“Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways.” (Job 21:14)
“Man’s apostasy began in an affectation of forbidden knowledge, but is kept up by an affectation of forbidden ignorance.”– Matthew Henry
We live in a time of great apostasy when many choose to ignore or disbelieve the simplicity of the Gospel of Salvation, the message of the Cross. Many of the new heresies are intricate, complex, always evolving, and “emerging” with new theologies, philosophies, terminologies, eschatologies, ecclesiologies, etc. These false teachings puff up people with pride in their human knowledge and lead them to “ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the Truth”(2 Timothy 3:7).
Error-filled teachings reflect an artificial light that beckons to those wandering in darkness. The neon beacon of heresy is alluring, creating warm feelings, and bestows a temporal vision that seduces the believer off the narrow path. But it does not convict man of sin in his heart.
The Gospel is the Light of Truth. Matthew Henry in his Commentary on John 3:1-21 says it is a “terror to the wicked world” and it makes men’s sins manifest, showing them “the evil of their transgressions…. The Gospel has its convictions, to make way for its consolations.” Just as this Gospel light shining into the darkness of men’s hearts “convinces and terrifies evildoers, so it confirms and comforts those that walk in their integrity.”
Matthew Henry declares that those “who do not come to the light” of the Gospel of Salvation” have an “antipathy to saving knowledge” and a “damning ignorance.” Harsh words in our era of touchy-feely assuages to the conscience! But it is a fact of human nature that men choose to willfully disregard the Truth, preferring instead the soft comforts of empty assurances and synthetic lights.
The Word of God in John chapter 3 describes this woeful condition:
“He that believeth on Him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (vs. 18)“And this is the condemnation, that Light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. (vs. 19) “For everyone one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. (vs. 20) “But he that doeth Truth cometh to the Light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God." (vs. 21) These verses come right on the heels of two of the most famous verses in the Christian faith – the well-known Scriptures that testify that “For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. “For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.” (John 3:16-17) But right after these two comforting verses, the apostle John describes those who would “believeth not” in Jesus:
“He that believeth on Him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” (vs. 18) [emphasis added]
Matthew Henry applies these verses not only to non-believers, but to those who “persist in unbelief and willful ignorance.” He referred to it as a “deplorable condition.” Applying verse 19 to “those that would not so much as know Him,” Henry observed:
“Many inquisitive people had knowledge of Christ and His doctrine and miracles, but they were prejudiced against Him, and would not believe in Him, while the generality were sottishly careless and stupid, and would not know Him.” [bold emphasis added]
The “Gospel is Light,” says Henry, and as “Light is self-evidencing, so is the Gospel.” This Light of the Gospel is “discovering,” “sweet,” and “shining in a dark place.” But, it is “the unspeakable folly of men that they loved darkness rather than light, rather than this Light.” He explains:
“The Jews loved the dark shadows of their law, and the instructions of their blind guides, rather than the doctrine of Christ.
“The Gentiles loved their superstitious services of an unknown God, whom they ignorantly worshipped, rather than the reasonable service which the Gospel enjoins.
“Sinners that were wedded to their lusts loved their ignorance and mistakes, which supported them in their sins, rather than the Truths of Christ, which would have parted them from their sins. . . ."These, then, are causes of willful ignorance: “Wretched man is in love with his sickness, in love with his slavery, and will not be made free, will not be made whole” [bold emphasis added].
Matthew Henry further observes: “The true reason why men love darkness rather than light is because their deeds are evil. They love darkness because they think it is an excuse for their evil deeds, and they hate the light because it robs them of the good opinion they had of themselves, by showing them their sinfulness and misery. Their case is sad, and, because they are resolved that they will not mend it, they are resolved that they will not see it.
“Willful ignorance is so far from excusing sin that it will be found, at the great day, to aggravate the condemnation. This is the condemnation, this is what ruins souls, that they shut their eyes against the Light, and will not so much as admit a parley with Christ and His Gospel; they set God so much at defiance that they desire not the knowledge of His ways, Job 21:14.
We must account in the judgment, not only for the knowledge we had, and used not, but for the knowledge we might have had, and would not; not only for the knowledge we sinned against, but for the knowledge we sinned away.” [bold emphasis added]
Likewise, Matthew Poole in his earlier 1600s Commentary on these same verses, observed: “This Light is come into the world; that signifies not only His Incarnation, but his revealing the merciful counsel of God for our salvation,… He has opened the way that leads to eternal life. But men loved darkness rather than light; they preferred, chose, and adhered to their ignorance and errors, before the Light of Life, the saving knowledge of the Gospel.” [bold emphasis added]
Matthew Henry concludes that “Unbelief may truly be called the great damning sin, because it leaves us under the guilt of all our other sins; it is a sin against the remedy, against our appeal." [bold emphasis added]
And what is the remedy to willful ignorance, but this, says Henry: “[Christ] came that the world through Him might be saved, that a door of salvation might be opened to the world, and whoever would might enter in by it.
God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, and so saving it. An act of indemnity is passed and published, through Christ a remedial law made, and the world of mankind dealt with, not according to the rigours of the first Covenant, but according to the riches of the second; that the world through Him might be saved, for it could never be saved but through Him; there is not salvation in any other.
This is good news to a convinced conscience, healing to broken bones and bleeding wounds, that Christ, our judge, came not to condemn, but to save.”Those who come to Jesus Christ will bear the scrutiny of the Light, letting the Gospel of the Cross penetrate between “joints and marrow” to the conviction of “thoughts and intents of the hearts” (Hebrews 4:12).
The Truth: “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” (Romans 8:1)
“But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.” (1 Corinthians 11:32)
Quoted material taken from Matthew Henry's Commentary, Volume 5, Matthew to John (Hendrickson, 1991), pp. 717-718, and Matthew Poole, A Commentary on the Bible, Volume III: Matthew-Revelation (Hendrickson), p. 293.
Herescope
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. (1 John 4:1)
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
An Election Perspective From Serbia
Nov 05 by Ingrid Schlueter
My Facebook friend, Emily Baker writes:
A friend living in Serbia offered one of the most encouraging and godly responses I have yet heard regarding our presidential election here in the U.S. I am sincerely humbled by your perspective, Natalija. Thank you for reminding us where true hope is found.
While you should do everything that is in your power to influence the choice by your vote (according to your conscience), do not be afraid of the outcome!
What I am getting at is, that no matter what the political situation of your or my country - GOD IS IN CONTROL. And our job is to serve God in all circumstances. It is HIM we serve, not our country!
I have in my short life witnessed many things. I have been there when the shackles of communism fell. I stood at the Berlin wall and rejoiced with everyone else. I was ecstatic when we finally could preach and sing in public, when we could legally publish Christian books, when we could finally enjoy “religious freedom” at home, in church, in school and public. That was the first few years.
Do you know what the situation is now - 20 years after we got all the freedom? The church has become lukewarm. The price of discipleship is not as high as it used to be and people are too busy living their capitalist lifestyle of earning money and do not care for church anymore. When we were operating under the threat of being put in prison, when there was constant persecution of the church, the church flourished, people clung to God, people were on fire for God. The freedom brought just the opposite. “Blessed are the persecuted” - I understand this only now after living through all of the changes and seeing how true this statement is.
My human mother heart wishes that I can raise my children in freedom and teach them what I think is right and that my and their moral lifestyle would be rewarded and honored. But the more I read the Bible, the more I am aware that IF we honor God, we will not be understood and honored in this world.
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
God is in charge of the universe. He will use many various ways to draw people to himself – sometimes quite the opposite of what we think. The cost of discipleship is high. The price is His precious blood. He stood by His people through wars, persecution, yes even communism.
Think about this, as I finish: The darker the night, the stronger our light! That’s all I want to tell you. Do not be afraid, cling to God. He will bring you through.
My Facebook friend, Emily Baker writes:
A friend living in Serbia offered one of the most encouraging and godly responses I have yet heard regarding our presidential election here in the U.S. I am sincerely humbled by your perspective, Natalija. Thank you for reminding us where true hope is found.
While you should do everything that is in your power to influence the choice by your vote (according to your conscience), do not be afraid of the outcome!
What I am getting at is, that no matter what the political situation of your or my country - GOD IS IN CONTROL. And our job is to serve God in all circumstances. It is HIM we serve, not our country!
I have in my short life witnessed many things. I have been there when the shackles of communism fell. I stood at the Berlin wall and rejoiced with everyone else. I was ecstatic when we finally could preach and sing in public, when we could legally publish Christian books, when we could finally enjoy “religious freedom” at home, in church, in school and public. That was the first few years.
Do you know what the situation is now - 20 years after we got all the freedom? The church has become lukewarm. The price of discipleship is not as high as it used to be and people are too busy living their capitalist lifestyle of earning money and do not care for church anymore. When we were operating under the threat of being put in prison, when there was constant persecution of the church, the church flourished, people clung to God, people were on fire for God. The freedom brought just the opposite. “Blessed are the persecuted” - I understand this only now after living through all of the changes and seeing how true this statement is.
My human mother heart wishes that I can raise my children in freedom and teach them what I think is right and that my and their moral lifestyle would be rewarded and honored. But the more I read the Bible, the more I am aware that IF we honor God, we will not be understood and honored in this world.
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
God is in charge of the universe. He will use many various ways to draw people to himself – sometimes quite the opposite of what we think. The cost of discipleship is high. The price is His precious blood. He stood by His people through wars, persecution, yes even communism.
Think about this, as I finish: The darker the night, the stronger our light! That’s all I want to tell you. Do not be afraid, cling to God. He will bring you through.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
The Three 8s in Deuteronomy: Chapters 8, 18 and 28
Remember these warnings in Deuteronomy
Chapter 8: "...when you have eaten and are full, and have built beautiful houses and dwell in them... your heart is lifted up and you forget the Lord your God. ... you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth.’"...if you by any means forget the Lord your God, and follow other gods... you shall surely perish. As the nations which the Lord destroys before you, so you shall perish, because you would not be obedient to the voice of the Lord your God." Deuteronomy 8:10-20
Chapter 18: "When you come into the land which the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire [sacrificing a child to the Canaanite "god" Moloch to gain his favor], or practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For all who do these things are an abomination to the Lord, and because of these abominations the Lord your God drives them out... You shall be blameless before the Lord your God...." Deuteronomy 18:9-14
Chapter 28: BLESSINGS: "...it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God.... that the Lord your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. ...Blessed shall be the fruit of your body, the produce of your ground and the increase of your herds.... The Lord will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before your face.... The Lord will open to you His good treasure, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season, and to bless all the work of your hand. You shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow. And the Lord will make you the head and not the tail.... if you heed the commandments of the Lord your God."
CURSES: “But... if you do not obey the voice of the Lord your God... all these curses will come upon you and overtake you.... The Lord will send on you cursing, confusion, and rebuke in all that you set your hand to do, until you are destroyed and until you perish quickly, because of the wickedness of your doings in which you have forsaken Me.... The Lord will change the rain of your land to powder and dust... "The Lord will cause you to be defeated before your enemies.... The Lord will strike you... with tumors, with the scab, and with the itch, from which you cannot be healed.... "Your sons and your daughters shall be given to another people, and your eyes shall look and fail with longing for them all day long; and there shall be no strength in your hand. A nation whom you have not known shall eat the fruit of your land and the produce of your labor, and you shall be only oppressed and crushed.... You shall beget sons and daughters, but they shall not be yours; for they shall go into captivity. Locusts shall consume all your trees and the produce of your land. “The alien who is among you shall rise higher and higher above you, and you shall come down lower and lower. He shall lend to you, but you shall not lend to him; he shall be the head, and you shall be the tail.... "Because you did not serve the Lord your God with joy and gladness of heart, for the abundance of everything, therefore you shall serve your enemies, whom the Lord will send against you, in hunger, in thirst, in nakedness, and in need of everything; and He will put a yoke of iron on your neck until He has destroyed you. The Lord will bring a nation against you from afar.... And they shall eat the increase of your livestock and the produce of your land, until you are destroyed... "If you do not carefully observe all the words of this law that are written in this book [remember, the Levitical laws were fulfilled in Christ, but the moral law is as relevant now as then], that you may fear this glorious and awesome name, THE LORD YOUR GOD, then the Lord will bring upon you and your descendants extraordinary plagues—great and prolonged plagues—and serious and prolonged sicknesses.... And it shall be, that just as the Lord rejoiced over you to do you good and multiply you, so the Lord will rejoice over you to destroy you and bring you to nothing; and you shall be plucked from off the land which you go to possess...." Deuteronomy 8:1-63
The Old Testament judgments also apply to us today:
"Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted. And do not become idolaters as were some of them.... Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell; nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents; nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer. "Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. "Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it." 1 Corinthians 10:6-13
"They are foolish; for they do not know the way of the Lord, The judgment of their God.I will go to the great men and speak to them, For they have known the way of the Lord, the judgment of their God.' But these have altogether broken the yoke and burst the bonds.Therefore a lion from the forest shall slay them, A wolf of the deserts shall destroy them; A leopard will watch over their cities." [Interesting reminders at a time when leopards are "restored" to Florida and wolves and bears to other parts of our country -- and people are being slaughtered] Jeremiah 5:4-6
The response that leads to victory in Christ: Faith and Repentance (A humble acknowledgment before our holy God that
(1) I have sinned against Him and deserve judgment, and
(2) I trust in His grace and the forgiveness I have in Christ by faith)
Jesus said, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” Mark 1:14
“...unless you repent you will all likewise perish." Luke 13:3, 5
“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord...." Acts 3:19
Chapter 8: "...when you have eaten and are full, and have built beautiful houses and dwell in them... your heart is lifted up and you forget the Lord your God. ... you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth.’"...if you by any means forget the Lord your God, and follow other gods... you shall surely perish. As the nations which the Lord destroys before you, so you shall perish, because you would not be obedient to the voice of the Lord your God." Deuteronomy 8:10-20
Chapter 18: "When you come into the land which the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire [sacrificing a child to the Canaanite "god" Moloch to gain his favor], or practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For all who do these things are an abomination to the Lord, and because of these abominations the Lord your God drives them out... You shall be blameless before the Lord your God...." Deuteronomy 18:9-14
Chapter 28: BLESSINGS: "...it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God.... that the Lord your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. ...Blessed shall be the fruit of your body, the produce of your ground and the increase of your herds.... The Lord will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before your face.... The Lord will open to you His good treasure, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season, and to bless all the work of your hand. You shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow. And the Lord will make you the head and not the tail.... if you heed the commandments of the Lord your God."
CURSES: “But... if you do not obey the voice of the Lord your God... all these curses will come upon you and overtake you.... The Lord will send on you cursing, confusion, and rebuke in all that you set your hand to do, until you are destroyed and until you perish quickly, because of the wickedness of your doings in which you have forsaken Me.... The Lord will change the rain of your land to powder and dust... "The Lord will cause you to be defeated before your enemies.... The Lord will strike you... with tumors, with the scab, and with the itch, from which you cannot be healed.... "Your sons and your daughters shall be given to another people, and your eyes shall look and fail with longing for them all day long; and there shall be no strength in your hand. A nation whom you have not known shall eat the fruit of your land and the produce of your labor, and you shall be only oppressed and crushed.... You shall beget sons and daughters, but they shall not be yours; for they shall go into captivity. Locusts shall consume all your trees and the produce of your land. “The alien who is among you shall rise higher and higher above you, and you shall come down lower and lower. He shall lend to you, but you shall not lend to him; he shall be the head, and you shall be the tail.... "Because you did not serve the Lord your God with joy and gladness of heart, for the abundance of everything, therefore you shall serve your enemies, whom the Lord will send against you, in hunger, in thirst, in nakedness, and in need of everything; and He will put a yoke of iron on your neck until He has destroyed you. The Lord will bring a nation against you from afar.... And they shall eat the increase of your livestock and the produce of your land, until you are destroyed... "If you do not carefully observe all the words of this law that are written in this book [remember, the Levitical laws were fulfilled in Christ, but the moral law is as relevant now as then], that you may fear this glorious and awesome name, THE LORD YOUR GOD, then the Lord will bring upon you and your descendants extraordinary plagues—great and prolonged plagues—and serious and prolonged sicknesses.... And it shall be, that just as the Lord rejoiced over you to do you good and multiply you, so the Lord will rejoice over you to destroy you and bring you to nothing; and you shall be plucked from off the land which you go to possess...." Deuteronomy 8:1-63
The Old Testament judgments also apply to us today:
"Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted. And do not become idolaters as were some of them.... Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell; nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents; nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer. "Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. "Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it." 1 Corinthians 10:6-13
"They are foolish; for they do not know the way of the Lord, The judgment of their God.I will go to the great men and speak to them, For they have known the way of the Lord, the judgment of their God.' But these have altogether broken the yoke and burst the bonds.Therefore a lion from the forest shall slay them, A wolf of the deserts shall destroy them; A leopard will watch over their cities." [Interesting reminders at a time when leopards are "restored" to Florida and wolves and bears to other parts of our country -- and people are being slaughtered] Jeremiah 5:4-6
The response that leads to victory in Christ: Faith and Repentance (A humble acknowledgment before our holy God that
(1) I have sinned against Him and deserve judgment, and
(2) I trust in His grace and the forgiveness I have in Christ by faith)
Jesus said, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” Mark 1:14
“...unless you repent you will all likewise perish." Luke 13:3, 5
“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord...." Acts 3:19
Monday, November 3, 2008
Once Conservative Southern Baptist Sunday School Teacher Now Worships the goddess Sophia!
Film Warning: The Secret Life of Bees May Leave Dangerous Sting
Category: Source: Editors at Lighthouse Trails
Many will no doubt find The Secret Life of Bees, a new film which opened in theaters this month, to be a heart-warming, endearing movie, but behind the outward storyline lies a New Age theme and a spiritually dangerous sting.The film is based on former Guideposts contributor Sue Monk Kidd's best-selling book, The Secret Life of Bees. Monk Kidd, once a conservative Southern Baptist Sunday School teacher, now worships the goddess Sophia (a New Age, mystical concept of "God"). Her new spirituality began to take form when she started reading Thomas Merton. From there she started practicing eastern meditation and eventually moved into the Divine Feminine/goddess-within camp. The Fox Searchlight film has woven within its seams the representation of the Black Madonna. Most viewers will have no idea what the Black Madonna stands for. Monk Kidd discusses her role:
As I began the novel, I wanted the driving impetus in Lily's life [the girl in the film/book] to be the search for home and for her mother. But clearly in the back of mind, I knew there was a less tangible, more symbolic search for home and mother that needed to take place: a coming home to herself and the discovery of the mother within. I knew Lily would have to find an undreamed of strength, and that she would do it the same way the powerful black women around her did it - through the empowerment of a divine feminine presence, in this case a Black Mary.1In Larry DeBruyn's expose of the best-selling novel, The Shack, he discusses New Age Episcopal priest Matthew Fox's Black Madonna (much like Monk Kidd's Madonna):
Fox's description of the Black Madonna (or the ancient Egyptian goddess Isis as she is alternately understood) included her supposed leading of distressed people to find emotional healing within themselves. In Fox's article "The Return of the Black Madonna: A Sign of Our Times or How the Black Madonna Is Shaking Us Up for the Twenty-First Century," Fox states:
Today the Black Madonna is returning. She is coming, not going, and she is calling us to something new (and very ancient as well)....The Black Madonna calls us to our Divinity which is also our Creativity. First, our Divinity. Because she is a goddess, the Black Madonna resides in all beings. She is the divine presence inside of creation. She calls us inside, into the "kingdom/queendom of God" where we can co-create with Divinity and feel the rush of Divinity's holy breath or spirit.In Monk Kidd's book The Dance of the Dissident Daughter, she elaborates on the theme of the goddess dwelling in everything when she states:
Deity means that divinity will no longer be only heavenly ... It will also be right here, right now, in me, in the earth, in this river, in excrement and roses alike.(p. 160) In her book, When the Heart Waits, Monk Kidd's spirituality is spelled out clearly when she explains:
There's a bulb of truth buried in the human soul [everyone] that's only God ... the soul is more than something to win or save. It's the seat and repository of the inner Divine, the God-image, the truest part of us. (pp. 47-48)The cast of the Bees movie was on Oprah earlier this month, and, as always when Oprah promotes a movie or a book, millions of women will be drawn to this story because of that promotion. But before ladies buy those theater tickets with the hopes of spending a girl's night out with daughters, mothers, sisters, and friends, they should keep in mind that they will be exposing themselves and their loved ones to a subtle but dangerous spiritual message and a sting that could have far-reaching effects.
Category: Source: Editors at Lighthouse Trails
Many will no doubt find The Secret Life of Bees, a new film which opened in theaters this month, to be a heart-warming, endearing movie, but behind the outward storyline lies a New Age theme and a spiritually dangerous sting.The film is based on former Guideposts contributor Sue Monk Kidd's best-selling book, The Secret Life of Bees. Monk Kidd, once a conservative Southern Baptist Sunday School teacher, now worships the goddess Sophia (a New Age, mystical concept of "God"). Her new spirituality began to take form when she started reading Thomas Merton. From there she started practicing eastern meditation and eventually moved into the Divine Feminine/goddess-within camp. The Fox Searchlight film has woven within its seams the representation of the Black Madonna. Most viewers will have no idea what the Black Madonna stands for. Monk Kidd discusses her role:
As I began the novel, I wanted the driving impetus in Lily's life [the girl in the film/book] to be the search for home and for her mother. But clearly in the back of mind, I knew there was a less tangible, more symbolic search for home and mother that needed to take place: a coming home to herself and the discovery of the mother within. I knew Lily would have to find an undreamed of strength, and that she would do it the same way the powerful black women around her did it - through the empowerment of a divine feminine presence, in this case a Black Mary.1In Larry DeBruyn's expose of the best-selling novel, The Shack, he discusses New Age Episcopal priest Matthew Fox's Black Madonna (much like Monk Kidd's Madonna):
Fox's description of the Black Madonna (or the ancient Egyptian goddess Isis as she is alternately understood) included her supposed leading of distressed people to find emotional healing within themselves. In Fox's article "The Return of the Black Madonna: A Sign of Our Times or How the Black Madonna Is Shaking Us Up for the Twenty-First Century," Fox states:
Today the Black Madonna is returning. She is coming, not going, and she is calling us to something new (and very ancient as well)....The Black Madonna calls us to our Divinity which is also our Creativity. First, our Divinity. Because she is a goddess, the Black Madonna resides in all beings. She is the divine presence inside of creation. She calls us inside, into the "kingdom/queendom of God" where we can co-create with Divinity and feel the rush of Divinity's holy breath or spirit.In Monk Kidd's book The Dance of the Dissident Daughter, she elaborates on the theme of the goddess dwelling in everything when she states:
Deity means that divinity will no longer be only heavenly ... It will also be right here, right now, in me, in the earth, in this river, in excrement and roses alike.(p. 160) In her book, When the Heart Waits, Monk Kidd's spirituality is spelled out clearly when she explains:
There's a bulb of truth buried in the human soul [everyone] that's only God ... the soul is more than something to win or save. It's the seat and repository of the inner Divine, the God-image, the truest part of us. (pp. 47-48)The cast of the Bees movie was on Oprah earlier this month, and, as always when Oprah promotes a movie or a book, millions of women will be drawn to this story because of that promotion. But before ladies buy those theater tickets with the hopes of spending a girl's night out with daughters, mothers, sisters, and friends, they should keep in mind that they will be exposing themselves and their loved ones to a subtle but dangerous spiritual message and a sting that could have far-reaching effects.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Justification By Faith
“For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.” Romans 5:10
I am not saved by believing; I realize I am saved by believing. It is not repentance that saves me, repentance is the sign that I realize what God has done in Christ Jesus. The danger is to put the emphasis on the effect instead of on the cause. It is my obedience that puts me right with God, my consecration. Never! I am put right with God because prior to all, Christ died. When I turn to God and by belief accept what God reveals I can accept, instantly the stupendous Atonement of Jesus Christ rushes me into a right relationship with God; and by the supernatural miracle of God’s grace I stand justified, not because I am sorry for my sin, not because I have repented, but because of what Jesus has done. The Spirit of God brings it with a breaking, all-over light, and I know, though I do not know how, that I am saved.
The salvation of God does not stand on human logic, it stands on the sacrificial Death of Jesus. We can be born again because of the Atonement of Our Lord. Sinful men and women can be changed into new creatures, not by their repentance or their belief, but by the marvellous work of God in Christ Jesus which is prior to all experience. The impregnable safety of justification and sanctification is God Himself. We have not to work out these things ourselves; they have been worked out by the Atonement. The supernatural becomes natural by the miracle of God; there is the realization of what Jesus Christ has already done - “It is finished.”
(Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, 223, 224)
I am not saved by believing; I realize I am saved by believing. It is not repentance that saves me, repentance is the sign that I realize what God has done in Christ Jesus. The danger is to put the emphasis on the effect instead of on the cause. It is my obedience that puts me right with God, my consecration. Never! I am put right with God because prior to all, Christ died. When I turn to God and by belief accept what God reveals I can accept, instantly the stupendous Atonement of Jesus Christ rushes me into a right relationship with God; and by the supernatural miracle of God’s grace I stand justified, not because I am sorry for my sin, not because I have repented, but because of what Jesus has done. The Spirit of God brings it with a breaking, all-over light, and I know, though I do not know how, that I am saved.
The salvation of God does not stand on human logic, it stands on the sacrificial Death of Jesus. We can be born again because of the Atonement of Our Lord. Sinful men and women can be changed into new creatures, not by their repentance or their belief, but by the marvellous work of God in Christ Jesus which is prior to all experience. The impregnable safety of justification and sanctification is God Himself. We have not to work out these things ourselves; they have been worked out by the Atonement. The supernatural becomes natural by the miracle of God; there is the realization of what Jesus Christ has already done - “It is finished.”
(Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, 223, 224)
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
The Shack and Universal Reconciliation
by Larry DeBruyn
Reconciliation means a change in "relationship." The need for reconciliation presupposes estrangement between two parties (Matthew 5:23-24) "Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, "leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”
Whereas they became enemies, two parties become friends again. Often, reconciliation needs to occur between humans, between friends, spouses, races, tribes, and nations. But reconciliation also needs to occur between people and God. "alienated" from God (Colossians 1:21-22) “And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight—".
Because of our sinfulness we are all separated from God, and need to be reconciled with Him. As such, the doctrine of reconciliation is core to the Christian faith. As White remarks, "Since a right relationship with God is the heart of all religion, reconciliation, which makes access welcome and fellowship possible, may be regarded as the central concept in Christianity."
In contrast to those who are "enemies of the cross of Christ" and "lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God" (Philippians 3:18; “For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, [that they are] the enemies of the cross of Christ..” 2 Timothy 3:4 “traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,”).
The Bible calls faithful Abraham "the friend of God" (James 2:23) "And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "Abraham believed God, and it was] [accounted to him for righteousness. And he was called the friend of God.”
(Romans 4:3) “For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness."
In their relationship to God, all humanity falls into two groups: they are either His friends or enemies. Either, they are reconciled to God, or they are not. The Shack therefore, is big on relationships.
Click here to read entire article:
http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/index.php?cat=50
More on the Shack:
http://herescope.blogspot.com/2008/10/shack-and-universal-reconciliation.html
Reconciliation means a change in "relationship." The need for reconciliation presupposes estrangement between two parties (Matthew 5:23-24) "Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, "leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”
Whereas they became enemies, two parties become friends again. Often, reconciliation needs to occur between humans, between friends, spouses, races, tribes, and nations. But reconciliation also needs to occur between people and God. "alienated" from God (Colossians 1:21-22) “And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight—".
Because of our sinfulness we are all separated from God, and need to be reconciled with Him. As such, the doctrine of reconciliation is core to the Christian faith. As White remarks, "Since a right relationship with God is the heart of all religion, reconciliation, which makes access welcome and fellowship possible, may be regarded as the central concept in Christianity."
In contrast to those who are "enemies of the cross of Christ" and "lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God" (Philippians 3:18; “For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, [that they are] the enemies of the cross of Christ..” 2 Timothy 3:4 “traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,”).
The Bible calls faithful Abraham "the friend of God" (James 2:23) "And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "Abraham believed God, and it was] [accounted to him for righteousness. And he was called the friend of God.”
(Romans 4:3) “For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness."
In their relationship to God, all humanity falls into two groups: they are either His friends or enemies. Either, they are reconciled to God, or they are not. The Shack therefore, is big on relationships.
Click here to read entire article:
http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/index.php?cat=50
More on the Shack:
http://herescope.blogspot.com/2008/10/shack-and-universal-reconciliation.html
Monday, October 27, 2008
OBAMA DESECRATES THE GREAT SEAL OF THE UNITED STATES
Obama Desecrates the Great Seal of the United States
OPINION, October 27 /Christian Newswire/ -- Senator Obama's web site contains a subliminal visual image that radically alters the Great Seal of the United States, and superimposes his logo over the symbol of the flag.
The Great Seal of the United States dates back to 1782 and is the official coat of arms of the United States. It appears on the back of every dollar bill. You can see it here.
Senator Obama's Great Seal, which appears subtly in the background as his website loads, is fundamentally different. You can see Obama's Great Seal here.
Here are some of the differences.
- The Great Seal of the U.S. features a bald eagle in repose, clutching an olive branch and arrows. The image is strong, confident, symmetrical and centered.
Obama's Great Seal features a bald eagle in panicky flight, racing off screen. The image is off-kilter, chaotic and in motion.
- The U.S. eagle faces forward. Obama's eagle faces backwards, turning away from the viewer in its hasty retreat.
- The U.S. eagle clutches an olive branch in one talon and a set of arrows in the other. It turns towards the olive branch, signifying America's preference for peace but readiness for war.
Obama's eagle drops the olive branch, whose leaves scatter as it flies away. Only one arrow remains. It pierces the center of the eagle's shield.
- The U.S. Seal features a shield emblazoned in the eagle's center, symbolizing the American flag.
Obama's flag shield is off-balance, tilting beneath the retreating eagle. The flag shield is no longer the dominant visual motif. It has been superseded by the Obama logo of the rising sun.
- The overall visual effect of the Great Seal of the United States is one of power, confidence and a nation at ease with its own identity.
The overall effect of Obama's Great Seal is of confusion, disarray, and a New World Order arising from Obama's ascending sun. The tilted lines of the shield subtly suggest the famous images of the steel girder ruins of the World Trade Center. It is as if Obama's sun is rising over the wreckage, heralding the flight of the American eagle and a new era of radical upheaval.
Obama has made a practice of tampering with and disrespecting American symbols. He designed his own Presidential seal, painted over the American flag on his campaign jet and replaced it with his logo, and left thousands of American flags in the trash after the Democratic convention.
Obama's Seal Here
http://www.barackobama.com/images/bg.jpg
OPINION, October 27 /Christian Newswire/ -- Senator Obama's web site contains a subliminal visual image that radically alters the Great Seal of the United States, and superimposes his logo over the symbol of the flag.
The Great Seal of the United States dates back to 1782 and is the official coat of arms of the United States. It appears on the back of every dollar bill. You can see it here.
Senator Obama's Great Seal, which appears subtly in the background as his website loads, is fundamentally different. You can see Obama's Great Seal here.
Here are some of the differences.
- The Great Seal of the U.S. features a bald eagle in repose, clutching an olive branch and arrows. The image is strong, confident, symmetrical and centered.
Obama's Great Seal features a bald eagle in panicky flight, racing off screen. The image is off-kilter, chaotic and in motion.
- The U.S. eagle faces forward. Obama's eagle faces backwards, turning away from the viewer in its hasty retreat.
- The U.S. eagle clutches an olive branch in one talon and a set of arrows in the other. It turns towards the olive branch, signifying America's preference for peace but readiness for war.
Obama's eagle drops the olive branch, whose leaves scatter as it flies away. Only one arrow remains. It pierces the center of the eagle's shield.
- The U.S. Seal features a shield emblazoned in the eagle's center, symbolizing the American flag.
Obama's flag shield is off-balance, tilting beneath the retreating eagle. The flag shield is no longer the dominant visual motif. It has been superseded by the Obama logo of the rising sun.
- The overall visual effect of the Great Seal of the United States is one of power, confidence and a nation at ease with its own identity.
The overall effect of Obama's Great Seal is of confusion, disarray, and a New World Order arising from Obama's ascending sun. The tilted lines of the shield subtly suggest the famous images of the steel girder ruins of the World Trade Center. It is as if Obama's sun is rising over the wreckage, heralding the flight of the American eagle and a new era of radical upheaval.
Obama has made a practice of tampering with and disrespecting American symbols. He designed his own Presidential seal, painted over the American flag on his campaign jet and replaced it with his logo, and left thousands of American flags in the trash after the Democratic convention.
Obama's Seal Here
http://www.barackobama.com/images/bg.jpg
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Regeneration v. The Idolatry of Decisional “Evangelism”
Here is Paul Washer speaking against the idolatry that many professing believers are calling “evangelism” these days.
Scripture References - Friday, Oct. 25, 2008
http://www.apostasywatch.com/
Friday night bible study
BobbiLyn: Mt 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
BobbiLyn: Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
BobbiLyn: Joh 12:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.
Joh 12:25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.
BobbiLyn: 1Jo 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
BobbiLyn: 1Jo 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
BobbiLyn: 1Jo 2:17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
BobbiLyn: Lu 12:46 The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.
BobbiLyn: Lu 14:26 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.
BobbiLyn: Heb 13:20 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
BobbiLyn: Heb 13:21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
BobbiLyn: 2Ti 3:1 ¶ This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2Ti 3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
BobbiLyn: 2Ti 3:3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
2Ti 3:4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
BobbiLyn: 2Ti 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
BobbiLyn: Tit 1:16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
BobbiLyn: Col 1:24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:
Col 1:25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;
BobbiLyn: Col 1:26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
BobbiLyn: Col 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
BobbiLyn: Col 1:28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
Col 1:29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.
BobbiLyn: 1Jo 4:1 ¶ Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
1Jo 4:2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
BobbiLyn: 1Jo 4:3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
Friday night bible study
BobbiLyn: Mt 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
BobbiLyn: Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
BobbiLyn: Joh 12:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.
Joh 12:25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.
BobbiLyn: 1Jo 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
BobbiLyn: 1Jo 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
BobbiLyn: 1Jo 2:17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
BobbiLyn: Lu 12:46 The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.
BobbiLyn: Lu 14:26 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.
BobbiLyn: Heb 13:20 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
BobbiLyn: Heb 13:21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
BobbiLyn: 2Ti 3:1 ¶ This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2Ti 3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
BobbiLyn: 2Ti 3:3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
2Ti 3:4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
BobbiLyn: 2Ti 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
BobbiLyn: Tit 1:16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
BobbiLyn: Col 1:24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:
Col 1:25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;
BobbiLyn: Col 1:26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
BobbiLyn: Col 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
BobbiLyn: Col 1:28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
Col 1:29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.
BobbiLyn: 1Jo 4:1 ¶ Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
1Jo 4:2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
BobbiLyn: 1Jo 4:3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
Friday, October 24, 2008
PROPHECY MATTERS - The Church is Changing Face
By Jim Fletcher
What is emerging in the modern Church? In America - historically Israel's greatest friend - there is a growing dislike of the Jewish state among certain Christian groups. This follows a downturn in interest in Bible prophecy teaching in U.S. churches.
What are the reasons for that decline? There are many, but a major one is the emergence of the "Emerging Church."
Emergents still identify themselves as evangelicals, which is clever since they share many of the same views as radical scholars like Marcus Borg or John Spong (who don't believe any of the fundamentals of the faith).
Emergents, though, embrace many views that have always been the domain of left-wing Christians. It is not surprising, then, that Emergent leaders like Brian McLaren really don't like dispensationalists and supporters of Israel. Not that McLaren would put it that way.
McLaren, former pastor of Cedar Ridge Community Church in Maryland, defines himself as an "activist," and is now so popular on the speaking circuit that he has become entrenched in the publishing houses of Zondervan and Jossey-Bass, high-powered Christian and secular companies. With a BA in English from the University of Maryland, McLaren is articulate and seemingly self-effacing.
These qualities make him a star with the Christianity Today crowd, but they also put him at odds with Bible-believing Christians that he considers do not practice "careful thinking" where theology is concerned. In the world of moderate/liberal Christians, careful thinking is code for rejecting young-earth creationism or Christian Zionism.
In an interview with Virgil Vaduva of "Preterist Planet," McLaren makes the following statement, when discussing what he calls the "eschatology of abandonment":
"The rights of Palestinians are ignored in favor of the Israeli state - as if God is happy to bless some people at the expense of others."
What is emerging in the modern Church? In America - historically Israel's greatest friend - there is a growing dislike of the Jewish state among certain Christian groups. This follows a downturn in interest in Bible prophecy teaching in U.S. churches.
What are the reasons for that decline? There are many, but a major one is the emergence of the "Emerging Church."
Emergents still identify themselves as evangelicals, which is clever since they share many of the same views as radical scholars like Marcus Borg or John Spong (who don't believe any of the fundamentals of the faith).
Emergents, though, embrace many views that have always been the domain of left-wing Christians. It is not surprising, then, that Emergent leaders like Brian McLaren really don't like dispensationalists and supporters of Israel. Not that McLaren would put it that way.
McLaren, former pastor of Cedar Ridge Community Church in Maryland, defines himself as an "activist," and is now so popular on the speaking circuit that he has become entrenched in the publishing houses of Zondervan and Jossey-Bass, high-powered Christian and secular companies. With a BA in English from the University of Maryland, McLaren is articulate and seemingly self-effacing.
These qualities make him a star with the Christianity Today crowd, but they also put him at odds with Bible-believing Christians that he considers do not practice "careful thinking" where theology is concerned. In the world of moderate/liberal Christians, careful thinking is code for rejecting young-earth creationism or Christian Zionism.
In an interview with Virgil Vaduva of "Preterist Planet," McLaren makes the following statement, when discussing what he calls the "eschatology of abandonment":
"The rights of Palestinians are ignored in favor of the Israeli state - as if God is happy to bless some people at the expense of others."
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Warning to "Emerging Church" Leaders
Dear All,
Many churches are adopting the Emerging Church model without really knowing what is being taught by its leadership. They do not recognize the Universalism, pantheism, New Age and eastern mysticism that is leavened in. In a rush to be relevant to postmodern culture they forget that postmodernism is a worldview that is not biblical. Instead of catering to postmodernism they should be discipling this generation to a biblical paradigm. EC proponents are quick to point out the ways in which dead churches are dead. But the solution they propose is far worse than the problems they say they will solve.
Why churches feel pressured to get involved with New Age practices and teachings is beyond me. People need to see a difference in Christians, not the same worldly ideas they can get from reading "The Secret" or "The Shack". We adopt a new culture when we are born again which is laid out in the Bible by the Jesus Christ, the Apostles and prophets. In order to be light and salt to the world we must demonstrate by our words and actions that we no longer subscribe to the vain philosophies and worldviews of this world, but that we have been transformed.
Rom 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
In Christ,
Sandy Simpson
Apologetics Coordination Team
http://www.apologeticscoordinationteam.com/
Many churches are adopting the Emerging Church model without really knowing what is being taught by its leadership. They do not recognize the Universalism, pantheism, New Age and eastern mysticism that is leavened in. In a rush to be relevant to postmodern culture they forget that postmodernism is a worldview that is not biblical. Instead of catering to postmodernism they should be discipling this generation to a biblical paradigm. EC proponents are quick to point out the ways in which dead churches are dead. But the solution they propose is far worse than the problems they say they will solve.
Why churches feel pressured to get involved with New Age practices and teachings is beyond me. People need to see a difference in Christians, not the same worldly ideas they can get from reading "The Secret" or "The Shack". We adopt a new culture when we are born again which is laid out in the Bible by the Jesus Christ, the Apostles and prophets. In order to be light and salt to the world we must demonstrate by our words and actions that we no longer subscribe to the vain philosophies and worldviews of this world, but that we have been transformed.
Rom 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
In Christ,
Sandy Simpson
Apologetics Coordination Team
http://www.apologeticscoordinationteam.com/
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
USING THE GOSPEL FOR GAIN!
The following is an excerpt from a book written in the 1600s. It is an allegorical tale of a journey made by Christian and his friends to the Celestial City.
Men's hearts have not changed!
CRAFTY: As you see, we are all on pilgrimage, for better diversion, may I suggest this question:
Suppose a man - a tradesman or a minister - sees an opportunity to advance himself in the world by becoming more zealously religious about some things he had not before considered very worthy or important, may he not take advantage of his opportunity and use this means to attain his end without lowering his moral standard or cheapening his character? Can he not do this and still be an upright, honest man?
MONEYLOVE: I see what you mean, and with the permission of the rest, I will give you an answer. First, as it concerns a minister: Suppose a good worthy minister, with small income and but little of this world's goods, desires more for himself and family and sees an opportunity of getting it by altering his principles and methods a little, which pleases his congregation - by being more studious, advertising himself and his church more effectively, preaching more often and with greater zeal, selecting and shaping the Scriptures to serve his purpose, building stronger and better sermons on tithing and giving to increase the income of his church and put himself in position to get a better salary, and thereby enhance his reputation in his community and denomination. I see no reason why he should not take advantage of this opportunity. In fact, I think he should.
First, because his desire for gain is natural and lawful, and the opportunity to obtain is set before him by Providence. Then he may get more if he can, asking no questions for conscience' sake.
Second, his desire makes him more studious a more zealous preacher, causes him to improve his talents and so makes of him a better man, which must be the Will of God.
Third, as to his complying with the wishes of his people by yielding some of his principles to serve them, I think that is commendable; for it shows that he is of a self-denying spirit and of a sweet and winning disposition, which demonstrates that he is better fitted for his profession.
I conclude, therefore, that a minister who changes from a small charge and salary to a larger and more remunerative one should not be judged as covetous for so doing. Rather, since he has improved the quality of his service he should be considered as one who is judiciously following the rules of his calling and making the most of an advantage placed before him to do good.
Now to the second part of your question concerning the tradesman: Suppose a tradesman or a workman, receiving little profit or small wages, can, by becoming religious, improve his situation - marry a rich woman, gain more or better customers, or get a better job - I do not see why this may not be legitimately done. My reasons are these: To become religious is a virtue, by whatsoever means. It is not unlawful to get a rich wife, or more trade or better wages. Besides, the man who gets these by becoming religious gets that which is good by becoming good himself. So the result is a good life, a good wife, more money, more customers, or better wages, or more business, all by becoming religious. Therefore, to become religious to obtain all these is a good motive.
This answer by Mr. Moneylove was enthustically received by all. And they all thought that no man could successfully refute it. So they decided to go to Christian and Hopeful with the question, since they both had rejected Mr. Crafty and his ideas. They called to Christian and Hopeful to wait.
So after greetings, introductions, and a few brief remarks about their journey and the weather, Mr. Earthy presented the question to Christian.
CHRISTIAN: Why even a beginner can answer that question. Anyone should know that it is wrong to become religious for gain! For if it were wrong to follow Christ for the loaves and fishes, it is far worse to use Him and His religion as a decoy to gain and enjoy things of the world.
The hypocritical Pharisees were of that spirit: Long prayers were their methods, but to get widows' houses was their aim. Jesus said they would receive greater damnation.
Judas, the traitor, was also of that belief. He was religious for the money bag he carried. And he is called a thief, a devil, and the son of perdition, and it is written of him that he went to his own place, which was Hell, where all devils go.
Simon, the deceiver was of this belief, too. He tried to bribe the apostles into giving him the power of the Holy Spirit that he might use it for his own profit and glory. But Peter told him that his heart was wicked, that he was in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.
Satan is the author of these ideas. He is the one who induced Ananias and his wife Sapphira to keep back part of their possessions for a rainy day and live out of the common treasure of the church - off the labors of others - deceiving the Christians and using their religion for gain. But God struck them dead.
Therefore, the person who takes up religion to gain the world is a thief, a liar, a robber, a cheat, a Judas, a hypocrite who will throw religion away for the world - just as Judas sold his Lord for 30 pieces of silver. This doctrine may sound plausible, but it is of the Devil, and if you accept it as true, your reward will be according to your works.
Then the four stood staring at each other in silence. Hopeful said, "Amen". And Mr. Crafty and his companions fell behind as Christian and Hopeful went on their way. When they were some distance ahead of others, Christian said to Hopeful, "If these men cannot stand before men, how can they hope to stand before God? And if they are mute when dealt with by vessels of clay, what will they do when rebuked by the flames of devouring fire?"
Excerpted from: Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan (In Today's English)
Men's hearts have not changed!
CRAFTY: As you see, we are all on pilgrimage, for better diversion, may I suggest this question:
Suppose a man - a tradesman or a minister - sees an opportunity to advance himself in the world by becoming more zealously religious about some things he had not before considered very worthy or important, may he not take advantage of his opportunity and use this means to attain his end without lowering his moral standard or cheapening his character? Can he not do this and still be an upright, honest man?
MONEYLOVE: I see what you mean, and with the permission of the rest, I will give you an answer. First, as it concerns a minister: Suppose a good worthy minister, with small income and but little of this world's goods, desires more for himself and family and sees an opportunity of getting it by altering his principles and methods a little, which pleases his congregation - by being more studious, advertising himself and his church more effectively, preaching more often and with greater zeal, selecting and shaping the Scriptures to serve his purpose, building stronger and better sermons on tithing and giving to increase the income of his church and put himself in position to get a better salary, and thereby enhance his reputation in his community and denomination. I see no reason why he should not take advantage of this opportunity. In fact, I think he should.
First, because his desire for gain is natural and lawful, and the opportunity to obtain is set before him by Providence. Then he may get more if he can, asking no questions for conscience' sake.
Second, his desire makes him more studious a more zealous preacher, causes him to improve his talents and so makes of him a better man, which must be the Will of God.
Third, as to his complying with the wishes of his people by yielding some of his principles to serve them, I think that is commendable; for it shows that he is of a self-denying spirit and of a sweet and winning disposition, which demonstrates that he is better fitted for his profession.
I conclude, therefore, that a minister who changes from a small charge and salary to a larger and more remunerative one should not be judged as covetous for so doing. Rather, since he has improved the quality of his service he should be considered as one who is judiciously following the rules of his calling and making the most of an advantage placed before him to do good.
Now to the second part of your question concerning the tradesman: Suppose a tradesman or a workman, receiving little profit or small wages, can, by becoming religious, improve his situation - marry a rich woman, gain more or better customers, or get a better job - I do not see why this may not be legitimately done. My reasons are these: To become religious is a virtue, by whatsoever means. It is not unlawful to get a rich wife, or more trade or better wages. Besides, the man who gets these by becoming religious gets that which is good by becoming good himself. So the result is a good life, a good wife, more money, more customers, or better wages, or more business, all by becoming religious. Therefore, to become religious to obtain all these is a good motive.
This answer by Mr. Moneylove was enthustically received by all. And they all thought that no man could successfully refute it. So they decided to go to Christian and Hopeful with the question, since they both had rejected Mr. Crafty and his ideas. They called to Christian and Hopeful to wait.
So after greetings, introductions, and a few brief remarks about their journey and the weather, Mr. Earthy presented the question to Christian.
CHRISTIAN: Why even a beginner can answer that question. Anyone should know that it is wrong to become religious for gain! For if it were wrong to follow Christ for the loaves and fishes, it is far worse to use Him and His religion as a decoy to gain and enjoy things of the world.
The hypocritical Pharisees were of that spirit: Long prayers were their methods, but to get widows' houses was their aim. Jesus said they would receive greater damnation.
Judas, the traitor, was also of that belief. He was religious for the money bag he carried. And he is called a thief, a devil, and the son of perdition, and it is written of him that he went to his own place, which was Hell, where all devils go.
Simon, the deceiver was of this belief, too. He tried to bribe the apostles into giving him the power of the Holy Spirit that he might use it for his own profit and glory. But Peter told him that his heart was wicked, that he was in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.
Satan is the author of these ideas. He is the one who induced Ananias and his wife Sapphira to keep back part of their possessions for a rainy day and live out of the common treasure of the church - off the labors of others - deceiving the Christians and using their religion for gain. But God struck them dead.
Therefore, the person who takes up religion to gain the world is a thief, a liar, a robber, a cheat, a Judas, a hypocrite who will throw religion away for the world - just as Judas sold his Lord for 30 pieces of silver. This doctrine may sound plausible, but it is of the Devil, and if you accept it as true, your reward will be according to your works.
Then the four stood staring at each other in silence. Hopeful said, "Amen". And Mr. Crafty and his companions fell behind as Christian and Hopeful went on their way. When they were some distance ahead of others, Christian said to Hopeful, "If these men cannot stand before men, how can they hope to stand before God? And if they are mute when dealt with by vessels of clay, what will they do when rebuked by the flames of devouring fire?"
Excerpted from: Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan (In Today's English)
Friday, October 17, 2008
Bible Study Tips - Steve Burchett
James tells us to receive and live out the Word of God (James 1:21-22), not what somebody else says about the Bible. The Lord has given the church teachers (Ephesians 4:11), but we should follow the example of the Bereans who not only listened eagerly to Paul's preaching, but were known for "examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so"
Maybe you are not convinced that you can really understand Scripture apart from the significant aid of others. Perhaps you have been led astray by certain preachers or writers who seem to imply that you have to be an expert in Hebrew or Greek (the original languages of the Old and New Testaments) in order to "really comprehend the Bible."
Yes, a knowledge of the original languages is quite valuable, but it is not required.
Peter does admit that "some things" in Paul's writings are hard to understand (2 Peter 3:16).
Commentaries, Study Bibles, and conversations with other believers are a valuable tool when we come across these places in Scripture. But Peter didn't say everything is hard to understand! In fact, with a careful and contemplative reading of a verse or passage and its surrounding context, and with the help of the Holy Spirit (see 1 John 2:27), we can grasp what God is saying. Probably our larger struggle is living out what we clearly see.
1. The person who "looks intently" at God's Word and lives it out is "blessed in what he does" (James 1:25). You may even want to purchase a Bible with wide margins in order to write down your thoughts, or maybe a notebook or journal.
2. When you struggle to figure out what a verse or passage means, ask the Lord for help. You'll be amazed at what He helps you comprehend. If you still don't understand what you are reading, ask Him again and meditate longer. How often do we skip this vital step of depending upon the Lord?
Who is more resourceful, a biblical scholar or God?
Consider your Bible study methods: Do you spend more time focusing on the text of the Bible, or the words of non-inspired writers who are seeking to explain the Bible? When we are overly dependent on study notes, a subtle shift takes place from living "on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4) to living "by the words of Bible teachers."
Maybe you are not convinced that you can really understand Scripture apart from the significant aid of others. Perhaps you have been led astray by certain preachers or writers who seem to imply that you have to be an expert in Hebrew or Greek (the original languages of the Old and New Testaments) in order to "really comprehend the Bible."
Yes, a knowledge of the original languages is quite valuable, but it is not required.
Peter does admit that "some things" in Paul's writings are hard to understand (2 Peter 3:16).
Commentaries, Study Bibles, and conversations with other believers are a valuable tool when we come across these places in Scripture. But Peter didn't say everything is hard to understand! In fact, with a careful and contemplative reading of a verse or passage and its surrounding context, and with the help of the Holy Spirit (see 1 John 2:27), we can grasp what God is saying. Probably our larger struggle is living out what we clearly see.
1. The person who "looks intently" at God's Word and lives it out is "blessed in what he does" (James 1:25). You may even want to purchase a Bible with wide margins in order to write down your thoughts, or maybe a notebook or journal.
2. When you struggle to figure out what a verse or passage means, ask the Lord for help. You'll be amazed at what He helps you comprehend. If you still don't understand what you are reading, ask Him again and meditate longer. How often do we skip this vital step of depending upon the Lord?
Who is more resourceful, a biblical scholar or God?
Consider your Bible study methods: Do you spend more time focusing on the text of the Bible, or the words of non-inspired writers who are seeking to explain the Bible? When we are overly dependent on study notes, a subtle shift takes place from living "on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4) to living "by the words of Bible teachers."
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
TRIAL OF JOHN BUNYAN
John Bunyan was a Baptist preacher, a pious man, and a man well-beloved by all who knew him. John Bunyan was incarcerated in the Bedford jail in England. The following account is taken directly from a transcript of the trial on October 3, 1660, that led to his imprisonment at Bedford:
Judge Wingate: “Mr. Bunyan, you stand before this Court accused of persistent and willful transgression of the Conventicle Act, which prohibits all British subjects from absenting themselves from worship in the Church of England, and from conducting worship services apart from our Church. You come, presumably, with no legal training, and yet without counsel. I must warn you, sir, of the gravity of the charge, the harshness of the penalty, in the event of your conviction, and the foolhardiness of acting as your own counsel in so serious a matter. I hold in my hand the depositions of the witnesses against you. In each case, they have testified that, to their knowledge, you have never, in your adult life, attended services in the Church of this parish. Each further testifies that he has observed you, on numerous occasions, conducting religious exercises in and near Bedford.”
John Bunyan: “The depositions speak the truth. I have never attended services in the Church of England, nor do I intend ever to do so. Secondly, it is no secret that I preach the Word of God whenever, wherever, and to whomever He pleases to grant me opportunity to do so. I have no choice but to acknowledge my awareness of the law which I am accused of transgressing. Likewise, I have no choice but to confess my guilt in my transgression of it. As true as these things are, I must affirm that I neither regret breaking the law, nor repent of having broken it. Further, I must warn you that I have no intention in the future of conforming to it.”
Judge Wingate: “It is obvious, sir, that you are a victim of deranged thinking. If my ears deceive me not, I must infer from your words that you believe the State to have no interest in the religious life of its subjects.”
John Bunyan: “The State, M lord, may have an interest in anything in which it wishes to have an interest. But the State has no right whatever to interfere in the religious life of its citizens.”
Judge Wingate: “The evidence I hold in my hand, even apart from your own admission of guilt, is sufficient to convict you, and the Court is within its rights to have you committed to prison for a considerably long time. I do not wish to send you to prison, Mr. Bunyan. I am aware of the poverty of your family, and I believe you have a little daughter who, unfortunately, was born blind. Is this not so?”
John Bunyan: “It is, M’lord.”
Judge Wingate: “Very well. The decision of the Court is this: In as much as the accused has confessed his guilt, we shall follow a merciful and compassionate course of action. We shall release him on the condition that he swear solemnly to discontinue the convening of religious meetings, and that he affix his signature to such an oath prior to quitting the Courtroom. That will be all, Mr. Bunyan. I hope not to see you here again. May we hear the next case?”
John Bunyan: “M’lord, if I may have another moment of the Court’s time?”
Judge Wingate: “Yes, but you must be quick about it. We have other matters to attend to. What is it?”
John Bunyan: “I cannot do what you ask of me, M’lord. I cannot place my signature upon any document in which I promise henceforth not to preach. My calling to preach the Gospel is from God, and He alone can make me discontinue what He has appointed me to do. As I have had no word from Him to that effect, I must continue to preach, and I shall continue to preach.”
Judge Wingate: “I warn you, sir, the Court has gone the second mile to be lenient with you, out of concern for your family’s difficult straits. Truth to tell, it would appear that the Court’s concern for your family far exceeds your own. Do you wish to go to prison?”
John Bunyan: “No, M’lord. Few things there are that I would wish less.”
Judge Wingate: “Very well, then, Mr. Bunyan. This Court will make one further attempt in good faith to accommodate what appears to be strongly held convictions on your part. In his compassion and beneficence, our Sovereign, Charles II, has made provision for dissenting preachers to hold some limited meetings. All that is required is that such ministers procure licenses authorizing them to convene these gatherings. ”You will not find the procedure burdensome, and even you, Mr. Bunyan, must surely grant the legitimacy of the State’s interest in ensuring that any fool with a Bible does not simply gather a group of people together and begin to preach to them. Imagine the implications were that to happen! Can you comply with this condition, Mr. Bunyan?
“Before you answer, mark you this: should you refuse, the Court will have no alternative but to sentence you to a prison term. Think, sir, of your poor wife. Think of your children, and particularly of your pitiful, sightless little girl. Think of your flock, who can hear you to their hearts’ content when you have secured your licenses. Think on these things, and give us your answer, sir!”
John Bunyan: “M’lord, I appreciate the Court’s efforts to be as you have put it - accommodating. But again, I must refuse your terms. I must repeat that it is God who constrains me to preach, and no man or company of men may grant or deny me leave to preach. These licenses of which you speak, M’lord, are symbols not of a right, but of a privilege. Implied therein is the principle that a mere man can extend or withhold them according to his whim. I speak not of privileges, but of rights. Privileges (licenses) granted by men may be denied by men. Rights are granted by God, and can be legitimately denied by no man. I must therefore, refuse to comply.”
Judge Wingate: “Very well, Mr. Bunyan. Since you persist in your intractability, and since you reject this Court’s honest effort at compromise, you leave us no choice but to commit you to Bedford jail for a period of six years (Editor's Note: This six ultimately became 12 1/2 for his repeated refusal to sign the license). ”If you manage to survive, I should think that your experience will correct your thinking. If you fail to survive, that will be unfortunate. In any event, I strongly suspect that we have heard the last we shall ever hear from Mr. John Bunyan. Now, may we hear the next case?”
Of course, neither Judge Wingate nor the world had heard the last of John Bunyan, for during his lengthy incarceration in the old Bedford jail, with his Bible as his constant companion and guide, Bunyan gave to the world the epic Pilgrim’s Progress. Bunyan was denied pen and paper, and Pilgrim’s Progress was written with pieces of charcoal from the fire that kept his body warm on the paper wads used as stoppers in the milk bottles from which he drank.
Judge Wingate: “Mr. Bunyan, you stand before this Court accused of persistent and willful transgression of the Conventicle Act, which prohibits all British subjects from absenting themselves from worship in the Church of England, and from conducting worship services apart from our Church. You come, presumably, with no legal training, and yet without counsel. I must warn you, sir, of the gravity of the charge, the harshness of the penalty, in the event of your conviction, and the foolhardiness of acting as your own counsel in so serious a matter. I hold in my hand the depositions of the witnesses against you. In each case, they have testified that, to their knowledge, you have never, in your adult life, attended services in the Church of this parish. Each further testifies that he has observed you, on numerous occasions, conducting religious exercises in and near Bedford.”
John Bunyan: “The depositions speak the truth. I have never attended services in the Church of England, nor do I intend ever to do so. Secondly, it is no secret that I preach the Word of God whenever, wherever, and to whomever He pleases to grant me opportunity to do so. I have no choice but to acknowledge my awareness of the law which I am accused of transgressing. Likewise, I have no choice but to confess my guilt in my transgression of it. As true as these things are, I must affirm that I neither regret breaking the law, nor repent of having broken it. Further, I must warn you that I have no intention in the future of conforming to it.”
Judge Wingate: “It is obvious, sir, that you are a victim of deranged thinking. If my ears deceive me not, I must infer from your words that you believe the State to have no interest in the religious life of its subjects.”
John Bunyan: “The State, M lord, may have an interest in anything in which it wishes to have an interest. But the State has no right whatever to interfere in the religious life of its citizens.”
Judge Wingate: “The evidence I hold in my hand, even apart from your own admission of guilt, is sufficient to convict you, and the Court is within its rights to have you committed to prison for a considerably long time. I do not wish to send you to prison, Mr. Bunyan. I am aware of the poverty of your family, and I believe you have a little daughter who, unfortunately, was born blind. Is this not so?”
John Bunyan: “It is, M’lord.”
Judge Wingate: “Very well. The decision of the Court is this: In as much as the accused has confessed his guilt, we shall follow a merciful and compassionate course of action. We shall release him on the condition that he swear solemnly to discontinue the convening of religious meetings, and that he affix his signature to such an oath prior to quitting the Courtroom. That will be all, Mr. Bunyan. I hope not to see you here again. May we hear the next case?”
John Bunyan: “M’lord, if I may have another moment of the Court’s time?”
Judge Wingate: “Yes, but you must be quick about it. We have other matters to attend to. What is it?”
John Bunyan: “I cannot do what you ask of me, M’lord. I cannot place my signature upon any document in which I promise henceforth not to preach. My calling to preach the Gospel is from God, and He alone can make me discontinue what He has appointed me to do. As I have had no word from Him to that effect, I must continue to preach, and I shall continue to preach.”
Judge Wingate: “I warn you, sir, the Court has gone the second mile to be lenient with you, out of concern for your family’s difficult straits. Truth to tell, it would appear that the Court’s concern for your family far exceeds your own. Do you wish to go to prison?”
John Bunyan: “No, M’lord. Few things there are that I would wish less.”
Judge Wingate: “Very well, then, Mr. Bunyan. This Court will make one further attempt in good faith to accommodate what appears to be strongly held convictions on your part. In his compassion and beneficence, our Sovereign, Charles II, has made provision for dissenting preachers to hold some limited meetings. All that is required is that such ministers procure licenses authorizing them to convene these gatherings. ”You will not find the procedure burdensome, and even you, Mr. Bunyan, must surely grant the legitimacy of the State’s interest in ensuring that any fool with a Bible does not simply gather a group of people together and begin to preach to them. Imagine the implications were that to happen! Can you comply with this condition, Mr. Bunyan?
“Before you answer, mark you this: should you refuse, the Court will have no alternative but to sentence you to a prison term. Think, sir, of your poor wife. Think of your children, and particularly of your pitiful, sightless little girl. Think of your flock, who can hear you to their hearts’ content when you have secured your licenses. Think on these things, and give us your answer, sir!”
John Bunyan: “M’lord, I appreciate the Court’s efforts to be as you have put it - accommodating. But again, I must refuse your terms. I must repeat that it is God who constrains me to preach, and no man or company of men may grant or deny me leave to preach. These licenses of which you speak, M’lord, are symbols not of a right, but of a privilege. Implied therein is the principle that a mere man can extend or withhold them according to his whim. I speak not of privileges, but of rights. Privileges (licenses) granted by men may be denied by men. Rights are granted by God, and can be legitimately denied by no man. I must therefore, refuse to comply.”
Judge Wingate: “Very well, Mr. Bunyan. Since you persist in your intractability, and since you reject this Court’s honest effort at compromise, you leave us no choice but to commit you to Bedford jail for a period of six years (Editor's Note: This six ultimately became 12 1/2 for his repeated refusal to sign the license). ”If you manage to survive, I should think that your experience will correct your thinking. If you fail to survive, that will be unfortunate. In any event, I strongly suspect that we have heard the last we shall ever hear from Mr. John Bunyan. Now, may we hear the next case?”
Of course, neither Judge Wingate nor the world had heard the last of John Bunyan, for during his lengthy incarceration in the old Bedford jail, with his Bible as his constant companion and guide, Bunyan gave to the world the epic Pilgrim’s Progress. Bunyan was denied pen and paper, and Pilgrim’s Progress was written with pieces of charcoal from the fire that kept his body warm on the paper wads used as stoppers in the milk bottles from which he drank.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Bible Study Scripture References for Oct. 10, 2008
BobbiLyn: Ps 90:1 A Prayer of Moses the man of God. Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations.
Re 5:8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.
BobbiLyn: Re 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
BobbiLyn: Re 5:10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
BobbiLyn: Re 5:11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;
BobbiLyn: Re 5:12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing
BobbiLyn: Re 5:12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing
BobbiLyn: Re 5:14 And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever
SeattlePaulK777: amen
BobbiLyn: Jer 17:5 Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.
BobbiLyn: Mt 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
BobbiLyn: Mt 6:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
Mt 6:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
BobbiLyn: Mt 6:22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.
BobbiLyn: Mt 6:23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!
BobbiLyn: Mt 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
BobbiLyn: Mt 6:25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
BobbiLyn: Mt 6:26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
Mt 6:27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
BobbiLyn: Mt 6:28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
Mt 6:29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
BobbiLyn: Mt 6:30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
Mt 6:31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
BobbiLyn: t 6:32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
Mt 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
BobbiLyn: Mt 6:34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
BobbiLyn: Ro 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
BobbiLyn: Ro 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
SeattlePaulK777: amen
Re 5:8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.
BobbiLyn: Re 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
BobbiLyn: Re 5:10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
BobbiLyn: Re 5:11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;
BobbiLyn: Re 5:12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing
BobbiLyn: Re 5:12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing
BobbiLyn: Re 5:14 And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever
SeattlePaulK777: amen
BobbiLyn: Jer 17:5 Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.
BobbiLyn: Mt 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
BobbiLyn: Mt 6:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
Mt 6:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
BobbiLyn: Mt 6:22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.
BobbiLyn: Mt 6:23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!
BobbiLyn: Mt 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
BobbiLyn: Mt 6:25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
BobbiLyn: Mt 6:26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
Mt 6:27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
BobbiLyn: Mt 6:28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
Mt 6:29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
BobbiLyn: Mt 6:30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
Mt 6:31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
BobbiLyn: t 6:32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
Mt 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
BobbiLyn: Mt 6:34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
BobbiLyn: Ro 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
BobbiLyn: Ro 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
SeattlePaulK777: amen
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Bible Study Scripture References for Oct. 5, 2008
BobbiLyn: Wecome to http://www.apostasywatch.com/ Sunday morning live Bible study and fellowship.
Lumster: Worship with us for a few minutes - we will begin momentarily
BobbiLyn: Isa 24:1 Behold, the LORD maketh the earth empty, and maketh it waste, and turneth it upside down, and scattereth abroad the inhabitants thereof.
BobbiLyn: Isa 24:2 And it shall be, as with the people, so with the priest; as with the servant, so with his master; as with the maid, so with her mistress; as with the buyer, so with the seller; as with the lender, so with the borrower; as with the taker of usury, so with the giver of usury to him.
BobbiLyn: Isa 24:3 The land shall be utterly emptied, and utterly spoiled: for the LORD hath spoken this word.
BobbiLyn: Isa 24:4 The earth mourneth and fadeth away, the world languisheth and fadeth away, the haughty people of the earth do languish.
BobbiLyn: Isa 24:5 The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenan
BobbiLyn: Isa 24:6 Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate: therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left.
Isa 24:7 The new wine mourneth, the vine languisheth, all the merryhearted do sigh.
BobbiLyn: Isa 24:8 The mirth of tabrets ceaseth, the noise of them that rejoice endeth, the joy of the harp ceaseth.
Isa 24:9 They shall not drink wine with a song; strong drink shall be bitter to them that drink it.
BobbiLyn: Isa 24:10 The city of confusion is broken down: every house is shut up, that no man may come in.
Isa 24:11 There is a crying for wine in the streets; all joy is darkened, the mirth of the land is gone
BobbiLyn: Isa 24:12 In the city is left desolation, and the gate is smitten with destruction.
BobbiLyn: Heb 12:25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:
BobbiLyn: Heb 12:26 Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven
BobbiLyn: Heb 12:27 And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.
BobbiLyn: Heb 12:28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:
Heb 12:29 For our God is a consuming fire.
BobbiLyn: De 28:1 And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth:
BobbiLyn: De 28:2 And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God.
De 28:3 Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field.
BobbiLyn: De 28:4 Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep.
De 28:5 Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store.
BobbiLyn: De 28:6 Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out.
BobbiLyn: De 28:7 The LORD shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways.
BobbiLyn: De 28:8 The LORD shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses, and in all that thou settest thine hand unto; and he shall bless thee in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
BobbiLyn: De 28:9 The LORD shall establish thee an holy people unto himself, as he hath sworn unto thee, if thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, and walk in his ways.
De 28:10 And all people of the earth shall see that thou art called by the name of the LORD; and they shall be afraid of thee.
BobbiLyn: De 28:11 And the LORD shall make thee plenteous in goods, in the fruit of thy body, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy ground, in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers to give thee.
BobbiLyn: De 28:12 The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow.
BobbiLyn: e 28:13 And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them
BobbiLyn: De 28:14 And thou shalt not go aside from any of the words which I command thee this day, to the right hand, or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them
BobbiLyn: De 23:19 Thou shalt not lend upon usury to thy brother; usury of money, usury of victuals, usury of any thing that is lent upon usury:
BobbiLyn: De 23:20 Unto a stranger thou mayest lend upon usury; but unto thy brother thou shalt not lend upon usury: that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all that thou settest thine hand to in the land whither thou goest to possess it.
BobbiLyn: Eze 18:13 Hath given forth upon usury, and hath taken increase: shall he then live? he shall not live: he hath done all these abominations; he shall surely die; his blood shall be upon him.
BobbiLyn: Mt 5:23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;
BobbiLyn: Mt 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
BobbiLyn: Mt 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Mt 5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Mt 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
BobbiLyn: Mt 16:19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
BobbiLyn: t 18:18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
BobbiLyn: Pr 13:22 A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just
Lumster: Worship with us for a few minutes - we will begin momentarily
BobbiLyn: Isa 24:1 Behold, the LORD maketh the earth empty, and maketh it waste, and turneth it upside down, and scattereth abroad the inhabitants thereof.
BobbiLyn: Isa 24:2 And it shall be, as with the people, so with the priest; as with the servant, so with his master; as with the maid, so with her mistress; as with the buyer, so with the seller; as with the lender, so with the borrower; as with the taker of usury, so with the giver of usury to him.
BobbiLyn: Isa 24:3 The land shall be utterly emptied, and utterly spoiled: for the LORD hath spoken this word.
BobbiLyn: Isa 24:4 The earth mourneth and fadeth away, the world languisheth and fadeth away, the haughty people of the earth do languish.
BobbiLyn: Isa 24:5 The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenan
BobbiLyn: Isa 24:6 Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate: therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left.
Isa 24:7 The new wine mourneth, the vine languisheth, all the merryhearted do sigh.
BobbiLyn: Isa 24:8 The mirth of tabrets ceaseth, the noise of them that rejoice endeth, the joy of the harp ceaseth.
Isa 24:9 They shall not drink wine with a song; strong drink shall be bitter to them that drink it.
BobbiLyn: Isa 24:10 The city of confusion is broken down: every house is shut up, that no man may come in.
Isa 24:11 There is a crying for wine in the streets; all joy is darkened, the mirth of the land is gone
BobbiLyn: Isa 24:12 In the city is left desolation, and the gate is smitten with destruction.
BobbiLyn: Heb 12:25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:
BobbiLyn: Heb 12:26 Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven
BobbiLyn: Heb 12:27 And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.
BobbiLyn: Heb 12:28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:
Heb 12:29 For our God is a consuming fire.
BobbiLyn: De 28:1 And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth:
BobbiLyn: De 28:2 And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God.
De 28:3 Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field.
BobbiLyn: De 28:4 Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep.
De 28:5 Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store.
BobbiLyn: De 28:6 Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out.
BobbiLyn: De 28:7 The LORD shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways.
BobbiLyn: De 28:8 The LORD shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses, and in all that thou settest thine hand unto; and he shall bless thee in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
BobbiLyn: De 28:9 The LORD shall establish thee an holy people unto himself, as he hath sworn unto thee, if thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, and walk in his ways.
De 28:10 And all people of the earth shall see that thou art called by the name of the LORD; and they shall be afraid of thee.
BobbiLyn: De 28:11 And the LORD shall make thee plenteous in goods, in the fruit of thy body, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy ground, in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers to give thee.
BobbiLyn: De 28:12 The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow.
BobbiLyn: e 28:13 And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them
BobbiLyn: De 28:14 And thou shalt not go aside from any of the words which I command thee this day, to the right hand, or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them
BobbiLyn: De 23:19 Thou shalt not lend upon usury to thy brother; usury of money, usury of victuals, usury of any thing that is lent upon usury:
BobbiLyn: De 23:20 Unto a stranger thou mayest lend upon usury; but unto thy brother thou shalt not lend upon usury: that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all that thou settest thine hand to in the land whither thou goest to possess it.
BobbiLyn: Eze 18:13 Hath given forth upon usury, and hath taken increase: shall he then live? he shall not live: he hath done all these abominations; he shall surely die; his blood shall be upon him.
BobbiLyn: Mt 5:23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;
BobbiLyn: Mt 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
BobbiLyn: Mt 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Mt 5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Mt 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
BobbiLyn: Mt 16:19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
BobbiLyn: t 18:18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
BobbiLyn: Pr 13:22 A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Scripture References for October 3, 2008
BobbiLyn: Welcome to http://www.apostasywatch.com/ Friday nite live on-line Bible study and fellowship.
BobbiLyn: Isa 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
BobbiLyn: Isa 41:11 Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish.
BobbiLyn: Isa 41:12 Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that contended with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought.
BobbiLyn: Isa 41:13 For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.
BobbiLyn: Ge 15:1 After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.
BobbiLyn: Ge 14:16 And he brought back all the goods, and also brought again his brother Lot, and his goods, and the women also, and the people.
BobbiLyn: Ge 14:17 And the king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that were with him, at the valley of Shaveh, which is the king's dale.
BobbiLyn: Ge 14:18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.
Ge 14:19 And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth:
BobbiLyn: Ge 14:20 And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.
Ge 14:21 And the king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself.
BobbiLyn: Ge 14:22 And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth,
Ge 14:23 That I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich
BobbiLyn: Ge 14:24 Save only that which the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men which went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their portion.
BobbiLyn: Heb 7:1 For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him;
BobbiLyn: Heb 7:2 To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;
BobbiLyn: Heb 7:3 Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.
BobbiLyn: Isa 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
BobbiLyn: Isa 41:11 Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish.
BobbiLyn: Isa 41:12 Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that contended with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought.
BobbiLyn: Isa 41:13 For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.
BobbiLyn: Ge 15:1 After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.
BobbiLyn: Ge 14:16 And he brought back all the goods, and also brought again his brother Lot, and his goods, and the women also, and the people.
BobbiLyn: Ge 14:17 And the king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that were with him, at the valley of Shaveh, which is the king's dale.
BobbiLyn: Ge 14:18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.
Ge 14:19 And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth:
BobbiLyn: Ge 14:20 And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.
Ge 14:21 And the king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself.
BobbiLyn: Ge 14:22 And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth,
Ge 14:23 That I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich
BobbiLyn: Ge 14:24 Save only that which the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men which went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their portion.
BobbiLyn: Heb 7:1 For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him;
BobbiLyn: Heb 7:2 To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;
BobbiLyn: Heb 7:3 Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.
Friday, October 3, 2008
CHRISTIANS PARTNER WITH PAGANS FOR A BETTER WORLD - By Paul Procter
It would seem a new fall emphasis is underway to again try and bring the world’s religions a little closer together with the help of the Southern Baptist Convention’s two most prominent Council on Foreign Relations members, pastor Rick Warren and the SBC’s Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission president, Richard Land.
If you’re wondering what the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Great Commission have to do with the CFR’s global agenda, you’re not alone. But how better to gently steer the world’s largest protestant denomination toward the coming new world order than with a couple of its more influential leaders acting as facilitators?
The Washington Post had an article in its On Faith section the other day, titled Rick Warren, Interfaith Activist, that talked about Warren’s recent appearance at the Clinton Global Initiative where he continued to promote the idea of getting “people of faith” to work together at solving the world’s problems – as if a gathering of the gods and their do-gooders was all that was needed to accomplish such a monumental task.
Keep in mind, the term “people of faith” is a carefully chosen expression designed to exclude and offend no one while at the same time giving willing participants, including gullible Christians, a warm and fuzzy feeling of commonality with pagans and idolaters via good works and a global cause.
After all, who doesn’t have faith in someone or something?
Apparently, it doesn’t matter who’s headed to Hell anymore because we’re building a heaven right here on Earth. All we have to do now is figure out how to extend this life indefinitely.
In the Post piece, writer, Eboo Patel extolled the virtues of Warren’s “pluralist” language and “religious diversity” this way:
Yes, I would call this an enormous “turn” from the “American Evangelical tradition.” In fact, I’m not sure if the term “Evangelical” is even appropriate anymore – at least in this setting.
If sin is what brought about all of the world’s problems, just how is ignoring it going to solve them? Shall we merely treat the symptoms of sin around a fallen world with an interfaith program of good works and discard the cure as potentially divisive – that being, God’s call to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ?
How does one work with pagans and their false gods and honor the One True God Who warns us in His Word to not be “unequally yoked together with unbelievers” and commands us to “come out from among them, and be ye separate”? (2nd Corinthians 6:14-17)
The bottom line is, as I pointed out, in a recent NewsWithViews.com article, Rick Warren Still Doesn't Get It.
Isn’t Warren’s P.E.A.C.E. plan a little like rounding up bar patrons to follow a drunk driver around town to render aid and comfort all the people he runs off the road and organizing a fulltime crew of beer guzzlers to repair all of the roadside damage he does with his out-of-control vehicle instead of getting him off the street before he gets behind the wheel of a car and sobering him up with the cold hard truth and a stern warning about the dire consequences of his actions and the life-saving benefits of abstinence?
The former spares the drunk’s feelings and lifestyle at the expense of future victims.
The latter saves lives – including the drunk’s.
Which is really more loving and productive?
The Lord didn’t commission His followers to manage this world’s madness with ecumenical efforts that ignore His Word, but rather call the lost out of the insanity to faith in Jesus Christ while tending to their more immediate physical needs.
Warren might claim in certain circles that both their spiritual and physical needs are being met with his P.E.A.C.E. plan; but it is clear to me that the focus is, more often than not, on the flesh and the temporal, even though the Lord’s emphasis was predominately on the spiritual and eternal.
By working with pagans instead of challenging their damning doctrines before watchful eyes, as preachers of the Gospel are called to do, the lost are simply fed, clothed, comforted and cared for on the road to Hell.
How is that compassionate?
It’s like a cruel joke and about as loving as offering a death row inmate a hot meal and a cigarette before he’s executed. Sure, he might appreciate it; but what’s it all really worth in the end?
Unfortunately, time doesn’t permit me to go into the socialistic implications of business management guru Peter Drucker’s “three-legged stool” concept to unite the government, the business community and the church for a better world. I am, however, including links in this article that sufficiently address the subject at length.
Now, the other CFR Southern Baptist, Richard Land, is calling for “bridges of understanding” in a little Baptist Press piece titled U.S.- Muslim engagement seen as key to security, prosperity:
So, we don’t need to challenge Muslim beliefs and point them to Jesus Christ; we just need to learn how to get along with them, is that it? Where did our Lord teach this and what are some biblical references Land can point to where the Apostles or anyone else in the early church built “bridges of understanding” between Christians and other religions?
Land went on to say:
Who needs polls to show us this when we have, among other things, four downed planes, a missing World Trade Center and over three thousand dead people to make that point?
According to the report, 18 months of “extensive research” was done by a “bipartisan coalition” on the “challenge of reversing extremism, increasing international security and improving relations with the Muslim community” – something called The U.S. – Muslim Engagement Project – a group that is apparently supported by two other like-minded organizations called, (are you ready for this?) Search For Common Ground and The Consensus Building Institute.
Yeah – that ought to get the Gospel out there.
Land can call it “bridges of understanding” if he wants to, but “common ground” and “consensus” usually lead to compromise; and spiritually speaking, that’s not a biblical option for Christians.
The BP report continued with this:
Ah yes – the Rockefellers – Always busy about the Lord’s work.
Enough said – I’ll close with this:
My pastor shared something not long ago that he considered profound and worth remembering.
He said: “Whatever you permit, you promote.”
I couldn’t agree more.
Isn’t it fascinating who and what the church accepts these days to partner with for ministry that’s in clear violation of Gods Word?
Is it ignorance, arrogance or just apathy?
Whatever the case, the end is the same.
“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.” – Ephesians 5:11
If you’re wondering what the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Great Commission have to do with the CFR’s global agenda, you’re not alone. But how better to gently steer the world’s largest protestant denomination toward the coming new world order than with a couple of its more influential leaders acting as facilitators?
The Washington Post had an article in its On Faith section the other day, titled Rick Warren, Interfaith Activist, that talked about Warren’s recent appearance at the Clinton Global Initiative where he continued to promote the idea of getting “people of faith” to work together at solving the world’s problems – as if a gathering of the gods and their do-gooders was all that was needed to accomplish such a monumental task.
Keep in mind, the term “people of faith” is a carefully chosen expression designed to exclude and offend no one while at the same time giving willing participants, including gullible Christians, a warm and fuzzy feeling of commonality with pagans and idolaters via good works and a global cause.
After all, who doesn’t have faith in someone or something?
Apparently, it doesn’t matter who’s headed to Hell anymore because we’re building a heaven right here on Earth. All we have to do now is figure out how to extend this life indefinitely.
In the Post piece, writer, Eboo Patel extolled the virtues of Warren’s “pluralist” language and “religious diversity” this way:
Last week at the Clinton Global Initiative, Warren was asked how "the church" could help to solve poverty. His response was to rattle off the numbers of Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and Christians in the world - in that order - and make a plea that the public and private sectors take seriously "the faith sector as the third leg of the stool of successful development."
Warren consistently used the language of a religious pluralist. He spoke of "mosques, temples and churches" as central to the life of villages in the developing world. He underscored the fact that there are huge numbers of people of faith in the world, and huge numbers of houses of worship in places where clinics, banks and schools don't exist. Those people of faith can be trained to be the arms and legs of any development plan, and those houses of worship can double as clinics, banks and schools.
This is a big deal, because it signals an important turn in the American Evangelical tradition - from viewing people of other faiths primarily as lost souls requiring conversion to viewing them as partners in the plan to make earth more humane and just.
Yes, I would call this an enormous “turn” from the “American Evangelical tradition.” In fact, I’m not sure if the term “Evangelical” is even appropriate anymore – at least in this setting.
If sin is what brought about all of the world’s problems, just how is ignoring it going to solve them? Shall we merely treat the symptoms of sin around a fallen world with an interfaith program of good works and discard the cure as potentially divisive – that being, God’s call to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ?
How does one work with pagans and their false gods and honor the One True God Who warns us in His Word to not be “unequally yoked together with unbelievers” and commands us to “come out from among them, and be ye separate”? (2nd Corinthians 6:14-17)
The bottom line is, as I pointed out, in a recent NewsWithViews.com article, Rick Warren Still Doesn't Get It.
Isn’t Warren’s P.E.A.C.E. plan a little like rounding up bar patrons to follow a drunk driver around town to render aid and comfort all the people he runs off the road and organizing a fulltime crew of beer guzzlers to repair all of the roadside damage he does with his out-of-control vehicle instead of getting him off the street before he gets behind the wheel of a car and sobering him up with the cold hard truth and a stern warning about the dire consequences of his actions and the life-saving benefits of abstinence?
The former spares the drunk’s feelings and lifestyle at the expense of future victims.
The latter saves lives – including the drunk’s.
Which is really more loving and productive?
The Lord didn’t commission His followers to manage this world’s madness with ecumenical efforts that ignore His Word, but rather call the lost out of the insanity to faith in Jesus Christ while tending to their more immediate physical needs.
Warren might claim in certain circles that both their spiritual and physical needs are being met with his P.E.A.C.E. plan; but it is clear to me that the focus is, more often than not, on the flesh and the temporal, even though the Lord’s emphasis was predominately on the spiritual and eternal.
By working with pagans instead of challenging their damning doctrines before watchful eyes, as preachers of the Gospel are called to do, the lost are simply fed, clothed, comforted and cared for on the road to Hell.
How is that compassionate?
It’s like a cruel joke and about as loving as offering a death row inmate a hot meal and a cigarette before he’s executed. Sure, he might appreciate it; but what’s it all really worth in the end?
Unfortunately, time doesn’t permit me to go into the socialistic implications of business management guru Peter Drucker’s “three-legged stool” concept to unite the government, the business community and the church for a better world. I am, however, including links in this article that sufficiently address the subject at length.
Now, the other CFR Southern Baptist, Richard Land, is calling for “bridges of understanding” in a little Baptist Press piece titled U.S.- Muslim engagement seen as key to security, prosperity:
Deep misunderstandings between the United States and Muslim communities around the world are causing serious problems and solving them will require constructing "bridges of understanding," says the president of the Southern Baptist Convention's Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission.
So, we don’t need to challenge Muslim beliefs and point them to Jesus Christ; we just need to learn how to get along with them, is that it? Where did our Lord teach this and what are some biblical references Land can point to where the Apostles or anyone else in the early church built “bridges of understanding” between Christians and other religions?
Land went on to say:
"Polls show there is a huge lack of understanding of Americans in the Muslim world. We need to broaden and deepen the understanding on both sides…”
Who needs polls to show us this when we have, among other things, four downed planes, a missing World Trade Center and over three thousand dead people to make that point?
According to the report, 18 months of “extensive research” was done by a “bipartisan coalition” on the “challenge of reversing extremism, increasing international security and improving relations with the Muslim community” – something called The U.S. – Muslim Engagement Project – a group that is apparently supported by two other like-minded organizations called, (are you ready for this?) Search For Common Ground and The Consensus Building Institute.
Yeah – that ought to get the Gospel out there.
Land can call it “bridges of understanding” if he wants to, but “common ground” and “consensus” usually lead to compromise; and spiritually speaking, that’s not a biblical option for Christians.
The BP report continued with this:
The group's plan calls for significant shifts in American foreign policy to create a safer U.S. and a better world and suggests a "new blueprint" on how to reconstruct America's relationship with Muslims around the world, said Stephen Heintz, president of the Rockefeller Brothers Fund.
Ah yes – the Rockefellers – Always busy about the Lord’s work.
Enough said – I’ll close with this:
My pastor shared something not long ago that he considered profound and worth remembering.
He said: “Whatever you permit, you promote.”
I couldn’t agree more.
Isn’t it fascinating who and what the church accepts these days to partner with for ministry that’s in clear violation of Gods Word?
Is it ignorance, arrogance or just apathy?
Whatever the case, the end is the same.
“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.” – Ephesians 5:11
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