The Bible Thumper's Soapbox

I'm moving to Wordpress

2009-10-25T15:02:00.004-04:00

The Bible Thumper's Soapbox has moved to Wordpress and the name has been changed to Boldly Proclaiming Christ.

If you want updates, please subscribe to the new blog. (click on above link)

Also be sure to change the url in your blogroll to reflect the new address. Hope to see you there!

God bless

"Not Taste Death Until They See the Son of Man"-Matt 16:28 Commentary

2009-10-25T14:08:00.007-04:00

Matt. 16:28 “Truly I say to you, there are some of those who are standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.”

A question was raised as to the meaning of this verse so I thought I'd address it here in a post.

First, there are some mixed views on the meaning of Matthew 16:28. Some people believe this happened at Jesus' transfiguration, some believe it happened at Pentecost, and some believe it is speaking of a future event; which leads to confusion as to the part that says “those who are standing here”, because He is speaking of that particular time period and not a future event. I'm going to try to clarify this as I understand it but I urge you to study this for yourselves and if you see something I don't, if you see that I'm in error, then I welcome your correction.

I believe it is speaking of the transfiguration but I also believe that they first got a glimpse of His kingdom, then saw it fulfilled.

I also think there is confusion on what “His kingdom” means because obviously He is not physically reigning on this earth yet so in that sense it is not fulfilled.

The very next verse says in Matt 17:1,2 – Six days later Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John his brother, and led them up on a high mountain by themselves.
2 And He was transfigured before them; and His face shone like the sun, and His garments became as white as light.

Note the two changes that took place: His face shone like the sun and His garments became white as light.

The verses that follow in this account speak of Moses and Elijah appearing to them and God speaking. They fell down and looked up and all they saw was Jesus. This was a vision (Matt 17:9), a glimpse of what His kingdom looks like.

Next...

Part of the Fulfillment:

Jesus dies and raises from the dead.

Matt. 28:3 And his appearance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow.

I believe this is the fulfillment of the previous verses from Matt 17:2. Both speak of His appearance and His garments.

But this is only part of the fulfillment, His disciples have to see Him.

Matt. 16:28 “...there are some of those who are standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming into His kingdom.”

The Rest of the Fulfillment

Jesus raises from the dead and the women see Him first.

Matt. 28:10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and take word to My brethren to leave for Galilee, and there they will see me.

Then...

Matt: 28:16 But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated.
17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him.

What about His kingdom? I believe verse 18 tells us.

Matt 28:18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.”

This was stated in the exact same context of Matt 16:28 when speaking of His kingdom and them seeing Him.

Note that we won't inherit His kingdom until the judgment. Matt 25:34 “Then the King will say to those on His right, 'Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

So there you have it, Matt 16:28 came to pass exactly as it states.

"This Generation Will Not Pass Away..." - Comment

2009-10-24T13:26:00.003-04:00

“Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away but My word will not pass away.” (Matt 24:34,35) The context is Christ's coming and the signs that precede it.

This verse has always perplexed me. It seems to say that Christ will return during that generation's time and some believe He has like the preterists. I remember looking up the word “generation” in the concordance a long time ago but it didn't mean anything else other than what it means. So frustrated, I moved on.

Yesterday I was studying something else and that troublesome verse reared it's head again and I decided to take a closer look. Keep in mind I'm no scholar and I don't even have a good grasp on the English language meaning I don't know what 'middle voice' means etc. Anyway I looked up the word “pass away” and this is what it said.

Parerchomai – Strong's 3928 Greek (par-er'-khom-ahee)
Meaning: To perish

So “generation” doesn't point to a time period but “pass away” does. It's always coupled with “heaven and earth passing away” (Luke 16:17, Mark 13:30, Luke 21:32,33) and we know this happens at Christ's return at the very end. Whew! What a load off of my shoulders! Maybe you already knew this but this was news to me. I put this up primarily so that I won't forget.

In Search Of...Christian Blogs

2009-10-19T17:48:00.000-04:00

I'm always on the lookout for good, Christian blogs and I need your help.

I've recently gone through my blogroll and deleted lots of links for various reasons and I realized that my numbers are dwindling fast. I am NOT doing this in the hopes of a reciprocal link. I truly am just searching for good Christian, God-edifying blogs to read. If you have one or if you know of any, please leave a link in the comments area and I will check them all out. They don't have to be on Blogcatalogue btw.

Thank you!

Perseverance, Persistence, and the Prize!

2009-10-10T09:30:00.001-04:00

The Christian life was never promised as an easy way to live; instead, Paul constantly reminds us that we must have a purpose and a plan because times will be difficult and Satan will attack. But we never persevere without the promise of a prize - a promise God will keep.

1 Corin 9:24-27

24Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.

25Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.

26Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air;
27but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.

The Purpose

Run to get the prize
Run straight to the goal

The Plan

Deny yourself whatever is potentially harmful
Discipline your body, training it
Sow to please the Spirit

The Prize

A crown (wreath) that will last forever

Galatians 6:7-10

7Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.

8For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

9Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.

10So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.

The Purpose

Don't lose heart in doing good
Don't get discouraged and give up
Do good to everyone

The Plan

Sow to please the Spirit

The Prize

Reap eternal life

Ephesians 6:10-20

10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.

14Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, 19and pray on behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, 20for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

The Purpose

Put on the full armor of God
Pray at all times

The Plan

Use all the pieces of God's armor provided for you

The Prize

Standing firm against the schemes of the devil

Philippians 3:12-14

12Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.

13Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

The Purpose

Press on toward the day when you will be all God wants you to be

The Plan

Forget the past, strain toward what is ahead

The Prize

The prize for which God calls us heavenward

2 Timothy 2:1-13

1You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

3Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a solider. 5Also if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules.

6The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops. 7Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. 8Remember Jesus christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my gospel, 9for which I suffer hardship even to imprisonment as a criminal; but the word of God is not imprisoned. 10For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory.

11It is a trustworthy statement; For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him; 12If we endure, we will also reign with Him; If we deny Him, He also will deny us; 13If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.

The Purpose

Entrust these great truths to faithful people who will teach them to others
Be strong in Christ's grace, even when your faith is faltering

The Plan

Suffer hardship like a soldier, and don't get involved in worldly affairs
Follow the Lord's rules, as an athlete must do in order to win
Work hard, like a farmer who tends his crops for the harvest

The Prize

We will live with Christ; we will reign with Him
He always remains faithful to us and always carries out His promises

"Downpour" by James MacDonald - Review

2009-10-04T15:06:00.007-04:00

"Downpour" by pastor and author James MacDonald.

This book is for the person that is distant from God but longs to get back to Him. It's for those who have perhaps stopped praying, stopped spending time in His Word, stopped fellowshipping with believers, yet they know in the back of their mind that something's got to change.

This book is not for the person looking for an emotional experience from listening to a motivational speaker. It is not for the person seeking a quick fix by saying a magical prayer or a pep talk to make you feel good about yourself. No! This book is for the humble follower of Christ who has lost his/her way and is seeking a renewed spirit in Christ.

James takes you step-by-step through this process (biblically) and even gives you exercises to do that are designed to help you examine yourself and see the sin in your life. This exercise was a real eye opener! He talks about sin, repentance, God's grace and the Holy Spirit all in simple language making it easy to understand. (Thank you James!) But the part I loved the most, the part that absolutely floored me and spoke to me was about what it means that God is Holy.

I cannot articulate what happened to me except to say that now I really see, no, I have this deep sense of knowing that my place is under the Lord's feet and that He truly is lifted up and is the Most High! This was more than a realization, it was an experience. It wasn't outward, but inward - in my spirit.

Later on I was reminded of a "why" question I asked the Lord long ago and the answer I got was "I Am Holy." I thought to myself that it didn't make sense because it wasn't a real answer and so I dismissed it. I chalked it up to my own imagination. Only now do I realize that I had heard from God that day and now after reading Downpour, I know what it means. Amazing!!

I highly recommend this book. If you have read it, I'd love to hear what you think about it so please comment.

I can't promise that you will experience what I did, but if you are sincerely looking to restore your relationship with Him, then He will reveal Himself to you in this way in His own good time.

May the Lord bless you as He has blessed me when you read this book. And thank you and God bless you James (if you ever read this) for writing this book. While God gets all of the glory for the work He has done in me, I have to also thank you for allowing the Lord to work in you to write this book because it has blessed me tremendously!

Why The "Wolf" Analogy?

2009-09-25T10:30:00.005-04:00

Did you ever wonder why Jesus refers to those who slaughter the sheep as “wolves?” We know that wolves are ferocious animals who like to devour their prey, but there are many animals like that so why the wolf? I did a little digging and found out some interesting things – to me anyway.

Wolves vary their hunting techniques. They hunt and kill many different animals, such as deer, moose, caribou, birds, rabbits, sheep and even mice. But sheep are the only animals that wolves slaughter in apparent compulsion, and in unnecessary numbers. What makes this more compelling, is that wolves are extremely intelligent hunters, not marauders. But there is simply something in sheep that causes the wolf's thirst for blood to explode into furious attacks!

Sometimes, wolves will slowly herd larger prey onto frozen lakes, water or loose snow. The purpose is to make footing and balance treacherous. In this vulnerable state the animal can be attacked from different directions and be unable to protect itself.

Wolves can literally run all night long. They can wear down their resistant prey by following at a constant distance; adjusting to the animal's speed until exhaustion sets in. Even strong animals that are not without defense against the wolf will eventually succumb to this relentless pressure. As the old saying goes, -"Fatigue makes cowards out of strong men". The same is true in the animal kingdom.

Source: http://www.pointsoftruth.com/wolf.html

I don't know you about you but it puts a new perspective on just how dangerous these wolves are in our churches and all around us. Just knowing that their attacks aren't random, but rather calculated towards believers is chilling. Like snipers, they have you in their sights. We would do well to heed these words:

"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly they are ravenous wolves." Matt 7:15

Looking Out for #1

2009-09-22T16:25:00.004-04:00

I went to the Social Security office today. I walked in, took a number and sat down. Immediately a woman who was already there jumped up and said that she didn't know she had to take a number. She hurried to the machine to get her number and told me that she had been there for a long time. She was the next person in line, or should I say was the next person until I came in and took a number.

My first thought was 'alright! I'll be out of here in no time.'

We both took our seats. She was rambling on about something but I wasn't really paying attention. Then she said to me again that she had been there for a long while and that what she had to do wouldn't take very long. I thought to myself, 'well you should have paid attention and taken a number.'

The clerk called my number and I went up to the counter. I got ready to sit down but instead, I told the lady about the other lady who was there before me and that she should go first. This happened so quickly, I didn't have time to ponder this. It was very strange. So we exchanged tickets and she went before me and thanked me.

My point is not to pat myself on the back but quite the opposite. I could have gone before her and that would not have been wrong. After all, I was next in line. But it would not have been the right thing to do because she was there first.

Another thing is that I did not put her above me. As children of God we are to love others above ourselves but all that was in my heart was myself. I am not very happy with myself right now because it is a reminder that my heart is wicked and that it manifests itself in everyday, mundane things in life.

Yes technically I did the right thing outwardly. But God looks at the heart and in this I failed miserably. It is my standing prayer that the Lord change my heart and to think of others above myself.

Christian Rights and Protest Part 1 of 3

2009-09-06T15:54:00.001-04:00

Should Christians take part in causes that reflect what they believe? How about if we know we're right and can use Scripture to back it up? Is it our “duty” to fight for what is morally right? Most Christians that I've spoken to say “yes” but let's not rely on human wisdom and reasoning; let's see what the bible says...

Jesus lived in a country which was occupied by a pagan power. There were heathens and Romans walking the streets of Jerusalem, the holy city. Most Jews despised the Romans and referred to them as “dogs.” Some even banded together to use violence against the Romans when the occasion was ripe and they called themselves the Zealots.

As the Son of God in God's land, what steps did He urge against the overlordship of the Romans? Absolutely none! There are no words of resentment, no threats, no instruction to his disciples that they must resist the Roman rule or seek to get rid of it. There is not one instance in the whole of the four Gospels records where Jesus came into conflict with the Roman authorities, except at the time of his final trial when false charges were laid against Him.

Even the occasion when a tense political situation was brought to his attention and his opinion on the sensitive questions was requested, he instead dealt with the root cause of the problem and not its particular manifestation of it.

Ex: Jesus was reminded of an occasion when Pilate massacred the Galileans. (Luke 13:1-5)

Jesus did not focus on that incident nor did he pronounce judgement, or rally the troops in retaliation. He made no mention whatsoever on the motivation of the soldiers or their commanders but instead on the nature of the victims.

Vs 2 “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? 3 I tell you, no!”

(it was believed at the time that if you suffered an injustice or physically, that it was because you were a sinner in secret – remember the false accusations towards Job?)

And this was followed by a message of repentance.

Ex: On another occasion, Jesus was asked about the Roman taxation.

“Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or no?” (Luke 20:22)

Jesus made no reference as to the extent to which a conquering nation should apply taxation or its subjects, but instead, He spoke about the demands of God upon His subjects.

“Render...unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's and unto God the things which be God's.” (Luke 20:25)

Rules to Live By

Jesus' words and actions were in accordance with what he commanded his disciples to live by. His message was never to rise up against the enemy and demand that wrongs were righted. Instead, it is a message of submission...

“Ye have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' 39 But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41 If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.” (Matt 5:38-42)

The Roman soldier had the right to ask any Jew to carry his pack for one mile. Far from resenting this imposition, Jesus told his followers to volunteer to go a second mile. Jesus goes further and says...

“You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”(Matt 5:43-45)

These words are far removed from protest, retaliation or violence. Note that the disciple's behavior is not determined by the “other man”, it is determined by God. The Christian life is directed by the commands of our Father, not by prevailing circumstances.

(This has been scaled down and edited for brevity's sake. Click here for entire original article)

Christian Rights and Protest Part 2 of 3

2009-09-06T15:51:00.001-04:00

How About a Passive Demonstration Like Signing a Petition?

Clearly the duty of the disciples is to “seek peace, and pursue it” (Ps 34:14; 1 Peter 3:11); to “follow peace with all men” (Rom 12:18). But does the teaching of Jesus Christ suggest active involvement in a campaign for peace? Our responsibility to be peacemakers are for in the home, at work, or among the people we meet. However, that does not give us license to put pressure on those in authority.

You ask what about Jesus' actions when he rebuked the Scribes and Pharisees, or overturned the tables of the moneychangers?

Jesus' action, as the Son of God, was directed at abuses within the religious system, and in regards to his Father's house. He did not campaign for secular causes.

Should a Christian Protest?

Those who petition are claiming the right to make a demand of worldly authority; the disciples, however, discounts his earthly citizenship. (Philippians 3:20) and makes no claim upon those who govern him. Although the disciples of Christ, in common with others, receives th4e benefits which the state confers and is grateful for these, he neither expects nor demands them.

Yes, Jesus denounced the rulers of his day; he rebuked them for their hypocrisy, for grinding the faces of the poor, for lining their pockets. But he was denouncing them as religious leaders, as shepherds of the flock of Israel – where plainly they had failed. He did not denounce the political leaders, or Roman governors in such terms. And though the “poor in spirit...they that mourn...the meek...they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake” (Matt 5) received words of comfort, Jesus did not rouse them to rebellion, or even suggest passive demonstrations or silent marches for equality of opportunity, or human rights. Rather, his counsel was to accept conditions as they found them: “Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad: for great is your reward in heaven.”

God's Rights Trump Human Rights

Human rights are demanded by everyone, and even by many who consider themselves Christians. Human rights have become a large part of the modern Gospel. But what about the rights of God? These seem to be sorely neglected. No account is taken of His will when politicians, social reformers or individuals express what they feel is desirable or undesirable. But the bible makes it clear that God claims “rights” as Creator of us all. He has a right to our worship and obedience.

(This has been scaled down and edited for brevity's sake. Click here for entire original article)

Christian Rights and Protest Part 3 of 3

2009-09-06T15:50:00.004-04:00

God is in Control

We might think that the only way in which things can be put right is by political or social means, or even by believing that good morals will finally conquer the bad. But this is not a biblical teaching. There is a much more far-reaching principle revealed in Scripture.

Despite appearances, God is in control and is active in the affairs of men and nations. Here is the plain teaching of the bible:

“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. 21He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.” (Daniel 2:20-21)

“The decision is announced by messengers, the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of men.” (Daniel 4:17)

The governments and rulers of men are appointed by God, whether these prove to be good or bad. God is working out His righteous and ultimate purpose using the materials to hand among sinful men. Nothing is beyond or out of His control. It might be objected that this is Old Testament teaching and is purely Jewish and altogether out-moded. It is certainly Old Testament teaching but it is repeated even more emphatically in the New.

1Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. (Romans 13:1-2)

These words were written to believers in the city of Rome in a pagan empire. The Christian was not to seek to change the government. Protest, agitation and subversion were out of the question. To resist the government is to resist God's appointment. Let it be noted that it is not a question of whether the government is good or bad. Because God is in control, we should not resist His ordinance. If God is not in control, then man is and if man is, then there is no hope.

Citizens of a Heavenly Kingdom

Because he believes these things and knows that God rules in the kingdoms of men, the true disciple will not engage in politics, protest or war, but humbly and in faith follow his Master in accepting what God has ordained and in countering evil by goodness and obedience to the way of life lived by the Lord himself. He will not protest – yet he will proclaim his faith. He will not sign petitions – yet he will daily petition His father in prayer. He will not join the marchers – yet he will conduct a lifelong campaign on behalf of his Lord, “ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh him a reason of the hope that is in him with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15)

His obedience will make itself known in his attitude towards the state. He will “render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's” (Matt 22:21); he will “pay tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor” (Romans 13:6,7); and he will be “subject to principalities and powers...obey magistrates...be ready to every good work, speak evil of no man...be no brawler...but gentle, showing all meekness unto all men” (Titus 3:1,2)

The disciple is primarily a citizen of the coming kingdom of God (Philippians 3:20,21) He knows and believes that there is no solution to the world's problems other than the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. He seeks to live according to the laws of the coming kingdom of God; the disciple is an outpost of the coming kingdom and therefore a “stranger and pilgrim” in his own country (Heb 11:13 and 1 Peter 2:11,12). These are principles of the highest order. And they are realistic since they acknowledge the inability of man to govern himself and they confess confidence in the return of the Lord Jesus Christ, the appointed Prince of Peace.

Man is powerless to change the world; even disciples of Christ, who have been taught the will of God, must not presume to change the present order. When Jesus comes, however, he will have this authority, granted to him by his Father: “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth” (Matt 28:18).

The Final Question

There can be but one question: Am I prepared to believe these things? The call of Christ demands a complete reappraisal of my life – not just part of it, but the whole of it. I must surrender my so-called human rights and submit to the right of God in seeking me to serve Him. He is the Lord of heaven and earth, my Maker. His purpose and will are sovereign. I can no more save myself than the world can govern itself in peace. God does not blame us for this inability. He asks for a recognition of it and a faithful acceptance of the divine remedy, salvation in Jesus Christ. The death of Jesus was for our redemption and was a token that man without God is lost. The only way to everlasting life is by faith. Faith in God; faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

The way of life described in these pages is one of deep contentment and certainty. No longer need I run the rat-race, or seek by assertion and protest to get the world put right my way. If I cannot unaided put myself right, then can I manage the world?

We have seen that discipleship is the only life with a future. Everlasting life in God's gracious kingdom here on earth is promised to all who believe that Christ is the appointed Savior and the Coming King. Without doubt he is coming back. We should prepare the meet him joyfully.

(This has been scaled down and edited for brevity's sake. Click here for entire original article)

How Do You Spell Idolater? C-A-R-O-L

2009-08-16T09:08:00.002-04:00

Hello everyone, long time no bloggy.

I haven't posted in awhile and for very good reason - because I've been idolatrous! I have put the Lord on the back burner and pursued my own interests. I have been consumed with a business endeavor online and have had no time, or should I say made no time, for anything else. I've neglected my bible studies, my devotional times, and my regular bible readings. My prayers were limited to thanking Him at meals - that's it. How pathetic!

So I am making this public profession because the Lord has opened my eyes to these things recently and I wanted to humbly share this with anyone who reads this. It is my wish that no one stray from the Lord as I did.

This is the fourth time that I have strayed and gone my own stupid way and each time, the Lord has lead me back to Him. I am not out of the woods yet. In fact I still feel the pull of the flesh to pursue my own desires and so right now, I am at war with myself. But I know that Jesus is all that matters and that my relationship with Him must be repaired. My love for Him must be strengthened and my spirit must be renewed. So these are the things I am striving for among other things. I hate this feeling of being 'disconnected' from Him. I feel so far away from Him right now and this is my own doing. Perhaps I'll go into greater detail at a later date - things are still playing out right now.

So starting now, I'll be spending time with Him daily. I might not post regularly right away because I'll be using this time the repair the damage I did to my spirit and my relationship with Him.

May the Lord richly bless all of you and keep you firmly in His grip.

Image of Jesus Appears On Mass. Bldg - My Commentary

2009-03-26T14:18:00.003-04:00

Here's is the latest in pimping religious icons for profit. A picture of Jesus appears on the side of a video store and people flock. See article here from CBS News. It amazes me as to what passes for news these days! What's even more amazing is the people that believe this garbage!

I invite you to take a look into my psyche (if you dare :) and see how I see this whole miracle.

Here's the breakdown:

What is the approach?

Direct. The "product" is directly in front of people. (think of tv or any physical store)

Who is the target?

The locals. This is a small market because it is so localized - limited to foot traffic and possibly word of mouth. (With tv and radio, you reach a much broader audience.)

What's the hook?

In this case mystery. There is no clear product physical or digital and there is no author name. By using the 'mystery' tactic, you have potential to broaden your viewing audience because it's preying on your natural curiosity. In this case it has worked because it has received media coverage.

Another element is what was used - something that always stirs up frenzy and coverage that has been proven effective time and time again - religious apparitions. (or pictures) Jesus and Mary are the top apparitions gullible people (especially Catholics) flock to. While I'm sure some apparitions are demonically inspired, I do not believe all of them are. What makes this especially effective is not only is it Jesus, but there is added mystery in why he's covering up his eyes. This mystery on top of a mystery is sure to stir up debate and inquiry and as we can see, it has been effective. So that's a double whammy in one picture.

Who benefits?

There is no product and no author to associate a product with. There is no clear direction whatsoever. The only thing to look at is its surroundings. What is around this Jesus picture? Businesses. In fact this picture in placed on the side of a video store.

How has this affected these businesses?

The hair salons profits have skyrocketed. The other businesses don't mind it because 'it's Jesus' but maybe, perhaps they might see increased sales like the salon. I don't know but God does.

So the only beneficiaries I can see from this tactic are the local businesses. They have capitalized on free advertisement and traffic by using the mystery tactic.

Of course this is just my opinion. I'm looking at this logically. Unfortunately there are those who will only focus on the picture of Jesus and think in their emotionally charged minds that this is a good thing; that perhaps it's a witnessing tool. But anyone with an ounce of discernment can see that this Jesus picture is not of God and should be rejected.

Are You a Lukewarm Christian? Take this Test

2009-03-11T02:32:00.005-04:00

A Christian brother of mine asked for verses about apathy or being lukewarm so I found a site that listed 10 questions (below) as a sort of test to see if we were lukewarm. To my ~~amazement~~, horror, I found that I was guilty of many of these! I had let other things take priority over the Lord which is my chief sin. Since then I have spent much time in prayer over this. I have repented of my ways and have put God first.

If you click on the links below, it will take you to the site which gives bible verses about each entry. And when you're finished reading these, don't forget to look at the section called Advice for Lukewarm Christians from Jesus.

1 - Do Cares & Worries of This Life Dominate Most of Your Thoughts & Conversations?
2 - Do You Practice Sin on a Regular Basis?
3 - Do You "Love" The Things of This World More Than God's Word?
4 - Are You Too Busy for Jesus? What are Your Priorities?
5 - Do You Use God's Name In Vain? ('Oh My G-d?')
6 - Do You Fail to Pray Earnestly & Pray for the Lost Who Will Spend Eternity in Hell?
7 - Do You Fail to Preach the Gospel on a Regular Basis? OR Do You Hinder Others?
8 - Are You Indifferent About Your Sin? What is Your Attitude?
9 - Do You Seek After Worldly Wealth & Fame vs Seeking First The Kingdom of God?
10-Do You Fail to Obey Jesus, and God's Word Consistently?

"How Do You Find Comfort in Knowing What God Wants For You?"

2009-03-05T02:19:00.002-05:00

"How do you find comfort in knowing what God wants for you?" This question was brought up in a forum I belong to. Think about this and while you do, I'll put up my answer....

I think what God wants from us in our personal lives is to listen to what He has said in His Word. There is instruction for us for every situation in our lives. Of course not every single scenario in our lives is touched upon in the bible, because we would need a truck to carry it, and so that's where His principles come in. Unfortunately, because the bible doesn't mention something specifically, some people use that opportunity to indulge in it. Ex: the bible doesn't mention Halloween but it does talk about not celebrating pagan festivals. Some would say that it's not written, or that we have Christian liberty, or that it's a gray area etc. Pick any excuse. But the truth of the matter is, it IS written, and it would be easily seen and recognized if we weren't looking for loopholes in order to indulge in our favorite sin.

Back to the original question. As far as finding comfort in what God wants for us....some people might have questions about what decision to make about a job and who to marry etc. but this is where the Christian liberty comes in. What He requires of us is to obey Him, not go buy a particular car or take a particular job. We are not disobeying Him or getting out of His will if we make a decision about a car or spouse. We just have to make them with Godly principles in mind. (are we being good stewards with our money - are we equally yoked) We are looking for answers to questions that have already been answered for us. And if we do make an unwise decision, we will learn from it and benefit from it. There is Godly instruction or a biblical principle behind every situation and/or decision we are in/make. There is no need to ask the Lord about these little particulars because we already know what is required of us.

So how am I comforted in knowing what God wants for my life? I make sure that I do what's in His Word i.e. obey Him.

Death of Free Internet is Imminent

2009-02-28T23:02:00.007-05:00

The article speaks of an experiment that will be done in Canada in 2010 where the internet as we know it will change. Instead of surfing for free, it will be done much like cable tv is done - where you pay for packages except in this case, you pay for individual sites. Then by 2012, it will be enacted here.

Privacy will be gone because your every move will be tracked for billing purposes plus about 90% of the internet will not be accessed. People with web based business, or any type of global business will go under immediately. Websites and bloggers, you know, the little guys, will be non-existent. This includes us.

(Disclaimer: I don't necessarily agree with everything on this site - just an FYI)

Click here for story.

The Return of Jesus - What are the Signs? (audio) Sessions 9 & 10

2009-02-28T22:40:00.006-05:00

This concludes the series.
(Disclaimer: I don't necessarily agree with everything the speaker says. We should test everything with scripture.)

Topics Discussed:

God's wrath from a corporate point of view
Sin transferred
Trumpet judgments

(Download option for mp3 players)
Session 9 Listen Download

Topics Discussed:

Composite beast
Roman Catholic church
Sin-less world
Q & A's

(Download option for mp3 players)
Session 10 Listen Download

The Return of Jesus - What are the Signs? (audio) Sessions 7 & 8

2009-02-21T00:16:00.007-05:00

Kingsport, TN Meetings The Return of Jesus - What are the Signs?

(Disclaimer: I don't necessarily agree with everything that is said in these seminars. As with anything, we should test everything against scripture)

Session 7

Topics Discussed:

Promises of Old and New Covenant cannot be mixed.
70th Week

Session 7 Listen Download

Session 8

Topics Discussed:

Jesus & Michael
Lucifer

Session 8 Listen Download

The Return of Jesus - What are the Signs? (audio) Sessions 5 & 6

2009-02-10T21:10:00.005-05:00

Kingsport, Tennessee Meetings
"The Return of Jesus - What are the Signs?"

Topics Discussed:

Israel - trustees of the Gospel
God's severity
Fourth seal

Session 5 Listen Download

Topics Discussed:

Revelation

Session 6 Listen Download

The Return of Jesus - What are the Signs? (audio) Sessions 3 & 4

2009-02-08T16:03:00.003-05:00

Kingsport, Tennessee Meetings
"The Return of Jesus - What are the Signs?"

Session 3

Topics Discussed:

Discovering the rules of interpreting apocalyptic prophecy
Prophetic truth/prophetic faith
The beast

Session 3 Listen Download

Session 4

Topics Discussed:

Physical appearing of Lucifer

Session 4 Listen Download

The Return of Jesus - What are the Signs? (audio) Sessions 1 & 2

2009-02-05T18:53:00.006-05:00

Kingsport, Tennessee Meetings

"The Return of Jesus - What are the Signs?"
February 1-4, 2007

(Download option for mp3 players)

Session 1 - Topics Discussed:

Defining prophetic concepts
Paradigms
Discoveries about prophecies & God's architecture & order
Judgments & appeasing God

Session 1 Listen Download

Session 2 - Topics Discussed:

Measuring time through genealogies
Kings reigns
7000 years total
God sets limits to sin's duration
Weekly cycle template for duration of sin
Rapture
Millenium
1335 days of commencement of Jesus' coming
World wide earthquake/144,000

Session 2 Listen Download

Blog Love Award

2009-01-26T22:37:00.003-05:00

Thank you Hanna of Channel of Healing for this beautiful award. Not sure who to pass it on to yet because I've taken a siesta and have been out of the loop, but I will soon.

God bless you sister :)

Great clocks from God Introduction

2008-12-22T13:39:00.003-05:00

Great Clocks from God

A study on the phenomenon of God's timing

Larry Wilson- Jan. 2000

Introduction

The plans of God for planet Earth did not end with Creation’s week; rather, they merely began. The knowledge of what God planned to do from the beginning continues to unfold to this very day. Review in your mind all that God has done since the Creation of the world and put that within a context of what God planned to do before He even made the world! God did not create this world and abandon it. On the contrary, God put each of us on this orb to make Heaven a little larger. God loves children, that’s why He created Adam and Eve. God wanted Adam and Eve to experience (as He does) the joy of children; that is why He gave them the power to procreate. When sin entered the picture, it corrupted every good thing that God had made. Sin’s legacy has produced a degenerate order in every dimension on Earth, God has not, like a deadbeat parent, abandoned this world or His children.

God is a mystery. His actions at times are baffling. Sometimes, it is hard to trust God, for His ways are not our ways. He does not operate within our boundaries, nor on our scale. To say that God is awesome is a terrible understatement. His knowledge and wisdom knows no boundaries. One feature of God that is impressive, and yet confusing, is His foreknowledge. For example, one popular question goes like this: "If God foreknew that Lucifer would become a devil, why did He create Him? There are several responses to this question and here is one: If God protected Himself and His government from the possibility of rebellion, He would prove that He is an eternal tyrant forever secure in His position as Dictator of the Universe. But, the very presence of the devil proves that God is not an eternal tyrant. On the contrary, the drama of sin has revealed as nothing else could do that God is love. Therefore, a positive benefit which springs from the experience of sin is the knowledge that God alone is worthy to forever hold the position of "Dictator of the Universe." In other words, God’s reaction to sin has earned Him the right to rule over the universe and His children. His actions will ultimately grant Him the honor, glory and praise He is due.

When God created the world, He foreknew the elements that would be needed to accomplish His objectives. Because He knows the duration of every event, God created the phenomenon we call time so that we could measure every event. What is time? Time is the duration between two events. As we shall see, time on Earth is measured in several ways. God foreknew from the beginning the duration of sin. He has given man seven, perhaps eight great clocks so that we might measure and understand the duration of His plans. In this light, every student of Daniel and Revelation faces the challenge of arranging a number of pre-determined time-periods which God ordained from the beginning. God has given us some prophetic time-periods that endure many centuries and some time-periods that endure for a few days. Why? Because each time-period reveals the timing of His plans that began at Creation. Do we really need to know about the 1,000 years of Revelation 20 before they come to pass? Yes! If they were not important, God would not have revealed them to us. What is so important about knowing the saints will reign with Jesus for a thousand years? If we consider the presence of a millennial week of seven thousand years for the duration of sin, then the 1,000 years of Revelation 20 implies the saints will reign with Jesus during Earth’s sabbatical rest from sin!

A large number of people say, "Prophecy is not a matter that pertains to my salvation, therefore, why worry about it? Whatever will be, will be." No doubt the antediluvians said similar statements in Noah’s day. Consider the parallel: For 120 years the antediluvians said the prophecies of Noah were not pertinent to salvation, but in one single day everything changed. How can this be? Did God send the antediluvians meaningless prophecies for 120 years and then suddenly send them meaningful prophecies? Of course not. From the beginning, Noah’s message pertained to salvation, but the scoffers drowned in their own unbelief. (Matthew 24:39) Likewise, the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation are pertinent right now, even though we may not fully understand everything about them. However, when the time for soul-saving clarity comes, who will understand the way to life eternal – the scoffers or the students?

Continue reading here.

The Neccesity for Having Rules

2008-12-14T08:33:00.003-05:00

The Intended Meaning of Apocalyptic Prophecy is Determined by Valid Rules

Larry Wilson December, 2007 Wake Up America Seminars

Introduction

There's a thousand different interpretations on Bible prophecy floating around today. Why? Prophetic expositors arrive at different conclusions because there are as many different methods of interpretation as there are people. Methods of interpretation is a catch-all phrase that describes a controlling set of ideas or views residing in a person's head before he actually begins to interpret prophecy. Methods of interpretation include cherished religious views, spiritual presuppositions, scholastic assumptions, concepts about the role and authority of the Bible, the authority of prophets external to the Bible and church tradition. For example, a Catholic scholar will interpret Bible prophecy so that his Catholic beliefs and his prophetic conclusions harmoniously align and a Baptist scholar will do the same thing. Ironically, the Catholic scholar and the Baptist scholar can study the same passages of Scripture and arrive at very different conclusions. How does this happen? The answer is simple. No one approaches the study of Bible prophecy without some kind of intellectual and/or religious baggage. This baggage is called "methods of interpretation," "rules of interpretation," or hermeneutics.

How Can the Bible Tell Us Things We Don't Want to Believe?

Knowingly or unknowingly, every student of prophecy uses some rules of interpretation. The problem is that invalid rules will not produce valid conclusions. For example, some people believe the following is a valid rule: "A day in Bible prophecy always equals a year." If we accept this rule, then the 1,000 years of Revelation 20 would be translated as 365,242 literal years because a year has 365.242 days in it. (365.242 days x 1000 years = 365,242 years)

A valid rule cannot have an exception for if there is an exception, who on Earth has the authority to tell the rest of mankind when a rule should be applied or ignored? For reasons beyond the scope of this article, I find the day/year rule mentioned above to be invalid. Yes, there are places in Daniel and Revelation where God translates time according to the Jubilee Calendar. In such cases, a day is translated as a year (for example, the seventy weeks of Daniel 9 translate into 490 years), but there are other places in Daniel and Revelation where God measures time without translation (for example, the 1000 years in Revelation 20 and the 1,335 days in Daniel 12 are literal time periods). How can we tell when God is translating time according to the Jubilee Calendar and when He is not? The answer is quite simple: A valid rule regarding the translation of time will tell us.

Eschatology today is largely "a nose of wax" which various expositors manipulate for political, religious or personal reasons. Millions of people have been misled into believing things that have no truth in them. In a nutshell, here's the problem: If a prophetic idea can be made to appear reasonable, it can become believable. But, history says that reasonableness does not necessarily produce truth (even though truth is reasonable). For thousands of years observers of the Sun said that Earth stood still and the Sun orbited Earth. "The reasonableness of this position is plainly evident," they said. Then one day in the 16th century, Copernicus came along and ruined their reasonable idea by putting a few interesting facts on the table and suddenly, two thousand years of "reasonable evidence" was used to prove that Earth traveled around the Sun.

Faulty Interpretations Unavoidable until the Time of the End

The book of Daniel contains 533 sentences. It was written about twenty-six centuries ago, but unlike the other 65 books in the Bible, the book of Daniel was sealed up "until the time of the end." The angel, Gabriel, said to Daniel, ". . .Go your way, Daniel, because the words are closed up and sealed until the time of the end." (Daniel 12:9) What does "closed up and sealed until the time of the end" mean? This means that God placed some information in the book of Daniel that remains "top secret" until the time of the end arrives. What is this top secret information that "pops out" of Daniel at the time of the end? Before I answer this question, consider the discovery of the Rosetta Stone.

The Rosetta Stone was accidently unearthed in 1799 near Rosetta, Egypt, by some French soldiers. The stone bore a single message written in two forms of Egyptian script - demotic and hieroglyphic. When archeologists examined this second century B.C. stone, they were thrilled because this one rock unlocked a perplexing mystery. Prior to 1799, a large number of clay tablets bearing Egyptian hieroglyphics had been found, but they could not be read because no one could decipher the hieroglyphics. The Rosetta Stone changed this. The demotic inscriptions enabled Thomas Young (1773-1829) and J.F. Champollion (1790-1832) to decipher the hieroglyphics of ancient Egyptians and the rest is history.

In a similar way, God embedded four secrets in the book of Daniel. An angel told Daniel these secrets would remain entombed until "the time of the end." (Daniel 12:4,9) When the time arrives for these secrets to be "unearthed," the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation will become understandable - just as they read because God wants everyone to understand what He has to say to the final generation. The discovery of these four secrets shatters centuries of prophetic exposition because all interpretations of Daniel and Revelation prior to the time of the end are necessarily faulty and incomplete because Daniel is not unsealed until the time of the end. In other words, the book of Daniel was written for the generation that would live "at the time of the end."

Three Levels of Information

As the reader might expect, God buried His secrets in the book of Daniel very well. However, when God wants something known, ordinary men and women can discover the things that He has hidden. Through the ages we find this discovery mechanism at work: On or about the time of fulfillment, elements of prophecy are properly understood. For example, when it came time to understand the timing of Christ's birth, the wise men from the East figured it out. (Matthew 2:2)

The apostle Paul also noticed this phenomenon. Consider his words: "Surely you have heard

about the administration of God's grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God's holy apostles and prophets. This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus." (Ephesians 3:2-6)

What did God hide in the book of Daniel? The answer to this question requires a little explanation. The book of Daniel offers three levels of information. They are:

1. 1. Dramatic stories of faith

2. 2. Visions revealing God's plans

3. 3. Apocalyptic architecture

The highest (or most evident) level of information in the book of Daniel consists of dramatic stories of faith in God. These stories were recorded for the benefit all generations. However, Earth's final generation will benefit most from these stories because the fiery trials in the first chapters of Daniel are mini-parallels of coming events. For example, in Daniel 3 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego faced the mandatory worship of a golden image which the king of Babylon constructed. In Revelation 13:15, the inhabitants of the world will face the mandatory worship of an image which the king of modern Babylon will set up. These stories and their outcomes were put in the book of Daniel for the encouragement of all people, especially those who will live at the time of the end.

A second (and more difficult) level of information found in the book of Daniel concerns the meaning of visions. God gave King Nebuchadnezzar and Daniel visions about the future and we can be sure that everything God said has either come to pass or will come to pass. The good news that comes from these visions is the knowledge that God has a definite plan and time-table for this planet. Because God's people have understood (more or less) these visions for hundreds of years, we cannot say that the visions themselves were sealed up until "the time of the end." Something else was sealed up in the book of Daniel was sealed up, something that uniquely applies to those people who will live at the end of the world. What is it?

The Book Unsealed

The third (and deepest) level of information embedded within Daniel is the architecture of apocalyptic prophecy. There are five prophecies in Daniel and here's the secret: Each prophecy conforms to a consistent structure. In other words, all five prophecies behave in precisely the same way. After making this discovery, the intended meaning of Daniel becomes crystal clear! But wait! There's a huge bonus that goes with this discovery. God used the same architecture in the book of Revelation that He used in Daniel! In other words, once we understand how the prophecies in Daniel consistently behave, we know how the prophecies in Revelation will behave. Daniel and Revelation share the same unusual architecture!

Once a consistent behavior is observed, that behavior can be defined or quantified into a rule that is never broken. These rules function much like the combination code for a safe. When valid rules of interpretation are applied to the prophecies in Daniel and Revelation, a marvelous result occurs. The prophecies will create a huge matrix and every prophetic will fit in this matrix without conflict. Even more, the prophecies will make perfect sense just as they read! Layers of interpretation and prophetic expositors are not needed nor warranted. The Bible will interpret itself!

When the four rules in Daniel are applied to each prophecy in Daniel and Revelation, a comprehensive story will unfold that is completely harmonious with everything the Bible has to say about the ways of God. Furthermore, all of the details in Daniel and Revelation are in perfect harmony and synchrony with each other. To visualize the matrix which the four rules produce, think of a tall wedding cake having seventeen layers! The larger pieces of the cake are at the bottom of the stack and the smaller pieces are on top. The "toothpicks" that hold the seventeen layers together are prophetic events that unite and align the seventeen layers in Daniel and Revelation into one grand story. The toothpicks are important because two or more prophecies can describe the same prophetic event! Because the same event is described in two different ways - within two different cake layers - a precise alignment of all prophetic events is possible. (The wedding cake in this illustration has seventeen layers because there are seventeen prophecies (five in Daniel and twelve in Revelation).

Private Interpretation

Any interpretation of prophecy that does not conform to a published set of valid rules is called a "private interpretation." The word "private" in this context does not mean obscure. Millions of people believe and endorse various interpretations that are "private" in nature. Consider this: A private interpretation is an interpretation which does not have an external means for validation. In other words, a private interpretation cannot be tested and validated by an impartial jury who have to test the conclusions set forth by a given set of rules. In other words, a private interpretation requires a private interpreter. A private interpreter is a person or persons who use something other than valid rules to make their interpretation appear reasonable and valid. For most people, their interpreter is within their church. Therefore, Baptist and Catholic laymen cannot agree on the meaning of prophecy because their authorities cannot agree. This diversity emphasizes man's need to understand the architecture in Daniel. There is one architecture in Daniel and Revelation, there are four valid rules which produce one prophetic truth. Looking for truth is a joyful experience for those who love truth. Caution: Even when we have valid rules of interpretation, reaching the intended meaning is not "a cake walk", but eventually, the intended meaning will appear! (It is one thing to know the laws of algebra, but it is another thing to correctly apply them in every case.)

The Value and Importance of Rules

Most Christians have not heard about nor considered the necessity of having valid rules of interpretation. I often hear from people who claim they have studied Bible prophecy for many years and they are usually offended at my response to some conclusion they are anxious to defend. My standard comment is this: "Just send me your rules, not your conclusions. I am well acquainted with all of the prophetic pieces in Daniel and Revelation. I will do a simple test using your rules to see what the result may be." This doesn't go over too well because most Christians do not use valid methods (rules) of interpretation. Even popular TV prophetic expositors do not realize that they are merely supporting a private interpretation when they promote what was given to them. Here's the point again: A private interpretation requires a private interpreter. Without the private interpreter sitting in the driver's seat, no one else could reach the same conclusion.

Scientists achieve advances in the study of genetics by working at the cellular level. After years of studying various cells within the human body, scientists have been able to determine how certain cells operate. In more and more cases, they have been able to predict the behavior of cells under controlled circumstances because they now know something about the behaviors of amino acids and proteins. Research scientists are constantly looking for "consistent behaviors" within their studies and once the behavior of a specific amino acid or protein on a particular cell is understood, drugs are compounded to produce the desired results. Pharmaceutical companies spend billions of dollars on this type of painstaking research because they know that once a constant behavior is detected and controlled, a cure can be produced.

Consistent Behavior

In a similar way, the four rules in Daniel have been distilled through a careful study and analysis of Daniel's prophecies. The visions within Daniel behave in a predictable way and this behavior allows us to decipher things about the meaning of prophecy that we could not otherwise know. For example, here is a consistent behavior that occurs throughout the books of Daniel and Revelation. Each prophecy has a beginning point and an ending point in time, and the events in each prophecy occur in the order in which they are given. This rule may sound very simple, but it has profound ramifications.

Consider the results of violating this self-evident rule. If the events given within each prophecy of Daniel do not occur in their given order, how can the order of events be authoritatively determined? This question brings up an even greater question. Does the Bible speak for itself or must it have an external interpreter? After many years of study on this question, I conclude the Bible stands alone. It speaks for itself and the Bible is its own interpreter. The constant and predictable architecture within Daniel's prophecies is the basis for Rule One. Putting this rule in my words, the rule is: Each apocalyptic prophecy has a beginning point and an ending point in time and the events within each prophecy must occur in the order they are given. Keep in mind, I did not invent this rule. Rather, I am expressing a self-evident behavior that recurs without exception throughout the book of Daniel (as well as Revelation).

The Four Rules

I hope you will print this article and refer to it from time to time because the following four rules will be often discussed. The four rules embedded within the book of Daniel until the time of the end are:

1. Each apocalyptic prophecy has a beginning and ending point in time and the events within each prophecy must occur in the order they are given.

2. A fulfillment of apocalyptic prophecy occurs when all of the specifications within that prophecy are met. This includes the order of events outlined in the prophecy.

3. Apocalyptic language can be literal, symbolic or analogous. To reach the intended meaning of a prophecy, the student must consider: (a) the context, (b) the use of parallel language in the Bible, and (c) relevant statements in the Bible that define that symbol if an element is thought to be symbolic.

4. God measures apocalyptic time in two ways: (a) a day for a year, and (b) as literal time. The presence or absence of the Jubilee calender determines how God measures time.

A New Focus and a New Forum

2008-12-07T10:42:00.005-05:00

Two years ago I was surfing prophecy sites when I came upon Wake Up America.
This is the site that is sending out the "Warning! Revelation is About To Be Fulfilled" book from my previous post. I read some of the articles and the things that were said seemed to ring true, so I got the book.

The book came, I started reading and quickly realized is was like nothing I had ever read before. I had been cruising prophecy sites for years, getting different views and subsequently confusing myself even more.

I was excited about what I was reading so I told my then boyfriend, my husband now, and we started reading it together. We used to go to the park every weekend - one would read from Larry's book, and the other from the Bible. It was a fun time. Then as the book got further into prophecy, I became confused because I didn't understand how the author arrived and what he did. While it made sense and didn't go against anything written in scripture, I could not accept it because I didn't know how he arrived at his beliefs. So I figured he was another quack and I put the book aside.

Fast-forward to two years later, (a few months ago), I was surfing prophecy sites again and I remembered the Wake Up site, so I went there. This time I had my own computer with audio (was using the one at work before and there was no sound card) and I was able to watch the online seminars. All of the questions I had about Revelation were answered in the seminars on his site and it renewed my interest in prophecy again. It turned out that I was not reading things in order. Things had to be understood before I delved into prophecy and so I started at the beginning.

So, these last couple of months I have been saturating myself with prophetic study and I have learned so much. I have also learned of the dire importance it is to get these truths out there because much has been misunderstood. I still have a lot to learn because there is an overwhelming amount of information to digest and understand and a couple of months isn't enough time to do this, but if I wait until I understand everything before I share with you, then it might not be posted until Christ comes. :)

If you have comments about the upcoming entries, post them here in Blogger, of course. But if you have questions or concerns, then I ask that you please ask them in the discussion forum, Daniel Unlocked. (the format is much more conducive to discussion anyway) If you want to get a jump start on what I'll be posting on prophecy, then go to DU now. Membership is free.

God bless.

Free Book

2008-12-03T15:40:00.004-05:00

In my experience, I have found the book of Revelation to be the least studied topic for many reasons. Most find it to be confusing, some find it scary, and some don't worry at all because they think it won't affect them because they won't be here. Regardless of your reasons, if you believe we are the final generation, then you should have, or want to have a good understanding about these apocalyptic events. Even if you're an atheist, it doesn't matter because whether you choose to believe in God or not, these events will happen!

There are many interpretations of Revelation, (and Daniel), that seem to make sense but there are always a few 'loose ends,' or something that doesn't make sense, or things that leave you with more questions, are there not? These theories sound good but there's always a verse somewhere that contradicts what you believe. The reason for these 'loose ends' and questions in the many interpretations is because the interpreters either don't have rules that they follow (hermeneutics), or they are faulty, or they are not consistent.

This author, Larry Wilson, I believe has been given deep insight into the Word of God. He has a set of rules that he follows which makes Revelation easy to understand just as it reads. I will post more on his rules at another time. He applies the same rules to Daniel and I have to tell you, the things I've learned are mind-blowing!!!

So what have you got to lose? The book is free and you don't even have to pay for shipping.

Warning! Revelation is About to be Fulfilled

The Lord's Gentle Reproof

2008-11-22T11:01:00.004-05:00

This is not a Thanksgiving holiday message, it's just a coincidence that it happens to be around Thanksgiving.

The Lord gave me a holy smack-down, or should I say a gentle tapping really, about my not being thankful. It started with a sermon I heard on XM about what we had to be thankful for. The preacher said that if we are able to see, then we are more fortunate than ___% amount of the population. (he gave a percentage but I can't remember the numbers) He listed other categories such as:

Able to hear
Able to walk
Have some type of dwelling
Have food
Have a vehicle
Have a friend and/or someone who loves you
Are able to buy a coffee or pastry each morning

and the list goes on.

He said if we have any of these things, we are richer than ___% of the world. Only after hearing this did I realize that I had everything on the list and that I had taken them for granted. I've complained for the past year about:

The grocery store not being open 24 hours a day.
Having no convenience store to get my morning coffee.
About the cold weather
The house being too small
Dealing with various people at my job who annoy me and get under my skin.
No really good restaurants around here.

and the list goes on.

If someone else had posted this list above, I would have thought them to be snobby, spoiled, or a princess. But because it's me, I didn't see it. But now that I do, I am ashamed. If I look at this list with a thankful spirit, then I have to acknowledge and admit that...

I'm blessed that I could even afford to buy food at the grocery store.
I have gourmet coffee at home so I really have no need for a convenience store.
The weather is much warmer here than where I lived most of my life and we don't get any snow. No more digging my car out of 4 feet of snow.
My house is modest, cute, and serves its purpose.
Those annoying people are an opportunity to exercise patience and understanding.
The food may be bad here but I'm blessed with the talents to be able to cook myself. (and I can burn!!) (Disclaimer: "burn" means to cook like nobody's business)

I thank the Lord for gently and lovingly opening my eyes to my foolishness and ungrateful spirit. I also thank Him for chastening me and not allowing me to go on in this way. Praise Jesus!!!

Color My Life Beautiful Award

2008-11-20T21:10:00.004-05:00

I created this award as a way to say thank you to those people who have encouraged me, inspired me, and uplifted me through their blogs. A quick word in their shoutbox wouldn't suffice.

Pass this on to as many or as little people as you like. You can't put a number on the people that have blessed you.

Some of these blogs I rarely comment on, if at all, but that doesn't mean you haven't touched me in some way. There are many blogs that I like for other reasons, but for this specific category I have picked the following in no particular order....

A Proverbs31 Woman Wannabe
You are the most open, honest, and down to earth person I know in bloggyworld. You've had many trials and tests yet you've endured them and righted wrongs in a true Christlike fashion. You have blessed me more than you know.

Lance's Soul Searching
Your posts are always heart-warming and uplifting. Always a pleasure to read.

The Bible Post
You are my 'newest' friend and I'm glad I found you. You give encouragement and solid advice both of which are greatly appreciated.

KingsKid2
You know I've always loved you girl! All of your blogs have blessed me in many ways. I always enjoy visiting.

Channel of Healing
You have such a sweet spirit about you and it shows in your blog and on posts on other blogs. I don't post much on your blog, but I am a secret admirer. (not secret anymore, heh)

Berean Wife
You're another one that I secretly admire. I enjoy your blog and your comments on other blogs. You are truly edifying!

Simple Simon Says
What can I say about my wonderful, smart, Godly, and handsome husband? A lot but I'll keep it "simple" for the sake of others. Your posts are sound, you give wise counsel, and you're always a comfort to me online and offline.

The Desert Pastor
You have a kind heart and gentle spirit both of which are reflected in your blog. I recently found your blog too and I'm glad I did.

To everyone I named, and those I haven't, may the Lord bless you all in your online ministries and in your lives.

Spiritual Aim is Mainly in the Brain

2008-11-17T19:07:00.003-05:00

Just when I thought human arrogance and ignorance has reached it's pinnacle, I am proven wrong again. I am speaking of a neurological approach to becoming like Christ. How is this done? I don't know, you'll have to buy the book. But here's an excerpt from the article.

Dr. C. Samuel Verghese connects the brain with spiritual disorders as well. Dr. Verghese, the son of missionaries in India and a born-again Christian, views brain activity (otherwise called brain tuning), and spiritual transformation as an inseparable part of developing the life of a Christian.
"The ultimate goal and the grand purpose of brain power are to become like Christ. Several words are used in Scripture to portray the beautiful outcome of fine-tuning. 'The pure heart,' 'the pure mind,' and 'the mind of Christ' serve as images to illuminate many important functions of fine-tuning and brain power."
Dr. Verghese describes his new book, "Brain Power - How to Fine Tune Your Brain Naturally" (WinePress, 2008), as an integrated approach to enjoying a Spirit- filled life accomplished by the transformation of the mind. He explores the process of becoming more like Christ through the various centers of the brain, especially those processing cognition, emotion, perception, memory and conscience.

I marvel at the many roads man has created in order to become like Christ or their god. Up until now, as far as I can tell, it consisted of "spiritual" methods whether it be chants, trances, use of various objects, and meditations and now it seems to have crossed over into the medical community. What will they think of next? I shudder to think!

In my non-medical opinion, I think they suffer from CRIS. (Cranial Rectal Inversion Syndrome)

Turning the Other Cheek, and Sinning Anyway

2008-11-15T02:02:00.004-05:00

I've been giving some thought to something lately and that is...is there a difference between turning the other cheek and being passive and just letting things go?

I was reading a blog, somewhere, and this person was talking about how we're to handle unjust situations as Christians. He basically asked, are we going to respond like Christ with kindness and pray for them or are we going to fight back with a vengeance? Of course I knew the answer to this - we respond like Christ and pray for them. Easy!... Next!

But then I started examining myself and asking why I've been turning the other cheek in situations that anger me and I found that it was not because it was the Christian thing to do. It was not because my heart ached for that person and I understood that he/she does not know what they do. It was because I didn't know how to deal with that person without getting out of the will of the Father. Talk about a selfish motive, even while obeying Christ!

After realizing my motive for what I was doing, I realized that there is a difference. One comes from a heart of Christ, and the other comes from the selfish flesh. So how can this be fixed? How was Corrie Ten Boom able to quietly endure the horrors of the Nazis? How was Jesus able to pray for His attackers while dying on the cross? Where was the anger? I know I'm not the only one. There's been a lot of situations where I've actually done the right thing but I've deceived myself into thinking it was from a pure heart.

Does anyone else know what I'm talking about? If so, please tell me about it so I don't feel like I'm the most evil person on the planet.

New Look

2008-11-14T17:22:00.002-05:00

Welcome to the new Bible Thumper site. I've been wanting to change it for some time now because I was sick of all of those evil dots!!! They had to go!! Plus I needed more room so I added another column. If nothing else, it's definitely prettier. :)

Do you likey?

My Two Cents on Obama

2008-11-13T01:19:00.003-05:00

I'm only going to talk about this once just to get it off of my chest. Then I'm going to continue living my life for Christ and all that it entails.

The hot topic these last couple of months has been about Obama and to a lesser degree McCain and Sarah and I can deal with that. But what gets me miffed is that Christians are steaming mad over the outcome. They are consumed with it. Sure I believe Obama will run this country into the ground with his Marxist views. Sure he's going to silence any and all opposition, especially religious views. Sure he's going to administer executive orders which will make him king of the world. But what should our Christian response be? Should we continue with the temper tantrums? Should we keep feeding the bitter, angry monster inside of us? No!!!!!

We should be rejoicing. Why? Because God said so!!! We are to rejoice in ALL things. We are to give thanks in ALL things. We are to pray for our leaders for God has put them there! These leaders may not be for our betterment, in fact it's quite the opposite, but remember that everyone is subject to the King and He will use them for His purposes - for glory or destruction!

After Obama is officially inaugurated, we're going to see many changes and none of them will be in favor of Bible-believing Christians. I hear Christians say that if they aren't raptured beforehand (7 years) and if they have to go through the Tribulation, that they would be ready and willing. So if they are ready and willing to go through the Tribulation, then why are they falling to pieces now? How are they going to handle the Tribulation if they can't get past a mere man? Are we going to behave like the world or let Christ's light shine through us and be separate?

It's natural to get angry over something immoral and unjust, but we've got to deal with it. We've got to put God's laws above man's laws and on this issue there is no gray area and no room for debate. And when we are forced to make that decision, then that is where your faith will lie. That's where it really counts.

Christians - look to God's eternal kingdom, not man's.

I'm Ba-ack!!!

2008-11-13T01:00:00.002-05:00

It's been awhile since I posted, a couple of months now, but it's good to be back. The reason why I was gone so long is because I have Bell's Palsy. Basically, it's nerve damage to the face causing paralysis on half of my face. I've been in excruciating pain for about the first two months, but it's just about gone now. There are other side-effects and I just haven't felt like posting or doing much online.

I'm healing very slowly. I cannot smile, and I have trouble eating, drinking, and speaking. My vision is very blurry and so it's hard to read or drive. So while I do feel much better, I probably won't post as much as I used to until I can see clearly and feel 100%. Until then, I will continue my studies and listen to seminars.

I look forward to catching up on everyone's blogs in my blogroll.

Quick Note to Readers

2008-09-05T16:27:00.002-04:00

I haven't posted anything lately because either I've been too tired from work or most recently, because I've been feeling a little under the weather lately. So I haven't given up blogging nor are the darker forces at work here. :) Just taking a much needed rest. Be back soon, hopefully.

God Bless

Richard Albanes - You Will Know Them by Their Fruits

2008-07-27T04:07:00.003-04:00

If you haven't heard about the latest atrocity against our brother, Ken Silva of Apprising Ministries, then get a load of this...

Richard Abanes has threatened a lawsuit against IPower who currently hosts the website Apprising Ministries.” IPower had alerted Ken about “accusations” from Abanes in which he stated that Apprising Ministries contains content that is alleged to be, “untrue, offensive, slanderous, harrasing or controversial in nature.” They then demanded that Ken remove that content within 48 hours or his website would be terminated.

Ken has done no such thing and furthermore, why is Richard violating 1 Corin. 6:1-8 in the first place? I smell rotten fruit!!!

Please go to these sites to get the full story.

Mike Ratliff of Possessing the Treasure

Daniel Chew of Daniel's Place

Lighthouse Trails

Slice of Laodicea

HT: Isaiah of Word and Verse for sharing this with me.

Women and Head Coverings

2008-07-20T06:13:00.005-04:00

During a brief phone conversation I had with my dad yesterday, he asked me what I thought of women and head coverings. Although I didn't answer him at the time, (because I was traveling) I was already set in my mind that it wasn't for us today because it was based on the culture at the time. But I said I'd read it and I did. Below are my comments according to my understanding.

1 Corin. 11:2 Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.

Paul is about to explain one of the basic traditional practices of the church more fully so that the Corinthians might understand and observe it more willingly, not merely as a traditional custom but as a teaching.

1 Corin. 11:3 But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.

Paul is establishing a hierarchy; one of leadership, not worth.

God is the head of Christ, Christ is the head of man, and man is the head of woman. He wants every male and female to honor their head. (not the one on their shoulders) A similar hierarchical conception was expressed in 1 Corin. 3:21-23 when he speaks of teachers being under the church, which is under Christ, who is under God.

1 Corin. 11:4 Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head.
Paul started with men. If a man prays or prophesies while his head is covered (with a hat or any form of head covering) he dishonors his head which is Christ. (again, not the one on his shoulders)

1 Corin. 11:5 But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.

Paul wanted to show how dishonorable an uncovered head of a woman is and he used a shaved head as a comparison. Even today, it is very odd and/or strange to see a woman with a shaved head. A woman's head covering is an emblem of her submission. It follows then that a man should not wear such a head covering. As the image of God's authority he should not dress like a woman because this would involve a symbolic violation of his headship.

1 Corin. 11:6 For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.

Paul is reiterating the verse 5 above. If the woman is going to remain uncovered, then she may as well be shaven because it brings just as much shame. Why? Because it dishonors her head, which is man.

1 Corin. 11:7,8,9 For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of man. 8For the man is not of the woman: but the woman of the man. 9 Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.

The majesty of God belongs to men according to the mandate, “Let them have dominion,” and for a man this is part of what it means to be the image of God. Man was created to symbolize God's dominion in the earth. But the woman is not designed to represent God in this way that the man does. Instead, she is “the glory of man,” that is, she reflects the glory of the man by her submission. Even a well ordered marriage explains submission of the wife and is compared to Christ and the submission of the church. (Eph 5:32)

It's all about headship, honoring, and giving glory to ones head. A physical example is given, (the head on your shoulders), to better illustrate his point on headship. Jesus oftentimes used word pictures (earthly examples) to illustrate that which is spiritual and here, Paul uses the same method.

1 Corin. 11:10 For this reason the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels.

“Because of the angels”, this one's a tough one. Perhaps this is a simple reminder that the “angels who kept not their first estate” lost heaven and they should not go beyond the limitations that God has set forth, and so women (and men) should follow in kind. It could also refer to the Seraphim covering themselves in Isaiah 6:2. Or perhaps she covers her head in co-operation with the angels that remained faithful to God as a testimony of submission and obedience. Remember angels and demons see us.

1 Corin. 11:11,12 Nevertheless, neither is man independent of woman, nor woman independent of man, in the Lord 12For as woman came from man, even so man comes through woman; but all things are from God.

There is really no such thing as an independent woman – or an independent man for that matter. There is nothing to be gained by either sex in pretending that the one can be independent of the other.

1 Corin. 11:13,14,15 Judge among yourselves. Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? 14Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him? 15But if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her; for her hair is given to her for a covering.

Some translations say “hair is given as a substitute for coverings” (International Standard Version)
“because the hair instead of a covering hath been give to her” (Young's Literal Translation)

I tend to follow the KJV primarily and that version doesn't say that her hair is given to her instead of a covering. If this were the case, then that would nullify verses 5 and 6. And if by “uncovered” Paul means only a shorn head in the first place, then his argument in the same verses (5 & 6) would be nonsensical. So it cannot mean her hair is a substitute for the veil.

The Greek word used for 'covering' in 1 Corinthians 11:15 ("for her hair is given her for a covering") is completely different from the one translated 'covered' prior to this in Chapter 11. This Greek word (peribolaion - 4018), here in verse 15, means to 'wrap around'. Hence the meaning would be ... "for her hair is given her for 'to be wrapped around'". The words translated "covering", "covered" or "cover" prior to verse 15 in Chapter 11 use an entirely different Greek word (katakalupto - 2619). This one means to 'veil or cover up oneself'."

Some might think that this head covering issue is a tradition originating from Paul when establishing the church due to 1 Corin. 11:2 Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.

But if we start from the beginning, we find that the earliest reference to a head covering is found in Gen 24:65.

“For she had said unto the servant, What man is this that walketh in the field to meet us? And the servant had said, It is my master: therefore she took a vail, and covered herself.

So this could not have originated with Paul.

1 Corin. 11:16. But if anyone seems to be contentious, we have no such custom, nor do the churches of God.

Some might think that this is proof that there was no practice of head coverings in the church but that is not what this verse is referring to. It is referring to them not having the practice of arguing over this head covering issue.

Conclusion: I do believe this practice of women covering their heads is a tradition not born of Paul, but from the beginning in Genesis. Although it is not expressly stated by God, it was taught by Paul who was lead by the Holy Spirit in his epistles. I also believe that women are not to cover as part of their daily dress but only during prayer and prophesying. (1 Corin 11:5) I believe the church has lost sight of this teaching because nowhere have I ever seen this in practice and I have never been taught this. I probably don't have a thorough grasp on this subject like some theologians do but the Bible is for everyone, including lay-persons like me, and from what I've read, I believe this head covering teaching to still be in effect today.

Interesting note: Covering your face, as the Muslims do, is not only NOT in the Bible, but is the dress of a harlot!

Gen 38:13-15 13And it was told Tamar, saying, Behold thy father in law goeth up to Timnath to shear his sheep. 14And she put her widow's garments off from her, and covered her up a veil, and wrapped herself, and sat in an open place, which is by the way to Timnath; fo rshe saw tha tShelah was grown, and she was not given unto him to wife. 15When Judah saw her, he thought her to be an harlot; because she had covered her face.

Our attire tells a tale. Proverbs 7:10 says “And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtle of heart.” The harlot has her attire and the people of God has theirs; but that's another study.

The Lord's Kindness in Spite of My Foolishness

2008-07-13T21:08:00.003-04:00

I've been on the job hunt for awhile now and last week, I came upon the perfect job. It was great pay, great opportunity, and if that wasn't enough it seemed fun and exciting. I wanted it badly. I aggressively pursued this job meaning I called several times, emailed my resume and called again until I got an interview, and prayed diligently.

The first interview went great. They said they would call me that evening IF I was chosen for the 2nd interview. I spent much of the rest of the day praying, no, pleading that the Lord would put it into their hearts to call me. I thought of all the things I could get with my huge paycheck, the bills I'd pay down, and a bunch of extras. So.....

They called and I was ecstatic! I thanked the Lord for His generosity. So I went on the 'interview' which was really working 'in the field' for a day and it was just awful! Without getting into details, the job was short of slave labor for very little pay and no benefits. They grossly misrepresented themselves in the ad and the first interview and then expected me to be excited about it. My high hopes were dashed! I came down off of my 'high' with lightening speed and was a little more than miffed! They wanted me to interview for the 3rd and final time before hiring me but I promptly declined.

So later I was thinking about the events and I thanked the Lord for showing me that this job was not for me. So that's when it hit me....if I didn't get the call for the 2nd interview, I would have played the "if" game. I would have thought IF they would have called me, my life would have been different. IF they called me I'd have a brighter future and so on. I would have thought that the Lord, for whatever reason, did not want me to have this excess of money because it would corrupt me so He wanted to keep me in check. I would have been upset and always wondering 'what if'.

He didn't have to grant me a 2nd interview. He could have let me go on believing that I missed an opportunity of a lifetime and play that 'what if' game over and over in my head. But the Lord didn't leave me hanging. He allowed me to get the call, go through a grueling day, and see for myself that I wasn't missing anything. He didn't owe me an explanation yet He chose to give me one in spite of my foolishness. He cared enough about me to let me know the truth and then put my mind at rest. Praise Jesus!!!

Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Words I plan to live by.

Help Wanted! Pastors!

2008-07-03T18:06:00.003-04:00

I look at these want ads and I compare it to the apostles who first established the church and I see very little similarities. Sure, there is a mention of Jesus but the focus seems to be on business, leadership skills, communication, music, church growth, and furthering their church's vision. So when did pastors become so specialized? There seems to be as many different pastoral positions as there are doctoral positions. And when did a bachelor degree (in anything) become a criteria?

Here are a few want ads for pastors...

Executive Pastor

MCC is looking for an Executive Pastor (i.e. acting as the Chief Operating Officer) who will manage the operations of the church and will report to the Senior Pastor. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of effective staff leadership and development and will be a person of integrity committed to the mission and vision of the church. The individual will possess exceptional organizational skills and excellent oral and written communications skills. He/she will be able to manage multiple priorities. The Executive Pastor will supervise all senior staff at MCC and will lead the development of integrated plans across ministries/staff to deliver the church vision. This candidate will have a close personal relationship with Jesus Christ. MCC is a 2300 member church that is mission oriented and has a passion to reach the community and the world with the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. The Executive Pastor will embrace this mission and share this passion. This is a full time position with a full benefit package. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelors degree and a strong background in business and organization management. A minimum of 10 years experience in a leadership capacity with responsibility for delivering a vision is required. Executive Pastor Experience desirable (but not required).

Worship Pastor

Emmanuel Baptist Church is seeking a man to serve as full-time Worship Pastor. Candidates must be comfortable leading a "blended" style service. EBC leans toward the contemporary side of "blended," but we need someone who truly loves and uses both traditional and contemporary music to unite people of all age categories in worship. A little history of our church may help... EBC has more than doubled in worship attendance over the past 5 years to a weekly attendance of 600+. Last year, we saw 251 salvations, 50 baptisms, and 136 new members added to our church family. EBC has grown at an average of 100 people per year in a small town setting. In addition, Emmanuel Christian School has 450+/- students enrolled in grades PreK-12. We also opened a School of Fine Arts teaching music, voice and drama. Emmanuel Baptist Church is balanced, growing, financially sound, and known as "A Place of Grace" in our community. Emmanuel is truly experiencing a modern-day miracle! Candidates for this position should have at least a Bachelor's degree in Music, a minimum of 3 years experience, and be proficient in piano.

Senior Pastor – Life Groups
PURPOSE OF THE POSITION
This purpose of this position is to create "Raving Fan" small groups where people can learn, change, grow, connect, support and experience God together.

PRIMARY STRENGTHS/GIFTS/TALENTS REQUIRED

o Vision Caster - Able to communicate the LG vision effectively so that people buy in and embrace it.
o Strategic & Systems Thinking - Able to develop effective systems (both administrative & leadership) to make sure the LG's are on track and achieving their goals.
o Up Front Teaching Gifts - Able to design and deliver effective leadership training in a way that creates Raving Fans.

What's God's criteria for being a pastor or leader?

He must posses a desire to serve.
1 Tim 3:1 This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.

Must be vigilant, sober, good behavior, apt to teach, patient...
1 Tim 3:2,3 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 3Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;

Titus 1:8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;

Blameless.
1 Tim 3:2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

Good report from others.
1 Tim 3:7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

Rule over is house along with his children.
1 Tim 3:4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
(how can you 'rule' or lead others if you cannot rule or lead your own house?)

Hold fast the Word of God.
Titus 1:9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

It seems like anyone holding a Masters (in anything) could easily make the transition into a pastoral position. Even though these positions require degrees, they have severely lowered their standards!

The 23rd Psalm - Let's Look at This Again....

2008-06-26T17:37:00.000-04:00

The Lord is my Shepherd --- That's Relationship!
I shall not want --- That's Supply!
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures --- That's Refreshment!
He restoreth my soul --- That's Healing!
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness --- That's Guidance!
For His name sake --- That's Purpose!
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death --- That's Testing!
I will fear no evil --- That's Protection!
For Thou art with me --- That's Faithfulness!
Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me --- That's Discipline!
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies --- That's Hope!
Thou annointest my head with oil --- That's Consecration!
My cup runneth over --- That's Abundance!
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life --- That's Blessing!
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord --- That's Security!
Forever --- That's Eternity!

Heinz Ad Pushes Gay Marriage

2008-06-24T23:18:00.002-04:00

Heinz ad pushes gay marriage and family, features homosexuals kissing

The ad features a "homosexual family," referring to one of the men as "Mom."

We suggest you forward this to all your family and friends letting them know of the push for homosexual marriage by Heinz. This ad is currently running in England, but no doubt can be expected in the U.S. soon. It is the kind of ad which we can expect to see in California as they prepare to vote on homosexual marriage. Homosexual marriage is illegal in England.

Take Action

Send an email letter to Heinz.

Make a phone call to Heinz. Their corporate headquarters' phone number is 412-456-5700 and their toll-free number is 800-255-5750.

Send Your Letter Now

Source: http://www.afa.net/Petitions/Issuedetail.asp?id=324

Isn't That Enough - Paul Washer's Testimony

2008-06-20T14:33:00.001-04:00

This is beautiful - a real tear jerker. Have some tissue ready.

Tuesday Night Wake-Up Call

2008-06-17T21:31:00.003-04:00

I've been attending a small country church these last couple months where the people are friendly and the messages were uplifting. I got to know the pastor and his family intimately by spending time with them in their home and even helping out with the kids.

During these last few months, I would pick up on certain things the pastor said that didn't sit well with me, but I ignored them due to my fondness for him. I was quick to defend him and give him the benefit of the doubt when my husband raised a concern about the 'teachers' he was listening to. I figured he watched Mike Murdoch as research as to what not to do. Then I asked him what he thought of Benny Hinn and Paula White he had nothing but nice things to say about them. When he spoke of everyone having 'power within them to manifest the Holy Spirit' and that it was 'his job to bring out that power in everyone', I let that slide too. The majority of his sermons were focused on the power of healing and how he had that power, and gave examples of how he just knew about people's ailments - I let that go too. I let a lot of things go all because of my personal feelings for him as a pastor but tonight, I got a wake-up call.

He had a guest pastor speak tonight and the entire 45 minutes were filled with error. I mean one thing after another - I couldn't keep track. Here's a brief list....

He lead a tent 'revival' the other day and the Holy Spirit was there because everyone was screaming and jumping for joy, everyone felt filled with the Spirit because of this joy. It was a party with 600 people jumping out of their skin with joy. True revival isn't about emotionalism or increased church attendance (something else he talked about).

True revival is God-centered! It is realizing the great gulf between our sin and God's holiness. Isaiah 6:5 5 "Woe to me!" I cried. "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty."

True revival is Godly sorrow for sin and repentance. Heb 12:17 For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessings, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.

1 Th 1:9 For they themselves show of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;...

He talked about 'declaring' whatever you want from God. He talked about the power of your words. (word of faith)

He said that you might not receive God's "anointing" if you sit in the back of the church. But if you sit near the alter, God is always there. Plus it's easier for him to impart the anointing because he can reach you better.

He said the "name-it and claim-it", "blab-it and grab-it" people is something we need to emulate.

He gave praises to a pastor who was leading a revival in Florida with "fresh fire." He didn't give his name but it was obvious he was speaking of Todd Bentley.

He said Jesus died so that we can be physically healed. No, He died to prepare a way for us to be free of the bondage of sin through Jesus' blood.

He gave a warning that if you are ever in a church and the pastor makes you feel bad about yourself, or what you do, that it's from Satan. Conversely, if ALL of the messages are designed to uplift, encourage, and make you feel better about yourself, that it's of God.

These are only a few examples but there were many more. During this entire time, my pastor was nodding his head in agreement with everything he said. Although my pastor was never quite this vocal about his beliefs, it was clear that he was in 100% agreement with him.

So later, he asked those to come forward who needed healing. Two people went up. He told them to repeat after him and proceeded to pray to Satan to bind him and the two ladies repeated what he said. He was also 'declaring' that God heal them and again, they repeated it. I remembered the last time he was there - he went to everyone individually and prayed for them at the end of the service and I didn't want him to approach me, and ask me to repeat after him, and pray to Satan, and make demands on God so.....I quietly got up and walked out.

Surprisingly, I wasn't angry. I was, and am, very sad about this because I know that I cannot attend a church that is so steeped in error. I'm sad because I feel like a friendship is lost.
Amos 3:3 Can two walk together, except they be agreed?

I saw the 'red flags' but I ignored them because I went by MY feelings. I see this now.

I kept thinking of this verse: Rev 18:4..Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, ..

While this is in the context of Babylon falling in the end days, I think it has a broader application in coming out of churches who teach the sin of heresies. We are to flee all manner sin and I think this situation applies.

I learned a valuable lesson tonight and that is not to be biased in anyone's favor if they go against the Word of God. I learned that I am susceptible to following my own feelings and emotions. Although I'm saddened by these events, I am eternally grateful that the Lord has opened my eyes tonight. Praise Jesus!!!

How To Keep the Sabbath Holy

2008-06-14T20:27:00.003-04:00

How to Keep the Sabbath Holy

by Steve Wohlberg

1) The Sabbath is a special day to focus on Jesus Christ our Maker: According to the New Testament, “the world” was “made” by Jesus Christ (see John 1:1-3, 14, 10; Col. 1:16). Jesus is “the Lord” who made the world in six days, and “rested on the seventh day.” Ex. 20:11. Thus the Sabbath is a special day to focus on the Jesus Christ as the Creator and Sustainer of all life. It is a day to come apart from the normal stresses and cares of everyday living, to be refreshed and blessed by the great Creator who loves and died for us.

2) "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work" (Exodus 20:8?10): This is the fourth commandment. We are to work at our normal jobs during the six working days, but from sundown Friday night until sundown Saturday night, we should "not do any work." Late Friday afternoon, after Jesus died, "the Sabbath drew on." Luke 23:54. When the sun went down, Christ's followers "rested the Sabbath day according to the commandment." Luke 23:56. Secular business should be laid aside. Shopping, laundry, homework, and housecleaning should be done during the six working days. The Bible also calls buying and selling on the Sabbath an "evil thing." Nehemiah 13:15?22.

The Lord says, "If you turn away your foot from the Sabbath [from trampling on it], from doing your pleasure on My holy day, and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy day of the LORD honorable, and shall honor Him, not doing your own ways, nor finding your own pleasure, nor speaking your own words, then you shall delight yourself in the LORD; and I will cause you to ride on the high hills of the earth, and feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father. The mouth of the LORD has spoken." Isaiah 58:13, 14. The Pharisees made the Sabbath a burden, but Jesus wants us to "call the Sabbath a delight," and to "delight" ourselves in Him. Sabbath-keeping is something we "grow into" as Jesus teaches us how to "keep it holy."

3) Friday is "the preparation day" (Luke 23:54): The "preparation day" is a good day for dusting, ironing and housecleaning. When the sun sets our minds should be free from care to focus on Jesus. In the wilderness, the Lord instructed Israel to "bake what you bake" on the day before the Sabbath. Exodus 16:23-29. Paul specifically said the history of Israel in the wilderness is "an example" for us "upon whom the ends of the world are come." 1 Cor. 10:6, 11. If a special meal is planned for the Sabbath, it would be good to do as much of the cooking as possible on Friday.

4) Jesus was in "the synagogue on the Sabbath day" (Luke 4:16): Jesus worshiped with God’s people every Sabbath. Luke 4:16, 31, 32. So should we. We should not "forsake the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is." Hebrews 10:25. In "the new earth ... from one Sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, says the Lord." Isaiah 66:22, 23. We all need the blessing of "fellowship" with other believers who love Jesus and keep His commandments. Ex. 20:6; John 14:15; 1 John 1:7.

5) Jesus said, "it is lawful to do well on the Sabbath days" (Matthew 12:12): Jesus healed and helped people on the Sabbath (see Mark 1:21?27; Matthew 12:10?13; Luke 13:10?17), and His deeds of mercy were fully “lawful” on the Sabbath, that is, they were in harmony with true Sabbath-keeping. The Sabbath is a good day to visit the sick, help someone in need, etc. Thus we can follow the example of Jesus.

6) "For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth ... and rested on the seventh day. Wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it" (Ex. 20:11): The Sabbath is a wonderful day to enjoy the beautiful things of nature. Take the children for a walk in the park. Relax under a tree. Read the Bible by a stream or lake. Enjoy special fellowship with the One who said, "Moreover also I gave them my Sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am the Lord that sanctify them." Ezek. 20:12. The Sabbath reveals the glorious truth that the One who created our entire world in six days, and rested on the seventh, is also able to re-create our hearts back into His own image. See Gen. 1:26; Ps. 51:10; Eph. 4:21-24.

7) What if I work on the Sabbath?: Kindly approach your employer and say, "My conscience tells me that I can no longer work on the Sabbath day. How can we work around this?" Tens of thousands have done this. Most employers will accommodate firm religious convictions. Even if you lose your job (which isn’t likely, but it does happen), God will help you find another one. Study Daniel 3 and you will see that God blessed the three Hebrews who refused to break the second commandment. At the end of Daniel 3, they were promoted. If you stand up for Jesus and His fourth commandment, He will stand up for you. If you are the only member in your family who wants to keep the Sabbath, don't push it on them. Jesus will guide and help you step by step if you look to Him for direction and strength. See Ps. 29:11.

"Blessed are those who do his commandments,
that they may have right to the tree of life and
may enter in through the gates into the city
... the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you."
Rev. 22:14, 21 (KJV)

http://www.whitehorsemedia.com/articles/details.cfm?art=95

So You Think You Know When the Sabbath Is.....

2008-06-12T04:51:00.004-04:00

This post is to draw attention to another post from Isaiah of Word and Verse about the Sabbath. It's called Sunday Worship is the Mark of the Beast? This subject is so important, I urge you to read his post and watch the video. Some of you may be settled in your minds about the Sabbath being Sunday, that it was "nailed to the cross", that "Jesus is our Sabbath rest", or that the Ten Commandments were abolished etc., but the speaker explains in great detail that these are all workings of man. He proves his point Scripturally and answers common objections.

Given the direction that this world is heading - that we are living in a time of great deception, I think this is the most important video you will see!

One more thing, please do not comment unless you have seen the entire video as many of your concerns/objections are already discussed in the video.

God Deserves Respect

2008-06-09T22:09:00.004-04:00

Have you ever watched a little girl playing tea party with her dolls? It is cute to watch. She pretends that the dolls are real people. She pretends she has actual tea to serve them. She even carries on pretend conversations. She is relaxed and stress-free because she doesn't have to think about what to say. She doesn't have to choose her words carefully so as not to offend her guests. She doesn't have to wonder if the bathroom is staying clean for her guests. She doesn't have to be getting up and down for more warm water for tea. She is having all the fun of a real tea party without any of the work.

When you approach God, are you hosting a pretend tea party? Are you approaching Him as you would another person or as you would a doll?

Psalms 9 says, "For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast." Look at verse 6, "By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth." Think about that for a moment.

God only has to speak and things happen. The stars, planets, moons, and everything on them was created by only His Word! Our human brains cannot comprehend the power, the strength, the total awesomeness of God.

He allows us to come strait to Him. Jesus removed the barrier that was between God and man. Now we can go right to God with our dreams, petitions, wishes, and love. However, it is important that we maintain a reverence for who He is. We need to remind ourselves that our flesh and our sins are not worthy to stand in His presence.

Psalm 97:4-5, "His lightnings enlightened the world: the earth saw, and trembled. The hills melted like wax at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth." Think about that for a second. His presence causes the hills to melt like wax. We are not having a tea party with a doll! We are not telling Santa Clause what we want for Christmas! We are dealing with the Alpha and Omega, the God of Creation!

Hebrews 4:16 says, "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." However, Heb 12:28-29 says, "Therefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: for our God is a consuming fire." We must have respect for God. We must approach Him with reverence. He wants you to remember that He is God almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth!

Aunt Carol

2008-06-05T13:29:00.002-04:00

(I posted this awhile ago somewhere else and I thought it would be a nice reminder (and model) about loving others)

My Aunt Carol is a nurse and all the nurseypooh's wear little pins on their shirts when a holiday is near. Some had eggs, some had bunnies etc. but my Aunt Carol had the star of David and Passover pins. A Muslim lady approached her and said "your pins offend me", and my aunt said that she was sorry but her pins should not Offend her because her veil (or whatever you call those things wrapped around her head and body) did not offend her. My aunt was very nice.

So later on, the Muslim lady approached her again and said "I just have to tell you that your pins offend me and I want you to take them off". My aunt said "I don't understand why they would offend you - I'm not offended by your dress". Then the Muslim lady spoke with a superior there who later went to my aunt and asked her to take off her pins. My aunt (still being nice) said something like, "I'll take off my pins if you take off your Easter pins, and so-and-so takes off her bunny pins, and the Muslim lady takes off her veil". The woman said they wouldn't do that, so my aunt said she would not either. The other woman said that the Muslim lady will probably go to their boss to discuss this and that she should go as well.

So, later that day, my aunt went to her boss and told him the story - standing behind her was the Muslim lady who reiterated what she said earlier. The boss didn't know what to do - he was stuck in a hard place.

Here's the neato part....My aunt said (paraphrased)..."I'm not offended by your dress and my pins are not meant to offend you. My God says I have to love you and love my enemies. You are not my enemy but I am to love you. So in obedience to Him, and to prevent Mr.(so-andso) from making a tough decision, if you REALLY want me to remove them, I will". The stunned Muslim paused and said "No, that's ok" and walked out.

Talk about love!!! Whew!!! I think that's great - although I probably would not have said that - I would have thought of some snappy comebacks or pulled out the charts and graphs and had a couple of ACLJ attorneys nearby. haha Her way (His way really) is MUCH better!!!!!

The Church of the Comfortable and Tolerant

2008-06-05T12:53:00.002-04:00

By Jesse Morrell

Once upon a time in the land called Feel Good there was a Church. This new Church was called "The Church of the Comfortable and Tolerant". Very recently this Church hired a new Pastor, Pastor Peace Keeper, who just graduated from the Seminary of Smooth Talking.

The congregation "of the Comfortable and Tolerant" loved the new Pastor's sermons. Some of their favorites were "God is happy with everyone", "Everything is fine and dandy", and "There is nothing but good times ahead".

Pastor Peace Keeper once made a terrible mistake. He wrongfully allowed Mr. Conscience into the pulpit. Mr. Conscience did nothing but call human mistakes "sins" and called the good folks of the congregation to "repent". Mr. Conscience had never been to the Seminary of Smooth Talking, and maybe he should have before attempting to preach. The congregation of the Comfortable and Tolerant were shocked at Mr. Consciences audacity and arrogance. They said things among themselves like "who does this self-righteous legalist think he is coming and talking to us like that! Why should we allow this false preacher among us any longer to continue to persecute us?"

Pastor Peace Keeper terribly regretted letting Mr. Conscience into the pulpit. Mr. Conscience has betrayed the trust he had with the Pastor. So Pastor Peace Keeper asked Mr. Conscience to please leave the church, he was not welcome there any longer. Everyone was happy that Mr. Conscience was asked to leave, except one member called Holy Spirit. So Holy Spirit and Mr. Conscience left together and after awhile nobody even noticed that they were gone.
Once things were back to normal, the way they had always been, everyone was happy once again in the land called Feel Good. Pastor Peace Keeper continued to sugar coat sweet and wonderful lies that made everyone comfortable in their sins and heavily guarded his pulpit from abrasive truths. Who could blame him? You see, the Pastor loved his new home, his new church, and of course he loved his new income. He couldn't put such precious things on the line! So he absolutely guaranteed that "The Church of the Comfortable and Tolerant" were as satisfied and as happy as they possibly could be while they sat in their complacency.

They lived the rest of their days happily ever after, that is, until they were finally cast into hell.

The point: Rather then preparing the way of the Lord and making His paths straight, preachers are removing the bumps in the road to hell to make it as comfortable as possible for those who travel on them. The backslidden church utterly refused to remove the log out of her own eye and therefore also utterly refuses to remove anything from anyone else's eye. She vehemently opposes those who try to do so also. God help those who attempt to clean up the church and the world! Joseph Parks said it best: "The man whose little sermon is 'repent' sets himself against his age, and will... be battered mercilessly by the age whose moral tone he challenges. There is but one end for such a man. 'Off with his head!" You had better not try to preach repentance until you have pledged your head to heaven."

Read Jesse Morrell's amazing testimony: Guilty as Charged
http://www.crossroad.to/Victory/stor...h-tolerant.htm

The Twilight Zone - Bible Edition

2008-06-04T18:53:00.001-04:00

This is my first installment of a series I like to call The Twilight Zone - Bible Edition. Be prepared for the strange, the bazaar, and sometimes funny. It is not my intention to poke fun at these people - it's just that it's EXTREMELY interesting!

This guy is hilarious!!

Instant Communication? (Rev 11:3-12)

2008-06-01T22:49:00.002-04:00

Revelation 11:3-12

3And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. 4These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth. 5And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed. 6These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will. 7And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. 8And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. 9And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves. 10And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth. 11And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them. 12And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.

I've heard it said that the death of the two witnesses will be viewed by everyone via satellite or cable. They say that since we have advanced technologically, that it makes sense that this will be the medium in which to view these two witnesses. But I see this a little differently.

It seems that everything in that paragraph is of a supernatural occurrence but when we get to the nations etc. seeing them, we take the power of the Divine and replace it with man's technology (which operates in this earthly realm). I'll break it down...

fire proceedeth out of their mouth - Supernatural occurrence

power to shut heaven - Supernatural occurrence

that it rain not - Supernatural occurrence

have power over waters = Supernatural occurrence

turn them to blood = Supernatural occurrence

smite the earth with all plagues = Supernatural occurrence

people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies = Utilizing man-made technology. God's Divine, supernatural power is absent.

Spirit of life from God entered into them = Supernatural occurrence

great voice from heaven = Supernatural occurrence

they ascended up to heaven in a cloud = Supernatural occurrence

Everything in red is supernatural; power that goes beyond natural forces - evidence of Divine power. But the part about seeing the dead bodies is reduced to a work of man just because we have the technology to do so. It sticks out like a sore thumb - it doesn't seem to belong. But I've run across many people who think this verse is talking about instant communication via man-made technology.

It is my personal opinion that the whole world being able to see this event will be a supernatural event somehow. I think it may be similar to the coming of Christ - when He comes forth in the clouds and all on the earth shall see Him. Do you think we'll all see Christ because we have satellite or cable? I don't think so. That event will surely be supernatural and I think it's the same principle with the two witnesses.

Sip Your Way to Salvation with Spiritual Water

2008-05-08T17:42:00.002-04:00

We've all seen the clever marketing schemes designed to sell you on the latest craze and/or products with Jesus as the holy pitchman. And here's another one....Spiritual Water. Here's an excerpt from denverpost.com :

Spiritual Water, the faith-inspired venture of two Sunrise, Fla., businessmen, offers its drinkers clearer focus, positive thinking and connection to a higher power.
Spiritual Water joins a broad slice of feel-good products — Testamint, Bible Gum and other bottled holy waters — emerging at the intersection of religion and commerce, entrepreneurship and pop culture.
"The whole idea is for people to feel better and to know God is with them," he says.
"Everybody always has bottled water with them. In the car. At home. In the gym. Because it's the most important liquid for the body. The ingredients are the image and the prayer, which is for your body and soul. It's water from God. It purifies your soul and helps you to think positive."

Nothing like making false promises, having blatant disregard for the Holy Scriptures, satisfying their lust for greed, capitalizing on Jesus, and preying on the weak in faith! I tell you, I cannot wait for Jesus to come and put an end to all of this deception! It will be a great and terrible Day.

For more info on other abominable products, go to A Little Leaven as this is their ministry.

Howdy....

2008-05-06T13:14:00.002-04:00

I'm back, sorta. Still working out some things.

I don't want to make an idol of anything, even if it's something good and noble like a Christian blog so I will post as I feel lead and continue spending time with the Lord.

God bless you all.

Shameless Plug for Simple Simon Says...

2008-04-06T20:47:00.004-04:00

Introducing....my gorgeous, perfect hubby, Mark, and his new site - Simple Simon Says. He writes about American and global politics from a Christian point of view, and also gives practical application of God's Word in your daily life. He's just started out but what he's got are good reads. He'll be posting more as he gets time...he's away from home a lot due to his job. (and no laptop)

Just an FYI, he's extremely opinionated and climbs on his soapbox fairly frequently and it takes a long time to knock him off. :)

Politically he's a Libertarian, professionally he's a teacher, personally he's a nice guy, and he's practically insane. (He told me to write this)

Don't let his rugged looks fool you, he's really a sweet, Godly man. We were just having fun with clothing and lighting today for this picture. :) So if you like talking about politics as they relate to God's Word, or just politics in general, he's your man.

Perseverance Award

2008-03-29T02:12:00.004-04:00

I would like to thank Sidharth, of Imrah Ministries, who is also a contributor for Understand Cancer, for this nifty Perseverance Award.

The description is as follows:

To acknowledge those bloggers who have invested their very life in their blogs so as to encourage, build and warn others.

I've never seen this one before, it's cute.

Like I said previously (somewhere), if I am able to do any of those things, then may God be glorified, not me and I mean that. I know there is nothing I can do apart from Him.

I am supposed to pass this on to 7 people but I don't have the list yet, but I will soon.

God bless. And again....

Signs and Wonders - Snakes and Fakes!

2008-03-25T12:23:00.003-04:00

The topic of whether signs and wonders ceased has reared it's ugly head again and after much avoidance, I decided to do my own study. I stated publicly before that I never studied this, and that I was leaning towards 'no' they are not for today but I wanted to be sure. My reason was largely due to the countless false TV evangelists with their false miracles, manifestations, and scandals. Another reason is that I have never witnessed any miracles, not in the way some TV evangelists claim.

So, being aware of my bias against signs and wonders, I knew I had to pray that the Lord would remove that bias, forget everything I've been taught or read, to not read into the text, and give me fresh eyes in which to read.

Just so I'm clear, I do not claim to have a lock on the truth. I'm simply stating my findings and in the end, what I believe. I encourage you all to do your own study, ask that the Holy Spirit to teach you, and not to listen to me or anyone else.

Who are the gifts for?

An objection was raised that the gifts were only for the 11 (Apostles) because Jesus is speaking to them only in Mark 16:15-18.

15He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. 16Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well."

Of course He was speaking to the Apostles because the world had not yet learned of the Gospel. They were the agents in which Jesus appointed to do this task of spreading the Gospel. He can't very well tell the world to spread the Gospel to the world. That defies logic. So He had to start with a small group that He appointed to spread the Gospel unto the world.

Were these gifts for the 11 in the verses above?

vs 17 “And these signs will accompany those who believe.”...

This means the people that hear the Gospel and believe will have these gifts. While the 11 have these gifts already, these verses are not speaking of them but of the potential believers.

The word “they”

It was said that the word “they” denotes the 11:

vs 17 “In my name they will drive out demons, they will speak in new tongues, they will pick up snakes with their hands, and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people....”

So if Jesus was addressing the 11 about themselves, then why did He refer to them as “they?”
Yes He was speaking to them directly but He was talking about the people who would believe once they left. If He was speaking to them about themselves, then He would have said:

'In my name YOU will drive out demons.'

or

'YOU will speak in new tongues.'

or

'YOU will pick up snakes with YOUR hands.'

It is plain to see that Jesus was referring to other people regarding the gifts above, not the 11. He was just speaking to the 11. The signs and wonders of the potential believers would be the result of the apostle's spreading the Gospel.

The word “them”

Mark 16:20 was raised to further prove that the gifts were only for the disciples because of the word “them.”

Mark 16:20 20 Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.”

This does not present a problem at all. It is simply an affirmation that the Lord did as He has promised in giving the disciples those gifts. The subject is the disciples, not the people who will believe. So naturally the gifts are described of the disciples because they are the subject!

Touching briefly on two of those gifts of Mark 16:15-18:

Drive out demons.
Speak in new tongues
Pick up snakes with their hands
When they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them.
Place their hands on sick people and they will get well

No occurrence of drinking deadly poison is found in the NT so this prompted me to dig a little. I think that #3 & #4 go together and I'll explain...

vs 18 '...they shall take up serpents'... Ophis (Strong's 3789) (KJV)

snake, serpent
with the ancients, the serpent was an emblem of cunning and wisdom. The serpent who deceived Eve was regarded by the Jews as the devil.

Greek Lexicon says about “serpent”
a snake, figuratively (as a type of sly cunning)
an artful malicious person, especially Satan – serpent.

So is this a real snake or is it figurative?

The NIV says: “they will pick up snakes with their hands.”

“with their hands” indicates that this is a real snake in the NIV.

The KJV says: “take up serpents” - no mention of hands so this could be figurative.
Now let's continue with Mark 16: 18 -”... and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them;..”

“Drink” (4095) Pino

To drink
figuratively, to receive into the soul what serves to refresh strengthen, nourish unto life eternal.

It's not very clear as to whether this is a real serpent or a figurative one so far.

Luke 10:18,19 I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. 20 However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

Does it make sense that he will trample on a literal snake and then change His thought mid-sentence to overcoming the power of the enemy? They are disjointed. Also, does it makes sense that drinking a poison is literal when it never happened in the NT? So what if we took the figurative meaning for both...

Rather than picking up serpents with your hands, I think Luke 10:19 expresses the true meaning in that he will overcome all the power of the enemy (trample on snakes & scorpions). He will be able to withstand his cunning, his wisdom, and his maliciousness. And while these things are deadly to the soul, even if he 'drinks' of these cunning, malicious things, he will not be harmed. I think vs 19 ties these two things together perfectly.

Having said all of that, there is a literal occurrence regarding the snake:

Acts 28:3-5 KJV
“And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand. 4And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffers not to live. 5And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.

So the same elements of #3 and #4 (snake and poison) are found here but in it's literal sense. But I don't think that Jesus meant the literal interpretation of handling snakes to be a gift or a sign or wonder. For one thing it doesn't point to Christ. In fact it did the opposite because in Acts 28:6, the barbarians thought that because Paul didn't die that “he was a god.” So, I believe the meanings of the verses in Mark 16:15-18 – specifically the taking up of snakes and drinking of poison are both figurative. And those snake-handler enthusiasts at some churches take the literal meaning and support it with the verse from Acts event though that account denies God.

Did only the Apostles perform miracles?

Luke 10:1 After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go.

Jesus says in verse 9 'heal the sick' who are there and tell them, 'the kingdom of God is near you.' (so they have the power to heal)

Luke 10:17 The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.”

Mark 9:38 “Teacher', said John, “we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.” 39”Do not stop him...”

Exodus 11:10 Moses and Aaron performed all these wonders before Pharaoh, but the Lord hardened Pharaoh's heart...

Acts 6:8 Now Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people.

Prior to this, in verse 1, it says “the number of disciples was increasing.” This tells me that these powers go beyond the 11 and that anyone who is filled with the Spirit is a disciple, and we are increasing in number even today. The Bible is clear, there were others who performed signs and wonders.

The reason why I think people believe the miracles stopped and were limited to the Apostles is because they believe these gifts are only for them and since the Apostles are now physically dead, so are the gifts. But as you can see from reading the above verses, that this is not so.

Another objection:

Some say gifts ceased after the “apostolic age”, or just because we don't need them now and they cite 1 Corin. 13:8-11 as proof.

1 Corin 13:8-11 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9For we know in part and we prophecy in part 10 but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears.

The above doesn't state or even imply that they will end during or after the apostle's ministry. However, it does imply when these things will end and that is after Jesus comes and we are made perfect in glorified bodies. (vs. 10 but when perfection comes)

Speaking in tongues is for God, not man. (1 Corin 14:2) So when Jesus comes and rules the earth and we have direct access to God, then tongues will not be necessary.

Prophecying is for men (1 Corin 14:3) but again, this won't be necessary in God's kingdom.

And another reason why I think the time is at the end is...

1 Corin 15:52-54 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

So if perfection comes and Jesus is perfection, and we are made perfect at His coming, and gifts cease along with imperfection, then it's pretty clear that the gifts will cease when Christ comes

Do all believers have all of these gifts?

A certain person challenged another to provide proof of these gifts in himself. (casting out demons, healing, tongues etc.) Just because a person does not possess the exact gifts in question does not nullify the gifts all together. In fact I think this is blasphemy to scoff at the gifts the Holy Spirit chose to distribute according to His will.

Heb 2:4 God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to His will.

1 Corin 12:4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.

Romans 12:6-8 6We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

1 Corin 12:4-30 (paraphrased) Wisdom, knowledge, faith, gifts of healing, miraculous powers, prophecy, distinguishing between spirits, tongues, interpretation of tongues.

Speaking of the verses in Mark 16:15-18 and the gifts mentioned above – we should not draw a separation between the Apostles and everyone else. But rather between 'believer' and 'non believer.' (by their fruits)

Examples of false signs:

Deut 13:1-3 If a prophet, or one who foretells by dreams, appears among you and announces to you a miraculous sign or wonder, and if the sign or wonder of which he has spoken takes place, and he says, “Let us follow other gods” (gods you have not known) “and let us worship them,” you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer.

The Egyptian magicians in Exodus 7:11-22

Matt 7:21-23 Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles? 23Then I will tell them plainly, “I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!”

So they can even proclaim Christ and not lead you to other gods yet still be false by not doing His will and practicing lawlessness. So we must look at their fruits (Matt 7:20) and go beyond the words in their mouths. Think of all the many TV evangelists who proclaim Jesus, maybe even help the poor, perhaps even perform a miracle or two (whether they're genuine or not has no bearing on this point) then look at the scandal in their lives – their fruit. Are they making false promises to you in the name of God? Do they promise you a hefty return for your “love gift?” These are those who practice lawlessness. These are those who Jesus “never” knew.

Why does God allow for these false signs?

Deut 13:3 The Lord your God is testing you to find out whether you love him with all your heart and with all your soul.

There are those who have listed every verse where Jesus rebukes a false prophet and they use this as evidence that these gifts has ceased. But Jesus doesn't condemn ALL prophets, signs & wonders - just the false ones. The fact that He warns against false signs and wonders implies that there are true signs and wonders.

In closing:

I started this study with a bias towards not believing in signs & wonders based on TV evangelists but I learned differently today. I learned that the gifts were not just for the Apostles, I can now refute snake-handler enthusiasts, I learned that the gifts have not ceased after the “apostolic age”, I now know when the gifts will cease, and I know there's no biblical support for drinking deadly poison if understood correctly. Just because I believe in true signs and wonders does not mean I've let my guard down for TV evangelists - in fact my study confirmed even more that I am right in being watchful of them. I am grateful that the Lord gave me this desire, and the energy to do this study, and for the help of the Holy Spirit. And if I am wrong on anything, then may I be [gently] corrected. I hope this wasn't too hard to follow – I tend to write like I think which can be choppy.

God bless you all and again, I'd like to encourage you all to do your own study and not just take my word for it. I'm prone to err just like any other person. :)

The End

Who Hardened Pharaoh's Heart? God or Pharaoh?

2008-03-22T01:13:00.004-04:00

We all know the story of Moses freeing the Israelites from Pharaoh in Egypt after the many plagues. But there seems to be a contradiction over who hardened Pharaoh's heart and for good reason. Some verses say it's God, other's Pharaoh. Let's look...

God hardens Pharaoh's heart:

Ex 4:21 21 The LORD said to Moses, "When you return to Egypt, see that you perform before Pharaoh all the wonders I have given you the power to do. But I will harden his heart so that he will not let the people go.

Ex 7:3 . 3 But I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and though I multiply my miraculous signs and wonders in Egypt, 4 he will not listen to you.

Ex 9:12 12 But the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart and he would not listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the LORD had said to Moses.

Pharaoh hardens his heart:

Ex 8:15 15 But when Pharaoh saw that there was relief, he hardened his heart and would not listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the LORD had said.

Ex 8:32 32 But this time also Pharaoh hardened his heart and would not let the people go.

1 Sam 6:6 Why do you harden your hearts as the Egyptians and Pharaoh did?

There are more verses but you get the gist.

So who hardened Pharaoh's heart? We have to remember that Pharaoh witnessed a first-hand account of the Holy Spirit's work because Egypt was the recipient of God's plagues. He tried to attribute these plagues to evil spirits instead of God (thus being guilty of blasphemy by denying the power of the Holy Spirit) and so his heart became hardened after each plague. But God did not harden his heart directly. It was because of God that Pharaoh hardened his own heart because God is the Author of those plagues. So it is correct to say that God hardened his heart, because He is the cause, even though Pharaoh hardened his own heart due to His plagues.

So simple yet it is a stumbling block for the casual reader or for those looking to invalidate the Bible.

There are no contradictions in God's perfect Word!

Laughing with the Lord

2008-03-20T17:04:00.003-04:00

I bought new pillows and cases the other day and yesterday I put everything together. Looking at my pillow and my husband's I noticed that mine had a little lump in it which was a little leftover poofy-stuff, so I switched pillows. I didn't realize this at the time but later, the Lord brought this to mind and I realized that I had been selfish. That I had in fact sinned because I thought myself higher than another person. Sin is sin no matter how large or small.

So during my devotional time with Him I confessed this, but here's the funny part...I actually tried to justify my actions by stating that 'he's only home two days a week anyway' and 'I always give him the bigger piece of meat', and "I always give him the last bite of something' etc but while I was saying these things, I was laughing out loud!!! I was laughing at how ridiculous I sounded and that I was trying to justify my actions and I KNEW I couldn't put one over on the Lord! I knew I was wrong all along but I said these things to sort of make fun of how I would have responded before I was saved. Make sense?

To try to put anything over the Lord is truly, laughable! :)

Praise Jesus for His Correction!!!! A Personal Testimony

2008-03-17T00:44:00.004-04:00

I am so happy right now I could burst!!! I just had to blog about this because I cannot keep this to myself. I don't mind telling of my faults because in the end, the Lord is glorified and so I'm going to type away..

First some background....

I have this friend in California named John. He is Christian brother and we've been friends for at least 5 years over the internet. We're very close; we've talked on the phone countless times and he even talks to my parents, my brother, and friends. Even though we are close, we have this love/hate relationship. We argue over doctrine constantly, we fight, stop speaking, then we make up. We also fight because he says something, I read into it and take it apart with surgical precision, and get mad at him. We eventually make up and all is well and back on the roller coaster we go.

Well yesterday was one of those days. While I didn't fly off the handle, I held ill feelings in my heart (which is still sinful). He was more verbal than I was which fueled me even more. I was struggling with my emotions...I was furious, then I'd pray and calm down, then I'd think again and get mad all over again, pray again, get mad again etc. - it was a vicious cycle! But I didn't think it necessary to apologize or even speak to him again because after all, I wasn't as mean as I COULD have been and I did exercise some restraint. So fine, I wrote him off again.

So today while perusing Christian sites, I started thinking about loving our enemies and I thought to myself that I wasn't even able to do this with my brother in Christ! I thought to myself that it didn't matter what John said to me, that my reaction was not dependent upon what he or anyone else says. I am to be Christ-like in ALL situations and grow in the knowledge of Him, especially if someone has wronged me. So even though I didn't go hog wild on him, I was still guilty because of the ill feelings I harbored in my heart. I thought how disappointing we must be to the Lord when two of His children sin. We should be edifying and building each other up, not sinning. We can disagree but not let it get to the point of sinning.

After this realization, and the Lord opening my eyes and softening my heart, the anger was completely gone. Not only that, but I just had to confess these things to John and apologize to him. Here's an excerpt of what I said at the end rather than trying to recall everything...

If you, (not you in particular but Christians in general) harbor ill feelings towards someone, even if you do not say them, then pray immediately and confess. Nothing in our hearts are hidden from Him and it is still a blemish that needs cleansing. We may not be able to rid ourselves of those ill feelings in our hearts by ourselves and so that's when we should call upon the Lord. Just because sin hasn't manifested itself outwardly does not mean we have not sinned internally. And isn't it wonderful that we have an awesome God who is able to shine the light on the depths of our hearts and cleanse and heal them? :)

So the next time we get on each other's nerves for whatever reason, let us both recognize this for what it is...a spiritual battle. Let us not sink to the depths of sin again. Let us not hold any ill feelings towards each other or anyone else. If one of us slips up and says something bad, then let the other one NOT follow in kind. Let's BOTH try to rise above our flesh and be like Christ in any and all situations. This is something I'm going to diligently strive for.

So I say before God (and before Satan because he looming about) that I'm sorry that my flesh won out yesterday. I'm sorry that I didn't think with this kind of clarity yesterday and did not diffuse the situation but added to it. I'm sorry that my heart held ill feelings towards you. I'm sorry for sinning against my Lord. I'm sorry for not loving my brother, you. I'm sorry for not having self control over my tongue and heart. I'm sorry at the disgust God must feel towards two of His children sinning against Him. Let's pray for keener eyes in which to see Satan's schemes ok? If we get mad at each other, let's talk about it and pray immediately. The only thing that should be between you and I is Jesus, not Satan and not our flesh.

So I sent that email and checked my other account. It ain't over yet.....

I was notified of a reply to my blog and so I checked it and it was from Sidharth.
(Anyone who travels in mine and Sidharth's circles knows that our exchanges have been less-than-friendly.) Sidharth fought his pride (his words) and apologized to me about the exchange we had yesterday - one that I had FORGOTTEN about!! And BAM, I was convicted again! Back to back! I was reminded that there was another person out there whom I've hurt and that I had to apologize to. What's amazing about this is that I didn't give Sidharth a second thought after I replied with my snarky and mean remarks so if he hadn't sent me something, I would not have confessed this to him, confessed to Jesus or apologized! I had completely forgotten about him but the Lord reminded me and convicted me again. I'm convinced that the Lord used Sidharth in taking that first step so I would be convicted, so we would confess, and reconcile. And the timing....If there's one thing I've learned about the Lord, it is that His timing is perfect which in itself is miraculous!

So right now I'm so happy because of what the Lord has shown me, because He softened my heart, and humbled me. I'm in awe at His gentleness because He could have blasted me if He wanted to but He didn't. I truly do rejoice in His correction!!!!

United Methodist Church Groups Targeting Israel

2008-03-14T22:42:00.002-04:00

(Note: Yet another step to fulfilling prophecy. We are her only ally but we are slowly turning our backs)

"Widespread parts of the United Methodist Church bureaucracy are claiming one primary solution to Middle East violence: punish Israel." -- Mark Tooley, Executive Director UMAction

Contact: Loralei Coyle, 202-682-4131, 202-905-6852 cell, lcoyle@TheIRD.org; Radio Interviews: Jeff Walton, jwalton@TheIRD.org; both with The Institute on Religion and Democracy

WASHINGTON, March 5 /Christian Newswire/ -- Several groups within the 7.9 million member United Methodist Church are targeting Israel with divestment proposals and hostile publications.

The United Methodist Board of Church and Society (GBCS), the church's official Washington-based lobbying office, is urging church members and church agencies to divest from Caterpillar, Inc. Their resolution, which will go before the United Methodist General Conference in April 2008, accuses Peoria-based Caterpillar of facilitating Israel's destruction of Palestinian property. Five regional annual conferences within United Methodism have passed similar resolutions.

The New York-based United Methodist Women's Division has published a children's book containing anti-Israel themes, "From Palestine to Seattle; Becoming Neighbors and Friends." The booklet portrays Israel as an oppressor of Palestinians while omitting nearly all mention of terrorism.

The Washington-based Methodist Federation for Social Action (MFSA), a liberal caucus group within United Methodism, has outdone the church's official lobby office by calling for divestment against ALL "companies supporting the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories and other violations of human rights in Israel/Palestine."

The United Methodist Women's Division also has released a mission study for 2007-2008 that portrays Israel as virtually the sole aggressor in the Middle East. The study is for use by nearly 700,000 United Methodist Women's members across the nation.

IRD Director of UMAction Mark Tooley commented:

"Israel is unremittingly portrayed as the chief obstacle to Middle East peace by these radicalized United Methodist groups, and by extension, the United States is viewed as directly complicit through its support of Israel.

"Widespread parts of the United Methodist Church bureaucracy are claiming one primary solution to Middle East violence: punish Israel.

"Church agencies should strive towards fairness and factuality. Targeting Israel as the Middle-East's unique villain, while virtually ignoring terrorism and radical Islam, is a gross disservice to members of The United Methodist Church and to the wider public."

The Institute on Religion and Democracy, founded in 1981, is an ecumenical alliance of U.S. Christians working to reform their churches' social witness, in accord with biblical and historic Christian teachings, thereby contributing to the renewal of democratic society at home and abroad.

http://christiannewswire.com/news/860755882.html

Real-Life Case of Demon Possession Documented

2008-03-14T22:09:00.002-04:00

GIVING THE DEVIL HIS DUE
Real-life case of demon possession documented
Woman levitated, spoke other languages, showed paranormal powers

Posted: March 13, 2008
11:29 pm Eastern

© 2008 WorldNetDaily

An American woman who levitated, demonstrated paranormal psychic powers and spoke foreign languages unknown to her was clearly demon possessed, according to a board-certified psychiatrist and associate professor of clinical psychiatry at New York Medical College.

The unnamed woman, with a long history of involvement with Satanic groups, was observed by a team of priests, deacons, several lay assistants, psychiatrists, nuns, some of whom also had medical and psychiatric training, levitating six inches off the ground while objects flew off shelves in the same room, according to Dr. Richard E. Gallagher, who documented the case in the February issue of the New Oxford Review.

"Periodically, in our presence, Julia would go into a trance state of a recurring nature," writes Gallagher. "Mentally troubled individuals often 'dissociate,' but Julia's trances were accompanied by an unusual phenomenon: Out of her mouth would come various threats, taunts and scatological language, phrases like 'Leave her alone, you idiot,' 'She's ours,' 'Leave, you imbecile priest,' or just 'Leave.' The tone of this voice differed markedly from Julia's own, and it varied, sometimes sounding guttural and vaguely masculine, at other points high pitched. Most of her comments during these 'trances,' or at the subsequent exorcisms, displayed a marked contempt for anything religious or sacred."

The subject would have no recollection of speaking these phrases upon recovering from the trance-like state, according to Gallagher.

"Sometimes objects around her would fly off the shelves, the rare phenomenon of psychokinesis known to parapsychologists," reports Gallagher. "Julia was also in possession of knowledge of facts and occurrences beyond any possibility of their natural acquisition.

"She commonly reported information about the relatives, household composition, family deaths and illnesses, etc., of members of our team, without ever having observed or been informed about them," he said. "As an example, she knew the personality and precise manner of death (i.e., the exact type of cancer) of a relative of a team member that no one could conceivably have guessed. She once spoke about the strange behavior of some inexplicably frenzied animals beyond her direct observation: Though residing in another city, she commented, 'So those cats really went berserk last night, didn't they?' the morning after two cats in a team member's house uncharacteristically had violently attacked each other at about 2 a.m."

Julia requested a Roman Catholic exorcism ritual, convinced from the beginning of her consultations that she was under demonic attack.

"The exorcism began on a warm day in June," Gallagher recollects. "Despite the weather, the room where the rite was being conducted grew distinctly cold. Later, however, as the entity in Julia began to spout vitriol and make strange noises, members of the team felt themselves profusely sweating due to a stifling emanation of heat. The participants all said they found the heat unbearable.

"Julia at first had gone into a quiet trance-like state. After the prayers and invocations of the Roman Ritual had been going on for a while, however, multiple voices and sounds came out of her. One set consisted of loud growls and animal-like noises, which seemed to the group impossible for any human to mimic. At one point, the voices spoke in foreign languages, including recognizable Latin and Spanish. (Julia herself only speaks English, as she later verified to us.)

"The voices were noticeably attacking in nature, and often insolent, blasphemous and highly scatological. They cursed and insulted the participants in the crudest way. They were frequently threatening – trying, it appeared, to fight back – 'Leave her alone,' 'Stop, you whores' (to the nuns), 'You'll be sorry,' and the like.

"Julia also exhibited enormous strength. Despite the religious sisters and three others holding her down with all their might, they struggled to restrain her. Remarkably, for about 30 minutes, she actually levitated about half a foot in the air."

The purpose of Gallagher's paper, he says, is to "document a contemporary and clear-cut case of demonic possession." He explains that even those who doubt such a phenomenon exists may find this case "rather persuasive."

"Possession is only one and not the most common type of demonic attack. Possession is very rare, though not as exceedingly so as many imagine," he concludes. "So-called 'oppression,' or 'infestation,' is less rare, though hardly frequent either, and sometimes more difficult to discern accurately."

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=58835

Homeschooling Under Attack! and DOS

2008-03-11T15:45:00.003-04:00

Note: This is copied from Shalene's site as this is a very important issue. Please pass this on and/or put on your blog. Thank you.

Whether you are a proponent of homeschooling or not, you should be aware of something that has happened here in California recently, related to homeschooling. The reason you should be aware of it, and be worried about it, is that it's a fact that California sets the precedent for many other states with regard to laws and such. If a law is passed here, it is often copied in other states. The thing that is most disturbing to me, is not so much the homeschooling issue, as the fact that our rights as parents are being stripped! Here's the breakdown:

Recently, a homeschooling family went to court, and was told that they could not homeschool their child, because it was harmful to the child's welfare for them to do so. That saddens me, for that family, but it gets worse. The three judges who heard this case then decided to apply their decision to all families that homeschool! The decision requires that all families that homeschool must have a parent that is credentialed to do so! That means that at least 90% of homeschooling parents will not be allowed to continue, if this decision stands! Not only does this decision effect traditional homeschoolers, but independent study and charter schoolers as well. What makes this even more disturbing, is that in the late 80s/ early 90s a judge passed a decision that stated that a parent's rights to the instruction of their children was null, as soon as a child passed through the gates of the school. That basically the parent no longer had any say in what their children were taught! And that decision stood! I am more than a little bit concerned by this. Does this bother you at all? California is becoming much like Germany in the way that they view homeschooling, and it is disturbing, to say the least. Dr. James Dobson calls the ruling an “all-out assault on the family.” Also, this ruling is dangerously close to the same treaty titled the UN Convention on The Rights of A Child, that Clinton signed while he was in office, but thankfully never did ratify. Some are saying that although it was not ratified, that it still holds precedence. Very scary indeed.

With this new decision (which is under appeal) parents can be incarcerated and/ or have their children taken away, if they homeschool their children, here in California! There is something you can do though! Whether you are a proponent of homeschooling or not, I'm sure that you are a proponent of parents' rights with regard to their own children, so I urge you to take a moment and go to the Home School Legal Defense Association webpage, and sign the petition. You can also visit ParentalRights.org for more information. I thank you, in advance for your support, as I'm sure other homeschooling families will do the same. Though I don't homeschool in the traditional sense, I support families that do. Won't you take the time to do so as well? The very backbone of parental rights is being broken by this one decision, and it will effect many more, if we don't do something about it! You can also read Chuch Norris' thoughts on this subject. It would be amusing (in a good way) if it weren't such a serious issue.

Another disturbing bit of information I received this past week, was about an organized "get together" called DOS. This stands for "Day of Silence". It is a day designed to promote the homosexual agenda in our schools! The national date given for this is April 25th. DOS is sponsored by an activist homosexual group, the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN). DOS leads the students to believe that every person who identifies as a homosexual, bisexual or cross-dresser is a victim of ongoing, unrelenting harassment and hate. Students are taught that homosexuality is a worthy lifestyle, homosexuality has few or no risks, and individuals are born homosexual and cannot change. Those who oppose such teaching are characterized as ignorant and hateful bigots. Please go to this site, and see if any schools in your area are supporting it. If so, I urge you to not only contact the school to see if they are indeed supporting it, and if so, to keep your kids home that day! It is my opinion, that the homosexual agenda is pushed onto our kids enough, without it being supported by those that are supposed to protect our kids while they are in attendance. Already, here in California, they have outrageous laws that do not allow a teacher to speak out against homosexuality, and they are even trying to make us accept only textbooks that condone such behavior! Outrageous! It just makes my blood boil!

Please, please take the time to go to these sites, and lend your support. Also, don't forget to pray for our lawmakers, this is important! DOS is a national day, so it may very well be in your kids' schools. Please do check it out! Blessings to all of you!

Five Crosses or Three?

2008-03-10T16:06:00.004-04:00

There is a post on The Warfare Journal's site that lists “contradictions” in the Gospels, then he goes on to rectify these differences by explaining that there were five crosses instead of three. He lists the reasons that lead him to this conclusion and I will examine these in detail.

Note: I don't claim to know everything, I certainly have NO credentials whatsoever and frankly, I've got a lot to learn. So the following is what I believe based on my study all morning. (and boy do I need a break!) I am in no way attacking The Warfare Journal – in fact I really enjoy his blog. I think he speaks a lot of truths and has good insight into things and it's just a joy to be there. So even though I disagree with him in this one post, it in no way changes my view of him or his blog. In fact I recommend his blog!

Ok, here we go...

First, he compares Matthew and Luke's account of the other crucified criminals and because different words were used, “robber”, “thieves” in Matthew, and “criminal” in Luke, he surmises that there are two different groups represented. (making the total number 4 excluding Jesus)

He first points out that Matt 27:38 used the word “robbers” (Young's Literal Translation) but says later on that “thieves” were used (and Luke 23:32 uses the word “criminal” but I'll get to that later)

Matt 27:38
Then crucified with him are two robbers, one on the right hand, and one on the left, (Young's Literal Translation)

Before I get into the definitions of these words, please note that 'robbers' is not the only word used in Matthew but “criminal” and “thieves” are also used depending upon the translation.

“robbers” - NASB
“robbers” - ASV
“robbers” - Darby Bible Translation
“robbers” - English Revised Version
“thieves” - KJV
“thieves” - (American King James Version)
“thieves” - (Bible in Basic English)
“thieves” - (Douay-Rheims Bible)
“criminals” - (God's Word Translation 1995)
“thieves” - Tyndale New Testament
“thieves” - Webster's Bible Translation

Now let's read Luke...

Luke 23:32 (see also vs. 33, 39, 40)
Two others also, who were criminals, were being led away to be put to death with Him. (NASB)

Yes it says “criminals”, but so does Matthew. Furthermore, the following words are used in Luke in addition to “criminals”:

“Malefactors” - KJV
“Malefactors” - American King James Version
“Malefactors” - ASV
“evil-doers” - Bible in Basic English
“malefactors” - Darby Bible Translation
“malefactors” - Webster's Bible Translation
“evil-doers” - Young's Literal Translation
and the list goes on.

As you can see (and see for yourself, don't take my word for it), “robbers” & “thieves” are not the only words used in Matthew but “criminals” is also used. And “criminals” is not the only word used in Luke like he claims but also “malefactors” & “evil-doers”. It seems that he has focused on one or two differing words from each book to change a detail of an event. But as you can see this is not so. These words are interchangeable. Which brings us to the next subject...

Definition:

He states that there are different words used which is supposed to solidify his claims that there are two different groups of criminals, making it four. Just because different words were used does not change the meaning or event. Pick a word and use your thesaurus and see how many choices you have. Also, it is to be expected that differing words were used because there are two different authors.

So let's make sure these words are interchangeable and that these differing words are not speaking of two different groups of criminals...

From Matthew - “Thieves” - Lestes (3027) robber, one who plunders openly and by violence

From Luke - “Criminal” - Kakourgos (2557) evil-doer, criminal, malefactor

Is not a robber and a thief also a criminal and an evil-doer? Of course they are. There is no reason to conclude that 'robbers' and 'thieves' and different from 'criminals.' And the fact that different words were used does not change the event – the two authors simply chose to use different words to describe the same people. And if that doesn't convince you, just read all the other translations and you will see that they all agree that there were two others criminals crucified with Jesus in the middle. There is no contradiction in this anywhere.

Another point brought up, and it was a very good one.....

Did the Both Thieves Revile Christ or Just One?

Luke 23:39,40 39One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!"

40But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence? 41We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong."

Matt 27:44 44In the same way the robbers who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him.

Mark 15:31 32Let this Christ, this King of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe." Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him.

John doesn't mention the thieves.

Both Matthew and Mark says that the criminals insulted Jesus while Luke says one criminal rebuked the other one. This is a valid objection. I'm glad he brought this up because I didn't notice this before so I had to search this out for myself today. So I thank you for bringing this up.

So why did Matthew and Mark indicate the thieves insult Jesus while Luke said only one insulted Him?

It's quite possible that initially, both thieves reviled Jesus, but then one of them repented. Perhaps after hearing Jesus' words on the cross and seeing His forgiving attitude, the one thief may have been driven to acknowledge that Jesus was indeed the Messiah. How many times have we said something bad and then retracted it after new information?

Or.....

It could be as simple as a figure of speech called synecdoche. (pronounced si-nek'-duh-kee)
Definition: Rhetoric - a figure of speech in which a part is used for the whole or the whole for a part, the special for the general or the general for the special, as in ten sail for ten ships or a Croesus for a rich man. (from dictionary.com)

In other words...

A whole can be put for the part.
A part may be put for the whole.
Time might be put for part of a time.
The singular can be put for the plural.
And the plural can be put for the singular.

It's possible that Matthew and Mark were using the plural in place of the singular when speaking of the thieves (plural) reviling Christ. Other examples where this is used is...

Genesis 8:4 indicates that Noah’s ark rested “on the mountains of Ararat.” Question: Did the ark rest on one of the mountains of Ararat, or did it rest on all of them at the same time? Although the ark was a huge vessel, it obviously did not rest on the many mountains of Ararat; rather, it rested on one.

In Genesis 21:7 Sarah asked, “Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? For I have borne him a son in his old age.” Anyone who remembers the story remembers that Sarah had but one child. In certain contexts, however, one might use a synecdoche and speak of one child (as did Sarah) by using the word children.

Everything that I've said above are just my attempts to harmonize the Gospels without changing it or the surrounding events. I am not claiming that I have all the answers either. This is just the best way I know how to interpret Scriptures without leaving any opposing verses so that everything harmonizes beautifully and without changing the crucifixion account.

The Soldiers Skipping Jesus

First I have to say that I believe in the archeological findings of Ron Wyatt and Jonathan Gray. I was a huge skeptic at first but I've been reading about their findings for years and comparing it with the Bible and not only do they match up perfectly, but it has given me a greater understanding of those Biblical events. So my reason for the soldiers skipping Jesus is based on the crucifixion site itself. When the crucifixion site was excavated, they uncovered a center hole which was raised above the other holes. The reason is believed to be because whoever was crucified there was the “star attraction”, a person to be made an example of and we know that passersby were able to walk past Jesus and shake their heads and mock Him. So if you have one guy on the left in easy reach, Jesus up higher and harder to reach (which in itself says something about His position being 'higher') and another guy on the right who is also in easy reach, then it makes perfect sense to skip the person in the middle. For more info on this click here.

Avoiding the "Why" Question

2008-03-10T06:04:00.003-04:00

I was reading from Isaiah the other day:

Isaiah 40:11 He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.

The little lamb cannot understand the power, or the language, or even the world of the shepherd but he/she could sense the warmth of his heart and voice, the security of his embrace and the goodness of his soul.

Then I thought of all the animals I have seen on airplanes being carried along on the trip by their masters. I remember scenes of the owners putting their dear pets into the little box-kennels, with the fearful nervous eyes of the pet, and the anxious movements - and all the while, the owner is speaking softly and reassuring the pet in such a way that the pet lies quietly in trust and loyalty in such a strange situation.

I thought of how, without an understanding or even a hope of understanding, of the 'why' those animals would quietly trust and wait...still a little nervous, with the sad eyes of questioning, but with the calmness that only comes from a significant and active relationship with their owner.

And then I thought of all the times I didn't get an explanation from MY Master as to a 'why' and probably for the same reason - no way I could understand. Did I respond like that? I certainly am the beneficiary of a great, warm, active relationship with the living God.

I need to remember the following:

Psalm 23 "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."

Affliction: Punishment from God or Blessing?

2008-03-07T14:27:00.003-05:00

No one wants to be afflicted with anything or go through any type of hardship. That's human nature. But does the affliction ONLY involve and affect us or do our afflictions have a greater purpose? Is there any correlation between our afflictions and our relationship with Jesus? Do we see affliction as a punishment or judgment from God? Let's see what the Bible says about this....

Affliction:

Promotes the glory of God:

John 9:1-3 And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.

John 11:3 Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.

John 21:18-19 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.

Exhibits the power and faithfulness of God:

Psalms 34:19-20 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all. He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.

2 Corinthians 4:8-11 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.

Teaches us the will of God:

Psalms 119:71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.

Isaiah 26:9 With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.

Micah 6:9 The LORD'S voice crieth unto the city, and the man of wisdom shall see thy name: hear ye the rod, and who hath appointed it.

Turns us towards God:

Deuteronomy 4:30-31 When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the LORD thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice; (For the LORD thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them.

Keeps us from departing from God:

Job 34:31-32 Surely it is meet to be said unto God, I have borne chastisement, I will not offend any more: That which I see not teach thou me: if I have done iniquity, I will do no more.

Leads us to seek God in prayer:

Judges 4:3 And the children of Israel cried unto the LORD: for he had nine hundred chariots of iron; and twenty years he mightily oppressed the children of Israel.

Jeremiah 31:18 I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thus; Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised, as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke: turn thou me, and I shall be turned; for thou art the LORD my God.

Lamentations 2:17-19 The LORD hath done that which he had devised; he hath fulfilled his word that he had commanded in the days of old: he hath thrown down, and hath not pitied: and he hath caused thine enemy to rejoice over thee, he hath set up the horn of thine adversaries. Their heart cried unto the Lord, O wall of the daughter of Zion, let tears run down like a river day and night: give thyself no rest; let not the apple of thine eye cease. Arise, cry out in the night: in the beginning of the watches pour out thine heart like water before the face of the Lord: lift up thy hands toward him for the life of thy young children, that faint for hunger in the top of every street.

Hosea 5:14-15 For I will be unto Ephraim as a lion, and as a young lion to the house of Judah: I, even I, will tear and go away; I will take away, and none shall rescue him. I will go and return to my place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face: in their affliction they will seek me early.

Convinces us of sin:

Job 36:8-9 And if they be bound in fetters, and be holden in cords of affliction; Then he sheweth them their work, and their transgressions that they have exceeded.

Leads us to confess our sins:

Numbers 21:7 Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against thee; pray unto the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people.

Psalms 32:5 I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.

Psalms 51:3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.

Psalms 51:5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.

Tests our sincerity:

Job 23:10 But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

Psalms 66:10 For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried.

Proverbs 17:3 The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.

It humbles us:

Deuteronomy 8:3 And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.

Deuteronomy 8:16 Who fed thee in the wilderness with manna, which thy fathers knew not, that he might humble thee, and that he might prove thee, to do thee good at thy latter end;

2 Chronicles 7:13-14 If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

It purifies us:

Ecclesiastes 7:2-3 It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart. Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.

Exercises our patience:

Psalms 40:1 I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.

Romans 5:3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

James 1:3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

1 Peter 2:20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.

Renders fruit:

Hebrews 12:10-11 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

Furthers the Gospel:

2 Timothy 2:9 Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.

2 Timothy 4:16-17 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

Philippians 1:12 But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;

There are many spiritual benefits from affliction and even though we may not like them, we should rejoice when we have them.

Did God Callously Give David's Wives to Absalom to Rape?

2008-03-02T11:44:00.002-05:00

Note: I did not write this. I found this article and thought I'd put it up because I never could offer an explanation for this. Source here.

This was part of a stream of questions from a dear, but agonized, soul who was/is convinced that God hates women...

What about when God gives 10 women to be raped to punish David for sleeping with Bathsheba? I understand about the culture but for God to treat an individual womans' body as a man's possession speaks volumes, about how he hates/devalues women?

I think I have some good news for you about this passage, friend--it has nothing at all to do with "rape"...nor does it remotely teach that a woman's body is a man's possession...and, although there are some cultural issues associated with this passage, even when those are taken into account we still won't be able to conclude fairly that God committed some atrocity here...

Let's look at the passage and the dynamics in it, and hopefully you will agree...

After David committed the treachery with Uriah and Bathsheba, God spoke to David through Nathan thus:

Then Nathan said to David, "You are the man! This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. 8 I gave your master's house to you, and your master's wives into your arms. I gave you the house of Israel and Judah. And if all this had been too little, I would have given you even more. 9 Why did you despise the word of the LORD by doing what is evil in his eyes? You struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and took his wife to be your own. You killed him with the sword of the Ammonites. 10 Now, therefore, the sword will never depart from your house, because you despised me and took the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own.'...11 "This is what the LORD says: 'Out of your own household I am going to bring calamity upon you. Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to one who is close to you, and he will lie with your wives in broad daylight. 12 You did it in secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight before all Israel.'" (2 Sam 12.7ff)

The FIRST thing to notice in this text is that David had been given Saul's wives (verse 8)--but what does THAT mean?

Here we have to go into the ANE cultural and historical background some, to see the significance of this statement.

a. Most royal marriages and concubinage (for both princes and princesses) were national affairs, not personal affairs of the king:
"Marriage was a tool of diplomacy throughout the ancient Near East. Towns, city-states, tribes or nations who wished to ally themselves with a rule or come under his protection sealed the treaty with a marriage of a daughter of their chief family to the suzerain or his son. This was an act of loyalty on the part of the vassal, who would then have a personal stake in preserving the dynasty. For instance, Zimri-Lim, the kind of Mari during the eighteenth century B.C., successfully placed his daughters in the harems of nearby kingdoms and married several foreign wives himself to increase his power and the stability of his realm Similarly Pharaoh Thutmose IV (1425-1412 B.C.) arranged a marriage with a daughter of the Mitannian king to demonstrate good relations and end a series of wars with that middle Euphrates kingdom." [BBCOT: at 2 Sam 5.13]

b. Royal succession was normally occasioned by a king's death (making his family widows and orphans), and care and protection of the royal 'harem' would be a responsibly of the new ruler.
"Since royal marriages were a reflection of the power of a monarch and represented political and economic alliances made in the name of the state, it would have been necessary, at the succession, for the harem of the former king to become the responsibility of the new monarch. In this way there was continuity of treaty obligations." [BBCOT:in loc.]

c. For example, in this case--in which David 'inherited' Saul's wives--it was an act of kindness toward the family of the deceased king:
"After the death of Ishbosheth (2 Sam 4:5-7) and David's rise to kingship, it would have been expected that he would extend his protection Saul's family, including his harem. Thus it is possible that the brief reference to David's marriage to Ahinoam in 1 Samuel 25:43 is a reference to his taking Saul's wife Ahinoam (1 Sam 14:50)" [BBCOT: in loc.]

So, upon the death (or abdication or overthrow) of a king, the successor bore responsibility for continuing the all-important political marriages and care of the royal harem.

Now, the fulfillment of this judgment on David is in chapter 16:

"Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, "Give us your counsel; what shall we do?" 21 Ahithophel said to Absalom, "Go in to your father's concubines, the ones he has left to look after the house; and all Israel will hear that you have made yourself odious to your father, and the hands of all who are with you will be strengthened." 22 So they pitched a tent for Absalom upon the roof; and Absalom went in to his father's concubines in the sight of all Israel.' [NRSV]

Let's look at various aspects of the text/context:

a. The concubines left behind by David might have been from leading Jerusalemite families (likely volunteers), and therefore 'safe' with Absalom (who was in league with those families):
"It is possible that the concubines left behind were those that David had taken into his harem from the leading Jebusite families of Jerusalem (see 5.13) or from some of the families that were supporting Absalom in Hebron." [BBCOT: at 2 Sam 15.16]
b. The actual event itself was equivalent to a royal wedding, and not a 'rape' by any means:
"The tent was, most likely, the bridal tent (cf. Ps 19:5[4]; Joel 2:16), and the whole proceedings were, more or less, equivalent to a royal wedding (so Stolz, 262) but with wider implications." [WBC, in.loc...note also that David wed Saul's widow Ahinoam]
"Gunn (King David, 116) has pointed out that Absalom's take-over of David's concubines may have been a formal act, while von Rad (The Problem of the Hexateuch, 184) calls it "a symbolic action intended to gain the confidence of the people for Absalom." [WBC, in. loc.]
c. Since marrying a father's wife was forbidden in Israelite law, the whole incident may well have been staged as a 'statement' that David was dead (instead of some outrageously offensive crime in front of his new citizenry!):
"This cohabitation in our context may have served as an indication that as far as Absalom was concerned--David was dead. Was it a deliberate deception to give the impression to the people in general that David was actually dead (cf. Budde, 278)? According to Lev 18:8; 20:11; Deut 22:30 [MT 23:1]; 27:20 it was forbidden for a son to take his father's wife, at least while the father was alive (cf. also Gen 35:22; 49:3-4). If so, the deception (?) may have strengthened the resolve of Absalom's supporters since this final humiliation of David was a deliberately public act, at least according to the narrator."
d. Members of the royal harem were all upper-class figures, representing important political alliances, both foreign and domestic. These women often had important duties in the administration, in most of the surrounding cultures of the ANE. For example, in Ebla a couple of millennia earlier:
"The royal harem was structured like its equivalents in Old Babylonian Mari. It included DAM EN, "women of the king', who lived in their own building and who were assisted by a group of officials...These women were sometimes placed in charge of important sectors of palace work, especially the manufacture of textiles.' [OT:CANE:1224, note that the ten concubines were left "in charge of the palace", an administrative task--not "just" housekeeping!]

For a new ruler, BEFORE Israel actually 'came to power', to publicly and violently rape "high-brow" daughters of leading families of his constituency and of his international allies would be unthinkable and diplomatic suicide! Absalom was not 'politically naïve'-his rise to power as described in chapter 15 shows an exceptionally crafty and smooth individual.
e. The whole point of the action was to 'enter the harem' (hence the tent) in front of the citizenry. The harem (in all the ANE) was off-limits to anyone except the king (and pre-pubescent princes). By visually entering the tent (in which the mini-harem was), the damage was done: the throne usurped, the predecessor declared 'dead and gone', claims to any of the posterity that might have resulted from any sexual activity (assuming there was any-there need not have been any for this event to be totally effective in the historical situation and context) with the new wives/concubines clearly established, and the responsibilities of care for the national alliances (represented by the newly assumed royal marriages) undertaken.
f. That this event was understood as a marriage--instead of a rape--is also supported by David's actions upon his return and after the death of Absalom: the women were placed in a separate harem-house, provided for, and treated as royal widows:
"David went to his palace in Jerusalem, and the king took the ten concubines he had left to mind the palace and put them in a guarded place; he provided for them, but he did not cohabit with them. They remained in seclusion until the day they died, in living widowhood. (2 Sam 20.3, JPS)
This does NOT mean they were placed or confined in a prison of sorts. Rather, the 'seclusion' was from the "active/living harem" and the 'confinement' was into "living widowhood". Keil & Delitzsch comment on this verse:
"As soon as David returned to his palace at Jerusalem, he brought the ten concubines whom he had left behind, and with whom Absalom had lain, into a place of safety, and took care of them, without going in unto them anymore...Thus they were shut up into living widowhood" (in loc.)

What this nets out to is this:

1. the event being described looks like a royal wedding (and not like a rape)
2. the marriages involved are ones that are important to the nation to preserve
3. the undertaking of the rights and responsibilities of the ruler was a clear message to the citizenry that David was "dead" or "out of the picture altogether"
4. there is no hint of rape, and the entire context of who these women were argues against there being ANY brutality, ANY violation, and ANY disgrace
5. These marriages (and wives) were not David's "possession" in any sense of the word-they were more like 'national assets' (like a king would be). Their status was high, their importance was significant, and the king had to treat them with diplomacy and care.

In other words, the historical data would argue that this incident was not, in fact, a case of public rape of ten women.

Does God Tempt? (Resolving a Supposed Bible Contradiction)

2008-03-01T01:07:00.002-05:00

Genesis 22:1 (Genesis 22:1-18)

KJV: And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am.

NIV: Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, "Abraham!" "Here I am," he replied.

James 1:13 (James 1:13-14)

When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone.

The apparent contradiction here stems from the KJV's use of the word "tempt." The definition of "tempt" (from the Merriam-Webster dictionary) is:

1 : to entice to do wrong by promise of pleasure or gain
2 a obsolete : to make trial of : TEST b : to try presumptuously : PROVOKE c : to risk the dangers of
3 a : to induce to do something b : to cause to be strongly inclined

"Tempt" in Genesis 22:1 refers to definition 2a, as shown by the NIV translation. The verse comes from the account of God's testing of Abraham by telling him to sacrifice his son Isaac. God was testing Abraham to see if he would do the right thing (trust God's instructions and be obedient to him), not enticing him to do wrong. In contrast, James 1:13 refers to the temptations of evil, which of course falls under definition 1.

Is It Right To Expose False Teachers?

2008-02-14T09:48:00.003-05:00

False teachers are free to spread their poisonous doctrines today because there is a conspiracy of silence among many bible believers. Wolves in sheep’s clothing are thus enabled to ravage the flock, thereby destroying many.

John the Baptist called the Pharisees and Saducees (the religious leaders of his day) “a generation of vipers” (snakes) (Matt.3:7). Today, he would be accused of being unloving, unkind, and unchristian.

Jesus said to the religious Pharisees, “O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh” (Matt.12:34). To many evangelicals and some fundamentalists, this would be unacceptable language today, but it is biblical language and it came from the mouth of the Son of God.
Standing face to face with these false teachers, Jesus Christ the Son of God, called them “hypocrites,” “blind guides,” “blind,” “whited sepulchres,” “serpents,” and “ye generation of vipers” (Matthew 23:23-34). Yet, we are told today that we are to fellowship with men whose doctrines are just as unscriptural as those of the Pharisees. Some who say they are Bible believing Christians insist on working with Roman Catholics and other assorted heretics. Yet, according to many, we are not supposed to rebuke them for their compromise.

Near the beginning of His ministry, “Jesus went up to Jerusalem, And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew the tables; And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise” (John 2:13-16). Our Saviour is presented today as one who was meek, lowly, kind,` and loving, even to false teachers, but this is entirely false. When dealing with false teachers and prophets, His words were sharp and His actions plain.

Near the end of His public ministry, Christ found it necessary to cleanse the temple once again. The exposure of false doctrines and practices is a never ending job. At that time He said, “Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? But ye have made it a den of thieves” (Mark 11:17). Is it any different today? The thieves come into the house of God, and rob God’s people of the Bible and peddle their perverted Bibles instead. At the same time this den of thieves rob the people of the doctrine of separation and the doctrine of sanctification. Then you can hardly tell God’s people from the people of the world. In all honesty, should not these thieves (false teachers) be exposed?
In our day these false teachers have come into the churches with their books, literature, movies, psychology, seminars, and have turned the Father’s house into a den of thieves. ‘It is time that men of God stand up and expose their errors for all to see.

The Bible Admonishes us to Expose Error:

We are to TRY them. “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits, whether they be of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1). All doctrine and teachers are to be tried according to the Word of God. “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them” (Isa.8:20). Every message, messenger, and method is to be judged according to the Word of God. The church at Ephesus was commended because they had “tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars” (Rev.2:14,15). It is never right to tolerate false teachers, but they are to be tried by the Word of God, and exposed. Of course those who want to disobey the Word of God will seek by every means to avoid this teaching.

We are to Mark them and Avoid them:

“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them” (Rom.16:17). Those whose conduct and teaching contradicts the Word of God are to be marked and to be avoided. This requires discernment and judgement in the light of the Bible. The ecumenicalists, new evangelicals, and compromising fundamentalists will resist any effort to obey this Scripture. They cannot be marked and avoided, unless they are judged according to the Word of God.

We are to Rebuke them:

“Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith” (Titus 1:13). This was written to Titus, because there were those going from house to house and subverting whole houses with false doctrine (v.10-16). Oral Roberts, Robert Schuller, Rodney Howard-Browne, Pat Robertson, and others are subverting whole houses with their false doctrine today. Are we to sit silently by, while they do this, without rebuking and admonishing people to avoid their teaching? No, the faithful servant of the Lord is to be “Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and convince the gainsayers” (Titus 1:9).

We are to have No Fellowship with them:

“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them” (Eph.5:11). Reprove means to censure, condemn, find fault, rebuke, and to refute. How can we obey this Scripture unless we try them by the Word of God?
We are to WITHDRAW from them. “Now we command you, brethren, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which ye received of us” (II Thess.3:6). We are to withdraw from those whose doctrine and conduct does not conform to the Word of God. The context clearly shows that obedience to sound doctrine is what Paul has in mind, for he says, “if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet, count him not as an enemy but admonish him as a brother. (II Thess.3:4-15). Paul admonished Timothy to “withdraw thyself” from those who “consent not to wholesome words ... and to the doctrine which is according to godliness” (II Timothy 4:2). This is usually an unpopular and thankless task but it is the duty of the God-called man.

Call this unloving, call it being judgmental, or call it whatever you like. The Word of God stands!!!

God is Sovereign - That's it

2008-02-08T13:05:00.001-05:00

I've been thinking of all the horrible things that we may be in store for. I'm not into politics that much but I know enough to know that our next president is going to turn this country upside down. There is going to be some major changes in our economy, business, and the world. Other changes may/will include the ostracization of Christianity and the Bible, persecution, being treated unfairly, no property rights, and our country becoming socialist. Some of these things are happening now but we haven't much of this in the USA.

More people are leaning toward relativism, evil has become good and good, evil and moral decay will continue to plummet. A lot of wrong will be done to us by our government, family, and friends. The ONLY thing that comforts me is that God is Sovereign! That's it. There's nowhere else to turn to or to lean on. I'm settled in knowing that our future plans may not come into fruition. Plans of buying that house and saving money - gone! But God is Sovereign!

So for now, I'm going to enjoy these lovely days we have now yet still be prepared to let them all go because they WILL go away very soon. And when they do, cling to the Lord and comfort yourselves in knowing that God is Sovereign because that's all we have!

I'm Still Here

2008-02-01T16:35:00.000-05:00

No, I didn't fall off the planet or anything. I haven't posted recently because there has been a change on the home front. (nothing bad) And yet another change today which will challenge my time management skills. So I will get back to blogging on this blog as soon as I can.

I miss you guys.

May the Lord bless each and every one of you.

Love,
Carol

Vain Worship Part 6 of 6

2008-01-25T12:28:00.000-05:00

Our Lord says in Mark 7:7, "And in vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men." When we follow the commandments of men instead of God’s instructions, our worship becomes vain. If our worship is vain, it is empty, hollow, and useless. It will do us no good. If it is vain, it would be as though we had not worshipped God at all and we will be lost. When we worship in the way "we want" then God is dishonored and insulted. When we worship the way God has told us in His word, God is honored and glorified.

As we read in John 4:24, "God is a Spirit, and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth." To worship in truth is to worship as the word of God directs. Jesus said in John 17:17, "Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth." Since the word of God is truth, when we worship God in truth, we worship Him according to His word. The only way God will accept our worship is to follow His directions in the Bible. Any worship, that is not authorized by God's word in the Bible, is not in truth and is vain.

God says in Hosea 4:6, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." If we don’t know what God says, we are going to be destroyed or lost for our lack of knowledge. It is sad to say but the vast majority of people are illiterate of God’s word. They don’t really know what the Bible says. When we don't know God's will then false doctrines will arise which will cause us to be eternally lost.

When people are ignorant of God’s directions on how He is to be worshipped, they wander in spiritual darkness. Our Lord says in Matthew 15:14, "And if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into the ditch." We must first have a desire to know the truth of God's will and then be willing to change when we find we are wrong and are not worshipping according to His truth. Jesus says in John 8:32, "And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." Only the truth can make us free, otherwise we are still under the bondage of sin. We may be sincere in our worship, and we must be, but if we do not worship God "in truth", that is as God directs, then our worship will be vain and unacceptable to God.

Also if we try to worship God "in truth" but not "in spirit", that is not with the proper motive of honoring God and with reverence, then we are just practicing ritualism and our heart is far from it. This type of worship is also vain and unacceptable to God, for Jesus says in Matthew 15:8, "These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me." We must worship God both in spirit and in truth.

Acceptable and Unacceptable Worship Part 5 of 6

2008-01-22T18:43:00.000-05:00

God has shown, in the Bible, His approval with those who follow His will and His displeasure and wrath with those who refuse to worship Him the way He has directed. God has always been clear about how he is to be worshipped, but man has not listened.

An example of acceptable and unacceptable worship in the Old Testament is that of Cain and Abel. Cain and Abel both worshipped God. Abel did as God directed, but Cain tried to worship God the way he saw fit. We read in Genesis 4:3-5, "And in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought an offering of fruit of the ground to the Lord. Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the Lord respected Abel and his offering, but He did not respect Cain and his offering."

Why did the Lord have respect for Abel’s offering and why did He reject Cain’s offering? Hebrews 11:4 tells us, "By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain." Notice Abel offered his sacrifice "by faith" but Cain did not. Romans 10:17 says, "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." So faith comes by the word of God. Abel offered his sacrifice by faith or according to the word of God. If we worship God by faith, we worship as the word of God directs.

Abel offered the firstborn of his flock "by faith" and it was accepted because his worship was according to the instructions of God. But Cain chose to ignore God’s instructions and sacrificed an offering of the fruit of the ground to the Lord. Cain chose to sacrifice to God the way he saw fit. Cain did not offer his sacrifice according to God’s instructions, so God rejected his sacrifice and worship, since it was not "by faith".

From this example we see our worship must be "by faith", that is "by the word of God." We read in Romans 14:23, "For whatever is not from faith is sin." If our worship is not "by faith", that is it is not "by the word of God", then it "is sin". It will also be rejected just like Cain’s. It is a very serious matter if God rejects our worship. If He does we are going to be lost. Many people accept from the Bible what they like and reject what they don't like. They also add other things that they like. This is not Christianity but religious anarchy. We do not have the right to "believe as we please." We must humbly to submit to all that Jesus says. Anything taught or practiced by man in the field of religion which does not come from the Bible is false doctrine.

One cannot obey God without doing what God says to do, when God says to do it, how God says to do it and for the reason God says to do it. If what we do in worship is not according to the word of God, then it is vain and useless and will cause us to be eternally lost.

Worshipping God in Truth Part 4 of 6

2008-01-20T12:07:00.000-05:00

Jesus says in John 4:24, "God is a spirit and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth." We must worship God in truth. Since His word is truth, we must worship Him according to His word. Here the Lord is telling us that everything we do in worship, we must have God's divine approval. Truth is not arbitrary. Truth for one person is the same as truth for the next. God has not spoken in unclear ways.

God has specified in the Bible the acceptable way He is to be worshipped. He is not to be worshipped according to the evil and vain imaginations and devices of men. Whatever that is not commanded in scripture in our worship to God is forbidden if we are to worship God in truth. God is not obligated to accept our worship just because we offer it to Him. We dare not substitute what we want for what God has commanded if we want to please Him and go to Heaven.

There are many who think it really doesn’t matter what we believe or do in religion, just as long as we are sincere and follow our conscience. But if it doesn’t really matter what you believe, then it doesn’t matter if you even believe at all. This is absurd. This philosophy exalts our conscience above the word of God. This makes our conscience our only guide and ignores what God says in the Bible. This philosophy originated with man and not with God. This is telling God we are going to worship Him the way we choose and we don’t really care what He has to say. Every man then becomes his own authority thereby eliminating the authority of God, the Bible. This attitude must greatly hurt the one who gave His life for us.

Many people want to do what they think best and what seems right to them. We are warned not to do this in Proverbs 14:12, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." According to what God says we can loose our soul by doing what seems right in our own eyes. God’s word is no longer our guide, but it has been replaced with creed books, disciplines, manuals, confessions, etc. Men want to do things their way and as it seems right in their own eyes. Please consider the consequences of being deceived by error. What a pity it will be to stand before the Lord on Judgment Day having been fooled into accepting the unlawful religions of the denominational world. What a terrible fate to believe error to be truth only to be lost for all of eternity.

The philosophy of doing what seems right in our eyes has vastly altered the way people attempt to worship God. They rationalize that God will accept it. People can rationalize away just about anything they want if they work at it hard and long enough, and because of this people worship God in ignorance. Just as the apostle Paul told the Athenians in Acts 17:23 (KJV), "Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship."

The average person in religious matters takes many things for granted. He finds religious groups practicing something and he decides what the majority does must be right and acceptable to God. The Bible says the majority of people are going to be eternally lost. Jesus says in Matthew 7:l3-14, "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." So we don’t want to depend on the majority to determine what is right for us and follow them. If we do we will also end up being lost in the eternal fires of Hell.

Many people never stop to ask, is it scriptural and is this what God wants? They believe that just any kind of worship they give will be acceptable to God. There are a lot of false teachings today that are being passed off as the truth. The main reason for all the religious division that we see in the world today is man will not accept God’s word as final authority. Man is going to do it his own way. The Bible contains our only instructions on how to please God so we can go to heaven.

God has always told man how He is to be worshipped. God is the only one who has the right to determine how He is to be worshipped. He will only accept that which is in harmony with His prescribed will. God instructs us how to worship Him acceptably through His word in the Bible. In Ephesians 5:17 we read, "Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is." If we are the least bit concerned about where we will spend eternity, it is wise to know what the will of the Lord is so we can do it and be pleasing to Him. We are accountable for what we believe and practice. Our eternal destiny hangs in the balance of how we treat His truth.

In every age God has specified how He is to be worshipped. He says to us in 2 Peter 1:3, "As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us." God in the New Testament has given to us all things we need to know that pertain to life and godliness so we can worship Him acceptably, in spirit and in truth. God has always made it plain and emphatic that the only worship that is acceptable to Him is only that which is in accordance with His will.

Worship is Not for our Entertainment Part 3 of 6

2008-01-17T09:50:00.000-05:00

There is an erroneous idea today that the main reason we attend worship is to "get something out of the service", rather than going there to give our worship to God. This is a selfish motive on our part. This is the reason people cannot be satisfied with the worship service when their emphasis is not on the proper object of worship, God. People want to "do their own thing" in the worship of the church. What the Bible has to say about worship for many people is of little consequence as long as they are happy and feel good. We must be concerned with what God says on how He is to be worshipped instead of what we might want to offer Him.

The United States has produced the most entertainment-oriented people the world has ever known. We have more forms of amusement than has ever been know to man, but we still want more. In our age everything is designed to appeal to our emotions and to entertain us. Our pleasure-mad society gives little thought about pleasing God in their worship. We seem to have forgotten our worship service is to bring glory and honor to God, and not to entertain ourselves.

Much worship today has digressed to be no more than entertainment for people. When we have choirs to sing to us and concerts to entertain us, we are not worshipping God; but we have become the spectators who are being entertained. Let us not try to call this worship. This is very disrespectful and demeaning toward God to reduce our worship of God to the entertaining of ourselves. Worship is not a spectator event. We dare not become spectators, because in worship it is God who is the spectator. People have the roles reversed. People expect divine will to conform to what seems right in their own eyes. Proverbs 12:15 says, "The way of the fool is right in his own eyes." The emphasis is how can the worship service be made more entertaining to people to please themselves and not God.

The use of drama in the worship service becomes an entertaining performance with the actors receiving the praise instead of God. And because they have been entertained with a spectacular show they respond with applause (handclapping) to show their appreciation. What do you think God thinks about this perverted so called worship? Many people seem to think that God will accept anything they offer and be glad to get it.

Worship to God is holy and sacred. To pervert and corrupt it with entertainment and what we can "get out of the service" in trying to please and gratify ourselves is nothing short of blasphemy! The sacredness of true worship must not be sacrificed on altars of entertainment-oriented quartets, choirs, and other entertainment groups. We are as Hebrews 13:15 says to "Offer the sacrifice of praise to God, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name." In worship we must be the participants, not the observers. We want to please and entertain ourselves. In Galatians 1:10 the question is asked, "Do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a servant of Christ." Worship is God-centered not man-centered. When our worship is to please God instead of ourselves, then and only then will our worship be much more meaningful and spiritually uplifting to us and acceptable to God.

When people seek an "emotional high" from worship and don’t get it, they are disappointed and start blaming the song service, the preacher, etc. The world wants their worship service to be "more entertaining", thus they are failing to worship God in spirit and in truth. Where in the Bible can we go to show that our worship is designed to please the worshipper. The desire to have an experience or an encounter along the lines of mysticism also gives little regard to what God says in the Bible.

Our worship to God requires commitment on our part. People had rather worship Christ as a babe in a manger than Christ as their crucified savior. Their worshipping Christ as a babe in a manger requires no commitment on their part. They feel they can put Him in a box and live the rest of the year as they please. But worshipping Christ as our crucified savior requires commitment, a complete change of our life, and a willingness to do all that He says. Jesus says in Matthew 10:37, "He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me." God and Christ must be first in our lives, and this requires that we be committed to them.

http://www.netbiblestudy.net/worship/lesson_3.htm

Comic Relief...

2008-01-15T07:38:00.000-05:00

Just a couple of video's I thought I'd share with you for comic relief. I rarely put up light-hearted things so I thought I'd put up some funny videos.

This Goli Mar video had me going through several emotions when I first saw it. First, I was in shock, then disbelief, then horror, then intrigued, then I thought it was funny.

Ok - back to reality.

Worshipping God in Spirit Part 2 of 6

2008-01-13T17:55:00.000-05:00

Worshipping God "in spirit" means with reverence, attentiveness, and having the right purpose of honoring God, while understanding what we are doing. Hebrews 12:28-29 says, "Let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire." Our worship must glorify God. 1 Corinthians 6:20 says, "For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s."

In order to worship God in the right spirit, we must take time before worship to make ready our hearts and emotions so we will be in the proper frame of mind. We read in Psalms 89:7, "God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be held in reverence by all those around Him." Our worship must show great reverence toward God. He is our creator and He holds our eternal destiny in His hands. We must strive to please Him. We should not have to rush or hurry to worship, arriving late but should always plan to be there early enough so we can be in a worshipful attitude and spirit. Our mind must be ready, attentive, and alert.

Concerning the Lord’s Supper, we are warned in 1 Corinthians 11:27, "Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord." Our worship to God must be done in a worthy manner. It must be done in a manner that brings glory and honor to God and Christ. Continuing to read in verse 29, "For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body." We must control our thoughts during periods of worship and not let them wander to other things. We should never be wishing the worship service would hurry up and be over so we can get to the restaurant early and not have to stand in line. In fact we should be of the frame of mind that we are disappointed to see the worship service end.

In showing reverence and respect to God, we will not be indifferent, inattentive, and taking lightly that which should be considered serious. Worship to God is holy. Our character in worship must also be holy. In 1 Peter 1:15-16 we read, "But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in your conduct, because it is written, Be holy for I am holy." Slouching over, sleeping, playing with babies, squirming, unnecessary talking, and passing notes all show disrespect in worshipping God. Worship which is insincere, that is not from the heart, is vain, useless, and unacceptable to God. Jesus says, "This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me" (Mark 7:6). Active participation will tend to get rid of our lack of interest and inattentiveness.

Reverence is not having a long face, folded hands, or a put on look of piety. Worship is a time of joy for us. It is a time of offering thanks, adoration, love, praying, singing praises to God, feeding on His word, and proclaiming Christ to the world in partaking of the Lord’s Supper.

The Purpose of our Worship of God Part 1 of 6

2008-01-12T00:45:00.000-05:00

The purpose of our worship is to glorify, honor, praise, exalt, and please God. Our worship must show our adoration and loyalty to God for His grace in providing us with the way to escape the bondage of sin, so we can have the salvation He so much wants to give us. The nature of the worship God demands is the prostration of our souls before Him in humble and contrite submission. James 4:6, 10 tells us, "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up". Our worship to God is a very humble and reverent action.

Jesus says in John 4:23-24, "But the hour is coming, and now is, when true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth." It doesn’t say we can worship God anyway we want, but we "must worship Him in spirit and in truth". The word "must" makes it absolute. There is no other way we can worship God and be acceptable to Him. The word "must", according to Webster, expresses "an obligation, a requirement, a necessity, a certainty, and something that must be done". When "must" is used it means that it is not optional. Here the word "must" is expressing that in spirit and in truth is the only way to acceptably worship God.

God seeks true worshippers, and He identifies them as those who "worship Him in spirit and in truth". Worshipping God in spirit means that it must be done from the heart. Worshipping God in truth means that it must be done according as God has specified in the Bible. Worshipping God in spirit and in truth is a serious matter which must not be taken lightly. If we have any regard for our own souls, we will want to make sure we are worshipping God in spirit and in truth.

Since God is the object of our worship, He and He alone has the right to determine how we are to worship Him. We read in Jeremiah 10:23, "O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself, it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps." We are not granted the option of directing our own ways in religion. God is the One who we look to for guidance and direction in our lives.

Our very best in worship is due God and is prescribed by Him in the Bible. The worship God has prescribed is the only way we can be pleasing to Him in this life and finally attain everlasting life with Him in eternity. The Christian’s worship is of the greatest importance.

Worship is a time when we pay deep, sincere, awesome respect, love, and fear to the one who created us. Acts 17:24-25 says, "God who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives life, breath, and all things."

God is the one who holds our eternal destiny in His hands. Philippians 2:12 tells us to, "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." Our salvation is a very serious matter and will not happen by accident. We must work it out "with fear and trembling". Our salvation depends on whether our worship is pleasing to God or not. On the Day of Judgment it will be too late to make any corrections.

Worship should cause us to reflect on the majesty and graciousness of God and Christ, contrasted to our own unworthiness. God does not have to have our worship, but we must worship Him to please Him. Our singing, praying, studying His word, giving, and communion are designed by God to bring us closer to Him and to cause us to think more like He thinks, thus becoming more like Him. James 4:8 tells us to, "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you."

Our worship not only honors and magnifies God, but it is also for our own edification and strength. Worship helps us develop a God-like and Christ-like character. We become like unto those we admire and worship. When we worship God we tend to value what God values and gradually take on the characteristics and qualities of God, but never to His level. As Philippians 2:5 says, "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ." How do we take on the mind of Christ? In Romans 12:2 we read, "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." We renew our mind as we study and meditate on God’s word and worship Him.

When we worship God we develop such traits as forgiveness, tenderness, justice, righteousness, purity, kindness, and love. All of this is preparing us for eternal life in heaven with God and Christ. As we are told in Colossians 3:2 to, "Set your mind on things above, and not on things on the earth."

http://www.netbiblestudy.net/worship/lesson_1.htm

Carol - Raw!

2008-01-09T17:57:00.000-05:00

This post is not going to be about warning, rebuking, or scare tactics of any kind. I'm not going to give my opinions on false teachers, false teachings, or comment on the moral decay. I'm also not going to talk about twisted texts, seeming contradictions, or concern myself with the workings of Satan right now. Are you shocked? Me too!

Before you ask, yes this really is me, Carol. :)

The Lord has given me such a joy today and I didn't want to spoil it with my usual spiel. And if I try to explain why exactly, you won't get the full effect through mere words. So I'll do the best I can.

I began to spend time with the Lord in prayer, confession, and Bible reading but honestly, my heart wasn't in it. I was thinking that I'd rather be on the couch watching my animal shows. I was wondering if I was lukewarm and double minded (inspired by the post before this) because my lips were praising Him but my heart was far away. The last thing I wanted to be was a hypocrite. I also didn't want my devotion time to be mechanical or something to just get over with because that's not sincere. So I prayed about these things and confessed everything. After all, I can't hide anything from Him.

So once I started praying I couldn't stop. I hadn't planned on praying for this but I found myself confessing that I don't have the love for Him and for others that I should. I confessed that I put things in front of Him and that I spend time with Him when I have nothing better to do. I confessed that I am far away from Him which is my own doing and as a result I've noticed changes like my temper flaring up and my using cuss words. I confessed that I had a fighting type of attitude ready to strike at any one at any moment. I confessed that I lacked in so many areas that it made me question my salvation many times. I said that it's not that I doubt Him because He cannot lie and His promises are not revoked. I question because I pull away from Him and I don't know why. I'd rather be doing something stupid than spending time with Him. I question myself, my heart, my fruit and find myself to be wanting in so many areas. During this time, the words flowed and continued to flow with ease and without prior planning.

I continued. Suddenly I was reminded of past sins I had done that I had not confessed and more than that, I noticed that I was mortified when brought to my attention. There was a time when I took pride in some of my sins, even bragged about them but if I think of them now, I am ashamed and disgusted because I was so vile. I was a wreck after remembering these things and I confessed them and asked Him to forgive me. (this took awhile but I'm keeping it short for brevity's sake)

Then my prayers took a turn...I was praising Him and thanking Him for changing my heart in this way. I was just shocked that He had changed me so much because I had struggled all my life in one particular area, and now I wonder how I ever could have done those things. I was in awe at His patience, His forgiveness and His love He has for me. He should have killed me off years ago yet He allowed me to breath another day! I kept praising Him and thanking Him for His mercy on me. Then I went on to praising Him for things He's done for other people, even the Israelites during the Exodus crossing. (that's my favorite story) I was filled with such a joy that I didn't care who was around me and who was listening. (I was outside on my back deck) I couldn't stop praising Him. If I hadn't pulled my muscles on my elliptical machine yesterday, I would have jumped up and down for joy! Like I said, words cannot adequately express the joy the Lord has given me today! Just think what of an awesome God we serve! I sit on my deck surrounded by beautiful trees and birds are everywhere and I think to myself “wow, the Lord takes care of all these little birds and squirrels and provides homes for them all.' I am just amazed at how He cares for all His living creatures and how He keeps the earth in perfect rotation and balance. His glory truly is proclaimed throughout the earth – just look around.

I am not one to get emotional over things nor do I manufacture them. And I'm always on an even keel – never super happy like today. That's why I know that this is not my doing. (yes even through this, I examined myself) The realizations of past sins, the confession of them, the overwhelming gratitude for opening up my eyes and changing my heart, my praising Him for what He has done for me and for others, and recognizing His glory throughout the earth was from none other than the King Himself. Our glorious King, Master, and Ruler of all things! He deserves our unending praises because He is worthy!!! My greatest wish is to spend eternity at His feet praising Him! What an honor that would be!!!! So I say to you, Christian readers...don't forget to give Him heartfelt, worshipful praise today for He is your God!

God bless you all!!!

Double Minded

2008-01-09T03:42:00.000-05:00

Right off the bat you might be thinking that this doesn't apply to you and it may not. Then again there are people who think idolatry is the worshipping of a golden calf only and cannot understand the broader application. So I think it would behoove us all if we examined this to make sure we are not double minded.

First, the definition: Original Greek: Dipsuchos – wavering, uncertain, doubting, divided in interest. (Strong's 1374)

An example of wavering or uncertainty can be found in Rev 3:15-18.

I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy me of gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

These people are lukewarm. Their feet are on both sides of the fence and yet they have no firm stance. They are also deceived because they believe themselves to be rich yet they are poor and wretched. Can we recognize these things in today's religious climate? How about those who do not read their Bibles and are fed by their lying teachers? How about those who hold a belief but cannot tell you why because they are repeating something they heard? How about those Christians who think being a Christian was a one shot deal and they no longer have to do anything except coast into eternity in their easy chairs? There are Christians who have no problem telling you that they are anointed of God, that they are called to something special over and above you. They think themselves higher than you and their lives are ideal because they have no trials because they are blessed. Any Christian that has it 'easy' in their walk should tremble because that is the opposite of what we are promised. That is not to say that the Lord won't bless us abundantly because He does. But for the most part our lives are being made daily to emulate His Son, Jesus so this is not a cake walk.

Double minded also means a divided interest or holding to two opposing views at once. This might sound strange but there are people who believe in the creation story AND evolution. I think this is because they haven't really thought this through. (I hope that's the reason because if they did think this through and still hold this view, then they are foolish and are without reason)

An example of a divided interest: Matt 6:24

No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

There are many examples that can be given for this one but for now, let's look at the obvious one....”Interfaith.” It is a mingling of different faiths into one. Essentially creating your own god. Christian world leaders are uniting based on things in which they can agree. They are “tolerant” i.e. “accepting” (using the new definition) of all faiths. They dismiss the dividing truths in leu of a false unity. This is double mindedness at it's most prominent.

So how do you come out from under this? See James 4:8. And EXAMINE, EXAMINE, EXAMINE!!! I cannot stress that enough. If you cannot see these things, then pray that the Lord will open your eyes to these things. Ask that any erroneous belief found in you may be revealed to you. Seek Him daily in this and He will reveal these things to you. God bless.

I will list other verses relating to double mindedness for you to meditate upon (Godly meditation). If I gave a commentary for every verse, the post would be way too long.

1 Samuel 7:3
And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the Lord with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the Lord, and serve him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.

1 Kings 18:21
And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.

Isaiah 29:13
Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear towards me is taught by the precept of men:

James 1:8
A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

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

James 4:8
Draw night to God, and he will draw night to you. Cleans your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

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

"Sound Doctrine Divides...It's Love That Matters"

2008-01-05T23:42:00.000-05:00

Well, That's Your Opinion

2008-01-05T23:31:00.000-05:00

Abomination Nation - My New Site

2008-01-02T20:46:00.000-05:00

My new site, Abomination Nation, has just been launched. This is a resource of false teachers and movements. This is a non-interactive blog - it is for informational purposes only. The header tells of my reason for creating this blog.

Many of you may not be happy as I'm sure some of your favorite preachers are on this list. It is not my intention to upset anyone. But everything presented is not based on my opinion but rather on facts of which you can verify yourself. Many people are lead astray by these false teachers and I'm trying to do my piddly little part in warning them.

It is my wish that if you follow one of these preachers, that your eyes be opened. And if they are already opened, then this could be a source of information. I myself have learned a lot.

God bless you all.