The Shameless Ambition of Matthew25.com

On September 20th, I wrote an article entitled, Suffer The Little Children. In that article I talked about a group of supposed Christians, that were stumping for, and, promoting Barack Hussein Obama.

They apparently have received a fair share of negative opinion of late, because today they unveiled a web site which falsely claims that Obama suddenly is pro-life.

First off you have to remember the outright lie that Obama told the Christian Broadcast Network in August, saying:

“They have not been telling the truth. “And I hate to say that people are lying, but here’s a situation where folks are lying.” Yes Barry, someone was lying, and your election team finally was forced to do your dirty work in telling the truth, since you once again refuse to!

He also said that it was “ridiculous” to suggest he had ever supported withholding lifesaving treatment for an infant. “It defies common sense and it defies imagination, and for people to keep on pushing this is offensive.”

Well, we all know that Obama’s team finally told the truth that was as plain as the ears on Barry’s head. I’m curious to know why Barack was not man enough to admit to his shameless lies, and, his even more shameful record of infant genocide.    

This deeply funded group seems to think that it is Godly to lie, and, to be just a little bit pro abortion is “not that bad.”

Or, there is another spin. I will bet twenty to ten that this group is no more religious than Bill Maher. Just more of the same old “jump on the wagon”

for Obama. Anything to get him elected. They will go to any length, stoop to any level in the bid to get their savior in office.

I have a problem with this. I do not want a president that lies, murders, hangs out with seedy people and will change their story to fit every purpose according to where he may be and who he is talking to. And I’m afraid this description fits Obama to a tee.

Now I would hope upon hope that the Catholics and other religious folks can see through the lies and deceit of this Matthew25 group and their new web-site. Do not believe that Obama is suddenly pro-life which they claim. It is not true! Do your homework on this guy, and this group. 

  

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Suffer The Little Unborn Children

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It’s one thing for people to quote Bible passages, and an altogether different thing for politicians to use scripture to garner votes. And even worse yet to use scripture out of context, which is most often the case.

The Bible is not in the least a political book, nor was it written as such. The Bible is heads and heels above some chowder headed worldly idea’s and ideal’s mankind is constantly attempting to lower It to.

Such is the lame brain audacity of a movement of a supposedly Christian group that calls itself the Matthew 25 Network, an independent political entity that proclaims that the Godly must get involved in politics. Okay, I have no problem so far. However, the problem I do have is the candidate Matthew25 is rallying around and stumping for.

Now, I don’t know about anyone else, but I have a strong suspicion when a person or a group of people claiming religion, especially the Christian religion, would push for the most Liberal and pro abortion candidate ever to run for the office of President of the United States.

Barack Hussein Obama, history shows, is the most uncaring and just downright evil human when it comes to babies, whether unborn or born! The government of China would love this guy!  He has voted as a Senator to simply let a child die that may have been born after a botched abortion. Just leave the tiny human being to die!

I’ve got to believe that this religious group is aware of this truth about Obama. It is a well known fact. So what business does a religious organization have in voting for a baby killer?

Just what does Matthew 25 Network say in regard to this issue?

“We have lost thousands of jobs, and folks are struggling with bills this month, forget about next month,” Hall says in the ad. “We need a president who sees those who are hurting and cares for the least of these. This is why I am supporting Barack Obama. As a child, Barack knew hard times too. He had to rely on food stamps to get by. And as a Christian, Barack believes God calls us to care for those in need. He has spent his life doing just that. As president, Barack Obama will work to feed the hungry, create good jobs, cover health care and cut taxes for those who need it most.” 

Oh, I see, it is more important that folks have everything they need instead of worrying about some defenseless baby, right? Murder is okay just so long as we are paying our bills, huh?

Let’s lay down the facts about Barack Hussein Obama:

1990: Obama wrote law article that the fetus cannot sue mother: Oh, well, we have to protect that mother from that horrible fetus (human). We wouldn’t want these babies going after the mothers money now would we?

Undecided on whether life begins at conception: Obama just don’t get it. What’s so hard to understand? Life begins when life begins. Why play around the issue? The fetus is a tiny human being. If you don’t think so, why does the law prosecute murderer’s of unborn babies within the womb? Why have it both ways?

Rated 100% by NARAL on pro-choice votes in 2005, 2006 & 2007: Yes, Obama is pretty popular among the abortion guru’s. A 100% rating must be a proud badge for Obama to wear. Three years in a row! Wow. 

Voted against banning partial birth abortion. (Oct 2007): Of course. It should be mandatory that all girls who reach reproductive age watch a partial birth abortion to see for themselves just how horrible this practice is. But sadly, we’re not going to see that happen.

Trust women to make own decisions on partial-birth abortion: (Apr 2007): Yes, trust women to make the choice after being educated on all of the pitfalls. We will not see that happen either.

I could go on but it does not matter. People will do what they want to do anyway. However, a group that identifies with Christ and at the same time supports murder are not worth listening to.  Matthew25 needs to return to their first love, that is, if they ever were in that love to begin with. I have my doubts.

But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. (Mark 10:14).                      

That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, (Titus 2:4).

Any religious person or group should be working to solve the problems, not working with the devil in spreading evils in the world. As a Christian I know that God must not be too happy with us here in the United States. We are abandoning Him, and fast. You have to ask, when will He abandon us?

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Separation of Church And Hate

The former pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ, Jerimiah Wright, has stated in an interview recently, that the more weighty portions of his now infamous, “God D*** America,” sermon were taken completely out of context.

Mr. Wright and his Democrat, Obama defenders complain that only certain parts of the sermon were played over and over, and it made him appear as a racist and hate monger. He says people have not viewed or listened to all of the sermon which he indicated would vindicate him of such beliefs.

Well, I have heard most of the sermon, and I can say without a doubt that Mr. Wright and Trinity are filled with hate and hold racist views.

First of all, Trinity’s web site underwent a major make over shortly after the fervor over that sermon commenced. I know this because I viewed it. Was the content that was removed from the site taken out of context? I would say that the content was pretty easy to understand and was in context and was pretty much in harmony with the words Wright spoke in his sermon. Why was Trinity’s web site revamped? You can view the old Trinity site here: Trinity United Church of Christ

Secondly, I ask how could a preacher of the gospel speak such vile words after 9/11, when the nation was in mourning? He named his sermon, “America’s Chickens Have Come Home To Roost.” As if we as a nation, comprised of many nationalities by the way, deserved this awful carnage and whole sale death.

Black, white, Asian, all died together in those Towers. However, we must regard his comments as being aimed at the white residents of this country. And anyone that listens to the, “whole,” sermon will have no trouble understanding that.

I know he must not have had a loved one to die there. Maybe if he did have someone he loved perish in that tragedy he might not be so smug and self righteous, and most of all, now, unrepentant.

In his sermon he likens America as the new Roman oppressors that crucified Jesus. He said people (whites) confuse God with government. He stated that we (whites) kill, and we think we have Gods approval. He goes on to compare America with Al Qaeda and other radical Muslims that murder indiscriminately.

He says that we, as European American, “white,” folks, feel superior to African Americans. Wright said that we, “demonize others so we can kill them.”

Mr. Wright at one point mocked the Declaration of Independence as the, “Declaration of white Independence. Along with, “all men (whites) are created more equal than others (blacks).

He wanted to make sure the congregation got the point by pointing out the, “lily whiteness of the International Monetary Fund.

Instead of Homeland Security, Mr. Wright labeled it as, “Homeland Stupidity.” Even though Homeland Security has worked very well at keeping our citizens here safe since 9/11. That is a proven fact.

He said that the government lied in it’s founding documents, lied about Peal Harbor, our own C.I.A. lied about Nelson Mandela and helped put him in prison for 27 years.

During the sermon Mr. Wright kept wanting the congregation to repeat aloud that, “governments lie!” What he meant was that, “white,” governments lie, although our government is composed of all ethnic groups. More proof that anyone can succeed in this country if they want to.

He went on to make the more absurd statement that our government developed HIV in order to wipe out people of color. He also stated that America gives drugs to black folks and that it builds bigger prisons in order to house the black drug offenders that had been given the drugs by our own government.

That led into the now infamous God D*** America tirade. I want to point out that these words by Mr. Wright speak for themselves. I will also say that he has no defense for those words and they were clearly not taken out of context.

Mr. Wright went on to mention, “Uncle,” Clarence Thomas, Oprah Winfry, who at one time was a member at Trinity, Colin Powell, Condoleezza Rice, and Tiger Woods, who by the way was put down by Wright for playing golf at country clubs that he says discriminate against women.

He stated that for all these successful black people he mentioned, there were millions more poor and unsuccessful. Mr. Wright might have done well to mention himself as an example also, and preach that all folks have an opportunity to be successful with God’s help and hard honest work.

I’m sorry to say that the Reverend never even alluded to what a man can do, no matter the color, if he walks with God. He had the opportunity many times during that sermon but he never said one thing about Jesus being the answer to problems, or that God helps those that help themselves. All he did was disparage and condemn people that he didn’t even know, black and mostly white.

Later in his (sermon) it is evident that he senses that maybe he said the wrong thing with his, “God D***,” remarks and tried to subtly defend it by saying once again, “it is in the Bible!” It’s funny, but I just cannot for the life of me find those words in the Bible. I am a Christian and I do know the Bible pretty well, but maybe someone could point that out to me. I know that the Bible says to not use the Lords name in vain. I know it says not to swear. Oh well … I will digress.

I’ve got to say that Mr. Wright really jumped off the roof when he stated that the victims of 9/11 were to blame for their fate. Such callous words spewed forth from a preacher is something one does not expect, and so I was taken aback a little bit.

In conclusion, after listening to most of the Reverend Wright’s sermon, I must declare that his words were most definitely in context, concise and easily understood. His sermon was hateful, racist, and unbecoming of one that claims to be a preacher for Jesus Christ. His sermon was not a sermon of love, but a sermon of catering. He preached what the congregation wanted to hear, and it is easy to see this by hearing the people clapping, jeering and cheering when Mr. Wright declared something from far out in left field.

I forgive Mr. Wright and Trinity however, because I am a Christian and that is the right thing to do according to the New Testament of Jesus Christ. However, Mr. Wright needs to think about repentance. God is more keen on forgiveness than we are, and besides, it would be so sad to die an angry and unrepentant man.

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Big Bang And Religion-The Great Divide?Maybe Not So Great

In 1963, Arno Penzias and Robert Wilson, while working with the now famous, “horned antenna,” at Crawford Hill, N.J., made what science calls one of the greatest accidental discoveries of the 20th century.

The two researchers, using the receiver, were working for Bell Labs and, as chance would have it, they ran into what they thought was a snag; background noise.

As they attempted to find the cause of what they thought was a problem, they became more frustrated as time went on, even to the point of cleaning pigeon droppings from the outside of the machine- to no avail.

From the Alcatel-Lucent web-site: “They had been using an ultra-sensitive microwave receiving system to study radio emissions from the Milky Way when they found an unexpected background of radio noise with no obvious explanation. It came from all directions and, after repeated checks, it appeared to emanate from outside the Galaxy.”

To read the full article on the Alcatel-Lucent site, click here.

As fate would have it, it was realized that the background noise was actually micro-waves, and, was a remnant of what science calls the, “Big Bang,” theory. The Scientific community now had the smoking gun it needed to prove their much ballyhooed theory of how the universe came into existence. For this, they reason, is the echo one would hear from a literal and epic explosion that started all that we behold today. .

The Big Bang theory to most in science remains the most viable solution in relation to how time, space and matter came into existence. This theory does not explain where the, “energy,” that caused the big bang came from. There are hypotheses as to how this initial energy existed in the beginning however. We will not be discussing that subject at this time however.

The word, “energy,” comes from the Greek word, “energos,” which means, “active, working.” It is interesting to note that energy plays an important role in all fields of science. But it is the theory of the big bang that really puts everything else in proper perspective. Now the question is how was energy, “active and working,” before time, space and matter materialized? Will anyone maintain that energy did not exist before the Big Bang?

Physics rightly relates to us that energy is never created, nor, destroyed. One cannot get away from the persisting thought that, “active and working,” in relation to energy that is never created nor destroyed indicates living, or alive.

My proposal then is that, “Energy,” was very much living before time, space and matter was created. I further believe, much to the chagrin of the science community, that this energy is actually an intelligent entity. At this point I am very well aware that I stand opposed to science. I further declare that if I were a scientist, my career would be drawing to a close, as other scientist’s careers have plummeted after having dared to ask questions in regards to Intelligent Design.

This is very unfortunate indeed. I personally feel that a person is smug and pretentious if they attempt to close all doors of thought that would speculate on something other than what is commonly accepted in the science community. Why would a group never allow a broad brush of thought to enter into their realm? Because, it is argued, that God cannot be scientifically and empirically tested in any form whatsoever. And so it is true we cannot literally put God into a lab to be tested as we could an animate object. However, we can approach this question in a different manner.

Is it true that creation or intelligent design cannot be scientifically studied as some contend? Aristotle was one who attempted to show that the divine, however he viewed it, could be empirically categorized. Of course he ultimately failed, as others have. They used the wrong approach however. Had he used the Bible as a reference, he would have had a much better chance at proving his theory.

Although we cannot test the Intelligent Design theory in a laboratory, we can test the Bible in a number of scientific areas to determine its true worth.

The Bible can, and has been used as a window into the mysteries of the universe and life for many years. Not so long ago science and religion were intertwined, and the belief was that one was deficient without the other. Then came the era when most of science completely abandoned the Bible altogether. I understand the reasoning behind such a swing. However, I disagree with the premises that motivate this type of thinking.

The Bible, for example, has been shown to agree with history in many ways, such as Biology, Cosmology, Archaeology, Astronomy, Anthropology, and even to a certain degree, Paleontology.

The Bible tells us also, that in the beginning, there was disorder and confusion, which would be the true effect of such a violent explosion or, Big Bang. This thought will raise the ire of the religious, “Full Grown,” theorists I know. Their theory explains that just as Adam and Eve were created full grown, so too were the heavens and the earth created full grown. However, my understanding of this issue is based upon this verse from Genesis:

And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters, Genesis 1:2.

It is common knowledge among scholars and students of the Bible that, “without form and void,” denote’s confusion and disorder. Why would there be confusion and disorder had there been a smooth transition to this realm that we reside in? However, this is a different subject for a different day I suppose.

After this event of universal violence, there comes at some point, the beginning of an orderly universe and earth. The Bible does not give us every aspect and detail of His scientific work in the creation, for the Bible is not a science book per se. Even though there is science to be found within It’s pages. Facts that would have been impossible for mankind to know back then. This is common knowledge, but is ignored by many that claim an open mind.

The Bible for instance indicates where man originated. Science agree’s that the Bible’s reference on this point is most likely a fact. Please refer to Genesis 2:10-14. This reading states that man was formed in Africa. Science declares that man originated within; Africa.

The Bible states that man was formed from the earth, in conjunction with what science teaches:

“And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” Genesis 2:7

Coincidence? Remember, Genesis was written many centuries ago, a fact that should not be overlooked. Science states rightly, that man came from the earth, with the help of, “energy.”

Science says that energy is not created and that it never dies. If energy is not created and never dies, I propose emphatically, that energy has always been in existence, as the, “Creator.” If not, why not? It is taught by science that life was formed with energy in the form of lightning. Again, I must propose that God is the energy that formed life, and He did not necessarily have to use lightening in doing so.

Energy is the heart and soul of the continual laws of nature that rule our realm. The earth, our solar system, the universe, are all subject to orderly laws that are constant. If there was indeed a Big Bang which I do not doubt, then it was the Creator that brought it about.

How can anyone propose that an orderly universe was established by an explosion of epic proportions and not end up in a constant chaotic state? No, this could only be a reality at the hand of an Intelligent Creator.

For more interesting facts of science found within the Bible, and there are indeed many, please visit this link.

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The Christmas Typewriter

The year was 1979. Almost 30 years ago for me. I was a young man with a young family struggling to keep our house, and food on the table for 4. My wife and I had a 6 year old daughter and a 2 month old son. 1979 was quite a challenge, because of the fact that I had been laid off from work for most of the year.

Christmas was fast approaching, and, I was wondering what I was going to do in the way of gifts, “from Santa.” We took the kids to see Santa, as we always did each year, and my daughter asked Santa, as she sat on his lap this year, for a typewriter. Little did I know that most the young girls her age were asking for typewriters that particular year. No wonder we have such a surplus of Journalists’ today!

I suppose Santa had no problem leaving a typewriters under many trees that year, but it was going to be a problem for our little girl. You see, we had been just getting by. I had been out of work due to layoffs for most of that year, and the unemployment checks I was receiving were barely keeping us afloat. There were no jobs to be found anywhere, and Lord knows I tried to find one. And now, here it was Christmas, and I just didn’t know what we were going to do. This meant very much to a young father wanting to see smiles on his children’s faces.

As fate would have it, just before Christmas, about 2 weeks or so, I was called back to work. “We just might have a Christmas after all, I thought!” Sure enough, about 2 days before Christmas, I received a check that would suffice for paying most of the bills, and, provide a decent Christmas day for my daughter. There was one slight problem though.

Since there was a run on a, “proper,” typewriter for the young writer that my daughter was, I just could not find one anywhere. I went to store after store, with no luck what so ever. All day long, store after store, and nothing. Finally, I thought I would try the last store that I could think of in my area. To tell the truth, by this time, I didn’t hold much confidence that I would find that prized typewriter that my daughter so desperately wanted.

The store, like all the other stores, was so crowded that I could hardly move. I didn’t know where to look, and I didn’t see a sales person anywhere. It was a struggle, moving from aisle to aisle, up and down, and all around. I was pretty much wore out and about to call it a night when, lo and behold … there, on a shelf, in all of it’s glory; a typewriter! I thought I was seeing a mirage, or it was a dream. Could it be for real? I could have swore there was a radiant glow surrounding it, and I was hearing angels from heaven singing, Hallelujahs! It  was the Holy Grail of typewriters I tell you.

I have to tell you also that I almost fell on my face, racing to that gift, the gift from Santa that was going to make my daughter so very happy.

It was a floor model, not in a box, but that was no problem. The store would put it in a box, I thought (which they did).

Well, I finally got to that beauty that was going to make my wife and I more happy than my daughter, I just knew. Just then, I noticed that someone had put a sheet of paper in the typewriter. That too was okay, I thought, there was nothing wrong with it, and it looked brand spanking new. Well, I was looking at my amazing catch, when I noticed someone had typed something on the sheet of paper. What I read floored me! It said, “Merry Christmas Andrea.” That was all that was written. I was very tired and so I looked at it again to see if I read the words properly.

I immediately gazed all around the store to see if I might be able to tell who had written that sentence on the paper. Nothing. Then, I thought, I must have been set up. But, no one knew what I was doing, nor, where I was. I felt very strange standing there. I must have looked as though I had seen a ghost for crying out loud.

Well, your probably wondering what all the fuss is about and why that writing floored me, or, you may have figured it out by now. That’s right, my daughters name is, “Andrea.”

Coincidence? Maybe. I have been told that Christmas is made for miracles, however. And that ole St. Nick works his special magic around the, Christmas Holidays. I guess that incident made me a believer. It seems as though every Christmas, my problems seem to be taken care of, in one way, or another.

My daughter now has a beautiful daughter, and to me, she is the spitting image of my daughter when she was that age. When she gets older I just can’t wait to tell her about the,” Christmas typewriter.” And you can bet I will tell her that, “Christmas is made for miracles.”

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That They Should Believe A Lie!

All scripture is taken from the ASV unless otherwise noted.

It is with the utmost respect to the great host of people in the world, that believe Biblical miracles are given today, that I share this article. I do have a sense of Christian consideration for those among us that claim to harbor some, or all of the supernatural gifts that we can read of in the word of God. However, I must be blunt and upfront. I remain very skeptical of such assertions for a number of reasons.

Joseph Smith, as most people know, claimed divine spiritual contact with God, Jesus and angels in dreams or visions. He claimed to have conversed with all of them. In fact, he claimed to be a most important, “prophet,” of God. In short, Smith claimed he was told by God, that there were no religions on earth that were true to His word. Smith said that he was told by God to plant a new church that would have the earmarks, and also the blessings of God.

Anyone familiar with the word of God, the Bible, should know this to be a false claim. Keep in mind that in Smith’s particular era, visions and the like were due in part to a great religious revivalism that was under way across the nation. Not to mention, the practices of what would be considered, “sleight of hand magic,” such as glass looking, rod divining, card reading, etc, etc.

And so, what does the Bible say? “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed,” Galatians 1:13. It is indeed ironic that the Mormons claim that their book of Mormon is, “another gospel,” of Jesus Christ. A most glaring inconsistancy with the Bible. One should be able to see through this facade and steer clear. Herein lies the problem. People are easily led because they do not possess Biblical knowledge!

Joseph Smith was not the first to employ such means to deceive good people, and it is a sure bet that he will not be the last. The Bible is not quiet relating to this subject. There were false prophets spoken of in the Old Testament, as well as in the New Testament. These false prophets in most cases were named as being such, and it is not unlikely that in most cases, these imposter’s were dealt with swiftly. Deuteronomy 18:20, backs up this statement.

Yes, in the Bible we read of the prophets of God. However, if one is to actually delve into the subject and study the motives behind God’s employment of prophets, we find a commonality. First and foremost, was God’s desire for His creation to know Him, to hear and to heed Him. And this of course was for mans own good. However, we now can know Him, hear and believe Him through the word (Bible) that He has given us, once and for all time, “Beloved, while I was giving all diligence to write unto you of our common salvation, I was constrained to write unto you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered unto the saints,” Jude 1:3.

There is a consideration that we must here deal with. There were many false prophets all claiming to have a direct line to God. In order for God’s people, the Israelites, to know if one was speaking for God, He made the answer plain and clear. It is found once again in Deuteronomy, chapter 18, verse 21. We read: “And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the Lord hath not spoken? When a prophet speaketh in the name of the Lord, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.”

I will presume to say, that this process still stands to this very day. But I will go further and say that all folks that claim to speak for God independently of the Word that He has given to each and everyone of us, unfortunately is a false prophet. Some find this a harsh condemnation. I aver that when the apostle that Jesus loved, John, died, from that time until now, we have not had one proven prophet come from God.

The Bible tells me that all of the supernatural gifts that were bestowed by God, would soon come to an end. “Love never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall be done away; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall be done away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part; but when that which is perfect is come, that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I felt as a child, I thought as a child: now that I am become a man, I have put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know fully even as also I was fully known,” 1 Corinthians 13:8-12. What is this thing called, Perfect?

The Bible most always speaks of Gods words, and will, as being, “Perfect.” Most notably, in the Old Testament. Passages such as, 2 Samuel 22:31, 1Kings 8:61; 20:3, and many others. Naturally, we have to assume that the, “Perfect,” in 1Corinthians, as being the will, or, “word,” of God as well.

It would stand to reason that once mankind had received the word, the New Testament, in it’s entirety, as God would have it, there would be no more need for these gifts that we are told were temporal. They were temporal, however, they were necessary in the beginning, in order for the establishment of Christ’s church.

What do the prophets say about the Bible, the word of God? Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” That’s a mighty powerful statement about this book that we call the Bible.

Finally, we must beg the question, why would God need prophets now at this point in time if the Bible is all sufficient, and final, and the church is fully established? The Word of God is what saves. The hearing of the Word is what troubles a person’s soul to the point of needing to obey Jesus’ gospel to be saved. Also, how is one to prove that they have the gift of miracles? We are told to, “prove the spirits, whether they be from God.” ” Beloved, believe not every spirit, but prove the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the world,” 1 John 4:1.

I hear of the, “tongue speakers,” today and I am truly alarmed. What would be the purpose for speaking in tongues? These folks do not even follow Paul’s advice to make sure an interpreter is present during these supposed inspired public events. I have heard people comment that attended one of these so called worship services, that they thought the people were indeed mad! Lo and behold. This is the very thing Paul says about this practice in 1Corinthians 14:23, “If therefore the whole church be assembled together and all speak with tongues, and there come in men unlearned or unbelieving, will they not say that ye are mad?”

During the days of the apostles, many wonderful signs were given from God. People would behold these magnificent signs, and thousands were led to believe in Christ. However, the church has been firmly established, and there will be no more signs from God. People have the Word now, and all have the same opportunity to respond to the Holy Bible’s invitation that God has given. He is not a respecter of persons. He will not give one person a sign, and not another. This would be a contradiction on Gods part, and we know this is an impossibility.

In conclusion, I know that there are many fine folks in the world today that just have to have miracles of some sort in order to believe. I’m sorely afraid that the miracle that is searched for is right before us all. It is the Bible Itself!

Study for yourself about how the Bible has come down to us. That my friends, is a miracle of miracles in and of itself. And then, add to that the miracles recorded within its pages. If that is not enough miracles for anyone, I just don’t know what is.

True, “bend the laws of nature,” miracles do not exist today, except on a providential scale (through prayer). If people would truly study the Word of God, they would understand this fact.

“And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe4100 a lie,” 2 Thessalonians 2:10,11.(KJV)

For more information concerning Biblical miracles and such, click here

How Do We Find God Amid All Of The Chaos

Today I am reminded of an old story, that goes something like this:

A drunken man stumbled upon a baptism down at the river one Sunday. He walked down into the water and stood next to the preacher. Well, the preacher noticed him and said “Mister, are you ready to find Jesus?” The old drunken man looked at him with his red eyes and said, “why yes preacher, I sure am.” The minister then proceeded to dunk the fellow under the water and pulled him right back up, and, asked him, “now then sir, have you found Jesus?” To which the drunken man replied, “no preacher, I surely didn’t.”

The preacher then quickly grabbed the fellow again, and, down into the water he went. But this time he held him under a bit longer. And when the preacher pulled him up again he asked the fellow once again, “Now brother, have you found Jesus?” To which the drunken man said, “no, I did not preacher.”

The preacher now was getting visibly perturbed, and grabbed him once again, and down into the water the drunken fellow goes a third time. Only this time the preacher held him under the water for what seems like an eternity. When he pulled him up the preacher looked him in the eye and said, “my good man, have you now found Jesus?” The drunk man wiped his eyes and coughed a few times, and, then said to the minister, “preacher, are you sure this is where he fell in?”

The question for the ages is, how can one find God? There are so many theories, religions, spiritualists, gurus and evangelists all claiming to hold the key. And so what seems like such a simple question turns into a myriad of mind numbing replies that could make one dizzy. Is everybody right? Are we to blame God for all the innumerable theories and wayward notions?

I once had a fellow tell me that all religions and religious beliefs were correct. He reasoned that which ever religion a person chooses for their self, they must be true to that belief alone in order for God to bless him or her. I reasoned back that if that be true, then God is the Author of confusion, and I know this cannot be. 1Corinthians 14:33 tells me, “for God is not a God of confusion, but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints, …” God did not write all of the books purporting to be the work in some form or fashion of God. It is clear that all of these books contradict one another in so many ways. This is surely proof that something is amiss.

For example, if God were the Founder of the Hindu or Native American religion, He has divided Himself up into many Gods! But wait! God has spoken in the Bible that He is the great, “I AM,” and that there are no other Gods but Him.

If God is the Author of the Quran, He has deceived many that have placed all stock in Jesus as their redeemer.

If one is to be honest, he or she would know that God the Creator would never play such a silly game with His creation. Buddhism, Confucianism, Zoroastrianism, Shinto, etc, etc … cannot compete with Christianity.

We have all seen in cartoons the bewildered man that has climbed the mountain for hours and maybe days. He is worn, ragged and dirty. He finally gets to the top of the mountain to find the bearded Guru sitting just inside the cave. The man then, after all he has been through, asks the Guru the age old question, “What is the meaning of life?” Does the poor man ever receive an answer that remotely describes the meaning of life? Of course not! This ridiculous scenario happens every day believe it or not, although not quite so humorous.

The answer to mans question, “what is the meaning of life is found in Gods Book. The Bible is truly the product of God’s own hand. Man could not have written the Bible for many reasons. Yet, man could and did write the other so called holy books, and if one is honest enough he can see this to be true.

There are many that think they can worship God without worshiping Jesus. They are in deep error. And Jesus Himself explains why. “I am the way the truth and the life, no man comes to the Father except through Me,” John 14:6. This was Gods plan before the foundation of the world, 1Peter 1:19,20 tells us, ” … but with precious blood, as of a lamb without spot, even the blood of Christ: who was foreknown indeed before the foundation of the world, but was manifested at the end of times for your sake, … “

Jesus is the only door that leads to God, heaven and eternal life. John 10:9, “I am the door, by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.”

So the key is that one must seek after Jesus in order to find God. Jesus says, “seek and you shall find,” Matt. 7:7. Many have, and are, seeking God. However, they end up trying to find Him by going around the, “Door,” to discover another way in. They seek God, but ignore His Son. You cannot have a relationship with God except through and by His Son. You cannot worship God without worshiping Jesus.

This was Gods plan from the beginning. The Jewish law (Old Testament) was just a, school master that teaches. A schoolmaster with a view towards salvation, and a view towards the King. A school master that now and forever directs all mankind to God, through Jesus Christ.

Gal 3:24,25 says, “So that the law is become our tutor to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a tutor.” The Old Law was nailed to the tree. The Old ended so that the New could begin. The Old Testament clearly points to Jesus as the answer to all spirituality and forgiveness. In Him lies the secret to a loving covenant relationship with God the Father.

At the cross we can see the bloodstains that transcend any and all boundaries mankind may try to erect. Jew and Gentile alike can still to this very day look inside the tomb of Jesus and find it empty! He is risen! The sacrifice of the perfect Lamb of God was for all mankind and not just a select few. Kings and queens, rich and poor, black and white, red and yellow, young and old, wise and simple. Any and all that will seek Jesus, will find Him, and then, and only then, through Him have access to God.

There are some people that aver that the Bible has been tampered with and changed down through the years, and hence, is unreliable. And I will agree that there may have been an error of little or no importance made by a copyist many, many years ago. This would have been easy to do when the scriptures were hand copied. However, it would be rather silly to claim major alterations when there was really no need to do that in the first place! It would have been an impossible task for a number of reasons. However, I will not turn this article into a defense of the Bible. It would really be up to Bible detractors to prove such allegations as this.

The truth is, we have manuscripts that back up our translations. Especially the Old Testament, and certainly the New Testament as well. Man could not have written the Bible without divine guidance, and if one is honest he or she can see and understand this fact. God has chosen to speak to us in this manner in order for us to know Him and obey Him in love, as He loves us. He chose to send His Son to die a horrible death on the cross because He wants us to have a relationship with Him. This is how we find God amid all of the chaos that surrounds us. Read His words, and then, come to know Him as the loving Creator that He is.

As Christians, we who worship Jesus, meet upon the first day of the week, Sunday. We sing praises to His glorious name. We pray together through Christ our one and only, “Mediator,” between ourselves and God. We read from His Fathers Word. And we gather around His table that has been prepared with the bread which represents His body and the fruit of the vine which represents His blood that He shed for all mankind.

Only true worshipers of Jesus have for 2000 years gathered together upon the first day of the week to give full homage to the rightful King of Kings. It is a time for reflection upon Jesus and His undying love for us. It is a time to reflect upon our Christian lives during this memorial of Christ. He is our true Door to God. Let us think upon these things as we worship our Saviour.

I will leave you with this quote and one final comment to ponder:

“If you knew that there was one greater than yourself, who knows you better than you can know yourself, and loves you better than you can love yourself, who can make you all you ought to be, steadier than your squally nature, able to save you from squandering your glorious life, who searches you beyond the standards of earth. . . . One who gathered into Himself all great and good things and causes, blending in His beauty all the enduring color of life, who could turn your dreams into visions, and make real the things you hoped were true, and if that one had ever done one unmistakable thing to prove, even at the price of blood — His own blood — that you could come to Him, and having failed come again, would you not fall at His feet with the treasure of your years, your powers, service and love?”

Raymond C. Ortlund, “A Biblical Philosophy of Ministry, Part II: The First Business of God’s People”, Bibliotheca Sacra (April 1981), p. 103.

What is the meaning of life? “This is the end of the matter; all hath been heard: fear (love) God, and keep his commandments; “for this is the whole duty of man,” Ecclesiastes 12:13.

God Would Never Approve Suicide

Most all religious people are continually outraged by the awful practice of murder by abortion. Why then are not more of the faithful speaking out against the practice of denying blood to those that need it for medical purposes?

Another misguided soul of 22 years old, has willingly gave up her life yesterday, while refusing a blood transfusion following the birth of her two beautiful twin babies. These offspring now will sadly grow up without her. This is an injustice based upon ignorance and twisted teachings of the word of God, and is regrettably happening way too often.

Instead of calling this practice what it is, “suicide,” the faithful within this strange group that call themselves Jehovah’s Witnesses, insist that refusing blood is God’s will for man. Oh yes, it is true the Bible speaks of the devilish practice of drinking the blood of any living thing. And it is also true that some nations routinely were involved in this sick ritual, as some are to this very day. But to make this command to abstain from blood, a test of faith when it comes to needed transfusions in medical emergencies, is a travesty of the highest order.

There are folks that should be ashamed for teaching such non-sense as this. Sadly, if one among their number decides to save their life or anyone of their loved ones lives with needed life sustaining blood, they are shunned forever by this so called church. This by the way is only one reason that I cannot refer to them as a church. This is only one reason that I must call them what they are, a cult!

There is not much that can be done about this religious band of nuts however, except attempting to teach the truth to JW individuals when given the opportunity. I have found that you must converse with them one on one though. You will not be too successful with more than one at a time. And even this is quite a challenge to say the least. I have on occasion been met with face reddened anger when attempting to show the truth of the scriptures to them.

How many good folks have to die because of this blind faith and allegiance to a sect that was founded upon a man that thought he was a prophet of God. He was no prophet this we know. For if Charles Taze Russell would have been correct in his predictions of the coming of Christ, we might have known that he was indeed a prophet come from God. But he was not correct. For crying out loud, he was not correct multiple times!

The Bible makes it clear that this is how you can determine if one who claims to be a prophet of God is for real. If his prophecies do not come to be, such a one is an impostor. People, Charles Taze Russell was an impostor. An impostor who is killing good folks to this day because of his wayward teachings. I pray for these poor blinded souls. My heart goes out to them. Lord have mercy on those responsible for this injustice. And please Lord, forgive this young lady that gave everything because she was deceived.

Religious Debate-A Forgotten Medium

There’s an old adage that I’ve heard many times in my life that in effect says, “do not discuss politics nor religion with strangers or more importantly, those that you wish to remain friends with.” Personal experience seems to bear this statement to be quite true.

We have of course, over the years, acquired our own philosophies based upon the premises of our own reasoning, whether it be political or religious. Religious thinking over the scriptures has conjured up many various theories within the Christian community. From the onset of the church age, there have been countless hypothesis in an attempt to uncover the many Biblical truths that reside within that Book.

Years ago, religious debate was very active, encouraged and considered quite acceptable. Formal debate consumed many a mans personal time in terms of Biblical study and of course the actual forums. Church buildings and other venues would be at times filled to capacity by people, which could be likened to attending a sporting event today.

Debate was a wonderful route to religious knowledge, not only for those actively involved, but also for those that were in attendance. It caused many a mind to open and study the Word as had never been done in over a thousand years. Religious debate in my opinion is still beneficial, and, can still be a spring board for people to advance their Biblical knowledge.

There are problems, however, that need to be approached in a forthright manner. When we consider the many aspects of religious differences, there are of course a number of items that collectively make up our sometimes preconceived conceptions on any given topic. And these are what can and do hinder our ability to embrace the opposite side of the coin in debate, when one can see and understand that their position is flawed. In my opinion many a person has remained on a questionable side of debate for reasons that would not be considered honorable.

Our past history as children, our family, mom and dad’s belief system, has much to do with our mindset today of course. Influence at the church we were raised in will weigh in quite heavily as well. And although we have gone through many changes since our early days, we remain influenced by these past happenstances all the same. Another adage that would fit this idea is, “the fruit does not fall far from the tree.” And this rings true in most cases. I have witnessed folks a few times admit defeat in their reasoning, only to remain with their affiliation after all.

Also, with another thought, what seems totally logical to one person, would never be sufficient for another. The reasoning just would not jostle the stance one has already firmly grasped onto over time. This is the reason that there are so many differing religious denominations throughout the world even now.

I have to say that I have personally never witnessed a religious debate in which at the end of the argumentation, either party was totally convinced, admitted defeat, and crossed over to the opposing side. Why is this? I believe in more than a few cases, “pride,” enters into the picture. We humans have a hard time with our perceptions of, “losing.” It seems we view losing as shameful, and weak. This should not be. Jesus went to the cross in a seemingly losing position. It seemed He was defeated both in debate and physically. But we know that He actually was victorious. He finally won and in the process won souls. And with this in mind we must never debate for the sake of winning, except that we debate for the purpose of winning souls for Christ!

With another thought in mind, often, religious debates degenerate down to the lowly level of personal attacks upon those ingaged in religious battle. It is quite easy to see that this is wrong and should be avoided at all costs. However, passion runs deep somtimes, and we can very easily be caught up in the heat of the moment. We will not help the cause of God in this manner, this we must know.

We find this to bear out as true within Biblical examples also. Jesus, the Master debater, argued most often with those that opposed Him and His teachings. The Pharisees were most rigid in their beliefs. Jesus challenged them as no one had ever done.

The Pharisees could see and understand that Jesus was on the winning side of the debates that He had with them. Their reasons for remaining firmly entrenched in their beliefs were various. Prestige and power would most likely be the number one reason. Many times however, some may have felt that they were indeed right, and on the proper side. However, many times we see that the Pharisees were angered beyond all reasoning and logic and lashed out with personal attacks regularly.

In conclusion I will ask, “is religious debate wrong?” Isaiah 1:18 says, “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Do these verses sound as though debate is wrong? “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Therefore many of them believed; also of honorable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few,” Acts 17:11,12.

Debate was used by prophets, Jesus, the apostles and Christs disciples for centuries and, if performed correctly can be very beneficial and even may save some souls from the fiery darkness of hell itself. With this knowledge readers, check daily whether Biblical doctrine is true, or, if you have been deluded into believing a lie or lies.

Tribute To My Friend

I once knew a man, or boy rather, many years ago. Actually we were both boys. He was my friend from 3^rd grade until graduation and a short time beyond that. He reminded me so much of Huckleberry Finn with his freckles and red hair. He was indeed the all American red cheek boy. But he was a good person also, to say the least.

I remember when we played baseball and football. I was talented, there was no doubt about this fact. I could run like the wind. Catch a baseball or a long football pass on a dead run and I was gone like a freight train. I was good at finding the holes when running with a football. I had all the tools as they say. But I didn’t play.

My mom and dad were not in the inner circle. Meaning, they did not participate in the workings of raising money, contributing, or holding some high position in the small city. They didn’t own a store, or coach a summer baseball team. The boys who played had parents that did these things. So, I would sit the bench and watch as the others played. The coaches would put on an act, making like I just didn’t have what it takes.

My friend knew what was going on even though I didn’t. I didn’t understand at that time. Didn’t figure it out until many years later even. So he would console me by saying things like, “you should be playing, not me, you’re better than me for sure.” I knew he was telling the truth, but he did not have to. He was such a good friend.

And then in 6^th grade my family and I moved to another city down the road. I kept in touch with my friend though. I would make my way down to my old stomping grounds once in a while and usually run in to my friend. We would talk and maybe throw the ball a little. Just hang out and reminiscence for a while and then I would make my way back home.

I would always show up for the city festival in my old town every year. I used to love that shin-dig, and looked forward to it. I showed up in 1970 for the festival as always. That was the year we graduated from school. I ran into my friend right away. I was so happy to see him as he spied me from afar and a grin broke out on his face. We hugged and I told him how it was great to be out of school, and he agreed. But the news he told me next froze me and just shook me to the core. With a proud look on his face he related that he had joined the Marine Corps and that he was shipping out in 2 weeks for boot camp.

I asked him why he would do such a thing at a time like this? The war in Vietnam was raging and boys were dying! He smiled as always and said he had to do it for God and country half joking and half serious. He now had a sense of bravado that I had never seen in him before. I was flabbergasted to say the least, but I managed to tell him good luck and Godspeed. In my mind I was fearful for him, but I would have never let him see that. Of course in my mind my friend would be just fine, and, I would indeed see him again.

That was the last time I saw my old friend. It was about a year later that I found out my that he had died for his country in some God forsaken foreign country that I felt so far away from. How? When? I still don’t know the answers to these questions. For so long deep in my mind I just really didn’t believe it.

One day years later, as I always did I picked up a newspaper on my way to work, and noticed that it had a list of Michigan service men that had been killed in the war with North Vietnam. Although I was apprehensive, during lunch time I finally gathered the courage to search for my friends name within the list of all these other names. All these years, all this time, and I still never accepted that he had died in the war. I feebly gazed at name after name. And then, the shock was as if he had just been killed that day instead of 20 years ago. His name in black and white stared back at me as if to say, “there, are you happy now, how does that make you feel?”

A flood of tears flowed from my eyes right then and there. That was something that I had not done even when I had heard the tragic news some 20 years ago. Somehow, seeing his name on the Vietnam wall in the picture before me, was just as much a shock as if it just occurred. Memories filled my mind of the good innocent days that we had together in that little city 25 years ago. His boyish smile and kind words flooded my mind.

I still to this day ask why? Why did he volunteer to do what others were so afraid to even think of. Young men were even running to Canada to escape the draft into service that was inevitable for so many of us. I ask why did I get passed over because my draft lottery number was 105. The lottery stopped at the number 100. Maybe my friend knew he was going to be drafted, I don’t know. All that I know is that such a wonderful young man died and I lived.

My friend had…has a name. His name is Howard Bower. He will never be forgotten as long as I live. I am thankful for the short time that I had with him. He was a boy, one of many I know, that died too young. He felt what he was doing was worth dying for however. I am proud of him and I am proud that God saw fit for me to be a part of his life and his friend for such a short while. May God bless you Howard, and rest in peace.

BOWER , HOWARD JAMES JR – PFC – Marine Corps RIVER ROUGE, Michigan