Geppy's Religion Blog

Lo, He is Coming

2011-05-24T01:40:00.001-04:00

Wow, it didn't take long for Mr Camping to admit he was wrong - and choose another date. But his own words have already proven himself to be a false prophet without the Word of God - and thus not to be listened to. (Feel free to review the "Old" Testament if you don't understand that statement - as it is very clear how we can know if someone truly is speaking for our Father.) But that is not the topic of this post; the "rapture" is.

I am an odd duck in my family. I grew up with the teaching of the rapture, with the Thief in the Night movies, and with Mr Lahaye's popular books. But I also believe this to be the biggest lie of the devil with absolutely no Scriptural support. Every verse that I grew up with as support for a rapture reads the exact opposite to me and has for over 20 years. But I largely stay silent on the topic because I am not one to argue and be disagreeable.

But I feel a need to speak briefly. For I am watching the news and as the years go by, I see more and more of the birthing pangs spoken of by my Lord in Matthew 24. And Mr Camping is a part of those birthing pangs - with his "Lo he is here" and "Lo he is there."

And then the "popular response" to his so obviously false predictions is that no one can know the hour. Which totally ignores the next section of the passage that shows that it is in fact a warning to always live as Christ would live so you can see the signs and know that he is returning. So you can use the talents that He has given you and multiply His investment and return to Him a profit on His investment in you. That only to one who says that He will not return for a very long time will the day overtake him as thief in the night.

So here is a true Word of the Lord. Open your eyes you who serve the Living God. The labor pains have begun and Jesus will one day return to set His house in order and to judge the wicked. His promises are given to those who overcome and reach the end of the race. There is no escape, no pitch hitter to take your place, and the race must be made to the end. We have been promised to be treated as He was treated - to suffer ridicule and punishment, not to be taken away from pain and coddled.

He suffered so brutally all the way to the death on a cross. Are you willing to suffer for Him? Or are you awaiting the safety hatch to open and spare you His judgement signs that are given to open peoples eyes to their sin and pride and to His grace and peace.

He is coming again. Maybe it will be today and maybe it will be another thousand years yet. But we are told to live every day as if it would be today. Are you multiplying His gifts in you for His profit? Or are you looking out for numero uno and how to advance your own power and glory?

The Spirit is Life

2010-08-11T00:20:00.000-04:00

Ok, so sometime in the next week or two starts tonight with the oldest thoughts. Have you ever had a time where you were just driven and couldn't stop thinking about something? Well, the Spirit is driving. May God allow me to speak what He wishes to be said throughout these posts - and hopefully I'll learn what I'm meant to learn; for every where I go He is speaking on the topic of who the Spirit is. So here goes...

The very first thought that ever comes to mind about who the Spirit is has always been Galatians 5:22-26 on what the fruit of the Spirit are, and how we can see the Spirit through people. But, that really isn't who the Spirit is - as actions do not define the individual.

That said, the first (recent) thought that the Spirit has given on who he is was just one simple word: Life. And strangely enough, it was the rememberance of 1 John 5:11-12 that gave me this thought. In fact, where it says "Son" my mind replaced with "Spirit." Imagine my surprise when I could not find the reference that my mind so clearly recalled. And then I did find it, and the words were "hath the Son" not Spirit. I was at the same time both floored that I actually misremembered the quote, and also certain that what I recalled was also true.

But in the search for this passage in the Bible, other passages floated up to the top - they just weren't the passage I was looking for. But now that I found the passage I was looking for, and it wasn't what I remembered, I went back and looked at a couple of the other passages. The primary passage was from Genesis 2:7: "and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and the man became a living being." The Hebrew word for breath is nashamah. Another word used for breath at times is ruach. It is also the word for the Spirit. (In fact, to me, it seems like as time passed the words became used more and more interchangeably.)

The next passage that I saw was in fact one of the passages that ties the breath (nashamah) and the Spirit (ruach) into the same thought. That passage is Job 32:8 - "But it is the spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty...." And once I made it to Job (I keep coming back to this book), then I came to another passage Job 34:14-15. For if he withdrew his Spirit and his breath, then man would perish.

And then Ezekiel 37:1-14 gives some more description on this breath and Spirit is life.

But this closes the first round of thought. In this first round the Spirit told me that one part of who he is - not his fruit, but who he is - is Life. It is the Spirit that is in all and through all and gives life to all living things. And thus, one of the tenants of most other non-Christian religions is shown also to contain a glimpse of the truth of God (just as Paul states in the book of Romans).

The Spirit is within all living things and gives life to all. For without the Spirit-breath (ruach/nashamah), all life would perish.

Hoping to Post Again Soon

2010-08-10T21:45:00.000-04:00

It's been a bit of a while since I last posted. I am hoping to be back very soon to start putting down thoughts that don't want to go away. Thankfully, the time away has provided for busy work hours, busy home hours, and time with my wife and son. There has been a little discussion at other forums, but not a whole lot. Time really has just not been available.

But, thanks to God my wife's headaches have gone away enough that we have chosen a church to start attending. It is a pretty decent church in Lansing/Holt, MI called Riverview. My son is attending "church school" (as he is calling it), and has been a pretty good kid at something pretty new to him. Though he is used to school, so not too big of a deal.

Anyway, the Spirit has been trying to teach me more about who he is. Some of it refresher material, some looking at things I already knew - but it feels fresh, and others in a new light. So when I am back in the next week or so I will start up a new series of posts on the Holy Spirit - based on who he says he is.

See you soon.

Eat, Drink and Be Merry for Tomorrow We Die

2010-06-02T08:10:00.002-04:00

I remember from high school, the motto of my class in our youth was similar to this title. Even now we see the teenagers and there is such an appearance of feeling indestructable. But then there is also a teen that I know who has been told of a needed medical procedure. The actions taken look like this feeling of indestructability, but is in fact an opinion of needing to just keep doing life because there isn't time for the freeze that fear causes in our life and actions.

So what I thought to be the attitude of indestructability is more like the title of this post. But, this is a "heathen" phrase and attitude - or so I thought. It actually is very akin to the attitude taken by Job - when his wife told him to just curse God and die due to his afflictions in health.

But when you read the following, it is clear that Job's attitude is that we must take whatever comes our way - as it is fair to take the bad with the good, and not fair to expect good things only. Thus the attitude of just keep doing life and don't let circumstances freeze our actions - or worse cause us to curse God.

Job 2:1-10 (TNIV)
One day the members of the heavenly court came again
to present themselves before the LORD, and the Accuser, Satan, came with
them. “Where have you come from?” the LORD asked Satan.

Satan answered the LORD, “I have been patrolling the earth, watching
everything that’s going on.”

Then the LORD asked Satan, “Have you noticed my servant Job? He is the
finest man in all the earth. He is blameless—a man of complete integrity. He
fears God and stays away from evil. And he has maintained his integrity, even
though you urged me to harm him without cause.”

Satan replied to the LORD, “Skin for skin! A man will give up
everything he has to save his life. But reach out and take away his
health, and he will surely curse you to your face!”

“All right, do with him as you please,” the LORD said to Satan. “But spare
his life.” So Satan left the LORD’s presence, and he struck Job with
terrible boils from head to foot.

Job scraped his skin with a piece of broken pottery as he sat among the
ashes. His wife said to him, “Are you still trying to maintain your
integrity? Curse God and die.”

But Job replied, “You talk like a foolish woman. Should we accept only
good things from the hand of God and never anything bad?” So in all this, Job
said nothing wrong.

In all of this Job said nothing wrong. It is a true thing that it is our job to live, good or bad. Just like in wedding vows - in sickness and in health. We are not promised to have only the good things in life. Every good and perfect gift does not mean everything in life will be good and perfect; it won't be.

The question is, will you continue to love God and accept life - or will you turn bitter and hateful and let your life get frozen and without purpose and worth?

Songs for Rememberance

2010-04-03T10:39:00.004-04:00

Just wanted to take a moment to post the two songs that I woke up singing in my mind. In Rememberance of Him.

Up from the Grave He Arose (Low in the Grave He Lay)
By Robert Lowry

1. Low in the grave he lay, Jesus my Savior,
waiting the coming day, Jesus my Lord!

Refrain:
Up from the grave he arose;
with a mighty triumph o'er his foes;
he arose a victor from the dark domain,
and he lives forever, with his saints to reign.
He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!

2. Vainly they watch his bed, Jesus my Savior,
vainly they seal the dead, Jesus my Lord!
(Refrain)

3. Death cannot keep its prey, Jesus my Savior;
he tore the bars away, Jesus my Lord!
(Refrain)

http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh322.sht

I Can't Wait to Get to Heaven
Keith Green

Seaside sunset, silver linings round the clouds,
Birds fly, singing, making such a joyful sound.
Thoughts of heaven somehow seem to fill my mind,
But I can’t even imagine, what it is I’m gonna find.

I can’t wait to get to heaven, when you’ll wipe away all my fears.
In six days you created everything,
But you’ve been working on heaven two thousand years.

Deep green forests, mountains reaching for the sky,
Grasslands and deserts, your creation fills my eye.
Thank you, thank you Jesus, though this beauty is just a taste,
Of all your glory I’ll see when I pass through those gates.

http://www.poemhunter.com/song/i-can-t-wait-to-get-to-heaven/

Whatever you may believe "heaven" is and will be, the glory is the same. And he who is responsible for our being there is the same.

Thank you Jesus, my King.

Amun

2009-11-19T17:39:00.003-05:00

I once posted about the Egyptian God of all gods, briefly. I continue to see our Lord Father in other cultures - as everyone at one time knew him. This week I was reading an article in the National Geopraphic on the Black Pharaohs. Besides being an interesting read, it spoke of the Nubian pharaohs who ruled Egypt at the time of the Assyrian invasion of Israel and how they were the ones that God used to scare the Assyrians away and to save Jerusalem.

These Nubian princes were worshippers of the original Father of the gods in Egypt - Amun/Amen. These princes still worshipped Amun even after Egypt proper had abandoned him in favor of the newer gods. Before invading, Piye had his entire army practice the rights proscribed for the followers of Amun and went and concerned all of the powers of Egypt.

I still see how Amun is YHWH, through his actions and purpose. And the ultimate purpose being that these princes are the ones that then protected Israel under King Hezekiah to give them another chance before their exile in 586 BC.

Anyway, take a gander at the National Geophraphic article; it's pretty cool.

Deja Vu, or Something Else

2009-07-07T23:46:00.003-04:00

All my life I have had experiences of deja vu. Largely I attribute this feeling to God giving me a sign that I'm still on the right path - as it typically also comes with a feeling of peace and "rightness." But then there are those other feelings, which thanks to Wikipedia I now know some of the terminologies (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D%C3%A9j%C3%A0_vu).

These terms are:

deja vu => "experience of feeling sure that one has witnessed or experienced a new situation previously

jamais vu => "involves a sense of eeriness and the observer's impression of seeing the situation for the first time, despite rationally knowing that he or she has been in the situation before"

presque vu => "when one cannot recall a familiar word or name or situation, but with effort one eventually recalls the elusive memory" and "the sensation of being on the brink of an epiphany"

Do you ever experience one of these situations? If so, do you experience all of these type of situations?

On Wiki, it is suggested that these may be related to mental diseases. I personally don't think so. I think instead that it is more as relayed under "mystic explanations" on Wiki that it is related to preconception/prophecy and the dreams that God has promised to his children in the last days; which have been going on for thousands of years already.

But I am interested in the thoughts of others that experience these situations. To me, deja vu brings peace and comfort; presque vu brings unease and a feeling of being out of place; jamais vu just makes me feel stupid.

What then Shall I Say?

2009-05-06T23:06:00.003-04:00

Ever since I started this blog, I have had one main rule - which I have at times forgotten. That rule is - say what God tells me to say, even if I don't think I know what it means. This has been a major purpose that God had given me with this blog. For it is His words that need to be said and He will use them wherever and whenever he chooses. And from what I can tell - from others reactions to my posts or others, and from my reactions to some posts of others - it is very easy to tell when God is speaking to someone. Hang out till the end of this post and I'll give you the insight that God has given me here.

So, what is the Scriptural support for this purpose that God has given me with this blog?

Mark 13:8b-13 (TNIV)

These are the beginning of birth pains.

You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them. And the gospel must first be preached to all nations. Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.

Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. Everyone will hate you because of me, but those who stand firm to the end will be saved.

The alternative sources (other gospels) for this are: Matthew 10:5-42 and Luke 12:1-12.

So this is one of the major purposes of this blog - to "say whatever is given you at the time." It is no coincidence that two of the three scriptures that define this blog's purpose are also directly relating the terms of the end times through a direct quotation of Micah.

I have only read Micah for the last couple days, and I have come to feel very close to this prophet. He speaks very plainly about what actions would have made God happy and bless Israel, and what actions were taken that made God very angry with Israel. Angry enough to scatter its citizens to the four corners of the planet and to shatter his people's nation that he created.

This same warning applies now. The nations do not practice justice and mercy. God's own people are not interested so much in justice and mercy, but in declaring what is righteous and decrying the wicked. True religion is an unknown quantity throughout the land, as acts of "righteousness" are more important than mercy and loving-kindness.

Turn from these wicked ways of hypocrisy and learn to do good. Give to those in need, in whatever way they need. Instead of casting your judgments on those who feel they need an abortion, try to empathize with them. Why do they feel they need the abortion? Treat the root causes instead of the symptoms. Show the love of God instead of self-righteous condemnation. And above all else, do not fight battles in generalizations that dehumanize the people. One cannot fight a cause about a topic and not become desensitized to the people suffering that God has created and wishes to show mercy upon.

In short, judge not. Let God be the judge. Love, as he has loved.

Show one cause that Jesus' fought that hurt people; that was not against hypocrisy. When you have found that cause, study it to determine what the cause actually was and what Jesus was truly saying. You might just find that it was something other than what you believe it to be.

And finally, as promised at the start of this post. What is the easy way to tell when God is speaking to someone? That someone will feel hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy (or some such emotion). They will not feel love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness or self-control. (Galatians 5:19-26)

Brother Shall Betray Brother

2009-05-05T21:10:00.003-04:00

So, I was raised in a good, rural, independent Baptist church. As such, I was allowed to see the Thief in the Night movie series - and greatly enjoyed it. But, for good or for ill, this movie series has for a long time colored my interpretation of end-times events.

For example, in Mark 13:12 it speaks of how brother shall betray brother and I have always understood this only as the devil's work; a way for his followers to put to death His followers. For this is how it is portrayed in the movie series.

But, using my Logos bible study software, this verse actually tracks back to Micah 7:1-20. This is actually a warning to the remnant to be careful of who they trust. The wicked abound and they are about to be given over to confusion - which leads to the wicked acts of betrayal and death. It is a warning to be cautious of who you trust; to be wary and guard yourself in preparation for the coming of the Lord.

Micah 7:7-10 (TNIV)

But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord,
I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.

Do not gloat over me, my enemy!
Though I have fallen, I will rise.
Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light.

Because I have sinned against him,
I will bear the Lord’s wrath,
until he pleads my case and establishes my right.

He will bring me out into the light;
I will see his righteousness.

Then my enemy will see it and will be covered with shame,
she who said to me, “Where is the Lord your God?”

My eyes will see her downfall;
even now she will be trampled underfoot
like mire in the streets.

And the chapter ends with a great and wonderful (recognition of a) promise.

Micah 7:18-20 (TNIV)

Who is a God like you,
who pardons sin and forgives the transgression
of the remnant of his inheritance?

You do not stay angry forever
but delight to show mercy.

You will again have compassion on us;
you will tread our sins underfoot
and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.

You will be faithful to Jacob,
and show love to Abraham,
as you pledged on oath to our ancestors
in days long ago.

Praise God for his mercy and grace. Glory to God for telling us plainly what to expect and what will happen.

Man and the Sabbath

2009-04-15T13:34:00.004-04:00

So, there is plenty of description throughout Scripture of the Sabbath being a day of rest and work not being allowed. In the New Testament, Jesus and the disciples are out walking and pick food out of the fields to eat. This was/is work and thus was a violation of the Laws regarding the sanctity of the Sabbath day. A sanctity that is backed up by it being the very day that God himself rested from his work and did no labor. This was a pretty serious thing - and still is for very many.

But Jesus' response was a question. Was the Sabbath made for man, or man for the Sabbath?

What does this mean to you? Have you come to grips with what Jesus is saying?

BTW, comments are not allowed on this post. This is meant as rhetorical and for each of us to consider. Which are you more like? Jesus and the disciples, or the Pharisees who were questioning their violation of God's Law (or at least the "modern" interpretation of it).

This is Awesome!

2009-04-09T17:49:00.000-04:00

http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/04/09/hawaii.volunteers.repair/index.html?eref=rss_topstories

An example of how we don't need to wait for federal or state money. If we work together, we can improve things for each other. Is there anything in your "neighborhood" that a little bit of elbow work could fix?

"New World Order" Has Arrived?

2009-04-02T14:59:00.000-04:00

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/04/02/g20/index.html?eref=rss_topstories

This is end-times talk here.

A Thought from a Dream

2009-03-05T11:21:00.001-05:00

So, last night in my sudafed induced deep, deep, deep sleep - I had an extremely weird dream. Out of that dream, I will share one thought that I think may lead me somewhere. And this is related to a statement that I have heard from my sister's life experience.

Anyhow, I have heard that some people don't like the cross; that it is a symbol of the horrible death of Jesus, and that the more important thing is that he lives. In my dream, it was the cross and our Savior that was able to cast away the demons and free me from their curse. Until I looked at the cross, I could not be freed.

In the desert, it is when Moses lifted up the snake on the cross that the people were healed.

I believe in the New Testament, that Paul spoke of this also. Something about preaching of our Lord and Savior, and him crucified.

In Deuteronomy (the end) the people are given a choice. To follow God's Commandments and be blessed with abundant living, or to disobey and be cursed and die.

The death on the cross was I believe the "largest" curse that could be - and thus when Jesus took our sins upon himself and then died on the cross he took the curse for us so we may live.

So, why would anyone not like to think of the cross but only the new life? Isn't the new life only the blessing that is given to those who will gaze upon the cross and accept that sacrifice? I.e., is it not completely because of who Jesus is and that he died upon the cross that we may live?

"Politics as Usual"

2009-02-10T08:20:00.002-05:00

http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/02/10/cafferty.house/index.html?eref=rss_topstories

Cafferty has it correct. What is Ms Pelosi thinking? Does she really think the Democratics have the majority for her own gains? The Democrats have the majority because people voted for Mr Obama and his stomping for change. Sadly, he will need to make that change stick in his own party first - as they won't even work with him, but instead are backing the 3rd in succession.

Remember this in two years people. Giving the House a Democratic majority is only serving Ms Pelosi. Maybe the Democrats don't deserve a majority in the House...?

Is there Mercy and Justice?

2009-01-05T23:08:00.004-05:00

I have heard it said that there cannot be both mercy and justice. That justice would demand punishment, while mercy forgives punishment. And this appears to be the case when looking at the definition of these words from Meriam-Webster.

mer•cy \ˈmər-sē\ n
pl mercies [ME, fr. AF merci, fr. ML merced-, merces, fr. L, price paid, wages, fr. merc-, merx merchandise] 13c
1 a : compassion or forbearance shown esp. to an offender or to one subject to one’s power also : lenient or compassionate treatment 〈begged for mercy〉
b : imprisonment rather than death imposed as penalty for first-degree murder
2 a : a blessing that is an act of divine favor or compassion
b : a fortunate circumstance 〈it was a mercy they found her before she froze〉
3 : compassionate treatment of those in distress 〈works of mercy among the poor〉 — mercy adj —at the mercy of : wholly in the power of : with no way to protect oneself against syn mercy, charity, clemency, grace, leniency mean a disposition to show kindness or compassion. mercy implies compassion that forbears punishing even when justice demands it 〈threw himself on the mercy of the court〉. charity stresses benevolence and goodwill shown in broad understanding and tolerance of others 〈show a little charity for the less fortunate〉. clemency implies a mild or merciful disposition in one having the power or duty of punishing 〈the judge refused to show clemency〉. grace implies a benign attitude and a willingness to grant favors or make concessions 〈by the grace of God〉. leniency implies lack of severity in punishing 〈criticized the courts for excessive leniency〉.

jus•tice \ˈjəs-təs\ n
[ME, fr. AF justise, fr. L justitia, fr. justus] 12c
1 a : the maintenance or administration of what is just esp. by the impartial adjustment of conflicting claims or the assignment of merited rewards or punishments
b : judge
c : the administration of law esp : the establishment or determination of rights according to the rules of law or equity
2 a : the quality of being just, impartial, or fair
b (1) : the principle or ideal of just dealing or right action
(2) : conformity to this principle or ideal : righteousness
c : the quality of conforming to law
3 : conformity to truth, fact, or reason : correctness

But then I ran across the description of justice as described in Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Dictionary. It helps to understand the difference between terminologies today and those of Bible times.

JUSTICE — the practice of what is right and just. Justice (or “judgment,” KJV) specifies what is right, not only as measured by a code of law, but also by what makes for right relationships as well as harmony and peace.

The English term “justice” has a strong legal flavor. But the concept of justice in the Bible goes beyond the law courts to everyday life. The Bible speaks of “doing justice” (Ps. 82:3; Prov. 21:3), whereas we speak of “getting justice.” Doing justice is to maintain what is right or to set things right. Justice is done when honorable relations are maintained between husbands and wives, parents and children, employers and employees, government and citizens, and human beings and God. Justice refers to neighborliness in spirit and action.

Kings, rulers, and those in power are to be instruments of justice (Ps. 72:1), as exemplified by David (2 Sam. 8:15) and Josiah (Jer. 22:15–16). The prophet Micah declared, “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Mic. 6:8). The Book of Isaiah describes God’s suffering servant, a description best fulfilled in Jesus, as one whose task as ruler will be to bring justice to the nations (Is. 42:1–4).

The prophets of the Old Testament were champions of social justice. During those days, justice was often perverted through bribery and favoritism or partiality (Deut. 1:17; Prov. 17:23). But God’s rewards come to those who practice justice in all their dealings with others. In the words of the prophet Amos, “Let justice run down like water, and righteousness like a mighty stream” (Amos 5:24).

If you ask me, I'll take justice and mercy any day over justice or mercy.

What is "Real" Christianity?

2008-12-23T17:32:00.004-05:00

This year has been rife with people talking about real vs. fake Christians and Christianity. I understand the sentiment as there are some things in popular Christianity that I just don't see as being Christian. And it shouldn't be since the official Christianity was formed by the Roman empire as a means to promote peace within the empire.

But, my word, people just go way too far in their arguments. Especially at this time of year, where one type of group goes on and on about how Christmas is not the day that Jesus/Yeshua was born. Well, if you are hung up on that you are missing the point completely and are stuck in the "rules."

Every day is about our King. There is not one day that is not about him. Is there a single person who truly thinks that Christmas day on our calendar is the actual day that he was born??? Really?

If you are one of those people that are hung up on these mundane trappings, I challenge you to look deeper this next year. Look at what is YHWH's rest, and what that means for each of us. And for starters, you can always relook at Heidi's post that I linked to last.

YHWH's calendar does have meaning and purpose, but maybe not what you think. His name does have meaning and purpose, but maybe not what you think. Our Lord Jesus' new name does have meaning, but maybe not what you think.

Always question what you think you know, for if you don't you will never know.

Religion, Pure and Undefiled

2008-12-22T20:54:00.002-05:00

Please take a moment to check out this post from Heidi.

http://pebblechaser.wordpress.com/2008/12/04/religion/

Fear Not, and be at Peace

2008-12-01T23:49:00.001-05:00

Our world has many things that can make us fear what is to come. Some people fear what Mr Obama will bring. Others fear that he will not bring the promised change. Others fear our collapsing economy and how we will survive. Others fear the increasing medical issues and the decreasing coverage of our health system and our health coverage. Others fear the terrorists and others still the wars that we wage to protect ourselves from the terrorists. Fear is everywhere.

This is not right!

Matthew 6:25-34, Romans 8:1-17

Our Lord Yhwh will care for us as his own beloved. He knows our needs and cares for our needs. We are our Lord's own children; we have an inheritance that he will one day give to us. But does he not give us his blessings each and every day - if only we "seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

But it does not come for nothing. Salvation is by faith alone, but faith without works is not faith. Faith is an action; an understanding of our Lord's commands; and a turning to do what he would do. "For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live."

But, you say, I am a good person and go to church every Sunday and Wednesday (or Saturday, or Friday). Or, I obey all 613 commandments and keep the Sabbath. But, I tell you that this is not enough in and of themselves. The actions that we take must be a side affect of the change in our nature. We must truly love our Yhwh with our entire being (Deuteronomy 6:5, Luke 10:27). And if we truly follow thru with this - the greatest commandment - then by our very (new) nature we will love all of our neighbors and do the same for them that we would do for our own selves (Leviticus 19:18, Luke 10:27).

What does this mean though - to love our neighbor as ourselves? Well, if you are trying to define what it means - and thus set limits, then you are not doing it. Do you try to define what you would do or what you would eat, wear, or buy to please yourself? No? Then doing that to define what it is to love your neighbor is in essence not loving your neighbor as yourself.

But as an example I go back to my last post - whose words our Lord Yhwh is speaking to us today:

Jeremiah 7:5-6 (TNIV)
If you really change your ways and your actions and deal with each other justly, if you do not oppress the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow and do not shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not follow other gods to your own harm,

Can you see how Yhwh has said that defining the limits is not loving your neighbor? It is not a new fault, but one as old as the Scriptures themselves. We are called to "really change [our] ways and [our] actions." Examples are given - and in fact most of the 613 commandments are just that; examples of how to change our ways and actions. But the ancient expert on the Law had the true words on how to inherit eternal life - even though he then showed that he didn't really understand as he immediately tried to define limits to feel righteous (Luke 10:25-37). And his true answer was:

Luke 10:27 (TNIV)
He answered, " ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’"

Do you try to define limits on what you must do? Do you ever feel guilty about not being able to do something for someone else? Do you seek the Kingdom of Yhwh above all else?

In closing, please take a moment to read 1 Kings 3:1-16. This passage has been one of the founding passages of my life - and thus my "avatar" picture of Solomon. Solomon asked of God for the wisdom to truly love his neighbor as himself and Yhwh was well pleased.

Shema Yisrael

2008-12-01T21:19:00.001-05:00

Jeremiah 7:2-29 (TNIV)

" ‘Hear the word of the Lord, all you people of Judah who come through these gates to worship the Lord. ^{This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Reform your ways and your actions, and I will let you live in this place. Do not trust in deceptive words and say, "This is the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord!" If you really change your ways and your actions and deal with each other justly, if you do not oppress the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow and do not shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not follow other gods to your own harm, then I will let you live in this place, in the land I gave your ancestors for ever and ever. But look, you are trusting in deceptive words that are worthless.}

" ‘Will you steal and murder, commit adultery and perjury, burn incense to Baal and follow other gods you have not known, and then come and stand before me in this house, which bears my Name, and say, "We are safe"—safe to do all these detestable things? Has this house, which bears my Name, become a den of robbers to you? But I have been watching! declares the Lord.

" ‘Go now to the place in Shiloh where I first made a dwelling for my Name, and see what I did to it because of the wickedness of my people Israel. While you were doing all these things, declares the Lord, I spoke to you again and again, but you did not listen; I called you, but you did not answer. Therefore, what I did to Shiloh I will now do to the house that bears my Name, the temple you trust in, the place I gave to you and your ancestors. I will thrust you from my presence, just as I did all your fellow Israelites, the people of Ephraim.’

"So do not pray for this people nor offer any plea or petition for them; do not plead with me, for I will not listen to you. Do you not see what they are doing in the towns of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem? The children gather wood, the fathers light the fire, and the women knead the dough and make cakes to offer to the Queen of Heaven. They pour out drink offerings to other gods to arouse my anger. But am I the one they are provoking? declares the Lord. Are they not rather harming themselves, to their own shame?

" ‘Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: My anger and my wrath will be poured out on this place—on people and animals, on the trees of the field and on the crops of your land—and it will burn and not be quenched.

" ‘This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Go ahead, add your burnt offerings to your other sacrifices and eat the meat yourselves! For when I brought your ancestors out of Egypt and spoke to them, I did not just give them commands about burnt offerings and sacrifices, but I gave them this command: Obey me, and I will be your God and you will be my people. Walk in obedience to all I command you, that it may go well with you. But they did not listen or pay attention; instead, they followed the stubborn inclinations of their evil hearts. They went backward and not forward. From the time your ancestors left Egypt until now, day after day, again and again I sent you my servants the prophets. But they did not listen to me or pay attention. They were stiff-necked and did more evil than their ancestors.’

"When you tell them all this, they will not listen to you; when you call to them, they will not answer. Therefore say to them, ‘This is the nation that has not obeyed the Lord its God or responded to correction. Truth has perished; it has vanished from their lips.

" ‘Cut off your hair and throw it away; take up a lament on the barren heights, for the Lord has rejected and abandoned this generation that is under his wrath.

Clarification on Songs

2008-11-11T12:18:00.002-05:00

So, I have heard statements such as "that is not at all what the lyrics mean" in the past when I have made statements about songs. In case any one might be thinking that I thought I would mention what I mean when I quote songs.

I don't really care what the original intent or meaning of a song was. All that matters is how God speaks to me thru any given song. Thus, I might post a song that some think is from the devil; but that's just ok. If you ever feel this way you can just ignore my post. :)

Anyway, the point is - what does God say to you when you listen to a song? What do you learn about how God wants us to be thru any given song?

Regarding these last two songs - I haven't listened to the group Live in well over 10 years. That only says that there is meaning when I all of a sudden want to listen to them, and then have a couple songs just drill into my inner most being.

So I know without a doubt that these two songs are saying something to me, now. If they don't say anything to you, that's ok. They may not have any meaning for God to use them to relay thoughts to you.

10,000 Years

2008-11-10T08:27:00.002-05:00

And the songs continue.

I think that this is speaking to us today, in that we have not been practicing the precepts of the Kingdom. We preach morality, but we lack the actions that our Lord Jesus told us to practice. We all sin, but we are quick to jump into the line of casting stones. We ignore the peace that we are told to be, because we are concerned that the peace is in fact the false peace of the deceiver. But instead of freezing us, it should spur us to show the peace and grace of our God. We need to show what true peace is so that people will see the false peace when it comes (very soon now).

===================================================

Artist: Live
Album: Mental Jewelry
Song: 10,000 Years

===================================================

The world is burning down
Can't you smell the smoke in the air?
War, disease and famine
This demon, she is everywhere

Poets and preachers and politicians
They've all had their say
And we've got 10,000 years
Devoted to nothing
But tommorow and yesterday

If all of the ignorance in the world
Passed a second ago
What would you say?
Who would you obey?
I am here to say that

Peace is now

Mr. President?
I hereby pardon you of all your crimes
For they are just as much mine

Selfishness and seperation have led me
To believe that the world is not my problem
The world is not my problem
I am the world
And you are the world

Peace is now

===================================================

Lyrics from http://www.lyricsfreak.com/l/live/10000+years_10166667.html

You are the World

2008-11-05T10:45:00.002-05:00

I don't know why this song is moving me so much right now, but it is. And thus I needed to post it.

Artist: Live
Album: Mental Jewelry
Song: You are the World

If you've ever known love
If you've ever known peace
If you've ever known joy
Make sure that you are on time

If you've ever known war
If you've ever known pain
If you've ever said no
Make sure that you are on time
You are on time
You are on time
We are on time

For you are the world

Fighting, mating, waring
You are all this now
Be aware, not scared
Look at me now
Silence
I say
You are the world

Lyrics from http://www.lyricsfreak.com/l/live/you+are+the+world_10166670.html

And Life Continues

2008-11-05T00:30:00.002-05:00

I was speaking with my dad tonight about the election. We agree on things and we disagree on things, and some things that we agree on are the same things we disagree on. It's a paradox. But does that make either of us less God's children, or less devoted to the ways of our Lord?

He was telling me that he has seen a morale decay over the generations. I too have seen a morale decay. But I also see a desire for better. And at the same time I see the world stage being setup for end times. But I don't see this as a doomsday; something to be feared. Instead, I see the signs of the return of the bridegroom. I see the signs that within my lifetime, my Lord and King will return to be with us and to restore Paradise to this fallen world. I see our Lord Father working his will and his way on earth as it is in heaven. I see heaven coming to earth in our every day lives.

Socialism, capitalism, Wall Street, Main Street, communism, and democracy. These are all inventions of man. Political kingdoms, money, wealth, power. These are all inventions of man.

The Kingdom of Heaven is about brothers and sisters - all joint heirs with our King Jesus. About equality and fairness. The Kingdom of Heaven is a monarchy, where we all do the will of our King and of his Father - our Father.

The people who are the heads of nations are hand-picked by our Father. They are not evil or good. They are the authority that has been placed over us - whom we have been commanded to obey. We give to our authorities as required - unless it violates what our God requires of us.

This evening, Mr McCain gave a very honorable concession speech. His crowd was mostly good, but there were some dishonorable people as well. People that booed at the one who God has chosen this evening to lead the USA for the near future. To boo him is to boo our God's choices - His will. If we are booing the will of our Father, are we not showing the lie to our own saying "your will be done on earth as it is in heaven?" Isn't that hypocritical?

It was a good race and congratulations to both Mr McCain and Mr Obama. They both did well, and they both finished the race with honor. And as Mr Obama said at the end of his speech, may God bless us and may God bless these united states of America.

The Returning Bridegroom

2008-10-14T19:41:00.002-04:00

Matt 25:1-13

Question: what preparations do you think we are meant to make for the return of Jesus?

I used to believe that the preparations were what we should do to prepare for the tribulation. But this parable is clear that the preparation is for the return of our Lord. So, since the focus is not preparing for the tribulation - what kind of preparation for our Lord's return are we meant to do?

Are you for real?

2008-10-13T23:13:00.001-04:00

"Most people are looking at the financial crisis, looking at their 401(k)s, and in between they're seeing the two candidates beat the living daylights out of each other and rolling their eyes."

"As the presidential candidates open their war chests in the campaign's final stretch -- spending a combined $28 million on television ads in the week that ended Oct. 4 -- political pros are mixed on whether they're getting their money's worth."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/13/AR2008101302425.html?hpid=topnews

Here's a thought, spend that money on trying to fix a small part of the nation's financial problems instead of on stupid ads that don't mean a thing. Put your money where your mouth is and DO something about it!

Who is Jesus, part 2

2008-09-26T10:27:00.006-04:00

So, I am a little amazed and no small amount disappointed. I recently posted an entry about a discussion on "Who is Jesus?" in which I invited others to come talk about who they believe Jesus is. No takers, and no comments here. Additionally, within that discussion it became less than I expected with much less participants from that community - and more debate over what I said and less statements from others on what they believed.

Why are people quick to voice their opinions on every single issue under the sun, but when asked to talk about Jesus there is silence? Issues are irrelevant people! There is no greater discussion for a true Christian than to talk about who Jesus is!!! Jesus is the reason, and the season. Jesus is everything, the entire meaning to life.

I am really left to wonder how many people get how simple salvation is. It is all about love folks. Do you really love Jesus? If so, why don't you talk more about him and less about issues?

"Seek first the kingdom of God"

"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." : 1 Cor 13:13

Shall We Hand Over More Freedoms?

2008-09-24T23:14:00.002-04:00

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/09/24/bush.bailout/index.html?eref=rss_topstories

Do we really want to give the government more ownership of our lives and freedoms? This problem we are in is not new. The country has been sliding into this since the .Com bust. Why is it all of a sudden an emergency to approve the government buying mortgage and reality companies to own a great portion of the homes in this country? What really is the end goal - as the home owner isn't or this would have been dealt with a long time ago?

The fact is, the companies deserve to belly up. The practiced unfairly and performed stupid business transactions. Will it impact the economy? Yup, but anything is going to. The economy is in a bad place. Is giving the government ownership of private mortgage industries going to fix this issue?

RefTagger

2008-09-15T21:51:00.002-04:00

Today I received an e-mail from Dan Pritchett of Logos on a new piece of functionality that Logos has released to the internet public. It is called RefTagger and may be read up on at http://www.logos.com/RefTagger. It turned out to be supremely easy to integrated into Blogger. What does it do? In short, it takes Scripture references in your blog entries and in the comments and turns them into hot-link "tooltip" windows with the actual verse(s).

As an example, one of my favorite verse as quoted above is: Isaiah 45:8.

Feel free to post miscellaneous comments here to test RefTagger out some more!

Rejoice in the Lord Always

2008-09-12T13:38:00.002-04:00

"Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.
Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.
Rejoice; rejoice: and again I say, Rejoice.
Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice."

I believe that is from a song by Keith Green. Do we always rejoice in our Lord, regardless of the situation? Do we truly believe that all things work together for good? Why does it work together for good? Is it because it spurs us to better things, or because it teaches us to do nothing because all things work together for good?

"To him that knows to do good and does not do it, it is a sin."

"No good tree bears bad fruit."

Do we pay more attention to peoples words than to their actions? Do statements and promises really mean anything? Do you vote for someone based on their words and stated "beliefs?" Or do you watch what they do and stay away from bad fruit?

I do not know who I will vote for, but I know what I'm watching. "You shall know them by their fruit."

On Things Political

2008-09-10T20:14:00.002-04:00

I've had an idea popping thru my head lately and thought I would share it. So many people are all concerned about who we should vote for, and how to determine who is worth our vote. Here is a suggestion in case anyone involved in the process finds this and cares what this voter has to say.

If you want my vote, instead of spending all of your time hob-nobbing do something. Both of you are senators and not without power in your current positions. Show us how you will work with both Democrats and Republicans in Congress now. Use your position to pass a measure or two now that shows what you will do as President.

There's been enough talk. Show us what you stand for thru your actions. Whichever one of you will do this will get my vote.

Have you been desensitized?

2008-08-25T23:12:00.002-04:00

I heard a sermon today from a non-pastor. In fact, this gentleman used to be in marketing. He was evaluating the impact of the digital age on mankind. He suggested that the miracle of cell phones and text messaging and all of these type of digital age benefits combine to give us the ability to empathize with all of the people across the world that suffer in any way, shape, or form. But that it also gives us the ability to be disconnected from real life implications of those disasters. And as a side affect, seeing such large scale disasters desensitizes us to the smaller scale issues near home.

Have you been desensitized? Do you see the injustice that exists in your town? How about your work place? Do you try to do anything to change it? Or have you been worn down to the point where you don't try to correct injustice any more?

Tidbit

2008-08-14T09:25:00.000-04:00

Wow! Julia Childs was a member of the OSS during WW2.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/08/14/spies.revealed.ap/index.html?eref=rss_topstories

Question(s) for 8/7/2008

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

Is there a difference between sin and morality?
Is there a difference between salvation and the Kingdom of God?

I know my answers to these questions, as God has been teaching me the last couple years what to think. How a person answers these questions, and the understanding that they have on these topics greatly impacts how they treat others. I encourage any who read here to meditate on these questions for a while and see what God tells you.

Shalom.

Definition: Authority

2008-07-25T15:26:00.003-04:00

Defined in the Holman Bible Dictionary:
http://www.studylight.org/dic/hbd/view.cgi?number=T566

Defined in the Mirriam-Webster Dictionary:
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/authority

Mirriam-Webster's 2nd and 3rd definition seem to apply to the discussion of what authority one Christian has over another.

2 a: power to influence or command thought, opinion, or behavior b: freedom granted by one in authority : right
3 a: persons in command; specifically : government b: a governmental agency or corporation to administer a revenue-producing public enterprise

And from Holman, the following statement is what sticks out.

New Testament “Exousia” is found in the New Testament in a variety of usages,
although always consistent with the belief that “there is no authority except
from God” (Romans 13:1 RSV; see John 19:11). “Exousia” describes first the freedom of God to act (Luke 15:5; Acts 1:7). Second, it signifies the divinely given power and authority of Jesus Christ as deriving from the Father (Matthew 28:18; John 10:18; John 17:2), enabling Him to forgive sin (Mark 2:10), and signifying His power to heal and to expel demons, which He gave His disciples (Mark 3:15). Third, it describes the freedom God gives His people for salvation (John 1:12) and from legalism (1 Corinthians 6:12). Fourth, it denotes the authority God imparted to the leaders to build up the church (2 Corinthians 10:8; 2 Corinthians 13:10). Fifth, “exousia” signifies the power God displayed through agents of destruction in the last days (Revelation 6:8; Revelation 9:3,Revelation 9:10,Revelation 9:19; Revelation 14:18; Revelation 16:9; Revelation 18:1). Sixth, the word denotes the dominion God allows Satan to exercise (Acts 26:18; Ephesians 2:2). Seventh, it describes the “authorities” created by God, both heavenly (Colossians 1:16) and secular (Romans
13:1; Titus 3:1).

One of my Favorite Verses

2008-07-24T07:18:00.001-04:00

Isaiah 45:8
Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the LORD have created it.

Also, the rest of the chapter is pretty interesting as related to "predestination."

The Fruit of the Rose Bush

2008-07-16T22:43:00.003-04:00

So, I've mentioned how I'm learning about fruit development in a rose bush. I just thought I would describe what I am learning so you might use the illustration as a way to interpret/understand the Scriptures when it speaks of the fruit of the Spirit and the fruit of the fleshly nature.

So, a rose bush develops the pretty and beautiful rose flowers. When they bloom, you get to enjoy the sights and smells of this wonderful flower. But then over the course of a week or two, that flower dies and collapses in on itself. And as it collapses, it grows into a ball. This ball then grows in size and in "meat" as it turns into a full fledged fruit (rose hips). As this process occurs, the plant is putting its energy into growing this fruit - and while it does so, in that area it does not put energy into creating more flowers. If you want more flowers, then you need to prune off the fruit so the plant stops giving energy to the fruit and redirects the energy to the flower.

It's actually a pretty cool process. And the plant produces whatever you allow it to put its energy into. Oh yeah, the rose bush also comes complete with many thorns that prick and cut and hurt. You can also spend your time pruning those off - though I do not. And the other interesting thing is, with the rose bush at the end of the year you cut it down to the ground and it will start all over the next year. If you do not cut it down, those branches just die, take up space, and make it harder for the new branches to grow and flourish.

What kind of understanding does this add to your interpretation of the fruit in Scripture? Does it give any additional meaning to you when it is said that if your eye offends you then you should pluck it out? In what ways should we treat our own bodies as a rose bush?

I've Been "Missing"

2008-07-14T17:44:00.003-04:00

I just wanted to let y'all know that I've been taking a little time off. I'm just trying to relax and come back with a fresh perspective. There has been just way too much breaking down and way too little uplifting and encouragement both in real life and in the internet world. Way too much it seems, people like to just get others to say "I agree with you" and not allow for the working of God. And then on the other hand, others only allow for the fluid working of God and don't believe anything is set in stone. I actually heard a "Christian" argue that homosexuality is not sin. It was not an argument that God loves the homosexual; it was an argument that it just isn't a sin to begin with. In fact the arguments go to the extreme on sin - as it does with everything else.

I miss the days where true believers lived a life of encouragement and uplifting. I don't know if that kind of a world can exist on the internet, but it is really discouraging when it starts disappearing from real life also.

So, my encouragement to all of you today. Stop the arguing. Read the Bible and understand what the fruit of the Spirit are and the fruit of the world. And as you understand, start living the fruit of the Spirit in every word and deed of your life. If you do, you will find that your life has changed - as any life filled with the Spirit of our God is changed.

Grace and peace friends.

A New Pet Peeve

2008-07-02T10:07:00.003-04:00

<begin rant />

So, Scriptures tell us to be humble. But I have seen so much pride this last year - both in real life and on different blogging sites. Pride you say! In what way?

After I take the time to carefully choose my words to cause the least offense to those who have egg shells for their interpretive lenses - those same people then have the temerity to say "but this is what you mean when you say that." Man, if that is what I meant I would have said that!

For the sake of our Lord and his suffering people, give others the benefit of the doubt that they actually mean exactly what they are saying. Quit the pride of thinking you know better what someone is thinking than they do.

Argh...

<end rant />

Thank you friends for allowing me to blow off some steam. And if this post touches some nerves, I encourage you to talk with God about it.

Breach of Trust?

2008-06-30T21:17:00.003-04:00

What do y'all think? If someone takes statements made in a personal conversation (of which you stated were topics for a person to person talk) and goes and tells them to a mutual friend and then that mutual friend tells you it happened and to leave them out of it, is that a breach of trust? Is it sin?

I think yes on both, since I feel violated. And now I don't know if I can even speak with that "friend" anymore - as I have not been told by that party what is stated. To me, that sounds like a direct result of sin; broken relationship.

So does forgive and forget mean continue on in that relationship? Or does forgive and forget mean forgive, forget, and move on?

I'm pretty quickly getting over the anger. Now I'm just left with violated and disappointed.... And I don't even know if I want to bring it up with that person, or just move on. Such a very strange position and set of emotions.

Blizzard Strikes Again

2008-06-28T20:22:00.001-04:00

Diablo III announced!

http://www.blizzard.com/diablo3/index.xml

Stressed spelled backward is desserts

2008-06-26T17:18:00.001-04:00

Below is a "junk" message that contained the phrase that is the title of this post. I just had to post this as it sounds very much like my idea of a diet. :)

THE COPING DIET
Only girlfriends can understand this one. This is a
specially formulated diet
designed to help women cope with the stress that
builds during the day.

Breakfast
1 grapefruit
1 slice whole
wheat toast
1 cup skim milk

Lunch
1 small portion lean, steamed
chicken
1 cup spinach
1 cup herbal tea
1 Hershey's kiss

Afternoon Snack
The rest of t he Hershey kisses in the bag
1 tub
of Hagen-Daaz ice cream with chocolate chips

Dinner
4 glasses of
wine (red or white)
2 loaves garlic bread
1 family size supreme pizza
3 Snickers Bars

Late Night Snack
1 whole Sarah Lee cheesecake
(eaten directly from the freezer)

Remember: Stressed spelled backward is
desserts.

Send this to four women and you will lose two pounds.

Send this to all the women you know (or ever knew) and you will lose 10
pounds.

If you delete this message, you will gain 10 pounds immediately.
That is why I had to pass it on; I didn't want to risk it

Why is there starvation and poverty?????

2008-06-24T23:52:00.003-04:00

URL: http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/06/24/world.wealth.ap/index.html?eref=rss_topstories

What is up with this?? There are more than 10 million people that have more than a million dollars in assets - not including their own homes. These people have a combined value of 41 trillion dollars - plus their over 10 million homes!!

Why is there anyone left in this world with poverty? Why does anyone die of starvation? It is ridiculous that these 10 million people can't take but a portion of their 41 trillion dollars and do something to erase poverty and starvation.

What a sad state of affairs.

Mr James Dobson Speaks Out Against Mr Obama

2008-06-24T17:25:00.004-04:00

URL: http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/06/24/evangelical.vote/index.html?eref=rss_topstories

Mr. James Dobson of Focus on the Family speaks out against Mr. Obama. All of his comments are fair game since Obama's campaign has approached him. That said, there are parts of his comments that I absolutely agree with and others that I think he is not grasping what Mr Obama has said. On those latter comments I know for a fact for conversations I have been involved in that they are real issues being debated by real people right now; truly looking for real answers. So Mr Dobson's response ignores a real need in people, and that is a little disappointing. But, as he suggests at the end of the article - religion is a big deal in this vote.

I am happy that Mr Dobson will continue to stick up for what he believes to be correct - as we all need to do. This voting season will be difficult, because is there a good choice for true believers?

Anyway, comments that I definitely agree with:

"What he's trying to say here is, unless everybody agrees, we have no right to fight for what we believe."

"And if I can't get everyone to agree with me, than it is undemocratic to try to
pass legislation that I find offensive to the Scripture. Now, that is a
fruitcake interpretation of the Constitution."

Comments that I think Mr Dobson has missed the real concern of people in:

"Which passages of scripture should guide our public policy?" Obama asked in the
speech. "Should we go with Leviticus, which suggests slavery is OK and that
eating shellfish is an abomination? Or we could go with Deuteronomy, which
suggests stoning your child if he strays from the faith? Or should we just stick
to the Sermon on the Mount?"

What Must I Do to Be Saved?

2008-06-23T21:31:00.002-04:00

John 20:22-23 (TNIV)

And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of anyone, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”

Acts 2:37-39 (TNIV)

When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

Acts 10:39-43 (TNIV)

“We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a cross, but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen—by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

John 5:36-40 (TNIV)

“I have testimony weightier than that of John. For the works that the Father has given me to finish—the very works that I am doing—testify that the Father has sent me. And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me. You have never heard his voice nor seen his form, nor does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent. You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you possess eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.

So, in Acts 2 - Peter says that the requirement for salvation is repent and be baptized into Jesus. The fact of salvation being marked by the gift of the Spirit.

In Acts 10 - the Gentiles receive the mark of the Spirit while hearing the words of the death, burial and resurrection. After receiving the mark they participate in baptism. Thus, baptism is not a requirement of salvation - but a sign of being saved. Just as receiving the Spirit is a sign of being saved.

Also in Acts 10 and John 5 it speaks of how the Law and the Prophets all speak of Jesus. All the words of the OT point to Jesus the Messiah and the salvation he brings. How Jesus fulfills the Law by giving the Law written on our hearts and on our minds.

Galatians 1:3-4 (TNIV)

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,

Galatians 6:12-16 (TNIV)

Those who want to impress others by means of the flesh are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ. Not even those who are circumcised keep the law, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your circumcision in the flesh. May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation. Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule—to the Israel of God.

1 Corinthians 1:20-2:5 (TNIV)

Where are the wise? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.
Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.
Therefore, as it is written: “Let those who boast boast in the Lord.”
And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. My message and my reaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.

What is the commonality of Paul's message? It is the Jesus Christ crucified. The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus is the one and only way to repentance, forgiveness, and eternal life. Nothing else is required for salvation. This is what it means when it says "believe on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ." The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus is what the Law and the Prophets pointed to. It is and always was the only sacrifice that can save.

Everything else is growing in the Lord. Friends, do not let anyone convince you otherwise. Paul's writings are full of warnings against any gospel that is different than that which was first preached. And then he tells us what that Gospel is: "Jesus Christ and him crucified."

Glory to God on the highest for this wonderful Grace that he has given. All we must do is believe that Jesus' sacrifice is all we need to be forgiven and redeemed.

Amen.

What's with Labeling?

2008-06-20T19:02:00.003-04:00

I've been hearing a bit lately about people that are "emergent" or "post-modern" - as if it is a derogatory term. Truthfully I don't really know what the terms truly stand for - so can't say if they apply. I do know that one person who is labeled "emergent" has flat out stated that he is not.

First question, why do we resort to needing to place a label on anyone? Should their words, actions, and beliefs not be judged for themselves? And even after this "judgment" occurs, why label a person as anything - just speak out against what you believe to be false.

Second question, how is this labeling different than in the apostolic days when some claimed to be of Paul and some of Apollos? This labeling was condemned in those days; would it not also be today?

Third question, and this one is on a specific topic instead of the above general questions. If you do not or have not gone to Mars Hill Bible Church, why are you even getting involved with the debate on Rob Bell? He has nothing to do with you, and thus Jesus' direction applies: he who is not against us is for us. And, of course, whether or not Rob stands or falls is between him and Jesus. There are many that have given testimony to God for the things that HE has done for them thru Rob's ministry. Therefore God is using Rob; and so we should just leave it alone. God will teach and convict as HE will.

And this applies even more for those of us who believe in "predestination" or the calling of God. HE has picked his children before the foundation of the world, and he will keep them. No one can snatch them from his hand. And on the other side, no one can place someone else in his hand whom he has not called. Therefore, there is not one thing that Rob is capable of doing to lead God's chosen down a "false" path. If our LORD has called, they will answer. And those whom he has called will be saved - no matter what we think of the when, where, and how.

Feel free to discuss the theological questions behind Rob. That is in fact the exact reason he wrote what he wrote; to make you think and discuss. But, leave Rob himself out of it - for Jesus said to. And try very, very hard not to judge any person - otherwise people will judge you right back, as will our God.

Finally, as to "emergent" or "post-modern" or other such labels. It's never a clear-cut, black and white call. As Layne has suggested, the truth lies somewhere between. And I would suggest that it is the extreme positions for which labels are created and the truth definitely lies in-between the extremes.

Supporting those in Need

2008-06-17T22:35:00.002-04:00

I was recently asked if I thought the Bible was literal when it says that Jesus told us to feed the hungry and clothe the naked. In short, quite so.

Speaks of a real need for food and shelter, and how God will always provide (and here)

Speaks of those that show a concern for the needs of the poor as being his chosen

The Good Samaritan

Job speaks on God's expectations - given in His Law

And from the beginning, the tithe was about food for those who could not provide for themselves

But there is also the "spiritual" interpretation which is also true (John 6). But just because the "spiritual" interpretation is true, it does not invalidate the clear and more direct interpretation of other Scriptures. It is not an either-or.

So, yes when Jesus says to feed the hungry and clothe the naked that is what he means. If we only prescribe to the spiritual but neglect the physical needs of people, then we are missing the mark.

Anyway, there is my answer to the question.

An Apple a Day

2008-06-16T13:03:00.002-04:00

You know what is better for the health of you and your family? It's not an apple a day, it's prayer to God.

"Cast all your care upon Him for He cares for you." - 1 Peter 5:7

Make it your daily ritual to sit down with God and pray for the health of your family - including yourself - and he will be faithful to fulfill your request to the limits allowed. This doesn't mean that there will not be times of testing, but it will probably result in an overall better daily health.

Miscellaneous on the Messiah

2008-06-12T23:41:00.003-04:00

Here are some interesting clips from The Legends of the Jews. If interested, you may find this resource at www.gutenberg.org. Or this resource is a free download for Logos at www.stilltruth.com.

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"As for the seven divisions of Paradise, each of them is twelve myriads of miles in width and twelve myriads of miles in length. In the first division dwell the proselytes who embraced Judaism of their own free will, not from compulsion. The walls are of glass and the wainscoting of cedar. The prophet Obadiah,[91] himself a proselyte, is the overseer of this first division. The second division is built of silver, and the wainscoting thereof is of cedar. Here dwell those who have repented, and Manasseh, the penitent son of Hezekiah, presides over them. The third division is built of silver and gold. Here dwell Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and all the Israelites who came out of Egypt, and the whole generation that lived in the desert.[92] Also David is there, together with all his sons[93] except Absalom, one of them, Chileab, still alive. And all the kings of Judah are there, with the exception of Manasseh, the son of Hezekiah, who presides in the second division, over the penitents. Moses and Aaron preside over the third division. Here are precious vessels of silver and gold and jewels and canopies and beds and thrones and lamps, of gold, of precious stones, and of pearls, the best of everything there is in heaven.[94] The fourth division is built of beautiful rubies,[95] and its wainscoting is of olive wood. Here dwell the perfect and the steadfast in faith, and their wainscoting is of olive wood, because their lives were bitter as olives to them. The fifth division is built of silver and gold and refined gold,[96] and the finest of gold and glass and bdellium, and through the midst of it flows the river Gihon. The wainscoting is of silver and gold, and a perfume breathes through it more exquisite than the perfume of Lebanon. The coverings of the silver and gold beds are made of purple and blue, woven by Eve, and of scarlet and the hair of goats, woven by angels. Here dwells the Messiah on a palanquin made of the wood of Lebanon, "the pillars thereof of silver, the bottom of gold, the seat of it purple." With him is Elijah. He takes the head of Messiah, and places it in his bosom, and says to him, "Be quiet, for the end draweth nigh." On every Monday and Thursday and on Sabbaths and holidays, the Patriarchs come to him, and the twelve sons of Jacob, and Moses, Aaron, David, Solomon, and all the kings of Israel and of Judah, and they weep with him and comfort him, and say unto him, "Be quiet and put trust in thy Creator, for the end draweth nigh." Also Korah and his company, and Dathan, Abiram, and Absalom come to him on every Wednesday, and ask him: "How long before the end comes full of wonders? When wilt thou bring us life again, and from the abysses of the earth lift us?" The Messiah answers them, "Go to your fathers and ask them"; and when they hear this, they are ashamed, and do not ask their fathers.

In the sixth division dwell those who died in performing a pious act, and in the seventh division those who died from illness inflicted as an expiation for the sins of Israel.[97]"

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"Thence he extended his dominion farther and farther, until he rose by cunning and force to be the sole ruler of the whole world, the first mortal to hold universal sway, as the ninth ruler to possess the same power will be the Messiah.[82]"

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"and the tenth (famine) will scourge men before the advent of Messiah, and this last will be "not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord."[64]

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"Though Lot owed his deliverance to the petition of Abraham, yet it was at the same time his reward for not having betrayed Abraham in Egypt, when he pretended to be the brother of Sarah.[187] But a greater reward still awaits him. The Messiah will be a descendant of his, for the Moabitess Ruth is the great-grandmother of David, and the Ammonitess Naamah is the mother of Rehoboam, and the Messiah is of the line of these two kings.[188]"

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"He said to Esau: "I foresee that in future days suffering will be inflicted by thy children upon mine. But I do not demur, thou mayest exercise thy dominion and wear thy crown until the time when the Messiah springs from my loins, and receives the rule from thee." These words spoken by Jacob will be realized in days to come, when all the nations will rise up against the kingdom of Edom, and take away one city after another from him, one realm after another, until they reach Bet-Gubrin, and then the Messiah will appear and assume his kingship."

Street Painting

2008-06-08T22:59:00.003-04:00

Unlike other projects where it possible to stand back and view an entire work,
street painting and large scale mural painting are unique in the sense that one
must imagine the whole painting while working on a detail of it. - Kurt Wenner
http://www.kurtwenner.com/qanda.htm

I wonder how our LORD envisioned his painting (Creation), when he laid down the master strokes that continue to create his vision today.

Which Sci-fi Character are you?

2008-06-05T23:23:00.001-04:00

A venerated sage with vast power and knowledge, you gently guide forces around you while serving as a champion of the light.

Thanks for the link DP; it made me laugh! :)

Heart Tug: Coming Project

2008-06-04T10:25:00.003-04:00

Ok, so a day or two ago I commented on feeling the tug to do something else. And that I haven't started yet due to time constraints. Well, this is a small start but it seems like such a huge undertaking.

Well, what I am being tugged to do is write a book. Very much similar to what I am doing here, and probably containing much that we discuss. But, bringing it all together into a cohesive thought and getting it out there for any who might be interested in reading that don't do internet. It's been a while since I took on any size project similar to this, and even longer since it had something to do with a topic other than computers.

Is there any suggestions out there on how to find an editor / publisher? Should I have the book "finished" before approaching an editor / publisher or would that be silly given that the editor will likely change it a bit?

Thoughts?

Some Old Music

2008-06-04T10:07:00.002-04:00

Listening to some old(er) music today and letting my heart/feeling return to the innocence and purity of yesteryear.

No one should go through hard times
No one should live in sorrow
Got to lift your head up high
Got to face the darker skies

Yahoo! ah higher, higher, higher
Yahoo! ah find your way unto to the lord
ah higher, higher, higher
Yahoo! ah find your way unto to the lord

http://www.getalyric.com/mp3/lyrics/songs/erasure-1100/the_innocents-3558/yahoo-20074

Rising Concern over Food

2008-06-03T12:51:00.002-04:00

So, we've been hearing about the fuel shortage and how that is affecting the world. We've heard of Global Warming - and in fact Global Cooling recently. We've heard of all the natural disasters that are increasing in frequency and destruction - such as tornados, hurricanes, earthquakes, etc. Now there is a growing food shortage that is increasing the cost of food the world over (http://www.voanews.com/english/2008-06-03-voa25.cfm).

In fact, a couple weeks ago I was at training and their were people who originated from India who recently went back to visit family. In India, it is now cheaper to purchase food from the USA than to grow it locally.

To me, this not only is a bad thing for the impact it will have on the lives of so many. It is also like reading a check list from Scripture on the birthing pangs of Creation.

Sadly, death is a guarantee coming up. In the Great Trib I believe we have been told that it will be at least a 1/3 of the world's population that will die. We are currently far short of 1/3 of the world's population, but the death toll world wide continues to climb - between these natural disasters and the wars that abound across the world and the tradegies that occur with the tribal feudalism of Africa.

Anyway, as the time draws nearer it is more important to pray for and reach out to everyone that we can.

Why a Bodily Resurrection?

2008-05-31T03:06:00.002-04:00

Over at Christianity Unplugged I am having a discussion on why it matters that Jesus was physically raised from the dead. (http://tribes.tribe.net/unplugged/thread/1f9e5947-ce8a-467e-aa77-c885993e1164)

Within this conversation I am either having some eye opening thoughts, or I am sleep deprived and just think I am. Not sure which it is. Please drop by and join in the conversation.

If anyone is interested in joining, just send me a Tribe e-mail after you join Tribe (free) and I'll invite you to the Christianity Unplugged tribe.

Down a Conspiracy Hole

2008-05-21T23:25:00.003-04:00

This last week I read of a conspiracy theory that was about the policies that have been put into place since 9/11. About how President Bush will be able to declare a state of emergency if another attack takes place. About how this state of emergency will place him at a leadership position in the government without a possible new election until he declares the state of emergency over.

I'm not typically taken by these conspiracy theories, at least the ones that go this far down the rabbit hole. But this one just doesn't let go. This one sounds like the "birth" of the anti-christ to me.

Isn't it sad how much of a victory was achieved in the 9/11 attacks? Isn't it sad how many of the liberties and freedoms that made the USA such a great country are given up for "peace and safety?" And it isn't even real "peace and safety," but instead the removal of it.

Beware the mark of the beast. And know that if this theory actually occurs that the beast has been marked for those who hear and see.

New Design

2008-05-20T23:52:00.001-04:00

I hope you like the new look of the site. I'm not completely sold on it yet, so it may change again in the near future. Just need to test it out and see what I think.

Thoughts from you my visitors?

King of Kings for the Day

2008-05-18T23:39:00.003-04:00

If you sit down and read of the emperors of old - whether in the Old Testament or other sources - there is a common theme among them. They see themselves as the King of Kings because of their mighty power and influence over everyone on the Earth - including other kings. And this is a huge figure of what is spoken of in Scripture when it speaks of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the true King of Kings that will live and reign forever and ever.

But, here is a question to ponder. It is a question that I do not yet have an answer to. It is a question who's answer should impact each of our lives in the day to day; to change what we view as important in life.

If you were to be given a day - one day only - to be the King of Kings on this planet as were the emperors of old what would you do with it? What would be your list of things to actually accomplish from start to finish (one or more things)?

Once you have in mind what that list is, what can you do to try to fulfill that list now?

The Good News and It's Great Commission

2008-05-13T22:54:00.004-04:00

Matthew 28:8-10 (TNIV)
So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”

Matthew 28:16-19 (TNIV)
Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

Luke 24:33-53 (TNIV)
They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.

While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”

When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence.
He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.”

Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.

Acts 1:1-11 (TNIV)
In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

So when they met together, they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”

All of these passages speak of the same event. At the same moment in time:

1. Jesus ensured that every one saw him in person, saw him eat food, touch him to confirm that he was not just a spirit.
2. Gave the promise of the Comforter
3. Instructed that only the Father knows when the Kingdom will come.
4. Defined the Good News as the "repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations" - which is because the Messiah died, buried, and risen again after 3 days.
5. Gave the Great Commission, which was also worded in other passages as solely being His witnesses of the Good News. (Note: the word translated as "make disciples" does not mean make disciples; but truly teach and instruct - and be disciples. There is not really a "make disciples.")
6. Rose into the heavens visibly to return to the Father.
7. Angels appeared to tell the disciples that Jesus will return in the exact same manner in which he left.

Do you stand looking in the sky for his return - literally or figuratively? I do. What a glorious day that will be, and dreadfully painful to those who would do war - especially against Israel. This days is soon coming, and there is always war in Israel. Every where the planet is in the throws of birthing pains, and thousands die. Every day there is war and poverty and thousands die. Maybe this death is the mercy of the Lord, for that which comes next is not pleasant.

But before death comes, has anyone been Jesus' witness for them? How much time do we spend talking about what Jesus has done and why? How much time do we spend debating everything else about religion?

Anyway, Jesus' sacrifice had one purpose. To make possible repentance for the forgiveness of sins to all who would believe and turn to him. Nothing else is required. No rules, nothing. Repent from your sin whenever you are convicted and turn to Jesus for forgiveness. He paid the price in full for all of our sin.

Ave Maria

2008-05-13T22:29:00.002-04:00

I heard this at lunch today and had to just post it. It is a very beautiful song.

Jesus' Return

2008-05-13T07:58:00.002-04:00

Titus 2:11-14 (TNIV)
For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

2 Thessalonians 2 (TNIV)
Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers and sisters, not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by the teaching allegedly from us—whether by a prophecy or by word of mouth or by letter—asserting that the day of the Lord has already come. Don't let anyone deceive you in any way, for [that day will not come] until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness [a] is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God.
Don't you remember that when I was with you I used to tell you these things? And now you know what is holding him back, so that he may be revealed at the proper time. For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming. The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie, and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.

But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.

Know this, Jesus return to this world is not going to be in a figurative sense - for that is not fitting with the warnings given. End times are just that, the end of this age. Do not be confused and think that it either has happened or will not happen, for that is the lie of the deceiver.

The return of Jesus to this world so that man can see the glory of our great God and wonderful Savior is the good news. Without his return there is no salvation, but only death. The resurrection does not occur until he returns. Without the resurrection we remain disembodied souls inside of Abraham's bosom without the ability to interact with the living, or with the cursed dead for that matter.

With all of the information and warnings that have been given in the New Testament so we can know what is coming, so we can see the signs and know that his return is near (and it is), so we will not be deceived into believing the lies of the deceiver (as we are deceived) - how is it that the means by which the Lord Jesus will return is immaterial? How does the knowledge of a physical return and a knowledge of the signs showing that it is nearing not change how you live now?

Is it because of the belief in a "rapture" that will allow us to not go thru the trial as the rest of God's Chosen People will go thru it?? Talk about a lie of the deceiver. The Great Tribulation is the time of Jacob's Trial. Therefore, the purpose of the Tribulation is to purify and bring people to God; how can that happen if the people of God are gone? Even as in the days of Noah, we too will be protected thru those days. But if we perish, it is but a short sleep.

Is it because it is a figurative reign of Jesus' from heaven? But then why were the people concerned that he had already come? If Jesus' reign is from heaven, when is the resurrection? When do we live again - for salvation is not the "life" of disembodied souls in the void where God "is?" Salvation is resurrection and freedom from the judgement that is coming.

So, it is of prime importance for you to determine the importance of this topic for your life now. What is your actual hope? Does your hope match with the promises of God, or are you believing a lie of the deceiver?

On God's Redemptive Plan

2008-05-06T22:53:00.002-04:00

I just read Craig's latest post which has caused me to wonder what redemptive "theology" I would fall under - as I do not fall under any of the brief synopsis' that J Razz has described. I did a quick Google search on what I thought would be the proper "buzz words" but got nothing from that search. I will of course continue to come up with the right words to search on to try to reduce the amount of work that would go behind this, but until then I will endeavor to slowly describe my belief.

This post will attempt to give an overview, which will hopefully build some discussion to try to narrow in on the next step or two down the line of description.

In brief, God's plan is a single and progressive plan that was designed before the foundation of this creation. His plan took into account that there would be a fall and a need for redemption. His plan took into account that his redeemer would be born of a genetic line of man - and thus that line needed to be marked as different. This "mark" does not in any way mean that the people who were the ancestors of the redeemer - on any of their other descendants are "better" than any other of their human brethren. This "mark" was meant to both point the way to the redeemer and to provide glory to the Maker and Creator of all things.

As such, the only truth to the concept of "dispensations" is that God has had distinct blocks of times in which certain steps of his plan have needed to be implemented. This implementation occurs thru specific people or groups of people. These dispensations do not equate to a change in how God has decided to redeem man - for his plan was created before anything else was created. Dispensations are therefore a way that man has created to encircle and define how God has chosen to work with man. In essence, a way for man to try to bottle God and describe how he is allowed to interact with man; in fact, an idol. This fact is shown and proven by the dividing effect that it has had within the body of Christ - instead of the unifying effect that the revelation of God is meant to create.

Therefore, the plan of redemption was formed prior to creation and thus took into account that man would fall. If it did not take the future fall into account, then there is no need for redemption. Therefore, the fall is a part and parcel of God's plan and not a set back to God. To believe it is a set back is to claim that man is more powerful than God; again, another idol.

Thus, the fall and man sinning is a part of God's redemptive plan. The next step was to immediately at the fall tell of how God would redeem man from his fall - while explaining that the consequences of man's free will choice would have to be paid. The point of the consequences is to help man understand the great grace of the life God originally gave us and has promised to return the entirety of creation to once again. This redemptive state is promised upon death when we enter Paradise / Abraham's Bosom. This redemptive state will be restored upon all Creation at the return of Jesus to this planet upon which he was born.

The ultimate consequence of the fall was / is (physical) death. At the end of his first earthly life Jesus descended into Sheol and took the keys of death from Satan and revoked that authority from Satan. After three days he rose again and restored a number of people to physical life. It was obviously not an eternal life as Scriptures only define that Jesus ascended to heaven after an unspecified time upon this planet after his resurrection. This was the first victory en-masse over death. Here Jesus did en-masse what he had previously done only for Lazarus and a girl child.

But then he returned to his eternal heavenly throne. When he returns to establish the earthly Kingdom the "dead in Christ" will be raised and the living "in Christ" will be transformed. Thus the next blow on death will be struck as a fairly large number of people will be returned to man's eternal state that existed prior to the fall. The creation will be in large part redeemed and renewed - but it is stated that man's days will still be numbered; but much longer. This is obviously people who were still alive at Jesus' return that were not "the wicked" but neither were "in Christ." These will worship Jesus' out of the fact that he will be standing there in front of them in all of his majesty - after destroying the mighty power and majesty of the beast and his false prophet.

At this stage man will be living in Paradise with God walking amongst them. But over time there will still be the wicked who will even still hate to serve this person because they are "forced" to serve him. After this time has passed, Satan will be released from his prison and lead these people against God one last time. Thus man will see that even living a perfect and extremely long life, that there will be many that desire their own will over perfection. This will result in the final judgement, and the final overthrow of death within this creation.

And thus God will have shown his mercy and grace, and his justice. And out of all of it, some will still choose self over perfection. For those who do not choose self, they will see all that God has done and worship and praise him all the more. Then what will come next? The Bible does not say. But it does say that we will be "like the angels." Does that mean that we will just sit in the heavenlies singing of God's praise? Will we continue to live in the Paradise of our Creation caring for it as we did before the fall? Will we be the angels to the man of a new Creation? Who knows. That would be part of another plan of God, as the plan of redemption will be complete.

So, does anyone know of a current "theory" or "doctrine" that defines this overview of thought? Does this overview "feel" correct? Does it give you joy to think of this wonderful plan of God? Or does it make you think of me as without sound knowledge? Or worse a heretic?

Strange Experience

2008-05-04T09:55:00.002-04:00

Well, as I said in the last post I've been drawn to Psalms recently. Last night I read the 1st 15 and fell asleep. 1.5 hours later I woke up feeling surrounded by the evil spirits. As in the past, I prayed to the LORD for protection (which he of course provided). But unlike in the past I then envisioned the cross and the second I did my inner sight was filled with light like the sun and the spirits were gone.

Has anyone else had a similar experience?

Psalms 2

2008-05-04T08:22:00.003-04:00

Lately my interest has moved to the Psalms. I had just barely started reading and it was already a prophetic Psalm about the Kingdom.

Psalm 2 (NASB95)
"Why are the nations in an uproar and the peoples devising a vain thing?

The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying,

“Let us tear their fetters apart And cast away their cords from us!”

He who sits in the heavens laughs, The Lord scoffs at them. Then He will speak to them in His anger and terrify them in His fury, saying,

“But as for Me, I have installed My King upon Zion, My holy mountain.”

“I will surely tell of the decree of the Lord:
He said to Me, ‘You are My Son, Today I have begotten You.

‘Ask of Me, and I will surely give the nations as Your inheritance,
And the very ends of the earth as Your possession.

‘You shall break them with a rod of iron, You shall shatter them like earthenware.’ ”

Now therefore, O kings, show discernment;

Take warning, O judges of the earth.
Worship the Lord with reverence
And rejoice with trembling.

Do homage to the Son, that He not become angry, and you perish in the way, for His wrath may soon be kindled. How blessed are all who take refuge in Him!"

Stress Break (of sorts)

2008-04-29T09:16:00.002-04:00

I just wanted to forewarn that my posting may decrease for a little while. It seems as if I want a way to get stress relief and have started play World of Warcraft again. So far, in just an hour and a half most of my stress was able to go away real quick. :)

Anyway, there are times that you just need to escape into memories of yester-year. Some might say that I am wasting my time, but if something brings peace to your soul is it a waste?

Books of Interest

2008-04-25T21:40:00.002-04:00

There is a new section on the right (towards the bottom) titled "Books of Interest." This has been added by request. This section is not an open endorsement of any of the books and their beliefs, but is instead of list of books that provide both truth and error. Why do I list them? Because they do a good job of making you think about what you believe and thus come closer to your LORD.

Please feel free to use this post to suggest books that you have found either challenging or enlightening!

Peace unto you all.

When Do We Learn the Most?

2008-04-25T21:21:00.003-04:00

Just a thought that struck me while listening to Joel Osteen - whom I've never listened to before. But the thought certainly holds true to the experiences that I have been in this year - whether in the blogosphere or at work, or any other life experience in fact.

There will be times in our life that something happens to really upset us. This could be related to work, church, or friends. Maybe someone makes a comment on a blog that just burns you up for some reason. When such a thing occurs, I have lately been looking at it from the perspective of why does it upset me? What lesson is the LORD trying to teach me that is raising my spine in such a way? Looking at things this way, I have been finding "leaven" in my life that needs cleaning.

So when do we learn the most? Is it on the mountain peaks, or in the valleys?

Psalm 23 (ASV)
"Jehovah is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures;
He leadeth me beside still waters.

He restoreth my soul: He guideth me in the paths
of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Yea, thou I walk through the valley of the shadow
of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me;
Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence
of mine enemies: Thou hast anointed my head with oil;
My cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and lovingkindness shall follow me all
the days of my life; And I shall dwell in the house of
Jehovah for ever."

Mowing the Yard; or Time with my Son

2008-04-25T18:34:00.002-04:00

Well, tonight I got home and combined the need to spend time with my 2 year old boy and my need to perform the first mow of the yard. Pretty cool adventure. I held him on one knee with one hand and with the other hand turned the wheel (riding mower). Within 5 minutes, my son was "steering" the mower with me. And then I reached a point where I needed to back up a few times - which requires holding down a little yellow button. After a couple times my son was doing that with me too. And then I was so proud of him I end up giving him a couple kisses on the cheek. And before we were done - he gave me a kiss or two on the cheek. I guess he was proud of me too. :)

How like our relationship with our Father in heaven and our Lord Jesus Christ. In Scriptures he is showing us how we should act and live, and then we are to imitate him. He shows his love towards us, and we show our love back to him. And as we grow, we start to show his love to others so that someday they too can show their love back to him. Just as one day my son will do the same thing with his own children.

On Communion

2008-04-24T23:17:00.004-04:00

1 Corinthians 11:27-32 (TNIV)
"So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves. That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. But if we were more discerning with regard to ourselves, we would not come under such judgment. Nevertheless, when we are judged in this way by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be finally condemned with the world."

This one has always made me think. I recall even at the age of 9 or 10 wondering, what does it mean to drink unworthily? The easy answer was sin; what sin was in my life that I had not yet confessed to receive forgiveness. This is the childrens answer. This is milk.

But, you say, if this is milk what other answer do you have that you think is meat? To me, it comes from the discussions that I have been involved in this year. It comes from knowing the context of the passage. It comes from knowing that this communion was a Passover meal. Why does it make a difference? Because thinking of the Passover one must also think of the instructions to not eat leavened bread - and in fact to remove every speck of leaven from the borders of Israel before the week of Passover / Unleavened Bread.

As an example, Heidi recently posted about how her family cleaned their house in preparation of Passover. She described how it was a good thing, but bad in seeing the kind of mess that could come out of her couch when cleaned so thoroughly. (Please read Heidi's post for full details.) This post made me think, wow what a large amount of work is put into removing every last speck of leaven from the house. And then I remembered a passage from Corinthians.

1 Corinthians 5:6-8 (TNIV)
"Your boasting is not good. Don’t you know that a little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough? Get rid of the old yeast, so that you may be a new unleavened batch—as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old bread leavened with malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth."

So to eat unworthily of the bread and wine of our Passover lamb is to do so without doing a thorough cleaning of all the leaven that is within our own temple - which is to say all of our own sins and old leaven of malice and wickedness. It is our practicing a false religion of hypocrisy where we teach righteousness but do not live righteously. We teach charity and giving, but we practice self-righteousness and hording. (Mt 16:12, Lk 12:1)

So, before you partake of your next communion or your next Passover -> try to be "more discerning with regard to ourselves" so that "we would not come under such judgment." Because with whatever measure we judge another, we also will be judged. Our LORD will not allow us to live a life of hypocrisy. If you expect sinless perfection of your brethren, sinless perfection will be expected of you; anything less will be judgment.

So, let go of that malice and wickedness. Learn to love your brethren as they are. Learn how to speak lovingly with each other, instead of with "preaching" in mind so that you can mutually learn more about Christ from each other. Be a reflection of Christ to each other so that just by seeing that reflection we will be convicted of the sin in our own lives. Even the reflection of Christ is much more effective that the judgmental image of sin and self.

"For in him we live and move and have our being." Acts 17:28 - Epimenides

Diet

2008-04-22T10:56:00.002-04:00

Well, my attempt at "dieting" has been going rather horribly. I'm still not drinking pop (thank the LORD for his assistance there), but food is still a downfall. But I am happy to report that I have discovered a "new" delicious fruit! Grapefruit. I've never had it before, but it is very delicious. Yeah for God on this creation.

Unguarded

2008-04-21T13:34:00.002-04:00

Unguarded by Amy Grant

I am listening to this CD again today. I am amazed at how it is still one of my favorite CDs from "Contemporary Christian" music. If you haven't heard it before, click on the link above and sample the music from Amazon.

Passover Approaches

2008-04-18T23:45:00.004-04:00

This year I have been learning just a little bit about the Passover Sedar - which is the order in which the Passover meal occurs. Surprisingly, it is the first time that I had ever heard that there is more than one cup of wine. In fact there are four and they each have a meaning. And it is the fourth cup that Jesus said he would not drink of until his return. This is the kind of extra meaning that we can find by studying the OT, by speaking with others, and from learning more than what our little worlds encompass. It is cool!

In Brief (Exodus 6:6-7):
1. "I will bring out"
2. "I will deliver"
3. "I will redeem"
4. "I will take"

An article describing in more detail, though this is not where I heard about things is well worth reading - it won't take long (http://www.lproof.org/LastSupper.htm).

Also, some different traditions interpret the four cups with different meanings. Some of these meanings being (according to a friend - thanks Peter):

The Vilna Gaon relates the Four Cups to four worlds:
1. this world,
2. the Messianic age,
3. the world at the revival of the dead,
4. and the world to come.

The Maharal connects them to the four Matriarchs,
1. Sarah,
2. Rebeccah,
3. Rachel,
4. and Leah.

The Abarbanel relates the cups to the four historical redemptions of the Jewish people:
1. the choosing of Abraham,
2. the Exodus from Egypt,
3. the survival of the Jewish people throughout the exile,
4. and the fourth which will happen at the end of days.

As you can see, there are viewpoints to learn by listening to things that are different. Of the four interpretations above, the tradition of the four "I wills" seems to be the most correct and fitting to me.

So, as tonight (Saturday night) is "the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed" (Luke 22:7) I thought that this post is appropriate. This is the night in which the disciples prepared for the Passover meal with our Lord.

And then tomorrow night (Sunday night) is the meal in which Judas left to betray our Lord. It is the night of the scene of Judas betrayal of the Son of Man on the Mount of Olives. It is the night that Peter denied the Lord three times.

Which brings us to Monday morning. The morning during which the Lord was "tried," tortured brutally, and executed. And before sundown, he was buried. And that would make Thursday morning resurrection day.

I know, the days don't match up for an "Easter Sunday" - but the Jewish calendar is different than our calendar. The Scriptures clearly record what days events happened on and our calendar does not match the evidence. So, be thoughtful this coming week and remember what the Lord has done so that we might partake of the fourth cup with him one day.

For those of you who celebrate the Festival days, remember why these days are to be happy Festival days. In the first sense it was because Yehovah eloyhim freed Israel from Egypt, but the more important is the reality of the festival which is Jesus' sacrifice.

And in closing, Luke 24:44-48:

"He said to them, This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.

Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things."

Declare and Believe

2008-04-18T10:34:00.000-04:00

The verse of the day deserves it's own post.

“If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” (Romans 10:9-10)

Deuteronomy: Clean and Unclean

2008-04-08T21:35:00.004-04:00

So, I have been having a hard time with the next part in Deuteronomy. Some that I know would say that it is because I will not submit to the LORD's Law and stop eating unclean food. But I don't think this is the problem I am having.

In part, I just don't understand the purpose of clean and unclean in the Torah. I know that the only thing that can make us clean is the sacrifice of Yeshua and trusting in his salvation. And I see this in Deu 13 - where it speaks of worshipping no other gods. I just cannot see this in foods. I can see it in the imagery of the foods and their typology of Yeshua as the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world. But as stated in the New Covenant, we should not call unclean what the LORD has made clean. And the death of Yeshua was to make all of Creation clean.

Then Deu 14 goes on in the second half and speaks of the tithe. And not the tithe that we do in church now adays, but a real tithe. The kind where all bring the first fruits of their crops for the priests, widows, orphaned, poor, and all of the community to eat together in worship of the LORD. I get the tithe, and I want to know why the church does not do this tithe, which is such a wonderful gift to those in need.

But the first part of Deu 14 just seems like dead words to me. I just do not understand a purpose to treating foods in such a way. I understand how we are to judge what quantity we truly need of food for the health of our own bodies, and to allow the provision to go to those in need.

Ah well, maybe someday the Spirit will speak of the life in the words. Right now they are only dead words. Does anyone out there see, hear, or taste the life in these words on clean and unclean foods? If so, could you try to explain it so that I can try to understand? Thanks.

Grace and peace to you brethren. Keep searching for the truth and love of our LORD.

The Great Delusion

2008-04-07T21:51:00.001-04:00

It is said that prior to the return of the Messiah, the antichrist will fool much of the world with a great delusion - one that could come close to fooling even the elect. A thought struck me tonight, to which I'm not yet sure what I think. I was wondering what you might think.

What if the protestant reformation was the great delusion? What say you all?

Nooma - Bullhorn Guy

2008-04-02T08:03:00.003-04:00

Part 1

Part 2

Thanks for the link daflew.

I'm positive that the "Bullhorn Guy" has the best in mind. But maybe that "person" needs to consider the results; is he showing Jesus. What would Jesus do today?

A Disrespect Before Yâhovah ’elohiym

2008-03-27T23:50:00.002-04:00

The way of things in modern days is a bit sad. It seems as if there is no respect in younger people for those who are older. And no, I am not speaking of teens. Everywhere that I go it seems to exist - this condition where everyone considers themselves the equal of everyone else. What happened to calling others "Sir" and "Ma'am?" Maybe some will consider me old or old fashioned - but what happened to old fashioned respect and good manners?

Leviticus 19:32 (TNIV)
“Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the Lord."

1 Timothy 5:1 (TNIV)
"Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers"

There is always someone older than ourselves. They have lived more, done more, and learned more than we have just from the fact that they are older. They deserve our respect, and we should know well enough to listen to what they have to say.

And that is only speaking of physical age. How much more so should we respect those who have lived more, done more, and learned more spiritually than we have. We know our own spiritual age. We can hear what others say of their own spiritual age. We should give those "older" respect given what they have been thru.

So, before you go about rebuking someone for having thoughts that you don't have - take a step back and consider that they may know a lot more about life - and eternal life - than you do. And if you cannot do that minimal work, then at least consider whether your words will show the Spirit of God or the spirit of man and the devil. Put down your pride and humble yourselves before Yâhovah ’elohiym and before your fellow man.

1 Peter 5:5-7 (TNIV)
"In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,

“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble and oppressed.”

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

Next in Deuteronomy

2008-03-24T21:36:00.003-04:00

Well, it's been a little while since I've posted on this topic. Tonight will be a short one. I just wanted to go thru and list verses that I recognize from the NT that originated in Deuteronomy.

"to teach you that people do not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord" 8:3

"Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the Lord your God disciplines you" 8:5

"And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?" 10:12-13

Also, some warnings that we should heed even today.

"Understand, then, that it is not because of your righteousness that the Lord your God is giving you this good land to possess, for you are a stiff-necked people." 9:6

"Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer." 10:16

"So if you faithfully obey the commands I am giving you today—to love the Lord your God and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul" 11:13 (Notice what "the commands" are defined as - Love God)

"If you carefully observe all these commands I am giving you to follow—to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him and to hold fast to him" 11:22 (And again)

And to further clarify, chapter 11 is strongly on the "you shall have no other gods" and "you shall have no graven images."

And in closing for tonight, in chapter twelve the description of the purpose of the tithe.

Deuteronomy 12:5-7 (TNIV)
"But you are to seek the place the Lord your God will choose from among all your tribes to put his Name there for his dwelling. To that place you must go; there bring your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and special gifts, what you have vowed to give and your freewill offerings, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks. There, in the presence of the Lord your God, you and your families shall eat and shall rejoice in everything you have put your hand to, because the Lord your God has blessed you."

The tithe was a meal, shared between all that were there. Rich and poor, sheltered and homeless, native and foreigner. Food shared equally between all as equal children of Yâhovah ’elohiym. We should do this more often. At my church(es) in the past we have done potlucks - but they are not that often; maybe 2 a year. Interesting concept, and one that has sat on my heart for over a year already. This also goes strongly towards "love your neighbor as yourself."

Do you give food freely to others? Have you thought to? If not, try it. It makes them feel good and you too.

Question for You

2008-03-21T17:29:00.001-04:00

At Tribe.net this year (and even still) there is a lot of talk about how all of the holidays that are not prescribed in the Bible are not of God. I know how I feel about this - as do probably all of you. Just this week they are again talking about how evil Easter is because it is the worship of foreign gods and fertility rights.

Does anyone that reads here buy that? Or does it strike you as false as it does me?

The Blog is a Representation of the Owner

2008-03-20T00:07:00.007-04:00

I have a friend, whom I think we all know. His blog has recently been a hotspot of activity. But just tonight it was visited by those who are full of hate. Who claim to be the true followers of the LORD, but their words are full of hate. They claim that our words of love - which are one of the fruits of the Spirit - are the devil. They claim that their words of hate - which are a fruit of sin - are of the LORD. I just wanted to share a couple of things that we should be learning from this.

1. How do we see our own responses in these people? In the ways in which our responses are similar we must change! The fruit of the Spirit is the fruit of the Spirit; period. We cannot speak words of hate, pride, and arrogance and call it "of the LORD."

2. We should not continue conversations whose only goal is to spread hatred and advertise hatred. For your own blog, exercise the discernment (judging) that is Scriptural. Remove their comments, and if they keep coming back - temporarily shut down commenting. Do not be a part of spreading that hatred, pride, and arrogance.

3. Learn from it. It will reflect on each of us in some way, for we have not reached perfection yet. Kudos to Eaglewood for doing just this. I don't know if he reads here, but grace to you brother.

4. Be happy, for you have earned a reward in heaven! If you continue to exercise the fruit of the Spirit and deny the devil in his blatant and obvious attacks - you will be rewarded.

And yes, I am making a statement of discernment here. You know the words of the devil when you hear them; and those words are the devil - as is the blog site they are coming from. (Linda, I do not refer to you hear - in case you are reading.)

Update: It appears the specific words of hate are being removed so you won't see them unless you were there. Bravo to you duck man!

Links
http://eaglewoodsnest.org/?p=268
http://rolanddrake.blogspot.com/2008/03/sharing-your-food.html

How do you think?

2008-03-19T00:40:00.002-04:00

This evening my wife and I were talking about how we learned, and how are son is just picking up so much right now. I made a comment that caused me to have a thought.

My mode of processing is different than my wife's. It caused me a small amount of trouble in school too - as I did not think like others; especially teachers. I also think it impacts what and how I understand Scripture and differences that I may have with others.

Basically, almost everything I think about is in images. My database work is in images of what I want. The code that I develop; I have an image in my mind that comes out in my code. Math, reading; in pictures. How one set of Scriptures ties into another, and how the OT and the NT fit together - in pictures.

As a side affect there are a number of things that I just am not really all that good at. Math story problems, required papers (vs papers I desire to do), documentation, scoping out a development project before I do it, etc.

Are any of you "picture thinkers?" If you are not, do you get the concept and understand how it could cause me to think about Scripture a little different than the norm?

Anyway, this is mostly a question of curiosity. But also a little bit in terms of alternative thinking validity - as I have been "chided" for my way of thinking many times this last year at various locations.

Like finds Like

2008-03-17T14:19:00.002-04:00

In our adventures in the internet blogosphere we run into many different types of people. It is easy for us to dislike some of these different people because our personality types are so different. Or because our beliefs are so different. Or for so many reasons. It is hard to "be at peace with all man as much as is possible" as we are supposed to do. I know I for one often become less patient with people whose personality types make them abrupt and apparently less caring for the person they are speaking too (especially when it is me).

As some have mentioned in some of my blogging I have a large portion of the gift of faith. I have absolutely no doubts of who my LORD is, and what my destination is. The gift I have very little of is patience. I become short and terse with people that show a condescending or arrogant attitude (from my point of view) or that think they "know it all." It doesn't matter if they don't view themselves that way. I'm a fairly intuitive sort of person and I always trust my intuition even if it is wrong.

So, the first point I am making here is - I'm sorry if I have offended you by being terse and less descriptive for your sakes. If I have been that way, there is just something about your presentation that puts my defenses up. I'll take the blame for it, but would suggest that if you care about how you come across to me - you may wish to review your presentation to determine why you "put me off" (as it were). I'm not saying that anyone should, but if I have been terse with you and you care any about what I think - you may wish to consider why I respond to you the way I do; just as I will try to become more cognizant of that.

The second point, there is a great joy in the Spirit when you find someone that just fits. We may not believe the same or agree on everything - but we fit somehow. There have been a small handful of you that have visited me over the last year or two and I am so blessed that you have come. There have been a couple new people recently via your blogs that I have visited that also make me feel like I "fit." Some of these new people have visited my blog over the last couple months. Thank you!

Of course it is not good to surround yourself with likeminded people as it doesn't really challenge your beliefs and assumptions of life. But it also is not good to be surrounded by un-likeminded people either as it just wears away at your spirit. So, today's encouragement is to think of your friends and be grateful for them all; but especially be thankful for those that "fit" with you in the Spirit.

Shalom friends.

Who is Jesus?

2008-03-10T17:20:00.001-04:00

I have some "friends" who blog on the internet. Lately, their statements have become hazy and unclear. They do not wish to make any outright statements regarding who Jesus is. Best to leave it that he was a good man.

Hosea 13:4 (TNIV)
“But I have been the Lord your God ever since you came out of Egypt. You shall acknowledge no God but me, no Savior except me."

Luke 12:8-12 (TNIV)
“I tell you, whoever publicly acknowledges me, the Son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of God. But whoever publicly disowns me will be disowned before the angels of God. And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.

“When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.”

Titus 2:12-14 (TNIV)
"It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good."

Do people know who you say Jesus is? Do you acknowledge or deny, speak for or against?

God Said It

2008-03-09T22:05:00.002-04:00

I was reminded of a childhood song today. It went something like "God said it, and I believe it, and that's good enough for me." The song came to me given some of the intellectual non-sense that I have been hearing lately. Then I did a Google to try to find the lyrics to publish and almost everything that came up was people calling Christians foolish simpletons for saying such non-sense.

Well, as I've said - I'm a simple person. I'm no dummy by anyone's estimation, but I am simple. And the cross of Christ is a stumbling stone to the Jew and foolishness to the Gentile. And I guess it still is - for those are the two arguments I keep seeing. All I can say is I'm happy to be a simple person and I am looking forward to entering the Kingdom.

Are you too simple, or are you still trying to figure it all out first? If you are still trying to figure it out first, submit your pride to the LORD and accept His sacrifice. You'll figure it out later when we all reach the Kingdom and have forever to figure it out. And until then, you can keep trying. But don't wait until you have it all figured out or it will be too late.

Covenant vs Laws and Decrees

2008-03-07T15:41:00.003-05:00

The Covenant is listed in Deu 5. The Covenant is specifically the words that the LORD himself said to all the people. At the end of the chapter it is stated that the end result of obeying the Covenant is so you may live, prosper, and prolong your days.

Deu 5:32-33 (TNIV)
"So be careful to do what the LORD your God has commanded you; do not turn aside to the right or to the left. Walk in obedience to all that the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess."

In contrast, Deu 6 begins with the reasoning to follow the additional laws and decrees that the LORD shared with Moses to share with the people. The purpose is stated to be so that you and your descendants will continue to fear the LORD and thus keep the decrees and commands given to Moses - so that your life may be long and that you will prosper and increase.

Deu 6:1-3 (TNIV)
"These are the commands, decrees and laws the LORD your God directed me to teach you to observe in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess, so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the LORD your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life. Hear, Israel, and be careful to obey so that it may go well with you and that you may increase greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the LORD, the God of your ancestors, promised you."

But at the end of the chapter is goes further into the description.

Deu 6:24-25 (TNIV)
"The LORD commanded us to obey all these decrees and to fear the LORD our God, so that we might always prosper and be kept alive, as is the case today. And if we are careful to obey all this law before the LORD our God, as he has commanded us, that will be our righteousness."

It is now expanded from "live long and prosper" (thanks Spock for that brief summary), but if the entire law (not just the 10 Words) are obeyed - completely - "that will be our righteousness." As yet, what is meant by "our righteousness" has not been made completely clear within the text. But it does then go on and describe the blessings that will be given to those who follow his laws, decrees, and commands.

Deu 7:12-15 (TNIV)
"If you pay attention to these laws and are careful to follow them, then the LORD your God will keep his covenant of love with you, as he swore to your ancestors. He will love you and bless you and increase your numbers. He will bless the fruit of your womb, the crops of your land—your grain, new wine and olive oil—the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks in the land that he swore to your ancestors to give you. You will be blessed more than any other people; none of your men or women will be childless, nor any of your livestock without young. The LORD will keep you free from every disease. He will not inflict on you the horrible diseases you knew in Egypt, but he will inflict them on all who hate you."

Old and New Covenants

2008-03-06T23:28:00.004-05:00

I've been accused at times of thinking that the Law is worthless and replaced. I really don't know how those conclusions have been reached - except that I may believe a little differently than my accusers. I would dare say that everyone who knows me believes that I think and believe differently than they do - or anyone they know. Yâhovah ’elohiym has certainly made me unique. ;)

Anyway, Deuteronomy has called to me a lot in the last year so I want to read thru it now. During the year I should have some posts from Deu. Here is the first of this time around.

Deu 4:1-14 is the start of Israel's entry to the promised land - and of Moses' denial. Points of interest that stuck out at me:

1. The Book of the Covenant and the Book of the Law are separate - as the Spirit told me around 4 months ago. The Book of the Covenant are the 10 Words (or Decalogue). This is the "Old" Covenant made at Sinai/Horeb. This is in fact the entirety of the Covenant. (Deu 4:13)

2. The Book of the Law are the laws and decrees that the people of Israel were/are to follow in order to enter into the Promised Land and to keep the Land. These laws and decrees are meant to "show your wisdom and understanding" and that "Yâhovah ’elohiym is near us whenever we pray."

So, as I've mentioned at times in the past - I am a simple person. I believe that Yâhovah ’elohiym has written in Scripture exactly what he wanted us to hear. There was no need to hide his meaning; he wanted us to understand what he was saying. The reasons he wanted us to understand are many and may be hidden - but the meaning is simple and direct. There is little reason to study the original languages deeply or to try to find all the hidden meanings of the words. If you are truly trying to seek the Kingdom of God, the meaning will be clear and obvious - and in line with all of Scripture.

So, the "Old" Covenant is the 10 Words. And we are given many laws and decrees that were given to show wisdom, understanding, and that our Yâhovah ’elohiym is near.

A Blessing

2008-03-05T21:09:00.004-05:00

Here is a blessing that Yâhovah ’elohiym gave to the priests to bless Israel with. As we are all the priesthood of Yâhovah ’elohiym (if we are in Christ), I thought I would pronounce this blessing on all the brethren who visit my site.

Yâhovah ’elohiym bless you and keep you;
Yâhovah ’elohiym make his face shine on you and be gracious to you;
Yâhovah ’elohiym turn his face toward you and give you peace.

May Yâhovah ’elohiym put his name on you so you may be blessed!

My Soul is Weary

2008-03-04T23:43:00.002-05:00

The story grows old and the lack of understanding long. Too many claim "Lord, Lord" but so many will be told "I never knew you." How do we change it - increase the faithful? How do we go on without loosing heart?

The truth is that there is nothing to change. Those who are called will answer and those who are not called will never understand. We are called to speak - for how can they hear without someone to speak for the LORD?

But the weariness of the "righteous" who go on and on but don't understand. It seems as if the waters all around are full of self-righteous who "speak" for the LORD. All around there are popping up more and more people that claim to be "prophets" and speak the word of the LORD. But how do you show which are real or false prophets when they do not prophesy? How do you show real or false prophets when they speak only their own interpretations and reject the clearly written Word as not being understood correctly?

But it is the cross of Jesus: to the Jew a stumbling block and the Gentile foolishness. What does that make it to the Gentile who wants to be a Jew or to a Jew who wants to be a Gentile? Why do we still make a big deal between Jew or Gentile? Are we all not the children of the Most High? Are we not all equal in Christ, if indeed we are in Christ?

And we return to the weariness of the soul.

Psalm 119:25-32 (TNIV)

I am laid low in the dust; preserve my life according to your word.
I gave an account of my ways and you answered me; teach me your decrees.
Cause me to understand the way of your precepts, that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds.
My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.
Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me and teach me your law.
I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws.
I hold fast to your statutes, Lord; do not let me be put to shame.
I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.

Psalm 119:33-40 (TNIV)

Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees, that I may follow it to the end.
Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law and obey it with all my heart.
Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight.
Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain.
Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.
Fulfill your promise to your servant, so that you may be feared.
Take away the disgrace I dread, for your laws are good.
How I long for your precepts!
In your righteousness preserve my life.

Why do the righteous suffer?

2008-02-27T21:39:00.001-05:00

This is a common question that many have asked over the centuries. Why me?

In my readings this week I came across a passage in which the New Living Translation had an interesting way of phrasing.

Isaiah 57:1-2 (NLT)
"Good people pass away; the godly often die before their time.
But no one seems to care or wonder why.

No one seems to understand that God is protecting them from the evil to come.
For those who follow godly paths will rest in peace when they die."

Has anyone else ever thought that death is actually God having mercy on the righteous and giving them peace? Are there other passages that offer a similar train of thought that this rendition shows?

It is an interesting thought to me given the times that will come upon the world - possibly in the near future.

On Pride

2008-02-25T19:12:00.003-05:00

Since quoting Scripture and thoughts that have come to my mind from reading Scripture have been upsetting a few people recently - let me start by saying that these quotes in this post are not meant towards any specific people. If you think it is meant for you, then maybe you have something in your life that the LORD is convicting you of.

Since I have no one in mind, I obviously am not targeting whoever you might be (but I say this anyway because sometimes the obvious isn't obvious).

Proverbs 13:10 (TNIV)
"Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice."

James 4:1-12 (TNIV)
"What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.

You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us? But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:

"God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble and oppressed."

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?"

What the LORD Desires

2008-02-24T21:41:00.000-05:00

Isaiah 58:6-11 (TNIV)

Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
and break every yoke?
Is it not to share your food with the hungry
and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—
when you see the naked, to clothe them,
and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
Then your light will break forth like the dawn,
and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness will go before you,
and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.
Then you will call, and the Lord will answer;
you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.

If you do away with the yoke of oppression,
with the pointing finger and malicious talk,
and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry
and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
then your light will rise in the darkness,
and your night will become like the noonday.
The Lord will guide you always;
he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail.

Religion vs Life

2008-02-23T10:06:00.003-05:00

I am currently involved in a discussion on something called syncretism. Truthfully, I had never heard the word before so I had to start by looking up the definition. It has something to do with the combination of religious practices from various religions into your own religion. Basically the discussion started out with (1) if it was right to do, (2) if the LORD would accept such worship, and (3) examples in the Old Testament of Israel doing just that.

So, not only did I not know the word but even after reading the definition I just don't accept that syncretism matters. Syncretism is a discussion of religion, and we are not called to a religion but a life style. The LORD did not ask us to worship him by a specific religion, but with our whole heart and with all our might. So, we are not asked to worship a specific way; we are asked to give him everything - all that we are and all that we do. If we worship in this way (with everything), then the outward form of worship (religion) will be correct no matter what its style is.

So, for a personal story - which I have not shared often; but it relates to other discussions I have had recently too. When I was graduating from high school and getting ready to go to college I suffered from some depressive thoughts and thoughts of suicide (though I was too cowardly to ever act on them - thankfully). But one night the LORD stepped in and did something to "fix" these thoughts. He showed me the concept of what he wants. That night, I died and Jesus came to life - in a sense. Of course I did not physically die, but the LORD became all in all to me. Everything that I did now became whatever he would want from me.

This of course doesn't mean that I didn't fail; didn't sin. Even the Apostle Paul continued to sin. But the joy of it is that it is no longer I that am sinning, but the old sinful nature that exists within this frail body. But someday, HE will rectify that. When Jesus comes back to establish the kingdom this old, frail body will be gone and I will have a new body that exists without a sinful nature! Life will be perfect. Creation will be perfect. Nature will be perfect. The Kingdom of Heaven will be here - upon this planet to which we belong.

So with this thought beginning in my soul and growing thru my entire being, how could the depression not shrink and shrink and shrink. There is nothing, absolutely nothing depressive about this promise. And I will be there; I will participate in this promise. I will finally be able to do whatever my soul desires; no longer a slave to the ways of this world. I am a citizen in the Kingdom, not of the world empires.

So, instead of worrying about what this world does to me (which it still does; that is life) I look for what Jesus can do thru me today. Whether it be speaking the words that he would have me say, or to do things that make others able to focus just slightly more on the Kingdom and worry less about today, or to give money and resources to those who need it. This is Kingdom life.

To remember that this world and its ways are not my home. This planet is my home, but not the world that the deceiver rules. Jesus will put an end to those world ways and restore our world to this planet. To practice the ways of my world within this world, that is to bring the Kingdom of Heaven to earth. That is what we are all called to do.

Arguments about religion and words are not of my world. Worrying about if someone has been disrespectful is not of my world. Pointing out the sins and faults of others is not of my world. My world is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. My world is the forgiveness of others sins and faults. My world is one thing in and thru everything. My world is the LORD.

What is your world?

Random Thoughts: Positive or Negative Examples

2008-02-21T09:00:00.003-05:00

Which type of example shows the love of Christ? Which type of example shows our own faults and negatives? Which type of example is more likely to get thru to people? Which type of example is more likely to turn people off to your witness?

I just read this excerpt from Lewis Sperry Chafer, founder of Dallas Theological Seminary, yesterday regarding the "True Evangelism."

Chafer, L. S. True Evangelism. http://bartimaeus.us.
V. -- Dishonor to the Spirit of God

The aim of all public demands in modern evangelism is to terminate indifference and hesitation by a positive decision. But this is sometimes undertaken without due regard for the whole process of preparation by the Spirit for the intelligent exercise of saving faith. Thus the all-important work of the Spirit for the unsaved has often been neglected and the Spirit dishonored in the vain attempt to hasten decisions and to secure visible results.

A true decision must depend upon the action of the will of the individual as he is moved by his own clear vision of his place in the saving work of Christ, and that vision must be created by the Spirit. When this is accomplished, there will be little occasion to argue and plead, and methods which are calculated to force a decision will be found to be superfluous; and any method which is superfluous is usually resented by intelligent people. Such methods create a sense of unreality where there should be a growing reality.

Many serious men have concluded that to send out workers to plead with individuals in a miscellaneous congregation is not only embarrassing to the people thus approached, but is, in the majority of cases, a service which hardens and repels. Forced decisions sometimes follow such appeals. These, they observe, are usually premature and unintelligent decisions; for in such methods there can be no certainty concerning the conviction by the Spirit and no very definite dependence upon His leading. On the other hand, the many who have resisted the personal appeal have been hardened or driven away.

Public methods which embarrass any person or class of persons may be not only useless but intrusive. There is little gained by inviting all Christians in a public gathering to stand, thus forcing all others into a conspicuous position, causing them annoyance and creating an occasion for prejudice. It is not strange that intelligent unsaved people sometimes avoid meetings where these methods are employed. By adopting such a program the evangelist or pastor may be hindering the very work of God which he is attempting to do.

If the spectacular element in public soul-winning is eliminated there will be less opportunity to count supposed results, and the test of conversion will be removed from the sphere of profession and made to rest on the reality of a changed life afterwards.

The sincere evangelist who fearlessly judges, before God, every method he employs -- judging them as to their exact value or possible harm in their influence on immortal souls -- will find that many methods in evangelism are more a habit than a necessity, or that they have been employed in an effort to produce visible results, rather than to create a means by which sin-burdened souls may find rest and peace through a personal and intelligent faith in Christ as Saviour.

I must say that I am tired of people finding other people's faults and advertising those faults to get a point across. Would Jesus have done that? Do these sorts of blogs reach people, or does it just gather like-minded together in their criticism of others not like themselves? Is it really any better than the example that is being criticized?

All I ask is that you seriously ask yourselves these questions before blogging your next negative example. Does it further the Kingdom of God, or does it further the fruit of sin?

Hear My Prayers, Oh LORD

2008-02-20T11:15:00.004-05:00

Ever hear a song on the radio that just sticks with you; that vocalizes your daily prayers to our Father in heaven? Here is my song.

http://www.aaronshust.com/press-157/songbysong/givemewordstospeak.htm
GIVE ME WORDS TO SPEAK
Calloused and bruised/ dazed and confused
My Spirit is left wanting something more
Than my selfish hopes/ and my selfish dreams
I’m lying with my face down to the floor
I’m crying out for more
Give me Words to speak
Don’t let my Spirit sleep
Cause I can’t think of anything worth saying
But I know that I owe You my life
So give me Words to speak
Don’t let my Spirit sleep
Every night, every day/ I find that I have nothing I can say
So I stand here in silence awaiting Your guidance
I’m wanting only Your voice to be heard
Let them be Your Words
I just don’t understand this life that I’ve been living
I just don’t understand (x2)
I just don’t understand these lies I’ve been believing
I just don’t understand (x2)

And if you would like to hear the song, go here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7Xk6sc62EY

To Talk or To Act? That is the Question.

2008-02-20T00:17:00.003-05:00

So, I was laying down to go to sleep - but felt I was required to say one more thing. In many of my internet discussions, it usually goes to what we should not do, say, or think. It focuses more on the law of deeds instead of the law of the Spirit. It does not focus on what a child of God does.

Reading Romans 7-8 it is clear that Paul went thru this same discussion - and dilemma. But he had the revelation that those things that we should not do, but we do anyway due to our still existing sin nature, are not things that we do; but it is in fact sin that does it. And we are not sin, for we have been bought at a very precious price. So with this in mind, he reminds us that we are no longer condemned for what the sin of our old nature does. We have been freed from sin and its consequences.

So it is our duty to move on; to get past discussions of sin and consequence. It is past time to move on to what we will do. What are the fruit of the Spirit that we are called to do? How can we show the Spirit of our LORD in our daily actions? It is in fact the actions that matter, and not the discussions. The discussions are a tool to help us grow and to help us understand what actions we have been called to do.

So, (rhetorical question) what actions did you take today? What did you do to show the love of the LORD in your life today? Did you give a $5 bill to a homeless person so they could have a meal? Did you donate time or money at your church or local rescue mission? Have you shared with anyone the love and freedom of Christ? (Or did you share with them the condemnation that they will receive without Christ?) Did you share the grace of our LORD with someone today - since he has shared his grace with you? Did you speak up in one of your internet discussions today and say "enough condemnation; grace and peace to you from our LORD Jesus Christ?"

So in closing friends, grace and peace to you from our LORD Jesus Christ! May you share in his grace and peace - and may you share it with others!

Which type of Pharisee are you??

2008-02-19T23:51:00.004-05:00

Thanks for the post Chris! Sorry to "steal" some of your content.
http://www.fishingtheabyss.com/?p=205

The Seven Types of Pharisee
Within the Pharisee circles, just prior to the coming of Jesus, it was taught that there were (at least) seven ‘types’ of Pharisees, of which six were bad and one was truly good. A number of scholars now believe that Jesus’ criticisms were primarily aimed at the ‘bad’ types of Pharisees - who were cursed more deeply and violently by Hillel and other Rabbis, than even Jesus did - and that he drew a large number of his followers from the ranks of the ‘good’ Pharisees and their followers.

The Shoulder (or Shechemite) Pharisee: This type of pharisee was one who wore his good deeds on his shoulder - on display for all men to see. Jesus opens his primary criticism of Pharisees in Matthew, with the mention of the shoulder - possibly a reference to this commonly-labelled type of Pharisee.
They tie up heavy loads and put them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them. (Matthew 23:4)
The Wait-a-little Pharisee: This type of pharisee would want to wait to see how a situation played out before acting in any matter. While he agreed with Pharisee theology, he would always fall short in practice of his ‘belief’ because he wasn’t sure if he should/could/wanted to act. This type of Pharisee liked the prestige brought about by being a religious leader, but didn’t like what it actually required.
Everything they do is done for men to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long; they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; they love to be greeted in the marketplaces and to have men call them ‘Rabbi.’ (Matthew 23:5-7)
The Blind (or Bruised and Bleeding) Pharisee: This type of Pharisee was typified by the idea of him walking with his head down or turned away to avoid looking at, or bumping into women (who might be on their menstrual cycle) or other unclean folks. So, because they weren’t looking where they were going, they would end up bruised or bleeding from their avoidance of small things (cleanliness laws) - all the while forgetting the more important laws. Jesus refers to some Pharisees as ‘blind guides’, possibly referring to this type of Pharisee.
Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel. (Matthew 23:23-24)
The Pestle (or Hump-backed) Pharisee: Similar to the Blind Pharisee, the Pestle Pharisee was known for walking around with his eyes averted for the purpose of avoiding visual temptations. Avoiding temptation is one thing, but this type of Pharisee’s heart was wrong, because it was the importance of making a show of his avoidance of temptation (and piety) which was to be criticized.
Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness. (Matthew 23:27-28)
The Ever-Reckoning Pharisee: Here was a religious person who was always keeping score - trying to make sure that his good deeds always outnumbered his bad ones. He wanted this so that God would be in his debt with the attitude of God oweing him something for being good. Their belief was truly one of works-based righteousness.
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You build tombs for the prophets and decorate the graves of the righteous. And you say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our forefathers, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.’ So you testify against yourselves that you are the descendants of those who murdered the prophets. Fill up, then, the measure of the sin of your forefathers!” (Matthew 23:29-32)
The God-fearing (or Timid) Pharisee: He was considered to be a ‘God-fearer’ in the manner of Job. While he had great reverence and respect for God, it was out of fear of punishment, he made sure to follow all of God’s commands in order avoid curses from God and, ultimately, hellfire. Unlike the previous types of Pharisees, both his belief and practice were correct, but his motivation was out of fear of God. It is possible that Jesus’ expressed woe in Matthew 23:13 is directed at this spirit of fear that then prevents others from enjoying the eternal life provided by God
Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to. (Matthew 23:13)
The God-loving Pharisee: This type of Pharisee was considered to be the ideal - a person who obeyed God out of true love and affection for Him, as in the manner of Abraham. A minority of Pharisees were believed to have been of this type, though Pharisees from the School of Hillel (who died in 10 A.D.) may have comprised a majority of this type of Pharisee. Nicodemus, Joseph of Arimathea and Paul (and most likely Gamaliel, as well, from both Biblical and extra-Biblical accounts) were all Pharisees who would have fit into this category.

Random Thoughts: Individual vs Community

2008-02-19T23:37:00.003-05:00

Throughout Scripture there are instructions on how to live a life that is pleasing to the LORD. Some instructions are given to individuals and others to communities. Some are about the personal relationship between the Creator and the creation, and others are about the hierarchy of the universe and our current place within it and our future place within it.

I wonder if sometimes we misunderstand what type of instruction falls under which category. Do we "rightly divide the word of truth" to understand what instructions are meant for me vs what is meant for my community of believers? Do we "rightly divide the word of truth" to understand the authority of the kingdom vs the authority of the LORD within the community and within the family? Do we mistakenly take instructions that are meant for the individual and/or the family unit and try to apply it to our neighbor instead?

What is meant by the speck and the log (Matt 7:3-5)? Is this meant to say that we will ever be free of our own logs, or is it saying to stop worrying about the issues or others (in a judgmental way)? How does this correspond to the parable of the good Samaritan? How can we lovingly help our brother with their speck if we cannot see our own faults and instead come across as being self-righteous?

Random Thoughts: Religious Debates

2008-02-17T21:07:00.002-05:00

2 Timothy 2:14-16 (TNIV)
Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.

Is it valid to think of religious debates and arguing over word definitions as "quarreling about words?" Many times, I think so. Does learning the meaning of the original languages always bring us closer to our LORD in our personal relationships? Do we "do" more for our Father? Or does the research and debate keep us from doing? Is it "of no value?" Does it or has it brought ruin to those who listen and participate? Does the knowledge and debate get in the way of the gifts of the Spirit - or of the love of Christ - or of the Gospel?

If it does, maybe we should stop and focus on the Gospel; on what matters...

Random thoughts: His faithfulness

2008-02-17T11:32:00.004-05:00

I have been noticing lately that random, seemingly unrelated, thoughts are popping up. I think that at some point, all of these random thoughts are going to show themselves to be completely related. With that in mind, I thought I should start up a section on these random thoughts for future reference.

2 Timothy 2:11-13 (TNIV)
Here is a trustworthy saying:
If we died with
him, we will also live with him;
if we endure, we will also reign with
him.
If we disown him, he will also disown us;
if we are faithless, he
remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.

What does it mean when it says "for he cannot disown himself?"

1 Corinthians 6:16-17 (TNIV)
Do you not know that he who unites himself with
a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, “The two will become one
flesh.” But whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit.

What does it mean when it says "the two will become one" and "whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit?"

John 10:30-33 (TNIV)
I and the Father are one. Again the Jews picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus said to them, “I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?” “We are not stoning you for any good work,” they replied, “but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God.”
John 17:20-26 (TNIV)
“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
“Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.
“Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them."

When Jesus says that he and the Father are one, he is rightly understood as saying that he is the LORD. So then, what does it mean for us that he also says "that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us...?" And what exactly does it mean that "I have given them the glory that you gave me...?" How do we have the exact same glory that the Father gave to the Son?

I like to think of this as more my style

2008-02-10T01:04:00.000-05:00

Lately some have taken my questions to be anti-Scripture and anti-Christ. But, after reading this post at Fishing the Abyss I just wanted to share a clip from Chris' post (below) - as I think of this sort of being my style. It is not about being against God and Scriptures, but about trying to get people to truly think instead of just memorize what we are taught; to make this religion truly "ours" and not just living our parents religion. To truly enter into a personal relationship with our LORD - for that is what "religion" is all about...

Question and Answer
Within the rabbinic schools, the primary means of debate was ask-assertive conversation rather than the highly expository method in Western/Greek culture. The reason for this is based on the theory that ‘if I tell you what you should believe, the answer you have is my answer. If, however, I ask you questions that lead to the answer, when you arrive at it, the answer will be your answer. As such, if you come into contact with alternative alternative answers, you will be much less likely to abandon the one I taught you.’
I saw this type of ‘questioning’ in action in Sefat, Israel in 2006 in a small photography shop run by an elderly Rabbi. The artwork in this shop was literally amazing, and one of the men in our group asked the rabbi which of the pieces was his favorite. The conversation then went like this:
Rabbi: May I ask you a question?
Jon: Yes…
Rabbi: Are you married?
Jon: Yes, why?
Rabbi: Do you have children?
Jon: Yes. (pause) Why?
Rabbi: Which of them is your favorite?
And thus, he had his answer. To a westerner like me, it seems that it would have been simpler to say ‘I can’t pick one, because each has something I love’ (or something similar), but that answer would not have been nearly as personal as the one given by the elderly rabbi.
In a similar fashion, much of Jesus’ teaching was in the form of questions and stories rather than simple exposition. On the occasions when we see him interacting with students/adherents to other schools, he uses this technique to point to an answer before giving exposition on the subject, as the answer to his questions often contain the answer he is giving. Also, in many cases where Jesus is being questioned, it is
out of an honest attempt to learn his teaching on a subject, not always to trap him.

"Judge Not"

2008-02-10T00:46:00.001-05:00

I had an "eye opener" this week and thought I should share. Almost all of us have heard the verses on "do not judge." I have always understood it to be something to the affect of our LORD will judge us with whatever measure we judge others. But I do not believe that to be the primary interpretation of this warning.

Let's start with the different places where this warning is given.

Matthew 7:1-2 (TNIV)
"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

Luke 6:37-38 (TNIV)
"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

These verses are speaking of a more immediate impact on our lives from our judging, condemning, forgiving, and giving. It is an impact on our lives now, from our fellow man. It is saying if you judge or condemn someone in your speech or actions, then at some point that same measure of judgement and condemnation will be used against you. But if you forgive others for their faults and give without any hope for gain, then others also will forgive you. However you treat other people, other people will treat you.

Matthew 7:12 (TNIV)
"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." (Thanks Chris @ Fishing the Abyss for this reference.)

And finally, Paul's take on this concept.

1 Corinthians 4:2-5 (TNIV)
"Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of people’s hearts. At that time each will receive their praise from God."