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Is it Futile to Pray For America?

This is a follow up to my last article, something to consider.Please be sure to read my closing thoughts at the end. Weekdays between 11am and 7pm(EST) you can listen either online or on the radio to American Family Radio.It is a Christian network that offers a variety of programs that discuss cultural,national and international issues which pertain to this country. A day does not go by where there isn't a caller, who in response to a discussion of the multitude of problems facing America, says something like,"We as a people need to pray for this nation." To this statement I would ask, why? In the last 50 years has praying for this country done any good? It sure doesn't look like it has. America has gotten worse in most every way. The reason it may be futile to do so (pray) can be found in the Bible. If you look to Romans 1:28 you will find the answer. Now if you choose to dismiss this, then you can choose to dismiss pretty much anything else you find in the New Testament. Romans 1:28 says: "Furthermore,since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God,He gave them over to a depraved (reprobate)mind. To do what ought not to be done." Reprobate also refers to a person without moral scruples. There you have it,since this nation and its leaders have been rejecting God and eliminating His presence from the public venue for decades,God has given America over to doing whatever it wants.You can see what it wants and likes by spending 3 or 4 hours changing the channels of your television. Really think about what the word reprobate means and what that word is in relation to how it is used in Scripture. Personally, I believe He has given this country over to its reprobate mind, but, I believe we should pray that we return to Him. Think about the Israelites of the "Old Testament" and how God severely punished them for decades because of their behavior, immorality and disobedience to Him. Only after total repentance and a return to God did the Israelites find true peace.Could that happen in America? Mmmmm. With all that said,I continue to believe this, people who call themselves Chrisitans should not sit back and be passive observers as every part of this country goes down the tubes.

My Problem With One Aspect of Christianity

People who are aware of what is going on around them in this country will admit that we are living in unprecedented times. America has morphed into a totalitarian and increasingly dangerous country.

 The "Cancel Culture", a heavily biased media that allows only one point of view, Federal and local governments dictating what we can and cannot do, all done in the name of "protecting" us. Add to this, there has been a sharp increase in the organized destruction of our cities while murder rates in these cities are soaring.

 I could go on but you get the picture. Considering the above I say this, as one who visits many News sites that have a primarily Christian readership, I see this prevalent thought among Christians regarding how to deal with what is going on. Basically, its just pray and occupy till Jesus returns,or, Christ is returning soon and he'll straighten it all out. 

I find this passivity inappropriate and foolish. With that said I would quickly say, that as Christians we should pray and anticipate his return, but, we should not be as sheep being led to their demise. We can see evidence of why we shouldn't from Our Lord and Saviour Himself. 

Do you recall what He did to the moneychangers when he chased them out of the Temple, how He verbally condemned the religious and government leaders of His day? Jesus called out people for their actions, speech and behavior. 

 Here is one thing he directed his disciples to do and what all the sissified preachers and theologians try to explain away--"Then He said to them, But now, he who has a money bag, let him take it, and likewise a knapsack; and he who has no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one." Note, He instructed them to get a sword. The reason for this was that many of the disciples were going into dangerous territory and might have to protect themselves.

 Now I'm not saying that we need to arm ourselves but I see indication from Our Lord that we shouldn't sit back and accept whatever injustices come our way. 

 Passivity to these injustices under the guise of doing Jesus' will, to me, is either done out of ignorance (lack of knowledge) or cowardice. There is much we can and should do as Believers to stand against what is going on in America. Whether its protesting, writing your elected officials, contributing to the leaders and orgs who are on the frontline of trying to save this country and whatever else you can think of. I urge people to wake up, this totalitarian government has taken away your right of assembly to worship once, don't think that they aren't going to do it again if we just sit back and wait until His return.

Announcement

Dear Brothers and Sisters--this is a Blog I did several years ago. There are many good articles in it. If you look to the right side of the title page you will see many posts that you can read. For some reason, on many of the articles, the pictures I posted with them were hidden. Why that happened I don't know.

Self Examination

This page often addresses the subject of being a real Christian, one who walks the talk of their faith. You know what I mean by that, a person who reads the Bible daily, prays daily and attempts to model themselves after Jesus. Below is a list of questions to ask yourself, after reading and thinking about them, consider whether or not your answers are in line with what a true Christian's should be?
The following was comprised by A.W.Tozer.

“Rules for Self Discovery:
1. What we want most;
2. What we think about most;
3. How we use our money;
4. What we do with our leisure time;
5. The company we enjoy;
6. Who and what we admire;
7. What we laugh at.”

It's Time To Wake Up! Our Redemption Draws Nigh

It's Time To Wake Up! Our Redemption Draws Nigh

Somebodys Knocking :: By Grant Phillips

Published on: April 11, 2020 by RRadmin7 Category:General Articles, Grant Phillips

I and millions of other Americans were watching television last night (03-30-20) when President Trump invited several business leaders to say a few words. It is encouraging listening to these men and women as they explain their role in helping our country during this pandemic with the COVID-19 Coronavirus. However, one man in particular really got everyone’s attention. His name is Mike Lindell and he is the founder of My Pillow. After providing information on the role his company is playing in fighting the Coronavirus, he had a few words to say off the cuff that he had written down. They were:
“God gave us grace on November 8, 2016 to change the course we were on. God had been taken out of our schools and lives. A nation had turned its back on God, and I encourage you, use this time at home to get back in the Word, read our Bibles and spend time with our families.
Our President gave us so much hope, where just a few short months ago, we had the best economy, lowest unemployment, wages going up, it was amazing. With our great President, Vice-President and this administration and all the great people in this country praying daily, we will get through this and back to a place that is stronger and safer than ever.”
Needless to say, someone turned the light on and all the roaches scurried across the room. I have read many of the comments from these lost floundering souls and it makes me wonder just how long the Lord Jesus Christ is going to put up with people who want absolutely nothing to do with Him and His people.
I have no doubt that many, many Christians were saying, “Amen, Amen, and Amen!” as they listened intently to what Mr. Lindell had to say, while savoring each and every word. I and my wife certainly were doing so.
Obviously, President Trump, his administration and all the business leaders and medical folks are doing their best at this crucial time, but it is unfortunate that wannabee reporters from CNN and all their buddies are so focused on their own hatred for our President that their objective is to nitpic, lie and not give a flip about the American people. And of course when Mr. Lindell made his off the cuff comments that really got their panties in a wad. How dare he!
I have been wondering for some time now, “What is God up to?” Now rest assured, none of us are going to “figure out” what God is doing except … for what He wants us to know.
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9)
Allow me to present a few observations that you have probably also noticed. Following are just a few for this year only … only three months.

• Heavy rains that soaked the coastal areas of Australia AFTER massive bushfires that killed 26 people in 2019

• Severe storms and flooding in eastern United States.

• Mid-Atlantic and Northeast storms and tornadoes

• Freezing rain and wintry mix from Great Lakes to Maine

• Widespread power outages in North Carolina, Florida, South Carolina and Virginia

• 500 people displaced by flooding in Virginia

• Severe flooding in Kentucky, West Virginia, and Tennessee

• Locust invasion in Africa, worst in decades

• 37 confirmed tornadoes

• Tennessee tornadoes killed 24 people and had 47,000 without power

• Earthquake in Russia (7.5)

• World-wide COVID-19 Coronavirus

Now let’s think about this real hard. Is it possible that Somebody is trying to get our attention?
Jesus gave us a heads-up on what life would be like in the Tribulation.
“For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” (Matthew 24:7-12)
Isn’t it odd that much of what is happening today is much like Jesus’ warnings of Tribulation events? Isn’t it obvious we may be seeing the ending of a change in world history; i.e. from the Church age to the Tribulation?
It’s like the storm that just went over our house a few minutes ago. The thunder can be heard in the distance, and gets louder as it gets closer. The sun is darkened by clouds that move in and bring the rain. It certainly seems God may be preparing to close the Church age with the Rapture of the Church and give Israel the remaining seven years promised her. The apostle Paul also spoke of these days in the following verses for example.
“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” (2 Timothy 3:1-5)
Wow! If that doesn’t describe mankind today … to a T … nothing does. These verses are a photograph of today’s world. The world as a whole and even the church as a whole (think Laodicea) are in these verses Paul wrote to Timothy.
And then there is the message the Lord told Solomon. Yes, this is for Israel specifically, but again, the message is for us today also. Notice carefully what God says.
“And the LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice. If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:12-14)
It appears that God for the last three months (not even counting last year, and the previous years) has been knocking at our door.
“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” (Revelation 3:20)
And then Jesus ends His message to this last church of the Church age (as He did to the other six) with:
“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” (Revelation 3:22)
Going back to the comments of Mike Lindell, I am firmly convinced that the Lord Jesus had Mr. Lindell make these comments for, “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” I am also convinced that these few uprisings of nature I listed are also a message from Almighty God. Many are listening and have opened the door. Many hear and will not answer.
With all the unnatural activity going on in the world today, there can only be one reason for it and it isn’t climate change. It is the God of Heaven, Jesus Himself, giving final warnings before His return. Are you listening?
Grant Phillips

If You Are Having Problems Do This

When a problem arises in your life it seems natural to become preoccupied on what has happened.
In doing this have you ever noticed how your problem or crisis seems to become more distressing?
During trials we Believers must remember to keep our eyes on the Lord and seek His guidance and comfort.
Remember what 1 Peter 5:7 says: "Cast all your cares upon him; for he careth for you."

A Prayer Before Going To Bed

"The Lord bless us and keep us.The Lord make His face to shine upon us,and be gracious unto us.The Lord lift up His countenance upon us,and give us peace,this night and evermore. Amen."


From The 1928 Book of Common Prayer

How Is Your Spiritual Growth Coming Along?

When we recognize the need to accept Jesus as Out Lord and Savior we become "born again." From this point we hopefully grow in grace and knowledge. However, in our relationship with Jesus, it is not uncommon for it to become stagnant at some point.

 The following are a few questions you can ask yourself to evaluate how your Christian journey is coming along.
1.We should have a desire to deepen our relationship with Him. Prayer and Scripture reading readily come to mind as ways of doing this. I should also include, having Jesus in your thoughts throughout the day encouraging and guiding you.
2.You have a real awareness of the presence of sin in and around you.
3.Your love for others, including those who would at one time in your life be viewed as unlovable, has grown and continues to grow.
I close with this: how is your spiritual growth coming along?

Unequally Yoked

"Do not be unequally yoked together with with unbelievers.For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?"
from 2 Corinthians,chapter 6,verse14).

Recently the above quote was used by someone in reference to a Christian marrying a non-Christian.Few would disagree with the wisdom of heeding this advice.I think we can all see the potential for conflict when a Christian seeks to pursue a relationship with someone who doesn't hold to the same interests,values and beliefs.
First Corinthians has other references to Christians keeping separate from those who walk contrary to God.

The admonition about being unequally yoked does not only pertain to couples.It also applies to the people we choose to have as our friends,business partners or any other relationships that could be described as close.I would quickly add that this doesn't mean we are to avoid people who aren't Christian,on the contrary,we are to be living examples of the love of Jesus,willing to listen,help and counsel anyone as the opportunity presents.However,in His love for us and knowing our human nature,Our Lord recognizes the potential problems and conflicts that arise when Christians have sustained close relationships with unbelievers.The Bible has much to say on the subject of keeping separate as well as how He regards a professed believer being "of the world."
Jesus said we are to be in the world but not of this world.We would all be wise to study and understand what this entails.

Wake Up People!

An inquiring mind wants to know:

 Have you been paying attention to what is going on in this country? The world? Or are you too preoccupied with making money,being entertained,or altering your consciousness via booze and drugs? Do you have an unhealthy preoccupation with sports and your personal health? Now, I recognize that most of the activities I just mentioned are not necessarily wrong or "evil", but, to make them the focal point of your life is a huge mistake. Why? Because there are events going on in this country and around the world that will impact you, sooner, rather than later. It is my hope that with this article I'll help to make you aware and informed as to what is going on. The information I provide is not inaccessible but there is a great chance you will not find it on your cable or network news shows. I ask those of you who are religious skeptics to put aside your preconceived views on "religion" and keep an open mind. Never confuse what has been said or done in the name of "religion" to effect the facts that will be presented here. This is not some faith, religious group or denomination selling you their slant on current events. I only ask you to consider the fact that you have been indoctrinated and educated by your schools, colleges, universities and the media to view things a certain way. I want to help you see the truth of what is going on around you, and ultimately, become an independent thinker.

Inspired By The Book Of Ecclesiastes: If This Was Your Last Year On Earth

If this was your last year on earth,how important would it be to:
Get that new car,

Buy a bigger house,
Take that exotic vacation,
Sacrifice for that high paying job?
If this was your last year on earth,would you still:
Worry about every little thing,
Ignore the beauty of God's creation,
Keep your relationship with Jesus on the back burner,
Hold that grudge against a certain relative,
Spend more time with your career than with your spouse?
Tomorrow is guaranteed to no one,in an instant it can all be gone.
If you say you would do things differently,
Then why aren't you living, like it's your last year on earth?

Hoty Holy Holy

For Sunday-- another incredible song of praise and worship by Keith Green. So appropriate for the day. Give it a listen, it will be a  blessing to you.
As I wrote previously--few have ever sang with the passion and conviction of Keith Geen.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9SIHGTys74

Holy Holy Holy - Keith Green

youtube.com

The True Seriousness of Saying You Are a Christian

If asked, millions of people in America and the world would describe themselves as being Christian, and that is certainly a nice thing to say. However, have we ever considered the seriousness and responsibility that comes with such a profession of faith? Do we recognize that we are living examples to others around us of our faith? Sadly, I believe many have forgotten or don't realize this.
Far and away the two biggest reasons I get for people rejecting Christianity are:
 1.Bad things that have been done in the name of Christianity.Things like abusive cults or clergy, violence, injustices,oppression,etc.It only takes a moment to see how bogus these reasons are. You can't blame a faith for the bad behavior of one person or group just as you can't condemn a whole race or culture because of the actions of one of its members.
Now for the second reason, one that should cause all Believers to have genuine concern: People will often say something like this: "most Christians I see or know are phonies."
Unlike reason #1, this complaint is something we as professed Christians have control of. It leads to the question we all need to ask ourselves, are we walking the talk of our faith?
Are we living as called out believers in Jesus? Are we trying to follow His teachings each and every moment of our lives, or, do we live,dress,talk and act as if we are "in the world" as opposed to not being "of this world"? (paraphrasing Jesus' words here).
Scripture tells us in Romans12--"And be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
I could go on and on about how our behavior influences others and their view of the Christian faith but let's finish with this, what does Jesus have to say about people who say they are Believers but don't live and act as if they are?
Jesus said in Mark7--“Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: "These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me."
And finally, Our Lord has this to say: "Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord!’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of My Father in heaven."
May we all walk the talk of our faith. In doing so we achieve genuine peace in this life and paradise in the world to come.

The Age We Now Live In and the Frog in the Pot of Water Analogy

The Frog in the Pot of Water Analogy:
Is there anyone who doesn't know this one? The frog is sitting in a pot of slowly heating water on the stove, it is oblivious to the fact it is getting hotter and hotter till it finally reaches the boiling point and the frog is........dead.
This analogy is applicable to what is going on in America (and parts of the world) today. Events are happening that are so contrary to what is right, decent, and moral it's unreal. Add to that our safety and well being are potentially in danger. It seems as if the majority of people don't realize this, they are like the frog.
However,before we blame them for their lack of insight, lets look at some of the reasons this might be occurring. There is no need to go into a lot of detail but it is important to take note. Many Americans are preoccupied with making a living and "keeping their head above water" financially. The cost of living has never been higher. Also, people have become voracious consumers, often overspending on things that make them slaves to debt. We then have the people who are overly preoccupied with being entertained and satiating every imaginable desire they have. While we are at it, let's not forget those people who rely on the Media to tell them what to do,how to think, and reassure them that everything is OK. There are probably more reasons I could mention but I think you get the picture.Suffice to say we are a distracted nation.
Here is today's message to you, Wake Up People! There are things happening in this country and the world that are going to impact you at some point in the future. They may effect this country first but you will experience those effects eventually.
So what are you to do?
First, become aware and informed about what is going on in this country and the world. Get your information from non-partisan sources and outlets, AVOID the outlets I call conspiracy/whack job speculators.
Secondly, get yourself together, if you are overspending and drowning in debt, stop! Are you drugging, drinking and eating to excess? Stop! People, do things to excess because they are either unhappy or frustrated.
Thirdly, Simplify your life, relearn to appreciate the simple pleasures. A walk in the woods or by the ocean, spending time with your family, you know what I mean here. For those who are interested in getting high or lit on alcohol, these activities become their "simple pleasures," anything else seems boring.
Fourthly, reassess your spiritual status. In a world that is dominated by cynicism and outright contempt for anything connected with a Judeo-Christian belief, I understand the reality that millions have abandoned the faith of their childhood. As you may have read in one of the earlier posts, do not allow what is said or done in the name of "religion" to taint your perception of the timeless truth and wisdom contained in the Bible.
If you are one of those cynics, begin a kind of Biblical reconciliation process by reintroducing yourself to the practical wisdom contained in the Old Testament Book of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes as well as the New Testament Epistle of James. These will provide you with insights and guidance that are applicable to your life and relationships right now.
Forgive me for editorializing, but, DO NOT substitute listening to TV/radio evangelists for your reading and studying Scripture on your own. Nothing can compare to what happens when you read and study alone or with family.
As you implement the above suggestions you will notice a distinct change in every aspect of your life. You will look at things differently and more aware of what is really going on around you.
More to come on this subject in future posts.

Dr.Charles Stanley's 30 Life Principles

In an era of "smooth words" and dumbing down the Gospel, Dr. Stanley is a treasure.
I just came across this and thought it was so relevant for the age we now live in.
The following is a guideline for living the Christian life.


1. Our intimacy with God – His highest priority for our lives – determines the impact of our lives.
Genesis 1:26
2. Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him.
Exodus 19:5
3. God’s Word is an immovable anchor in times of storm.
Numbers 23:19
4. The awareness of God’s presence energizes us for our work.
Deuteronomy 20:1
5. God does not require us to understand His will, just obey it, even if it seems unreasonable.
Joshua 3:8
6. You reap what you sow, more than you sow, and later than you sow.
Judges 2:1-4
7. The dark moments of our life will last only so long as is necessary for God to accomplish His purpose in us.
1 Samuel 30:1-6
8. Fight all your battles on your knees and you win every time.
2 Samuel 15:31
9. Trusting God means looking beyond what we can see to what God sees.
2 Kings 6:17
10. If necessary, God will move heaven and earth to show us His will.
2 Chronicles 20:12
11. God assumes full responsibility for our needs when we obey Him.
Job 42:7-17
12. Peace with God is the fruit of oneness with God.
Psalm 4:8
13. Listening to God is essential to walking with God.
Psalm 81:8
14. God acts on behalf of those who wait for Him.
Isaiah 64:4
15. Brokenness is God’s requirement for maximum usefulness.
Jeremiah 15:19
16. Whatever you acquire outside of God’s will eventually turns to ashes.
Ezekiel 25:6-7
17. We stand tallest and strongest on our knees.
Daniel 6:10-11
18. As children of a sovereign God, we are never victims of our circumstances.
Hosea 3:4-5
19. Anything you hold too tightly, you will lose.
Amos 6:6-7
20. Disappointments are inevitable, discouragement is a choice.
Habakkuk 3:17-19
21. Obedience always brings blessing.
Luke 11:28
22. To walk in the Spirit is to obey the initial promptings of the Spirit.
Acts 10:19
23. You can never outgive God.
2 Corinthians 9:8
24. To live the Christian life is to allow Jesus to live His life in and through us.
Galatians 2:20
25. God blesses us so that we might bless others.
Ephesians 4:28
26. Adversity is a bridge to a deeper relationship with God.
Philippians 3:10-11
27. Prayer is life's greatest time saver.
2 Thessalonians 3:1
28. No Christian has ever been called to “go it alone” in his or her walk of faith.
Hebrews 10:24-25
29. We learn more in our valley experiences than on our mountaintops.
James 5:10
30. An eager anticipation of the Lord’s return keeps us living productively.
Revelation 22:12

Being A Witness For Jesus in This Modern Age

Jesus asks us in Luke 18:8--"But when the Son of Man comes, will he find any faith on Earth?"

I have been thinking alot about witnessing for Jesus lately. Proclaiming the Gospel is something Believers are told to do. There is no question about this, it's all over the New Testament.

So, I can't help but feel some guilt that I have not been doing it like I should. With that said I should add this, there has never been a time when people have been either so cynical,uninterested, or just plain hostile to anything about Jesus and salvation. The reasons for this are probably more than I wish to innumerate but a few are worth mentioning.

1.Misdeeds and horrible things done by clergy, churches and people identifying themselves as Christian. Of course--as I wrote in an earlier post--don't confuse the Christian faith for what has been done in the name of religion.

2. The changing moral climate in America. What was once thought to be totally unacceptable behavior is now accepted as being acceptable. When you match this behavior up with the Bible's teachings you immediately see a conflict in beliefs.The intolerant Christian is the label put on anyone who actually believes the Bible.

3.An aggressive agenda to marginalize and disparage the Christian faith by the media and a wide variety of groups, not the least of which is the ACLU. If you don't believe this then you have not been paying attention.

4. I guess I should throw in our schools,colleges and universities while I'm at it. I am also including colleges and universities that were founded on faith and faith principles. They have either left Christianity behind or watered it down and compromised it to such a degree it is worthless.

Brothers and Sisters, it's grim out there.

So what are we to do? Stand on a street corner or outside a stadium and pass out generic Bible tracts? Now, that is a good and honorable thing to do but I have seen how mostly ineffective it is,again, in this day and age.

I will give you what I think we should do but let me give you this admonition by Jesus regarding witnessing first. In Matthew Chapter 7:6 he says: "Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine....." The rest of this quote pertains to endangering your personal safety by witnessing to certain types of people. if you look at most commentaries the words "pearls" and "that which is holy," represent precious biblical truths, principles, commandments of God, and directions, which God speaks to your heart. Jesus says we are not to offer them to those who are aggressive and/or openly hostile to the Salvation message.

Now that doesn't mean we shouldn't pray for this person or that we won't have an opportunity to withess sometime in the future, it's means just not at this moment in time.

What to do in regards to witnessing? I make it personal.I find opportunities when a co-worker or someone I come in contact with asks me what I've been up to. I might say, well I went to Bible study last night, or, I had a Bible study at home with friends, it was really interesting. We studied how what you say can sometimes get you into alot of trouble (from the Epistle of James). Notice how I mentioned a totally relatable subject. It's better than saying, "Yeah, we studied how everyone who is not saved will burn in hell.......eternally." I think you see what I am getting at. Pick your scenario to reference something God related.

Something else. People I know will occasionally mention to me a personal issue or trial they have been going through. I will say that I get insighs and strength from reading Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and the words of Jesus when I am troubled. More often than not I get the following reponse or something close to it--"I am not into religion, I had enough of that in the past." I respond with, "forget about "religion", check out Proverbs for starters, that has timeless wisdom and common sense. You really won't believe how relevant it is."

Many times we need to get a person's foot in the door faith wise. Then, they can be gently led to the Gospel of Jesus.

Any suggestion readers have on witnessing would be much appreciated. If you know anyone who might be interested in this Blog, please tell them about us.Also, feel free to share any of the articles I have posted so far.

The Absurdity of Portraying Jesus As a Hippie, pt.2

It is of course a no-brainer as they say to read Part 1 of this article below before reading this one.
There is a depiction of Jesus today that I would label, "the kinder,gentler" Jesus. Although not called a hippie, this Jesus encompasses all the same qualities mentioned previously. It is the,everything is OK if it is done in love, non-judgemental Jesus.
To this I would say that you either don't know the Gospels or you have chosen to to ignore what we call His "hard sayings".
Let me provide some examples of Jesus being anything but non-judgemental.
In Matthew 23:33 we read of Jesus condemning the Scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy saying: "You snakes, you vipers' brood, how can you escape being condemned to hell?"
My advice would be to read all of Matthew 23, Our Lord minces no words in his condemnation of those who have misused their religious position.
To the Jews who repeatedly challenged and tried to use His words to justify having Him killed He had this to say: " You are of your father the devil and the desires of your father you want to do."
One more, from Mark 16:14 which gives a description of Jesus being very critical of His followers. After He was resurrected, He appeared to His disciples and as they sat at the table "He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen."
I could go on and on but suffice to say that a reading of the Gospels will dispel the Jesus was the first hippie myth.To close this all out I will add the following.
This is a quote by Jesus that many people either don't know or have explained away or misinterpreted. It is from Luke 22:36. As Jesus spoke to His disciples regarding their mission to spread His Word to the people He said: "But now, he who has a money bag, let him take it, and likewise a knapsack: and he who has no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one."
Hold on there, Jesus advocated being armed and potentially dangerous? In a way yes. Our Lord recognized that the areas His disciples were going into could be quite dangerous.The sword was for protection, not aggression. It is amazing how many religious teachers try to explain away this by saying ithe sword was a metaphor for "spiritual" warfare. Utter nonsense.
There has been a tendency over the years to portray Jesus as a benign, almost effeminate man. He was anything but. This was a man who worked as a carpenter with His earthly father Joseph, walked great distances and often slept outside. He was a rugged man.
So Brothers and Sisters, let us not only proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ but also remember that He was of flesh and blood just like us and suffered and died for our sins. Amen

The Absurdity of Portraying Jesus As a Hippie, pt.1

The Absurdity of Portraying Jesus as a Hippie, Pt.1
Back in the early 70's there was a phenomenom that occurred called "The Jesus Movement." Perhaps some of you out there might recall it. It was made up in large part by young people, many of whom you would call hippies. It had the noble plan of restoring first century Christianity. While it is not my intention to go into alot of detail about this movement, I will say that although it eventually died off, quite a bit of good came out of it. Not the least of which was that thousands of people came to a knowledge of the saving Grace of Jesus. I'd be remiss not to add that an incredible amount of great Christian music came from this era. Music of a passion and quality we have not heard since.
The 70's was the first time I ever heard of Jesus being referred to as a hippie.
 The reason given for this description was that Jesus was said to be all about love, peace and harmony. Fast forward 30 years or so and we see that the 'Jesus as a hippie' portrayal is still with us and shows no signs of going away.However, what has been more prominent in recent years than the peace, love and harmony Jesus is the portrayal of the non-judgemental Jesus.
 Promulgated primarily by the "spiritual but not religious" crowd,and, pretty much every Christian Church and denomination that has watered down what the Bible says, this portrayal is a sad distortion of reality. It only takes reading the words of Jesus found in the Gospels of Matthew,Mark, Luke and John to see how wrong this is.

In part two of this post I will look into Jesus' own words in regards to the areas of being "non-judgmental", accepting of everything if it is "done in love", as well as protecting your own well being (what would Gandhi have thought?).

Modern Worship?

We must remember that real Christian faith changes lives. However, in this day and age, it has morphed into changing Christianity and the Bible to fit modern society.
Consequently, we see the acceptance of lifestyles and behavior that are quite contrary to Biblical teachings.
I also think of "contemporary" come as you are worship, church seminars that revolve around today's "Christian" authors as opposed to Scripture, "praise and worship" that includes worldly music, and much more.
As an aside--Christian rock or  Christian rap, is an oxymoron folks.
The harsh reality is this: we have become a society that is dependent and even addicted to being entertained and this mindset has infiltrated the Church.
We must not forget Jesus' admonition: we are to be, "in this world but not of this world."
The picture below continues this theme: