The following videos are being posted for the sake of the unborn. While I have tried to keep myself a bit distanced from discussing political issues on this blog (such as socialism, 'my rights' being threatened, etc.) I feel I must cry out for the unborn, who by definition cannot defend themselves.
The book of James says that helping widows and orphans is simply "pure religion and undefiled". I believe that, Biblically, speaking up for the unborn falls under the same rubric. Please accept this post in that spirit.
Haven't voted yet? Don't understand the Biblical issue regarding this man? Then view the following very thoughtfully.
Barack Obama likes to call himself "Pro-life" by changing the term to mean something like "I'm in favor of improving healthcare." This is plain deception. He is in favor of unrestricted murder of helpless unborn human beings.
Just a summary:
—Do think 50 million abortions in the US alone are too many?
Obama wants to expand abortions with his freedom of choice act (FOCA)
—Do you think murdering a late term infant by stabbing the infant in the head and vacuuming out its brains is wrong?
Obama wants to bring back the now banned partial birth abortion
—Do you think that parental notification of a minor having an abortion makes sense?
Barack Obama opposes parental notification of minor girls before they abort
—Do you think if an infant survives an abortion, it should be given medical care?
Obama voted 3 times against the Illinois Born Alive Infant Protection Act.
—Do you think tax payers should pay for abortions?
Obama wants taxpayers to fund these abortions.
—Do you think marriage should be defined as between a man and a woman?
Obama voted against the federal marriage amendment
Oh yeah, almost forgot. My name is Tim Brown, and I approved this message.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Born-alive abortion movie stuns viewers
Follow this link to read about and view a clip of a movie based on a true story about a woman trying to save her child from abortionists. Apparently, she yelled for help as she began to give birth in the bathroom of the abortion mill. Seeing the child moving, the abortionists would not help her. After he was dead, they demanded the body.
Nice, huh?
Nice, huh?
Monday, October 27, 2008
The Horror of Hell
Here's an excerpt from a post I found over at "Possessing the Treasure". Thanks Mike.
"To be separated from God is to be separated from anything and everything good. That is hard to conceive because even the most miserable person enjoys some of God’s blessings. We breathe His air, are nourished by food that He supplies, and experience many other aspects of His common grace.
On earth even atheists enjoy the benefits of God’s goodness. But in hell, these blessings will be nonexistent. Those consigned there will remember God’s goodness, and will even have some awareness of the unending pleasures of heaven, but they will have no access to them.
This does not mean that God will be completely absent fro hell. He is and will remain omnipresent (Ps. 139:7-8). To be separated from the Lord and cast into hell does not mean that a person will finally be free of God. That person will be forever separated from God in His kindness, mercy, grace, and goodness. He will be consigned to deal with Him in His holy wrath.
Secondly, hell is a state of association. Jesus says that the eternal fire of hell was “prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matt. 25:41). People were made for God. Hell was made for the Devil. Yet people who die in their sin, without Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, will spend eternity in hell with the one being who is most unlike God. It is a tragic irony that many who do not believe in the Devil in this life will wind up spending eternity being tormented with him in hell.
The third truth is that it is a state of punishment. Jesus describes it as “fire” (v. 41) and a place of “punishment” (v. 46). Hell is a place of retribution where justice is served through the payment for crimes.
The punishment must fit the crime. The misery and torment of hell point to the wickedness and seriousness of sin. Those who protest the biblical doctrine of hell as being excessive betray their inadequate comprehension of sinfulness of sin. For sinners to be consigned to anything less than the horrors of eternal punishment would be a miscarriage of justice.
And that brings us to the fourth truth - hell is an everlasting state. Though some would like to shorten the duration of this state, Jesus’ words are very clear. He uses the same adjective to describe both punishment and life in verse 46. If hell is not eternal, neither is the new heaven and earth.
How can God exact infinite punishment for a finite sin? First, because the person against whom all sin is committed is infinite. Crimes against the infinitely holy, infinitely kind, infinitely good, and infinitely supreme Ruler of the world deserve unending punishment. In addition to that, those condemned to hell will go on sinning for eternity. There is no repentance in hell. So the punishment will continue as long as the sinning does."
Click here to read the entire article.
"To be separated from God is to be separated from anything and everything good. That is hard to conceive because even the most miserable person enjoys some of God’s blessings. We breathe His air, are nourished by food that He supplies, and experience many other aspects of His common grace.
On earth even atheists enjoy the benefits of God’s goodness. But in hell, these blessings will be nonexistent. Those consigned there will remember God’s goodness, and will even have some awareness of the unending pleasures of heaven, but they will have no access to them.
This does not mean that God will be completely absent fro hell. He is and will remain omnipresent (Ps. 139:7-8). To be separated from the Lord and cast into hell does not mean that a person will finally be free of God. That person will be forever separated from God in His kindness, mercy, grace, and goodness. He will be consigned to deal with Him in His holy wrath.
Secondly, hell is a state of association. Jesus says that the eternal fire of hell was “prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matt. 25:41). People were made for God. Hell was made for the Devil. Yet people who die in their sin, without Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, will spend eternity in hell with the one being who is most unlike God. It is a tragic irony that many who do not believe in the Devil in this life will wind up spending eternity being tormented with him in hell.
The third truth is that it is a state of punishment. Jesus describes it as “fire” (v. 41) and a place of “punishment” (v. 46). Hell is a place of retribution where justice is served through the payment for crimes.
The punishment must fit the crime. The misery and torment of hell point to the wickedness and seriousness of sin. Those who protest the biblical doctrine of hell as being excessive betray their inadequate comprehension of sinfulness of sin. For sinners to be consigned to anything less than the horrors of eternal punishment would be a miscarriage of justice.
And that brings us to the fourth truth - hell is an everlasting state. Though some would like to shorten the duration of this state, Jesus’ words are very clear. He uses the same adjective to describe both punishment and life in verse 46. If hell is not eternal, neither is the new heaven and earth.
How can God exact infinite punishment for a finite sin? First, because the person against whom all sin is committed is infinite. Crimes against the infinitely holy, infinitely kind, infinitely good, and infinitely supreme Ruler of the world deserve unending punishment. In addition to that, those condemned to hell will go on sinning for eternity. There is no repentance in hell. So the punishment will continue as long as the sinning does."
Click here to read the entire article.
Phil Johnson: The Great Exchange
Since Phil Johnson has been silent over at TeamPyro, I decided it may well be timely to post a series by him which he gave in October of 2007. My understanding is that that this series was presented in Springfield, Illinois, just a few hours drive from my home.
Why doesn't he tell me where he's going? Oh well.
Part One:
Part Two:
Part Three:
Part Four:
Part Five:
Part Six:
Part Seven:
Why doesn't he tell me where he's going? Oh well.
Part One:
Part Two:
Part Three:
Part Four:
Part Five:
Part Six:
Part Seven:
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Why Government Can't Save You
Isn't it just how the Lord works? You work through an issue and finally you get your Biblical convictions all cleared up and that is when something goes plop right in front of you, confirming everything you've arrived at.
Such has been the case as I've worked through my convictions on my relationship to political involvement as part of the Body of Christ.
Then early this morning, plop! Thomas Nelson publishers emailed me a link to get the ebook for my Bible software.
After downloading it and unlocking access to it, I've begun the read. So far, so good. Very clear and well argued.
It's a read I am certainly looking forward to.
Such has been the case as I've worked through my convictions on my relationship to political involvement as part of the Body of Christ.
Then early this morning, plop! Thomas Nelson publishers emailed me a link to get the ebook for my Bible software.
After downloading it and unlocking access to it, I've begun the read. So far, so good. Very clear and well argued.
It's a read I am certainly looking forward to.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
Here's Some Help. . .
In light of yesterday's post, I thought that maybe it would be good to include a follow-up. And a good follow-up for that post would be something that provides some tools to get you going in the real battle.
One of my main tools are tracts. No, not the old dry "chick" tracts. Not the stereotypical tracts from the American Tract Society although they are sometimes good. I mean something that disarms and informs with the Biblical Gospel.
In a moment, I'll give a couple links. One is to the front side of a tract I created. The second is the text that goes on the back. I have a printer that can do card stock. I print these out, cut them down and give them out. It saves me on having to order and wait. I may pay a bit more because I have to pay for ink, but then I don't have to pay shipping either. And if I run out, I don't have to wait for the UPS guy.
"Wanna see a picture of my ex? It's black and white but I'd like to show it to you."
I generally say that and give one to someone I've talked to for a few seconds, at least. I have given them to women at the check out counter. It never fails to get them to chuckle. And it always gets them to think. I gave one to a guy in the parking lot at the local "GoodWill" store recently. He laughed out loud when he saw the front but as I walked away, he was reading the back very intently.
So, are you ready? Wanna see a picture of my ex? Here's the front. Here's the back. Print on both sides and cut it down. Four per sheet. Card stock is best of course (durability) but plain paper is better than nothing.
Wanna see a picture of me on a cruise? Or how about a man eating fish? I have those too. I'll get them online later along with whatever new stuff I put together.
Other ideas? Get some "Postit" note pads and scribble "www.needgod.com" by hand on a bunch of sheets as if you are writing a note to yourself. Go to a place where there are public access computers. Leave one stuck to the monitor. Let people see that and wonder what they are missing. Leave them at the drive through at the local McDonalds. You know, on the ledge of the shelf at the drive through window so the next customer will see it. And give some tracts to the employee. Better yet, do as this young woman does!
Again, the battle we fight is spiritual, not carnal. We are in a spiritual war for the souls of lost men and women, not a carnal war over the protection of our "rights".
May we be proven faithful.
One of my main tools are tracts. No, not the old dry "chick" tracts. Not the stereotypical tracts from the American Tract Society although they are sometimes good. I mean something that disarms and informs with the Biblical Gospel.
In a moment, I'll give a couple links. One is to the front side of a tract I created. The second is the text that goes on the back. I have a printer that can do card stock. I print these out, cut them down and give them out. It saves me on having to order and wait. I may pay a bit more because I have to pay for ink, but then I don't have to pay shipping either. And if I run out, I don't have to wait for the UPS guy.
"Wanna see a picture of my ex? It's black and white but I'd like to show it to you."
I generally say that and give one to someone I've talked to for a few seconds, at least. I have given them to women at the check out counter. It never fails to get them to chuckle. And it always gets them to think. I gave one to a guy in the parking lot at the local "GoodWill" store recently. He laughed out loud when he saw the front but as I walked away, he was reading the back very intently.
So, are you ready? Wanna see a picture of my ex? Here's the front. Here's the back. Print on both sides and cut it down. Four per sheet. Card stock is best of course (durability) but plain paper is better than nothing.
Wanna see a picture of me on a cruise? Or how about a man eating fish? I have those too. I'll get them online later along with whatever new stuff I put together.
Other ideas? Get some "Postit" note pads and scribble "www.needgod.com" by hand on a bunch of sheets as if you are writing a note to yourself. Go to a place where there are public access computers. Leave one stuck to the monitor. Let people see that and wonder what they are missing. Leave them at the drive through at the local McDonalds. You know, on the ledge of the shelf at the drive through window so the next customer will see it. And give some tracts to the employee. Better yet, do as this young woman does!
Again, the battle we fight is spiritual, not carnal. We are in a spiritual war for the souls of lost men and women, not a carnal war over the protection of our "rights".
May we be proven faithful.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
A Newscast from the Future That We Could Very Well See...But So What?
I'm not recommending you get immersed in this link, but I felt that it raised an issue worthy of addressing. See, it was a few days ago that I ran across this article by Janet Porter at "Faith2Action". It was just one of those articles I just had to see. You know how it goes. Curiosity gets you. I didn't watch the video. I just read the transcript and said "enough".
It is a piece that includes the script and the "newscast" of a possible future scenario should a certain candidate become President this January. And it paints a very bleak picture, to say the least.
Now, I'm not denying or supporting the article or saying that certain things may or may not happen. As far as I know, things could get worse no matter which candidate wins. And I am not supporting either one with my vote, but someone else.
Regardless, my point is one of "on what shall we focus?". To be precise, as one who has put my trust in Jesus Christ, Who is the Sovereign Ruler of all, just what place does something like this article have in my life? Yours?
We have a decision to make.
First of all, I used to listen to VCY America. I had given up on Moody Radio because they seemed to be into the "Purpose Drivel" Rick Warren Frenzy. And I got tired of listening to the Chafer-ian easy-believeism espoused by many of the teachers on MBN. So I went to VCY America via the internet. Sadly, going there got me a strong dose of Janet Folger (Porter) with her program "Faith2Action". It became obvious that, over time, I was being burdened to spend more and more of the time God has given me to call my elected officials to "protect my rights".
And I got a belly full of it. The "alarms" constantly going off. The constant hand-wringing. So, eventually I switched off VCY America and forced myself to remember what's important while my blood pressure went back to normal. Finally, I got coherent enough to realize why I was so upset. I was being driven by fear. Fear of something that hadn't even come to pass. And all along the Lord tells us, essentially, "don't go around worrying about what will happen tomorrow. Just be concerned with today. Tomorrow has enough evil of its own!".
In a discussion some time ago about the socialization of Canada, a native Canadian blogger shared with me the common efforts to "stop the decay" in that country. But decay came anyway. And, of course it can be seen coming here.
Now, am I saying that a Christian should never let his voice be heard? No. Not at all. But I think that there is a certain level of panic that these programs and articles generate. And that is really not "faith" that generates real "action" that builds the Kingdom. And I think the column by Janet that I linked to at the top of this post fits that category.
Phil Gramm got alot of political heat a few months back by saying that "we've become a nation of whiners". Well, I think the heat was unjustified because I believe Phil Gramm was completely right. And I think that today's church fits that description as well. We want to sleep on. We want to be able to "go to God's house" (God doesn't live in a building made with human hands, remember?). We want our little Christian "Club" mentality so we run to the government and beg them to have mercy on us. I'd say it's a security blanket issue but it's actually more akin to the cloth that they lay over the face of a corpse at a funeral.
Let me say this as clearly as I can, ok? "Faith" that must remain in a "pro-Christian social incubator" is no real faith at all.
Tell me. What are we here to do? Specifically, what did our Lord tell us to do? Change the government from the outside in? Get all the lost sinners to adopt our worldview? Make the country like us so we can play church in safety and remain in our slumber?
And what of the apostles? Did they seek to reform their government for more "Christian Friendly Environment"? No. Not at all!
No. The answer is the Gospel. It always has been the Gospel. It will always be the Gospel. And, of course, that is something I never heard on any of those kind of programs. Never. Not one word about heartchange. Just lots about legislation.
Psalm 20:7 says "Some trust in chariots, some trust in horses. But we trust in the name of the Lord our God". (My paraphrase).
In other words, some trust in human tools and methods to get things done. We put our trust in God's character. That God is Who He says He is and that He can be trusted. Some want to trust in their swords and other human physical contrivances. But we trust in the God we know is in control of history as it unfolds.
Let's take a few minutes for a reality check and one good question or more: Is God sovereign? I believe He is. That means who is in control? God, the Lord God. Jehovah God, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Has the Sovereign Lord of the Universe given us any indication of how history will unfold? Certainly. Read Revelation.
Could it be that what we see going on could be Revelation ready to be revealed? Maybe. Maybe not. Maybe next year. Maybe in ten or twenty. The fact is we don't know. But will it happen? Eventually, yes!
What I am sure I see happening is those who call themselves Christians being motivated by fear, not faith. And that is not Biblical. It is -- dare I say it? -- sin!
You say "how is that?". Simple. Again, motivation by fear. And "without faith it is impossible to please God." Secondly, remember what our Lord has already said about taking on the worries of "tomorrow"? To do so is disobedience. And disobedience is sin!
One final reason. It's a rabbit chase. It gets us off track. It gets the professing church off it's "talking points" which is the message of sin, righteousness and judgment which is what the Holy Spirit uses to convert the human heart. And if hearts aren't converted, they still go to hell even if we get them to agree with an outward righteousness. Rabbit chases are one of the Devil's ploys.
Want to have superficial change? Call your representatives in government. Want to see real change? Call your friends and neighbors and give them the gospel. We need to stop the panic and start exercising even that little bit of faith that will result in obedience to almighty God. We need to stop all the gamesmanship and the bait and switching that goes on in the name of "getting someone into a church" and just give them the Gospel!
You say "Gamesmanship"? Yes, I mean gamesmanship. You know how it works. Kind of like playing pool and you want to get the 7 ball in with a three bank shot, hitting the 6 and 4. And if you finesse it enough, the 7 ("unchurched Harry") will go in the corner pocket (church).
And of course, if they "get in the church", they "may" hear the gospel. Someday. Somehow. If they put the pieces together right.
What a load of work! Why not just walk up to the person and say something like "You know, I've been holding out on you for some time. You're my friend and I've not asked you something very important. Do you mind if I ask you a question about something very important?". It's not hard. It just takes an effort. And you'll be shocked when they don't laugh at you, get angry or walk off. You are showing that you care -- even if they end up saying they disagree.
Yes, I understand the stress of the times. The waves are higher out there. But as I've said in a previous post, our Lord is in the boat with us.
What if? What if things do get ugly here? What if? What if openly sharing the gospel means the possibility of jail time? Will that stop you? Examine your faith! What if? What if sharing the Gospel with a homosexual ends up being called a hate crime? Will you shut your mouth? If so, how have you loved your neighbor who has need of the Gospel?
But people, we can't get sidetracked with our "rights". Please now, follow along with me: Slaves - have - no - rights! If you and I are really converted, we are the "doulos", the "bondservants" of the Lord Jesus Christ! We are not here for our own comfort. We are here to do one thing and do it well, offer up ourselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12) which is our reasonable duty of service. Comfort is a non issue. We have a stewardship to our Lord, Who has entrusted us with the Gospel and we are to deliver that Gospel unadulterated to those who need it.
How would you like it if the next time you go out to dinner your waitress or waiter goes to get your food. You see them pick it up. The chef has carefully prepared it. You expect them to bring it directly to you, but they don't. They start messing with it. Adding a little of this, a little of that. And perhaps this person has no idea as to what items taste good together! It gets all squirreled up. No, you want them to bring you the food, as the chef prepared it. And we need to be good stewards of the Word and the Gospel in God's Word.
Dark days coming? You bet. Someday. Maybe sooner, maybe later. But they are coming. And you know what? I almost hope for them. It'll cut the game playing out. Hate crime laws? It'll show who's really preaching the Gospel. And the real Body of Christ will be driven underground. And it will grow. It will separate the wheat from the tares. It will be a purer Church. It will be a focused church. And the pseudo-christian clubs will continue on, going along and getting along. Nice and fuzzy and in a word, dead.
Remember Exodus. How God's people grew in number in spite of the oppression they were under because of Pharoah. It was a purifying fire. It forced individuals out of their lukewarmness. We are no different. And the real "church growth" is going on in places like China where the persecution is hot and heavy. Underground pastors going to prison for having a page out of the Bible. But their faith is pure. They have died to the things of this world.
We are in for choppy seas. High waves. But our Lord Jesus Christ is in the boat with us. He's allowing the waves to lap over the edge of the boat and test our faith. But we don't need to mess with the earthly "Coast Guard". As my mother says, we need to "simplify, simplify, simplify". . ."get back to basics". And the basics here are we aren't here for fun and games. This is a spiritual war. And our weapons are not fleshly but spiritual.
Again, "Faith" that must remain in a "pro-Christian social incubator" is no real faith at all.
Put your spiritual armor on and make sure you aren't trusting in chariots and horses, ok?
It is a piece that includes the script and the "newscast" of a possible future scenario should a certain candidate become President this January. And it paints a very bleak picture, to say the least.
Now, I'm not denying or supporting the article or saying that certain things may or may not happen. As far as I know, things could get worse no matter which candidate wins. And I am not supporting either one with my vote, but someone else.
Regardless, my point is one of "on what shall we focus?". To be precise, as one who has put my trust in Jesus Christ, Who is the Sovereign Ruler of all, just what place does something like this article have in my life? Yours?
We have a decision to make.
First of all, I used to listen to VCY America. I had given up on Moody Radio because they seemed to be into the "Purpose Drivel" Rick Warren Frenzy. And I got tired of listening to the Chafer-ian easy-believeism espoused by many of the teachers on MBN. So I went to VCY America via the internet. Sadly, going there got me a strong dose of Janet Folger (Porter) with her program "Faith2Action". It became obvious that, over time, I was being burdened to spend more and more of the time God has given me to call my elected officials to "protect my rights".
And I got a belly full of it. The "alarms" constantly going off. The constant hand-wringing. So, eventually I switched off VCY America and forced myself to remember what's important while my blood pressure went back to normal. Finally, I got coherent enough to realize why I was so upset. I was being driven by fear. Fear of something that hadn't even come to pass. And all along the Lord tells us, essentially, "don't go around worrying about what will happen tomorrow. Just be concerned with today. Tomorrow has enough evil of its own!".
In a discussion some time ago about the socialization of Canada, a native Canadian blogger shared with me the common efforts to "stop the decay" in that country. But decay came anyway. And, of course it can be seen coming here.
Now, am I saying that a Christian should never let his voice be heard? No. Not at all. But I think that there is a certain level of panic that these programs and articles generate. And that is really not "faith" that generates real "action" that builds the Kingdom. And I think the column by Janet that I linked to at the top of this post fits that category.
Phil Gramm got alot of political heat a few months back by saying that "we've become a nation of whiners". Well, I think the heat was unjustified because I believe Phil Gramm was completely right. And I think that today's church fits that description as well. We want to sleep on. We want to be able to "go to God's house" (God doesn't live in a building made with human hands, remember?). We want our little Christian "Club" mentality so we run to the government and beg them to have mercy on us. I'd say it's a security blanket issue but it's actually more akin to the cloth that they lay over the face of a corpse at a funeral.
Let me say this as clearly as I can, ok? "Faith" that must remain in a "pro-Christian social incubator" is no real faith at all.
Tell me. What are we here to do? Specifically, what did our Lord tell us to do? Change the government from the outside in? Get all the lost sinners to adopt our worldview? Make the country like us so we can play church in safety and remain in our slumber?
And what of the apostles? Did they seek to reform their government for more "Christian Friendly Environment"? No. Not at all!
No. The answer is the Gospel. It always has been the Gospel. It will always be the Gospel. And, of course, that is something I never heard on any of those kind of programs. Never. Not one word about heartchange. Just lots about legislation.
Psalm 20:7 says "Some trust in chariots, some trust in horses. But we trust in the name of the Lord our God". (My paraphrase).
In other words, some trust in human tools and methods to get things done. We put our trust in God's character. That God is Who He says He is and that He can be trusted. Some want to trust in their swords and other human physical contrivances. But we trust in the God we know is in control of history as it unfolds.
Let's take a few minutes for a reality check and one good question or more: Is God sovereign? I believe He is. That means who is in control? God, the Lord God. Jehovah God, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Has the Sovereign Lord of the Universe given us any indication of how history will unfold? Certainly. Read Revelation.
Could it be that what we see going on could be Revelation ready to be revealed? Maybe. Maybe not. Maybe next year. Maybe in ten or twenty. The fact is we don't know. But will it happen? Eventually, yes!
What I am sure I see happening is those who call themselves Christians being motivated by fear, not faith. And that is not Biblical. It is -- dare I say it? -- sin!
You say "how is that?". Simple. Again, motivation by fear. And "without faith it is impossible to please God." Secondly, remember what our Lord has already said about taking on the worries of "tomorrow"? To do so is disobedience. And disobedience is sin!
One final reason. It's a rabbit chase. It gets us off track. It gets the professing church off it's "talking points" which is the message of sin, righteousness and judgment which is what the Holy Spirit uses to convert the human heart. And if hearts aren't converted, they still go to hell even if we get them to agree with an outward righteousness. Rabbit chases are one of the Devil's ploys.
Want to have superficial change? Call your representatives in government. Want to see real change? Call your friends and neighbors and give them the gospel. We need to stop the panic and start exercising even that little bit of faith that will result in obedience to almighty God. We need to stop all the gamesmanship and the bait and switching that goes on in the name of "getting someone into a church" and just give them the Gospel!
You say "Gamesmanship"? Yes, I mean gamesmanship. You know how it works. Kind of like playing pool and you want to get the 7 ball in with a three bank shot, hitting the 6 and 4. And if you finesse it enough, the 7 ("unchurched Harry") will go in the corner pocket (church).
And of course, if they "get in the church", they "may" hear the gospel. Someday. Somehow. If they put the pieces together right.
What a load of work! Why not just walk up to the person and say something like "You know, I've been holding out on you for some time. You're my friend and I've not asked you something very important. Do you mind if I ask you a question about something very important?". It's not hard. It just takes an effort. And you'll be shocked when they don't laugh at you, get angry or walk off. You are showing that you care -- even if they end up saying they disagree.
Yes, I understand the stress of the times. The waves are higher out there. But as I've said in a previous post, our Lord is in the boat with us.
What if? What if things do get ugly here? What if? What if openly sharing the gospel means the possibility of jail time? Will that stop you? Examine your faith! What if? What if sharing the Gospel with a homosexual ends up being called a hate crime? Will you shut your mouth? If so, how have you loved your neighbor who has need of the Gospel?
Do I sound harsh? Good.
Uncivilized? I hope so. That's my intention.
Ranting? Maybe. But that's ok with me.
Uncivilized? I hope so. That's my intention.
Ranting? Maybe. But that's ok with me.
But people, we can't get sidetracked with our "rights". Please now, follow along with me: Slaves - have - no - rights! If you and I are really converted, we are the "doulos", the "bondservants" of the Lord Jesus Christ! We are not here for our own comfort. We are here to do one thing and do it well, offer up ourselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12) which is our reasonable duty of service. Comfort is a non issue. We have a stewardship to our Lord, Who has entrusted us with the Gospel and we are to deliver that Gospel unadulterated to those who need it.
How would you like it if the next time you go out to dinner your waitress or waiter goes to get your food. You see them pick it up. The chef has carefully prepared it. You expect them to bring it directly to you, but they don't. They start messing with it. Adding a little of this, a little of that. And perhaps this person has no idea as to what items taste good together! It gets all squirreled up. No, you want them to bring you the food, as the chef prepared it. And we need to be good stewards of the Word and the Gospel in God's Word.
Dark days coming? You bet. Someday. Maybe sooner, maybe later. But they are coming. And you know what? I almost hope for them. It'll cut the game playing out. Hate crime laws? It'll show who's really preaching the Gospel. And the real Body of Christ will be driven underground. And it will grow. It will separate the wheat from the tares. It will be a purer Church. It will be a focused church. And the pseudo-christian clubs will continue on, going along and getting along. Nice and fuzzy and in a word, dead.
Remember Exodus. How God's people grew in number in spite of the oppression they were under because of Pharoah. It was a purifying fire. It forced individuals out of their lukewarmness. We are no different. And the real "church growth" is going on in places like China where the persecution is hot and heavy. Underground pastors going to prison for having a page out of the Bible. But their faith is pure. They have died to the things of this world.
We are in for choppy seas. High waves. But our Lord Jesus Christ is in the boat with us. He's allowing the waves to lap over the edge of the boat and test our faith. But we don't need to mess with the earthly "Coast Guard". As my mother says, we need to "simplify, simplify, simplify". . ."get back to basics". And the basics here are we aren't here for fun and games. This is a spiritual war. And our weapons are not fleshly but spiritual.
Again, "Faith" that must remain in a "pro-Christian social incubator" is no real faith at all.
Put your spiritual armor on and make sure you aren't trusting in chariots and horses, ok?
Monday, October 20, 2008
Rabbit-Chasing Christians
We've all fought it, at one level or another. Distractions. A billion and one things that get us off track. And in a political year such as this it is especially tempting to get caught up in the fray. And the times we face now are no different.
Our Lord Jesus Christ put us here in the times in which we live. The times serve as our crucible. The comfort is knowing that the Sovereign Lord of the universe not only knew it but He engineered it! And it is to serve as a testing of our souls.
Yes, I've made the rounds. I tend to visit conservative news sites such as FoxNews and WorldNetDaily. And it's easy to get rattled. Not just over all the deception going on in the political realm but over the totality of everything that is happening these days. And it's even worse if you visit the poll threads and forums.
People are panicking out there. And even worse, it is so easy for so many of us who know Christ to get sidetracked by the "non-issue issues" of this world. We make it all about being in control. "We have to do what we can to change this or that". No, God hasn't called us to "do what we can" to "change this or that". He has called us to repentance, trust and obedience. Not blind efforts to preserve a decaying earthly system.
And, if you haven't noticed, it is decaying. And I'm not talking about the 2008 election although that is part of it. Natural disasters are up. Man abuses his neighbor all the more. Corruption. Greed that brings massive financial downfall. Things are most definitely winding down.
And you know what? Save some miraculous work of the Spirit of God to bring repentance and brokenness to our society, it's only going to get worse. Guaranteed. 2 Timothy 3:13 tells us that "...evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived." James declares in chapter 4:
" 1What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members?
We must remember that the problems we face are, at their core, spiritual. And a spiritual problem calls for a spiritual solution.
As Paul told Timothy, God has not given us a Spirit of fear but one of power, love and a sound mind. And God has given us "all things pertaining to life and Godliness"!
The waves are huge out there. But we who know the Lord are in the boat. How many times have we read that story of our Lord calming the waves and thought "You guys! Hey! Why are you so worried?"
So, why do we worry? We have the same Lord and Master. The one who "holds all things together by the word of His power." And He doesn't worry. So why should we?
Listen. I'm not saying anything to you, dear reader, that I haven't had to preach to myself. I think we all deal with it from time to time. And I think it's part of the reason why Hebrews tells us to not forsake assembling together but rather to do so even more so now because "the day is approaching". These are perilous times.
Our first priority? To love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and to love our neighbor as ourselves. How does that work out? By prioritizing what matters. Keeping our eyes on what God is doing, not the Devil. And reaching out to the lost with the Gospel.
And in that we should find our sufficiency.
Our Lord Jesus Christ put us here in the times in which we live. The times serve as our crucible. The comfort is knowing that the Sovereign Lord of the universe not only knew it but He engineered it! And it is to serve as a testing of our souls.
Yes, I've made the rounds. I tend to visit conservative news sites such as FoxNews and WorldNetDaily. And it's easy to get rattled. Not just over all the deception going on in the political realm but over the totality of everything that is happening these days. And it's even worse if you visit the poll threads and forums.
People are panicking out there. And even worse, it is so easy for so many of us who know Christ to get sidetracked by the "non-issue issues" of this world. We make it all about being in control. "We have to do what we can to change this or that". No, God hasn't called us to "do what we can" to "change this or that". He has called us to repentance, trust and obedience. Not blind efforts to preserve a decaying earthly system.
And, if you haven't noticed, it is decaying. And I'm not talking about the 2008 election although that is part of it. Natural disasters are up. Man abuses his neighbor all the more. Corruption. Greed that brings massive financial downfall. Things are most definitely winding down.
And you know what? Save some miraculous work of the Spirit of God to bring repentance and brokenness to our society, it's only going to get worse. Guaranteed. 2 Timothy 3:13 tells us that "...evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived." James declares in chapter 4:
" 1What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members?
2You lust and do not have; so you commit murder. You are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask.
3You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.
4You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God."
This is nothing we can manufacture. It is nothing that any politician can bring. FEMA can't fix it. Economic redistribution won't faze it in the slightest. Only the Spirit of the Living God.We must remember that the problems we face are, at their core, spiritual. And a spiritual problem calls for a spiritual solution.
As Paul told Timothy, God has not given us a Spirit of fear but one of power, love and a sound mind. And God has given us "all things pertaining to life and Godliness"!
The waves are huge out there. But we who know the Lord are in the boat. How many times have we read that story of our Lord calming the waves and thought "You guys! Hey! Why are you so worried?"
So, why do we worry? We have the same Lord and Master. The one who "holds all things together by the word of His power." And He doesn't worry. So why should we?
Listen. I'm not saying anything to you, dear reader, that I haven't had to preach to myself. I think we all deal with it from time to time. And I think it's part of the reason why Hebrews tells us to not forsake assembling together but rather to do so even more so now because "the day is approaching". These are perilous times.
Our first priority? To love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and to love our neighbor as ourselves. How does that work out? By prioritizing what matters. Keeping our eyes on what God is doing, not the Devil. And reaching out to the lost with the Gospel.
And in that we should find our sufficiency.
Are You Sure You Like Spurgeon?
Although I don't read enough (of anything, for that matter), I do like the works of Spurgeon. There is a depth there that is missing today.
Banner of Truth Trust has an article on Spurgeon which I think is a good starting point.
Banner of Truth Trust has an article on Spurgeon which I think is a good starting point.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
JOHN MACARTHUR: MOCKERY OF THE CROSS IN THE EMERGING CHURCH
Found this at Apprising Ministries. Thanks, Ken!
"Apprising Ministries is pleased to present the following in sightful excerpt on this critical subject from What’s So Dangerous About The Emerging Church featuring Phil Johnson and Dr. John MacArthur of Grace to You:
PHIL: Let me…let me give you an example of what you’re talking about here. I’m going to read you a quotation from a book, this actually was published in America by Zondervan. It’s by a British post-modern evangelical author, he calls himself an evangelical. This quote that I’m about to read would really raise a fair question of whether the man is evangelical. The author here is Steve Chalke, the book is called The Lost Message of Jesus, and this book was highly controversial because of what he says about the atonement. And I want to read you just a brief section here and get your response to it. But this…this shows that some of the issues that are questions that are being raised, the doctrines that are being attacked are not just peripheral or questionable issues, but some of the things that are at the very heart of what we believe and proclaim. This raises a fair question about the gospel and what did the cross mean? That’s the very thing he’s talking about here.
He writes this: “The fact is that the cross is not a form of cosmic child abuse, a vengeful father punishing his son for an offense he has not even committed. Understandably, both people inside and outside of the church have found this twisted version of events morally dubious and a huge barrier to faith. Deeper than that, however, is that such a concept stands in total contradiction to the statement that God is love. If the cross is a personal act of violence perpetrated by God toward human kind but borne by His Son, then that makes a mockery of Jesus’ own teaching to love your enemies and to refuse to repay evil with evil.”
PHIL: He’s saying if you believe Jesus died as a substitute for sinners, then that’s a form of cosmic child abuse…his words.
JOHN: God is a bad guy. Jesus is a victim. My response to that is that you couldn’t be a Christian and say that. That’s just…that’s outright heresy. But the…the issue to me is what does this come from? Is this a…is this a…does he find Bible verses, texts of Scripture that led him to that conviction? That sounds like the language of an atheist, doesn’t it?
PHIL: It does.
JOHN: It sounds like the language of a flat-out anti-Christian pagan atheist mocking the cross of Jesus. That’s mockery. That’s…that’s outright mockery. These people…and he thinks he’s really cute and clever, this kind of stuff is going to shock people…and it does, that’s why it stood out when you read it. But this is not even Christian thinking. There’s nothing about looking at the Word of God there. There’s nothing about trying to interpret the Scripture. This is more of what I was saying earlier. Bashing the truth, shredding the truth without having put anything in its place. Being cute and clever and novel and shocking and all of that and leaving people stunned but with nothing else. This is the worst kind of stuff because it sows seeds of doubt in the most fragile. This is a…this is the stuff that victimizes the children who are tossed to and fro and carried about by every wind of doctrine. But that’s not even Christianity, that is an attack on Christianity so to call yourself an evangelical and attack the heart and soul of the gospel.
But, of course, we would expect this, right? Because Jude says that the sad reality is, he says, “I would like to have written to you about our common salvation,” as he starts his epistle, but he can’t, as hard as he may have tried because he realizes that there isn’t going to be a common salvation, or a common understanding of the gospel and salvation if they don’t earnestly contend for the faith. Because unless you’re going to battle for the truth, you’re going to lose it since, he says, the heretics have crept into the church unawares. They’re embedded, they’re in the church, they’re in the love feast, they’re surrounding you. They’re at the table. They’re right there embedding themselves in the church. And that’s where they do their damage. That’s why he calls himself an evangelical. That’s not an evangelical viewpoint, that’s a heretic. And that’s…and if you have this mass of quote/unquote professing Christian people that make up the large part of the church, the visible church, with no discernment, with no real theological understanding, then this stuff can be very, very seductive to them, very attractive to them. So see, if it’s worded clever…cleverly…that’s what makes Brian McLaren effective. He’s…he’s clever, deceptively clever to the uninitiated and the undiscerning.
PHIL: In a way, do you think there’s an opportunity here though for those of us who love Scripture and are committed to what it teaches and want to proclaim it with clarity if we’re clear in return? For example, the quote I just read from Steve Chalke is practically the polar antithesis of what Isaiah 53 says about the cross, that it pleased God to bruise Him. It was God who put Him to death. And if we proclaim that clearly, that’s just as shocking, really. What Scripture says is shocking also. It’s not the fact that this is shocking that makes it wrong, it’s the fact that it’s wrong. (Online source)"
"Apprising Ministries is pleased to present the following in sightful excerpt on this critical subject from What’s So Dangerous About The Emerging Church featuring Phil Johnson and Dr. John MacArthur of Grace to You:
PHIL: Let me…let me give you an example of what you’re talking about here. I’m going to read you a quotation from a book, this actually was published in America by Zondervan. It’s by a British post-modern evangelical author, he calls himself an evangelical. This quote that I’m about to read would really raise a fair question of whether the man is evangelical. The author here is Steve Chalke, the book is called The Lost Message of Jesus, and this book was highly controversial because of what he says about the atonement. And I want to read you just a brief section here and get your response to it. But this…this shows that some of the issues that are questions that are being raised, the doctrines that are being attacked are not just peripheral or questionable issues, but some of the things that are at the very heart of what we believe and proclaim. This raises a fair question about the gospel and what did the cross mean? That’s the very thing he’s talking about here.
He writes this: “The fact is that the cross is not a form of cosmic child abuse, a vengeful father punishing his son for an offense he has not even committed. Understandably, both people inside and outside of the church have found this twisted version of events morally dubious and a huge barrier to faith. Deeper than that, however, is that such a concept stands in total contradiction to the statement that God is love. If the cross is a personal act of violence perpetrated by God toward human kind but borne by His Son, then that makes a mockery of Jesus’ own teaching to love your enemies and to refuse to repay evil with evil.”
PHIL: He’s saying if you believe Jesus died as a substitute for sinners, then that’s a form of cosmic child abuse…his words.
JOHN: God is a bad guy. Jesus is a victim. My response to that is that you couldn’t be a Christian and say that. That’s just…that’s outright heresy. But the…the issue to me is what does this come from? Is this a…is this a…does he find Bible verses, texts of Scripture that led him to that conviction? That sounds like the language of an atheist, doesn’t it?
PHIL: It does.
JOHN: It sounds like the language of a flat-out anti-Christian pagan atheist mocking the cross of Jesus. That’s mockery. That’s…that’s outright mockery. These people…and he thinks he’s really cute and clever, this kind of stuff is going to shock people…and it does, that’s why it stood out when you read it. But this is not even Christian thinking. There’s nothing about looking at the Word of God there. There’s nothing about trying to interpret the Scripture. This is more of what I was saying earlier. Bashing the truth, shredding the truth without having put anything in its place. Being cute and clever and novel and shocking and all of that and leaving people stunned but with nothing else. This is the worst kind of stuff because it sows seeds of doubt in the most fragile. This is a…this is the stuff that victimizes the children who are tossed to and fro and carried about by every wind of doctrine. But that’s not even Christianity, that is an attack on Christianity so to call yourself an evangelical and attack the heart and soul of the gospel.
But, of course, we would expect this, right? Because Jude says that the sad reality is, he says, “I would like to have written to you about our common salvation,” as he starts his epistle, but he can’t, as hard as he may have tried because he realizes that there isn’t going to be a common salvation, or a common understanding of the gospel and salvation if they don’t earnestly contend for the faith. Because unless you’re going to battle for the truth, you’re going to lose it since, he says, the heretics have crept into the church unawares. They’re embedded, they’re in the church, they’re in the love feast, they’re surrounding you. They’re at the table. They’re right there embedding themselves in the church. And that’s where they do their damage. That’s why he calls himself an evangelical. That’s not an evangelical viewpoint, that’s a heretic. And that’s…and if you have this mass of quote/unquote professing Christian people that make up the large part of the church, the visible church, with no discernment, with no real theological understanding, then this stuff can be very, very seductive to them, very attractive to them. So see, if it’s worded clever…cleverly…that’s what makes Brian McLaren effective. He’s…he’s clever, deceptively clever to the uninitiated and the undiscerning.
PHIL: In a way, do you think there’s an opportunity here though for those of us who love Scripture and are committed to what it teaches and want to proclaim it with clarity if we’re clear in return? For example, the quote I just read from Steve Chalke is practically the polar antithesis of what Isaiah 53 says about the cross, that it pleased God to bruise Him. It was God who put Him to death. And if we proclaim that clearly, that’s just as shocking, really. What Scripture says is shocking also. It’s not the fact that this is shocking that makes it wrong, it’s the fact that it’s wrong. (Online source)"
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
New Obama Infomercial!. . .A Must Read Preview!
WorldNetDaily has an article that you just cannot miss. And I think it'll make a poignant illustration of the absurdity the political world has become during this election cycle. . .regarding both sides of the isle.
Wait! Here comes a happy customer now!
The sad fact is that this isn't at all exaggerating what is going on in our country.
Oh well, the folly of the blind of this world.
Wait! Here comes a happy customer now!
The sad fact is that this isn't at all exaggerating what is going on in our country.
Oh well, the folly of the blind of this world.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
TV Ad Features Obama Mocking the Bible
Remember now, Obama says he's a Christian. So that means he must be one, right? Never mind that Louis Farrakhan says he is the Messiah, which would open him up to Islamic Blasphemy charges if he's not referring to the Muslim Messiah.
Now, as I've posted before, I'm not putting a label of "AntiChrist" on Obama. Only the Lord will know until he is revealed openly to the world. But if Farrakhan is "right" about Obama, that he is the long awaited Muslim "messiah", then it follows that the converse label fits.
Just want to get that straight.
Anyway, back to the subject. Nothing like a "Christian" mocking the Bible, huh?
If you still believe Obama is a Christian and not a Muslim, I'd suggest you cut down on the drinking. . ..
Now, as I've posted before, I'm not putting a label of "AntiChrist" on Obama. Only the Lord will know until he is revealed openly to the world. But if Farrakhan is "right" about Obama, that he is the long awaited Muslim "messiah", then it follows that the converse label fits.
Just want to get that straight.
Anyway, back to the subject. Nothing like a "Christian" mocking the Bible, huh?
If you still believe Obama is a Christian and not a Muslim, I'd suggest you cut down on the drinking. . ..
Friday, October 10, 2008
Time to Look Up!
With all the turmoil going on these days, this morning's scripture (Psalm 10) was one I felt I should post. It is very easy to get distracted by the mess around us. May this passage help all of us remember that the Lord is still in control.
" 1 Why, O LORD, do you stand far off?
Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?
2 In his arrogance the wicked man hunts down the weak,
who are caught in the schemes he devises.
3 He boasts of the cravings of his heart;
he blesses the greedy and reviles the LORD.
4 In his pride the wicked does not seek him;
in all his thoughts there is no room for God.
5 His ways are always prosperous;
he is haughty and your laws are far from him;
he sneers at all his enemies.
6 He says to himself, "Nothing will shake me;
I'll always be happy and never have trouble."
7 His mouth is full of curses and lies and threats;
trouble and evil are under his tongue.
8 He lies in wait near the villages;
from ambush he murders the innocent,
watching in secret for his victims.
9 He lies in wait like a lion in cover;
he lies in wait to catch the helpless;
he catches the helpless and drags them off in his net.
10 His victims are crushed, they collapse;
they fall under his strength.
11 He says to himself, "God has forgotten;
he covers his face and never sees."
12 Arise, LORD! Lift up your hand, O God.
Do not forget the helpless.
13 Why does the wicked man revile God?
Why does he say to himself,
"He won't call me to account"?
14 But you, O God, do see trouble and grief;
you consider it to take it in hand.
The victim commits himself to you;
you are the helper of the fatherless.
15 Break the arm of the wicked and evil man;
call him to account for his wickedness
that would not be found out.
16 The LORD is King for ever and ever;
the nations will perish from his land.
17 You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted;
you encourage them, and you listen to their cry,
18 defending the fatherless and the oppressed,
in order that man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more."
" 1 Why, O LORD, do you stand far off?
Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?
2 In his arrogance the wicked man hunts down the weak,
who are caught in the schemes he devises.
3 He boasts of the cravings of his heart;
he blesses the greedy and reviles the LORD.
4 In his pride the wicked does not seek him;
in all his thoughts there is no room for God.
5 His ways are always prosperous;
he is haughty and your laws are far from him;
he sneers at all his enemies.
6 He says to himself, "Nothing will shake me;
I'll always be happy and never have trouble."
7 His mouth is full of curses and lies and threats;
trouble and evil are under his tongue.
8 He lies in wait near the villages;
from ambush he murders the innocent,
watching in secret for his victims.
9 He lies in wait like a lion in cover;
he lies in wait to catch the helpless;
he catches the helpless and drags them off in his net.
10 His victims are crushed, they collapse;
they fall under his strength.
11 He says to himself, "God has forgotten;
he covers his face and never sees."
12 Arise, LORD! Lift up your hand, O God.
Do not forget the helpless.
13 Why does the wicked man revile God?
Why does he say to himself,
"He won't call me to account"?
14 But you, O God, do see trouble and grief;
you consider it to take it in hand.
The victim commits himself to you;
you are the helper of the fatherless.
15 Break the arm of the wicked and evil man;
call him to account for his wickedness
that would not be found out.
16 The LORD is King for ever and ever;
the nations will perish from his land.
17 You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted;
you encourage them, and you listen to their cry,
18 defending the fatherless and the oppressed,
in order that man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more."
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Abortion and Black Genocide (Barack Obama and the Negro Project)
...And just after posting the previous article about the Islamic Mes-- err, I mean Barack Obama, allow me to post this about his support of genocide:
Remember, here at the 'Fly, we believe that we are all related physically to Adam. As such, we all deserve equal respect regardless of the amount of melanin in our skin, the shape of our eyes, etc.
Which makes the subject of this video all the more abhorrent.
Obama owes lots of people an apology.
By the way, here's a related freebie graphic I make up a year ago. WARNING! It is graphic! Use it as you wish.
Remember, here at the 'Fly, we believe that we are all related physically to Adam. As such, we all deserve equal respect regardless of the amount of melanin in our skin, the shape of our eyes, etc.
Which makes the subject of this video all the more abhorrent.
Obama owes lots of people an apology.
By the way, here's a related freebie graphic I make up a year ago. WARNING! It is graphic! Use it as you wish.
The Islamic Messiah, Revisited
You'll remember some time back, I posted an article comparing the expected Islamic "Messiah" with our Biblical Antichrist. To save you time in reading that whole article, here is a link that'll take you directly to the comparison of the Antichrist and the true Messiah, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
In light of that post, I'd like to point you to this article I just ran into. Let me tease you with the following excerpt from the article:
"A video has been newly posted on YouTube in which the radical Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan says of Democratic presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama: "The Messiah is absolutely speaking.""
Hummm. I wonder if that makes this "gaffe" make more sense now?
I seem to remember something in God's Word about things like this from Mark 13:
Now, I'm not one to go around making sloppy guesses, but here we have one of the biggies in Islam making reference to Obama as "the Messiah". Islam is looking for the soon return of the Antichrist (a.k.a. their 'messiah') who is a tool of the devil. Obama is slick. Obama is very charismatic. Obama is the self-proclaimed "Citizen of the World" that doesn't travel abroad as an American. No flag on his plane...which might offend some overseas. No. Plastering campaign posters at the western wall as if campaigning for world leader (and yes, I believe he was and still is). And Oh! "We are the ones We've been waiting for...". Not only that, there is a big push for globalism in finance, government and even religion. And if that isn't enough, Israel is preparing to rebuild the Temple, which will be present at the time of Antichrist. They're just waiting for control of the mount so they can build it. They have all the accessories made, such as the candleabra and the tools for the Priest. All they're waiting for is the temple!
Louis Farrakhan is a Muslim. To refer to Obama as "Messiah" without meaning the Islamic Messiah would make him guilty of blasphemy under Islamic law. For those who just insist on believing that Barack Obama has to be a Christian just because he claims he's one, please wake up! The game is over! The cat is out of the bag!
Sure. Tell me that Louis Farrakhan believes Obama is a Christian. Make - me - laugh!
In light of that post, I'd like to point you to this article I just ran into. Let me tease you with the following excerpt from the article:
"A video has been newly posted on YouTube in which the radical Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan says of Democratic presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama: "The Messiah is absolutely speaking.""
Hummm. I wonder if that makes this "gaffe" make more sense now?
I seem to remember something in God's Word about things like this from Mark 13:
20 “Unless the Lord had shortened those days, no 1life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect, whom He chose, He shortened the days.
21 “And then if anyone says to you, ‘Behold, here is 1the Christ’; or, ‘Behold, He is there’; do not believe him;
22 for false Christs and afalse prophets will arise, and will show signs and bwonders, in order to lead astray, if possible, the elect.
23 “But take heed; behold, I have told you everything in advance."
Now, I'm not one to go around making sloppy guesses, but here we have one of the biggies in Islam making reference to Obama as "the Messiah". Islam is looking for the soon return of the Antichrist (a.k.a. their 'messiah') who is a tool of the devil. Obama is slick. Obama is very charismatic. Obama is the self-proclaimed "Citizen of the World" that doesn't travel abroad as an American. No flag on his plane...which might offend some overseas. No. Plastering campaign posters at the western wall as if campaigning for world leader (and yes, I believe he was and still is). And Oh! "We are the ones We've been waiting for...". Not only that, there is a big push for globalism in finance, government and even religion. And if that isn't enough, Israel is preparing to rebuild the Temple, which will be present at the time of Antichrist. They're just waiting for control of the mount so they can build it. They have all the accessories made, such as the candleabra and the tools for the Priest. All they're waiting for is the temple!
Louis Farrakhan is a Muslim. To refer to Obama as "Messiah" without meaning the Islamic Messiah would make him guilty of blasphemy under Islamic law. For those who just insist on believing that Barack Obama has to be a Christian just because he claims he's one, please wake up! The game is over! The cat is out of the bag!
Sure. Tell me that Louis Farrakhan believes Obama is a Christian. Make - me - laugh!
Labels:
Cults,
Social Issues,
World Religions
Better Bone up on Islam!
Didn't think you'd ever hear of this, huh? Well, we live in a brave new country.
Here comes the outright influx of Islam directly to your local toy section at Target. Might not be a bad idea to make sure your kids have a Biblical foundation!
Here comes the outright influx of Islam directly to your local toy section at Target. Might not be a bad idea to make sure your kids have a Biblical foundation!
Not a Flip Flop, Just Flipping a Flop
I like that title. It caught your attention, didn't it? And it makes a point by turning a phrase.
I've been (reluctantly) supporting McCain and Palin. Actually, I was a Republican looking for home until Palin came along. And for a while, there was hope.
But like so many, I'm becoming disenchanted with McCain. I still like Palin. As a matter of fact, I'd prefer it if she were on the top of the ticket. But that isn't likely to happen, as much as many I have heard from would prefer it to be that way.
With the recent "financial crisis" which was allowed to happen, we have a socialist running as a Democrat (taxing the wealthy and redistributing wealth is a socialist policy) and a socialist lite running as republican. This was proven to me when the $700 million dollar bailout plan was passed by both these jokers while congress, at the time, was reporting that 9 out of 10 calls were in protest of any bailout.
But of course, we American citizens know nothing, do we? Oh well.
In any event, the American electorate is still stymied by the lack of real difference between Obama and McCain. And I have been one of them. Both are globalists. Both support NAFTA and all that goes with it.
Then I began hearing of another candidate. Not a republican or democrat. There was Ron Paul. Because of the "Palin Factor" I didn't pay too much attention. But because of the bailout that "Maverick" McCain supported, I've been doing some rethinking. And I have done some looking around.
Did you know that Sarah Palin had a very positive view of Ron Paul? She does.
But you say "Ron Paul isn't running any more. Tough luck!" And no he isn't. But he did throw his support behind someone else who is. And his name is Chuck Baldwin, who is running on the Constitutional Party.
Never heard of him? Lou Dobbs has. Here's a clip of Baldwin on CNN.
Baldwin is looking good to me. Really good.
Now, you say "If you vote for a third party, you have thrown away your vote because he has no chance of winning".
Well, while I live in Illiniois I don't root for the Cubs because they just don't seem to have the will to win. And I'm feeling the same way about McCain. That is the negative side. And if we take the "wasting your vote" argument to its logical conclusion, than a vote for McCain, in my mind, would have to be considered a wasted vote given how things look this late in the election.
But I don't buy the "wasted vote" argument. No vote is a wasted vote if you are voting according to your conscience. And I'm starting to believe that my conscience is best served by some one like Chuck Baldwin.
Now, I've heard many say we should vote for Baldwin because he is a Christian. As a matter of fact, he is a Baptist pastor. But that isn't my reason for leaning in his direction. He just seems to best represent my views. Besides, We've had lots of candidates claim to be Christians but demonstrate to sign of conversion. And of course, we have one candidate now who talks about his Mus- err, Christian faith.
But if you want to hear Chuck Baldwin preach, I think you'll hear some good things. No, I haven't listened to him extensively but then I've just recently heard of him.
You'll get a good introduction to him here.
You like Palin? So do I. So much so that I was going to vote for McCain to get Palin in there. I'd prefer the two switch ticket positions. Don't think that's going to happen.
Obama the socialist? No. No way. He can keep the change.
McCain the socialist lite? No. But at least he's pro-life and has a firm pro-life running mate. Better him than Obama. Besides, that gives Palin four years to prepare to run in 2012.
But if McCain doesn't appear to have the will to really do what it takes to win, what's the point of rooting for the "political cubs"?
So, I'm doing some rethinking on this while, hopefully, McCain does a little thinking about holding a roll of quarters in his verbal fist at the next debate.
Maybe you'd be interested in looking Baldwin over as well.
Vote now, vote often (you know, the A.C.O.R.N. way), but vote your conscience!
Keep an eye on this post, I may be adding more material.
I've been (reluctantly) supporting McCain and Palin. Actually, I was a Republican looking for home until Palin came along. And for a while, there was hope.
But like so many, I'm becoming disenchanted with McCain. I still like Palin. As a matter of fact, I'd prefer it if she were on the top of the ticket. But that isn't likely to happen, as much as many I have heard from would prefer it to be that way.
With the recent "financial crisis" which was allowed to happen, we have a socialist running as a Democrat (taxing the wealthy and redistributing wealth is a socialist policy) and a socialist lite running as republican. This was proven to me when the $700 million dollar bailout plan was passed by both these jokers while congress, at the time, was reporting that 9 out of 10 calls were in protest of any bailout.
But of course, we American citizens know nothing, do we? Oh well.
In any event, the American electorate is still stymied by the lack of real difference between Obama and McCain. And I have been one of them. Both are globalists. Both support NAFTA and all that goes with it.
Then I began hearing of another candidate. Not a republican or democrat. There was Ron Paul. Because of the "Palin Factor" I didn't pay too much attention. But because of the bailout that "Maverick" McCain supported, I've been doing some rethinking. And I have done some looking around.
Did you know that Sarah Palin had a very positive view of Ron Paul? She does.
But you say "Ron Paul isn't running any more. Tough luck!" And no he isn't. But he did throw his support behind someone else who is. And his name is Chuck Baldwin, who is running on the Constitutional Party.
Never heard of him? Lou Dobbs has. Here's a clip of Baldwin on CNN.
Baldwin is looking good to me. Really good.
Now, you say "If you vote for a third party, you have thrown away your vote because he has no chance of winning".
Well, while I live in Illiniois I don't root for the Cubs because they just don't seem to have the will to win. And I'm feeling the same way about McCain. That is the negative side. And if we take the "wasting your vote" argument to its logical conclusion, than a vote for McCain, in my mind, would have to be considered a wasted vote given how things look this late in the election.
But I don't buy the "wasted vote" argument. No vote is a wasted vote if you are voting according to your conscience. And I'm starting to believe that my conscience is best served by some one like Chuck Baldwin.
Now, I've heard many say we should vote for Baldwin because he is a Christian. As a matter of fact, he is a Baptist pastor. But that isn't my reason for leaning in his direction. He just seems to best represent my views. Besides, We've had lots of candidates claim to be Christians but demonstrate to sign of conversion. And of course, we have one candidate now who talks about his Mus- err, Christian faith.
But if you want to hear Chuck Baldwin preach, I think you'll hear some good things. No, I haven't listened to him extensively but then I've just recently heard of him.
You'll get a good introduction to him here.
You like Palin? So do I. So much so that I was going to vote for McCain to get Palin in there. I'd prefer the two switch ticket positions. Don't think that's going to happen.
Obama the socialist? No. No way. He can keep the change.
McCain the socialist lite? No. But at least he's pro-life and has a firm pro-life running mate. Better him than Obama. Besides, that gives Palin four years to prepare to run in 2012.
But if McCain doesn't appear to have the will to really do what it takes to win, what's the point of rooting for the "political cubs"?
So, I'm doing some rethinking on this while, hopefully, McCain does a little thinking about holding a roll of quarters in his verbal fist at the next debate.
Maybe you'd be interested in looking Baldwin over as well.
Vote now, vote often (you know, the A.C.O.R.N. way), but vote your conscience!
Keep an eye on this post, I may be adding more material.
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Politics, Race and Evangelism
'Tis, of course, the season for politics. And the more you listen to those who are passionate about their candidates, the issue of race often comes up. And to say this is a highly charged election process this year would be an understatement. To that, I'm sure both sides would agree. And from the human angle, it is easy to get caught up in the discussion.
But you know, with all this comes great opportunity for the Gospel. God gives us these things to show us doors He has opened.
Let's cut to the chase. Before God, we are all sons of Adam apart from Christ. And in the physical sense, we all share Adam as our ultimate physical ancestor. It all started with Adam and Eve, in the Garden. They were given the charge to multiply and fill the earth. We started with the original genetic code. And yes, there was familial intermarriage. It was so by necessity. But the genetic pool was intact at that point. All the information for all the different peoples we now see were in that original code. I say this because there will inevitably be someone who comes along and says "Where did Cain get his wife from?". The short answer is he probably married a sister or other close relative. And that was ok. The "genetic pool" had not yet suffered from this and God had not yet prohibited the practice.
In the truest sense you and I as well as any other human being on this planet regardless of nationality or any other measure ultimately share the same common original parents. This being true, there is absolutely no room whatsoever for anyone to differentiate between individuals based on what we (mistakenly) call "race" (there is only one "race", and that is the human race. What we refer to as "race" has to do with genetic differences due to various mutations (loss of genetic information) over time). And of course, we all stand before a holy God.
Now, I know all this sounds rudimentary. But I add this because there are others who would argue that the "black race" began with the curse of Cain, etc. And that cannot be shown from the Scriptures. I've heard it all over and over again. It's all strained argument and conjecture. I won't go there any more.
And what of Jesus? He said to love the Lord with all our heart and love our neighbor as ourselves, did He not? There were no qualifiers. And we love ourselves by meeting our own needs as we see them. So, likewise, we are to meet the needs of others as we become aware of them.
So, what does this have to do with evangelism? Simple. We're all lost outside of Christ. And when race comes up as a topic (as it will, regardless of the election results), we should be able to look people in the eye, smile and answer any questions regarding "racism" with a statement such as "the amount of melanin in a person's skin is irrelevant. We are all related to each other through our first parents, Adam". People, this should be an exciting time for us! God will be opening doors of evangelism! So, just say something like this, knowing that it is disarming because this election has been so racially charged. You'll be saying that "race" is irrelevant, which is disarming. And you'll be telling them why it's irrelevant. No one can argue with that -- unless, of course, they prefer prejudice.
You'll get one of three possible responses. Either a person will show interest in that statement, or they will laugh it off. Or they will just say "whatever". But you will have the opportunity to take that moment and use it to start a conversation about the things of God. And you will get a bit of insight as to where that person is.
Here's the kind of statements I hear that would be show an open door:
1. "If so and so doesn't get elected, it's because of racism".
2. "You know, I don't think race should make a difference. It's only skin pigmentation. And that is irrelevant to me."
1. "You really believe that?"
2. "Yes. What I'm saying is, we're all related through our first parents, Adam and Eve."
And that is a start. From there you can get a feel of how the person will react to the mention of spiritual things. If they withdraw and look at you weird, don't worry about it. And don't push it. But if they act at all interested, you know you have an open door. Then ask them "Do you ever think about things like this much?". They probably will say they rarely do. Most people are like that. Then at that point, all you have to do is say something like "You certainly seem like a nice guy (or lady, etc.), would you consider yourself to be a good person?" And from there, you can get their response (which is usually "yes, I think I'm a pretty good person") and ask them to take the "good" test and take them through the Gospel. Learn the Way of the Master. It'll keep you on track!
I am definitely a conservative. I'm fiscally conservative. I'm socially conservative. I'm pro-life to the core. My vote this year will be based on those values. And I really wish Alan Keyes was running this year. I was excited when he ran in 1996. Too bad he didn't make it.
But regardless of my political views and the Biblical basis for them, I have a responsibility before God to remember that we are all related physically to Adam and that without Christ and Christ alone, all are lost.
And God charges us to take the Gospel to all ethnic groups for the sake of His Glory.
Yes, this is a particularly stressful time, politically. I've heard statements that warn of "blood in the streets" given certain outcomes. But make no mistake, God has put us here "...for such a time as this." May we seize every opportunity that the Lord gives us in the days to come.
But you know, with all this comes great opportunity for the Gospel. God gives us these things to show us doors He has opened.
Let's cut to the chase. Before God, we are all sons of Adam apart from Christ. And in the physical sense, we all share Adam as our ultimate physical ancestor. It all started with Adam and Eve, in the Garden. They were given the charge to multiply and fill the earth. We started with the original genetic code. And yes, there was familial intermarriage. It was so by necessity. But the genetic pool was intact at that point. All the information for all the different peoples we now see were in that original code. I say this because there will inevitably be someone who comes along and says "Where did Cain get his wife from?". The short answer is he probably married a sister or other close relative. And that was ok. The "genetic pool" had not yet suffered from this and God had not yet prohibited the practice.
In the truest sense you and I as well as any other human being on this planet regardless of nationality or any other measure ultimately share the same common original parents. This being true, there is absolutely no room whatsoever for anyone to differentiate between individuals based on what we (mistakenly) call "race" (there is only one "race", and that is the human race. What we refer to as "race" has to do with genetic differences due to various mutations (loss of genetic information) over time). And of course, we all stand before a holy God.
Now, I know all this sounds rudimentary. But I add this because there are others who would argue that the "black race" began with the curse of Cain, etc. And that cannot be shown from the Scriptures. I've heard it all over and over again. It's all strained argument and conjecture. I won't go there any more.
And what of Jesus? He said to love the Lord with all our heart and love our neighbor as ourselves, did He not? There were no qualifiers. And we love ourselves by meeting our own needs as we see them. So, likewise, we are to meet the needs of others as we become aware of them.
So, what does this have to do with evangelism? Simple. We're all lost outside of Christ. And when race comes up as a topic (as it will, regardless of the election results), we should be able to look people in the eye, smile and answer any questions regarding "racism" with a statement such as "the amount of melanin in a person's skin is irrelevant. We are all related to each other through our first parents, Adam". People, this should be an exciting time for us! God will be opening doors of evangelism! So, just say something like this, knowing that it is disarming because this election has been so racially charged. You'll be saying that "race" is irrelevant, which is disarming. And you'll be telling them why it's irrelevant. No one can argue with that -- unless, of course, they prefer prejudice.
You'll get one of three possible responses. Either a person will show interest in that statement, or they will laugh it off. Or they will just say "whatever". But you will have the opportunity to take that moment and use it to start a conversation about the things of God. And you will get a bit of insight as to where that person is.
Here's the kind of statements I hear that would be show an open door:
1. "If so and so doesn't get elected, it's because of racism".
2. "You know, I don't think race should make a difference. It's only skin pigmentation. And that is irrelevant to me."
1. "You really believe that?"
2. "Yes. What I'm saying is, we're all related through our first parents, Adam and Eve."
And that is a start. From there you can get a feel of how the person will react to the mention of spiritual things. If they withdraw and look at you weird, don't worry about it. And don't push it. But if they act at all interested, you know you have an open door. Then ask them "Do you ever think about things like this much?". They probably will say they rarely do. Most people are like that. Then at that point, all you have to do is say something like "You certainly seem like a nice guy (or lady, etc.), would you consider yourself to be a good person?" And from there, you can get their response (which is usually "yes, I think I'm a pretty good person") and ask them to take the "good" test and take them through the Gospel. Learn the Way of the Master. It'll keep you on track!
I am definitely a conservative. I'm fiscally conservative. I'm socially conservative. I'm pro-life to the core. My vote this year will be based on those values. And I really wish Alan Keyes was running this year. I was excited when he ran in 1996. Too bad he didn't make it.
But regardless of my political views and the Biblical basis for them, I have a responsibility before God to remember that we are all related physically to Adam and that without Christ and Christ alone, all are lost.
And God charges us to take the Gospel to all ethnic groups for the sake of His Glory.
Yes, this is a particularly stressful time, politically. I've heard statements that warn of "blood in the streets" given certain outcomes. But make no mistake, God has put us here "...for such a time as this." May we seize every opportunity that the Lord gives us in the days to come.
Saturday, October 04, 2008
Taking "Relevance" to a Whole New Level?
Just found this at Fox News' website. Just issuing a challenge to those who profess Christ yet don't believe that the Scriptures alone are sufficient and that we must "be relevant".
If you ever find yourself in Thailand, maybe you should consider taking "relevance" to a whole new level??? Just another way to get your mystical spiritual trance...a new "spiritual discipline" perhaps???
I'll leave that decision to you. Or maybe you'll decide that "relevance" wouldn't be necessary in this case at all. . ..
If you ever find yourself in Thailand, maybe you should consider taking "relevance" to a whole new level??? Just another way to get your mystical spiritual trance...a new "spiritual discipline" perhaps???
I'll leave that decision to you. Or maybe you'll decide that "relevance" wouldn't be necessary in this case at all. . ..
Friday, October 03, 2008
Purpose Driven Service Equals Salvation?
Here's an excerpt from "Watchers Lamp":
"In Christianity Today's Interview with Rick Warren, CT asks the following question regarding Warrens PEACE plan agenda:
CT: There are more than 1 billion Roman Catholics and Orthodox believers. Where do they fit in?
RW: We need to mobilize a billion Catholics and Orthodox [believers]. I'm not really that interested in interfaith dialogue. I am interested in interfaith projects. Let's do something together. You are probably not going to change your doctrinal distinctives, and I'm probably not going to change my doctrinal distinctives. We have different beliefs. But the fact is, we do serve the same Lord. Let's work on the things we can agree on."
And the rest is here. . ..
"In Christianity Today's Interview with Rick Warren, CT asks the following question regarding Warrens PEACE plan agenda:
CT: There are more than 1 billion Roman Catholics and Orthodox believers. Where do they fit in?
RW: We need to mobilize a billion Catholics and Orthodox [believers]. I'm not really that interested in interfaith dialogue. I am interested in interfaith projects. Let's do something together. You are probably not going to change your doctrinal distinctives, and I'm probably not going to change my doctrinal distinctives. We have different beliefs. But the fact is, we do serve the same Lord. Let's work on the things we can agree on."
And the rest is here. . ..
Thursday, October 02, 2008
Maher Mockery of Muslims May Backfire
Listen, about the only channel I watch is FoxNews and that is when I'm visiting my mother's house. But even I have heard about "Religulous". It's being advertised left and right, even on FoxNews.
In the movie, Bill Mahr wants to make fun of all religion. Of course this includes an attempt to "debunk" Christianity. The clips I've seen show attempts that are both weak and stupid. But Bill Mahr's movie may show a more dangerous underlying ignorance. Christian Worldview Network just emailed me a link to this article:
"In Religulous, due to be released in 500 theaters this week, comedian Bill Maher travels to numerous religious sites, such as Jerusalem, the Vatican, and Salt Lake City, interviewing believers from a variety of backgrounds, including Jews for Jesus, Christians, and Muslims.
Best-selling author and TV co-host Ray Comfort said, “I don’t blame Bill Maher for mocking religion. Manmade religion has left a trail of destruction throughout history--from the Roman Catholic Inquisition, its famous Crusades against Islam, and pedophile priests, to hypocritical Protestant ministers and money-hungry televangelists. I can see why he took the trouble to make the movie. In one sense, it’s overdue.”
However, the author said that although the film is bound to be popular in the U.S., it may badly backfire on Maher. Comfort said that in 2007 he befriended the atheist who received national attention for encouraging other atheists to post videos of themselves blaspheming God. "I emailed him explaining that Muslims translate the name ‘God’ as ‘Allah,’ and suggested that he rethink what he was doing. Muslims killed a number of people for merely publishing cartoons of their prophet Mohammad. I also reminded him that author Salmon Rushdie is still hiding in fear of his life for his Satanic Verses. All it would take is a report on Arab television that Americans were making videos blaspheming Allah and saying, ‘And I am not afraid,’ to stir a response. After I sent that email, the blasphemy challenge seemed to disappear very quickly.”
Comfort warns that Hollywood has gotten away with mockery of Christianity, but many Muslims aren’t so tolerant. “How will they react to a movie that critics describe as ‘a blasphemous detonation of all things holy’? Even Maher’s casual jesting with his Jesus could be offensive to Muslims, who believe Jesus was a prophet. Imagine if the movie catches the attention of Arab news, which reports, ‘American Comedian Mocks Allah in Popular Movie.’ Already, the International Herald Tribune’s lead article was titled “Maher vs. God.” The movie’s website www.lionsgate.com/religulous/ links to a site that has a Muslim symbol with the word "Bastard" beside it. While that site has a sense of anonymity, the famous comedian doesn't, as his face is easily recognizable. I wouldn’t want to be in Maher's shoes, or even in the seat of a theater that upsets Muslims. We are living in volatile times. We don’t need this sort of thing right now--religious intolerance. I seriously suggest that he postpone the release date, and do a little last-minute editing.”
The Canadian Press said that Maher “dissects organized religion, but he's doing it in his laceratingly funny, typically sardonic way . . . But Maher undermines his arguments at the end when the tone turns sharply serious: He tries to make a connection between religion and all the wars and violence in the world, and he does it with the same kind of certitude he just got done condemning others for having.”
Comfort added that he also believes Maher is straining at gnats and swallowing a camel with his movie. “He is speaking the truth when he talks of religion’s trail of destruction. But religion comes in second when it comes to committing atrocities down through the ages. Atheistic communism is number one. It is responsible for more than 100 million deaths. The problem isn’t religion or atheism. It’s human nature. That's what needs to change.”
Comfort is the author of Hollywood Be Thy Name (Bridge-Logos), which looks at Hollywood’s history of blasphemy and why it is so out of step with mainstream America. It explains why movies such as Religulous wouldn’t have made it to the box office before the 1950s, and what it was in 1962 that opened the floodgates to unrestrained blasphemy."
Bill Mahr wants to make fun of religion. That's ok. He wants to mock Christianity and make it appear he's debunked the faith. That is sad, but it doesn't anger me nor does it shake my faith. The man is lost and perhaps prefers to stay that way. But Bill Mahr shows his utter stupidity by thinking that Muslims will be as tolerant as Christians when ridiculed.
When Christians use the word "blasphemy" with regard to a movie, they are laughed at. After all, we "only" carry Bibles. One reminder to Bill Mahr: Muslims often carry swords. For Bill Mahr: With which one do you believe Muslims will review your film?
In the movie, Bill Mahr wants to make fun of all religion. Of course this includes an attempt to "debunk" Christianity. The clips I've seen show attempts that are both weak and stupid. But Bill Mahr's movie may show a more dangerous underlying ignorance. Christian Worldview Network just emailed me a link to this article:
"In Religulous, due to be released in 500 theaters this week, comedian Bill Maher travels to numerous religious sites, such as Jerusalem, the Vatican, and Salt Lake City, interviewing believers from a variety of backgrounds, including Jews for Jesus, Christians, and Muslims.
Best-selling author and TV co-host Ray Comfort said, “I don’t blame Bill Maher for mocking religion. Manmade religion has left a trail of destruction throughout history--from the Roman Catholic Inquisition, its famous Crusades against Islam, and pedophile priests, to hypocritical Protestant ministers and money-hungry televangelists. I can see why he took the trouble to make the movie. In one sense, it’s overdue.”
However, the author said that although the film is bound to be popular in the U.S., it may badly backfire on Maher. Comfort said that in 2007 he befriended the atheist who received national attention for encouraging other atheists to post videos of themselves blaspheming God. "I emailed him explaining that Muslims translate the name ‘God’ as ‘Allah,’ and suggested that he rethink what he was doing. Muslims killed a number of people for merely publishing cartoons of their prophet Mohammad. I also reminded him that author Salmon Rushdie is still hiding in fear of his life for his Satanic Verses. All it would take is a report on Arab television that Americans were making videos blaspheming Allah and saying, ‘And I am not afraid,’ to stir a response. After I sent that email, the blasphemy challenge seemed to disappear very quickly.”
Comfort warns that Hollywood has gotten away with mockery of Christianity, but many Muslims aren’t so tolerant. “How will they react to a movie that critics describe as ‘a blasphemous detonation of all things holy’? Even Maher’s casual jesting with his Jesus could be offensive to Muslims, who believe Jesus was a prophet. Imagine if the movie catches the attention of Arab news, which reports, ‘American Comedian Mocks Allah in Popular Movie.’ Already, the International Herald Tribune’s lead article was titled “Maher vs. God.” The movie’s website www.lionsgate.com/religulous/ links to a site that has a Muslim symbol with the word "Bastard" beside it. While that site has a sense of anonymity, the famous comedian doesn't, as his face is easily recognizable. I wouldn’t want to be in Maher's shoes, or even in the seat of a theater that upsets Muslims. We are living in volatile times. We don’t need this sort of thing right now--religious intolerance. I seriously suggest that he postpone the release date, and do a little last-minute editing.”
The Canadian Press said that Maher “dissects organized religion, but he's doing it in his laceratingly funny, typically sardonic way . . . But Maher undermines his arguments at the end when the tone turns sharply serious: He tries to make a connection between religion and all the wars and violence in the world, and he does it with the same kind of certitude he just got done condemning others for having.”
Comfort added that he also believes Maher is straining at gnats and swallowing a camel with his movie. “He is speaking the truth when he talks of religion’s trail of destruction. But religion comes in second when it comes to committing atrocities down through the ages. Atheistic communism is number one. It is responsible for more than 100 million deaths. The problem isn’t religion or atheism. It’s human nature. That's what needs to change.”
Comfort is the author of Hollywood Be Thy Name (Bridge-Logos), which looks at Hollywood’s history of blasphemy and why it is so out of step with mainstream America. It explains why movies such as Religulous wouldn’t have made it to the box office before the 1950s, and what it was in 1962 that opened the floodgates to unrestrained blasphemy."
Bill Mahr wants to make fun of religion. That's ok. He wants to mock Christianity and make it appear he's debunked the faith. That is sad, but it doesn't anger me nor does it shake my faith. The man is lost and perhaps prefers to stay that way. But Bill Mahr shows his utter stupidity by thinking that Muslims will be as tolerant as Christians when ridiculed.
When Christians use the word "blasphemy" with regard to a movie, they are laughed at. After all, we "only" carry Bibles. One reminder to Bill Mahr: Muslims often carry swords. For Bill Mahr: With which one do you believe Muslims will review your film?
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