An Easy Choice

Unless the LORD builds the house,
They labor in vain who build it;

Unless the LORD guards the city,
The watchman keeps awake in vain. 
Psalms 127:1

A number of years ago, my father in law said to me; 
“there are two things that I don’t like to discuss: Politics and Religion”


 “Well Joe ... then we’ve got a problem, I quickly replied.” 

“What’s that" he asked?  


“Those are my two favorite subjects, I laughingly answered.”

As I’ve grown older and hopefully wiser, I now better understand where Joe was coming from. He had been worn down by the ongoing hypocrisy and deceptions promoted by politicians, religions, and religious leaders. 


Biblical Christianity is about a relationship with the Savior and Lord of all ... 
and not about the religions, philosophies, and various teachings that were created by mere men. Christianity is eternal salvation for anyone who trust Christ based upon the sacrifice Jesus made for us on the cross ... and not rules and dogma created by men or religions.


Here is the rub ... it is impossible to be politically correct and practice tolerance for false teachings that are leading our citizens off a cliff morally, and eternally; and at the same time stand for God's Truth. 


I can tolerate and fight for another's right to believe in foolishness; but I can never call it Truth ... there is only one Truth. 


Unfortunately, the foolishness is out of control and is about to destroy our country and our children's future if we don't challenge it now. 


There are many issues, fighting radical Islam is a key priority; but the environmentalists, and the Marxists may well bring America down from within.

Religion and Politics are surely no longer my favorite subjects ... not since October 20, 1980 when I prayed for the Creator to become the Lord and Savior of my life. In fact, I created Religiolitics so that I could separate the discussion of this foolishness from Paradox Principles where I desire to focus on Biblical Christianity and God’s Truth. Subtle deceptions, outright lies, and hypocrisy are common practices in both Politics and Religion. 


But this year with our nation in the balance ... we must all stand for the Truth and against false political rhetoric and religions.

Let’s consider both Obama and Romney who claim to be Christians. 

Is either of them really a Christian ... or are they both just playing foolish politics and false religion? 


How should all true Christians and all Americans consider this question when it comes time to vote?

None of us can actually know another man’s heart, and we are not to judge others. Only the Creator will be the judge of us all. But false religions are to be judged. Without question, I am convinced that the religious training that both men have received is a big red flag.

President Obama is clearly all over the map with Muslim training in his childhood; Marxist and socialist ideology in his youth; and then 20 years of Black Liberation theology masqueraded as Christianity in his adulthood.  There is no evidence that he has ever actually read or studied the Bible. Having said all this; it is still possible that Obama has trusted Christ as his Lord and Savior, as I have heard him state. We can only pray that he knows and trusts Christ. Only God can and will judge him on this question. If he is a Christian God will also convict him in his heart of falsehoods.

Now, let’s look at Mitt Romney. He is a lifelong Mormon. A friend of mine recently asked me if I thought Romney was a Christian. My response was the same: “we can only pray that he knows and trusts Christ. Only God can and will judge him on this question.” I then went on to explain that the Mormon religion is not a Christian religion. Mormonism is polytheistic (many gods) and is not compatible with Biblical Christianity which is monotheistic (one God and only one God and Creator of all.) Like oil and water the two do not mix. There are many other teachings of this church I could also point out that are not Biblical, but this one is all that is needed.


Are some members of the Mormon Church Christians? There are many good deed doers. I would hope some are Christians … but most likely then, they wouldn’t be good Mormons for very long. I know you might say; many Mormons are wonderful people and are great citizens; but these qualities are not qualifications for Christianity, except as taught by false man-made religions. Once again we can only pray that Christ has moved on Romney’s heart and that he does know Christ as his Lord and Savior regardless of false Mormon teachings.

We need to continually pray for the direction and salvation of both men. I know this is confusing. But a key point here is that we must not judge persons; but we must judge false teachings wherever they appear … including all churches and religions. That would include all of the major and small denominations as well. And we still need to vote as we consider the views and beliefs that each man stands for.

Here are twenty questions that will help guide you in this critical voting decision.

What quality is most important to you in the person of the President?

Does either man have this most important quality?

What is the most critical issue facing America?

Which man is best able to solve this issue?

What is the most important change that needs to be made?

Which man will be best able to make this change?

What changes need to be made in our public school system to better promote American values and better train our children to succeed in life?

Which man is more likely to bring about these changes?

What does America need to do to bring down energy costs for all Americans?

Which man will make the changes needed to reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil?

What does America need to do to put all Americans back to work?

Which man is most likely to get this job done in the next four years?

Which man is most likely to bring spending and taxation under control?

Does either man regularly attend a Bible teaching Christian church?

Where does each man stand on abortion?

Who do you believe is most truthful in what he says?

Does either man appear to know and understand the Bible?

Does either man openly call upon Jesus Christ?

Do they believe in Darwinian Evolution or Creation by God?

Which man will most likely appoint judges that stand for Christian values?

I am convinced that when any true Christian answers these questions honestly, they will conclude that Mitt Romney must be the next President of the United States. This is about the future of America and not religion and politics; but it is about Biblical Christianity. American’s values at our founding core are Judeo Christian values … and Mitt Romney promotes many of those same values. Barack Obama does not.

I realize that I am discussing politics, religion, and Biblical Christianity all in the same post and this might upset some. But that is the point; we must expose and judge false teachings wherever they appear. All churches, religions, political parties and politicians must be continually challenged and held accountable. The future of our Republic is at stake.

And we must continually encourage all to turn to God's Truth in His Holy 
Word ... 

and to Jesus Christ, the Messiah ... the One and only Lord and Savior of all.

For Christian values and for the future of America … forward this post.

God Bless you my friends, Bob

Evolution is Science Fiction

1In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

3And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. 4And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.

 9And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together to one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so.

21And God created great whales, and every living creature that moves, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good

24And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so.

 27So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. Genesis 1:1-27

INVENTOR OF THE MRI SAYS EVOLUTION IS SCIENCE FICTION

The following is excerpted from an interview with Dr. Raymond Damadian that was conducted in January 2012 by Shem Dharampaul of Alberta, Canada. Dr. Dharampaul is a Fellow of the College of Physicians in Canada and is trained in nuclear medicine.

Dr. Damadian, biophysicist, is the recipient of the Lemelson-MIT Achievement Award as “the man who invented the MRI scanner.” In 1988 he was awarded the National Medal of Technology, America’s highest award for applied science, and a year later, he was inducted into the Inventors Hall of Fame, an honor he shares with Thomas Edison, Samuel Morse, and the Wright Brothers. The first MRI scanner that Dr. Damadian and his colleagues built in 1977, “The Indomitable,” resides at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.

QUESTION: Why do you believe that the Bible is true?

DAMADIAN: If you take the trouble to examine the evidence supporting the Bible and contradicting alternative theories, from my perception, the evidence is overwhelmingly in support of the biblical record and vacates alternative thoughts such as evolution. The evidence for evolution is non-existent. In my opinion, evolution is science fiction.

QUESTION: Does the Bible’s account of creation contradict any known facts of science?

DAMADIAN: No. Absolutely not. In my opinion evolution contradicts them.

QUESTION: What things would you think that evolution contradicts in terms of known facts of science?

DAMADIAN: Just as an example, it contracts the first law of thermodynamics. It contradicts the second law of thermodynamics. And it contradicts a major, fundamental law of physics, which is the law of cause and effect. The effect can never be greater than the cause, but evolution has to start with slime mold and end up with a human being. So that is an outright contradiction of the law of cause and effect. The second law of thermodynamics says that everything is running downhill. All of the processes of nature are degenerating to the point where the ultimate outcome is going to be equilibrium where no actions of any kind occur because you have a universal equilibrium. Evolution says the opposite. Evolution says that by the sheer process of chance things are not running downhill, they are getting progressively more perfected. That is an outright contradiction of the second law of thermodynamics. Evolution ducks the question of where does matter come from. The only way you can start is that you have to make something out of nothing. You have to start with nothing and end up with matter. When you go from nothing to something you are violating every one of the laws of physics that we know about. The first law of thermodynamics, the second law of thermodynamics, and the law of cause and effect.

QUESTION: Why do you not accept evolution, since it is widely held among scientists today?

DAMADIAN: The way I would answer that is because there is no evidence for it. The known scientific evidence contradict it.

QUESTION: Do you know other scientists who reject evolution?

DAMADIAN: Oh, many. In fact, my general impression is that among the scientists in America the rejection of evolution is growing very rapidly. Today there is a massive amount of material that has been written by scientists against evolution. There are many textbooks written by scientists that challenge evolution for its lack of scientific evidence. One of my favorite quotes in this context is that of Sir Fred Hoyle, the British astronomer, who said to the effect that if you can believe that the human body originated from an antique life form such as slime mold entirely by chance, you should have no trouble believing that a hurricane blowing through a junkyard will yield a 747 passenger jet.

QUESTION: What message would you like to convey to young people growing up in church today?

DAMADIAN: I would like for them to understand that there is no scientific evidence for evolution, that evolution is science fiction, and that the real science is what Genesis describes. Genesis is the only characterization of origins that is consistent with all of the scientific evidence that we have.

QUESTION: What would you consider the most important thing in your life to be?

DAMADIAN: The belief and understanding that Jesus is exactly who He said He is, that Jesus is the son of God, and that He died and was crucified, and that He indeed was resurrected. And with that understanding there is nothing else to say, because Jesus says Himself as the Son of God He was there at the beginning and was there at the genesis of Creation.

QUESTION: What do you consider to be the most important book in your life?

DAMADIAN: The most important book is not even debatable; it is the Bible. The source of wisdom and understanding of all of that we experience and all that we know comes from the Bible. And the more that you study it and the more that you read it the more you advance your wisdom and understanding which is fundamental to everything that you do, and your future.

QUESTION: How can you be sure of going to heaven?

DAMADIAN: In John 3:3, Jesus makes this unequivocal. Jesus said, Except that a man be born again he shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. And John 3:16, God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. John 1:1-3

God bless you my friends, Bob

New Creature 2

Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, 
as though God did beseech you by us: 
we pray you in Christ's stead, 
be you reconciled to God. 


 For he has made him to be sin for us, 
 who knew no sin; 
 that we might be made 
 the righteousness of God in him.

2 Corinthian 5:20-21 


So ... why do most people turn to Christ? 
What about You? 


Did you unconsciously or consciously bring a lot of old beliefs, habits, 
and philosophies with you that you were not willing to leave behind or give up? 


When you trusted Christ, were you at the end of your old self, and ready to become a new creature; 
or were you just trying to become a better person? 


There is a huge difference. 


Did you decide to put off the old person and put on a new life with Christ, 
without really considering what that commitment meant? 


 This is the Truth we will consider today: 
 wrong motives and false beliefs bring the wrong results. 




When you became a Christian, was it your desire “to be made the righteousness of God in Him? Was this your desired end result? I never even considered this … you say? I was in need of a savior and I wanted to be forgiven and receive eternal life? Now we are on the same page … but God had a different plan. And that plan is for each of us to be made the righteousness of God in Him and to be ambassadors for Christ with a ministry of reconciliation. 


We come to God and ask for His free gift of eternal life but we want to meet him on our terms. But that is not acceptable to God. The conversation with Jesus goes like this: “Thomas said to him, Lord, we know not where you go; and how can we know the way? Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father, but by me.” John 14:5-6 


According to Jesus … He is the Truth. And as they say in court when one swears on the Bible: “the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.” This is the only thing that will satisfy God. The problem is that men as attorneys and politicians have continually proven that they have ingenious ways of twisting the truth … and so do all of the rest of us. 


In order for the New Creature to come, the old must pass away. We must become born again of the Spirit like newborn babies to enter the kingdom of God. He will not allow for our false beliefs to come along with us into eternity. Everything we believe must be tested against His Truth. 


On the other hand, the common tactic for men is to test His eternal Truth against those things which they have already come to believe. Or more specifically, men will search the scriptures for verses that support their previously accepted beliefs and conclusions … and then they write books about it using these out of context conclusions as biblical evidence of their false beliefs. This is either hypocrisy, heresy; or at the worst deliberate evil intent. 


You have heard it said that people can make the Bible say anything they wish. Well the statement is true; but beyond people’s deluded minds, these false conclusions have no impact on the eternal truth that Jesus has revealed to us, one way or the other. 


 Religious Modernism and Post Modernism have confused the truth greatly, and as a result millions of pastors and religious leaders to some degree have been falsely trained and are in danger of leading their followers away from the eternal truth, and to follow enlightened ideas, or the discoveries of men instead.


Does this mean that I am saying all of the teachings of the world are false? No! not at all … only that as Christians we have become committed to follow Jesus Christ: the Way, the Truth and the Life … and no other. When we mix the Truth with lies or even good but false intentions, the end result is a lie.


We are to test the teachings of men against His truth and believe accordingly; and not the other way around. 


We are not judging other people when we reject their religions and beliefs. God clearly says that they are already judged by Him. “He that believes on him is not condemned: but he that believes not is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” John 3:18. Others are free to reject this Truth, but their contrary beliefs do not make the Words of Christ, any less true or false. 


Conflicted thinking results in a conflicted, compromising, hypocritical belief system. And that is clearly not … becoming the righteousness of God in Him. 


So … what is still standing between you and becoming the person he wants you to be? 


Here and now is always a good time for prayer and meditation, and God will reveal a list of areas where you have blockage; but here are some definite areas where our spiritual conversion to Christ is most often hindered: other people; friends; family; denominational religious training; Modernist or Post-Modernist ideas; all new age teachings; mind science or religious science; most “Christian” denominations, or sects; all non-Christian religions, or sects; your church; church movements such as the Peace Plan; well meaning, but un-biblical teachers; any unbelievers around you; your education; business practices; all political parties, clubs, hobbies; media, TV; books; authors; all worldly philosophies; worldly causes; even our constitutional freedoms can be stumbling blocks; human logic, experience, and feelings continually hinder many from knowing and living God's Truth. 


The Holy Spirit and God's Word are the only guides we can trust ... and they are the only guides we need.


If we truly choose to follow Christ everything must be humbled to Him. Read: Luke 18:18-27 for a deeper understanding. Hint: This conversion is not about selling everything we have and giving it to the poor … but it is about changing the way we think, changing our values, and following Him; which will surely change our concerns for the poor, and everyone else as well. But it is also certain that spiritual concerns are far more important to Ambassadors for Christ than temporal concerns.


To be in Him most surely means that we will not be liked by the world, some will be repelled by us, and we will often be viewed as a peculiar person. But at the same time, others will be drawn to Him through us. True Ambassadors for Christ would never want anyone (even their enemies) … to not receive the free gift of Jesus Christ. 



It is important here to again stress: We are to test everything we believe against His Word … not test His Word against the teaching of the world or our pre-established beliefs. 


Born Again Christianity is not an add-on.




Be careful not to fall for this: 


“But the Spirit says expressly, that in later times some shall fall away from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons, through the hypocrisy of men that speak lies, branded in their own conscience as with a hot iron.” 1 Timothy 4:1-2 


 But rather always keep these eternal Truths in mind: 


May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure. 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. In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith ... the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:2-9 


 To be Born Again is to become a New Creature ... who is the righteousness of God in Him. 


 God bless you my friends, Bob

New Creature

What's New?


"Therefore if any man be in Christ,

He is a new creature:

Old things are passed away;
Behold, all things are become new."
2 Corinthians 5:17






The first question someone should ask themselves when they pray to Christ for forgiveness and eternal life is: What’s new?

What is different about me now compared to before I received Christ as my Lord and Savior.
How have I changed?

For me, I immediately felt different. I knew change had come into my life. My wife noticed it right away. Anyone who knows me well would tell you; “when Bob became a Christian, he became a completely different person.” In many ways that is true, but others might say he is the same old Bob West. Well I know that is not true but in reality the change is a result of what Jesus did for me on the cross ... not what others think or see.

So what is true? The problem is that others look at us and they see the same old person with all of our shortcomings and rough edges. And when we look at our self honestly we must admit many of our same old bad habits, sins, and failings still cause us to stumble and fall. Others (especially those who have rejected Christ) doubt and point out our failings as evidence that for them somehow reinforces their own unbelief; and sometimes even we begin to doubt that we have changed.

But wait a minute. God cannot lie. His Word is Truth and he says: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

So if this applies to me, what does it mean?

First of all it does apply to me ... I am “in Christ.”

What does Bob is a new creature mean?
What old things are passed away?
What does all things have become new mean?
And why isn’t this clear to myself and everyone else?


Okay let’s start with the first most important question. Do you truly believe?

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. … And the Word was made flesh, and dwelled among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” John 1:1-14

Do you really believe this is truth? When we receive Christ as Lord and Savior, we are receiving this Truth.
If you claim to be a Christian but reject this basic Truth what does that make you? A Christian ... or a hypocrite?

Can someone receive Christ and then just believe whatever he wishes, as many would contend? Here is the rub: Jesus says; “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it sees him not, neither knows him: but you know him; for he dwells with you, and shall be in you.” John 14:16-17

If as Jesus promised, you have the Holy Spirit in you, abiding with you forever … will not the Spirit of Truth convict you in your heart continually if you choose to believe or do whatever you feel like?

Why is this important?

Well let’s look back to the first truth promise that we read:

“if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature”

Have you ever even considered yourself to be a creature of any sort? For most of us the answer to this question would be: no. And why is that? Well most of us have a definition of creature that would be some sort of a science fiction creature. That just seems bizarre to most of us.

Let’s look at Webster’s definition to get a clearer understanding of this:
Definition of CREATURE:
1: something created either animate or inanimate: such as: a lower animal, especially a farm animal; or a human being; or creatures of fantasy.
2: one that is the servile dependent or tool of another.

Now are you getting the picture? First of all creatures are something created. How can someone believe that he is a new creature, or an old creature for that matter, if he doesn’t believe he was created by the Creator; and how can a person be a Christian if He rejects the Word that is the Truth that became flesh and dwelled among us, died on the cross for our sins, and saves us eternally through His never-ending Grace?

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.” John 1:1-3

Evolution is the conscious rejection of the Creator of all things. Evolution is a doctrine of demons. This is why we must always reject the theory of evolution. To do otherwise is in fact to reject our Savior who died on the cross for our sins. If a person has the Holy Spirit, and he is accepting the false theory of evolution, he will never be at peace. The Holy Spirit will not allow for him to rest there. If someone says he is a Christian, and also says he believes evolution is truth, I cannot judge him,but I certainly do judge his false conclusion ... I am convinced he is quite likely not a Christian.

All right now … you are a new creature as opposed to the old creature you were before becoming born again of the Spirit. “Jesus answered and said to him, Truly, truly, I say to you, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3

How is this new creature different? Well first and foremost he has the Holy Spirit abiding in him. “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; Even the Spirit of Truth; whom the world cannot receive.” John 14:16-17. The Holy Spirit will give us comfort in all of our daily challenges. When we rest in Him and His Word we are abiding above the cares of the world. He will help us to understand His eternal Truth and its application in our daily lives as we walk in the World.

When we set our mind on Christ, His Word and the things of the Spirit, we may seem peculiar to others because we have newly found confidence and conviction. Others cannot understand because "the things of the Spirit are foolishness to them." Jesus made this clear: "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" and "Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive." And Jesus also said; "If the world hate you, you know that it hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love his own: but because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hates you." John 15:18-19

God's Word, His eternal Truth which is foolishness to the unbelieving, becomes clear and easily understood to those who trust Christ and His Word. "But the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness to him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual (the new creature) judges all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ." 1 Corinthians 2:14-16

Did you get that new creature? We have the Mind of Christ. Now that is a promise we all must stand upon.

Are you feeling better about your ability to understand the Truth?

YOU HAVE THE MIND OF CHRIST ...


Now back to Webster's definition of Creature:

"one that is the servile dependent or tool of another."

The apostles considered themselves as bond servants or slaves to Christ Jesus and His Gospel.
What about you? Do you still see yourself as an American ... free to do whatever and whenever you wish?


“For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:8-10. This new creature is to do good works, not in order to be saved; but rather as the love of Christ controls us … as the mission and ministry of reconciliation that He has given each of us.

And how is all of this to play out for us new creatures?

For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf. Therefore from now on we recognize no one according to the flesh; even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him in this way no longer. 2 Corinthians 5:14-16

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." 2 Corinthians 5:18-21

"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. Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul. Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation" 1 Peter 2:9-12


Meditate on this one … New Creature.

“For the love of Christ controls us ... Therefore from now on we recognize no one according to the flesh ... or from a worldly point of view”

God Bless you my friends, Bob

Abiding In Christ

… but this one thing I do,
forgetting those things which are behind,
and reaching forth to those things which are before,


I press toward the mark for the prize
of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.


Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded:
and if in any thing you be otherwise minded,
God shall reveal even this to you.
Philippians 3:13-15




What's going on?


A number of friends have asked me; “why have I not seen many posts these past few months?”

Well I have been busy with a new business and that is a good thing. On another positive note, every hour, people from all over the world ... from remote corners of the world are reading my posts ... every hour of every day, somewhere several people open and read one of my posts. This brings me great encouragement. Paradox Principles is a blessing which God has provided to me during my wilderness experience. But now I am back, and today I will try to be transparent and explain the personal trials I have been going through and how the Lord has delivered me again and again and again ... as I determined to “Abide in Christ.”

So that no one might get confused here, resting in Christ is where the peace, rest, power, and confidence are found. Read this verse:

“If you then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For you are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:1-3


When Thomas Edison was asked by a reporter; “sir, how does it feel to have failed 10,000 times in your attempt to invent the incandescent light bulb? Edison replied; “Sir, you are young and have much to learn. I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.”

It is my understanding that Edison was not a believer and so his solution was simple: grind it out, never give up, and keep experimenting until you find the solution. This is the tendency that all responsible men follow unconsciously ... in their human nature.

Obviously when coming from the great Thomas Edison this is excellent advice for success ... from a human or natural man's perspective.
But as Christians, we have a better way. We are to Abide Above and rest in Christ. He will guide us and work out that which is best for each of us. " Old things (the ways of the world) have passed away ... new things (the ways of the Spirit) have come" 2 Corinthians 5:14-21

As Christians we often fall into this same old human nature habit. But as we grow spiritually we come to understand that we can have instant rest when we choose to abide above, and to: “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth” Miles J. Stanford wrote two of my favorite books entitled “Abide Above” and the “Principle of Position.” If you are interested, I highly recommend “the Complete Green Letters” which includes both of these books for less than ten dollars on Amazon.com

So now … on to my personal story of defeat and victory. It has now been almost six years since I had a quintuple heart bypass surgery that has allowed me to continue along this roller-coaster journey called life.

I felt reasonably secure in my 1.4 million dollar home and with enough cash in the bank to live comfortably without working for years. I was enjoying a career as a successful real estate mortgage broker and could easily earn as much money as I needed, whenever I desired. Naturally after my surgery, I decided to take some time off for recuperation. Well when I decided to go back to work ... everyone knows about the financial market crash that suddenly hit us, and that all of us are still experiencing.

I am sure my story is like millions of others across America whose lives have been disrupted, and things will never be the same. The difference as made evident by Thomas Edison above is in how we look at life’s setbacks. To some degree I responded to the crisis in a way similar to Edison … I figured out a solution and acted accordingly. But more importantly, I also chose to “Abide Above” which allowed me to live above the problems of the world. It was not clear to me that God needed for me to completely "Abide Above" before he would deliver me this time.

I immediately downsized my lifestyle and moved into a $210,000 home which is hard to find in Southern California, and we planned to ride out the storm and go back into the real estate business. I never imagined at the time that the real estate and real estate loan industry would not likely come back during my working career. But in the year that followed, that became apparent. Also it became apparent that after 40 years of being self-employed and in sales management where I never needed to be concerned about a job that things had changed and at my age new career options were extremely limited.

Five years later, our reserves were gone and from a human perspective things looked very bleak. we had lost everything. But we hung onto the one thing we can never lose: Jesus Christ. The Lord provided us with a place to rest. Two different Christian friends unexpectedly wrote us sizable checks as gifts that allowed for us to survive. We will never forget this generosity and love as Christ moved on their hearts.

During the past five years I have explored dozens of new career options which include: life insurance sales, retirement planning, B paper loan marketing, Isogenics, home improvement sales, Credit Card processing, Wow Mobile Phone sales, Kangen Water, ACN video phone marketing, video message email marketing, Lead Net Pro, Next day client list marketing, Numis coins, Online RE loans, reverse mortgages, and various other online store ideas. The list goes on and on. I did my best to try not to burden my friends with these ideas but in any event I apologize for any inconvenience I might have caused. And I thank you for your prayers.

The good news is that during this wilderness period, I have grown in my relationship with Christ. My true friends have been made known to me. And God has shown me how to rest in His love and to have His victory in the face of defeat. I have basically lost everything and gotten to the end of my reserves and Jesus Christ as he promised has always provided, protected and delivered me.

And when I least expected God provided the solution. Day by day we received clarity on which steps to take. And now he has given me a new career. I have nothing to sell to my friends and family. God has provided everything we need. I already have more customers than I can handle and they are sending money into my account seven days a week. Cheryl and I are now in a position where we can choose to live wherever we wish and do our new business from there. At present, we plan to move back to Orange County where we will be close to our family; and additionally our extended family at Coast Bible Church whom we miss and love much.

Freedom … that is what is on the other side of unexpected defeat. Peace and rest is what we are promised when we “Abide in Christ.” My new travel business is clearly a gift from God. That is the only way I can explain it. One door leads to the next. I am helping people again and that is invigorating and inspiring. Sales are growing dramatically from one month to the next.

In closing, these are uncertain times. I will never take God’s blessings for granted again ... and I will Never, never ... never give up … Abide in Christ my friends. I am now 65 and in poor health, and we have created a very profitable new business, with minimal investment, no experience, and very limited travel industry knowledge. Honest quality service from real people; only the best products; and savings to every customer are a business model that is unique in every industry. You just need to find the right application. Abiding in Christ allows for us to rest while we wait for His leading.

We must never forget … memorize this one:

“But this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth to those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14

God Bless you my friends, Bob

Another Gospel 2

However, then, when you knew not God,
you did service to them which by nature are no gods.

But now, after that you have known God,
or rather are known of God,
how turn you again to the weak and beggarly elements,

whereunto you desire again to be in bondage?
You observe days, and months, and times, and years.
Galatians 4:8-10



What was Paul referring to here as “weak and beggarly elements”
... that which he said were leading some back into bondage?

Are we in danger of falling into this same deception today?
Of course we are ... in a thousand different ways.


Well, I would think that this would be apparent to all, after my previous post entitled “Another Gospel”
but there are many sincere teachers out there and I fear some are confused.



I will attempt to help clarify this dispute that has arisen among some followers of Christ in a men's Bible study that I attend.


Here is what one Christian friend wrote this past week in questioning the verse above.

"Is the verse in Galatians 4:9 calling the Sabbath, one of God's 10 Commandments - weak and beggarly? Simple question; and the answer is either yes or no. If Paul is classifying scripture - God's Word - as revealed in the Old Testament as weak and beggarly; then I think we need to really understand how scripture, which is what the feasts are, and what the Sabbath is derived from has become known to be weak and beggarly. It doesn't rationally follow in my mind. Paul must be talking about other things. I don't think Paul would call Scripture weak and beggarly."
(end quote)

I can only imagine the Galatians getting off track here as well. Men have been attempting to understand the things of the Spirit logically since the beginning of time. It is how we are wired. But logic and rationale are not the ways of the Spirit.

The things of the Spirit at times make all the sense in the world, but all of God’s Word is Truth; and Jesus, God, and the Holy Spirit are eternal Truth, whether we understand or believe or follow; or not.

Whenever anyone adds anything to the Gospel of Christ, it becomes “Another Gospel” which leads followers away from Christ and the Truth. The problem here was: the adding of Old Testament law which had been replaced by the Gospel, together with the new Gospel of salvation by grace through faith in Christ; and the result being: Another Gospel. This new false man-made gospel is that which is weak and beggarly. The law is still God’s Truth but God through Paul gave clarification to understanding the Gospel of Christ.

Men get hung up on rationale and logic when trying to understand the things of the Spirit. I could name hundreds of things of the Spirit that make no sense to me at all, from a worldly point of view; but on the other hand, they make all the sense in the world when I simply accept them as God’s Truth. This is the meaning of accepting Christ; and the Truth and Promises of His Word by faith.


Some things of the Spirit will never make sense to us rationally or logically. Our minds are limited and one dimensional. Most things of the Spirit are beyond our rational comprehension. For example, we are told: "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." Ephesians 2:8-9. And this: "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." Rom 11:6.

From a human perspective this is totally illogical. It only makes sense that we go to heaven because of the good things that we have done, but God has given us a new gospel that we are saved through faith in Jesus Christ; not works. The only deeds that save us were performed by Jesus on the cross at Calvary.

Without Christ, man's condition is hopeless; our rational thinking is foolishness.

But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. And there is none that calls on your name, that stirs up himself to take hold of you: for you have hid your face from us, and have consumed us, because of our iniquities. Isaiah 64:6-7



What a friend said here is Truth: "We don’t obey God’s Law to be saved; we obey God’s Law because we are saved!" In order to be Ambassadors for Christ with a ministry of reconciliation we should all do the best we can to not be a hypocrite and to follow Christ. But this is accomplished not by rigidly following the Old Testament laws but rather by standing upon this undeniable New Testament Truth."

"Owe no man anything, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. 9For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. 10Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law." Rom 13:8-10

The all-inclusive truth is: "and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself."

Only God knows our hearts and minds and gives us understanding through the guidance and power of His Spirit and his Holy Word. At times, we are not even able to understand the motives of our own heart. Only God knows: "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings." Jeremiah 17:9-10. The things of the Spirit are never-ending; beyond our human comprehension, and they are impossible to understand ... logically.

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ... And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." John 1:1, 14

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Tim 3:16-17

On the basis of this truth, all of God's word is Truth including all of the law and all of Paul's letters and therefore, context is the key. In the context of the "gospel of salvation by grace through faith" the 613 Mosaic laws including the Sabbaths and feast days are weak and beggarly when added to the Gospel of Christ unto salvation and righteousness. This is about context and does not change that all of God's Word including the Old Testament which remains forever God’s eternal Truth.

But Living out the Old Testament laws has nothing to do with our salvation or our righteousness as born again believers. That thinking is out of context with the Gospel. We have a new Gospel and a new covenant. It is now, natural for us in the Spirit to not want to do the things of the flesh as born again believers because: "the old things have passed away and new things have come"


"For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 15And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. 16Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. 17Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new. 18And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 20Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. 21For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. 2 Corinthians 5:14-21

We cannot live out the law ... the Love of Christ is the answer to any and all other commandments. Only His Spirit and His Word can result in His Righteousness coming alive within each of us. Any Good works that we might gain credit for are a result of what the Savior did for us at Calvary.

God Bless you my friends, Bob

Another Gospel

I marvel that you are so soon removed
from Him that called you into the grace of Christ,

to Another Gospel.

... but there be some that trouble you,
and would pervert the gospel of Christ.

But though we, or an angel from heaven,
preach any other gospel to you
than that which we have preached to you,
let him be accursed.


As we said before, so say I now again,
if any man preach any other gospel to you
than that you have received,
let him be accursed. Galatians 1:6-9


Here is the problem we face today: Religions have corrupted the Truth of God.
Thousands of religions and denominations are teaching Another Gospel.


Have you been misguided by Religions created by men; or is your belief system centered in the Truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

Paul confronted this problem nineteen hundred years ago, and the deception has now grown to thousands of potentially false religions and hundreds of deceptive denominations. These other gospels keep followers busy following man-made rules, rites, rituals, and false teachings. But the Truth, according to the Gospel of Christ is that men can do NOTHING in order to be worthy of salvation, and eternal life. It is the free gift of God: “that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16


These teachers of another gospel were challenging the truth of Paul’s teaching and so first, he clarifies his apostleship to the gentiles, and points out that he was called directly by Jesus Christ; transformed by the renewing of his mind; and then sent out by Christ to proclaim the gospel. This was his ministry to the lost gentiles. Paul had a divine appointment and was not merely a teacher appointed by men, and he was not stating his personal opinions. Christ was speaking through Him. Paul was carrying out the mission Christ had given him.

Paul then explains in verses 6-9 that men were preaching another gospel and he made it clear that if any man was preaching a gospel contrary to salvation by grace alone … let him be accursed. This false teaching was a step backwards into the false teaching that Christ has delivered us from; and even some of the church leaders including Peter were being influenced.

For emphasis, Paul repeats: let him be accursed. The Greek word anathema used here for accursed means: estrangement from Christ and His salvation, and being given over to a divine condemnation. To take the stand Paul took back then would be like standing up in church and telling those who are perverting the Truth of Christianity: you are anti-Christ; or you are teaching doctrines of demons. Can you imagine the reaction a Christian would get in response to those words today?

So much for the left's call for tolerance and political correctness.

Now can you understand why those promoting another gospel in today's world ...
would also be so totally devoted to the doctrines of tolerance and political correctness?

We should always be respectful and loving to others and support everyone's right to freedom of religion ... but all religions are not truth, and are surely not equal, and false Christianity absolutely deserves: NO RESPECT or tolerance.


Don’t be confused here though. Once a person believes on the name of the Son of God, he may "know" that he has eternal life. This salvation is past tense. The danger is for someone to believe on the gospel of Christ … and then add any other conditions. "and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain." Galatians 2:20-21

For Jewish Christians this meant adding circumcision. A common teaching of men today would be that a Christian would need to believe in Jesus ... plus also follow the Ten Commandments in order to receive eternal life. This is also another gospel. The Ten Commandments are God's eternal truth and we are to follow them to become the righteousness of Christ in Him; but they are not conditions to salvation.
The point is that Jesus death on the cross releases us from the curse of the law. To add any part of the law to the good news is the same as adding circumcision to the gospel. Let that man be accursed.

Well, does this mean that I am saying we don't need to follow the Ten Commandments? Never! 

That would be the path of a hypocrite. For one to follow that path diminishes the mission, and witness that Christ has given each of us.

For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus to good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:8-10

Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be you reconciled to God. For he has made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. 2 Corinthians 5:20-21


What was different about this other gospel? They were teaching that in order to be a true believer, the new gentile converts needed to be circumcised. Now how does this translate to our society today? Answer: in a thousand different ways. Some say you must go to church on Sunday to be saved, and others might say Saturday. Some give testimony of another prophet or an angel. Others believe you must continually be forgiven of your sins by their minister or priest. Others teach that you must be a member of a certain denomination, and agree to religiously follow their teachings. Others may say we just practice loving other people. Some say you must be baptized to be saved. It really doesn’t matter what new condition a religion or denomination adds to their belief system … according to Paul they are all the same when they do it: accursed.

Paul pointed out that we are justified through faith in Jesus Christ and not by works of the law. Adding any works of the law changed the gospel of grace since by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live to God. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. Galatians 2:18-20

A key point that many believers have yet to understand is that when we trusted Christ as Savior … at that moment, we are one with him eternally. We are saved eternally. He sacrifice has paid the price for our sins. We are forgiven. It is finished. We are still here in our earthly bodies but He is now living through us so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

We are justified on the basis of his payment for our sins ... past, present, and future for eternity.
Nothing can ever separate us from His Love. He bought us for an enormous price at Calvary.

This Truth is clarified further here:
Wherein God, willing more abundantly to show to the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong encouragement, we who have fled for refuge to lay hold on the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast. Hebrews 6:17-19

God Bless you my friends, Bob
Talavera.bob@gmail.com

Core Values 2

Then said Jesus
to those Jews which believed on him,

if you continue in my word,
then are you my disciples indeed;


and you shall know the truth,
and the truth shall make you free.
John 8:32

A Christian Worldview


A couple of days ago I got a call from an out of town visiting friend asking me if I would like to join him for a free round of golf. I explained that I don’t play golf much anymore and my game has suffered greatly; but the chance to spend the day with him, and talk all about the good old days would be a thrill for me.

We had a great time, and I actually hit a few good shots. For the most part we talked about basically everything except Christianity. My friend has made it clear that he is Jewish and has no desire to discuss religion. I am sensitive to this; but after a couple of hours he began talking about Palm Desert and retiring here. I told my friend that we are planning to move back to Orange County. Why would you do that he asked … just when I am planning on retiring here. I explained we want to be close to our family, and then I explained that I can’t find a church here that I am encouraged about.

He asked; “well aren’t there a lot of Christian churches here?” And I replied; “yes, but most of them are committed to teaching that I can't help but find exception with. Personally, I would rather listen to sound teaching online; but we miss the fellowship with other like-minded Christians here.” He then asked; “what is the difference?” I then explained that many of the churches were following a seeker friendly, or Saddleback Church model. My friend lives a few miles from Saddleback Church and this talk raised his curiosity, and he asked me to explain.

I simply said; “you are a conservative, how would you describe Arnold Swartzenneger?” “He is a liberal was his quick reply.” “Yes I said; but worse yet, he pretended to be a conservative to get elected ... and this is the same problem that has infected the church.” “They have dumbed the teaching down to be politically correct and tolerant and the result is like a Swartzenegger.” My friend clearly understood.

Next I explained; “The new gimmick is called the emerging church which they are also calling the new reformation.” The idea is that believers are divided over men’s various religions and views; and that now they think we can solve all of the world’s major problems by bringing the religions together around good principles that good people can all agree upon.”

“That will never happen,” my friend quickly replied. “And more importantly, it is contrary to the clear teachings of Christianity,” I said.

Nowhere in the Bible are we instructed to join together with false religions, and nowhere in the Bible are Christians encouraged to replace the gospel of salvation with a ministry of solving all of the major problems of the world. The mission Jesus gave all Christians is clear and simple.

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, all power is given to me in heaven and in earth. Go you therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit: teaching them to observe all things whatever I have commanded you: and, see, I am with you always, even to the end of the world. Amen. Matthew 28:18-20

This was as far as we talked about religion but I clearly made a point with my friend. All Christians do not believe the same, and I reinforced a point he already knew; I have very little tolerance for hypocrisy, regardless of the good intentions. But don’t these churches have good intentions, you ask? Well I imagine they do but they have allowed the teachings of men and their religions to become more important than God’s eternal truth, and the leading of the Holy Spirit. A totally worthy goal for a politician can easily be the worst kind of hypocrisy for a Christian and especially a teacher or pastor of others.

So what should the worldview of Christians be? What should be the most important things that Christians should be focused upon? That is why I intend to spend the majority of this year on core values. These are truths Jesus and His Holy Word teach us that are not negotiable. If we believe the truth that God is the Word; and the Word is Truth; and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us then you understand three core values.

Now our Lord and Savior has given us a promise: This is also a primary core value that I will focus on here briefly. It is foretold in the Old Testament and promised again in the New Testament.

What is it; you ask?

“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

God will Rapture all believers in Christ.

This is a most important Truth that is at the heart of a Biblical Christian Worldview. It is a Core Value... Christians need to be reminded of it continually so that they are better able to keep their thinking and priorities in context. Our life here is only a momentary stop on an eternal journey as children of the Creator of the universe. He has a mission for each of us while we are here, these are core values.

Be honest about this. When was the last time you heard teaching in your church about the rapture or the mission Christ has for you here on earth? Well that explains my frustration with organized religion.

Some would have us think that we need to have a new reformation, and that Protestants and Catholics, and many other false beliefs should join together for the good of all. That is heresy. This would only work if all converted to become followers of Christ and humbled their religions to the Truth of God’s Word. And that will never happen, as my agnostic Jewish friend stated. But, there is one key exception to my friend’s statement, that God's Word makes clear.

“For it is written; As I live, said the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.” Romans 14:11

Let’s talk briefly about the Rapture.

The Rapture is a moment in time when the Church (The Body of Christ) will be instantly removed or transported from the earth to heaven sometime before the Great Tribulation is brought upon the earth.


Why is it important for Christians to have an understanding of and strong belief that Jesus will rapture the church? When you have an understanding of the rapture and believe that it will and can happen at any moment, everything of this world is humbled to the context of this coming reality. This anticipation should enter every area of life. Even death is humbled to this teaching. Those who don’t believe in Christ or the Truth of His Words think it is foolish; and therefore Christians will have a foolish and ineffective witness if they do not believe.


You are called to share the gospel. Your witness would greatly lose its power without understanding and faith here.


The Rapture of The Church will be the next big event on God's Calendar? Those who have not believed on Jesus Christ and been born again spiritually ... will be left behind. Therefore, those of us who have Christ’s love for others in our heart would surely want for all to know the Truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ and to be saved, rather than lost.

Some would say ... how can you be so sure? I say, how can we be born again and not be sure. Either Jesus Christ is the Truth or He lied. If he lied, my faith is destroyed, plain and simple. Jesus is eternal Truth and therefore can never lie. Everything he teaches is Truth. Eternal Truth is never changing.

The Rapture will include all living Christians regardless of their spiritual temperament. The test on whether a believer will be raptured is not in the believer’s present behavior ... it is solely in the finished work of the Savior at the cross. It is not one's spiritual condition ... but their spiritual position in Christ that assures their inclusion in the rapture of the Church.

When was the last time you shared the gospel of Jesus Christ with an unbeliever? There may be only one person or a thousand that God wants to speak to through you. Sometimes the conversation comes easy and at other times, there could be a closed mind, like my friend. But God spoke to my friend while we were golfing; make no mistake about that. Without my unwavering conviction and stand against false teaching and hypocrisy, my words would have had no credibility with him whatsoever.

Jesus Christ is coming! The Rapture of the Church will happen in the twinkling of an eye. This truth is critical when sharing the gospel to the world in which we live with a greater sense of urgency. Biblical Christians are not here to focus on the cares of the world, we are here as ambassadors for Christ with a ministry of reconciliation, and the two different sets of priorities will always conflict with one another. We are to: “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." Colossians 3:2.

We are to abide above.


When will the rapture happen? It is imminent. This means it could happen at any moment. Everything that needs to occur prior to the Rapture of the church has already occurred.

Who will be caught up in the Rapture? First the dead in Christ, and then the living in Christ will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. These believers are the church. This church is not subject to the various organized religions and their teachings. All religions are subject to Christ and His Word.

Who will be left behind? All who rejected the gospel of Jesus Christ.

So what are we Christians to do now until the Rapture occurs?

“You are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep; sleep in the night; and they that be drunken, are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for a helmet, the hope of salvation. For God has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.”
1 Thessalonians 5:5-10

First we must understand who we are. As children of light, we must know God’s Truth. We are not of this world or "the night." We must not be asleep regarding the gospel and his imminent Rapture of the church.

“The word rapture is an old English word which means to be caught away. The word itself is not in our King James Bible, but the definition of the word is there. “and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain SHALL BE CAUGHT UP together with them in the clouds”

To fall asleep to this promise, leads to apathy, which compromises our faith, and our witness. Disillusionment sets in as we focus on the affairs of the world and strive for personal accomplishment. The Doctrine of the Rapture sets our mind on the things above and helps reorders our priorities.

The question we must all answer is this: Do you want to be characterized by the deeds of the flesh or the fruit of the Spirit? The Rapture of the church is not just a minor doctrine. It is at the heart of a Christian’s belief system. If proven untrue, my faith would be destroyed. When we allow for our focus to drift … unconsciously our priorities easily become compromised and our faith weakened. The next thing you know, one is following a well-meaning … but a doctrine of demons, nonetheless.

Is your mind set on the things of the world or on the things above? The rapture is our supernatural entry into the eternal things above. For now our mind is to be transformed by renewing it with God’s Truth by the power and leading of the Holy Spirit and God’s Word.

God bless you my friends, Bob

Reference: College of the Open Bible; Dr. Arthur Belanger