Why, why did it take so long for help to go to those devastated by hurricane Katrina? Why did the National Guard not help people evacuate before she hit? Why does our "Christian" President call what happened an act of Mother Nature? Why did he wait 4 days after Katrina hit to tour the destruction and start sending help? Would the response have been so slow if it would have happened in his brother's state of Florida or in his own state of Texas? Why was he playing golf instead of evacuating people that had no way of getting out?
I have long been a supporter of President Bush, but lately I am seeing things that make me concerned. I will have more to say on this later.
Saturday, September 03, 2005
Friday, September 02, 2005
Desire Heaven or Despise Hell?
As I drove into work today the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart. He awoke me to the fact that not all that claim to be Christian do so because they desire to be with their Heavenly Father for all eternity. No, if this were so they would want to spend as much time as possible with Him during their time here. They would not regulate time with Him to an hour or two a week, it that. They would want to get into His Word everyday. They would not put aside the things of God until they have a problem or need. He would be number 1. But sadly, this is not what we see. We see those that claim they want to go to Heaven spend almost no time with their Father. They may like to be entertained by Christianity, but that's as far as it goes. They boasts that they have all the hottest Christian music group's videos and CD's. They love to laugh at the funny Christian comedian. They search out the church with the best music and theatrical productions. But when it comes to really knowing their Savior, that is just for fanatics. The Bible is old and boring. Sure, it may have been relevant two or three thousand years ago, but this is the 21st Century.
Do the majority of those that take upon themselves the name of Christian really want to be with Christ for all eternity. I fear the answer to that is clear. We study and research where we will spend a few days for vacation. We learn about all the attractions. We learn the history. We plan and save and think about it for months. But when it comes to where we will spend eternity, most of us barely give it a second thought.
Do most that say they want to go to Heaven really want that? Once again, the answer is painfully clear. Most "Christians" do not desire an eternity with their Creator. They just don't like the alternative. I pray we all search our hearts and see where we stand. Do you Desire Heaven, or is it just Hell that you despise?
Do the majority of those that take upon themselves the name of Christian really want to be with Christ for all eternity. I fear the answer to that is clear. We study and research where we will spend a few days for vacation. We learn about all the attractions. We learn the history. We plan and save and think about it for months. But when it comes to where we will spend eternity, most of us barely give it a second thought.
Do most that say they want to go to Heaven really want that? Once again, the answer is painfully clear. Most "Christians" do not desire an eternity with their Creator. They just don't like the alternative. I pray we all search our hearts and see where we stand. Do you Desire Heaven, or is it just Hell that you despise?
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
Response To Josh
This is my response to Josh who left comments on my http://livingsacrifices.blogspot.com/2005/02/jesus-or-ozzy.html post. I will attempt to answer all his thoughts point-by-point.I am sorry that it has taken me so long to respond, but I just viewed your comments yesterday.
I am glad that you share my faith Josh. We can debate issues as brothers in Christ. You claim that I stated that I am not judging my family. Where did I claim that? In fact, we are commanded in scripture to judge.
1 Corinthians 6:2-3 (New International Version)
2Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? 3Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life!
Next you point out that I am one-sided and that I am posting for all to see. Well, I am sorry, but a BLOG is one-sided. That is the nature of a BLOG. As for all to see, I never mentioned any names. Not even my name is posted. There is no way anyone will know who I am speaking of. I am not even attacking them to people I know. You miss the point. I believe you need to take it up with those involved, not gossip behind their backs. However, that is precisely what they are doing to my wife and myself.
Now, you say that I went out of my way to point out my nephews appearance. Sadly, you are jumping to conclusions again. I did not go out of my way. In fact, I did not even mention his appearance until he asked me what I thought. For him to bring it up, he is obviously trying to illicit a response. He is trying to look like the Columbine killers. He said he believes in God, but it is "his" life. First, as a true believer in Christ you know your life is no longer your own. It was bought at a great price. Also, you do not act or dress in a way to cause distress to others. I ask you Josh, how would it make you feel if someone were to execute your child and then people started to emulate the killers? Even if that would not bother you, scripture tells us not to dress or act in a way that celebrates evil, even if that is not what we intend it to do.
1 Thessalonians 5:21-23 (King James Version)
21Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
22Abstain from all appearance of evil.
Next you write that you question my knowledge of the bands I now condemn. Well Josh, I know more about them than you know. I worked for several years as a DJ. I have been to over 100 concerts. I have been on the other side of the fence. I have witnessed the violence at parties and concerts and have sadly participated. I do not need to get my knowledge of these bands from a "Christian" website.
You then say you believe that you can be a person of faith and a fan of heavy metal. I must disagree with you Josh. To truly have the Holy Spirit dwelling within you would cause you to grieve at the foul language, glorification of promiscuity, mockery of Christ, etc...
We are to be good stewards of our time and resources. You can't walk with one foot on the narrow path and one on the wide. It doesn't work like that. The type of music you listen to is your actions. Going to concerts, laying down the money that God has blessed you with to purchase heavy metal does take action. Music does define you. To say the contrary simply is to be willingly blind.
You ask, "Why is it my place to impose my views on them?" I find it strange that it is always the Christian that is imposing their views. Of course, they started cramming the heavy metal down our throats. They were telling us and others how "sweet" it was. All I did was offer an alternative opinion. According to you,Christians are to cower in our little churches and keep our mouths shut. The world can scream foul language, post soft-core porn on magazine covers at the check-out counter and we are to keep quiet. Forget about the Great Commission, we don't want to impose the message of salvation.
You then write, "The beauty of living in this country is that we are all free to read, watch, listen to, or say whatever we want. What gives you the right to decide what is best for others?" I agree with you. I am curious though as to why that applies to everyone but Christians? Why can we not say whatever we want? Why do you impose your views on us? As for your last comment, he is not a pleasant person. He is foul mouthed, disrespectful, and in trouble at school. He went from being an Honor Student to struggling to graduate. I ask you Josh, is it more loving to pretend like everything is okay or is it more loving to address the situation before it is too late.
Every time there has been a school shooting, the public wonders, "Why did no one see the warning signs". However, when we do try to intervene when the signs are there, we are condemned by people like you. Here is some homework for you Josh, see what was the music of choice of every school shooter. I am not saying that the music is the main cause, but we cannot ignore the link. I look forward to continuing dialogue with you. I appreciate your time in responding to my post.
God Bless!!
I am glad that you share my faith Josh. We can debate issues as brothers in Christ. You claim that I stated that I am not judging my family. Where did I claim that? In fact, we are commanded in scripture to judge.
1 Corinthians 6:2-3 (New International Version)
2Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? 3Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life!
Next you point out that I am one-sided and that I am posting for all to see. Well, I am sorry, but a BLOG is one-sided. That is the nature of a BLOG. As for all to see, I never mentioned any names. Not even my name is posted. There is no way anyone will know who I am speaking of. I am not even attacking them to people I know. You miss the point. I believe you need to take it up with those involved, not gossip behind their backs. However, that is precisely what they are doing to my wife and myself.
Now, you say that I went out of my way to point out my nephews appearance. Sadly, you are jumping to conclusions again. I did not go out of my way. In fact, I did not even mention his appearance until he asked me what I thought. For him to bring it up, he is obviously trying to illicit a response. He is trying to look like the Columbine killers. He said he believes in God, but it is "his" life. First, as a true believer in Christ you know your life is no longer your own. It was bought at a great price. Also, you do not act or dress in a way to cause distress to others. I ask you Josh, how would it make you feel if someone were to execute your child and then people started to emulate the killers? Even if that would not bother you, scripture tells us not to dress or act in a way that celebrates evil, even if that is not what we intend it to do.
1 Thessalonians 5:21-23 (King James Version)
21Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
22Abstain from all appearance of evil.
Next you write that you question my knowledge of the bands I now condemn. Well Josh, I know more about them than you know. I worked for several years as a DJ. I have been to over 100 concerts. I have been on the other side of the fence. I have witnessed the violence at parties and concerts and have sadly participated. I do not need to get my knowledge of these bands from a "Christian" website.
You then say you believe that you can be a person of faith and a fan of heavy metal. I must disagree with you Josh. To truly have the Holy Spirit dwelling within you would cause you to grieve at the foul language, glorification of promiscuity, mockery of Christ, etc...
We are to be good stewards of our time and resources. You can't walk with one foot on the narrow path and one on the wide. It doesn't work like that. The type of music you listen to is your actions. Going to concerts, laying down the money that God has blessed you with to purchase heavy metal does take action. Music does define you. To say the contrary simply is to be willingly blind.
You ask, "Why is it my place to impose my views on them?" I find it strange that it is always the Christian that is imposing their views. Of course, they started cramming the heavy metal down our throats. They were telling us and others how "sweet" it was. All I did was offer an alternative opinion. According to you,Christians are to cower in our little churches and keep our mouths shut. The world can scream foul language, post soft-core porn on magazine covers at the check-out counter and we are to keep quiet. Forget about the Great Commission, we don't want to impose the message of salvation.
You then write, "The beauty of living in this country is that we are all free to read, watch, listen to, or say whatever we want. What gives you the right to decide what is best for others?" I agree with you. I am curious though as to why that applies to everyone but Christians? Why can we not say whatever we want? Why do you impose your views on us? As for your last comment, he is not a pleasant person. He is foul mouthed, disrespectful, and in trouble at school. He went from being an Honor Student to struggling to graduate. I ask you Josh, is it more loving to pretend like everything is okay or is it more loving to address the situation before it is too late.
Every time there has been a school shooting, the public wonders, "Why did no one see the warning signs". However, when we do try to intervene when the signs are there, we are condemned by people like you. Here is some homework for you Josh, see what was the music of choice of every school shooter. I am not saying that the music is the main cause, but we cannot ignore the link. I look forward to continuing dialogue with you. I appreciate your time in responding to my post.
God Bless!!
Monday, June 27, 2005
Thank You
I am sitting here in between quoting families for Life & Health Insurance. I am thinking about how blessed I am, far more than I deserve. I have the most beautiful, wonderful wife and my two children are beyond description. I feel bad because I know that in the pressures of everyday life I often take them for granted. I pray that the Holy Spirit gives me wisdom and guidance in how I live in relation to them. I never, ever want to forget that they are all gifts from my Heavenly Father. I know I need to raise my children to love Jesus and to make Him the Lord of their lives. Nothing else matters in the view of eternity.
Thank you for letting me take a few minutes to share my thoughts.
God Bless!!
Thank you for letting me take a few minutes to share my thoughts.
God Bless!!
Monday, June 20, 2005
Slipknot & Prager
Okay, I heard an awful display of ignorance this morning on the Dennis Prager Show. Mr. Prager is a Jewish man that has a national radio show. He is sympathetic to the Christian faith, and at times appears ready to become a Messianic Believer. However, on his show this morning he was touting a Heavy Metal group that his son loves. Mr. Prager sees nothing harmful with allowing his son to listen to Slipknot. Mr. Prager even declared that when teenagers listen to Classical music it makes them aggressive, but Heavy Metal has a calming effect on them. What?! Of course, he had nothing to back up this ignorant statement. Please email Mr. Prager and voice your opinion on this issue. I suggest he do a show and invite someone knowledgeable on this issue. A couple of ideas would be Pastor Joe Schimmel http://www.goodfight.org/
or Eric Holmberg http://www.r2rministries.com/index.html
Your can contact Dennis Prager @ dennisprager@dennisprager.com
God Bless!
or Eric Holmberg http://www.r2rministries.com/index.html
Your can contact Dennis Prager @ dennisprager@dennisprager.com
God Bless!
Monday, June 13, 2005
URGENT PLEA FROM DARRELL SCOTT
Please read this carefully and thoroughly. If Rachel Scott's story has had an impact on your life we are asking for your help! This is not a plea for money, but it is a plea for you to watch a short 7 minute film clip about Rachel Scott. Go to www.amazon.com/screeningroom to see the clip. It was put together by a producer who is working closely with me on a television documentary that features Rachel’s life. He submitted a condensed version to enter into a short film contest put on by Amazon. Out of over 1,000 entries, it emerged as one of the five finalists. All I am asking is that you watch the clip and then give your review, which will hopefully be 5 stars. You can also give comments. Rachel’s story and life will be honored even more than before, if her clip wins first place. Please contact everyone you know by email and phone to have them review the clip as well. They can do so up until Friday, June 17.
Thursday, June 09, 2005
Monday Morning Christians
First off, I am sorry I have not posted in so long. I have been busy with my job and most importantly, our newborn blessing. I have written about our persecution at the hands of our own family members. You know the story, I don't have to go into it.
Sitting in Church a feeling came over me. I'm sure it was the Holy Spirit. He is sooooooo awesome!! Anyway, He led me to realize that the Church is filled with those that wave their arms and sing praises to our Lord on Sunday and then do nothing the other six days of the week. They feel as if they do not have to get in the game. They are comfortable with their positions as bench warmers. They feel that it would make no sense for them to get on the field and risk ridicule and injury when others can do it. Those on the field lay it all on the line. However, to the bench warming Christians, the entire team gets the ring if they win it all.
When things start to heat up, instead of suiting up, they become ostriches. Ray Comfort has said that nothing wastes your time more than a false convert. He is right. Those that believe they can do-as-thou-wilt and still have a ticket to Heaven are sadly mistaken. They do not want to get their hands dirty in the battle for souls. We need to support each other as Believers. It is hard enough to witness to someone, we do not need "Christians" telling us that we "Come on too strong" when all we are doing is talking to someone about their eternal life. How sad that it is said that Christians "Come on too strong" or that we "Cram it down their throats" when it is perfectly okay for them to use foul language, talk about the awesome dirty movie they saw, etc... and we are to say nothing about it.
I am just venting. I will try to be more consistent in my posting. Thank you for reading my thoughts.
God Bless!!
Sitting in Church a feeling came over me. I'm sure it was the Holy Spirit. He is sooooooo awesome!! Anyway, He led me to realize that the Church is filled with those that wave their arms and sing praises to our Lord on Sunday and then do nothing the other six days of the week. They feel as if they do not have to get in the game. They are comfortable with their positions as bench warmers. They feel that it would make no sense for them to get on the field and risk ridicule and injury when others can do it. Those on the field lay it all on the line. However, to the bench warming Christians, the entire team gets the ring if they win it all.
When things start to heat up, instead of suiting up, they become ostriches. Ray Comfort has said that nothing wastes your time more than a false convert. He is right. Those that believe they can do-as-thou-wilt and still have a ticket to Heaven are sadly mistaken. They do not want to get their hands dirty in the battle for souls. We need to support each other as Believers. It is hard enough to witness to someone, we do not need "Christians" telling us that we "Come on too strong" when all we are doing is talking to someone about their eternal life. How sad that it is said that Christians "Come on too strong" or that we "Cram it down their throats" when it is perfectly okay for them to use foul language, talk about the awesome dirty movie they saw, etc... and we are to say nothing about it.
I am just venting. I will try to be more consistent in my posting. Thank you for reading my thoughts.
God Bless!!
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
The Vicious Circle
Well, they said it could and would not happen again. We have monuments to honor the dead. Thousand of our Soldiers gave their lives to put an end to it so that future generations would not have to suffer. Sadly, it is starting again. Well, it has actually been going on for decades thanks to our Godless Supreme Court. It began when they said it was Okay for mothers to take the lives of our most innocent. They said it was the "woman's" body. Strange, but the body I see butchered appears to be a babies, not the "woman's". Now, we are to the point where the handicapped are expendable. So much so that we do not even afford them the courtesy given to mass murderers.
In Colorado yesterday, a cold blooded killer and rapist had his death penalty overturned. Why? Is it because he did not do the crime? Was some DNA evidence found to exonerate him? No, it was because a juror had brought in the hateful, detestable Word of God into the juror room. She did not use it to persuade others to vote the death penalty. No, that had already been done. She used it to comfort another juror after the vote was taken. Still, we cannot have that. Not in America. Of course, witnesses do have to swear upon the Bible in the courtroom, but I'm sure that will soon be replaced with Mein Kampf.
How far we have fallen as a nation. Even those that have made untold millions with their heart-wrenching portrayals of the Holocaust in movies seem strangely absent in light of the reality of today's moral decay. There are a few shining lights in Hollywood. Those not afraid to speak their minds. Those not concerned that speaking up for those that cannot speak for themselves may cost them the praise of men.
One of those has been Mel Gibson. We may not all agree with all he stands for. But one thing is sure. He is not ashamed of the Gospel. He is not ashamed to speak out against unrighteousness.
Here is what he had to say about America's latest trip down the slippery slope:
Wednesday, March 30, 2005 10:05 p.m. EST
Reprinted from NewsMax.com
Mel Gibson: Terri's Killing Is 'Murder'
In his strongest comments yet on the Terri Schiavo case, actor Mel Gibson calls her killing "nothing more than state sanctioned murder.
The actor and director spoke out Wednesday night in a telephone interview with Fox News Sean Hannity.
"I heard their cry for help, Gibson explained his public comments. Gibson insisted that Terri Schiavo is not in a vegetative state.
Gibson said he decided to take a public stand because "it is completely wrong to deprive this poor woman from food and water.
He added that the court ordered method of killing depriving her of basic sustenance -- "is a prolonged and cruel execution.
Gibson said he is closely following the case and is astounded by the developments.
"I just sit here watching this whole scenario play out in front of me with my mouth wide open, that our country has come to this, he said, adding, "I think its a really black day.
The actor offered little hope for Terri Schiavo at this point, describing the appeals as "a little too little too late.
"Its nothing more than state sanctioned murder, Gibson continued.
He was also disturbed that a local Florida judge was given the unquestioned power to sentence Schiavo to death.
"All the big guys, they've got their hands tied by some tin-horned judge down there, he said. "Common, when they want to whip a judge they got no problem getting Judge Moore in a heart beat.
"It's so wrong and I watch it, appalled and stunned, that we have gotten to this.
Please pray for this country. Pray and speak out for those that cannot do so on their own. My heart is breaking for Terri's family and for her.
In Colorado yesterday, a cold blooded killer and rapist had his death penalty overturned. Why? Is it because he did not do the crime? Was some DNA evidence found to exonerate him? No, it was because a juror had brought in the hateful, detestable Word of God into the juror room. She did not use it to persuade others to vote the death penalty. No, that had already been done. She used it to comfort another juror after the vote was taken. Still, we cannot have that. Not in America. Of course, witnesses do have to swear upon the Bible in the courtroom, but I'm sure that will soon be replaced with Mein Kampf.
How far we have fallen as a nation. Even those that have made untold millions with their heart-wrenching portrayals of the Holocaust in movies seem strangely absent in light of the reality of today's moral decay. There are a few shining lights in Hollywood. Those not afraid to speak their minds. Those not concerned that speaking up for those that cannot speak for themselves may cost them the praise of men.
One of those has been Mel Gibson. We may not all agree with all he stands for. But one thing is sure. He is not ashamed of the Gospel. He is not ashamed to speak out against unrighteousness.
Here is what he had to say about America's latest trip down the slippery slope:
Wednesday, March 30, 2005 10:05 p.m. EST
Reprinted from NewsMax.com
Mel Gibson: Terri's Killing Is 'Murder'
In his strongest comments yet on the Terri Schiavo case, actor Mel Gibson calls her killing "nothing more than state sanctioned murder.
The actor and director spoke out Wednesday night in a telephone interview with Fox News Sean Hannity.
"I heard their cry for help, Gibson explained his public comments. Gibson insisted that Terri Schiavo is not in a vegetative state.
Gibson said he decided to take a public stand because "it is completely wrong to deprive this poor woman from food and water.
He added that the court ordered method of killing depriving her of basic sustenance -- "is a prolonged and cruel execution.
Gibson said he is closely following the case and is astounded by the developments.
"I just sit here watching this whole scenario play out in front of me with my mouth wide open, that our country has come to this, he said, adding, "I think its a really black day.
The actor offered little hope for Terri Schiavo at this point, describing the appeals as "a little too little too late.
"Its nothing more than state sanctioned murder, Gibson continued.
He was also disturbed that a local Florida judge was given the unquestioned power to sentence Schiavo to death.
"All the big guys, they've got their hands tied by some tin-horned judge down there, he said. "Common, when they want to whip a judge they got no problem getting Judge Moore in a heart beat.
"It's so wrong and I watch it, appalled and stunned, that we have gotten to this.
Please pray for this country. Pray and speak out for those that cannot do so on their own. My heart is breaking for Terri's family and for her.
Friday, March 25, 2005
HELP!!
Time is running out for Terri Schindler-Schiavo. Please write to Governor Jeb Bush and beg him to step in and save her. Please don't put it off.
jeb.bush@myflorida.com
Thank you and God bless you!!
jeb.bush@myflorida.com
Thank you and God bless you!!
Thursday, March 24, 2005
WOE TO THOSE:
Isaiah 5:20 (ESV)
20Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!
March 23, 2005, 11:13PM
Appeals court halts man's execution
Inmate's lawyers argued that jury instructions were unclear
By MICHAEL GRACZYK Associated Press
HUNTSVILLE - The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals stopped the scheduled execution of a Colorado man Wednesday about five hours before he could have been put to death.
Shame on us! What is going on with this country when we have more sympathy and care for the criminals and for animals than we do for "The least of these"? On the very same day that the Supreme Court decides that they will not even listen to the case of Terri Schindler-Schiavo, a convicted murderer gets a stay of execution. We bend over backwards for those that prey upon the weak, while we turn our backs on those very same weak.
I keep hearing from these Liberal pundits that Terri will not feel any pain. They say that when food and drink is kept from someone, they enter into a state of euphoria. What???
If this is the case, then lets start putting those on Death Row to death by denying them food and drink. It couldn't get any more humane. Imagine, entering into eternity in a state of euphoria instead of that cruel needle. Yea, why did we not think of this sooner.
Also, when our pets get injured or sick, lets starve them. PETA has been looking for an answer like this.
Maybe we should re-think Hitler. Sure, his Death Camps put to death Millions, but a large number died of thirst and hunger. What a caring Dictator he was!
Seriously, God will not bless a nation that treats their sick and weak like this. I am physically ill just thinking of this poor woman slowly, painfully dying. Starving to death in the most plentiful nation on the planet.
The only comfort in all of this is the knowledge that God is still on the throne. He will take care of His daughter, one way or another.
Our prayers our with Terri and her family.
God bless you Terri!!
20Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!
March 23, 2005, 11:13PM
Appeals court halts man's execution
Inmate's lawyers argued that jury instructions were unclear
By MICHAEL GRACZYK Associated Press
HUNTSVILLE - The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals stopped the scheduled execution of a Colorado man Wednesday about five hours before he could have been put to death.
Shame on us! What is going on with this country when we have more sympathy and care for the criminals and for animals than we do for "The least of these"? On the very same day that the Supreme Court decides that they will not even listen to the case of Terri Schindler-Schiavo, a convicted murderer gets a stay of execution. We bend over backwards for those that prey upon the weak, while we turn our backs on those very same weak.
I keep hearing from these Liberal pundits that Terri will not feel any pain. They say that when food and drink is kept from someone, they enter into a state of euphoria. What???
If this is the case, then lets start putting those on Death Row to death by denying them food and drink. It couldn't get any more humane. Imagine, entering into eternity in a state of euphoria instead of that cruel needle. Yea, why did we not think of this sooner.
Also, when our pets get injured or sick, lets starve them. PETA has been looking for an answer like this.
Maybe we should re-think Hitler. Sure, his Death Camps put to death Millions, but a large number died of thirst and hunger. What a caring Dictator he was!
Seriously, God will not bless a nation that treats their sick and weak like this. I am physically ill just thinking of this poor woman slowly, painfully dying. Starving to death in the most plentiful nation on the planet.
The only comfort in all of this is the knowledge that God is still on the throne. He will take care of His daughter, one way or another.
Our prayers our with Terri and her family.
God bless you Terri!!
Monday, March 14, 2005
Matthew 10:35-37 (ESV)
35 For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. 36 And a person's enemies will be those of his own household. 37 Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
I now know the fullness of these words of our Lord personally. Over the course of the last few years, my "Christian" family has shown that they are anything but. Instead of longing to talk about Jesus or read His Word, they would rather watch R-rated movies with their children, get drunk, use God's name in vain constantly, etc...
Oh yes, and they don't feel as if they need Church or anyone to be accountable to. Also, the one tell-tale sign of a false convert. The only Bible passage they can recite is, "Do not Judge!" Of course, they just can't recall the rest of the passage.
This is going to be long, so please forgive me. Also, I am not looking simply for support. If you feel I am doing wrong, please tell me. I am just a Disciple on the road. I need to be held accountable. I need Christian rebuke.
My Sister sent me an Email on Friday. It was a shock. She basically accused me of hating her and her children. She said I thought they were beyond forgivness. The thing that baffles me is that I have never even hinted at any of those things. In fact, just a couple of days prior I sent her an email telling her we love them and are praying for them.
Anyway, I am going to post my response to her. If it doesn't make any sense, you can read my post, Jesus or Ozzy?, It will fill in some of the gaps. So, here is my response to my Sister:
*****, you ask, “Please tell me what I did that was so bad it is beyond forgiveness? And what I did to make you both hate me and my children so much?”
I ask you to show me one instance, just one in which I said you were beyond forgiveness or that we hated your children? In every letter to you I expressed that we love you and your family. If we did not love you or believe that you are worthy of forgiveness, we would not even bother with you. In fact, let’s look at some of my letters to you:
(Email dated 12/04/2004)
We LOVE you all and we DO pray for you everyday. Please write or call back if you want to discuss anything.
(Email dated 12/09/2004)
Titus 1:8-9
8Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. 9He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.
We love you all!
(Email dated 12/12/2004)
We love you all and we are praying for you,
(I can supply you with the entire emails if you need it, plus many others)
So, I ask you again, why do you speak falsehood? Show me one instance, just one where I said I hated you or any of your Children. Show me one time where I said that you were beyond forgiveness. I was the one that hugged ****** with tears in my eyes telling him that I would die for him. Of course, a few minutes later he was yelling and cursing me, but that did not change my love for him or any of you. Otherwise, I would not have expressed my love in my emails and I would not have stuck my neck out for everyone to take a whack at. We were the ones being yelled and cursed at. Mom even joined in with ***** screaming at me without even knowing what had expired. She automatically assumed that I did something dreadful. Oh, that’s right, I did. I was obeying the commands of Jesus. If anyone was hated, it was and is us! Sure, I could have joined in with the crude humor and had everyone think I was being loving and cool. I could be like the world that craves the acceptance of men and not God. The world loves that. That is cool.
However, in light of Jesus and His judgment, I would be very hateful in doing that.
I had to accept others pointing out my sin to me. I had to humble myself to accept that what I was doing and how I was living was wrong. If I would have rejected the Christian love of those that confronted me with what I was doing, I may still be the star of *********’s Comedy Club (my picture was hanging in the club with Sinbad) and have accepted a high paying position with a very secular radio station (that plays Heavy Metal, by the way) with many people telling me how great I am. Of course, if I were still concerned with the praise of men, I may have many that think I love them, but truly I would be doing it for my own gain. If you think that the world loves you because you party with them and join in on their celebrations, you are to be pitied. They only love you as long as you look good, or you can supply their needs. When you can no longer do that, you will end up like multitudes before you. For to truly love someone, you have to risk ridicule and scorn for their eternal salvation. You have to hold them accountable and to have them hold you accountable.
Now, as for the issue of Mom, she has also been engaged in slander. She has attacked my witness by gossiping to everyone that I tried to hit her. I never tried to hit her. Hitting her never even entered my mind. We were upset at the violence in Heavy Metal music. Why would I hit her? We were simply trying to leave her house. She was following us screaming and pointing her finger in my face. In fact, we were not even aware that these hateful lies were being spread. We even spent time with her in-between July and Thanksgiving. We discussed at length the events of July, and she did not mention that she had been telling people that I tried to hit her. I have confronted her on several occasions regarding this, and she has ignored it every time. How can you attack a person’s character, and not address it when asked? Obviously there is no fear of God there.
It is a very sad day indeed when it is thought to be good to spread gossip about a perceived action, but it is completely uncalled for to speak to an actual sin, and to speak to the person involved. We did not mention the events of July to anyone that was not there. We were waiting to speak to ******** personally. We were not gossiping about it to other family members or friends. However, unbeknownst to us, Mom decided that she would continue to speak falsehood about me behind my back. And this even after we discussed everything in August after we went out to dinner. She could have told me what she was telling everyone about me then. If she believed she was in such danger, why did she go out to dinner with us? Also, why did she not confront me face to face? But alas, she acted like all was okay and even said that she owed us an apology. Hmmmm, now that doesn’t sound very loving or forgiving to me.
Less than two weeks before Thanksgiving she was voicing her displeasure with some who were present on Thanksgiving. However, she decided to keep silent on the subject at the time and attack us. We however decided to do the Biblical thing and take it up with the person instead of gossiping about it behind their back. It would appear that the loving thing is to backstab someone, just as long as they think you agree with everything they do. Now I give you a warning, there is Scripture ahead. You may want to scroll past.
Exodus 20:16 (NIV)
16 "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
Of course, of those that tell me that they have heard that I tried to hit Mom, not one of them have heard that ***** actually was swinging at me and vocalizing physical threats. Interesting!
Next ****** writes that she is sure that I can come up with an 8-page letter with Scripture. I have never known of a true follower of Christ that would be offended at Scripture. You should have a hunger for the Word of God. It should be the first book you read. Many Christians will not pick up their Bibles, and yet they have plenty of time to read other material. That is why Christians today are Biblically illiterate. Just yesterday, a false convert shot up a Church group. Do you think that would be condoned by Jesus? Do you honestly think that lost soul had a true “Born Again experience”?
You would have had a very hard time in the early Church, for all they wrote or spoke of was Scripture. Now, if you have a problem with Scripture, take it up with the Holy Sprit. A Christian should never tire of reading or hearing Scripture. The Creator of not only our Universe, but also thousands of others took the time to write His love letters to you. And you sarcastically mock them. Then, you once again libel me by writing, as if it were a fact, that I have so much hate towards you. Once again I challenge you, where is your evidence that I hate you or your family? I am making this simple. I am asking for just one piece of evidence. In fact, let’s look at your own words:
******,Thanks so much for all your love, for all your prayers, and most of all for just being you.I have 2 more weeks of school, then I have decided to have a nervous break down, I just never thought that life would be this hard. I know that I need to be putting my trust in the Lord, but I'm having a hard time even finding Him right. And what is worse, I don't even have the desire to look.
Love ya, ********
If you would like more, I’ll be happy to supply it.
After all my emails, you still don’t get it. If we did not love you, we would not risk persecution for the sake of you and your family’s souls. Those that profess to be Christians and are not grieved at the thought of people perishing for all eternity had better check their own salvation. Oops, there is more Scripture ahead.
2 Corinthians 13:5 (ESV)
5Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? --unless indeed you fail to meet the test!
I’m sorry that I had to resort to Scripture again. However, and I know this may sound silly to you, I believe it is the Word of God.
Now you accuse us of being unloving, and we have even heard that we should have just “changed the subject”. But that is contrary to what God commands of us. We are to be bold witnesses for Christ. This is not a game. If you lose there is not a rematch. There is no second time around. You need to fall on your face before God and ask Him what truly is unloving? Were we unloving by confronting the support of anti-Christian bands, or were you unloving when you simply stood by with every four-letter word being shouted and ***** proudly proclaiming that he was going to hell? He even said he was going to rule and that he heard hell was awesome. How could anyone that takes upon himself or herself the name of Christian not speak up to persuade such a person that hell is not a place you want to be? But sadly, we were once again alone (except for the power of the Holy Spirit) in our attempt to proclaim the good news of Christ.
I am now going to shine a light on this subject of hate. According to your logic, Pro-lifers are very hateful. How dare they say what a woman does with her body is wrong. Also, where do these “holy-rollers” get off trying to get homosexuals to change? What hate mongers! Just let them live. Oh yes, and marry and adopt innocent children (Does Michael Jackson ring a bell?). And as for these backward hicks that try to get evolution thrown out of the classroom. Who are they to judge what our children are taught? Get out of the dark ages! By the way, don’t get me started on that detestable Holiday Christmas. And while we’re at it, no more using the venom-filled moniker “Holiday”. We all know it is derived from “Holy Day”. Also, children should not be taught History any longer. Why? Well, because it means “His Story”.
Now, what about a person that calls a close friend “Satan”? What about a “Brood of Vipers?” What if this person had the nerve to not only tell people that they can’t treat the Church like a common marketplace, but he actually destroyed their wares? What if he went around calling people rotting corpses? What if this person talked more about eternal punishment than anyone, and told person after person that they were heading to a place of everlasting torment if they did not turn from their sins? Shouldn’t such a person simply change the subject? Isn’t this the wrong way to speak to and treat people? Shouldn’t we stand up and shout, “You don’t do it like that!” Such a person must be full of hate. Yes, looking at what you seem to deem to be hatred, this person certainly fits the bill.
Of course, the Person I am writing of is none other than the most loving Person that ever lived. However, using your own standards, Jesus is full of hate and un-forgiveness.
Now there is a time for all unrepentant Sinners coming that Jesus will be un-forgiving to. That is what we are trying to awaken people to. You see, the modern Church has become extremely lax in the last 50-100 years. All those that bear the name Christian should take up their crosses daily to awaken a dying world. Most people, especially teenagers feel as if they will live forever. The truth of the matter is that:
James 4:13-14 (ESV)
13Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit"-- 14yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.
The death rate is still one-per-person. There are plenty of people that thought they had to become friends with someone before they could witness to them. Unfortunately, these people were hit smack dab in the face with reality. For some, the people they thought they led to the Lord only accepted Jesus because they wanted their friendship. When trials came, and they do and will come, these “false converts” fell away. Other times too much time was spent on becoming one’s friend before sharing the Gospel. So much time in fact that death came and took them before the Christian felt “comfortable” enough to share. Eternity is knocking on everyone’s door. And it is closer than we think, just one heartbeat away.
Hebrews 3:7-8 (NLT)
7That is why the Holy Spirit says,
"Today you must listen to His voice.
8 Don't harden your hearts against Him as Israel did when they rebelled, when they tested God's patience in the wilderness.
All we are asking is for you to look at this rationally. Do you honestly think we hate you? And if I thought you were beyond help, why would I spend all this time on these letters to you? Do you think I knock these out in a few minutes? No, I spend hours on each one. First I get into prayer that the Holy Spirit will use me. I don’t want to write to you just from “My heart”.
Jeremiah 17:9 (ESV)
9The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?
That is why I use the Scripture that you are so offended by. I am no better than you. In many ways I am worse. The only difference is that I am now at a point where I want to be held accountable. I hunger for God’s Word to show me where I fall short. I don’t want to ever feel comfortable. I need to have fellow believers confront me with my sin. That is what the Body of Christ is to do for one another. Do you not see where I have come from? Do you not think that I was confronted with my sins? Yes, yes I was. I was confronted without mercy. Halleluiah!! If no one had taken that step in obedience, I would not be truly saved. I had a false conversion. I did not even fully understand the Gospel. I truly thought that I could “do my own thing” just so long as I said a prayer and confessed Christ when it didn’t interfere with my fun. I have come to realize that no matter how often I tried to justify what I was doing, (e.g. God still loves me. I’m not that bad. It was only a little sin, etc…) it is evil in God’s eyes. He is Holy and loving, but He is also just. Jesus said that we are not only to believe in Him, but to also do His will. True, He did spend time with sinners, but He did not condone what they were doing. And He did not continue to spend time with them if they did not repent. In fact, He made it clear that they were to repent (to do a 180 degree turn) from their sins. We are not even to look back. Why, because we will probably like what we see. We will reminisce about the “fun times”. Even the Bible makes it clear that sin is fun, but only for a time. God does not take rebellion lightly. We have a picture of the dangers of looking back with fondness on our sin. Lot’s wife disobeyed God’s command and looked back on her old life. You know the rest of the story.
2 Peter 2:21-23 (ESV)
21For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. 22What the true proverb says has happened to them: "The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire."
You unfortunately have a false belief that Christians should preach the Gospel only if they have never sinned. Well then, you can erase every Prophet, Disciple and Apostle in the Bible. They were all sinners. Moses was a murderer. David was and Adulterer and Murderer. Peter denied Christ. Paul tortured and murdered Christians, etc… I for one am eternally grateful that a sinner took the time to confront me with my transgressions against my Heavenly Father.
We need to warn others of the eternal punishment that awaits them. We need to, not only because we ourselves were warned, which led to our salvation. But we need to because our Lord commands us to. Unlike your analogy of “not being in the boat”, we need to step out of the boat. That is what we are called to do, just as Peter stepped out. We need to get off the sidelines and get in the game. Using Scripture to bring someone to knowledge of their sins is not hateful. It is the most loving thing we can do. How sad that professing Christians don’t realize a concept that even the secular world has embraced. Tough love works. It may not be pleasant. But it works. We do not allow our children to play in the street because they want to. No, we pull them back onto the curb. Sure, they may hate us for interrupting their fun. But they will live.
Now, Mom knows why we did not accept her Christmas gifts. We have already addressed the issue. Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of our Savior. We share gifts as a symbol of God’s Gift to us. We could not accept a gift from someone that took a stance against God. If either of you can put forth a valid reason why her stance was not in opposition to God’s will, I’ll be more than happy to entertain it.
She could have found out what was going on before she joined in attacking my witness and me. But she thought it was better to jump to conclusions. Also, I asked her face-to-face why she said that I tried to hit her. She did not even utter a word. She stood in front of me with no response. If she can ignore me face to face, you should not be puzzled over my lack of response to emails. If she truly cared, she would not have said the things she has. She is on record as saying, “A person says what they really mean when they are upset”.
Mom, you are going to stand before God someday. You will have to answer for destroying the witness of one standing for Christ. If you think this is a minor issue, I suggest you open your Bible.
You must remember, we did not attack any of you personally. The entire time, we stayed on the blasphemy issue. We did not bring up anyone’s past. We were not trying to be hurtful. However, that is all any of you could do to us. Why? It is the same tactic Liberals use. If you cannot make a reasoned response to an issue, ad hominem attacks are used.
****** & Mom, I hope I addressed your email to your satisfaction. However, as always, if anything is unclear, or if you want to discuss any other issues, you are always welcome.We love you and pray for you all!!
I now know the fullness of these words of our Lord personally. Over the course of the last few years, my "Christian" family has shown that they are anything but. Instead of longing to talk about Jesus or read His Word, they would rather watch R-rated movies with their children, get drunk, use God's name in vain constantly, etc...
Oh yes, and they don't feel as if they need Church or anyone to be accountable to. Also, the one tell-tale sign of a false convert. The only Bible passage they can recite is, "Do not Judge!" Of course, they just can't recall the rest of the passage.
This is going to be long, so please forgive me. Also, I am not looking simply for support. If you feel I am doing wrong, please tell me. I am just a Disciple on the road. I need to be held accountable. I need Christian rebuke.
My Sister sent me an Email on Friday. It was a shock. She basically accused me of hating her and her children. She said I thought they were beyond forgivness. The thing that baffles me is that I have never even hinted at any of those things. In fact, just a couple of days prior I sent her an email telling her we love them and are praying for them.
Anyway, I am going to post my response to her. If it doesn't make any sense, you can read my post, Jesus or Ozzy?, It will fill in some of the gaps. So, here is my response to my Sister:
*****, you ask, “Please tell me what I did that was so bad it is beyond forgiveness? And what I did to make you both hate me and my children so much?”
I ask you to show me one instance, just one in which I said you were beyond forgiveness or that we hated your children? In every letter to you I expressed that we love you and your family. If we did not love you or believe that you are worthy of forgiveness, we would not even bother with you. In fact, let’s look at some of my letters to you:
(Email dated 12/04/2004)
We LOVE you all and we DO pray for you everyday. Please write or call back if you want to discuss anything.
(Email dated 12/09/2004)
Titus 1:8-9
8Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. 9He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.
We love you all!
(Email dated 12/12/2004)
We love you all and we are praying for you,
(I can supply you with the entire emails if you need it, plus many others)
So, I ask you again, why do you speak falsehood? Show me one instance, just one where I said I hated you or any of your Children. Show me one time where I said that you were beyond forgiveness. I was the one that hugged ****** with tears in my eyes telling him that I would die for him. Of course, a few minutes later he was yelling and cursing me, but that did not change my love for him or any of you. Otherwise, I would not have expressed my love in my emails and I would not have stuck my neck out for everyone to take a whack at. We were the ones being yelled and cursed at. Mom even joined in with ***** screaming at me without even knowing what had expired. She automatically assumed that I did something dreadful. Oh, that’s right, I did. I was obeying the commands of Jesus. If anyone was hated, it was and is us! Sure, I could have joined in with the crude humor and had everyone think I was being loving and cool. I could be like the world that craves the acceptance of men and not God. The world loves that. That is cool.
However, in light of Jesus and His judgment, I would be very hateful in doing that.
I had to accept others pointing out my sin to me. I had to humble myself to accept that what I was doing and how I was living was wrong. If I would have rejected the Christian love of those that confronted me with what I was doing, I may still be the star of *********’s Comedy Club (my picture was hanging in the club with Sinbad) and have accepted a high paying position with a very secular radio station (that plays Heavy Metal, by the way) with many people telling me how great I am. Of course, if I were still concerned with the praise of men, I may have many that think I love them, but truly I would be doing it for my own gain. If you think that the world loves you because you party with them and join in on their celebrations, you are to be pitied. They only love you as long as you look good, or you can supply their needs. When you can no longer do that, you will end up like multitudes before you. For to truly love someone, you have to risk ridicule and scorn for their eternal salvation. You have to hold them accountable and to have them hold you accountable.
Now, as for the issue of Mom, she has also been engaged in slander. She has attacked my witness by gossiping to everyone that I tried to hit her. I never tried to hit her. Hitting her never even entered my mind. We were upset at the violence in Heavy Metal music. Why would I hit her? We were simply trying to leave her house. She was following us screaming and pointing her finger in my face. In fact, we were not even aware that these hateful lies were being spread. We even spent time with her in-between July and Thanksgiving. We discussed at length the events of July, and she did not mention that she had been telling people that I tried to hit her. I have confronted her on several occasions regarding this, and she has ignored it every time. How can you attack a person’s character, and not address it when asked? Obviously there is no fear of God there.
It is a very sad day indeed when it is thought to be good to spread gossip about a perceived action, but it is completely uncalled for to speak to an actual sin, and to speak to the person involved. We did not mention the events of July to anyone that was not there. We were waiting to speak to ******** personally. We were not gossiping about it to other family members or friends. However, unbeknownst to us, Mom decided that she would continue to speak falsehood about me behind my back. And this even after we discussed everything in August after we went out to dinner. She could have told me what she was telling everyone about me then. If she believed she was in such danger, why did she go out to dinner with us? Also, why did she not confront me face to face? But alas, she acted like all was okay and even said that she owed us an apology. Hmmmm, now that doesn’t sound very loving or forgiving to me.
Less than two weeks before Thanksgiving she was voicing her displeasure with some who were present on Thanksgiving. However, she decided to keep silent on the subject at the time and attack us. We however decided to do the Biblical thing and take it up with the person instead of gossiping about it behind their back. It would appear that the loving thing is to backstab someone, just as long as they think you agree with everything they do. Now I give you a warning, there is Scripture ahead. You may want to scroll past.
Exodus 20:16 (NIV)
16 "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
Of course, of those that tell me that they have heard that I tried to hit Mom, not one of them have heard that ***** actually was swinging at me and vocalizing physical threats. Interesting!
Next ****** writes that she is sure that I can come up with an 8-page letter with Scripture. I have never known of a true follower of Christ that would be offended at Scripture. You should have a hunger for the Word of God. It should be the first book you read. Many Christians will not pick up their Bibles, and yet they have plenty of time to read other material. That is why Christians today are Biblically illiterate. Just yesterday, a false convert shot up a Church group. Do you think that would be condoned by Jesus? Do you honestly think that lost soul had a true “Born Again experience”?
You would have had a very hard time in the early Church, for all they wrote or spoke of was Scripture. Now, if you have a problem with Scripture, take it up with the Holy Sprit. A Christian should never tire of reading or hearing Scripture. The Creator of not only our Universe, but also thousands of others took the time to write His love letters to you. And you sarcastically mock them. Then, you once again libel me by writing, as if it were a fact, that I have so much hate towards you. Once again I challenge you, where is your evidence that I hate you or your family? I am making this simple. I am asking for just one piece of evidence. In fact, let’s look at your own words:
******,Thanks so much for all your love, for all your prayers, and most of all for just being you.I have 2 more weeks of school, then I have decided to have a nervous break down, I just never thought that life would be this hard. I know that I need to be putting my trust in the Lord, but I'm having a hard time even finding Him right. And what is worse, I don't even have the desire to look.
Love ya, ********
If you would like more, I’ll be happy to supply it.
After all my emails, you still don’t get it. If we did not love you, we would not risk persecution for the sake of you and your family’s souls. Those that profess to be Christians and are not grieved at the thought of people perishing for all eternity had better check their own salvation. Oops, there is more Scripture ahead.
2 Corinthians 13:5 (ESV)
5Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? --unless indeed you fail to meet the test!
I’m sorry that I had to resort to Scripture again. However, and I know this may sound silly to you, I believe it is the Word of God.
Now you accuse us of being unloving, and we have even heard that we should have just “changed the subject”. But that is contrary to what God commands of us. We are to be bold witnesses for Christ. This is not a game. If you lose there is not a rematch. There is no second time around. You need to fall on your face before God and ask Him what truly is unloving? Were we unloving by confronting the support of anti-Christian bands, or were you unloving when you simply stood by with every four-letter word being shouted and ***** proudly proclaiming that he was going to hell? He even said he was going to rule and that he heard hell was awesome. How could anyone that takes upon himself or herself the name of Christian not speak up to persuade such a person that hell is not a place you want to be? But sadly, we were once again alone (except for the power of the Holy Spirit) in our attempt to proclaim the good news of Christ.
I am now going to shine a light on this subject of hate. According to your logic, Pro-lifers are very hateful. How dare they say what a woman does with her body is wrong. Also, where do these “holy-rollers” get off trying to get homosexuals to change? What hate mongers! Just let them live. Oh yes, and marry and adopt innocent children (Does Michael Jackson ring a bell?). And as for these backward hicks that try to get evolution thrown out of the classroom. Who are they to judge what our children are taught? Get out of the dark ages! By the way, don’t get me started on that detestable Holiday Christmas. And while we’re at it, no more using the venom-filled moniker “Holiday”. We all know it is derived from “Holy Day”. Also, children should not be taught History any longer. Why? Well, because it means “His Story”.
Now, what about a person that calls a close friend “Satan”? What about a “Brood of Vipers?” What if this person had the nerve to not only tell people that they can’t treat the Church like a common marketplace, but he actually destroyed their wares? What if he went around calling people rotting corpses? What if this person talked more about eternal punishment than anyone, and told person after person that they were heading to a place of everlasting torment if they did not turn from their sins? Shouldn’t such a person simply change the subject? Isn’t this the wrong way to speak to and treat people? Shouldn’t we stand up and shout, “You don’t do it like that!” Such a person must be full of hate. Yes, looking at what you seem to deem to be hatred, this person certainly fits the bill.
Of course, the Person I am writing of is none other than the most loving Person that ever lived. However, using your own standards, Jesus is full of hate and un-forgiveness.
Now there is a time for all unrepentant Sinners coming that Jesus will be un-forgiving to. That is what we are trying to awaken people to. You see, the modern Church has become extremely lax in the last 50-100 years. All those that bear the name Christian should take up their crosses daily to awaken a dying world. Most people, especially teenagers feel as if they will live forever. The truth of the matter is that:
James 4:13-14 (ESV)
13Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit"-- 14yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.
The death rate is still one-per-person. There are plenty of people that thought they had to become friends with someone before they could witness to them. Unfortunately, these people were hit smack dab in the face with reality. For some, the people they thought they led to the Lord only accepted Jesus because they wanted their friendship. When trials came, and they do and will come, these “false converts” fell away. Other times too much time was spent on becoming one’s friend before sharing the Gospel. So much time in fact that death came and took them before the Christian felt “comfortable” enough to share. Eternity is knocking on everyone’s door. And it is closer than we think, just one heartbeat away.
Hebrews 3:7-8 (NLT)
7That is why the Holy Spirit says,
"Today you must listen to His voice.
8 Don't harden your hearts against Him as Israel did when they rebelled, when they tested God's patience in the wilderness.
All we are asking is for you to look at this rationally. Do you honestly think we hate you? And if I thought you were beyond help, why would I spend all this time on these letters to you? Do you think I knock these out in a few minutes? No, I spend hours on each one. First I get into prayer that the Holy Spirit will use me. I don’t want to write to you just from “My heart”.
Jeremiah 17:9 (ESV)
9The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?
That is why I use the Scripture that you are so offended by. I am no better than you. In many ways I am worse. The only difference is that I am now at a point where I want to be held accountable. I hunger for God’s Word to show me where I fall short. I don’t want to ever feel comfortable. I need to have fellow believers confront me with my sin. That is what the Body of Christ is to do for one another. Do you not see where I have come from? Do you not think that I was confronted with my sins? Yes, yes I was. I was confronted without mercy. Halleluiah!! If no one had taken that step in obedience, I would not be truly saved. I had a false conversion. I did not even fully understand the Gospel. I truly thought that I could “do my own thing” just so long as I said a prayer and confessed Christ when it didn’t interfere with my fun. I have come to realize that no matter how often I tried to justify what I was doing, (e.g. God still loves me. I’m not that bad. It was only a little sin, etc…) it is evil in God’s eyes. He is Holy and loving, but He is also just. Jesus said that we are not only to believe in Him, but to also do His will. True, He did spend time with sinners, but He did not condone what they were doing. And He did not continue to spend time with them if they did not repent. In fact, He made it clear that they were to repent (to do a 180 degree turn) from their sins. We are not even to look back. Why, because we will probably like what we see. We will reminisce about the “fun times”. Even the Bible makes it clear that sin is fun, but only for a time. God does not take rebellion lightly. We have a picture of the dangers of looking back with fondness on our sin. Lot’s wife disobeyed God’s command and looked back on her old life. You know the rest of the story.
2 Peter 2:21-23 (ESV)
21For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. 22What the true proverb says has happened to them: "The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire."
You unfortunately have a false belief that Christians should preach the Gospel only if they have never sinned. Well then, you can erase every Prophet, Disciple and Apostle in the Bible. They were all sinners. Moses was a murderer. David was and Adulterer and Murderer. Peter denied Christ. Paul tortured and murdered Christians, etc… I for one am eternally grateful that a sinner took the time to confront me with my transgressions against my Heavenly Father.
We need to warn others of the eternal punishment that awaits them. We need to, not only because we ourselves were warned, which led to our salvation. But we need to because our Lord commands us to. Unlike your analogy of “not being in the boat”, we need to step out of the boat. That is what we are called to do, just as Peter stepped out. We need to get off the sidelines and get in the game. Using Scripture to bring someone to knowledge of their sins is not hateful. It is the most loving thing we can do. How sad that professing Christians don’t realize a concept that even the secular world has embraced. Tough love works. It may not be pleasant. But it works. We do not allow our children to play in the street because they want to. No, we pull them back onto the curb. Sure, they may hate us for interrupting their fun. But they will live.
Now, Mom knows why we did not accept her Christmas gifts. We have already addressed the issue. Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of our Savior. We share gifts as a symbol of God’s Gift to us. We could not accept a gift from someone that took a stance against God. If either of you can put forth a valid reason why her stance was not in opposition to God’s will, I’ll be more than happy to entertain it.
She could have found out what was going on before she joined in attacking my witness and me. But she thought it was better to jump to conclusions. Also, I asked her face-to-face why she said that I tried to hit her. She did not even utter a word. She stood in front of me with no response. If she can ignore me face to face, you should not be puzzled over my lack of response to emails. If she truly cared, she would not have said the things she has. She is on record as saying, “A person says what they really mean when they are upset”.
Mom, you are going to stand before God someday. You will have to answer for destroying the witness of one standing for Christ. If you think this is a minor issue, I suggest you open your Bible.
You must remember, we did not attack any of you personally. The entire time, we stayed on the blasphemy issue. We did not bring up anyone’s past. We were not trying to be hurtful. However, that is all any of you could do to us. Why? It is the same tactic Liberals use. If you cannot make a reasoned response to an issue, ad hominem attacks are used.
****** & Mom, I hope I addressed your email to your satisfaction. However, as always, if anything is unclear, or if you want to discuss any other issues, you are always welcome.We love you and pray for you all!!
Monday, March 07, 2005
Hey Jude
No, this is not the title of the song by the 4 Lads from Liverpool that made a fortune while totally ignoring the One that gave them life and blessed them with the talent they had. No, this Jude is the brother of James and of our Lord Jesus. The very same Jude that sounded the alarm in the second to the last book in the New Testament.
Jude 1:3-4 (NIV)
3 Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints. 4 For certain men whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.
Kristenwas right when she wrote, "This kind of thing brings reproach to the name of our Lord".
And Chris P. pointed out the fact that this has been going on for two thousand years.
How sad it is that we were warned of such things happening, and yet false teachers continue to spread their lies like wildfire.
False converts fill the pews on Sunday mornings. To these false converts, Christianity is simply an eternal insurance policy. They are told by Seeker Sensitive Pastors that God loves them no matter what. They are not held accountable for their actions the other 6-1/2 days of the week. They turn God's forgiveness into, as Jude pointed out, "A license for immorality".
Jude 1:5-10 (NLT)
5 I must remind you--and you know it well--that even though the Lord rescued the whole nation of Israel from Egypt, he later destroyed every one of those who did not remain faithful. 6 And I remind you of the angels who did not stay within the limits of authority God gave them but left the place where they belonged. God has kept them chained in prisons of darkness, waiting for the day of judgment. 7 And don't forget the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah and their neighboring towns, which were filled with sexual immorality and every kind of sexual perversion. Those cities were destroyed by fire and are a warning of the eternal fire that will punish all who are evil.
8 Yet these false teachers, who claim authority from their dreams, live immoral lives, defy authority, and scoff at the power of the glorious ones. 9 But even Michael, one of the mightiest of the angels, did not dare accuse Satan of blasphemy, but simply said, "The Lord rebuke you." (This took place when Michael was arguing with Satan about Moses' body.) 10 But these people mock and curse the things they do not understand. Like animals, they do whatever their instincts tell them, and they bring about their own destruction.
This is incredible! These people blaspheme and mock GOD! It just baffles my mind that anyone would dare do these things. And Jude is not writing of those that are ignorant. No, these are those that know the Word, and use it to justify their evil deeds. Maybe my spiritual eyes are just more focused than before, but it sure seems like it is getting worse all the time. Even my Christian family has decided that they would rather enjoy a night at the club than to engage in Christian fellowship. What is going on when my so-called Christian brother curses and threatens me for discussing Christ? Once again, Jude writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit nailed it right on the head when he wrote, "These people mock and curse the things the do not understand".
In her post, "When it is biblical to leave... ", Monica addressed the issue of breaking off fellowship with the unrepentant. Sometimes it may be hard, but if we continue to allow people to feel comfortable with their sin, we are ultimately allowing them to stroll down the broad path to destruction.
Jude 1:11 (NLT)
11 How terrible it will be for them! For they follow the evil example of Cain, who killed his brother. Like Balaam, they will do anything for money. And like Korah, they will perish because of their rebellion.
In my post, "FALSE profit " I wrote about just one of these blemishes on Christianity that will do anything for money. I know we are not to judge someone's salvation, that is only God's to do. However, how can these prostitutes of the Gospel continue to do the evil they do, all the while knowing the truth, and still be saved?
Jude 1:12-13 (NLT)
12 When these people join you in fellowship meals celebrating the love of the Lord, they are like dangerous reefs that can shipwreck you. They are shameless in the way they care only about themselves. They are like clouds blowing over dry land without giving rain, promising much but producing nothing. They are like trees without fruit at harvesttime. They are not only dead but doubly dead, for they have been pulled out by the roots. 13 They are like wild waves of the sea, churning up the dirty foam of their shameful deeds. They are wandering stars, heading for everlasting gloom and darkness.
Over the course of the last year, my Wife and I have had plenty of persecution from those that claim to be Christians. The theme that many of these echo is that God is not judgmental. God does not convict. God is love. Well, we have come to realize that those that use this reasoning are those that are not willing to change. They are happy coasting through life. They call themselves Evangelicals, but would never dream of Evangelizing. The escape hatch they commonly use is that, "God will take care of them". Meaning, I don't want to get involved. They may not like me if I say something.
Of course, this is very warped theology. God is judgmental. God does convict. My question is, "How can we claim to be Christian, if we do not care about the eternal salvation of others?" We must not simply flatter others to "Keep the peace". When we do that, we do it for ourselves. We want people to like us. We are serving man.
Jude 1:14-16 (NIV)
14 Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men: See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones 15 to judge everyone, and to convict all the ungodly of all the ungodly acts they have done in the ungodly way, and of all the harsh words ungodly sinners have spoken against him. 16 These men are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage.
We often hear Christians tell us that we need to become friends with those we are trying to reach for Christ. That may sound nice and Christian on the surface, but this form of witnessing has inherent danger. First, as we are taking time to befriend them, they may pass into a Christ-less eternity. No one is promised tomorrow. Secondly, we face the very real danger of them dragging us down. Lets face it. Sin is fun. If it weren't, it wouldn't be a problem. We can't dine with swine without getting dirty.
Jude 1:17-23 (NLT)
17 But you, my dear friends, must remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ told you, 18 that in the last times there would be scoffers whose purpose in life is to enjoy themselves in every evil way imaginable. 19 Now they are here, and they are the ones who are creating divisions among you. They live by natural instinct because they do not have God's Spirit living in them.
20 But you, dear friends, must continue to build your lives on the foundation of your holy faith. And continue to pray as you are directed by the Holy Spirit. 21 Live in such a way that God's love can bless you as you wait for the eternal life that our Lord Jesus Christ in his mercy is going to give you. 22 Show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. 23 Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. There are still others to whom you need to show mercy, but be careful that you aren't contaminated by their sins.
I pray we all have the convictions of our faith to stand firm against those that try to bring division. Those that choose earthly gain over Christ. I thank God for all my Brothers and Sisters in the Lord that suffer persecution for the Kingdom. I ask that you pray for me as I pray for you. I am not perfect, and at times I shy away from my duties as an ambassador of Christ. But I pray I grow stronger through the power of the precious Holy Spirit daily.
Jude 1:24-25 (NIV)
24 To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy 25 to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.
Jude 1:3-4 (NIV)
3 Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints. 4 For certain men whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.
Kristenwas right when she wrote, "This kind of thing brings reproach to the name of our Lord".
And Chris P. pointed out the fact that this has been going on for two thousand years.
How sad it is that we were warned of such things happening, and yet false teachers continue to spread their lies like wildfire.
False converts fill the pews on Sunday mornings. To these false converts, Christianity is simply an eternal insurance policy. They are told by Seeker Sensitive Pastors that God loves them no matter what. They are not held accountable for their actions the other 6-1/2 days of the week. They turn God's forgiveness into, as Jude pointed out, "A license for immorality".
Jude 1:5-10 (NLT)
5 I must remind you--and you know it well--that even though the Lord rescued the whole nation of Israel from Egypt, he later destroyed every one of those who did not remain faithful. 6 And I remind you of the angels who did not stay within the limits of authority God gave them but left the place where they belonged. God has kept them chained in prisons of darkness, waiting for the day of judgment. 7 And don't forget the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah and their neighboring towns, which were filled with sexual immorality and every kind of sexual perversion. Those cities were destroyed by fire and are a warning of the eternal fire that will punish all who are evil.
8 Yet these false teachers, who claim authority from their dreams, live immoral lives, defy authority, and scoff at the power of the glorious ones. 9 But even Michael, one of the mightiest of the angels, did not dare accuse Satan of blasphemy, but simply said, "The Lord rebuke you." (This took place when Michael was arguing with Satan about Moses' body.) 10 But these people mock and curse the things they do not understand. Like animals, they do whatever their instincts tell them, and they bring about their own destruction.
This is incredible! These people blaspheme and mock GOD! It just baffles my mind that anyone would dare do these things. And Jude is not writing of those that are ignorant. No, these are those that know the Word, and use it to justify their evil deeds. Maybe my spiritual eyes are just more focused than before, but it sure seems like it is getting worse all the time. Even my Christian family has decided that they would rather enjoy a night at the club than to engage in Christian fellowship. What is going on when my so-called Christian brother curses and threatens me for discussing Christ? Once again, Jude writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit nailed it right on the head when he wrote, "These people mock and curse the things the do not understand".
In her post, "When it is biblical to leave... ", Monica addressed the issue of breaking off fellowship with the unrepentant. Sometimes it may be hard, but if we continue to allow people to feel comfortable with their sin, we are ultimately allowing them to stroll down the broad path to destruction.
Jude 1:11 (NLT)
11 How terrible it will be for them! For they follow the evil example of Cain, who killed his brother. Like Balaam, they will do anything for money. And like Korah, they will perish because of their rebellion.
In my post, "FALSE profit " I wrote about just one of these blemishes on Christianity that will do anything for money. I know we are not to judge someone's salvation, that is only God's to do. However, how can these prostitutes of the Gospel continue to do the evil they do, all the while knowing the truth, and still be saved?
Jude 1:12-13 (NLT)
12 When these people join you in fellowship meals celebrating the love of the Lord, they are like dangerous reefs that can shipwreck you. They are shameless in the way they care only about themselves. They are like clouds blowing over dry land without giving rain, promising much but producing nothing. They are like trees without fruit at harvesttime. They are not only dead but doubly dead, for they have been pulled out by the roots. 13 They are like wild waves of the sea, churning up the dirty foam of their shameful deeds. They are wandering stars, heading for everlasting gloom and darkness.
Over the course of the last year, my Wife and I have had plenty of persecution from those that claim to be Christians. The theme that many of these echo is that God is not judgmental. God does not convict. God is love. Well, we have come to realize that those that use this reasoning are those that are not willing to change. They are happy coasting through life. They call themselves Evangelicals, but would never dream of Evangelizing. The escape hatch they commonly use is that, "God will take care of them". Meaning, I don't want to get involved. They may not like me if I say something.
Of course, this is very warped theology. God is judgmental. God does convict. My question is, "How can we claim to be Christian, if we do not care about the eternal salvation of others?" We must not simply flatter others to "Keep the peace". When we do that, we do it for ourselves. We want people to like us. We are serving man.
Jude 1:14-16 (NIV)
14 Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men: See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones 15 to judge everyone, and to convict all the ungodly of all the ungodly acts they have done in the ungodly way, and of all the harsh words ungodly sinners have spoken against him. 16 These men are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage.
We often hear Christians tell us that we need to become friends with those we are trying to reach for Christ. That may sound nice and Christian on the surface, but this form of witnessing has inherent danger. First, as we are taking time to befriend them, they may pass into a Christ-less eternity. No one is promised tomorrow. Secondly, we face the very real danger of them dragging us down. Lets face it. Sin is fun. If it weren't, it wouldn't be a problem. We can't dine with swine without getting dirty.
Jude 1:17-23 (NLT)
17 But you, my dear friends, must remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ told you, 18 that in the last times there would be scoffers whose purpose in life is to enjoy themselves in every evil way imaginable. 19 Now they are here, and they are the ones who are creating divisions among you. They live by natural instinct because they do not have God's Spirit living in them.
20 But you, dear friends, must continue to build your lives on the foundation of your holy faith. And continue to pray as you are directed by the Holy Spirit. 21 Live in such a way that God's love can bless you as you wait for the eternal life that our Lord Jesus Christ in his mercy is going to give you. 22 Show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. 23 Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. There are still others to whom you need to show mercy, but be careful that you aren't contaminated by their sins.
I pray we all have the convictions of our faith to stand firm against those that try to bring division. Those that choose earthly gain over Christ. I thank God for all my Brothers and Sisters in the Lord that suffer persecution for the Kingdom. I ask that you pray for me as I pray for you. I am not perfect, and at times I shy away from my duties as an ambassador of Christ. But I pray I grow stronger through the power of the precious Holy Spirit daily.
Jude 1:24-25 (NIV)
24 To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy 25 to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.
Sunday, March 06, 2005
FALSE profit
Two years ago "Dateline NBC's" hidden cameras followed the self-described miracles of television's popular televangelist and faith healer, Benny Hinn. Now, in a revealing one-hour, follow-up investigative report, Bob McKeown reports on what happens to some of the millions of dollars sent to the Hinn Ministry by his devoted followers.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032600/
It is very sad the we, the Body of Christ, have to rely on the secular media to expose the Wolves in Sheep's clothing. Too many Christians simply want their ears tickled. Sound Doctrine is a thing of the past. My Wife and I have suffered much persecution for taking a stand against these False Prophets. I will have more, much more to write about this later.
Dateline is airing this program tonight (Sunday March 6,2005). As they say, check your local listings for showtimes.
God Bless!!
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032600/
It is very sad the we, the Body of Christ, have to rely on the secular media to expose the Wolves in Sheep's clothing. Too many Christians simply want their ears tickled. Sound Doctrine is a thing of the past. My Wife and I have suffered much persecution for taking a stand against these False Prophets. I will have more, much more to write about this later.
Dateline is airing this program tonight (Sunday March 6,2005). As they say, check your local listings for showtimes.
God Bless!!
Thursday, February 24, 2005
Waste Not, Want Not
In my post entitled, "What A Waste", I hit on the fact that many Christians do not take advantage of this awesome tool called the internet. We blog about our cats, dogs, coffee, just about anything but what really matters. We do not realize that the person that stumbled onto our Blog might be at the end of his/her rope. It may be someone across the street or half a world away. Make no mistake about it. Man may take the credit for the internet, and we sure have messed it up, but God created it. Man can create nothing without Him. We think we are so clever, but without the mind our Creator blessed us with, just how clever would we be?
Anyway, the point I am trying to make is that we must not let the evil that runs rampant throughout the internet win. We must shine our light into the darkness. So, to make a long blog short, please check this out:
http://ied.gospelcom.net/
However, that is just a start. I believe we can, and should make everyday Internet Evangelism Day!
Anyway, the point I am trying to make is that we must not let the evil that runs rampant throughout the internet win. We must shine our light into the darkness. So, to make a long blog short, please check this out:
http://ied.gospelcom.net/
However, that is just a start. I believe we can, and should make everyday Internet Evangelism Day!
Terri Schiavo
Matthew 25:31-46 (NIV)
The Sheep and the Goats
31“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
34“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
37“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
40“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’
41“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’
44“They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’
45“He will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’
46“Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”
If these words spoken by our Lord Jesus Christ mean anything to you, I urge you to visit the following link:
http://view.exacttarget.com/?ffcd16-febe13797c67077f-fe0515737460057f70107171
God Bless You!!
The Sheep and the Goats
31“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
34“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
37“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
40“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’
41“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’
44“They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’
45“He will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’
46“Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”
If these words spoken by our Lord Jesus Christ mean anything to you, I urge you to visit the following link:
http://view.exacttarget.com/?ffcd16-febe13797c67077f-fe0515737460057f70107171
God Bless You!!
Sunday, February 20, 2005
The God Game
For many in the Church today, Jesus is not the goal. They simply said their "Sinners Prayer" to get what Jesus has to offer. No, I am not talking about eternal salvation. What people today want is instant gratification. "Give it to me now!", they shout. They do not come to the Master's table to worship and have fellowship with the Master. Oh no, they come to the Master's table for what is on the Master's table.
To these people God is simply a 2nd rate Game Show Host In The Sky. "What have you done for me lately?" is the modern church's battle cry. "Yea, yea, I know all about that dying on the cross stuff, but that was a long time ago. I need help now! Where are my riches?"
However, we are instructed in Hebrews:
Hebrews 13:5-6 (ESV)
5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." 6 So we can confidently say, "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?"
The Church today is filled with false converts. People who only accepted the Master for all the goodies they will receive. Just look at what is being taught by "Superstar" Preachers today. They promise unlimited health and wealth. They do not stress the fact that God has already provided us with the ultimate gift. The gift of His Son. Jesus payed our debt for us. A debt we never could have satisfied.
However, the modern Church feels it is not necessary to preach Christ and Him Crucified. They want to preach a kinder, gentler message. One that does not address eternal separation from God. Hell should only be talked about in terms of Hitler or Hussein. To them, God would never send Joe GoodNeighbor to Hell. He helps out at the homeless shelter once a month. He goes to Church whenever he can and even plays on the Church softball team. However, his heart is far from God. He would never dream of talking about his faith to anyone. He would not want to cram it down anyone's throat. He came onboard the Jesus train because he had someone tickle his ears with the promise of riches and health. Of course, Mr. GoodNeighbor will soon take the path of many "converts" before him. When the promised life on the Jesus Easy Street fails to materialize, Ol' Mr. GoodNeighbor will be just another statistic. One that Atheists point to and shout, "Christianity does not work!"
However, true Christianity not only works, it works forever. The God Game is churning out false converts quicker than Michael Jackson changes faces. Jesus never promised us a rose garden. He did not say we might have trouble. He warned us that we would! But He also told us to keep our eyes on Him. He has overcome the world!
John 16:33 (NIV)
33 I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
When we reduce our Heavenly Father, our Creator and Savior to some sort of impish Game Show Host that only exists to satisfy our every desire, we miss the mark by infinity. What our Lord has planned for us is more, much more than any earthly reward could ever fulfill. We must trust that our Heavenly Father knows what we need, and He will provide. But not only to keep us comfortable, but to enable us to share Him with the world. And in the end, that is all that matters.
To these people God is simply a 2nd rate Game Show Host In The Sky. "What have you done for me lately?" is the modern church's battle cry. "Yea, yea, I know all about that dying on the cross stuff, but that was a long time ago. I need help now! Where are my riches?"
However, we are instructed in Hebrews:
Hebrews 13:5-6 (ESV)
5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." 6 So we can confidently say, "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?"
The Church today is filled with false converts. People who only accepted the Master for all the goodies they will receive. Just look at what is being taught by "Superstar" Preachers today. They promise unlimited health and wealth. They do not stress the fact that God has already provided us with the ultimate gift. The gift of His Son. Jesus payed our debt for us. A debt we never could have satisfied.
However, the modern Church feels it is not necessary to preach Christ and Him Crucified. They want to preach a kinder, gentler message. One that does not address eternal separation from God. Hell should only be talked about in terms of Hitler or Hussein. To them, God would never send Joe GoodNeighbor to Hell. He helps out at the homeless shelter once a month. He goes to Church whenever he can and even plays on the Church softball team. However, his heart is far from God. He would never dream of talking about his faith to anyone. He would not want to cram it down anyone's throat. He came onboard the Jesus train because he had someone tickle his ears with the promise of riches and health. Of course, Mr. GoodNeighbor will soon take the path of many "converts" before him. When the promised life on the Jesus Easy Street fails to materialize, Ol' Mr. GoodNeighbor will be just another statistic. One that Atheists point to and shout, "Christianity does not work!"
However, true Christianity not only works, it works forever. The God Game is churning out false converts quicker than Michael Jackson changes faces. Jesus never promised us a rose garden. He did not say we might have trouble. He warned us that we would! But He also told us to keep our eyes on Him. He has overcome the world!
John 16:33 (NIV)
33 I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
When we reduce our Heavenly Father, our Creator and Savior to some sort of impish Game Show Host that only exists to satisfy our every desire, we miss the mark by infinity. What our Lord has planned for us is more, much more than any earthly reward could ever fulfill. We must trust that our Heavenly Father knows what we need, and He will provide. But not only to keep us comfortable, but to enable us to share Him with the world. And in the end, that is all that matters.
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
Sunday, February 13, 2005
What A Waste
As I sit here while my beautiful wife is putting our almost 23 month-old son to bed, my mind started to wonder how Christians can waste a God-given opportunity? The opportunity I write of is Blogging. There are many professing Christians that make use of these online journals only to go out of their way not to mention Christ. What a waste it is when we have the chance to reach the entire world with our profession of Christ, and we write about some piece of fluff. Yes, I said fluff, because when we get right down to it, nothing but Christ matters.
Oh sure, there is nothing wrong with writing about our children, spouses, parents and numerous other topics. However, when people refuse to express their faith at all, something is very wrong. Christians today would rather "keep their faith to themselves." I am sorry, but contrary to what John Kerry and many others would like us to believe, Christianity is not something that should be kept to ourselves. We need to "Go And Shout It On The Mountain", as the song says.
Everything we do and say should be as if it were unto the Lord.
Colossians 3:23-24 (King James Version)
23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
Oh sure, there is nothing wrong with writing about our children, spouses, parents and numerous other topics. However, when people refuse to express their faith at all, something is very wrong. Christians today would rather "keep their faith to themselves." I am sorry, but contrary to what John Kerry and many others would like us to believe, Christianity is not something that should be kept to ourselves. We need to "Go And Shout It On The Mountain", as the song says.
Everything we do and say should be as if it were unto the Lord.
Colossians 3:23-24 (King James Version)
23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
Saturday, February 12, 2005
Change the Subject
I find it interesting that as Christians we are constantly scolded and ridiculed for not being "tolerant." We are told that we are to be accepting of any and every thought and behavior that comes our way. However, this pendulum does not swing both ways. The very same people that berate us for being intolerant have absolutely no tolerance for us! And I have come to realize that the worst offenders of this double standard sadly are - Christians.
A family member summed it all up perfectly when she told my wife that instead of talking to people about Jesus when we see them happily skipping down the broad road, we should "Change the subject." To her it is okay for them to be spewing out all sorts of anti-Christian speech and we are to just sit there and let it go unabated. Would she say nothing to a child that is playing near a busy street? Sure that child is enjoying what she is doing, but she is in great danger! Why ruin her fun? If she said something to the child child, the child may not like her.
My point is that modern Christians care more about everybody being their friends, than they do about their eternal salvation. What has happened? Do you understand what she said? "Change the subject!" Those three words from a "Christian" just blow my mind. Is this the attitude we are to have? Just by uttering those three words, she is pointing her finger at all the Martyrs throughout the ages and saying, You fools! Why did suffer and die when all you had to do was to simply "Change the subject." She is telling all the Missionaries that have given up all they have to follow our Lord's command to "Make disciples of all nations" that they have it all wrong.
No I say, No! Jesus made it clear that we are to follow His commands. We cannot say that we are Christians and not care about the eternal souls of others simply to keep the peace. There is no such thing as an Undercover Christian. Our light is to be placed high on the lampstand for all to see, not only brought out when the conditions are right.
2 Timothy 4 (NIV)
1In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage with great patience and careful instruction. 3For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.
Mark 8:38 (NIV)
38If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels.
A family member summed it all up perfectly when she told my wife that instead of talking to people about Jesus when we see them happily skipping down the broad road, we should "Change the subject." To her it is okay for them to be spewing out all sorts of anti-Christian speech and we are to just sit there and let it go unabated. Would she say nothing to a child that is playing near a busy street? Sure that child is enjoying what she is doing, but she is in great danger! Why ruin her fun? If she said something to the child child, the child may not like her.
My point is that modern Christians care more about everybody being their friends, than they do about their eternal salvation. What has happened? Do you understand what she said? "Change the subject!" Those three words from a "Christian" just blow my mind. Is this the attitude we are to have? Just by uttering those three words, she is pointing her finger at all the Martyrs throughout the ages and saying, You fools! Why did suffer and die when all you had to do was to simply "Change the subject." She is telling all the Missionaries that have given up all they have to follow our Lord's command to "Make disciples of all nations" that they have it all wrong.
No I say, No! Jesus made it clear that we are to follow His commands. We cannot say that we are Christians and not care about the eternal souls of others simply to keep the peace. There is no such thing as an Undercover Christian. Our light is to be placed high on the lampstand for all to see, not only brought out when the conditions are right.
2 Timothy 4 (NIV)
1In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage with great patience and careful instruction. 3For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.
Mark 8:38 (NIV)
38If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels.
Saturday, February 05, 2005
Jesus or Ozzy?
I am finally getting to this, and as I sit here I don't know what I will write. I am trusting that the Holy Spirit will give me the words. I find it hard to believe that bands that glorify satan and curse the name of Christ would drive a wedge between a "Christian" family. However, sadly, that is what has happened.
This has been brewing for a while, but I will start back in July, 2004. My wife, myself and our son were over at my Mother's house for a family get-together. My brother, brought to our attention that our sister had allowed her son to attend Ozzfest. We did not even know this blasphemous concert was in town. My brother then went on to bring up the web site to Ozzfest. He showed us all of the blasphemous and satanic bands that were performing. He showed us the t-shirts that bore Ozzy's image on a cross. It grieved us. We were discussing the implications of allowing your child to attend such an event. We were talking about professing Christians lending support to these events that mock Christianity.
Well, my Mother stormed into the computer room and started to let us have it. She screamed at my wife and myself that we should not say anything and just pray for them (it was funny, but she did not direct any verbal assaults at my brother, although he initiated the conversation). We tried to explain to her that we needed to do more than just pray, we need to talk to them about this. How could professing Christians support such filth? Well, my Mother let off with a verbal attack that would not end. She was defending them, but attacking us. We decided that we just needed to leave. As we were attempting to depart, she followed us while continuing to thrust her finger at us while vocalizing her disdain at the top of her lungs. We left.
Well, about a month later, we saw my Mother. She took us out to dinner and apologized. She admitted that what she did was wrong. She admitted that my sister and nephew needed to be held accountable.
Well, it was soon Thanksgiving. The family was at my Mother's home, including my sister and nephew. Now we noticed things were a little different. First off, my nephew was dressed all in black, including black fingernails. My sister did not acknowledge us, not even our 20-month old son.
After dinner, we gathered in the living room for my nephew (brother's son) to open his Birthday presents (it was his Birthday as well as Thanksgiving). My sister gave him the gift from her. He opened it with my sister urging him to hold it up. He looked disgusted. He held up a Metallica t-shirt. My sister's son was screaming how great it was while my sister was gawking over her great gift. However, the recipient of the shirt did not like it. My sister's son was telling him he'd better like it because Metallica is "sweet". Keep in mind that all the players in this drama confess to be Christians.
I felt the leading of the Holy Spirit to not let this opportunity pass. I started to ask my nephews if they understood what Metallica stood for. Mockingly they assured me they did. I asked how they could extol the virtues of bands that mock the One they confess to serve. Again, I was mocked and told that Ozzfest was the best time of my nephew's life. I was near tears trying to reach them when out of nowhere my brother stormed up to me with his fist raised and using every four-letter word there is. He claimed he had been, "Waiting to go off on me for a long time". He then took a few swings at me all the while screaming that it was, "Only a shirt"! Now keep in mind that this is the same "Christian" brother that alerted us to my nephew attending Ozzfest in July.
Now, to make things worse, my Mother stormed up standing next to my brother screaming, "You don't do it like that"! Also keep in mind that she did not even hear my conversation with my nephews. She also screamed that I tried to hit her in July. Now this was a shock to myself and to my wife. I never tried to hit her. In fact, I was denouncing bands that promote violence. By this time the entire household was cussing up a storm at my wife and myself. My "Christian" brother continued to threaten me and proclaimed that he was going to, "Rule in hell".
I went up to my nephew and gave him tearful hug. I let him know that I loved him and wanted him to live forever with Christ.
My wife and I never yelled. We never made a personal attack on anyone. But we were attacked both verbally and physically. We made our way out of the house once again. My wife is pregnant and with the atmosphere in that house, it was no longer safe to keep her there. Also, we did not need our child hearing that language.
Shortly after, we started to receive emails from my sister and mother attempting to defend their actions. They denied things that took place. Now the only problem with that is that first of all, God knows what happened. Secondly, the event was captured on video. Once they found that out, their story changed. Then is was all about justifying their actions.
We attempted to reason with them by using Scripture, but they do not want to be confused with what God has to say. They actually quote things that are not even in the Bible. They use wisdom they received from a song or on Oprah.
Their argument is that we should not "Judge" others. Of course while they are arguing this, they are judging us.
My sister says that we should, "Point out sin, but not Judge". First off, all we were doing was bringing to their attention that they simply cannot serve God and shell out money to those that will use it to further their anti-Christian rhetoric. Also, how can you truly have the Holy Spirit dwelling within you and not be grieved by what you are hearing and viewing? It is sad, but a true convert of the faith should not need anyone to tell them that.
Below are just a few of the Scriptures I have shared with them.
1 John 1
5This is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you: God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all. 6If we claim to have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth.
Jude 1
4For certain men whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.
1 John 2
4The man who says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
Romans 13
11And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
Ezekiel 33
8 When I say to the wicked, 'O wicked man, you will surely die,' and you do not speak out to dissuade him from his ways, that wicked man will die for his sin, and I will hold you accountable for his blood. 9 But if you do warn the wicked man to turn from his ways and he does not do so, he will die for his sin, but you will have saved yourself.
Matthew 15
8" 'These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 9They worship me in vain, their teachings are but rules taught by men.'
I could go on, but I will address this matter more fully in additional posts. This sadly shows that there are many that claim to be Christian, but when they are asked to give up something, even something that stands in utter contrast the their beliefs, they choose the wide gate. Please check out these sites for more insight:
http://amawiggins.blogspot.com/
http://walkingcircumspectly.blogspot.com/
http://thereformation.blogspot.com/
http://bloggingteen.blogspot.com/
http://www.wayofthemaster.com/
http://www.myfortress.org/
I will end with these words of comfort from our Lord:
Matthew 5:10-12
10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
This has been brewing for a while, but I will start back in July, 2004. My wife, myself and our son were over at my Mother's house for a family get-together. My brother, brought to our attention that our sister had allowed her son to attend Ozzfest. We did not even know this blasphemous concert was in town. My brother then went on to bring up the web site to Ozzfest. He showed us all of the blasphemous and satanic bands that were performing. He showed us the t-shirts that bore Ozzy's image on a cross. It grieved us. We were discussing the implications of allowing your child to attend such an event. We were talking about professing Christians lending support to these events that mock Christianity.
Well, my Mother stormed into the computer room and started to let us have it. She screamed at my wife and myself that we should not say anything and just pray for them (it was funny, but she did not direct any verbal assaults at my brother, although he initiated the conversation). We tried to explain to her that we needed to do more than just pray, we need to talk to them about this. How could professing Christians support such filth? Well, my Mother let off with a verbal attack that would not end. She was defending them, but attacking us. We decided that we just needed to leave. As we were attempting to depart, she followed us while continuing to thrust her finger at us while vocalizing her disdain at the top of her lungs. We left.
Well, about a month later, we saw my Mother. She took us out to dinner and apologized. She admitted that what she did was wrong. She admitted that my sister and nephew needed to be held accountable.
Well, it was soon Thanksgiving. The family was at my Mother's home, including my sister and nephew. Now we noticed things were a little different. First off, my nephew was dressed all in black, including black fingernails. My sister did not acknowledge us, not even our 20-month old son.
After dinner, we gathered in the living room for my nephew (brother's son) to open his Birthday presents (it was his Birthday as well as Thanksgiving). My sister gave him the gift from her. He opened it with my sister urging him to hold it up. He looked disgusted. He held up a Metallica t-shirt. My sister's son was screaming how great it was while my sister was gawking over her great gift. However, the recipient of the shirt did not like it. My sister's son was telling him he'd better like it because Metallica is "sweet". Keep in mind that all the players in this drama confess to be Christians.
I felt the leading of the Holy Spirit to not let this opportunity pass. I started to ask my nephews if they understood what Metallica stood for. Mockingly they assured me they did. I asked how they could extol the virtues of bands that mock the One they confess to serve. Again, I was mocked and told that Ozzfest was the best time of my nephew's life. I was near tears trying to reach them when out of nowhere my brother stormed up to me with his fist raised and using every four-letter word there is. He claimed he had been, "Waiting to go off on me for a long time". He then took a few swings at me all the while screaming that it was, "Only a shirt"! Now keep in mind that this is the same "Christian" brother that alerted us to my nephew attending Ozzfest in July.
Now, to make things worse, my Mother stormed up standing next to my brother screaming, "You don't do it like that"! Also keep in mind that she did not even hear my conversation with my nephews. She also screamed that I tried to hit her in July. Now this was a shock to myself and to my wife. I never tried to hit her. In fact, I was denouncing bands that promote violence. By this time the entire household was cussing up a storm at my wife and myself. My "Christian" brother continued to threaten me and proclaimed that he was going to, "Rule in hell".
I went up to my nephew and gave him tearful hug. I let him know that I loved him and wanted him to live forever with Christ.
My wife and I never yelled. We never made a personal attack on anyone. But we were attacked both verbally and physically. We made our way out of the house once again. My wife is pregnant and with the atmosphere in that house, it was no longer safe to keep her there. Also, we did not need our child hearing that language.
Shortly after, we started to receive emails from my sister and mother attempting to defend their actions. They denied things that took place. Now the only problem with that is that first of all, God knows what happened. Secondly, the event was captured on video. Once they found that out, their story changed. Then is was all about justifying their actions.
We attempted to reason with them by using Scripture, but they do not want to be confused with what God has to say. They actually quote things that are not even in the Bible. They use wisdom they received from a song or on Oprah.
Their argument is that we should not "Judge" others. Of course while they are arguing this, they are judging us.
My sister says that we should, "Point out sin, but not Judge". First off, all we were doing was bringing to their attention that they simply cannot serve God and shell out money to those that will use it to further their anti-Christian rhetoric. Also, how can you truly have the Holy Spirit dwelling within you and not be grieved by what you are hearing and viewing? It is sad, but a true convert of the faith should not need anyone to tell them that.
Below are just a few of the Scriptures I have shared with them.
1 John 1
5This is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you: God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all. 6If we claim to have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth.
Jude 1
4For certain men whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.
1 John 2
4The man who says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
Romans 13
11And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
Ezekiel 33
8 When I say to the wicked, 'O wicked man, you will surely die,' and you do not speak out to dissuade him from his ways, that wicked man will die for his sin, and I will hold you accountable for his blood. 9 But if you do warn the wicked man to turn from his ways and he does not do so, he will die for his sin, but you will have saved yourself.
Matthew 15
8" 'These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 9They worship me in vain, their teachings are but rules taught by men.'
I could go on, but I will address this matter more fully in additional posts. This sadly shows that there are many that claim to be Christian, but when they are asked to give up something, even something that stands in utter contrast the their beliefs, they choose the wide gate. Please check out these sites for more insight:
http://amawiggins.blogspot.com/
http://walkingcircumspectly.blogspot.com/
http://thereformation.blogspot.com/
http://bloggingteen.blogspot.com/
http://www.wayofthemaster.com/
http://www.myfortress.org/
I will end with these words of comfort from our Lord:
Matthew 5:10-12
10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
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