Monday, January 31, 2011

UNDERSTANDING TODAY'S UNITED STATES OF AMERICA


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UNDERSTANDING
TODAY'S
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

THE AGE OF REAPING

The United States of America
has become a "post-Christian" society.*
-pastor Brad

The United States of America has a distinctly Christian heritage. It was built upon the foundation of Christianity with the Christian Bible as its primary source of guidance and direction. As such, the USA became the richest, most powerful (most blessed) country in the entire world. Sadly, all of this is a part of a distant past. The United States of America has become a "post-Christian" society.
We have become morally bankrupt to an extent that has provoked resentment and outrage throughout much of the rest of the world. We have relegated absolute truth to the confines of the "unenlightened" days of our ancient ancestors. This new age of "enlightenment" has all but erased the concept of "sin" and as a result, the United States of America has entered the realm of what I will call:
 The Age of Reaping.
We have embraced "sin," under the guise of diversity, tolerance and moral relativism. As such, we have become ignorant. "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge" (Hosea 4:6). Ignorant of the universal law of sowing and reaping. Ignorant of the supernatural consequences of sin and disobedience to God. Ignorant of what once made this country great. And ignorant of why this country has begun a process of self-destruction.
The Bible describes the process as follows:
 1. Sin takes away understanding. "Harlotry, wine and new wine take away the understanding" (Hosea 4:11).
2. Continual rejection of truth (that stems from a lack of understanding) leads to delusion. "Because they did not receive the...truth...God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false." (2 Thessalonians 2:11-12).
3. This delusion ultimately results in destruction."The people without understanding are ruined"(Hosea 4:14).
 "For the day of the Lord draws near
on all the nations. As you have done,
it will be done to you. Your dealings
will return on your own head."

-Obadiah 15

 
*I don't imagine there are many who would publically agree with me here, however, the concept does not originate with me. Christian philosopher Francis Schaeffer, I believe, first coined the phrase "post-Christian." 
I certainly do not mean that the USA is void of Christianity entirely - there absolutely remains a magnificent remnant of biblical Christians all around the country, including some marvelous churches, and some wonderful pastors and church leaders. What I do mean by "post-Christian" however, is this:
1. Generally, the biblical beliefs of our Founding Fathers have been widely and practically, if not universally rejected.
2. Generally, biblical Christianity has been, at best, badly compromised, and at worst, completely obliterated in the "American Church."

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Friday, January 28, 2011

STATE OF THE UNION 2


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STATE OF THE UNION

2

Watching the State of the Union Address by president Obama the other night motivated me to research some of the other addresses and statements that other, former presidents of the United States have given:


Hey, here's one:
"Intelligence, patriotism, Christianity,
and a firm reliance on Him,
who has never yet forsaken
this favored land, are still competent
to adjust, in the best way,
all our present difficulty."

-Abraham Lincoln,
1st Inaugural Address, bold mine
Oh, and here's another:
"I have examined all religions,
and the result is that the Bible
is the best book in the world
."

-John Quincy Adams,
Works, Vol. X, p. 85, to Thomas Jefferson
on December 25, 1813, bold mine
Ooh, this is interesting:

"Cursed be all that learning 
that is contrary to the cross of Christ."

-James Madison,
America's Providential History, p. 93.
And HOW ABOUT THIS!
"In this age, there can be
no substitute for Christianity...
That was the religion
of the founders of the republic
and they expected it to remain
the religion of their descendants."
-Congress,
U. S. House Judiciary Committee, 1854
,
Reports of Committees of the House of Representatives Made During the First Session of the Thirty-Third Congress (Washington: A. O. P. Nicholson, 1854), pp. 6-9.

Hmmm...contrasting these statements with Obama's "State of the Union Address," I think the United States should be in pretty good shape...

Don't you?
*

*Please read Isaiah 30:1-3 if you aren't sure about your answer.

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Wednesday, January 26, 2011

STATE OF THE UNION 1


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STATE OF THE UNION

1
"god bless you, and god bless
the United States of America."

-Barak Obama, State of the Union, 2011
(non-capitalization of "god" mine)
I just finished up watching the "State of the Union Address" given by the United States president, Barack Hussein Obama.  In my opinion he was both eloquent and inspiratational, while undoubtedly addressing the concerns of the majority of the people of the United States of America.
I have no idea how the rest of the country is feeling about the president's speech, but my guess is that most are filled with inspiration and hope...unless of course, you know the Bible.  

For those of you who don't know, the Bible I mean, here's the problem:
"Righteousness exalts a nation,
But sin is a disgrace to any people."

-Proverbs 14:34
And here's another problem:
Loyalty and truth preserve the king,
And he upholds his throne by righteousness.

-Proverbs 20:28

And another:
"'Not by might nor by power,
but by My Spirit,' says the Lord.'"
-Zechariah 4:6
But other than those trivial things, I thought it was a pretty good speech. 

Don't you think?

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Tuesday, January 25, 2011

SO WHAT'S YOUR EXCUSE?


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SO WHAT'S YOUR EXCUSE?

"The gifts and the calling
of the Lord are irrevocable."

Romans 11:29

Abraham and Sarah thought they were too old...but they weren't (see Genesis 18:14).  Joseph was abused as a child, but that didn't stop God from using him powerfully (see Genesis 50:20). 

Like David and Moses, Paul was a murderer, but God's grace was sufficient for all three of them (see 2 Corinthians 12:9).  Deborah was a woman, but apparently God doesn't discriminate (see Romans 2:11).

Gideon was scared to death, but God used him anyway.  Rahab was a prostitute, but God used her anyway.  Timothy was considered too young, but God used him anyway.  Elijah was suicidal, but God used him anyway.  Naomi was a widow, but God used here anyway.

Jonah initially ran away from God, but was given another chance.  Job lost everything, and God glorified Himself through it.  Peter was an impulsive hot-head, and he became "the first Pope."  The disciples fell asleep praying...Martha was a worry-wart...Mary Magdalene was demon-possessed...the Samarian woman was divorced five times...Zaccheus was too small...

And, oh yeah...Lazarus was dead!

So, what's your excuse?


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Friday, January 21, 2011

THE PARABLE OF...BOB!


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THE PARABLE OF...BOB!

I have a friend named Bob who is very wealthy.  He is also very generous.  The other day he explained to me that his heart is filled with such compassion these days that he feels compelled to give $10,000.00 to anyone who asks him for it...no strings attached.
That's right, all a person has to do is go directly to Bob and personally ask him for it.  There is no "application process" or need for "pre-approval."  All applicants are guaranteed to receive the money.  Upon request, the $10,000.00 will be freely given.  Again, no strings attached.
Even though Answers.com says that there are an estimated 26,000,000 "Bobs" in the worldthere is only One "Bob" in the whole world who is willing and able to give $10,000.00 to anyone who asks.
Anyway, the other day I heard some really strange comments.  A woman by the name of "Oprah" said, 

"I think this is so dogmatic and narrow-minded - thinking that there is only one Bob in the whole world that is willing and able to give $10,000.00 to anyone who asks.  There couldn't possibly be only one Bob."  Hmmm...
And I heard another person say, "I think  Bob should just give everybody the money and not make them have to come to him and ask for it!"  HUH?
And I also overheard one man say to another, "It really doesn't matter which Bob you go to, you'll still get the $10,000.00."  What?
And finally...and this would be really funny if it weren't so sad, I heard one woman declaring to anyone who would listen..."I AM BOB!"
Really?


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Thursday, January 20, 2011

GLENN BECK: RETURN TO GOD? 3


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3
When Glenn Beck encourages people to "Return to God," his request is virtually impotent and worthless.  Why?  Because of the meaning behind the request:
"240 preachers, pastors, priests, rabbis, imams, 
you name it that were on the stage..."
-Glenn Beck, Resoring Honor Rally
Returning to "any god," is the same as returning to "no god."  Sadly, the meaning behind Beck's statement is, "Whoever your God is...whatever God you choose to believe in...return to him/her/it."  
"Can man make gods for himself? 
Yet they are not gods!"
Jeremiah 16:20
The Bible warns,
"Do not be bound together with unbelievers;
for what partnership have righteousness
and lawlessness, or what fellowship
has light with darkness? 
Or what harmony has Christ with Belial,
or what has a believer in common
with an unbeliever?  Or what agreement
has the temple of God with idols?
-2 Corinthians 6:14-16, bold mine
In principle, it's very similar to my illustration  about "Bob."  When I say, "Go ask Bob," unless I tell you the specific person I am referring to, it's highly unlikely that you'll ever wind up with the 10K.  Why?
There are roughly 26 million "Bobs" in the world, but only one that will give you the money.
And there are many "gods" in this world, but  there is only One real God.
Oh sure, there are Hindu gods and an Islamic god and a Mormon god and a Jehovah's Witness god...but there isonly one true and living God, and He alone is this world's only hope.  In Him alone exists the power both to heal and to save.

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Wednesday, January 19, 2011

GLENN BECK: RETURN TO GOD? 2


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2
"Can man make gods for himself?
Yet they are not gods! 

'Therefore behold, I am going to make
them know-- This time I will make
them know My power and My might;
And they shall know that My name is the Lord.'"

Jeremiah 16:19-21, bold mine

Yesterday I began an illustration by saying, 
"Let's say I have a friend named Bob
who is so wealthy and generous
that he is willing to give $10,000.00
to anyone who asks him for it.
Now let's say that you come to me
in need of money and I respond
by saying, 'Go ask Bob.'
 Is that all
the information you need to get the 10K?"
May I suggest that the logical, reasonable, rationable, sensible and actual answer is NO! "Bob" is not enough information.  And here's the reason:
Answers.com guesstimates the number of "Bobs" worldwide at 26 million.  Of those 26,000,000 million "Bobs," how many do you think, a) have the willingness and desire to give $10,000.00 to anyone who asks and, b) have the power and resources to provide $10,000.00 to anyone who asks, and c) is actually my friend? 
That's right!   
Only one.
He who has an ear to hear...let him hear (see Acts 4:12).

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Tuesday, January 18, 2011

GLENN BECK: RETURN TO GOD? 1


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1

"The only thing that I think's
gonna get us out of this mess
is a return to God."

-Glenn Beck

I appreciate the sentiment, I really do.  In fact, if someone were to ask me, "What does this country need to do to return to the country that it once was?"  My response would be, "Repent, and return to God"(see Malachi 3:6-7). 

However, when Glenn Beck says, "Return to God."  And I say, "Return to God," we are not saying the same thing.  Yes, the words are exactly the same, but the meaning of the words are completely different.  Let me explain.

Let's say I have a friend named Bob who is so wealthy and generous that he is willing to give $10,000.00 to anyone who asks him for it.  Now let's say that you come to me in need of money and I respond by saying,"Go ask Bob."

QUESTION:  Is that all the information you need to get the 10K?

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Friday, January 14, 2011

NARROW IS THE ROAD 3


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NARROW IS THE ROAD

3

As I said, The Bible is EXTREMELY dogmatic and narrow-minded, but for me this has always been a validation of its veracity.  For creation itself, as well as the human being made in the likeness of God, radically reflects the personality and nature of the God of the Bible.  Practically, I think God has every right to set things up any way He chooses, don't you?  After all, He is God, right?

The Bible dogmatically and narrow-mindedly teaches that there is only one way to get to heaven and only those who know God, through Jesus Christ, will get in (see John 17:314:6 Matthew 7:21-2325:41Acts 4:12Romans 10:9-10).

The Bible dogmatically and narrow-mindedly teaches that there is a hell, a place where all those who do not know God (in other words, those who reject Him), will live eternally separated from Him (seeMatthew 25:41, 46).

The Bible dogmaticaly and narrow-mindedly teaches that salvation is only available through Jesus Christ:
"And there is salvation in no one else.
For no other name under heaven has
been given among men by which
you must be saved."
Acts 4:12, bold mine

Jesus Himself dogmatically and narrow-mindedly taught that He is the ONLY way, the ONLY truth, and the ONLY life.  He further affirmed that NO ONE could come to God except through Him (see John 14:6).

So, the next time you hear someone protest that the Bible is too dogmatic and narrow-minded, try my response...

ABSOLUTELY!




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Thursday, January 13, 2011

NARROW IS THE ROAD 2


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NARROW IS THE ROAD

2

Human beings have only one way to see...through their eyes, only one way to hear...through their ears, only one way to breathe...through their lungs...pretty narrow-minded and dogmatic don't you think?

Have you ever thought about the "narrow-mindedness" of gravity?  The man says, "That's ridiculous!  I should be able to fly like the birds."  So he hurls himself off of a forty story building.  Regardless of his convictions...the result is death.

Have you ever thought about the "narrow-mindedness" of oxygen?  But the woman says, "That's absurd!  I should be able to breathe without oxygen."  So she throws herself into the ocean with ankle-weights. Regardless of her resolve...the result is death.

Have you ever thought about the "narrow-mindedness" of the human need for food and water?  But the man says, "That's not right!  I don't like the taste of food and water.  I'm going to eat mud and drink gasoline."  So he does...and he dies.

And the university professor proclaims, "I will not accept a belief system that only allows for one way to heaven."  Can you guess the result?

I think that one who argues against Christianity because if its narrow-mindedness would do well to think a little more deeply.
"For since the creation of the world
His invisible attributes, His eternal power
and divine nature have been clearly seen,
being understood through what has been
made, so that they are without excuse."
Romans 1:20

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Wednesday, January 12, 2011

NARROW IS THE ROAD 1


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NARROW IS THE ROAD

1

"Enter through the narrow gate;
for the gate is wide and the way
is broad that leads to destruction,
and there are many who enter through it. 
"For the gate is small and the way
is narrow that leads to life,
and there are few who find it."

Matthew 7:13-14, bold mine
I've always marveled at cults such as Islam andMormonism* that include the Bible in their list of "good books."  In reality, the Bible utterly contradicts and absolutely rejects such belief systems (seeDeuteronomy 4:212:32Proverbs 30:5-6Revelation 22:18-19). 
I've also often been amazed at the arguments ofotherwise intelligent people who discredit Christianity because they believe it is too "dogmatic & narrow-minded."

My response to this criticism has always been...YOU'RE RIGHT!  The Bible is EXTREMELY dogmatic and narrow-minded (when I say to you, "I am the only father of my two daughters, Alison and Jennifer, and they have no other dad besides me," wouldn't you describe me as being "dogmatic and narrow-minded?")

All of creation, including the human being made in the likeness of God, radically reflects the personality and nature of the God of the Bible.
More tomorrow.

*For an in-depth discussion on Mormonism, please click on, Mormonism:  Christianity or Cult?

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Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Birds & Fish Mysteriously Dying... Religulous!?


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Birds & Fish Mysteriously Dying...
Religulous!?

"Listen to the word of the Lord...
For the Lord has a case against
the inhabitants of the land
,
because there is no faithfulness or...
knowledge of God in the land."

-Hosea 4:1, bold mine
I'm sure glad that God is talking about the old Israelites and not the people of the United States of America.  And I'm sure glad that none of that "Old Testament Stuff" could possibly apply to us today (or seeRomans 15:4 for the truth).
"There is only cursing, lying and murder,
stealing and adultery; they break all bounds,
and bloodshed follows bloodshed. 
 
Because of this...
the birds of the air and
the fish of the sea are dying.
"
-Hosea 4:2-3, bold mine (NIV)

Wow!  How weird would that be?!  The mysterious deaths of birds and fish because of the bankrupt moral condition of the people that God so dearly loves.  I'm sure glad those Old Testament stories are just "myths and fairy tales"* (or see what Jesus said inMatthew 5:18-19).
"My people are destroyed
for lack of knowledge... 
Because you have rejected knowledge...
Since you have forgotten
the law of your God,
I also will forget your children.  
The more they multiplied,
the more they sinned against Me;
I will change their glory into shame."
-Hosea 4:6-7, bold mine

Man, that was some wild stuff that God use to speak through those guys (ie Hosea) back in the day.  I'm sure glad that doesn't happen anymore! (or see Malachi 3:6 Hebrews 13:8).
Aren't you?
*Bill Mahr, Religulous.

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Friday, January 7, 2011

SO YOU WANNA BE LIKE JESUS? ...REALLY? 3


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SO YOU WANNA BE LIKE JESUS?
...REALLY?

3

"Do nothing from selfishness...
but with humility of mind
regard one another as more important 
than yourselves; do not merely
look out for your own personal interests,
but also for the interests of others. 
Have this attitude in yourselves
which was also in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 2:3-5, bold mine

Do NOTHING! from selfishness?  Are you kidding me?  I thought the "golden rule" was good enough.  You know, "Do unto others as..." (see Matthew 7:12).

"Bless those who curse you,
pray for those who mistreat you...
Bless those who persecute you;
bless and do not curse...
Do not be overcome by evil,
but overcome evil with good."

-Luke 6:28, bold mine
see Romans 12:13-21


Again...ARE YOU KIDDING ME! 

About 25 years ago I adopted as my own personal life mission statement:

To get to know Jesus Christ
and Represent Him in Everything I do.

You know what?  I gotta be honest with you...

I HAD NO IDEA WHAT I WAS GETTING MYSELF INTO!!!

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Thursday, January 6, 2011

SO YOU WANNA BE LIKE JESUS? ...REALLY? 2


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SO YOU WANNA BE LIKE JESUS?
...REALLY?

2
"For this finds favor, if for the sake
of conscience toward God a person
bears up under sorrows when suffering
unjustly
.  For what credit is there if,
when you sin and are harshly treated,
you endure it with patience?
But if when you do what is right
and suffer for it
 you patiently endure it,
this finds favor with God."
1 Peter 2:19-20, bold mine

Suffering is a part of God's plan for all followers of Christ.  Did you know this?  Do you know the Bible well enough to believe it?  And I can hear someone sincerely ask..."Where?"  Thanks for asking!  Actually...the very next verse!
"For you have been called for this purpose,
since Christ also suffered for you,
leaving you an example for you
to follow in His steps."

1 Peter 2:21, bold mine
Indeed, all followers of Christ are "called for the purpose of suffering."  However, here's the key!  Not just suffering for the sake of suffering, but suffering for the sake of righteousness (see above, verse 20).  Suffering for the kingdom and glory of God.
AND IT GETS WORSE! (or better, depending on your perspective).  Not just "suffering for the sake of righteousness," but patiently enduring the suffering that you are unjustly enduring! see above, verse 20).
AND EVEN WORSE! (or better, depending on how you look at it),
"While being reviled, He did not revile
in return; while suffering, he uttered
no threats,
 but kept entrusting Himself
to Him who judges righteously."
1 Peter 2:23bold mine
Every follower of Jesus is "called" to:
Patiently endure unjust suffering
while leaving their reputation
in God's hands...
for 
this finds favor with God.
-pastor Brad's paraphrase,
1 Peter 2:19-23
Sooo...you still wanna be like Jesus?
REALLY?


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