Don't Self Destruct. Read your Bible.

Don’t you love it when some agency or group spends hundreds of thousands of dollars to come up with some profound realization that you already knew about?

Live Science has an article listing the top 10 Paths to Self Destruction. After reading them, I thought about the fact that if these guys had just read their Bibles once in a while, they could have discovered these truths without spending all that money!

Here are the top 10 ways to self destruct according to their research. Beside each one I’ve listed some verses of Scripture that we can all adhere to and avoid these paths to self destruction.

1.Consistently get less than 7 or 8 hours sleep a night

“I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:8

“When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet. Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.” Proverbs 3:24-26

2.Don’t get yearly physicals

“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” I Corinthians 6:19

3. Don’t exercise your brain

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” II Timothy 2:15

“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” Proverbs 4:7

4.Be promiscuous

“Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” James 4:4

“For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh.” Mark 10:7-8

“Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.” Proverbs 5:18

5. Drive everywhere you go, without a seatbelt – and eat and talk on the phone while you’re doing it

“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31

“Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.” I Corinthians 9:24

6. Drink lots of alcohol

“Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” Proverbs 20:1

7. Stay stressed out

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Philippians 4:6

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
Philippians 4:8

8. Watch lots of television

“Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.” Proverbs 4:15

9. Smoke tobacco
and
10. Eat fat-laden, sugar-heavy junk food in large quantities

“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” I Corinthians 6:19

Man always thinks he makes all the discoveries and has all the answers. But God says

“The wise men are ashamed, they are dismayed and taken: lo, they have rejected the word of the LORD; and what wisdom is in them?” Jeremiah 8:9

The Most Misused Verse in all of Scripture

People have used Scripture to justify everything from handling venomous snakes (Mark 16:18) to being physically out of shape (I Timothy 4:8). There are whole denominations based on just one passage of Scripture that has been misinterpreted or taken out of context. Christians are the most guilty of this misuse, but non-believers are often guilty as well.

I’ve heard non-believers justify all of the following with Scripture:

polytheism
racism
homosexuality
universalism
anger
genocide
polygamy
slavery
drug use

Though failed attempts have been made to justify all of the above with Scripture, the single most misused passage of Scripture in this writer’s opinion is Matthew 7:1. Before you run off to get your Bible, here it is:

“Judge not, that ye be not judged.”

This passage is rarely used the way it was intended. Instead, it is primarily used to justify sin. Makes sense, doesn’t it? If you are in sin, and don’t want to give it up, and have no intentions of even trying to give it up, then the last thing you want is for someone to point it out to you. You know it’s sin. You know God says it’s sin. You just don’t want to hear anybody else say it. So when someone confronts you with your sin, it’s “Judge not…!”

Here’s the whole picture presented in Matthew:

Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.

Luke adds this :

For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

We are not to judge a man’s heart or his motives. Only God can do that, because only God is omniscient.
We are to examine ourselves first and seek God’s wisdom and guidance in dealing with our own sins. That should be our primary focus.

Having said that, I point out the verse “Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye: and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.” Notice that the second part of this sentence indicates that once we have examined ourselves and dealt with our own sin, THEN we are to help our brother to see the sin in his life as well.

Are we to point out sin?
The Bible commands us to do so…

“When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.” Ezekiel 3:18

How are we to point out sin in others’ lives?

We’re to do it with compassion, with kindness, and with love.
But we are to point it out.

Why are we to point out sin?
#1. Because we are commanded to do so. (Ezekiel 3:18)
#2. Because until the lost realize their sin, they'll see no need for a Saviour
#3. Because the saved should never stop growing spiritually and becoming more like Christ


And when others come to us and likewise point out our sin to us, we’re to receive it in the same spirit in which we are to confront others with their sin.

What's Bugging You?

"And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever." Revelation 5:13

God created a truly amazing world that we live in.

This is a little off the subject for my blog, but I thought some of you might be interested in this website I happened on a while back.

God has created so many interesting, unique and delightful creatures in this world, and this site focuses on the creepy crawly creatures, of which I am a fan. Guess raising three boys kept me from screaming "eek" every time they brought home a new bug, snake, or other critter. If you are squeamish, you won't want to visit, because the photos are up close and personal - beautiful as a matter of fact.

Anyway, if something is bugging you, this might be the place to find out exactly what it is: What's That Bug?

Beware of your Enemy

Everyone on the face of this earth has a common enemy. He hates us all - whether lost or saved. He seeks to destroy all. His name is Satan.

It’s no surprise that those who deny the existence of God will deny the existence of Satan.

What is a surprise is how many so-called Christians and pastors reject belief in a literal Devil. This is especially true in what is called Liberal Christianity. Most liberals regard the existence of Satan as a myth, just as they believe Adam and Eve and most of the Bible are myths.

Ignorance of Satan is dangerous, because he is then able to move about freely in our lives with us being unaware of what is happening. Scripture warns us about being ignorant of Satan: “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.” (II Corinthians 2:11)

Satan is very real. He is mentioned in 26 of the 66 books of the Bible, 7 of them being in the Old Testament and 19 of the 27 New Testament books. Jesus Himself mentions the Devil numerous times.

Satan is not just an “evil force”. He has the three basic characteristics of personality: mind, will, and emotion. He is the opposite of Christ. He is NOT Jesus’ brother, as the Mormons teach.

He is the author of pride. When we are prideful, we are most like Satan.

In Isaiah, Satan says, “I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation…I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.” Isaiah 14:13-14. Contrast this with the words of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane: “...Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” Luke 22:42.

Satan is a great imitator of God. He is a counterfeiter. He has his own doctrines, which are contrary to God’s doctrines. Some or all of these doctrines are embraced by so-called Christian churches all over the world today.

The Word is not inspired
The Birth of Christ was not divine
The Morals of Christ are not absolute
The Miracles of Christ didn’t happen
The Way of Christ is not the only way
The Blood of Christ does not save
The Resurrection of Christ did not happen
The Return of Christ will not happen

Does your church teach any of the above doctrines?

Satan was the first to cast doubt on God’s Word. “Yea, hath God said…?” (Genesis 3:1). Does your church cast doubt on God's Word?

He was the first to deny God’s Word “…Ye shall not surely die.” (Genesis 3:4).Does your church deny God's Word?

Just as God has a plan for your life, Satan also has a plan for your life. He wants to destroy it. If you are lost, he wants you to stay that way so that you will share his fate in the pits of hell someday. If you are saved, he wants to make you an ineffective Christian. He wants to ruin your witness and your testimony.

How are we to combat Satan? Not by focusing on him, or trying to “cast him out” as some religious movements today teach. Scripture tells us exactly how to combat him. Turn from Satan and towards God.

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you...” James 4:7-8

Be aware of your enemy.

To My Great God

I lift these words up in thanksgiving to my awesome and powerful God, Who is always watching over me.

Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; therefore I shall not slide.

Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.

For thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth.

I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers.

I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked.

I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O LORD:

That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.

LORD, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth.

Gather not my soul with sinners, nor my life with bloody men:

In whose hands is mischief, and their right hand is full of bribes.

But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity: redeem me, and be merciful unto me.

My foot standeth in an even place: in the congregations will I bless the LORD.

Psalm 26

Liberal Christianity - a False Religion

In the world of Christianity, there are two camps – the Liberals and the Fundamentalists. One is a false religion.

Fundamentalists: Believe that the Bible is THE direct, from-the mouth-of-God, infallible, preserved Word of God as it proclaims itself to be. Therefore our faith in God, Who we perceive God to be, how we look at the world, Who we believe Jesus is, and what we believe about our purpose here on earth and what we believe about how we obtain eternal life in heaven with God is all based on the Bible. We don’t base our beliefs on our feelings, our wants or needs, the teachings of any man, or societal norms. The Bible is our handbook to our faith, our revelation from God to us. We live by, depend on, and die by Scripture.

Liberal Christians:

don’t believe in the Bible as the literal Word of God
don’t believe in a literal Adam and Eve
don’t believe the Biblical account of creation
don’t believe in miracles
don’t believe in the inspiration of Scripture
don’t believe in the preservation of Scripture
don’t believe in a need for a Savior
don’t worship the same Jesus
don’t believe in the coming Rapture and Judgment

base their beliefs on “feelings”
base their beliefs on teachings
base their beliefs on their own personal agendas
base their beliefs on their own wants and needs

disagree with God on how the earth was created
disagree with God on what is sin
disagree with God on when life begins
disagree with God on what constitutes sexual sin
disagree with God on His ability to preserve His Word
disagree with God on Who Jesus was and is
disagree with God on His requirements for salvation

decide for themselves what in the Bible is true and what is not
decide for themselves Who God is
decide for themselves what sin is and what sin is not
decide for themselves Who Jesus was and is
decide for themselves what Jesus taught
decide for themselves what the Gospel is
decide for themselves what constitutes a Christian

Liberals don’t believe that the Bible is the Word of God. They believe it is inspired, only in the same way that a writer such as Shakespeare was inspired

They don’t believe we have an accurate Bible today (no doubt all the new corrupted versions out today that are based on the Minority texts have helped to confuse them in this area)

Because they pick and choose what they believe from the Bible, they negate any argument they may have with a Fundamentalist who does believe the Bible is the Word of God - because if the Bible is not really the word of God, then who are they to tell us which parts of it are true and which parts of it are not? There can be no intelligent discussion with a liberal about the Christian faith, because they have nothing to base their faith on but their own man-made beliefs.
Fundamentalists may disagree on occasion about the interpretation of Scripture, but all Fundamentalists believe that Scripture is THE WORD of God, and we should strive to be as the Berean believers and search the Scriptures daily, whether things are so.(Acts 17:11)

Liberals have a right to believe what they want to believe. But their faith is not the faith of Scripture. It is man-made. That is not my judgment. That is their truth by their own admission.

It is impossible for both camps to be right.

The liberal’s camp is based on feelings.

The Fundamentalist Christian’s camp is based on Scripture.

The two cannot be reconciled. One is a false religion.

Which camp are you in?


“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” II Timothy 3:16-17

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” II Timothy 2:15

Not Just a Holiday

I wanted to share with you a quick story of something that happened recently to me at the local Target store.

I was in the store buying some odds and ends. When I went to the check-out counter, the clerk there took care of my purchases and then said, "Have a blessed holiday". To which I replied, smiling, "I know you can't say this, but I can. Have a blessed Christmas!".

She stood there a moment looking at me, in what seemed like minutes, no doubt mulling over what she'd most likely been commanded to do by her superiors in reference to mentioning Christmas, and then as though God nudged her just a little, she proclaimed in a low but almost defiant voice, "I'm not under the law. I'm under grace. And YOU have a blessed Christmas too!" She then quickly glanced around, no doubt to see if any of the other clerks or supervisors had heard her, and then smiled. I said "Amen, sister" and joyfully left the store, knowing that the Holy Spirit protects His own and keeps us straight!

Homosexuality - Identity or Behavior?

If you say something enough times, people will start to believe it, regardless of whether it is true or not.

Homosexuals are born that way.

Really?

Homosexuals like to say “I was born this way”, or “God made me like this.” I’ve also heard “I’m a woman trapped inside a man’s body,” or “I’m a man trapped inside a woman’s body.”

Certain studies have seemed to show that maybe homosexuality is genetic. Supposedly, a “gay gene” has been found. But when you look closer at these studies, their claims fall apart.

Dr. Simon Levay of the Salk Institute was one of the first to come out with a study seeming to indicate that homosexuality is genetic. His research included about three dozen men – a little more than half were homosexual and the others were heterosexual. He found that the part of the brain called the hypothalamus was generally smaller in homosexuals than in heterosexuals. This led him to conclude that it suggested that “sexual orientation has a biologic substrate”.

The homosexual advocates ran with it. It was all over the news, it was proclaimed as fact: homosexuals are born that way.

Dr. Levay, who is himself an open homosexual, actually admitted publicly that he did not prove that homosexuality is genetic, he did not prove men were born that way, nor did he find a “gay center” in the brain. In fact, all 19 of the homosexual subjects ended up dying from complications of AIDS, and there is evidence that the disease itself contributed to the differences in the two groups of men.

In other research, identical and fraternal twins were studied. One of the two researchers, Richard Pillard, was also openly gay. It was discovered that of 56 sets of identical twins, 52 percent were both homosexual – again, the homosexual activists pointed to the results saying it proved there was a gay gene. However, what is not said of their findings was that there were identical twins where only one of the twins was homosexual. If homosexuality was genetic, then just like eye color, sexual orientation would be identical.

In the 1970’s, Robert Spencer was instrumental in getting homosexuality taken of the list of mental disorders by the American Psychiatric Association. At the time, he was convinced that sexual orientation could not be reversed. However, he has since changed his mind and publicly stated that he believes he was wrong and that some people can and do change.

To say that “God made me this way” is to mock God. God clearly says in Scripture that homosexuality is a sin, and that would make God the author of sin, which He is not. To say that you are” a woman trapped inside a man’s body” is to say that God made a serious mistake, which would mean He was not a perfect God.

It’s one thing to for me to hear lost people say these things. It is quite another to hear people who claim to be Christian say them. Homosexuality is a choice. It is not an identity. It is a sin just like adultery, promiscuity, fornication, incest, bestiality, or any other sexual sin. Does everybody struggle with this sin? No. Are some people more prone to it than others? Yes. But that doesn’t change the fact that it is a behavior – a choice – not who someone is.

I’ve had and still have people close to me who are either in or were at one time in the homosexual lifestyle. The overwhelming majority of them were molested as children or came from an extremely dysfunctional family. They weren’t born that way. Their circumstances, their environment, led them to that sin for one reason or another. There is no "adultery gene". There is no "incest gene" or "promiscuity gene". There is no "gay gene".

We as Christians have to reach out to our homosexual friends and family and let them know they can overcome that sin just like any other sin. We can't let them believe the lie - that they can't change - they are destined to that lifestyle. We have to tell them in love that they were NOT born that way, so that they don’t give up and succumb to a life of heartache, medical problems, and emotional distress, thinking that they have no choice. And we have to let them know that their sin has been paid for on the cross of Calvary, and Jesus is waiting for them to come to Him for healing, for forgiveness, for strength to change, and for an abundant life.

The True Face of Islam

This needs no comment, no introduction. Just watch it. And then realize in whose name the evil is being perpetrated.

The Persecuted

Islam - the religion of peace.

Stay the Course

If you are someone who calls himself a liberal Christian, you may want to skip this post,because you will disagree with most, if not all of it anyway.

This is for those of you who, like I, believe that the Bible is the Word of God, not just a good book to read. This post is directed toward those of you who have been born again, not who decided one day to be a Christian.


Isaiah 51:6

“Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath: for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished.”

Do not be discouraged, Christian, with the world around you.

“If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.” John 15:19

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This is what God says about His Word:(Take the time to really read these verses)

"Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy word is truth." John 17:17

"Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of Thy righteous judgments endureth for ever." Psalms 119:160

"I will worship toward Thy holy temple, and praise Thy name for Thy lovingkindness and for Thy truth: for Thou hast magnified Thy word above all Thy name." Psalms 138:2

"Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded." Proverbs 13:13

"Every word of God is pure: He is a shield unto them that put their trust in Him." Proverbs 30:5

"I have manifested Thy name unto the men which Thou gavest me out of the world: Thine they were, and Thou gavest them Me; and they have kept Thy word." John 17:6

My KJV Bible IS THE WORD of God. In it is everything I need to learn how to become more like my Savior, Jesus Christ. I must strive constantly to be growing spiritually, and cannot do that without knowing what His Word has to say, and then actually applying what I've learned into my own life. But I CAN trust EVERY WORD. I don't have to figure out which parts I can believe and which parts I can discard. I can trust all of it, because God is the author - it is "God-breathed".

Be encouraged, Christian. Stay the course. Don't quit. Stay in the Word, don't just talk about it. Read it, study it, memorize it, and most of all, apply it.

"I have given them Thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world." John 17:14

Leading Worship...or Pleasing the Crowd?

I was on a blog yesterday that focuses on the worship aspect of church services, and was amazed to actually read this:

"I get excited when I some of our worship team start becoming Christians." What? My friend … and I were standing in the middle of a Vineyard Community Church in Cincinnati, Ohio. The comment came from the worship pastor. I remember looking at him and saying "Huh?" He went on to say that they used musicians from all walks of life. Many of them were in other bands, touring the local scene. He did make the comment that he rarely had a problem with musicians who normally played the bars. They wouldn't complain about monitors and other things, they were just happy to play. They were in a good atmosphere and some were becoming followers of Christ. No doubt they were highly skilled. Skill outranks spirituality.

On the other side of the coin …another worship leader maintained that you should always use totally devoted Christians. He contended that worship is sacred and should be led by those who have given their life to Christ. Spirituality outranks skill.
So which is it? Is it a requirement that your worship team be followers of Jesus? Does it matter? Do you base your requirements on spiritual maturity or skill?
This question has to be wrestled with. What do you think?

I can’t believe this is actually a question to be wrestled with. Why not go to God’s Word to find the answer? God says many times throughout Scripture that he will not hear our prayers unless our hearts are right.

“Surely God will not hear vanity, neither will the Almighty regard it.” Job 35:13

“If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:” Psalm 66:18

“But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” Isaiah 59:2

And if He will not hear our prayers when our hearts are not right, what makes anyone think He will hear our worship if led by unbelievers?

“Though ye offer me burnt offerings and your meat offerings, I will not accept them: neither will I regard the peace offerings of your fat beasts. Take thou away from me the noise of thy songs; for I will not hear the melody of thy viols.” Amos 5:22-23

How can a lost person worship God? How can an unbeliever lead believers in worship?

I sing on the Praise Team at my church. I know that I am not worthy to be there. We all know that. And much of our practice time each week is devoted to prayer and supplication. We seek God’s Holy Spirit guidance on the songs we sing, on the way we sing them, and even when we sing them. Our wish is to encourage the members of the congregation to enter into worship with us. And ultimately, we as a praise team do worship God, and do so regardless of whether the rest of the church does or not – because He is to be worshipped and adored. Those that do not participate are the ones who are missing out.

A lost person – whether they are a singer or a musician, should not be in a position of leading worship. That serves only to grieve the Holy Spirit. And for a church to knowingly utilize unbelievers in the music service is to sacrifice true worship on the altar of “crowd pleasing”. Far too many churches today, I’m afraid, have come to this point. The Bible is clear. God is not pleased with that.

“God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” John 4:24

November 7th Elections - Those Who Rejoiced

November 7th – Those Who Rejoiced

To give you an idea on what the November 7th election will mean to this country, one must look at those who are rejoicing over the results.

Those who are rejoicing:
Hugo Chavez
Terrorists
European leftists
Globalists
Mexico’s President
Atheists
Hezbollah
Homosexual Activists
Illegal Aliens
Abortionists
Cindy Sheehan
Al Quida
Most of Hollywood
Liberals

Those who are not rejoicing:

Born again Christians
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My son called me after the elections. Why, Mom? What is happening to this country? He and wife just had their first child (my first granddaughter) and he worries about the country (and the world) that she will be living in.

The Democratic platform stands against Christianity – against a strong military, for abortion, for homosexuality, against the sanctity of marriage, against God in the public arena, against the very sovereignty of this nation…the list goes on and on.

Just a few thoughts about the turn that this country has taken – and make no mistake about it - it is a major turn.

The Bible tells us that in the end times Christians will be persecuted, hunted down, and killed for their faith. During the reign of the anti-Christ, Christians will be beheaded. They won’t be allowed to buy or sell anything without the mark. They’ll be considered criminals. Today, all over the world, Christians are already being persecuted for their faith. But the United States? Sure – we Christians are being shoved out of the public arena, but surely physical persecution could never happen here.

Wrong.

Once the leadership – those in power- are are all non-Christians, then Christians will be fair game. After all, who will stop it? We’re already seen as narrow-minded, holier-than-thou, judgmental and extremist. Heck, Rosie O’Donnell says we’re as dangerous as the Islamofacists. If we’re seen as “haters” (a favorite moniker of the radical homosexual movement to describe Christians) then it won’t seem like such a bad idea to round us up and put us where we can’t “hurt” anybody.

Tuesday vote was another gradual step in that direction. Liberals laugh as you may at Christians’ belief in the coming Rapture and Tribulation. You are not unlike the ones who will laugh as Christians are hunted down and executed for their faith and for their refusal to join the new world religion and bow down to the anti-Christ.

So in a way, this turn of events actually takes us another step in that direction.

Bittersweet.

Clash of Cultures - Death vs Life

My friend Heath pointed out an interesting verse of Scripture to me Sunday. I'll give it to you shortly, but I have to preface it first.

The differences between Islam and Christianity are so numerous, that there should be no doubt that the god of Islam is NOT the God of the Bible. This post will concentrate on just one of the major differences.

Islam is a culture of death. Christianity is a culture of life.

Now for the verse Heath gave me.

What does the God of the Bible say about those that love death?

“But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.” Proverbs 8:36

This is Islam:

"You [Khosru and his people] should convert to Islam, and then you will be safe, for if you don't, you should know that I have come to you with an army of men that love death, as you love life." - Khalid ibn Al-Walid, at the Battle of Quadisiyya in 636 AD

"...all they that hate me love death."

"We tell them, in as much as you love life, the Muslim loves death and martyrdom. There is a great difference between he who loves the hereafter and he who loves this world. The Muslim loves death and [strives for] martyrdom." – Chief Palestinian Authority cleric Mufti Sheikh Ikrimeh Sabri.

"...all they that hate me love death."

"We have discovered how to hit the Jews where they are the most vulnerable. The Jews love life, so that is what we shall take away from them. We are going to win, because they love life and we love death." – Hezbollah’s Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah.

"...all they that hate me love death."

"The Americans are fighting so they can live and enjoy the material things in life. But we are fighting so we can die in the cause of God." – Mohammed Hussein Mostassed , a Taliban official.

"...all they that hate me love death."


"There are thousands of the Islamic nation's youths who are eager to die just as the Americans are eager to live." - Sulaiman Abu Ghaith, a spokesman for Osama bin Laden."

"...all they that hate me love death."

[al-Ma'idah 5:51] O ye who believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians for friends. They are friends one to another. He among you who taketh them for friends is (one) of them. Lo! Allah guideth not wrongdoing folk.

[an-Nisa' 4:89] They long that ye should disbelieve even as they disbelieve, that ye may be upon a level (with them). So choose not friends from them till they forsake their homes in the way of Allah; if they turn back (to enmity) then take them and kill them wherever ye find them, and choose no friend nor helper from among them,

This is Christianity:

“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10

“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;” Matthew 5:44

“He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.” 1 John 2:9

“Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” Romans 13:10

“But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.” 1 John 2:11

“For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” Galatians 5:14

“Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.” 1 John 3:15

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23

“If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?” 1 John 4:20

"For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye." Ezekiel 18:32

Ms. vs Mrs.

I have noticed that there is a new person who has come on the scene recently who calls him/herself "Mrs. Green" and is posting in some of the same blogs I post in. Since this person is posting anonymously (no blog link for them) I think it's safe to say that part of their reason in doing so is to cause confusion between them and me. Mrs. Green is a liberal and somewhat irritable individual who does not like Christians too much (see the comment in response to my post entitled Taking Over from Within).

Just wanted those of you who have grown to know me over the last few months and who know where I stand on most issues to be aware of this individual just in case they end up posting something that seems uncharacteristic of me - and to please do a double take to see whether it was indeed I who posted or this other anonymous "Mrs" Green. Anytime you are unsure, just click on their name to see if it brings you back to my blog here or somewhere else.

Christians Backed Into a Corner - Do We Fight?

My new friend Herman referred me to this article in today’s London Telegraph. For those of you that don’t take the time to go read the article, here is a synopsis:

In England, where the attack on Christianity is more advanced than even here in the States, A leading church group (Evangelical Alliance) is suggesting that “violent revolution should be regarded as a viable response if government legislation encroaches further on basic religious rights.”

In England, as in the US, Christians are being stifled when it comes to publicly professing their faith, and as in the US, God is being forced out of the public arena back behind the church doors (link). The Government is even looking at making it illegal to witness to others in public.

Is there a point where Christians should resort to violence? I fail to find anything in the New Testament that would say such. The Old Testament Jews, yes, were ordered directly by God at times to deal with wicked pagan cultures, but God does not speak to us today in the same way that He did during Old Testament times. Jesus never advocated overthrowing governments or offensive measures to spread the Gospel. However, there is Scripture to support defensive measures, both verbally and physically. If that is what the group in England is proposing, I am in agreement with it. Civil disobedience, if to obey would be contrary to God’s commands, is perfectly acceptable, as well as non-violent resistance to non-violent aggression. And, if physically attacked, we have a right to defend ourselves.

What I fear, as a result of this group’s report, is that Christians will now be lumped in with the radical Islamofacists as being a threat to society, when in actuality, this Christian group’s response is the result of seeing things like Muslim women being allowed to wear their veils in public schools and office buildings, but Christians being banned from wearing a simple cross around their necks. The same thing is going on in this country, with public schools actually requiring students to “practice Islam” as part of their education, but Christians being unable to express their faith in any fashion, shape or form.

A born again believer sees this as just one more step toward the One World Religion spoken of in the book of Revelation, and the precursor to the great Christian persecution that is to come during the reign of the anti-christ.

“…We ought to obey God rather than men.” Acts 5:29

“Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.” Luke 22:36

“When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword? And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear. And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.” Luke 22:49-51

And let us not forget the ultimate weapon:

“And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:” Ephesians 6:17

While you're voting next week (you ARE voting, aren't you?) take a look at the names of these politicians who voted against making English the official language of the United States. What's the common denominator? Take a guess.

Read Barry's post over at Band of Bloggers.

Hypocrites

Hypocrite:

1 : a person who puts on a false appearance of virtue or religion
2 : a person who acts in contradiction to his or her stated beliefs or feelings

Are Christians hypocrites? At times,yes. The definition of hypocrite applies to every human being who ever walked the face of the earth except for Jesus Christ. So when people tell me they don’t accept Christianity because it is full of hypocrites, I tell them that by not getting saved, they are letting hypocrites come between them and God. And, by the way, just because a person doesn’t go to church and isn’t a Christian, it doesn’t mean that they aren’t also a hypocrite. Because all of us, Christian and non-Christian alike, act in contradiction to our stated beliefs or feelings sometimes. That is why salvation is through grace and not works. (“For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” John 1:17)

And holier-than-thou? I’ve heard that one too. “You Christians have a ‘holier-than-thou’ attitude. At least I’m not a hypocrite.”

Actually, by saying “At least I’m not a hypocrite”, you are projecting a “holier-than-thou” attitude yourself.

So you see, what God says in Scripture about us all is true.

“Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” Romans 3:22-23

“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:” Romans 3:10

Having said that, I point back to a post a made in June, entitled “A World without Christians”.

Try to picture:
A world that is entirely Muslim
A world that is entirely homosexual
A world that is entirely atheist

All of those scenarios are much more frightening than the world we live in today.

And at some point in the future, there will actually be a time in the world when there are no Christians. The Holy Spirit, Who is the restrainer of evil, will be removed. And the world will become a very very scary and evil place. Much worse than anything mankind has seen to date.

You don’t want to be here then, I assure you. Because it will also be the time of God’s wrath. And He won’t hold back this time. (“The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:” Revelation 14:10)

“When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die.” Ezekiel 18:26

“Again, when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive.” Ezekiel 18:27

Kerry Kerry Quite Contrary

No use in rehashing John Kerry's recent faux pas except to say that after hearing his half-hearted apology/explanation, he evidently thinks the American public is as stupid as he thinks the troops are.
I think he ought to get a real job.

Christians and Cremation

Someone asked me the other day what I thought about Christians choosing to be cremated.

Is it sinful? Does God care? What difference does it make whether someone is buried or cremated?

My search of Scripture failed to find anything that specifically condemned cremation. I don’t believe it is sinful to do so, but my personal conviction is that I want to be buried – not cremated.

First of all, cremation has historically been a pagan custom. To some, it supposedly “frees the spirit” at death. Others believe it is part of the reincarnation process. For instance, Hindus cremate the bodies and then sprinkle the ashes into the Ganges River. Pagan religions deny the bodily resurrection. That is one of the main reasons I choose a traditional Christian burial.

Secondly, God specifically speaks in Scripture about bodies being buried:

“His body shall not remain all night upon the tree, but thou shalt in any wise bury him that day; (for he that is hanged is accursed of God;) that thy land be not defiled, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.” Deuteronomy 21:23

“And after this, Abraham buried Sarah his wife in the cave of the field of Machpelah before Mamre: the same is Hebron in the land of Canaan.” Genesis 23:19

“And the field, and the cave that is therein, were made sure unto Abraham for a possession of a buryingplace by the sons of Heth.” Genesis 23:20

“There they buried Abraham and Sarah his wife; there they buried Isaac and Rebekah his wife; and there I buried Leah.” Genesis 49:31

“So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD. And he buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, over against Bethpeor: but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day.” Deuteronomy 34:5-6

Rebekah’s nurse Deborah was buried
Rachel was buried
Miriam was buried
Aaron was buried
Moses was buried
Gideon was buried
David was buried
Solomon was buried
Lazarus was buried
John the Baptist was buried
Jesus was buried

In the cases I found in Scripture where bodies were burned, it was either for sanitary reasons (lepers were to be burned outside the camp) or as a sign of judgment.

“And he slew all the priests of the high places that were there upon the altars, and burned men's bones upon them, and returned to Jerusalem.” II Kings 23:20

Achan and his family were cremated as judgment. (Joshua chapter 7)

Burial is a part of the Gospel:

“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;… For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:” I Corinthians 15:1-4

Is it a sin to be cremated? No. Can God resurrect a person’s ashes? Of course He can. But cremation is a poor witness to the lost. Being buried, along with a Christian funeral, gives opportunity to witness to the lost about the hope of resurrection. I personally know people who have actually gotten saved at funerals! Fire is for the lost and thank Jesus, resurrection of the body is for the saved!

And on a side note - I'm hoping to avoid either one and praying for the Rapture!