Speaking in Tongues: The Language of Hell?

There is a video series on Youtube that some have asked us about where the presenter declares that the gift of Tongues is a language of Hell. There were so many errors in that video series that I couldn't even begin to respond to them all. Thankfully, I haven't had to do so because the following brother provides a sound and most importantly Scriptural review of this topic.

There are clearly false spiritual manifestations in the churchworld, including false tongues. However, that does not negate the reality of the true gift of God. A great confusion about this gift is often articulated when evaluating the Day of Pentecost as depicted in Acts Chapter 2. The explanation provided by David in this video is exactly what God revealed to me years ago regarding what happened on that day.

In the Spirit of Christmas

Today, many people are celebrating Christmas as they acknowledge the birth of Jesus Christ.

This topic itself has become a point of division for some in the church. Some proclaim that it is a pagan holiday in which Christians should not participate. Others say that we simply need to "put Christ" into Christmas to make Him the reason for the season.

The purpose of this article is not to sway people one way or the other, but to provide some information that delves into the tradition of Christmas so that we may all be wiser.

Whether you celebrate Christmas or not is a decision between you and the Lord, however at least take a moment to understand what it is, where it came from, and how the traditions associated with it originated.

The ONLY Reason Salvation Can be Lost

Once Saved, Now Lost - Conclusion

Over the course of this series on the Once Saved Always Saved doctrine, we have reviewed numerous Scriptures showing that salvation is not unconditionally, eternally secure. We are eternally secured as we continue in the faith, abiding in Him. When we turn in faith to Jesus Christ, we are entering into a covenant and it is through this covenant that we receive the gift of eternal life.

Still, this often leads to one question, "What sin is it that Jesus does not forgive or that makes one become lost?"

Yet, what people fail to understand is that such is not about sin primarily, but about relationship. The only way our covenant relationship with God can be broken is for us to stop loving God.

All Means "ALL"

A Candid Look at OSAS "Support"

When addressing the erroneous doctrine of Once Saved Always Saved, one will often hear, "All means ALL." This statement is usually made in reference to two Scriptures.

ALL Will Be Raised

"And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day." John 6:39-40

Jesus describes those who will be raised on the last day in two ways:

They have been given to Him by the Father = They have seen Jesus and believe on Him.

God is Faithful

A Candid Look at OSAS "Support"

Another statement that is made in trying to support OSAS is that God is faithful. To this I say, "Amen!" God is faithful to do all and everything He says that He will. He is not a liar, nor does He break His promises. His word stands sure.

The issue with the Once Saved Always Saved doctrine is not the faithfulness of God, but the faithfulness of man. The word of God is clear that even after salvation, man can:

• Draw back from the faith (Hebrews 10:38)
• Have his faith overthrown (II Timothy 2:18)
• Cast off his faith (I Timothy 5:12)
• Have his faith made shipwreck (I Timothy 1:19)
• Fall into unbelief (Romans 11:20-22, Hebrews 3:12; Hebrews 4:6-11)
  

Eternal Life is "Eternal"

A Candid Look at OSAS "Support"

Another peculiar statement that is made from supporters of the Once Saved Always Saved doctrine is that eternal life is "eternal". This is a strawman argument where people are debating against positions that no one holds.

While it sounds sort of snazzy (YES, that is a word!) to say, "If we can lose it, then it is not eternal.", such a comment is really a Non Sequitur. It is a statement containing an illogical conclusion.

Who are the ones claiming that eternal life is really not eternal? Those who dispute OSAS are not calling into question the attributes of the life given, but man's receipt of it.

Predestined by God

A Candid Look at OSAS "Support"

Predestination is the understanding that God has pre-determined or foreordained how events unfold in this world. This is completely true. However, some take this truth a step farther and claim that this also relates to how God creates mankind. They state that God has created some persons expressly for the purpose of being saved and others expressly for the purpose of being damned; leaving man with no choice in the matter. This belief is unScriptural.

This false doctrine is used to claim that we are unconditionally, eternally secure in salvation because we have either been designed by God to be saved or to be damned. This is an expansive topic, which I will surely not cover adequately in this post. However, in order to show how the Biblical understanding of predestination in no way implies Once Saved Always Saved (OSAS), I must address common misconceptions.

You Cannot Be "Unborn"

A Candid Look at OSAS "Support"

The statement that one cannot be "unborn" as a defense to Once Saved, Always Saved has to be one of the most puzzling arguments presented. It is a completely illogical assertion for even in the natural, there is no such condition as being "unborn".

Being born is the process whereby life is made manifest. The opposite of having life is not to be "unborn", but to be dead. Just as one dies physically when life is no longer present, one also dies spiritually when the life of Christ is no longer present within.

We Can Only Lose our Reward

A Candid Look at OSAS "Support"

Another claim people make is that we can only lose our rewards, but not salvation itself. We are pointed to I Corinthians Chapter 3 as proof of this assertion, but is that what the text is really saying?

The Chapter begins with Paul chastising the church for being carnal and forming allegiances according to the various ministries of men. They were trying to judge amongst themselves which ministry was greater. Paul's answer? None of them were greater. He tries to impress upon the people that their focus is misplaced; it is not the minister to whom they should be aligned, but to the Lord.

To make this point, Paul uses two analogies. His first analogy is that of a garden.

We Can Only Lose Fellowship with God

A Candid Look at OSAS "Support"

A common argument made in support of Once Saved, Always Saved is that we can only lose fellowship with God if we depart from His ways. However, such a statement demonstrates a critical lack of understanding about what fellowship is.

"God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord." I Corinthians 1:9

Fellowship with Christ is the basis for our relationship with God. Fellowship and relationship represent the same concepts. Fellowship means "association, communion, joint participation, intercourse, and intimacy".

If we have no fellowship, we have no relationship. This is why Jesus came, to restore or reconcile us to right relationship/fellowship with God.

Nothing Can Separate You From the Love of God

A Candid Look at OSAS "Support"

In supporting the Once Saved, Always Saved doctrine, people will sometimes refer to the following text saying that "nothing" can separate us from the love of God.

"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:35-39

In a previous article, we reviewed how this text actually contains our promises to God as well as God's promises to us.

Eternal Life is a Gift

A Candid Look at OSAS "Support"

"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:23

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God." Ephesians 2:8

One of the most nonsensical explanations that is given about why salvation cannot be forfeited is because it is a "gift". Some will say, "Because we did not earn it, we cannot lose it."  However, such a statement is completely absurd.  When I was 8 years old, my father gave me a gold pendant from Hawaii.  I didn't earn it or have to work for it; it was a gift.  But guess what...I lost it.  As an adult, my mother gave me a piece of original artwork with a formal certificate of authenticity, but in moving a number of times, I eventually lost it. 

Apart from seeing that I was not perhaps the most organized person in my younger days, it is clear then that losing something doesn't imply that we earned it.  It simply means that at one point in time, the item lost was in our possession.  

"And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God." I John 5:11-13

When we enter salvation, we obtain the gift of eternal life at that time by virtue of faith in Jesus Christ even though the fulness of that gift is not realized until we leave this world (John 4:14, 5:24, 10:27-28, 11:25).  It is therefore accurate to state that believers in Christ currently possess eternal life.

Scriptures are clear that eternal life is a gift we obtain in Jesus Christ through no effort of our own, but by His mercy and grace alone. However, Scriptures are equally clear that eternal life is a gift that God gives us now.  The issue then is not that we misplace eternal life - like I lost my pendant.  Rather, we disqualify ourselves from receiving it.  Eternal life is a gift which is only obtained "in Christ".

"Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus." II Timothy 1:1

The promise of life (which is zoe meaning eternal life) is only found "in Christ". In other words, the only ones who have this promise are those who are in Him or are members of His Body.

Once Saved, Now Lost - Part 4

We Are Sealed Until the Day of Redemption

In supporting the doctrine of Once Saved, Always Saved, some will point out that we are sealed by God as His children. This is true, but knowing the purpose of the seal requires one to also have understanding of covenant.

The seal ratifies the agreement. Once the seal is in place, the details of the covenant cannot be changed. It is a token of authenticity, ownership, and authority. The seal serves to bind and execute the covenant agreement.

Once Saved, Now Lost - Part 3c

Covenant Responsibilities

We have examined so far in this series the various texts in the New Testament which illustrate that man can forfeit the salvation found in Jesus Christ. We have also seen how the Abrahamic covenant - a pattern for the new covenant relationship - also required Abraham and his seed to keep the covenant God had established.

Yet, that leads to the logical question of, "What does it mean to keep God's covenant? What responsibilities do man have to stay in the covenant relationship with God?"

In His word, God provides the perfect illustration for this in the institution of marriage.

Once Saved, Now Lost - Part 3b

Was the Abrahamic Covenant Unconditional?

"That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto.  

Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect...And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." Galatians 3:14-17, 29

The promises fulfilled in the new covenant were first made to Abraham based on his faith in God, which is why Abraham is called the father of our faith. Yet distortions in the understanding of the Abrahamic covenant have been used to reinforce belief that the OSAS doctrine is sound.

Once Saved, Now Lost - Part 3a

Salvation is a Result of Covenant

As we discuss whether the Once Saved Always Saved doctrine is upheld in Scripture, one of the essential topics which must be addressed is our covenant with God.

I recently had a discussion with a believer in the OSAS doctrine where I attempted to touch on this matter. In doing so, the person responded, "What are you talking about a covenant between us and God? The new covenant is between Jesus and the Father, not us."

While I was hopeful that this lady's perspective was atypical of those supporting the OSAS doctrine, I have seen that such is not the case. Many are in fact perverting the nature of the new covenant in order to validate the OSAS position.

Once Saved, Now Lost - Part 2b

"IF"

God not only continues to admonish us to abide faithfully in Him, He gives us several illustrations for what happens when we don't.

Cast From God's Body

"And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent." Revelation 3:14-19

Once Saved, Now Lost - Part 2a

"IF"

In the previous articles, we discussed how God doesn't mince His words. There are multiple Scriptures where God states that He can blot out names from His book of the righteous (the Book of Life). We examined verses where God speaks of man forsaking Him. These passages must be explained away to mean something other than what the text says if one believes we can never forfeit salvation.

God says that we must believe on Jesus Christ to be saved. That is a condition.

"And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." Acts 16:31

"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 10:9

Once Saved, Now Lost - Part 1b

God Doesn't Mince Words

As we saw in the previous article, God declares in the Old and New Testaments that He can and will blot out names from His Book which contains the names of those who receive eternal life. We can also see in His word that God continually references man's ability to forfeit the salvation found in Him.

It IS Possible to Fall Away

Let's first establish that there are such things as false converts to the faith. People who are never really converted. References to such persons are often discussed as these individuals not being "true believers" or not having "saving faith". Essentially, what is meant by such expressions is that these individuals have never been born again through faith in Christ.

Once Saved, Now Lost - Part 1a

Before getting into this topic, it should be stated that our purpose here is not to instill fear in anyone's heart or to cause one to be less assured in our standing before God. In His word, God has given us great and precious promises so that we may know that we know Him, and know that He has granted His people eternal life. The intent in this series is to examine a particular doctrine to see if it holds water in the light of Scripture.

What Saith Scripture?

There is a doctrine that has permeated parts of Christianity often referred to as Once Saved Always Saved, Eternal Unconditional Security, or Preservation of the Saints. This doctrine asserts that once one has received the gift of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ, such a gift is always assured. It can in no ways be lost.

Personally, I do not prefer the term "lost" as it gives the image of someone looking around for a set of misplaced keys. In terms of this series, the word "lost" refers to man's ability to determinately walk away from a covenant relationship with Him.

Placebo

What is the Church's Dope?

Hear the personal testimony of an ordained minister, upright member of society, and family man...who was on his way to Hell and didn't even know it.

This is a message by Min. Howard Pittman; a Baptist minister who, on August 3rd 1979, died in an ambulance after suffering a massive internal hemorrhage when the main artery in his abdomen ruptured from animism. Through this experience, he finally came to know Jesus Christ...after spending decades thinking he already did. Jesus gave him a vision of the current day church and showed him the deception which has taken over much of the church world.

Listen to him retell what he saw and experienced from God, as well as the remarkable message he was sent back to deliver to the church.

Remember Swine Flu 1976?

Deja Vu All Over Again

Do you remember the Swine Flu epidemic of 1976? The virus appeared at Fort Dix, infecting about 230 Army recruits and killing one. Fearing a potential pandemic, President Ford ordered mass vaccinations against the newly discovered virus and about 45 million Americans were vaccinated. Thousands then became ill with a neurological side effect called Guillain-Barre syndrome.

The news show 60 Minutes did an investigation into this issue years ago and that video is attached for your review. It is well worth watching. Be sure to watch the video after the 60 minutes excerpt which features a speech made by the Polish Health Minister on November 5, 2009 citing her concerns about the readiness of the swine flu vaccine.

A RADICAL Disruption!

This video was shared with me today and I just have to post it. One statement made in this video just leapt off of the pages to me:

"The cross RADICALLY disrupts the very center and citadel of your life from self to Christ."

Praise God!

Has the very center, the very essence of your life been DISRUPTED so that you are no longer first, but Christ is?? No longer first in your thoughts, in your needs, in your ambitions, in your struggles, in your prayers?

A Controversy

The Controversy of the Lord

"Hear the word of the LORD, ye children of Israel: for the LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, no mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land." Hosea 4:1

The Lord has a controversy with His people because there is no truth, no mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land. I cannot think of a more accurate depiction of the world today.

God would not have a controversy with His people about these things if He did not hold them responsible for these things. God looks to His people to possess a knowledge of Him. Because knowing the Lord transforms us to be like Him, we would then have mercy on those who don't know Him. His mercy then compels us to present that truth to others so that they may also come to know Him. When these things are not happening, God blames His church.

You Hater!

Watcha Gonna Do When They Come For You?

President Obama has signed into law the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act. This piece of legislation raises "gender identity" and "sexual orientation" to the status of protected classes so that those who commit or incite violence against such persons may be charged with being guilty of a hate crime.

This bill is part of the Defense Authorization Act, which provides funding for our military. Can you not see where this is headed? Our military forces will be used prevent these "hate crimes" and enforce these regulations. Everything that Jesus has said about the end times is happening at groundbreaking speed...and I for one am glad about it.

Race-Colored Glasses

The Spirit of Racism is Alive and Well

"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:20

I am becoming more convinced each day that when Scriptures talk about "running this race" people mistakenly think God is talking about the color of their skin. I don't make this statement from a political or social perspective. I am speaking strictly of spiritual implications.

First, let me say that I acknowledge there are still many social ills which occur based on race. I also experience these things. However, what value should we as Christians put on race?

Many are quick to admit that religious cults such as Mormons, Hebrew Israelites, Christian Identity Movement, etc. which have used race as a means of excluding others from faith in Jesus Christ are in error. But there are other sides of this coin which apparently some Christians have no problem with.

A Room FULL of Church Folk

When Salt Has Lost Its Savor

"Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another." Mark 9:50

There is an interview that Donnie McClurkin recently did with comedian Steve Harvey on TBN. While I don't watch TBN and I don't follow Steve Harvey, it seemed clear that Steve is going through some challenging times right now. In his time of need, he reaches out to the "church" for understanding, guidance, and support...and the "church" let him down. I am speaking of what calls itself the "church" in our current day and age, which may not necessarily be what God calls the Church.

While Steve seemed sincere in this interview, he was also sincerely wrong about a number of things when it comes to God. Being under the influence of such hirelings as TD Jakes has left Steve with a muddled and erroneous view about God and what it means to serve Him. Steve continually speaks of "some God" in a way that makes it apparent he has not yet had a personal revelation of who God is.

But this is not about Steve. It is about the church. No one knows God...until they know God. That is how every single person is prior to meeting Jesus Christ. But the purpose of the Church is to be the body of Christ, to be His witness in the earth, serving as a living testimony to those who are lost.

Oprah Is A Deceiver

...Because Oprah is Deceived

"For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist." II John 1:7

Are you one of the millions who follow Oprah Winfrey? One of the individuals who hang on her every word and watch her show religiously?

If so, then you should take a few minutes to watch this video...especially if you consider yourself a Christian.

Hollywood Unmasked and Exposed

Hupokrites

Have you ever wondered how some of your favorite actors and actresses manage to be so convincing in their roles? How do they transform themselves into becoming the characters that they play and make it look so real?

Are you familiar with such concepts as automatic writing, channeling, theosophy, demon possession, astrology, fortune telling, satanic worship, occult sacrifices, mind transference, transcendental meditation, black magic? Many of them are...and they credit these practices for their success in Hollywood.

Entertainers such as Oprah Winfrey, Denzel Washington, Johnny Depp, Robin Williams, Sandra Bullock, Kevin Bacon, Roseanne Barr, Greta Garbo, Halle Berry, Marlene Dietrich, Winona Ryder, Joan Crawford, River Phoenix, Mae West, Leonardo DiCaprio, Sammy Davis Jr., Lucille Ball, Marilyn Monroe, Jayne Mansfield, Michael Landon, Peter Sellers...openly acknowledge the influence spiritism and the occult has played in their acting careers.

Train Up A Child - Part 7

A Review of Education in America

Another way that the move towards one global mindset is being pushed is by changing the essentials of education. Think that the purpose of schooling is to teach your children reading, writing, and arithmetic? While that used to be the case, the objectives of education have changed. The goal now is to produce the perfect world citizen, and the education system in America is set-up to march in this new order.

This series of articles on education will be linked below via the listing of topics.

Train Up A Child Part 7a - Redefining The World View

• How is education being used to shape our children's views of the world?
• Is belief in a "new world order" just a conspiracy theory?
• How do predictions about the new world order match with where we are today?
• What does this new world view look like and how will education be used to attain it?

Train Up A Child - Part 6

A Review of Education in America

Another way that the move towards one global mindset is being pushed in schools is by changing the essentials of education.

Think that the purpose of schooling is to teach your children reading, writing, and arithmetic? While that used to be the case, the objectives of education have changed. The goal now is to produce the perfect world citizen, and the education system in America is set-up to march in this new order.

This series of articles on education will be linked below via the listing of topics.

Train Up A Child Part 6 - Redefining Education Essentials

• What does it mean for education essentials to change
• Examples of how this is being done today
• Why it is necessary for the objectives of education to change

Train Up A Child - Part 5

A Review of Education in America

The success of the global education agenda requires a redefinition of traditional values. One of the key ways this has been approached is in subverting the role of the family unit. Parental rights continue to be eroded, as government entities give themselves preeminence in the raising and education of our children.

This series of articles on education will be linked below via the listing of topics.

Train Up A Child Part 5 - Redefining Education by Eroding Traditional Values

• Mandatory Gay Education Classes starting in Pre-K
  
• How techniques for the normalization of homosexuality are being employed in the classrooms today
• Charlotte Iserbyt (former Dept. of Education Sr. Policy Advisor under Pres. Ronald Reagan) shares information every parent needs to know about educational objectives in the United States.

Train Up A Child - Part 4

A Review of Education in America

This is the first part of the fourth video in the education in America series. In it we look more closely at the global agenda to radically transform education.

What are the objectives of the U.N. Education For All program and have we been here before? We will examine historical efforts to seduce children into socialism occurred and how that aligns with what the United States is doing today.

This series of articles on education will be linked below via the listing of topics.

Train Up A Child Part 4a - A Socialist Construct

• A Civilian National Security Force?
• Training our children according to the new world order
• United Nations (UNESCO) influence in education
  

Train Up A Child - Part 3

A Review of Education in America

In the third video in this series evaluating the education system in America, we examine influences on U.S. education policy. Could there be a sinister intent hiding behind the faces of beautiful children that are used to promote education policies?

Barack Obama is targeting some very real changes to education in America. What are the affect of these changes and how do they align with global education goals?

This series of articles will be linked below via the listing of topics.

Train Up A Child Part 3 - Education For All

• How do changes in American education policy align with global education initiatives?
• How the U.S. Government is marginalizing parental involvement in order to indoctrinate children with global education goals.
• What is "equal, universal, compulsory, government-run education"? Mandatory Pre-K? Baby College?
  

Train Up A Child - Part 2

A Review of Education in America

In the second part of this series evaluating the education system in America, we look at how it started. Education in the United States was initially largely private and the Bible was a main resource in a child's education.

What happened to change this? How did public education come about? Every child deserves a good education, so did our country just have the foresight and benevolence to develop public education? What were the goals of public education originally and how do we measure in meeting these goals?

This series of articles on education will be linked below via the listing of topics.

Train Up A Child Part 2 - Education Reform

• How have individuals such as Robert Owens, Frances Wright, and Horace Mann shaped education policy?
• What did America's first major education reform look like?
• Do the principles behind this reform still apply today?

Train Up A Child - Part 1

A Review of Education in America

Have you ever sat back and looked at our education system in America? At a micro level, things may seem to be disjointed and helter skelter, but from a global view you can see that America is right on track towards implementation of radical global education reforms.

We need to understand where we are and where education is headed, for the sake of our children...and ourselves. Over the next few years, the United States will see dramatic changes in the structure of our government, our businesses, and our education systems. The intent of this video series is to shed light on the causes of these issues.

This series of articles will be linked below via the listing of topics.

Train Up A Child Part 1 - What Has Happened?
This is the first in a series of videos evaluating the education system in America. What is the purpose of education and how is the United States faring when it comes to the education of its children? What do the current trends tell us about where we are headed?

• Low test scores
• Dismal graduation rates
• Medicating kids
• Paying for performance
  

You Are Free

Scared to Be Free

The following three words have to be some of the scariest in the English language for people to hear.

You are free.

People claim to want to be free - but when faced with freedom - they often freeze like a deer in headlights.

It is almost like a little child on the first day of school. "Go on....go on." The mother might say as the child moves hesitantly towards the classroom, wondering the whole time whether he should run back to his mother. This is how man can be when approaching the freedom we have in God.

Ohhhhh! It was not RAPE rape!

Whoopi Wisdom 101

There are certain things in life that just make you wonder. One of those things is The View television show. Are these the individuals whose experiences and wisdom are to be shining examples for us all? Who even watches this show? (probably the same folks watching Oprah).

Nonetheless in the true style that only she can, Whoopi Goldberg proceeds to explain why Roman Polanski's molestation of a 13 year old girl 30 years ago wasn't "RAPE rape". You know, it was only "rape"...maybe....but not "RAPE rape".

The Church's 'Garden of Gethsemane' Moment

Choose Ye This Day

I received a message yesterday from a brother in the Lord where he basically just poured out his heart about areas in which He is seeking God's face right now. One particular concern he had was for how few Christians seem to understand the times in which we are living.

Too many preachers are spending all of their time telling you how to gain material wealth, how to have your best life now, how to have a purpose-driven life...yet they are neglecting the food which is needed for growing your spiritual life. They point people's affections back to this temporal life and as a result, many are simply unaware and unprepared regarding spiritual matters.

As part of his email, he mentioned that this was the church's "Garden of Gethsemane" moment. And I agree with him. But before we can understand what that means, we must review what happened in the Garden of Gethsemane.

It's All Good

Or, IS it?

In recent discussions about our article on "Getting Crunk", it seems that some may not understand what praise and worship is. It is not something we do for God; it is something He does through us. If praise/worship is not born of His Spirit, then God will not receive it.

The Threshing Floor

Praise and worship is first and foremost an offering.

"Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness." I Chronicles 16:29

"And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD. " Psalms 27:6

"I will freely sacrifice unto thee: I will praise thy name, O LORD; for it is good." Psalms 54:6

"The voice of joy, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the voice of them that shall say, Praise the LORD of hosts: for the LORD is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: and of them that shall bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the LORD. For I will cause to return the captivity of the land, as at the first, saith the LORD." Jeremiah 33:11

ASK

A Word of Encouragement

My brother-in-law once asked me a question he had for a college homework assignment. "Who was the wisest man in the Bible?" he asked. I thought about for a moment as names of biblical figures ran through my head. It seemed like a tall order to fill.

"In the WHOLE Bible? I don't know." I responded. It seemed like a silly question. How could we pick just one?

Then - like a lightbulb going off - all of a sudden I knew the answer, "Solomon! The answer is Solomon. The Bible says that he was the wisest man who ever lived."

Our Daily Bread

Sufficiency in Christ

"After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread." Matthew 6:9-11

I am learning more and more what it means for God to give us our daily bread. I used to be a big planner, always thinking of and making plans for down the road. What is going to happen tomorrow? How should we handle the bills? What should we do about the kids schooling? Are our jobs secure? Should we start looking for other jobs? Where should we live? Should we relocate? What should we do to stay healthy?

However, lately, the questions are so large that my prayers cannot even seem to cover them. Now, it is all I can do just to ask God to get me through one particular day. Lord, the questions are so many, I don't know where to begin. Can you just help me make it through today? Jesus, please give me the strength and wisdom to deal with what I face this day. That is more than enough on its own. Our daily bread.

"Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." Matthew 6:34

Unequally Yoked

Living Proof of I Corinthians 7:14

"And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him. For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy. But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace. For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?" I Corinthians 7:13-16

A topic was posted on the Latter Days Message Board asking for testimonies from individuals who had been married to an unbeliever. I wanted to share a testimony here that it may be a blessing to others.

When my husband and I got married, we had been living together for over 4 years. As to be expected, there was nothing Godly about our lives. However if you had asked, we would have said we were good people. By most accounts, our marriage was normal, but since knowing the Lord we know that it was anything but normal.

We had separate bank accounts, separate bills whenever possible, thought of ourselves first, divided chores in half, etc. We were just two people sharing a house and a bed. We were not "one" and were often too selfish to think of the other person. Everything had to be divided in half because we had to maintain "fairness" by making sure one person was not investing more than the other; we knew nothing of sacrificing for each other. We really had separate lives.

The Wonderful World of Pedophilia

It's Just Entertainment?

My family doesn't watch TV much, but I have been noticing a disturbing trend. As commercials come on advertising movies, a number of these have underlying themes involving pedophilia. Of course, the movies are not blatantly pushing this agenda, but it is ever so subtly there.

These are presented a wholesome, family-type movies, but it literally turns my stomach to see even the commercials. When did it become acceptable to portray children as sexual objects? Well, Disney has a large hand in affecting that change.

There have been several examinations of how the Disney company has pushed pedophilia in its animations and movies throughout the years. Walt Disney has produced some of the most racist and sexually perverse media productions out of any one in the world. Yet, as I was growing up as a child, every Sunday night at 7:00 pm was considered family movie night as a Disney film was featured on television. If you do not know the history of perversion behind Walt Disney and the Disney company, then you will want to look into this. There is a video series linked at the end of this article. It goes into some detail about the level of filth that Disney promotes as family entertainment.

I Kill You in the Name of Allah

The Case of Rifqa Bary

There is a battle raging in Florida courts over the fate of a 17 year old girl named Rifqa Bary who has run away from home. According to Rifqa, she converted to Christianity from Islam 4 years ago after having a personal encounter with Jesus Christ...and now her life is in danger.

Although she endeavored to keep this a secret - hiding her Bible, stealing away to church meetings, praying in private - her family eventually found out. Now, she has run away from home claiming that her father has threatened to kill her in the name of Allah for this betrayal.

Where is the Power of God?

Feeling Weak

"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." II Corinthians 12:9

In reflecting on the above Scripture this morning, I saw something in a way that I hadn't before. Isn't it interesting how you can read a Scripture over and over again and God can continually bring new revelations to you on its meaning? His word is clearly a living word.

There are times (more often than not) when I am crying out for the power of God to be manifest in my life. I don't want to just write on this blog, pray, talk to others, witness about Jesus, or do anything that is simply my words or man's wisdom. I want my life to be given over to be a manifestation of the power of God, so that people do not see me, but Jesus can be seen. Needless to say, that is not always a goal I achieve, yet and still I reach for it.

God says that the faith of man can only stand in the power of God.

Sunday, the Mark of the Beast?

We have been asked to provide feedback on why people worship God on Sunday and whether Sunday worship is the mark of the beast. Before reading this, it may be beneficial to read the article entitled "The Spirit of the Law" which examines how the law applies to Christians today.

What day is the Sabbath?

The Sabbath day - when referred to in Scripture - is speaking of Saturday.  Specifically sundown on Friday evening to sundown on Saturday evening.

"Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death. " Exodus 31:15 (Also examine Exodus 16:23; Exodus 35:2; Leviticus 16:31; Leviticus 23:3; Leviticus 23:32; Leviticus 25:4; Deuteronomy 5:14)

The Sabbath is to be a holy memorial to God's act of creation, where He rested on the 7th day. There is no Scripture indicating that God ever replaced the Sabbath with observance of any other day.

Made in God's Image

A Penny For Your Thoughts

I am always amazed at the simplicity that is found in Christ. Man tries to make things so hard, but a convoluted mind is a sign of chaos. Jesus comes straight down the middle; His logic doesn't involve a bunch of twists and turns.

His ways and thoughts are higher than ours, yet a carnal mind thinks that "higher thoughts" equates to complex intellectual truths. Yet that is not the way that God works. What seems logical to man is insanity to God. There is simplicity in Him, and thereby He confounds the wise.

A Good Vampire?

There are continuing comments about Twilight and whether similar stories such as The Vampire Diaries are really just harmless entertainment. I believe that the Twilight expose by Dr. Scott Johnson does a thorough job of reviewing this.

However, I am posting a comment we received and my response on this topic as I feel it addresses in short the heart of this matter: Can there be a "good" vampire?

Anonymous Comment:

I am 65 years old, a born-again Christian (for 40 years) and grandmother of four grandchildren (15 yrs, 13 yrs, 12 yrs and 9 yrs). My oldest son is a pastor and a Chaplan in the Army National Guard.

I LOVE Twilight's Edward and his character. I see him as good, kind and protective. I see him as wanting to be good regardless of the curse upon him. He did choose to love over destroying. He constantly made that decision.

As the Bible says, and I am paraphrasing, 'to him who thinks something is sin, to him it is sin.' In another verse the Bible also says, "Who are you to judge another's servant. To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand for God is able to make him stand." The first scripture is for all of us Christians as well as the second.

We spend too much time judging one another and not enought time praying for one another. Jesus said 'you ought always to pray and never to faint.'

Stop picking on Stephanie Meyer and what she believes or does. Pray for her. That is how you and I can help her. God is able to change her and make her stand. Likewise, God is able to make any one of us stand who is caught up in something He does not wish us to be involved in.

The Spirit of the Law - A Summary

Clean Your Room

In summary, the Scriptures show that ALL of the law, including the Ten Commandments are done away with in Christ so that we may be free to serve in the Spirit of the law and not the letter. This is important because if we are trying to meet the letter of the law, we are not grasping the fullness of what God is after with us.

Since this started with my daughter, I thought it would be fitting to end with her.

Let’s say I give my daughter a checklist of things to do to clean her room. Vacuum, make the bed, wash dirty clothes, put up your toys, clean the windows, etc. When she does those things, she will be in compliance with what I have asked.  But are these specific tasks REALLY what I am after? No. I really just want her to clean her room.

The Spirit of the Law - Part 8

The Law Has Been Magnified

The Scriptures directly address the assertion that Christians must keep the law.

"But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter. And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.

And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; And put no difference between us and them, PURIFYING THEIR HEARTS by faith. Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.

The Spirit of the Law - Part 7

Love, the Fulfillment of the Commandment

"This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you." John 15:12

"Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." Matthew 22:36-40

"And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all? And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these." Mark 12:28-31

The Spirit of the Law - Part 6

All of God's Commandments

I am taking time with this topic because I fear it is so misunderstood and perverted. There are those who simply want to convert you to their belief system, but that is not the way to find truth. We cannot be more beholden to our own personal views than we are to what the Scriptures say.

When faced with the many Scriptures indicating that the law has been abolished in Christ, many will simply refer to one of the texts about keeping the commandments.

Yet, God is not the author of confusion. He does NOT say one thing and then contradict it by saying another.

So then what does He mean by saying that the law has been done away with in Christ and at the same time telling us to keep the commandments? The answer is found in Scripture.

The Spirit of the Law - Part 5

God Says, "Keep My Commandments"

Although there are a number of New Testament Scriptures which say that the law has been done away with in Christ, many will ask, "What about all of the New Testament admonishments to keep the commandments? Don't these refer to the Ten Commandments?"

Let's examine the text and see what the Scriptures have to say.

"If ye love me, keep my commandments." John 14:15

"He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him." John 14:21

"If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love." John 15:10

"Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God." I Corinthians 7:19

The Spirit of the Law - Part 4

Christians Must Follow the Ten Commandments

Some claim that New Testament references to the "law" being done away with, taken away, abolished, and disanulled are references to the laws in the Book of Moses only and not the Ten Commandments.

Yet is this true?

When speaking with the rich man in Matthew 19, Jesus acknowledged that obeying the ten commandments was not enough to make man perfect.

The Spirit of the Law - Part 3

Jesus Fulfilled the Law

We are no longer under the law because Jesus came to fulfill the law and He stated that once the law was fulfilled, it would pass away.

"Think not that I AM COME to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but TO FULFILL. 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." Matthew 5:17-18

"For Christ is the END OF THE LAW for righteousness to every one that believeth." Romans 10:4

"In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to VANISH AWAY." Hebrews 8:13

"Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He TAKETH AWAY THE FIRST, that he may establish the second." Hebrews 10:9

"For there is verily A DISANNULLING OF THE COMMANDMENT going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof." Hebrews 7:18

The Spirit of the Law - Part 2

What the New Testament Says About the Law

There were some questions from the previous post on this topic which I want to address.

Since I previously laid out the overall understanding of how the law applies to Christians, I want to go in-depth to review this topic so that there is no misunderstanding.

This may be a tedious exercise, but I believe it will be fruitful for those who take the time to read. In order to find the truth in this topic, we must search for it diligently.

I will not just throw up some Scriptures and claim they prove my point. I want everyone to think critically and for themselves to evaluate what the Scriptures are really saying...ALL of them.

In the previous article, we saw how the Scriptures indicate that we are NOT under the Old Covenant law, but we are under the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus.

The Spirit of the Law

Are Christians Under the Law?

One day when my oldest child was about 2 years old, we were sitting together on the floor and there was an electrical cord nearby. She reached out her hand, put it on top of the cord and made moves to play with it.

I said, "Lauren, don't put your hand on that." She promptly removed her hand and sat back to look at me.

Then a few seconds later, she lifted up her foot, plopped it with a thud on top of the electrical cord, and looked to see my reaction.

All I could do was burst into laughter. At 2 years old, she was able to figure out a way to obey what I said yet still do what she wanted to do.

Had she obeyed the letter of my command? Yes, she had removed her "hand" from the cord. But she had not obeyed the spirit of my command. If she had followed the spirit behind my command, then she wouldn't have touched it again at all.

The Evil Letter "J"

A Conspiracy to Hide the Name of God's Son

I hear "arguments" about Christianity sometimes which make me wonder about the condition of the man's mind. It is increasingly apparent that people hear what someone says is "knowledge" and they just run with it. Forget about researching these new found "truths", they don't even seem to apply simple logic to evaluate such claims.

One example is the whole debate about whether Jesus is REALLY the name of the Son of God when the letter "J" didn't exist until hundreds of years later. I am left shaking my head in astonishment at such statements. I would not even spend time addressing such assertions but for the fact that they seem to be becoming much more popular.

These claims demonstrate a lack of understanding in three areas:

1. The Process of Language Translation
2. The origins of New Testament Scripture
3. The authority of God
   

A Call to Anguish

Someone shared this with me. It is a message from David Wilkerson.

May God have mercy and may His people seek His face.




If you want to hear the whole message, you can find it here:

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5

What is the Cross of Jesus Christ?

Trusting in the "Finished Work"

I had a conversation today with someone who was talking about trusting in the finished work of Jesus Christ. Yet, their description of what this meant seemed to have no resemblance to Scripture.

People say things like "Faith is just us believing and receiving everything that Jesus has accomplished in the Cross of Calvary." But is that really a solid definition of faith? Is faith passive (receiving) only or is real faith also active (evidenced by something)?

There is much debate about what some call "works salvation", where a person tries to earn their way into God's acceptance. This is of course false and a grave deception. Yet, just as erroneous is the other extreme where we have no obligations or responsibilities before God, but simply get to point to Jesus' sacrifice and say, "Thank God Jesus did it all!"

It makes me wonder, do we really understand what was accomplished at Calvary? Do we really appreciate what the cross represents? Have we hearkened unto Jesus' instructions about what it really means to trust in His finished work?

Whom have I in heaven but thee?

Psalm 73 spoke to me this morning, and I thought I would share it. Be encouraged in the Lord today!!

"Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.

But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm. They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men. Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment.

I, Nobot

Evolving Beyond What Is Human

I recently saw a movie called "I, Robot" and (perhaps because we don't watch movies often) I was struck by how subtly anti-Christ it was. Given the times we are in, I am sure this is the case more times than not with many forms of entertainment. The media just never seems to miss an opportunity to mock the things of God.

So, I started doing a video on the proliferation of this robotics agenda in the media and how that related to the end times. Then a friend forwarded me an interview that really helps put this all into perspective. Not only does it go into some detail about the objectives of this robotics movement, it ties it all to the broader search for higher intelligence such as extraterrestrials, the nephilim, stargates, and transhumanism.

The Gospel of Delusion

A Great Falling Away

The Scriptures warn of a great apostasy that will occur in the end times. We are also warned that God Himself will send a strong delusion so that those who do not receive the truth will be damned.

It is time to take heed for ourselves and for the doctrines we espouse. This is no time to be lukewarm or to believe that as long as we claim to be "Christians" it won't matter what we believe and how we live.

These are the times when the Bride of Christ makes herself ready; when the wise virgins ensure they are prepared.

If God Spared Not

A Wild Olive Tree

"Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off." Romans 11:22

Do you know that some people claim there is nothing one must do to stay in covenant with God after salvation? They say that after salvation, one is preserved in the faith by the power of God ONLY; that there is NOTHING one can do to lose that salvation once one has truly received Jesus Christ in faith.

Did you know that this position is completely unbiblical and directly opposes the word of God? God Himself tells us what we must do to stay in covenant with Him and promises that if we do not, we WILL be cut off. Further, God sets out in His word that this requirement is not a work at all.

Where Is Satan's Anointed?

I am Just Curious...

If any reproof of falsehood is "judging" and unacceptable to God, then where are Satan's anointed and how does God propose we deal with them?