tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10722078383802947552024-03-07T19:17:27.671-08:00Frank's ThoughtsChristian thoughts and commentary, with occasional writings from other topics as well. Jesus is Lord and will always be! All comments are welcome!Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11926974667005331959noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1072207838380294755.post-57524009541706675482013-12-27T15:54:00.000-08:002013-12-27T15:54:10.006-08:00Why Do People Who've Never Heard Of Christ Go To Hell?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I just finished a book by Jerry Walls entitled,
Hell: The Logic of Damnation; I don’t often read philosophical books (I mainly
stick to theology), but this book was a gift and I am interested in the topic.
I found it to be an interesting book as Dr. Walls approaches hell from many
sides and presents the case for his beliefs very well.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">But, I bring up this book not to discuss it, per se,
but to look at a quote that was included within its pages from another
philosopher, one that said something I have been thinking for many years and,
since I don’t read many philosophy books, I have never seen put into words on
paper before.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">But first, a little history. There are two major
soteriological trains of thought: Calvinism, which says that God, before the
age of time, arbitrarily predestined some people for salvation and heaven and
the rest of the people to hell, irrespective of their actions, thoughts and
desires; and Arminianism, which says that man has free will to choose to follow
God if he desires and that everyone is given just enough (prevenient) grace to
be able to believe in God for salvation.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">God’s vehicle, so to speak, to heaven is Jesus
Christ and the belief in Him as the Son of God is paramount to salvation. This
means that one must have faith in the Jesus of the Bible, not some made up,
fake Jesus. The Bible tells us that there is no other name by which we can be
saved and therefore allowed into heaven.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This leads to the question about what happens to those
who never even hear about Jesus Christ. How do they even get the chance to
accept Him as Savior? Some would say that it’s totally unfair for these people
to be sent to hell just because they’ve had no opportunity to hear about Jesus.
I happen to be one of those people who say this.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This is where the book I just read and the quote I’m
referring to comes in. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dr. Walls suggest
that there might be a chance after death to accept Jesus’ offer of salvation; I
don’t see this option presented in the Bible at all. But, on page 96 of Hell,
Jerry Walls quotes renowned philosopher William Lane Craig from his book, The
Only Wise God:</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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“<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">it is
possible that God in his providence so arranged the world that those who never
in fact hear the gospel are persons who would not respond if they did hear
it. God brings the gospel to all those who he knows will respond to
it if they hear it… No one who would respond if he heard it will be lost.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">That’s it exactly! God, in his
infinite wisdom and perfect foreknowledge, assigned future believers a location
and time on earth where they would hear the gospel. God doesn’t just
haphazardly pick some people to be saved and some to be damned; He knows who
will be saved, if given the opportunity, and who, given an equal opportunity,
would not choose salvation.</span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">God is a just and merciful God. He
wants all to be saved -- and everyone who would be, will be. Praise God!</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<br /></div>
Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11926974667005331959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1072207838380294755.post-55059034990736073962012-05-23T11:41:00.001-07:002012-05-23T11:41:10.109-07:00Are You Going to Vote Democrat?If so, you need to read this blog entry; if you know someone who will, then tell them to read it. It's entitled:<br />
<br />
"The BIBLE SAYS if you vote for a democrat and were to die thereafter you would go to hell"<br />
<br />
by Dennis Marcellino and it can be found at:<br />
<br />
http://conservativebyte.com/2012/05/the-bible-says-if-you-vote-for-a-democrat-and-were-to-die-thereafter-you-would-go-to-hell/<br />
<br />
Read it.Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11926974667005331959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1072207838380294755.post-52811231741309450872012-05-17T18:09:00.000-07:002012-05-17T18:10:36.680-07:00Nudity in the Church<span style="font-size: small;">I've just read a post at christianpost.com entitled</span><span style="font-size: small;">, "Too Much Skin? Christian Minister Talks Lust, Modesty, Fashion", by Katherine Weber. She, in turn, was writing about a post a pastor in Ohio made on his blog, the title was, "Butts and Boobs". His post was about the way young people dress during the spring and summer months.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />In a nutshell, his post was about the way young women and teen dress during the warm months of the year. Basically, whether intentionally or not, they dressed to entice lust. This was a good article and I suggest you take a look at it.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">One of the best lines in the article was, "</span>The Ohio minister added that men will always, on a physiological level, have lustful feelings toward women.<span style="font-size: small;">" That's right. I don't care who you are, sir. You are programmed to find women attractive. We see a woman showing a lot of skin and we men are naturally prone to desire that woman.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Christians have the Holy Spirit and the desire to follow God to help us avoid lusting after women, but we do fail. How many times have you read or heard about a pastor caught in a sexual predicament? It's not as if that pastor set out to fall in this manner; but men have a natural desire for women. And the natural urges of a man are hard to tame.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Pornography is a multi-billion dollar business these days; why is that? It's because it preys on man's most primal desires. Evil men take advantage of weaker men or of men who have no desire to control themselves in this area. Most men enjoy porn because most men do not know God nor His Son. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">As Christian men, we should despise pornography! Just as we should despise women who go out in public half, or more, naked. The church should be a safe haven for men where we don't have to guard our eyes and fight lust with every turn of the head we make.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">But, from my experience, pastor are too afraid of offending someone to enforce the Bible's dress code. I currently attend a church where one of the teen girls wears the shortest of shorts almost every Sunday. Why isn't the youth minister saying something to her? Why isn't the Senior pastor saying something to the youth minister about not saying something to her?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">I attended a mega-church in Texas where a very attractive woman sang in the choir; she was always on the front row wearing an extremely short skirt or dress every single Sunday. I commented time again to my wife about the pastors allowing that to continue. Finally, I mentioned it to the pastor, telling him that I didn't appreciate her apparel; only then did it change.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Another time, My family was seeking a new church home in Bellevue, Washington when on our third visit to a church, the pastor called the winner of a cook-off to the front of the church. the winner was the 13-year-old daughter of the associate pastor (she was introduced as such) and her attire consisted of a T-shirt and jean short cut off at her crotch! Can you imagine a pastor allowing his daughter to dress like a slut?!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">The church has really fallen down in this area. Could it be because even pastors are enjoying the "eye candy" that is flaunted at us today? If the church does not present a safe haven for men, what will?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Pastors, stand your ground!</span>Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11926974667005331959noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1072207838380294755.post-52354628393418278902012-05-05T17:00:00.001-07:002012-05-05T17:00:26.743-07:00You deserve... Really?I was half listening to a TV commercial today when I heard the phrase, "You deserve it." This is not the first time I've heard this phrase in a commercial either on television or on the radio. I don't recall hear this phrase as often in the past so it's gotten me to thinking. Could this phrase be tied to what is happening in the Obama political world?<br />
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Obama is telling everyone that they deserve this, and they deserve that, all regardless of the effort put forth on their part. And now I'm hearing that I DESERVE every product being advertised. Obama, the liberal news media, and now advertisements are all working together to brainwash us all in that we deserve any and every thing we desire. There is absolutely no reason, according to them, for anyone not having what we want.<br />
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But, the Bible tells us differently. In 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12, it says: "<span class="text 2Thess-3-10" id="en-NIV1984-29673"><sup class="versenum"></sup>For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “If a man will not work, he shall not eat.”</span> <span class="text 2Thess-3-11" id="en-NIV1984-29674">We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. </span><span class="text 2Thess-3-12" id="en-NIV1984-29675">Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat."</span><br />
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<span class="text 2Thess-3-12" id="en-NIV1984-29675">If this is the rule for food, a very basic need for life, how much more for the thing that are not necessary but only desired? Luke 12:15 says, "</span><span class="text Luke-12-15" id="en-NIV1984-25467"><sup class="versenum"></sup>Then he said to them, <span class="woj">“Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.</span></span><span class="text 2Thess-3-12" id="en-NIV1984-29675">" There's nothing wrong with wanting things, as long as it is not in excess; notice the word abundance in the verse above. </span><br />
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<span class="text 2Thess-3-12" id="en-NIV1984-29675">God enjoys giving us good things. But we are not to be greedy about it. Nor are we always to desire everything we see. God expects us to live happy, useful, helpful lives. An Obamian-style life, filled with unearned and unneeded handouts is not please to God.</span><br />
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<span class="text 2Thess-3-12" id="en-NIV1984-29675">No one deserves anything. God's unearned mercy and forgiveness is a blessing beyond description and anything else from Him is icing on the cake. His love for us should be all that we desire; it's all that should make us happy.</span><br />
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<span class="text 2Thess-3-12" id="en-NIV1984-29675">This is a hard thing for us to comprehend, let alone put into practice. But practice it we must. Thank you Lord. </span> <span class="text 2Thess-3-13" id="en-NIV1984-29676"></span>Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11926974667005331959noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1072207838380294755.post-89176368289791198602012-03-29T17:27:00.002-07:002012-03-29T17:27:41.070-07:00Amazing Pharisees<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I was reading in the book of Matthew today when I came to chapter 12 where it says:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="yiv1374104580msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">9Going on from that place, he went into their synagogue, 10and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, they asked him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?” 11He said to them, “If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift it out? 12How much more valuable is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” 13Then he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” So he stretched it out and it was completely restored, just as sound as the other. 14But the Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus.</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">This is one of the many stories involving Jesus that amazes me. But this time, it’s not Jesus doing the amazing, it’s the Pharisees. As you know, the Pharisees were the Jewish religious leaders of Jesus’ day; their word was the last word to the Jews. It was the Pharisee’s job to interpret the Hebrew Scripture and to then tell the common folks how to live.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">So here was the Son of God, preforming a miracle right before their very eyes, yet all they could think about was that He was “breaking the rules”! This upset them so much that they began to plan a way to get rid of Jesus, not by running Him out of the country, but by killing Him!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">These guys knew about Jesus, meaning they knew that He was the promised Messiah. They knew the scripture and the time frame set out by God’s prophets. They were expecting the Messiah to show Himself at any time. The only problem was that they were looking for a big guy with a big sword who’d kill a bunch of Romans and put the Jews on all the thrones of the world.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">What they were starting to realize though, was that the Messiah was establishing a different kind of kingdom – a spiritual kingdom that would include not only the Jews, but the Gentiles as well; and that each member of this kingdom would be a priest of God. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Needless to say, the Pharisees didn’t like this one bit! They didn’t want to lose their place of leadership. They enjoyed being looked up to and being the most important people in the room. To bring it down to ground level, they were selfish, egotistical sinners. Or in other words… you and me.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Aren’t we the same way? When you think about it, there are only three people we care about -- me, myself and I. We are all sinners whose every though is, “How do I please myself?” We are all Pharisees at heart. Even when we are helping others, we do it because it makes us feel good to do so.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But it doesn’t have to be that way. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, will forgive us of all our sins (no matter what they are), and then He will send His Spirit to live in us to teach us, to guide us and to motivate us to help others with unselfish motives. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus is the Messiah, the Christ. He is the One who sacrificed Himself to allow us to become children of God. We are because He is; we owe our every action and thought to Him. I’m a sinner, but I will one day live in heaven in the shadow of my God because of His grace given to me through Jesus’ death on the cross and resurrection from the grave. Join me, will you, in this grace and forgiveness, happiness and joy, and eternal life with the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.</span></div>Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11926974667005331959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1072207838380294755.post-39670308519036369012012-03-25T20:56:00.000-07:002012-03-25T20:56:30.165-07:00Is There a Christian Presidential Politician?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div class="MsoNormal">I’ve just read an article entitled, “<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Where Have All the Bold Pastors Gone?” by Jerry Newcombe published on March 13, 2012 (</span><a href="http://worldviewchurch.org/columns/featured-column/1221-where-have-all-the-bold-pastors-gone">http://worldviewchurch.org/columns/featured-column/1221-where-have-all-the-bold-pastors-gone</a>). The article is about pastors speaking up and being bold in their pronouncements, particularly presidential candidates. He does find one pastor who seems to be boldly speaking out; here is a quote by Mr. Newcombe that I found interesting:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“Another outspoken minister has been Dr. Robert Jeffress of Dallas, who was castigated about half a year ago for stating he preferred a Christian politician to a Mormon one” (the first minister mentioned was a Catholic priest).</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Although not so stated Mr. Newcombe, Dr. Jeffress was speaking about Mitt Romney (<a href="http://www.christianpost.com/news/interview-robert-jeffress-refuses-to-back-down-on-mormonism-is-a-cult-57933/">http://www.christianpost.com/news/interview-robert-jeffress-refuses-to-back-down-on-mormonism-is-a-cult-57933/</a>). This statement by Dr. Jeffress, and the fact that it is quoted by Mr. Newcombe, does bring up some questions.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The first question would be to ask them both to name a Christian politician running for president. As far as I know, there isn’t one. Yes, I know that Rick Santorum and Newt Gingrich both are Roman Catholics; but, Roman Catholicism is not a Christian denomination. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Here is a small sampling of the heresies that Catholics believe; people must believe this to be a member of the RC church! A true Christian would not dare to be a member of a group whose statement of faith contained any of these anti-Christian beliefs. The Roman Catholic Church’s Catechism published in 1992 (<a href="http://kwing.christiansonnet.org/church-news/theo_Catholicism.htm">http://kwing.christiansonnet.org/church-news/theo_Catholicism.htm</a>) says:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">- 82 As a result the Church, to whom the transmission and interpretation of Revelation is entrusted, "does not derive her certainty about all revealed truths from the holy Scriptures alone. Both Scripture and Tradition must be accepted and honoured with equal sentiments of devotion and reverence.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">- 494 ... As St. Irenaeus says, "Being obedient she [Mary] became the cause of salvation for herself and for the whole human race." ...</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">- 495 ... the Church confesses that Mary is truly "Mother of God" (Theotokos).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">- 508 From among the descendants of Eve, God chose the Virgin Mary to be the mother of his Son. "Full of grace," Mary is "the most excellent fruit of redemption" (SC 103): from the first instant of her conception, she was totally preserved from the stain of original sin and she remained pure from all personal sin throughout her life.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">- 966 "Finally the Immaculate Virgin, preserved free from all stain of original sin, when the course of her earthly life was finished, was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory, and exalted by the Lord as Queen over all things, so that she might be the more fully conformed to her Son ..." The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin is a singular participation in her Son's Resurrection ... "In giving birth you kept your virginity... You conceived the living God and, by your prayers, will deliver our souls from death" (Byzantine Liturgy, Troparion, Feast of the Dormition, August 15th.).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">- 846 Basing itself on Scripture and Tradition, the Council teaches that the Church, a pilgrim now on earth, is necessary for salvation ... thereby affirmed at the same time the necessity of the Church which men enter through Baptism as through a door. Hence they could not be saved who, knowing that the Catholic Church was founded as necessary by God through Christ, would refuse either to enter it or to remain in it.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">- 841 The plan of salvation also includes those who acknowledge the Creator, in the first place amongst whom are the Muslims; these profess to hold the faith of Abraham, and together with us they adore the one, merciful God, mankind's judge on the last day.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">- 891 The Roman Pontiff, head of the college of bishops, enjoys this infallibility in virtue of his office, when, as supreme pastor and teacher of all the faithful -- who confirms his brethren in the faith -- he proclaims by a definitive act a doctrine pertaining to faith or morals. ... The infallibility promised to the Church is also present in the body of bishops when, together with Peter's successor, they exercise the supreme Magesterium," above all in an Ecumenical Council. ... This infallibility extends as far as the deposit of divine Revelation itself.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">- 1263 By Baptism all sins are forgiven, original sin and all personal sins, as well as all punishment for sin.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">- 980 It is through the sacrament of Penance that the baptized can be reconciled with God and with the Church: "Penance has rightly been called by the holy Fathers `a laborious kind of baptism.' This sacrament of Penance is necessary for salvation for those who have fallen after Baptism, just as Baptism is necessary for salvation for those who have not yet been reborn" (Council of Trent (1551): DS 1672; cf. St. Gregory of Nazianzus, Oratio 39, 17: PG 36,356).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">- 1030 All who die in God's grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation, but after death they undergo purification [purgatory], so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">- 1129 The Church affirms that for believers the sacraments of the New Covenant are necessary for salvation. ... The fruit of the sacramental life is that the Spirit of adoption makes the faithful partakers in the divine nature by uniting them in a living union with the only Son, the Saviour.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">- 1365 Because it is the memorial of Christ's Passover, the Eucharist is also a sacrifice. ... In the Eucharist Christ gives us the very body which he gave up for us on the cross, the very blood which he "poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins."</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">- 1493 One who desires to obtain reconciliation with God and with the Church, must confess to a priest all the unconfessed grave sins he remembers after having carefully examined his conscience. The confession of venial faults, without being necessary in itself, is nevertheless strongly recommended by the Church.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">- 1497 Individual and integral confession of grave sins followed by absolution remains the only ordinary means of reconciliation with God and with the Church.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">- 1471 An indulgence is a remission before God of the temporal punishment due to sins whose guilt has already been forgiven, which the faithful Christian who is duly disposed gains under certain prescribed conditions through the action of the Church which, as the minister of redemption, dispenses and applies with authority the treasury of the satisfactions of Christ and the saints. ... Indulgences may be applied to the living or the dead.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">- 1478 An indulgence is obtained through the Church who ... intervenes in favour of individual Christians and opens for them the treasury of the merits of Christ and the saints to obtain from the Father of mercies the remission of the punishments due for their sins. ...</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So clearly, the RCC is not a Christian denomination; likewise, its members are not Christians. So, there is no Christian for Dr. Jeffress to vote for; like the rest of us, come voting time in November, he’ll have to settle for socialist Muslim or a capitalist cultist. Come soon Lord Jesus, come soon!</span></div>Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11926974667005331959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1072207838380294755.post-76955099186320545782012-03-22T18:18:00.001-07:002012-03-25T07:57:44.893-07:00Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing: Mother Teresa<div class="MsoNormal">What? Mother Teresa was a wolf in sheep’s clothing? Yep. Let’s start with what exactly is a wolf in sheep’s clothing.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In the book of Matthew, verse 7:15, Jesus tells us to “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Jesus also said in Matthew 24:24, “For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect—if that were possible.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So was Mother Teresa really a wolf in sheep’s clothing? Although I don’t believe if she ever preformed a miracle, she surely showed great signs of love and compassion toward those much less fortunate than herself. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">No doubt that she really cared for people in the midst of their hardships and sicknesses. I can’t argue that she didn’t do great things in India, well above and beyond the “call of duty”. She puts most people to shame with her unselfish sacrifice and dedication to service.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">But, does all this make a person a Christian? No it doesn’t. The only thing that makes a person a Christian is their belief in Jesus Christ of the Bible; and that only He is the way to have our sin forgiven. That only He is “the way, the truth and the life” and that “no one goes to the Father except through Jesus”. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Is this what Mother Teresa believed? Here are some quotes she made to describe her beliefs and about who gets to heaven. Now you can decide if she was a Christian or not.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“I am not sure exactly what heaven will be like, but I know that when we die and it comes time for God to judge us, he will not ask, 'How many good things have you done in your life?' rather he will ask, 'How much love did you put into what you did?”</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">For one thing, God’s not going to ask us anything! He’s going to open the Lamb’s Book of Life and if our name isn’t in it, we’re not going to heaven. Plus, if He did ask us a question, I’m betting it’ll be in the line of, “Did you believe in my son and what did you do with that belief?”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“I’ve always said we should help a Hindu become a better Hindu, a Muslim become a better Muslim, a Catholic become a better Catholic.”</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Isn’t helping someone get better at doing their godless religion just affirming their religion? Why would they then ever want to become a Christian?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Some call Him Ishwar, some call Him Allah, some simply God</i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">, but we have to acknowledge that it is He who made us for greater things: to love and be loved. What matters is that we love. We cannot love without prayer, and so whatever religion we are, we must pray together.”</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Really? It doesn’t matter what religion we are? All we have to do is pray together? Well, I tell you what, you pray to that rock over there and I’ll pray to that sock on the clothesline over here and we’ll all meet in heaven someday!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">She was overheard saying to a dying man, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“You say a prayer in your religion, </i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">and I will say a prayer as I know it. Together we will say this prayer and it will be something beautiful for God.”</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Here was her chance to tell a dying soul about Jesus Christ yet she dishonored God, Jesus and that man by godless rhetoric.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Mother Teresa was no saint, and no Christian. On judgment day, she’ll be on the left side of God with the other goats. Hell and destruction is her destiny; not heaven and the glory of God.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">We all need to be discerning in the people we trust; it doesn’t matter who they are, we need to be diligent in making sure we look up to true Christians. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">References:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/838305.Mother_Teresa%20">http://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/838305.Mother_Teresa </a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.mostholyfamilymonastery.com/32_Religiousorders.pdf">http://www.mostholyfamilymonastery.com/32_Religiousorders.pdf</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11926974667005331959noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1072207838380294755.post-68765700924551562602012-03-03T08:32:00.000-08:002012-03-03T08:32:05.038-08:00Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing – Rick Warren<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div class="MsoNormal">The first I ever heard of Rick Warren was in the early 2000’s when the church I was attending decided to do the 40-day Purpose Driven Life Challenge. Every member of the church was given a copy of Warren’s book, The Purpose Driven Life, and we were told “<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The next 40 days will transform your life.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Both my pastor and Rick Warren were wrong, the book was nothing more than an unbiblical platform to push Warren’s godless seeker-friendly program! I knew nothing of the seeker-friendly movement at the time but I quickly saw that this book promoting something not found in the Bible; and I wondered how could my church be going along with this. Less than a year later I left my church as it became apparent that it wanted to be a mirror image of Warren’s Saddleback church.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Although we cannot know a man’s heart, we can know their actions. From what I’ve seen and read about Rick Warren, I question whether he is truly a Christian or not. This seeker-friendly movement that he has helped start is definitely not a Christian movement: </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“<span style="color: black;">A ‘seeker-sensitive’ church is a church whose main purpose is to try to make the church look more attractive to unbelievers… the influence that is brought in is about meeting one’s emotional or “felt” needs rather than preaching the gospel… The biblical importance of the message is often overlooked and the emphasis is to meet the emotional needs of people.” </span>(<a href="http://www.christianexaminer.com/Articles/Articles%20Mar05/Art_Mar05_oped1.html">http://www.christianexaminer.com/Articles/Articles%20Mar05/Art_Mar05_oped1.html</a>)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Pastors should meet the needs of their congregation, but at the expense of the gospel? Warren is a master at befriending people, as evidenced by his 19,000-member Saddleback church in Lake Forest, CA. But, is he really being a “friend” to these people, or is he simply covetous of large numbers and really cares nothing of their final destination? </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">There are a lot of unbiblical actions made by Warren that can be easily found on the internet, so I’ll just present the one that may be the most concerning. It appears that Warren has no clue as to who God really is. The Bible has made it perfectly clear that to know Jesus is to know the Father, for they are One. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is loving, forgiving and desires peace. But Warren seems not to know this as he believes that the God of the Bible and the god of Islam are one and the same!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Warren has joined a group called King’s Way whose main objective is to bring Christianity and Islam together as one! Since God and Allah are the same being, then members of both groups are children of God! Really? How can a man of his position not know how to do research? How can he not know how to verify something before he jumps into that something “full steam ahead”?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Who really is Allah:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“According to the Encyclopedia of Religion, Allah corresponded to the Babylonian god Baal, and Arabs knew of him long before Mohammed worshipped him as the supreme God. Before Islam the Arabs recognized many gods and goddesses, each tribe had their own deity. There were also nature deities. Allah was the god of the local Quarish tribe, which was Mohammed's tribe before he invented Islam to lead his people out of their polytheism. Allah was then known as the Moon God, who had 3 daughters who were viewed as intercessors for the people into Allah. Their names were Al-at, Al-uzza, and Al-Manat, which were three goddesses; the first two daughters of Allah had names which were feminine forms of Allah. Hubal was the chief God of the Kaaba among the other 360 deities. Hubal was the chief God of the Kaaba among the other 360 deities. Hubal was a statue likeness of a man whose body was made of red precious stones whose arms were made of gold. (Reference <i>Islam </i>George Braswell Jr.)”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">(<a href="http://www.letusreason.org/islam6.htm">http://www.letusreason.org/islam6.htm</a>)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I believe Warren knows exactly what he is doing. I do not believe that he is a Christian. He is an agent of Satan that the Bible predicted would show up to lead the children of God astray. He has fooled over 19,000 people and still counting.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Christians – it’s time to get your heads out of the sand! Wake up and seek the God of the bible!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Check out these References:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://filesfromtoni.blogspot.com/2012/02/rick-warren-says-muslims-and-christians.html">http://filesfromtoni.blogspot.com/2012/02/rick-warren-says-muslims-and-christians.html</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.ocregister.com/articles/muslims-341669-warren-saddleback.html">http://www.ocregister.com/articles/muslims-341669-warren-saddleback.html</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://godfatherpolitics.com/3962/pastor-rick-warren-says-allah-and-god-are-one-in-the-same/#ixzz1nv7uV171">http://godfatherpolitics.com/3962/pastor-rick-warren-says-allah-and-god-are-one-in-the-same/#ixzz1nv7uV171</a></span></div>Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11926974667005331959noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1072207838380294755.post-25746228677591998772012-02-26T17:39:00.000-08:002012-02-26T17:39:35.415-08:00Albert Mohler on Gambling<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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</style> <![endif]-->Dr. Albert Mohler is the president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and has a blog at AlbertMohler.com. Mostly, his posts are interesting to read, but I do disagree with some of what he writes. I grew up a Southern Baptist and at one time probably felt the same way about most biblical topics as he does; but over the years, as I’ve tried to studying the Bible with an open mind attuned to the Words of God instead of some denominational body of men, I’ve changed some of my beliefs. <br />
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I still agree with him, and orthodox Christianity, concerning salvation through Christ alone and the other major topics that one must believe to even be called a Christian. But I do differ in secondary areas such as human free will, eschatology and others. <br />
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And now I must add gambling to the list. First off, I take exception to the title of the blog entitled, “When the Accounts Are Called: A Christian Understanding of Gambling”. (<a href="http://www.albertmohler.com/2012/02/20/when-the-accounts-are-called-a-christian-understanding-of-gambling/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+AlbertMohlersBlog+%28Albert+Mohler%27s+Blog%29&utm_content=My+Yahoo">http://www.albertmohler.com/2012/02/20/when-the-accounts-are-called-a-christian-understanding-of-gambling/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+AlbertMohlersBlog+%28Albert+Mohler%27s+Blog%29&utm_content=My+Yahoo</a>) Dr. Mohler presumes to speak for all Christians by saying “A Christian Understanding”, not “A Christian’s Understanding”. Who died and made him spokesman for millions of people? He does not speak for me and I certainly am a Christian. <br />
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In the article, he says, “The Bible is clear on this issue. The entire enterprise of gambling is opposed to the moral worldview revealed in God’s Word.” Really? Funny how he didn’t quote Bible book, chapter and verse next to this statement. I wonder why? Maybe because the Bible ISN’T clear on this issue! <br />
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He goes on to say, “The basic impulse behind gambling is greed…”; while I agree that this is true in a majority of individuals, it’s not a big enough blanket to cover everyone. There are multiple reasons to gamble, and sure, an easy way to lots of money is at the top of the list. But there are other reasons to be sure. <br />
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Let me ask Dr. Mohler this: what is the difference if I save my money for a vacation every year; I’m not taking money from my family, church, bills, etc. to do this, I’ve saved for the specific purpose of vacation time (I’m willing to bet (ha ha) that Dr. Mohler goes on vacations without injuring his other financial obligations). Now, with this money I go to Aspen, Colorado and spend every penny of my vacation money on a ski lodge, ski equipment rentals, food and other enjoyable entertainment. <br />
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Or, but now, instead of Aspen, I go to Las Vegas. I don’t spend one cent more there than I would have in Aspen. All my bills are still paid, I’m still providing for my family and church. I’m not looking to get rich quick, I’m just looking to unwind and relax and have fun with a little head-to-head competition with a casino. (Oh, by the way Dr. Mohler, the mob owns both the ski lodge as well as the casino.) <br />
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Yes, some Christians have a problem with gambling and it hurts their witness; but Christians have problems in a lot of other non-immoral activities—has anyone ever seen a fat Christian? When’s the last time Dr.Mohler has written a blog condemning eating? Or even overeating? I have never heard one sermon (that I can remember) about gluttony and all the fat Christians filling the pews. I wonder way that is? <br />
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The Southern Baptists have a history of adding pharisaical rule on top of what the Bible says (movies, dancing, and alcohol). Gambling is just another area where they think they know better than God does, so they add a “no gambling” rule to help God out. <div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11926974667005331959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1072207838380294755.post-45000756785275357412012-02-21T18:14:00.000-08:002012-02-21T18:15:05.442-08:00Another “Christian Star” Fails to Defend Christianity<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif][if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:lidthemecomplexscript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> 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Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="21" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="31" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtle Reference"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="32" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Reference"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="33" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Book Title"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="37" name="Bibliography"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" qformat="true" name="TOC Heading"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif][if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">Are you like me and you get really aggravated when a high-profile “Christian” preacher get on TV or in an interview and cannot express what or who is a Christian is? They make fools of themselves and degrade Christianity as they hem and haw when asked if so-and-so is a Christian or not, and they stutter around trying not to upset the antagonist reporter or anybody else instead of giving a solid biblical answer to those types of questions.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Recently, Franklin Graham, Billy Graham’s preacher son, was interviewed by a MSNBC panel on "Morning Joe" (<a href="http://www.christianpost.com/news/franklin-graham-not-so-sure-president-obama-is-christian-video-69929/">http://www.christianpost.com/news/franklin-graham-not-so-sure-president-obama-is-christian-video-69929/</a>) that asked him if President Obama was a Christian. Graham responded, “You have to ask him. I cannot answer that question for anybody. All I know is I'm a sinner, and God has forgiven me of my sins… You have to ask every person. He has said he's a Christian, so I just have to assume that he is”. What a cop out!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Yes, I realize that we cannot truly know a person’s heart nor the extent of their relationship with Jesus, but come on… Do you really think that a person who has used every ounce of the power of the presidency of the United States to crush anything to do with Christianity is a Christian? He promotes abortion on demand, homosexual marriage and forced contraception funding; his best friends and contributors all atheist, communist and Christianity haters. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Bible says that we shall know a tree by its fruit, “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” (Matthew 7:15-20)</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Obama is not a Christian and Graham should have had the sense to have said so. But can we expect? Graham also said this concerning Mormonism in the same article, “They believe in Jesus Christ. They believe a lot of other things, too.” </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Does Franklin Graham even know what constitutes Christianity? Does he not know what the basic tenants of Christianity are? No wonder the media loves guys like Graham and Joel Osteen… all the journalists have to do is sit back and pile up the ratings as they allow these supposed Christian leaders make fools of themselves and Christianity. </p>Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11926974667005331959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1072207838380294755.post-52054107967056251522012-02-19T19:03:00.000-08:002012-02-19T19:05:47.752-08:00Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing: Kenneth Copeland<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif][if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> 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{mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">I was a follower of Kenneth Copeland for several years back in the 80’s, I subscribed to his magazine, the Believer’s Voice of Victory Magazine, and devoured every word of it like it was sweet candy. If Copeland said it, it was straight from God’s mouth as far as I was concerned.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I was 100% sold into the name it, claim it way of thinking about God and His dealings with His children. But fortunately, the Spirit of God spoke to me as I was reading Copeland’s magazine one day. I don’t remember exactly what it was that I read, but I know that the Spirit clearly showed me that Copeland was wrong and it hit me like a ton of bricks!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I got out the Bible and compared what Copeland wrote and what God wrote and they were different. I then reread that entire magazine, and several of the older issues, comparing everything in the magazine to the Word of God. I was shocked at what I found. I had been duped and lead astray by a swindler!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"></span>Kenneth Copeland is not a Christian; he is a wolf in sheep’s clothing! The prosperity gospel he preaches is false and it is deadly. He teaches, among many fallacies: God has a body and lives on a planet, God created Adam and Eve as gods and that we are gods also, the words Christians speak have power and affect us, Jesus did not claim to be God, Jesus died spiritually and went to hell.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">According to Gary A. Hand of “On Doctrine: Discerning truth from Error”: </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Kenneth Copeland uses portions of the Bible to support his teachings, but his beliefs are completely different from what is actually revealed in the Scriptures: </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="mso-list:Ignore">1.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Kenneth Copeland teaches a god that is different from the God in the Bible.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The God of the Bible is omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, eternal and immutable. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The god of Kenneth Copeland is "...the biggest failure in the Bible."</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The God of the Bible creates by His power. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The god of Kenneth Copeland creates by the use of Faith.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The God of the Bible is a Spirit who cannot be seen. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The god of Kenneth Copeland is about the same size as an average man and looks like Adam and Jesus Christ, which is classic Mormon doctrine.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The God of the Bible fills the earth and the universe. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The god of Kenneth Copeland lives on a planet, which is classic Mormon doctrine.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The God of the Bible created Adam and Eve as human beings, not gods. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The god of Kenneth Copeland created Adam and Eve as gods just like himself</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The God of the Bible is omnipotent, possessing all power. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The god of Kenneth Copeland is limited by "spiritual laws".</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The God of the Bible created, owns and upholds the earth. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The god of Kenneth Copeland lost possession of the earth to Satan because of the sin of Adam and Eve.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The God of the Bible is Truth and cannot lie or be deceitful. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The god of Kenneth Copeland must deceive Satan in order to get his words recorded in the earth. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="mso-list:Ignore">2.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Kenneth Copeland teaches a Jesus Christ that is different from the Jesus Christ of the Bible.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The Jesus Christ of the Bible died on the cross for the sins of the world. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The Jesus Christ of Kenneth Copeland was tortured in hell by Satan for three days for the sins of the world.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The Jesus Christ of the Bible died physically of the cross, but His Spirit was continually alive. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The Jesus Christ of Kenneth Copeland "died spiritually".</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The Jesus Christ of the Bible was raised from the dead, the same person and spirit as He was previous to death. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The Jesus Christ of Kenneth Copeland died spiritually, so he had to be re-created by God, therefore he is not the same person or spirit as he was previous to death.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The Jesus Christ of the Bible was the only person who was worthy to die on the cross for the sins of the world. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The Jesus Christ of Kenneth Copeland could have been replaced by any "born-again" believer, who could have accomplished the same thing.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The Jesus Christ of the Bible left no record of His appearance. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The Jesus Christ of Kenneth Copeland looked and talked just like Adam.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The Jesus Christ of the Bible was sinless, righteous, without flaw or blemish. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The Jesus Christ of Kenneth Copeland accepted a sin nature and gave up his righteousness while on the cross.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The Jesus Christ of the Bible conquered death and hell. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The Jesus Christ of Kenneth Copeland was conquered on the cross by Satan and was taken by Satan to hell.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The Jesus Christ of the Bible was the Son of God, in whom He was well pleased. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The Jesus Christ of Kenneth Copeland was forsaken "Because God was not His Father any more" while he was on the cross.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The Jesus Christ of the Bible said, "I and the Father are one." </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The Jesus Christ of Kenneth Copeland says, in a direct conversation with Kenneth Copeland, that he never claimed to be God while on the earth but only that he claimed to walk with God.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The Jesus Christ of the Bible died on the cross as a ransom paid to God. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The Jesus Christ of Kenneth Copeland died on the cross as a ransom paid to Satan.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The Jesus Christ of the Bible claimed to be poor and without a place to rest. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The Jesus Christ of Kenneth Copeland is claimed to have been rich because, "It would have been impossible for Jesus Christ to have been poor". </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:1.0in"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="mso-list:Ignore">3.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Kenneth Copeland teaches doctrines that are different from the Bible</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The Bible teaches in Ephesians 4:11-16 that the unity of the body of Christ is based on teaching to equip the saints for service. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Kenneth Copeland teaches that the unity of the body of Christ will not be based on doctrine.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The Bible teaches that walking in the Spirit is walking with the Holy Spirit. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Kenneth Copeland teaches that walking in the spirit is walking in your own spirit.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The Bible teaches that believers are children of God by adoption. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Kenneth Copeland teaches that believers are gods.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The Bible teaches that believers are subject to the will of God. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Kenneth Copeland teaches that God is subject to the spoken wills and desires of believers.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"">(http://www.ondoctrine.com/10copela.htm)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"">I can attest to each and every one of the above statements as I followed Copeland and was fooled by him for several years. I believe hundreds of thousands true Christians are caught up in his evilness and are being led astray. Just as many people believe that they have become Christians under his ministry when in fact, they have not because he teaches a false christ where salvation cannot be attained.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"">Kenneth Copeland is leading people to hell, please don’t be one of them! Believe in the Jesus of the Bible; compare every sermon every preacher gives to the Bible to ensure you are being fed the good meat of God’s Word.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman""> </span></p>Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11926974667005331959noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1072207838380294755.post-69406344019988054772011-11-03T16:05:00.000-07:002011-11-03T16:33:32.970-07:00Is America Going to Hell?Is America going to hell? I think it is. I've read that 85% of adult Americans claim to be a Christian; if this is so, why is there over a million unborn babies murdered each year? Why is pornography a billion dollar industry? Why are our prisons overflowing? Why do we elect, and continue to re-elect, corrupt, drunken, whoring, lying politicians? Why don't we have pray in school? Why is church attendance dropping faster than my house's market value?<br /><br />I believe God has turned His back on this county; not on the true Christians who live here, but the country itself. God did this because we, as a nation, turned our back on Him first. This is not a Christian nation! It was once; but it has embraced evil, yes evil, and enjoys it to much to turn back to God.<br /><br />We are a lot like Israel before Christ came. They were chosen by God to be a special people; to be a guide for others to follow. But they continually forgot God and followed the ways of pagan nations. No matter how often they were shown the light, they refused to follow it for long.<br /><br />America is like this. We were a chosen people, to be a beacon of light to a fallen world. And we were for a while! Great advancement is all fields of science, medicine, theology, etc. were made by Americans. Then we, just as Israel did, decided that we could do it better. God? we don't need no stinking god! We have evolution as our god! We have naturalism as our god! We have ourselves as our god. Look how great we have become...<br /><br />Those of us who still believe in and worship the true God can hope and pray for revival; it's happened before, maybe it'll happen again.<br /><br />Holy Father, reach down your mighty hand, take a hold of us and place us on the righteous path. There are those of us here who want you to be the Leader of this nation. With You all is right; without You, we have a nation like what we have now - lost and wandering in the darkness; thinking it knows what is best when it's actually blindly running headfirst into the abyss. Only You can save us from ourselves. Please place holy men in national leadership positions, and give them Your Spirit to guide them as You see fit. Above all, thank You for Your Son, Jesus. May all the glory and blessing be His.<br /><br />Amen.Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11926974667005331959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1072207838380294755.post-1240664519948747472011-01-23T19:15:00.000-08:002011-01-23T19:16:41.851-08:00A Good Saying<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:lidthemecomplexscript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> 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Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="21" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="31" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtle Reference"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="32" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Reference"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="33" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Book Title"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="37" name="Bibliography"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" qformat="true" name="TOC Heading"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">I’m reading a book that has many quotes from the many pillars of the Christian faith, one of them being John Wesley who was the founder of the Methodist denomination, which also gave birth to the Wesleyan denomination as well. Wesley was a great man of faith who could deliver a sermon or write an essay as well as anyone who has ever lived. It is such a shame that the Methodist church he founded has fallen so far away from the true faith.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">But what I want to ponder is a saying that Wesley is famous for, one that I feel is pretty much ignored by denominations that think that they are smarter than he was. This saying is, “Enjoin nothing that the Bible does not clearly enjoin. Forbid nothing that it does not clearly forbid.” In other words, when it comes to spiritual and moral matters, obey the Bible; don’t add to, nor take away from, what it says. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">So many people, Christian or not, add to the Bible things that it does not say. For example, the Baptists (I was raised in a Southern Baptist church) say dancing is a sin, drinking alcohol is a sin and going to movies is a sin. None of those actions are forbidden in the Bible! Yet the Southern Baptists think that they are holier than God by adding those restrictions to their followers. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Bible clearly shows that Jesus drank wine, yes real wine, David and others danced, and movies; well there were no movies then so we aren’t forbidden to see them. I will say that a Christian should not go to movies that show nudity, sexual situations and cussing, but there are plenty of rated-G movies for the family.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">So here are several examples of what the church adds to the Bible, but what does it take away? Plenty! The Bible clearly says that women are not allowed to teach or preach, yet almost every denomination allows this. The Bible says that men are not to have long hair or women are not to have short hair, it even calls this a shame; but we all probably see this all the time. The Bible also says that we are to dress modestly, yet I see just as many cleavages and short skirts in church as out. I could go on but we all know what a lot of churches allow that would cause heart attacks to the early church fathers.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Non-Christians have followed suit, I see how people I speak with, and the media, mention things that Christians are doing that he Bible does not condemn as if it does. When asked to show me where the Bible says “that”, they of course can’t. But they do learn these things from the church.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">We Christians need to learn that the Bible is our guide; we cannot be pharisaical and demand more of the followers of Christ than Jesus Himself demands. We cannot put undue burdens on Christians, Jesus condemns this. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">John Wesley had it right and we should listen to him: “Enjoin nothing that the Bible does not clearly enjoin. Forbid nothing that it does not clearly forbid.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p>Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11926974667005331959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1072207838380294755.post-57105442799507533822011-01-13T16:43:00.000-08:002011-01-13T17:42:27.727-08:00Why do People Hate God?This is just "off the cuff" writing, not much thought put into it, so take it as it is. I was sitting here at my computer and the question in the title just popped into my head. Why do people hate God? Why do they feel the need to push their evil agenda on everyone else? How can they be so ignorant to think that everything just "happened"? BANG!! You're here. They willingly choose to believe that there is no god yet readily believe that nothing exploded and became everything we know. How sad is that?<br /><br />I work every day around people who intentionally bad-mouth Christians and conservatives. One or two co-workers, when they found out I was a Christian (and not afraid to voice my opinion in opposition with the liberal, sinful ways of our country and the world), seemed to make it a point for me to overhear them bashing Christianity and conservative people. I never pushed my ideas into a conversations with them. Yet, they loudly proclaimed their worldly thoughts in a loud manner.<br /><br />Why do people seem to take perverse joy in trampling underfoot the godly, well-meaning thoughts and actions of others? Why is the concept of God so rejected?<br /><br />Of course we know the answer. Jesus Himself told us in the gospel of John, chapter 15, verses 18-19: <span class="woj" style="">"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.</span> <span class="woj" style="">If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you."<br /><br />Satan is the god of this world, and he hates Christ; so of course, Christians (God's children) are hated as well. Look at this:<br /><br />John 8:42-47: </span>Jesus said to them, <span class="woj" style="">“If God were your Father, you would love me, for I have come here from God. I have not come on my own; God sent me.</span> <span class="woj" style="">Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say.</span> <span class="woj" style="">You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.</span> <span class="woj" style="">Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me!</span> <span class="woj" style="">Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don’t you believe me?</span> <span class="woj" style="">Whoever belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.”</span><br /><br />1 John 3:10: This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God’s child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister.<br /><br />The world hates Christ! And by extension, the world hates Christians. It is only going to get worst for us Christians. God is hated, mocked, laughed at, and pushed aside. How can we expect any difference?Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11926974667005331959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1072207838380294755.post-20507875564224776232011-01-11T16:45:00.000-08:002011-01-11T16:48:42.614-08:00Holy CommunionCommunion is an important aspect of the Christian’s relationship with both Christ and each other. It involves remembering who Christ is, what He has accomplished and what He is doing and will do in the future. It also is a way for us Christians to celebrate Jesus’s sacrifice for us in the corporate setting of the visible church. Plus, most importantly, it was commanded by Jesus for us to observe this ritual until He returns.<br /><br />Due to my extensive travel, I’ve experienced quite a variety of communion styles. As an adult, I’ve lived in 3 different countries and 17 different cities in 8 different states here in the U.S. I have attended well over a dozen churches on a regular basis and many more churches one or more times while seeking a church after one of my many moves.<br /><br />I’ve seen communion served every Sunday, the first Sunday of the month, the last Sunday of the month, once every 3 months and once every six months. I’ve seen cracker crumbs, bread crumbs and wafers as the “bread”, but I’ve always seen a thimble of grape juice as the “wine”. (Although when I was on a short-term missions trip to Belize, the little rain-forest church we visited ran out of grape juice so 7-Up was used -- I sure hope that I’m not going to hell for that sacrilege!)<br /><br />Something else I’ve seen churches do differently is deciding just who can partake in the communion service. I’ve heard pastor’s tell everyone that only members of that church can partake, I heard others say that only Christians is welcome to eat and drink and I’ve seen pastors include everyone present. <br /><br />So, with all these different who’s, how’s, and when’s that are out there, let’s see what the scripture says about communion.<br /><br />The Who<br /><br />Who should or can partake in Holy Communion? To me, this is a simple question to answer – believers. Those who know the Lord Jesus Christ and what He did for us are the ones to partake in Holy Communion.<br /><br />1 Corinthians 10:16-17 Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf.<br /><br />I also believe that this can include the young children of believers who are old enough to know of Christ but too young to have reasoned out their belief. I realize that this is not spelled out in scripture, so it is my opinion only.<br /><br />The How<br /><br />The Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke all tell of the first communion; Matthew tells it like this in chapter 26:<br /><br />26 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” 27 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is my blood of the[b] covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”<br /><br />Here is where I’ve heard several disagreements: some say we must use real wine because that’s what Jesus did (and I believe that He did), some say grape juice is alright even if Jesus was drinking wine. Some say we should use a loaf of bread, others say any bread, i.e. crackers, are okay to use.<br /><br />We can’t be too concerned with what the actual substance is that we are using to remember Christ during this ritual. Jesus said “Take this cup…” yet I’ve never heard a preacher discuss what a “cup” is! If we are following Jesus’ word to the letter, how is using a thimble to drink from anywhere close to drinking from a cup?<br /><br />Please, Jesus was having a meal when He commanded us to do this, so why are we sitting in a pew and not at a table with a full spread of food before us? I actually brought this up to the pastor of a church I attended once because the church members had a pot luck on the last Sunday of every month and we celebrated communion on the first Sunday of every month. I asked the pastor why we don’t combine the two to be even more like the actual event in the Bible; but he just said no, that things were good the way they were (I’m paraphrasing).<br /><br />One thing we should always remember though is that when we are to have communion, we do so with respect of others, to wait until we all are ready. 1 Corinthians 11:23-34 spells out how to partake of communion; some feel that this passage refers to unconfessed, personal sin, but I do not. We all commit so many sins of both commission and omission in ignorance that we just can’t confess every sin by name; we’d never be able to take communion!<br /><br />Paul says in verse 18, “I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you…”; and in verse 29, “For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves”; the context here is of a divisive church, not a healthy, loving church. It isn’t personal sin that should keep us from communion, but church-body sin. Do not take communion if your local church body is at odds within itself.<br /><br />The When<br /><br />Lastly, when should we celebrate communion together? 1 Corinthians 11:26 says, “For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” I see no specific time-table to follow in this matter. If you want to do it every Sunday or twice a years, do what you feel the Lord asking you to do.<br /><br />I personally would like to do it every Sunday, right before the pastor speaks. This would help to get everyone in the right frame of mind to learn and grow in the Word. <br /><br />Summary<br /><br />In closing, let me quote Jesus in John 6:46-51:<br /><br />“No one has seen the Father except the one who is from God; only he has seen the Father. Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, yet they died. But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which anyone may eat and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”<br /><br />Jesus is the reason for communion, not wine or grape juice, not bread or crackers. Jesus Christ is the Bread of Life, and I hope you know Him as such.Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11926974667005331959noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1072207838380294755.post-28469115080248512922011-01-03T18:57:00.000-08:002011-01-03T18:58:17.962-08:00Church MembershipMy Brother-in-Law, Tim B, posted a comment to my article entitled, Could the Apostasy be Upon Us?, where he mentioned church membership. That comment prompted me to make a few comments about the way we Christians handle the church membership these days.<br /><br />Although I have been a member of several churches throughout my adult life, I began to question this practice a few years ago and decided to study the scripture about it. Can you guess what I discovered? Membership in the visible church is nowhere to be found in the Bible! It is NOT required of us to be a card-carrying, on-the-roll member of any “church” here on earth.<br /><br />I now attend a church in which I teach a weekly Bible study, but I am not a member. The pastor has told me, though, that I, and my family, may have to “join” the church in the future. My question is, “Why”? I am a member of the invisible church, meaning that I have accepted Jesus as my Savior and attempt to follow Him daily. So where am I commanded to join a local congregation in order to serve Christ?<br /><br />Yes, I know we are to gather together as a body of believers, to fellowship with other believers, but nowhere does the scripture say that we are to “become members” of a congregation of an earthly church. <br /><br />I’ve often thought that if I were to become the leader of a group of believers, be it a “church” or a “group” or whatever – that I’d not require “membership” in this group. It’d be a group of believers in Christ, where non-believers who are seeking answers about Christianity are also welcomed. <br /><br />The church is special, it’s a foundation of Christianity, but let’s not turn it into something the Pharisees would be proud of! Let’s keep it biblical. Let’s honor God with our meetings by not imposing man-made rules which hinder godly growth in Christ.<br /><br />Concerning the pastor of the church I now attend; I get the impression that he thinks the same way I do (this is a board-run church which the pastor and I both agree is not biblical (although I do not want to speak for him)). I do know that he fully wants to serve God, not man; of this I have no doubt. He is trying hard to lead this small congregation to service and obedience to the Word (and I do see some positive responses). <br /><br />But to have a “sign-on-the-line” membership church is not biblical. I know that I will have to “sign” again someday so that I can serve God; but I won’t like it. When will the Church of Christ seek only to please Him and not man? When will we, as a Christian body, say “I will follow you, Lord”, and not throw in my rules on top of His?Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11926974667005331959noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1072207838380294755.post-29615956697941408812010-12-29T12:12:00.000-08:002010-12-29T12:13:42.164-08:00Could the Apostasy be Upon Us?I recently came across an interesting article written by Steve Gallagher in the Spring 2008 issue of Unchained! Magazine. Mr. Gallagher is the founder of Pure Life Ministries and a good writer; I’ve read several of his articles and ordered three of his books as part of my Christmas present to myself, they are now in a stack with five other “to read” books on my shelf. <br /><br />The article is called, Could the Apostasy be Upon Us?, and was inspired by the movie, Time Changer, starring D. David Morin, Gavin MacLeod and Hal Linden. Here is part of that article:<br /><br />“The storyline occurs in 1890 and revolves around Bible professor Russell Carlisle, who is unwittingly transported by a time machine into modern-day America. For five days, he finds himself trapped in a wicked world to which you and I have become shamefully accustomed.”<br /><br />“At one point, he is seen watching television. His horrified expression betrays the fact that he is witnessing the kind of blatant immorality which has become standard fare for many of us. But perhaps the most poignant scene occurs when he is invited by some Christians to attend a movie with them. Suddenly, he is shown running out of the theater screaming at the employees, ‘You have to stop this movie! That actor took the Lord’s name in vain! He blasphemed God!’<br /><br />“If you or I witnessed a fellow believer acting this way, we would quickly distance ourselves from him. And yet this scenario provokes a few pointed questions Christians should ask themselves. Why aren’t we more outraged when we hear actors take the Lord’s name in vain? How can we look upon scantily-clad girls on television without blushing? Why do we permit TV to indoctrinate our children with the world’s values? The Church is obviously backslidden. The greater question it provokes is: Could we be in the Great Apostasy and not be aware of it?”<br /><br />“After having spent the last two years studying this subject in Scripture, I was forced to acknowledge that two of my long-held assumptions regarding it have been wrong.<br /><br />“First, I came to realize that this falling away would not primarily be an obvious, outward renunciation of Christianity; it would be much more an issue of what is occurring in people’s hearts (e.g., Matt. 24:12).<br /><br />“My second erroneous notion was that the greatest problem in the Church today is that pastors are too busy to effectively disciple their flocks. I thought the sin and carnality running rampant in our midst was the result of harried pastors not holding churchgoers accountable to actually live what they are learning. I now believe that the larger issue is that pastors are burning themselves out trying to lead unconverted people into living the Christian life.<br /><br />“In the end, I arrived at the devastating conclusion that a large segment of the Post-Modern Church—that which has been the subject of our love and efforts—fits all the criteria predicted by Scripture of the Apostate Church. This issue of Unchained! Magazine will highlight a handful of those characteristics.”<br /><br />I must say, “Amen to that, brother!” I agree with him wholeheartedly; I’ll even add that I believe that a lot (most?) people who call themselves Christian have no idea what that really means. I know non-Christians are clueless about Christianity, just ask one sometime. <br /><br />I’ll repeat something here that I’ve said for several years now, America is NOT a Christian country; it started out that way, but went off track years ago. Would a Christian nation murder 1.5 million babies every year? Would a Christian nation openly embrace and accept homosexuals and their lifestyle? Would a Christian nation allow all the R- and X-rated movies and shows, and allow all the porn and smut that we have?<br /><br />No, this country is not Christian and it has no desire to be. I’ve not studied the Great Apostasy as deeply as Mr. Gallagher so I can’t say we are fulfilling that prophecy right now, but I won’t disagree and say we aren’t. Either way, America is in trouble spiritually and morally, and the church in American is in the same boat.Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11926974667005331959noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1072207838380294755.post-81855427201355065772010-12-24T10:18:00.001-08:002010-12-24T10:18:46.841-08:00Learning from Noah’s FloodWe can learn a lot from the way God dealt with Noah and the people on earth just prior to the flood. God illustrated four points of emphasis for us in the story of Noah’s Flood:<br /><br />•God allows man to exercise his free will<br />•Man’s free will leads him to sin against God<br />•God must step in to punish/save man <br />•God then sets man on the right course again<br /><br />Noah’s flood is a perfect example of how God provides a “lifeboat” to save man from his sin. God allows man to travel on his own course only so far, then He steps in with an ultimatum: straighten up or pay the price! God allowed man to live in sin for about 1600 years before He had enough of man’s ways; God brought Noah into the ark and caused the great flood to wipe evil off the face of the earth. The flood is a foreshadow of what is to come in the last days when the righteous and the ungodly are separated, with the righteous going to be with God in salvation and the ungodly going to their final place in hell.<br /><br />God always provides a way out! The righteous will be saved from the wrath to come. But man is free to choose the course he wants to take and God will not force any decision upon him; the ones who drowned were free to repent and get into the ark with Noah. The apostle Peter called Noah “a preacher of righteousness,” so obviously he tried to convince others of their sinful ways, yet no one listened.<br /><br />Today, Jesus is the “ark” in which we are called to get on board in order to bypass the terrible wrath to come. God is fed up with the sin of man and is soon to evoke punishment again; but as before, He has provided a way out for anyone who will only choose that way. Jesus is our “preacher of righteousness” today, calling all to salvation though His mercy and grace.<br /><br />Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11926974667005331959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1072207838380294755.post-15692826512222889402010-12-18T12:17:00.000-08:002010-12-18T12:22:56.578-08:00Can a Christian be a Democrat?I want to make two things clear right from the start: first, I know that no one is perfect or sin free, I am not claiming that I am, nor even close to being, a sinless person. The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 1:15 (KJV), “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief”; so if he was the chief sinner, then I must be the Master of the Universe sinner.<br /><br />Second, I am not passing judgment on anyone. That’s God’s job when it comes to a person’s relationship with Him. I can though, look at a person’s actions and judge whether those actions are in line with the Word of God or not. Some Christians do wrong out of ignorance, others because they rationalize the sin away, but the fact remains that a Christian does not always do what the Word says to do; mistakes and regrets are plentiful in every Christian’s life, so I write with those thoughts in mind.<br /><br />Now, back to the point at hand, can a Christian be a democrat and/or, in good conscious, vote for a democratic Politician? Before I give my though on this, I’ll state one more caveat—when I use the word “Christian”, I’m thinking of a person who is “born-again” and has a relationship with Jesus Christ that is beyond the I-attend-church-3-times-a-year person, or the I-believe-there-is-a-god-and-I’m-not-a-Muslim-so-I-must-be-a-Christian person. I’m taking about the person who knows that they are a sinner deserving to go to hell, but is saved from that fate because of what Jesus did by dying on the cross in order to pay the penalty that was owed for their sin, and that He rose from the grave so that they too can rise up and be with God for eternity.<br /><br />Okay, now back to the point; the big, general answer is that no, a true Christian cannot be a democrat nor can they vote for one. Today’s Democratic Party is morally evil, plain and simple. Click on these two links to see what the Democratic Party’s platform is, what they stand for and behind: <a href="http://www.democrats.org/issues/civil_rights">here</a> and <a href="http://www.issues2000.org/Celeb/Democratic_Party_Abortion.htm">here</a>.<br /><br />How can a true Christian support abortion? This is the most evil act a person can commit! To intentionally and horrifically murder a totally innocent, unborn child is just beyond my comprehension. There is no reason for it at all! The Democratic Party is proud of these numbers: “<a href="http://www.issues2000.org/Celeb/Democratic_Party_Abortion.htm">In 2005</a>, 1.21 million abortions were performed, down from 1.31 million in 2000. From 1973 through 2005, more than 45 million legal abortions occurred.”<br /><br />A lot of people will say, “I agree with you, but what about rape and incest?” Well, let me ask this, what part of the rape or incest did the child take part in? Why do you want to execute the innocent child for what its father did? What does God say? (A small sampling from the Word)<br /><br />Genesis 9:6 Whoever sheds man’s blood, by man his blood shall be shed, for in the image of God He made man.<br /><br />Exodus 20:13 You shall not murder.<br /><br />Deuteronomy 27:25a Cursed is he who accepts a bribe to strike down an innocent person.<br /><br />Proverbs 6:16-19 There are six things which the LORD hates, yes, seven which are an abomination to Him: …hands that shed innocent blood…<br /><br />Jeremiah 1:4-5 The word of the LORD came to me, saying, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations".<br /><br />How can a true Christian support homosexuality? God clearly is against this lifestyle, yet the Democrats are attacking anyone who does not support it. The “tolerant” party is not so tolerant of the beliefs of Christians.<br /><br />1 Timothy 1:9-11 We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious, … for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, … and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine that conforms to the gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me.<br /><br />How can a true Christian support the party that took God, prayer and the Bible out of public schools and other government institutions? How about the art shows that are receiving federal grant money? They are so perverse it’s sickening. Yet the Democrats love it!<br /><br />No, a true Christian would never belong to the Democratic Party, or ever vote for a politician of that party. The evils of abortion and homosexuality trumps any good that might come out of that group.Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11926974667005331959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1072207838380294755.post-82015433621368453102010-12-04T08:49:00.001-08:002010-12-04T08:49:47.035-08:00Gospel PresentationTo know who Jesus is and to understand what and why He did what He did, I have to go back to the beginning. God created all there is, including the earth and everything on it. God made mankind to be perfect in every way and to have fellowship with Him. God didn’t want little robots running around, so He gave people a free will, the ability to make decisions, good or bad, so that they could decide for themselves if they wanted to be God’s friend and follower.<br /><br />Adam and Eve were the first two people, God created them with His own hands; but before they had any children, they chose to disobey God, to use their free will to commit sin, by doing the one thing God told them not to do—eating of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. When they disobeyed God, a sin nature was developed in them, and that sin nature was passed down from parent to child until this day. Sin means “missing the mark”; it’s both the actual act of disobeying God (such as stealing, lying, murder, etc) and the result of that disobedience. <br /><br />Romans 3:23 - For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.<br /><br />Even though humans sinned and caused a separation between themselves and God, God still wanted that companionship He established in the beginning. But by being a Holy God, by His very nature, He is unable to even being the presence of sin. Think of the nastiest, most disgusting place you can think of, multiply that times a million and that’s not even close to what God thinks of sin.<br /><br />But, because He loves us so much, He came up with a way for us to come to Him and reclaim that fellowship. He needed someone to pay the penalty for our sin. We couldn’t do it because we have committed sin and are an unclean payment. God says that the penalty of sin is death, and that the only payment He will accept is blood, but not just any blood, clean, holy blood, to wash away the sin of the world.<br /><br />Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. <br /><br />This is where Jesus comes in. God is a Triune Being, He is one God in three Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The Son, Jesus, left His heavenly home, took on human flesh, and was born to a virgin, Mary. He grew up as a normal child and became a man but with two exceptions: He was fully God and fully man at the same time, and He never sinned! Although He was tempted to sin just as we all are, not once did He submit to any temptation, thereby becoming the perfect sacrifice for our sin. God accepted Jesus as a substitute for all of us.<br /><br />2 Corinthians 5:15 - And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. <br /><br />God will now let us into His heavenly home, to live with Him for all eternity, if all we do is simply believe in Jesus as the only begotten Son of God, that He lived a totally sinless life, that He died and shed His holy blood in our place, that He arose from the dead 3 days after His crucifixion and that He then ascended back to heaven to become our mediator before God the Father. If we ask God, our sin will be covered by Jesus’ blood! We will be redeemed and seen as holy if only we truly believe.<br /><br />Romans 10:9-11 - That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, 'Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame'. <br /><br />John 3:3 - In reply Jesus declared, 'I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again'. <br /><br />Being “born again” is what happens when one believes in what the Bible says about Jesus and agrees to make Him their Savior and Master. <br /><br />John 14:6 - Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11926974667005331959noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1072207838380294755.post-68013051275578525882010-12-02T16:40:00.001-08:002010-12-12T12:08:14.383-08:00Studying the BibleLast night, my pastor and I started an adult Bible study with other members of the church I attend; a small group of others were there, and we met at one of the member's house. It was the first meeting, so a lot of time was taken up with introductions and getting to know each other better.<br /><br />I've been attending this church now for about 3 months and find it a nice place to be. It's small with only about 40 adult regulars, although there's been maybe 60 adults several times. I'm not the kind of person who just sits in the pew and is passive when it comes to church activity; I told told the pastor that I liked to teach and asked that if, after we got to know each other, I could lead a Bible study; so here we are and the first class has happened.<br /><br />The pastor asked me what I wanted to teach to start with, and immediately I said, "How to study the Bible". I've taught adult Sunday School and classes for many years and more than once, I've been asked to teach a "How to study the Bible" class. Once I even asked the pastor of a large 4000+ member church I attended to let me do this (because of a request) and he said "No, all teachers must follow the same curriculum". <br /><br />(I think that a lot of the large churches forget why they are even there, they lose touch with the spiritual people's needs and solely concentrate on the "numbers game", getting more and more people to show up on Sundays. Basketball, camping trips, the choir, etc. have replaced Bible study and helping people grow in Christ.)<br /><br />So now, in this smaller church (which I prefer), I'm finally getting a chance to do this. Most every person at the class last night said two things: "I've been a Christian for a long time" and "I'm here because I don't know how to study what the Bible says". I've found this in a lot of churches over the years. As I told everyone, reading the Bible is different than studying the Bible.<br /><br />The Bible is our primary source for discovering who God is and what He expects from us. If we can't correctly understand what His Word says, how can we ever move from milk to meat? Not everyone can go to Bible college, so it's the church's responsibility to teach its member to study the Word.<br /><br />I'm excited about this class and expect good things to happen because of it. I thank the pastor for this opportunity and, as always, to God be the glory.Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11926974667005331959noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1072207838380294755.post-57760935705035516472010-10-21T13:43:00.000-07:002010-10-21T13:53:16.485-07:00If I had a Time-Traveling DeLoreanYesterday, here in the Seattle area, the host of the conservative talk show I often listen to decided to talk about the movie Back to the Future and how the stars of that movie, Michael J. Fox, et al, occasionally travel around to Back to the Future conventions (I didn’t know such a thing existed). And how at these shows, they are inevitably asked this question: “If you really had a time-traveling DeLorean, would you go into the future or into the past? If into the past, who, when or what would you want to see?” (or some words to that effect) <br /><br />A guest on the show said that he would go into the future and learn what sports teams and the stock market did, insinuating that he could then come back and get rich quick. Not a bad idea, I guess, but the question did what it was supposed to do and it got me thinking of the answer I would give, which is that I think I’d go back in time, not forward. <br /><br />Now, you might be thinking, “Yes, so you could by stock in Microsoft or Boeing!” Well, that’s a great idea, but that wasn’t be my first thought. Or you might say, “You’d want to meet a famous person, like Jesus, Buddha, Gandhi, Abe Lincoln, or such?” No, not my first thought either. Those who know me might then guess, “Well, it has to be Ronald Reagan that you’d like to meet; you named your daughter after him after all, so that’s it, right?” Again, no (although Jesus and Reagan are at the top of the list, behind the one person who I’d like to visit first).<br /><br />So, if I had a time-traveling DeLorean, I’d go back in time and visit my dad. He died suddenly in an auto accident on February 13, 2001, at the young age of 60; and, by gosh, I miss him. <br /><br />He and I didn’t always see eye-to-eye as I was growing up, we had our moments when I didn’t understand what he was trying to get across to me. But, as an adult, I’ve said many times that I sure wish that I had listened to him more closely and followed his advice; maybe I’d have had a little easier go at this adulthood thing. <br /><br />Here’s a good example: as a junior in high school, I was offered a wrestling scholarship to a local college, but as a senior, the college had to drop its wrestling program due to a lack of funding. When that happened, dad offered to pay my way through college, but, being the numbskull that I was, I told him, “Nope, I’ll do it on my own.” Well, it turned out that I was in my 40’s before I finally got my bachelor’s degree, working the whole time as I was taking a class here and a class there.<br /><br />After high school, I didn’t see him a whole lot, I joined the military and traveled the world for the next 20 years. Then when I retired from the Air Force, I found a job about a thousand miles away, so as an adult, I saw him maybe once a year or so. I hate that he didn’t get to see me graduate from college and grad school, I hate that he didn’t get to see what successful adults his grandchildren have become and I hate that he didn’t get to see my fourth child or his soon-to-be-born first great-grandchild.<br /><br />I tell my 7-year-old daughter, Reagan, about him all the time and she’s excited to see him someday in heaven – and so am I.Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11926974667005331959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1072207838380294755.post-14267917558924920172010-10-15T18:11:00.001-07:002010-10-15T18:11:46.994-07:00Is it okay for Christians to drink Alcoholic Beverages?Popping the top of a can of beer that’s just above the freezing point is a nice way to bring a hard day’s work to an end. A nice glass of wine with supper can make a good meal taste even better. There’s nothing wrong with Christians partaking in these alcohol drinking activities--or is there? Is it okay for Christians to drink alcoholic beverages?<br /><br />From my vast experience with Christian churches (as an adult, I’ve lived in 3 countries, 8 states and 22 different cities, and I’ve attended churches in each of them), I feel safe in saying that most churches heavily frown on its members drinking alcohol; and most, if not almost all of them required their leadership to completely abstain from all alcoholic beverages at all times (although I did speak with one pastor who offered to drink a beer with me and I’m related to another pastor who will drink a beer or two). But, is this requirement biblical? Is complete abstinence from alcohol commanded by Christ?<br /><br />Now, let me say up front that I do drink beer, I like it, it taste good, and it’s relaxing; I don’t like wine or liquor, but that’s a personal preference. So I say the answer to my question is a resounding NO. I think it is a game of “I’m holier than you” when Christian put down and/or forbid others from drinking alcoholic beverages.<br /><br />I will present scripture that allows me, as a Christian, to drink alcoholic beverages and I dare anyone to point out scripture that forbids it. There is not one verse in the whole Bible, Old or New Testament, that forbids God’s followers from drinking any alcoholic beverage. I know because I’ve looked. <br /><br />Let’s look now at a few verses that ALLOW us to eat or DRINK anything we want:<br /><br />Colossians 2:16-17 – Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.<br /><br />1 Corinthians 10:31 – So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.<br /><br />And how about this one: <br /><br />1 Timothy 5:23 - Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.<br /><br />People like to say, “Well, Paul was really talking about grape juice there, wine back then was only what we call grape juice today.”<br /><br />Really? Then why did Paul write in Ephesians 5:18 – “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery?” It’s the same word and same meaning.<br /><br />It even seems that Jesus drank wine on occasion, as in these following verses: <br /><br />John 2:1-11 - Jesus Changes Water to Wine. The Word doesn’t say that He did in fact drink wine that day, but it doesn’t say that He didn’t either (what else would He have drank?).<br /><br />Matthew 26:29 - I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father's kingdom.<br /><br />This verse definitely says that Jesus was a wine drinker; and again, their wine was not our grape juice.<br /><br />The main problem here is that some people like to add to scripture, as if they know better than God; they know better what people should do to be “holy”. They think of themselves to be wiser than the writers of the Bible. But look at what these verses say:<br /><br />Matt 15:6-9 Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition. You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you: ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.’ <br /><br />1 Corinthians 6:12 – Everything is permissible for me—but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible for me—but I will not be mastered by anything.<br /><br />1 Cor 4:6 Now, brothers, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, “Do not go beyond what is written.”<br /><br />Rev 20:18, 19 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. <br /><br />Alcohol is not, in and of itself, sinful to indulge in. It is drunkenness and addiction to alcohol that a Christian must absolutely refrain from. We must know what the Bible says; know what our freedoms are and what our restrictions are. It’s better to follow the Bible than to obey man-made rules that add to the Bible, as the Pharisees did and were condemned by Jesus.Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11926974667005331959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1072207838380294755.post-76997085423877872232010-10-14T08:38:00.000-07:002010-10-14T08:39:39.997-07:00Do the Unsaved Burn Forever in Hell?Ask most any Christian what happens to the unsaved when they die, and most likely the answer you’ll receive is that they go to hell. By this they mean that at the moment of death, the unrepentive sinner will immediately be ushered into the lake of fire where they will spend eternity burning in the flames, suffering pain and anguish forever and ever.<br /><br />Where do Christians get this idea? It may surprise you to find out that this scenario is NOT in the Bible! So why is this belief so prevalent today? I can only guess that it’s a mass misinterpretation of what the Bible actually says. I was taught this scenario my whole life in church; and I swallowed it without once looking to see what the Bible really said. It was this way until my studies became more Christ-focused instead of man-focus, more Bible-centric as opposed to extra-biblical writings. Now, I still read other people’s writings to help me to understand difficult passages and to get other perspectives of what I’m discovering in my biblical readings.<br /><br />One of the topics God has prompted me to study more closely is this concept of the unsaved burning forever. The main crux of the problem that I now have about this is that in order to burn forever, is that the person in question would have to live forever; they’d have to have an immortal soul. So, the question becomes, does every single person who has ever been conceived have an immortal soul or spirit?<br /><br />The short answer is no, they don’t. Here’s why:<br /><br />The Bible only uses the word “immortal” once, in 1 Timothy 1:17 and is describing God, not man: “Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” <br /><br />The Bible only uses the word “immortality” five times.<br /><br />1. Romans 2:7 - To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life.<br /><br />Eternal life isn’t a birthright, it’s something to be sought after.<br /><br />2 & 3. 1 Corinthians 15: 53 & 54 – For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”<br /><br />It should be clear here that we are perishable and mortal, waiting for the imperishable and immortality to be placed on us like clothing. Only them do we have victory over death.<br /><br />4. 2 Timothy 1:10 - but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.<br /><br />Jesus brings eternal life through the gospel; again, it’s not something we are born with.<br /><br />5. 1 Timothy 6:15b & 16 - God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen.<br /><br />Only God is immortal, man isn’t nor can be unless God clothes him with immortality through the gospel message.<br /><br />I think that I’ve made a pretty good argument, by using nothing but the Bible, that man is not an immortal creature, and that he can only become immortal through accepting the gospel message and becoming a Christian. How can a person who does not accept the gospel of Christ live forever? He can’t; it’s impossible for him to live forever in hell or anywhere else! <br /><br />Matthew 10:28 says, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” Why should the word “destroy” mean something different in the Bible than it does for us now? It doesn’t, people are sent to hell, burned up and destroyed; they no longer exist.<br /><br />I can hear some of you saying: but wait, the Bible says that hell is an eternal flame, its smoke rises up forever. Why would hell be eternal if everyone who goes there is burned up and does not exist anymore? The answer is very simple – angels. Angels were created in, and live in, eternity, they never die. <br /><br />The flames of hell were never meant for people, Matthew 25:41 says, “Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.” Satan and his fallen angels will burn forever, being eternal creatures, they won’t die. But humans will be sent to hell to be “destroyed”, not to live in pain for eternity.Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11926974667005331959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1072207838380294755.post-5605179858473241192010-09-22T07:03:00.000-07:002010-09-22T07:04:09.338-07:00Christian RitualsChristian rituals such as celebrating Christmas and Easter shows what can happen when a ritual is practiced and the meaning behind the ritual is all but forgotten. It is a terrible shame what has happened to Christmas; the birth of Christ is not the meaning of Christmas in the United States today; commercialism is the god of Christmas, and Easter is fast becoming the same way. Christmas has a social value that meets the people’s needs in the area of relationship and friendship closeness, but it no longer meets the spiritual needs of most of the people who celebrate it.<br /><br /> Easter has turned into a child’s game type of event that makes a mockery of the resurrection. Easter is a ritual of chasing eggs and bunnies, not praising God for resurrecting Jesus from the dead. It’s about who looks the prettiest in their new dress or suit, not about being thankful for the Firstborn of God.<br /><br />Other rituals Christians practice, such as baptism and communion, are a vital part of the Christian experience, and they are commanded by Christ to be done; there’s no argument against their importance. Some rituals, such as snake handling, are on the fringe and are even considered to be anti-productive in the cause for Christ.<br /><br />There is a group of Christians in Africa who jump up and down in a trance for three straight days in their worship of Jesus. I can see the social importance of this because it brings them together and in commitment to each other, but I can’t understand how Christ is glorified by this. I have no idea what I would do as a missionary in this area. Is this how Christmas and Easter appears to non-Christians? Just something to jump up and down about with no real meaning? <br /><br />Why don’t we Christian try to bring Christ back into focus as the “reason for the season”? When some says “Happy Holiday” to you this year, be sure to reply with a “Merry Christmas”, “God bless you”, and/or “Jesus is Lord”. Use Christ-centered Christmas cards and decorations. Let others know you are celebrating the birth of our Savior, not the return of a fat man in a red suit.Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11926974667005331959noreply@blogger.com2