Growing up, we celebrated Halloween maybe one time. My mom, though not a Christian (that i know of), thought it was too demonic. Somehow, i didn't really care much not celebrating it. We did carve pumpkins even when we didn't "celebrate" it, but it was very low-key.
It wasn't until I was a "grown up" that i really celebrated it. Oddly, it was even after I had become a believer in Christ! Actually, it was after I began attending the Presbyterian church, not that it was their fault, there were other factors at work.
I had been invited to a Halloween party by a coworker and went, then in costume i went to the singles group session where we were voting on leaders for the group, and i was elected to the board. Following that, one of our first events with me as event planner was to go to a haunted house. The following year, we had a Halloween event in the church.
Why am I telling all of this?
I guess it has alot to do with the fact that aside from a few comments, no one really thought there was anything wrong with celebrating Halloween, and no one challenged me about it either.
So? It's just harmless fun, right?
I had originally planned to research and delve into the history and origins, and why it's not something we Christians should partake in. But i think i want to inform, then give some advice.
Rather than reinvent the wheel, and duplicate what others have done before me, why not refer you to one of the best? Chuck Missler's current series is on Halloween, and he presents basically what I would have wanted to. He also has articles.
Chuck Missler on Halloween
http://www.khouse.org/topical_bible_study/halloween/
And Infowars' take on Halloween
http://www.infowars.com/the-dark-side-of-halloween-the-kind-of-stuff-that-real-life-nightmares-are-made-of/
Here's a couple more general ones.
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halloween
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomona
So what can we do about it? Celebrate or not celebrate? First, we can thank God for what He's done, and that He has the victory over Satan through His work on the Cross through Jesus Christ.
Second, we can pray against these dark things and powers. See the Prayer Watch show on the Revelations Radio Network.
Third, go ahead and hand candy out. Wait, WHAT?! That's right give them candy. With the candy, you can hand out Gospel tracts. I like the following site because you can actually download them, rather than request them or go thru some convoluted process to get them. And they are FREE!
http://www.tracts.com/Acrobatpage.html
So, use Halloween as your Mars Hill moment, and spread the Gospel one candy bar at a time. Pray for a huge harvest...of souls!
Monday, October 24, 2011
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Dream of Riots and Chaos
Perhaps I'm listening to Russ Dizdar too much (www.shatterthedarkness.net). Maybe I've got too many other podcasts in my iPod that talk about how things are getting worse. Maybe it's because I read about David Wilkerson's prophecies www.wnd.com/?pageId=91097.
Well, about a month or two ago, I had a dream I was in a large mall, and then a city. It was kind of both. Weird. But, there was typical action movie stuff. Explosions, people running. I then took refuge somewhere and woke up. When I woke up, I figured it was just a bad dream. Perhaps it just was that. But it felt like something more. Personally, I felt it was a warning, but I stop short of claiming this is a prophetic message from God. It could be. Or it could not be.
Well, I had another dream last night. I was driving out of some restaurant, and in a decent hurry. But as I got into traffic, I was unable to drive, because suddenly there was traffic. Then, there were crowds of people, not exactly rioting, but hardly peaceful all over. I tried to lock the doors, but at thatv moment all power in the car and everywhere went off. I heard people saying that there were riots everywhere, and that some of the people were being violent, and had somehow stopped all the power. It was then that I awoke.
Perhaps this was nothing. The result of the above podcasts and artiicles, and some really good hotsauce i'd eaten, or it was something more. Regardless, it reminds me of Wilkersons dream in some ways, and of Russ Dizdar's work. So, take that for what it's worth. I'm not date setting, nor am I claiming this is a prophecy. I wanted to share it in case it was, but I can't say for sure. At any rate, it should get you to folks who have done real research and who have real insight into possible coming chaos.
Again, these were dreams I had, so use your discernment, I will pray myself for God to show me what these are about.
The bottom line is, no matter what's on the horizon, God is in control. He knows the end from the beginning, and He isn't surprised. What's more, He loves you, and wants you to know Him. If you haven't accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior, now is the time to do it. Repent, accept Jesus's gift of salvation. He died on the cross, and rose from the dead to fulfill the scriptures and sits at God's right hand, right now. The most important decision in your life is if you accept this gift or not. When you and I die, God's going to know if we truly asked His forgiveness and accepted Christ's sacrifice. If we didn't, we go to hell. God doesn't want you to go to hell, which is why you can accept Jesus now.
Well, about a month or two ago, I had a dream I was in a large mall, and then a city. It was kind of both. Weird. But, there was typical action movie stuff. Explosions, people running. I then took refuge somewhere and woke up. When I woke up, I figured it was just a bad dream. Perhaps it just was that. But it felt like something more. Personally, I felt it was a warning, but I stop short of claiming this is a prophetic message from God. It could be. Or it could not be.
Well, I had another dream last night. I was driving out of some restaurant, and in a decent hurry. But as I got into traffic, I was unable to drive, because suddenly there was traffic. Then, there were crowds of people, not exactly rioting, but hardly peaceful all over. I tried to lock the doors, but at thatv moment all power in the car and everywhere went off. I heard people saying that there were riots everywhere, and that some of the people were being violent, and had somehow stopped all the power. It was then that I awoke.
Perhaps this was nothing. The result of the above podcasts and artiicles, and some really good hotsauce i'd eaten, or it was something more. Regardless, it reminds me of Wilkersons dream in some ways, and of Russ Dizdar's work. So, take that for what it's worth. I'm not date setting, nor am I claiming this is a prophecy. I wanted to share it in case it was, but I can't say for sure. At any rate, it should get you to folks who have done real research and who have real insight into possible coming chaos.
Again, these were dreams I had, so use your discernment, I will pray myself for God to show me what these are about.
The bottom line is, no matter what's on the horizon, God is in control. He knows the end from the beginning, and He isn't surprised. What's more, He loves you, and wants you to know Him. If you haven't accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior, now is the time to do it. Repent, accept Jesus's gift of salvation. He died on the cross, and rose from the dead to fulfill the scriptures and sits at God's right hand, right now. The most important decision in your life is if you accept this gift or not. When you and I die, God's going to know if we truly asked His forgiveness and accepted Christ's sacrifice. If we didn't, we go to hell. God doesn't want you to go to hell, which is why you can accept Jesus now.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Christian response to Gaddafi's death
I heard the news that Gaddafi has just been killed. Like Bin Ladn's death, this saddened me. Partially because, unless they died having accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and savior, they are now in Hell.
It also saddened me because Gaddaffi did not get a trial. If we're going around "spreading democracy" and disposing of dictators by killing leaders without a trial, then what sort of example is that? How is that democratic?
From a Biblical/Christian view, he should have been tried as well.
Deuteronomy 17:6
"At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; [but] at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death."
Do we have testimony of even one witness? Where was this testimony given audience? Was Gaddafi given a chance to defend himself?
It also saddens me, because i expect to see the majority of American Christians will rejoice at his death. A view that I think our Lord would not condone. Even Rep. Keith Ellison, a Muslim, is on the right track. He stated not to celebrate anyone's death, even if they are bad. He's right, but sadly i bet many Christians will celebrate.
Ezekiel 33:11
"Say unto them, [As] I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?"
That said, Jesus isn't celebrating this man's death, and neither should we. Yes Gaddaffi was likely a tyrant and a wicked man, but i think it's clear what reaction Christians should have.
It also saddened me because Gaddaffi did not get a trial. If we're going around "spreading democracy" and disposing of dictators by killing leaders without a trial, then what sort of example is that? How is that democratic?
From a Biblical/Christian view, he should have been tried as well.
Deuteronomy 17:6
"At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; [but] at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death."
Do we have testimony of even one witness? Where was this testimony given audience? Was Gaddafi given a chance to defend himself?
It also saddens me, because i expect to see the majority of American Christians will rejoice at his death. A view that I think our Lord would not condone. Even Rep. Keith Ellison, a Muslim, is on the right track. He stated not to celebrate anyone's death, even if they are bad. He's right, but sadly i bet many Christians will celebrate.
Ezekiel 33:11
"Say unto them, [As] I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?"
That said, Jesus isn't celebrating this man's death, and neither should we. Yes Gaddaffi was likely a tyrant and a wicked man, but i think it's clear what reaction Christians should have.
David Flynn Tumor
Hi all,
Most of you hopefully know who Derek and Sharon Gilbert are. They do a couple of podcasts that are awesome, and they're great people. They're at www.pidradio.com, check them out.
Anyways, they mentioned David Flynn, a brother in the Lord who just had brain surgery, and he has had a near-miraculous recovery from the operation. That said, he also has huge hospital bills. Please pray the God miraculously provide the needed money so he can pay the bills. For those who feel lead to donate, please do so here:
http://www.mt.net/~watcher/
Let's see what the Lord can do!
Most of you hopefully know who Derek and Sharon Gilbert are. They do a couple of podcasts that are awesome, and they're great people. They're at www.pidradio.com, check them out.
Anyways, they mentioned David Flynn, a brother in the Lord who just had brain surgery, and he has had a near-miraculous recovery from the operation. That said, he also has huge hospital bills. Please pray the God miraculously provide the needed money so he can pay the bills. For those who feel lead to donate, please do so here:
http://www.mt.net/~watcher/
Let's see what the Lord can do!
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Was Jesus Really Just a Good Teacher? Then Why Don't You Follow What He Taught?
This one is less for the church...OK, it's also for the church because we often don't listen to Him too. Without a doubt, Jesus is widely recognized the world over as a good teacher, at the very least. Some see Him as a mere prophet. OK, let's work with that. Jesus was a teacher, sure and very wise. I don't think anyone would disagree.
But I would bet that any of you who say this would be hard pressed to repeat anything that He actually taught. I know I can't recall 100% accurately some of the things He taught and I've been a Christian for more than ten years. Let's start with some easy teachings that everyone should know.
Turn the other cheek. If someone asks for your coat, also give them the shirt. Give to Caesar what is Caesar's. Go the extra mile. We've turned many of these great lesson's into cliche's. Stripped them of their depth, to some extent, if that were possible. But yes, these are some things that Jesus taught.
But what else? The sermon on the mount of course. But what was that about? Let's take just a small piece.
http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Mat&c=5&v=1#1
From that, this comes out.
Matthew 5:17 - 20
"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach [them], the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed [the righteousness] of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven."
Which causes me to ask, how can a mere teacher fulfil the law? There's no way a mere person could fulfill the Law.
He also said that the law, the Torah, the "Old Testament" was still valid, and would continue to be relevant, basically until the last chapter of Revelation. So, that means you and I are subject to the law and held accountable to it.
Or as Paul explains in Galatians, the law is still valid for showing us what is sinful, and to help us judge what is right and wrong. Lying, stealing, adultery, witchraft, homosexuality, etc. etc. are still sin. When we read the law, I think we are supposed to see in it where we fall short, and confess to God that we sinned by not measuring up. It's sort of our diagnostic tool to see where we are with God.
That's interesting to note in light of the ordination of gay clergy in Lutheran and Presbyterian denominations, and the Church's general laissez faire attitude to sin in general.
Even more, Jesus teaches us who He is.
John 5:16 - 47
"And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day.
But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.
Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.
Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.
For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.
For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth [them]; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.
For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:
That all [men] should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.
For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;
And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.
Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.
If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true.
There is another that beareth witness of me; and I know that the witness which he witnesseth of me is true.
Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth.
But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved.
He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.
But I have greater witness than [that] of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.
And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape.
And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not.
Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.
I receive not honour from men.
But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you.
I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.
How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that [cometh] from God only?
Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is [one] that accuseth you, [even] Moses, in whom ye trust.
For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me.
But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?"
http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Jhn&c=5&v=17#17
John 14:6 - 12
"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.
Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.
Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou [then], Shew us the Father?
Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.
Believe me that I [am] in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. "
http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Jhn&c=14&v=1&t=KJV#1
These statements go way beyond mere teaching, Jesus taught who He is, which is the Son of God! He's not just a wise teacher, He is God's Son! Fully God and fully human! God, so He can be infinitely sufficient to atone for us (and more probably) and fully human so that we humans can become saved.
He also taught on the road Emmaus that He fulfilled the scriptures by suffering and dying on the cross for our sin, and being raised up. (Luke 24:27 (read it all, but pay close attention to v 27. http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Luk&c=24&t=KJV#13 ) )
Maybe He covered Psalm 22, which describes crucifixion hundreds of years before it was even invented! Maybe He covered something else.
Following is a link that outlines more than 300 prophecies of the Old Testament that Jesus fulfilled. Keep in mind that the Old Testament was written by several different authors across hundreds of years by people (most of whom never knew each other). The Holy Spirit worked in them to predict the coming of Jesus the Messiah, and as Chuck Missler says, embedded consistent symbolism to foreshadow the coming of Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
Here's the link:
http://www.accordingtothescriptures.org/prophecy/353prophecies.html
Perhaps Jesus didn't address each one of these on the road with the disciples, but you can bet He did a large number, His disciples were quite impressed afterwards. I don't think anyone would forget. I personally hope that God explains that to us in eternity. Then i can see how wrong I am on many points.
So, Jesus taught that He is the Son of God, that He would fulfil the scriptures (He often predicted His own death and resurrection, like in Luke 9:22) that those who believed in Him would have eternal life (John 3). He taught that Hell was a real place that people who reject God's salvation will go to (Luke 16). He taught after His resurrection that He had fulfilled the scriptures and He taught before His death that He would return one day like a thief (Matthew 24), that is, when we least expect it.
Does this sound like someone who is merely a good teacher? He is either or He said He is and taught who He was, or He wasn't. If you think that Jesus was merely an enlightened teacher, or very wise, you miss the entire point of what He taught.
How can you say He was a good teacher, then not accept what He said about Himself, and the scriptures, that He fulfilled them?
So if you acccept that Jesus is a good teacher, heed His teaching. Accept Him as Lord and Savior and accept His payment for your sins. Believe that He now lives! Believe that He is coming soon! Believe that He has overcome death, and allowed us to spend eternity with Him.
After all, Jesus taught these things.
Appendix
How to get saved, and have a relationship with Jesus.
"that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." -Romans 10:9
http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/how_to_be_saved.html
Did Jesus exist? Non-Biblical evidence that He did:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ffvyroYH3g
But I would bet that any of you who say this would be hard pressed to repeat anything that He actually taught. I know I can't recall 100% accurately some of the things He taught and I've been a Christian for more than ten years. Let's start with some easy teachings that everyone should know.
Turn the other cheek. If someone asks for your coat, also give them the shirt. Give to Caesar what is Caesar's. Go the extra mile. We've turned many of these great lesson's into cliche's. Stripped them of their depth, to some extent, if that were possible. But yes, these are some things that Jesus taught.
But what else? The sermon on the mount of course. But what was that about? Let's take just a small piece.
http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Mat&c=5&v=1#1
From that, this comes out.
Matthew 5:17 - 20
"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach [them], the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed [the righteousness] of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven."
Which causes me to ask, how can a mere teacher fulfil the law? There's no way a mere person could fulfill the Law.
He also said that the law, the Torah, the "Old Testament" was still valid, and would continue to be relevant, basically until the last chapter of Revelation. So, that means you and I are subject to the law and held accountable to it.
Or as Paul explains in Galatians, the law is still valid for showing us what is sinful, and to help us judge what is right and wrong. Lying, stealing, adultery, witchraft, homosexuality, etc. etc. are still sin. When we read the law, I think we are supposed to see in it where we fall short, and confess to God that we sinned by not measuring up. It's sort of our diagnostic tool to see where we are with God.
That's interesting to note in light of the ordination of gay clergy in Lutheran and Presbyterian denominations, and the Church's general laissez faire attitude to sin in general.
Even more, Jesus teaches us who He is.
John 5:16 - 47
"And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day.
But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.
Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.
Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.
For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.
For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth [them]; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.
For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:
That all [men] should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.
For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;
And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.
Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.
If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true.
There is another that beareth witness of me; and I know that the witness which he witnesseth of me is true.
Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth.
But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved.
He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.
But I have greater witness than [that] of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.
And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape.
And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not.
Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.
I receive not honour from men.
But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you.
I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.
How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that [cometh] from God only?
Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is [one] that accuseth you, [even] Moses, in whom ye trust.
For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me.
But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?"
http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Jhn&c=5&v=17#17
John 14:6 - 12
"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.
Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.
Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou [then], Shew us the Father?
Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.
Believe me that I [am] in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. "
http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Jhn&c=14&v=1&t=KJV#1
These statements go way beyond mere teaching, Jesus taught who He is, which is the Son of God! He's not just a wise teacher, He is God's Son! Fully God and fully human! God, so He can be infinitely sufficient to atone for us (and more probably) and fully human so that we humans can become saved.
He also taught on the road Emmaus that He fulfilled the scriptures by suffering and dying on the cross for our sin, and being raised up. (Luke 24:27 (read it all, but pay close attention to v 27. http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Luk&c=24&t=KJV#13 ) )
Maybe He covered Psalm 22, which describes crucifixion hundreds of years before it was even invented! Maybe He covered something else.
Following is a link that outlines more than 300 prophecies of the Old Testament that Jesus fulfilled. Keep in mind that the Old Testament was written by several different authors across hundreds of years by people (most of whom never knew each other). The Holy Spirit worked in them to predict the coming of Jesus the Messiah, and as Chuck Missler says, embedded consistent symbolism to foreshadow the coming of Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
Here's the link:
http://www.accordingtothescriptures.org/prophecy/353prophecies.html
Perhaps Jesus didn't address each one of these on the road with the disciples, but you can bet He did a large number, His disciples were quite impressed afterwards. I don't think anyone would forget. I personally hope that God explains that to us in eternity. Then i can see how wrong I am on many points.
So, Jesus taught that He is the Son of God, that He would fulfil the scriptures (He often predicted His own death and resurrection, like in Luke 9:22) that those who believed in Him would have eternal life (John 3). He taught that Hell was a real place that people who reject God's salvation will go to (Luke 16). He taught after His resurrection that He had fulfilled the scriptures and He taught before His death that He would return one day like a thief (Matthew 24), that is, when we least expect it.
Does this sound like someone who is merely a good teacher? He is either or He said He is and taught who He was, or He wasn't. If you think that Jesus was merely an enlightened teacher, or very wise, you miss the entire point of what He taught.
How can you say He was a good teacher, then not accept what He said about Himself, and the scriptures, that He fulfilled them?
So if you acccept that Jesus is a good teacher, heed His teaching. Accept Him as Lord and Savior and accept His payment for your sins. Believe that He now lives! Believe that He is coming soon! Believe that He has overcome death, and allowed us to spend eternity with Him.
After all, Jesus taught these things.
Appendix
How to get saved, and have a relationship with Jesus.
"that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." -Romans 10:9
http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/how_to_be_saved.html
Did Jesus exist? Non-Biblical evidence that He did:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ffvyroYH3g
Monday, October 17, 2011
Value Voters Summit
So the results are back from the value voters summit in America. Supposedly Ron Paul was in the lead. I don't necessarily support any candidate, but here is an episode of Future Quake that discusses the summit. The folks running the summit suggest that Ron Paul supporters skewed the results, but Doc Future was there actually, and here's his perspective.
http://futurequake.com/Audio/FQShow283.mp3
In other news, I've got a backload of articles for the blog here, but I haven't had time to do them right, so pray for me to have more time and use that time more effectively. Prayer for wisdom and discernment is also good.
http://futurequake.com/Audio/FQShow283.mp3
In other news, I've got a backload of articles for the blog here, but I haven't had time to do them right, so pray for me to have more time and use that time more effectively. Prayer for wisdom and discernment is also good.
Open Challenge to Open Minds Radio and Magazine
Years ago, I began listening to "UFO Thinktank" with Alejandro Rojas. I enjoyed it, but it led me back into the ET is real and from space viewpoint and derailed my Christian faith partially. This show eventually morphed into "Open Minds Radio" and magazine. Both of these are well done, and have good information and evidence. Alejandro Rojas. Sounds like a super-cool nerdy guy, like me and he usually makes a good connection with his guests. On the show, Alejandro is willing to dismiss questionable sightings rather than accept every single light as aliens, so he gets some points there too.However, Open Minds is biased, and thus should not be called "Open Minds".
They support only the ETI (intelligent alien visitors from other planets) viewpoint and have yet to have on a guest that claims otherwise. (They may have had Nick Redfern on with his "Final Events" book, but I can't recall and nick is sort of on their page anyways. Nothing against nick either) So, knowing that their view is slanted should be a warning for those who check them out. They will lead you away from Biblical truth and into New Age or other viewpoints. I do not recommend anyone listen to them, unless you are fully armored up in the Lord's armor and sound in your walk.
So, that said this is my challenge to Open Minds and Alejandro Rojas. If you really have "Open Minds", then let's see some folks on the show and in the magazine who have good sound evidence that ET's are demonic in origin, and can be stopped in the name above all names, Jesus Christ. Joe Jordan alone has HUNDREDS of testimonies attesting to this.
This interview should be done in the same good spirit, and respect that all of your other interviews are done in, and the guest should be given adequate time to present their views and evidence. If Open Minds interviews the following guest I will buy 2 consecutive years of Open Minds Magazine subscriptions.
Joe Jordan
http://www.alienresistance.org/ce4.htm
Alejandro, you're a great guy, but please let's prove Open Minds is what it is by interviewing folks with a view different than your own. I don't want to beat you up, but let's see Open Minds, open up further.
Update 10-19-11
Alejandro Has accepted the challenge. He knows Joe and said he will have him on. I will update this with a link to the show or info on how to get it. Also, I modified the challenge to what he accepted, which is Joe Jordan.
They support only the ETI (intelligent alien visitors from other planets) viewpoint and have yet to have on a guest that claims otherwise. (They may have had Nick Redfern on with his "Final Events" book, but I can't recall and nick is sort of on their page anyways. Nothing against nick either) So, knowing that their view is slanted should be a warning for those who check them out. They will lead you away from Biblical truth and into New Age or other viewpoints. I do not recommend anyone listen to them, unless you are fully armored up in the Lord's armor and sound in your walk.
So, that said this is my challenge to Open Minds and Alejandro Rojas. If you really have "Open Minds", then let's see some folks on the show and in the magazine who have good sound evidence that ET's are demonic in origin, and can be stopped in the name above all names, Jesus Christ. Joe Jordan alone has HUNDREDS of testimonies attesting to this.
This interview should be done in the same good spirit, and respect that all of your other interviews are done in, and the guest should be given adequate time to present their views and evidence. If Open Minds interviews the following guest I will buy 2 consecutive years of Open Minds Magazine subscriptions.
Joe Jordan
http://www.alienresistance.org/ce4.htm
Alejandro, you're a great guy, but please let's prove Open Minds is what it is by interviewing folks with a view different than your own. I don't want to beat you up, but let's see Open Minds, open up further.
Update 10-19-11
Alejandro Has accepted the challenge. He knows Joe and said he will have him on. I will update this with a link to the show or info on how to get it. Also, I modified the challenge to what he accepted, which is Joe Jordan.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
What Will Happen When I Die?
This question has plagued humanity for pretty much...ever. Of course just about every philosophy and religion (and every combination of the two) worth it's salt has an answer.
Atheists tend to believe nothing happens, that we're just a happy accident. At the end, nothing. Though i know one who believes his "conciousness," as energy will exist in some form even millenia from now. Some atheists like Ray Kurzweil think they'll be able to upload into a computer.
Muslims believe that Allah will judge them, weighing their good deeds against their bad. Hopefully their good deeds outweigh their bad, but even that isn't a guarantee. If Allah is feeling capricious that day and wants to mess with you, he could disregard the good deeds and send even the most devout Muslim to hell. Even if he's in a good and fair mood, how would anyone know if they've ever done enough good works? It's not like you or i can keep score.
A (reform Judaism) Jew told me that Jews believed that after death, there was nothing. Lights out, just like most Atheists. No judgment from God. It makes me wonder then what the point of keeping the 600 plus Mitzvoh would be if you're not rewarded or held to account over it. I'm sure other branches of Judaism would dispute the point on the afterlife.
Buddhists, Hindus and probably New Agers (since that's mostly westernized Hinduism/Buddhism with a pinch of selfish Americanism) believe their soul will be reborn into a new body depending upon how enlightened they became or how good they are in this life. There's even a bank that will set you up for your next life-that is if your new body can remember the password. There has yet to be a withdrawal.
Mormons believe that if they were good Mormons (men only, sorry ladies you can only go if your husband says so) will evolve into gods based upon their own merits and inherit their own planet to rule (don't believe me? Ask a Mormon about planet Kolob). This is all based on the writings of Joseph Smith (and the teachings of his successors), who had his hands in occultism of various sorts.
Those are just a few beliefs, there are hodgepodges of all the above, and even more distinct beliefs for other religions. But a common theme is that one will be judged for their good and bad works, and sent to heaven or hell accordingly, or sometimes just reincarnated based on that judgement. But nobody can say with absolute certainty since no one has died and come back. Well there was one, but we'll get to Him soon.
So, based on these beliefs, when is good, good enough? When are you ever good enough to go to Heaven or achieve enlightenment? There are millions of Buddhists, but none can claim they have achieved enlightenment. When can you or I, a finite creature, attain an infinite existence?
To avoid answering this question, some faiths skip the whole "good works/bad works" game and say that EVERYONE can go. After all, that's the only fair way, although that's not fair to those who did good. The worst thing is some of those people claim to be Christians. But if everyone eventually reaches the good place, that's great news for Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, Jeffrey Dahmer, Jim Jones, Pol Pot and Dr. Mengele to name a few. And for those who did good, well, that's just too bad, we need to be fair, you'll just have to rub shoulders with mass murderers.
Despite the fact that these other faiths give answers, nobody can be absolutely sure.
Except for those who believe the Bible.
The Bible is absolutely clear on what happens when we die, and it also tells us PRECISELY what we need to do to get to the destination, we choose. Whatever that might be. Most know that the Bible says we either go to Heaven or to Hell and believe that God sends there which is partially true.
I've blogged about Hell (and the underworld for all spirits in general) so, feel free to dig around for that one. But to save time, here are the basics, as it pertains to you and i as humans beings.
Hell
Luke 16:19 - 31
There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,
And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that [would come] from thence.
Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house:
For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.
Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.
And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.
And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.
http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Luk&c=16&v=1&t=KJV#1
The rich man died and found himself immediately in hell. Notice he was in TORMENTS, not having a good ol' time with his buddies as my pastor might say. To quote another good teacher, Chuck Missler, "He knew he was in hell and what's more. He knew that he deserved to be there." That's a brilliant observation, because notice he didn't argue that point at all.
Also note, God is not present with the rich man as he suffers. He lived without God, and that's his eternal reward. Eternity without God's love which in itself is a torment. I think it's interesting to note that Jesus says that He is Living Water (to the Samaritan woman) and water is just what this guy is asking for. That water would ease his torment, i think that his thirst may be at least partially a thirst for God and the Living Water. He's a spirit at this point, so why would he want physical water?
Anyone in this Hell, I presume, will end up in the Lake of Fire described in Revelation 20:15, which i believe is a punishment reserved for Satan and his angels and by default those who rebel by rejecting God. Luckily God gave us humans a way out, if only we accept it.
Why did he end up in Hell, while Lazarus went to Abraham's Bosom? From what I've been hearing in podcasts and commentaries it's because the rich man didn't trust in God. This is evidenced by his actions towards Lazarus who was literally outside his doorstep, begging even for scraps. The rich man didn't love God or His neighbor, not even enough to give this kid some scraps or to pray for him. I'd say that's proof that his heart was wicked.
Now for the flip side which is good news. Not everyone will go to Hell, though wide is the gate, so many people will sadly end up there you and I don't have to go. We saw in Luke 16 that Lazarus was in paradise, because he had faith and hope in the Most High God. But keep in mind this was before Christ's death and resurrection.
It seems according to this text, and possibly elsewhere in the Bible, that the faithful dead went to a temporary paradise, but when Christ died and rose again, the souls of the faithful dead went with Him to Heaven. Notice what Jesus said about faithful dead people differs from what Paul said.
2 Corinthians 5:6 - 8 the Apostle Paul stated that now after Christ's finished work, a faithful dead person goes straight to Jesus, even though we will all appear at the judgement seat of Christ. (Verse 10). (Also, Revelation 20:11 - 13, though i might not be 100% right on that.) Still, Jesus is now at God's right hand, not in Abraham's Bosom implying that those who now die in Christ, go to God directly.
So how do we get to Heaven and avoid Hell? How do we become faithful? What will Heaven be like?
We can't get to Heaven based on our works. Ephesians 2:8-10 clearly says we are saved by grace. That grace is our faith in Jesus Christ, who He is, and what HE HAS DONE (John 3:16)
First, God the Father draws us towards Him, to Jesus. Then, in my understanding, it's up to us to accept or reject that truth. Many people hear this truth, and reject it, then decide it's not fair that God send people-including themselves-to Hell.
That's like getting told about a five star, all you can eat buffet thats free for everyone who comes to the restaurant and washes their hands. But then refusing to go in and telling the host it's not fair the owner wants people to wash themselves clean and won't feed the people who don't want to wash their hands or come into the restaurant! Would you want to eat even the best food with filthy hands, or filthy people?
John 6:44-48
No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.
Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.
I am that bread of life.
http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Jhn&c=6&v=1&t=KJV#1
God's drawing us to Him with the "free buffet for everyone" sign on, and people just don't want it. Because they have to admit they are hungry and dirty, in need of cleaning and food.But how do we who want to, partake of this?
By repenting, and confessing our sins (1 John 1:9) and having faith in Jesus and what He's done, we are cleaned of our sins, and acceptable to God. Then we are free to go and be with Him.
No one eats before cleaning themselves.
Heaven of course, will be wonderful. Jesus describes Heaven and the Kingdom of God in the Gospels, i highly recommend you read those all the way through on your end. But we also get a glimpse of what Heaven will be like in the future.
Randy Alcorn has written a decent book about Heaven. But hardly anyone can do better than what God has given us. Take a look for yourselves.
http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Rev&c=21&v=1&t=KJV
So, there are really only two options of a destination when we die and the good news is we get to choose which one we want. God does draw us to Him, and gives us that faith as stated earlier and He also chose us before He created ANYTHING!
Ephesians 1:4-5
According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Eph&c=1&v=4&t=KJV#4
Is that fair? Yes, because although God draws us to Himself, and fore oredained us, He also allows the choice to accept His offer.
2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=2Pe&c=3&v=1&t=KJV#1
Right there, God makes it clear that He wants us all in Heaven with Him. He wants YOU there too. But because He is perfect, loving and just while we are not, we cannot be with Him in Heaven unless we accept His solution to deal with our sin. Can you think of anything more sad than you or someone you know going to Hell, eternally separated from God and in torment when they have the choice not to go? When God has clearly given us the way out? I can't.
So, God does not send anyone to Hell. He did not send the rich man in Luke 16 to Hell. The rich man wanted nothing to do with God in this life and lived accordingly, so he was rewarded with an eternity of what he wanted. Life without God and God's love. Read it Luke 16 again if you need to so you can see what an eternity without God's love is like.
Anyone now who does not accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and rejects His gift to us, is saying with with their life that they want nothing to do with God. So upon death, they will get eternity without God. Please don't let that be your choice.
But if you want to spend eternity with a God who loves you, He will allow you to based on what He's done in Christ. Ask Jesus into your life, accept His gift of forgiveness and ask Him to forgive you. Tell Him you are sorry, and turn from your sinful life.
So again. Do you want so spend an eternity with a God who loves you so much, He died a death He didn't deserve? Do you want to get to know Him, and care for others like He does?
Or do you want spend an eternity without God? An eternity in torment with Satan who rebelled against God, hates God and hates you and I?
It's your choice.
Atheists tend to believe nothing happens, that we're just a happy accident. At the end, nothing. Though i know one who believes his "conciousness," as energy will exist in some form even millenia from now. Some atheists like Ray Kurzweil think they'll be able to upload into a computer.
Muslims believe that Allah will judge them, weighing their good deeds against their bad. Hopefully their good deeds outweigh their bad, but even that isn't a guarantee. If Allah is feeling capricious that day and wants to mess with you, he could disregard the good deeds and send even the most devout Muslim to hell. Even if he's in a good and fair mood, how would anyone know if they've ever done enough good works? It's not like you or i can keep score.
A (reform Judaism) Jew told me that Jews believed that after death, there was nothing. Lights out, just like most Atheists. No judgment from God. It makes me wonder then what the point of keeping the 600 plus Mitzvoh would be if you're not rewarded or held to account over it. I'm sure other branches of Judaism would dispute the point on the afterlife.
Buddhists, Hindus and probably New Agers (since that's mostly westernized Hinduism/Buddhism with a pinch of selfish Americanism) believe their soul will be reborn into a new body depending upon how enlightened they became or how good they are in this life. There's even a bank that will set you up for your next life-that is if your new body can remember the password. There has yet to be a withdrawal.
Mormons believe that if they were good Mormons (men only, sorry ladies you can only go if your husband says so) will evolve into gods based upon their own merits and inherit their own planet to rule (don't believe me? Ask a Mormon about planet Kolob). This is all based on the writings of Joseph Smith (and the teachings of his successors), who had his hands in occultism of various sorts.
Those are just a few beliefs, there are hodgepodges of all the above, and even more distinct beliefs for other religions. But a common theme is that one will be judged for their good and bad works, and sent to heaven or hell accordingly, or sometimes just reincarnated based on that judgement. But nobody can say with absolute certainty since no one has died and come back. Well there was one, but we'll get to Him soon.
So, based on these beliefs, when is good, good enough? When are you ever good enough to go to Heaven or achieve enlightenment? There are millions of Buddhists, but none can claim they have achieved enlightenment. When can you or I, a finite creature, attain an infinite existence?
To avoid answering this question, some faiths skip the whole "good works/bad works" game and say that EVERYONE can go. After all, that's the only fair way, although that's not fair to those who did good. The worst thing is some of those people claim to be Christians. But if everyone eventually reaches the good place, that's great news for Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, Jeffrey Dahmer, Jim Jones, Pol Pot and Dr. Mengele to name a few. And for those who did good, well, that's just too bad, we need to be fair, you'll just have to rub shoulders with mass murderers.
Despite the fact that these other faiths give answers, nobody can be absolutely sure.
Except for those who believe the Bible.
The Bible is absolutely clear on what happens when we die, and it also tells us PRECISELY what we need to do to get to the destination, we choose. Whatever that might be. Most know that the Bible says we either go to Heaven or to Hell and believe that God sends there which is partially true.
I've blogged about Hell (and the underworld for all spirits in general) so, feel free to dig around for that one. But to save time, here are the basics, as it pertains to you and i as humans beings.
Hell
Luke 16:19 - 31
There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,
And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that [would come] from thence.
Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house:
For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.
Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.
And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.
And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.
http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Luk&c=16&v=1&t=KJV#1
The rich man died and found himself immediately in hell. Notice he was in TORMENTS, not having a good ol' time with his buddies as my pastor might say. To quote another good teacher, Chuck Missler, "He knew he was in hell and what's more. He knew that he deserved to be there." That's a brilliant observation, because notice he didn't argue that point at all.
Also note, God is not present with the rich man as he suffers. He lived without God, and that's his eternal reward. Eternity without God's love which in itself is a torment. I think it's interesting to note that Jesus says that He is Living Water (to the Samaritan woman) and water is just what this guy is asking for. That water would ease his torment, i think that his thirst may be at least partially a thirst for God and the Living Water. He's a spirit at this point, so why would he want physical water?
Anyone in this Hell, I presume, will end up in the Lake of Fire described in Revelation 20:15, which i believe is a punishment reserved for Satan and his angels and by default those who rebel by rejecting God. Luckily God gave us humans a way out, if only we accept it.
Why did he end up in Hell, while Lazarus went to Abraham's Bosom? From what I've been hearing in podcasts and commentaries it's because the rich man didn't trust in God. This is evidenced by his actions towards Lazarus who was literally outside his doorstep, begging even for scraps. The rich man didn't love God or His neighbor, not even enough to give this kid some scraps or to pray for him. I'd say that's proof that his heart was wicked.
Now for the flip side which is good news. Not everyone will go to Hell, though wide is the gate, so many people will sadly end up there you and I don't have to go. We saw in Luke 16 that Lazarus was in paradise, because he had faith and hope in the Most High God. But keep in mind this was before Christ's death and resurrection.
It seems according to this text, and possibly elsewhere in the Bible, that the faithful dead went to a temporary paradise, but when Christ died and rose again, the souls of the faithful dead went with Him to Heaven. Notice what Jesus said about faithful dead people differs from what Paul said.
2 Corinthians 5:6 - 8 the Apostle Paul stated that now after Christ's finished work, a faithful dead person goes straight to Jesus, even though we will all appear at the judgement seat of Christ. (Verse 10). (Also, Revelation 20:11 - 13, though i might not be 100% right on that.) Still, Jesus is now at God's right hand, not in Abraham's Bosom implying that those who now die in Christ, go to God directly.
So how do we get to Heaven and avoid Hell? How do we become faithful? What will Heaven be like?
We can't get to Heaven based on our works. Ephesians 2:8-10 clearly says we are saved by grace. That grace is our faith in Jesus Christ, who He is, and what HE HAS DONE (John 3:16)
First, God the Father draws us towards Him, to Jesus. Then, in my understanding, it's up to us to accept or reject that truth. Many people hear this truth, and reject it, then decide it's not fair that God send people-including themselves-to Hell.
That's like getting told about a five star, all you can eat buffet thats free for everyone who comes to the restaurant and washes their hands. But then refusing to go in and telling the host it's not fair the owner wants people to wash themselves clean and won't feed the people who don't want to wash their hands or come into the restaurant! Would you want to eat even the best food with filthy hands, or filthy people?
John 6:44-48
No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.
Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.
I am that bread of life.
http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Jhn&c=6&v=1&t=KJV#1
God's drawing us to Him with the "free buffet for everyone" sign on, and people just don't want it. Because they have to admit they are hungry and dirty, in need of cleaning and food.But how do we who want to, partake of this?
By repenting, and confessing our sins (1 John 1:9) and having faith in Jesus and what He's done, we are cleaned of our sins, and acceptable to God. Then we are free to go and be with Him.
No one eats before cleaning themselves.
Heaven of course, will be wonderful. Jesus describes Heaven and the Kingdom of God in the Gospels, i highly recommend you read those all the way through on your end. But we also get a glimpse of what Heaven will be like in the future.
Randy Alcorn has written a decent book about Heaven. But hardly anyone can do better than what God has given us. Take a look for yourselves.
http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Rev&c=21&v=1&t=KJV
So, there are really only two options of a destination when we die and the good news is we get to choose which one we want. God does draw us to Him, and gives us that faith as stated earlier and He also chose us before He created ANYTHING!
Ephesians 1:4-5
According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Eph&c=1&v=4&t=KJV#4
Is that fair? Yes, because although God draws us to Himself, and fore oredained us, He also allows the choice to accept His offer.
2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=2Pe&c=3&v=1&t=KJV#1
Right there, God makes it clear that He wants us all in Heaven with Him. He wants YOU there too. But because He is perfect, loving and just while we are not, we cannot be with Him in Heaven unless we accept His solution to deal with our sin. Can you think of anything more sad than you or someone you know going to Hell, eternally separated from God and in torment when they have the choice not to go? When God has clearly given us the way out? I can't.
So, God does not send anyone to Hell. He did not send the rich man in Luke 16 to Hell. The rich man wanted nothing to do with God in this life and lived accordingly, so he was rewarded with an eternity of what he wanted. Life without God and God's love. Read it Luke 16 again if you need to so you can see what an eternity without God's love is like.
Anyone now who does not accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and rejects His gift to us, is saying with with their life that they want nothing to do with God. So upon death, they will get eternity without God. Please don't let that be your choice.
But if you want to spend eternity with a God who loves you, He will allow you to based on what He's done in Christ. Ask Jesus into your life, accept His gift of forgiveness and ask Him to forgive you. Tell Him you are sorry, and turn from your sinful life.
So again. Do you want so spend an eternity with a God who loves you so much, He died a death He didn't deserve? Do you want to get to know Him, and care for others like He does?
Or do you want spend an eternity without God? An eternity in torment with Satan who rebelled against God, hates God and hates you and I?
It's your choice.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Weight Loss, Daniel's way and God's Way was Daniel Trying to Cut his Carbs?
This is hopefully a short one. I have been hearing bits and pieces about Rick Warren's Daniel Plan, and how non Biblical it is. And i think those claims are justified. Jan Markel's "Understanding the Times" (which i only catch occasionally) has done a great job of covering that angle, check out her archives.
The summary is that Warren is sharing his pulpit with occultists/non-Christians to give out health advice. This of course makes 1 Timothy 4:1 all the more relevant. (Stay in 1 Timothy, we're going back later!) Here are the experts. ("Dr. Mark Hyman, Dr. Daniel Amen, and Dr. Mehmet Oz").
I want to cover a different side, but first what is the Daniel Plan? From what i gather, these folks are trying to lose weight and get healthy using a "Biblical" model. Finding no scripture verse that supports exercise and weight loss, they did the next best thing. Take a chapter out of context. They took Daniel 1, and ran with it.
Here's their version, i had a real hard time getting to the real meat, but the simplified version is OK at doing that. Basically, Daniel 1 is their justification. I don't really see that they actually bother to quote Daniel, they just seem to assume that people will know enough to realize that Daniel did restrict his diet.
How closely the follow Daniel's "diet" i cant say.
http://saddleback.com/thedanielplan/dpsimplified/
http://saddleback.com/thedanielplan/whatisit/
But what does Daniel 1 actually say about food?
Daniel 1:4 - 16
And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king's meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king.
Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah:
Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel [the name] of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abednego.
But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.
And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink: for why should he see your faces worse liking than the children which [are] of your sort? then shall ye make [me] endanger my head to the king.
Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,
Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.
Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king's meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants.
So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days.
And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king's meat.
Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse.
http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Dan&c=1&t=KJV&q=daniel
The reason Daniel changed his diet was because it would defile him. In all likelihood, the meat did not conform to God's standards outlined in the Torah. (See Leviticus, Deuteronomy and Exodus for the dietary laws. Also, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kashrut which more applies to today's standards for Jews but is a good overview.)
Daniel also gave up wine for other reasons. We're not told why the meat and wine were "unclean" but given that he was in Babylon, anything was possible.
But the long and short of it is, he wasn't trying to lose weight.
So, does the Bible say anything about exercise?
Not alot. But also keep in mind that in the times of the Bible people farmed and lived more active lives, their work WAS their exercise. But here's what Paul says:
1 Timothy 4:8
For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=1Ti&c=4&v=8&t=KJV#8
Now, i don't think he's saying not to exercise, but he's saying that pursuing your relationship with Christ is even more important. And it is. Make that priority number one. But also recall our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6:19) so, in my opinion (in addition to keeping our bodoes free from sin) we are to take care of it properly including diet and exercise.
Opinion Zone (check with your doctor before beginning an exercise program)
Some "Christian Exercise" tips. First, don't do anything obviously sinful, like Yoga. I would even say that the striptease exercise classes are probably a bad idea. Instead, stick with something simple like aerobics, walking, running, swimming and other safe sports.
You can even use some of that exercise time to grow closer to the Lord. What i do sometimes while walking is listen to podcasts. (Check out itunes, for revelations radio, 66/40 and others) why just waste the time walking when you can hear great teaching about God and the Gospel?
The last thing you can do for a healthy body, in addition to exercising is to eat healthy. I don't even need to cover that here.
So before joining the Daniel plan, at least know that there are non-Christian and antiChristian elements in it. Also know that Daniel was not trying to lose weight, but He was trying to stay right with God.
Remember, Jesus commanded us to "let no man deceive us." That includes me, that includes Rick Warren and his "Daniel Weight Loss Plan."
The summary is that Warren is sharing his pulpit with occultists/non-Christians to give out health advice. This of course makes 1 Timothy 4:1 all the more relevant. (Stay in 1 Timothy, we're going back later!) Here are the experts. ("Dr. Mark Hyman, Dr. Daniel Amen, and Dr. Mehmet Oz").
I want to cover a different side, but first what is the Daniel Plan? From what i gather, these folks are trying to lose weight and get healthy using a "Biblical" model. Finding no scripture verse that supports exercise and weight loss, they did the next best thing. Take a chapter out of context. They took Daniel 1, and ran with it.
Here's their version, i had a real hard time getting to the real meat, but the simplified version is OK at doing that. Basically, Daniel 1 is their justification. I don't really see that they actually bother to quote Daniel, they just seem to assume that people will know enough to realize that Daniel did restrict his diet.
How closely the follow Daniel's "diet" i cant say.
http://saddleback.com/thedanielplan/dpsimplified/
http://saddleback.com/thedanielplan/whatisit/
But what does Daniel 1 actually say about food?
Daniel 1:4 - 16
And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king's meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king.
Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah:
Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel [the name] of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abednego.
But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.
And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink: for why should he see your faces worse liking than the children which [are] of your sort? then shall ye make [me] endanger my head to the king.
Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,
Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.
Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king's meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants.
So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days.
And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king's meat.
Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse.
http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Dan&c=1&t=KJV&q=daniel
The reason Daniel changed his diet was because it would defile him. In all likelihood, the meat did not conform to God's standards outlined in the Torah. (See Leviticus, Deuteronomy and Exodus for the dietary laws. Also, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kashrut which more applies to today's standards for Jews but is a good overview.)
Daniel also gave up wine for other reasons. We're not told why the meat and wine were "unclean" but given that he was in Babylon, anything was possible.
But the long and short of it is, he wasn't trying to lose weight.
So, does the Bible say anything about exercise?
Not alot. But also keep in mind that in the times of the Bible people farmed and lived more active lives, their work WAS their exercise. But here's what Paul says:
1 Timothy 4:8
For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=1Ti&c=4&v=8&t=KJV#8
Now, i don't think he's saying not to exercise, but he's saying that pursuing your relationship with Christ is even more important. And it is. Make that priority number one. But also recall our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6:19) so, in my opinion (in addition to keeping our bodoes free from sin) we are to take care of it properly including diet and exercise.
Opinion Zone (check with your doctor before beginning an exercise program)
Some "Christian Exercise" tips. First, don't do anything obviously sinful, like Yoga. I would even say that the striptease exercise classes are probably a bad idea. Instead, stick with something simple like aerobics, walking, running, swimming and other safe sports.
You can even use some of that exercise time to grow closer to the Lord. What i do sometimes while walking is listen to podcasts. (Check out itunes, for revelations radio, 66/40 and others) why just waste the time walking when you can hear great teaching about God and the Gospel?
The last thing you can do for a healthy body, in addition to exercising is to eat healthy. I don't even need to cover that here.
So before joining the Daniel plan, at least know that there are non-Christian and antiChristian elements in it. Also know that Daniel was not trying to lose weight, but He was trying to stay right with God.
Remember, Jesus commanded us to "let no man deceive us." That includes me, that includes Rick Warren and his "Daniel Weight Loss Plan."
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