Growing up, we celebrated Halloween maybe one time. My mom, though not a Christian (that i know of), thought it was too demonic. Somehow, i didn't really care much not celebrating it. We did carve pumpkins even when we didn't "celebrate" it, but it was very low-key.
It wasn't until I was a "grown up" that i really celebrated it. Oddly, it was even after I had become a believer in Christ! Actually, it was after I began attending the Presbyterian church, not that it was their fault, there were other factors at work.
I had been invited to a Halloween party by a coworker and went, then in costume i went to the singles group session where we were voting on leaders for the group, and i was elected to the board. Following that, one of our first events with me as event planner was to go to a haunted house. The following year, we had a Halloween event in the church.
Why am I telling all of this?
I guess it has alot to do with the fact that aside from a few comments, no one really thought there was anything wrong with celebrating Halloween, and no one challenged me about it either.
So? It's just harmless fun, right?
I had originally planned to research and delve into the history and origins, and why it's not something we Christians should partake in. But i think i want to inform, then give some advice.
Rather than reinvent the wheel, and duplicate what others have done before me, why not refer you to one of the best? Chuck Missler's current series is on Halloween, and he presents basically what I would have wanted to. He also has articles.
Chuck Missler on Halloween
http://www.khouse.org/topical_bible_study/halloween/
And Infowars' take on Halloween
http://www.infowars.com/the-dark-side-of-halloween-the-kind-of-stuff-that-real-life-nightmares-are-made-of/
Here's a couple more general ones.
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halloween
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomona
So what can we do about it? Celebrate or not celebrate? First, we can thank God for what He's done, and that He has the victory over Satan through His work on the Cross through Jesus Christ.
Second, we can pray against these dark things and powers. See the Prayer Watch show on the Revelations Radio Network.
Third, go ahead and hand candy out. Wait, WHAT?! That's right give them candy. With the candy, you can hand out Gospel tracts. I like the following site because you can actually download them, rather than request them or go thru some convoluted process to get them. And they are FREE!
http://www.tracts.com/Acrobatpage.html
So, use Halloween as your Mars Hill moment, and spread the Gospel one candy bar at a time. Pray for a huge harvest...of souls!
Monday, October 24, 2011
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Dream of Riots and Chaos
Perhaps I'm listening to Russ Dizdar too much (www.shatterthedarkness.net). Maybe I've got too many other podcasts in my iPod that talk about how things are getting worse. Maybe it's because I read about David Wilkerson's prophecies www.wnd.com/?pageId=91097.
Well, about a month or two ago, I had a dream I was in a large mall, and then a city. It was kind of both. Weird. But, there was typical action movie stuff. Explosions, people running. I then took refuge somewhere and woke up. When I woke up, I figured it was just a bad dream. Perhaps it just was that. But it felt like something more. Personally, I felt it was a warning, but I stop short of claiming this is a prophetic message from God. It could be. Or it could not be.
Well, I had another dream last night. I was driving out of some restaurant, and in a decent hurry. But as I got into traffic, I was unable to drive, because suddenly there was traffic. Then, there were crowds of people, not exactly rioting, but hardly peaceful all over. I tried to lock the doors, but at thatv moment all power in the car and everywhere went off. I heard people saying that there were riots everywhere, and that some of the people were being violent, and had somehow stopped all the power. It was then that I awoke.
Perhaps this was nothing. The result of the above podcasts and artiicles, and some really good hotsauce i'd eaten, or it was something more. Regardless, it reminds me of Wilkersons dream in some ways, and of Russ Dizdar's work. So, take that for what it's worth. I'm not date setting, nor am I claiming this is a prophecy. I wanted to share it in case it was, but I can't say for sure. At any rate, it should get you to folks who have done real research and who have real insight into possible coming chaos.
Again, these were dreams I had, so use your discernment, I will pray myself for God to show me what these are about.
The bottom line is, no matter what's on the horizon, God is in control. He knows the end from the beginning, and He isn't surprised. What's more, He loves you, and wants you to know Him. If you haven't accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior, now is the time to do it. Repent, accept Jesus's gift of salvation. He died on the cross, and rose from the dead to fulfill the scriptures and sits at God's right hand, right now. The most important decision in your life is if you accept this gift or not. When you and I die, God's going to know if we truly asked His forgiveness and accepted Christ's sacrifice. If we didn't, we go to hell. God doesn't want you to go to hell, which is why you can accept Jesus now.
Well, about a month or two ago, I had a dream I was in a large mall, and then a city. It was kind of both. Weird. But, there was typical action movie stuff. Explosions, people running. I then took refuge somewhere and woke up. When I woke up, I figured it was just a bad dream. Perhaps it just was that. But it felt like something more. Personally, I felt it was a warning, but I stop short of claiming this is a prophetic message from God. It could be. Or it could not be.
Well, I had another dream last night. I was driving out of some restaurant, and in a decent hurry. But as I got into traffic, I was unable to drive, because suddenly there was traffic. Then, there were crowds of people, not exactly rioting, but hardly peaceful all over. I tried to lock the doors, but at thatv moment all power in the car and everywhere went off. I heard people saying that there were riots everywhere, and that some of the people were being violent, and had somehow stopped all the power. It was then that I awoke.
Perhaps this was nothing. The result of the above podcasts and artiicles, and some really good hotsauce i'd eaten, or it was something more. Regardless, it reminds me of Wilkersons dream in some ways, and of Russ Dizdar's work. So, take that for what it's worth. I'm not date setting, nor am I claiming this is a prophecy. I wanted to share it in case it was, but I can't say for sure. At any rate, it should get you to folks who have done real research and who have real insight into possible coming chaos.
Again, these were dreams I had, so use your discernment, I will pray myself for God to show me what these are about.
The bottom line is, no matter what's on the horizon, God is in control. He knows the end from the beginning, and He isn't surprised. What's more, He loves you, and wants you to know Him. If you haven't accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior, now is the time to do it. Repent, accept Jesus's gift of salvation. He died on the cross, and rose from the dead to fulfill the scriptures and sits at God's right hand, right now. The most important decision in your life is if you accept this gift or not. When you and I die, God's going to know if we truly asked His forgiveness and accepted Christ's sacrifice. If we didn't, we go to hell. God doesn't want you to go to hell, which is why you can accept Jesus now.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Christian response to Gaddafi's death
I heard the news that Gaddafi has just been killed. Like Bin Ladn's death, this saddened me. Partially because, unless they died having accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and savior, they are now in Hell.
It also saddened me because Gaddaffi did not get a trial. If we're going around "spreading democracy" and disposing of dictators by killing leaders without a trial, then what sort of example is that? How is that democratic?
From a Biblical/Christian view, he should have been tried as well.
Deuteronomy 17:6
"At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; [but] at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death."
Do we have testimony of even one witness? Where was this testimony given audience? Was Gaddafi given a chance to defend himself?
It also saddens me, because i expect to see the majority of American Christians will rejoice at his death. A view that I think our Lord would not condone. Even Rep. Keith Ellison, a Muslim, is on the right track. He stated not to celebrate anyone's death, even if they are bad. He's right, but sadly i bet many Christians will celebrate.
Ezekiel 33:11
"Say unto them, [As] I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?"
That said, Jesus isn't celebrating this man's death, and neither should we. Yes Gaddaffi was likely a tyrant and a wicked man, but i think it's clear what reaction Christians should have.
It also saddened me because Gaddaffi did not get a trial. If we're going around "spreading democracy" and disposing of dictators by killing leaders without a trial, then what sort of example is that? How is that democratic?
From a Biblical/Christian view, he should have been tried as well.
Deuteronomy 17:6
"At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; [but] at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death."
Do we have testimony of even one witness? Where was this testimony given audience? Was Gaddafi given a chance to defend himself?
It also saddens me, because i expect to see the majority of American Christians will rejoice at his death. A view that I think our Lord would not condone. Even Rep. Keith Ellison, a Muslim, is on the right track. He stated not to celebrate anyone's death, even if they are bad. He's right, but sadly i bet many Christians will celebrate.
Ezekiel 33:11
"Say unto them, [As] I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?"
That said, Jesus isn't celebrating this man's death, and neither should we. Yes Gaddaffi was likely a tyrant and a wicked man, but i think it's clear what reaction Christians should have.
David Flynn Tumor
Hi all,
Most of you hopefully know who Derek and Sharon Gilbert are. They do a couple of podcasts that are awesome, and they're great people. They're at www.pidradio.com, check them out.
Anyways, they mentioned David Flynn, a brother in the Lord who just had brain surgery, and he has had a near-miraculous recovery from the operation. That said, he also has huge hospital bills. Please pray the God miraculously provide the needed money so he can pay the bills. For those who feel lead to donate, please do so here:
http://www.mt.net/~watcher/
Let's see what the Lord can do!
Most of you hopefully know who Derek and Sharon Gilbert are. They do a couple of podcasts that are awesome, and they're great people. They're at www.pidradio.com, check them out.
Anyways, they mentioned David Flynn, a brother in the Lord who just had brain surgery, and he has had a near-miraculous recovery from the operation. That said, he also has huge hospital bills. Please pray the God miraculously provide the needed money so he can pay the bills. For those who feel lead to donate, please do so here:
http://www.mt.net/~watcher/
Let's see what the Lord can do!
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Was Jesus Really Just a Good Teacher? Then Why Don't You Follow What He Taught?
This one is less for the church...OK, it's also for the church because we often don't listen to Him too. Without a doubt, Jesus is widely recognized the world over as a good teacher, at the very least. Some see Him as a mere prophet. OK, let's work with that. Jesus was a teacher, sure and very wise. I don't think anyone would disagree.
But I would bet that any of you who say this would be hard pressed to repeat anything that He actually taught. I know I can't recall 100% accurately some of the things He taught and I've been a Christian for more than ten years. Let's start with some easy teachings that everyone should know.
Turn the other cheek. If someone asks for your coat, also give them the shirt. Give to Caesar what is Caesar's. Go the extra mile. We've turned many of these great lesson's into cliche's. Stripped them of their depth, to some extent, if that were possible. But yes, these are some things that Jesus taught.
But what else? The sermon on the mount of course. But what was that about? Let's take just a small piece.
http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Mat&c=5&v=1#1
From that, this comes out.
Matthew 5:17 - 20
"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach [them], the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed [the righteousness] of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven."
Which causes me to ask, how can a mere teacher fulfil the law? There's no way a mere person could fulfill the Law.
He also said that the law, the Torah, the "Old Testament" was still valid, and would continue to be relevant, basically until the last chapter of Revelation. So, that means you and I are subject to the law and held accountable to it.
Or as Paul explains in Galatians, the law is still valid for showing us what is sinful, and to help us judge what is right and wrong. Lying, stealing, adultery, witchraft, homosexuality, etc. etc. are still sin. When we read the law, I think we are supposed to see in it where we fall short, and confess to God that we sinned by not measuring up. It's sort of our diagnostic tool to see where we are with God.
That's interesting to note in light of the ordination of gay clergy in Lutheran and Presbyterian denominations, and the Church's general laissez faire attitude to sin in general.
Even more, Jesus teaches us who He is.
John 5:16 - 47
"And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day.
But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.
Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.
Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.
For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.
For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth [them]; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.
For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:
That all [men] should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.
For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;
And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.
Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.
If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true.
There is another that beareth witness of me; and I know that the witness which he witnesseth of me is true.
Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth.
But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved.
He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.
But I have greater witness than [that] of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.
And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape.
And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not.
Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.
I receive not honour from men.
But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you.
I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.
How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that [cometh] from God only?
Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is [one] that accuseth you, [even] Moses, in whom ye trust.
For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me.
But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?"
http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Jhn&c=5&v=17#17
John 14:6 - 12
"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.
Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.
Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou [then], Shew us the Father?
Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.
Believe me that I [am] in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. "
http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Jhn&c=14&v=1&t=KJV#1
These statements go way beyond mere teaching, Jesus taught who He is, which is the Son of God! He's not just a wise teacher, He is God's Son! Fully God and fully human! God, so He can be infinitely sufficient to atone for us (and more probably) and fully human so that we humans can become saved.
He also taught on the road Emmaus that He fulfilled the scriptures by suffering and dying on the cross for our sin, and being raised up. (Luke 24:27 (read it all, but pay close attention to v 27. http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Luk&c=24&t=KJV#13 ) )
Maybe He covered Psalm 22, which describes crucifixion hundreds of years before it was even invented! Maybe He covered something else.
Following is a link that outlines more than 300 prophecies of the Old Testament that Jesus fulfilled. Keep in mind that the Old Testament was written by several different authors across hundreds of years by people (most of whom never knew each other). The Holy Spirit worked in them to predict the coming of Jesus the Messiah, and as Chuck Missler says, embedded consistent symbolism to foreshadow the coming of Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
Here's the link:
http://www.accordingtothescriptures.org/prophecy/353prophecies.html
Perhaps Jesus didn't address each one of these on the road with the disciples, but you can bet He did a large number, His disciples were quite impressed afterwards. I don't think anyone would forget. I personally hope that God explains that to us in eternity. Then i can see how wrong I am on many points.
So, Jesus taught that He is the Son of God, that He would fulfil the scriptures (He often predicted His own death and resurrection, like in Luke 9:22) that those who believed in Him would have eternal life (John 3). He taught that Hell was a real place that people who reject God's salvation will go to (Luke 16). He taught after His resurrection that He had fulfilled the scriptures and He taught before His death that He would return one day like a thief (Matthew 24), that is, when we least expect it.
Does this sound like someone who is merely a good teacher? He is either or He said He is and taught who He was, or He wasn't. If you think that Jesus was merely an enlightened teacher, or very wise, you miss the entire point of what He taught.
How can you say He was a good teacher, then not accept what He said about Himself, and the scriptures, that He fulfilled them?
So if you acccept that Jesus is a good teacher, heed His teaching. Accept Him as Lord and Savior and accept His payment for your sins. Believe that He now lives! Believe that He is coming soon! Believe that He has overcome death, and allowed us to spend eternity with Him.
After all, Jesus taught these things.
Appendix
How to get saved, and have a relationship with Jesus.
"that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." -Romans 10:9
http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/how_to_be_saved.html
Did Jesus exist? Non-Biblical evidence that He did:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ffvyroYH3g
But I would bet that any of you who say this would be hard pressed to repeat anything that He actually taught. I know I can't recall 100% accurately some of the things He taught and I've been a Christian for more than ten years. Let's start with some easy teachings that everyone should know.
Turn the other cheek. If someone asks for your coat, also give them the shirt. Give to Caesar what is Caesar's. Go the extra mile. We've turned many of these great lesson's into cliche's. Stripped them of their depth, to some extent, if that were possible. But yes, these are some things that Jesus taught.
But what else? The sermon on the mount of course. But what was that about? Let's take just a small piece.
http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Mat&c=5&v=1#1
From that, this comes out.
Matthew 5:17 - 20
"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach [them], the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed [the righteousness] of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven."
Which causes me to ask, how can a mere teacher fulfil the law? There's no way a mere person could fulfill the Law.
He also said that the law, the Torah, the "Old Testament" was still valid, and would continue to be relevant, basically until the last chapter of Revelation. So, that means you and I are subject to the law and held accountable to it.
Or as Paul explains in Galatians, the law is still valid for showing us what is sinful, and to help us judge what is right and wrong. Lying, stealing, adultery, witchraft, homosexuality, etc. etc. are still sin. When we read the law, I think we are supposed to see in it where we fall short, and confess to God that we sinned by not measuring up. It's sort of our diagnostic tool to see where we are with God.
That's interesting to note in light of the ordination of gay clergy in Lutheran and Presbyterian denominations, and the Church's general laissez faire attitude to sin in general.
Even more, Jesus teaches us who He is.
John 5:16 - 47
"And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day.
But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.
Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.
Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.
For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.
For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth [them]; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.
For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:
That all [men] should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.
For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;
And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.
Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.
If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true.
There is another that beareth witness of me; and I know that the witness which he witnesseth of me is true.
Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth.
But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved.
He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.
But I have greater witness than [that] of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.
And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape.
And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not.
Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.
I receive not honour from men.
But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you.
I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.
How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that [cometh] from God only?
Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is [one] that accuseth you, [even] Moses, in whom ye trust.
For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me.
But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?"
http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Jhn&c=5&v=17#17
John 14:6 - 12
"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.
Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.
Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou [then], Shew us the Father?
Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.
Believe me that I [am] in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. "
http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Jhn&c=14&v=1&t=KJV#1
These statements go way beyond mere teaching, Jesus taught who He is, which is the Son of God! He's not just a wise teacher, He is God's Son! Fully God and fully human! God, so He can be infinitely sufficient to atone for us (and more probably) and fully human so that we humans can become saved.
He also taught on the road Emmaus that He fulfilled the scriptures by suffering and dying on the cross for our sin, and being raised up. (Luke 24:27 (read it all, but pay close attention to v 27. http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Luk&c=24&t=KJV#13 ) )
Maybe He covered Psalm 22, which describes crucifixion hundreds of years before it was even invented! Maybe He covered something else.
Following is a link that outlines more than 300 prophecies of the Old Testament that Jesus fulfilled. Keep in mind that the Old Testament was written by several different authors across hundreds of years by people (most of whom never knew each other). The Holy Spirit worked in them to predict the coming of Jesus the Messiah, and as Chuck Missler says, embedded consistent symbolism to foreshadow the coming of Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
Here's the link:
http://www.accordingtothescriptures.org/prophecy/353prophecies.html
Perhaps Jesus didn't address each one of these on the road with the disciples, but you can bet He did a large number, His disciples were quite impressed afterwards. I don't think anyone would forget. I personally hope that God explains that to us in eternity. Then i can see how wrong I am on many points.
So, Jesus taught that He is the Son of God, that He would fulfil the scriptures (He often predicted His own death and resurrection, like in Luke 9:22) that those who believed in Him would have eternal life (John 3). He taught that Hell was a real place that people who reject God's salvation will go to (Luke 16). He taught after His resurrection that He had fulfilled the scriptures and He taught before His death that He would return one day like a thief (Matthew 24), that is, when we least expect it.
Does this sound like someone who is merely a good teacher? He is either or He said He is and taught who He was, or He wasn't. If you think that Jesus was merely an enlightened teacher, or very wise, you miss the entire point of what He taught.
How can you say He was a good teacher, then not accept what He said about Himself, and the scriptures, that He fulfilled them?
So if you acccept that Jesus is a good teacher, heed His teaching. Accept Him as Lord and Savior and accept His payment for your sins. Believe that He now lives! Believe that He is coming soon! Believe that He has overcome death, and allowed us to spend eternity with Him.
After all, Jesus taught these things.
Appendix
How to get saved, and have a relationship with Jesus.
"that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." -Romans 10:9
http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/how_to_be_saved.html
Did Jesus exist? Non-Biblical evidence that He did:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ffvyroYH3g
Monday, October 17, 2011
Value Voters Summit
So the results are back from the value voters summit in America. Supposedly Ron Paul was in the lead. I don't necessarily support any candidate, but here is an episode of Future Quake that discusses the summit. The folks running the summit suggest that Ron Paul supporters skewed the results, but Doc Future was there actually, and here's his perspective.
http://futurequake.com/Audio/FQShow283.mp3
In other news, I've got a backload of articles for the blog here, but I haven't had time to do them right, so pray for me to have more time and use that time more effectively. Prayer for wisdom and discernment is also good.
http://futurequake.com/Audio/FQShow283.mp3
In other news, I've got a backload of articles for the blog here, but I haven't had time to do them right, so pray for me to have more time and use that time more effectively. Prayer for wisdom and discernment is also good.
Open Challenge to Open Minds Radio and Magazine
Years ago, I began listening to "UFO Thinktank" with Alejandro Rojas. I enjoyed it, but it led me back into the ET is real and from space viewpoint and derailed my Christian faith partially. This show eventually morphed into "Open Minds Radio" and magazine. Both of these are well done, and have good information and evidence. Alejandro Rojas. Sounds like a super-cool nerdy guy, like me and he usually makes a good connection with his guests. On the show, Alejandro is willing to dismiss questionable sightings rather than accept every single light as aliens, so he gets some points there too.However, Open Minds is biased, and thus should not be called "Open Minds".
They support only the ETI (intelligent alien visitors from other planets) viewpoint and have yet to have on a guest that claims otherwise. (They may have had Nick Redfern on with his "Final Events" book, but I can't recall and nick is sort of on their page anyways. Nothing against nick either) So, knowing that their view is slanted should be a warning for those who check them out. They will lead you away from Biblical truth and into New Age or other viewpoints. I do not recommend anyone listen to them, unless you are fully armored up in the Lord's armor and sound in your walk.
So, that said this is my challenge to Open Minds and Alejandro Rojas. If you really have "Open Minds", then let's see some folks on the show and in the magazine who have good sound evidence that ET's are demonic in origin, and can be stopped in the name above all names, Jesus Christ. Joe Jordan alone has HUNDREDS of testimonies attesting to this.
This interview should be done in the same good spirit, and respect that all of your other interviews are done in, and the guest should be given adequate time to present their views and evidence. If Open Minds interviews the following guest I will buy 2 consecutive years of Open Minds Magazine subscriptions.
Joe Jordan
http://www.alienresistance.org/ce4.htm
Alejandro, you're a great guy, but please let's prove Open Minds is what it is by interviewing folks with a view different than your own. I don't want to beat you up, but let's see Open Minds, open up further.
Update 10-19-11
Alejandro Has accepted the challenge. He knows Joe and said he will have him on. I will update this with a link to the show or info on how to get it. Also, I modified the challenge to what he accepted, which is Joe Jordan.
They support only the ETI (intelligent alien visitors from other planets) viewpoint and have yet to have on a guest that claims otherwise. (They may have had Nick Redfern on with his "Final Events" book, but I can't recall and nick is sort of on their page anyways. Nothing against nick either) So, knowing that their view is slanted should be a warning for those who check them out. They will lead you away from Biblical truth and into New Age or other viewpoints. I do not recommend anyone listen to them, unless you are fully armored up in the Lord's armor and sound in your walk.
So, that said this is my challenge to Open Minds and Alejandro Rojas. If you really have "Open Minds", then let's see some folks on the show and in the magazine who have good sound evidence that ET's are demonic in origin, and can be stopped in the name above all names, Jesus Christ. Joe Jordan alone has HUNDREDS of testimonies attesting to this.
This interview should be done in the same good spirit, and respect that all of your other interviews are done in, and the guest should be given adequate time to present their views and evidence. If Open Minds interviews the following guest I will buy 2 consecutive years of Open Minds Magazine subscriptions.
Joe Jordan
http://www.alienresistance.org/ce4.htm
Alejandro, you're a great guy, but please let's prove Open Minds is what it is by interviewing folks with a view different than your own. I don't want to beat you up, but let's see Open Minds, open up further.
Update 10-19-11
Alejandro Has accepted the challenge. He knows Joe and said he will have him on. I will update this with a link to the show or info on how to get it. Also, I modified the challenge to what he accepted, which is Joe Jordan.
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