Tag Archives: christianity

What’s in a Name?

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I happened to land on station where a Church of Christ preacher was trying to convince us that The Church of Christ is the only true church. He said it is only logical as it is named The Church of Christ. Better for him to teach about Jesus and salvation than to take such pride in his church. I mean, he has the attention of people for 15 to 20 minutes. Is it more important to speak on the Church of Christ or about Christ and salvation in that short time.

I listened to him for a while. I found it rather interesting the mental gymnastics he was going through to prove his point. The thing is, it had no standings. There is nowhere in the Bible that says that only the church named, Church of Christ is the real church. On the contrary. In the one place where people were trying to do anything like that, Paul scolded them. He said that some were saying that they they only believed Jesus, and some only Peter. (I Cor. 1:12…)

The only real important thing was what they taught. If they taught the word of God accurately, then they were part of the church of Christ. For years, the Catholics tried to claim they were the only Church. Today, there are still some that believe it. The hitch is that many of the things they teach are not biblical.

The way I judge a Church is very simple. If they teach the word of God accurately; if the church, especially the leadership practices what they preach, then I will give that church at least part of my approval. However, to give it my full approval, I have to see evidence that the Holy Spirit is moving in the church. If the Spirit of God approves of the church, who am I to say any different.

How do I know if the Holy Spirit is moving in the Church? It’s easy. If you have seen the Holy Spirit move in a church, you’d never again ask that question.

How-some-ever, here are some hints. The Holy Spirit always points to Jesus. It is part of his mission. If the preacher tries to claim the glory, he is not working under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. If he says, his church is the only church, it is time to get highly suspicious. I believe there are likely 4 or 5 major denominations are valid representatives of God, though there may be more.

I am Southern Baptist. However, I have listened to several Presbyterian preachers that I respect very much. I have heard some non-denominational preachers too that I believe teach the word accurately. I have heard a few, not many, Lutheran preachers who knew of what they spoke. And, yes I have heard a few Church of Christ preachers who I respected. Strange as it may seem, I have even heard a few Catholic preachers who seemed to have it right.

The thing this. We really need to be careful about who we say are not of Jesus Christ. If the church is teaching good sound doctrine and the Holy Spirit is on them, maybe we should just hold our tongue.

If they are teaching unbiblical doctrine, yeah, then it is open season on them. However, take care. Before you open your mouth, open the Bible and make sure of your position.

Finally, one more thing. I have noticed that preachers of different faiths do have discussions with each other from time to time. This, believe it or not, without throwing bookends at each other. The good thing about that, each preacher will go away better for it. They will both understand the Bible better after when their ideology is challenged.

Two Flags?

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I have said more than once, a person is really only has an allegiance to one flag. That creep that used that car as a weapon in New Orleans had an allegiance to one flag and what it represented. For some reason he decided to act on that allegiance at that time in that place.

My best guess is, someone gave him the order and he obeyed. My best guess is that there are a lot more men in this country who owe their allegiance to other flags, to other countries. It’s time to brace ourselves. My best guess is there will be more… for which we can thank Old Joe. He invited them in by the thousands. My best guess is that that character that set that bomb in Los Vegas got his marching orders too. My best guess is that his allegiance is to some other country too. Old Joe made the decision. We will be the ones to pay the price.

Who Cares?

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If I may, I would like to subtitle this Ignorance and Apathy.

Eons ago, a little exaggerated, I asked a programmer if he could teach me a little bit about Algol, a high level, structured programing language. He became thoughtful. He said that it would be difficult to do that. He said that in order to learn one part of the language, I would have to learn another part first. In order to understand that part, I would have to learn the other part first. It seems, in order to learn it, I would have to learn it all at once.

Since that day, I have been trained and I am very proficient at it. As I look back over what the programmer said, he was right. If I were to teach the language, I would have to teach it kind of all at once. I sort of guess that is why not too many people use Algol for programming. On the other hand, it is a very powerful language. I have heard that some people can almost write the whole body of the program in one line. Well, I must admit I am not that good but I can see how others could.

So. Here I am, I’ve written two big paragraphs and neither is about my subject matter. The reason is this. The subject is somewhat like Algol. I am having difficulty knowing where to start. There are 3 different places I need to start first. In order for me to start at point 1, I need to say some things about 2 and 3. In order to start at point 3, I need to say some things about 1 and 2. The word ‘conundrum’ does come to mind.

Let’s start with what you know, the little story where the old professor tells one of his students, “The problem with this world is that the youth is ignorant and apathetic.”

The young student shrugs and replies, “I don’t know and I don’t care.”

Okay. Ha, ha. Funny. I suspect you’ve heard it before. I’ve heard it a few times too. I do hope you liked it if it was the first time you heard it.

As with most of us conservatives, I have been trying to categorize democrats. I don’t know. It would seem that most fall into one of three categories. 1] The ignorant. 2] The Apathetic. 3] Both.

There are those that believed Old Joe was not feeble. There are those who didn’t care. Then there were those that didn’t know and didn’t care.

I suppose my categorizations might not be totally right. There might be those who might say, “Who cares?” There are those who do take that attitude, you know.

You look at the border. Some see the the rush of aliens across and don’t care. Some don’t believe there is a danger from the aliens. Some are completely oblivious to all the danger it causes.

This is of course, in spite of all the rapes and human trafficking that is going on. This in spite of the abuse of children that is happening. They turn their heads and pretend they know not of it.

When Old Joe gave the order begin the retreat in Afghanistan, some didn’t care about the deaths that resulted and the deserting of American citizens and friends left behind to fend for themselves.

We know that our women’s rights group care about women, but in this case, they pulled their heads in like the proverbial turtle and kept their noisy yaps zipped. This of course resulted in the torture and death of women that we liberated, befriended and educated. You can make up your mind. Were they unaware or were they apathetic. Or, on the other hand, could it be because the leadership of the dems told them to hold their complaints.

The dems complain, very loudly I might say, that Trump is apathetic to the poor aliens that are just seeking a better life. In truth, they were the ones apathetic to those that were killed or raped on the way to the US. Was it that they were ignorant to the criminal elements making their fortunes off of the pain and suffering of the aliens.

Could it be that the dems are completely ignorant to the death from the drugs made by the Chinese and distributed by the cartels. or is that they just don’t care.

When Obama pulled our forces out of Iraq, over a million were killed. Most if those tortured and killed called themselves Christian. Then when the dems were told, they said, “I don’t care!” Well, I guess some said, “I don’t believe it,” even though it was in the news for days. Now, that is apathy.

Before they start complaining about Trump being apathetic, I think it is about time to take a good look at the deaths and suffering in their own history. It’s time they look around and see what they are doing. It is time for them to stop being drastically apathetic.

It is time for them to stop saying, “I don’t care.”

Recognizing False Prophets

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I wish there was some way of easily recognizing false prophets, you know, like a requirement where a shirt with the label, “FALSE PROPHET,” on their shirts. Unfortunately, it is not that easy.

Nonetheless, there are some things we can do that make it somewhat simpler. May I write a quick word on history here, perhaps something you already know.

From about 300 AD and for centuries after, the Catholic Church taught that the common man should not read the Bible. There reason sounds logical. They said the Bible was to complex and difficult to read. II Timothy 2:15 says “Study the Word to show yourself approved.”

This is one of the primary way of finding a false profit, or at least a false teacher. They will discourage you, even forbid you to read the Bible. This, of course, is completely opposite to the above package and it cannot be argued, at all. The teaching by the Catholic Church was clearly wrong. Anytime that anyone or any organization says something different, or as in this case, opposite, they are teachings are false and the Bible specifically says not to believe them, at all.

Then, of course, if you don’t read the Bible, how do you know this? I mean, don’t take my word for it. Please read it yourself. I don’t ever, ever want you to take my word for anything Biblical. For this reason, I will try to cite the chapter and verse so you can actually read it from your Bible.

At any rate, going back to the history lesson. In 1440, the printing press was invented, which was a major problem for the Catholic Church. The fact is, they were teaching many things that were contrary to the Bible, some very major.

This was revealed by another big event in history. This time, it came from a Catholic Priest by the name of Martin Luther. So much was the Catholic Church, that is by the pope, they tried to have him killed.

These two things alone, broke the hold on the people that church had on most of the people in Europe. They were teaching that people could buy the souls of ancestors out of purgatory and into heaven. Not so. The word purgatory does not even occur in the Bible. With the Bible being in print, people were discovering it and that the church told the lie in an effort to bolster the treasures of the church, and by church, at this time I mean Catholic Church.

Moreover, Martin Luther started quoting the Bible for one and all, causing the protestant revolution. To be sure, there were churches other than Catholic before Martin Luther, but they generally had to hide. Because the Catholic Church tried to destroy them.

Now, people were going all over Europe saying things like, “By faith you are saved, not of yourselves, lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2 8-9). Moreover, people were reading it for themselves from the Bible. They could see it for themselves and they Catholic Church’s lock on being the sole interpreter of the Bible fell to pieces.

What I have said hear, in a round about way, if the person or organization teaches something to contrary of the Bible, he is a false prophet, or at least a false teacher.

Now, how do you know if what they say, agrees with what is in the Bible? That’s easy. Read the Bible. Learn it forward, backward and inside out. That way, the instant someone says something that is contrary to the Bible, you’ll know.

You might ask, are there false teachers? Guess what. Don’t take my word for it. Look it up in your own copy of the Bible. You can look it up in the concordance. Or… if you like, just look up false prophet on the internet. You will find dozens of verses and they will be quoted in maybe 4 or 5 translations.

By the way, if you do look it up on the internet, there is no reason for me to go farther. You can easily read for days on what the internet has to say about it.

Nonetheless, might I suggest, start reading the Bible. I did and I read very slow and I hate reading. None the less I read it 8 times, not to brag but to show, if I can, you can and you should. You should read it, if for no other reason than knowing who is teaching the truth and who is trying to distribute a lie.

Oh. By the way. I gave up believing what the Catholics are teaching a long, long time ago.

Not Appropriate

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When a man stands behind a pulpit and preaches the word of God, he should be careful to teach the truth according to the Bible. As I was going through channels a couple of days ago, I heard a person who claimed to be teaching the Bible who implied that eating meat was Biblically wrong. He was very proud of himself that he had been a vegetarian for all these many years and he is healthier because of it.

Fact is, if he wishes to preach not to eat meat, he should be careful to say that it is his personal feelings. It is not Biblical. Throughout the Old and the New testament eating Meat is directed. Indeed, it is required in the first Passover. Jesus cooked fish for the disciples. Indeed, it is part of the requirements of the rituals of the Temple.

I do understand the concepts of not eating meat. Many are are healthier when they don’t eat meat. Most of us do eat too much meat leading to many health problems. However, just because a vegetarian is healthy, it does not mean that he owes it completely to his diet. Moreover, we have not one bit of proof that he might not be healthier if he had ate some meat.

The thing is, if a person wants to preach not eating meat, they ought not try to say it is biblical, because it’s not. When you try to make the Bible say things it doesn’t, it undermines the truth that you do preach. The one speaking should precede it with something saying it is personal opinions based on facts outside the Bible.

Understand, I am not saying that it is wrong to teach eating only fruits and vegetables. It’s up to you. I am just saying it should not be taught as Biblical.

Revisiting the CEO Principle

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I can’t remember how long ago it was, but many years ago, I posted what I call the CEO principle. Some might actually remember it. I suspect most have not read it. For that reason, I will briefly review it.

You know when you go to the store and buy that gizmo wrapped in that really wonderful bubble wrap. When you get home, you go to work in the effort to remove the blister wrap. I’ve got to believe that they spent a lot of time and money engineering how to enclose those wonderful gizmos in that wrap. Invariably, one thing you must remember, never use a knife to remove the wrap. First, it is not very effective. Second, you might actually hurt yourself. I have no idea how much validity there is to it but I have heard of people cutting off a finger while trying to break into the things.

I really doubt that, but I can believe that some have cut themselves pretty good. So, if you are going to use a knife, be sure to have plenty of bandages. It might also be a good idea to have someone around to apply the bandages. Make sure whoever it is, is not so squeamish.

Now, what does this all have to do with my CEO principle? Simple. If the CEO of the company that makes those wonderful gizmos actually used the product, off the shelf, they would not be wrapped as they are.

I get it. I know why they do it that way. There are thieves out there that will steal the gizmos by the dozens. The blister wrap is something of an antitheft system, to make sure that the product is complete when you get it home.

The principle not only applies to the way that it is wrapped, but also how they are made. Did you ever try to put one of those pieces of furniture together with those “Easy instructions?” Yep. You know exactly what I mean, that is, unless you are one of those who can afford to have the furniture delivered completely assimbled.

My electric lawn more almost escaped the CEO principle. It is real nice and works good. Not only that, it is easy to use. However, I almost have to use a prybar to remove the charged battery from the charger. No way does the CEO have to do that. He has someone else do it. Well, that is not totally fair. I bought it 5 years ago. They might have fixed it by now, though I hold out little hope. The battery slides in and out of the mower easy. Why not the charger?

I’m sure by now, you get the idea. There is no purpose to go on, though I could for a long time. The reason that I am revisiting the post is that I realize it also applies to the government. Let’s face it. When Obama had that Obama care thing written up, he knew he would not ever need to use it. He knew his family would never need it, very likely to the 3rd and 4th generation. He knew that, when he or his family needs to see a doctor, they will be able to go to the doctor he wants to and he will not have to go on the internet and sign up for one of the plans. He will never have to pay a doctor, lab or hospital bill, EVER.

However, It does not stop there. All those idiots that call themselves democrats and voted for Obama care knew they would never have to deal with it as we do. I know that because the bill was originally written so that they would have all have to go through the same stuff. Then, suddenly, before it was passed, they found out and that was changed. So, it would appear that what is good for us is not good enough for them or theirs.

That is to say, they need not concern themselves with most of the stuff they force down our throats. Is there anyone out there that actually believes that the senators and representatives ever had to put up with all the stuff we did during the pandemic? Do you believe their kids have to take the shots before they can go to school? It is sort of the way things are done in government. The laws are intended for us, not them.

It does go beyond that. Nowadays, the laws do not apply to the dems, only the republicans. Moreover, they have lots of help from the media. There is not one law that they and their minions can’t break. On the other hand, if a republican walks within a mile of the Capitol building, he is picked up and thrown in prison. Then, by the way, he is denied a lawyer or speedy trial. Many of those that were imprisoned four years ago remain imprisoned, uncharged and without lawyers.

Worse yet, a republican need not do anything wrong to feel the sting of the dems and their media. If a man being nominated for a cabinet post is targeted, they simply dream up something from decades ago, so as to make it difficult to disprove. Never mind, true or not. He is indicted by the press and that is more than enough.

One thing I know about the CEO principle. Private or government, complaints are useless. I know. I tried. I don’t think I was the only one either. And… by the way… in case you haven’t noticed, I am still complaining, for what little good it does.

Consider, how the Keating five got off Scott free, though they were all guilty of banking corruption. They were never even charged. Google it, Keating Five scandal. Four dems and Senator John McCain were caught with their hands in the proverbial cookie jar and they all should have gone to prison. Instead, they did away with Savings and Loan system, forcing us to go to banks for our loans.

Moreover, if they had all been Republicans, they would have all gone to jail.

The Rapture Is Near

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First a quick word about the rapture so you know what I’m writing about. In the Bible, in I Thessalonians 4, it is made clear. Quickly, in the twinkling of an eye, Jesus will return for His Church. Suddenly every person who was saved and is dead, will be brought to life and they will go up to meet Jesus. Then, quickly, those who are saved and remain alive, will be changed and also will go to be with Jesus.

Those who remain will go through the tribulation, a time of great misery, which will last for 7 years.

Now, read for yourself and it will become clear to you, all the signs are met. However, there is one more thing. The more we hear people scoff that it is not near, the more likely it is near. Some say it may yet be another two thousand years. Actually, that is true. It could be another four thousand years. I simply don’t know. No one knows but God.

However, it might also be in the next 2 minutes. If that be the case, it would be a wise thing not to put salvation off for 5 minutes. Indeed, even the scoffing is predicted as Jesus compared it to the way those of Noah’s time mocked Noah about the ark.

Once God sealed the door on ark and all but Noah and his family perished; once the rapture is over, all who remain will face the tribulation.

Censors?

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At one time, movies were actually censored officially. Whenever a movie was produced, it had to be previewed by sensors and if it didn’t pass the sensor’s rules, it could not be released until it did.

I guess it was continued until some time in the seventies. Until then, the content was guarded, both visual and audio.

Even today, in theory, what goes out into the world of radio and TV is regulated. I get the feeling that many FCC regulators intentionally look the other way. I can’t imagine that it is legal for some of what is broadcasts meets specs. Moreover, they are all the time pushing the envelope, always just pushing it more and more, day by day. The swimsuits keep getting smaller; the language is getting worse; and the activities/subjects becoming more graphic.

That is not to say that we don’t still have sensors. Only the sensors have started limiting in other ways. Already, preachers are beginning to have some fears in preaching about homosexuality. If churches wonder into the politics, they stand in danger of losing their tax free status, unless it is a Black church. Then it is encouraged.

Worse, there is the unspoken censoring. Preachers aren’t kept from preaching on certain subjects, but when they do, the media launches assaults on them. They joke about them and they search for ways to make them look like hypocrites. Look how they went back into the pasts of the more recent judge appointments, also coined as Borking. Moreover, there is no shame, even when there is no proof. In the court of public opinion, none is needed. The allegation is all they need. Saying it enough makes it so.

These same methods are now used on preachers and conservatives. I am not proud of some the things Trump said and did, but no one gets called on any of it if they have a D after their name. Perfection is required for republicans only.

Moreover, politically incorrect things are not permitted on radio, TV and even on college campuses. This censoring is more powerful and stringent than any of the old censoring. Worse, things such as the Ten Commandments are not permitted in many places and it’s getting even more so disallowed over time.

Could it be that they will even be disallowed in our churches; or Bibles; or casual conversation, or thoughts.

I mean what is so objectionable about the words, “Thou shalt not bear false witness?” Why does anyone want to block the words, “Thou shalt not murder,” from our schools or courts? Why is it so bad to suggest that we encourage our nation to honor our fathers and mothers?

It would seem that there are those afraid of the words. If I put them out on my front lawn, I suspect that someone would sue me the next day to have it removed. They just can’t stand to have the words in their face reminding them daily of what they are doing wrong. If there is no God, why are they afraid of His law? Why to they fear His words?”

Why is it so important that they censor every word of the Bible? What harm does it cause them?

Why Did Noah Build an Ark?

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It is a simple question. It just might be conceivable, though not likely I’m the 1st to ask it. I guess most of us think he did as he was told. Then again, maybe it was simply that he was afraid for him and his family.

He might have had the attitude, if there is a flood, it will come in handy. You do realize, while he built, he evangelized? That was part of the reason for building ark. When those around saw him building the ark, they did laugh at him. They did ask him about the project.

I do sort of wonder, was he the first to build anything like a boat. Did they ever go sailing on a weekend. These guys were living four and five hundred years, remember. They had plenty of time to build stuff like this just for fun. Contrary to what some learned folks might say, we are likely speaking of a very advanced civilization. The Bible recorded that there was a man who worked with iron, long before the bronze age.

So, let’s say Noah has some success at evangelizing. I think it was even conceivable that God might change his mind and not send the flood. We know, of course, God has the foreknowledge. He knew they wouldn’t. However, we also know He was giving them one more last chance to repent.

It looks to me as if Noah was acting from faith. However, we also know that if Noah was a successful evangelist, he would have been the only one in town with a big boat sitting in his front yard.

However, it would still have purpose. Every time the animals started going into it, 2 by 2, the neighbors might take note.

Which does bring up a plausible additional reason for Noah to take on the project. It did give Noah a tool for evangelism. As I said, they did laugh at him. However, some must have started taking note as the animals without any prompt, started wandering in. Some might even have repented but fear. They did not want to be subject to the same ridicule as Noah.

I don’t know when the rain started, some just might have had second thoughts if it started sprinkling before the door was closed. If I may, I don’t think God would mind me using a little imagination. I am almost sure that God had the love that allowed everyone every last chance. I suspect it was sprinkling before the door was sealed.

Then, Noah and his family boarded the ark. God, Himself, closed and sealed the door. It was for two reasons. It kept both the water and the people out. It was the final decision point in time. Those that were in the ark lived. Those that were outside the ark died.

Not only is it a historic fact, but it is something of a picture for us. God is long suffering. He gives us chance after chance because of His love. However, one day, He will close the door for each of us. Those of us who never repented and accepted Jesus, it is too late. Death is all that remains for them. With that in mind, for those who haven’t already, it would be a good idea to accept Jesus, now, before the rain starts falling.

Some, when they tell the story of the ark, use the term perish instead of died. Well, the do both mean the same. Perhaps, perish sounds better. Perhaps it covers it a little so that it has a little less of an edge. But it was not my intention to make it sound nice in the least. I wanted it to have its full impact, for the benefit of anyone who needs to know. If I take the edge off, how does it help those who need to repent?

Political Parties and Jesus

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Just happened to be listening to Allen Jackson, the preacher, not the singer, though I do listen to the singer from time to time too. Though it was not his primary subject of his sermon, he did, in an aside speak to the claim that Jesus was never a member of a political party. However, He did speak to power and he did speak to the powerful.

Incidentally, if I were a multi-millionaire, I would never contribute a penny to either party. They have been far too weak on abortion and border matters. It would be my way of speaking to power. Republicans have come out weak on gambling. Indeed, in some cases, some republicans have fought for it. You can come out with you logic why why I am making my mistakes. If I give any money to anyone, it is to the individual and only to the individual that shares my beliefs.

Looking back over things, you might have a tendency go along with me. The Republican party selected a senator who was a thief and another man who was a wimp rino. It is no wonder they both lost.

Sometimes these preachers say more as an aside than they say as their main subject. I think this is one of those cases. Every time we vote, we speak to the powerful. Every time we send a note to representative, we are speaking to the powerful. And, of course, this is regardless of political party.

Moreover, God does caution us not to call good evil, or evil good. It is not idle advice but a warning. There are threats of punishments for that.

Given these two little factors, maybe it would be a good idea not to vote for a political party that is in favor of causing death, you know, like abortion. Like causing wars. Like causing rumors about viruses and virus treatments that resulted in large amounts of death and then denying it. Do you really think He would want any of us to be in favor of a party that doesn’t punish the lawless and looks the other way in mass theft and rioting.

If and when you voted for Old Joe, you spoke to power and you told them that killing is perfectly okay. The doctors that do it should be respected instead of put in prison. As a voter, you have said that we cannot use a gun for defense, but the lawless can use them to steal and and murder. You have told the powerful to stop locking up the lawless and be sure to arrest Trump and anyone who supports him. This though you know he never did anything to deserve it.

Before you vote for Kamala, just remember, in essence you are speaking to power and saying good is evil and evil is good. That is true, regardless of any party affiliation.

Jesus might not be a Republican, but he is pro life. He still is in favor of the truth. As dems speak their lies, they may and do deceive some people. They may and sometimes do deceive themselves. However, they never deceive Jesus. And it is true; He is neither Republican or Democrat. So pretending to be one or the other will not impress Him one bit. For Him, those that deceive are guilty no matter if he has an R or a D after his name.