There is one thing (out of many) that behooves me about so-called Christians. It seems eternally and without fail that these Christians are always the first to sign up for the latest cult and join the latest heretical, blasphemous bandwagon. Why? Why would you, one who calls him/herself a Christian, seek after another Jesus?
I am speaking specifically of the folks who follow the Jim Joneses, the David Kureshes, the Jose Luis de Jesus Mirandas, etc. We are supposedly Christians -- who believe in Christ Jesus, the Holy Bible and GOD Almighty, yet we follow anti-christs.
But we aren't to be surprised, are we? Jesus the Christ himself told the disciples that so-called Christians would do exactly what we have been doing since he left the earth. He explained quite plainly that false prophets and christs would come after him and that, if possible, even the very elect would be fooled.
Why, when even GOD HIMSELF tells us these things, do we still allow ourselves to be fooled? What are we looking for? Why can't we wait patiently on the LORD?
As it is written in Matthew 24:
3 Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”
4 And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you.
5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.
6 ...See that you are not troubled;
23 “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it.
24 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.
25 See, I have told you beforehand.
26 “Therefore if they say to you, ‘Look, He is in the desert!’ do not go out; or ‘Look, He is in the inner rooms!’ do not believe it.
27 For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.
28 For wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together.
Lord Jesus says, "See, I am telling you before hand..." yet you will not listen (my own words). Don't you believe in your Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ? Can't you take him at his word? Look at all he has done for you...why would you doubt him now.
And how are we supposed to know when it is really Christ Jesus who has appeared? The answer to that, brothers and sisters, Jesus himself also provides.
In the verse above, Jesus the Christ compares his coming to lightning.
When there is thunder and lightning during a storm... it is not just a handful of people who hear and see it. Everyone in the neighborhood and in surrounding areas hears the thunder and sees the lightning. So my friends, you won't have to guess. And you know what else? It won't just be the Christians who see and recognize Christ Jesus' coming -- everyone with eyes to see ears to hear will see the Lord coming with his angels.
It reads in Revelation 1:7 Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.
Read that again, dear brothers and sisters. EVERY EYE WILL SEE HIM, EVEN THEY WHO PIERCED HIM. When the Lord Jesus the Christ comes to the earth a second time, IT WILL NOT BE A SECRET. IT WILL NOT BE SOMETHING THAT ONLY A FEW KNOW ABOUT. ALL -- EVERYONE -- WILL SEE AND KNOW WHEN CHRIST JESUS RETURNS.
Now the Spirit says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines or demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy...(Hebrews 4:1-2) But you, O man of GOD, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness... I urge you in the sight of GOD who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus..., that you keep this commandment without spot, blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ's appearing, which He will manifest in His own time, He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords... (1 Timothy 6:11-15).
The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Grace be with you. Amen. (2 Timothy 4: 22).
Keep reading...
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Jesus Describes How He Will Return To Earth
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Link: The Difference Between Heaven And Hell
A holy man was having a conversation with the Lord one day and said,
‘Lord, I would like to know what Heaven and Hell are like.’
The Lord led the holy man to two doors.
He opened one of the doors and the holy man looked in. In the middle of the room was a large round table. In the middle of the table was a large pot of stew, which smelled delicious and made the holy man’s mouth water.
The people sitting around the table were thin and sickly. They appeared to be famished. They were holding spoons with very long handles that were strapped to their arms and each found it possible to reach into the pot of stew and take a spoonful. But because the handle was longer than their arms, they could not get the spoons back into their mouths.
The holy man shuddered at the sight of their misery and suffering.
The Lord said, ‘You have seen Hell.’
They went to the next room and opened the door. It was exactly the same as the first one. There was the large round table with the large pot of stew which made the holy man’s mouth water. The people were equipped with the same long-handled spoons, but here the people were well nourished and plump, laughing and talking.
The holy man said, ‘I don’t understand.’
Visit The Ugly Truth's original post to get the answer...
Keep reading...
Is This Why You Say There Is No GOD?
How Can GOD Be So Cruel?
If There's A GOD, Why Do Innocent People Suffer and Die?
Why Do People Say GOD Is Love, Yet He Lets So Many Bad Things Happen?
Take your pick. The questions are all getting at the same thing -- you find it hard to accept that there is a god when so many ungodly things are happening around you.
I hear you.
There are murders, rapes, tragic car accidents, people dying from diseases, children starving...the list goes on and on.
Let me ask you one thing, however: What kind of place would this world be if no one died, no one suffered, no one got sick? In other words, if everything was perfect?
But is such a thing really possible when we humans are the ones immediately in control of what's going on around us?
How are we in control, you ask.
Well, first of all, who commits murders, drinks and drives, has unprotected sex, starts wars (which leads to countless suffering and deaths), oppresses the poor,etc.? Is it GOD who does these things? No, it's us.
Well, why doesn't GOD stop us, then? GOD gave us free will. Do you really want someone to reach in and tinker with your mind and heart and MAKE you do something? That's not much of an existence, right?
Well, why doesn't GOD warn people when bad things are about to happen to them?
He does. There are warnings and instructions all over the Holy Bible -- GOD's Holy Word.
Now I'm asking you to believe in the Holy Bible! Well, friend, if we are to talk about the True and Living GOD, then we must also talk about the Holy Bible, for the two go hand-in-hand.
But, let's forget about the things we seemingly can control. How about natural disasters? Who is to blame when a nasty tornado sweeps through a town and destroys people's homes and claims numerous lives?
Well, as it says in the Holy Bible, GOD is indeed in charge of all of creation and has orchestrated the movement of nature -- such as rain, snow, hail, etc. So therefore, HE must be in charge of the tornados and hurricanes and earthquakes, too.
Now, I have to tread carefully here because I don't want to make judgments about anyone.
But I will say, good people die everyday -- as it has been since the dawn of time. Some good people die tragically and in suffering, too.
I can't dare to speak for GOD, but I can look to HIS Holy Word and tell you what HE has said about such things.
Consider the Great Flood:
Genesis 6 (New King James Version):
5 Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
6 And the LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart.
7 So the LORD said, “I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them.”
11 The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. 12 So God looked upon the earth, and indeed it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth.
So, based on this record, GOD realized -- based on what HE saw happening -- that the nature of man (once we became aware of good and evil), tended to choose to do wicked things. As it says, "every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. " Let the violence that we hear and see everyday on the news and in the papers be a testament to that (especially the crimes against children). Remember, there is nothing new under the sun. Every and anything our fellow man thinks to do to harm another has been done since the beginning of time.
Now, when GOD realized that man liked doing wicked things and preferred it over the light, HE was sorry HE even made man. That's right, GOD regretted human creation. And you may say, why did HE even bother making us if HE knew we were going to turn out so terribly? Because when HE made us, HE made us innocent -- we weren't aware of the concept of good and bad. Didn't HE know we would soon find out? -- Of course. So should HE have not made us then? I can't speak for GOD, but I can speak for myself when I say I'm glad I've got life -- despite all the flaws, risks and danger. I delight in the good things.
But people on the earth were behaving so badly that it grieved GOD in HIS heart. Imagine that -- GOD getting so emotionally upset at what HE was witnessing! (Imagine if you could see EVERYTHING wicked and evil we humans do to each other everyday? You'd probably have a breakdown). So HE decided to sort of undo creation - HE would destroy everything and wipe the slate clean. (I'm not forgetting about Noah and his family and the animals.)
So GOD can't stand when man does wickedness - EVER.
Romans 6:22-23 (New King James Version): 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 5:11-13 (New King James Version): 12 Therefore, just as through one man (Adam) sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned...
So sin (wickedness) leads to death -- in actuality either through wicked actions or through damnation (GOD condemns you because of your desire to remain in wicked ways).
Matthew 19:15-17 (New King James Version):
16 Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?”
17 So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.”
Let me ask another question: Would you reward evil actions? Would you continually intercede and save/help someone who seems to always choose to do bad things to others? I know I would grow very tired of it. Of course, you would always try to help and reward those who do good.
Sit back and take a good look at the world in which you live. There are many who make life seem so pleasurable, yet there are just as many that make you ashamed to even be human.
As long as we live in a wicked world, we should expect bad things to happen on the grand scale. As for the individual, it is between he/she and GOD as to how things will be.
Again, bad things happen to good people. I know, I've had moments where I've struggled to understand why GOD would allow certain things to happen.
But ask any true Christian (I say true because there are many fickle, false people running around dirtying the name) and they will tell you the same thing -- yes, things get bad sometimes, but I know that GOD is with me and will see me through one way or another.
That's how people can say after a terrible storm or accident that the fact that some survived is a miracle. That's why some can say that when they were hiding in the basement and praying to Jesus as the tornado tore apart their house and the homes around them.
Once you enter a real relationship with GOD some things become clear to you. You understand that GOD does not owe you one single thing. There is nothing you could ever give HIM or promise HIM that would mean anything. After all, HE is the CREATOR and we are the creation (dust to dust, my friend).
So you can shake your fist at the heavens and curse and yell at GOD for all the bad things that are happening. Or you can step back and see who is really to blame and that we by nature are quite sinful and delight in sinful things. Until we all change as a whole, the earth will continue to be rocked and we will die and suffer. That's life as we currently know it. A true relationship with GOD will help you weather this storm known as life. And if you walk through it holding on to Jesus' hand and neither looking to the left nor the right, you'll get true life -- as GOD intended you to have.
Keep raging and hating GOD. Or accept that this is a situation that we've gotten ourselves into.
But don't forget, that there is a solution - eternal life. And that eternal life is quite accessible for those who truly thirst and hunger for it.
If you want it, it can be yours. Start by sitting yourself down and saying, "GOD, I don't know much about YOU, but I think there's a good chance You're real and I want to know who YOU ARE. Show YOURSELF to me, LORD GOD so that I may consider what it is you require of me."
Chances are, HE'll take you up on that.
I say chances because you have to mean it. Just like HE can get angry, sad and disappointed, GOD can also get impatient -- HE won't wait for you forever.
Extra reading:
Ephesians 5:8-10 (New King James Version):
8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light
9 (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), 10 finding out what is acceptable to the Lord.
Proverbs 6:16-19 (New King James Version):
These six things the LORD hates,
Yes, seven are an abomination to Him:
17 A proud look,
A lying tongue,
Hands that shed innocent blood,
18 A heart that devises wicked plans,
Feet that are swift in running to evil,
19 A false witness who speaks lies,
And one who sows discord among brethren.
That is: pride, lying, murderers, purposeful wickedness, pleasure in wickedness, false witness, trouble starters...
Galatians 5:19-23 (New King James Version):
19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness,
20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies,
21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness, self-control...
Psalm 11:5 (New King James Version): The LORD tests the righteous,
But the wicked and the one who loves violence His soul hates.
Keep reading...
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
More Proof That Islam Was Spawned by the Devil
Why is it commonplace for these Muslim governments to kill people for minor infractions? The extremists call for blood anytime someone uses the name of Mohammad in a way that they don't like or dares to question Islam.
An Afghan court on Tuesday sentenced a 23-year-old journalism student to death for distributing a paper he printed off the Internet that three judges said violated the tenets of Islam, an official said.
The three-judge panel sentenced Sayad Parwez Kambaksh to death for distributing a paper that humiliated Islam, said Fazel Wahab, the chief judge in the northern province of Balkh, where the trial took place. Wahab did not preside over the trial.
We hear these stories all of the time. Does the Quran (Koran) really call for people who make such infractions to be killed? How can this be a book from god? Yes, we can read in the Holy Bible about people being punished by death for all kinds of crimes and infractions, that is very true. When Jesus the Christ was born, died and resurrected, the chapter was closed on those laws. If you read the New Testament, Jesus explains how the laws are to be interpreted (for example, adultery isn't only committed by the physical act, but lusting in your mind/heart after another is already adultery). Jesus never called for anyone to be put to death when they questioned or challenged him...or for any of their crimes or sins.
So, explain to me how a 'religion' that professes to come from god -- the Almighty Creator who created us with love -- is so blood thirsty. Is this what that satanist Mohammad taught? The Children of GOD Almighty are not to live under oppression and by fear. As Jesus the Christ explained, "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly (John 10:10, NKJV)." Not to have those twisting the law for their own benefit to stand on our necks.
Islam is another tool created by satan.
It's either Jesus the Christ or nothing. There is no middle ground.
This is an Associated Press article, by the way. It runs with the headline: 'Afghan Journalist Sentenced to Death'. In actuality, the headline simplifies the story... A headline like 'Afghan Student Sentenced to Death' or 'Journalism Student Sentenced to Death'...would probably be more appropriate and accurate.
Keep reading...
We're More Willing to Believe In Aliens Than We Are In Almighty GOD
Signs of life? Texas town hopes to become UFO landing spot - CNN.com
What's wrong with us? Why are we so obsessed with outer space and aliens and UFOs? Why are we so convinced that our government is hiding a bunch of skinny, green, long-limbed men from us in some secret NASA facility?
It seems the average person is more apt to believe that E.T. visits our planet on occasion, than they are to even consider the possibility that Jesus is indeed the Son of GOD. It's even more surprising that many of us don't even know that Jesus the man was an actual living, breathing person and not some mythical creature someone dreamed up (His divinity is the issue). But I guess UFOs are more interesting than everlasting salvation. Have you alien-freaks considered the possibility that these UFOs and 'aliens' are just a wing of our government conducting tests, experiments and carrying out stuff in secret because they don't want to freak us out...or be held accountable? There are no aliens! And the UFOs are just that -- unidentified flying objects -- not alien spaceships.
But I know why we like to believe such bunk...
The Bible addresses that, too.
Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons...(1 Timothy 4:1, NKJV)
2 Thessalonians 2:5-12 (NKJV):
5 Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things?
6 And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time.
7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He[d] who now restrains will do so until He[e] is taken out of the way.
8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming.
9 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders,
10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie,
12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
I'm not claiming that those above verses explain it all, but I do believe the two are related. And I'm not saying satan is responsible for the UFOs (and there are indeed flying objects that are often times unidentifiable), but I'm sure he helps fuel the frenzy and obsession with space aliens and flying saucers. Satan would like nothing more than for us to be distracted -- with/by anything -- as long as it has nothing to do with Jesus the Christ, and he will go to great lengths to make sure that is achieved. But he doesn't always have to work too hard.
Look at us. We celebrate the Big Bang theory, yet have a historical calender based on the birth of Jesus the Christ -- yet we refuse to acknowledge him as such. We'd rather believe (and teach our children) that our bodies, the earth and the universe all just kind of happened accidentally. Any doctor or scientist knows that none of this is no accident. The intricate design and make up of our bodies was indeed thought out and planned. The course of nature was indeed thought and planned. If you believe that it's all some freak happening you have to really ask yourself why you would rather believe such a thing, when all the evidence points to the contrary.
And despite the proof doctors and scientists see everyday, they'd rather believe in some theory -- a lie, because lies taste sweeter and are easier to swallow.
We'd rather believe in Santa Clause, the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny than acknowledge Jesus the Christ.
Because that's all easy, right? We don't have to bend ourselves in anyway when we make our own gods...and this is what they all are -- idols. We have a problem getting close enough to GOD Almighty because we would have to submit ourselves and change our ways and give up certain things. But we don't want to do that, so we make up our own gods to serve us...instead of the other way around.
So yes, the alien and spaceship worship is just us creating another god by giving these things that we are ignorant of our own explanation and definitions. Consider how many people dedicate their lives to chasing these aliens, yet neglect to even consider GOD Almighty.
Can you see how crazy we are? -- We shove Santa Clause down our kids throats but don't want them to have anything to do with Jesus the Christ. We look to the skies in search of an 'x-file' instead of admiring the beauty of GOD's work.
But go ahead, keep looking to the skies, GOD has plenty of other strong delusions to pacify your heart.
Other verses from the Holy Bible to consider...
Psalm 14 (NKJV):
The fool has said in his heart,
“There is no God.”
They are corrupt,
They have done abominable works,
There is none who does good.
2 The LORD looks down from heaven upon the children of men,
To see if there are any who understand, who seek God.
3 They have all turned aside,
They have together become corrupt;
There is none who does good,
No, not one.
Romans 1 (NKJV)
8 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,
19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them.
20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,
21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.
22 Professing to be wise, they became fools,
23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.
24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves,
25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature.
27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting;
29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers,
30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful;
32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.
Keep reading...
Sunday, January 20, 2008
The Most Important Verse in the Old Testament
I went to church today and the pastor discussed the thing(s) that GOD sees about us that makes us holy and acceptable in HIS sight. First, he asked what the most important verse among all the important verses in the New Testament are, and of course, many said John 3:16 is the most important verse in the NT. I agree. If you read that verse, it pretty much sums up the whole purpose of us, the world and Jesus. 19 So Jesus arose and followed him, and so did His disciples.
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (NKJV)
I don't think there are many people who would disagree that John 3:16 is a pretty important verse in the Bible. However, some may disagree on what my pastor pointed out as being perhaps one of the most important verses in the Old Testament.
Let's see what it says and what it means.
We should put the verse in context first.
Gen. 15:1-6 (NKJV)
1 After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.”
2 But Abram said, “Lord GOD, what will You give me, seeing I go childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?”
3 Then Abram said, “Look, You have given me no offspring; indeed one born in my house is my heir!”
4 And behold, the word of the LORD came to him, saying, “This one shall not be your heir, but one who will come from your own body shall be your heir.”
5 Then He brought him outside and said, “Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them.” And He said to him, “So shall your descendants be.”
6 And he believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.
So, here Abram was, chosen by the LORD to 'develop' a nation of people to honor HIM. GOD had given the stranger in a foreign land just about everything he could ever need (and wanted to give him more). But Abram was like, "What good are all of these possessions if I don't even have a son to pass them onto when I die?" Abram was concerned that the child of his servant would be the one to inherit everything. But GOD said, "No worries." GOD sent Abram outside and told him to look up and number the stars. Of course Abram couldn't, there were just too many. And GOD said so will the number of your descendants be. And what was Abram's reaction? Did he say yeah, right? or now way? Nope. Abram who had experienced the truth and love of GOD from the minute HE had called out to him said simply, "OK." He believed all that GOD told him. GOD was so impressed with this little man's faith, that HE considered him righteous.
So what are we to gleam from that? Simply, be strong in your faith of the LORD. That's all Abram had to do. GOD didn't give him all of those laws that he gave Moses for the unruly nation in the desert hundreds of years later -- Abram's descendants. We all know how crazy and faithlessly the Israelites behaved after their deliverance from slavery in Egypt...even after they had received guidelines (laws/commandments) from GOD Himself. But look at Abram...he didn't need any rules to support his faith. The Word of the LORD was enough for him.
And consider Jesus, hundreds of years after Abram. Did he try to give the people more laws? Nope. He was the Word in flesh...no law could ever compare to Him or save you. All that Jesus required of those to whom he was preaching the Gospel (the Good News) was that they believed Him when he said He was the Son of GOD. He said so many times in so many ways, but here's a gist:
John 14:11
Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves.
That's all that required of us, simply to believe. Once we believe, then everything else comes gradually. You may call yourself a Christian. You may go to church religiously and tithe and baptize your babies...but if you don't really believe the News you've been given, then you're still lost. And believe it or not, there are plenty in the church who have been 'saved' since jump, but are still struggling internally to actually believe in GOD 100% and HIS Son the Savior Jesus Christ. If you don't believe, you're kidding yourself.
If you genuinely believe, GOD will carry you the rest of the way. But how can HE do that if you don't even acknowledge that HE is real?
Remember that woman with that awful condition who impressed Jesus so?Matthew 9:19-24 (NKJV)
20 And suddenly, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the hem of His garment. 21 For she said to herself, “If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well.”
22 But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, “Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And the woman was made well from that hour.
23 When Jesus came into the ruler’s house, and saw the flute players and the noisy crowd wailing,
24 He said to them, “Make room, for the girl is not dead, but sleeping.” And they ridiculed Him.
So be as Abram (Abraham) and just believe. That's what plan on doing everyday. Just simply take GOD at His Word. He never lies. He never changes. He never stops loving His people and he doesn't break promises. We just have to remain faithful.
Keep reading...
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
What Mormons Supposedly Believe and Don't Believe
The Associate Press released this short list of some of the things that set Mormons apart from other forms of Christianity. Two things about this list: you'd be hard pressed to find most of that information on the official Mormon (LDS) Web site; and it doesn't mention the stuff about Mormons supposedly believing that Jesus Christ and Lucifer (satan) are brothers.
Anyway, here's the list:
- Nature of God: God once was a mortal who became an eternal being after a great trial.
- Jesus Christ: Christ was God's first-born spirit child, his only earthly child and the only perfect mortal.
- No Trinity: Mormons reject the idea of the Christian Trinity — God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit as one ethereal being. Instead, they believe the three are separate beings joined in a common purpose.
- Pre-existence and the afterlife: Before their mortal birth, humans existed in pre-mortality and were born in the spirit world to heavenly parents. Mormons also believe in the resurrection and teach that most people will receive some measure of salvation and have a place in a three-level eternal kingdom.
- One true church: Mormons say their faith is not Protestant, Catholic or Orthodox but holds a unique place as "restored New Testament Christianity." Founder Joseph Smith said God told him none of the existing churches were practicing Christianity as it was intended.
- A living prophet: Mormons believe the head of their church is a living prophet, seer and revelator who can communicate with God.
Here's another Web site that supposedly explains what Mormons believe, among which is that the Book of Mormon is also from GOD, and that the book is just one of three from GOD. Mormons also apparently used a version of the Bible edited by founder Joseph Smith. Keep reading...
Monday, January 14, 2008
Pope Calls for Continuous Prayer to Rid Priesthood of Pedophilia
Pope Benedict XVI has instructed Roman Catholics to pray “in perpetuity” to cleanse the Church of pedophile clergy. All dioceses, parishes, monasteries, convents and seminaries will be expected to organize continuous daily prayers to express penitence and to purify the clergy.
Vatican officials said that every parish or institution should designate a person or group each day to conduct continuous prayers for the Church to rid itself of the scandal of sexual abuse by clergy. Alternatively, churches in the same diocese could share the duty. Prayer would take place in one parish for 24 hours, then move to another.
Vatican watchers said that there was no known precedent for global prayer on a specific issue of this kind. There are about one billion Roman Catholics worldwide.
The instruction was sent to bishops by Cardinal Cláudio Hummes of Brazil, head of the Vatican Congregation for the Clergy. He told L’Osservatore Romano, the Vatican newspaper, that he was acting in the Pope’s name. The Pope wanted Catholics to pray for the “mercy of God for the victims of the grave situations caused by the moral and sexual conduct of a very small part of the clergy”, he said.
Can anyone say a couple centuries too late? I'm not sure what kind of fantasy land Pope Benedict XVI is living in, but prayer and screening potential seminary applicants for 'deep-seeded homosexual tendencies' is not going to solve the problem (can they screen their brains for the truth?). Based on all of the cases dating back to GOD knows when, it's highly unlikely that 'a very small part of the clergy' is responsible.Is the pope really serious about prayer being the answer to this sad state of what appears to be the systematic rape of children in the Catholic Church?
Here is a list from the Times Online:
Church crisis:
$660m The amount paid out by the Los Angeles Roman Catholic archdiocese to 500 victims of sexual abuse
$2bn The amount estimated to have been paid out across the US
4,392 The number of priests alleged to have abused children in the US in the past 50 years
10,000 The number of Americans who say that they were abused
100 The number of allegations of abuse made in Ireland between1962 and 2002
21 The number of priests involved
6 of the 21 Irish priests involved died before any allegations were made against them
3,000 The number of allegations of abuse received by the Australian group Broke Rites by 2002
John Jay Report (2004), Times archives.
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Sunday, January 13, 2008
We Humans Seem to Believe Almost Anything (or Fake Messiahs, False Prophets, and False Churches)
It's Sunday and I didn't get to go to Church today, so I turned on some religions programs after reading the Word and communing with the LORD a little -- something I do everyday anyway.
So I turned on the radio to listen to Family Radio -- a Christian station that has apparently been broadcasting for 'ages.' In general, their programs are good. There is one particular program which I often try to catch, 'Open Forum' with a gentleman by the name of Brother Howard Camping (who happens to be the President and co-founder of Family Stations, Inc., according to the Web site). Now Mr. Camping's particular focus seems to be on understanding and interpreting the Holy Bible in regards to the end times, i.e., the tribulation, Jesus' return, the final judgement, etc. Mr. Camping supposes to have figured out through various studies that the tribulation period (the time when GOD shows his 'face' to EVERYONE on earth) will conclude with Jesus return in a particular month, on a particular day in the year 2011. I heard him loud and clear in today's East coast broadcast give the date, and he has much of this information published on the Family Radio site, but I refuse to repost it here, because I believe the Bible when it says no man -- not even the Son of GOD Jesus -- knows the exact day or hour of the end of earth's history.
In Matthew 24 Jesus tells his disciples what kinds of things will happen before, during and after this period of GOD showing his 'face' to the earth. So he tells them that there are signs to watch out for but he says right away, “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only." (Matthew 24:36 - NKJV) Jesus said 'of that day and hour no one knows' yet Mr. Camping says it will be Oct. 21, 2011. He gives us a specific day (I wonder if he's holding back on the time, too). As Christians we are taught to try the spirits (you know, test your brothers and sisters spiritually) and to seek wisdom in the Word of GOD. If Jesus the Christ, the Messiah, the Only Begotten Son of GOD, told his disciples that no one knows when exactly HE will return. If you do some research, you'll also discover that Mr. Camping used to believe that the year of this was 1994, and he even published a book under that title. I'm excited by the eventuality of heaven on earth, too, and I like to take note of what's going on in current events, but I'm not obsessed with figuring exactly when such and such a thing is going to take place. As a true child of GOD I don't need to concern myself with the day or hour, for when it comes I think WE WILL ALL KNOW (as Jesus explains in Luke 17:23-24). So, yes, Mr. Camping and the others putting forth their own dates and times may need to pull up and stop obsessing with the mathematical calculations because NO ONE KNOWS THE DAY when Jesus the Christ will come back to judge and rule. Mr. Camping seems to also teach some other things which may contradict GOD's Word, but I'm not too familiar with those other teachings to go into them now.
There are a few men who publicly claim to be Jesus, the Messiah, the Christ and god himself. Kind of like David Koresh. But I guess these current ones aren't raping children so the state doesn't need to get involved. But we as true Christians shouldn't hesitate to let others know when they smell a stink. Most likely no one will listen, but it's good to speak up nonetheless. Here are some current tools of satan leading people away from GOD.
Jose Luis de Jesus Miranda is a whack job who apparently has churches all over America and abroad. He and his followers have been interviewed by reporters and it's a sad situation. This Miranda guy is all over the place, too. He says he's the returned Jesus; he embraces the anti-christ description and says he's that too and has incorporated the triple 6 into his church (some members have tattooed that on their body). He says there's no hell and no sin and all that stuff we like to hear. Cause if there's no sin, we're never wrong, right? Based on the Holy Bible...I really don't get how he has followers. Are they not reading the Word? This man fulfills only one prophecy, as opposed to all of the prophecies Jesus the son of Mary fulfilled:
“Take heed that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many." (Matthew 24:4-5, NKJV)
Then there's this other guy who also claims to be the Jesus, but he uses technical Hebrew terms to add some flair to it. It's also important to know that this man was a criminal and was imprisoned for everything from murder to the raping of little girls. I say 'was' cause the man is dead (they say ascended), yet his brainwashed followers still purport his mess and broadcast their dumb program on TV. They call him Yahweh Ben Yahweh or god, son of god (his real name is Hulon Mitchell Jr.) and their cult is essentially just about black empowerment to the extreme, like supremacy. It says on their Web site in one of his brainwashing sessions: "...the Kingdom of Heaven is when Yehuwdah (Judah)-the so-called Black people of America, descendants of slaves-become the "chief" ruler..." Anyway, this man was a despicable human being who was evil and perhaps a little crazy. He used and abused his followers when he was with them...and others still followed him and taught his nonsense even after he was imprisoned (for another crime). Talk about being blind! You can read more about him here and about his death here.
These are just two examples of false christs who have no problem recruiting people to worship them.
However, there are also plenty of other dirty false prophets running around, many of whom I'm sure most of us are familiar with. You see them on TV begging for your financial seed or faith offering or tithe (they spin it anyway they can). Then you got those who take it up a notch who have no problem letting everyone know that they are selling sorcery. I mean the ones trying to sell you miracle oil or miracle water or a stupid prayer cloth...the tricks are so old and well documented. Yet these men and women stay in business for decades! I guess some of us just read the Holy Bible and don't see anything. But you know, if everyone were saved then this would be a perfect world and there would have been no reason for Jesus to come into the world. Not one of us are perfect and only a fraction of us will strive for perfection in GOD's eyes, and even then only a handful will achieve it.
It's a sad state of affairs, but who doesn't want it the easy way? Who doesn't want to be told that it's OK to have sex with as many people as you want, to drink and party relentlessly, to use every cuss word under the son -- in summary, we humans worship the flesh and materialism. We don't want to deny ourselves anything. And that's the hard part, isn't it? You don't want to give up anything. Fortunately (or unfortunately for you?), that's exactly what you must do to be free in Christ -- give up everything. I don't literally mean sell your home, car and give away your money. I simply mean, stop putting so much value on these things. They shouldn't own you and control you so much. In reality, they don't matter at all, because when you're dead, none of it is going with you. Some lucky bastard will be enjoying it. So recognize the value of your soul and spirit and you as a creation. There is on one else like you because HE has made you that way, and that is what HE wants you to know.
In summary, read and understand the Word and don't be seduced or sidetracked by the devil. And satan is real busy, I'll tell you that. But remember, when Jesus does come back to judge and rule, EVERY SINGLE ONE OF US WILL KNOW IT because he won't be coming quietly (like his birth).
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Friday, January 11, 2008
President George W. Bush In Israel; Only One Thing Can Be Said.
U.S. President George W. Bush, left, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, right, and Israel's President Shimon Peres are seen during a ceremony in the Hall of Remembrance in the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial in Jerusalem, Friday, Jan. 11, 2008. President Bush had tears in his eyes during an hour-long tour of Israel's Holocaust memorial Friday and told Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice that the U.S. should have bombed Auschwitz to halt the killing, the memorial's chairman said. (AP Photo by OLEG POPOV)
U.S. President George W. Bush (C) visits religious leaders at the Church of the Beatitudes in Galilee, Israel, January 11, 2008. (Reuters Pictures)
U.S. President George W. Bush (C) stands with Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem Theofilos III (R) and other Greek Orthodox priests during a visit to the Church of the Nativity in the West Bank town of Bethlehem January 10, 2008. Passing through a tiny "Door of Humility", Bush made a pilgrimage to the traditional birthplace of Jesus on Thursday in the occupied West Bank. (Reuters Pictures)
Bush Says He'll Return to Mideast (AP)
After two days immersed in the intense and arcane world of Mideast peacemaking, Bush toured holy sites in northern Israel on Friday, listening as robed clerics read him biblical passages about Jesus' days of ministry there centuries ago.
Bush visited Capernaum, a site where Jesus is said to have performed miracles. The president gazed across the Sea of Galilee where Jesus is claimed to have walked on water. He toured the site of an ancient synagogue and joked and held hands with nuns outside the Church of the Beatitudes, a place where Jesus delivered his famed "Sermon on the Mount."
Asked how it felt to walk in Jesus' footsteps, Bush replied "Amazing experience."
During the visit, Bush was given a crystal statue inscribed with words from the sermon, recounted in Matthew Chapter 5: "Blessed are those who are peacemakers for they will be called children of God."
Archbishop Elias Shakur, the Greek Catholic clergyman who showed Bush around the site, said he asked him, "Did you come as a politician, as a leader of state, or as a pilgrim?"
"I came as a pilgrim," Bush said, according to Shakur.
Earlier in the day, Bush became misty-eyed as he toured the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial in Jerusalem. The president, who first visited the memorial in 1998 when he was governor of Texas, was wearing a yarmulke as he rekindled an eternal flame and placed a red-white-and-blue wreath on a stone slab that covers ashes of Holocaust victims taken from six extermination camps.
Bush called the memorial a "sobering reminder that evil exists and a call that when we find evil we must resist it."
"I was most impressed that people in the face of horror and evil would not forsake their god. In the face of unspeakable crimes against humanity, brave souls — young and old — stood strong for what they believe," he said....
Daniel 11:29-39 (NKJV)
29 “At the appointed time he shall return and go toward the south; but it shall not be like the former or the latter. 30 For ships from Cyprus shall come against him; therefore he shall be grieved, and return in rage against the holy covenant, and do damage.
“So he shall return and show regard for those who forsake the holy covenant. 31 And forces shall be mustered by him, and they shall defile the sanctuary fortress; then they shall take away the daily sacrifices, and place there the abomination of desolation. 32 Those who do wickedly against the covenant he shall corrupt with flattery; but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits. 33 And those of the people who understand shall instruct many; yet for many days they shall fall by sword and flame, by captivity and plundering. 34 Now when they fall, they shall be aided with a little help; but many shall join with them by intrigue. 35 And some of those of understanding shall fall, to refine them, purify them, and make them white, until the time of the end; because it is still for the appointed time. 36 “Then the king shall do according to his own will: he shall exalt and magnify himself above every god, shall speak blasphemies against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the wrath has been accomplished; for what has been determined shall be done. 37 He shall regard neither the God of his fathers nor the desire of women, nor regard any god; for he shall exalt himself above them all. 38 But in their place he shall honor a god of fortresses; and a god which his fathers did not know he shall honor with gold and silver, with precious stones and pleasant things. 39 Thus he shall act against the strongest fortresses with a foreign god, which he shall acknowledge, and advance its glory; and he shall cause them to rule over many, and divide the land for gain.
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