In Luke 19 Jesus told a parable about giving ten minas/pounds to his slaves. When He returns to find out what they have done with them he finds one has made ten more, another made 5 more and the last hid His and did nothing with it. Jesus takes it away and gives it to the one who made ten and finds that those observing the transaction begin to object because that one has ten already.
Each slave had the same opportunity. Freedom to use the money as they saw fit. The result was different for each. The two that did something with their money were rewarded while the one who buried it and did nothing, was not taken care of by the Lord, but stripped of even what he had.
Our founding Fathers understood that where there was true freedom there would be inequality among people regarding the things they possessed. Where there is liberty each has the opportunity to work and produce according to their ability or strength and the result may be very different, but that's what true freedom allows. If everyone ends up with the same amount of things it is because freedom has been taken away and oppression has begun on somebodies part.
Jesus even took away what the non-productive slave had and gave it to someone that would do something with it. I know some may be offended with this, but it makes sense to make sure your goods are being used to produce something rather than to give them away to be wasted. We should, as a nation, at least take into consideration the wisdom of this parable. Instead we have seen a rise in class warfare, where a cry goes out to take away from the rich and give to the poor. The Bible instructs the rich to be generous, but does not mandate equality of things for all. Different ones collected different amounts of Manna. The saints in Corinth did try to spread their wealth to the believers who were suffering from bad economic conditions, but it was their choice.
As I studied the information from the missionary Steve Parker who wrote about breaking the spirit of poverty, it was interesting that he noted that one of the symptoms of the spirit of poverty was class warfare, blaming the rich for your condition. While there is certainly oppression by some and a need to stop that oppression, a complaining spirit that is always blaming someone else for your condition, denies that it is God who gives the power to make wealth. And, creates a receiving rather than a giving mentality which is not one that God has decreed to bless. Give and it shall be given. This demand to have it given to me by someone who has more is rooted in class envy, jealousy and selfish ambition.
The whole spirit behind Marxism is class warfare and there are those in this nation who are promoting it. I believe it is against Bible principle and against the founding principles of this nation. As I dig deeper into the roots of this nation, I am amazed at the wisdom of the early leaders and their insight into the behaviors and attitudes that are harmful to a free society. We have adopted many of them or at least toyed with them sufficiently for them to have influence in our present culture and politics. COME QUICKLY LORD AND ESTABLISH YOUR KINGDOM!!!
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Do you Believe Evolution is a Myth?
I heard this one question from a political debate the other night. It really gets me riled up more than I like to admit. It seems when someone is asked this question they feel the responsibility to recoil and back pedal so as not to be thought of as "one of them ignorant religious fanatics that takes everything on faith".
I wish someone on the political scene would be able to take an on the spot stand for what they really believe. I understand the pressure of having a spontaneous answer that sounds intelligent makes it difficult to really address the issue, but if someone could answer this question for me this is what they could say.
Given what we know about irreducible complexity, the genetic burden, the complexity of the millions of bits of information "programmed" into each cell; given what we observe in nature and genetics that every kind of plant and animal produces offspring that is healthy only if it is genetically similar to itself and that there is no reasonable explanation for how each cell's information can be changed by chance to allow an animal to begin to breathe through the top of its head, grow hands instead of wings, grow lungs and gills at the same time so it can transition from water to air oxygen extraction, and given, simple logic declares that no one standing at the base of Mt. Rushmore ever concludes that the faces in the side of that mountain appeared there by chance, likewise the design of every living thing is evidence of a designer, given these things and many others, I consider evolution at best a bad theory and at worst an unscientific hoax disguised in scientific garb and language that has deceived a few generations of aspiring educators and students. (Do not turn me in to my high school English teacher because of this lengthy run-on sentence. I was just expressing some pent up frustration.)
Let's get real personal. Are you telling me that the type of skin that is on those sensitive parts of your body just happened to show up there. If it is by chance how does chance "know" that it is advantageous for that type of skin to be in those places. Chance by definition, "don't know nuttin'". That skin is a design to perpetuate the desire to perpetuate the human race. Where are the transitional forms of mammals that have 3 legs or 1 leg or 5 legs? It seems that there is a design that produces functional mammals with 2 or 4 legs. Evolution defies logic!!!! As each new form developed who did it reproduce with. Especially in those cases when you have changes in numbers of chromosomes. How did those forms transition? When the first living thing appeared what did it eat, ITSELF!!!!
Alexis De Tocqueville in his book Democracy in America cited a case where an American judge refused to admit a man to testify in court because he said he was an atheist. The judge thus concluded the man had destroyed beforehand any confidence the court had in what he was about to say, since he didn't have the sense to believe in God. God has made His existence evident, man is without excuse. Looking at the creation makes it obvious. You can't see it only if you look at things with the presumption there is no God. Can you imagine what the first fish born that could breathe with lungs had to do at birth? Get out of the water! You know there are some very unique forms of life on the earth, some seem to have traits of various types of animals, but there are not true transitional animals with an arm on one side and a wing on the other, hair on one arm and feathers on the other, etc.
We are the most intelligent life forms on the earth, but I cannot figure out how to start breathing through the top of my head. Do we understand all the changes that would just have to fall in place for that to happen!!!!!???!!?? Chance?? If that is chance, then chance is Almighty!! That is DESIGN, coordinated with complimentary parts in all the right places. If it is evolution it is evolution with incredible intelligence and purpose, which by definition it should have neither. How can chance have purpose? If it has purpose or intent it is not chance!!! Somebody rescue me from the insanity of our present day intelligentsia!!!!
The fact that there is design, morals, logic, emotion and compassion for the less fortunate all point to God, rather than survival of the fittest. And the dangers of believing there is no God is that with that belief we can make our own values and destroy the unborn. That is unnatural. There are evident laws of nature and nature's God.
To answer the question. Yeah, I believe evolution is a myth. Why would you believe anything else. What is the "evidence" for evolution? There should be "millions" of transitional forms living among us and in the fossils and it "just ain't there". There should be testable or observable genetic reasons how dogs can change to cats or at least dats. There are many fascinating things in nature, (caterpillars to butterflies for example) but their development and characteristics are all inherent within their genetic code.
Some day just think about what would have to take place step by step for evolution to happen. Things to eat, changes in genetic coding, partners of like kind to perpetuate your existence. If the eye developed by chance why is it located in front of the brain instead in front of the stomach. I tell you it's design!!! And there is a designer. If you want to know Him He revealed Himself in the person of Jesus of Nazareth!! You can read about Him in the Bible. The truth is good. If evolution is true, we have no hope, everything is meaningless. YOU ARE A COSMIC ACCIDENT!!
The truth is you are here because of the creative love of your Heavenly Father. Be Blessed!!
I wish someone on the political scene would be able to take an on the spot stand for what they really believe. I understand the pressure of having a spontaneous answer that sounds intelligent makes it difficult to really address the issue, but if someone could answer this question for me this is what they could say.
Given what we know about irreducible complexity, the genetic burden, the complexity of the millions of bits of information "programmed" into each cell; given what we observe in nature and genetics that every kind of plant and animal produces offspring that is healthy only if it is genetically similar to itself and that there is no reasonable explanation for how each cell's information can be changed by chance to allow an animal to begin to breathe through the top of its head, grow hands instead of wings, grow lungs and gills at the same time so it can transition from water to air oxygen extraction, and given, simple logic declares that no one standing at the base of Mt. Rushmore ever concludes that the faces in the side of that mountain appeared there by chance, likewise the design of every living thing is evidence of a designer, given these things and many others, I consider evolution at best a bad theory and at worst an unscientific hoax disguised in scientific garb and language that has deceived a few generations of aspiring educators and students. (Do not turn me in to my high school English teacher because of this lengthy run-on sentence. I was just expressing some pent up frustration.)
Let's get real personal. Are you telling me that the type of skin that is on those sensitive parts of your body just happened to show up there. If it is by chance how does chance "know" that it is advantageous for that type of skin to be in those places. Chance by definition, "don't know nuttin'". That skin is a design to perpetuate the desire to perpetuate the human race. Where are the transitional forms of mammals that have 3 legs or 1 leg or 5 legs? It seems that there is a design that produces functional mammals with 2 or 4 legs. Evolution defies logic!!!! As each new form developed who did it reproduce with. Especially in those cases when you have changes in numbers of chromosomes. How did those forms transition? When the first living thing appeared what did it eat, ITSELF!!!!
Alexis De Tocqueville in his book Democracy in America cited a case where an American judge refused to admit a man to testify in court because he said he was an atheist. The judge thus concluded the man had destroyed beforehand any confidence the court had in what he was about to say, since he didn't have the sense to believe in God. God has made His existence evident, man is without excuse. Looking at the creation makes it obvious. You can't see it only if you look at things with the presumption there is no God. Can you imagine what the first fish born that could breathe with lungs had to do at birth? Get out of the water! You know there are some very unique forms of life on the earth, some seem to have traits of various types of animals, but there are not true transitional animals with an arm on one side and a wing on the other, hair on one arm and feathers on the other, etc.
We are the most intelligent life forms on the earth, but I cannot figure out how to start breathing through the top of my head. Do we understand all the changes that would just have to fall in place for that to happen!!!!!???!!?? Chance?? If that is chance, then chance is Almighty!! That is DESIGN, coordinated with complimentary parts in all the right places. If it is evolution it is evolution with incredible intelligence and purpose, which by definition it should have neither. How can chance have purpose? If it has purpose or intent it is not chance!!! Somebody rescue me from the insanity of our present day intelligentsia!!!!
The fact that there is design, morals, logic, emotion and compassion for the less fortunate all point to God, rather than survival of the fittest. And the dangers of believing there is no God is that with that belief we can make our own values and destroy the unborn. That is unnatural. There are evident laws of nature and nature's God.
To answer the question. Yeah, I believe evolution is a myth. Why would you believe anything else. What is the "evidence" for evolution? There should be "millions" of transitional forms living among us and in the fossils and it "just ain't there". There should be testable or observable genetic reasons how dogs can change to cats or at least dats. There are many fascinating things in nature, (caterpillars to butterflies for example) but their development and characteristics are all inherent within their genetic code.
Some day just think about what would have to take place step by step for evolution to happen. Things to eat, changes in genetic coding, partners of like kind to perpetuate your existence. If the eye developed by chance why is it located in front of the brain instead in front of the stomach. I tell you it's design!!! And there is a designer. If you want to know Him He revealed Himself in the person of Jesus of Nazareth!! You can read about Him in the Bible. The truth is good. If evolution is true, we have no hope, everything is meaningless. YOU ARE A COSMIC ACCIDENT!!
The truth is you are here because of the creative love of your Heavenly Father. Be Blessed!!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Has "American Government" Been Overthrown?
I was listening to a radio program the other day and they were discussing the military vow to defend the U.S. Constitution against every foe, foreign and domestic. A statement was made that it would be easy to identify and resist a physical enemy who had come to overthrow our governmental headquarters. With that statement I began to ponder the question, what makes up American government? Is it simply those who legislate, judge and serve in the executive branch? It seems to me it would relate to all of those, of course, and the control of our military, but wouldn't it also include how we govern, or even on what basis.
Today, if we set out to determine how do we establish law or what is right and wrong there would likely be diverse and contradictory opinions. We often hear people plead their case that a law should not be established because 52% or some such number are against it. This is a plea that finds its basis in the concept that law should reflect the majority opinion. Is that American?
We find that laws are sometimes established by a vote of the people, but then overthrown by a single Judge. Is that American government? What was the basis for the overturning? Public sentiment? Cultural tendencies? Interpretations of discrimination? And, if so, who defines these things?
So law comes sometimes from a judge's opinion. Where does his opinion find it's basis? Sometimes it is previous case law, sometimes precedents in other nations, and sometimes it seems to originate in his political bent.
Law in America sometimes comes from our legislative branch, called "lawmakers". What is their basis for determining legal statute? Is it the popularity polls? Often it seems to be their own logic as to what they think would be best.
In all of this we seem to have lost the foundation from which law originates in our nation. Our foundation varies and is shifting all the time. Shifting foundations are very treacherous.
Our nation was founded as a Republic, as in, "...and to the republic for which it stands.." from our pledge. The founders did not want a Democracy which allows people to change laws simply by majority vote. We were to elect representatives who protect the inalienable rights given by God.
Arguments are often engaged in these days whether we are a Christian nation. The Treaty of Tripoli says specifically that we are not a Christian nation. In the context of its purpose and world history, we are not a Christian nation in the respect that a Christian denomination or Church hierarchy does not rule this nation from its headquarters, as has been the case in other nations. However, we are a Christian nation, as is stated in many early court decisions, including statements by John Jay, our first chief justice of the Supreme Court, in the respect of the basis by which we form our Laws.
Our governmental buildings in Washington display Moses and the Ten Commandments in many places as a reminder of the origin of Law in this nation. The three branches of government find their origin in the scriptures and the initial laws in America found their authority through their consistency with the scriptures. As Washington stated in his farewell address, the government must stand on the pillars of religion and morality. Even a casual perusal of historical documents is enough to see that this religion and morality was religion and morality that proceeded from the Bible.
Soooooo, our present state of law making which comes from several sources and finds its basis in no particular foundational premise is a departure from American law and government. Thus it is my conclusion that this American government has been overthrown and the Constitution attacked by enemies within and has not been adequately defended.
The American founders gave up fortunes, family and some, their lives, in order to establish a Republic based in Biblical principles. Many saw it as a call from God. I would hope we could stand in this day to call a nation to repentance on many levels, including a return to Godly roots on a legal or governmental level. This doesn't mean everyone has to be a Christian who lives in America. It just means that the people in this nation understand that true "American" law has its basis in the Bible. Shalom!!
I am establishing a web site business/cause called letsroaramerica.com. The ROAR is an acronym for Restore Our American Roots. The website is under construction with the hope that it will be completed within a month. May you be blessed in pursuit of Him!!!
Today, if we set out to determine how do we establish law or what is right and wrong there would likely be diverse and contradictory opinions. We often hear people plead their case that a law should not be established because 52% or some such number are against it. This is a plea that finds its basis in the concept that law should reflect the majority opinion. Is that American?
We find that laws are sometimes established by a vote of the people, but then overthrown by a single Judge. Is that American government? What was the basis for the overturning? Public sentiment? Cultural tendencies? Interpretations of discrimination? And, if so, who defines these things?
So law comes sometimes from a judge's opinion. Where does his opinion find it's basis? Sometimes it is previous case law, sometimes precedents in other nations, and sometimes it seems to originate in his political bent.
Law in America sometimes comes from our legislative branch, called "lawmakers". What is their basis for determining legal statute? Is it the popularity polls? Often it seems to be their own logic as to what they think would be best.
In all of this we seem to have lost the foundation from which law originates in our nation. Our foundation varies and is shifting all the time. Shifting foundations are very treacherous.
Our nation was founded as a Republic, as in, "...and to the republic for which it stands.." from our pledge. The founders did not want a Democracy which allows people to change laws simply by majority vote. We were to elect representatives who protect the inalienable rights given by God.
Arguments are often engaged in these days whether we are a Christian nation. The Treaty of Tripoli says specifically that we are not a Christian nation. In the context of its purpose and world history, we are not a Christian nation in the respect that a Christian denomination or Church hierarchy does not rule this nation from its headquarters, as has been the case in other nations. However, we are a Christian nation, as is stated in many early court decisions, including statements by John Jay, our first chief justice of the Supreme Court, in the respect of the basis by which we form our Laws.
Our governmental buildings in Washington display Moses and the Ten Commandments in many places as a reminder of the origin of Law in this nation. The three branches of government find their origin in the scriptures and the initial laws in America found their authority through their consistency with the scriptures. As Washington stated in his farewell address, the government must stand on the pillars of religion and morality. Even a casual perusal of historical documents is enough to see that this religion and morality was religion and morality that proceeded from the Bible.
Soooooo, our present state of law making which comes from several sources and finds its basis in no particular foundational premise is a departure from American law and government. Thus it is my conclusion that this American government has been overthrown and the Constitution attacked by enemies within and has not been adequately defended.
The American founders gave up fortunes, family and some, their lives, in order to establish a Republic based in Biblical principles. Many saw it as a call from God. I would hope we could stand in this day to call a nation to repentance on many levels, including a return to Godly roots on a legal or governmental level. This doesn't mean everyone has to be a Christian who lives in America. It just means that the people in this nation understand that true "American" law has its basis in the Bible. Shalom!!
I am establishing a web site business/cause called letsroaramerica.com. The ROAR is an acronym for Restore Our American Roots. The website is under construction with the hope that it will be completed within a month. May you be blessed in pursuit of Him!!!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Choose Your Reformation
There is a reforming of American culture taking place. The consistent deterioration of Christian morals and the ever changing definition of what is virtuous have left the culture in no man's land. A culture cannot remain in a moral vacuum for long. Some standard will be raised to claim the right to define right and wrong. Europe has tried to exist in a neutral state regarding morality and religion. They have tried to become religionless, and with that have no moral background to stand against a direct assault to take over the cultural standards. Thus Islam is beginning to exert it's force to take over the laws of Europe. Since Europe has no standard for Law they also have no basis to resist a movement to overtake their legal system.
America has been following Europe's lead. Having abandoned our heritage of a society whose morality is based on scripture, we have no basis to restrict incoming philosophies. The doctrine of tolerance will be used against this culture to allow varying philosophies to gain a foothold and then the intolerance of these systems will begin to raise its ugly head. Truly the most threatening is Islam, as we can see by the boldness they have to establish a mosque at the site where Islamic jihadists, as an act of war, killed thousands of American citizens. This was done in the name of the god they want to erect this monument to.
What reformation will we choose? I would hope we would fall back to our roots. Noah Webster stated, "The moral principles and precepts found in the Scriptures ought to form the basis of all our civil constitutions and laws." Jedidiah Morse who was an educator and Historian of the American Revolution said, "Whenever the pillars of Christianity shall be overthrown, our present republican forms of government - and all the blessings which flow from them - must fall with them."
This does not pretend to require that all become Christians, although many founders would have welcomed the idea that all would become Christians, it establishes the principles and foundation from which our law is derived. In other words, the Bible is the basis for our law. The U.S. House Judiciary committee in Congress, 1854 recorded this statement, "Had the people, during the Revolution, had a suspicion of any attempt to war against Christianity, that Revolution would have been strangled in its cradle... In this age, there can be no substitute for Christianity...That was the religion of the founders of the republic and they expected it to remain the religion of their descendants." Can you imagine Nancy Pelosi releasing a declaration like this.
We will re-form. Either the present slide will culminate in a totalitarian takeover at some point or we will experience a return to a Biblical basis for law.
As I review the history of revivals in this nation, it appears that these moves of God are necessary to even maintain the mindset in this nation which allows for us to maintain our roots. We are rooted in revivalism and the cause of Christ. The initial "Constitution" of the colonies was called, The articles of Confederation of the United Colonies of New England established on May 19, 1643 which stated the intent of this nation in its introduction as this, "Whereas we all came into these parts of America with one and the same end and aim, namely, to advance the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ and to enjoy the liberties of the Gospel in purity with peace." With this in mind I would propose that it is both just and right to return to the Bible as our standard for law. Those that want to ban Jesus, the Bible, the cross and Christian prayer from the public arena have tried to tell us we were not established upon Christianity and the Bible. If they can rewrite our history they can change our destiny. But if we understand the intent of this nation in its very establishment, there is no shame or injustice in returning to our roots and bringing glory to God and His Christ in the public arena.
We will reform from this point in history. We are faced with the same choice Elijah gave to Israel. How long will you hesitate between two opinions? If the Lord is God, Follow Him!
Without a spiritual awakening and the demonstration of the Lord by His manifest Presence we, like Israel, will stand powerless unable to answer the call. As never before we need true revival that transcends the walls of the Church and transforms the culture we live in. CRY OUT!!!
America has been following Europe's lead. Having abandoned our heritage of a society whose morality is based on scripture, we have no basis to restrict incoming philosophies. The doctrine of tolerance will be used against this culture to allow varying philosophies to gain a foothold and then the intolerance of these systems will begin to raise its ugly head. Truly the most threatening is Islam, as we can see by the boldness they have to establish a mosque at the site where Islamic jihadists, as an act of war, killed thousands of American citizens. This was done in the name of the god they want to erect this monument to.
What reformation will we choose? I would hope we would fall back to our roots. Noah Webster stated, "The moral principles and precepts found in the Scriptures ought to form the basis of all our civil constitutions and laws." Jedidiah Morse who was an educator and Historian of the American Revolution said, "Whenever the pillars of Christianity shall be overthrown, our present republican forms of government - and all the blessings which flow from them - must fall with them."
This does not pretend to require that all become Christians, although many founders would have welcomed the idea that all would become Christians, it establishes the principles and foundation from which our law is derived. In other words, the Bible is the basis for our law. The U.S. House Judiciary committee in Congress, 1854 recorded this statement, "Had the people, during the Revolution, had a suspicion of any attempt to war against Christianity, that Revolution would have been strangled in its cradle... In this age, there can be no substitute for Christianity...That was the religion of the founders of the republic and they expected it to remain the religion of their descendants." Can you imagine Nancy Pelosi releasing a declaration like this.
We will re-form. Either the present slide will culminate in a totalitarian takeover at some point or we will experience a return to a Biblical basis for law.
As I review the history of revivals in this nation, it appears that these moves of God are necessary to even maintain the mindset in this nation which allows for us to maintain our roots. We are rooted in revivalism and the cause of Christ. The initial "Constitution" of the colonies was called, The articles of Confederation of the United Colonies of New England established on May 19, 1643 which stated the intent of this nation in its introduction as this, "Whereas we all came into these parts of America with one and the same end and aim, namely, to advance the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ and to enjoy the liberties of the Gospel in purity with peace." With this in mind I would propose that it is both just and right to return to the Bible as our standard for law. Those that want to ban Jesus, the Bible, the cross and Christian prayer from the public arena have tried to tell us we were not established upon Christianity and the Bible. If they can rewrite our history they can change our destiny. But if we understand the intent of this nation in its very establishment, there is no shame or injustice in returning to our roots and bringing glory to God and His Christ in the public arena.
We will reform from this point in history. We are faced with the same choice Elijah gave to Israel. How long will you hesitate between two opinions? If the Lord is God, Follow Him!
Without a spiritual awakening and the demonstration of the Lord by His manifest Presence we, like Israel, will stand powerless unable to answer the call. As never before we need true revival that transcends the walls of the Church and transforms the culture we live in. CRY OUT!!!
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
The Imminent Return of the Lord Jesus
This is a scary topic for me because some of what I am about to say goes against some of the most common declarations I have heard in the Church for years. The Bible warns against the ones who say their master will not return soon and begin to beat the slaves and eat and get drunk. Luke 12:45, 46 says that the master of that slave will come on a day He does not expect and cut him up and assign him a place with the unbelievers. That's serious stuff!!!
I am not going to say that the Lord is not coming soon. The events in the world, especially in relationship to Israel, cry out that the stage is being set for the day when the Lord returns to rescue Jerusalem from enemy onslaught (Zechariah 14).
The comment I often hear that I cannot just accept as I read the Bible is that the Lord could come any moment. The reason I say that is two-fold. In I Thessalonians 5 we are told that the Day of the Lord will not overtake us who are of the light like a thief in the night. We will know the time of the coming of Jesus and the accompanying events which make up the Day of the Lord. It would be good to review all references both in the Old and New Testaments on this topic.
The second and more specific reason that I hesitate to say the Lord could come any moment is the passage in II Thessalonians 2:1-3. Regarding the timing of the Day of the Lord Paul says to let no one deceive you, that it will not come unless the apostasy (falling away) comes first AND the man of lawlessness is revealed. That is where I must say I do not see the Antichrist (man of lawlessness) revealed. I know there can be interpretations that spiritualize this passage to mean many things, but Paul seems to believe that this revelation of this man will be so clear that it is one of two markers that he explains are to definitely happen before the Day of the Lord comes. Now I believe the Bible teaches the Day of the Lord is more than the coming of Jesus, but it does include His coming. So before He comes if I am not to be deceived, I should be able to see the man of lawlessness revealed.
Although, there are many moving under a strong antichrist spirit today I don't see the one revealed who will be destroyed by the Lord by His coming (II Thessalonians 2:8). It still looks to me that some things are going to be played out in this end of the age scenario that have not come to pass as of yet. Jesus will return to set up His kingdom and to gather His elect. In the meantime we are called to be salt (fertilizer which causes the good to grow and disinfectant which kills the bad) and light to this world. Presenting the very life, message and witness of Jesus to the world we live in.
So, I reserve the right to be wrong in this matter, but it seems to me that Jesus is not returning any moment unless we suddenly see Jerusalem under siege and before that the man of lawlessness revealed. Those that continue to contend for an any moment return, of course, believe in a pre-tribulation rapture that is not specifically talked about anywhere in the scriptures. Jesus commenting on His return said every one will see Him and it will not be silent or secretive, but with a shout and a trumpet blast.
All that said, I would make sure I am ready for His return and while waiting that we prepare the way of the Lord. Blessings to you, Ed
I am not going to say that the Lord is not coming soon. The events in the world, especially in relationship to Israel, cry out that the stage is being set for the day when the Lord returns to rescue Jerusalem from enemy onslaught (Zechariah 14).
The comment I often hear that I cannot just accept as I read the Bible is that the Lord could come any moment. The reason I say that is two-fold. In I Thessalonians 5 we are told that the Day of the Lord will not overtake us who are of the light like a thief in the night. We will know the time of the coming of Jesus and the accompanying events which make up the Day of the Lord. It would be good to review all references both in the Old and New Testaments on this topic.
The second and more specific reason that I hesitate to say the Lord could come any moment is the passage in II Thessalonians 2:1-3. Regarding the timing of the Day of the Lord Paul says to let no one deceive you, that it will not come unless the apostasy (falling away) comes first AND the man of lawlessness is revealed. That is where I must say I do not see the Antichrist (man of lawlessness) revealed. I know there can be interpretations that spiritualize this passage to mean many things, but Paul seems to believe that this revelation of this man will be so clear that it is one of two markers that he explains are to definitely happen before the Day of the Lord comes. Now I believe the Bible teaches the Day of the Lord is more than the coming of Jesus, but it does include His coming. So before He comes if I am not to be deceived, I should be able to see the man of lawlessness revealed.
Although, there are many moving under a strong antichrist spirit today I don't see the one revealed who will be destroyed by the Lord by His coming (II Thessalonians 2:8). It still looks to me that some things are going to be played out in this end of the age scenario that have not come to pass as of yet. Jesus will return to set up His kingdom and to gather His elect. In the meantime we are called to be salt (fertilizer which causes the good to grow and disinfectant which kills the bad) and light to this world. Presenting the very life, message and witness of Jesus to the world we live in.
So, I reserve the right to be wrong in this matter, but it seems to me that Jesus is not returning any moment unless we suddenly see Jerusalem under siege and before that the man of lawlessness revealed. Those that continue to contend for an any moment return, of course, believe in a pre-tribulation rapture that is not specifically talked about anywhere in the scriptures. Jesus commenting on His return said every one will see Him and it will not be silent or secretive, but with a shout and a trumpet blast.
All that said, I would make sure I am ready for His return and while waiting that we prepare the way of the Lord. Blessings to you, Ed
Monday, May 31, 2010
Jesus: Son of God
I've heard recently that some leaders in the current emergent church movement have stated that the virgin birth is not an essential doctrine. It seems the argument stems from the translation of the word virgin from Isaiah 7:14. Some contend the word can be better translated maiden. Even if that is the case, the New Testament makes it clear how the word is to be interpreted in the case of Mary.
Luke 2:26-38 is Mary's dialogue with the angel Gabriel. She questions the statement regarding the possibility of having a child since she has never had sexual relations. King James, I know no man. In Matthew 1:23-25 where the Isaiah passage is quoted, it says that Joseph kept her a virgin until after Jesus was born.
What happens to John 3:16 without a virgin birth? God so loved the world that He gave the son of the local milkman, or traveling goat salesman, or the sly census taker, or even Joseph. How does that fulfill the redemption story? A pretend perfect sacrifice, or a reasonable facsimile. God gave the perfect lamb. A man whose origin is in the creative work of God, much like Adam. Who having been saved from the fall by being born of the Holy Spirit, maintains His perfection and willingly offers Himself as the perfect sacrifice, required by the law, to purchase our freedom from the curse of sin by making full payment for it.
Some theology is trying to avoid some "embarrassing" doctrines of Christianity, and is trying to sidestep truth in order to be more acceptable to the world's embrace. I agree that Christians do not have to be mean-spirited toward homosexuals, abortionists and such. But to abandon truth to appear more "mainstream", reasonable, loving or acceptable (whatever the argument may be) leaves the message of the gospel without the power to save.
Here is the clear Biblical teaching, Jesus was born of a virgin, Mary. He is the Son of God!!
Luke 2:26-38 is Mary's dialogue with the angel Gabriel. She questions the statement regarding the possibility of having a child since she has never had sexual relations. King James, I know no man. In Matthew 1:23-25 where the Isaiah passage is quoted, it says that Joseph kept her a virgin until after Jesus was born.
What happens to John 3:16 without a virgin birth? God so loved the world that He gave the son of the local milkman, or traveling goat salesman, or the sly census taker, or even Joseph. How does that fulfill the redemption story? A pretend perfect sacrifice, or a reasonable facsimile. God gave the perfect lamb. A man whose origin is in the creative work of God, much like Adam. Who having been saved from the fall by being born of the Holy Spirit, maintains His perfection and willingly offers Himself as the perfect sacrifice, required by the law, to purchase our freedom from the curse of sin by making full payment for it.
Some theology is trying to avoid some "embarrassing" doctrines of Christianity, and is trying to sidestep truth in order to be more acceptable to the world's embrace. I agree that Christians do not have to be mean-spirited toward homosexuals, abortionists and such. But to abandon truth to appear more "mainstream", reasonable, loving or acceptable (whatever the argument may be) leaves the message of the gospel without the power to save.
Here is the clear Biblical teaching, Jesus was born of a virgin, Mary. He is the Son of God!!
Saturday, April 17, 2010
National Day of Prayer
There was a firestorm of controversy in the blogging world yesterday over the Wisconsin Judge's ruling that the National Day of Prayer was unconstitutional. Unfortunately the comments often became heated and derogatory on both sides of the debate. Those supporting the decision said it does not ban anyone from praying and they are right. One man said that this kind of mixture of religion in government began in the 1950's with the inclusion of "under God" in our pledge. Although that phrase was added to the pledge as a sort of declaration that set us apart from places like the U.S.S.R. that is not the beginning of presidential declarations for a nation to pray.
In 1789, 2 years after the Constitution was written, and just a few months before the final state ratified it, President George Washington made a proclamation declaring a day of national thanksgiving in November of that year that has actually stayed with us as a tradition we celebrate yearly. His proclamation was not giving thanks to the Indians, but begins by declaring that "it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God". He then stated that "Congress... has requested me "'to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer'". This illustrates clearly the function of government, approved by those who wrote the Constitution, which clearly gives full authority to the president to recommend a national day of prayer. So my contention with those who endorse the ruling yesterday is not over whether or not Christians need a national day to pray or not, but simply over the ruling that such a day is unconstitutional. Not to the authors of the Constitution!
Some contended in the blogs yesterday that we did not have a Christian foundation. Our foundation is certainly a mixture in some ways, including the part Freemasonry had in the establishment of our present Capitol. However, the use of the Bible in schools, in law, and as the guiding document in the establishment of our present form of government is simply history. To understand the mindset of the earliest settlers in this land and their purpose it is helpful to go back to the lands first constitution.
In 1643 there was written The Articles of Confederation of the United Colonies of New England. This document began with this statement, "Whereas we all came into these parts of America with one and the same aim, namely, to advance the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ and to enjoy the liberties of the Gospel in purity with peace." How clear can the intent of purpose and heritage of our founders be. Christianity is what has given us our rights in this nation and it will be what preserves them. As our Christian heritage wanes so do our rights. Muslim countries do not allow you to come to their country set up a church and evangelize their citizens, but Muslims can do that in America. Atheism has not been a bastion of light for liberty. Look at North Korea, China or the former Soviet Union. Try out your liberty in those places. It is the Christian foundation of our nation that has brought liberty and prosperity.
Obvioulsy we are in a crucial time in American and world history. When our 13 colonies were still a part of Great Britain Alexander Tyler wrote about the democracy of the Athenian Republic. He said it went through this sequence: From bondage to spiritual faith - spiritual faith to great courage - great courage to abundance - abundance to selfishness - selfishness to complacency - complacency to apathy - apathy to dependency; dependency back into bondage. He said democracies exist until the voters discover they can vote themselves a generous gift from the public treasury. From that moment on , the majority will always vote for the candidates promising the most benefits, with the result that a democracy always collapses over loose fiscal policy and is always followed by a dictatorship.
Democracies can thrive with great spiritual faith and collapse under loose fiscal policy, selfishness. It seems just as Amadinejad wants to create chaos so the 12th Imam can arise out of a time of world chaos, it seems there is a spirit loosed in our nation to create loose fiscal policy and the collapse of this form of government so that a totalitarian regime will be accepted and welcomed to resolve the horrible mess. Our nation did not start without Christian faith and it will not be sustained without it. You cannot have a true secular society with freedom reigning. Europe has proved that secularism does not have the ideology to stop Islam from invading and taking over. Only a revival of true Christian faith can save our nation.
In 1789, 2 years after the Constitution was written, and just a few months before the final state ratified it, President George Washington made a proclamation declaring a day of national thanksgiving in November of that year that has actually stayed with us as a tradition we celebrate yearly. His proclamation was not giving thanks to the Indians, but begins by declaring that "it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God". He then stated that "Congress... has requested me "'to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer'". This illustrates clearly the function of government, approved by those who wrote the Constitution, which clearly gives full authority to the president to recommend a national day of prayer. So my contention with those who endorse the ruling yesterday is not over whether or not Christians need a national day to pray or not, but simply over the ruling that such a day is unconstitutional. Not to the authors of the Constitution!
Some contended in the blogs yesterday that we did not have a Christian foundation. Our foundation is certainly a mixture in some ways, including the part Freemasonry had in the establishment of our present Capitol. However, the use of the Bible in schools, in law, and as the guiding document in the establishment of our present form of government is simply history. To understand the mindset of the earliest settlers in this land and their purpose it is helpful to go back to the lands first constitution.
In 1643 there was written The Articles of Confederation of the United Colonies of New England. This document began with this statement, "Whereas we all came into these parts of America with one and the same aim, namely, to advance the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ and to enjoy the liberties of the Gospel in purity with peace." How clear can the intent of purpose and heritage of our founders be. Christianity is what has given us our rights in this nation and it will be what preserves them. As our Christian heritage wanes so do our rights. Muslim countries do not allow you to come to their country set up a church and evangelize their citizens, but Muslims can do that in America. Atheism has not been a bastion of light for liberty. Look at North Korea, China or the former Soviet Union. Try out your liberty in those places. It is the Christian foundation of our nation that has brought liberty and prosperity.
Obvioulsy we are in a crucial time in American and world history. When our 13 colonies were still a part of Great Britain Alexander Tyler wrote about the democracy of the Athenian Republic. He said it went through this sequence: From bondage to spiritual faith - spiritual faith to great courage - great courage to abundance - abundance to selfishness - selfishness to complacency - complacency to apathy - apathy to dependency; dependency back into bondage. He said democracies exist until the voters discover they can vote themselves a generous gift from the public treasury. From that moment on , the majority will always vote for the candidates promising the most benefits, with the result that a democracy always collapses over loose fiscal policy and is always followed by a dictatorship.
Democracies can thrive with great spiritual faith and collapse under loose fiscal policy, selfishness. It seems just as Amadinejad wants to create chaos so the 12th Imam can arise out of a time of world chaos, it seems there is a spirit loosed in our nation to create loose fiscal policy and the collapse of this form of government so that a totalitarian regime will be accepted and welcomed to resolve the horrible mess. Our nation did not start without Christian faith and it will not be sustained without it. You cannot have a true secular society with freedom reigning. Europe has proved that secularism does not have the ideology to stop Islam from invading and taking over. Only a revival of true Christian faith can save our nation.
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