Self Esteem?

In follow up to my Oprah post, I wanted to speak to you about how to have positive self esteem, from a Biblical perspective. To understand the first key to positive self esteem, we must put off the solutions of the world. If you are a Christian, the best way to have a good self image is to rest in Jesus Christ, follow God’s Word and the leading of the Holy Spirit, and to be authentic. Now here’s a big problem that Oprah has. I believe Oprah has low self esteem. No way … you say. Oprah is one of the most positive and uplifting people I have ever heard. Well let me explain. Oprah says; I am a Christian, but … “I’m a free-thinking Christian who believes in my way, but I don’t believe that it’s the only way, with six billion people here on the planet.”

Well in America, thanks to our constitution, Oprah is free to believe whatever she likes, just as are you and I are, as well. And from a purely human American perspective, I greatly respect Oprah and all that she has done and accomplished. But then … Oprah teaches principles that are the exact opposite of Jesus’ teachings and the Bible. That is a huge contradiction. She has lied to her audience when she says, I am Christian and this is truth. Hypocrisy and dishonesty will always lead to a low self esteem. Yeah, but what if she believes what she is saying is true, you ask? Don’t misunderstand me, I am convinced that Oprah is a sincere person, who does many great things for people, and who sincerely believes she has found truth. But she also knows that this teaching is contrary to Jesus and the Bible and as a result, she knows that her claim to be Christian is not biblical. This leads unsuspecting Christians away from Christ and His teachings, and she knows that also. Authentic??? No … no, no!

I don’t want to spend a lot of time here, but more evidence: Oprah says: “god is a feeling, not a believing experience; and if god for you is still about a belief, then it is not truly god” Not only is the opposite of what God’s Word says; it is horrible news for a person who is focused on self esteem. Sorry Oprah, but feelings come and go, as good fortune comes and goes … look back to your childhood … remember Oprah. Read the story of Job. How would you be feeling, if that happened to you? I wonder how Oprah would be feeling today if she found out she had a terminal condition, and if heaven is just a fairy tale, as her guru implies: how low can you go? Beliefs in God’s promises will bring us good feelings about who we are in Christ, and bring our circumstances and feelings into the context of Jesus Christ, and His plans for us eternally. My worldly feelings and circumstances are irrelevant when I am rightly focused on my position in Christ. Self esteem Biblically could easily be deemed an errant idea. A more Biblically correct perspective would be Positive Christ Esteem. So why am I even discussing self esteem? Because I know a lot of Christians have been misguided on this one. It is about Jesus … not you!

I imagine that her “free thinking” has also led her to conclude that living in an unmarried sexual relationship is also no problem. Her views on homosexuality are similar. When you just make things up, you can believe whatever you want, because you are the god of your belief system. But none of these false beliefs will lead to positive self esteem. We can only have peace in our hearts when our heart and mind are focused on Jesus and His word. Everything else is temporal. Men’s ideas and philosophies may lead to temporary success, or temporary or false happiness. But that is what one puts on … like a new set of clothes … unfortunately … in the world the clothes always get dirty. It’s all form and no substance. God's Word is the truth and regardless of our free thinking, it never ends or changes: “All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever.” 1 Peter 1:24-25

So if we want a positive self image, we need to be standing with the never-ending, never-changing truth. And that is Jesus Christ and God’s Word … the Bible. Any other way, will always lead to loss, pain, suffering, discouragement, and failure. All men are just like the flowers of the grass. Some men are very rich, powerful, persuasive, confident, charismatic, appealing and have a magnetic personality. This often leads to a false self esteem and false sense of security. But in the end, we all end up the same … none of those accomplishments or abilities can add a single moment to our life when our time has come to an end. Only Jesus Christ and the Holy Word of the Lord abides forever.

You need to read the scripture below because it is true. Not because it is what you want to hear or because it will show you the next big thing; but rather, because it is the truth. It has always been the truth, and it will always be the truth. When you stand on this truth, you can have confidence and positive self esteem. Why … because you will be focused on the redeemer.This scripture is God’s call to fundamentalism. I know that is a politically incorrect word in today’s society, but I am going out on a limb here. I don’t care. We must stand on God’s truth or America will suffer the consequences. Your best image is found deeply in His ways and His word. I want to have a happy, fulfilled, meaningful, purposeful, exciting, abundant, blessed, thankful, and love filled life. A life where I can experience all of the best that God has planned for me … my “free thinking” ways have not worked out very well so far. How about you?

When you read this scripture, consider all of the truths that have come to pass, all of the ways God has honored the promises to the people of Israel. But please understand that, less than 50% of present day Israel believes and follows the Bible. Jews by heritage, but the majority of the Israeli people are agnostic, atheist, or other religions. This has brought many negative consequences to God’s chosen people. The Jews truly have been blessed by the Lord. And remember you are part of God’s family, a chosen people, a royal priesthood. A home is reserved for you now in heaven. The Holy Spirit is your guide, and spiritually you are beyond the reach of the evil one.

Deuteronomy 6:1-25 “Now this is the commandment, the statutes and the judgments which the LORD your God has commanded me to teach you, that you might do them in the land where you are going over to possess it, 2 so that you and your son and your grandson might fear the LORD your God, to keep all His statutes and His commandments which I command you, all the days of your life, and that your days may be prolonged. 3 “O Israel, you should listen and be careful to do it, that it may be well with you and that you may multiply greatly, just as the LORD, the God of your fathers, has promised you, in a land flowing with milk and honey. 4 “Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one! 5 “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6 “These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. 7 “You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. 8 “You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. 9 “You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

10 “Then it shall come about when the LORD your God brings you into the land which He swore to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to give you, great and splendid cities which you did not build, 11 and houses full of all good things which you did not fill, and hewn cisterns which you did not dig, vineyards and olive trees which you did not plant, and you eat and are satisfied, 12 then watch yourself, that you do not forget the LORD who brought you from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. 13 “You shall fear only the LORD your God; and you shall worship Him and swear by His name. 14 “You shall not follow other gods, any of the gods of the peoples who surround you, 15 for the LORD your God in the midst of you is a jealous God; otherwise the anger of the LORD your God will be kindled against you, and He will wipe you off the face of the earth. 16 “You shall not put the LORD your God to the test, as you tested Him at Massah.

17 “You should diligently keep the commandments of the LORD your God, and His testimonies and His statutes which He has commanded you. 18 “You shall do what is right and good in the sight of the LORD, that it may be well with you and that you may go in and possess the good land which the LORD swore to give your fathers, 19 by driving out all your enemies from before you, as the LORD has spoken. 20 “When your son asks you in time to come, saying, ‘What do the testimonies and the statutes and the judgments mean which the LORD our God commanded you?’ 21 then you shall say to your son, ‘We were slaves to Pharaoh in Egypt, and the LORD brought us from Egypt with a mighty hand. 22 ‘Moreover, the LORD showed great and distressing signs and wonders before our eyes against Egypt, Pharaoh and all his household; 23 He brought us out from there in order to bring us in, to give us the land which He had sworn to our fathers.’ 24 “So the LORD commanded us to observe all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God for our good always and for our survival, as it is today. 25 “It will be righteousness for us if we are careful to observe all this commandment before the LORD our God, just as He commanded us.

A number of years ago, Zig Ziglar told me a story I have never forgotten. Zig was driving to a conference in an area that was unknown to him. Once he realized that he was lost, Zig stop at the first opportunity to ask for directions. The man he met was so friendly, and very helpful. Zig did not want to be late for his scheduled speech. The man mapped out the directions for Zig, in specific detail. Finally convinced that he knew the way, Zig thanked his new friend and got back on the road, carefully following the directions. Well by now I bet you’ve guessed the end of this story. Two hours later Zig realized that he had gone 60 miles in the wrong direction. But wait a minute, he did exactly as he was advised. Was the friendly man playing a sick prank, or did he just make an honest mistake? That we will never know. But, regardless Zig was the innocent victim of his wrong advice. If only Global Positioning Systems GPS had been available back then. Unlike Zig and his miss-direction, we don't have to be lost. We always have a Biblical GPS system that we can check false teachings against: God's Word. God has commanded us to use it diligently. God calls His Word the sword of the Spirit. While researching false teachings in today's church, I have learned that a number of Christian pastors are leading their followers in the wrong direction. What should I do? I have been reluctant to share this material since some of these men I have come to greatly respect over the past thirty years. Do I have a choice? Well when millions of Christians are being led astray, it is our duty to expose false teachers. I am convinced that this is exactly what Jesus would lead us to do. We don’t need or want maps that lead us over the side of a cliff, regardless of the sincere intentions of the teacher.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. … And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
God Bless you my friends, Bob

Sincere ... But Sincerely Wrong

2 Peter 2:1-3 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves. Many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned; and in their greed they will exploit you with false words; their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.

Mathew 24:9-14. And Jesus answered and said to them …“Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. “Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold. “But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.

This past week, a friend of many years pointed to several prominent Christian pastors as examples of people who are an embarrassment to Christianity. He then went on to declare that there was no God, implying he had provided the evidence.
“All they want is your money;” they are just a bunch of hypocrites;” he said.

Having had this discussion with him on a number of occasions, my reply this time was for the most part, silence. As I drove home, many things I could have said went through my mind. But it does you no good to defend Christian leaders or false teachers who maintain foolishness or unbiblical teachings, or for that matter to argue with someone who has chosen to reject God. It is clearly possible to me that my friend may never receive God, no matter how much God reaches out to him. My friend receives my blog each week, and he clearly knows what I believe and what the Bible teaches. So I have basically said everything to him, I know how to say. He enjoys being the god of his life, and has developed his own religion which is based upon trying to be a better person than most. I love him like a brother, but I can only hope and pray that God will open his eyes. My friend is very persuasive and I am sure he has a great influence over his children and grandchildren. He is sincere, but he is sincerely wrong. There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. Proverbs 16:25

The bigger problem is that there are millions of people who claim to be Christians who agree with my friend on a number of issues that are unbiblical. How did we end up with a large percentage of Christians believing the opposite of what the Bible actually teaches? Naive people are following false teachers, secular ideas, other religions or philosophies, rather than God’s word. Well that is okay if there is no God, and there is no revealed truth. But it is not okay, if we say we are a Christian and we accept Jesus as our Savior. A big source of the problem is the idea that we are free to choose what we believe, and that once we decide: “this or that makes sense to me” … then somehow our belief makes it true. I had a friend who once said to me “that’s your truth Bob, this is my truth” the problem is: our truths said exactly the opposite. We could both be wrong, and one or the other could be true, but both cannot be true. My friend’s logic self destructs when you carry it to its end. For example; if I told you “Satan is God, would you believe it is true? Not likely. But you do realize that some Satanists believe that this is true, right? Therefore, they are either right, and we are wrong, or we are right, and they are wrong. But for sure we are not both right.

Oprah Winfrey realizes this fact and is intelligent enough to understand that opposite beliefs cannot both be true, when she says: “One mistake people make is in believing there is only one way (to God and heaven) … In the world, there are millions of ways. There couldn’t possibly be only one way.” On the other hand, “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. John 14:6. Now whose words are truth, and whose words are a lie? Is it Jesus; or is it Oprah and her new age prophet, Ekhart Tolle telling a lie?

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As C.S. Lewis put it; "either Jesus is Lord, liar or lunatic." ... but He can't be both. The tip off is that Oprah and Tolle do not even attempt to test their ideas against the Bible. They announce their ideas as truth, and reject the Bible’s teachings as foolishness. That would be like a scientist disregarding all scientific laws when reaching his conclusions. And like both of my unbelieving friends above, they just make it up, and then state it, as if that somehow validates it, and makes it true. It’s not a wonder my two friends think Christianity is fiction. I am convinced Oprah believes what she is teaching. She identifies herself as a Christian, and then she teaches this false babble. She has become a prophetess of heresy to millions of vulnerable people. Now, thank God we have freedom of religion, and Oprah is free to believe and teach whatever she wants, but don’t call it Christian. It is anti-Christian. If Oprah is correct, and she is not, then Jesus and the Bible is a pack of lies. Does Oprah explain that fact? Nope, she just leads the unsuspecting on a path to hell. Oprah is sincere ... but she is sincerely wrong. Below are more Oprah heretical teachings.

Oprah lie; “man made god in his own image." TRUTH: "God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." Gen 1:27
Oprah lie; “there are millions of paths to God” TRUTH: “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12; “Then the sons of Israel again did evil in the sight of the LORD, served the Baals and the Ashtaroth, the gods of Aram, the gods of Sidon, the gods of Moab, the gods of the sons of Ammon, and the gods of the Philistines; thus they forsook the LORD and did not serve Him. Judges10:6.
Oprah lie: “that Jesus did not come to die on the cross for our sins” TRUTH: “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him." John 3:14-17
Oprah lies: “god is a feeling, not a believing experience; and if god for you is still about a belief, then it is not truly god” TRUTH: “He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. John 3:18 Did Jesus lie to Nicodemus? No … no … no!

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Watch Oprah video.
More Oprah quotes: "Well, I am a Christian who believes that there are certainly many more paths to God other than Christianity. I’m a free-thinking Christian who believes in my way, but I don’t believe that it’s the only way, with six billion people here on the planet." (A New Earth Online Class, Oprah.com,) So, is Oprah Winfrey a Christian? Well, Jesus Himself says — “I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I Am [the LORD God Almighty], you will indeed die in your sins” John 8:24. I cannot judge Oprah, but by her own words above, you can clearly see that she does not believe Jesus is God the creator, and the only way to eternal life. Oprah for reasons unknown turned to false teachings and is now leading millions on that path to hell. “Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.” Matthew 23:28

Question: Who is the god of Oprah's way? Answer: Oprah ... each person decides their way making them the god of their own way. They alone decide what truth is, and is not. "The serpent said to the woman, 'You surely will not die! “For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." Genesis 3:4-5”

In our next post, we will look into many more examples of teaching that is leading Christians and non-believers away from Christ, and God’s Holy Word. What makes these teachings so discouraging? They are being taught by Christian pastors and leaders.
"I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me" … Jesus Christ.
God Bless you my friends, Bob ... new for you?

You Must Be Born Again

Hopefully the previous post gave you a clear understanding of how using a simple question can transform your witnessing into a more powerful personal communication between the potential believer and the Holy Spirit. Listed below, there are many verses that will help you share the gospel more powerfully. For the sake of space and time here, you can assume that I would have the person seeking Christ read each verse and tell me what God’s word is saying to them. Here I will bring out the other questions and direction that I would be ready to share with each verse, should the need arise. I hope this is helpful in developing your ability to witness boldly and with confidence in your beliefs. Print it out and keep it in your Bible. These verses will bring many to saving grace and following Christ daily. Many years ago, I was given basic training in witnessing by my Pastor Clyde Annandale, a Dallas Seminary graduate. In his new member’s class, Clyde took us through five verses which we memorized. Beginning with Romans 3:23, we would write the reference to the next verse in the margin of our Bible. This made it easy to go from one verse to the next in an organized way. Over the years that followed, many new verses were added to help further explain key scriptures. These verses have power, and have helped many seeking to understand God's Word and his plan clearly for the first time; and when reviewed by anyone with a desire to know the truth and to have a relationship with Christ and receive eternal life, I am convinced they will always pray to receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

Mark 8:27, 29 Jesus questioned His disciples, saying to them; “But who do you say that I am?” This is a good verse that begs for the question to Monique; “who do you think Jesus is? This is especially true for someone coming from France, and who was raised in an atheist home. If she says; “God” You know you have made progress. If she is not sure, or says a prophet or a teacher, then scriptures that should be discussed are: Jn 5:21-23; Jn 1:1-3,14. Jn 14:6,16-17; Jn 20:28; 1 Pet. 1:18-21; 1 Tim. 2:5-6

"Acts 17:11 Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true." This verse is used to help a person to understand that all teachers and their teachings are to be considered in relation to God’s word to determine whether what you are hearing is truthful or false teaching. For Christians, the Word of God is the foundation of our belief system, not the teachings of the world or wise men. Ref: Jn 17:17; 2Tim. 2:16; 1Pet 1:24-25

Once you have determined that Monique believes Jesus is God and that Jesus, God, the Holy Spirit and the word of truth are one and the same. Now the questions are simple:

What is the problem?
What is the solution?
What does God want you to do?
Are you willing to do it?

"Romans 3:23-24 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus." This verse is quite clear and most will easily be able to tell you what it means. Some questions that need to be asked here are: Do you believe you have sinned? Do you believe you are a good person? How would you define Sin? Most will answer. Breaking the Ten Commandments, or doing wrong things.
The key question is: How would God define Sin? That is the only answer that matters. I would then take Monique through the scriptures that explain sin from God’s perspective. And the various ways Satan will use sin to separate us from God. Gen. 3: 1-6; Mat. 4:1-11; 1Jn 2:16

"Ephesians 2:8-10 for by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them." The problem is sin and the solution to the problem is salvation by Grace. Not Grace plus good works. Grace is a free gift and as Romans 11:6 so clearly explains if salvation is a result of doing anything then grace is no longer grace and work is no longer work if it is of grace. Grace and work are like fire and water, and light and darkness, they all have great value, but they clearly do not go together. Our natural tendency is to think we need to be a better person so that we can somehow earn Gods favor but no human has ever accomplished salvation on the basis of their good deeds. We are born again to do good works, not as a result of our good works. Only Jesus lived a perfect life, and He was God in the body of a man. His death on the cross is the only work that was necessary for us to be forgiven and to receive eternal life. It is finished when we believe in him and trust in His finished work on the cross. Romans 11:6 and if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

John 3:14-17 “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. “For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him." Believe and receive eternal life. Whoever believes … shall not perish. Jesus is all knowing and He died on the cross for all of our sins … past, present, and future. And he went to the cross ... full well knowing that none of us would measure up on our own merit. Jesus did not come to judge us but rather to save us all when we believe in His promised free gift of eternal life … we will not perish.

John 5:24 “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life. If we hear and believe Him we have eternal life and do not come to judgment. This believer has passed (past tense) out of death into life.

1 Corinthians 2:14-16; 3:1-3 But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no one. For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, THAT HE WILL INSTRUCT HIM? But we have the mind of Christ. … And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to men of flesh, as to infants in Christ. I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to receive it. Indeed, even now you are not yet able, for you are still fleshly.

Once we get to these final passages of scripture. I would explain that there are three types of people in the world. Natural or worldly Man: this is the person of the world who has not trusted Christ with their life. Spiritual or Christ-centered Man: this is the person who has trusted Christ for their eternal life, and is living for Christ Day by day. Self-centered or carnal man, this person has prayed for Christ’s to come into their life but continues to a large degree, to follow their old ways and to be sinful and self centered. I would then ask the questions: which person best describes your life at this point in time? And then if they answer: Worldly or Self-centered … I would ask; “which person would you like to be? When they say Christ-centered which is the most likely response, since that is why we are having the conversation, we then go to the last verse and I ask if they would like to pray to Jesus; asking for forgiveness, eternal life, and to be born again into the eternal family of God.

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

After praying, I would advise Monique to join a Bible believing church, and to enter into a process of discipleship, prayer and Bible study.

1Peter 2:9-10 But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God’s OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but now you are THE PEOPLE OF GOD; you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY.

1Peter1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

I pray this helps you all with your witnessing.
“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
God Bless you my friends, Bob

Who Do You Say I Am

John 1:1-3; 14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was in the beginning with God. 3All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.

In my career, as a sales trainer, asking questions is one of my greatest tools. But this is not a new idea. In the Bible, leading questions are asked by both Satan for the purposes of evil: "Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, “Indeed, has God said, ‘You shall not eat from any tree of the garden’?” and Jesus. And He continued by questioning them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered and said to Him, “You are the Christ.”

In witnessing; questions are the key that help you to learn what the person thinks. And their answers will help you to know where to focus your efforts. Also using: “The Question”; "WHAT DO YOU THINK GOD IS SAYING TO YOU?” is a most valuable tool in transitioning the conversation so that the person ends up first person personal with the Holy Spirit. Many Christians spend their whole lives never listening to the leading of the Holy Spirit. This also helps a seeker to discover that the Bible is not hard to understand, which is a common misconception. Downplaying your insights should be a primary goal. I will role play so that you can see how a typical conversation will often go.

BW: “Monique, read this verse and explain to me what you think God is saying to you;
MM: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was in the beginning with God. 3All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
MM: “I don’t know what it means”
BW: “Okay let me help you. What does God mean when he says; "in the beginning?"
MM: “At the beginning of creation?”
BW: "Good, How about; “was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
MM: “In the beginning was the Bible?”
BW: “that’s a good start”
MM: “and the Bible was with God and the Bible was God?”
BW “good job, see how much more powerful it is when you are understanding what God is saying to you, rather than me just explaining it to you?
MM: “Yes I do, but I’m still not so sure I understand”
BW: “Well. That’s why I’m here to help. In this verse, God wants you to understand that He comes to us in a number of ways. It is clear that he wanted to get first things first with you. God’s word is the truth and he wants you to know the truth was the same truth you are reading now, was there in the beginning of time, it is never changing and inerrant and to understand that this same truth is in actuality God who is in reality the absolute truth.
MM: “How did you get all of that out of this one verse?”
BW: “I have studied God’s Word and when I listen to the leading from the Holy Spirit, the verses come to mind. “Jesus said; I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you.” This is one of the most exciting promises of the Bible. when we become a Christian, God sends the Holy Spirit into our heart and mind to help and guide us to know His truth and righteous ways.

Now read the next verse.
MM: “He was in the beginning with God.” “Is God saying: Jesus was with Him at the beginning of the creation of the world?”
BW: "Excellent, if it is not clear to you, that just means that the Holy Spirit wants you to search out the answer to your questions in His Word, so that you can know the Truth."
MM: “No, that was fairly clear. I just wanted to see if you agreed.”
BW: “Gladly, but always remember that it is the scripture, and the leading of the Holy Spirit, combined with inspired Godly teachings that allows us to understand the truth.”

MM: “Let’s try the next one. ‘All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
MM: “Jesus created all things, there is nothing Jesus has not created, and the truth came to earth in the form of a man, Jesus and He walked with the disciples in Israel. I’m not sure I understand what His Glory or grace means.”
BW: That’s fine. When you are reading scripture, it is wise to write down those things you don’t understand as points that you need to study and pray about.”
As far as you did get was excellent, and obviously God is making things clear to you. The question I have for you is: “Do you believe what you have learned so far is true?”
MM: I want to believe it. But with my atheist upbringing and everything I have been taught at home and in school … most of what I have learned is the opposite. My mother says there is no god. I am not sure what I believe.
BW: Don’t worry. I know your mother told you there were no miracles also. But do you know what the biggest miracle I have ever seen is?
MM: “What?”
BW: God’s Word changes people’s hearts and minds. I have seen it over and over. First He changes the desires of their hearts, and then over a period of time, day by day, principle by principle, their lives are transformed. Would you like to have a transformed life?
MM: “I would, do you think that’s possible?”
BW: “Yes; I am confident … it is a promise from God” All you need to do is listen to Him verse by verse and “follow Jesus, His Word and the leading of the Holy Spirit, who will talk to you in your spirit, and through the Word. Remember what Jesus said; “He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of Truth” Jesus is Truth. He never lies. All of His promises to us can always be trusted.”

Okay friends, can you see how this works … when we become a helper rather than the Christian answer man … the power is in the Word, and the key is that they discover the truth, and that it becomes personal between them and God, rather than you and them. Be careful not to get in the way. Can you also see why it is so important to get the person on the phone, rather than messages on the internet? The net is great for making contacts, but much is gained in an actual conversation. The more you follow this plan, the less likely you are to not know what to say. The Word always has the answers. Your role is to anticipate what is on their heart, and look to God’s Word for verses that gives answers to the issues in front of you. If you are asked a question where you do not have the answer or a verse does not come to mind; just say, "let's write that down and pray about it, I'm sure God will provide the answer."

Why do you think I focused on John 1:1-3-14 in this first meeting? Obviously, Monique was raised in an atheist home. In the talk, I would also have probed what she believed and did not believe in depth. I would ask about her parents, and what caused their divorce, and how their beliefs may have contributed to their separation. My questions, would have these underlying purposes: to understand the answers to the questions: Where is she? and Where does she want to be? and What scriptures will provide the solutions to her dilemma? Once I am led to a verse, I simply ask her to read the verse and ask "WHAT DO YOU THINK GOD IS SAYING TO YOU?” and then, “Are you ready to do what God wants you to do?”

Next we will look at some basics with Monique, which was what she was originally was asking for. We will guide her through them one by one and watch as the Holy Spirit moves on her heart. I titled this post "Who Do You Say I Am" because I wanted you to note that there were probably a hundred questions in this post I did not ask Monique. I would have surely asked her this question. I have tried here to not make this a very long example. In an actual discussion, it is critical that you do not go in directions that lead away from the purpose of the discussion. But always keeping in mind that the primary purpose is to help this person enter into a relationship with Jesus Christ, answering their questions is a key to reaching this life changing result.

John 3:16-18 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. “For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God”
God Bless you my friends, Bob

The Question

John 1:1-3; 14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was in the beginning with God. 3All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.

In this post I will focus on the letter from Monique, and go into more detail as to how I would respond to her. Well first of all, her letter is filled with information and provides a great deal of information for points of conversation. That is where I would start. She appears very transparent and open to learning the truth. We would attempt to help her transition to a point where she comes to understand that when she reads scripture ... God is speaking directly to her. Our role as a minister of reconciliation is to direct, clarify, and help her stay on the proper path ... not tell her what she is supposed to believe or do. God's word is not hard to understand. The Holy Spirit and the Word will change hearts and minds if we will only allow the truth to speak for itself. The best witness asks the person to read a verse and asks: "The Question"; "WHAT DO YOU THINK GOD IS SAYING TO YOU?
If they clearly do not understand, you help clarify, but don't forget, the Holy Spirit guides you to the scripture that speaks to the issue at hand. He will make His Truth and His ways clear through the power of the Spirit. We must be patient, and she will discover the truth.

I would pray over the letter point by point, that the Holy Spirit would give me wisdom and guidance in each area as they come to mind. And that He would speak to Monique and her mother, brother, and father preparing their hearts for the truth. I would meditate on each issue and pray for the Lord to give me specific scripture that speaks to each issue that comes up. This is exciting, don’t you agree? We can turn everything over to God and He has promised to provide wisdom and solutions. I would appreciate it if you would follow along with these steps and share with me wherever the Lord leads you. That way we can all learn together and receive direction from the Holy Spirit.

Her Letter: “Hi! My name is Monique Melone and I am 23 years old. I'm originally from France, so my English is not so perfect. I live in Potomac, Maryland with my Mother and little brother. My parents are separated. My family was Atheist ever since I was born, so I never really gave religion any thought. Most of my friends in high school were Christian, and I would always go to their houses. When I first met their families, they seemed super nice and friendly; they would ask about my day and tell me to feel at home. They said their prayers before eating all the time, and little by little I would try and do that too. Sometimes I would even go to mass with them. Mom would always say that miracles didn't exist, and we shouldn't do any of that nonsense, but I thought I was ready for this. I wanted to be Christian. I just thought I would gather up some information before going for it, and I thought looking on the net was the best way to do it. I just want to learn the basics. Thank you! Hope to hear from you soon!”

Here are the things that came to mind in my prayer and meditation: Monique is 23 and from France. Lord, help Al to be able to understand the issues from the perspective of a 23 year old French girl, living in Potomac Md. She is quite likely from a highly educated and wealthy family. Speak to her mother and brother and father, Lord … open their hearts to the truth. She has been raised in an atheist home Lord; help her to see the difference between the truth and the lies. Help her to see the difference between religion and a born again relationship with Jesus Christ. Help her to understand that religion is an invention of man, but that Christianity is a relationship with: You, the Creator of all things, Lord of all, speaking to us all, and that You are reconciling Yourself to men through Jesus Christ who visited us in the form of a man and died on the cross so that we can be forgiven and have eternal life with You in heaven.

Help me to have that same spirit Lord that drew her to you through her friends and their families. Help her to understand that your word is truth, and that it is the foundation for all true knowledge and wisdom that is loving, pure, right, honorable and truthful. Encourage her in her heart Lord, to know the truth. Help her to understand the difference between a prayer that is a rote repetition and a prayer that is a direct communication with you, the source of all miracles. Help her to understand your meaning and purpose for the church … what it is and is not from the Creator’s viewpoint. Help her to understand that there are miracles happening around her everyday. Give me the ability to help her to understand, Lord, your attributes. And that to have a relationship with you and to be born into your family is the greatest miracle anyone could ever hope for. That what we are talking about here is absolute, irreversible, sacred, holy, supernatural, and eternal adoption into Your Royal Priesthood as an heir to the kingdoms of the world … unlike any and all other religions known to man. She doesn’t need to do anything. Jesus has done it all. He will live through her. Her faith in Him will sustain her. The love of Christ is different than any other form of love that she has ever experienced, imagined, or felt. It is never-ending, never judging, unconditional, always forgiving, always there for you, no matter how low you have fallen, or how foolish or sinful you have become. The God she is about to accept is without beginning or end, he is all knowing, all powerful, and ever present … no problem or challenge is too great for Him. To say; “I just thought I would gather up some information before going for it, and I thought looking on the net was the best way to do it, and I just want to learn the basics ” almost sounds like she’s looking to join a health club. Guide me to help her to understand the difference between information on the net, and the truth from God. This is about her eternal life, not a casual decision. The internet has both good and bad information, truth and error. Your Word Lord is absolute truth that can be trusted again and again, throughout your life, and for eternity. Men and their accomplishments come and go … but the Word of the Lord is the truth that abides forever.

Okay, now what are the basics? She has given lots of facts but the question is where do I begin? My prayer is a good outline to follow. Her letter does not explain why she is considering Christianity. So, I would begin with questions. The challenge is that at this point, she is only looking for information and the basics. The internet might seem like the best way to her, because it allows her to maintain control. If I could create the ideal scenario, I would much rather use the internet to establish an agenda that leads to a phone conversation. This would allow for a change of dynamics to a direct discussion that the internet just does not allow. We need to change the conversation, in order to make it more personal between her and Jesus, rather than her and a nameless face on the internet. My first reply would be to ask questions, and then I would attempt to establish guidelines for discussion. How would I do that? By simply responding to her letter like this:

Hello Monique:
Thank you for your letter. I look forward to helping you to understand the truth about Biblical Christianity. Becoming a Christian has improved my life in many ways, beyond anything I ever even imagined, and yes I have seen God’s miracles. After reading your letter, I have a few questions that will help us move forward to finding the answers to your spiritual goals. I am convinced that God’s Word has the solutions to all of the challenges in your life.
1. What do you presently believe?
2. Why do you believe it?
3. What are you struggling with in your life?
4. How do you hope Christianity will help you?
5. What are your thoughts about atheism?
6. What things have you learned about religion that turns you off?
7. Who do you think Jesus is?
9. What do you hope to learn about God?
The answers to these questions will help me to better help you. If you are not sure of an answer, just do the best you can. I look forward to hearing back from you soon. By the way don’t hesitate calling me direct at 949-632-5679
God Bless, Bob

Our next post will consider the Biblical solutions and questions God would have us ask Monique.

1 John 2:15-17 Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.
God Bless you my friends, Bob

Sharing The Truth

John 1:1-3, 14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. … And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Comment from “A Divine Appointment” “This is a challenging example, also, for me to be ready to show Scripture to another person, for you are so right: the Word of God is the most powerful thing for convincing someone--rather than man's opinions.”

Do you see my friends how important the story of creation is to a true and meaningful Christian witness? Paul’s witness to the Men of Athens clearly shows that accepting the theory of evolution is an insult to the Creator of the universe. Paul's sermon makes it clear that without the truth of who God is and what he has done; our Christian witness becomes empty and the power is diminished. Without the doctrine of inerrancy, the Bible loses it’s power, and Christianity becomes ... just another religion, more good ideas, or other men's opinions. It is no wonder Christians are afraid to share what they believe.

We are called as ambassadors for Christ with a ministry of reconciliation. So why are we not more focused on how to share our faith, and how to help people to be reconciled to God? I am convinced that too many people have accepted the idea that they need to be politically correct. And that they do not want to offend or alienate others who might think otherwise. So evolution gets a free pass and before you know it … the theory of evolution is taught to our children, and accepted as scientific fact. And as a result, we have a whole generation of adults who, to a large degree, have accepted evolution as truth. Well if evolution is truth, what does that say about the Paul’s talk to the Athenians, John 1:1-3, and Genesis 1-2? If evolution is true, the Bible is just another story. They both can’t be true. Do you see the problem? Christians don’t witness because they don’t know what they believe.

We are a nation that is to a large degree: Athenians. In a meeting I attended years ago, Dr. Bill Bright explained that Campus Crusade had interviewed millions of Christians around the world and that more than 90% of Christians interviewed identified themselves as carnal Christians. Read: Three types of people. The fact is that confused or carnal Christians do not witness. Most Christians in America are more concerned about being tolerant and politically correct, than they are about sharing their faith. Many have never even considered how they would share their faith. If one is admittedly self-centered, why would they even care what others believed, let alone care about convincing them otherwise?

So the key questions are: What does Jesus want you to do? Who has He put in you circle of interest that He wants to reconcile to Himself through you? And what would He have you say to them?

We all know the answer to the first question. Some are hiding from it but we all know it. “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you” The answer to “who” differs for each of us. But we each have a fairly large circle of influence. Some like the couple I mentioned yesterday, who came to me as a surprise, but the reason they inquired is that I was planting seeds, and I was prepared to share my faith, and they were open to the truth, and the Holy Spirit acted upon all of those facts. Once we got into the discussion, I never doubted what the outcome would be, and I certainly was never worried about what to say. If each of us were to pray that God would reveal to us those he wanted us to witness to most, who do you think he would say that you need to talk to tomorrow? Family, neighbors, friends, co-workers immediately come to mind. But you know; it takes courage to go against the grain, and to question the spiritual ignorance of others. Of course to reach out to the lost in our community would take deeper courage. That’s why most of us don’t do it. It takes courage for me to talk to all of you this way. Did you know that each week someone is offended here and un-follows this blog? There is a price for saying what you believe. The early Christians were horribly martyred for it. Losing a few friends for the cause of Christ is hardly a sacrifice. Well that leads me to the biggest group that most of us have; and that is our church body. Can you imagine what would happen if each of us somehow became the spark that lit the fire that moved their churches out of their chairs and they sharing the gospel with those God has put within their circle of influence. If 90% of Christians are self-centered as Dr. Bright said, then we have a massive mission field within the church. We’re talking about a huge revival. Maybe, that’s why America is poised for a big fall. Too many have become the God of their own world, regardless of their professed Christianity. Their “old self” is still leading the way.

Here is a message I got yesterday from a friend who has surely witnessed to far more people than I have. But, in his spiritual maturity, he is always looking for new directions that the Lord might provide.

“Hello Bob, Men of Athens was an excellent. How would you reply to this GMO response that I received?” Regards, Al”
“Hi! My name is Monique Melone and I am 23 years old. I'm originally from France, so my English is not so perfect. I live in Potomac, Maryland with my Mother and little brother. My parents are separated. My family was Atheist ever since I was born, so I never really gave religion any thought. Most of my friends in high school were Christian, and I would always go to their houses. When I first met their families, they seemed super nice and friendly; they would ask about my day and tell me to feel at home. They said their prayers before eating all the time, and little by little I would try and do that too. Sometimes I would even go to mass with them. Mom would always say that miracles didn't exist, and we shouldn't do any of that nonsense, but I thought I was ready for this. I wanted to be Christian. I just thought I would gather up some information before going for it, and I thought looking on the net was the best way to do it. I just want to learn the basics. Thank you! Hope to hear from you soon!”

BW reply ... Al: Monique provides a great opportunity for you. I would first try to establish an ongoing dialogue with her rather than just giving her information. She has given you some valuable facts.
1. Her mother is an atheist
2. Her mother has misguided her
3. No father figure in her life
4. She is quite likely promiscuous, and unchurched
5. Most of her friends in HS were Christian
6. She is searching for more information
7. She thinks she is ready for Christianity
8. She obviously has internet awareness
9. She just wants to learn the basics on net

So how would I reply to her? Basically three ways.
1. First I would ask her questions about the above facts in an attempt to befriend and perhaps establish a male role model friendship.
2. I would ask her questions in an attempt to learn what she already knows about Christianity. Also I would ask for specifics about her areas of struggle and where she thinks she needs the Lords help.
3. I would tell her that her mother is correct in that most religions are false, and when she says: "miracles don't exist." But, her mother is clearly not aware of the miracles that happen every day in the world of Biblical Christianity. Also I would mention that God is clearly moving on her life, and He wants her to have miracles in her life also. I would then give her specific basic scriptures that speak to the areas of struggle that she has mentioned. Rather than tell her what the verses mean, I would ask her what she thinks God is saying to her in the verse. Then I would help guide her in the truth. An area of scripture that I would give her early on that would lead to conversation is: 1 Corinthians 2:6-3:3. Hopefully she would enter into a dialogue here that will result in her conversion and ongoing discipleship. I would gladly help here in any way possible, and would love the opportunity to disciple her. I am convinced the Lord is clearly moving on her life. But I would NOT just send info.

Al has a great opportunity but also a big challenge. There are three souls here that need the Lord. Al has been invited in as the spiritual counselor. What he says or does not say may well impact the salvation of this young woman and her family. There has been the influence of the enemy of Christ in the atheistic upbringing and the absence of a Godly male role model. When God’s word says; this is: “Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. “ How could anything be more important than witnessing to this girl, her mother and brother? Surely they qualify as widows and orphans spiritually.

I plan to focus on witnessing to this family in the next couple of posts, giving Al any ideas that I and the readers here might be willing to share. Pray for this family that the Holy Spirit would prepare their hearts for the words of truth that Al is about to share with them. Any scriptures or ideas you have, please email me at: talavera.bob@gmail.com
John 14:5-6 Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.
God Bless you my friends, Bob

A Divine Appointment

John 3:1-4 Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews; this man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born, can he?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. “Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ “The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

1 Peter 1:22-23 Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart, for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God.

A number of years ago I was teaching one of my real estate sales agents named Terry how to get people to like her and trust her. I asked her to list the things that bothered her about sales people she had worked with. Two things she listed that upset her most were that: they made promises they did not keep, and that they often tried to get her to buy something that she did not want or need.

Would you like to understand how to not make those mistakes with your customers, I asked? I said the first principle is to go an extra mile. In other words, whatever you tell people you will do for them, do twice as much. The second principle is called the golden rule. The way you use it in business is before you actually meet with the customer, give them a call and ask a few important questions to help you prepare. What are your needs in a home? What’s most important to you? What don’t you like? What qualities do you look most for in an agent? What ways can I best serve you?

Now, when they arrive, you spend a few moments up front explaining how you plan to deliver all of these things that they have already told you they are looking for … and then you plan to deliver to them twice the service that you promise. And then you ask; Is there anything more I need to keep in mind? I then went on to explain that these sales principles were more than just good ideas from some seminar ... that they were taught by Jesus Christ 2,000 years ago. I then got out my Bible and opened to the specific verses. When you practice these truths I said, you will be bringing the power of God’s word to bear on the issues at hand, and your success will be greatly increased, I further explained.

She looked at me silently for a few moments, and then asked me a question that I loved to hear. “What religion are you; she asked?” I’m a Christian, I replied.” I know that, she said; but what religion are you?” "I don’t belong to any denomination. I have received Christ as my Savior and I follow the teachings in the Bible. Do you go to church; I asked?" "Yes, she said; for over forty years. I’ve never met anyone like you that actually takes the Bible and relates it to selling homes. Your not a born again Christian, are you?" Why do you ask, I said? “Well, because my husband Clint says, that they’re the ones who cheat him at work." Well I said, you know what, it does not matter what I say, or what your husband says, about being born again. You believe Jesus is God, and the Bible is His holy Word, right? Yes. Would you like to see what Jesus says about being born again, I asked? Why of course I’d like to hear. Did Jesus talk about born again; she asked?" I opened my Bible to John 3 and read her the story of Nicodemus. And then I asked Now, would you like to see what the Apostle Peter has to say about being born again? She said; what … he didn't, did he! I said yes, and opened to 1 Peter 1:22 and when I read; “for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God” she asked; why hasn’t my church taught me this? I have no idea, I replied. But the more important question is: what do you think Jesus wants you to do about it? I then told her, you know: Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” You can pray and have the peace he promises you. She said; I am going to go home and think about it. I said; that’s up to you, but if Jesus is speaking to you, here. I would not want to keep our Lord waiting, would you? She paused ... Can I say that prayer, she asked? Of course I said and we prayed together.

This is a true story and was certainly not planned, in any way, by myself, or Terry. Several others were supposed to be at that sales meeting, but their unexplained absence opened the door for this Divine Appointment. God orchestrated the circumstances and the many other verses that we discussed.

Two days later, Terry came into my office. "Clint wants to meet with you she said." Uh Oh ... I thought. But I said sure, how about tomorrow evening after work? Clint came in and he was clearly gruff. He was old enough to be my father. After introductions, I explained to Clint that I had prepared some discussion questions. “If you were to die today, are you certain you would go to heaven, I asked? Yes, he answered. On what basis can you make that claim, I asked. "Because Jesus is the Son of God, and he died on the cross for our sins, He answered. Now what do you believe, he asked me?" It doesn’t really matter what I believe; I said. Do you believe the Bible is God’s truth, I asked?” Yes, of course, he replied. I then asked him to read James 2:19 “You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder.” He got a funny look on his face, as he finished and looked up at me. That’s right I said; the demons understand who God is, but knowing who he is, won’t get them in heaven.” After I repeated this exercise of responding with scripture a couple of times … Clint looked at me and said; "Okay, now let’s put the good book aside, and just talk man to man.” I explained to him, Clint I would gladly do that, but also that both of our opinions gained new power when they were consistent with God’s word. Of course that is why he wanted to put aside the Bible, he realized that he was no match for God’s truth. We parted friends and agreed to meet again in the near future.

A few days later, Terry came in with a big smile, and said to me; Bob, you are never going to believe it. Clint prayed that prayer." I moved away and have not seen or heard from Clint or Terry in years, but I imagine that at this point, the next time I see them will be in heaven. An interesting point is that when we first started talking, I am sure that both of them would have identified themselves as highly spiritual Christians with their forty years of consistent church attendance. I wanted to share this story with you because I wanted you to see the power that God’s word has to change hearts. Both Clint and Terry had spent a lifetime practicing their religion, but it was only when they simply read the clear truths in God’s word did they understand that there is more to Christianity than practicing religion. Please understand that I never implied that Terry or Clint were not Christians before they prayed to Christ. They were both led to make that decision by God’s Word. When witnessing God’s word, it is always best to get out of the way, and let the Holy Spirit speak to the person’s heart. Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit moved on both of their hearts. You would be surprised if I told you their religion. In their case, their religion had not taught them the gospel. The question for you is: are you practicing a religion or have you entered into a relationship with the Creator? “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be amazed that I said to you, You must be born again.” Have you been born again in the Spirit, as Jesus requires?

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
God Bless you my friends, Bob

God Bless America

In 1751, the Speaker of the Pennsylvania Assembly ordered a new bell for the State House. He asked that a Bible verse to be placed on the bell - "Proclaim LIBERTY throughout all the Land unto all the inhabitants thereof" Leviticus 25:10.

NEVER FORGET!

WE ALL NEED TO READ THIS EVERY YEAR

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any form of government becomes destructive to these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shown that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security. --Such has been the patient sufferance of these colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former systems of government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute tyranny over these states. To prove this, let facts be submitted to a candid world.

He has refused his assent to laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.

He has forbidden his governors to pass laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.

He has refused to pass other laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of representation in the legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.

He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.

He has dissolved representative houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.

He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the legislative powers, incapable of annihilation, have returned to the people at large for their exercise; the state remaining in the meantime exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.

He has endeavored to prevent the population of these states; for that purpose obstructing the laws for naturalization of foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migration hither, and raising the conditions of new appropriations of lands.

He has obstructed the administration of justice, by refusing his assent to laws for establishing judiciary powers.

He has made judges dependent on his will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.

He has erected a multitude of new offices, and sent hither swarms of officers to harass our people, and eat out their substance.

He has kept among us, in times of peace, standing armies without the consent of our legislature.

He has affected to render the military independent of and superior to civil power.

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his assent to their acts of pretended legislation:
• For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:
• For protecting them, by mock trial, from punishment for any murders which they should commit on the inhabitants of these states:
• For cutting off our trade with all parts of the world:
• For imposing taxes on us without our consent:
• For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of trial by jury:
• For transporting us beyond seas to be tried for pretended offenses:
• For abolishing the free system of English laws in a neighboring province, establishing therein an arbitrary government, and enlarging its boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule in these colonies:
• For taking away our charters, abolishing our most valuable laws, and altering fundamentally the forms of our governments:
• For suspending our own legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.
He has abdicated government here, by declaring us out of his protection and waging war against us.
He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burned our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.
He is at this time transporting large armies of foreign mercenaries to complete the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of cruelty and perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the head of a civilized nation.
He has constrained our fellow citizens taken captive on the high seas to bear arms against their country, to become the executioners of their friends and brethren, or to fall themselves by their hands.
He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavored to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian savages, whose known rule of warfare, is undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.
In every stage of these oppressions we have petitioned for redress in the most humble terms: our repeated petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Nor have we been wanting in attention to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, enemies in war, in peace friends.

We, therefore, the representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress, assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the name, and by the authority of the good people of these colonies, solemnly publish and declare, that these united colonies are, and of right ought to be free and independent states; that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the state of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as free and independent states, they have full power to levy war, conclude peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, and to do all other acts and things which independent states may of right do. And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor.



New Hampshire: Josiah Bartlett, William Whipple, Matthew Thornton
Massachusetts: John Hancock, Samual Adams, John Adams, Robert Treat Paine, Elbridge Gerry
Rhode Island: Stephen Hopkins, William Ellery
Connecticut: Roger Sherman, Samuel Huntington, William Williams, Oliver Wolcott
New York: William Floyd, Philip Livingston, Francis Lewis, Lewis Morris
New Jersey: Richard Stockton, John Witherspoon, Francis Hopkinson, John Hart, Abraham Clark
Pennsylvania: Robert Morris, Benjamin Rush, Benjamin Franklin, John Morton, George Clymer, James Smith, George Taylor, James Wilson, George Ross
Delaware: Caesar Rodney, George Read, Thomas McKean
Maryland: Samuel Chase, William Paca, Thomas Stone, Charles Carroll of Carrollton
Virginia: George Wythe, Richard Henry Lee, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Harrison, Thomas Nelson, Jr., Francis Lightfoot Lee, Carter Braxton
North Carolina: William Hooper, Joseph Hewes, John Penn
South Carolina: Edward Rutledge, Thomas Heyward, Jr., Thomas Lynch, Jr., Arthur Middleton
Georgia: Button Gwinnett, Lyman Hall, George Walton

God bless you my friends, Bob

Men of Athens

Acts 17: 22-31 So Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, I observe that you are very religious in all respects. 23“For while I was passing through and examining the objects of your worship, I also found an altar with this inscription, ‘TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.’ Therefore what you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you. 24“The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands; 25nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things; 26and He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, 27that they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; 28for in Him we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we also are His children.’ 29“Being then the children of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and thought of man. 30“Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent, 31because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead.”

In a recent discussion regarding making the most of our opportunities to witness the gospel, this scripture came to mind. Since Paul is the Apostle that I look to most as the role model of how I should witness to others, I am convinced we can gain much wisdom here.

Paul was speaking to the men of Athens, the literary capital of the ancient world. Athens was the most cultured city on the earth, and every Roman who was seeking a finished education traveled to Athens to complete his studies. This was the home of philosophers, orators, sculptors, painters and poets, and the great university where many thousands of strangers gathered for study.

“The Gentiles in general, and the Athenians in particular, in their devotions were governed, not by their philosophers, many of whom spoke clearly and excellently well of one supreme God or Numen, of his infinite perfections and universal agency and dominion (witness the writings of Plato, and long after of Cicero); but by their poets, and their idle fictions. Homer's works were the Bible of the pagan theology, or demonology rather, not Plato's; and the philosophers tamely submitted to this, rested in their speculations, disputed them among themselves, and taught them to their scholars, but never made the use they ought to have made of them in opposition to idolatry; so little certainty were they at concerning them, and so little impression did these things make upon them! Now Paul here sets himself, in the first place, to reform the philosophy of the Athenians (he corrects the mistakes of that), and to give them right notions of the one only living and true God, and then to carry the matter further than they ever attempted for the reforming of their worship, and the bringing them off from their polytheism and idolatry.” Paul was a stranger in a proud and educated land, and so he was careful not to offend but at the same time bold as he proclaimed the one and only living God. How should we witness to our cultural elite? Paul shows us here.

Paul’s wisdom in recognizing and referring to their Unknown God clearly shows his message was inspired. It completely disarmed his audience and got them into a discussion about Jesus Christ, the Creator of the universe. This brings to my mind a conversation I witnessed between a pastor that I admire and a highly educated intellectual agnostic who was claiming to have biblical knowledge. Rather than point out his obvious shortcomings biblically, my pastor friend simply asked; “what is your view on redemption?” The intellectual’s response clearly showed he had very little Biblical knowledge at all, and clearly stopped his rhetoric.

The men of Athens, in spite of their superior knowledge in many fields, had erected an altar to an unknown god, thus drawing Paul’s attention to their point of ignorance spiritually. Paul was preaching the gospel to heathens here, very religious men, but men who worshipped false gods, and who were without the only true God of the world. Why is this important in America today? Because, America is the Athens of our modern world. Intellectual America has fallen for the same false religions that Athens fell for. Next, America has allow atheistic secularism to control our society in the name of "separation of church and state." When God is silenced, Satan wins. It is perfectly fine to teach atheistic philosophies and theories (ie: evolution, abortion, and naturalism) in our public schools. Additionally, America has accepted many false forms of Christianity … many that do not teach Jesus is God, or that the Bible is the inspired word of God. Some offer the false teachings that Jesus was only a good man and teacher, and that we only need to follow his teachings to gain God’s promise of eternal life. All in the spirit of freedom of religion, tolerance and political correctness. Was Paul concerned about offending these other pagan false religions? Did he give them any validity whatsoever? Not hardly. By today's standards in America the apostle Paul would be totally politically incorrect. He did not insult the people. In fact, he made an effort to befriend them, but His One God and only One God gospel surely offended many. The modern teaching that all religions are valid, that whatever is true for you is your truth, and that good deeds are enough to get into heaven are an affront to our Lord and Savior, as well as the apostle Paul. All of these well intentioned ideas are actually leading people away from God. Paul begins by commending their diligence, rather than putting them down. Paul simply proclaims to them that the God which they have previously noted and worshipped as the unknown god is the one who created the world, and who came in the form of a man to save all men from their sins, and that although they do not know Him, He is the God that Paul has come to proclaim to them.

The clear goal of Paul’s sermon is to bring them to the knowledge of the only living and true God, as the single and only object of their worship. He is careful to lay the foundation, there is only one God and that is Jesus the Christ, who was raised from the dead. He is the God who made the world and all things in it, and that since He is Lord of heaven and earth, and He does not dwell in temples made with human hands. He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things. And He made from one man ... every nation of mankind ... to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their lives. Do you see my friends how important the story of creation is to a true and meaningful Christian witness? This scripture alone should make it clear that accepting the theory of evolution is an insult to the Creator of the universe. Paul's sermon makes it clear that without the truth of who God is and what he has done our witness becomes empty. And Christianity becomes ... just another religion.

If you have been misled by a sincere but misguided teacher or pastor, it is not too late. Reject that false teaching. Accept Jesus as your Savior and Lord. Study the word of God, not the ideas of false religions or mere men. Repent … turn away from the ways of the world.

“Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent, because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead.”
God Bless you my friends, Bob