I wish we could just call them "doubting Thomases" but, unfortunately, they represent something far worse than that. These are people who are so influenced by satanic forces that they actively oppose God's Word.
Mind you, I do not mean to include those who are uncertain, nor those who are merely trying to figure out what it is they want to believe. I want you to know that there are many who aggressively fight against God. This group includes (but is not limited to) proponents of: witchcraft, naturalism, mysticism, evolution, and brain-damaged politicians who maintain that Christians "cling bitterly" to their religion.
We find warnings in the Bible about these individuals.
"First, I want to remind you that in the last days there will come scoffers who will do every wrong they can think of, and laugh at the truth. This will be their line of argument: 'So Jesus promised to come back, did He? Then where is He? He'll never come! Why, as far back as anyone can remember everything has remained exactly as it was since the first day of creation.' They deliberately forget this fact: that God did destroy the world with a mighty flood, long after He had made the heavens by the Word of His command, and had used the waters to form the earth and surround it. And God has commanded that the earth and the heavens be stored away for a great bonfire at the judgement day, when all ungodly men will perish. But don't forget this, dear friends, that a day or a thousand years from now is like tomorrow to the Lord. He isn't really being slow about His promised return, even though it sometimes seems that way. But He is waiting, for the good reason that He is unwilling that any should perish, and He is giving more time for sinners to repent." (2Pet3:3-9)tlb
Remember, God's time is His own. It is not up to us to decide when predicted events will happen, and it never has been so. Do you remember when Mount St. Helens blew up? There was an old man living up there, with more than a dozen cats. Many pointed out to him that the mountain was unsafe, due to the near-continuous shaking, and all the steam escaping from the ground. The old guy told one reporter, "Nobody knows this mountain like me." He stayed. The mountain blew up, and took him and his cats with it.
You see, it is easy to scoff, but you might not be right. Without God, you cannot be. Never doubt that which God has said will come to pass. He gave us His Word on it.
Peter did have a few more things to say on this subject.
"Dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen and for Him to come, try hard to live without sinning: and be at peace with everyone so that He will be pleased with you when He returns. And remember why He is waiting. He is giving us time to get His message of salvation out to others. Our wise and beloved brother Paul has talked about these things in many of his letters. Some of his comments are not easy to understand, and there are people who are deliberately stupid, and always demand some unusual interpretation - they have twisted his letters around to mean something quite different from what he meant, just as they do the other parts of the Scripture - and the result is disaster for them. I am warning you ahead of time, dear brothers, so that you can watch out and not be carried away by the mistakes of these wicked men, lest you yourselves become mixed up too. But grow in spiritual strength and become better acquainted with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be all glory and splendid honor, both now and forevermore. Good-bye." (2Pet3:14-18)tlb
Once again, we are reminded to spread the Word. It is why we are still here. Our Lord is not willing that anyone should lose the battle against evil, and his soul. While you are busy spreading the Good News, pray for everyone, even those who have doubts, and especially for the scoffers!
Remember this! Paul actively fought against Christianity! Jesus reached him, and turned him into an evangelist, probably the greatest of all time. How many more may there be?
Do right by God. He is counting on YOU!
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Promises - Kept or Broken?
Do you ALWAYS tell the truth?
Most of us generally mean to do so, but...
You see, part of the problem is that we are surrounded by liars. We have grown accustomed to their lack of veracity, and we've come to expect it. In our society, liars prosper in every field, and in every endeavor. Almost all politicians lie, whether it involves his having had sex with an individual to whom he is NOT married, or to his ability to bring about hope and change in America. The hyper-wealthy lie about their income, so as to avoid taxes. Those at the other end of the economic spectrum lie in order to continue to receive free handouts from the government.
People who crave the limelight lie in order to promote their current favorite "inconvenient truth" (otherwise known as a lie). In general, people will lie about almost anything, so long as it makes them appear more important.
People promise to "forsake all others" when they marry, but that gets tossed by the side of the road as soon as it can be arranged. Everyone seems to believe that this type of lying is normal, and that we should all just accept it.
God doesn't feel this way. His Word is His promise, and He stands by it. Always. Even when those to whom He's made His promises do not keep their own. He does something when He makes a promise that we should all learn from; He backs up His promises with Himself! Not with a document notarized by some fallible individual... not with some corrupt politician's OK... not with some high court's ruling... God's promises are backed by God!
"Now Jehovah said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto the land that I will show thee: and I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and be thou a blessing; and I will bless them that bless thee, and him that curseth thee will I curse: and in thee shall all the families of the earth be blessed."
(Gen 12:1-3)kjv
To this day, God has kept this promise. Even though His people often did not deserve His blessing or protection, He's kept His promise!
"And Jehovah said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art, northward and southward and eastward and westward: for all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever. And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: So that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then may thy seed also be numbered." (Gen 13:14-16)kjv
How many descendents does Abraham have today? Remember, all of us who are Christian have been "adopted" into this family. Care to count particles of dust?
We will ALL fail, from time to time. We, every one of us, will sin. In doing so, we turn away from God! But, He does not turn away from us! Remember what He said; "Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." (Rev 3:20)kjv
David failed God more than once. He repented of his sin and changed his ways, and was a "man after God's own heart."
Can we strive to be any less?
Most of us generally mean to do so, but...
You see, part of the problem is that we are surrounded by liars. We have grown accustomed to their lack of veracity, and we've come to expect it. In our society, liars prosper in every field, and in every endeavor. Almost all politicians lie, whether it involves his having had sex with an individual to whom he is NOT married, or to his ability to bring about hope and change in America. The hyper-wealthy lie about their income, so as to avoid taxes. Those at the other end of the economic spectrum lie in order to continue to receive free handouts from the government.
People who crave the limelight lie in order to promote their current favorite "inconvenient truth" (otherwise known as a lie). In general, people will lie about almost anything, so long as it makes them appear more important.
People promise to "forsake all others" when they marry, but that gets tossed by the side of the road as soon as it can be arranged. Everyone seems to believe that this type of lying is normal, and that we should all just accept it.
God doesn't feel this way. His Word is His promise, and He stands by it. Always. Even when those to whom He's made His promises do not keep their own. He does something when He makes a promise that we should all learn from; He backs up His promises with Himself! Not with a document notarized by some fallible individual... not with some corrupt politician's OK... not with some high court's ruling... God's promises are backed by God!
"Now Jehovah said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto the land that I will show thee: and I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and be thou a blessing; and I will bless them that bless thee, and him that curseth thee will I curse: and in thee shall all the families of the earth be blessed."
(Gen 12:1-3)kjv
To this day, God has kept this promise. Even though His people often did not deserve His blessing or protection, He's kept His promise!
"And Jehovah said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art, northward and southward and eastward and westward: for all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever. And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: So that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then may thy seed also be numbered." (Gen 13:14-16)kjv
How many descendents does Abraham have today? Remember, all of us who are Christian have been "adopted" into this family. Care to count particles of dust?
We will ALL fail, from time to time. We, every one of us, will sin. In doing so, we turn away from God! But, He does not turn away from us! Remember what He said; "Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." (Rev 3:20)kjv
David failed God more than once. He repented of his sin and changed his ways, and was a "man after God's own heart."
Can we strive to be any less?
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Have you ever read a book that hit you so hard you actually hurt when you finished it? I've just read such a book! Its called; "Forfeiting All Sanity," by Jenifer Poss Taylor.
She, and her husband, David, finding themselves unable to have children of their own, turned to adoption. One of the three kids they adopted was born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, though they were unaware of this fact at the time of the adoption.
FAS can occur during any pregnancy wherein the expectant mother consumes ANY amount of alcohol. You see, it has no bearing on how much the pregnant woman drinks, but rather on how well the fetus metabolizes the alcohol that goes into its bloodstream, via the umbilical cord. One sip, or a weekend of intoxication... there seems to be absolutely no correlation between the amount she drinks and the intensity of the damage done to the unborn baby.
And, what damage! The physical aberrations include damage that resembles Down's Syndrome, muscle and nerve control, optical damage and severe lack of coordination. The brain damage makes these things seem minor, by comparison. Children affected by FAS are unable to be disciplined. Cause and effect have no meaning to them. Self-awareness runs from non-existent to total, depending on circumstances. They can be anxious and panicky about events that others find normal. They cannot control their anger, and steal whenever they wish to do so. They are far more prone to using drugs and being promiscuous at a very early age.
Can you imagine the terror that a parent of such a child must live with on a day-to-day basis? How can you protect a child with FAS?
A little research online leads to the possibility that the increase in convicted felons may be due to the ever increasing numbers of those who suffer from Fetal Alcohol Syndrome due to their mom's drinking.
Read the book. If you have sympathy in your heart, it WILL bring tears to your eyes. By the time you've finished reading it, you might (like me) start thinking that drinking while pregnant is the worst form of torture of a child that there has ever been, and just may be even more satanic than abortion. Please visit jenniferposstaylor.com for more info.
Kids are for loving. God says so.
Please...
She, and her husband, David, finding themselves unable to have children of their own, turned to adoption. One of the three kids they adopted was born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, though they were unaware of this fact at the time of the adoption.
FAS can occur during any pregnancy wherein the expectant mother consumes ANY amount of alcohol. You see, it has no bearing on how much the pregnant woman drinks, but rather on how well the fetus metabolizes the alcohol that goes into its bloodstream, via the umbilical cord. One sip, or a weekend of intoxication... there seems to be absolutely no correlation between the amount she drinks and the intensity of the damage done to the unborn baby.
And, what damage! The physical aberrations include damage that resembles Down's Syndrome, muscle and nerve control, optical damage and severe lack of coordination. The brain damage makes these things seem minor, by comparison. Children affected by FAS are unable to be disciplined. Cause and effect have no meaning to them. Self-awareness runs from non-existent to total, depending on circumstances. They can be anxious and panicky about events that others find normal. They cannot control their anger, and steal whenever they wish to do so. They are far more prone to using drugs and being promiscuous at a very early age.
Can you imagine the terror that a parent of such a child must live with on a day-to-day basis? How can you protect a child with FAS?
A little research online leads to the possibility that the increase in convicted felons may be due to the ever increasing numbers of those who suffer from Fetal Alcohol Syndrome due to their mom's drinking.
Read the book. If you have sympathy in your heart, it WILL bring tears to your eyes. By the time you've finished reading it, you might (like me) start thinking that drinking while pregnant is the worst form of torture of a child that there has ever been, and just may be even more satanic than abortion. Please visit jenniferposstaylor.com for more info.
Kids are for loving. God says so.
Please...
Friday, August 12, 2011
Every One a Child of God
If you have, or have had, children, I ask you to think back to the time when you first held your precious baby in your hands. Do you remember the lumps in your throat, the tears in your eyes, or even the amazement you experienced that God had entrusted such a precious child to you?
I am a father, and I remember these feelings well. When I held my first born, I was terrified that I might drop him. I was afraid to do more than support him with my hands, so sure was I that hands, like mine, toughened by years of hard work, might just accidentally cause bruises, in one so tender.
Love for your children, and joy in their existence, go hand in hand. It is natural, and it is an amazing gift from God.
I have always loved kids, all of them. Some are easier to love, some require getting past obstacles they've inherited. Some have learned to not trust others, and this makes getting to know them very difficult. But, all of them, every one, is a child of God.
It isn't just the kids, either. We are all children of God's. Every one, no matter the age, is still a child of God. Look around you... Can you see the baby that an older person was? God can! That is one of the reasons we are supposed to continually remind others of God's love. He wants those who've strayed from His flock to find their way back to His love!
I have been very blessed. God has arranged things so that I seem to be able to reach most kids at whatever level they operate on. I listen to what they have to say, try to explain things in a way they can understand, and do not expect them to always be perfect. As a result, I have been "adopted" by a number of kids. I have been an (adopted) uncle, a grandpa, and very recently, a best friend (to a 4-year old!). There is an emotional overload to this "adoption" that cannot be described accurately. I am constantly in awe that God has given this gift to me.
You see, I am not perfect, either. I am very aware of my faults, and know that there is not one thing I could ever do to pay Him back adequately for this incredible gift, so I just end up loving kids all the more, and thanking God constantly.
Thank-you so much, God!
Please remember that God loves all kids; those who are just born, those who've entered their "terrible twos," teenagers, the elderly, and those not yet born. All are God's children. He loves everyone. He sent His Son to die for every single one. He want them all to come to His arms of love.
You...
me...
the unborn...
mobsters...
terrorists...
the handicapped...
Yes, even politicians!
Everybody is God's child! Some just need to be told or reminded.
Spread the love!
I am a father, and I remember these feelings well. When I held my first born, I was terrified that I might drop him. I was afraid to do more than support him with my hands, so sure was I that hands, like mine, toughened by years of hard work, might just accidentally cause bruises, in one so tender.
Love for your children, and joy in their existence, go hand in hand. It is natural, and it is an amazing gift from God.
I have always loved kids, all of them. Some are easier to love, some require getting past obstacles they've inherited. Some have learned to not trust others, and this makes getting to know them very difficult. But, all of them, every one, is a child of God.
It isn't just the kids, either. We are all children of God's. Every one, no matter the age, is still a child of God. Look around you... Can you see the baby that an older person was? God can! That is one of the reasons we are supposed to continually remind others of God's love. He wants those who've strayed from His flock to find their way back to His love!
I have been very blessed. God has arranged things so that I seem to be able to reach most kids at whatever level they operate on. I listen to what they have to say, try to explain things in a way they can understand, and do not expect them to always be perfect. As a result, I have been "adopted" by a number of kids. I have been an (adopted) uncle, a grandpa, and very recently, a best friend (to a 4-year old!). There is an emotional overload to this "adoption" that cannot be described accurately. I am constantly in awe that God has given this gift to me.
You see, I am not perfect, either. I am very aware of my faults, and know that there is not one thing I could ever do to pay Him back adequately for this incredible gift, so I just end up loving kids all the more, and thanking God constantly.
Thank-you so much, God!
Please remember that God loves all kids; those who are just born, those who've entered their "terrible twos," teenagers, the elderly, and those not yet born. All are God's children. He loves everyone. He sent His Son to die for every single one. He want them all to come to His arms of love.
You...
me...
the unborn...
mobsters...
terrorists...
the handicapped...
Yes, even politicians!
Everybody is God's child! Some just need to be told or reminded.
Spread the love!
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Are you a "Stick in the Mud?"
Are you a Christian? Have you given up sin?
As Christians, we are supposed to be trying, with all our might, to overcome the urge to sin that is a part of everyday life. There is no way anyone could be totally successful, but we ARE supposed to make every effort.
Nobody is perfect. In much the same way that you cannot expect your kids to score 100% on every test in school, God knows you will not "ace" every test the devil throws your way. David, the "man after God's own heart," messed up in some major ways. But he repented, he was remorseful. He promised God that he'd never repeat his mistakes. This, in effect, is what God expects from us. He doesn't want us making excuses, He wants our best, and our apologies when our best isn't good enough. Follow that with a promise to never "mess up" again. He will give you all the help you can stand, you might not recognize it as help, when it comes.
We often take this as an easy way out. OK, we say, I blew it again, at least I'm saved, right? And then we often go back to sin.
So, are you "a stick in the mud?"
Are you usually slimed with sin, even if it is of a type you consider to be "minor?" Can you see that this isn't what God wants from us?
I was raised in a religion that believed that membership in that particular religion was the only requirement for you to reach heaven. Every so often, you tell God "Oops, I sinned again," and all the blame was washed off. If you happened to die without your "oops" session, you'd spend some time in an "almost" hell, getting all the "ouchies" burned off, then you'd head for heaven. They referred to this almost hell as purgatory. Interesting idea, but it is one that has no basis in the Bible. Although there are similar beliefs in a number of pagan religions, there was none in any Christian religion until the Council of Florence, around 1440 AD, declared it to be a part of the Catholic religion. The Council of Trent, around 1550 AD, confirmed this belief within the Catholic church. Jesus made the greatest contra-indicator of this belief with his statement to the thief being crucified to His side, "...I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise."
(Luke 23:43)nlt
The word "purgatory" comes from the same root as does "purgative," and is supposed to serve the same purpose, flushing out and away all that is harmful. It is an interesting idea, though, isn't it? Sin some, suffer a little, then go to heaven! But, what does the Bible say?
" The devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur, where are also the beast and the false prophet. They will be tormented day and night forever and ever. I saw a great white throne, and him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. There was found no place for them. I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne. Books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged out of the things which were written in the books, according to their works. The sea gave up the dead who were in it. Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them. They were judged, each one according to his works. Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. If anyone was not found written in the book of life, he was cast into the lake of fire."(Rev 20:10-15)web
Nope! No "penalty box" mentioned here! All the dead, those who were great in life as well as those who were completely insignificant, are judged "by the book." If you don't measure up, eternal torment awaits. So, how do you know your fate?
"What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." (Jas 2:14-26)kjv
I can already hear some muttering angrily that it is only by salvation can anyone be saved. You must follow the "ABCs," accept Christ's sacrifice, believe it is the only way to heaven & confess to others. Yet, if we are to believe that which James has said, "faith without works is dead!" Yet another apostle has included something noticeably similar in his works...
"And when the Son of man shall come in his majesty, and all the angels with him, then shall he sit upon the seat of his majesty. And all nations shall be gathered together before him, and he shall separate them one from another, as the shepherd separateth the sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on his left. Then shall the king say to them that shall be on his right hand: Come, ye blessed of my Father, possess you the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave me to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave me to drink; I was a stranger, and you took me in: Naked, and you covered me: sick, and you visited me: I was in prison, and you came to me. Then shall the just answer him, saying: Lord, when did we see thee hungry, and fed thee; thirsty, and gave thee drink? And when did we see thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and covered thee? Or when did we see thee sick or in prison, and came to thee? And the king answering, shall say to them: Amen I say to you, as long as you did it to one of these my least brethren, you did it to me. Then he shall say to them also that shall be on his left hand: Depart from me, you cursed, into everlasting fire which was prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry, and you gave me not to eat: I was thirsty, and you gave me not to drink. I was a stranger, and you took me not in: naked, and you covered me not: sick and in prison, and you did not visit me. Then they also shall answer him, saying: Lord, when did we see thee hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister to thee? Then he shall answer them, saying: Amen I say to you, as long as you did it not to one of these least, neither did you do it to me. And these shall go into everlasting punishment: but the just, into life everlasting." (Mat 25:31-46)drv
Remember what Jesus said to the church at Sardis; "Be thou watchful, and establish the things that remain, which were ready to die: for I have found no works of thine perfected before my God. Remember therefore how thou hast received and didst hear; and keep [it], and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. But thou hast a few names in Sardis that did not defile their garments: and they shall walk with me in white; for they are worthy. He that overcometh shall thus be arrayed in white garments; and I will in no wise blot his name out of the book of life, and I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches." (Rev 3:2-6)asv
You see, you are NOT saved by your works, BUT, you are defined by them. If you show no evidence of your salvation, then you have NOT been truly saved! Those who are saved, WORK to show their love for God! They never stop trying to better themselves and help others. They strive tirelessly to rid themselves of Satan's influence on their lives, to cleanse themselves of the mud and filth that is the devil's domain. A true Christian is NEVER satisfied with "life as usual." He or she will never accept a lifestyle of "kicking back and taking it easy!"
Do you believe that faith is dead without works?
Or, are you a "stick in the mud?"
As Christians, we are supposed to be trying, with all our might, to overcome the urge to sin that is a part of everyday life. There is no way anyone could be totally successful, but we ARE supposed to make every effort.
Nobody is perfect. In much the same way that you cannot expect your kids to score 100% on every test in school, God knows you will not "ace" every test the devil throws your way. David, the "man after God's own heart," messed up in some major ways. But he repented, he was remorseful. He promised God that he'd never repeat his mistakes. This, in effect, is what God expects from us. He doesn't want us making excuses, He wants our best, and our apologies when our best isn't good enough. Follow that with a promise to never "mess up" again. He will give you all the help you can stand, you might not recognize it as help, when it comes.
We often take this as an easy way out. OK, we say, I blew it again, at least I'm saved, right? And then we often go back to sin.
So, are you "a stick in the mud?"
Are you usually slimed with sin, even if it is of a type you consider to be "minor?" Can you see that this isn't what God wants from us?
I was raised in a religion that believed that membership in that particular religion was the only requirement for you to reach heaven. Every so often, you tell God "Oops, I sinned again," and all the blame was washed off. If you happened to die without your "oops" session, you'd spend some time in an "almost" hell, getting all the "ouchies" burned off, then you'd head for heaven. They referred to this almost hell as purgatory. Interesting idea, but it is one that has no basis in the Bible. Although there are similar beliefs in a number of pagan religions, there was none in any Christian religion until the Council of Florence, around 1440 AD, declared it to be a part of the Catholic religion. The Council of Trent, around 1550 AD, confirmed this belief within the Catholic church. Jesus made the greatest contra-indicator of this belief with his statement to the thief being crucified to His side, "...I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise."
(Luke 23:43)nlt
The word "purgatory" comes from the same root as does "purgative," and is supposed to serve the same purpose, flushing out and away all that is harmful. It is an interesting idea, though, isn't it? Sin some, suffer a little, then go to heaven! But, what does the Bible say?
" The devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur, where are also the beast and the false prophet. They will be tormented day and night forever and ever. I saw a great white throne, and him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. There was found no place for them. I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne. Books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged out of the things which were written in the books, according to their works. The sea gave up the dead who were in it. Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them. They were judged, each one according to his works. Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. If anyone was not found written in the book of life, he was cast into the lake of fire."(Rev 20:10-15)web
Nope! No "penalty box" mentioned here! All the dead, those who were great in life as well as those who were completely insignificant, are judged "by the book." If you don't measure up, eternal torment awaits. So, how do you know your fate?
"What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." (Jas 2:14-26)kjv
I can already hear some muttering angrily that it is only by salvation can anyone be saved. You must follow the "ABCs," accept Christ's sacrifice, believe it is the only way to heaven & confess to others. Yet, if we are to believe that which James has said, "faith without works is dead!" Yet another apostle has included something noticeably similar in his works...
"And when the Son of man shall come in his majesty, and all the angels with him, then shall he sit upon the seat of his majesty. And all nations shall be gathered together before him, and he shall separate them one from another, as the shepherd separateth the sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on his left. Then shall the king say to them that shall be on his right hand: Come, ye blessed of my Father, possess you the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave me to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave me to drink; I was a stranger, and you took me in: Naked, and you covered me: sick, and you visited me: I was in prison, and you came to me. Then shall the just answer him, saying: Lord, when did we see thee hungry, and fed thee; thirsty, and gave thee drink? And when did we see thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and covered thee? Or when did we see thee sick or in prison, and came to thee? And the king answering, shall say to them: Amen I say to you, as long as you did it to one of these my least brethren, you did it to me. Then he shall say to them also that shall be on his left hand: Depart from me, you cursed, into everlasting fire which was prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry, and you gave me not to eat: I was thirsty, and you gave me not to drink. I was a stranger, and you took me not in: naked, and you covered me not: sick and in prison, and you did not visit me. Then they also shall answer him, saying: Lord, when did we see thee hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister to thee? Then he shall answer them, saying: Amen I say to you, as long as you did it not to one of these least, neither did you do it to me. And these shall go into everlasting punishment: but the just, into life everlasting." (Mat 25:31-46)drv
Remember what Jesus said to the church at Sardis; "Be thou watchful, and establish the things that remain, which were ready to die: for I have found no works of thine perfected before my God. Remember therefore how thou hast received and didst hear; and keep [it], and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. But thou hast a few names in Sardis that did not defile their garments: and they shall walk with me in white; for they are worthy. He that overcometh shall thus be arrayed in white garments; and I will in no wise blot his name out of the book of life, and I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches." (Rev 3:2-6)asv
You see, you are NOT saved by your works, BUT, you are defined by them. If you show no evidence of your salvation, then you have NOT been truly saved! Those who are saved, WORK to show their love for God! They never stop trying to better themselves and help others. They strive tirelessly to rid themselves of Satan's influence on their lives, to cleanse themselves of the mud and filth that is the devil's domain. A true Christian is NEVER satisfied with "life as usual." He or she will never accept a lifestyle of "kicking back and taking it easy!"
Do you believe that faith is dead without works?
Or, are you a "stick in the mud?"
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Different Bible versions
People generally have a favorite Bible version. Your preference is usually based on whichever was mostly used during your formative years. In no way will I declare one version to be superior to any other, although I also have my own favorite. Due to its rhyme and meter, I prefer the King James. I am very aware, though, that the English language has changed greatly in the many hundreds of years since it was commissioned by King James (hence the name). For simplicity of explanation, I prefer The Living Bible. As it is a "thought by thought" translation, sometimes it doesn't seem to hold the power of the expression quite as well as some of the others. I list here some of the English language Bibles. This list is, by no means, complete. I have also been trying to learn to use the Greek language versions, with very limited success. If you prefer a different language or version, use it. If you are a beginner, I recommend either the NLT or TLB. They make the reading simpler.
ASV = American Standard Version (or just Standard version)
DAR (or DMT) = Darby's Modern Translation
DRV (or DRC) = Douay Rheims (Catholic)
KJV = King James Version (often called the "Authorized" version)
NKJ = New King James
NLT = New Living Translation
NRS = New Revised Standard
RSV = Revised Standard Version
TLB = The Living Bible
WET = Webster's Translation of 1611
WEB = World English Bible
YLT = Young's Literal Translation
The important thing is that you devote some time to Bible study. There are quite a few "One Year" Bibles, that are arranged in such a manner that you work you way through the entire Bible in just a few minutes every day. When you get to something that really grabs your interest, get your favorite Bible out and start reviewing.
Once you start getting into the Word. you will be amazed at how often God will give you a little "boost" to get your mind working along His path. Carry a small New Testament with you, at all times, if you can. An occasional minute, here and there...
It really is an investment in YOUR future!
ASV = American Standard Version (or just Standard version)
DAR (or DMT) = Darby's Modern Translation
DRV (or DRC) = Douay Rheims (Catholic)
KJV = King James Version (often called the "Authorized" version)
NKJ = New King James
NLT = New Living Translation
NRS = New Revised Standard
RSV = Revised Standard Version
TLB = The Living Bible
WET = Webster's Translation of 1611
WEB = World English Bible
YLT = Young's Literal Translation
The important thing is that you devote some time to Bible study. There are quite a few "One Year" Bibles, that are arranged in such a manner that you work you way through the entire Bible in just a few minutes every day. When you get to something that really grabs your interest, get your favorite Bible out and start reviewing.
Once you start getting into the Word. you will be amazed at how often God will give you a little "boost" to get your mind working along His path. Carry a small New Testament with you, at all times, if you can. An occasional minute, here and there...
It really is an investment in YOUR future!
Revelation churches - a review
OK, these churches all had problems back in their day. What does this have to do with any of us?
Although there are many preachers that maintain that these letters were meant only for the individual churches, I am very aware that much prophesy in the Bible is current in more than one time setting. Just because the letters were written to a particular church does NOT mean that it cannot apply today.
Look at a very brief description of each church...
Ephesus - Lost their direction. They think that membership in their church is more important than God's Word.
Smyrna - Satan is trying hard to mislead them. Jesus warns them to hold fast to His word.
Pergamum - They are being distracted by sexual sin. Jesus promises blessings for being faithful.
Thyatira - Doing good work, but too accepting of "alternate lifestyles."
Sardis - Mostly dead and lazy
Philadelphia - Strong in God, poor in money
Laodicea - Complacency
Can you think of even one Christian church that is not affected by one (or more) of the problems listed here? How many churches have you run across that claim membership in their church is all that is needed to ensure you get to heaven? How many have made allowances for "pretend" witchcraft (halloween celebrations and/or fortune telling) and promiscuous lifestyles of their members (including homosexuality)? How many churches do nothing, except go to service on most Sundays? Worst of all, how many have the attitude of "I'm saved. My future is secure. Leave me alone."
Few anywhere are willing to devote their all to giving God His due, and spreading His Word.
I daresay that the greater majority of us will see our churches within this listing of "problem churches." Jesus reminds us that He disciplines us out of love, as would any parent with a much-loved child. Are we willing to put aside our preconceived notions, hear Him knocking at our doors, welcome Him back into our lives and listen to His well-deserved reprimands?
Remember, a crown awaits!
Although there are many preachers that maintain that these letters were meant only for the individual churches, I am very aware that much prophesy in the Bible is current in more than one time setting. Just because the letters were written to a particular church does NOT mean that it cannot apply today.
Look at a very brief description of each church...
Ephesus - Lost their direction. They think that membership in their church is more important than God's Word.
Smyrna - Satan is trying hard to mislead them. Jesus warns them to hold fast to His word.
Pergamum - They are being distracted by sexual sin. Jesus promises blessings for being faithful.
Thyatira - Doing good work, but too accepting of "alternate lifestyles."
Sardis - Mostly dead and lazy
Philadelphia - Strong in God, poor in money
Laodicea - Complacency
Can you think of even one Christian church that is not affected by one (or more) of the problems listed here? How many churches have you run across that claim membership in their church is all that is needed to ensure you get to heaven? How many have made allowances for "pretend" witchcraft (halloween celebrations and/or fortune telling) and promiscuous lifestyles of their members (including homosexuality)? How many churches do nothing, except go to service on most Sundays? Worst of all, how many have the attitude of "I'm saved. My future is secure. Leave me alone."
Few anywhere are willing to devote their all to giving God His due, and spreading His Word.
I daresay that the greater majority of us will see our churches within this listing of "problem churches." Jesus reminds us that He disciplines us out of love, as would any parent with a much-loved child. Are we willing to put aside our preconceived notions, hear Him knocking at our doors, welcome Him back into our lives and listen to His well-deserved reprimands?
Remember, a crown awaits!
Revelation churches - part 7
The church at Laodicea is giving Jesus an upset stomach!
"And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches." (Rev 3:14-22)kjv
Some translations say "spit" instead of "spue" as above. The original actually says something closer to regurgitate (vomit). Consider this church from Jesus' perspective...
They are satisfied with life as it is, thinking that because they have plenty, there is no longer any need to try to better themselves. Jesus warns them that they have NOTHING that is of any value! Because they are content with their lives, thinking that they are rich, they cannot even see that they are miserably poor in spirit, blind to truth, and naked before God. Jesus counsels them to rid themselves of their attitude, and obtain from Him that which really matters.
He even explains why He is telling them this. He loves them enough that He treats them as a loving parent would an erring child. But He also lets them know He will NOT force them! He says, in effect, "Look! Here I am at your door, knocking, asking to be let in. If you will only listen to My words, and let me back in, we can be friends and have dinner together, again."
Get past the temptation to stagnate. Don't ever be satisfied to remain as you are!
Are your ears still working? Then listen!
"And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches." (Rev 3:14-22)kjv
Some translations say "spit" instead of "spue" as above. The original actually says something closer to regurgitate (vomit). Consider this church from Jesus' perspective...
They are satisfied with life as it is, thinking that because they have plenty, there is no longer any need to try to better themselves. Jesus warns them that they have NOTHING that is of any value! Because they are content with their lives, thinking that they are rich, they cannot even see that they are miserably poor in spirit, blind to truth, and naked before God. Jesus counsels them to rid themselves of their attitude, and obtain from Him that which really matters.
He even explains why He is telling them this. He loves them enough that He treats them as a loving parent would an erring child. But He also lets them know He will NOT force them! He says, in effect, "Look! Here I am at your door, knocking, asking to be let in. If you will only listen to My words, and let me back in, we can be friends and have dinner together, again."
Get past the temptation to stagnate. Don't ever be satisfied to remain as you are!
Are your ears still working? Then listen!
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Revelation churches - part 6
Next, we see the message to the church of Philadelphia. This city was built by, and named after, a king with the same name. It was demolished by the same earthquake that hit Sardis, but had vineyards, and probably a wine-making industry to keep it going.
"To the angel of the assembly in Philadelphia write: He who is holy, he who is true, he who has the key of David, he who opens and no one can shut, and that shuts and no one opens, says these things: I know your works (behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one can shut), that you have a little power, and kept my word, and didn't deny my name. Behold, I give of the synagogue of Satan, of those who say they are Jews, and they are not, but lie. Behold, I will make them to come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you. Because you kept the word of my patience, I also will keep you from the hour of testing, that which is to come on the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. I come quickly. Hold firmly that which you have, so that no one takes your crown. He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God, and he will go out from there no more. I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from my God, and my own new name. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies." (Rev 3:7-13)web
Jesus makes them a promise here that blows peoples' minds. He tells them they will be kept out of the hour of testing that is to come! In other words, when the Tribulation begins, these people will be safe from the harsh times that will come upon all who live on the earth! This refers to the coming Rapture. Jesus makes it plain that those who are truly Christian will escape this horrible time.
Notice that Jesus warns them to "Hold firmly that which you have, so that no one takes your crown." Do not go soft, and assume your work is done!
Be a pillar in God's temple. Wear His name proudly!
And... Keep those ears working!
"To the angel of the assembly in Philadelphia write: He who is holy, he who is true, he who has the key of David, he who opens and no one can shut, and that shuts and no one opens, says these things: I know your works (behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one can shut), that you have a little power, and kept my word, and didn't deny my name. Behold, I give of the synagogue of Satan, of those who say they are Jews, and they are not, but lie. Behold, I will make them to come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you. Because you kept the word of my patience, I also will keep you from the hour of testing, that which is to come on the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. I come quickly. Hold firmly that which you have, so that no one takes your crown. He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God, and he will go out from there no more. I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from my God, and my own new name. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies." (Rev 3:7-13)web
Jesus makes them a promise here that blows peoples' minds. He tells them they will be kept out of the hour of testing that is to come! In other words, when the Tribulation begins, these people will be safe from the harsh times that will come upon all who live on the earth! This refers to the coming Rapture. Jesus makes it plain that those who are truly Christian will escape this horrible time.
Notice that Jesus warns them to "Hold firmly that which you have, so that no one takes your crown." Do not go soft, and assume your work is done!
Be a pillar in God's temple. Wear His name proudly!
And... Keep those ears working!
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