Jon and Kate. You know the rest. What's troubling to me is that this has turned into "Divorce: American Style". I suffered watching several episodes (my kids thought their kids were cute), but it was apparent that Kate was the leader of that home and marriage and treated Jon horribly. Jon was a wimp and wasn't man enough to lead the home and stand up to Kate. Even my 15 year old clearly saw this. We knew they were headed for divorce. This was no surprise to us. I stopped allowing my kids to watch it because of this. It was really quit irrinoying (irritating and annoying).
What's worse is that their show has become a soap opera. Divorce of Octomom and Octodad will make for good t.v. I guess. But that's really low. And honestly quite disturbing.
What's' even more irrinoying is that TLC uses the tiresome line: "Jon and Kate have never said they were perfect, which has made them relatable and created an undeniable connection with the viewers. We will continue to capture this family's journey in a respectful and sensitive way."
This is a BROKEN family. The respectable thing would be to shut down production. How does TLC define "respectable"? What does "sensitive" mean? Showing a broken family on national t.v. for money?
The other irrinoying issue I have is with this TIRESOME defense of sin as "_______ never said they were perfect". That's code for: shut up and don't judge what I'm doing as wrong. If I had a dime for every time that line has been used to close down a conversation when it got too close to home, I'd be rich indeed!
Seriously, do you know anyone who has actually claimed to be perfect? Anyone? Just one person? Of course not. Does anyone claim J &K said they were perfect? Nope. So why is it stated as if someone has???? That's dishonest and wrong.
So why do people use that? Its utterly ridiculous to use that as excusing one's sin. The ONLY perfect, sinless Person is Jesus Christ who is God the Son and took on flesh so that He could die on the cross for sinners.
Since no one is perfect, then that clearly isn't even part of the discussion or equation. The issue is sin. And herein lies the REAL issue.
A.W. Pink once said:
"If pride and haughtiness are to be reprehended; then mock humility or even an undue occupation with our own frailty and faultiness, is not to be commended. If we must wait until we are blameless, then there are many precepts of Scripture we cannot act upon. If we must tarry until our own character and conduct be faultless, then we are disqualified from rebuking anybody. We greatly fear that many have created their own difficulty or deterrent through a wrongful appropriation of those words "he who is without sin—let him first cast a stone" (John 8:7). How often have we heard professing Christians say, when it had become their manifest duty to admonish another, "Who am I—to cast stones at others?" It should be remembered, that John 8:7 was not spoken to conscientious saints, jealous of the honor of the Lord, anxious to promote the good of others—but to hypocritical pharisees, who were deliberately seeking to ensnare Christ.Hence the force of "bearing with one another in love" (Eph 4:2); yet that must not be twisted into "winking at one another's faults" or condoning sin—under the pretense of love."
"I am certainly not perfect" doesn't need to be a qualifier in any discussion of sin, because its always ASSUMED not ONE human being IS perfect.
Rom 3:10 as it is written: "None is righteous, no, not one...12 All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one."
Jas 2:10 For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it.
Jas 3:2 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.
Likewise it is absolutely inappropriate for any self-proclaimed Christian to excuse their sin using that line of "Nobody's perfect", thus casting off judgment of their sin, to the one who sees the sin.
Gal 6:1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.
Mat 7:5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.
This doesn't demand perfection. God certainly knows we are "but dust" and that every man is born a sinner, therefore perfection before dealing with a sinning brother is never an option. Ever. What IS required is that one is spiritual--able to decipher sin in light of Scripture and come alongside a sinning brother and try to help him back to restoration, in meekness. If not, Matthew 18 tells us then we go get another witness and so on (called church discipline) for his own benefit and that of his local church's.
So please, stop using perfection as an excuse for not dealing sin and error. Just deal with the actual issue. That's what The Master wants and its what we need.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Cash For Clunkers: What Obama's Socialized Health (Death) Care Will Look Like
Quote:
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The White House said Thursday it was reviewing what has turned out to be a wildly popular "cash for clunkers" program amid concerns the $1 billion budget for rebates for new auto purchases may have been exhausted in only a week.
Through late Wednesday, 22,782 vehicles had been purchased through the program and nearly $96 million had been spent. But dealers raised concerns about large backlogs in the processing of the deals in the government system, prompting talk of a possible suspension.
A survey of 2,000 dealers by the National Automobile Dealers Association found about 25,000 deals had not yet been approved by NHTSA, or nearly 13 trades per store. It raised concerns that with about 23,000 dealers taking part in the program, auto dealers may already have surpassed the 250,000 vehicle sales funded by the $1 billion program.
"There's a significant backlog of 'cash for clunkers' deals that make us question how much funding is still available in the program," said Bailey Wood, a spokesman for the dealers association.
End quote.
Welcome to Government Run Auto/Financial industry.
And get used to it. This will happen with "Health" Care too. Just insert "doctor's visit" in for "Clunkers for Cash" and you'll get the picture.
Guess where the money's coming from to fund these dealerships? YOU. And the government doesn't have enough to go around. So its getting more. Maybe. But it can't last long.
HELLO?
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The White House said Thursday it was reviewing what has turned out to be a wildly popular "cash for clunkers" program amid concerns the $1 billion budget for rebates for new auto purchases may have been exhausted in only a week.
Through late Wednesday, 22,782 vehicles had been purchased through the program and nearly $96 million had been spent. But dealers raised concerns about large backlogs in the processing of the deals in the government system, prompting talk of a possible suspension.
A survey of 2,000 dealers by the National Automobile Dealers Association found about 25,000 deals had not yet been approved by NHTSA, or nearly 13 trades per store. It raised concerns that with about 23,000 dealers taking part in the program, auto dealers may already have surpassed the 250,000 vehicle sales funded by the $1 billion program.
"There's a significant backlog of 'cash for clunkers' deals that make us question how much funding is still available in the program," said Bailey Wood, a spokesman for the dealers association.
End quote.
Welcome to Government Run Auto/Financial industry.
And get used to it. This will happen with "Health" Care too. Just insert "doctor's visit" in for "Clunkers for Cash" and you'll get the picture.
Guess where the money's coming from to fund these dealerships? YOU. And the government doesn't have enough to go around. So its getting more. Maybe. But it can't last long.
HELLO?
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Prove That Michael Jackson Was Saved (Biblical Christian)
Why is it that professing Christians assume someone is saved and demands proof that they are NOT? It should be the other way around: assume everyone is unsaved UNLESS they profess the Jesus of Scripture and HIS Gospel.
The burden of proof that one is saved is on them, because 1John 1 and Gal. 5 and Matt. 7 talk about knowing the person by their fruits and Jesus said in Matt. 7 that the road to eternal life is NARROW and hard and FEW that find it.
All people are born dead and enemies of God, hating Him (Rom. 3, Eph. 2)
The majority of this world are going to Hell according to Scripture.
We are to test all who claim Christ to "see if they are from God" (1John 4:1).
Every Biblical Christian will have Fruit of the Spirit and works that are in line with repentance and being born from above (Gal. 5; 1John 1:6-9)
2Jo 1:9 Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.
Mat 7:21 "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
1Jn 2:4 Whoever says "I know him" but does not keep His commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in Him, 5 but whoever keeps His word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: 6 whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which He walked.
1Jo 1:6 If we say we have fellowship with Him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.
Gal 1:8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.
2Jo 1:7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist. 8 Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward.
2Jo 1:10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, 11 for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works.
1Jn 2:22 Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son. 23 No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also.
So the burden of proof is on you who want the Narrow Road widened, and want MJ to be a Christian, instead of the JW-turned-Muslim that he was.
Show the proof then. Afterall, faith apart from works is useless, dead, non-existant. So, show all of us how Michael Jackson was a biblical Christian, even though he was JW and converted to Islam in his last two years of life (Islam and JW's deny salvation by grace through faith in Christ Jesus and they deny Jesus is God, which is condemned by God in Gal. 1:8-10). And those works and profession have to be biblical, btw.
So I'll wait for all that proof that He loved Jesus Christ and proclaimed Him and HIS Gospel.
In the meantime consider this:
1Jn 2:15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
The burden of proof that one is saved is on them, because 1John 1 and Gal. 5 and Matt. 7 talk about knowing the person by their fruits and Jesus said in Matt. 7 that the road to eternal life is NARROW and hard and FEW that find it.
All people are born dead and enemies of God, hating Him (Rom. 3, Eph. 2)
The majority of this world are going to Hell according to Scripture.
We are to test all who claim Christ to "see if they are from God" (1John 4:1).
Every Biblical Christian will have Fruit of the Spirit and works that are in line with repentance and being born from above (Gal. 5; 1John 1:6-9)
2Jo 1:9 Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.
Mat 7:21 "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
1Jn 2:4 Whoever says "I know him" but does not keep His commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in Him, 5 but whoever keeps His word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: 6 whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which He walked.
1Jo 1:6 If we say we have fellowship with Him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.
Gal 1:8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.
2Jo 1:7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist. 8 Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward.
2Jo 1:10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, 11 for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works.
1Jn 2:22 Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son. 23 No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also.
So the burden of proof is on you who want the Narrow Road widened, and want MJ to be a Christian, instead of the JW-turned-Muslim that he was.
Show the proof then. Afterall, faith apart from works is useless, dead, non-existant. So, show all of us how Michael Jackson was a biblical Christian, even though he was JW and converted to Islam in his last two years of life (Islam and JW's deny salvation by grace through faith in Christ Jesus and they deny Jesus is God, which is condemned by God in Gal. 1:8-10). And those works and profession have to be biblical, btw.
So I'll wait for all that proof that He loved Jesus Christ and proclaimed Him and HIS Gospel.
In the meantime consider this:
1Jn 2:15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Lazy Lawyers In Congress Sees No Point In Reading Their Own Bill
The beginning of the Death Bill states:
" JULY 14, 2009
Mr. DINGELL (for himself, Mr. RANGEL, Mr. WAXMAN, Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California, Mr. STARK, Mr. PALLONE, and Mr. ANDREWS) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, Education and Labor, Oversight and Government Reform, and the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned"
That's interesting---the Committee on Energy and Commerce decides a bill on Death Care? Education and Labor also decides on Death Care? WHY??
“What good is reading the bill if it’s a thousand pages and you don’t have two days and two lawyers to find out what it means after you read the bill?” asked House Judiciary Chairman John Conyers (D-Mich.) (yes, he has a Doctor of Law degree) -Source
What good is a law if its 1000 pages, period??? That should be what every normal person asks and demands an answer for.
I'll tell you what its good for: sneaking in a bunch of things no American citizen would vote for. Only cowards sneak in what they know the majority would outright reject. How many people now have wished they demanded their representatives had read the bailout (Corporate Welfare) bills? Did our representatives not learn the first two times????
Most of the House and Senate are made up of lawyers. They should have NO PROBLEM reading this bill they want to pass.
Conyers makes my point: the reps don't read this bill or any other bill. Hey, they didn't even WRITE this bill. It was their staffers who wrote it (young liberals fresh out of college, carving a name for themselves by tagging along with a senator or congressman), and then told their boss only what they wanted to hear. Don't confuse the laywers with the facts; they might get discombobulated with all that legalese.
The Death Bill....
"Page 425 of the Death Bill says everyone on Social Security will be counseled every five years to learn and to choose from ways to end your suffering (and your life). Health care will be denied based on age. 500 Billion will be cut from Seniors healthcare. This is beside the abortion it pushes."
"Page 16 of the House bill, IBD reported, appears to make it illegal to "enroll any individual in such [private health insurance] coverage if the first effective date of coverage is on or after the first day" of the year the legislation becomes law." -Source
"It didn't take long to run into an "uh-oh" moment when reading the House's "health care for all Americans" bill. Right there on Page 16 is a provision making individual private medical insurance illegal." - Source
"But if all that's not enough, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pension Committee's official summary of the bill additionally authorizes a CDC-funded "Community Preventive Services Task Force … to improve immunization coverage of children, adolescents, and adults … through the use of evidence-based interventions," up to and including, "home visits." " - Source
Folks, the House Ways and Means Committee is going to determine your health coverage. Oh, you didn't know that? Bet Conyers doesn't either.
But Congress is exempt.
Here's more in the bill that Conyers is too lazy to bother with reading:
Pg 30 Sec 123 of HC bill – a Government committee (good luck with that!) will decide what treatments/benefits a person may receive.
Pg 29 lines 4-16 in the HC bill - YOUR HEALTHCARE WILL BE RATIONED! (We all knew this, because health care is rationed in Canada and Britain, but Obama kept saying it would not be).
Pg 42 of HC Bill – The Health Choices Commissioner will choose your HC Benefits for you. You will have no choice!
PG 50 Section 152 in HC bill - HC will be provided to ALL non US citizens, illegal or otherwise.
Pg 58 HC Bill – Government will have real-time access to individual’s finances and a National ID Healthcard will be issued!
Pg 59 HC Bill lines 21-24 Government will have direct access to your bank accts for election funds transfer
Pg 72 Lines 8-14 Government will create an HC Exchange to bring private HC plans under Government control.
PG 102 Lines 12-18 HC Bill - Medicaid Eligible Individuals will be automatically enrolled in Medicaid. No choice.
pg 124 lines 24-25 HC No company can sue Government on price fixing. No "judicial review" against Government Monopoly.
Pg 126 Lines 22-25 Employers MUST pay for HC for part time employees AND their families.
Pg 167 Lines 18-23 ANY individual who doesn’t have acceptable HC according to Government will be taxed 2.5% of income.
Pg 170 Lines 1-3 HC Bill Any NONRESIDENT Alien is exempt from individual taxes. (Americans will pay.)
Pg 195 HC Bill -officers & employees of HC Admin (the GOVERNMENT) will have access to ALL Americans’ finances and personal records.
PG 203 Line 14-15 HC - "The tax imposed under this section shall not be treated as tax" Yes, it says that.
Page 280 Sec 1151 The Government will penalize hospitals for what Government deems preventable readmissions.
Pg 298 Lines 9-11 Doctors who treat a patient during initial admission that results in a readmission - Government will penalize you.
Pg 354 Sec 1177 - Government will RESTRICT enrollment of Special needs people!
Pg 425 Lines 17-19 Government will instruct & consult regarding living wills, durable powers of attorney. Mandatory!
PG 425 Lines 22-25, 426 Lines 1-3 Government provides approved list of end of life resources, guiding you in how to die.
PG 427 Lines 15-24 Government mandates program for orders for end of life. The Government has a say in how your life ends.
Pg 429 Lines 1-9 An "advanced care planning consultant" will be used frequently as patients’ health deteriorates.
PG 429 Lines 10-12 "advanced care consultation" may include an ORDER for end of life plans.
Pg 494-498 Government will cover Mental Health Services including defining, creating, rationing those services. You’d better speak up now before you are on the "advanced care consultation" list.
- Source and UPDATE
It seems to me that the "smarter" our society becomes (by higher education), the lazier and less critical-thinkers they become.
This also stems to the media. These college graduates are too lazy to do their homework, while blindly following and pushing any agenda or personality that fits their selfish worldview. Besides being true for the Death Bill, it also happened with the "Gay Gene" study. The media hadn't a clue how to read or understand terms in a medical research report, thus falsely reporting that there IS a "gay gene" when in fact the research never said such a thing. It perpetuated the myth which, how conveniently, supports their worldview that homosexuality is genetic, when in fact it is not (see source here on "The Gay Gene").
" JULY 14, 2009
Mr. DINGELL (for himself, Mr. RANGEL, Mr. WAXMAN, Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California, Mr. STARK, Mr. PALLONE, and Mr. ANDREWS) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, Education and Labor, Oversight and Government Reform, and the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned"
That's interesting---the Committee on Energy and Commerce decides a bill on Death Care? Education and Labor also decides on Death Care? WHY??
“What good is reading the bill if it’s a thousand pages and you don’t have two days and two lawyers to find out what it means after you read the bill?” asked House Judiciary Chairman John Conyers (D-Mich.) (yes, he has a Doctor of Law degree) -Source
What good is a law if its 1000 pages, period??? That should be what every normal person asks and demands an answer for.
I'll tell you what its good for: sneaking in a bunch of things no American citizen would vote for. Only cowards sneak in what they know the majority would outright reject. How many people now have wished they demanded their representatives had read the bailout (Corporate Welfare) bills? Did our representatives not learn the first two times????
Most of the House and Senate are made up of lawyers. They should have NO PROBLEM reading this bill they want to pass.
Conyers makes my point: the reps don't read this bill or any other bill. Hey, they didn't even WRITE this bill. It was their staffers who wrote it (young liberals fresh out of college, carving a name for themselves by tagging along with a senator or congressman), and then told their boss only what they wanted to hear. Don't confuse the laywers with the facts; they might get discombobulated with all that legalese.
The Death Bill....
"Page 425 of the Death Bill says everyone on Social Security will be counseled every five years to learn and to choose from ways to end your suffering (and your life). Health care will be denied based on age. 500 Billion will be cut from Seniors healthcare. This is beside the abortion it pushes."
"Page 16 of the House bill, IBD reported, appears to make it illegal to "enroll any individual in such [private health insurance] coverage if the first effective date of coverage is on or after the first day" of the year the legislation becomes law." -Source
"It didn't take long to run into an "uh-oh" moment when reading the House's "health care for all Americans" bill. Right there on Page 16 is a provision making individual private medical insurance illegal." - Source
"But if all that's not enough, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pension Committee's official summary of the bill additionally authorizes a CDC-funded "Community Preventive Services Task Force … to improve immunization coverage of children, adolescents, and adults … through the use of evidence-based interventions," up to and including, "home visits." " - Source
Folks, the House Ways and Means Committee is going to determine your health coverage. Oh, you didn't know that? Bet Conyers doesn't either.
But Congress is exempt.
Here's more in the bill that Conyers is too lazy to bother with reading:
Pg 30 Sec 123 of HC bill – a Government committee (good luck with that!) will decide what treatments/benefits a person may receive.
Pg 29 lines 4-16 in the HC bill - YOUR HEALTHCARE WILL BE RATIONED! (We all knew this, because health care is rationed in Canada and Britain, but Obama kept saying it would not be).
Pg 42 of HC Bill – The Health Choices Commissioner will choose your HC Benefits for you. You will have no choice!
PG 50 Section 152 in HC bill - HC will be provided to ALL non US citizens, illegal or otherwise.
Pg 58 HC Bill – Government will have real-time access to individual’s finances and a National ID Healthcard will be issued!
Pg 59 HC Bill lines 21-24 Government will have direct access to your bank accts for election funds transfer
Pg 72 Lines 8-14 Government will create an HC Exchange to bring private HC plans under Government control.
PG 102 Lines 12-18 HC Bill - Medicaid Eligible Individuals will be automatically enrolled in Medicaid. No choice.
pg 124 lines 24-25 HC No company can sue Government on price fixing. No "judicial review" against Government Monopoly.
Pg 126 Lines 22-25 Employers MUST pay for HC for part time employees AND their families.
Pg 167 Lines 18-23 ANY individual who doesn’t have acceptable HC according to Government will be taxed 2.5% of income.
Pg 170 Lines 1-3 HC Bill Any NONRESIDENT Alien is exempt from individual taxes. (Americans will pay.)
Pg 195 HC Bill -officers & employees of HC Admin (the GOVERNMENT) will have access to ALL Americans’ finances and personal records.
PG 203 Line 14-15 HC - "The tax imposed under this section shall not be treated as tax" Yes, it says that.
Page 280 Sec 1151 The Government will penalize hospitals for what Government deems preventable readmissions.
Pg 298 Lines 9-11 Doctors who treat a patient during initial admission that results in a readmission - Government will penalize you.
Pg 354 Sec 1177 - Government will RESTRICT enrollment of Special needs people!
Pg 425 Lines 17-19 Government will instruct & consult regarding living wills, durable powers of attorney. Mandatory!
PG 425 Lines 22-25, 426 Lines 1-3 Government provides approved list of end of life resources, guiding you in how to die.
PG 427 Lines 15-24 Government mandates program for orders for end of life. The Government has a say in how your life ends.
Pg 429 Lines 1-9 An "advanced care planning consultant" will be used frequently as patients’ health deteriorates.
PG 429 Lines 10-12 "advanced care consultation" may include an ORDER for end of life plans.
Pg 494-498 Government will cover Mental Health Services including defining, creating, rationing those services. You’d better speak up now before you are on the "advanced care consultation" list.
- Source and UPDATE
It seems to me that the "smarter" our society becomes (by higher education), the lazier and less critical-thinkers they become.
This also stems to the media. These college graduates are too lazy to do their homework, while blindly following and pushing any agenda or personality that fits their selfish worldview. Besides being true for the Death Bill, it also happened with the "Gay Gene" study. The media hadn't a clue how to read or understand terms in a medical research report, thus falsely reporting that there IS a "gay gene" when in fact the research never said such a thing. It perpetuated the myth which, how conveniently, supports their worldview that homosexuality is genetic, when in fact it is not (see source here on "The Gay Gene").
Friday, July 24, 2009
Ricky Warren's Upcoming Book
Ricky Warren is at it again:
Quote:
“I’m in book writing mode right now,” Warren reported in a broadcast to his church members Thursday. “I’ve gone back into hibernation to write the follow up to Purpose Driven Life now, eight years later. It’s going to be called The Hope of the World, and my plan is to release that on Easter Sunday – our 30th anniversary – next year.”
Last year, Warren released The Purpose of Christmas, his first book since Purpose Driven Life. The 125-page gift book, which Warren called “the most evangelistic book I’ve ever written,” hit the New York Times’ list of top 5 bestselling Hardcover Advice books after two weeks on the bookshelves.
All net proceeds of The Purpose of Christmas have gone to benefit Warren’s PEACE Plan – a global initiative created to mobilize millions of Christians in the fight against the five global “giants” of spiritual emptiness, self-centered leadership, extreme poverty, pandemic disease and illiteracy/education.
End quote.
If his "Christmas" book was the most evangelical book he's ever written, then he's admitting that the other PDL books aren't.
Besides the fact that Warren doesn't know the Gospel hence its missing from Warren's writting and speaking.
This also yet again verifies that Warren's driving agenda is his little PEACE program, NOT the Gospel, because his plan is about humanitarian deeds, not Jesus Christ.
Quote:
“I’m in book writing mode right now,” Warren reported in a broadcast to his church members Thursday. “I’ve gone back into hibernation to write the follow up to Purpose Driven Life now, eight years later. It’s going to be called The Hope of the World, and my plan is to release that on Easter Sunday – our 30th anniversary – next year.”
Last year, Warren released The Purpose of Christmas, his first book since Purpose Driven Life. The 125-page gift book, which Warren called “the most evangelistic book I’ve ever written,” hit the New York Times’ list of top 5 bestselling Hardcover Advice books after two weeks on the bookshelves.
All net proceeds of The Purpose of Christmas have gone to benefit Warren’s PEACE Plan – a global initiative created to mobilize millions of Christians in the fight against the five global “giants” of spiritual emptiness, self-centered leadership, extreme poverty, pandemic disease and illiteracy/education.
End quote.
If his "Christmas" book was the most evangelical book he's ever written, then he's admitting that the other PDL books aren't.
Besides the fact that Warren doesn't know the Gospel hence its missing from Warren's writting and speaking.
This also yet again verifies that Warren's driving agenda is his little PEACE program, NOT the Gospel, because his plan is about humanitarian deeds, not Jesus Christ.
The Arrest Report of Henry Gates by Cambridge PD
The arrest report of Henry Gates here. This is quite revealing about how irrational Gates is.
The Only Paper Trail of Obama From Harvard Days: Unpaid Parking Tickets
The only paperwork proven from Obama's college days: unpaid parking tickets. It seems that Obama hasn't any fond memories of the Cambridge PD. Could the arrest of his fellow racist liberal, Proferssor Gates, be a personal issue for him?
Excerpts:
According to the Somerville Times in 2007, as a Harvard Law School student, Obama got 17 parking tickets during 1989-1991 from the Cambridge Police Department that he left unpaid until just weeks before he announced his bid for the presidency.
"In other words, as a practicing lawyer in Chicago, he allowed these tickets and penalties to remain unpaid; as an Illinois state senator he allowed these tickets and fines to remain unpaid; and as a United States senator he allowed these almost-two-decade-old signs of his disdain for the law to remain unpaid," commented John LeBoutillier on Newsmax.com.
The Washington Post said two years ago that the tickets included parking without a proper permit and parking in a bus stop.
The Associated Press reported in 2007 that Obama's "healthy stack" of parking tickets was finally paid, including late fees, "two weeks before he officially launched his presidential campaign."
End quote.
-Source
Excerpts:
According to the Somerville Times in 2007, as a Harvard Law School student, Obama got 17 parking tickets during 1989-1991 from the Cambridge Police Department that he left unpaid until just weeks before he announced his bid for the presidency.
"In other words, as a practicing lawyer in Chicago, he allowed these tickets and penalties to remain unpaid; as an Illinois state senator he allowed these tickets and fines to remain unpaid; and as a United States senator he allowed these almost-two-decade-old signs of his disdain for the law to remain unpaid," commented John LeBoutillier on Newsmax.com.
The Washington Post said two years ago that the tickets included parking without a proper permit and parking in a bus stop.
The Associated Press reported in 2007 that Obama's "healthy stack" of parking tickets was finally paid, including late fees, "two weeks before he officially launched his presidential campaign."
End quote.
-Source
Thursday, July 23, 2009
The Difference Between the Court Jester and Episcopalian Female Priest Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori
The difference is
....
....one has a better costume and is actually male.
........one has a better costume and is actually male.
Hey Teddy and Ruth, YOU Try Obama's Socialized Healthcare first!
So the details are slowly coming out on Obama's healthcare plan.
"The version of President Obama's universal health care plan pending in the U.S. House would require "end-of-life" counseling for senior citizens, and the former lieutenant governor for the state of New York is warning people to "protect their parents" from the measure." - Source
"The Affordable Health Choices Act drafted by Sen. Edward Kennedy's staff and the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee pushes "Americans into stingy insurance plans with tight, HMO-style controls," the Wall Street Journal reports.
At the same time, Page 114 of the act specifically exempts members of Congress from the public plan.
The bill mandates that all other Americans enroll in "qualified" health plans and submit proof of enrollment to the government. " - Source
Well, the first guinea pigs to sign up to prove the quality of government health care should be ailing Teddy Kennedy and Ruth Ginsburg. Then they can add Sandra Day O'Connor.
This reminds me of the Health and Wealth hucksters who tell everyone else that they don't need a doctor, but just enough faith to make their diseases go away, while all the time they themselves seek out good doctors and medicine to cure their ailments.
Or the political hacks who try to sell America's government educational system to Americans, but they send all their kids to private schools.
The epitome of "do as I say, not as I do".
Hypocrits.
"The version of President Obama's universal health care plan pending in the U.S. House would require "end-of-life" counseling for senior citizens, and the former lieutenant governor for the state of New York is warning people to "protect their parents" from the measure." - Source
"The Affordable Health Choices Act drafted by Sen. Edward Kennedy's staff and the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee pushes "Americans into stingy insurance plans with tight, HMO-style controls," the Wall Street Journal reports.
At the same time, Page 114 of the act specifically exempts members of Congress from the public plan.
The bill mandates that all other Americans enroll in "qualified" health plans and submit proof of enrollment to the government. " - Source
Well, the first guinea pigs to sign up to prove the quality of government health care should be ailing Teddy Kennedy and Ruth Ginsburg. Then they can add Sandra Day O'Connor.
This reminds me of the Health and Wealth hucksters who tell everyone else that they don't need a doctor, but just enough faith to make their diseases go away, while all the time they themselves seek out good doctors and medicine to cure their ailments.
Or the political hacks who try to sell America's government educational system to Americans, but they send all their kids to private schools.
The epitome of "do as I say, not as I do".
Hypocrits.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
The Perils of Contemporary "Christian" Music
Why one former CCM leader left the movement.
Excerpts:
A former rock musician (keyboardist, singer and composer) from the Baby Boomer generation, Lucarini became a worship leader just as CCM was beginning to take over church services in the late 1980s to 1990s. He was a new born-again believer at the time and was happy to use his talents for God. He helped a couple of churches transition from traditional to contemporary worship services.
He thought he had all the right motives and enthusiastically promoted the acceptance of CCM in evangelical and fundamental churches.
"We used the excuse that we wanted to reach out to the young people," Lucarini said. "You know what? They didn't like the music. It was our music. It was classic rock. We just did it for ourselves. That was the conclusion I came to."
"Let's be honest about it. It wasn't to save souls. It was just because we like that kind of music and we're the rebellious generation so we just basically thought we could do whatever we wanted," he added.
At the heart of his argument is that rock music, and all forms of it, is a music style that was created by immoral men for immoral purposes.
Whether it's soft rock, pop/rock, jazz, praise and worship, Chris Tomlin, Delirious? or Hillsong, CCM is "scandalous and offensive because of where it came from and what it means around us in the world today," he argues.
"And I don't believe that Christians can just take it and sanctify it and call it holy," he says to those who say it can be used to reach people for God. "I think it's a mistake."
It's like serving a nice juicy steak on a garbage can lid (even if you try to scrub it, it remains a dirty garbage can lid), he explains.
"I can sit and talk to anybody about why I think rock music is the wrong musical language to tie with 'praise the holy God,'" he contends. "They’re incompatible. You see the results of it everywhere with the tension and church splits and even the younger generation."
After his experience with taking teens to CCM concerts, Lucarini believes the harm done (CCM artists, whether intentional or not, role modeling indecent dress and rebellious images, or stirring improper crushes and lustful interests among fans) far outweighs any salvation or discipleship benefits.
He submits to the argument that some would not even give the Gospel message a listen or step into a church without the medium of CCM. But Lucarini ultimately believes CCM is not needed.
"It's very arrogant for people to declare issues that split and divide Christians as secondary. It's just an attempt to suppress what’s going on," he said. "Any issue that scandalizes and offends brothers and sisters in Christ cannot be called secondary. At that point in time it’s primary and must be dealt with."
After more than ten years of leading worship and later questioning the CCM movement, Lucarini says he has come to learn the true meaning of worship.
Worship is not a response to the opening guitar licks of a song, but a response to God's revelation and who He is.
End quote.
Interestingly, the Emergent Church Movement, which is tied to the CCM/Seeker Friendly movements, has inherited the same adolescent mentality, as I have often called ECM: "You're not the boss of me!" Lucarini confirms this very point of mine. It IS rebellious. It IS immature and selfish in nature and it DOES affect lives and the health of churches.
For further information dealing with contemporary "Christian music" go to Dr. Peter Master's article here.
Excerpts:
A former rock musician (keyboardist, singer and composer) from the Baby Boomer generation, Lucarini became a worship leader just as CCM was beginning to take over church services in the late 1980s to 1990s. He was a new born-again believer at the time and was happy to use his talents for God. He helped a couple of churches transition from traditional to contemporary worship services.
He thought he had all the right motives and enthusiastically promoted the acceptance of CCM in evangelical and fundamental churches.
"We used the excuse that we wanted to reach out to the young people," Lucarini said. "You know what? They didn't like the music. It was our music. It was classic rock. We just did it for ourselves. That was the conclusion I came to."
"Let's be honest about it. It wasn't to save souls. It was just because we like that kind of music and we're the rebellious generation so we just basically thought we could do whatever we wanted," he added.
At the heart of his argument is that rock music, and all forms of it, is a music style that was created by immoral men for immoral purposes.
Whether it's soft rock, pop/rock, jazz, praise and worship, Chris Tomlin, Delirious? or Hillsong, CCM is "scandalous and offensive because of where it came from and what it means around us in the world today," he argues.
"And I don't believe that Christians can just take it and sanctify it and call it holy," he says to those who say it can be used to reach people for God. "I think it's a mistake."
It's like serving a nice juicy steak on a garbage can lid (even if you try to scrub it, it remains a dirty garbage can lid), he explains.
"I can sit and talk to anybody about why I think rock music is the wrong musical language to tie with 'praise the holy God,'" he contends. "They’re incompatible. You see the results of it everywhere with the tension and church splits and even the younger generation."
After his experience with taking teens to CCM concerts, Lucarini believes the harm done (CCM artists, whether intentional or not, role modeling indecent dress and rebellious images, or stirring improper crushes and lustful interests among fans) far outweighs any salvation or discipleship benefits.
He submits to the argument that some would not even give the Gospel message a listen or step into a church without the medium of CCM. But Lucarini ultimately believes CCM is not needed.
"It's very arrogant for people to declare issues that split and divide Christians as secondary. It's just an attempt to suppress what’s going on," he said. "Any issue that scandalizes and offends brothers and sisters in Christ cannot be called secondary. At that point in time it’s primary and must be dealt with."
After more than ten years of leading worship and later questioning the CCM movement, Lucarini says he has come to learn the true meaning of worship.
Worship is not a response to the opening guitar licks of a song, but a response to God's revelation and who He is.
End quote.
Interestingly, the Emergent Church Movement, which is tied to the CCM/Seeker Friendly movements, has inherited the same adolescent mentality, as I have often called ECM: "You're not the boss of me!" Lucarini confirms this very point of mine. It IS rebellious. It IS immature and selfish in nature and it DOES affect lives and the health of churches.
For further information dealing with contemporary "Christian music" go to Dr. Peter Master's article here.
Carter Rejects Scripture And Holds Islam Up As Example of Treating Women Equally
Jimmy Carter is still stomping his liberal, wimpy feet at the issue of God's CLEAR command that women are not to be leaders over men. Why he's come out slamming yet again, against the King's Decree is something only time will tell. Here's what he says:
Quote:
Women and girls have been discriminated against for too long in a twisted interpretation of the word of God.
I understand, however, why many political leaders can be reluctant about stepping into this minefield. Religion, and tradition, are powerful and sensitive areas to challenge. But my fellow Elders and I, who come from many faiths and backgrounds, no longer need to worry about winning votes or avoiding controversy - and we are deeply committed to challenging injustice wherever we see it.
The Elders are an independent group of eminent global leaders, brought together by former South African president Nelson Mandela, who offer their influence and experience to support peace building, help address major causes of human suffering and promote the shared interests of humanity. We have decided to draw particular attention to the responsibility of religious and traditional leaders in ensuring equality and human rights and have recently published a statement that declares: "The justification of discrimination against women and girls on grounds of religion or tradition, as if it were prescribed by a Higher Authority, is unacceptable."
The carefully selected verses found in the Holy Scriptures to justify the superiority of men owe more to time and place - and the determination of male leaders to hold onto their influence - than eternal truths. Similar biblical excerpts could be found to support the approval of slavery and the timid acquiescence to oppressive rulers.
I am also familiar with vivid descriptions in the same Scriptures in which women are revered as pre-eminent leaders. During the years of the early Christian church women served as deacons, priests, bishops, apostles, teachers and prophets. It wasn't until the fourth century that dominant Christian leaders, all men, twisted and distorted Holy Scriptures to perpetuate their ascendant positions within the religious hierarchy.
The truth is that male religious leaders have had - and still have - an option to interpret holy teachings either to exalt or subjugate women. They have, for their own selfish ends, overwhelmingly chosen the latter. Their continuing choice provides the foundation or justification for much of the pervasive persecution and abuse of women throughout the world. This is in clear violation not just of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights but also the teachings of Jesus Christ, the Apostle Paul, Moses and the prophets, Muhammad, and founders of other great religions - all of whom have called for proper and equitable treatment of all the children of God. It is time we had the courage to challenge these views.
-Source
Where does one start with such unbiblical, twisted thinking?
Let's start with Scripture, unlike Carter who clearly doesn't know what The King of the universe has dictated.
Scripture is the sole authority and when it speaks, its God speaking:
2Ti 3:16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.
Ps. 138:2… You have exalted above all things Your name and Your word.
Psa 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;
Is. 8: 20 To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.
What Scripture says about the roles of men and women:
Tit 2:3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, 4 and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.
1Tim. 2: 11 A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. 12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. 15 But women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety.
1Pe 3:5 For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands,
1Cor. 14: 33 For God is not a God of disorder but of peace. As in all the congregations of the saints, 34 women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says.
1Cor. 14:35 If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church. 36 Did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached? 37 If anybody thinks he is a prophet or spiritually gifted, let him acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command. 38 If he ignores this, he himself will be ignored.
Col 3:18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
Eph 5:22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.
Clearly God says women are to submit to their husbands and women are not to teach men in the churches nor have spiritual authority over them.
The order of God's church also indicates the same:
Elders are to be MEN, which is keeping in line with the verses above:
Titus 1 6 An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. 7 Since an overseer is entrusted with God’s work, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. 8 Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. 9 He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.
Deacons are to be men, which is also in keeping with the verses above:
Act 6:2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, "It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Act 6:3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven MEN of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty.
1Ti 3:8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain.
1Ti 3:9 They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.
1Ti 3:10 And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless.
1Ti 3:11 Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things.
1Ti 3:12 Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well.
So there it is. God has dictated who should be leaders in the marriage and in the churches. Who is Carter that he should rebel against the King of King's own orders? Ecc 8:4 For the word of the king is supreme, and who may say to him, "What are you doing?" If this is true for an earthly king, how much more so with the King of Kings and Lord of lords?
A true church doesn't rebel against God's Word and His commands; rather it follows them. A church with women leading men is not a true church, as God has already dictated how a true church is structured and is to be run. The "elders" at Jimmy's church aren't ordained by GOD but by Mandela, to run the man-centered show there. A church isn't about human peace; its a place of corporate worship for the called-out elect of God; believers, those IN Christ Jesus, the Saved ones. I think Ricky Warren has a new rival in town: Jimmy's got more influential men on global "peace" than Ricky (remember P.E.A.C.E.?)!
I find it dishonest and perverted for Carter to equate the Lord's command of proper roles for men and women to that of horrendous slavery and treatment of women. Indeed, the commands of God in Scripture and HIS use of women in ministry actually shocked the society of those days because women were considered property or second-class citizens. To have Jesus Christ reveal Himself as Messiah to a woman first or to have Him reveal Himself as Resurrected Lord to women first, indeed shows His "value" of women. In addition we see Him spending time teaching women like Mary and Martha, when that was just not done in those days. Furthermore we see the proclamation that, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus," Gal 3:28.
We see Paul, who penned 1Cor. 14 and Titus1 and 1Tim. 3, also publically thank five women for their work alongside him for the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Romans 16. Paul valued women. God's Holy Word doesn't contradict itself. The value of women is proclamed in Scripture, but so is the proper role for them. They go hand in hand. Men were leaders of the churches in the early days of Christianity, contrary to Carter's lies. He can't point out one verse that says otherwise. In fact, all of Scripture shows MEN leading the churches, and corrections when the women were becoming overbearing (1Cor. 14).
As for women ruling countries:
Isa 3:12 My people--infants are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, your guides mislead you and they have swallowed up the course of your paths.
The issue goes back to the Fall, as Paul says in Titus 2:11-14. It is a judgement upon a nation when women or young ones rule the people, not a blessing.
Carter Endorses Muhammad
"This is in clear violation not just of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights but also the teachings of Jesus Christ, the Apostle Paul, Moses and the prophets, Muhammad, and founders of other great religions - all of whom have called for proper and equitable treatment of all the children of God. It is time we had the courage to challenge these views."
Did you catch what he said about Muhammad? Carter is ignorant of Islam's teaching on women. Again we see another blathering liberal religious American doing the dirty work of Islam. Every true Muslim knows the teaching of the quran and haddiths on women, which is WHY Muslim countries treat women so abominably--the very thing Carter complains about.
Besides all religions except Biblical Christianity having false gods and false ways of salvation (which God condemns and for which people go to Hell), this is the Islam, the Muhammad of the "great religion" of Islam that Carter ENDORSES (this would be the child molester Muhammad):
Surah 4:34: Men are the managers of the affairs of women...those you fear may be rebellious admoinsh; banish them to their couches, and beat them.
Hadith - Burkhari vol. I, no. 301: Allah's Apostle...said, "O women! Give alms, as I have seen that the majority of the dwellers of Hell-fire were you women...I have not seen anyone more deficient in intelligence and religion than you."
"Men are superior to women on account of the qualities which God hath gifted the one above the other, S. 4:34 …. and on account of the outlay they make from their substance for them. Virtuous women are obedient, careful, during the husband's absence, because God hath of them been careful. But chide those for whose refractoriness ye have cause to fear; remove them into beds apart, AND SCOURGE THEM: but if they are obedient to you then seek not occasion against them: verily, God is High, Great!" S. 4:34
Islam is a man's religion, where man gets 72 virgins in "paradise" if he's good enough; where men have multiple wives, where men can beat their wives or daughters for dishonoring them, where men just have to pronounce a divorce from their wives and their wives are now on their own (if they survive). Yup, this is a great religion to hold up AGAINST Biblical Christianity as an example of how women should be treated! Excellent example there, Carter! Well done!
Yet Scripture says in Christ men and women are equal, that HE made them equal, just with different roles. The VALUE of women is precious. In fact we see in Scripture that husbands are to treat their wives as precious, delicate, valuable fine china (see below). Granted, I run into many "Christian" men who have distain for women, especially women who are bold about their faith in Christ and uplift Scripture, testing all things. Most of these want to rule over women who are not their wives, expecting them to submit to any man just because they are women. This obviously is directly against Scripture as well. Scripture is clear:
1Pe 3:7 Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.
Col 3:19 Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.
Eph 5:28 In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church,
Now, which religion uplifts women? Islam or Biblical Christianity?
Ever wonder why Carter's wife is so quiet on this topic?
And is Carter, who was one of our worst presidents, really the man to be speaking about leadership?
Quote:
Women and girls have been discriminated against for too long in a twisted interpretation of the word of God.
I understand, however, why many political leaders can be reluctant about stepping into this minefield. Religion, and tradition, are powerful and sensitive areas to challenge. But my fellow Elders and I, who come from many faiths and backgrounds, no longer need to worry about winning votes or avoiding controversy - and we are deeply committed to challenging injustice wherever we see it.
The Elders are an independent group of eminent global leaders, brought together by former South African president Nelson Mandela, who offer their influence and experience to support peace building, help address major causes of human suffering and promote the shared interests of humanity. We have decided to draw particular attention to the responsibility of religious and traditional leaders in ensuring equality and human rights and have recently published a statement that declares: "The justification of discrimination against women and girls on grounds of religion or tradition, as if it were prescribed by a Higher Authority, is unacceptable."
The carefully selected verses found in the Holy Scriptures to justify the superiority of men owe more to time and place - and the determination of male leaders to hold onto their influence - than eternal truths. Similar biblical excerpts could be found to support the approval of slavery and the timid acquiescence to oppressive rulers.
I am also familiar with vivid descriptions in the same Scriptures in which women are revered as pre-eminent leaders. During the years of the early Christian church women served as deacons, priests, bishops, apostles, teachers and prophets. It wasn't until the fourth century that dominant Christian leaders, all men, twisted and distorted Holy Scriptures to perpetuate their ascendant positions within the religious hierarchy.
The truth is that male religious leaders have had - and still have - an option to interpret holy teachings either to exalt or subjugate women. They have, for their own selfish ends, overwhelmingly chosen the latter. Their continuing choice provides the foundation or justification for much of the pervasive persecution and abuse of women throughout the world. This is in clear violation not just of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights but also the teachings of Jesus Christ, the Apostle Paul, Moses and the prophets, Muhammad, and founders of other great religions - all of whom have called for proper and equitable treatment of all the children of God. It is time we had the courage to challenge these views.
-Source
Where does one start with such unbiblical, twisted thinking?
Let's start with Scripture, unlike Carter who clearly doesn't know what The King of the universe has dictated.
Scripture is the sole authority and when it speaks, its God speaking:
2Ti 3:16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.
Ps. 138:2… You have exalted above all things Your name and Your word.
Psa 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;
Is. 8: 20 To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.
What Scripture says about the roles of men and women:
Tit 2:3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, 4 and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.
1Tim. 2: 11 A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. 12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. 15 But women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety.
1Pe 3:5 For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands,
1Cor. 14: 33 For God is not a God of disorder but of peace. As in all the congregations of the saints, 34 women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says.
1Cor. 14:35 If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church. 36 Did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached? 37 If anybody thinks he is a prophet or spiritually gifted, let him acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command. 38 If he ignores this, he himself will be ignored.
Col 3:18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
Eph 5:22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.
Clearly God says women are to submit to their husbands and women are not to teach men in the churches nor have spiritual authority over them.
The order of God's church also indicates the same:
Elders are to be MEN, which is keeping in line with the verses above:
Titus 1 6 An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. 7 Since an overseer is entrusted with God’s work, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. 8 Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. 9 He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.
Deacons are to be men, which is also in keeping with the verses above:
Act 6:2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, "It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Act 6:3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven MEN of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty.
1Ti 3:8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain.
1Ti 3:9 They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.
1Ti 3:10 And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless.
1Ti 3:11 Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things.
1Ti 3:12 Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well.
So there it is. God has dictated who should be leaders in the marriage and in the churches. Who is Carter that he should rebel against the King of King's own orders? Ecc 8:4 For the word of the king is supreme, and who may say to him, "What are you doing?" If this is true for an earthly king, how much more so with the King of Kings and Lord of lords?
A true church doesn't rebel against God's Word and His commands; rather it follows them. A church with women leading men is not a true church, as God has already dictated how a true church is structured and is to be run. The "elders" at Jimmy's church aren't ordained by GOD but by Mandela, to run the man-centered show there. A church isn't about human peace; its a place of corporate worship for the called-out elect of God; believers, those IN Christ Jesus, the Saved ones. I think Ricky Warren has a new rival in town: Jimmy's got more influential men on global "peace" than Ricky (remember P.E.A.C.E.?)!
I find it dishonest and perverted for Carter to equate the Lord's command of proper roles for men and women to that of horrendous slavery and treatment of women. Indeed, the commands of God in Scripture and HIS use of women in ministry actually shocked the society of those days because women were considered property or second-class citizens. To have Jesus Christ reveal Himself as Messiah to a woman first or to have Him reveal Himself as Resurrected Lord to women first, indeed shows His "value" of women. In addition we see Him spending time teaching women like Mary and Martha, when that was just not done in those days. Furthermore we see the proclamation that, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus," Gal 3:28.
We see Paul, who penned 1Cor. 14 and Titus1 and 1Tim. 3, also publically thank five women for their work alongside him for the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Romans 16. Paul valued women. God's Holy Word doesn't contradict itself. The value of women is proclamed in Scripture, but so is the proper role for them. They go hand in hand. Men were leaders of the churches in the early days of Christianity, contrary to Carter's lies. He can't point out one verse that says otherwise. In fact, all of Scripture shows MEN leading the churches, and corrections when the women were becoming overbearing (1Cor. 14).
As for women ruling countries:
Isa 3:12 My people--infants are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, your guides mislead you and they have swallowed up the course of your paths.
The issue goes back to the Fall, as Paul says in Titus 2:11-14. It is a judgement upon a nation when women or young ones rule the people, not a blessing.
Carter Endorses Muhammad
"This is in clear violation not just of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights but also the teachings of Jesus Christ, the Apostle Paul, Moses and the prophets, Muhammad, and founders of other great religions - all of whom have called for proper and equitable treatment of all the children of God. It is time we had the courage to challenge these views."
Did you catch what he said about Muhammad? Carter is ignorant of Islam's teaching on women. Again we see another blathering liberal religious American doing the dirty work of Islam. Every true Muslim knows the teaching of the quran and haddiths on women, which is WHY Muslim countries treat women so abominably--the very thing Carter complains about.
Besides all religions except Biblical Christianity having false gods and false ways of salvation (which God condemns and for which people go to Hell), this is the Islam, the Muhammad of the "great religion" of Islam that Carter ENDORSES (this would be the child molester Muhammad):
Surah 4:34: Men are the managers of the affairs of women...those you fear may be rebellious admoinsh; banish them to their couches, and beat them.
Hadith - Burkhari vol. I, no. 301: Allah's Apostle...said, "O women! Give alms, as I have seen that the majority of the dwellers of Hell-fire were you women...I have not seen anyone more deficient in intelligence and religion than you."
"Men are superior to women on account of the qualities which God hath gifted the one above the other, S. 4:34 …. and on account of the outlay they make from their substance for them. Virtuous women are obedient, careful, during the husband's absence, because God hath of them been careful. But chide those for whose refractoriness ye have cause to fear; remove them into beds apart, AND SCOURGE THEM: but if they are obedient to you then seek not occasion against them: verily, God is High, Great!" S. 4:34
Islam is a man's religion, where man gets 72 virgins in "paradise" if he's good enough; where men have multiple wives, where men can beat their wives or daughters for dishonoring them, where men just have to pronounce a divorce from their wives and their wives are now on their own (if they survive). Yup, this is a great religion to hold up AGAINST Biblical Christianity as an example of how women should be treated! Excellent example there, Carter! Well done!
Yet Scripture says in Christ men and women are equal, that HE made them equal, just with different roles. The VALUE of women is precious. In fact we see in Scripture that husbands are to treat their wives as precious, delicate, valuable fine china (see below). Granted, I run into many "Christian" men who have distain for women, especially women who are bold about their faith in Christ and uplift Scripture, testing all things. Most of these want to rule over women who are not their wives, expecting them to submit to any man just because they are women. This obviously is directly against Scripture as well. Scripture is clear:
1Pe 3:7 Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.
Col 3:19 Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.
Eph 5:28 In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church,
Now, which religion uplifts women? Islam or Biblical Christianity?
Ever wonder why Carter's wife is so quiet on this topic?
And is Carter, who was one of our worst presidents, really the man to be speaking about leadership?
Democrates Baffled Over Obama's Lack of Clarity
News:
"WASHINGTON (CNN) – As the prospects for passing health reform by the time Congress leaves for its August recess look bleaker, Democratic grumbling about President Obama is growing louder. One Democratic senator tells CNN congressional Democrats are “baffled,” and another senior Democratic source tells CNN members of the president’s own party are still “frustrated” that they’re not getting more specific direction from him on health care....."
Well Dems, YOU voted for this guy. YOU pushed him. YOU defend him. Now you are baffled? Why? This is who he is.
What happened with your leader's call for "transparency"? Where's his integrity?
Welcome to Socialism, Democrats.
"WASHINGTON (CNN) – As the prospects for passing health reform by the time Congress leaves for its August recess look bleaker, Democratic grumbling about President Obama is growing louder. One Democratic senator tells CNN congressional Democrats are “baffled,” and another senior Democratic source tells CNN members of the president’s own party are still “frustrated” that they’re not getting more specific direction from him on health care....."
Well Dems, YOU voted for this guy. YOU pushed him. YOU defend him. Now you are baffled? Why? This is who he is.
What happened with your leader's call for "transparency"? Where's his integrity?
Welcome to Socialism, Democrats.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Another Messiah Dies: Walter Cronkite
This was odd:
"But Walter was always more than just an anchor," said Barack Obama upon his death. "He was someone we could trust to guide us through the most important issues of the day; a voice of certainty in an uncertain world. He was family. He invited us to believe in him, and he never let us down. This country has lost an icon and a dear friend, and he will be truly missed."
The messiah making another man messiah-like.
Why would anyone trust a news anchorman with anything, let alone call the mere man "The most trusted man in America"? That's just weird. I've never trusted him. Why should I?
Turns out Cronkite was a liberal hack like the rest of his collegues:
"American people are going to begin to realize they are going to have to yield some sovereignty to an international body to enforce world law, and I think that's going to come to other people as well," he said. "It's a fair distance to get there, but we are not ever going to get there unless we keep trying to push ourselves onto the road."
Go here for more examples of his liberalism.
Well, the man is dead. His family will miss him, no doubt. But he wasn't a man American trusted in nor should he have been. He didn't get us through anything. If anything, he apparently helped push the liberal agenda, which isn't something to be proud about--its an absolute shame. A t.v. news reader can't help anyone through real life. What does Obama think this man on t.v. did for everyone? What power are they attributing to this white man?(Hey, in politics, race is everything.) And while Obama might have believed in him (sorry but his words ring really hallow), I certainly didn't. Why would a man who hates America and is pro-Africa (see the website of his church of twenty years) suddenly make an old white man a messiah is VERY weird and suspect. Cronkite wasn't my savior. He was a dead, unregenerated, lost sinner who needed to repent of his sin and in humility turn to Jesus Christ for salvation.
Like what that other messiah needs to do. No, not MJ (its too late for the pedophile-messiah). I mean Obama.
How many other men are going to be proclaimed as god-like? How many others are Americans or at least its media, going to hold as a saint instead of the sinner they really were? How many others are the media and political hacks going to attribute sinless perfection? This is getting SO old and so absolutely ridiculous.
The ONLY one who is sinless, who demands faith in Him, the only One who will never disappoint is Jesus Christ. Being God the Son, HE shall be worshipped. He is the ONLY Savior who can take away sin. He is the only one who will never disappoint.
1Pe 2:22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth.
Rom 10:9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Rom 10:10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.
Rom 10:11 For the Scripture says, "Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame."
Heb 13:4 Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.
Heb 13:5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."
Heb 13:6 So we can confidently say, "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?"
THIS real Messiah will never die; He is everlasting, eternal, and judge of all.
Joh 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Joh 1:2 He was in the beginning with God.
Joh 1:3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.
Joh 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Joh 8:58 Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am."
Heb 1:3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,
Heb 1:10 And, "You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of your hands;
Heb 1:11 they will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment,
Heb 1:12 like a robe you will roll them up, like a garment they will be changed. But you are the same, and your years will have no end."
Rev 19:11 Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war.
Rev 19:12 His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself.
Rev 19:13 He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God.
Rev 19:14 And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses.
Rev 19:15 From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty.
Rev 19:16 On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.
Rev 1:17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, "Fear not, I am the first and the last, 18 and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.
2Th 2:8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of His coming.
THIS is Whom you should fear! THIS is the ONLY True Messiah, Savior, Master, Creator, God, King, Lord! He is alive, not dead! He is without sin and call Faithful and True. He rules His creation and will judge all men. Put your hope in HIM alone.
"But Walter was always more than just an anchor," said Barack Obama upon his death. "He was someone we could trust to guide us through the most important issues of the day; a voice of certainty in an uncertain world. He was family. He invited us to believe in him, and he never let us down. This country has lost an icon and a dear friend, and he will be truly missed."
The messiah making another man messiah-like.
Why would anyone trust a news anchorman with anything, let alone call the mere man "The most trusted man in America"? That's just weird. I've never trusted him. Why should I?
Turns out Cronkite was a liberal hack like the rest of his collegues:
"American people are going to begin to realize they are going to have to yield some sovereignty to an international body to enforce world law, and I think that's going to come to other people as well," he said. "It's a fair distance to get there, but we are not ever going to get there unless we keep trying to push ourselves onto the road."
Go here for more examples of his liberalism.
Well, the man is dead. His family will miss him, no doubt. But he wasn't a man American trusted in nor should he have been. He didn't get us through anything. If anything, he apparently helped push the liberal agenda, which isn't something to be proud about--its an absolute shame. A t.v. news reader can't help anyone through real life. What does Obama think this man on t.v. did for everyone? What power are they attributing to this white man?(Hey, in politics, race is everything.) And while Obama might have believed in him (sorry but his words ring really hallow), I certainly didn't. Why would a man who hates America and is pro-Africa (see the website of his church of twenty years) suddenly make an old white man a messiah is VERY weird and suspect. Cronkite wasn't my savior. He was a dead, unregenerated, lost sinner who needed to repent of his sin and in humility turn to Jesus Christ for salvation.
Like what that other messiah needs to do. No, not MJ (its too late for the pedophile-messiah). I mean Obama.
How many other men are going to be proclaimed as god-like? How many others are Americans or at least its media, going to hold as a saint instead of the sinner they really were? How many others are the media and political hacks going to attribute sinless perfection? This is getting SO old and so absolutely ridiculous.
The ONLY one who is sinless, who demands faith in Him, the only One who will never disappoint is Jesus Christ. Being God the Son, HE shall be worshipped. He is the ONLY Savior who can take away sin. He is the only one who will never disappoint.
1Pe 2:22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth.
Rom 10:9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Rom 10:10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.
Rom 10:11 For the Scripture says, "Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame."
Heb 13:4 Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.
Heb 13:5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."
Heb 13:6 So we can confidently say, "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?"
THIS real Messiah will never die; He is everlasting, eternal, and judge of all.
Joh 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Joh 1:2 He was in the beginning with God.
Joh 1:3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.
Joh 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Joh 8:58 Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am."
Heb 1:3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,
Heb 1:10 And, "You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of your hands;
Heb 1:11 they will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment,
Heb 1:12 like a robe you will roll them up, like a garment they will be changed. But you are the same, and your years will have no end."
Rev 19:11 Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war.
Rev 19:12 His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself.
Rev 19:13 He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God.
Rev 19:14 And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses.
Rev 19:15 From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty.
Rev 19:16 On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.
Rev 1:17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, "Fear not, I am the first and the last, 18 and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.
2Th 2:8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of His coming.
THIS is Whom you should fear! THIS is the ONLY True Messiah, Savior, Master, Creator, God, King, Lord! He is alive, not dead! He is without sin and call Faithful and True. He rules His creation and will judge all men. Put your hope in HIM alone.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Does Your Language Speak Unequivocally To Which Side You Are On?
John Newton:
But there are other fundamental points, essential to the Gospel, which are the foundations of his hope, and the sources of his joy. For his firm attachment to these, he is content to be treated as a 'bigot' himself! For here he is immovable as an iron pillar; nor can either the fear or the favor of man prevail on him to yield the truth of the Gospel, no not for an hour! (Galatians 2:5). Here his judgment is fixed; and he expresses it in simple and unequivocal language, so as not to leave either friends or enemies in suspense, concerning the side which he has chosen, or the cause which is nearest to his heart.
Knowing that the Gospel is the wisdom and power of God, and the only possible means by which fallen man can obtain peace with God--he most cordially embraces and avows it. Far from being ashamed of it--he esteems it his glory. He preaches Christ Jesus, and Him crucified. He disdains the thought of distorting, disguising, or softening the great doctrines of the grace of God, to render them more palatable to the depraved taste of the times (2 Corinthians 4:2). And he will no more encounter the errors and corrupt maxims and practices of the world, with any weapon but the truth as it is in Jesus--than he would venture to fight an enraged tiger with a paper sword!
But there are other fundamental points, essential to the Gospel, which are the foundations of his hope, and the sources of his joy. For his firm attachment to these, he is content to be treated as a 'bigot' himself! For here he is immovable as an iron pillar; nor can either the fear or the favor of man prevail on him to yield the truth of the Gospel, no not for an hour! (Galatians 2:5). Here his judgment is fixed; and he expresses it in simple and unequivocal language, so as not to leave either friends or enemies in suspense, concerning the side which he has chosen, or the cause which is nearest to his heart.
Knowing that the Gospel is the wisdom and power of God, and the only possible means by which fallen man can obtain peace with God--he most cordially embraces and avows it. Far from being ashamed of it--he esteems it his glory. He preaches Christ Jesus, and Him crucified. He disdains the thought of distorting, disguising, or softening the great doctrines of the grace of God, to render them more palatable to the depraved taste of the times (2 Corinthians 4:2). And he will no more encounter the errors and corrupt maxims and practices of the world, with any weapon but the truth as it is in Jesus--than he would venture to fight an enraged tiger with a paper sword!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Ricky Warren Doing Islam's Dirty Work
Reports of Muslims persecuting Christians are hitting the news again, while Ricky Warren ignores it and blathers on about his beloved "PEACE" plan.
What you have to realize is that when the Muslims clap and applaud him, they are NOT, I repeat, they are NOT finding common ground with him, but rather they are finding an easy target, a vessel of their choice, a way in to infiltrate Infidel America and "evangelical christianity".
The quran demands that all other religions are wrong and Christians in particular, have a wrong god (even though we know historically Muhammad stole notions from various pagan religions and created his own). They believe Allah is the right god and that he has nothing in common with the God of Scripture.
Warren is Islam's new spokesman in the West. Once we accept Islam and Muslims as good-doers, innocent of violence and blood, unlikely cadidates for persecuting Christians, Islam will demand more. They demand full submission or die by the sword. And Ricky Warren is handing "Christians" over on a silver platter for his own advancement, which will utterly fail, by the way.
So when you see vast Muslim groups clapping their hands at Ricky, just remember, they see a puppet they can easily manipulate and are glad he's doing their dirty work.
What you have to realize is that when the Muslims clap and applaud him, they are NOT, I repeat, they are NOT finding common ground with him, but rather they are finding an easy target, a vessel of their choice, a way in to infiltrate Infidel America and "evangelical christianity".
The quran demands that all other religions are wrong and Christians in particular, have a wrong god (even though we know historically Muhammad stole notions from various pagan religions and created his own). They believe Allah is the right god and that he has nothing in common with the God of Scripture.
Warren is Islam's new spokesman in the West. Once we accept Islam and Muslims as good-doers, innocent of violence and blood, unlikely cadidates for persecuting Christians, Islam will demand more. They demand full submission or die by the sword. And Ricky Warren is handing "Christians" over on a silver platter for his own advancement, which will utterly fail, by the way.
So when you see vast Muslim groups clapping their hands at Ricky, just remember, they see a puppet they can easily manipulate and are glad he's doing their dirty work.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Homosexuality Of The Heart Is Still Sexual Immorality, According To Scripture
Ken Silva and Chris Rosebrough have been getting some heat for their confrontation of Jay Bakker's sin in regard to his pro-homosexuality. Here's the latest article.
Some "Christians" want to argue that being a homosexual in and of itself isn't wrong as long as the person is in a monogomous relationship or doesn't act on their feelings. This is diametrically opposed to the very words of Jesus:
Mat 5:20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
This referrs to inward righteousness, not merely outward righteousness, as Jesus goes on to call the Pharisees "white-washed tombstones" in Matt. 23. They looked clean on the outside but INSIDE they were dead, unclean, and corrupt.
Mat 23:27 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people's bones and all uncleanness. 28 So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.
Jesus goes on:
Mat 5:27 "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery.'
Mat 5:28 But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
Mat 5:29 If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell.
Mat 5:30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell.
Notice that lusting after another in the HEART is called adultery by Jesus Christ.
This is SO bad, that is to say that the heart is so corrupt, vile, dead, full of sin, and vile, that God says TWICE that its better to cut off what causes you to sin than go to hell with your whole body.
Jer. 17: 9 The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?
Jas 1:14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
Psa 36:1 To the choirmaster. Of David, the servant of the LORD. Transgression speaks to the wicked deep in his heart; there is no fear of God before his eyes. 2 For he flatters himself in his own eyes that his iniquity cannot be found out and hated. 3 The words of his mouth are trouble and deceit; he has ceased to act wisely and do good.
Can you cut out your heart? Answer: no. You need a righteousness that FAR SURPASSES that of the Pharisees. Who can have such righteousness?
Mat 12:33 "Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad, for the tree is known by its fruit. 34 You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.
Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Eze 36:26 And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.
Psa 19:12 Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults. (This is what is called "justification" where we find the righteousness of Christ imputed to us, who were unrighteous--see Romans 4).
So, who can cut out that which causes us to sin, as Jesus asked in Matt. 5?
Only God can (Matt. 12:33, John 1-3, Ezek. 36:26-27; Eph. 2:8-10;2Tim. 2:25; Acts 11:18; Rom. 4; Ps. 19:12; etc.).
The one who lusts after another, whether male or female, is still committing adultery in their heart, regardless of whether they actually commit sexual immorality with their bodies, according to God Himself.
Therefore, those who lust after someone of the same sex but doesn't "act on it" (that is pretty much impossible...I know of no homosexual who never actually experiments thus commiting the actual act itself), they are still in God's sight, GUILTY of sexual immorality. Silva has given Scripture that shows God condemns homosexuality, so I won't repeat them here; I've listed them in past posts myself.
God takes sin extreemly seriously. Why don't "Christians"? Remember 1Cor. 5 where God had the man who was sleeping with his step-mother, thrown out of the church until he repented. Recall Anaias and Sephira struck dead by God in the middle of church for lying to God and to the leaders on the price of a plot of land they sold. HE hasn't changed at all, from the OT to the NT. Why do so many "Christians think He has?
Some "Christians" want to argue that being a homosexual in and of itself isn't wrong as long as the person is in a monogomous relationship or doesn't act on their feelings. This is diametrically opposed to the very words of Jesus:
Mat 5:20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
This referrs to inward righteousness, not merely outward righteousness, as Jesus goes on to call the Pharisees "white-washed tombstones" in Matt. 23. They looked clean on the outside but INSIDE they were dead, unclean, and corrupt.
Mat 23:27 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people's bones and all uncleanness. 28 So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.
Jesus goes on:
Mat 5:27 "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery.'
Mat 5:28 But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
Mat 5:29 If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell.
Mat 5:30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell.
Notice that lusting after another in the HEART is called adultery by Jesus Christ.
This is SO bad, that is to say that the heart is so corrupt, vile, dead, full of sin, and vile, that God says TWICE that its better to cut off what causes you to sin than go to hell with your whole body.
Jer. 17: 9 The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?
Jas 1:14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
Psa 36:1 To the choirmaster. Of David, the servant of the LORD. Transgression speaks to the wicked deep in his heart; there is no fear of God before his eyes. 2 For he flatters himself in his own eyes that his iniquity cannot be found out and hated. 3 The words of his mouth are trouble and deceit; he has ceased to act wisely and do good.
Can you cut out your heart? Answer: no. You need a righteousness that FAR SURPASSES that of the Pharisees. Who can have such righteousness?
Mat 12:33 "Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad, for the tree is known by its fruit. 34 You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.
Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Eze 36:26 And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.
Psa 19:12 Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults. (This is what is called "justification" where we find the righteousness of Christ imputed to us, who were unrighteous--see Romans 4).
So, who can cut out that which causes us to sin, as Jesus asked in Matt. 5?
Only God can (Matt. 12:33, John 1-3, Ezek. 36:26-27; Eph. 2:8-10;2Tim. 2:25; Acts 11:18; Rom. 4; Ps. 19:12; etc.).
The one who lusts after another, whether male or female, is still committing adultery in their heart, regardless of whether they actually commit sexual immorality with their bodies, according to God Himself.
Therefore, those who lust after someone of the same sex but doesn't "act on it" (that is pretty much impossible...I know of no homosexual who never actually experiments thus commiting the actual act itself), they are still in God's sight, GUILTY of sexual immorality. Silva has given Scripture that shows God condemns homosexuality, so I won't repeat them here; I've listed them in past posts myself.
God takes sin extreemly seriously. Why don't "Christians"? Remember 1Cor. 5 where God had the man who was sleeping with his step-mother, thrown out of the church until he repented. Recall Anaias and Sephira struck dead by God in the middle of church for lying to God and to the leaders on the price of a plot of land they sold. HE hasn't changed at all, from the OT to the NT. Why do so many "Christians think He has?
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Palin And the Democrates
News : Excerpts (my comments in brackets):
The former Republican vice-presidential nominee and heroine to much of the GOP's base said in an interview she views the electorate as embattled and fatigued by nonstop partisanship, and she is eager to campaign for Republicans, independents and even Democrats who share her values on limited government, strong defense and "energy independence."
[Does she not realize the electorate, and all politics are supposed to be partisan? Its a two-party system. ]
"I will go around the country on behalf of candidates who believe in the right things, regardless of their party label or affiliation," she said over lunch in her downtown office, 40 miles from her now-famous hometown of Wasilla — population 7,000 — where she began her political career.
"People are so tired of the partisan stuff — even my own son is not a Republican," said Mrs. Palin, who stunned the political world earlier this month with her decision to step down as governor July 26 with 18 months left in her term.
Both her son, Track, 20, an enlisted soldier serving in Iraq, and her husband, Todd, are registered as "nonpartisan" in Alaska.
[Again, politics is supposed to be partisan. This is basic American political science 101. The problem is that there is not ENOUGH partisanship, and THAT is why more people are opting out of a party, particularly from the GOP. The GOP is no different than the DNC whether by principles or by tactics. Palin's clueless.]
The governor, 45, said she shared former House Speaker Newt Gingrich's view that Republicans, now trailing Democrats and independents in registration in many states, should back moderate-to-conservative Democrats in congressional districts and states where Republicans stand almost no chance of winning.
[This IS the problem. Moderates are liberals. What's the point in having a party platform if the leaders and people don't hold to them?? And what's with this notion of voting for a Democrate if a Republican has no chance of winning???? Pragmatism is winning the day over principles and THAT is what is killing our society. Talk about playing politics! Do whatever it takes to claim a win? ]
The object would be to build a majority coalition that reflects what polls suggest is the current center-right tilt of the U.S. electorate as a whole.
The barrage of ethics complaints hasn't been totally partisan. A Republican activist named Andree McLeod has filed many of the complaints against Mrs. Palin.
"She put personal and partisan political interests before the state of Alaska," Mrs. McLeod told The Washington Times.
Mrs. McLeod said she became friends with Mrs. Palin in 2002 and later grew disillusioned when, in Mrs. McLeod's view, Mrs. Palin didn't live up to her ethics-in-office promises.
Mrs. McLeod said Mrs. Palin, before and during her campaign for vice president, used her gubernatorial communications staff to promote herself at state government expense rather than to promote Alaska. Regardless of whether elected officials in both parties do it, she said, "A rule is a rule, and politicians and their staff who violate a rule get punished. Why should Sarah Palin be any different?"
Another friend turned critic, Alaska Republican Chairman Randy Ruedrich, said Mrs. Palin worked assiduously with Democrats in the state legislature.
"Her Alaskan Democrat allies stood for rapid government growth, increased government spending and taxing energy to the maximum and definitely did not stand for limited government, spending restraint, strong national defense and energy independence," said Mr. Ruedrich, who described himself as an early mentor to Mrs. Palin.
At the mention of Mr. Ruedrich's name during the interview with the governor, the temperature in the room seemed to drop 20 degrees.
End quote.She hates the politics of politics; the division of two parties. Wait, division is ok IF its on HER issues. She's a double-minded, unstable person. That's not an insult, its an observation. Its the type of person the Pentecostal/Charismatic movement attracks.
This is the woman who said, “Get beyond the ideal of abstinence,” the 44 year old, new grandmother said. “Hey, life happens.” –Governor Sarah Palin to Greta Van Susteren on Fox News Channel, 2-16-09 in reference to her teen daughter Bristol’s pregnancy."
I think that statement is clear enough: her principles are merely theories and she throws them out when its too hard to personally hold to them, which violates the whole notion of principles to begin with. Not only that, abstinence and women at home raising their children and running the home are not options according to Scripture: they are commands for ever Christian wife. So we see her unstability or double-mindedness on various isssues. The lastest is to suddenly quit in the middle of her term as governor of Alaska. So much for her work ethic and integrity. She's not fulfilling her term she promised to her voters.
Anyway, I say there isn't enough partisanship! But partisanship should be based on principles. I'd be for two parties: Liberals and Conservatives. Let the moderates figure out their home is with the Libs. =)
Academic studies
(Letters of John Newton)
Dear friend,I truly pity those who rise early and study late--with no higher prize and prospect in view, than the obtaining of academic honors! Such pursuits will before long appear (as they really are) as vain as the foolish games of children! May the Lord impress them with the noble ambition of living to and for Him. If these scholars, who are laboring for pebbles under the semblance of goodly pearls, had a discovery of the Pearl of great price--how quickly and gladly would they lay down their admired attainments, and become fools--that they might be truly wise! Their academic studies, if taken in the aggregate, are little better than splendid trifles!
Friend, what a snare have you escaped! You would have been nothing but a scholar--had not God visited your heart and enlightened you by His grace! Now I trust you account your former academic gains, but loss--compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus. What you have attained in the way of learning, will be useful to you--if sanctified, and chiefly so by the knowledge which you have of its insufficiency to any valuable purpose in the great concerns of life--knowing God and walking with Him!
Dear friend,I truly pity those who rise early and study late--with no higher prize and prospect in view, than the obtaining of academic honors! Such pursuits will before long appear (as they really are) as vain as the foolish games of children! May the Lord impress them with the noble ambition of living to and for Him. If these scholars, who are laboring for pebbles under the semblance of goodly pearls, had a discovery of the Pearl of great price--how quickly and gladly would they lay down their admired attainments, and become fools--that they might be truly wise! Their academic studies, if taken in the aggregate, are little better than splendid trifles!
Friend, what a snare have you escaped! You would have been nothing but a scholar--had not God visited your heart and enlightened you by His grace! Now I trust you account your former academic gains, but loss--compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus. What you have attained in the way of learning, will be useful to you--if sanctified, and chiefly so by the knowledge which you have of its insufficiency to any valuable purpose in the great concerns of life--knowing God and walking with Him!
T.D. Jakes to be inducted into the International Gospel Music Hall of Fame
T.D. Jakes to be inducted into the International Gospel Music Hall of Fame:
Quote:
The International Gospel Music Hall of Fame and Museum has announced this year’s inductees, who will be honored at its thirteenth annual induction celebration and fundraiser in late October.
Announced by the non-profit organization’s founder, David Gough, this year’s inductees are T.D. Jakes, Bill Martin, Willie Mae Ford Smith, Myrna Summers, Wyatt T. Walker, and BeBe Winans.
Previous inductees have included Aretha Franklin, CeCe Winans, The Clark Sisters, Donnie McClurkin, and Fred Hammond.
"For over a decade, we have successfully achieved our goal – the furtherance of gospel music worldwide," commented Gough. "The awards event is our annual fund raising centerpiece, but our work to celebrate the contributions of influential individuals and groups, and to increase awareness of gospel music, takes place year-round."
This year's induction and awards celebration will be held at the Max M. Fisher Music Center on Saturday, October 31 – preceded by a Red Carpet Extravaganza with live entertainment and photo opportunities with gospel greats.
End quote.
At the International Gospel Music Hall of Fame, they have a link to its history and a chart (see "The Music Tree" a nd "The Gospel According to Brother Michael Tanner") demonstrating how this has nothing to do with the Gospel nor Christianity.
Making my point, he shows that this type of music is not of Christ Jesus nor the Gospel, but stems from pagan Africa. Moreover, the use of "Gospel" was the new name given to "spirituals" by T.A. Dorsey, a black song writer, businessman, and promoter:
"This distinctive style of religious music he insisted should be called "Gospel". He wanted to disassociate what he felt was a modern style of black religious music from the days of slavery and the distasteful nostalgia of antebellum South."
"There can be little doubt that shouting is a survival of the African "possession" by the gods... it is a sign of special favor from the spirit that it chooses to drive out the individual consciousness temporarily and use the body for its express..." -Zora Neal Hurston, The Sanctified Church
"All African music was naturally sacred and the concept of singing secular music was alien to them. Their music can be seen to satisfy four main functions in the fabric daily life, they are: religious, agricultural and sexual fertility, hunting, and war. In this regard African music has more in common with Native American music than European music since song was used as a means of being in harmony with nature and the cosmos. "
This is wrong on so many levels.
Most importantly, TD Jakes is a lost, unregenerate, dead deceiver. He has a false gospel and false god, neither which can save.
Jakes is a Oneness Pentecost who denies the Triune Godhead.
He also denies the Gospel of Jesus Christ (has a different Jesus) but holds to one of works--health and wealth prosperity junk.
Jakes also is a false teacher by lying about, even slandering, Ruth and Naomi, saying they were lesbians, as well as Jonathan and David.
Besides this, it should be clear that "Gospel Music" has NOTHING to do with the Gospel, as the example above and history shows. Furthermore, the whole awards, entertainment, fame, and red carpet also show this is nothing more than worldlings coveting fame and fortune in entertainment. This is not about the Gospel nor Jesus Christ. Do NOT think that anyone in this industry is Christian based on this style of music.
If you want to look at a biblical list of hall of famers, go to Hebrews 11. Rather than being applauded by the world, rather than little awards, rather than being listed among God-haters and loved by so many, here is what they were:
Heb 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
Heb 11:2 For by it the people of old received their commendation.
Heb 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Heb 11:7 By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.
Heb 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.
Heb 11:14 For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland.
Heb 11:15 If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return.
Heb 11:16 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.
Heb 11:24 By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter,
Heb 11:25 choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.
Heb 11:26 He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward.
Heb 11:32 And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets--
Heb 11:33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,
Heb 11:34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.
Heb 11:35 Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life.
Heb 11:36 Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment.
Heb 11:37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated--
Heb 11:38 of whom the world was not worthy--wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
Heb 11:39 And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised,
Heb 11:40 since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.
Joh 15:18 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
Quote:
The International Gospel Music Hall of Fame and Museum has announced this year’s inductees, who will be honored at its thirteenth annual induction celebration and fundraiser in late October.
Announced by the non-profit organization’s founder, David Gough, this year’s inductees are T.D. Jakes, Bill Martin, Willie Mae Ford Smith, Myrna Summers, Wyatt T. Walker, and BeBe Winans.
Previous inductees have included Aretha Franklin, CeCe Winans, The Clark Sisters, Donnie McClurkin, and Fred Hammond.
"For over a decade, we have successfully achieved our goal – the furtherance of gospel music worldwide," commented Gough. "The awards event is our annual fund raising centerpiece, but our work to celebrate the contributions of influential individuals and groups, and to increase awareness of gospel music, takes place year-round."
This year's induction and awards celebration will be held at the Max M. Fisher Music Center on Saturday, October 31 – preceded by a Red Carpet Extravaganza with live entertainment and photo opportunities with gospel greats.
End quote.
At the International Gospel Music Hall of Fame, they have a link to its history and a chart (see "The Music Tree" a nd "The Gospel According to Brother Michael Tanner") demonstrating how this has nothing to do with the Gospel nor Christianity.
Making my point, he shows that this type of music is not of Christ Jesus nor the Gospel, but stems from pagan Africa. Moreover, the use of "Gospel" was the new name given to "spirituals" by T.A. Dorsey, a black song writer, businessman, and promoter:
"This distinctive style of religious music he insisted should be called "Gospel". He wanted to disassociate what he felt was a modern style of black religious music from the days of slavery and the distasteful nostalgia of antebellum South."
"There can be little doubt that shouting is a survival of the African "possession" by the gods... it is a sign of special favor from the spirit that it chooses to drive out the individual consciousness temporarily and use the body for its express..." -Zora Neal Hurston, The Sanctified Church
"All African music was naturally sacred and the concept of singing secular music was alien to them. Their music can be seen to satisfy four main functions in the fabric daily life, they are: religious, agricultural and sexual fertility, hunting, and war. In this regard African music has more in common with Native American music than European music since song was used as a means of being in harmony with nature and the cosmos. "
This is wrong on so many levels.
Most importantly, TD Jakes is a lost, unregenerate, dead deceiver. He has a false gospel and false god, neither which can save.
Jakes is a Oneness Pentecost who denies the Triune Godhead.
He also denies the Gospel of Jesus Christ (has a different Jesus) but holds to one of works--health and wealth prosperity junk.
Jakes also is a false teacher by lying about, even slandering, Ruth and Naomi, saying they were lesbians, as well as Jonathan and David.
Besides this, it should be clear that "Gospel Music" has NOTHING to do with the Gospel, as the example above and history shows. Furthermore, the whole awards, entertainment, fame, and red carpet also show this is nothing more than worldlings coveting fame and fortune in entertainment. This is not about the Gospel nor Jesus Christ. Do NOT think that anyone in this industry is Christian based on this style of music.
If you want to look at a biblical list of hall of famers, go to Hebrews 11. Rather than being applauded by the world, rather than little awards, rather than being listed among God-haters and loved by so many, here is what they were:
Heb 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
Heb 11:2 For by it the people of old received their commendation.
Heb 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Heb 11:7 By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.
Heb 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.
Heb 11:14 For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland.
Heb 11:15 If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return.
Heb 11:16 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.
Heb 11:24 By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter,
Heb 11:25 choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.
Heb 11:26 He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward.
Heb 11:32 And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets--
Heb 11:33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,
Heb 11:34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.
Heb 11:35 Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life.
Heb 11:36 Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment.
Heb 11:37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated--
Heb 11:38 of whom the world was not worthy--wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
Heb 11:39 And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised,
Heb 11:40 since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.
Joh 15:18 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
Thursday, July 09, 2009
Getting the Gospel Right
There's a lot of "Christians" who somehow think that anyone and just about everyone is a Christian. Even Michael Jackson.
These are people who don't understand and therefore believe, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. But if you don't believe in the ONLY Gospel that saves, then what's the alternative?It means all other "gospels" are unable to saved and those believing them are LOST.
John MacArthur deals with the necessity of getting the Gospel of Jesus right:
Excerpts:
I am amazed at some of the things that have been said and written in recent years about the gospel. I fear that in many circles a different message is replacing the good news of salvation. I'm not talking about the attacks on the gospel from liberal religion or the theology of the cults, but a skewed message that has sprouted from right within conservative evangelicalism.
I have a copy of a training film now being used internationally to teach Christians what they should and should not say when leading someone to Christ. A respected, conservative organization produced the film, but frankly, the warped view of the gospel it presents is appalling.
In the entire half-hour film, there is not one mention of the resurrection. It speaks of forgiveness without defining sin, and it talks of trusting Christ without describing faith. Incredibly, the film counsels believers never to speak to a non-Christian about the lordship of Christ, submission to Him, surrender of the will, forsaking one's sin, or obeying God. Those truths, according to the film, have no place in the gospel message but should be saved for later, after someone becomes a Christian.
That sentiment reflects a viewpoint that is rapidly gaining momentum within evangelicalism. A handful of outspoken and increasingly vocal teachers are popularizing it. To their credit, most of those men are motivated by a passion to keep the gospel of God's grace free from the influence of human works. Their desire, I'm sure, is to make clear the biblical truth that salvation may in no way be earned or obtained by man's effort. Their approach, however, has been to eliminate from the gospel message anything that sounds like a work of righteousness, and to speak only of believing the objective data. They have erased the biblical words repentance, obedience, and submission from the vocabulary of evangelicalism.
Such teaching has taken a heavy toll. Faith has become merely an intellectual exercise. Instead of calling men and women to surrender to Christ, modern evangelism asks them only to accept some basic facts about Him. A person can believe without obeying. Thus faith is robbed of any moral significance, and righteousness becomes optional.
Even the way we invite people to Christ reveals this shift. "Make a decision for Christ," we say. When was the last time you heard an evangelistic message that challenged sinners to repent and follow Christ? Yet isn't that the language Jesus Himself used (Matthew 4:17; Mark 8:34)?
Some say a person who refuses to obey Christ can still receive Him as Savior. They teach that the gift of eternal life is available by faith even to one who rejects the moral and spiritual demands of Christ. They accuse others of teaching "lordship salvation," implying that it is novel to suggest that submission is a characteristic of saving faith.Until relatively recently, however, no one would have dared suggest a person can be saved while stubbornly refusing to bow to Christ's authority. Nearly all the major biblical passages calling for saving faith refer to Jesus as lord (cf. Acts 2:21, 36; Romans 10:9-10).Is repentance from sin essential to salvation? Some say that turning from sin is a human work and therefore cannot be part of salvation.
To accommodate the biblical call to repentance, they redefine repentance as nothing more than a change of mind about who Jesus is.
Biblically, however, repentance is a total about face--turning away from sin and self and unto God (cf. 1 Thessalonians 1:9). That is no more a result of human effort than faith itself. Nor is it in any sense a pre-salvation work required to prepare a sinner for salvation. Real repentance is inseparable from faith and, like faith, is the work of God in a human heart. It is the response God inevitably generates in the heart of one He is redeeming.
More...
These are people who don't understand and therefore believe, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. But if you don't believe in the ONLY Gospel that saves, then what's the alternative?It means all other "gospels" are unable to saved and those believing them are LOST.
John MacArthur deals with the necessity of getting the Gospel of Jesus right:
Excerpts:
I am amazed at some of the things that have been said and written in recent years about the gospel. I fear that in many circles a different message is replacing the good news of salvation. I'm not talking about the attacks on the gospel from liberal religion or the theology of the cults, but a skewed message that has sprouted from right within conservative evangelicalism.
I have a copy of a training film now being used internationally to teach Christians what they should and should not say when leading someone to Christ. A respected, conservative organization produced the film, but frankly, the warped view of the gospel it presents is appalling.
In the entire half-hour film, there is not one mention of the resurrection. It speaks of forgiveness without defining sin, and it talks of trusting Christ without describing faith. Incredibly, the film counsels believers never to speak to a non-Christian about the lordship of Christ, submission to Him, surrender of the will, forsaking one's sin, or obeying God. Those truths, according to the film, have no place in the gospel message but should be saved for later, after someone becomes a Christian.
That sentiment reflects a viewpoint that is rapidly gaining momentum within evangelicalism. A handful of outspoken and increasingly vocal teachers are popularizing it. To their credit, most of those men are motivated by a passion to keep the gospel of God's grace free from the influence of human works. Their desire, I'm sure, is to make clear the biblical truth that salvation may in no way be earned or obtained by man's effort. Their approach, however, has been to eliminate from the gospel message anything that sounds like a work of righteousness, and to speak only of believing the objective data. They have erased the biblical words repentance, obedience, and submission from the vocabulary of evangelicalism.
Such teaching has taken a heavy toll. Faith has become merely an intellectual exercise. Instead of calling men and women to surrender to Christ, modern evangelism asks them only to accept some basic facts about Him. A person can believe without obeying. Thus faith is robbed of any moral significance, and righteousness becomes optional.
Even the way we invite people to Christ reveals this shift. "Make a decision for Christ," we say. When was the last time you heard an evangelistic message that challenged sinners to repent and follow Christ? Yet isn't that the language Jesus Himself used (Matthew 4:17; Mark 8:34)?
Some say a person who refuses to obey Christ can still receive Him as Savior. They teach that the gift of eternal life is available by faith even to one who rejects the moral and spiritual demands of Christ. They accuse others of teaching "lordship salvation," implying that it is novel to suggest that submission is a characteristic of saving faith.Until relatively recently, however, no one would have dared suggest a person can be saved while stubbornly refusing to bow to Christ's authority. Nearly all the major biblical passages calling for saving faith refer to Jesus as lord (cf. Acts 2:21, 36; Romans 10:9-10).Is repentance from sin essential to salvation? Some say that turning from sin is a human work and therefore cannot be part of salvation.
To accommodate the biblical call to repentance, they redefine repentance as nothing more than a change of mind about who Jesus is.
Biblically, however, repentance is a total about face--turning away from sin and self and unto God (cf. 1 Thessalonians 1:9). That is no more a result of human effort than faith itself. Nor is it in any sense a pre-salvation work required to prepare a sinner for salvation. Real repentance is inseparable from faith and, like faith, is the work of God in a human heart. It is the response God inevitably generates in the heart of one He is redeeming.
More...
Ruth-Get-Rid-Of-Unwanted-Populations-By-Abortion-Ginsburg, Brought to you in part by John McCain
Ruth Ginsburg, brought to you by Republican Sen. John McCain:
News:
Quote:
In an astonishing admission, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg says she was under the impression that legalizing abortion with the 1973 Roe. v. Wade case would eliminate undesirable members of the populace, or as she put it "populations that we don't want to have too many of."
I still think, although I was much too optimistic in the early days, that the possibility of stopping a pregnancy very early is significant. The morning-after pill will become more accessible and easier to take. So I think the side that wants to take the choice away from women and give it to the state, they're fighting a losing battle. Time is on the side of change.
Three years ago, Ginsburg received some embarrassing national attention when she napped on the bench during a court hearing.
"Justices David Souter and Samuel Alito, who flank the 72-year-old, looked at her but did not give her a nudge," reported Gina Holland of the Associated Press.
"It's lucky for Ginsburg that the Supreme Court has so far refused to allow television in the courtroom, for her visit to the land of nod would have found its way onto late-night shows."
End quote.
Yet John McCain, the GOP's hope to beat out Obama, voted FOR this woman:
"... McCain voted to confirm Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Steven Breyer to the Supreme Court. He also, as is his nature, conspired with Democrats in the Senate to block approval of Bush's most conservative jurists." - WND
Planned Parenthood, as many already figured, doesn't always report statutory rape, violating state law.
News:
Quote:
In an astonishing admission, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg says she was under the impression that legalizing abortion with the 1973 Roe. v. Wade case would eliminate undesirable members of the populace, or as she put it "populations that we don't want to have too many of."
I still think, although I was much too optimistic in the early days, that the possibility of stopping a pregnancy very early is significant. The morning-after pill will become more accessible and easier to take. So I think the side that wants to take the choice away from women and give it to the state, they're fighting a losing battle. Time is on the side of change.
Three years ago, Ginsburg received some embarrassing national attention when she napped on the bench during a court hearing.
"Justices David Souter and Samuel Alito, who flank the 72-year-old, looked at her but did not give her a nudge," reported Gina Holland of the Associated Press.
"It's lucky for Ginsburg that the Supreme Court has so far refused to allow television in the courtroom, for her visit to the land of nod would have found its way onto late-night shows."
End quote.
Yet John McCain, the GOP's hope to beat out Obama, voted FOR this woman:
"... McCain voted to confirm Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Steven Breyer to the Supreme Court. He also, as is his nature, conspired with Democrats in the Senate to block approval of Bush's most conservative jurists." - WND
Planned Parenthood, as many already figured, doesn't always report statutory rape, violating state law.
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
A Homeschooler's Wish List Regarding Socialization
A Homeschooler's Wish List Regarding Socialization
“My wife and I were concerned that our children
would miss out on the socialization available in the
public schools...so once a week we take our kids into
the bathroom, cuss at them, push them around, steal
their lunch money, and offer them drugs. That seems to
take care of it.”
1 Learn what the words "socialize" and "socialization"
mean, and use the one you really mean instead
of mixing them up. Socializing means hanging
out with other people for fun. Socialization
means having acquired the skills necessary to
do so successfully and pleasantly. Since we do
go out now and then to visit other human
beings on the planet (like when we are out
talking to you) one can safely assume we've got
a decent grasp of both concepts. How about
you?
2 Quit interrupting my home schooled kid at her dance
lesson, scout meeting, choir practice, baseball
game, art class, field trip, park day, music class,
4H club, and/or soccer lesson to ask her if she
ever gets to socialize.
3 Don't assume that every homeschooler you meet is
homeschooling in the same way as that one
odd homeschooler you know, or think you
know, or heard about, or saw on T.V. or
imagined.
4 We don't look horrified and start quizzing your kids
when we hear they're in public school. Please
stop doing so to our children when you hear
they are homeschooled.
5 Please don't ask my kids if they wouldn't rather go to
school unless you don't mind me asking your
kids if they wouldn't rather stay home.
6 Please stop asking us if homeschooling is legal. It is.
By asking, you seem to be implying we're
criminals. If we were, would we admit it?
“My wife and I were concerned that our children
would miss out on the socialization available in the
public schools...so once a week we take our kids into
the bathroom, cuss at them, push them around, steal
their lunch money, and offer them drugs. That seems to
take care of it.”
1 Learn what the words "socialize" and "socialization"
mean, and use the one you really mean instead
of mixing them up. Socializing means hanging
out with other people for fun. Socialization
means having acquired the skills necessary to
do so successfully and pleasantly. Since we do
go out now and then to visit other human
beings on the planet (like when we are out
talking to you) one can safely assume we've got
a decent grasp of both concepts. How about
you?
2 Quit interrupting my home schooled kid at her dance
lesson, scout meeting, choir practice, baseball
game, art class, field trip, park day, music class,
4H club, and/or soccer lesson to ask her if she
ever gets to socialize.
3 Don't assume that every homeschooler you meet is
homeschooling in the same way as that one
odd homeschooler you know, or think you
know, or heard about, or saw on T.V. or
imagined.
4 We don't look horrified and start quizzing your kids
when we hear they're in public school. Please
stop doing so to our children when you hear
they are homeschooled.
5 Please don't ask my kids if they wouldn't rather go to
school unless you don't mind me asking your
kids if they wouldn't rather stay home.
6 Please stop asking us if homeschooling is legal. It is.
By asking, you seem to be implying we're
criminals. If we were, would we admit it?
RCC: Example of Greed Yet Points The Finger At Others
News:
Quote:
Today Benedict XVI issued his third encyclical focusing on the economy. It is widely seen as directed at G-8 leaders gathering in Italy this week.
Economy and finance, as instruments, can be used badly when those at the helm are motivated by purely selfish ends....
Right intention, transparency, and the search for positive results are mutually compatible and must never be detached from one another. If love is wise, it can find ways of working in accordance with provident and just expediency, as is illustrated in a significant way by much of the experience of credit unions.
End quote.
The photo that accompanies this piece is telling: two gold things on his desk, as an enormous painting hangs behind him.
Let's remember the selfishness of Rome:
The Vatican.
Need I say more?
Do you know what is in the palace? Priceless artifcats, several popemobiles. Gold. Silk. Marble.
Consider the transportation used by the Vatican Prophet: first class all the way.
Consider his dress: designer shoes and sunglasses; silk, jewels, gold, rubies.
Consider the Vatican Prophet's security: his own Swiss guard.
Consider Vatican City: it has its own bank.
Consider Vatican City issues its own coins.
Consider the Roman Catholic Church charges for Mass and Mass cards; prayer candles (no prayers can be offered without lighting a candle which one must purchase), indulgences, etc.
Now consider that the RCC has millions of dirt-poor parishoners worldwide, living in sqwaler conditions, their own dying every day as their surviving families try to come up with enough money for Mass so that their loved one doesn't spend eternity in "purgatory".
And the Vatican prophet dares to talk to the G8 about being selfish?? He ought to look in the mirror and sell all he has (Peter the Apostle had no silver or gold, but Christ alone) and help out a few million of their own parishoners before they point fingers at others.
Quote:
Today Benedict XVI issued his third encyclical focusing on the economy. It is widely seen as directed at G-8 leaders gathering in Italy this week.
Economy and finance, as instruments, can be used badly when those at the helm are motivated by purely selfish ends....
Right intention, transparency, and the search for positive results are mutually compatible and must never be detached from one another. If love is wise, it can find ways of working in accordance with provident and just expediency, as is illustrated in a significant way by much of the experience of credit unions.
End quote.
The photo that accompanies this piece is telling: two gold things on his desk, as an enormous painting hangs behind him.
Let's remember the selfishness of Rome:
The Vatican.
Need I say more?
Do you know what is in the palace? Priceless artifcats, several popemobiles. Gold. Silk. Marble.
Consider the transportation used by the Vatican Prophet: first class all the way.
Consider his dress: designer shoes and sunglasses; silk, jewels, gold, rubies.
Consider the Vatican Prophet's security: his own Swiss guard.
Consider Vatican City: it has its own bank.
Consider Vatican City issues its own coins.
Consider the Roman Catholic Church charges for Mass and Mass cards; prayer candles (no prayers can be offered without lighting a candle which one must purchase), indulgences, etc.
Now consider that the RCC has millions of dirt-poor parishoners worldwide, living in sqwaler conditions, their own dying every day as their surviving families try to come up with enough money for Mass so that their loved one doesn't spend eternity in "purgatory".
And the Vatican prophet dares to talk to the G8 about being selfish?? He ought to look in the mirror and sell all he has (Peter the Apostle had no silver or gold, but Christ alone) and help out a few million of their own parishoners before they point fingers at others.
Do you mourn like the world?
Well said:
Rachel Barkey (nee Sawer) went home to glory on the July 2nd 2009. She was the speaker at a Women’s event on the topic Death is not Dying, which has been an inspiration to many.
In light of the maddening near incessant coverage of the death of Michael Jackson, why not meditate rather on the death of our dear sister and the testimony she lefts behind? As Christians, we should be holy and separate from the world. I personally find it objectionable when Christians are in mourning over the death of Michael Jackson just like the world. [And don't give the nonsense that we should mourn because he is lost; I don't see many people mourning for the deaths of the multitudes of the lost that die every day without Christ!] . Being called to be separate from the world, we should have tastes and desires that are not of this world, and should treasure godliness above human *talent* and popularity.
I'd further add, if Christians really had a clue or believed about the reality of Hell, we would be declaring the biblical Gospel to the lost far more than what we do, IF we do. Instead, most are too busy being friends of the world to bother; others haven't a clue what the actual Gospel is and is not.
Rachel Barkey (nee Sawer) went home to glory on the July 2nd 2009. She was the speaker at a Women’s event on the topic Death is not Dying, which has been an inspiration to many.
In light of the maddening near incessant coverage of the death of Michael Jackson, why not meditate rather on the death of our dear sister and the testimony she lefts behind? As Christians, we should be holy and separate from the world. I personally find it objectionable when Christians are in mourning over the death of Michael Jackson just like the world. [And don't give the nonsense that we should mourn because he is lost; I don't see many people mourning for the deaths of the multitudes of the lost that die every day without Christ!] . Being called to be separate from the world, we should have tastes and desires that are not of this world, and should treasure godliness above human *talent* and popularity.
I'd further add, if Christians really had a clue or believed about the reality of Hell, we would be declaring the biblical Gospel to the lost far more than what we do, IF we do. Instead, most are too busy being friends of the world to bother; others haven't a clue what the actual Gospel is and is not.
Monday, July 06, 2009
Why Did Christians Expect A Dead Man To Proclaim The Gospel To Muslims?
Regarding two stories of Ricky Warren applauding and helping the Muslims find their purpose, here and here, as well as Jan Markel's open letter to Warren here, I have only one thing to ask of professing Christians:
Why in the world are you disappointed or surprised that Ricky Warren did not share the Gospel of Jesus Christ to his Muslim audience?
He doesn't even share it with his own church!
Folks, wake up and realize, one must KNOW the Gospel in order to proclaim it and Ricky hasn't got it. He's a wolf who has removed his sheep's clothing. He isn't hiding anymore. Why should he? Because most Christians had expected spiritual things from a man who is dead, and gave him a free pass all the way up to now. I wonder if Al Mohler finally sees this huskster for who he really is? Or does he still think Warren is a Christian, much less an Evangelical? Can he still say with a straight face, "Representation is undoubtedly symbolic, but Rick Warren and Gene Robinson [COE and homosexual] represent radically divergent worldviews and incommensurate goals. They are not two very different representatives of one religion. They are instead two very symbolic representatives of two very different religions."?
He hasn't, nor will he, proclaim the Christ Jesus of Scripture. He is a disciple of Robert Schuller who did this YEARS ago. He's all about selling his books and PEACE plan, holding hands with the enemies of the cross, because he is like-minded with them.
Instead of pleading or rebuking Warren for not proclaiming the gospel, he himself needs to hear the Gospel. Sadly, he is deaf, blind, and dead and unless God opens his heart and ears, Warren will not hear and believe the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Resurrected Lord.
Rom. 16: 17 I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. 18 For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.
2Ti 3:4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.
Is. 8 20 To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.
Gal 1:8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.
Mat 7:15 "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Mat 7:17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit.
1Co 2:1 And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom.
1Co 2:2 For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.
1Co 2:3 And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling,
1Co 2:4 and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,
1Co 2:5 that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
Why in the world are you disappointed or surprised that Ricky Warren did not share the Gospel of Jesus Christ to his Muslim audience?
He doesn't even share it with his own church!
Folks, wake up and realize, one must KNOW the Gospel in order to proclaim it and Ricky hasn't got it. He's a wolf who has removed his sheep's clothing. He isn't hiding anymore. Why should he? Because most Christians had expected spiritual things from a man who is dead, and gave him a free pass all the way up to now. I wonder if Al Mohler finally sees this huskster for who he really is? Or does he still think Warren is a Christian, much less an Evangelical? Can he still say with a straight face, "Representation is undoubtedly symbolic, but Rick Warren and Gene Robinson [COE and homosexual] represent radically divergent worldviews and incommensurate goals. They are not two very different representatives of one religion. They are instead two very symbolic representatives of two very different religions."?
He hasn't, nor will he, proclaim the Christ Jesus of Scripture. He is a disciple of Robert Schuller who did this YEARS ago. He's all about selling his books and PEACE plan, holding hands with the enemies of the cross, because he is like-minded with them.
Instead of pleading or rebuking Warren for not proclaiming the gospel, he himself needs to hear the Gospel. Sadly, he is deaf, blind, and dead and unless God opens his heart and ears, Warren will not hear and believe the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Resurrected Lord.
Rom. 16: 17 I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. 18 For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.
2Ti 3:4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.
Is. 8 20 To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.
Gal 1:8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.
Mat 7:15 "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Mat 7:17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit.
1Co 2:1 And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom.
1Co 2:2 For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.
1Co 2:3 And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling,
1Co 2:4 and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,
1Co 2:5 that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
Friday, July 03, 2009
Suffering for Christ or Consequences of Sin? Spurgeon Speaks
Spurgeon Speaks
"If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him."—2 Timothy 2:12.
We must not imagine that we are suffering for Christ, and with Christ, if we are not in Christ. Beloved friend, are you trusting to Jesus only? If not, whatever you may have to mourn over on earth, you are not "suffering with Christ," and have no hope of reigning with Him in heaven.
Neither are we to conclude that all a Christian's sufferings are sufferings with Christ, for it is essential that he be called by God to suffer. If we are rash and imprudent, and run into positions for which neither providence nor grace has fitted us, we ought to question whether we are not rather sinning than communing with Jesus. If we let passion take the place of judgment, and self-will reign instead of Scriptural authority, we shall fight the Lord's battles with the devil's weapons, and if we cut our own fingers we must not be surprised.
Again, in troubles which come upon us as the result of sin, we must not dream that we are suffering with Christ. When Miriam spoke evil of Moses, and the leprosy polluted her, she was not suffering for God. Moreover, suffering which God accepts must have God's glory as its end. If I suffer that I may earn a name, or win applause, I shall get no other reward than that of the Pharisee. It is requisite also that love to Jesus, and love to His elect, be ever the mainspring of all our patience. We must manifest the Spirit of Christ in meekness, gentleness, and forgiveness.
Let us search and see if we truly suffer with Jesus. And if we do thus suffer, what is our "light affliction" compared with reigning with Him? Oh it is so blessed to be in the furnace with Christ, and such an honour to stand in the pillory with Him, that if there were no future reward, we might count ourselves happy in present honour; but when the recompense is so eternal, so infinitely more than we had any right to expect, shall we not take up the cross with alacrity, and go on our way rejoicing?
"If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him."—2 Timothy 2:12.
We must not imagine that we are suffering for Christ, and with Christ, if we are not in Christ. Beloved friend, are you trusting to Jesus only? If not, whatever you may have to mourn over on earth, you are not "suffering with Christ," and have no hope of reigning with Him in heaven.
Neither are we to conclude that all a Christian's sufferings are sufferings with Christ, for it is essential that he be called by God to suffer. If we are rash and imprudent, and run into positions for which neither providence nor grace has fitted us, we ought to question whether we are not rather sinning than communing with Jesus. If we let passion take the place of judgment, and self-will reign instead of Scriptural authority, we shall fight the Lord's battles with the devil's weapons, and if we cut our own fingers we must not be surprised.
Again, in troubles which come upon us as the result of sin, we must not dream that we are suffering with Christ. When Miriam spoke evil of Moses, and the leprosy polluted her, she was not suffering for God. Moreover, suffering which God accepts must have God's glory as its end. If I suffer that I may earn a name, or win applause, I shall get no other reward than that of the Pharisee. It is requisite also that love to Jesus, and love to His elect, be ever the mainspring of all our patience. We must manifest the Spirit of Christ in meekness, gentleness, and forgiveness.
Let us search and see if we truly suffer with Jesus. And if we do thus suffer, what is our "light affliction" compared with reigning with Him? Oh it is so blessed to be in the furnace with Christ, and such an honour to stand in the pillory with Him, that if there were no future reward, we might count ourselves happy in present honour; but when the recompense is so eternal, so infinitely more than we had any right to expect, shall we not take up the cross with alacrity, and go on our way rejoicing?
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Look Upon Wicked Men As God Does
Thomas Brooks wrote:
Always look upon wicked men, under those names and notions which the Scripture describes them, such as: lions for their fierceness, bears for their cruelty, dragons for their hideousness, dogs for their filthiness, wolves for their subtleness, scorpions, vipers, thorns, briars, thistles, brambles, stubble, dirt, chaff, dust, dross, smoke, scum.
You may know well enough what is within them, by the apt names which the Holy Spirit has given them. By looking upon them under those names and notions that the Scripture sets them out by, may preserve the soul from frequenting their company and delighting in their society. Such monsters are wicked men—which should render their company to all who have tasted of the sweetness of divine love, a burden and not a delight.
"Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers." Psalm 1:1
Always look upon wicked men, under those names and notions which the Scripture describes them, such as: lions for their fierceness, bears for their cruelty, dragons for their hideousness, dogs for their filthiness, wolves for their subtleness, scorpions, vipers, thorns, briars, thistles, brambles, stubble, dirt, chaff, dust, dross, smoke, scum.
You may know well enough what is within them, by the apt names which the Holy Spirit has given them. By looking upon them under those names and notions that the Scripture sets them out by, may preserve the soul from frequenting their company and delighting in their society. Such monsters are wicked men—which should render their company to all who have tasted of the sweetness of divine love, a burden and not a delight.
"Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers." Psalm 1:1
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