02/07/18 THE GOD OF SINNING RELIGION
BECAUSE HE COMMANDS THE IMPOSSIBLE,
BUT HE IS AN EASY PUSHOVER,
BECAUSE HE ALLOWS HIS CHILDREN TO SIN.
Wednesday, February 7, 2018
02/07/18 WORKOUT, DON'T WEAKOUT
02/07/18 WORKOUT, DON'T WEAKOUT
No workout for two weeks.
No workout for two weeks.
Sometimes it cannot be helped, but still not a good thing.
But never miss time with God, NO MATTER WHAT.
Sometimes we miss a workout because of sickness or other physical problems.
Sometimes we miss a workout because of travel.
Sometimes we miss a workout because of essential change in routine.
Sometimes we miss a workout because of time restraints.
Sometimes we miss a workout because of emergency situations.
Sometimes we miss a workout because we just choose not to workout.
In all of these cases, whether avoidable or not, we suffer physically for failing to workout.
BUT WHEN WE FAIL TO TAKE TIME FOR GOD, we suffer more than we can understand and it weakens our whole being and experience.
Taking time for God is our meat and drink, it is our breath, it is our exercise. Without it we wither and die.
Taking time for God involves His word, prayer, meditation.
It must be part of our daily routine, experience.
Sometimes we miss a workout because of sickness or other physical problems.
Sometimes we miss a workout because of travel.
Sometimes we miss a workout because of essential change in routine.
Sometimes we miss a workout because of time restraints.
Sometimes we miss a workout because of emergency situations.
Sometimes we miss a workout because we just choose not to workout.
In all of these cases, whether avoidable or not, we suffer physically for failing to workout.
BUT WHEN WE FAIL TO TAKE TIME FOR GOD, we suffer more than we can understand and it weakens our whole being and experience.
Taking time for God is our meat and drink, it is our breath, it is our exercise. Without it we wither and die.
Taking time for God involves His word, prayer, meditation.
It must be part of our daily routine, experience.
02/06/18 LIST OF PERFECTIONS
02/06/18 LIST OF PERFECTIONS
(repost of Perfection document from 05/08/12)
This is a study/article I wrote several years ago concerning the Biblical view of the Believer's Perfection, which God requires and enables Christians to experience and live. I realize I address this issue from time to time, but it is such a neglected and rejected Biblical reality that I want to share it with those who have never heard, and those who have yet to accept and yield to the revealed word of God.
I suggest a careful reading (study) of the entire document. I know it is longer than a snippet, a quip, a soundbite, BUT AT LEAST IT IS SHORTER THAN A BOOK (smile).
FOR A QUICK VIEW OF AVAILABLE PERFECTIONS FOR BELIEVERS IN THE NEW TESTAMENT...
Go down to point C. Perfection In The New Testament
Go down to subpoint 3) Sixteen Areas Of Believer’s Perfection.
CHECK OUT THIS LIST
Perfect in Love, Perfect in Mercy, Perfect in Holiness, Perfect in Righteousness, Perfect in Purity, Perfect in Conscience, Perfect in Christ Likeness, Perfect in Christian Walk, Perfect in Obedient Thought, Perfect in Spiritual Mindedness, Perfect in Forgiving Others, Perfect in Unity, Perfect in Consistent Service, Perfect in Christian Graces and Growth, Perfect in Will of God, Perfect in Deliverance,
I know that large numbers of believers stand in readiness to argue against the idea of anyone experiencing any kind of perfection. However, if you will read this article, and then openly admit that you agree with these points, you will be denounced and ridiculed as a heretic by those who espouse sinning religion, but you will be in agreement with the writers of the Old and New Testaments.
For my full document, referred to in this blog,
http://pastordlgouldmusings2012.blogspot.com/search?q=perfection
(repost of Perfection document from 05/08/12)
This is a study/article I wrote several years ago concerning the Biblical view of the Believer's Perfection, which God requires and enables Christians to experience and live. I realize I address this issue from time to time, but it is such a neglected and rejected Biblical reality that I want to share it with those who have never heard, and those who have yet to accept and yield to the revealed word of God.
I suggest a careful reading (study) of the entire document. I know it is longer than a snippet, a quip, a soundbite, BUT AT LEAST IT IS SHORTER THAN A BOOK (smile).
FOR A QUICK VIEW OF AVAILABLE PERFECTIONS FOR BELIEVERS IN THE NEW TESTAMENT...
Go down to point C. Perfection In The New Testament
Go down to subpoint 3) Sixteen Areas Of Believer’s Perfection.
CHECK OUT THIS LIST
Perfect in Love, Perfect in Mercy, Perfect in Holiness, Perfect in Righteousness, Perfect in Purity, Perfect in Conscience, Perfect in Christ Likeness, Perfect in Christian Walk, Perfect in Obedient Thought, Perfect in Spiritual Mindedness, Perfect in Forgiving Others, Perfect in Unity, Perfect in Consistent Service, Perfect in Christian Graces and Growth, Perfect in Will of God, Perfect in Deliverance,
I know that large numbers of believers stand in readiness to argue against the idea of anyone experiencing any kind of perfection. However, if you will read this article, and then openly admit that you agree with these points, you will be denounced and ridiculed as a heretic by those who espouse sinning religion, but you will be in agreement with the writers of the Old and New Testaments.
For my full document, referred to in this blog,
http://pastordlgouldmusings2012.blogspot.com/search?q=perfection
02/06/18 HOLINESS REMINDER
02/06/18 HOLINESS REMINDER
I realize a lot of my friends might not understand what I mean when I use the word, "holiness." Let me give a brief explanation.
Holiness, as a doctrine, is
1- the state of being holy, pure in heart and
2- living a life of faithful submission to God.
Holiness is not determined by,
gifts of the Spirit, or
rules and regulation observation.
Holiness is not simply doing the righteous thing, it is being the righteous person, by the grace and work of God.
Holiness of heart is not progressive sanctification and cannot be attained or obtained through progressive sanctification
Holiness of heart and life begins at conversion and continues in the believers life, but holiness, purity of heart is an instantaneous, crises experience obtained from God by faith, in the same way justification is received by faith.
It has been said that Entire Sanctification (the Divine work of heart purification) is something a Christian approaches gradually, enters into suddenly and grows in forever.
There is much more to this wonderful truth. This is not intended to be exhaustive, but it might be helpful.
I realize a lot of my friends might not understand what I mean when I use the word, "holiness." Let me give a brief explanation.
Holiness, as a doctrine, is
1- the state of being holy, pure in heart and
2- living a life of faithful submission to God.
Holiness is not determined by,
gifts of the Spirit, or
rules and regulation observation.
Holiness is not simply doing the righteous thing, it is being the righteous person, by the grace and work of God.
Holiness of heart is not progressive sanctification and cannot be attained or obtained through progressive sanctification
Holiness of heart and life begins at conversion and continues in the believers life, but holiness, purity of heart is an instantaneous, crises experience obtained from God by faith, in the same way justification is received by faith.
It has been said that Entire Sanctification (the Divine work of heart purification) is something a Christian approaches gradually, enters into suddenly and grows in forever.
There is much more to this wonderful truth. This is not intended to be exhaustive, but it might be helpful.
Monday, February 5, 2018
02/05/18 DIVINE JEALOUSY IS DIVINE RIGHT
02/05/18 DIVINE JEALOUSY IS DIVINE RIGHT
Some time ago I saw a clip of Oprah "explaining" how she came to the point of rejecting the God that is revealed in the Holy Bible and the Christian faith.
She said that when she was young she heard a preacher say that God is a jealous God. She reasoned that God must be a small God if He was jealous of her. After all, what did she have that He wanted so much that it would make HIm jealous? FALSE NARRATIVE BUILT ON A MISINTERPRETED TRUTH.
Yes, God is JEALOUS. In order to understand this we need to understand the world "jealous." God is not ENVIOUS of what we have, He is jealous in the sense that He is God, He is our Creator, He is the only Sacrifice for our sin, He is our Sustainer, He is the King of kings and Lord of lords and the only Lawmaker and the only Judge, and since He loves us, He has the right to be loved in return, He has the right to be honored, He has the right to be obeyed. In fact, since it is by Him we live and move and have our being we OWE HIM our total devotion. God is jealous over us in the way that a loving husband is jealous over his wife. She should love him above all others and in fact should not love any other or give herself as a wife, as a woman, to any other man. God wants from us what rightfully belongs to Him. He is the only One worthy of our love, devotion, faith, obedience.
OPRAH SAID
GOD'S WORD SAYS
Some time ago I saw a clip of Oprah "explaining" how she came to the point of rejecting the God that is revealed in the Holy Bible and the Christian faith.
She said that when she was young she heard a preacher say that God is a jealous God. She reasoned that God must be a small God if He was jealous of her. After all, what did she have that He wanted so much that it would make HIm jealous? FALSE NARRATIVE BUILT ON A MISINTERPRETED TRUTH.
Yes, God is JEALOUS. In order to understand this we need to understand the world "jealous." God is not ENVIOUS of what we have, He is jealous in the sense that He is God, He is our Creator, He is the only Sacrifice for our sin, He is our Sustainer, He is the King of kings and Lord of lords and the only Lawmaker and the only Judge, and since He loves us, He has the right to be loved in return, He has the right to be honored, He has the right to be obeyed. In fact, since it is by Him we live and move and have our being we OWE HIM our total devotion. God is jealous over us in the way that a loving husband is jealous over his wife. She should love him above all others and in fact should not love any other or give herself as a wife, as a woman, to any other man. God wants from us what rightfully belongs to Him. He is the only One worthy of our love, devotion, faith, obedience.
OPRAH SAID
Oprah apparently gave this story as her supposed "explanation" for rejecting the God of the Holy Bible, but it was really her excuse for her own infidelity, ingratitude, selfishness, disobedience, rebellion, idolatry.
GOD'S WORD SAYS
Here are some of the passages that address the jealousy of God.
Exodus 20:3-6
3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:
5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;
6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.
Exodus 34:12-16
12 Take heed to thyself, lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land whither thou goest, lest it be for a snare in the midst of thee:
13 But ye shall destroy their altars, break their images, and cut down their groves:
14 For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:
15 Lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and they go a whoring after their gods, and do sacrifice unto their gods, and one call thee, and thou eat of his sacrifice;
16 And thou take of their daughters unto thy sons, and their daughters go a whoring after their gods, and make thy sons go a whoring after their gods.
Deuteronomy 4:23-24
23 Take heed unto yourselves, lest ye forget the covenant of the LORD your God, which he made with you, and make you a graven image, or the likeness of any thing, which the LORD thy God hath forbidden thee.
24 For the LORD thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God.
Deuteronomy 5:7-10
7 Thou shalt have none other gods before me.
8 Thou shalt not make thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the waters beneath the earth:
9 Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me,
10 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.
Joshua 24:19-20
19 And Joshua said unto the people, Ye cannot serve the LORD: for he is an holy God; he is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins.
20 If ye forsake the LORD, and serve strange gods, then he will turn and do you hurt, and consume you, after that he hath done you good.
1 Corinthians 10:20-22
20 But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.
21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.
22 Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?
Exodus 20:3-6
3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:
5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;
6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.
Exodus 34:12-16
12 Take heed to thyself, lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land whither thou goest, lest it be for a snare in the midst of thee:
13 But ye shall destroy their altars, break their images, and cut down their groves:
14 For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:
15 Lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and they go a whoring after their gods, and do sacrifice unto their gods, and one call thee, and thou eat of his sacrifice;
16 And thou take of their daughters unto thy sons, and their daughters go a whoring after their gods, and make thy sons go a whoring after their gods.
Deuteronomy 4:23-24
23 Take heed unto yourselves, lest ye forget the covenant of the LORD your God, which he made with you, and make you a graven image, or the likeness of any thing, which the LORD thy God hath forbidden thee.
24 For the LORD thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God.
Deuteronomy 5:7-10
7 Thou shalt have none other gods before me.
8 Thou shalt not make thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the waters beneath the earth:
9 Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me,
10 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.
Joshua 24:19-20
19 And Joshua said unto the people, Ye cannot serve the LORD: for he is an holy God; he is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins.
20 If ye forsake the LORD, and serve strange gods, then he will turn and do you hurt, and consume you, after that he hath done you good.
1 Corinthians 10:20-22
20 But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.
21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.
22 Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?
Sunday, February 4, 2018
02/04/18 KNOWLEDGE WISDOM FAITH OBEDIENCE
02/04/18 KNOWLEDGE WISDOM FAITH OBEDIENCE
If a bad man tells you that the house is on fire and you need to exit through the back door, you may not know whether he is telling the truth, but it would be prudent to consider the possibility. Even a bad man may do the right thing.
If a "good man" (a believer and follower of Christ) tells you that the house is on fire and that you need to exit through the back door, it is probably true, but even "good" men can make mistakes or be misinformed, therefore it would be a good idea to accept what he says, but observe and assess the situation as you escape.
If the Bible tells us something and it tells it clearly and it tells it repeatedly, then you can count on what it says and you can follow its directives. I am not referring to blind faith that follows unrelated, out of context verses. That can turn out badly.
Remember the fellow who sought God's guidance by opening the Bible to a random page, then reading the verse, to which he had blindly pointed?
FIRST PASSAGE
Mt. 27:5 Judas went and hanged himself.
(the man thought, wow, I know that can't be right, so he did it again)
SECOND PASSAGE
Lk. 10:37 Jesus said, Go and do thou likewise.
(the man thought, whoa, that can't be right, so he did it again)
THIRD PASSAGE
Jn 13:27 Jesus said, What thou doest, do quickly.
Read with knowledge, wisdom, faith and obedience.
If a bad man tells you that the house is on fire and you need to exit through the back door, you may not know whether he is telling the truth, but it would be prudent to consider the possibility. Even a bad man may do the right thing.
If a "good man" (a believer and follower of Christ) tells you that the house is on fire and that you need to exit through the back door, it is probably true, but even "good" men can make mistakes or be misinformed, therefore it would be a good idea to accept what he says, but observe and assess the situation as you escape.
If the Bible tells us something and it tells it clearly and it tells it repeatedly, then you can count on what it says and you can follow its directives. I am not referring to blind faith that follows unrelated, out of context verses. That can turn out badly.
Remember the fellow who sought God's guidance by opening the Bible to a random page, then reading the verse, to which he had blindly pointed?
FIRST PASSAGE
Mt. 27:5 Judas went and hanged himself.
(the man thought, wow, I know that can't be right, so he did it again)
SECOND PASSAGE
Lk. 10:37 Jesus said, Go and do thou likewise.
(the man thought, whoa, that can't be right, so he did it again)
THIRD PASSAGE
Jn 13:27 Jesus said, What thou doest, do quickly.
Read with knowledge, wisdom, faith and obedience.
Saturday, February 3, 2018
02/03/18 ARE YOU A JOY OR A DISAPPOINTMENT?
02/03/18 ARE YOU A JOY OR A DISAPPOINTMENT?
As I was thinking about the great joy I have as a shepherd of God's flock, I remembered something Paul said.
1 Thessalonians 2:19-20
19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?
20 For ye are our glory and joy.
WOW, what a great encouragement that must have been for the believers in Thessalonica. Paul said he considered those believers were a ministry of HOPE, JOY and a CROWN OF REJOICING, when he thought of them being ready for the return of the Lord. Look at verse 20, where he said, You are our GLORY and JOY.
I can tell you from personal experience that an "on fire body of believers" is an unspeakable, immeasurable source of rejoicing.
Think about it like this.
How does a coach feel when his players are chosen for a special award?
How does a music teacher feel when a student attains to greatness in the music world?
How does a teacher feel after giving special attention to a student, then watching them climb the ladder of success?
How does a mother or father feel when their child is recognized for outstanding achievement?
IT IS NORMAL FOR THE MENTOR, THE TEACHER, THE PARENT TO BE FILLED WITH JOY AND GLORY WHEN THE APPLE OF THEIR EYE SUCCEEDS.
But what about the other side of this equation?
How does a coach, teacher, parent feel when they see the one, in whom they have invested their best time, energy, effort, love life, only to fail and bring reproach.
Give your pastor, your teacher, your coach, your parent a reason for great joy, hope, glory. Don't be the cause of their disappointment, their regret, their despair, their emptiness, their sense of failure.
More importantly, don't be the cause of Divine displeasure. Becoming a champion or star at most disciplines of life demands a vision, a focus, a dedication, a great sacrifice, a self denial, a yieldedness to authority, a submission to correction and leading.
The successful person has learned to travel the harder paths and to suffer the loss of less important things and dreams in order to reach the heights of honor and success.
As I was thinking about the great joy I have as a shepherd of God's flock, I remembered something Paul said.
1 Thessalonians 2:19-20
19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?
20 For ye are our glory and joy.
WOW, what a great encouragement that must have been for the believers in Thessalonica. Paul said he considered those believers were a ministry of HOPE, JOY and a CROWN OF REJOICING, when he thought of them being ready for the return of the Lord. Look at verse 20, where he said, You are our GLORY and JOY.
I can tell you from personal experience that an "on fire body of believers" is an unspeakable, immeasurable source of rejoicing.
Think about it like this.
How does a coach feel when his players are chosen for a special award?
How does a music teacher feel when a student attains to greatness in the music world?
How does a teacher feel after giving special attention to a student, then watching them climb the ladder of success?
How does a mother or father feel when their child is recognized for outstanding achievement?
IT IS NORMAL FOR THE MENTOR, THE TEACHER, THE PARENT TO BE FILLED WITH JOY AND GLORY WHEN THE APPLE OF THEIR EYE SUCCEEDS.
But what about the other side of this equation?
How does a coach, teacher, parent feel when they see the one, in whom they have invested their best time, energy, effort, love life, only to fail and bring reproach.
Give your pastor, your teacher, your coach, your parent a reason for great joy, hope, glory. Don't be the cause of their disappointment, their regret, their despair, their emptiness, their sense of failure.
More importantly, don't be the cause of Divine displeasure. Becoming a champion or star at most disciplines of life demands a vision, a focus, a dedication, a great sacrifice, a self denial, a yieldedness to authority, a submission to correction and leading.
The successful person has learned to travel the harder paths and to suffer the loss of less important things and dreams in order to reach the heights of honor and success.
02/03/18 A UNIVERSAL SOLUTION
02/03/18 A UNIVERSAL SOLUTION
I was thinking about all of the trouble that Syria, Turkey, Iran, Russia and some African nations would be spared if they just believed the Bible and submitted to the rule of Christ in their lives. But you know how it is with politicians and people who are trusting in horses and chariots, and bowing at the altar of the Prince of Darkness.
Come to think of it, this is applies to individuals as well as nations. But it all comes back to the same problem. People put their faith and allegiance in someone or anything rather than in God. The Scripture tells us what is going to happen with the unholy alliances in the nations I mentioned above. Up to this point, God's word has proved to be accurate and true. But that does not matter to folks who choose to bump around in the dark.
I was thinking about all of the trouble that Syria, Turkey, Iran, Russia and some African nations would be spared if they just believed the Bible and submitted to the rule of Christ in their lives. But you know how it is with politicians and people who are trusting in horses and chariots, and bowing at the altar of the Prince of Darkness.
Come to think of it, this is applies to individuals as well as nations. But it all comes back to the same problem. People put their faith and allegiance in someone or anything rather than in God. The Scripture tells us what is going to happen with the unholy alliances in the nations I mentioned above. Up to this point, God's word has proved to be accurate and true. But that does not matter to folks who choose to bump around in the dark.
02/03/18 BARNA REPORT ON AMERICAN RELIGIOUS TREND
02/03/18 BARNA REPORT ON AMERICAN RELIGIOUS TREND
(Robert posted an article by the Barna Group, examining the religious trends from "Boomers" to "Gen Z." I "SHAREd" this article on my TIMELINE).
Thank you Robert for posting this article. (I came back to edit my intro) It is informative and it can be helpful to folks. Secular Humanism has been an enormously destructive weapon of darkness. The dedication of atheists and other Liberals to use the power of the State and Public Education has produced the crop of failed and empty lives, along with vehement and organized enemies of the cross (the Holy Bible, the Church, and the true and living God of the Bible).
The boomer generation was probably the first Secularized Generation, which was built on the foundation of Humanistic leaders such as, John Dewey (Father of Modern Education), Darwin (proponent of macroevolution), Margaret Sanger (gender bigot, racist bigot. abortion advocate), Freud, Skinner, Glasser, Jung, Fromm, Kinsey, Maslow, Rogers (mind manipulators through "psychological" study and intervention), Marx, Rousseau, Hegel, (social engineers and political leaders), along with other anti-Bible, anti-Christian advocates leading to the Millennials, Gen X and now, Gen Z.
This present maelstrom of resistance and rejection of God is the result of inherent rebellion, fueled by hotly forged and finely honed weapons of Darkness.
Present chaos was planned
by the Prince of Darkness
and engineered
by the champions of Darkness.
(Robert posted an article by the Barna Group, examining the religious trends from "Boomers" to "Gen Z." I "SHAREd" this article on my TIMELINE).
Thank you Robert for posting this article. (I came back to edit my intro) It is informative and it can be helpful to folks. Secular Humanism has been an enormously destructive weapon of darkness. The dedication of atheists and other Liberals to use the power of the State and Public Education has produced the crop of failed and empty lives, along with vehement and organized enemies of the cross (the Holy Bible, the Church, and the true and living God of the Bible).
The boomer generation was probably the first Secularized Generation, which was built on the foundation of Humanistic leaders such as, John Dewey (Father of Modern Education), Darwin (proponent of macroevolution), Margaret Sanger (gender bigot, racist bigot. abortion advocate), Freud, Skinner, Glasser, Jung, Fromm, Kinsey, Maslow, Rogers (mind manipulators through "psychological" study and intervention), Marx, Rousseau, Hegel, (social engineers and political leaders), along with other anti-Bible, anti-Christian advocates leading to the Millennials, Gen X and now, Gen Z.
This present maelstrom of resistance and rejection of God is the result of inherent rebellion, fueled by hotly forged and finely honed weapons of Darkness.
I added a comment, pointing out that I was not dealing with ancient or early aberrant groups.
My comments and my warning have nothing to do with ancient or early history aberrant groups of any religion. When I do address the dangers of aberrant such groups I will point out that they do not represent Judaism. We live at a time when anti-Jew and anti-Israel sentiment (referred to as anti Semitism) uses and misuses information to indiscriminately rail against Jews and Judaism, which obviously is a spiritual trap.
Of course I was referring to the modern Humanist movement as it has directly impacted recent generations. I was not referring to any ancient or early individuals or movements, or aberrant "Christian" groups, such the Roman religion, aberrant Jewish groups or even Islam.
Humanism has no connection with Biblical Christianity; Islam is the avowed enemy of Christianity and Judaism and anything else that is not Muslim; Judaism is historically linked to Christianity, and God will redeem Israel and restore Israel in the future (through faith in Messiah, Jesus Christ).
I realize that there are a number of aberrant movements and enemies of the cross. However, this article is addressing the primary movers of today's society. Also, the present day movers are viewed by most of society as being the norm in life. As a pastor, shepherd of sheep, I try to identify the enemy, warn the flock and fight the danger.
My comments and my warning have nothing to do with ancient or early history aberrant groups of any religion. When I do address the dangers of aberrant such groups I will point out that they do not represent Judaism. We live at a time when anti-Jew and anti-Israel sentiment (referred to as anti Semitism) uses and misuses information to indiscriminately rail against Jews and Judaism, which obviously is a spiritual trap.
Of course I was referring to the modern Humanist movement as it has directly impacted recent generations. I was not referring to any ancient or early individuals or movements, or aberrant "Christian" groups, such the Roman religion, aberrant Jewish groups or even Islam.
Humanism has no connection with Biblical Christianity; Islam is the avowed enemy of Christianity and Judaism and anything else that is not Muslim; Judaism is historically linked to Christianity, and God will redeem Israel and restore Israel in the future (through faith in Messiah, Jesus Christ).
I realize that there are a number of aberrant movements and enemies of the cross. However, this article is addressing the primary movers of today's society. Also, the present day movers are viewed by most of society as being the norm in life. As a pastor, shepherd of sheep, I try to identify the enemy, warn the flock and fight the danger.
Friday, February 2, 2018
02/02/18 TWO GREAT TREASURES
02/02/18 TWO GREAT TREASURES
GOD'S WORD and OUR CHILDRENNatural, Biblical, Historical, Systematic, Dogmatic, Practical.
I try to simplify the complex in my teaching, preaching. God intended for His truth and His word to be understandable to the average person and even to children. When it is presented in such a way that it makes it hard to understand, the preacher, teacher has failed.
As a true Bible preacher, doing the work of a Pastor/Teacher, I have studied Theology and Scripture for almost 55 years using these various methods. Each method has its value. Though I draw from the various methods, my articles reflect a focus on Practical Theology, which applies the truths of the Bible and the study of God (Theology) to the daily life of a Christian.
I hope that you will read and find spiritual help in my articles. I have actually written these with the intent of passing on my understanding of the Bible, to my grandchildren. Bible teaching and preaching are becoming more rare as the day of salvation comes to a close. Maybe you will find personal help in my articles and hopefully it will help you share God's eternal truth with your children and/or grandchildren.
I believe God's word is essential for life and godliness, and nothing can takes its place. My articles and studies are intended to encourage the study of God's word and to pass on the information gleaned from study, enlightenment, practice and ministry.
Don't forget to check out my various blogs, which are made up of ministry posts from FB, over the last 8 years.
Solomon said,
Ecclesiastes 12:9-11
9 And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs.
10 The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth.
11 The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.
Moses said,
Deuteronomy 6:1-9
1 Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go to possess it:
2 That thou mightest fear the LORD thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son's son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged.
3 Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do it; that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath promised thee, in the land that floweth with milk and honey.
4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:
5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:
7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.
9 And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.
VICTORY OVER CONFLICT AND DOUBT
02/02/18 VICTORY OVER CONFLICT AND DOUBT
Folks criticize the HEBREW children for their lack of faith after the their Exodus from Egypt and their crossing the Red Sea.
Folks criticize the HEBREW children for their lack of faith after the their Exodus from Egypt and their crossing the Red Sea.
But then those same critics live in doubt and defeat after the Passover (Jesus death on the cross) and Pentecost (the coming of the Holy Spirit and birth of the Church).
The constant murmuring, complaining, doubting among the Hebrews who were led out of Egypt by Moses was not because God had failed them or because Moses misled them. They struggled in their escape from bondage because they never made complete surrender, because they never trusted God fully, and God was not happy with them.
The complaining and fault finding not only polluted their own minds and hearts, making their own journey more difficult, but it also made life harder for those around them, and it created barriers with other sojourners, and it eventually resulted in idolatry for some of them, and it caused great numbers of them to be cut off from God ultimately, and it kept all but a few of the remaining multitude from entering the Promised Land. Crying, whining, doubting are acts of bondage rather than signs of faith and victory.
There were times when it was so difficult that some of those that were being rescued from Egyptian slavery and oppression longed for the old life and regretted the new life. They should have been singing praises all along the way, but they took greater pleasure crying in misery. Sometimes God required them to repeat the hard steps in the journey because they did not learn the glorious reality of victory through praise. God calls it rebellion when we don't live by faith.
The same thing happens today. There are few who mix faith with their testing, and as a result the moans of oppression rise where there should be shouts of victory.
Hebrews 3:14-19
14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;
15 While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.
16 For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses.
17 But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness?
18 And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not?
19 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.
The constant murmuring, complaining, doubting among the Hebrews who were led out of Egypt by Moses was not because God had failed them or because Moses misled them. They struggled in their escape from bondage because they never made complete surrender, because they never trusted God fully, and God was not happy with them.
The complaining and fault finding not only polluted their own minds and hearts, making their own journey more difficult, but it also made life harder for those around them, and it created barriers with other sojourners, and it eventually resulted in idolatry for some of them, and it caused great numbers of them to be cut off from God ultimately, and it kept all but a few of the remaining multitude from entering the Promised Land. Crying, whining, doubting are acts of bondage rather than signs of faith and victory.
There were times when it was so difficult that some of those that were being rescued from Egyptian slavery and oppression longed for the old life and regretted the new life. They should have been singing praises all along the way, but they took greater pleasure crying in misery. Sometimes God required them to repeat the hard steps in the journey because they did not learn the glorious reality of victory through praise. God calls it rebellion when we don't live by faith.
The same thing happens today. There are few who mix faith with their testing, and as a result the moans of oppression rise where there should be shouts of victory.
Hebrews 3:14-19
14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;
15 While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.
16 For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses.
17 But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness?
18 And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not?
19 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.
02/02/18 STRANGE BEDFELLOWS (not)
02/02/18 STRANGE BEDFELLOWS (not)
This is not saying that there have not been evil Jews, anymore than saying there have not been evil Gentiles. However, I do know that historically, Europe and the USA have been plagued with organized invasions, terrorism, piracy and extortion from a different people in that same region. I also am aware that the worldwide spread of a desert tribal religion through bloodshed makes so-called "American Colonialism" look like door to door selling of thin mint flavored chocolate cookies.
Yet, the constant and growing hatred for Jews and Israel contrasted with the unbelievable infatuation that Britain (and a growing proportion of America) has for a worldwide movement of invaders, terrorists, blood thirsty religious fanatics is amazing on one hand but totally understandable on the other.
The Bible records and predicts the growing hatred for Jews and Israel. The haters do not always realize the reason for their rage. They have been duped by the bias of national heroes, social bigotry and religious prejudice (actuated by Denizens of the dark domain) to resist and reject the lineage of Jesus Christ and to stand opposed to the plan of God to restore Israel to a place of international prominence in fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.
There is only one way of salvation, and that is faith in the atoning death and physical resurrection of Jesus Christ. But God's plan also includes the return Israel to a right relationship with God through Christ and the reign of Christ for a 1,000 years from the Temple in Jerusalem.
Y'all remember the hordes of
Jewish pirates and terrorists
rampaging Britain and the USA
for centuries, right?
Jewish pirates and terrorists
rampaging Britain and the USA
for centuries, right?
(me neither too)
This is not saying that there have not been evil Jews, anymore than saying there have not been evil Gentiles. However, I do know that historically, Europe and the USA have been plagued with organized invasions, terrorism, piracy and extortion from a different people in that same region. I also am aware that the worldwide spread of a desert tribal religion through bloodshed makes so-called "American Colonialism" look like door to door selling of thin mint flavored chocolate cookies.
Yet, the constant and growing hatred for Jews and Israel contrasted with the unbelievable infatuation that Britain (and a growing proportion of America) has for a worldwide movement of invaders, terrorists, blood thirsty religious fanatics is amazing on one hand but totally understandable on the other.
The Bible records and predicts the growing hatred for Jews and Israel. The haters do not always realize the reason for their rage. They have been duped by the bias of national heroes, social bigotry and religious prejudice (actuated by Denizens of the dark domain) to resist and reject the lineage of Jesus Christ and to stand opposed to the plan of God to restore Israel to a place of international prominence in fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.
There is only one way of salvation, and that is faith in the atoning death and physical resurrection of Jesus Christ. But God's plan also includes the return Israel to a right relationship with God through Christ and the reign of Christ for a 1,000 years from the Temple in Jerusalem.
Thursday, February 1, 2018
02/01/18 TIME'S A FLEETING
02/01/18 TIME'S A FLEETING
John 4:35
35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.
02/01/18 GOD'S PLAN
02/01/18 GOD'S PLAN
I love being
preacher, pastor/teacher,
even with struggles, heartaches, losses.
It is God reaching to a world in sin's darkness.
02/01/18 WON'T ATTEND IF THEY DENY
02/01/18 WON'T ATTEND IF THEY DENY
Won't attend if they deny:
Christ's Virgin Birth, Deity, Atonement, Physical Resurrection and Return;
Sadly, the more traditionally evangelical or fundamental denominations have been impacted with infidelity as well. Even when we find a denomination with a sound heritage and Biblically sound doctrinal stance, the fact is that many of the local congregations of those denominations have turned away from their roots and are no longer sound in their theology or practices.
This is not a negative post or comment. This is a response to a negative worldview, which presents itself as Christian. I am simply trying to keep it honest for those who are interested in Biblical truth.
Won't attend if they deny:
Christ's Virgin Birth, Deity, Atonement, Physical Resurrection and Return;
The Trinity;
Holy Bible.
This is not intended to be a thorough explanation, but it at least can help some folks understand a little more about what I am saying.
This eliminates Liberal groups, false religions, cults. Though some groups acknowledge some essential truths, they falter on other essential truths. They either add to the word of God (the Holy Bible) or they take away from the word of God.
This is not intended to be a thorough explanation, but it at least can help some folks understand a little more about what I am saying.
This eliminates Liberal groups, false religions, cults. Though some groups acknowledge some essential truths, they falter on other essential truths. They either add to the word of God (the Holy Bible) or they take away from the word of God.
The first errant step for most groups is the fact that they recognize an authority greater than God's inspired, inerrant, revelation (the Holy Bible), such as
Science (so called);
the teachings of the Pope and the Roman Religion;
the writings of other people, such as
Mary Baker Eddy ("Christian Science"),
Mary Baker Eddy ("Christian Science"),
Ellen G. White (SDA aka Seventh Day Adventism),
Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, so-called "Prophets and Apostles" (LDS aka Mormonism);
Liberalism, and now the Emergent movement (found in most mainline denominations) such as the
Methodists, Episcopalians, Lutherans, Presbyterians
(these mainline denominations had a traditional, orthodox, Christian foundation, to varying degrees, but, to a great extent, have gone in the way of anti-Bible Liberalism);
New Age groups, such as Unitarian and Universalist, Unity.
Methodists, Episcopalians, Lutherans, Presbyterians
(these mainline denominations had a traditional, orthodox, Christian foundation, to varying degrees, but, to a great extent, have gone in the way of anti-Bible Liberalism);
New Age groups, such as Unitarian and Universalist, Unity.
Sadly, the more traditionally evangelical or fundamental denominations have been impacted with infidelity as well. Even when we find a denomination with a sound heritage and Biblically sound doctrinal stance, the fact is that many of the local congregations of those denominations have turned away from their roots and are no longer sound in their theology or practices.
This is not a negative post or comment. This is a response to a negative worldview, which presents itself as Christian. I am simply trying to keep it honest for those who are interested in Biblical truth.
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