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Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Are you Ready to RAPTUUUUURE!
I was reading through some of my archived stuff last night and found this David Wilkerson sermon. I believe i originally obtained it in the comments of one of LA Marzulli's blog.
As i was reading it last night, i really felt i should share it, as i really believe that Jesus Christ will return soon. I am not setting a date, but i want to urge all of us, rather than setting a date, to examine our hearts and truly repent before the throne of grace. Turn sincerely to Jesus Christ for repentence if it's needed. We need to be watching and waiting for His return expectantly and living urgently in anticipation of His return.
Ask God to show you what that means for you. Maybe that means sharing Christ with a coworker, or helping out someone in need. Maybe it means repenting of a sin or habit or asking someone for forgiveness. Maybe forgiving someone.
Here is David Wilkerson's vision/dream of the Rapture. It is not meant to take the place of scripture or build a doctrine on, but rather to help you examine your readiness.
Nobody knows the day or hour Christ's return, so we need to be ready!
David Wilkerson’s Dream of the Rapture-Be Ready!!
March 27, 2008
Matthew 24:42-44: “Watch ye therefore for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”
(Praying) Lord you spoke so clearly to me this past week in a dream. You told me to preach this this afternoon, and I obey you…
I don’t get many dreams, and I don’t preach on my dreams because I’m a bible preacher, and anything that does not conform to the word of God is to be rejected outright. I’m just telling you how God awakened my soul, how I should preach this more often…I want you to know this is not doctrine, it’s not some new revelation, it’s simply the Holy Spirit prompting me, and speaking to me about His coming, I don’t know want to build any doctrine about it, remember that. I don’t have much confidence in dreams, any dream vision or revelation has to absolutely be framed in scripture.
Now having said that, let me share with you without trying to talk to you about doctrine or anything else, just the Holy Ghost talking to me. In my dream I was suddenly awakened by the knowledge that I had been snatched, I had been caught up, and I was in some kind of conveyance, I don’t know if it was a chariot, I didn’t see the conveyance, but I knew that there were others in it and that there was an angel of the Lord… there was a sense of just racing swiftly thru streets and into houses, this conveyance knew no barriers and I had a sense that I was on my way home, I’m saved, the Lord has come.
I am being gathered by the angel of the Lord, the chariots of the Lord, there are thousands upon thousands, the coming of the Lord is as lightining is from the east to the west…there was a sense of swiftness, but it was almost as I was seeing it in slow motion, this lightning coming, I was seeing it in slow motion, I didn’t see a driver, I didn’t see an angel, I didn’t see the conveyance, I just had a sense, I knew I was being carried and taken and it was moving swiftly, and people were being snatched from homes and from the streets.
And I remember specifically going into a particular home and there were 3 people that I recognized, 2 were friends and 1 was a family member, and we went right by, and there was as sense, a sudden sense, oh God, they were being left behind, and the Lord allowed me to, for a few fleeting moments, to sense the terror of what it would be like to be left behind when the angels of the Lord come and gather His elect from the 4 winds.
I was made to know at that time that even those who call themselves christians, and were not really christians, who despised the grace of God went out and sinned and said I can easily confess, never did forsaking their sin, there was a sense that even though they were sleeping they were aware, there was an awareness that the Lord is coming and there is a sudden moment because I saw hands being raised, people reaching out and waving.
In fact as we kept moving on there were people that were moving and trying to get the attention of this driver, this conveyance, and I was screaming and yelling get out in the open, as if I thought if they were out in the open they could be seen and get caught up but it went swiftly on, but there was a sense that I have never experienced in my life, even though all my life my father taught on the coming of the Lord, my grandfather taught on the coming of the lord, taught about it.
The bible says we shall all be changed, in the twinkling of an eye, suddenly we’re going to be changed, the bible says, this corrupt body shall put on an incorrupt body just like His. And the bible says that we are to be prepared and ready, expecting, the bible says He is coming for those who look for His appearing. And those who are expecting, even though sleep they are going to be caught, if it’s in the middle of the night.
Now I’m not going to be get into the doctrine of the rapture, when this happens, before the tribulation, middle of the tribulation or after the tribulation, I am just telling you I had a sense of the horror it’s going to be for those who knew the gospel, who had one appeal after another, who knew the grace and the mercy of God and they were not ready. They were not taken, they were not gathered in this, and I remember the swiftness of moving, and seeing the people left behind, the conveyance just passing by, and this terrible sense. Lord I know I’m saved, I know I’m redeemed, I’m going home, but those 2 friends and that member of my family… and there was a terror. Two shall be sleeping in a bed, one shall be taken the other left…watch therefore He’s coming as a thief in the night. He’s coming folks.
There was no sense of speed , there was no sense of traveling, but suddenly I was stepping with everyone around me, we were stepping as out of a cloud,out of a fog, out of time, into eternity, suddenly. There was no sense of being carried out into a cosmos or anywhere else, suddenly we were…Home. We were in eternity and I remember this sense of absolute serenity, as we stepped out into eternity thru this cloud, there was a sense of peace, and all I could see around me people were feeling their bodies, they were feeling their hands, they were caressing their faces, there was no shouting. I didn’t see Jesus anywhere,it was just a sense, it happened so quickly, it seemed to be a gathering place, the bible say He’s going to gather His elect from the the 4 winds, and suddenly I looked and there were my 2 friends, and my loved one coming thru the cloud and into eternity.
Nobody was looking at each other, nobody, there was no embracing, there was just a peace, an incredible peace, and I experienced it for a moment, I am home, that earth that I was on is gone, I am beyond the reach of satan, there is no sin, there is no possibility of ever being lost, I am eternally His, He did what He said He would do, He said He would come with His angels, He came with His angels, he did everything I preached, everything I said, It’s true! He’s all sufficient, He’s everything that we need!
There was a peace and a a serenity beyond anything I could imagine… and people were just awed, in silence, there was an awe, there was a peace that was absoultely indescribable, and the sense… it was a sense, it’s all over, it’s all over, it was all… it was all true. That sense of reality and truth – that was not the real world, this is the real world, this is eternity, that’s all passed away, it was just a dream, it was just grass, that’s what the bible says, the flesh is just grass, it comes up, it withers and it’s gone. Time is just a little piece, eternity is a great big realm, God cut a little piece and He gave it to man, with His grace and mercy, saying, here is My grace, My mercy, My glory. He gives you space and time to repent and trust in Him…
But God wait a minute, all of these who didn’t come, all of those who were left behind, who thought they were prepared and thought they were ready, they are not here, what about them Lord… they’re lost, there was a sense in me, now folks that will not be there but I believe God was letting me feel the sense of this lostness of those who were gone, and suddenly as I was thinking about all those who had not been gathered, I woke up, I sat right up, and these words were like silent thunder in my head- “David, be ye ready is no joking matter.” And I lay back in my pillow and God said, “My people are not taking it seriously, they talk about it but they are not taking it seriously, and many, many are going to be left behind- they are not ready… the age of grace is about to end.”
.
As i was reading it last night, i really felt i should share it, as i really believe that Jesus Christ will return soon. I am not setting a date, but i want to urge all of us, rather than setting a date, to examine our hearts and truly repent before the throne of grace. Turn sincerely to Jesus Christ for repentence if it's needed. We need to be watching and waiting for His return expectantly and living urgently in anticipation of His return.
Ask God to show you what that means for you. Maybe that means sharing Christ with a coworker, or helping out someone in need. Maybe it means repenting of a sin or habit or asking someone for forgiveness. Maybe forgiving someone.
Here is David Wilkerson's vision/dream of the Rapture. It is not meant to take the place of scripture or build a doctrine on, but rather to help you examine your readiness.
Nobody knows the day or hour Christ's return, so we need to be ready!
David Wilkerson’s Dream of the Rapture-Be Ready!!
March 27, 2008
Matthew 24:42-44: “Watch ye therefore for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”
(Praying) Lord you spoke so clearly to me this past week in a dream. You told me to preach this this afternoon, and I obey you…
I don’t get many dreams, and I don’t preach on my dreams because I’m a bible preacher, and anything that does not conform to the word of God is to be rejected outright. I’m just telling you how God awakened my soul, how I should preach this more often…I want you to know this is not doctrine, it’s not some new revelation, it’s simply the Holy Spirit prompting me, and speaking to me about His coming, I don’t know want to build any doctrine about it, remember that. I don’t have much confidence in dreams, any dream vision or revelation has to absolutely be framed in scripture.
Now having said that, let me share with you without trying to talk to you about doctrine or anything else, just the Holy Ghost talking to me. In my dream I was suddenly awakened by the knowledge that I had been snatched, I had been caught up, and I was in some kind of conveyance, I don’t know if it was a chariot, I didn’t see the conveyance, but I knew that there were others in it and that there was an angel of the Lord… there was a sense of just racing swiftly thru streets and into houses, this conveyance knew no barriers and I had a sense that I was on my way home, I’m saved, the Lord has come.
I am being gathered by the angel of the Lord, the chariots of the Lord, there are thousands upon thousands, the coming of the Lord is as lightining is from the east to the west…there was a sense of swiftness, but it was almost as I was seeing it in slow motion, this lightning coming, I was seeing it in slow motion, I didn’t see a driver, I didn’t see an angel, I didn’t see the conveyance, I just had a sense, I knew I was being carried and taken and it was moving swiftly, and people were being snatched from homes and from the streets.
And I remember specifically going into a particular home and there were 3 people that I recognized, 2 were friends and 1 was a family member, and we went right by, and there was as sense, a sudden sense, oh God, they were being left behind, and the Lord allowed me to, for a few fleeting moments, to sense the terror of what it would be like to be left behind when the angels of the Lord come and gather His elect from the 4 winds.
I was made to know at that time that even those who call themselves christians, and were not really christians, who despised the grace of God went out and sinned and said I can easily confess, never did forsaking their sin, there was a sense that even though they were sleeping they were aware, there was an awareness that the Lord is coming and there is a sudden moment because I saw hands being raised, people reaching out and waving.
In fact as we kept moving on there were people that were moving and trying to get the attention of this driver, this conveyance, and I was screaming and yelling get out in the open, as if I thought if they were out in the open they could be seen and get caught up but it went swiftly on, but there was a sense that I have never experienced in my life, even though all my life my father taught on the coming of the Lord, my grandfather taught on the coming of the lord, taught about it.
The bible says we shall all be changed, in the twinkling of an eye, suddenly we’re going to be changed, the bible says, this corrupt body shall put on an incorrupt body just like His. And the bible says that we are to be prepared and ready, expecting, the bible says He is coming for those who look for His appearing. And those who are expecting, even though sleep they are going to be caught, if it’s in the middle of the night.
Now I’m not going to be get into the doctrine of the rapture, when this happens, before the tribulation, middle of the tribulation or after the tribulation, I am just telling you I had a sense of the horror it’s going to be for those who knew the gospel, who had one appeal after another, who knew the grace and the mercy of God and they were not ready. They were not taken, they were not gathered in this, and I remember the swiftness of moving, and seeing the people left behind, the conveyance just passing by, and this terrible sense. Lord I know I’m saved, I know I’m redeemed, I’m going home, but those 2 friends and that member of my family… and there was a terror. Two shall be sleeping in a bed, one shall be taken the other left…watch therefore He’s coming as a thief in the night. He’s coming folks.
There was no sense of speed , there was no sense of traveling, but suddenly I was stepping with everyone around me, we were stepping as out of a cloud,out of a fog, out of time, into eternity, suddenly. There was no sense of being carried out into a cosmos or anywhere else, suddenly we were…Home. We were in eternity and I remember this sense of absolute serenity, as we stepped out into eternity thru this cloud, there was a sense of peace, and all I could see around me people were feeling their bodies, they were feeling their hands, they were caressing their faces, there was no shouting. I didn’t see Jesus anywhere,it was just a sense, it happened so quickly, it seemed to be a gathering place, the bible say He’s going to gather His elect from the the 4 winds, and suddenly I looked and there were my 2 friends, and my loved one coming thru the cloud and into eternity.
Nobody was looking at each other, nobody, there was no embracing, there was just a peace, an incredible peace, and I experienced it for a moment, I am home, that earth that I was on is gone, I am beyond the reach of satan, there is no sin, there is no possibility of ever being lost, I am eternally His, He did what He said He would do, He said He would come with His angels, He came with His angels, he did everything I preached, everything I said, It’s true! He’s all sufficient, He’s everything that we need!
There was a peace and a a serenity beyond anything I could imagine… and people were just awed, in silence, there was an awe, there was a peace that was absoultely indescribable, and the sense… it was a sense, it’s all over, it’s all over, it was all… it was all true. That sense of reality and truth – that was not the real world, this is the real world, this is eternity, that’s all passed away, it was just a dream, it was just grass, that’s what the bible says, the flesh is just grass, it comes up, it withers and it’s gone. Time is just a little piece, eternity is a great big realm, God cut a little piece and He gave it to man, with His grace and mercy, saying, here is My grace, My mercy, My glory. He gives you space and time to repent and trust in Him…
But God wait a minute, all of these who didn’t come, all of those who were left behind, who thought they were prepared and thought they were ready, they are not here, what about them Lord… they’re lost, there was a sense in me, now folks that will not be there but I believe God was letting me feel the sense of this lostness of those who were gone, and suddenly as I was thinking about all those who had not been gathered, I woke up, I sat right up, and these words were like silent thunder in my head- “David, be ye ready is no joking matter.” And I lay back in my pillow and God said, “My people are not taking it seriously, they talk about it but they are not taking it seriously, and many, many are going to be left behind- they are not ready… the age of grace is about to end.”
.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Abortion
Sorry, no funny title on this one. It's a heavy topic, so if you are looking for the forgiveness part, skip to the very end or at least know that the best part is at the end.
I was recently engaged in an online debate on this subject on a blog that shall remain nameless. This unamed blog is almost militantly pro-choice and antiChristian. i was as rational as one can be, posted links to logical sources, etc. and didn't even drag religion into it. I have now found the whole thread of discussion deleted, so much for free speech.
I bring that story up to demonstrate that this is a touchy topic for people. Why? For pro-life, it's clear, a human life is at stake. I guess what i don't understand the most is why the pro-choice crowds so fervently support "women's rights". They often see the unborn fetus as a "non-being" and less than an animal. The choice crowd accuses the life crowd of emotional this or that, but in my experience use their emotions to justify their point.
Abortion is a choice alright as with all things we do. Before making a choice though, people do need to educate themselves.
I doubt this will convince pro-choicers, but for all sides of the table here are some things we need to know about abortion. This will be as rational as possible, but at the end I will share some Biblical thought as well.
One common argument in favor of "choice" is that the baby (fetus) is not actually a human being, because it cannot survive outside of the womb without the mother. That argument makes no sense, and when you expose its fallacy, it doesn't actually win any points. If this is true, that dependency on mom or another human being for life can make one human or not, then those with physical and mental dependency needs may not qualify as human. That's pretty much what Nazi Germany said, but they later extended that definition to Jews and many others. The Nazi eugenics program is a whole topic unto itself.
Even though to a rational person, dependency on another for survival doesn't make someone less human, are there any other factors to consider? What else may qualify a fetus as a human for those who want to split hairs?
In this link (http://www.ohio.edu/ethics/2003-conferences/a-rational-look-at-the-abortion-controversy/index.html) we have a rational look at abortion, and I would say adequate proof of a fetus' human or personhood. See this quote:
"Abortion is the unnatural termination of a pregnancy by killing (at least) one human fetus. This definition is not contested, and I think it seems clear that it is correct. Science confirms that life begins at conception,[3] and that this life is human is a—scientific as well as logical—necessity, because it is the product of two humans, and humans can only produce humans. Ergo, the fetus involved is human. Secondly, the fetus is, at least scientifically speaking, a singular and individual organism, as evidenced by his own unique genetic make-up, which he shares with no other human being on earth (unless he have an identical twin). There is thus an essential difference between a human fetus and, say, a tumor or similar parasite. Finally, that the fetus is alive is confirmed through empirical observation, and hence forcing that life to come to an end involves at least some sort of killing. Therefore, the unavoidable conclusion is that abortion deliberately and forcibly puts to death a human being. Again, this definition is uncontested and thus I shall not dwell on it any further. Rather, I shall now turn to the moral implications necessarily connected with abortion."
"[3] Even former Planned Parenthood president Alan Guttmacher admitted as much in his book Planning Your Family: The Complete Guide to Contraception and Fertility (New York, NY: Macmillan Co., 1964), 28. Numerous quotes from scientists and physicians that testify that human life begins at conception can be found in Randy Alcorn, Prolife Answers to Prochoice Arguments, exp. ed. (Sisters, OR: Multnomah Publishers, 2001), 51-55."
The author of that article goes on to address that the fact that humans do kill each other for capital punishment, etc. However, I can think of no logical reason to extend any of that logic in defense of killing an unborn child.
Some possible further evidence supporting this position. A few years ago a director for Planned Parenthood (some say abortions R us due to their lack of interest in helping people get pregnant) watched the video of an abortion and became involved in pro-life efforts! A picture is truly worth 1,000 words.
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2009/11/02/planned-parenthood-director-quits-watching-abortion-ultrasound/
http://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2009/11/planned-parenthood-leader-resigns-after-watching-abortion-ultrasound/
Moving on from this angle we get into a little more yucky territory. This blog author i mentioned, often parrots this excuse to justify abortion. I will paraphrase.
(Many abortions are performed on African American women, in poor areas...these babies would have birth defects and disabilities, etc, etc. They can't afford to have babies, etc.)
I am shocked anyone would use that as an argument to support pro-choice. So abortion is OK because why? They're poor? They're black? Still, it brings up perhaps my main point: abortion is genocide.
The UN convention on genocide states:
"The Convention defines genocide as any of a number of acts committed with the intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial or religious group: killing members of the group; causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group; deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part; imposing measures intended to prevent births within
the group, and forcibly transferring children of the group to another group.
The Convention also declares that there shall be no immunity. Persons committing this crime shall be punished, whether they are constitutionally responsible rulers, public officials or private individuals."
http://www.un.org/millennium/law/iv-1.htm
Read that part again, "imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group". Unfortunately, since many make the choice themselves to prevent the births, charging anyone would be difficult. Yay choice!
Connections to genocide and eugenics doesn't seem to stop support for abortion.
http://groups.csail.mit.edu/mac/users/rauch/nvp/eugenics.html
The website: www.Blackgenocide.org has some great information insinuates blacks are targeted for abortions. There are some graphic photos, but the information is great. An interview with someone of that group i believe (http://www.infowars.com/planned-parenthood-advances-the-eugenics-agenda-rev-clenard-childress-reports/).
They have a shocking comparison between Nazi eugenic laws, justification for slavery and now abortion (http://www.Blackgenocide.org/abortion.html) They also maintain that 78% of Planned Parenthood sites exist in "minority" areas and that blacks make up 35% (and 52% of all black pregnancies, link later) of all American abortions. (http://www.Blackgenocide.org/planned.html) They also point out the fact that PP's founder, Margaret Sanger was at heart into eugenics.
To be fair, she thought the Nazis were on the wrong track, and instead she favored forced sterilizations for the "feeble minded". Also, rather than killing grown adults she sought to prevent pregnancies, or kill the babies in utero.
Unfortunately, people in the African American community helped her get a foothold in the minority communities. W.E.B. Dubois, Martin Luther King Jr. (he at least received and accepted the Margaret Sanger award) and some African American Churches helped Planned Parenthood establish a presence. Whatever her end goal, Sanger's eugenics ideology inspired her work on abortion, and this has continued to haunt the black community.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margaret_Sanger
Sidenote:
Other M.S. Award winners include Lyndon Johnson and John D Rockefeller III who seems to want to reduce the third world population (http://www.bibliotecapleyades.net/sociopolitica/sociopol_rockefeller09.htm).
More on Sanger's move against the African Americans in Harlem.
http://www.citizenreviewonline.org/special_issues/population/the_negro_project.htm
Simply amazing that people will be quick to judge Nazis as evil, yet fully support something rooted in the exact same "science".
Minor issues
1) Cost
Moving on from there, we hear often that abortion is pretty cost effective and a good alternative for the poor. A recent fallacy i heard is about the cost of pro-life efforts. The topic was that an ultrasound (as is being considered a mandate by Republicans prior to an abortion) costs about a thousand dollars. Not sure where that figure came from, but a quick google search (you can do it too) turns up a cost of about $250-500 while an abortion runs $350-550 (barring complications from the procedure).
2) Political tool
Not much here. Just a comment Republicans make this an issue and tie it to faith and Christian values. I feel this is merely to gain political power and the Christian vote. The same Republicans will endorse war (killing fully grown people) and will also engage in illicit behavior of their own.
Additionally, we had 8 years of Republican President Bush in office, and as far as I know abortions are still happening.
3) Increased Risk of Breast Cancer
I heard years ago, that abortion can increase the risk of breast cancer. There is evidence for and against this, and I haven't the inclination to dig really deeply. Still, if i were a woman, I'd err on the side of caution. If it's true, wouldn't it be ironic that the Komen cure folks link up with the people doing abortions? A sad, vicious circle.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abortion%E2%80%93breast_cancer_hypothesis
http://www.abortionbreastcancer.com/The_Link.htm
http://www.lifenews.com/2010/10/13/int-1665/
And a US government article saying it doesn't increase the risk.
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/abortion-miscarriage
4) Sickening facts
http://www.infowars.com/19-facts-about-abortion-in-america-that-should-make-you-very-sick/
5) It is NOT a religious issue
Pro-life atheists. Honestly.
http://www.godlessprolifers.org/home.html
To conclude the "rational" section, there is good reason not to allow it. We see that it's the death of a human life, ie-murder. We also see abortion has roots in the same eugenic ideology that eventually led to the holocaust. Those two reasons alone should be enough to keep this illegal.
Add to this, that the pro-choice arguments hold no weight (which i haven't fully addressed due to their lack of logic). The "we need safe places to do it so women aren't doing it with rusty hangers" is a line of tripe so people can sleep better supporting the murder of babies. It's akin to handing out clean knives to a serial killer to make sure it's done right. The "it's a woman's body, she can do whatever..." makes me wonder, where is the baby's choice? In short, there is no good reason to justify abortion.
Lastly, here's a few things that the Bible says. For all i've written, God's word is the only thing that can true conviction, but i put it at the end so people can see first that there are rational reasons to not be pro-choice.
1) Humans are made in the image of God, which is why murder is wrong.
Genesis 1:26
And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
2) The Murder of Babies is Detestable to God
Recall that Pharaoh killed many baby's to prevent Israel from escaping. God later judged him and his country by killing all firstborn in Egypt, except the Jews whom He "passed over". We don't know if Herod met with judgment for the Matthew 2 mqasacres, but you can bet God wasn't happy.
The Bible has alot to say about abortion in the form of child sacrifice.
Leviticus 18:21
And thou shalt not let any of thy seed pass through the fire to Molech, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the Lord.
And Israel did it causing God to turn away from them.
Ezekiel 20:31
For when ye offer your gifts, when ye make your sons to pass through the fire, ye pollute yourselves with all your idols, even unto this day: and shall I be enquired of by you, O house of Israel? As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I will not be enquired of by you.
This site does a great job of looking at child sacrifice and the Bible, also comparing it to abortion. It would also be a great companion to the Moloch stuff in the Star of David article i did recently. It covers alot of stuff from the Bible that i would have covered here.
http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/Evils%20in%20America/Abortion%20is%20Murder/sacrifice.htm
Furthermore, this whole affair isn't just God giving laws, God tells us this because He loves us.
Matthew 10:29-31
29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.
And lastly, if the book of Enoch is to be believed, the fallen Watchers/angels taught mankind how to perform abortion, and not long after this God sent the flood.
Not only is abortion an abomination to God, it seems that it's often followed by harsh judgement. How long until that judgment falls upon America? As Billy Graham said, and Chuck Missler loves to quote "if God doesn't judge America, He'll have to apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah.
I wonder if our economic situation isn't just a preamble to that.
As detestable as this is to God, His mercy is far greater than His wrath. He is good, slow to anger, that's why we're still around.
If you've had an abortion (or know someone who has) you may feel alot of guilt over it. There may be other feelings too. But God can and wiil forgive this. Jesus Christ paid the price for all who have sinned, all we must do is repent and accept Jesus Christ as Lord and savior. Believe His death paid that price, and that He rose again, defeating death. Seek Jesus and He can heal you!
Update 3/1/12
Unbelievable. just days after arguing on another blog that abortion is no different than murder, a new article comes out saying that parents should have the right to kill their newborn babies. The logic is partially the same as for abortion, that is, the newborns are viewed as "non-persons" or potential persons. The "ethicists" who determined this from their moral high ground concluded that if a baby is born disabled, parents should be allowed to kill it. What's next, the murder of disabled people? The kid with down's syndrome down the street? I shouldn't have to remind anyone, that Nazi Germany started out by "mercy killing" those with disabilities then altered the definition of person to exclude Jews and others. I can tell you, if we allow this to continue, it won't be long before "undesirables" are rounded up into camps and murdered again. Imagine, the killing of neborns. How barbarous are we becoming? It's bad enough to kill a baby in the womb. Before we know it, hospital maternity words will feature a Molech pit next to the gift shop.
Can God's judgement be far off? Just ask Israel before their exile to Babylon.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9113394/Killing-babies-no-different-from-abortion-experts-say.html
I was recently engaged in an online debate on this subject on a blog that shall remain nameless. This unamed blog is almost militantly pro-choice and antiChristian. i was as rational as one can be, posted links to logical sources, etc. and didn't even drag religion into it. I have now found the whole thread of discussion deleted, so much for free speech.
I bring that story up to demonstrate that this is a touchy topic for people. Why? For pro-life, it's clear, a human life is at stake. I guess what i don't understand the most is why the pro-choice crowds so fervently support "women's rights". They often see the unborn fetus as a "non-being" and less than an animal. The choice crowd accuses the life crowd of emotional this or that, but in my experience use their emotions to justify their point.
Abortion is a choice alright as with all things we do. Before making a choice though, people do need to educate themselves.
I doubt this will convince pro-choicers, but for all sides of the table here are some things we need to know about abortion. This will be as rational as possible, but at the end I will share some Biblical thought as well.
One common argument in favor of "choice" is that the baby (fetus) is not actually a human being, because it cannot survive outside of the womb without the mother. That argument makes no sense, and when you expose its fallacy, it doesn't actually win any points. If this is true, that dependency on mom or another human being for life can make one human or not, then those with physical and mental dependency needs may not qualify as human. That's pretty much what Nazi Germany said, but they later extended that definition to Jews and many others. The Nazi eugenics program is a whole topic unto itself.
Even though to a rational person, dependency on another for survival doesn't make someone less human, are there any other factors to consider? What else may qualify a fetus as a human for those who want to split hairs?
In this link (http://www.ohio.edu/ethics/2003-conferences/a-rational-look-at-the-abortion-controversy/index.html) we have a rational look at abortion, and I would say adequate proof of a fetus' human or personhood. See this quote:
"Abortion is the unnatural termination of a pregnancy by killing (at least) one human fetus. This definition is not contested, and I think it seems clear that it is correct. Science confirms that life begins at conception,[3] and that this life is human is a—scientific as well as logical—necessity, because it is the product of two humans, and humans can only produce humans. Ergo, the fetus involved is human. Secondly, the fetus is, at least scientifically speaking, a singular and individual organism, as evidenced by his own unique genetic make-up, which he shares with no other human being on earth (unless he have an identical twin). There is thus an essential difference between a human fetus and, say, a tumor or similar parasite. Finally, that the fetus is alive is confirmed through empirical observation, and hence forcing that life to come to an end involves at least some sort of killing. Therefore, the unavoidable conclusion is that abortion deliberately and forcibly puts to death a human being. Again, this definition is uncontested and thus I shall not dwell on it any further. Rather, I shall now turn to the moral implications necessarily connected with abortion."
"[3] Even former Planned Parenthood president Alan Guttmacher admitted as much in his book Planning Your Family: The Complete Guide to Contraception and Fertility (New York, NY: Macmillan Co., 1964), 28. Numerous quotes from scientists and physicians that testify that human life begins at conception can be found in Randy Alcorn, Prolife Answers to Prochoice Arguments, exp. ed. (Sisters, OR: Multnomah Publishers, 2001), 51-55."
The author of that article goes on to address that the fact that humans do kill each other for capital punishment, etc. However, I can think of no logical reason to extend any of that logic in defense of killing an unborn child.
Some possible further evidence supporting this position. A few years ago a director for Planned Parenthood (some say abortions R us due to their lack of interest in helping people get pregnant) watched the video of an abortion and became involved in pro-life efforts! A picture is truly worth 1,000 words.
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2009/11/02/planned-parenthood-director-quits-watching-abortion-ultrasound/
http://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2009/11/planned-parenthood-leader-resigns-after-watching-abortion-ultrasound/
Moving on from this angle we get into a little more yucky territory. This blog author i mentioned, often parrots this excuse to justify abortion. I will paraphrase.
(Many abortions are performed on African American women, in poor areas...these babies would have birth defects and disabilities, etc, etc. They can't afford to have babies, etc.)
I am shocked anyone would use that as an argument to support pro-choice. So abortion is OK because why? They're poor? They're black? Still, it brings up perhaps my main point: abortion is genocide.
The UN convention on genocide states:
"The Convention defines genocide as any of a number of acts committed with the intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial or religious group: killing members of the group; causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group; deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part; imposing measures intended to prevent births within
the group, and forcibly transferring children of the group to another group.
The Convention also declares that there shall be no immunity. Persons committing this crime shall be punished, whether they are constitutionally responsible rulers, public officials or private individuals."
http://www.un.org/millennium/law/iv-1.htm
Read that part again, "imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group". Unfortunately, since many make the choice themselves to prevent the births, charging anyone would be difficult. Yay choice!
Connections to genocide and eugenics doesn't seem to stop support for abortion.
http://groups.csail.mit.edu/mac/users/rauch/nvp/eugenics.html
The website: www.Blackgenocide.org has some great information insinuates blacks are targeted for abortions. There are some graphic photos, but the information is great. An interview with someone of that group i believe (http://www.infowars.com/planned-parenthood-advances-the-eugenics-agenda-rev-clenard-childress-reports/).
They have a shocking comparison between Nazi eugenic laws, justification for slavery and now abortion (http://www.Blackgenocide.org/abortion.html) They also maintain that 78% of Planned Parenthood sites exist in "minority" areas and that blacks make up 35% (and 52% of all black pregnancies, link later) of all American abortions. (http://www.Blackgenocide.org/planned.html) They also point out the fact that PP's founder, Margaret Sanger was at heart into eugenics.
To be fair, she thought the Nazis were on the wrong track, and instead she favored forced sterilizations for the "feeble minded". Also, rather than killing grown adults she sought to prevent pregnancies, or kill the babies in utero.
Unfortunately, people in the African American community helped her get a foothold in the minority communities. W.E.B. Dubois, Martin Luther King Jr. (he at least received and accepted the Margaret Sanger award) and some African American Churches helped Planned Parenthood establish a presence. Whatever her end goal, Sanger's eugenics ideology inspired her work on abortion, and this has continued to haunt the black community.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margaret_Sanger
Sidenote:
Other M.S. Award winners include Lyndon Johnson and John D Rockefeller III who seems to want to reduce the third world population (http://www.bibliotecapleyades.net/sociopolitica/sociopol_rockefeller09.htm).
More on Sanger's move against the African Americans in Harlem.
http://www.citizenreviewonline.org/special_issues/population/the_negro_project.htm
Simply amazing that people will be quick to judge Nazis as evil, yet fully support something rooted in the exact same "science".
Minor issues
1) Cost
Moving on from there, we hear often that abortion is pretty cost effective and a good alternative for the poor. A recent fallacy i heard is about the cost of pro-life efforts. The topic was that an ultrasound (as is being considered a mandate by Republicans prior to an abortion) costs about a thousand dollars. Not sure where that figure came from, but a quick google search (you can do it too) turns up a cost of about $250-500 while an abortion runs $350-550 (barring complications from the procedure).
2) Political tool
Not much here. Just a comment Republicans make this an issue and tie it to faith and Christian values. I feel this is merely to gain political power and the Christian vote. The same Republicans will endorse war (killing fully grown people) and will also engage in illicit behavior of their own.
Additionally, we had 8 years of Republican President Bush in office, and as far as I know abortions are still happening.
3) Increased Risk of Breast Cancer
I heard years ago, that abortion can increase the risk of breast cancer. There is evidence for and against this, and I haven't the inclination to dig really deeply. Still, if i were a woman, I'd err on the side of caution. If it's true, wouldn't it be ironic that the Komen cure folks link up with the people doing abortions? A sad, vicious circle.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abortion%E2%80%93breast_cancer_hypothesis
http://www.abortionbreastcancer.com/The_Link.htm
http://www.lifenews.com/2010/10/13/int-1665/
And a US government article saying it doesn't increase the risk.
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/abortion-miscarriage
4) Sickening facts
http://www.infowars.com/19-facts-about-abortion-in-america-that-should-make-you-very-sick/
5) It is NOT a religious issue
Pro-life atheists. Honestly.
http://www.godlessprolifers.org/home.html
To conclude the "rational" section, there is good reason not to allow it. We see that it's the death of a human life, ie-murder. We also see abortion has roots in the same eugenic ideology that eventually led to the holocaust. Those two reasons alone should be enough to keep this illegal.
Add to this, that the pro-choice arguments hold no weight (which i haven't fully addressed due to their lack of logic). The "we need safe places to do it so women aren't doing it with rusty hangers" is a line of tripe so people can sleep better supporting the murder of babies. It's akin to handing out clean knives to a serial killer to make sure it's done right. The "it's a woman's body, she can do whatever..." makes me wonder, where is the baby's choice? In short, there is no good reason to justify abortion.
Lastly, here's a few things that the Bible says. For all i've written, God's word is the only thing that can true conviction, but i put it at the end so people can see first that there are rational reasons to not be pro-choice.
1) Humans are made in the image of God, which is why murder is wrong.
Genesis 1:26
And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
2) The Murder of Babies is Detestable to God
Recall that Pharaoh killed many baby's to prevent Israel from escaping. God later judged him and his country by killing all firstborn in Egypt, except the Jews whom He "passed over". We don't know if Herod met with judgment for the Matthew 2 mqasacres, but you can bet God wasn't happy.
The Bible has alot to say about abortion in the form of child sacrifice.
Leviticus 18:21
And thou shalt not let any of thy seed pass through the fire to Molech, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the Lord.
And Israel did it causing God to turn away from them.
Ezekiel 20:31
For when ye offer your gifts, when ye make your sons to pass through the fire, ye pollute yourselves with all your idols, even unto this day: and shall I be enquired of by you, O house of Israel? As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I will not be enquired of by you.
This site does a great job of looking at child sacrifice and the Bible, also comparing it to abortion. It would also be a great companion to the Moloch stuff in the Star of David article i did recently. It covers alot of stuff from the Bible that i would have covered here.
http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/Evils%20in%20America/Abortion%20is%20Murder/sacrifice.htm
Furthermore, this whole affair isn't just God giving laws, God tells us this because He loves us.
Matthew 10:29-31
29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.
And lastly, if the book of Enoch is to be believed, the fallen Watchers/angels taught mankind how to perform abortion, and not long after this God sent the flood.
Not only is abortion an abomination to God, it seems that it's often followed by harsh judgement. How long until that judgment falls upon America? As Billy Graham said, and Chuck Missler loves to quote "if God doesn't judge America, He'll have to apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah.
I wonder if our economic situation isn't just a preamble to that.
As detestable as this is to God, His mercy is far greater than His wrath. He is good, slow to anger, that's why we're still around.
If you've had an abortion (or know someone who has) you may feel alot of guilt over it. There may be other feelings too. But God can and wiil forgive this. Jesus Christ paid the price for all who have sinned, all we must do is repent and accept Jesus Christ as Lord and savior. Believe His death paid that price, and that He rose again, defeating death. Seek Jesus and He can heal you!
Update 3/1/12
Unbelievable. just days after arguing on another blog that abortion is no different than murder, a new article comes out saying that parents should have the right to kill their newborn babies. The logic is partially the same as for abortion, that is, the newborns are viewed as "non-persons" or potential persons. The "ethicists" who determined this from their moral high ground concluded that if a baby is born disabled, parents should be allowed to kill it. What's next, the murder of disabled people? The kid with down's syndrome down the street? I shouldn't have to remind anyone, that Nazi Germany started out by "mercy killing" those with disabilities then altered the definition of person to exclude Jews and others. I can tell you, if we allow this to continue, it won't be long before "undesirables" are rounded up into camps and murdered again. Imagine, the killing of neborns. How barbarous are we becoming? It's bad enough to kill a baby in the womb. Before we know it, hospital maternity words will feature a Molech pit next to the gift shop.
Can God's judgement be far off? Just ask Israel before their exile to Babylon.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9113394/Killing-babies-no-different-from-abortion-experts-say.html
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
You Know What They Say About Bigfeet...Big Odor!
Christian View of Bigfoot
Now back into normal territory.
I actually haven't thought much about this recently and even when i was into weird stuff, i never had a ton of interest in bigfoot. Here's why. A typical sighting goes something like this:
"I saw bigfoot, then it ran away."
Or
"I found a single footprint."
Or
"Redneck has bigfoot in a freezer."
Often times, these turn out to be hoaxes, but for every 30 hoaxes or questionable stories, there are one or two interesting sightings. So with this sort of track record, i pretty much wrote the topic off, and if there was something to it, i believed that bigfoot was most likely an ape creature as yet undiscovered by science and left it at that. After all, the mountain gorilla wasn't discovered until 1902,and we are still finding new animals all the time.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/4688000.stm
It came into my thoughts again, because recently, my sister sent me info on a show about bigfoot, which got me thinking...what are Christians saying about sasquatch? The answer is, not much. And since i refuse to believe that hallucinations, lies and hoaxes can explain every sighting, we need some answers, and not surprisingly, some will be found in the Bible.
Where do we start with bigfoot? To start, there are similar sightings all over over the world. The yeti of the Himalaya, "yeren" in China, Sasquatch and skunk-apes in America and mystery "apes" in Africa. Central America and other locations also report hairy dwarves-distinct from apes-as well. Apparently, hairy "sort of ape, sort of human" creatures are seen everywhere.
http://www.bfro.net/GDB/
In America, bigfoot sort of came into popular conciousness with the infamous "Patterson Film". Just youtube it. This was followed by a number of decent sightings over the years, and many hoaxes.
But it's not just a recent thing, though it seems sightings have escalated in more recent times, much like UFOs. In the past there are many claims of similar creatures.
The Native Americans have many legends of bigfoot, some of which include stories of giants. Some of these depict a "friendly" creature while others depict a horrid cannibal creature with a bad smell. One of these horror stories was told to Teddy Roosevelt by some early pioneers.
http://www.mysterycasebook.com/teddyroosevelt.html
http://www.bfro.net/legends/
It's not new, so what are we seeing?
I will concede there is a possibility of an undiscovered ape. Perhaps a surviving gigantopithecus, perhaps something else. This is especially true where there is decent physical evidence or a situation like this photo from Pennsylavania. It was described as bear, but when compared to bears, that explanation seems silly.
http://www.bfro.net/avevid/jacobs/jacobs_photos.asp
There is (sometimes dubious) physical evidence as well (hairs, footprints which are sometimes dubious). The lack of any real evidence is explainable. Some theorize that bigfoot would be more rare than bears, and as it is we find few bear skeletons. ("Ape-Men Fact or Fiction, pg 48-49)
Another possibility which includes physical evdence is fossilized remains of the gigantopithecus. Gigantopithecus remains, so far, consist of a tooth found in the 30's, and a jaw bone from the 50's. I find it funny, that "scientists" discount the possibility of giants/nephilim in the Bible, but jump on the idea of a giant ape based on a few jaw bones and a molar!
More on gigantopithecus:
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gigantopithecus
http://creation.com/giants-in-the-land-an-assessment-of-gigantopithecus-and-meganthropus
If bigfoot is a physical being, then an undiscovered animal is one possiblity.
Another possibility is that they could perhaps be a living, breathing nephilim (Genesis 6). There's not really much evidence for this, however some bigfoot legends fit with the nephilim traits. The Book of Enoch describes that the nephilim giants were bloodthirsty and ate people.
In the actual Bible, nephilim/giants were always violent and rebellious against God. Recall Goliath in 1 Samuel 17.
The Iriquois stories associated with bigfoot are of "Stonish giants." These say that the Iriquois were conquered and ruled over by the giants until giants were lured into a quarry and killed. Other tribes describe that a "stone giant" became a cannibal eating people and his skin turned into hard scales.
http://www.bfro.net/legends/iroquoian.htm
This group also mentions cannibal giants.
http://www.bfro.net/legends/nadene.htm
Further evidence of this is that there is actually a connection between bigfoot and UFOs. For those not in the know, UFO experiences are, for the most part, demonic. (Ce4research.com, http://dontaskthatinchurch.blogspot.com/2011/12/ufos-and-abductions-part-1-dark.html and LA Marzulli's "Alien Interviews"). Whether aliens/UFOs are demons, a demonic body/golem thing or a fallen angel is unclear. What is clear is that calling out to Jesus Christ (and accepting Him as Lord and Savior) puts a stop to it.
The connection between bigfoot and UFOs was made by lifelong researcher, Stan Gordon. He discovered that it has been reported that in areas where there are UFO flaps, there are also bigfoot sightings (along with other paranormal goings on). Stan Gordon is a leading bigfoot and UFO expert. I believe he's studied it for 50 years. He made the connection in the 70's, but published them in his book, "Silent Invasion". The below articles discuss his findings briefly. One of the most interesting finds is that tangible footprints that abruptly disappeared were found when a bigfoot was seen around a UFO.
http://www.examiner.com/paranormal-in-pittsburgh/stan-gordon-speaker-at-the-ufo-and-bigfoot-conference-coming-to-westmoreland-cc
From (http://theparanormalpastor.blogspot.com/2011/03/ufo-bigfoot-connection.html)
Sometimes the bigfoot connection shares another aspect with UFOs, and that is sexual contact with the sasquatch. That's not terribly common, but there are reports of men in China being raped by hairy women of some sort. ("Ape-Men: Fact or Fiction" (Greenhaven Press) Pg 22)
Even though there is enough physical evidence to warrant the possibility of a physical bigfoot, a completely spiritual being cannot be ruled out, and seems far more likely. 2 Corinthians 11:14-15 tells us that Satan and his henchmen can look like servants of light, so why not bigfoot?
"14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works."
Joe Flying By, a Hunkpapa Lakota India is quoted as saying
"Sometimes we say that this One is a kind of reptile from the ancient times who can take a big hairy form" (pg 83, Sasquatch Legend Meets Science by Jeff Meldrum)
Interesting that a reptile rears his head.
Ray Owen, a Dakota Indian said of bigfoot: "They exist in another dimension from us, but can appear in this dimension whenever they have reason to." (Pg 83, Sasquatch Legend...)
Further noted in the "Sasquatch" book, some Indians (Athapaskan, Irisquois, Hopi and more probably) see bigfoot as a messenger warning humankind. Messenger, or "angel of light?"
In "Ape Men Fact or Fiction", Kewaunee Lapseritis writes a whole chapter dedicated to "psychic sasquatch" and interdimensional aspects of sasquatch. He even claims that his spirit guide is a sasquatch, and that people can often feel its presence. In essence, Lapseritis is a spirit medium, and steeped in the New Age. Nowhere did he mention testing the spirits.
1 John 4:1-3
"1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world."
Other evidences for bigfoot being a demonic spirit.
Many sightings with red eyes like this one.
http://www.bfro.net/GDB/show_report.asp?id=2347
A man being paralyzed by the creature, and his kids were filled with fear.
http://www.bfro.net/GDB/show_report.asp?id=27783
"October 28, 1982: Bell Township: A witness heard growling sounds from a creature. He saw something with red eyes at a distance in the bushes. The witness then shot at the creature three times with a rifle, but with no apparent effect. Submitted by Paul Johnson/Stan Gordon. Courtesy www.paresearchers.com website"
(This one perhaps belongs in the nephilim section)
"October 1977: Latrobe: A man returned home one night to find his dog hung by its neck and his home illuminated by a mysterious light. The witness then saw an 8 foot tall hairy biped with red eyes. He shot at the creature, but the bullets bounced off with no effect. Submitted by: Paul Johnson/Stan Gordon. Courtesy www.paresearchers.com website"
"August 27, 1973: Beech Hill, Greensburg: A woman saw a boomerang shaped UFO hovering over a heavily wooded area. Her husband then saw a large hairy bi-pedal creature and shot at it point blank with no apparent effect. Submitted by: Paul Johnson/Stan Gordon. Courtesy www.paresearchers.com website"
(http://www.pabigfootsociety.com/sightingswestmoreland.html)
Although some give a natural explanation, some bigfoot encounters are associated with a smell. Usually rotten meat or rotten eggs (ie, sulfur) http://www.oregonbigfoot.com/report_detail.php?id=00262
And demonic encounters:
"Strong unpleasant smells and foul odors are encountered in the house. The air may seem heavier in a certain part of the house than in the rest."
http://liparanormalinvestigators.com/demonic.shtml
Other characteristics observed in some demons (note hairy and sulfur):
"Usually have no eyes or red eyes in the sockets...Some demons may be very hairy...A demonic presence may give off certain odors/smells such as sulfur and/or rotten eggs. (This smell would be very strong.)."
http://liparanormalinvestigators.com/demonology.shtml
Not super common, but some alien abductees have reported sulfur smells in their abductions.
http://www.jerrypippin.com/UFO_Files_okc_experiencers.htm
And a list of paranormal encounters associated with sulfur, UFOs and bigfoot are among them.
http://www.conspiracyarchive.com/UFOs/ufosulphur.htm
While sulfur is not always a constant with demons, aliens or bigfoot, it is interesting that they all exhibit the same smell, suggesting the possibility that bigfoot is a demonic spirit.
The Bible is clear on how to deal with demonic spirits...DON'T! (Leviticus 19:31, 20:6; Deuteronomy 18:10-12) This is because doing so will only harm us, and God wants only our good. By seeking after spirits, we open the door to oppression from Satan and his demons. Oppression that can only stop by asking Jesus Christ for help, and accepting Him as Lord and Savior.
Are you being oppressed, frightened or "visited" by sasquatch? You can make it stop. Ask Jesus Christ into your life, accept Him as Lord, repent of your sins. If sasquatch or other demonic spirits bother you, call on Jesus for help. Prayer and faith in Christ is the only way to go.
If you are able to talk, rebuke this or any other spirit in the name of Jesus Christ. If you have accepted Him, His death and resurrection, you will have authority to send it away. If you can't speak, just think or pray "Jesus" and like with sleep paralysis or abductions, bigfoot or other demons will go away.
Acts 16-18
"16 And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: 17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. 18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour."
If bigfoot is a physical nephilim, we've seen there's little we can do. We've seen that guns have little effect, so again, prayer is key.
If it's a physical creature, which seems unlikely, you're on your own.
Further reading
http://www.bfro.net/
http://www.lorencoleman.com/bigfoot_main.html
http://forums.carm.org/vbb/showthread.php?45326-Biblical-giants-as-compared-with-Sasquatch-and-Neanderthal-man
Now back into normal territory.
I actually haven't thought much about this recently and even when i was into weird stuff, i never had a ton of interest in bigfoot. Here's why. A typical sighting goes something like this:
"I saw bigfoot, then it ran away."
Or
"I found a single footprint."
Or
"Redneck has bigfoot in a freezer."
Often times, these turn out to be hoaxes, but for every 30 hoaxes or questionable stories, there are one or two interesting sightings. So with this sort of track record, i pretty much wrote the topic off, and if there was something to it, i believed that bigfoot was most likely an ape creature as yet undiscovered by science and left it at that. After all, the mountain gorilla wasn't discovered until 1902,and we are still finding new animals all the time.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/4688000.stm
It came into my thoughts again, because recently, my sister sent me info on a show about bigfoot, which got me thinking...what are Christians saying about sasquatch? The answer is, not much. And since i refuse to believe that hallucinations, lies and hoaxes can explain every sighting, we need some answers, and not surprisingly, some will be found in the Bible.
Where do we start with bigfoot? To start, there are similar sightings all over over the world. The yeti of the Himalaya, "yeren" in China, Sasquatch and skunk-apes in America and mystery "apes" in Africa. Central America and other locations also report hairy dwarves-distinct from apes-as well. Apparently, hairy "sort of ape, sort of human" creatures are seen everywhere.
http://www.bfro.net/GDB/
In America, bigfoot sort of came into popular conciousness with the infamous "Patterson Film". Just youtube it. This was followed by a number of decent sightings over the years, and many hoaxes.
But it's not just a recent thing, though it seems sightings have escalated in more recent times, much like UFOs. In the past there are many claims of similar creatures.
The Native Americans have many legends of bigfoot, some of which include stories of giants. Some of these depict a "friendly" creature while others depict a horrid cannibal creature with a bad smell. One of these horror stories was told to Teddy Roosevelt by some early pioneers.
http://www.mysterycasebook.com/teddyroosevelt.html
http://www.bfro.net/legends/
It's not new, so what are we seeing?
I will concede there is a possibility of an undiscovered ape. Perhaps a surviving gigantopithecus, perhaps something else. This is especially true where there is decent physical evidence or a situation like this photo from Pennsylavania. It was described as bear, but when compared to bears, that explanation seems silly.
http://www.bfro.net/avevid/jacobs/jacobs_photos.asp
There is (sometimes dubious) physical evidence as well (hairs, footprints which are sometimes dubious). The lack of any real evidence is explainable. Some theorize that bigfoot would be more rare than bears, and as it is we find few bear skeletons. ("Ape-Men Fact or Fiction, pg 48-49)
Another possibility which includes physical evdence is fossilized remains of the gigantopithecus. Gigantopithecus remains, so far, consist of a tooth found in the 30's, and a jaw bone from the 50's. I find it funny, that "scientists" discount the possibility of giants/nephilim in the Bible, but jump on the idea of a giant ape based on a few jaw bones and a molar!
More on gigantopithecus:
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gigantopithecus
http://creation.com/giants-in-the-land-an-assessment-of-gigantopithecus-and-meganthropus
If bigfoot is a physical being, then an undiscovered animal is one possiblity.
Another possibility is that they could perhaps be a living, breathing nephilim (Genesis 6). There's not really much evidence for this, however some bigfoot legends fit with the nephilim traits. The Book of Enoch describes that the nephilim giants were bloodthirsty and ate people.
In the actual Bible, nephilim/giants were always violent and rebellious against God. Recall Goliath in 1 Samuel 17.
The Iriquois stories associated with bigfoot are of "Stonish giants." These say that the Iriquois were conquered and ruled over by the giants until giants were lured into a quarry and killed. Other tribes describe that a "stone giant" became a cannibal eating people and his skin turned into hard scales.
http://www.bfro.net/legends/iroquoian.htm
This group also mentions cannibal giants.
http://www.bfro.net/legends/nadene.htm
Further evidence of this is that there is actually a connection between bigfoot and UFOs. For those not in the know, UFO experiences are, for the most part, demonic. (Ce4research.com, http://dontaskthatinchurch.blogspot.com/2011/12/ufos-and-abductions-part-1-dark.html and LA Marzulli's "Alien Interviews"). Whether aliens/UFOs are demons, a demonic body/golem thing or a fallen angel is unclear. What is clear is that calling out to Jesus Christ (and accepting Him as Lord and Savior) puts a stop to it.
The connection between bigfoot and UFOs was made by lifelong researcher, Stan Gordon. He discovered that it has been reported that in areas where there are UFO flaps, there are also bigfoot sightings (along with other paranormal goings on). Stan Gordon is a leading bigfoot and UFO expert. I believe he's studied it for 50 years. He made the connection in the 70's, but published them in his book, "Silent Invasion". The below articles discuss his findings briefly. One of the most interesting finds is that tangible footprints that abruptly disappeared were found when a bigfoot was seen around a UFO.
http://www.examiner.com/paranormal-in-pittsburgh/stan-gordon-speaker-at-the-ufo-and-bigfoot-conference-coming-to-westmoreland-cc
From (http://theparanormalpastor.blogspot.com/2011/03/ufo-bigfoot-connection.html)
Sometimes the bigfoot connection shares another aspect with UFOs, and that is sexual contact with the sasquatch. That's not terribly common, but there are reports of men in China being raped by hairy women of some sort. ("Ape-Men: Fact or Fiction" (Greenhaven Press) Pg 22)
Even though there is enough physical evidence to warrant the possibility of a physical bigfoot, a completely spiritual being cannot be ruled out, and seems far more likely. 2 Corinthians 11:14-15 tells us that Satan and his henchmen can look like servants of light, so why not bigfoot?
"14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works."
Joe Flying By, a Hunkpapa Lakota India is quoted as saying
"Sometimes we say that this One is a kind of reptile from the ancient times who can take a big hairy form" (pg 83, Sasquatch Legend Meets Science by Jeff Meldrum)
Interesting that a reptile rears his head.
Ray Owen, a Dakota Indian said of bigfoot: "They exist in another dimension from us, but can appear in this dimension whenever they have reason to." (Pg 83, Sasquatch Legend...)
Further noted in the "Sasquatch" book, some Indians (Athapaskan, Irisquois, Hopi and more probably) see bigfoot as a messenger warning humankind. Messenger, or "angel of light?"
In "Ape Men Fact or Fiction", Kewaunee Lapseritis writes a whole chapter dedicated to "psychic sasquatch" and interdimensional aspects of sasquatch. He even claims that his spirit guide is a sasquatch, and that people can often feel its presence. In essence, Lapseritis is a spirit medium, and steeped in the New Age. Nowhere did he mention testing the spirits.
1 John 4:1-3
"1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world."
Other evidences for bigfoot being a demonic spirit.
Many sightings with red eyes like this one.
http://www.bfro.net/GDB/show_report.asp?id=2347
A man being paralyzed by the creature, and his kids were filled with fear.
http://www.bfro.net/GDB/show_report.asp?id=27783
"October 28, 1982: Bell Township: A witness heard growling sounds from a creature. He saw something with red eyes at a distance in the bushes. The witness then shot at the creature three times with a rifle, but with no apparent effect. Submitted by Paul Johnson/Stan Gordon. Courtesy www.paresearchers.com website"
(This one perhaps belongs in the nephilim section)
"October 1977: Latrobe: A man returned home one night to find his dog hung by its neck and his home illuminated by a mysterious light. The witness then saw an 8 foot tall hairy biped with red eyes. He shot at the creature, but the bullets bounced off with no effect. Submitted by: Paul Johnson/Stan Gordon. Courtesy www.paresearchers.com website"
"August 27, 1973: Beech Hill, Greensburg: A woman saw a boomerang shaped UFO hovering over a heavily wooded area. Her husband then saw a large hairy bi-pedal creature and shot at it point blank with no apparent effect. Submitted by: Paul Johnson/Stan Gordon. Courtesy www.paresearchers.com website"
(http://www.pabigfootsociety.com/sightingswestmoreland.html)
Although some give a natural explanation, some bigfoot encounters are associated with a smell. Usually rotten meat or rotten eggs (ie, sulfur) http://www.oregonbigfoot.com/report_detail.php?id=00262
And demonic encounters:
"Strong unpleasant smells and foul odors are encountered in the house. The air may seem heavier in a certain part of the house than in the rest."
http://liparanormalinvestigators.com/demonic.shtml
Other characteristics observed in some demons (note hairy and sulfur):
"Usually have no eyes or red eyes in the sockets...Some demons may be very hairy...A demonic presence may give off certain odors/smells such as sulfur and/or rotten eggs. (This smell would be very strong.)."
http://liparanormalinvestigators.com/demonology.shtml
Not super common, but some alien abductees have reported sulfur smells in their abductions.
http://www.jerrypippin.com/UFO_Files_okc_experiencers.htm
And a list of paranormal encounters associated with sulfur, UFOs and bigfoot are among them.
http://www.conspiracyarchive.com/UFOs/ufosulphur.htm
While sulfur is not always a constant with demons, aliens or bigfoot, it is interesting that they all exhibit the same smell, suggesting the possibility that bigfoot is a demonic spirit.
The Bible is clear on how to deal with demonic spirits...DON'T! (Leviticus 19:31, 20:6; Deuteronomy 18:10-12) This is because doing so will only harm us, and God wants only our good. By seeking after spirits, we open the door to oppression from Satan and his demons. Oppression that can only stop by asking Jesus Christ for help, and accepting Him as Lord and Savior.
Are you being oppressed, frightened or "visited" by sasquatch? You can make it stop. Ask Jesus Christ into your life, accept Him as Lord, repent of your sins. If sasquatch or other demonic spirits bother you, call on Jesus for help. Prayer and faith in Christ is the only way to go.
If you are able to talk, rebuke this or any other spirit in the name of Jesus Christ. If you have accepted Him, His death and resurrection, you will have authority to send it away. If you can't speak, just think or pray "Jesus" and like with sleep paralysis or abductions, bigfoot or other demons will go away.
Acts 16-18
"16 And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: 17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. 18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour."
If bigfoot is a physical nephilim, we've seen there's little we can do. We've seen that guns have little effect, so again, prayer is key.
If it's a physical creature, which seems unlikely, you're on your own.
Further reading
http://www.bfro.net/
http://www.lorencoleman.com/bigfoot_main.html
http://forums.carm.org/vbb/showthread.php?45326-Biblical-giants-as-compared-with-Sasquatch-and-Neanderthal-man
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Build a Bridge and Get Over it Part 2: Hinduism and Jesus - Building a Bridge for the Gospel
This article is for Christians who want advice on how to share the Gospel with their Hindu friends, and also for Hindus who may be curious about who Jesus Christ is. For the second group, don't let me be a stumbling block, but rather a stepping stone. I mean no offense, but want to share the hope of obtaining freedom from sin which God has provided us in His Son Jesus Christ.
I am no expert on Hinduism and have never led a Hindu to Christ that I know of, but I know and have encountered a few Hindus. They haven't expressed interest in Christianity really, and I've tried sharing Jesus in a respectful way, but as far as i know, it's gone nowhere. So, it got me thinking.
Since i am no expert in ministering to people, i'm sort of ripping off Fouad Masri's strategy for the Crescent Project and applying it to Hinduism. He uses commonalities between Islam and Christianity to build a bridge to Jesus.
While there are many differences between Hinduism and Christianity, there are also some similarities that can maybe make it easier for Hindus to find what they're looking for in Jesus. I am not saying all roads go to God, but rather seek a "Mars Hill Moment" so that Hindus can find a jumping on point in a faith that seems so different.
First, there are a couple things, right out of the Bible that we can readily use to share Jesus with Hindus. To the best of my knowledge, which is limited, these seem to resonate strongly to the Hindu's heart.
Before i share those, always be ready to listen to what your Hindu friend believes, and respect them and what they believe. Be ready to ask questions, and be ready to share Jesus and your hope and why you believe.
If you have the chance to share, one popular part of the Bible with Hindus is the Sermon on the Mount and the Beatitudes.
I read recently that Ghandi had read the beatitudes, and loved them. I have also read that the beatitudes of Jesus speak exceptionally strongly to the Hindu heart, so strongly that some Hindus have accepted Christ merely after reading them!
Matthew 5:3-12 (some also found in Luke 6:20-22) i have put the entire sermon on the mount here just because.
Matthew 5:3-48 Jesus said:
3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. 10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. 13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. 17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 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. 19 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. 20 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. 21 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: 22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. 23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; 24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. 25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. 26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing. 27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: 28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. 29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. 30 And if thy right hand offend thee, cut if off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. 31 It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: 32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery. 33 Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: 34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne: 35 Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. 36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. 37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil. 38 Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: 39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also. 41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. 42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. 43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. 44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? 47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? 48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
The second biggest thing i've picked up on is the sense of divine justice. That is, God will take care of punishing those who do evil in the world.
My Hindu friend had been in a traffic accident, and the other driver had given him fake insurance information! Although he wasn't happy about it, he realized he could do nothing about it, and pointed up and told me that he didn't worry about it, because God would take care of them and their punishment.
What form Hindu divine justice might take, i am not 100% sure. Perhaps something like karma, something that would be dealt with in this life, or through reincarnation. At any rate, they believe God will punish and we have a lot of Biblical options here that we can share.
Galatians 6:7-8
7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
And Jesus promises to repay to everyone the deeds they have done. My presumption is that good deeds will be rewarded, while wicked ones are punished and dealt with. At any rate, it's a good one to share.
Revelation 2:23
And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
In addition to these two more obvious options, there are other passages in the Bible that may resonate with Hindus. Please feel free to comment on what follows and if it's helpful, or will only mislead people.
Hinduism has many texts that they hold sacred (though this may vary), but the one most universally accepted is the Bhagavad Gita. I haven't read it all the way through, but like with the Quran, there are actually some passages that we can use to bridge the gap to the Bible and to Jesus with slightly similar ones in the Bible. I am not placing them on equal footing, rather just trying to use a similar idea to share Jesus and God's Word with Hindus.
Here is one BG verse about how a man who has faith will achieve his spiritual goals. The Bible too tells us that faith is the most important thing to please God.
Faith
Bhagavad Gita (BG)
BG 4:39-40 (http://vedabase.net/bg/4/39/)
A faithful man who is dedicated to transcendental knowledge and who subdues his senses is eligible to achieve such knowledge, and having achieved it he quickly attains the supreme spiritual peace.
The Bible
Hebrews 11:6 (all of Hebrews 11 would be good)
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Hbr&c=11&v=1&t=KJV#1
All of the great people in the Bible pleased God because of their faith in Him and what He could do.
Self Denial
Denying oneself, and self control also have a high place in Hinduism. My guess is many Hindus feel this self denial is something to be desired. I have been told by several Hindus that they do not eat meat.
This is not meant as a slight, but they are sort of proud about it. And in a way, it is admirable to deny the desires of the flesh. The Bible too teaches that we are to deny ourself as well. Loving God and neighbor, truly loving them, will always require some level of self denial. And following Jesus in general will require this too.
BG 5:7 (http://vedabase.net/bg/5/7/en)
One who works in devotion, who is a pure soul, and who controls his mind and senses is dear to everyone, and everyone is dear to him. Though always working, such a man is never entangled.
Jesus said in Mark 8:34-35
"And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it."
By denying ourselves to follow Jesus, He frees us from the sinful desires of our body.
Relying on God
We also can share with Hindus that committing our actions to God will bring us peace, and success. Here's what the BG says.
BG 5:12 (http://vedabase.net/bg/5/12/en)
The steadily devoted soul attains unadulterated peace because he offers the result of all activities to Me; whereas a person who is not in union with the Divine, who is greedy for the fruits of his labor, becomes entangled.
And the Bible
Proverbs 3:5-7
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.
Proverbs 16:2-3
All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits. Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.
The Innate Goodness of God
Hindus rightly believe that in God there is no sin.
BG 5:15 (http://vedabase.net/bg/5/15/en)
Nor does the Supreme Lord assume anyone's sinful or pious activities. Embodied beings, however, are bewildered because of the ignorance which covers their real knowledge.
Which is very easy to prove all throughout the Bible, but here's one to start with.
1 John 1:5-9
5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
The Universal Equalizer-Death
Then there is the matter of what happens when we die. Where do we go? As far as i know, Hindus believe in reincarnation (thats early in the BG) but here is an interesting passage. This may be what they believe happens once reincarnation no longer applies.
BG 8:5 (http://vedabase.net/bg/8/5/en)
And whoever, at the end of his life, quits his body, remembering Me alone, at once attains My nature. Of this there is no doubt.
This can be a great way to tell a Hindu of our hope in Jesus Christ, that if we turn to Him, and accept Him as savior and Lord, when we die, we will be with Him forever. He alone will bring us to paradise.
2 Corinthians 5:8-10
8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. 9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
The Problem of Sin
Hindu scripture also tells Hindus that only God can deal with their sin.
BG 10:3 (http://vedabase.net/bg/10/3/en)
He who knows Me as the unborn, as the beginningless, as the Supreme Lord of all the worlds — he only, undeluded among men, is freed from all sins.
The Bible tells us how God has taken care of our sin and reconciled us to Himself. There is only one way that God has established.
John 3:16-18
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
John 14:6-8
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.
Romans 3:23-25
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
Romans 10:9
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Romans 6:23
23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Although there may be other passages we can use, these are the most obvious parallels between the Bhagavad Gita and the Bible. Again, I'm not placing them on the same level, but rather trying to find familiar concepts to make it easir share the Bible. We have a couple loose ends though.
Yoga(s) and reincarnation
Throughout the Bhagavad Gita, the word Yoga pops up A LOT. Now I'm certain that this applies to what we westerners naively call exercise, that is but one of many Yogas and is part of the "eightfold mysticism yoga".
(See the poses "asan" and breathing "pranayama" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoga_S%C5%ABtras_of_Pata%C3%B1jali#The_eight_limbs_of_Yoga)
The word Yoga simply means "to yoke". Perhaps each yoga means that a Hindu becomes yoked to another aspect of Hinduism. I don't know the signifigance of all the various yogas, and my ignorance on the matter leads me to believe it sounds like a lot of work.
By following Jesus, one can be freed from all yokes and burdens. He did all of the work for us. Jesus gives us only one yoke, and it is light:
Matthew 11:28-30
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Many believe, and i also like to think this, that the yoke Jesus has us bear is His arm on our shoulder as He walks alongside us through our trials and this life. The yoke of Jesus is freedom, not endless rules and regulations. By accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, He will free you from each and every yoke that you bear, giving you complete assurance of freedom. Would it be out of place to say that in believing in Christ, you have take up the "yoga of Jesus"? In doing so, He has freed you from any other yoga.
Moksha/reincarnation
Hindus believe in reincarnation for the most part, that is life, death, and rebirth into a new body. We won't get into the particulars here.
The goal of Hinduism, so far as i can tell, is to get free from sin and this cycle of suffering and reincarnation and attain to the Hindu concept of God through works. This "freedom" is called Moksha, and has a similar counterpart in Buddhism and Jainism.
The desire to end suffering is a human constant, and i think it is pretty universal that this suffering is linked to sin and life on earth, and that humans know the only answer is a spiritual one. Because it is a spiritual problem.
The best thing that Jesus Christ can offer anyone, Hindus and reincarnation believers especially, is that we only have to die once. The determining factor after death is whether or not we have believe and have accepted Jesus Christ's death and resurrection. The other thing the Jesus can offer is that He did all the work needed to remove our sins when He died on the cross and rose from the dead.
When i started to believe in reincarnation, i became burdened and wanted a release from the cycle. Luckily the Lord showed me His truth and I repented and gained freedom. The Bible tells us that believing in Jesus Christ will free us from our sins and bring us into paradise with Him. This faith will end all suffering! All we must do is believe and accept.
Hebrews 9:27-28
27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: 28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
John 3-16-18; 14:6-8; and Romans 10:9 also can elaborate this hope.
The Idea of God
I've learned from my Hindu friend, and online. Hindus espouse a belief in a one "God" above all others. This seems confusing when we see other Hindu gods, but we'll get to that.
In my experience, i was told by a Hindu that other faiths are equally valid ways to worship this "one God." Whether we Christians agree or not, this seems to be what Hindus believe. Hindus also believe that this "one God" lives in each of us (and needs to be awakened) and in everything. Sort of Pantheism, sort of not. This article calls it henotheism.
"life shining out of the eyes of humans and all creatures. This view of God as existing in and giving life to all things is called panentheism."
http://www.himalayanacademy.com/basics/tenq/tenq_1.html
I don't know how to bridge that gap, but wanted to bring that up, because it is a HUGE difference. But God can still work with this somehow.
From the same link:
"One of the unique understandings in Hinduism is that God is not far away, living in a remote heaven, but is inside each and every soul, in the heart and consciousness, waiting to be discovered. This knowing that God is always with us gives us hope and courage. Knowing the One Great God in this intimate and experiential way is the goal of Hindu spirituality."
The Bible has a similar thought or two, perhaps these can help bridge the gap. Basically, we cannot hide from God, he can see us anywhere. Although we don't agree that God is in each soul or "one with" the creation, we CAN say the creation gives testimony to His glory. We also know that God created the world in a very special way.
Psalm 139
1 O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. 2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. 3 Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. 4 For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether. 5 Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it. 7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? 8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. 9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; 10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. 11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. 12 Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee. 13 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. 14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. 15 My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. 16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. 17 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! 18 If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee. 19 Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men. 20 For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain. 21 Do not I hate them, O Lord, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee? 22 I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies. 23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: 24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalm 19:1
1 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.
And Romans 1:19-20, where Paul tells us that the men are without excuse because that the things God has made, proves the existence of God:
19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
In basic english:
19 Because the knowledge of God may be seen in them, God having made it clear to them. 20 For from the first making of the world, those things of God which the eye is unable to see, that is, his eternal power and existence, are fully made clear, he having given the knowledge of them through the things which he has made, so that men have no reason for wrongdoing:
What about God being in us already? God wants to dwell within us, but He has no sin in Him, so how could He dwell within a defiled, sinful body? Before we are cleansed from sin through Christ, He cannot or will not. But, once we accept the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and repent, our sin is dealt with, and God will dwell in us.
1 Corinthians 6:19
What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
What else do we know about the God above all gods, the creator of everything? He has revealed more to us in His Word. He created everything through His Word, which is Jesus Christ.
John 1:1-5
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
Read all of John here:
http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Jhn&c=1&t=KJV&q=John
Further expounded in
Colossians 1:12-20
12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: 15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. 19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; 20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
What about the other gods we see in Hinduism? The afore-linked Himalaya academy mentions that the Supreme Being created lesser gods, much like the angels.
The Colossians passage i referenced tells us about those angels, and the Bible is full of passages with angels that perform various duties. This includes even Mike Heiser's "divine council", and any other angels. The Bible does address disobedient angels, but we want to focus on the Gospel here. The main point is we can agree that God created other spiritual beings, and they may present themselves as gods, but that God alone is to be worshipped.
Exodus 20:3-4
3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me. 4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:
Other resources that might be helpful:
Testimony of a former Hindu. Hearing from another Hindu might be effective.
http://www.middletownbiblechurch.org/helpseek/story.htm
Witnessing to Hindus
http://mosesonmissions.wordpress.com/2007/10/31/sharing-christ-with-hindus/
Similarities between the Bible and the Bhagavad Gita. Many of these are not Christian sources, but can be your resource to find other common points for Hindus if they mention something:
http://t-h-mitchell.livejournal.com/26269.html
http://www.hindu-blog.com/2007/05/similarities-between-bhagavad-gita-and.html?m=1
http://www.himalayanacademy.com/basics/point/index.shtml
I am no expert on Hinduism and have never led a Hindu to Christ that I know of, but I know and have encountered a few Hindus. They haven't expressed interest in Christianity really, and I've tried sharing Jesus in a respectful way, but as far as i know, it's gone nowhere. So, it got me thinking.
Since i am no expert in ministering to people, i'm sort of ripping off Fouad Masri's strategy for the Crescent Project and applying it to Hinduism. He uses commonalities between Islam and Christianity to build a bridge to Jesus.
While there are many differences between Hinduism and Christianity, there are also some similarities that can maybe make it easier for Hindus to find what they're looking for in Jesus. I am not saying all roads go to God, but rather seek a "Mars Hill Moment" so that Hindus can find a jumping on point in a faith that seems so different.
First, there are a couple things, right out of the Bible that we can readily use to share Jesus with Hindus. To the best of my knowledge, which is limited, these seem to resonate strongly to the Hindu's heart.
Before i share those, always be ready to listen to what your Hindu friend believes, and respect them and what they believe. Be ready to ask questions, and be ready to share Jesus and your hope and why you believe.
If you have the chance to share, one popular part of the Bible with Hindus is the Sermon on the Mount and the Beatitudes.
I read recently that Ghandi had read the beatitudes, and loved them. I have also read that the beatitudes of Jesus speak exceptionally strongly to the Hindu heart, so strongly that some Hindus have accepted Christ merely after reading them!
Matthew 5:3-12 (some also found in Luke 6:20-22) i have put the entire sermon on the mount here just because.
Matthew 5:3-48 Jesus said:
3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. 10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. 13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. 17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 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. 19 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. 20 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. 21 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: 22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. 23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; 24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. 25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. 26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing. 27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: 28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. 29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. 30 And if thy right hand offend thee, cut if off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. 31 It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: 32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery. 33 Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: 34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne: 35 Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. 36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. 37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil. 38 Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: 39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also. 41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. 42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. 43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. 44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? 47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? 48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
The second biggest thing i've picked up on is the sense of divine justice. That is, God will take care of punishing those who do evil in the world.
My Hindu friend had been in a traffic accident, and the other driver had given him fake insurance information! Although he wasn't happy about it, he realized he could do nothing about it, and pointed up and told me that he didn't worry about it, because God would take care of them and their punishment.
What form Hindu divine justice might take, i am not 100% sure. Perhaps something like karma, something that would be dealt with in this life, or through reincarnation. At any rate, they believe God will punish and we have a lot of Biblical options here that we can share.
Galatians 6:7-8
7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
And Jesus promises to repay to everyone the deeds they have done. My presumption is that good deeds will be rewarded, while wicked ones are punished and dealt with. At any rate, it's a good one to share.
Revelation 2:23
And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
In addition to these two more obvious options, there are other passages in the Bible that may resonate with Hindus. Please feel free to comment on what follows and if it's helpful, or will only mislead people.
Hinduism has many texts that they hold sacred (though this may vary), but the one most universally accepted is the Bhagavad Gita. I haven't read it all the way through, but like with the Quran, there are actually some passages that we can use to bridge the gap to the Bible and to Jesus with slightly similar ones in the Bible. I am not placing them on equal footing, rather just trying to use a similar idea to share Jesus and God's Word with Hindus.
Here is one BG verse about how a man who has faith will achieve his spiritual goals. The Bible too tells us that faith is the most important thing to please God.
Faith
Bhagavad Gita (BG)
BG 4:39-40 (http://vedabase.net/bg/4/39/)
A faithful man who is dedicated to transcendental knowledge and who subdues his senses is eligible to achieve such knowledge, and having achieved it he quickly attains the supreme spiritual peace.
The Bible
Hebrews 11:6 (all of Hebrews 11 would be good)
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Hbr&c=11&v=1&t=KJV#1
All of the great people in the Bible pleased God because of their faith in Him and what He could do.
Self Denial
Denying oneself, and self control also have a high place in Hinduism. My guess is many Hindus feel this self denial is something to be desired. I have been told by several Hindus that they do not eat meat.
This is not meant as a slight, but they are sort of proud about it. And in a way, it is admirable to deny the desires of the flesh. The Bible too teaches that we are to deny ourself as well. Loving God and neighbor, truly loving them, will always require some level of self denial. And following Jesus in general will require this too.
BG 5:7 (http://vedabase.net/bg/5/7/en)
One who works in devotion, who is a pure soul, and who controls his mind and senses is dear to everyone, and everyone is dear to him. Though always working, such a man is never entangled.
Jesus said in Mark 8:34-35
"And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it."
By denying ourselves to follow Jesus, He frees us from the sinful desires of our body.
Relying on God
We also can share with Hindus that committing our actions to God will bring us peace, and success. Here's what the BG says.
BG 5:12 (http://vedabase.net/bg/5/12/en)
The steadily devoted soul attains unadulterated peace because he offers the result of all activities to Me; whereas a person who is not in union with the Divine, who is greedy for the fruits of his labor, becomes entangled.
And the Bible
Proverbs 3:5-7
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.
Proverbs 16:2-3
All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits. Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.
The Innate Goodness of God
Hindus rightly believe that in God there is no sin.
BG 5:15 (http://vedabase.net/bg/5/15/en)
Nor does the Supreme Lord assume anyone's sinful or pious activities. Embodied beings, however, are bewildered because of the ignorance which covers their real knowledge.
Which is very easy to prove all throughout the Bible, but here's one to start with.
1 John 1:5-9
5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
The Universal Equalizer-Death
Then there is the matter of what happens when we die. Where do we go? As far as i know, Hindus believe in reincarnation (thats early in the BG) but here is an interesting passage. This may be what they believe happens once reincarnation no longer applies.
BG 8:5 (http://vedabase.net/bg/8/5/en)
And whoever, at the end of his life, quits his body, remembering Me alone, at once attains My nature. Of this there is no doubt.
This can be a great way to tell a Hindu of our hope in Jesus Christ, that if we turn to Him, and accept Him as savior and Lord, when we die, we will be with Him forever. He alone will bring us to paradise.
2 Corinthians 5:8-10
8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. 9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
The Problem of Sin
Hindu scripture also tells Hindus that only God can deal with their sin.
BG 10:3 (http://vedabase.net/bg/10/3/en)
He who knows Me as the unborn, as the beginningless, as the Supreme Lord of all the worlds — he only, undeluded among men, is freed from all sins.
The Bible tells us how God has taken care of our sin and reconciled us to Himself. There is only one way that God has established.
John 3:16-18
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
John 14:6-8
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.
Romans 3:23-25
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
Romans 10:9
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Romans 6:23
23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Although there may be other passages we can use, these are the most obvious parallels between the Bhagavad Gita and the Bible. Again, I'm not placing them on the same level, but rather trying to find familiar concepts to make it easir share the Bible. We have a couple loose ends though.
Yoga(s) and reincarnation
Throughout the Bhagavad Gita, the word Yoga pops up A LOT. Now I'm certain that this applies to what we westerners naively call exercise, that is but one of many Yogas and is part of the "eightfold mysticism yoga".
(See the poses "asan" and breathing "pranayama" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoga_S%C5%ABtras_of_Pata%C3%B1jali#The_eight_limbs_of_Yoga)
The word Yoga simply means "to yoke". Perhaps each yoga means that a Hindu becomes yoked to another aspect of Hinduism. I don't know the signifigance of all the various yogas, and my ignorance on the matter leads me to believe it sounds like a lot of work.
By following Jesus, one can be freed from all yokes and burdens. He did all of the work for us. Jesus gives us only one yoke, and it is light:
Matthew 11:28-30
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Many believe, and i also like to think this, that the yoke Jesus has us bear is His arm on our shoulder as He walks alongside us through our trials and this life. The yoke of Jesus is freedom, not endless rules and regulations. By accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, He will free you from each and every yoke that you bear, giving you complete assurance of freedom. Would it be out of place to say that in believing in Christ, you have take up the "yoga of Jesus"? In doing so, He has freed you from any other yoga.
Moksha/reincarnation
Hindus believe in reincarnation for the most part, that is life, death, and rebirth into a new body. We won't get into the particulars here.
The goal of Hinduism, so far as i can tell, is to get free from sin and this cycle of suffering and reincarnation and attain to the Hindu concept of God through works. This "freedom" is called Moksha, and has a similar counterpart in Buddhism and Jainism.
The desire to end suffering is a human constant, and i think it is pretty universal that this suffering is linked to sin and life on earth, and that humans know the only answer is a spiritual one. Because it is a spiritual problem.
The best thing that Jesus Christ can offer anyone, Hindus and reincarnation believers especially, is that we only have to die once. The determining factor after death is whether or not we have believe and have accepted Jesus Christ's death and resurrection. The other thing the Jesus can offer is that He did all the work needed to remove our sins when He died on the cross and rose from the dead.
When i started to believe in reincarnation, i became burdened and wanted a release from the cycle. Luckily the Lord showed me His truth and I repented and gained freedom. The Bible tells us that believing in Jesus Christ will free us from our sins and bring us into paradise with Him. This faith will end all suffering! All we must do is believe and accept.
Hebrews 9:27-28
27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: 28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
John 3-16-18; 14:6-8; and Romans 10:9 also can elaborate this hope.
The Idea of God
I've learned from my Hindu friend, and online. Hindus espouse a belief in a one "God" above all others. This seems confusing when we see other Hindu gods, but we'll get to that.
In my experience, i was told by a Hindu that other faiths are equally valid ways to worship this "one God." Whether we Christians agree or not, this seems to be what Hindus believe. Hindus also believe that this "one God" lives in each of us (and needs to be awakened) and in everything. Sort of Pantheism, sort of not. This article calls it henotheism.
"life shining out of the eyes of humans and all creatures. This view of God as existing in and giving life to all things is called panentheism."
http://www.himalayanacademy.com/basics/tenq/tenq_1.html
I don't know how to bridge that gap, but wanted to bring that up, because it is a HUGE difference. But God can still work with this somehow.
From the same link:
"One of the unique understandings in Hinduism is that God is not far away, living in a remote heaven, but is inside each and every soul, in the heart and consciousness, waiting to be discovered. This knowing that God is always with us gives us hope and courage. Knowing the One Great God in this intimate and experiential way is the goal of Hindu spirituality."
The Bible has a similar thought or two, perhaps these can help bridge the gap. Basically, we cannot hide from God, he can see us anywhere. Although we don't agree that God is in each soul or "one with" the creation, we CAN say the creation gives testimony to His glory. We also know that God created the world in a very special way.
Psalm 139
1 O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. 2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. 3 Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. 4 For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether. 5 Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it. 7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? 8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. 9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; 10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. 11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. 12 Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee. 13 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. 14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. 15 My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. 16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. 17 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! 18 If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee. 19 Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men. 20 For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain. 21 Do not I hate them, O Lord, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee? 22 I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies. 23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: 24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalm 19:1
1 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.
And Romans 1:19-20, where Paul tells us that the men are without excuse because that the things God has made, proves the existence of God:
19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
In basic english:
19 Because the knowledge of God may be seen in them, God having made it clear to them. 20 For from the first making of the world, those things of God which the eye is unable to see, that is, his eternal power and existence, are fully made clear, he having given the knowledge of them through the things which he has made, so that men have no reason for wrongdoing:
What about God being in us already? God wants to dwell within us, but He has no sin in Him, so how could He dwell within a defiled, sinful body? Before we are cleansed from sin through Christ, He cannot or will not. But, once we accept the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and repent, our sin is dealt with, and God will dwell in us.
1 Corinthians 6:19
What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
What else do we know about the God above all gods, the creator of everything? He has revealed more to us in His Word. He created everything through His Word, which is Jesus Christ.
John 1:1-5
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
Read all of John here:
http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Jhn&c=1&t=KJV&q=John
Further expounded in
Colossians 1:12-20
12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: 15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. 19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; 20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
What about the other gods we see in Hinduism? The afore-linked Himalaya academy mentions that the Supreme Being created lesser gods, much like the angels.
The Colossians passage i referenced tells us about those angels, and the Bible is full of passages with angels that perform various duties. This includes even Mike Heiser's "divine council", and any other angels. The Bible does address disobedient angels, but we want to focus on the Gospel here. The main point is we can agree that God created other spiritual beings, and they may present themselves as gods, but that God alone is to be worshipped.
Exodus 20:3-4
3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me. 4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:
Other resources that might be helpful:
Testimony of a former Hindu. Hearing from another Hindu might be effective.
http://www.middletownbiblechurch.org/helpseek/story.htm
Witnessing to Hindus
http://mosesonmissions.wordpress.com/2007/10/31/sharing-christ-with-hindus/
Similarities between the Bible and the Bhagavad Gita. Many of these are not Christian sources, but can be your resource to find other common points for Hindus if they mention something:
http://t-h-mitchell.livejournal.com/26269.html
http://www.hindu-blog.com/2007/05/similarities-between-bhagavad-gita-and.html?m=1
http://www.himalayanacademy.com/basics/point/index.shtml
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Human Trafficking
In recent months, Prayer Watch and more recently, Shatter the Darkness have done shows on human trafficking. I'm not just jumping on their bandwagon, but want to help spread the word with you as some of you may not be familiar with either podcast.
I myself am no stranger to the topic. I did this as a research project in college, and have read local news articles that have addressed it.
The movie "Taken" with Liam Neeson was a dramatization of the industry. It was a gripping tale, and kept me tense throughout the entire film. You should see it as it contains a reasonably accurate look at the seedy underbelly of the trade of human flesh.
There is human trafficking in the USA, where i live. Recently, there were people suing for "whale rights" on account of the 14th amendment's disbandment of slavery in the USA. I wonder if they care about these people in sex slavery? Who is trying to help them?
Where are those who will speak for those being sold into sex slavery? Why indeed is the church silent on this topic?
I don't know that i have alot to say right now, other than we need to pray. For the victims and even for the perpetrators. God can work miracles to save those who are victims and can bring the perpetrators to repentence.
So what is human trafficking? It's exactly what it sounds like. People selling women and little children as sex slaves. The perps use drugs to keep the girls and other victims somewhat sedated while other perverts pay to have sex with them. Often times perpetrators are family or community members selling each other, or other people who have been trafficked themselves.
Some stats: http://shatterthedarkness.net/files/LIVE%20RADIO%20JAN%2030%20T%20FEB%203%202012%20HUMAN%20TRAFFICKING.pdf
These girls and other victims not only end up as sex slaves in apartments, basements, massage parlors and neighborhood brothels, but they also end up in strip clubs and pornography as well. If you struggle with porn, maybe this is a good time to look at the people in the videos as someone created in the image of God. "Love your neighbor as yourself" tells us that we should not see these people as sex objects for our pleasure, but as someone that Jesus Christ died for.
Jesus said:
Luke 4:18-19
18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, 19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.
And here's some scripture on those oppress the poor. I would imagine this would include harming, using or abusing victims of sex trafficking.
Prov. 14:31
Anyone who oppresses the poor is insulting. God who made them. To help the poor is to honor God.
Matthew 25:35-36
For I was hungry and you fed me; I was thirsty and you gave me water; I was a stranger and
you invited me into your homes; naked and you clothed me; sick and in prison, and you visited me.'
http://www.friendships.org/Scriptures.html
Christians, we need to bring this to God in prayer, then He will set these people free. We need to raise awareness, and in some cases even help those in need. There are organizations that help those coming out of sex slavery, see what your church can do to help those organizations in your area. Collect clothes, Bibles. Provide support. You'll have to find them in your area, but this might be a good place to start.
http://humantrafficking.org/organizations/348
Victims, Jesus Christ can heal you. Ask Him into your life, to take away the shame. He can do it. Ask Him to clean you of all the uncleanness, and any sins you may have committed. He loves you, He died for you. And He lives now and can heal you.
Perpetrators, it's not to late to stop, to repent and ask Jesus Christ to forgive you. He died for you too. But if you don't turn, if you don't stop trafficking your fellow humans, then He will have to judge you. Better to turn back now before it's too late. He can change you and show you a better way too. Perhaps He can use you to stop it.
Matthew 25:41-45
Then I will turn to those on my left and say, 'Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his
demons. For I was hungry and you wouldn't feed me; thirsty, and you wouldn't give me anything to drink; a stranger, and you refused me hospitality; naked, and you wouldn't clothe me; sick, and in prison, and you didn't visit me.' "Then they will reply, 'Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?' "And I will answer, 'When you refused to help the least of these my brothers, you were refusing help to me.'
For more information you can listen to Shatter's excellent look into this.
Episode 1
http://preemptionbroadcast.podomatic.com/enclosure/2012-01-30T16_19_29-08_00.mp3
2
http://preemptionbroadcast.podomatic.com/enclosure/2012-01-31T16_27_57-08_00.mp3
3
http://preemptionbroadcast.podomatic.com/enclosure/2012-02-01T16_20_11-08_00.mp3
4
http://preemptionbroadcast.podomatic.com/enclosure/2012-02-02T16_13_58-08_00.mp3
5
http://preemptionbroadcast.podomatic.com/enclosure/2012-02-03T21_36_00-08_00.mp3
I myself am no stranger to the topic. I did this as a research project in college, and have read local news articles that have addressed it.
The movie "Taken" with Liam Neeson was a dramatization of the industry. It was a gripping tale, and kept me tense throughout the entire film. You should see it as it contains a reasonably accurate look at the seedy underbelly of the trade of human flesh.
There is human trafficking in the USA, where i live. Recently, there were people suing for "whale rights" on account of the 14th amendment's disbandment of slavery in the USA. I wonder if they care about these people in sex slavery? Who is trying to help them?
Where are those who will speak for those being sold into sex slavery? Why indeed is the church silent on this topic?
I don't know that i have alot to say right now, other than we need to pray. For the victims and even for the perpetrators. God can work miracles to save those who are victims and can bring the perpetrators to repentence.
So what is human trafficking? It's exactly what it sounds like. People selling women and little children as sex slaves. The perps use drugs to keep the girls and other victims somewhat sedated while other perverts pay to have sex with them. Often times perpetrators are family or community members selling each other, or other people who have been trafficked themselves.
Some stats: http://shatterthedarkness.net/files/LIVE%20RADIO%20JAN%2030%20T%20FEB%203%202012%20HUMAN%20TRAFFICKING.pdf
These girls and other victims not only end up as sex slaves in apartments, basements, massage parlors and neighborhood brothels, but they also end up in strip clubs and pornography as well. If you struggle with porn, maybe this is a good time to look at the people in the videos as someone created in the image of God. "Love your neighbor as yourself" tells us that we should not see these people as sex objects for our pleasure, but as someone that Jesus Christ died for.
Jesus said:
Luke 4:18-19
18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, 19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.
And here's some scripture on those oppress the poor. I would imagine this would include harming, using or abusing victims of sex trafficking.
Prov. 14:31
Anyone who oppresses the poor is insulting. God who made them. To help the poor is to honor God.
Matthew 25:35-36
For I was hungry and you fed me; I was thirsty and you gave me water; I was a stranger and
you invited me into your homes; naked and you clothed me; sick and in prison, and you visited me.'
http://www.friendships.org/Scriptures.html
Christians, we need to bring this to God in prayer, then He will set these people free. We need to raise awareness, and in some cases even help those in need. There are organizations that help those coming out of sex slavery, see what your church can do to help those organizations in your area. Collect clothes, Bibles. Provide support. You'll have to find them in your area, but this might be a good place to start.
http://humantrafficking.org/organizations/348
Victims, Jesus Christ can heal you. Ask Him into your life, to take away the shame. He can do it. Ask Him to clean you of all the uncleanness, and any sins you may have committed. He loves you, He died for you. And He lives now and can heal you.
Perpetrators, it's not to late to stop, to repent and ask Jesus Christ to forgive you. He died for you too. But if you don't turn, if you don't stop trafficking your fellow humans, then He will have to judge you. Better to turn back now before it's too late. He can change you and show you a better way too. Perhaps He can use you to stop it.
Matthew 25:41-45
Then I will turn to those on my left and say, 'Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his
demons. For I was hungry and you wouldn't feed me; thirsty, and you wouldn't give me anything to drink; a stranger, and you refused me hospitality; naked, and you wouldn't clothe me; sick, and in prison, and you didn't visit me.' "Then they will reply, 'Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?' "And I will answer, 'When you refused to help the least of these my brothers, you were refusing help to me.'
For more information you can listen to Shatter's excellent look into this.
Episode 1
http://preemptionbroadcast.podomatic.com/enclosure/2012-01-30T16_19_29-08_00.mp3
2
http://preemptionbroadcast.podomatic.com/enclosure/2012-01-31T16_27_57-08_00.mp3
3
http://preemptionbroadcast.podomatic.com/enclosure/2012-02-01T16_20_11-08_00.mp3
4
http://preemptionbroadcast.podomatic.com/enclosure/2012-02-02T16_13_58-08_00.mp3
5
http://preemptionbroadcast.podomatic.com/enclosure/2012-02-03T21_36_00-08_00.mp3
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