Churning

This post is written by a friend, Paula at "Along a Narrow Way". I wanted to share it with you because I am convinced the Lord is clearly speaking through Paula; and I thought this one would speak to your heart, as it has mine. Give Paula a visit at http://alonganarrowway.blogspot.com/2010/08/churning-part-1.html She has many other Godly inspired messages. Enjoy ... Bob

For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had. - John 5:2


I have always loved this particular image - the picture of the angel of the Lord reaching down and quite literally stirring things up on behalf of the people who were in need. It's such a wonderful reminder that God is always willing to actively involve himself in the circumstances of our lives in order to see us blessed. He has never once forgotten the work that needs to be completed, the promises that need to be fulfilled, or the wounds that need to be healed in our lives.


But recently I've been spending time meditating on what that image really entails. Because while the mental picture of of an angel stirring up a pool is very pretty in theory, the actual experience that we go through when the waters of our lives begin to swirl around us can be a completely unsettling and uncomfortable experience. I know that there have been so many times when I have found myself in the midst of what felt like a chaotic swirl, where suddenly everything was up in the air and stability seemed like a thing of the past. At times like that it can be easy to look around and wonder why God would let things get to such a point.


After all, when the waters are still things are much easier. There is a certain comfort in knowing that things will be the same tomorrow as they were today. There's a security and peace that comes with the familiar. Still waters are calm waters, and who doesn't want smooth sailing? But when things get stirred up, when everything around us becomes uprooted and starts to change, it can be a frightening experience. So why would God do that to us? Why are his answers so often worked out in the midst of a swirl of uncertainty?


One of the first things that God showed me when I asked him about this was that churning waters will bring to the surface things that may have settled to the bottom. A lot of times we allow old issues, habits, wounds, or fears to remain in our lives because they are no longer in the forefront of our minds and hearts. They're still there, but we don't see or feel them every day, and it can be very easy to ignore them. But even though we aren't dealing with these issues on a day-to-day basis, they're still there underneath the surface.


I know that there were many issues in my life that I spent years ignoring no matter how long God tried to speak to me about changing them. He would speak to me about something that I needed to correct, and I would think "Oh, I'm not that bad. That's hardly an problem for me anymore." It's not that I didn't want to deal with them, but they were no longer on the surface of my life, and so I was able to pretend they weren't there. But God doesn't want us to be half-healed or kind-of-restored. He wants to finish the work he began in us! And sometimes the only way he can get us to deal with the mud and sludge in the background of our lives is to bring it back to the surface!


It all came to a head for me one day when I found myself acting like a nasty jerk because someone else was getting on my nerves. I sat back and thought: "I'm not normally like this! Why is it that when someone's bothering me I act like a completely different person?" What God showed me was that the other person's actions weren't causing me to do anything that wasn't already in me to do. They were merely stirring the pot a little bit, and as a result, all of these behaviors that I thought I'd dealt with were coming back to the surface. What he told me was that I needed to allow him to remove them from my life once and for all. I asked "How will I know when it's done?" and he told me I would know I was free of all of those old issues when no amount of aggravation could bring them out of me any more.


The process wasn't easy. It took time, it was uncomfortable, and it seemed like every day I was faced with another situation that churned up the waters. But I recognized the hand of God in what was happening, and when I came out the other side, I was a different person. God had stirred up the waters in my life, and as a result I was made well. http://alonganarrowway.blogspot.com/2010/08/churning-part-1.html


I think this post is a great example of what happens when a believer meditates on the Word. God will often say things to them that are profound. Things that you or I might not have remotely considered. They are unique to the individual believer, but clearly true for all of us to learn and grow from. Why don't we all meditate on God's Word, every day? He has commanded us and given us promises, if we do or don't. Meditate on the Word, my friends. God may well have plans for you, or I ... to be the next Joshua. One thing we can be sure of ... there is a lot of churning that needs to be done.

Joshua 1:8-9 “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

God Bless you my friends, Bob

A Certain Victory

1 Peter 1:3-9 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.

My research defines the “abundant or great mercy” in this verse as: special and immediate regard to the misery which is the consequence of sins which is God’s free grace and gift as displayed in the forgiveness of sins as extended to men in their guilt. Isn’t that amazing, God has special and instant regard for your misery when you sin. All you must do is turn your eyes upon Christ and his Word. He will give you relief from the misery you have created.

Now let’s look at this phrase “inheritance incorruptible and undefiled.” Some would have us believe that when we sin as born again believers, we can lose our salvation. I contend that this verse and many others refutes this unbiblical teaching. The inheritance here as described in my Greek dictionary is defined: “kieronomia: Devine salvation, considered both as promised and as already bestowed is designated an inheritance in the N.T. so far as man the heir obtains possession of it” … incorruptible,: the inheritance of the believer is called Apthartos, incorruptible not like the body that is going to be done away with, It is something that the believer receives in this life and will continue to have after this life is over. It is not subject to the same kind of deterioration as the present body in which the believer suffers. Amiantos: undefiled … That which has nothing to do in it that defiles; unpolluted; not capable of fading.

Well, that pretty much says it all … we are heirs to eternal life. Our inheritance is already bestowed, we already possess eternal life. Future sins cannot cause us to lose our inheritance. Our eternal life in heaven is undefiled and incorruptible. Nothing we can do, or not do, will change God’s promised inheritance for us. Unlike mere men, such as Bill Gates or Warren Buffet, our heavenly father cannot change his mind, or lose our inheritance through foolishness, or through the cycles and problems of the world that normal men are subject to. Our Heavenly Father has secured our inheritance eternally on the cross at Calvary … once for all sin, and for ALL eternity. Does that mean there are no consequences for sin? I did not say that … God has also promised rewards in Heaven, which can be lost as a result of sin. Also, as we all know … here and now sin brings negative consequences. But even more worse than that God has promised that to defile His temple will bring His wrath. And worst of all, sin results in separation from God and a loss of the fellowship and guidance from the Holy Spirit. But the good news is that no matter what, we can never, ever, (no way ... no how) lose our inheritance: ETERNAL LIFE WITH CHRIST IN HEAVEN! Praise be to Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Why would anyone ever reject such an amazing offer of Jesus Christ's free gift of eternal life in heaven? Pride and ignorance. They have been blinded by the god of this world, and his teachings. These are the only answers that I can come up with.

Do you still struggle with areas of sin in your life? I know some might say no … but most likely they will lie about other things as well. Now is as good of a time as any to take a good look at yourself from God’s perspective. Why not start here: Jesus is talking directly to you.

Have you ever thought about what God sees when he looks at you?

He does not see what you or I most likely see. He no longer sees the old you who died along with Christ on the cross of Calvary. Our heavenly father sees each of us as completely new in Christ. And he wants us to see ourselves in that exact same light ... the light of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. The old life is not changed but rather exchanged for that which is altogether new. When God looks at our old man now he sees a man whose sins past, present and future ... have been washed away by the blood of Jesus, shed for each of us, on the cross at Calvary.

He wants us to keep our eyes focused on the redeemer … not on our weaknesses and failings. As long as we look upon the righteousness of Christ, we can have victory over the evil one who wants to bring us down. The forces of evil have no power over us when we stand firm with our vision focused on Christ and His Holy Word. We must surrender our hearts and minds to the leading of the Holy Spirit as he leads us to a path of righteousness.

Would you like to have victory over Satan and his demons every time he tempts or attacks you? We can always win over the prince of the world. We are promised “A Certain Victory" each and every time we come up against the enemies of the Lord Jesus Christ.

As Jesus did in the wilderness, we must reject the evil tempter. Again, boldly, confidently, and with courage, we must use the "Sword of the Spirit" the Word of Truth, call out your enemies as Jesus did 2000 years ago. He faced Satan in the wilderness as an example for all of us to follow. The battle plan; sequence of events; and victory is clear:

stand and confront;
refute the lies;
use the Sword of the Spirit;
Satan will retreat;
and angels will come to minister to you.

“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry. And the tempter came and said to Him, If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” But He answered and said, It is written, ‘MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD. Then the devil took Him into the holy city and had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down; for it is written, ‘HE WILL COMMAND HIS ANGELS CONCERNING YOU’; and ‘ON their HANDS THEY WILL BEAR YOU UP, SO THAT YOU WILL NOT STRIKE YOUR FOOT AGAINST A STONE. Jesus said to him, “On the other hand, it is written, ‘YOU SHALL NOT PUT THE LORD YOUR GOD TO THE TEST. Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory; and he said to Him, All these things I will give You, if You fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go, Satan! For it is written, ‘YOU SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD, AND SERVE HIM ONLY.’” Then the devil left Him; and behold, angels came and began to minister to Him.”. Mathew 4:1-11

We face exactly the same temptations today as Jesus did. The lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the sinful pride of life. all of the attacks we will face can be categorized in under these three areas. And we are to use exactly the same defense against our enemies as Jesus did. When you are tempted by lust or pride, follow the Holy Spirit. Get ready … memorize the word; meditate on it. And when the evil one comes to tempt or attack you, call him out … repeat or read God’s truth to the tempter and Satan and his demons will flee from you every time ...

... and angels will come to minister to you.
God Bless you my friends, Bob

9/11 Mosque? ... NO!

Opposing Mosque Does Not Violate Freedom of Religion!
The Islamic fanatics that we are fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq are for sure in favor of this Mosque being built. And make no mistake Imam Rauk is not a moderate trying to build bridges. Listen to his own words: click here. The 80 million radical Muslims who are spread throughout the Muslim world will surely see this mosque as a world headquarters for their cause. We must all come to the conclusion ... there is a worldwide jihad to conquer the world for Islam. Now are American Muslims, with only .6% of our population followers of this Jihad? For the most part, obviously not. But you can estimate there are 50,000 followers already in America who would join the radicals against America if given the chance. The political goals, plans and Koranic instructions of worldwide Islam clearly make it different that all other religions, and as a result it should be treated differently. The jihad is an act of war and our enemies are using mosques as points of attack; and for planning and training of jihadists worldwide. Until we are able to come to grips with this reality, America and the world will never be safe from the dangers posed by Islam. If Christians were using churches as safe havens from which to plan and launch attacks on our citizens, I would be the first to say ... these fanatics must be stopped. I know this sounds crazy, because it is not happening here yet ... but view the clips on this post, and then tell me what you think. Watch the clips here:Two Islams

Posted: 24 Aug 2010 Liberty Juice ... begin
The mosque at ground zero… It’s become one of those hot topics that most people feel very strongly about, no matter what side your opinion falls on. I’ve read article after article, listened to different pundits and taken into consideration all of the comments that I’ve read on the issue. However, there are a few arguments in favor of the mosque that keep circulating that baffle me because they are completely irrelevant, no matter how hard the liberals try to convince you of the opposite, to the real debate.

I’ve heard repeatedly that we should be supportive of this endeavor because America has the right to Freedom of Speech and the Freedom of Religion. Without delving too deeply into the hypocrisy of the left, who seeks to eliminate speech when they can’t debate it and win (see the Fairness Doctrine and Net Neutrality) and who abhor and seek to diminish the intelligence of those who treasure their faith in this country (see the liberals applaud to Obama as he mocks those who “cling to their guns and religion”).

Liberals, on both of these issues, historically wave a very wobbly and unconvincing flag. They hold their nose when around people of faith, mock them behind their backs, and would eliminate both rights for all Americans as quickly as possible, given the slightest opportunity. So, I do find it quite hilarious and ironic that all of a sudden; the freedom of speech and the freedom of religion rights now have as some of it’s greatest champions and defenders, those very same people who constantly seek to destroy it outside of this incident.

For those of you who have been swayed by this argument, it’s because you have eaten up the sound bites without much thought or consideration to the debate. Let me be clear, nobody is attempting to do away with anyone’s right to speech or religion. Those amendments and clauses specifically mean that the government will not throw you in prison or retaliate if you practice your religion and/or engage in free speech, as long as you aren’t infringing on the rights or harming anyone else. Given that and the fact that nobody has threatened these people with prison or government retaliation, those arguments are completely irrelevant to the discussion. Freedom of speech is a two-way street and it doesn’t mean that your speech won‘t result in other other forms of consequences. For example, I have the right to insult whomever I wish, most likely without fearing prison time. Yet, I know the consequence of that may be that someone will choose to defend themselves and scream right back at me.

People in favor of the mosque essentially looming over our 9/11 cemetery are free to speak as loudly in favor of it as they wish. However, those of us who find it insulting, degrading, and heartbreaking have just as much of a right to protest in an equally passionate manner.

Nobody is saying these people cannot build a mosque!! The thousands of mosques that are throughout our country are testimony to the fact that we liberally apply and value our freedom of religion.

However, those who are in charge of this endeavor say they do so in order to “build ties.” Yet, when you know that at least 70% of Americans are not in favor of this and you realize that chaos, heartbreak and wounds that are being reopened as a result of this pursuit, why would you think that it would be at all successful in healing?

Certainly, not every Muslim is an extremist. We know this. Many of them have adopted the American culture and love this country. But the extremists within the Islamic community does run large and deep and they absolutely detest America. In fact, it consists of at least 7% of Muslims, which means there are about 80 million Muslim extremist worldwide. That being said, it’s an asinine point to try and compare this to a Timothy McVeigh incident or to a church being built near the Oklahoma City bombing. Timothy McVeigh was no Christian. In fact, it’s pretty well known that he was an atheist. But, for the sake of example, let’s pretend that he did this under the guise of Christianity and in the name of God. Christianity would be under fire, but most of the world and anyone with a shred of common sense would know that it was an anomaly…an exception to the rule. Because, Christians don’t go around blowing things up. But, extremist Muslims, and there are many of them, do.

The entire world has had to change the way it goes about traveling, airports are barely recognizable as they were pre-9/11, and countries all over the world are on constant vigilance against none other than radical Muslims. This is not so because of Christianity or other religions. Only because of Islam. So, let’s call a spade a spade and quit comparing this to an isolated incident with some mental wacko.

We must also take into consideration that historically Muslims build mosques in areas that they have conquered. The Koran (018:021) states: ’Build a building over them, their Lord knows best about them;’ and those who prevailed in their affair said, ’We will surely make a mosque over them.’ What message would this send echoing across the world and what kind of radicalism with this further inspire for the 80 Million extremists worldwide? It should be no surprise that there are a ton of religious and extremists implications to this entire business.

The bottom line is this… anybody attempting to unite, heal and build ties, as they claim is their intent, would not continue down what is clearly a provocative and painful road for not just New Yorkers, but Americans. They would not have resisted meetings with Governor Paterson, concerning a more logical, less painful place for their message- mere blocks away.

Charles Krauthammer said it best in his own take:

Just as the people of Japan today would not think of planting their flag at Pearl Harbor, despite the fact that no Japanese under the age of 85 has any possible responsibility for that infamy, representatives of contemporary Islam — the overwhelming majority of whose adherents are equally innocent of the infamy committed on 9/11 in their name — should exercise comparable respect for what even Obama calls hallowed ground and take up the governor’s offer.
Posted: 24 Aug 2010 Liberty Juice ... end

Now think about this additional reality. The 80 million radical Muslims worldwide are on a quest or Jihad to conquer the world. They have already positioned themselves to control all of Europe within the next 30 years. When that happens, those European Muslims who are now moderate, will join with the radicals. How do I know this? Because if they don't ... they will be stoned to death. Also, the truth is that the radicals are following the teachings of the Koran which teaches that in any conquered nation ... sharia and the Koran will be the ruling law. Bibles, and Christian churches, and other religions will either be forbidden, or at best be allowed to exist as inferior citizens.

Do we want that reality from any religion in America? Even if it were Christianity? Based upon what I have been reading and listening to from the Christian leaders in America ... no thank you. I will keep my freedom of speech and my freedom of religion, just as they are. True Biblical Christianity has been distorted so much, that I won't be surprised to hear someone call themselves an atheist Christian in the near future. Why not, there are millions of atheists in America that call themselves Christians already while at the same time denying the Bible and denying that Jesus is anything more than a good teacher. Any religion, Christianity or otherwise that becomes the state religion will surely be perverted in the same ways our constitution has been twisted.

God Bless you my friends, Bob

The Burning House

1 Corinthians 3:1-15 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as spiritual men, but as carnal, even as to babes 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. For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly, and are you not walking like mere men? For when one says, “I am of Paul,” and another, “I am of Apollos,” are you not mere men? What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, even as the Lord gave opportunity to each one. I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth. Now he who plants and he who waters are one; but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor. For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building. According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it. For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each man’s work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work. If any man’s work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.

A few weeks ago, a friend of mine explained to me that he had noted on an application for a Christian school in Orange County for his children that he believed in “Free Grace” rather than “Lordship Salvation”. He then went on to explain that he was then advised by the principal of that school that his family would not be admitted to the school as a result of his "free grace" belief.

This saddens me because very Godly Christians stand firm on both sides of this issue. But one thing is certain; the school’s leadership was clearly showing where a legalistic viewpoint can easily end up. I am convinced this issue will not even exist in heaven. Jesus is and will be worshiped as Lord of all; and all who are there, will be there ONLY as a result of His sacrifice for us and His "Free Gift" of grace. I have previously stated my belief on this issue. The scripture above is one of many that strongly reinforces my "free grace" beliefs.

Lets begin here with the specific Greek words: Natural man 2:14 Psuchikos: this pertains to the natural, as distinguished from spiritual or glorified nature of man, driven by animal or fallen, sinful instincts of man. Carnal man 3:1 Sarkikos: has an affinity to natural sinful propensities. Affinity means: a natural liking or attraction; inherent likeness or close resemblance. Paul was clearly describing two different people. One (natural man) who could not receive the things of God, for they are foolishness to him … and another (carnal man) who did receive the things of God but who to a large degree appeared on the outside to live like the natural man. So the question is: Are they both lost spiritually and going to hell or, are carnal men saved and going to spend their lives with Christ in heaven? Lordship would teach that these carnal men are lacking of repentance, and therefore most likely never truly accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior. Beyond God and the individual person, how could someone else know that? Others have told me that these carnal Christians have a false hope, and have lost their salvation due to their sins. Without repentance they will be rejected by God, along with the goats singled out by God in yesterdays post. What do you think?

Now, let’s look at the teaching that follows and see what Paul has to say. First Paul talks about his teaching to them. He fed them milk, not meat. He did not expect them to be mature in Christ at the time of their conversion. A carnal person is a spiritually immature Christian, a babe in Christ, but please note: Paul did refer to them as brothers in Christ. By placing their faith in Christ, they had been justified (past tense) … in contrast to the natural man, this is the key difference in their spiritual position. Although carnal and behaving like mere men, the babes were saved, as a result of Christ’s work on the cross.

Paul then points to the evidence of their carnality … envy, strife and division over the teachings of men, rather than a focus on Christ and his Word. Next Paul explains that men are only ministers who God has spoken to them through, and that it is God who gives the increase, and that he and Appollos are not important. Think about it. How many Christians in our society today are focused on a minister rather than God and His Holy Truth? How many have allowed a teacher to come between them and Jesus Christ? How many millions have spent their entire Christian life never going beyond this carnal state of spirituality ... many as pastors or church leaders?

How about you? If your pastor’s teaching was demonstrated to be unbiblical, would you stand with him or with the truth? What would you do? I have been researching the teachings of a number of national Christian leaders and what I am finding is not Biblically correct. You need to be a Berean. Is this you God is talking to? Are you trying to be tolerant and politically correct, and as a result, have you and your church become Laodiceans?

Next, the apostle explains that there will be rewards according to our labor, in Heaven. We are God’s building. The context here is “according to the grace of God” (Ephesians 2:8-10) Paul laid a foundation which is Jesus Christ. Once again, this is the key difference between the natural man and the carnal man. The natural man viewed this foundation as foolishness and instead … his building is built on sand. Now Paul speaks to each believer: “But each man must be careful how he builds on it. For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” What would Oprah say to that?

Or what about this false teaching of two world renowned Christians, who agreed about this heretical teaching, on national TV?: “what do you think is the future of Christianity?" “Everybody that loves Christ or knows Christ, whether they are conscious of it or not … they are members of the body of Christ. That is what God is doing today, He’s calling people out of the world for his name, whether they come from the Muslim world or the Buddhist world or the Christian world or the non believing world … they are members of the body of Christ, because they have been called by God. They may not even know the name of Jesus, but they know in their hearts that they need something that they don’t have, and they turn to the only light that they have, and I think that they are saved and that they are going to be with us in heaven.” "Oh, I’m so thrilled to hear you say that … there’s a wideness in God’s mercy.” This is heresy. I greatly respect these men but their views here are contrary to the Bible. I have many more examples, but this should suffice for now. Our church is being led astray! We must be Bereans!

The day speaks of the time when Christ will judge the merits of His servant’s works … not whether they receive forgiveness of sin. The fire here does not refer to the eternal fire of damnation. Revelation 20:10. The warning is that we will each be erecting our house with different materials. Some pure works will stand the test of fire, and are compared to gold, silver, and precious stones. These Christians will receive rewards, according to their own labor. Other Christian’s efforts will be burned up, and they will suffer loss ... but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. We will be cleansed of our unworthiness by fire on this day. Does that mean I am teaching that Jesus is not my Lord? Never! NO! Never! It means that the Bible teaches that once I have accepted Christ's free gift of forgiveness and eternal life, I enter His protection eternally ... even if all my works are burned up … I will be saved like a man running from a "Burning House" in spite of myself. Not because of what I did; or did not do. I cannot earn my way to heaven. I can only have victory over my old self, as I abide in Christ and submit to the leading of the Holy Spirit in my life. I can only be saved eternally because Jesus died on the cross for my sins, and when I trust in Him ... by His grace, I am justified, and redeemed, and eternally positioned with Jesus spiritually in Heaven ... NOW and forever, past tense ... my forgiveness and salvation is finished. When I fall and I am sure I will, Christ will always be there to save me, forever, ALWAYS … for eternity.

Years ago, I was teaching this chapter in a bible study in my home. An atheist lady named Barbara was there and as I finished, she said; “that doesn’t make any sense. If that is true, then I can just pray to receive Christ and then do whatever I want” "Not a good Idea, Barbara, I said, ... read the next verse."

“Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are. 1 Cor. 3:16-17.

Barbara read it out loud and then said; “I don’t get it.” I then asked; “which YOU will God destroy, Barbara?” She said; “huh?” I then explained; “God has already promised eternal life to the man running from the burning house, If the spiritual you is secure for eternity ... then, God must be talking about the physical you that will be destroyed."
“Oh” she said; “I don’t want to go there.”

God Bless you my friends, Bob

The Old Cowboy

One Sunday Morning, an old cowboy entered a church just before services were to begin. Although the old man and his clothes were spotlessly clean, he wore jeans, a denim shirt and boots that were worn and ragged. In his hand he carried a worn-out old hat and an equally worn, dog-eared Bible.

The church he entered was in a very upscale and exclusive part of the city. It was the largest and most beautiful church the old cowboy had ever seen. The people of the congregation were all dressed with expensive clothes and fine jewelry. As the cowboy took a seat, the others moved away from him. No one greeted, spoke to, or welcomed him. They were all appalled by his appearance and did not attempt to hide it.

As the old cowboy was leaving the church, the preacher approached him and asked the cowboy to do him a favor. "Before you come back in here again, have a talk with God and ask him what he thinks would be appropriate attire for worship in church." The old cowboy assured the preacher he would.

The next Sunday, he showed back up for the services wearing the same ragged jeans, shirt, boots, and hat. Once again he was completely shunned and ignored. The preacher approached the cowboy and said, "I thought I asked you to speak to God before you came back to our church."

"I did," replied the old cowboy.

"And what was his reply?" asked the preacher.

"Well, sir, God told me that he didn't have a clue what I should wear. He said he'd never been in this church."

The Judgment of The Sheep and the Goats

Matthew 25:31-46 “But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. “All the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats; and He will put the sheep on His right, and the goats on the left.

“Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. ‘For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.’ “Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? ‘And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? ‘When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ “The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’

“Then He will also say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry, and you gave Me nothing to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me nothing to drink; I was a stranger, and you did not invite Me in; naked, and you did not clothe Me; sick, and in prison, and you did not visit Me.’ “Then they themselves also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not take care of You?’ “Then He will answer them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ “These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

Blessed are the Sheep ...
God Bless you my friends, Bob

Unlawful Change?

ANN COULTER
JUSTICE BRENNAN'S FOOTNOTE GAVE US ANCHOR BABIES
August 4, 2010

Democrats act as if the right to run across the border when you're 8 1/2 months pregnant, give birth in a U.S. hospital and then immediately start collecting welfare was exactly what our forebears had in mind, a sacred constitutional right, as old as the 14th Amendment itself.

The louder liberals talk about some ancient constitutional right, the surer you should be that it was invented in the last few decades.

In fact, this alleged right derives only from a footnote slyly slipped into a Supreme Court opinion by Justice Brennan in 1982. You might say it snuck in when no one was looking, and now we have to let it stay.

The 14th Amendment was added after the Civil War in order to overrule the Supreme Court's Dred Scott decision, which had held that black slaves were not citizens of the United States. The precise purpose of the amendment was to stop sleazy Southern states from denying citizenship rights to newly freed slaves -- many of whom had roots in this country longer than a lot of white people.

The amendment guaranteed that freed slaves would have all the privileges of citizenship by providing: "All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside."

The drafters of the 14th amendment had no intention of conferring citizenship on the children of aliens who happened to be born in the U.S. (For my younger readers, back in those days, people cleaned their own houses and raised their own kids.)

Inasmuch as America was not the massive welfare state operating as a magnet for malingerers, frauds and cheats that it is today, it's amazing the drafters even considered the amendment's effect on the children of aliens.

But they did.

The very author of the citizenship clause, Sen. Jacob Howard of Michigan, expressly said: "This will not, of course, include persons born in the United States who are foreigners, aliens, who belong to the families of ambassadors or foreign ministers."

In the 1884 case Elk v. Wilkins, the Supreme Court ruled that the 14th Amendment did not even confer citizenship on Indians -- because they were subject to tribal jurisdiction, not U.S. jurisdiction.

For a hundred years, that was how it stood, with only one case adding the caveat that children born to legal permanent residents of the U.S., gainfully employed, and who were not employed by a foreign government would also be deemed citizens under the 14th Amendment. (United States v. Wong Kim Ark, 1898.)

And then, out of the blue in 1982, Justice Brennan slipped a footnote into his 5-4 opinion in Plyler v. Doe, asserting that "no plausible distinction with respect to Fourteenth Amendment 'jurisdiction' can be drawn between resident aliens whose entry into the United States was lawful, and resident aliens whose entry was unlawful." (Other than the part about one being lawful and the other not.)

Brennan's authority for this lunatic statement was that it appeared in a 1912 book written by Clement L. Bouve. (Yes, the Clement L. Bouve -- the one you've heard so much about over the years.) Bouve was not a senator, not an elected official, certainly not a judge -- just some guy who wrote a book.

So on one hand we have the history, the objective, the author's intent and 100 years of history of the 14th Amendment, which says that the 14th Amendment does not confer citizenship on children born to illegal immigrants.

On the other hand, we have a random outburst by some guy named Clement -- who, I'm guessing, was too cheap to hire an American housekeeper.

Any half-wit, including Clement L. Bouve, could conjure up a raft of such "plausible distinction(s)" before breakfast. Among them: Legal immigrants have been checked for subversive ties, contagious diseases, and have some qualification to be here other than "lives within walking distance."

But most important, Americans have a right to decide, as the people of other countries do, who becomes a citizen.

Combine Justice Brennan's footnote with America's ludicrously generous welfare policies, and you end up with a bankrupt country.

Consider the story of one family of illegal immigrants described in the Spring 2005 Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons:

"Cristobal Silverio came illegally from Oxtotilan, Mexico, in 1997 and brought his wife Felipa, plus three children aged 19, 12 and 8. Felipa ... gave birth to a new daughter, her anchor baby, named Flor. Flor was premature, spent three months in the neonatal incubator, and cost San Joaquin Hospital more than $300,000. Meanwhile, (Felipa's 19-year-old daughter) Lourdes plus her illegal alien husband produced their own anchor baby, Esmeralda. Grandma Felipa created a second anchor baby, Cristian. ... The two Silverio anchor babies generate $1,000 per month in public welfare funding. Flor gets $600 per month for asthma. Healthy Cristian gets $400. Cristobal and Felipa last year earned $18,000 picking fruit. Flor and Cristian were paid $12,000 for being anchor babies."

In the Silverios' munificent new hometown of Stockton, Calif., 70 percent of the 2,300 babies born in 2003 in the San Joaquin General Hospital were anchor babies. As of this month, Stockton is $23 million in the hole.

It's bad enough to be governed by 5-4 decisions written by liberal judicial activists. In the case of "anchor babies," America is being governed by Brennan's 1982 footnote. By Ann Coulter

It doesn't matter what the issue is, or what their beliefs are politically, no judge or politician should ever have the ability to alter the law by inserting their views into the law. I would love for someone to demonstrate that this story is untrue, but whether you agree with her or not, Ann Coulter knows the law and legal issues as well as most. Obviously, there is only one exception that I would be in favor changing the law, in any event ... murdering innocent babies.

God bless you my friends, Bob

The Unholy Trinity

The Internet’s “Unholy Trinity”
Posted: 04 Aug 2010 02:00 AM PDT Liberty Juice





As the Obama Administration continues the push to regulate your Internet service through Net neutrality, an “Unholy Trinity” of backroom players keeps emerging. Anyone concerned about our future freedom from federal control over the Internet should be concerned about what these people are doing.

First, there is the overtly socialist group, Free Press, funded (surprise!) in part by George Soros’ foundation. Established in 2002, Free Press has been led for most of the past decade by the leftist professor Robert McChesney. Two years ago, McChesney revealed his colors by saying, “Any serious effort to reform the media system would have to necessarily be part of a revolutionary program to overthrow the capitalist system itself.”

Given this, no one should be surprised that: The Federal Communications Commission hired Free Press’ spokeswoman to be its mouthpiece to promote federal “neutrality” regulation. The FCC has repeatedly given Free Press a federally sponsored platform to promote its socialist agenda. Hillary Clinton’s State Department brought on a top Free Press official to help push her views globally. Free Press employees have been in multiple closed-door meetings with White House and federal officials, discussing Internet “neutrality” policy?

Second, there is Google, whose motivation for federal control is clear. When you control more than 70 percent of America’s Internet searches and more than 40 percent of its video streams, you don’t want a pesky thing like competition interfering with your billions in profits. What better way to cement your dominance than by helping write the rules that will ensure it? Google employees and executives gave a whooping $803,000 to the Obama campaign. CEO Eric Schmidt actively stumped for candidate Obama and then (along with other Google executives) paid $25,000 each to fund the Obama inaugural.

The third part of the “Unholy Trinity” is former Google top lobbyist Andrew McLaughlin, who is helping write Administration policy on the Internet. (As Jay Leno might put it, “Well, what are the odds of THAT?!”) McLaughlin was reprimanded this year for improper contacts with Google officials. More troubling for the White House, Ken Boehm at the National Legal Policy Center just released White House emails obtained through the Freedom of Information Act which show that even after this reprimand, McLaughlin was circumventing clear federal “transparency” rules to communicate with both Free Press and his former employer about Internet neutrality regulation.

The Internet has triumphed for 20 years because government at all levels has wisely held off regulating it. Even the Clinton Administration agreed with that policy in a famous 1997 report. It’s high time for light to shine on the Free Press/Google/McLaughlin charade on Internet policy. The Internet is too valuable to allow a monopoly company and a Marxist nonprofit drive federal policy.

God Bless you my friends, Bob

A Berean Moment

Proverbs 30:5 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

The Pharisees heard the crowd muttering these things about Him, and the chief priests and the Pharisees sent officers to seize Him … Some of the people therefore, when they heard these words, were saying, “This certainly is the Prophet.” Others were saying, “This is the Christ.” Still others were saying, “Surely the Christ is not going to come from Galilee, is He? “Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the descendants of David, and from Bethlehem, the village where David was?” So a division occurred in the crowd because of Him. Some of them wanted to seize Him, but no one laid hands on Him. The officers then came to the chief priests and Pharisees, and they said to them, “Why did you not bring Him?” The officers answered, “Never has a man spoken the way this man speaks.” The Pharisees then answered them, “You have not also been led astray, have you? “No one of the rulers or Pharisees has believed in Him, has he? “But this crowd which does not know the Law is accursed.” John 7:1


I have talked previously about Paul’s praise for the Bereans noting the verse:
“these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica,
for they received the word with great eagerness,
examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.” Acts 17:11



The Bereans were standing on the belief that God’s word was pure never changing, never ending truth. They believed that God’s word is pure and therefore they should test the teachings of those that spoke to them to determine what to believe and what to reject. If the Bereans were alive today, they would they would be viewed as intolerant Christian fundamentalists.

This past week I heard a story that I feel is a good example of how Christians are to practice their faith, and to be a modern day Berean. My friend Lou is a police officer. His job is to investigate the facts of a crime with basically one purpose in mind: to discover the truth. When investigating a case, he has been trained that it is not his concern where the truth leads, but rather to discover the truth, regardless of where it leads. The truth is to be used by the defense or prosecution to prove either innocence or guilt.

Early in his career, Lou was being discipled by another police investigator who was a Christian. His friend showed Lou that he needed to look into the Bible more deeply because from a fellow investigator’s perspective, the evidence of truth and miracles were everywhere. A life foundation that begins with a book that outlines eternal truth is invaluable to an investigator seeking truth. Lou’s friend used the story in John 7 as compelling evidence that Jesus was more than just a good teacher and that God’s word is truth.

Let’s step back into the picture. In the time of Christ, there were two forms of police authority. The Romans had conquered Israel and set up the primary ruling authority much like federal government. But they had also allowed for the Israelites to maintain their religion and enforce their religious laws and authority, much like our state, county and city police. As a result, the secondary form of authority was the Chief Priests and the Pharisees and their police force was the palace guard. The Romans only needed to step in when their rules were violated, or if the palace guard was not able to maintain control. This allowed for the Romans to control the lands they had conquered from more of a distance.

One thing that we can be sure of during time period is that soldiers and guards obeyed the orders of their superiors. Penalties for not following orders were severe. The loss of their job was likely a certainty; and for negligence or insubordination, a Roman soldier could have been executed. The penalties are not clear regarding the Palace Guard, but to disregard direct orders from the chief priest would surely bring shame in them personally, and the likely loss of their valued career position.

In the above story, the Chief Priests gave a direct order to arrest Jesus and this is where the story takes on special meaning for my friend. As a policeman and investigator, it was clear to him that these palace guards acted outside of their normal character, and that there had to have been a compelling reason for them not to have arrested Jesus. The Chief Priests and religious leaders were seeking Jesus for reasons that they deemed worthy of death. What faithful temple guard would be foolish enough to disregard such an order without a very good reason?

Why were the Jewish leaders seeking to capture and kill Jesus? He was exposing their hypocrisy. He was a threat to them and their authority. He was talking with the authority of God’s Word; He turned water into wine; He had fed 5,000 with a five loaves and two fish; and He healed the lame, blind, and lepers; and He raised a young girl from the dead; and He cast out demons and performed many more miracles. When He told a man his sins were forgiven … that was the last straw, for the Jews that was blasphemy, worthy of death. The people were talking of making Him king and this brought great concern to the leaders who were concerned about a conflict with the Romans. They needed to neutralize this irritant to their authority and system of government.

Their greatest evidence that Christ was not the Messiah was “Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the descendants of David, and from Bethlehem, the village where David was?” But what they did not know is that Jesus was born in Bethlehem and that He was a descendant of David. Unfortunately, their facts were limited to their human knowledge and perspective and they were the opposite of the truth They could have discovered the truth … if they had only searched for the truth.

So they sent two of their best policemen, who faithfully went to arrest Jesus. They didn’t need a reason. They had already been given the order. Now, let’s try and walk in their shoes. The Chief Priest called them in and explained the urgency of the situation. This Galilean who had earlier had attacked numerous people in the temple was now inciting a riot and revolt amongst the people. Go and arrest Him at once. When these guards found Jesus, there was most likely a crowd that numbered in the thousands. But the guards saw miracles and listened to the truth spoken by the Lord and Savior of the world. Probably … much like Paul on the road to Damascus, their eyes were opened for the first time. When the guards were convinced that Jesus is the Messiah, and decided not to arrest Him … from a human viewpoint, what do you think the most intelligent explanation for going to the Chief Priest empty handed would have been? Certainly not, “we just couldn’t arrest him, he is a great orator … you should just hear the way he speaks.” The Jewish leaders already knew of Jesus amazing way with words. No … that would be a foolish reply to the leaders. And as expected, the priest’s answer to the guards was one of sarcasm. The wiser thing for them to say would have been: “we went to arrest him but there were just too many people there in his support … it would have incited a riot and we surely would have been attacked and overrun.” So why did they go back and speak of Jesus with awe and admiration? Because they had witnessed miracles, and listened to God speak to them. The same God that Pilate did not want to crucify, and the same God who the Centurion in charge of Jesus’ crucifixion identified when he said; “Surely he was the Son of God!”

So, why is this story important for Lou and for you and for me? Well, when my friend Lou considered this story, God spoke to him in a special way. He spoke to him through the eyes of a police investigator searching for the pure truth, and through the eyes of those two palace guards. God opened Lou’s eyes to the truth. No two police officers with an arrest warrant would come back empty handed; and if they did, they better have a very good reason; or suffer the end of their career, or worse. Yet they simply said, “Never has a man spoken the way this man speaks.” They just would not come back with this answer unless … they had just watched and listened to the living God walk and talk and perform miracles. The lesson for all of us is that when we search the pure word as the Bereans did, God will show us these deeper messages that he has placed throughout his word to strengthen our faith. And all of a sudden a light goes on and the truth becomes clear and a life is saved and secured for eternity. And like my friend Lou, “those who receive the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily” to discover the truth, many will find their life verse. On its face, it may be hidden where most would just read over, tucked away in the details of a story about religious leaders and the palace guard. Only a Berean would find it. One searching for truth, the Lord has placed it there for him to discover and marvel and share with the rest of us. Are you like the Bereans?

God Bless you my friends, Bob

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