Duck Hypocrisy

Lost in the media hysteria about Phil Robertson's recent remarks about gays is one important thing; Phil Robertson's recent remarks about gays.

In an interview with Esquire magazine Phil Robertson was talking about sin, forgiveness and redemption, which GLAAD, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against honest Discussion Discrimination, sees as an attack on gay people. I know how these people work, you can say anything about homosexuality, and it doesn't matter what you say, if GLAAD decides you are a homophobe, you're immediately under attack regardless of what you've actually said, and they will lie about what you said to validate their point. However if they think you are of any value, they will completely ignore what you said, and maybe even praise you for it. 

I've been classified as a homophobe for the sin of (if you're easily shocked, please turn away) Telling People That John Shore Is Intentionally Misinterpreting The Bible. John Shore worships the words of Dan Savage more than the word of God, and that's his right, he can worship anything he wants, including Dan Savages bitter hate speech and child abusive rants. But because I pointed out the inaccuracies of Shore's message I am labeled a homophobe (and worse). However the gay community is utterly wrong, I'm not a homophobe, I fear no man, I fear God.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:7)

Cling To The Father And His Holy Name

And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. (Luke 1:31) 

She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21)

What is in a name? A rose by any other name would smell just as sweet, right? I wish I knew how many times I've read Luke 1:31 and Matthew 1:21 and just blipped on by with never a thought, except possibly "Didn't Isaiah say His name would be Manuel or Manual or something like that?" The thing is that Jesus has a lot of names, or more correctly Jesus is called a LOT of things through out the Bible. However his name, Jesus, is obviously important as it's told to both Mary in Luke and Joseph in Matthew that they shall name the baby Jesus. The name Jesus is obviously important as there's just a ton of other, more awesome sounding, names used in the bible: 

The Bread of Life

Bethlehem

In John chapter 6 we see that Jesus was having a tough time with his followers. He started this chapter healing the sick and a large crowd started following him out of curiosity. He then took two fish and five barley loaves and fed the crowd of thousands which caused even more people to follow Him. First they were hungry, then they found there was free food to be had!

Now Jesus occasionally had to avoid the crowds to the point where he once took a shortcut across the Sea of Galilee (without a boat for much of the journey). The crowds can see Jesus performing signs and miracles, they can see the dumb speak, the deaf hear, the lame leap, the lepers cleansed, but they're concentrating on the physical here-and-now of the free food rather than the spiritual aspects of Jesus the Messiah. Jesus told them not to work for the temporary food of this world but the food which endures forever which He can give them. Of course they asked what kind of work does God want them to do and...

Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.” (John 6:29)

How Did I Miss Matthew 11:6?

While bopping around in the bible this morning I was in the opening verses of Matthew 11 and read this:

2 Now when John, while imprisoned, heard of the works of Christ, he sent word by his disciples 3 and said to Him, “Are You the Expected One, or shall we look for someone else?” 4 Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and report to John what you hear and see: 5 the blind receive sight and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. 6 And blessed is he who does not take offense at Me.” (Matthew 11:2-6)

I've read Matthew in its entirety four times this year and always loved Jesus' words of encouragement to his cousin, how better to say "Yes, I am He whom you have prepared the way for, thank you faithful servant." than offering the proof that John was so eager to hear. But verse 6 stopped me this morning for some reason - "And blessed is he who does not take offense at Me" I do not remember ever seeing this before, ever. 

My Favorite Quote And My Favorite Egg

“I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept his claim to be God. 

"That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic — on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg — or else he would be the Devil of Hell. 

"You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at him and kill him as a demon or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God, but let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about his being a great human teacher. 

"He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.” - C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

Marcions Among Us

Marcion of Sinope (85 AD - 160 AD) was a wealthy shipowner on the Black Sea in what is now Northern Turkey. His father was the Bishop of Sinope (their home town) and Marcion was probably consecrated a bishop too, and most likely became an assistant bishop to his father.

It is said that at one time he made a donation of 200,000 sesterces to the Church of Rome. At the time you could buy 2 loaves of bread for one sesterce so let's estimate equivalent of a sesterce in today's money at $5.00, which means a gift of 200,000 sesterces was worth $1,000,000 in today's money. It is also said that the Church of Rome returned that gift. I will pause for a moment while your brain recovers from that thought-hammer. The Church of Rome RETURNING money? 

Taking My Lumps

Last week Pastor Lovejoy used a term in his sermon that cracked me up a bit, more out of nostalgia than humor. The point that he was getting across was that when Jesus wants you to do something, that something is going to get done. He's going to make sure one way or another that the particular something will happen even if it takes a spanking. 

Both Pastor Lovejoy and I are both what the bible calls "A man under authority" - military veterans, so we both know what it means when the commander say jump. If your response is anything but "How high sir?" on the way up, that commander is well within his rights to take corrective action. Regardless of what that corrective action is, from a gentle reminder to full blown courts martial, this corrective action is called to those under authority "a spanking" which is the term he used in his sermon. 

But what if "the boss" has a task for you that you don't want to? I suppose the choice comes down between your personal selfish desire and your love in Jesus. Is that cold? Yes it is, but only because it's honest. 

If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. (John 1415)

What Is The Sevenfold Spirit of God?

I started this blog to track the answers that I find as I explore my relationship with my loving adopted brother, my savior, my Lord, my King; Jesus Christ. Quite often I find that the enemy has placed agents here on earth to drive me off track. Their antics are puzzling, unbiblical, heretical, but always quite entertaining, and they even come with their own bartender. But their nonsense has one purpose only; to distract the believer away from the true Word of God. So to point out what they do I reserve one day a week to vent (Emergent Monday) and spend the rest of the week thanking God for the discernment he's blessed me with.

To be honest it feels good to put them on the shelf and concentrate on Him, and try to delve into His mysteries. Ever notice how you can read the bible and something hits you, something you've read before and didn't seem to notice now seems to demand attention or more information? Last night while reading Revelation again, and this was probably the 3rd time this year alone I've been though John's final work, the term "Sevenfold Spirit of God" leaped out at me and demanded my full attention. 

What is the sevenfold spirit or the seven spirits of God? They're mentioned in Revelation 1:4, Revelation 3:1, Revelation 4:5, Revelation 5:6. Seven spirits? I thought the trinity was tough to understand! 

I And The Father Are One - Neither Is An Egg

I know a person who walks through life in some kind of dreamy, fluffy, stumble. It's almost like nothing is real to her until everything collapses down around her head. You know the type, they get all of their information from the 5:00 PM hyperventilation that passes for news, panic over what they're told to panic over, buy what they're told to buy, and ignore what they're ordered to ignore. I've witnessed to this person and her only response was "Nah, I don't think it's like that." Her responses made me a firm believer in Calvinism.

No matter what you say, her views on our Lord and Savior are "He was a nice guy, a smart man, a 'great moral teacher' and he lived a long time ago." At first I thought her views on Jesus were unique to her, but after talking to more people it seems her views are almost mainstream. To me (at least) it sounds like a lot of people believe in Jesus the man who was a nice Jewish rabbi that dispensed a lot of good advice along with loaves and fish. 

I Came Not To Send Peace, But A Sword

³⁴ “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. ³⁵ For I have come to turn “ ‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law - ³⁶ a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’ (Matthew 10:34-36)

Jesus is called the Prince of Peace but here in Matthew he's practically promising civil war, what's the deal?

⁴⁹ “I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! ⁵⁰ But I have a baptism to undergo, and what constraint I am under until it is completed! ⁵¹ Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. ⁵² From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. ⁵³ They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.” (Luke 12:49-53)

How can we reconcile this with 

For unto us a Child is born,Unto us a Son is given;And the government will be upon His shoulder.And His name will be calledWonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

 and

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. (John 14:27)

The Five Solas

The Five Solas ( or more properly, The Five Solae) are five Latin phrases that emerged during the Protestant Reformation and summarize not only the reformer's basic beliefs but ours as Christians as well. "Sola" is a Latin word that means "alone" or "only". The Five Solas are the essential original teachings of Chirstianity, especially in regard to salvation. In essence, when it comes to God, the 5 Solas are all you need.

Sola Scriptura - the Scripture Alone is the standard. The Bible is the word of God, it's a divinely inspired unified work of literature, it's Jesus' autobiography, and contains everything you need to know to get into heaven. Every word of the 66 books of the bible is inspired by God's Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit also helps us understand the scripture. The bible does not contain all the knowledge that God holds, there's not enough paper for that. What the bible does contain is what God needs us to know to reach him and receive his grace. 2 Tim 3:16-17 tells us that "All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work." and Proverbs 30:6 tells us "Do not add to His words or He will reprove you, and you will be proved a liar." Additions include catechisms, traditions, watchtower magazines and books like the Pearl of Great Wisdom.

They Went Praising The Lord

Upon his resurrection Jesus' closest disciples, Simon (Peter), Andrew (Peters brother), James and John (The sons of Zebedee) Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James (the son of Alphaeus), Judas (the other Judas), Simon the Zealot, but not Judas (THAT Judas) went from being disciples to Apostles. The word disciple comes from the latin word discipulus which means pupil. Apostle comes from the Greek word apostellein which means 'sent out' and 'messenger'. They went from being students to being teachers as they carried out Jesus' Great Commission.. Of course Paul and Barnabas became apostles too, but it's for theologeons to decide if they were apostles or Apostles. For me, I'm just happy to know they were there, spreading the Lords word. 

Along with being the first people to spread the Gospel of Jesus, they were also the first entries in Fox's Book of Martyrs. Every Apostle died an unnatural death, and every one of them went to their deaths praising the Lord. The first martyr for Christ was, of course, Steven who was stoned to death by the pharisees (Acts 7:54-60) followed not long after by James, brother of John (Acts 12:1-2). Tradition also states that the executioner had two people to execute that day as the Roman officer who was  guarding James was converted by James' faith, declared his new faith to the judge, and knelt down next to James to be executed too. 

Why do Atheists Hate Jesus?

Atheists can say the nuttiest things, and sadly most of it comes from ignorance. Much of their hate is misdirected irrational hate that most likely comes from a deep seated self-loathing. Some of it comes from arrogance and pride and a deep seated belief in the infallibility of man (in particular themselves), and other times it's a deep seated need to be offended.

But the vast majority comes from complete ignorance of what they're complaining about. I'll list a few examples and you tell me if I'm wrong.

1. Jesus is a bigot because of Matthew 10:5-6 and Matthew 15:24. 

If the complainant had actually read Matthew he would know that in Matthew 10:5-6 Jesus was sending his disciples out on their first evangelical mission, he wanted them to deal with familiar people in a familiar setting. You don't send a novice evangelical out against Bill Mahr and Rosie O'Donnell on their first outing. In Matthew 15:24 Jesus was testing this woman's faith and using it as an example for his disciples. Had the complainant actually read Matthew 15 and assessed it spiritually he would have seen that. Maybe. 

Stranger in a Strange World

To heck with this world. I'm tired of it. I'm tired of the nonsense and stupidity and sinfullness. This rock has been an accursed place since Eve shared a fresh picked picnic lunch with Adam and the way that the worlds "leaders" are now governing the world into the ground it's like they're piloting the Hindenburg but with less concern for human life. 

The world is falling apart so fast it's like Satan has been elected UN Secretary General and God is just kicking back saying "I told you this would happen, now where's those seven trumpeters, it's almost show time."

Then again, try and prove me wrong, I dare you. 

OT Tuesday: Jesus Loved The Old Testament

Many times I've heard it said that we don't need to study the Old Testament because it's Old, everything we need to know is in the New Testament. That's sort of like saying "I'm trying to emulate Sir Isaac Newton, I don't need to know anything about math or physics."

Jesus loved the Old Testament and quoted it quite often, and why not? It is the law, it is the story of God's chosen people, it is His autobiography. Throughout His ministry on Earth, Jesus quoted the Old Testament and taught from the scriptures always confirming its accuracy and authenticity. Jesus Himself stated bluntly not to ignore the Old Testament nor because the messiah is here do not think that it was replaced:

17 “Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. 18 For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. (Matthew 5:17-18)

He is Risen!

Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the grave. And behold, a severe earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone and sat upon it. And his appearance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. The guards shook for fear of him and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying. Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going ahead of you into Galilee, there you will see Him; behold, I have told you." And they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy and ran to report it to His disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they came up and took hold of His feet and worshiped Him. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid; go and take word to My brethren to leave for Galilee, and there they will see Me." (Matthew 28:1-10 NASB)

It's Hard To Type Through The Tears

And when I think that God his son not sparing,

Sent him to die - I scarce can take it in,

That on the cross my burden gladly bearing,

He bled and died to take away my sin:

Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee,

How great Thou art, how great Thou art!

Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee,

How great Thou art, how great Thou art!

Maundy Thursday

²² While they were eating, He took some bread, and after a blessing He broke it, and gave it to them, and said, “Take it; this is My body.” ²³ And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, and they all drank from it. ²⁴ And He said to them, “This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. ²⁵ Truly I say to you, I will never again drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” (Mark 14:22-25) 

I Was There

I Was There

by David E. Ridenhour

Yes, I was there. I was there throughout the whole ordeal. But I was with him all along, right from the very beginning  I was with him in the wilderness. It was I who said, "If you be the Son of God, command that these stones be turned into bread." I was trying to convince Him even then that He was a fool for believing He was the Promised One, that He could have any effect on mankind and its destiny. But He was too strong for me then. He pushed me aside and began His work. But I am not to be dismissed that easily.

OT Tuesday: The Promise of Jesus

Ignore Rick Warren, he teaches his minions that they should not read bible prophecy, it's kind of like telling someone to read 'Lord of the Rings' but ignore the bits with hobbits and elves and dwarves. If you read the bible from the start, you're barely three chapters in before God gives us his first prophecy that pretty much gives away the ending of the book. In a passage directed toward Satan He says;

¹⁵ And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise (or crush) you on the head, And you shall bruise him on the heel.” (Genesis 3:15)

What He told Satan is that Satan will be able to injure a certain descendant of Eve but that descendant will destroy Satan. And, of course, God was right. Satan was able to convince his followers to kill Jesus, who ruined Satan's plans by returning from the dead, the rest of the smackdown is yet to come prophesied throughout the bible. That's just the start of prophesy after prophesy fulfilled perfectly with many more yet to be fulfilled perfectly, terribly, and gloriously.