Christian

Confessions of a screwed middle aged man: the shallow Christians part 2

Christian, Christian Life, General, Guide, Life, Relationship, Thoughts, , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Once again I run into those that see themselves as right with the Lord and yet shows signs they are nowhere near Him.
This time it had to do with the withdrawal of the last presidential candidate that could with honesty say they were “Christian.” For as of now there is none running that can say this and not be lying to your face. But since that is their favorite pass time they don’t even realize the truth themselves.
Anyway on with the real topic of this article. The Holy Spirit impressed upon the words I wrote down in an article I posted this last Wednesday: “America has spoken now judgment can begin.”
I shared this link on Glenn Beck sight due to his discords he was stating on his radio broadcast that day. Now I understand Mr. Beck is Mormon. I understand this group and I do not support them in their views. One thing many do not wish to accept is that Mormons, and this can be said of Catholicism, is that at their core is the actual Bible. This is how the lie can be perpetuated for at its core is the truth, which is then twisted by the addition of the man-made. This is how the Pharisees become blinded to the truth.
So as I said I re-posted this article listed above there. I received a response which was an attack by someone that called themselves “Christian.”
This was the first clue that they were shallow. Per Matthew 18:15 when someone shows an error in their belief and doctrine we are to PRIVATELY take them aside and discuss the issue. This is easily done in Facebook in a private message to the person.
Second clue. He words was an attack not a discussion. There was no philadelphia is his attitude. The true meaning of philadelphia is brotherly love. Now the “brotherly love” is not love for all humanity as it has been twisted by humanity to mean. It actually means love for your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ alone.
Third clue. He made an assumption I have not read the Bible correctly. Now do I know the Bible as I should? The answer to that is no I do not. I am human. I am imperfect. I am flawed. However, I do acknowledge that Jesus Christ is my Savior. I strive to overcome my sin. I am repentant. I do pray and I do read the Bible and seek out the true meaning of the Bible through in-depth study with the use of the King James Version of the Bible. Strong’s Concordance, a dictionary and The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (unabridged). This insight into the word of God and the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ has opened my heart into these teachings.
Forth clue. Attacking my statement that I would pray to for him as placing me on a “high biblical horse of yours and pretend to know Gods plan.” I know the word of God. As I stated above I do not know it perfectly, but I know enough to see the signs that God said to watch for. I see them. They are there for those that have eyes to see and an ear to hear. It is not me, it is God. It is Jesus.
The crux of this man’s argument was I calling Ted Cruz a new Christ. I was not nor would I ever do that. That is against the Bible. There is only one Christ and that is the man who went to the cross and then came back to life three days later. Also at the core was the roots of conservatism, which is traditional values and religious a.k.a. Christian values. The crux of my words in the fore mentioned article was there is no one that has these values left. Donald Trump is a false Teacher per 2 Peter 2 and I made this point with this man. He ignored it and would rather continue his attack toward me on the fact that all the signs about us is that we are near the return of Jesus Christ, by the way this was the fifth clue.
The Sixth clue. I will quote him here and allow you to see where he stands”
“‘I see the soon return of Christ.’ You know, I see it to, but so has every generation since it has been prophesied. Just remember, not even the angles in heaven know when. We can’t rule our lives over it. Nothing bad comes from the Lord, only good. We are commanded to pray for those who have power over us, and that’s all we can really do.”
The quote in this statement was him quoting me and this was his response to it. I will pick apart this response:
The Sixth clue part 2: “You know, I see it to, but so has every generation since it has been prophesied. Just remember, not even the angles in heaven know when. We can’t rule our lives over it.”
This shows he is not seeing the signs of our times. He is not seeing the apostasy. Yes we do not know the time it is to happen, but Jesus told us plainly that He would give us signs that His return is soon.
Matthew 24:33 – In the same way, when you see all these things, you can know his return is very near, right at the door.
These signs are everywhere as never before.
Now the BIGGEST clue number seven: “We can’t rule our lives over it.” This is absolutely OPPOSITE the teachings of the Bible.
Mark 12:29 – Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. 30 And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.
We are to place God and His Son at the core of our lives and allow Him to be the focus. Not ourselves, but God. We can only do this by LIVING the values taught within the Bible. This means we must let the belief that Jesus is soon to return be what guides our every action, which is not what this man says he personally follows. We must live our lives as if he is going to be knocking upon our door at any moment. Not days from now, not week, not years, not decades, not centuries, but NOW. Why?:
Matthew 24:42 – “So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming.”
The eighth clue. “Nothing bad comes from the Lord, only good. We are commanded to pray for those who have power over us, and that’s all we can really do.”
This is the mentality of those that teach God is only love. Yes He is love, but God is also righteous. God will judge and God will punish. This is made clear in the Bible. There is a pit of fire and not only Satan, but ALL that choose him over God will be in this pit. This is fact. This is the Bible.
To say we cannot take action in our faith and only pray says we are to do nothing. Well doing nothing is exactly what Satan wants people that call themselves “Christian” to do. It is this inaction that has allowed abortion the new name of human sacrifice to be protected by laws. It is this inaction that has allowed sin to run rampant and again become protected by man-made laws which has allowed the grievous sin of homosexuality to become legitimized by these laws. Here was my reply to this man’s last response I would reply too:
“Yes pray for them. But as the Body of Christ here on earth we are to reflect Christ and ALL his values in ALL that we do including voting. Your words scream of a shallow Christian… again I will pray for you…”
I will leave this here and allow you the reader to think upon what I have said today.

Where I am By Billy Graham – My commentary 4

Christian, Christian Life, General, Guide, Life, Relationship, Thoughts, , , , Leave a comment

Chapter six showed me an insight into the people of this nation and Samson the judge. A discernment that is amazing in its refection of the people of this nation. I am in awe of the just how much the two do compare. At the same time I am saddened by what this means for this nation as a whole. Here is the quote given by Mr. Graham:
“Our present society isn’t much different. Too many people today feel that the old moral standards are useless and out of date. They believe they ought to be free to make up their own minds about what is right and wrong, thus doing what is right in their own eyes.
“Worldly thinking is, ‘if you expect to get ahead in life, you’ll need to adapt to worldly living and learn to fit in.’ that’s where compromise slips in—that little voice that urges you to lighten up, to give in, whispering that it’s okay to go along in insignificant acts. But this is the voice of temptation that comes from the devil.”
This leads me right to Revelation chapter three:
14 “Write this letter to the angel of the church in Laodicea. This is the message from the one who is the Amen—the faithful and true witness, the beginning[e] of God’s new creation:
15 “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! 16 But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! 17 You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. 18 So I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. 19 I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference.
20 “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. 21 Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne.
22 “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.”
Compromise is the trend that is popular today especially in those that say they are “Christian.” They unwittingly become the “lukewarm” the “grey” the hypocrite. Jesus makes it clear they fate of those that willing being the lukewarm.
“16 But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!”
Jesus the glorified Christ spit will spit them from His mouth which means from His body. Casting them to men to then be gathered and burned. But there is only one place that burns and that is the pit of fire.
I also like this paragraph from Mr. Graham’s book:
“Samson was strong physically but weak in every other way. He broke the first commandment, to but God first in everything. Instead, he put himself first and ignored God’s rule. Samson broke the second and fifth commandments and worshiped the shrine of lust by taking a Philistine wife against his parents’ wishes. He broke the sixth commandment and murdered. He broke the ninth and tenth commandments because he lied and coveted (Judges 13-16). “
The United States was strong once but the people become weak in every other way. Most have broken the first commandment and worship themselves over God. He made his Philistine wife to be an idol of lust and defied his parents by marrying her. Americans lust after beauty and worship those that they consider beautiful. Millions of dollars are spent daily to help people to look beautiful to themselves and others. Most ignoring the advice of their elders that try to teach them that looks are not everything. He killed those that had tricked him to gain answer to a riddle he had posed thus he committing murder out of greed and lust for worldly possessions.
Many in the United States covet what others have and seek it for themselves and go to whatever extreme is necessary to acquire it even through lying. Billy Graham continues:
“We look at Samson’s life and can see ourselves in the mirror. We make life-changing choices for good or bad. When we choose the bad, it is because the seed of sin is within us. It can only be rooted out by salvation in Jesus Christ.”
Luke 12:48 – But someone who does not know, and then does something wrong, will be punished only lightly. When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required.
“This was Samson’s profile; he had been given everything life had to offer. But instead of treasuring it and being responsible with it, he decided to ‘live it up.’ Samson was bored, and boredom often leads to discouragement or, as in the case of young Samson, mischief. He chased after whatever pleased him and was headed for a catastrophic fall. When he let his guard down, he was bound up by the enemy.”
Well the people of this nation have everything life can offer and they get bored with it and turn to mischief. They chase after whatever pleases them and as a result this entire nation is head to catastrophe, for they have let their guard down that the enemy, Satan, is about to bind them and throw them into devastation.
The warnings are being shown to all, but few are listening and even viewer are attempting to take action. However this is something that the few can fix. It will take a majority to address this issue.
What is the starting place to correct this issue? What is it that a majority can make an effort to show they wish to change the course of this nation away from collapse?
It is the election that is occurring at this very moment. Not only for president but for the senate and congress. You cannot vote for someone that acts like Samson and that would be Trump. You cannot vote for the Philistines which is the Democratic Party. You must vote for the only person left that at least makes an effort to show his belief in God and that is Ted Cruz, since you have removed those that would have been better suited due to greed and selfish desire. You must also remove any one from office that has been in Washington for more than 12 years.
Turn to God and pray to Him asking for His help and accept Jesus Christ as your Savior. For eternal salvation will be all that can save us from the troubles this world is soon to get into.

America has spoken now judgment can begin

Christian, Christian Life, General, Guide, Life, Relationship, Thoughts, , , , , Leave a comment

On Tuesday the last candidate that could be called truly “Christian” was rejected by the United States of America. The death sentence of this once proud nation has been sounded.
A majority of the populous has publicly made it know where they stand with God, and God is not to be denied. Israel the chosen and special people of God did it multiple time and each time it was to their detriment.
The average American citizen will do as they did. Scoff at these words if they even bother to read them. They did not realize that their rejection of Him will come back to haunt them.
Now those that are truly “Christian” need to do as the early church did. Come together as never before. They must seek out and support each other in true brotherly and sisterly love, the true meaning of “philadelphia.” The people of America have announced to all that they are of the world and desire it more than they desire God.
The letters of the New Testament were written in a time of great strive to the followers of Christ. The writers of these letters referred to “love” many time. In today’s society most thing these words of love were for “Christians” to love all, but that was the furthest thing from the truth. It was ONLY for Christian to love and support their fellows and none others.
They were to remove themselves form those that rejected the calling and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ upon the cross. That is now required today. This will result in great hardships, pain, discomfort and even misery.
The thing is this hardship, pain, discomfort and misery will not only be experienced by those that are truly followers of Jesus, but every single legal American citizen. However, the hardship will most likely be more so for those that have accepted Jesus.
The cries will reach up into heaven asking for the soon return of Jesus, which is ever closer every day and is made possible by the open apostasy of most within this nation.
This is your last call to truly seek repentance from the Son of God. Will this writing you now read be the actual “last call” I seriously doubt it. It is more like the beginning of the last call. Understand this though. This is real. There is no grey. There is only black and white. There is only right and wrong and the people of this once proud and great nation have openly chosen the black, the wrong, the pit of fire.
As long as you have breathe to breath in this temporal body you can redeem yourself with the Creator of the universe. You can still become a true and faithful “Christian.” Understand this though. Soon you will witness great strive affecting all in this nation as never before. It may be slow and grow ever gradually or it could happen in a moment and never stop until you breathe your last, but it is coming and it is coming very soon. Seek out God. Seek out Jesus. Seek out those that ARE TRULY “Christian” and know that only God is the true salvation. Not humans that promise what they can never deliver.

I know this is a re-hash but it is that important: Why Christians should never vote for Trump

Christian, Christian Life, Conservative, General, government, Guide, Life, politics, Relationship, Thoughts, , , , , , , , Leave a comment

I start straight from the Bible:

2 Peter 2:1 – But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
Trump has made it clear He is unrepentant. He has made it clear that he has committed adultery many times and would never stop committing adultery. Luke 16:19; Exodus 20:14; Proverbs 6:32
1 John 3: 7 Dear children, don’t let anyone deceive you about this: When people do what is right, it shows that they are righteous, even as Christ is righteous. 8 But when people keep on sinning, it shows that they belong to the devil, who has been sinning since the beginning. But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil. 9 Those who have been born into God’s family do not make a practice of sinning, because God’s life is in them. So they can’t keep on sinning, because they are children of God. 10 So now we can tell who are children of God and who are children of the devil. Anyone who does not live righteously and does not love other believers does not belong to God.
Isaiah 29:13 – And so the Lord says, “These people say they are mine. They honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. And their worship of me is nothing but man-made rules learned by rote
2 Peter 2:2 – And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
The other day John Boehner called Ted Cruz Satan and then turned his support to Trump.
3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
NLT – In their greed they will make up clever lies to get hold of your money
Trump tax plan – All other Americans will get a simpler tax code with four brackets – 0%, 10%, 20% and 25%. If you make less than $25000 … zero taxes ($0 to $25000 = 0; $25001 to $50000 = 10%; $50001 to 150000 = 20%; 150001 and up 25% but major corporation loop holes still in place). So since tax loop holes in place approximately 19% of the American public would carry the tax burden for the nation… those making between $50001 to 150000.
Cruz tax plan – Under the Simple Flat Tax, the current seven rates of personal income tax will collapse into a single low rate of 10 percent. For a family of four, the first $36,000 will be tax-free. The Child Tax Credit will remain in place, and the Simple Flat Tax Plan expands and modernizes the Earned Income Tax Credit with greater anti-fraud and pro-marriage reforms. As a result, the Simple Flat Tax will ensure that low- and middle-income Americans have greater opportunities (all major corporation loop holes removed) tax burden even across the board.

4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;
5 And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;
6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;
7 And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:
8 (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)
9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.
11 Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.
12 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;
13 And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;
NLT – Their destruction is their reward for the harm they have done. They love to indulge in evil pleasures in broad daylight. They are a disgrace and a stain among you. They delight in deception even as they eat with you in your fellowship meals.
Trump delights and is proud of his lies and makes no attempt to hide them.
14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:
15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;
16 But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man’s voice forbad the madness of the prophet.
17 These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.
They are empty vessels filled with nothing but themselves and their lies. And what is the fate of those that call themselves “Christian” that continue to follow them?
NLT 18 – They brag about themselves with empty, foolish boasting. With an appeal to twisted sexual desires, they lure back into sin those who have barely escaped from a lifestyle of deception. 19 They promise freedom, but they themselves are slaves of sin and corruption. For you are a slave to whatever controls you. 20 And when people escape from the wickedness of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and then get tangled up and enslaved by sin again, they are worse off than before. 21 It would be better if they had never known the way to righteousness than to know it and then reject the command they were given to live a holy life. 22 They prove the truth of this proverb: “A dog returns to its vomit.” And another says, “A washed pig returns to the mud.”
They are following the road to damnation and no longer salvation and as a result they shall suffer more for they once knew the salvation of Jesus Christ.
DO NOT SUPPORT TRUMP FOR YOUR OWN SALVATIONS SAKE!!

Where I am By Billy Graham – My commentary 3

Christian, Christian Life, General, Guide, Life, Relationship, Thoughts, , , , Leave a comment

So far as I progress through this book I have found a few areas that I concur with. However none stirred me more than the forth chapter of this book.
It is entitled “Eternal Judgment.” Within this chapter Mr. Graham makes it clear that everything is black and white, saved and unsaved and there is no in-between. Here is the first paragraph that really hit a cord with me and how I see people acting:
“Now many people quickly say, ‘Well, I do love God and follow Him.’ This is wonderful, but be sure by putting it to the test. Do you prove your love to God when you slander someone? Do you show your love to Him when you cheat or lie or go against His commandments? The Bible says. ‘Now by this we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says. ‘I know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him’ (1 John 2:3-4)
“Can you imagine living in disobedience while claiming the Holy Spirit is guiding you? If you so without conviction and repentance, you do not love Jesus—Because Jesus said His Spirit would convict of sin.”
As I read this I was reminded of Matthew 12:31:
“Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.”
Yet many do this daily. Mainly due to the fact that they are unfamiliar with the Bible and the teachings that are within in it. However ignorance is not an excuse either. Ignorance is considered a sin in itself. See Leviticus chapters four and five; Numbers fifteen and even Ephesians 4:17-18:
“This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:”

Now recently I had a debated about when the Rapture would occur and I had missed this important verse from the Bible since I am merely a human and don’t know the Bible as completely as I should, but It bears bring into to the light for it was from this chapter of Billy Graham’s book that brought it to light.
Just so you understand I wrote about this in a three part article entitled “The unexpected debate.” I really wish I had this verse included in that debate. This is Abraham talking to God:
Genesis 18:25 – That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?
This question by Abraham just confirmed without question the entire debate.
Back on topic.
I will end with this last quote of this chapter I found interesting:
“Unless we allow Christ to destroy the evil within us, the evil within us still wants to destroy Him. This is the conflict of the ages.”
Let that sink in.

Where I am By Billy Graham – My commentary 2

Christian, Christian Life, General, Guide, Life, Relationship, Thoughts, , , Leave a comment

As I have progressed through this book by this great servant of God I am humbled, honored, and reassured. But why?
The answer is because how he see the Word of God and how he see the consequence of adhering to the Christ’s teaches are the true key to salvation. Because seeing that he sees the Bible as I see the Bible nearly word for word, and as a result I feel confident in my ministry to help people awaken to the real truth.
He states many things as I have stated them and even gives an insight to issues of faith, salvation and what will result if you choose the world of God that have helped me know that Holy Spirit is with me.
He is doing the one thing God tells us to do with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Give reassurance, which in turn strengthens us. He is showing the love that is within all Christians. He is not afraid to tell the truth like so many are.
In true love for all the truth is the most important thing that must be heard. Too many do not talk of the results of not listening to God. Mr. Graham makes it clear that this is a lie by omission which is still a sin and even a worse sin than many realize or wish to acknowledge.
If you truly love God and wish to serve Him through His Son the Lord Jesus Christ. You will not be afraid to tell someone that if they do not change their ways their fate is something that you would not wish any to suffer. Mr. Graham makes it clear it is black or white, good or bad, right or wrong. There is no middle ground there is no grey area in your choice to follow God or not to follow Him.
Billy Graham makes it clear. People cannot go to church on Sunday and then spend the rest of the week in and of the world. In simply terms they love that which they have chosen. If they live in the world 8610 hours of the year and only 156 hours with God then it is the world they love. Serving God is a love that uses all 8766 hours of the year every year.

Where I am By Billy Graham – My commentary 1

Christian, Christian Life, General, Guide, Life, Relationship, Thoughts, , , , , , Leave a comment

Today I started reading the book “Where I am” by Billy Graham. As I first read the forward by Franklin Graham, Billy’s son and then started into the Introduction of the book, the gears in my mind started to turn and there was a desire to expound. So here we go.
One paragraph in the introduction just rang out to my soul so I am going to quote here:
“Many people teach today that the blood of Jesus covers all sin, regardless of whether the sinner repents or not. This is Satan’s great lie. Some believe they will automatically walk into Heaven when this earthly life is over because God is love. That would negate the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross. Don’t be deceived, for God is not mocked. God is also a God of justice and righteousness. He is not preparing a place in Heaven for unrepentant sinners. While we have contributed nothing to God’s free gift of salvation, there is a condition to possessing it—we must confess our sin, turn from it and receive Christ on His terms.”
It is this paragraph I wish to go into sentence by sentence if required.
The first sentence paraphrased, there are those that say Christ blood cover all no matter if they have stopped sinning or not. I agree with this sentence completely. There are many that live this belief, but as the next sentence makes perfectly clear it “is Satan’s great lie.”
Those that live in this fantasy wish to have their cake and eat it too as the saying goes. You cannot get into heaven if you live in sin period. If you live in sin on Monday, accept Jesus as you Savior on Tuesday and go back to living your live on Wednesday EXACTLY like it was Monday and have no desire to change in anyway, then you are not saved, period.
“Some believe they will automatically walk into Heaven when this earthly life is over because God is love.” I agree with the next sentence as well this makes Jesus going to the cross a waste of time, thus making the entire Bible irrelevant. People need to come to a realization, that not only are many events in the Bible able to be documented in other historical records but all archaeologically. Since there is more to say that the Bible is real than any other “religious” manuscripts on earth. Also the mere fact that many key figures of political power mentioned in the Bible supported by the above mentioned material makes trying to make them “irrelevant” an act of willful ignorance so as to condone the desire to live life as these people choose. Thus in their own minds free them from God’s justice. As Mr. Graham notes, they are mocking God, something I would highly suggest they not do.
What is “righteousness” in the Bible?
Righteousness in the Hebrew is “tsdaqah” – rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity):–justice, moderately, right(-eous) (act, -ly, -ness).
Righteousness in the Greek is “dikaiosune” – (usually if not always in a Jewish atmosphere), justice, justness, righteousness, righteousness of which God is the source or author, but practically: a divine righteousness.
This is how it is defined in the Bible. Yet as noted above many do not wish to hear this, but if you accept any part of the Bible you must accept all of it. Yet many just pick out what allows them to comfort their conscience, to place a band aid upon their sins not realizing that it is quickly pull off to allow the sin to ooze its corruption throughout their soul.
If you are unrepentant if you openly live in something that is called a sin within the Bible and have no true desire to turn from it. You are not welcome in Heaven, period.
1 Corinthians 6:9 – Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, 10 or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God.
“While we have contributed nothing to God’s free gift of salvation, there is a condition to possessing it—we must confess our sin, turn from it and receive Christ on His terms.”
I think the last part of this sentence is the key to everything when it comes to salvation. “Receive Christ on HIS terms.” Not our own terms which allows us to live life as we see fit, but God’s Son’s terms. Living life to His expectations and desires. It is this that many do not wish to acknowledge or accept for to do so would place them in an uncomfortable position.
How I feel about that is good, I hope it does. Would you rather feel some discomfort here in this life or be subjected to an even more uncomfortable situation for all eternity with no hope of parole.

Confessions of a screwed up middle aged man: I wash my hand

Christian, Christian Life, General, Guide, Life, Relationship, Thoughts, , , , , , , Leave a comment

Yes I am using the words of Pontius Pilate, but I am not turning my back upon God or His Son my Savior.
In fact I am turning toward my Creator in even more desire to honor and please Him.
Does this mean I am going to stop writing my blog? No it does not. I will still write the burdens upon my spirit as impressed upon it by the Holy Ghost. For I am His humble servant.
Will I still hope that someone awakens to His truth? Yes, for I do not wish any to spend even a day in the pit of fire. For the horrors of that damnation is something any that call themselves Christian would desire to save their worst enemy from, and that is my desire that those that have rejected God would awaken to the truth and see that God is real and that His Son is the only way to Him.
Then why am I washing my hands?
I am washing my hands to those that live in the lie they have created for themselves. They have shown their cards. They have exposed to the world what is of true import to them and it is not God nor the salvation of His Son. They are the ones described in John 15.
1 “I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. 3 You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.
5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. 6 Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned.
I wash the dirt from my hands of those that God has cut from the grapevine that is Jesus Christ. They have sealed their fate. They are no longer those we are to care for nor love. For we are to love our brothers and sisters in Christ. However these apostates are of the world and no longer our concern. They have embraced the world and are friends and lovers of the world. They are adulterers.
James 4:4 – You adulterers! Don’t you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God. 5 Do you think the Scriptures have no meaning? They say that God is passionate that the spirit he has placed within us should be faithful to him. 6 And he gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say,
“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
I wash my hands of those I counted as my friends for I had so hoped to see and talk to them time to time thought the billions upon billions of years that are within the eternal life that we are all promised, but I now know that many I would have liked to talked to will be where they cannot enjoy words for they have made their choice. A choice that was prophesied. A choice that will in time affect me and those that I love to our temporal pain and anguish. But it is something that I will endure for once it is done I will be standing before God Himself and to Him I will give all glory.
Let them with an ear hear and with an eye see. The seal is set to be broken.

Spiritual Warfare is real

Christian, Christian Life, General, Life, Relationship, Thoughts, , , , , Leave a comment

It is one of those things that few understand or even grasp. Especially those that do not study the Bible as they should. But it is there.
Ephesians 6:10 – A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
It is a war that is not going well at this time. Things are happening. Things we have been warned would happen. Yet many do not listen, nor care, for they care more for the temporal than the eternal.
They have no true concept or understanding of what is required when calling themselves a servant of Christ. They just think they are wearing a shield that protects them from damnation. Not realizing that in reality due for their love of the world is the opposite they are shielding themselves form, salvation.
Prayer is required and needed. True knowledge and understanding of the Bible is essential. The armor they need to wear is unkempt and falling apart.
While those that do know the truth and do understand God glory struggle in the spiritual. Losing ground because their numbers are dwindling. They are reducing from those that leave the temporal and move on into heaven to await for the soon return of Christ to welcome in the eternal life that is to come.
Many will say here: “But we are adding to the Body of Christ.”
I will say: “Are we?”
Are we teaching those we bring to Christ the true meaning of salvation? Are we teaching them the need to repent? For to remain in sin is not salvation. Are we teaching them the Bible or are we leaving them on their own to do it; as I was left alone to do it and took nearly 20 years to learn thing I should have learned in one. The armor of God is something that we are not just given, but must earn. It is not something to just place in the corner, for it is something that must be cared for and strengthened.
For if it is not cared for it can break off and leave us vulnerable to attack and leave us open to a blow that can kill us.
2 Peter 2:17 – These people are as useless as dried-up springs or as mist blown away by the wind. They are doomed to blackest darkness. 18 They brag about themselves with empty, foolish boasting. With an appeal to twisted sexual desires, they lure back into sin those who have barely escaped from a lifestyle of deception. 19 They promise freedom, but they themselves are slaves of sin and corruption. For you are a slave to whatever controls you. 20 And when people escape from the wickedness of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and then get tangled up and enslaved by sin again, they are worse off than before. 21 It would be better if they had never known the way to righteousness than to know it and then reject the command they were given to live a holy life. 22 They prove the truth of this proverb: “A dog returns to its vomit.” And another says, “A washed pig returns to the mud.”

Confessions of a screwed up middle aged man: corporal punishment

Christian, Christian Life, General, Guide, Life, Relationship, Thoughts, , , , , , Leave a comment

This last week in the area I live in I was exposed to two events that reemphasize this Bible verse:
Proverbs 13:24 – Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. Those who love their children care enough to discipline them.
Now a context. I grew up in the sixties and seventies and graduated from High School in the late 1970s. Schools were allowed to administer corporal punishment. People knew of and feared the paddle. In the High School I attended the paddle was a cricket bat, and I personally experienced its sting twice. Other more so, yet others never met the bat, but it was on display for all to see in the school office. This threat of punishment maintained order. Were there still fights? Yes, but they were few and far between.
This last week though, a day apart two events happened. A young white man was in the lunch line at his school when a group of young black boys approached him and his girlfriend with cellphones out to film the situation. One of the boys then started harassing the young couple. The young white man then knocked a cellphone from the hands of one of the boys. The person who had his phone was knocked away from him then attacked the young man they were bullying. The young white man, a born again Christian, did not retaliate. The boy who did the attacking has been suspended and removed from this school.
The next day at Howard High School of Technology a young black woman was attacked by a group of black girls in the restroom just before school was to start for the day. During the beating the young woman was severely injured and was then pronounced dead once she was transported to the hospital.
Corporal punishment is not allowed in these school or in any other schools that I am aware of. It is obvious that since there is no fear of punishment that people do not mature into mental adulthood even though their bodies do grow into adults.
True adulthood is the understanding that there is consequences for your actions. It is a simple theory that is even shown in science. For every action there is an opposite and equal reaction. If nature, through the input of science, and the Bible know that there is a need for discipline. Why is it humanity desires to remove discipline? Again the answer is simple:
Mark 7:20 – And then he added, “It is what comes from inside that defiles you. 21 For from within, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, 22 adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. 23 All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you.”
This is why there is not only a need for corporal punishment but the teaching of the Bible. This is why people need to acknowledge there is a God and accept His Son as their Savior who is the Lord Jesus Christ.