching that Christians are "gods." Their words, therefore, have creative power. Of course with every creative word spoken, the Bible is further maligned and minimized.

In their effort to get wealth they teach what's being called the Health-Wealth Gospel. This is nothing more than a Side Show gimmick or a Medicine Show. The world sees right through it. They see these folks as shysters and charlatans, or worse. The Church? The Church isn't so sure, not wanting to judge people. It makes one wonder which group has the greater spiritual understanding.

Now we're seeing new heresies and new expressions of so-called Christianity. Open Theology, Occultism, Mysticism and Eastern Religious techniques. A Church in the Raleigh area actually has a "Prayer Maze" on their property with a Shinto Gate. We are calling Eastern Meditation, biblical. And listening for God's "individual word" by which our life will be specifically guided, without reference to Scripture.

Generally, Christians seem confused about what's going on. On the one hand we want to maintain our biblical stance. But, on the other hand, these churches are growing while our's is shrinking and aging.

I would submit to you that this expression of Church has a lot to answer for!

The Church Has A Lot To Answer For

2009-11-11T06:25:00.000-08:00

There's a lot of talk about what this person or that political party has to answer for. We're talking "Judgment" here. And the judgment in view is that of God.

But what about the organized Church. The one that claims to be the "Ordained of God?" Is she going to escape retribution? Not on your life!

I'm not talking about those cult-like sub-groups. I'm talking about Mainstream "Church." The one that everyone can see and many people enjoy.

Let me spell it out for you. This is the Church that has:
Abandoned The Bible as the final authority in all things pertaining to faith and practice.

Opened the doors to a variety of biblically offensive patterns and policies

Normalized the sin of Cain, by creating all sorts of alternative "worship" forms.

Embraced Satan's Lie by teaching as fact that believers become "little gods."

Accepted The False Relgion of Babel, with it's mysticism and required religious behaviors.

Incorporated occultic practices such as exorcism or 'Deliverance' techniques, speaking in gibberish and calling it an angelic language: the language of God, channeling spirits of demons who communicate messages supposedly from God and clairvoyance in knowing the physical or financial condition of people they've never met.

Turned a deaf ear and blind eye to the Canaanite practice of offering their infant children to be sacrificed on the altar of a false god for wealth or pleasure. Abortion on demand, as a woman's "Right"

Making merchandise of mens' souls with a Health-Wealth Medicine Show, complete with hucksters and shills, peddling useless products at outrageous prices and calling it The Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Exalting biblical ignorance by calling it spirituality or the Spirit-filled life.

All the while marginalizing the clear truth of God's Word. A truth we do not want to hear because of its unyielding exaltation of God....over self.

Do you recognize YOUR church? In subsequent blogs I will attempt to flesh out what is meant by these statements, one statement at a time.

Know You Cannot

2009-11-03T18:48:00.000-08:00

A man once said, "A man's got to know his limitations!"

Those who are in control of our Federal and State Governments would do well to take his advice. Those who ascribe to the Liberal political philosophy amount to about 20% of the U.S. population, yet they have managed to take control of our education system, our media and more importantly our governmental policies.

They are convinced that, even though what they propose has never worked, it will work for them because they are sincere, their heart is in the right place and they are smarter than any generation to come before.

What they do not know is what they cannot do....

In 1916, a minister and outspoken advocate for liberty, William J. H. Boetcker, published a pamphlet he entitled: "The Ten Cannots"

You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.
You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.
You cannot help the poor man by destroying the rich.
You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred.
You cannot build character & courage by removing man's initiative and independence.
You cannot help small men by tearing down big men.
You cannot lift the wage earner by pulling down the wage payer.
You cannot keep out of trouble by spending more than your income.
You cannot establish security on borrowed money.
You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they are unwilling to do for themselves.

A Century later, too many Americans are utterly ignorant of these principles...to their peril.

Calvinistic Restraint Or Evangelical License?

2009-10-22T07:14:00.000-07:00

David Brooks writes a column for the New York Times. Apparently he has written, blaming Christians for America's economic woes -- at least in part. His argument is that our traditional "Calvinistic Restraint" was sacrificed in favor of social activism. The "Country's cultural monitors were busy with other things," he says.

Like what? Like arguing against homosexual unions, abortion-on-demand and the issues surrounding Church and State.

Chuck Colson takes issue with this observation, claiming Christians do not separate chastity from thrift. They understand man's basic nature and the purpose for which God created us. Therefore Christians, specifically the Evangelical Right, did not isolate these virtues and therefore contribute to our economic mess.

Oh? Evangelicals are thrifty? They are chaste? Moral examples? Has Colson read the newspaper or watched TV, lately. Does he not know any Evangelicals? Divorce? Sexual sins? Misuse of money? And these are just the preachers!

It wasn't 'Calvinistic Restraint' that brought "The Social Gospel," or "The Charismatic Movement," or "The Seeker Sensitive Movement," or "The Contemporary" or "Emergent Church Movements." All of which are the products of self-indulgence and theological ignorance.

These came from Christians who's favorite Bible verse is Matthew 7:1, not John 3:16. Their emphasis is on Free Will, not God's Sovereignty.

I think Brooks is right and Colson has been living a sheltered life!

It's Just Not Fair!

2009-10-14T10:41:00.000-07:00

I had to spend some time at the DMV, recently. I have found arriving 30 minutes before it opens to be the best use of my time. I stood by the front door, reading and watching the social dynamic of those who were there and others who were arriving.

I tried to encourage a few who were standing on the opposite side of the door from where the majority of us were, to come over to our side and preserve their place in the pecking order. They were not interested.

Later another man tried the same thing only to be insulted and berated by a woman who thought it was none of his business where she stood.

When the door opened one of the men who was standing on the other side of the door, and arrived AFTER me, managed to get in front of me as we entered. I politely excused myself and moved in front of him.

I was Number 3. I got my ticket and sat down to wait. It was then I noticed my ticket number was 4. Someone ahead of me had taken two tickets.

I watched. And ticket number 3 was a young woman who arrived at the last minute and stood on the other side of the door talking to one of the young men who were ahead of me.

Aha! Someone cheated! A distinct violation of the Social Contract.

What does this say about the human heart? More importantly, what does it say about our society? There was a time when people didn't do such things. I was in line first!

The Bible teaches us that God has revealed Himself to every human heart (Rom. 1:20). That revelation brings with it the idea of fairness. Young children understand when things are not fair, without ever being taught.

I've watched children waiting for School Buses set their lunch box or back pack down in front of where the Bus will stop and then go play. When the Bus arrives they run back to their "spot," preserving their place in line.

In classrooms, children will choose a seat and then go hang up their coat. Coming back to find someone in their seat they will protest: "But I was here first!"

It's the nature of human beings to be aware of what's fair....and what's not! And what I experienced was NOT.

I confronted the young man with his "sin." It turned out he was from a different country. Perhaps he just didn't know the rules. His smile indicated something else. He didn't care! The Bible says he is "without excuse."

Just another indication of selfishness and personal pride. It's also an indication of how our society is being coarsened as the days grow short before the coming of Christ.

A Bright Spot In An Ever Darkening World

2009-09-24T20:18:00.000-07:00

William Graham Tullian Tchividjian was elected to follow Dr. D. James Kennedy as Pastor of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale, Flordia, about 6 months ago. He was then the pastor of the 500-member New City Church. Presumably, those folks came over to Coral Ridge.

Pastor Tchividjian is 37 years old, prefers contemporary music to organ music, dropped the weekly TV program and doesn't give altar calls.

But his real crime seems to be that he doesn't believe political action is the way to change the country.

Dr. Kennedy's daughter, Jennifer, was banned from Church property, along with 5 other members, back in August for distributing flyers critical of the new pastor.

About 400 members signed a petition requesting a Special Business Meeting to decide whether or not to keep him or fire him. That meeting was held on Sunday morning, September 20, 2009.

Critics faulted him for not maintaining the Kennedy legacy and for altering traditions. Supporters noted that Church membership was increasing and congregation should stay united.

How would you have voted? I suppose if you preferred organ music to trap-sets, you might have tended to vote for firing him. And, if you were convinced The Church is ordained to bring in the Millennium, you might have been tempted to vote against him.

But, what if you really believed The Bible? What if you saw "Church" as something distinct from politics? What if you saw "Church" as a uniquely Christian thing, not structured for, nor oriented toward unbelievers? You'd probably vote to keep him.

This congregation voted to keep him, by a ratio of 2 to 1.

It's a bright spot in an otherwise dark world. Too many churches, today, have abandoned their biblical heritage for Seeker Sensitive, Contemporary, Marketing plans. They make no apologies for trying to attract as many unsaved people as possible. To do so they have brought in as much of the world as possible, to make unsaved people feel comfortable.

I would suggest this philosophy will destroy "Church" as we know it. If that hasn't already happened. Theirs is a wonderful plan. The only problem is: There is No Bible to support it.

The Golden Rule In Our Political Rhetoric

2009-09-23T11:47:00.000-07:00

A local newspaper editor emailed to ask: Why do you think the current political discourse has gotten so coarse lately? She's doing an article and wanted my perspective.

I answered: The short answer is that people are coarse by nature. But, the larger issue is our political history and the immensity of what's at risk, today.

Politics in America has been strewn with really awful rhetoric, personal attacks and in some cases even physical attacks. I guess we think politicians are "Fair Game," since they put themselves "out there."

Adding to that tradition, I believe what we're seeing and hearing, today, is the clash of worldviews. We heard it for years, when the conservative (so-called) agenda was being supported -- now it's the "other guy's" turn.

What's ramping it all up is a combination of altering over 200 years of American tradition and law, and then telling critics they don't matter, or worse. [Pelosi's "Nazi" comment and Carter's "Racist" comment are but two illustrations]

Over the last 50 or so years, in America, our leadership has steadily moved us away from our moral roots onto the slippery slope of humanism, which is to say a relative morality. The result is a population that no longer pays any attention to what's right or good, in an absolute sense. Everything is now relative! And our public discourse reflects that.

For example, to support abortion, the U.S. Supreme Court found a "Right" in the Constitution that isn't there and over 45 million babies have been legally killed, since 1973. Science has since found that the fertilized egg in a woman is not part of her body, at all. Once fertilized it becomes something distinct from it's parts. Apparently we were too quick to legalize this awful thing. And, some of the same people who are critical of Obama and the Liberal Left, were not happy with that decision, either. They see this as more of the same.

To support National Health Care, the President and Congress are finding more "Rights" that aren't there....arguing that it's compassionate. Americans aren't buying it, for the obvious reasons -- cost and principle.

A minority of politicians are pushing through a massive spending bill, on top of the already massive spending this government sees as necessary. Locally, the same is true. In a down-economy, our State and local governments have actually increased our costs through fees and taxes on essential items.

In our Church, we cut our 2009 budget by 15%, in anticipation of a difficult financial year, and have seen NO reduction in spending -- everything went UP. This is unconscionable. And it upsets people.

Add to that the arrogance of Democrats, at Town Hall Meetings, and you get an over-reaction.

Golden Rule? When our leadership operates by this standard, the population will follow. It's a Truism that the leadership sets the tone. And they are constantly showing us how they expect to be treated.

There are Two Americas: One that wants us to be like Europe: Social Democrats, the other wants us to be what we've always been: a Capitalistic Republic. The minority is winning this debate and it upsets the majority who will be left to pay for it.

Underlying all this is Religion. America was founded on biblical principles of government, economics and social standards. Pulling us away from that to the Religion of Humanism is going to create serious reaction, even from people who aren't particularly religious.

It's our Tradition. It has sustained us and made us great. The French Revolution was an exercise in Humanism -- and it was barbaric. The American Revolution was an exercise of Contract Law, supported by biblical standards. Great Britain had reneged on her agreement. And the Colonists had spent 10 years trying to get Great Britain to honor her contracts before issuing their Declaration of Indepence. There are many parallels in our current turmoil.

I expect this coarseness to continue. There are few social controls left. You hear it in the preachers who rail against politicians in less than kind ways and with monstrous comparisons. Men who should know better, but are frightened at what they see.

I also expect to live long enough to see America a Humanistic, Socialistic society. We're already there, in the areas that count. It's just a matter of legitimizing it in law and practice. In the end: You get what you reward.

We've been rewarding indolence and greed; self gratification and individual morality. Those are the "chickens" that have come home to roost. It has been fascinating to listen to men who make no pretense at religious conviction spout Bible verses and principles in defense of our liberties in the public square. All the while living opposite that rhetoric in their private lives.

They don't see the disconnect; the hypocrisy. And that's America in the 21st century.

Children of The State

2009-09-21T08:13:00.000-07:00

Amanda Kurowski is a ten year old girl who is being Home-Schooled by her mother. She is excelling academically, is socially active through extra-curricular activities and the public-school courses she takes to suppliment her education.

But Amanda's parents are divorced and her father is not satisfied. He doesn't believe Amanda is getting a well-rounded education. At odds: The "rigid Christian faith" Amanda is being subjected to.

So, off to court they went....in New Hampshire.

The Court found that "it would be remarkable if a 10-year-old child who spends her school time with her mother and the vast majority of all her other time with her mother would seriously consider adopting any other religious point of view."

So...Amanda is required to enroll in a "Public School."

There, she will be exposed to other children and other worldviews. This exposure will make her a better person and a better citizen. Or will it?

You know how this works. Being sheltered from drugs, profanity, nudity, rebellious attitudes, homosexual activism, sex-education, subjective moral standards, dubious science, racy literature, humanistic philosophies, and a curriculum that can't produce High School graduates who are functionally literate will stunt Amanda's development as a person.

If you believe that, you'll believe 50 million Americans are being denied access to medical care.

The Courts in New Hampshire are now mandating what religious beliefs a child can be exposed to....or which ONE they can't! Who do they think they are? Children do not belong to the State! Or do they?

Defining Heresy Down

2009-09-01T00:11:00.000-07:00

In the minds of men, Christianity is divided between Liberal, Conservative, Progressive, Evangelical, Charismatic, Contemporary, Fundamental, Emerging or Emergent and Seekers. In the mind of God, as it is revealed in Scripture, there are only Believers & Nonbelievers. Believers believe what God has revealed. Unbelievers don't!

By the time we are in 4th grade we should understand how True/False questions work: if any part of the statement is False, the whole statement is FALSE! In chemistry, if you can't make it work, you're missing a step, using the wrong materials or processes, reversing the order or doing something that won't work no matter how you do it.

And, in language, the same is true. There are rules of grammar and interpretation. You are not going to make a sentence say what you want unless you break one or more of those rules.

But, in religious matters, it seems everything is subjective! What I believe is what's true (for me) and no one can convince me otherwise. Nor should they try.

Once upon a time trained, experienced men proclaimed the message of salvation in clear, definitive terms. They said people were naturally sinners, alienated from the Life of God. They said nothing a sinner did or could do would be sufficient to change that condition. They said the only hope anyone had was in what Jesus did. That this God-man took our sin upon Himself, willingly offering Himself as a blood sacrifice for sin, was slain, buried and on the 3rd day was raised from the dead by The Father, in Heaven, to a New Life.

They declared, by the authority of The Father, that unless the sinner repented of his sin, committed his heart and life to God, in Christ, and gave evidence of that commitment, he would die in his sin.

Today, it's all different. Now the message is, "Make Jesus your friend and invite Him to join you in whatever life you choose to live." Worship Him anyway that suits you. And call yourself a Christian because....well, because you think you are.

By any biblical measure, this is Heresy! Former generations understood that. Even unsaved people understood that. So, why is it this generation doesn't?

The simple answer is: Most of those who present themselves as Christians, aren't! They are still in their sin. They are still cut off from God. They still don't understand spiritual things. Just look at how they live. Their lifestyle is one of insubordination. They don't understand The Gospel. They have no desire to please God, on His terms. They don't want to hear "negative" sermons. And they don't want anyone telling them they're wrong.

This is not just different, it's heresy! Blasphemy! An attack upon what Christians hold dear. An attack upon God and all He represents.

But, then, that's the old definition of heresy.

Biting The Hand That Feeds You

2009-08-18T03:49:00.000-07:00

An atheist caller to the Sunday Night Bible Forum (www.thebibleforum.net) is insistent that the United States is not, nor has ever been, a Christian Nation.

I have tried to communicate with him, but he simply wants to rant, which is what people do when they have no objective standard of morality. Nothing, nowhere, and in no way exists which makes this claim. The best we can say is that the Founding Fathers were rooted in classical literature and biblical understanding, basing their efforts on biblical principles.

The caller's point is that the Treaty of Tripoli proves the Founding Fathers were NOT seeking this goal as evidenced by John Adams' signing a Treaty which declares that the "Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion;...."

The fact that knowledgeable people don't make this claim doesn't seem to penetrate his thinking. And he says he's a "teacher." It's the Red Herring atheists enjoy dragging across the path, to distract the discussion and prove their point.

The President who signed this Treaty also wrote things like: "The general principles upon which the Fathers achieved independence were the general principles of Christianity..." [Written to Abigail on the day the Declaration was approved by Congress -- 1776]

The Facts of this Treaty are:
1. The United States wanted to stop the piracy of their ships by the Barbary Nations -- we did not have the Navy to fight a war against these people. [Interesting how Muslims are still pirating ships at sea]
2. The Barbary Nations were Muslim -- used to defending their religion against all comers [Jihad]
3. The Treaty was written by the Barbary Nations -- in Arabic
4. A 1931 Commission by the U.S. concluded that the English version was a "poor attempt to paraphrase or summarize the wishes of the Arabic States.
5. The Document is unique [how many early documents disavow our Christian Heritage?]
6. The language is imprecise, allowing Congress and the President to freely sign it [America was NOT founded on "The Christian Religion." but on Christian principles]

That there are people, today, willing to abandon the very principles that allows them to be critical of our heritage and enjoy the benefits of Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of happiness without reprisal, is a testimony to the generosity of Christian beliefs. No Secularist, Humanist, Progressive government would ever allow such a thing! Just look at what Congress and our President are doing, right now, in seeking to vilify and limit the free dissent of citizens against their positions!

A Living Hell

2009-08-11T08:42:00.000-07:00

An email from a Moslem listener asks: Name a place if you can where Christianity has not left in it's wake a "living hell" for those who came in contact with it.

He is upset that I would characterize Islam as a religion that allows for violence in the defense of the faith as opposed to Christianity which advocates forgiveness, tolerance and turning the other cheek.

In answer to his challenge, I would name The United States of America. The "American Experiment" was decidedly Christian in it's underlying values. In harmony with this, we have allowed all sorts of religious beliefs to be established and flourish, unmolested. Some of these beliefs have run counter to what we stand for, but at no time were the adherents limited, much less persecuted.

Today, in Egypt the Coptic Church is under attack from Moslems. There is shooting in the streets and in their churches, buildings are being ransacked and burned, people are being persecuted for their beliefs.

In Turkey, the Sudan, Saudi Arabia, The Gaza Strip, Iran and Indonesia, Christianity is an outlaw religion. Non Moslems are finding themselves in a "living hell" simply because of what they believe. Not what they're doing. What they think.

The Founder of Christianity suffered at the hands of religious bigotry. He ultimately gave His life for those who would follow Him.

The Founder of Islam slaughtered those who would not convert to his new religion. And built into his system the concept of jihad: the overt, aggressive defense of the faith, up to and including murder.

Christians are responsible for hospitals, orphanages, schools, the Y.M.C.A. and later the Y.W.C.A., along with individual rights for citizens, the exaltation of women and protection for children.

In Great Britain, the Minister of Parliament who labored for 20 years to abolish slavery, was a committed Christian, acting on his beliefs that all men are created equal.

In America, the Abolitionist Movement was started by and undergirded by Christians.

Christians live according to conscience and faith.
Moslems live according to law and the threat of flogging, mutilation and death.

Christians serve their Heavenly Father. A Father Who loves His children.
Islam serves a Master who's will is not always known but must be accepted.

The Christian is charged with loving God with all their heart, soul, mind and strength. And to love others as they would themselves.

The Christian is commissioned to preach the Gospel to all nations. He is not taught, nor required to force anyone to accept his offer.

And when the Christian is attacked, he is not taught to retaliate in kind. When insulted he is to "turn the other cheek." When persecuted he is not to persecute in response. And if your neighbor sins against you, forgive him.

Where in the Koran, do you find similar teachings?

It is argued that under Mosaic Law an eye is required for an eye. This is a legal prescription for settling disputes in Israel. It is not a universal principle. It did not apply to Gentiles. And Jesus changed that, in the Sermon on The Mount, teaching that the righteous demands of God required something more noble: love your enemies, do good to them that despitefully use you.

This is a "Living Hell" I can live with!

A Classic Mass Murderer? Or A Commentary On Society?

2009-08-06T16:40:00.000-07:00

George Sodini, a systems analyst from Pittsburgh, walked into the LA Fitness gym, in Collier Pa, firing as many as 30 rounds from two handguns, killing 3 women before turning a gun on himself. He called it his "Exit Plan" and had plotted this event for months.

The question is "Why?" The answer is the all-too frequent: lonely, isolated, angry man who felt unloved and ignored. He calculated that 30 million women had ignored him over a 25 to 30 year period. "Girls and women don't even give me a second look ANYWHERE." "Proof that I am a total malfunction." A man who felt neglected and unwanted, who sought attention through killing.

He wrote: "A man needs a woman for confidence. He gets a boost on the job, career, with other men, and everywhere else when he knows inside he has someone to spend the night with and who is also a friend. This type of life I see is a closed world with me specifically and totally excluded."

His victims were described as "young girls...that look so beautiful as to not be human, very edible." And so he walked into an aerobics class, turned off the light and started shooting.

The psychological community is quick to identify George's symptoms as that of a classic mass murderer. But not so quick to accept responsibility for him.

What is it about our society that people are so needy, so sexually oriented and so isolated? Is it in the water? The genes? Or is it a sense of entitlement? George felt his childhood was abusive. His blog spends a lot of time talking about how he was mistreated as a child. And how he went through life feeling no one cared for him, loved him or nurtured him.

And so he isolated himself, nurturing this loneliness and loathing, justifying what is clearly disturbing behavior. His perceived rejection justifying his actions.

Oh, he also hated God and religion. His "Exit Plan" included the ultimate effort to not simply take control of his circumstance, but to judge those he perceived to be his tormentors: young women. There had been one in a nondenominational church who had spurned his attention, apparently.

Is George Sordini an exception? An anomoly? Or is he the norm? No one is likely to know for sure. But if we just look around, it doesn't take much to see that most people are just like George. Self-centered. Feeling alone. Wanting to 'belong.' And pursuing sexual intimacy as the cure.

We don't all kill people. But we do serve self. And a self-serving attitude is not simply contrary to godliness, it's socially and spiritually destructive.

George Sordini is probably more of a prototype than an aberration. And, if so, we will see more and more of this sort of behavior. I wonder if anyone will see the connection between our secular, psychological philosophy of life and these events. Or will we continue to be shocked that so many are acting out their pain and despair in such dramatic ways, labeling them "classic mass murderers" and going back to sleep?

How Do You Define Racism?

2009-07-30T08:26:00.000-07:00

We watched and listened, last week, to pundits and pols, as they wiggled and squirmed around the issue of racism. Sparked by the Professor Gates issue and our President's response. The question is, however, what constitutes racism?

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, racism is: a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race. But how can that be possible when all human beings are of the same "Race?"

Ah, here's the problem: we have re-defined the word racism to suit our circumstance and perhaps to exaggerate something which is completely normal. People groups DO exhibit unique traits and characteristics. But, maybe we're really looking at something else and simply calling it racism.

What about bigotry? Merriam-Webster defines a bigot as: a person obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices; especially: one who regards or treats the members of a group (as a racial or ethnic group) with hatred and intolerance.

So, what's the difference? Well, one is a political "club" used to beat people over the head for fun or profit. The other is immoral. But we can't talk about morality because everyone's morality is different. What's right for you may not be right for me, according to the post-modern, secularist.

So, we're stuck with "racism." This idea is more social than moral and we can drag it out whenever we need it in order to defend poor behavior or attack our enemies.

Professor Gates exhibited bigotry. He assumed that because the men at his door were police officers that they were simply out to give him a hard time or intimidate him because he was black. Isn't that what all police officers do?

The fact that he and another man used their shoulder to break down a door, in order to gain access, then showed a Harvard University ID, which did not have the address of that house on it was not apparently a suspicious enough event, in the mind of this PhD. When the officer wanted more information and to come inside, to make sure everything was as it was being presented, Professor Gates shouted "Racist!" He also began insulting the officer and making a ruckus on the lawn, constituting a Public Disturbance [as opposed to a disturbance in his own home].

That should have worked. It usually does. Al Sharpton thought it was sufficient. Even the president of the United States weighed in on Professor Gates' side.

But, alas, the facts were on the officer's side. What a surprise! You mean not all men and women in blue are bigoted? You mean we can no longer paint them all with the same brush?

What, then, are we to do when the police catch us in suspicious circumstances?

We could try cooperating, like ordinary citizens instead of expressing a bigoted attitude. That would be the Christian thing to do. And, if you're not a Christian, it would be the polite thing to do.

We may even start getting along.

Hate Speech

2009-06-12T14:45:00.000-07:00

Jim Wallis is CEO of Sojourners, a "Progressive Evangelical" organization with the purpose of articulating "the biblical call to social justice, inspiring hope and building a movement to transform individuals, communities, the church, and the world." [http://www.sojo.net]

Jim Wallis believes it was "hate speech" that contributed to the recent murder of Dr. Tiller, in Kansas, and the Security Guard at the Holocaust Museum in Washington D.C.

He suggests Christians "shun" those who "propagate the hate speech that provides the framework of justification for these heinous acts. It is time to publically (sic) walk away from those who are committing these kinds of social sins and encourage others to do the same."

What he's talking about are those Christians, and others, who say abortion is murder. You see it's this kind of narrow, judgmental opinion that feeds the hate we see expressed in these murders and elsewhere...Wallis says.

Jim Wallis is an ordained minister of the Gospel. He is President Obama's spiritual advisor. He is invited to speak in Churches and at religious meetings and Christian colleges and seminaries. Jim Wallis is the darling of the political Left.

Jim Wallis is also an admitted Socialist and Communist. He was part of the radical Students for a Democratic Society, in the 1960's. He preaches that Christians should drop the typical conservative issues of abortion and same-sex marriage, and embrace poverty, AIDS and global warming.

The evangelicalism Jim Wallis envisions is indistinguishable from the secular Left. And he actively challenges Christians of all traditions to transform the culture through social activism and progressive policy. Jim Wallis does not understand The Word of God!

Problem? The Bible challenges Christians to transform the culture by means of the Gospel, not conform to it. We are not to embrace it. We are not to bring it into our churches, let alone our homes.

Who's winning? Look around. On the immediate side, the Jim Wallis' of this world are gaining in popularity and power. Dominion Theology, Kingdom Now Theology, popular Evangelicalsim, Replacement Theology, the Contemporary Christian Movement and a host of lessor philosophies are pushing The Church toward capturing the culture for Christ.

Problem? The Bible says, very clearly, that sin will reign on earth until Jesus comes. His coming is as The King of Kings! No political or social construct can or will succeed until Jesus destroys the current structure and establishes His Kingdom on earth.

Until then, those of us who actually believe The Bible will come under increasing pressure to keep quiet, get in line and stop preaching an exclusive Gospel message.

Will you sign up for this?

God vs. ObamaCare

2009-06-10T06:45:00.000-07:00

Christians often have a hard time separating politics and faith. The dividing line is not always clear. But, when you consider that the Bible reveals the mind of God on the important issues of life, you can come to certain conclusions.

For example: The Bible favors personal responsibility over government largesse.

We are being told we need Socialized Healthcare because, according to the U.S. Census, 40 million Americans are not covered by insurance and the costs are out of control.

The truth is, according to the CBO, only 23.7 million Americans are not covered. 14 million are eligible for Government programs and 10 million earn over $75,000 a year. That's about 7% of the population. Hardly enough to warrant a major re-structuring.

In 1960, Americans spent 53% of their money on housing, energy, food and healthcare. In 2008, Americans spent 55% of their money on the same items. But we increased our spending on Recreation.

Two-thirds of the cost of healthcare in America comes from new medical technology and innovation. This has resulted, for example, in a survival rate from heart attack to jump from 60% in 1980 to 90% today. And our survivability from a stroke is 3 times better. New things cost money.

In America, sick people cannot be turned away from public hospitals. Indigenous poor and illegal aliens make up a large percentage of FREE healthcare.

In a 5-Continent Study, more American women were likely to have regular mammograms. ALL American women! Not just those with insurance.

In America, 5% of the population represent 50% of all healthcare dollars spent.

The conclusion is not that we have a healthcare crises, but that we have a crises in selfishness. And we want someone else -- anyone else -- to pay what we owe, so we can have more money for Flat Screens, ipods, blackberries, and jewelry.

This is not a political problem, but a moral problem.

Are We Taking Stupid Pills?

2009-06-05T08:19:00.000-07:00

This week it was reported that four teen aged boys sexually abused one of their team mates, in the locker room, with a broom handle and a hockey stick. They did it repeatedly and they will be charged as Adults.

This is horrendous, but it is NOT news. Things like this occur every month in America. Children are used and abused by all sorts of people. Often it is by adults who are charged with protecting them. Not infrequently it is by sexually-charged perverts.

We are shocked when a child is abducted for sex or raped or otherwise sexually abused. But we laugh at the so-called comedy of TV shows which feature sexuallized situations and pay big money to see what used to be called pornography, in Movies and Stage Shows.

We pass laws to protect citizen's from this abuse. But we also pass laws to allow the protection of those who peddle it in Magazines, Books, Songs and Commercials. We protect the right to Free Speech, which now includes pornography, nudity and debauchery. And we market sexual fashions to children as young as 5 years of age.

We have come to accept that young children need to be exposed to sex in the classroom, even homosexuality in Kindergarten [Calif. School District just voted to do this].

If we really wanted to protect children (and others) from Pedaphiles and other abusers we'd get sexual content out of their world. We'd stop the Viagra and Sexual Lubricants Commercials. We'd stop legitimizing selfish, sexual lifestyles. We'd stop mainstreaming aberrant sexual behaviors.

We all know that if you don't want to get burned, you simply stay away from the fire.

It seems the sex-merchants have won. Under the guise of Free Speech, they make commercials that sell their wares and make themselves huge profits. Then use that money and power to convince us that video images don't cause behaviors.

And otherwise reasonable people believe it! Law makers and judges support it! Teachers' unions and medical professionals accept it! Does anyone have the courage to stand up and say this is wrong? For the childrens' sake?

Either stop being outraged at sexual atrocities, or stop programming the society to accept every form of sexual behavior, known to man. We can't have it both ways!

Where We're Going? Or Where We Are?

2009-05-29T07:39:00.000-07:00

I read, recently, of a Church where the pastor and probably all of the 30 or 40 Staff Members have no Bible College or Seminary training. Where the leadership is learning as they go and where The Bible is viewed more as theory than settled truth.

Individuals are challenged to figure out for themselves what it means. Their worship is not focused on the sovereign, holy majesty of the ineffable God Who rules over the affairs of men, but rather the needs, attitudes and interests of those who attend.

It's man-centered and contemporary.
It's laid-back and "real."
It's populated by seekers, observers and hangers-on.

And the conservative messages presented are not propositional. They do not propose a response from the hearer. Rather they are offered as information, personal testimony and suggestions for serious thought. Folks are left to decide for themselves what these words mean "To Them."

The music is loud and emotionally intense. The environment more like a Night Club or Concert Hall than a Cathedral. And no one cares how anyone dresses or what they might believe.

Oh, and they have 5000 people gathering every Sunday to experience this form of church.

It's a sham and a hoax. But it satisfies the human heart's desire for worship. It's just not the Bible idea of Church. It's an expression of will-worship. And at least one person who attends regularly has said that should the pastor leave, the whole thing would collapse.

Of course, this is not the story of all churches. There are still groups of Christians who gather in the name of Jesus to humble themselves before God and worship in spirit [with their spirit, not with sensual expressions] and in truth [the way God prescribes, rather than their own ideas].

What of them? They are generally smaller, and getting even smaller, and they're membership is aging. The Youth-Culture is not interested in Bible Doctrine nor in submission to God. Maybe because their heart is far from Him.

I say that, not judgmentally, but because these free-wheeling, contemporary mega-churches are not known for preaching The Gospel of Repentance from sin and Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. And because the human heart, in it's natural condition, cannot understand spiritual things [I Cor. 2:14], nor are they interested [Rom. 3:11-12]

It's Starting To Make Sense

2009-05-27T07:58:00.000-07:00

I learned a new word this week: panentheism. I may have seen it before and just thought it was misspelled. You see pantheism is the philosophy/ belief that God is all (or everything). Native religions tend to be pantheistic.

But panentheism is the belief that God is IN everything. The importance of this word is found in the Battle for Truth. You see, this pagan concept may be in your Church. It may also be that you espouse it, in your spiritual walk.

It is NOT a Bible idea. But it certainly explains why certain changes and doctrines are not only popular, but fiercely defended.

Panentheism says that nothing is so secular (absent of God) that it cannot be made sacred. Why? Because God is IN everything. He is in ungodly musical forms if we just add God-words. He is in unholy behaviors or environments if we simply sanctify them by our own motivations.

And He is in the worldly, secular, human worship forms, sanctified by he word "church" or "worship."

The list is not endless, for true believers. We have limits. But for others, it is.

Occultist and prophetess, Alice Bailey, writes: "The Christian Church in its many branches can serve as a St. John the Baptist, as a voice crying in the wilderness, and as a nucleus through which world illumination may be accomplished."

The blending of occultic ideas and methods with Chritianity (which has been part of mainstream church for 40 years) will provide the vehicle for spreading and instilling New Age consciousness.

Churches will still have Christian trappings, use the same vocabulary, but asked specific questions about traditional Christian doctrine, New Age answers would be given.

The Word-Faith Movement, Seeker-Sensitive Movement, Contemporary Worship Movement and the Emerging / Emergent Church Movements are the major players. But Christendom, at large, has been captured by this philosophy.

It satisfies the human heart that wants God, but on it's own terms.

Law & Grace

2009-05-22T07:03:00.000-07:00

Periodically, on the Bible Forum, we get calls and/or comments regarding the Christian's responsibility to obey The Law. Some insist we follow Law, others can't see how the Ten Commandments become unimportant just because we're Christians, while others want us to follow The Torah.

The issue is one of Law v. Grace. A subject clearly discussed and settled in the New Testament. As early as Acts 15, the young Church took up the issue: do Gentiles have to come under The Mosaic Law in order to be saved? The clear and resounding answer was NO!

They made the point that even Jews had been unable to keep the law and that under no circumstance was law going to make anyone righteous. Therefore, why bind Gentiles to something even Jews couldn't do?

Later, Paul made it clear that Christians live by a new law (governing principle): the law of the Spirit of life, which made us free from the law of sin and death. (Rom. 8:2-3) Because Jesus Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth. (Rom. 10:4)

Salvation is NOT by The Law! But, what about the moral requirements? Can we simply ignore the Ten Commandments?

The answer is No. But what are the Ten Commandments? Jesus said the greatest commandment was to love God with all our heart -- this sums up the first 5 commandments. And that the second is like unto the first: to love others above ourselves -- this sums up the second 5 commandments.

Beyond that are a myriad of New Testament standards, Christians are to live by. None of which makes us righteous. Jesus simply said that if you love Me, you'd do the things He commanded.

The Law was given to Moses, to guide a rebellious and unregenerate people. When Jesus lived according to that Law, He fulfilled it's moral requirement. And when He died the sacrificial Lamb of God He fulfilled it's spiritual requirement. There's nothing left. The Law is fulfilled. It no longer serves any purpose.

According to the Book of Hebrews there is now a better priesthood and a better covenant (Heb. 7-10). The point is made that if the first could have done the job there would be no need for the second. But, since there is a second, the first has been done away with. Mosaic Law is for the Abrahamic Covenant. Christians are under The New Covenant, as will redeemed Israel, one day.

It is judaizers (those who mix law and grace) who constantly seek to drag Christians back under some form of law. And they were condemned in the New Testament in the strongest language.

Israel continues to live under some elements of the Law, however. Those portions that identify them as a peculiar nation of people. Feasts and celebrations of God's love and provision.

But for those who are declared righteous by God, through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, there is only love for Him, which is illustrated by our obedience to the things He has commanded.

Dear Mr. Obama

2009-05-15T07:34:00.000-07:00

Our president is going about the world making sure everyone knows that the United States is NOT a Christian nation.

And while that may be true today, in terms of our history it is a serious misstatement.

Those who discovered this continent and each group that emigrated to "The New World" came with a religious zeal. They came with the words of Jesus ringing in their ears, to evangelize the world. Others came from religious persecution or under Charters by kings and queens who also saw their Christian responsibility in propagating The Gospel.

From the Mayflower Compact to the early documents of these new civil societies, along with the personal writings of those who fashioned our government, the message is clear: These people saw themselves fulfilling God's purpose in establishing these colonies and this nation.

Thomas Jefferson, who wrote the Declaration of Independence and at least 21 signers were either committed Christians or Deists: men who believed in a Sovereign God Who ruled over the affairs of men. It was their faith in God and their understanding of His purposes that drove them.

Numerous others, who decorate our historical landscape, were men who believed in and relied upon The Christian's God. Men like Samuel Adams, Patrick Henry, George Washington, John Jay (1st Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court), Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, James Monroe and many others.

Alphonse deLamartine, 19th century French literary figure and poet, bemoaning the French condition, wrote:

"Open the history of America, the history of England, and the history of France; read the great lives, the great deaths, the great martyrdoms, the great words at the hour when the ruling thought of life reveals itself in the last words of the dying; and compare.

“Washington and Franklin fought, spoke, suffered, always in the name of God, for whom they acted; and the Liberator of America died, confiding to God the liberty of the people and his own soul."

While great French figures speak only of glory and selfish accomplishments.

“The republic of these men without a God has quickly been stranded. The liberty won by so much heroism and so much genius has not found in France a conscience to shelter it, a God to avenge it, a people to defend it against that atheism which has been called glory. All ended in a soldier and some apostate republicans travestied into courtiers.

An atheistic republicanism cannot be heroic. When you terrify it, it bends; when you would buy it, it sells itself. It would be very foolish to immolate itself. Who would take any heed? The people ungrateful, and God non-existent! Away with atheistic revolutions!”

So, Mr. President, think about the history of this great country you represent to the world and try to forget your own bias. Just tell the truth as it is, not as you want it to be.

And take a lesson from history: The search for glory without God will end in despair and the destruction of liberty.

NASA's Billion Dollar Gambit

2009-05-01T07:47:00.000-07:00

It should be clear by now that the world is divided between those who believe in God and those who don't. It takes a number of forms, but the really big money is in the world of science.

The Issue? Evolution v. Design. Or, more specifically, how the universe began? Has it always been here? That's the Steady State Theory. Or did it have a beginning? That's the General Relativity Theory.

No reputable scientist believes The Steady State Theory any longer. Einstein and host of others have demonstrated, beyond doubt, that the universe had a beginning.

But how did it begin? The accepted answer these days is The Big Bang Theory. There is credible evidence, from a number of sources, that the universe is expanding from a theoretical beginning point. The heavenly bodies are not expanding to fill up the universe. Rather, the universe is expanding.

But every result requires a cause, according to science. If it's a natural cause, it needs a natural beginning. Some sort of natural material must be present BEFORE the Big Bang. Of course that means there is time and space BEFORE the beginning, which is not simply confusing but impossible.

If the cause is outside the natural, that's the definition of supernatural. And, of course, that's what the "Law of Causality" says:

Everything that had a beginning, had a cause
The universe had a beginning
Therefore the universe had a cause

Agnostic Astronomer, Robert Jastrow, in his book: The God of The Astronomer, wrote: "astronomical evidence leads to a biblical view of the origin of the world."

In this battle, the stakes are high. The Bible's assertion of God as The First Cause cannot stand without destroying the materialist's entire world.

So, NASA is spending a billion taxpayer dollars to find anti-matter in space. They're sending up a rocket to pursue the theory that The Big Bang ocurred when matter and anti-matter collided.

Of course, like grabbing a tiger by the tail, NASA has not indicated what they will do with this anti-matter, should they find it. Putting it in a container would bring it in touch with matter and there would then be an explosion, destroying both.

But, regardless of the outcome, the question will remain: Where did the anti-matter come from?

Stay tuned.

Christian Patriotism

2009-04-25T18:25:00.000-07:00

As we watch our beloved America being swallowed up by governmental totalitarianism and socialist philosophy, what, if anything, is a Christian to do?

Many Christian organizations have sought to force America back to her Christian roots through political activism. A New Breed is preaching a “Kingdom Now” philosophy which has The Church ushering in the Millennium through social activism.

Others are saying that The Bible teaches Christians are to stay out of politics on the basis that Jesus said His kingdom was not of this world and the fact that The Bible characterizes all countries, other than Israel, as “The Nations.” A group that will be judged during the Great Tribulation.

I believe the answer is rooted in the scriptures. Human government is ordained of God. Believers are commanded to “obey them that have the rule over us “ (Rom. 13). In most cases this has meant Kings and Dictators, who make the laws. In our case we are ruled by The Constitution. In America we have no King. No one is above the law.

When unjust men seek to subvert the Constitution, godly men have a responsibility to hold them accountable, by legal means. We would not hesitate to take a neighbor to court, should he erect a fence 20 feet inside our property line. Or continually violate the law in an effort to establish himself at our expense.

The argument that we are not of this world is offered by those who would defend their worldly rights by suing the uninsured motorist who recklessly destroyed their property and/or inflicted serious bodily harm and refused to make it right.

Christians have the right (responsibility) to defend against those who seek to undermine the law of the land....at least to a point.
We dare not violate God’s Word in a vigorous defense of liberty.
We dare not break the law to defend the law.
And we dare not let this earthly pursuit interfere with, or rob us of, heavenly pursuits.

In the end, should the laws change, we would be required to live in harmony with whatever they are, as long as they did not require us to violate God’s Word or our conscience. (Acts. 5:29)

Whatever we do and however far we go depends on the individual, the circumstances and sound reason. As important as this battle may be, it is not to be waged at the expense of our testimony or stability.

Global Economics And End Times Prophecy

2009-04-09T06:58:00.000-07:00

Revelation 17 is a picture of the political scene, at the end of the age. It is personified as a woman, sitting on a scarlet beast. This beast is the same "beast" of Revelation. 13.

This beast has the power of "the dragon." It has 7 heads and 10 horns. The 10 horns have 10 crowns (authority). One of his heads has a wound that is severe enough to cause death, but has been healed. The people "wonder after the beast."

Revelation 17 says the 10 horns are 10 kings which have no kingdom (now), but receive power as kings one hour with the beast (v. 12).

While the Revelation narrative is symbolic it is not allegorical. These are actual events, yet to be played out on the world stage. But what exactly are we looking at?

I believe this is describing an unholy alliance between a godless religious system (the woman), in league with a despotic, global, political system (the beast), intent on ruling the world in place of the promised Lord Jesus Christ.

In so doing, 10 kings come to power but without kingdoms. How is this possible?

Amsel Mayer Rothschild, a prominent 18th century banker is quoted as declaring, "Let me issue and control the money and I care not who makes the laws." [1838]

The recent G-20 meetings in Europe produced a plan to establish a Financial Stability Board. It's mission will be to regulate all international financial institutions, with authority to regulate all "systemic firms and compensation."

We are watching our President do exactly this, as General Motors was required to fire their CEO and as the president appointed his own man to fill that position.

It would not surprise me to see a Stability Board made up of 10 nations which have global authority, but no political power, only to receive that power in the End Times.

The world's economic power is already concentrated in Roman-style democracies with political leaders working every day to globalize the economy as well as civil laws.

When this happens, what will stop "The Dragon" from taking over? Our commerce is already monitored and controlled through computerized transfers.

What would it take to add a 3-digit prefix to our bank accounts and credit cards, in order to join this global economy?

The Backslider

2009-03-03T06:22:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday night, on the Bible Forum, a caller asked: When I was a backslidden Christian, had I died, would I have gone to heaven? He was convinced he would not. I hope I convinced him he would.

Think about it: To be a backslider you must slide back from something. In this case, Christianity.

Maybe it's the way the term has suffered in recent years, describing anyone who willingly goes to church or has prayed 'the sinner's prayer.' Or because of the charismatic movement that loves to define saving faith as a purely human capacity we can exercise (to our benefit) or not.

The truth is, salvation is a supernatural conversion. It does not proceed from anything in the sinner. It is something that takes place on the inside (spiritually). And which is accompanied by a host of spectacular transitions and creations.

Here's a representative list.
A saved person has his sins forgiven.
He is justified in the sight of God -- being declared righteous
The "Life" of God is now his -- a quality of existence, unique to God
He is made a "New Creature" in Christ -- something brand new
He is made a "partaker of the divine nature"
He is sanctified by God -- separated unto God / from sin
He is indwelt by the Holy Spirit
He is gifted by the Holy Spirit -- for the benefit of the Body of Christ
And Paul said he was already glorified (Rom. 8:30)

Now, to say such a person will suffer eternal damnation because of his actions, is to imply that
1. some human action must have occurred to placed him in this enviable situation
2. that God has un-done all that he did in that life (see the List)

Ask a backslider: Do you know you are backsliding, right now? Do you know this is inconsistent with your testimony? Do you know you're going to have to stop this and get back to serving God?

The answers to these questions will expose the person's heart. A born-again believer answers all these questions in the affirmative. An unsaved person (according to Scripture) has no understanding of God, nor is he seeking Him (Rom. 3:11).

Maybe Now It Makes Sense

2009-02-24T14:02:00.000-08:00

Over the last 10 years suicide among young people (10 - 24 years of age) has increased 10-fold. Suicide is now the 3rd leading cause of death among this demographic. There are now twice as many suicides as deaths from HIV/AIDs. More females than males consider suicide, but four times as many males die by this method than females.

It is not fair to make sweeping generalizations about such a serious situation. However, there are some interesting and informative statistics.

The children committing suicide largely feel as though they are cut off from family, friends and any meaningful relationships. Feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness, a family history of depression, feelings of isolation, physical or sexual abuse and the lack of a social support system are just a few of the emotional issues that accompany suicide.

My opinion is that we're playing around with fundamental social structures like family and sexuality and worth, reaping the logical result.

The psychological community responds to all this by insisting parents make sure children feel a sense of worth. Of course, this means simply telling a child how special they are, whether they are or aren't. Any engaged parent can tell you this just creates monsters. Young people who think they're special are now sure of it!

In the "old days" parents gave children credit for doing worthwhile things. And the accomplishments of worth reinforced positive feelings of worth. A worth that translates into productivity rather than destruction.

Children were an integral part of the family structure. They had a place. They had a job. And they knew who they were and where they stood. Today our children are living a disconnected life and wondering what's the use.

Where does all this come from? We'll here's a suggestion:

Richard Dawkins -- noted Darwinian Evolutionist -- said, "Life has no higher purpose than to perpetuate the survival of DNA...life has no design, no purpose, no evil and no good, nothing but blind pitiless indifference."

William Provine -- another Darwinianist -- said, "There are no gods, no purposes, and no goal-directed forces of any kind. There is no life after death....There is no ultimate foundation for ethics, no ultimate meaning in life, and no free will for humans."

Is it possible that, after 70 years of this kind of instruction in our Schools and government-sponsored indoctrination, we have an entire society that believes these things?

On the other hand, noted scientists like Isaac Newton, Robert Boyle (Father of Modern Chemistry), Michael Faraday (Father of Electromagnetism), Louis Pasteur, Charles Babbage (Computer Science), Lord Kelvin (Thermodynamics) and scores of others were men and women who believed the Bible.

It was the fact that the universe was orderly (the product of intelligent design) that both motivated and encouraged them to continue in their research and study. A random universe can have no scientific hope. If things don't work the same way every time, how can you make sense of them or quantify them?

And, it would seem, a social structure without hope is equally discouraging.

When Worlds Collide

2009-02-23T08:41:00.001-08:00

I was reminded the other week when a caller to the Bible Forum started reciting historical and scientific facts that bore no resemblance to anything I had ever read or learned, that we live in a parallel universe.

Technically it's about worldviews: how people view the world they live in. And a Christian sees things differently than does an atheist -- or at least he should.

The caller couldn't think of an atheist, world figure, who was responsible for the mass murder of thousands, if not millions of people declaring this "proof" that religion is the biggest problem in the world.

He saw the Crusades and Hitler as Christians and Israel's incursion into Gaza as adequate examples of his theory. Never mind that Hitler was creating a completely atheistic (and occultic) society, or that the Crusader's raping and pillaging across Asia Minor was not in the least Christian.

He also didn't want to hear my list of atheistic despots: from Attilla the Hun, to Gheghis Khan, to Joseph Stalin, to Mao Tse Tung, to Slobivan Misolovic, to Idi Amin, to Pol Pot.

But the most shocking revelation was that this caller was working on a Master's Degree in Education! He's going to be educating YOUR children. And he hasn't heard any of these things?

So, if this doesn't motivate parents to make sure their children understand the world they live in, they probably don't care.

The real question is: Do YOU see the world the way God presents it? Or the way godless ideologues present it? Does it really matter?

It matters more than whether or not you have enough food! There is a (not-so) subtle battle raging behind the veil -- on a spiritual plane. It is the battle for your heart and mind, and that of your children.

When a parent entrusts their child to the Federal School System and to the media for their world-view, is it really such a surprise that so many have such a warped perspective?

reEvolutionary Thinking

2009-02-17T13:38:00.000-08:00

The last few weeks on the Bible Forum, folks have commented on evolution. Generally those who favor Darwinian Evolution are a) uninformed as to what evolution is, and b) rude in their effort to communicate what they DO know.

Take, for example, the most common comment regarding the criticism of evolution: "Everyone knows that animals evolve!" "They adapt to their surroundings and needs."

Okay. That's true, but it's not a discussion of evolution. It's a discussion of adaptation of the species, which everyone accepts.

The second most common comment is that science supports evolution in the fossil record or in the geologic column or by carbon dating. This one is so thoroughly ingrained that any criticism of the concept is received as proof that the critic is an idiot.

If it were possible to keep a Darwinianist 'on subject' for more than 30 seconds, it might also be possible to enlighten them. But alas.

In it's simplest and most fundamental form, Darwinian Evolutionary Theory is the effort to explain what we see in nature without considering God. It is a completely naturalistic and therefore materialistic hypothesis. The logical conclusion of which is to subvert known science and exalt the human spirit.

If life began in some primordal ooze and evolved upward to become a human being, where will it end? Since this life came from non-life, it exists completely on it's own and is answerable to no one and to nothing but the all-knowing and all-sufficient self.

What this means is every society is free to craft the governing system that best suits their goals and needs. Each one being just as good as the other and capable of providing for the people it serves.

There is no superior system. There is no system that fails. And, as societal needs change, we are free to alter our system to satisfy these new needs.

Enter the destruction of the American System! The Constitutional Republic that brought the strongest, most productive and creative culture the world has ever known has given way to the selfishness and greed of the human spirit.

Perhaps this will expose Evolution for what it is: regressive. Having come this far, giving honor and submission to God, we have thrown Him over in favor of a god more to our liking. One that has greater promise. Not for morally upward progress, but for self-gratification.

Perhaps, when all this is firmly in place, people will begin to see the fallacies in Darwinian thought.

Chickens Coming Home To Roost

2009-01-20T08:26:00.000-08:00

What do Bernie Maddow, Marcus Schrenker and Arthur Nadel have in common? Answer: Bilking the public of millions and millions of dollars through investment scams! I think we can expect to see more of these sorts of situations. Why? Because of the moral climate in America, today.

So, how did we get here? The answer to this question is not flattering.

You see, we've deliberately structured our society for immorality and selfishness through our educational system. Over 50 years of indoctrination and behavioral modification have resulted in a culture that rejects objective morality and absolute truth.

It came together in the 1960's with major educational changes. Changes that reflected the reality created by over 30 years of Humanistic educational philosophy. A cadre of young people, many college students, took to the streets advocating the destruction of society, as it was. We call it the "Turbulent 60's" but it was a seminal moment in our history.

In 1960, the U.S. Department of H.E.W. published a blueprint for restructuring the school system called, "Soviet Education Programs: Foundations, Curriculums, Teacher Preparation." It was built on B.F. Skinner's 'Behavioral Modification' theories.

In 1976, the President of the National Education Association said, "First we will help all of our people undersand that school is a concept and not a place. We will not confuse "schooling" with education. The school will be the community, the community, the school."

This is when Basic Skill Courses took a back seat to affective education courses. What had taken up 90% of a student's educational time, was now relegated to about 40%. The new Global Student was being prepared for a very different world.

What had to be sacrificed was objective morality. The idea that some things are right and some things are wrong. Not because the individual thought so but because God said so. The new Global Citizen had to shed this out-dated and old-fashioned idea and embrace his own set of values. And it was the Educational System that would provide those values.

In the 1970's, Jimmy Carter established the Department of Education which effectively moved the seat of education from the State to the Federal Government. In 1989, George H.W. Bush gave us a new educational policy, called "Goals 2000," setting in concrete the whole behavioral modification movement. In 2001, George W. Bush gave us "No Child Left Behind," which meant teachers would now be essentially teaching to the test.

Along the way the S.A.T.'s have been watered down, Direct Educational techniques have been outlawed, Traditional Values were declared personal non gratia and all objective morality has been removed from the classroom. Teachers now work to prepare children to be good citizens, not good students.

In the end we cannot educate our children. Our entire educational system is an embarassment. But worse than that, we are completely without a moral compass. Sexually transmitted diseases are rampant, children as young as 11 years of age are being required to receive injections to prevent cervical cancer, a condition not all that prevalent among monogamus females, the details of sexual intercourse are freely discussed in co-educational health classes and preventative devices are distributed by the State, through the school system.

Arguments are made on both sides to explain why 40% of our children cannot read or why they do not graduate High School. But I am convinced there is a direct connection between the elimination of objective morality and educational proficiency.

The bottom line: The general impression among Americans is that whatever it takes to be successful, is morally acceptable. It's the new definition of capitalism: the idea that Greed is Good!

Is there a way to move the hands of the clock backward? Yes. Bring God back into our educational system and into our society.

Will that happen? There doesn't seem to be any hope of that in the near future. Keep that in mind when you send little Johnny or Janey off to the Federal Propaganda Institution we call our "Public" school system.

This Week On The Bible Forum

2009-01-10T12:48:00.000-08:00

What if we, as a society, could eliminate 70% of the most destructive behaviors we have? What if we could do that by eliminating just one social situation? And how significant would that be if God is found to be on record as anticipating this situation by establishing one institution to keep it from happening? Well, this is exactly what's happened!

Ann Coulter's newest book is out. It is called, Guilty
In it she lists some shocking statistics.

She cites "The Index of Leading Cultural Indicators" as referenced by, of all people, Hillary Clinton in an interview on Feb. 11, 2008, that shows
63% of all youth suicides are among children raised in single-mother homes
70% of all teen suicides
71% of all adolescent chemical and/or substance abuse
80% of all prison inmates
And 90% of all homeless or runaway children come from single-mother homes

In addition, The Village Voice did a Study which showed that children from single-mother homes are 5 times more likely to commit suicide
9 times more likely to drop out of school
10 times more likely to abuse chemical substances
14 times more likely to commit rape (boys)
20 times more likely to end up in prison
And 32 times more likely to runaway from home

Even controlling for socioeconomic factors, where these children lived and regardless of whether they were White or Black, the results were the same [statistically]

Being raised in a singel-mother home is more central than crime, drugs, poverty, illiteracy, welfare and homelessness, when it comes to the future well-being and productivity of a child.
Because the home drives everything else in life.

And the point? The point is that God established marriage (and the home) around one man and one woman, committing to each other and to their family, for life.
For richer or for poorer. For better or for worse. In sickness and in health.
A commitment (read, Promise) that doesn't depend on what the other person does or becomes.
A commitment that doesn't depend on whether times are easy or hard.
A commitment that simply depends on the character and veracity of the persons making it.

That's marriage, Bible-Style. And it's far better than it's nearest substitute. Ask any child.
The next time someone touts some form of Alternative Family, drag out these statistics and ask them if they want this for their children.

Of course it only happens to all those "other" people.

The Coming

2008-12-23T06:35:00.000-08:00

Very soon the world will witness a bright star in the heavens, visible everywhere at once. About a week later, Maitreya [pronounced My-trey-ya] will begin his open emergence, although not using the name Maitreya.

He is The World Teacher for all humanity and he will be interviewed on a major US television program. His message will be one of sharing in order to save the world. He will seek to inspire humanity to see itself as one family, and to create world peace through sharing, economic justice and global cooperation.

Silly? The rantings of some fringe group? Well, MarketWatch, a Dow Jones & Company subsidiary, owned by Rupert Murdoch, who also owns the Wall Street Journal and FoxNews, reported this on December 12, 2008

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/Share-International-Reveals-Christmas-Miracle/story.aspx?guid={9A9C5B6B-E962-411A-B219-B5A559182416}

This Maitreya is said to be known to Christians as Christ, to Muslims as the Imam Madhi, to Hindus as Krishna, to Jews as The Messiah and to Buddhists as Maitreya. He is said to be the one behind every positive global, social development in recent times. He and his group work behind the scenes of our changing world.

"With Maitreya and his group working openly in the world, humanity is assured not only of survival but of the creation of a brilliant new civilization."

Jesus said: Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before. Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. [Mt. 24:23-26]

The world is waiting for some catastrophic event. Time Magazine devoted an 8-page spread to it's cover story on miracles, concluding: "People are hungry for signs." And that was April, 1995

As in the days when Jesus was born, the world lies in anticipation. And many are the false prophets and counterfeit "Christs" just waiting to deceive the masses. Some of them come with strange sounding names. Others are ordinary and popular figures we tend to respect. Such are the ways of those who deceive.

The most effective lie is the one with the most truth in it!

It's A Wonderful Life....Maybe

2008-12-20T14:12:00.000-08:00

Wendell Jamieson writes in the New York Times about his experience with Frank Capra's 1946 film, It's A Wonderful Life, starring Jimmy Stewart, Lionel Barrymore and Donna Reed.

He remembers his 15 year old response to the idea that the movie's most responsible, practical and level-headed character continually gets stuck with whatever's left over.

When his father dies suddenly, he has to post-pone his plans in order to run the family business, and send his younger brother off to college instead.

Later, when he's off to his honeymoon, the Stock Market crashes and there's a run on the family's Savings And Loan. He post-pones the honeymoon, using that money to stave off collapse, meeting every depositor's request for a withdraw.

When Uncle Billy misplaces $8000 of company money, precipitating Mr. Potter's calling in his loan and effectively taking over the family business, George Bailey has a drink and runs into a tree with his car.

He is contemplating suicide when an angel (Clarence) shows up to help. He grants George his wish, that he had never been born. And the movie runs off showing us what things would look like if George had never been born.

Friends and family alike are in terrible shape. There is anger, despair, debauchery and poverty. All because George never lived. He never saved the Pharmacist from jail. He never helped his brother through school. He never helped people get loans to buy their own homes. He was never there for anyone.

Jamieson remembers thinking that "Potterville," the city Bedord Falls became, because George wasn't around, was actually more fun. And he thinks how much more profitable it would have been with nightclubs and gambling halls.

You see, upstate New York where Bedford Falls was supposed to be, has suffered with the collapse of manufacturing. If it had become Pottersville, it would be thriving today.

Mitchell L. Moss, professor of Urban Policy at New York University, agrees. Connecticut is growing because of casinos. And Gov. Patterson of New York is under pressure to allow gambling upstate because of the economic problems.

"We ease up on a lot of cultural behaviors in a depression," Moss says.

At the end of the Article, Jamieson eases up, admitting his adult perception of the movie's plot is far different than it was when he was 15. Even though he admits to weeping while watching.

You see, George Bailey exhibits self-denial and selflessness. His choices are rooted in godly character and eternal priorities. It is soooo 1946!

Today, we are more sophisticated; practical. We look out for ourselves and for our own. We don't take chances when helping others. In fact, we hardly know anyone -- even our closest friends and family members. We're too busy.

We've become successful Pottersville when Bedford Falls is so much nicer.

Who Will Most Likely Attend Your Church?

2008-12-16T12:13:00.000-08:00

We live in a world where success is measured by how many people attend a particular church, by the number of programs it mounts and by how much money is flowing through the bank accounts.

So I wondered, one day, how many people I could get to come to my church. And it occurred to me that among those I could never count on would be:
Those who aren't saved -- they wouldn't be interested
Those who prefer feel-good sermonizing -- they wouldn't want to be challenged
Those who want to be entertained -- they would be bored
Those who expect to be healed -- they would be disappointed
Those who want to be wealthy -- see "Those who expect to be healed"
Those who are offended by The Gospel -- they wouldn't last long
Those living in sin -- this would be too convicting
Those engaged in an active homosexual lifestyle -- no cover here
Those seeking to climb the social ladder -- we don't even have a footstool
Those who want to "come as you are" -- we think worship is special
Those who see religion as subjective -- they wouldn't like objective, propositional truths

There's more, but you get the point. Efforts to market Christianity with whatever it is folks are selling these days in order to fill up the pews is big business. And it works! What it doesn't do is glorify God.

You see "Church" is the spiritual organism Jesus came to build. It's His Church and it consists only of truly born again believers. Others attend, and that's good. But they do not constitute The Church. When all you're doing is working to get more of these folks into your building, you're the one building the Church -- not Jesus.

And the effort, while it looks good to the watching world, is not at all what God calls The Church. Give them secular music forms, liturgical dancing, sight-and-sound presentations, weak preaching -- or just homilies and biblical vignettes, coffee shops, a promise of good health and great wealth (if you sow financial seeds into MY ministry), and a non-judgmental attitude. You will soon have to build a bigger barn.

Just don't call it "Church." The Bible doesn't.

Our Spiritual Journey

2008-12-12T09:49:00.000-08:00

Popular in our social discourse, today, is the idea of a "Spiritual Journey." Many folks are on one but there doesn't seem to be any codified explanation of what being "on one" means.

Generally it falls into the category of a search. People are searching for spiritual truth or spiritual reality. Is there a God? What is He (or She) like? What does this God want from me? How can I live in harmony with His purposes? Does it really matter?

To this end people pursue all sorts of religious and/or spiritual, activities and beliefs. Colleges offer Comparative Religion Classes which "searchers" can take. There are Bible Study groups and Discussion Groups, books, tapes, and even weekend retreats to help people find what they're looking for.

Not a few have looked into several differing Christian denominations, Judaism and a host of lessor relgious traditions, looking for truth and/or meaning. Do any of these have the absolute answers my soul craves?

The Bible doesn't understand any of this as a spiritual journey. Paul paraphrases Psalm 14 in saying, "...no man seeketh after God" [Rom. 3:11] Why? Because they are all unrighteous and none understand God, nor what He represents.

The human search for truth or purpose is not a search for God. It is a search for something that will satisfy our need, without God. If we were seeking God:
a) it would be because the Spirit of God was at work challenging, convicting and drawing us [Jn. 6;44], and
b) it would lead only to Jesus Christ, God's Messiah.
And don't think ultimate truth can be found in any Christian Church or Denomination! None of them have absolute truth. They all have their own ideas about what constitutes a truly biblical approach to both doctrine and practice. Of course, some are better than others. And not every organization that uses the term "church" is a Church in the biblical sense. Some are not even Christian.

The only "spiritual journey" the Bible recognizes is the one undertaken AFTER a person has relinquished control of his life, repented of his sin and committed his life completely to God, in Christ. From here he/she grows and develops, becoming conformed to the image of Christ. [Rom. 8:29]

The real searcher's journey begins and ends with Jesus. Until then he is serving a god of his own manufacture, often Self. Improving the Self seems to satisfy most searchers. And the process whereby they find that satisfaction is what they mean by a "Spiritual Journey."

Should Chrisitans Be Non-Judgmental?

2008-12-10T06:19:00.000-08:00

The Rev. Michael Shuenemeyer, Executive for health & wholeness advocacy in the National offices of the United Church of Christ says that the church should be "nonjudmental" when it comes to HIV/AIDS. [CNSNews.com Nov. 26, 2008] He says Jesus sent His disciples out to heal the sick, not criticize them. Other Religious leaders and AIDS activists want Christians to stop labeling sex outside marriage as sinful or having multiple partners as immoral because these terms are "biased" and society has "moved beyond" this.

Question: What is the message of The Church in the world? It has only one Message: Jesus Saves! Aside from babies being born with HIV, due to mothers who are infected, and medical accidents, is it possible to contract this disease without engaging in an immoral act? Is immorality a sin?

The effort to stop Christians from being "judgmental" is designed to eliminate the idea of immorality from the public discourse. If that happens, what's the point in having a Church in the world? If there is no sin there is no need of a Savior. If there is no need of a Savior the message of The Church is moot!

A common teaching in churches across this land and around the world is that Jesus came, in large part, to bring healing to afflicted people. According to this teaching, sin is the cause of human sickness and salvation brings physical healing. But the clear message of Scripture is that The Great Physician came to heal our sin-sickness, not diabetes or epilepsy. Can He heal our body? Yes. Will He heal our body? If it serves His purpose -- which is always to get glory and praise to Himself.

If the result of immoral activity is a deadly disease, and Christians stop being critical of that behavior, the Enemy wins! So what is Rev. Schuenemeyer's point? According to him it's being real: "Creating a safe place for people to ask questions and share their views, experiences and ideas. To provide them with value-based, medically accurate information, along with the tools for making healthy and responsible decisions."

This all sounds sweet, generous, and understanding. It's everything BUT facing sin and repenting, apparently.

Forbidden Fruit....The Subtle Seduction

2008-12-03T06:31:00.000-08:00

Stephenie Myers is the new JK Rowling! Her book series, Twilight, is taking America by storm. It is finding a ready audience among girls in Christian Schools and even those who claim to be Christian. It's a story about an independent-minded teen-aged girl who feels like an outsider, having moved to a new town and school. A girl who meets a mysterious boy who piques her interest.

The problem is that this boy, Edward, is a Vampire! Of course, he doesn't drink blood, he and his family have chosen not to do this -- although he is tempted on occasion, usually in response to heavy petting. But he IS immortal. He has enormous physical power: he can run faster than a mountain lion and stop moving cars with his bare hands.

The movie depicts threatening beer-toting males surrounding a lone girl on a dark street. A vampire bites the necks of his victims. Two men are chased, attacked and killed by vampires. One vampire is beheaded, dismembered and burned, presumably to create sympathy for Edward's plight as a member of a persecuted minority.

The movie is rated PG-13 because the truly gruesome events are off-screen or simply illustrated in a book. But the real danger is NOT in the violence. It's in the subtle seduction of our youth. The heroine is shown engaged in a near-obsessive attraction to Edward that pushes him to the edge of his self-control. She lies to her parents and friends, jeopardizes the safety of Edward and his family, wears a low-cut dress with the expressed intent of allure and kisses passionately in a bedroom. For love?

We are watching as our young children are being hurried into adult situations by an aggressive media, without parental control. Girls are increasingly seductive, both in fashion and in behavior. Boys are increasingly assaulted by graphic sexuality. Dating is looking more and more like marriage and children are having babies. (the out-of-wedlock birth rate is climbing again)

When do we say "enough!?" When do parents step up and take control? Why are we letting our children make adult decisions about romance and relationships? Because they look like adults?

The Wall Street Journal opined: "Twilight has targeted the collective soul of teenage America, and will surely have its way."

If the goal was to undermine Christianity, incite rebellion against parents, eradicate biblical values and spread moral chaos, surely this book / movie will do the trick. If your daughter is reading this "stuff" she is At Risk.

The Wave of The Future

2008-12-01T08:15:00.000-08:00

A recent Associated Press report indicates that 64% of U.S. High School students had cheated on a test, 36% had used the internet to plagiarize an assignment and 83% had lied to a parent about something significant.
The results of this study are not as shocking as the response by Educators who questioned any suggestion that today's young people are less honest than previous generations.
They pointed to the intensified pressures on young people today, prompting them to cut corners. "The competition is greater, the pressures on kids have increased dramatically," said Mel Riddle of the National Association of Secondary School Principals. "They have opportunities [to cheat] their predecessors didn't. The temptation is greater."
Children lying or cheating is nothing new. But the percentages are huge!
Where does all this come from? Is it simply a matter of increased opportunity?
Or is there something more basic going on?

I would suggest to you that this is the direct result of two factors:
1. the elimination of objective morality from our social system
2. the mental health community's 70-year effort to blame circumstances for our problems.

If I am simply a highly evolved animal, shaped by my environment and answerable only to my own value system, why would I do anything that did not benefit me right here and right now?
On the other hand, if I am a divinely created person, shaped by my perceptions of that reality and accountable to an objective, unchanging moral code, why would I give in to the temptation to gratify the immediate need? Especially if the temptation is to violate that moral code?
Educators don't "get it." The Mental Health Community doesn't "get it." Social Architects don't "get it." And, sadly, too many preachers don't "get it."
A society operating according to it's own moral standard is destined for moral decline. Children lying and cheating is only the tip of the ice berg.
"Victims" never accept responsibility for their condition nor their responses.
So, strap yourself in! It's going to be a very bumpy ride when this crop of morally-challenged young people start affecting our world!