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
Showing posts with label Apostasy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Apostasy. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Twi-Hards & Godliness
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?
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?
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Where's The Beef?
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?"
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?"
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
A Brave New World?
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!
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!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
There's Only Two Messages Being Proclaimed
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.'
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.'
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Our Love Affair With The Occult
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!
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!
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Consumer Alert!
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.
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.
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