Gay christian camp?

Hi Everyone,

I regret not having the time to post lately. I have been very busy trying to find a small home, townhouse or condo for my daughter and two roommates to rent for the upcoming semester at college. At times, it has been like a mini-twilight-zone type nightmare!

Saturday morning, we did find the perfect place! It was so cute, reasonably priced, and in a quiet and safe neighborhood. But with a dozen applicants (who applied earlier than we did) there was a one in twelve chance that we would get it. Yesterday afternoon, we received the phonecall that we weren't chosen. We were so disappointed!! The place would have been perfect!! Arrgghhh!!

Well, we are trusting God to help lead us to find an even better place! We must remain diligent in our search, continue to be prayerful and most of all be patient!

On to today's post.

I don't normally watch the LOGO channel on cable. But as I was flipping through the channels on Saturday evening, a show description on that channel caught my eye. It read, "gay christian camp." I decided to watch it to find out whether or not the things presented to these teens would be Biblically accurate or not.

I didn't get to see the entire program, but it will be re-broadcast. If you get that channel, here is a brief description and the dates and times:

Camp Out

If it isn't hard enough being a gay teenager in the midwest, imagine being a gay Christian teen. With the derision of society, family and the church against them, ten gay Christian teenagers struggle to confront the questions of faith and their burgeoning sexuality in light of what their church and Christian society has told them....
Date Time

Mon 07/30 4:30 PM

Thu 08/02 11:00 AM

Sat 08/04 7:00 PM

What Christian society has told them? Society? Not what the Bible, God's Word has told them?? Sheesh!!

There was a lot that disturbed me about the portions of the program that I viewed.

1. The pastor camp counselor had placed a large wooden cross in the campground and had the students write down a bad memory. The teens read them out loud, taped the pieces of paper to the cross, and the counselor burned them on that cross! Does this sound right to anyone out there reading this??

2. Prior to that exercise, the counselor told the teens that Jesus came to earth to "change things." There was no explanation of why he went to the cross at Calvary. There was no explanation that Jesus died for their sins. There was no salvation message or sinners prayer presented. Does anyone else reading this see something inherently wrong with this scenario?

3. Prior to that, the pastor simply invited the students to stand in the lake and have water sprinkled on their heads in a kind of pseudo-baptism. It appeared to me that only some of the students were willing to do that.

4. I can't recall the names of the teens (should have written them down) but if you go here I will describe which person I am talking about. The young man, fourth from the right with the glasses was the only teen (in the portion I watched) who wanted to get out the Bible and have devotion time. He was also disturbed that many of the other teens "only wanted to talk about sex" and he was upset when they started playing "truth or dare."

5. I didn't see prayers of thankfulness at meal time (again, I may have missed it because I didn't see the entire show), very little time spent on Bible study, and very little mention of Jesus Christ.

6. The pastor/counselor made a big deal about his "consecration as a pastor." It was very "me" (meaning, "him") oriented rather than giving praise and thanks to the Lord.

Update @ 9:07 a.m. :

Just found this quote and it reminded me of this pastor's "me centered" video of his "consecration." -

“It is a very ill omen to hear a wicked world clap its hands and shout well done to the Christian man.”- Charles Spurgeon.

Woo Hoo!! Is that a powerful quote or what???

The concern being shared in that quote is similar to a question that I have presented (several times) to a self-identified lesbian christian woman:

Doesn't it bother you that the gay christian movement beliefs are just like the secular humanistic worldview?

What do I get in answer to such a question?

Silence!

Many of these kids really need the REAL, TRUE Biblically accurate presentation of the Gospel of Christ; not some watered-down, "it's all about me" (them) pep talk which dismisses what the Bible truly says about homosexual behavior.

Purposely sending them in the wrong direction like this is wrong!! Wrong in so many ways!!

If you happen to be of the mindset that eh....it doesn't really matter...a little compromise won't make a difference...then I invite you to think AGAIN! Go over and read about the MCC "church" allowing its members to opt out of belief in Jesus.

These are just a few of the concerns that I saw (and can recall so early this morning!), but I plan to watch it again and give more details. If anyone out there saw the show and would like to comment, please do. I hope to improve this post with much more information later.

God Gave Them Over...

Neil at 4Simpsons blog has an excellent Bible study post on Romans 1. He stresses the fact that no matter how one might try to twist the Scriptures, it is very clear that sinful lusts can overtake a person to such a point that they are "given over" to them.

It is difficult for me to post an excerpt here. You need to read the entire essay. However, the following two points that Neil made stood out to me:

16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

V. 16 is powerful. In light of eternity, why should we be ashamed of the Gospel? The world hates the Gospel, because it convicts them of sin. The Gospel is for everyone. There is no other path besides Jesus.

This shows that if the gospel being presented to you doesn't make you squirm regarding conviction of sin, then perhaps you are not following the true gospel.

God's grace cannot be bestowed upon us unless we are first convicted within our hearts of our rebellion and sin. If you think I am incorrect in this (your decision, of course), then I would encourage you to read "Beware the Crossless Gospel."

Neil writes:

God has revealed himself to us in his creation. He takes it very seriously when people mock that and completely ignore him. Deep down even atheists know their is a God, but they “suppress the truth by their wickedness.”

Theologian R.C Sproul said, “Sin is cosmic treason. Sin is treason against a perfectly pure Sovereign. It is an act of supreme ingratitude toward the One to whom we owe everything, to the One who has given us life itself.”

Those who would condone sin, and refuse to confess and repent of them are, unfortunately, guilty of "suppressing the truth by their wickedness," (or, some Bible versions say, "of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.")

God is love, however, he is also holy and righteous. We can't leave out the fact that His perfect character means that He will not tolerate sin. He is the Supreme Judge of the universe. If He didn't judge sin, then we could not say that He is Holy and Righteous.

But God does judge sin. This is why Christians everywhere need to spread the true gospel of Christ. Not any made-up, secular version that man conceives in his/her own mind.

One day, all will face Jesus Christ in eternity. Whether you spend eternity with him in heaven or separated from him forever depends on your response to the true gospel message.

The Lord's Leading

As a born-again believer in Jesus Christ, have you ever wondered why the Lord leads you in a particular direction when it comes to issues within our culture? I have wondered the same thing...many times.

For me, the most pressing issues have been about radical Islamic terrorism, illegal immigration, abortion, homosexuality and the onslaught of secularism against our tradition of Judeo-Christian values and ethics.

Lately, I have been very involved in discussions regarding the gay theology movement. This morning, I asked the Lord, "why is this particular issue currently most outstanding at this time in my life? It seems that almost every other post here at my blog is about this topic. But why, Lord?

Today, I think that I received my answer.

It started with a visit over to GCMWatch. There is a post up about the fact that yet another church has left the apostate UCC.

In response to that post, I wrote two comments:

Is this apostate “United Church of Christ” a perfect example of the warnings in Jude or what?

Jud 1:16 These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage.

And, the faithful remnant church that voted in favor of departure for good reason:

Jud 1:17 But you, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ:

They recognized the heretics for what they truly are:

Jud 1:18 how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts.

Jud 1:19 These are sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit
.
And, the church that left the UCC did so as a last resort, but they are a perfect example of those who what to stay true to the gospel of Christ and hold steadfast in the faith:

Jud 1:20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, (bold mine)

Jud 1:21 keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

*******

My second comment was in reference to a link to DL Foster's commentary, UCC gay church ad all about division

DL,
I just read your link about the ads “depicting a church ejecting gays from the pews.” How absolutely false and childish is that?? Who would believe such nonsense? It’s truly sad…

You wrote:

3.The ad attempts to use benign words infused with highly contradictory meanings against traditional church teaching. Words such as “tolerance” and “inclusion” have ulterior meanings when deployed by gays in the UCC.

They certainly have ulterior motives and subsequent goals. One goal appears to be one of elevating “tolerance” and “inclusion” above our Lord’s calling for us to strive for holiness and righteousness!

Next, I was re-reading a portion of chapter 2, The Ultimate Deception in Ed Hindson's Antichrist Rising book. The subtitle reads, "The Final Religion." I will attempt to summarize the first portion, but if you have this book please read pp. 31-32.

A lot has already been written about the false religion of the last days. Some have pointed to Mohammed as the False Prophet, others have been convinced it was the pope. Recent identifications have included the New Age movement, the National Council of Churches, and various religious cults.

Hindson writes:

First, the apostles were convinced that the spirit of Antichrist (1 John 4:3) and the mystery of iniquity (2 Thessalonians 2:7, KJV) were already at work in their own time. This means that the apostate spirit predates all modern churches as we know them today. Second, the final, future form of apostasy is clearly located in the city of the Antichrist at Rom (Revelation 17:9), referred to symbolically as "Babylon the Great" (Revelation 18:2).

If pre-tribulationists are correct in assuming the rapture of the true church will occur before the tribulation period, then all "Christian" churches that remain will be apostate, no matter what their label - Catholic, Reformed, Methodist, Baptist, or Pentecostal. It is a very reasonable assumption that all those "pseudo-Christians" left behind would align with one another in a common cause of unbelief (2 Thessalonians 2:8-12).

After reading this, my previous comment made the reason that the Lord Jesus has been leading me in the direction of speaking out against the gay theology movement crystal clear!

One goal (of the gcm) appears to be one of elevating “tolerance” and “inclusion” above our Lord’s calling for us to strive for holiness and righteousness!

I would venture to say that another goal of the gcm is to lead many into the heresy of dismissing obedience to God's Word; and thus, ignoring God's call for followers of Jesus to strive for holiness and righteousness!

Every person who agrees with the gay theology movement ALWAYS stresses "tolerance" (which has been re-defined as total acceptance for their particular sinful behavior), "inclusion," (meaning, if you don't agree then you are evil and a bigot), and express ONLY the love of God while completely ignoring His equally important characteristics of holiness, righteousness and judgment!

Hindson is prophetic in what he states next. After the rapture of true believers occurs, an unbeliever will use his position and authority to encourage an alliance of unbelieving Christendom.

"The ecclesiastical unity liberal Christendom has so long failed to produce will occur instantly after the rapture."

Of course, this is already happening in the world on a less broader scale. How do I know this?

Hindson writes:

Consider these important observations:

1. The spirit of Antichrist and the mystery of iniquity were already at work in apostolic times.

2. Apostasy has progressed throughout church history, predating modern church structures.

3. A large segment of modern Christendom is already apostate. Unbelief is rampant in both liberal Catholic and Protestant circles.

4. After the rapture of true believers, all professing "Christians" who are left behind will be apostate believers no matter what their denomination.

5. The False Prophet will arise in Rome to lead apostate Christendom in its acceptance of the Antichrist.

I am reminded of the Bible verse that speaks to this exact situation:

Mat 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if [it were] possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

Jesus is telling us that the "elect" (those born-again in Christ who receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit) will not be deceived; yet, those pseudo-christians could easily fall into apostate Christendom.

Can you see, now, why I am constantly sounding the alarm bells about avoiding the heresies out there that will lead to apostasy??

What is happening within the UCC church can be compared to the warnings given to the Church at Pergamum (see Revelation 2:12 - 17).


Rev 2:14
"But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality.
Rev 2:15
"Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.[fn1]
Rev 2:16
"Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.

Believers at the Pergamum church experienced great pressure to compromise or leave the faith. There were some faithful believers there (Antipas, who did not compromise but died for his faith), but many "held to the teaching of the Nicolaitans." The Nicolaitans were believers who compromised their faith in order to enjoy some of the sinful practices of Ephesian society. According to my NIV Bible notes:

The name Nicolaitans is held by some to be roughly the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew word for "Balaamites." Balaam was a prophet who induced the Israelites to carry out their lustful desires (See Revelation 2:14 and Numbers 31:16). When we want to take part in an activity that we know is wrong, we may make excuses to justify our behavior, saying that it isn't as bad as it seems or that it won't hurt our faith. Christ has strong words for those who look for excuses to sin.

I first became involved in opposing the homosexual legal agenda through conservative, traditional family groups like Concerned Women for America, Capitol Resource Institute, Alliance Defense Fund, Campaign for California Families, etc. But once I found out about the lie of the gay christian theology movement being promoted out there (and forced upon churches and denominations who wanted to stay true to Christ's gospel and God's Word), I saw this threat as "an enemy within."

Now, before you get all huffy and puffy and call me names, let me explain.

Hindson writes:

The New Testament was written in the first century A.D. when Roman paganism and emperor worship threatened the church. Despite this threat, the biblical writers warned constantly of apostasy from within the ranks of the church (see 1 timothy 4:1-3; 2 timothy 3:1-5; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15; Galatians 1:6-12; 2 Peter 2:1-3; 1 John 4:1-3; 2 John 7; Jude 3,4). In 2 Thessalonians 2:3-12, Paul describes this apostasy in the following terms:

1. the rebellion (verse 3)
2. secret power of lawlessness (verse 7)
3. the work of Satan (verse 9)
4. powerful delusion (verse 11)
5. the lie (verse 11)

Paul indicates that this process will begin during the Church Age. The "falling away" (KJV; Greek, apostasia) will occur before the "coming of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2:1,3). But its final explosion as a form of worldwide unbelief will only occur after the restraining ministry of the Holy Spirit indwelling the true church is removed at the rapture (2:5-8).

Now, do I think that the gcm is the lone source of apostasy?

No.

But it is definitely a part of it! We can lump in several other heresy groups into the mix. (i.e. the Emergent church movement, New Age spin-off groups etc.)

How do we recognize heresy groups?

Hindson:

The biblical writers use the following descriptions:

1. abandon the faith (1 Timothy 4:1)
2. follow deceiving spirits (1 Timothy 4:1)
3. doctrines of demons (1 Timothy 4:1)
4. hypocritical liars (1 Timothy 4:2)
5. lovers of themselves (2 Timothy 3:2)
6. lovers of money (2 Timothy 3:2) [Note from Chris: Benny Hinn, anyone?]
7. boastful, proud, abusive, unholy (2 Timothy 3:2)
8. lovers of pleasure (2 Timothy 3:4)
9. deceitful workmen (2 Corinthians 11:13)
10. pervert the gospel of Christ (Galatians 1:7)
11. destructive heresies (2 Peter 2:1)
12. shameful ways (2 Peter 2:2)
13. deceivers (2 John 7)
14. godless men (Jude 4)
15. Christ-deniers (Jude 4)

Not every apostasy group would follow after every one of those descriptions. However, they can be easily spotted and revealed because they often follow after several of them!

Hindson:

The New Testament also provides a list of categorical descriptions for these apostates. In most cases the Greek term pseudo ("false") is prefixed to a legitimate category, implying that apostates are false imitators of the real thing. (bold mine)

1. false christs, pseudochristoi (Matthew 24:24)
2. false prophets, pseudoprophetai (Matthew 24:11)
3. false apostles, pseudoapostotoi (2 Corinthians 11:13)
4. false teachers, pseudodidaskaloi (2 Peter 2:1)
5. false brothers, pseudoadelphoi (Galatians 2:4)

These designations imply that an apostate form of Christendom will be the final world religion of the last days. Whether this religion will include unbelieving elements of other religious faiths [Note from Chris: radical Islam?] only time will tell. The final world religion could be amalgamated from a general religious tolerance, a perversion of Christianity, or a subjective religious climate in which each person does his or her own thing while generally acknowledging the worship of the Antichrist as God.

Final note. While taking a break from writing this post, I noticed a post called, John Boswell: a wasted gift of intellect over at GCM Watch.

GCM Watch concludes:

Boswell’s adept ability at “assuming what he must prove” has become a chief characteristic of the gay christian argumentation [see this post and links to Neil’s 5 part series on the problem of pro gay theology.] for the compatibility of homosexuality and Christianity. Boswell left a legacy which, in our opinion, will cause many well meaning individuals to be blinded by Boswell’s brilliant lie. For all the intelligence and intellect Boswell harnessed to construct such a web of deception, he himself seemed to be its greatest victim.

Moral of the story?

Don't allow yourself to be blinded by the lie.

An Atheist's Near Death Experience

I found a very interesting account of a former atheist's "near death" experience and story via Two or three.net

The original article, Ex-atheist describes near death experience was shared at SouthCoasttoday.com.

At first, I wasn't going to post this. I found myself judging whether or not this man's experience was a genuine conversion. As one commenter over at the first link stated,

"I have to say that I am very suspicious (not to mention skeptical!) of these experiences."

and

"Plenty of them have no Christian imagery at all, no heaven or hell."

"I think its foolish in the extreme to draw any conclusions from this. Christians, especially, should rely on faith and not spurious "studies" which prove nothing."

Before I share what I think, I wanted to see what others who read here think about this?

Christine

Biblical, Christian, and Uncompromising

Lately, I have been finding some truly awesome blogs and website links that are biblical, Christian, and uncompromising about the gospel of Christ. I will be adding them to my blogroll, but wanted to "introduce" some of them here in this blogpost.

1. The Great Apostasy

The author of the blog writes:

I’ve found myself praying a lot lately for the sleeping church to “Wake Up!”

I speak as someone who was previously sleeping (well, maybe not completely asleep … but I was severely distracted by some serious life issues for several years). Without meaning to, I think I lost touch with and/or ignored many developing trends in the Church at large.

One day — not that long ago — I had a definite feeling like I’d woken up from a spiritual “nap” … and while I’d been napping, the Church had changed. When I’d gone to sleep, it was still a good thing to be a Bible believing Christian who believed that Jesus was THE way, THE truth, and THE life.

But when I woke up, I suddenly found myself marginalized, called a “Fundie” (and worse), and just generally feeling out of step and at odds with the whole Purpose-Driven / Emerging / Contemplative / Inclusive “movement” that had completely immersed the evangelical Church and filled it with compromise.

My faith, which had previously been pretty representative of the norm in the Christian circles I travel in, suddenly — and I mean SUDDENLY! — was considered outdated and even “dangerous.”

All that to say, I’ve been praying often that others out there like myself will wake up in time to shake off the effects of sleep and prepare themselves, their families, and their church communities for what may be just around the corner.

P.S. I love this quote in his site's sidebar:

How deep does the rabbit hole go?
“You have to see it for yourself. This is your last chance. After this there is no turning back. You take the blue pill, the story ends, you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill, you stay in Wonderland, and I show you how deep the rabbit hole goes. Remember, all I’m offering is the truth, nothing more….”

–Morpheus, The Matrix

2. 4Simpsons Blog

I found author Neil at 4Simpsons Blog via GCM Watch. A few posts ago, I shared the link to his 5 part essay entitled, "Problems with pro-gay theology." I couldn't locate an "about me" page there, but in his "Apologetics" category listing, he had this to say:

One of my irritations with liberal theology is that it pretends to be slightly different from orthodox Christianity while it is usually 180 degrees apart on the essentials of the faith. Please note that by “liberal theology” I don’t mean the theology of political liberals. I am referring to people who call themselves Christians but deny the essentials of the historic faith (i.e., the kinds of things countless martyrs died for).

For example, claiming that Jesus is one of many paths to God isn’t a little different than saying He is the only way, it is the opposite. There is either one way or there is not one way.

Claiming that Jesus isn’t God isn’t a little different than saying He is God, it is the opposite. He is either God or He is not God.

Claiming that the original writings of the Bible were not inspired by God isn’t just a little different than saying they were inspired by God, it is the opposite. The Bible is God’s Word or it is not God’s Word. It makes roughly 3,000 claims to speak for God, so if liberal theologians think those are all false then why do they bother with the Book at all?

Claiming that miracles never happen (Virgin birth, loaves & fishes, healings, the physical resurrection, etc.) isn’t just a little different than saying they did happen, it is the opposite.

Liberal theology claims the opposite of what historic, orthodox Christianity claims regarding the essentials of the faith. They are entitled to their opinions, of course, but it is disingenuous and misleading for them to call themselves Christians while espousing those beliefs.

They have invented their own religion, which is their right. It would just be less confusing if they would give it a new name. And it would be more intellectually honest to stop taking money from people who do believe in the essentials that those denominations were founded upon.

Yep!!!

3. Christian Online Magazine
Unlike "Christianity Today," which seems to be going in the direction of liberalism more and more each year, this online magazine stays true to the gospel of Christ and the truth of God's Word (from what I have read so far over there). Author and publisher Darlene Osborn, also has a Christian Poetry Page. At that page, she includes this Bible verse:

Because I will publish the name of the LORD: ascribe ye greatness unto our God. Deuteronomy 32:3

I have read some of her poems. Beautiful!

4. Stacy Harp's Active Christian Media deals with many issues that confront conservative, Christian bloggers. She currently has a YouTube video up expressing her concern and alarm regarding stories about teenagers torturing animals.
She writes:

These stories are very concerning to me for numerous reasons. First, these types of individuals are likely to abuse humans in the future if they are not stopped now. They are clearly disturbed individuals and in need of serious help.

It also concerns me because it makes me wonder what has happened to these teens that they have gotten to the place in their lives where they have no conscience and can just torture a living animal all the time while laughing, as was reported with the teen girls who set the kitten on fire.

It’s sick, and I can’t help but wonder if these teens have been abused themselves because it’s not normal to torture animals.

My hope is that these individuals get some serious help and find the God who loves them and will forgive them all of their sins if they confess them.

Good work Stacy! Keep getting all of these important messages out there!

P.S. By now most have heard of football player Michael Vick's involvement in illegal dog fighting; as well as the horrid and sick torturing and killing of the pit bull dogs. I just couldn't even stand listening to the details in the news reports!

Hopefully, the exposure of this awful crime will shed light on the situation and speed up efforts to shut them down!

*******

Wow! Just read some emails and received an invitation to a conference. It reads:

Integrity and The Cross Conference:
How Jesus Purifies Our Passions

Broken commitments, addictions, narcissism, homosexuality: rarely have Christians faced such enticement unto moral compromise. And been ensnared. Our witness as the body of Christ on earth is at stake. We can fight. We can know our vulnerabilities, and most importantly, the power of Jesus and His community to set (and keep) us free from compromise. Join us as we explore the power of the cross and resulting integrity. He is returning for a pure bride, without spot or blemish. "...give us an undivided heart, that we may fear your name" Psalm 86:11b

Hey! If you are a reader who lives in Dallas, you might want to attend!

Hosted by Desert Stream Ministries, Bethesda Community Church and the Dallas/Fort Worth Living Waters Group
September 6-8, 2007 at Bethesda Community Church
Fort Worth, Texas

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Check back. Additional postings coming up.
Christine

Olmert Giving Holy Land Away Again

Olmert is making one huge mistake after another! First, it was unwisely trusting the Hamas government. Then it was giving up some land. Then it was releasing hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Now it's giving up more land!

We need to pray that Benjamin Netanyahu gets back into office as Prime Minister of Israel. Olmert is giving more and more portions of the Holy Land away; ignorantly thinking that appeasement with the Palestinian Arabs will stop terror.

Please!!

Will someone buy and send him a copy of Obession: Radical Islam's War Against the West!

As the link to the Haaretz.com article tells us:

None of the prisoners being released was involved in the murder of Israelis, a political source said.

"There is no Israeli citizen that can claim he was harmed by one of them [the prisoners]," the political source added.

"However, most of them were involved in attempts to carry out terrorist attacks that failed."

So, it's a good thing to give them another shot at succeeding in a terrorist attack??

This is insanity, people!!

At least there were some voices of reason in the article:

Mofaz said the release was a heavy price to pay for nothing in exchange.

"It will raise the price that Hamas will demand for Gilad Shalit, and we need to hold onto prisoners for that goal," he said, referring to the Israel Defense Forces soldier abducted by militants on the Gaza
Strip border in June of last year.

"I'm not sure how the ministers would have voted if their son had been abducted. I'm not opposed to supporting Abbas, but while Shalit is in their
hands, it's not right to carry this thing out," he said.

Yishai said he was opposed to the move because "we are flooding [Abbas] with gestures, the efficiency of which we cannot check."

"We understood that unilateral political moves do not work, so we're moving on to unilateral gestures that are also inefficient, certainly at this time," he continued.


Inefficient? To let over 240 more terrorists out of jail to roam free? It's downright stupidity!!

Will someone encourage Olmert to read Why Christians support Israel and John Hagee's latest book Jerusalem Countdown, which details why radical Islam and Israel cannot dwell peaceably together!!??

It will be interesting and educational to hear what Aaron Klein, Jerusalem bureau chief of WND has to say on these latest developments. He can be heard tonight on the Matt Drudge radio show with guest host John Batchelor.

Pro-Gay Theology Steeped in Error

Neil, over at 4Simpsons Blog, has written an excellent five part essay analyses on Problems with pro-gay theology.

Neil analyzes and presents responses to the following:

Pro-gay theology tends to fall into one of three categories. They are all wrong, but for varying reasons. Sometimes they overlap categories. I’ll cover each one over the next few days.

1. The Bible is either not the Word of God, or most parts of it aren’t. This view claims that we can ignore the probitions against homosexual behavior because they were written by homophobic Jews.

2. The Bible is the Word of God, but it doesn’t really say homosexual behavior is wrong. This view holds that people just aren’t reading the Bible properly, and that God’s Word is actually affirming of gay relationships.

3. The Bible is the Word of God and does clearly and emphatically condemn gay behavior as sinful. However, the Holy Spirit has given additional revelations such that this behavior is now acceptable. This view holds that God has changed his mind on this moral issue and not only is it now acceptable, but it is sinful if you don’t affirm this behavior and same-sex relationships.

Well worth reading!

HT: GCM Watch

Go to "Way Of God In Truth" blog

New blog post is located there until the Talkwisdom blog problem is fixed.

Thank you.

Christine

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Update: Perhaps it is just a browser problem that is only affecting my own computer.

I just checked the status of this blog on my son's computer and the page is loading properly.

If you visit this blog today, would you be kind enough to comment and tell me whether or not you can read this post?

Thank you!
Christine

Readers: Problem w/ blog, check back later, Chris

Testing because my last blog entry didn't post.

Readers:

If you can access this blog post, please to over to "The Way of God in Truth" blogspot for my latest post.

For some reason, my Talkwisdom blog is not posting correctly today, and all the previous posts are not accessible as well.

Trying to find out what the problem is.

Thanks for your patience and understanding!

Christine

P.S. If this blog does reappear, please comment to let me know. Thanks.

*******
Update: Perhaps it is just a browser problem that is only affecting my own computer. I just checked the status of this blog on my son's computer and the page is loading properly.

If you visit this blog today, would you be kind enough to comment and tell me whether or not you can read this post? Thank you!

Why "Hate" Shouldn't Be A Crime

Christian Apologetics author and speaker, Greg Koukl, has done another outstanding job pointing out three reasons Why Hate Shouldn't Be A Crime.

Greg's article is absolutely excellent. He covers all the "bases." Most importantly, he includes a gospel message urging those in need of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, to come to Him through repentance (which includes us all); but particularly, repentance for the sin of homosexual behavior (which means agreeing with God's Word that homosexual behavior is sin, confessing this fact, and then, through sanctification in the Lord, turning away from that lifestyle).

On the political side, Greg states:

I am against hate crimes, but I also am against hate crime laws for three reasons. First, they criminalize thought, not behavior. Second, they do not protect individuals, but rather select classes of people. Third, they actually encourage hostility towards one group of people, Christians.

I would add a fourth reason. All three of these reasons add to the potential for abuse by the "victim" of a "hate" crime. Many incidences of false claims of "hate" crimes are already happening, even without a federal law in place.

I have written extensively on this topic here at this blog. The following are just a few of my previous blog posts.

1. Devastating Error of Hate Crimes Law [Note: May need to scroll down page to read.]

2. Destroying Freedom of Conscience

3. Bad "Hate Crimes" Law Silences Biblical Speech

I did find it surprising that Mr. Koukl didn't include the fact that Matthew Shepard wasn't actually killed because of his sexual orientation. It was revealed, years later, on 20/20 that he was kidnapped, robbed and killed. It came out in the trial of the two murderers that Shepard was targeted for drug money.

So, we have yet another reason why "hate crimes" laws are unnecessary. The fact that the "poster boy" (term "poster boy" not meant to be derogatory, it's just a fact) for hate crimes legislation (against homosexuals) wasn't actually killed for that reason shows yet another potential for error of judgment which would be inherent in such a law.

There are many good comments at the end of Greg's article. One, in particular was clear, concise, absolutely spot on, and really stood out to me:

Chuck writes: Saturday, July, 21, 2007 5:49 AM
Opposition to Homosexuality can be love

GOD-GIVEN RIGHTS ARE SUPERIOR TO HUMAN RIGHTS
Please try to visualize my smile and feel the warmth of God’s love in my heart as I type this letter of concern, and consider it as “love language.” By the way, just like many others, I have been offended by “hate language” from preachers who ministered condemnation with bigotry, anger, and hatred. But about 32 years ago (July-Oct 1975) “I believed the report” (the gospel of Jesus Christ preached in love) and “the arm of the Lord” (Isaiah 53:1) lifted me out of a darkened world of selfish lusts and pride and filled my heart with His divine love, joy and holiness.

Now, by the grace of God (His life-changing influence), I am the faithful husband of one wife (31 years), and father of five normal children (3 boys and 2 girls). Not because of my goodness, but because of God’s mercy and the spiritual elevation where He has lifted me (through trusting in His word), I can look back at the valley of corruption where I lived for 35 years, and see other unfortunate people who think they are having fun, but are unaware of their predicament; and I desire to help them become delivered like I was.

If the Bible is true (and I know it is), God has ZERO TOLERANCE for homosexuality in His spiritual Kingdom, both now and in eternity, and so should we in America. God’s hatred for homosexuality is directly proportional to His love for delivering people from it. Please consider the following pieces of objective evidence:

(1) God created each human with one of two distinct genders - “male or female” (Gen 2:24-25, Matt 19:4-6, Eph 5:31), with many attractive physical and functional gender distinctions, so that 1 masculine man and 1 feminine woman can "marry" or “fit together” as a couple, and reproduce another generation of normal masculine boys and feminine girls. People who think they were created or born gay, are victims of extreme degeneration. Therefore, the term “same-sex marriage” is an oxymoron, unrealistic, contrived by dishonest people who ignore reality.

For example, in the electronics industry, it is impossible for 2 male plugs or 2 female connectors to be "mated," or to be used together to accomplish the purpose intended by their designer. They are just an open circuit. Only 1 male plus 1 female can be physically and functionally related as “a couple;” and together they can complete the circuit.

Likewise, there is no such thing as "gay marriage" or "same-sex marriage.” Why? Because it is impossible for 2 men or 2 women to "marry" and fulfill the purpose of marriage ordained by their Designer. Also, a truly “civil union” is marriage between a “civilized” (moral) man and woman.

(2) Negative Scriptures stating who God WILL NOT accept into His Kingdom (Lev.18:22-24, Rom 1:18-31; 2:1-3, 1 Cor.6:9-10, Gal.5:19-21, and 1 John 2:15-17). There may be some religious homosexuals, but there is no such thing as a Christian homosexual; they are just pretenders; but they could easily become Christians (see 3-7).

(3) Positive Scriptures stating who God WILL accept into His kingdom (Rom 1:15-16, 14:17, 1 Cor 6:11, Gal 5:22 and Eph 1:4).

(4) Positive Scriptures describing the complete new birth procedure Jesus gave to His New Testament church - how to be delivered from the world and into God’s Kingdom (John 3:3-5, Acts 2:38-42 and 19:1-7).

(5) God’s willingness to reach out with His strong arm of love (John 3:16), and joyfully enter into hearts and cleanse them from abnormal desires, so they are free to live the way He created us. If they think they were “born gay” and can’t change, they can be born again normal.

(6) The joy in heaven when sinners repent and turn away from their sins (Luke 15:7).

(7) The wonderful feelings of relief and joy in our hearts when we receive deliverance from sin and guilt, exactly the same way sinners did while the New Testament was being written (1 Peter 1:8). The only legitimate “human right” we have, is to live right in God’s sight.

(8) I understand this by personal experience (Acts 1:8).
Not only are homosexuals and lesbians abusing their God-given physical and biological resources (and each other and our heritage), but these men and women are living way below their potential. They are just wasting their lives on a few moments of selfish pleasure. What benefits are there in walking a path known to be a dead-end both physically and spiritually?

Make-Your-Own Jesus?

I was just reading about how New Agers (and, their many off-shoots) believe in the "evolutionary emergence of a new collective consciousness that will result in a new humanity."

Their goal is a "society founded on love and wisdom" emerging. (Nice goal, but in a world rife with sin and evil, there is but One Person, namely, Jesus Christ, whose love and wisdom far surpasses that of man. It is through believing in Him, and following Him and His Word, the Bible, that true love and wisdom will be realized by us.)


It's wrapped up in the "save the planet" mantra of the sixties which has now "evolved" into the "global warming" mantra.

I don't have the time to type out all that I'd like to today, but here is a portion from Ed Hindson's book AntiChrist Rising that speaks to the Scriptures that Sothenes just quoted (included below) at my message board:

They are united in their rejection of the God of the Bible, the deity of Christ, and the personality of the Holy Spirit. Jesus is repackaged as the cosmic Christ. In a do-it-yourself religion, we ought not be surprised to find a make-your-own Jesus! (bold mine)

Desperately seeking answers to the great human problems of our time, the New Ager turns to himself, the planet, the forces of nature, and the spirit world for help. But in his quest, he misses the true Christ - the real source of the peace, security, and stability he seeks.

Constance Cumbey is right when she says, "For the first time in history there is a viable movement - the New Age movement - that truly meets all the scriptural requirements for the antichrist and the political movement that will bring him on the world scene."

The stage has certainly been set for a new world order based upon a subjective view of reality. It will only be a matter of time until the objective standards of truth will be totally eroded in the modern world. We are getting closer, and the only real question left is: How much time do we have until it's too late?

In today's New-Age type movements, rejection (or, sometimes re-writing) of God's Word and the make-your-own Jesus trend is rampant.

*******

Sothenes post:

If I had to make a prediction without a 'thus sayeth the Lord', one of the end times deceptions will need centralized leaders and it is troubling that some are calling Rick Warren "America's Pastor".

What do I think of Rick Warren's peace plans?

Acts 20:29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

Acts 20:30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.

1Th 5:3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

Jer 6:14 They have healed also the hurt [of the daughter] of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when [there is] no peace.

Jer 8:11 For they have healed the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when [there is] no peace.

I can't see everything but I'm waiting to see everything fall into place.

Things are certainly falling into place, people.

We are witnessing it all right before are very eyes!

By God or by chance?

Found this article interesting, but a bit confusing at the same time.

The good news is that it appears that secularists in Canada are far less hostile towards those who believe that God had something to do with the origins of life.

Here in the U.S., the story is just the opposite. The secularist evolution-only adherents are ALWAYS hostile to those of faith who either believe in Creation or Intelligent Design as the alternative to Darwin's theory of evolution.

Here are some excerpts from the article:

A recent Canadian Press-Decima Research Poll shows Canadians are divided on the role God played - or did not play - in the creation of humans.

But that does not mean the intelligent design controversy raging in the United States will come to Canada.

According to the poll, 26 per cent of Canadians believe "that God created human beings pretty much in their present form within the last 10,000 years or so."

However, 34 per cent said, "human beings have developed over millions of years from less advanced forms of life, but God guided the process." Another 29 per cent say God "played no part."

"These results reflect an essential Canadian tendency: we are pretty secular but pretty hesitant to embrace atheism," said Decima CEO Bruce Anderson whose firm released the poll results July 3.

Science journalist Denyse O'Leary, an expert on the intelligent design controversy, agrees the issues have not become politicized the way they have in the United States. "Canada is a much more secular country."

American polling figures on similar questions show 20 per cent more Americans than Canadians believe "God created man in his present form within the last 10,000 years or so," said O'Leary, a Catholic who is author of By Design or By Chance: the Growing Controversy on the Origins of Life in the Universe.

The last sentence, however, causes a bit of confusion. Perhaps the people who answered the poll reject the God of the Bible and thus could not put faith into the young earth Creation position. I base my assumption on this sentence:

She is more interested in the 29 per cent of Canadians who answered "that God had no part in the creation or development of human beings." In Quebec, that figure rises to 40 per cent; among Bloc Quebecois supporters it shoots up to 51 per cent.

So, rejection of the God of the Bible seems to range from 29 per cent all the way up to 51 per cent? Now that's certainly interesting, too. Anyone from Canada reading this blog? Perhaps you could shed some light on why particular areas of Canada are more prone towards atheistic-type secularism (or, more likely "God of the Bible" rejecting) than others.

I also think that it might have been more helpful to see all of the poll questions.

There Will Be False Christs

Found the following link to an interesting "end times type" article yesterday via ChristianBusinessDaily. It is a Washington Post piece called Novel Faiths Find Followers Among Russia's Disillusioned.

It would be best to read the entire article, but here is a brief excerpt:

They Call Him Jesus of Siberia
In a profoundly remote corner of Siberia, 5,000 people have given up their former lives to build an entire town from scratch, all for a man known to outsiders as the Jesus of Siberia.

In a voice barely louder than the rain falling on the mountaintop home his followers have built for him, Sergei Torop said it was painful to remember the end of his last life, in which he says he walked the Earth as Jesus Christ.

Torop, 46, is a former Siberian traffic cop who is now spiritual leader of at least 5,000 devoted followers. They have abandoned lives as artists, engineers and professionals in other fields to move to this remote corner of Siberia, 2,000 miles from Moscow. In empty woodlands, they are building from scratch an entire new town, where they pass their lives near the man they call Vissarion, "he who gives new life."

One would think that anyone with any inkling of intelligence would never fall for the lies of this man. However, because so many people are ignorant of what the Bible actually says about Jesus Christ's second coming, they will be found to be very vulnerable to this type of deception.

At least the article tells us of one former "member" who figured out the deception:

Some onetime followers later dropped out. Mariya Karpinskaya, 55, was a divorced mother of one when she met Torop in 1992 in Moscow. She moved to Siberia. At first, she said in an interview in Moscow, Torop seemed like a strong spiritual leader who dreamed of creating a "beautiful life -- like a new America" in the Siberian woods. In 1995, she said, she came to the conclusion that Torop was only claiming to be Jesus for personal gain. "The hypnosis disappeared and I realized my life was ruined," she said. "He doesn't believe he is Jesus Christ. He is just manipulating people. It's P.R., it's a brand. Jesus is a brand."

Jesus Himself warned us that as the end times approach, there would be many false Christs:

Mat 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if [it were] possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

Mar 13:22 For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if [it were] possible, even the elect.

The article mentions the term "novel faiths," but there is nothing really "novel" about them. They are all part of the danger in the New Age cults.

The deceptive mechanisms used by such cults may vary slightly, but there is usually one familiar ingredient within them all.

C.S. Lewis, in his masterpiece The Screwtape Letters, warns against producing a vaguely devotional mood of prayer that requires no real concentration on the will or intelligence. This bears only a superficial resemblance to true prayer:

"That is exactly the sort of prayer we want," Screwtape advises Wormwood. The demonic uncle goes on to advise his nephew that the best way to nullify human prayer is to get people to "turn their gaze away from Him (God) toward themselves." 2

If you don't get anything else from this post today, please remember this because it is precisely the danger in the New Age cults running rampant in today's society:

The objective focus is shifted away from God toward self and results in some of the most incredible self-deception ever perpetrated on the general public. 1

That quote is from Ed Hindson in his book AntiChrist Rising.

Of course, this Torop guy, a 46 year old former Siberian traffic cop who claims to be Jesus Christ, is an obviously hopeless fraud. Many false prophets and teachers aren't that obvious. But isn't it truly sad that so many people have been duped and deceived by this liar?

Ed Hindson gives us many tips to avoid being fooled by modern, New Age movements that are channels to Satan's lies, not to God's truth:

Popular channels in the modern New Age movements vary from those receiving telepathic messages (Alice Bailey and Helen Schucman), full-trance channels (Kevin Ryerson and Jack Pursel), and incarnational channels (J.Z. Knight and Penny Tores). Each in his or her own way claims to be delivering messages fromm someone or something beyond this present earthly experience. They are in essence claiming supernatural revelations of truth.

Torop is obviously guilty of using the "incarnational" channel to get people to worship him as a false prophet of Jesus. The others are a bit more subtle.

Hindson goes on to describe what proponents of channeling promise as benefits:

* Channeling will give you the wise teacher you seek --- from within yourself.
* Your guide will be a friend who is always there to support you.
* Channeling will help you learn to love yourself more.
* Spirit guides will help you achieve new levels of personal power and spiritual growth.
* All you have to do is ask for a guide and one will come to you.

Mixing a little bit of scientific information about electromagnetic fields together with self-help psychology and occult spiritism, the seeker is left wide open to buy into the demonic realm of the spirit world. Opening your soul to channeling the psychologicall induced impressions of one's so-called spirit guide plays right into the hand of Satan. Such a subjective and self-centered approach to truth leaves one the victim of "the father of lies" (see John 8:44).

Now, not every New Age movement out there uses the term "channeling." But the fact that they often use "the subjective and self-centered approach to truth" is something that they all have in common!

This is why I have often stated here at this blog that the Holy Spirit of God will never lead a believer in a direction that counters the truth of God's Word!!!

If that is happening to you...it's not the Holy Spirit leading you!!

Hindson gives us more clues to avoid deception:

In her book Creative Visualization, 3 Shakti Gawain advises her readers to relax into "a deep, quiet, meditative state of mind" in order to visualize the reality that they want to create for themselves. "It is not necessary to have faith in any poer outside yourself," she adds. To help her readers find the power of positive affirmation, Gawain suggests they say the following:

* Every day in every way I'm getting better and better.
* My life is blossoming in total perfection.
* Everything I need is already within me.
* I am the master of my life.
* It's okay for me to have everything I want!

Then she explains, "Affirmations are often most powerful and inspiring when they include references to spiritual sources. Mention of God, Christ, Buddha, or any great master adds spiritual energy to your affirmation." She closes with the following examples:

* My higher self is guiding me in everything I do.
* The power of God flows through me.
* Divine love is working through me.
* I am one with my higher nature, and I have infinite creative power.
* Wherever I am, God is, and all is well!

New Age theology represents a do-it-yourself form of religion. A person can pick and choose whatever ideas, beliefs, concepts, and concerns happen to appeal to him personally. The rest can merely be set aside; they need not be rejected.

The bottom line is obvious. New Age theology rests upon pantheism. Its logical paradigm is:

All is God,
God is all,
Man is part of all,
Therefore, man is God.

The only thing separating man from God is his own consciousness, not his sin, New Agers believe. Thus, they propose finding God within oneself by altering one's consciousness...

Hindson goes on to list some of the methods used to "alter one's consciousness." He shares that the New Age approach to spirituality is more a matter of experience than belief.

How many times have we heard this from off-shoots of the New Age movement (such as gay christian theology)? It is their mantra!!

"Spirituality is more a matter of experience than belief."

The idea being perpetuated through reprobate theologies utilize "altered consciousness" (i.e. a man lying with another man or a woman lying with another woman sexually is not sin) that leads to their own form of "self-realization," which, in turn results in a pseudo-kind of "personal transformation" (the New Ager's form of "salvation").

Hindson gets to the crux of the matter:

In this process, personal experience becomes the final authority to define one's spiritual journey.

Two additional examples of those who take "personal experience as the final authority" (rather than what the Bible says) are Fred Phelps (whose followers do not believe that repentance through Jesus Christ can save homosexuals) and Joel Osteen (whose two best selling books titles "Your Best Life Now" and "Become a Better You" seem to be void of the gospel of Christ and tell us that the "self" is what we should be concentrating on) both of whom, in their own ways, do not take the full gospel of Christ into account in their ministries.

Again, "self" takes over the mind of these believers and what the Bible has to say is either secondary, or not really important to them. Selfishness and pride are the two ingredients that time and again, can get us into a heap of trouble when it comes to spiritual beliefs. The Bible not only warns us about this, but tells us how to avoid such errors!!

2Ti 3:16 (KJV)All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

2Ti 3:17 (KJV) That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

Prov. 10:17 (NLT) People who accept correction are on the pathway to life, but those who ignore it will lead others astray.

Prov. 1:23 (NKJV) Turn at my rebuke;
Surely I will pour out my spirit on you;
I will make my words known to you.

There are 15 verses in all here that tell us of the importance of reproof in discernment of truth.

Knowing that the Holy Spirit will guide us unto all truth helps us avoid error and deception:

Eph 3:16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;


Eph 3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,


Eph 3:18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what [is] the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;


Eph 3:19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.


Eph 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,


Eph 3:21 Unto him [be] glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Please read Ephesians 1 . It reveals the importance of both the true gospel of Christ and how the Holy Spirit gives us further guidance in discerning truth from error!

References:

1 AntiChrist Rising by Ed Hindson Published by 21st Century Press Springfield, Missouri U.S.A. pp. 93-99.

2 C.S. Lewis, Screwtape Letters (London: Collins, 1964), p. 25.

3 Shakti Gawain, Creative Visualization (San Rafael, CA: New World Library, 1978), p. 15.

HT: Christian Business Daily

Thinking Blogger Award

I noticed that I left an important part out of the "Thinking Blogger Award" announcement (which I combined with my last post below...so much for being a thinking blogger!) so I decided to make this a separate post.

I have been graciously nominated by Jaded of Is Anybody There? for the "Thinking Blogger Award!"

How sweet of her to choose my blog! Now the pressure is on...living up to being a "thinking blogger." heh heh

This is going to be difficult. There are so many great blogs to choose from! However, I have decided not to include the obvious large blogs (like Michele Malkin, LGF, HotAir, La Shawn Barber's Corner, Jihad Watch, War on Jihad, NewsBusters, SharperIron, TownHall, Hugh Hewitt, etc.) and go with smaller, personal choices.

Well, here goes.

1. Doug at The Powers That Be. He has a special knack of combining current event issues with humor that typically gives me a belly laugh when I visit his blog. He is also an excellent columnist for WND, has written for Glenn Beck, and has authored a funny yet informative book called "Because That's the Way That God Decided to Do It!" I've read excerpts from his book and it's a hoot!

2. Mark at Chester Street When I first visited Mark's blog, I just loved the description he gave it:

"A Street filled with Conservative, Bible Reading, American Flag Waving, Neighbor Helping, Gun Owning, Animal Loving, Church Going, Regular People. This Street is No friend of the Left, so turn right."

I usually visit his blog every day.Mark isn't afraid to state what he really thinks about social and political issues that often rail against the truth of God's Word.

Sound like someone else we know? Yes. I admit it! Mark and I are "brother and sister believers" in Christ who help lift each other up against those who are opposed to God and His Truth that is written in the Bible.

3. The Roscoe Daley Report. This choice might surprise some people, but I chose Roscoe because it is another blog where I can get current event info with a laugh!! (I guess you have all figured out that I love to laugh... )

Roscoe may not get a lot of comments at his blog, but he probably has a huge amount of readers and lurkers. A while back, he was considering closing down his blog and there was a flood of commenters who said No!!!

Roscoe does a lot of humorous, tongue-in-cheek posts about radical Islamic Jihad. When you visit his site today, scroll down to the pic under the title, "Another 'terrorist' captured?" HILARIOUS!! The fact is, even though Roscoe makes us laugh, his posts also make us really think about these topics, too.

4. Bob at Puritan's Sword. His blog description reads:

"The Puritan's Sword: A Commentary on Philosophy and Theology" "Take up...the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." (Eph 6:17) Thoughts on the philosophies behind current social issues and the theological trends within evangelicalism."

Bob doesn't post every day, but each blogpost is well researched, thought out and inevitably teaches me something that I had not known before.

Case in point.

The blogpost dated July 7, 2007 includes a link to a sermon that:

"It is rare that you find men of God who preach with such blood earnestness in this fuzzy feel good I'm ok your ok and don't you dare rebuke me evangelicalism."

5. Gay Christian Movement Watch. If you are looking for a Biblically-based, brave, not-afraid to confront the heresy issues type of blog, then this blog ranks up there. Confronting such a volatile issue as "gay theology" is hard work. There is often a tremendous amount of opposition being hurled at bible-based Christian writers who would "dare to confront" the errors that abound in that movement.

The GMC Watch website declares:

"But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction." 2 Peter 2:1

GCM Watch is:

orthodox

progressive

evangelical

full gospel

prophetic

I commend them for their efforts and bravery in defending the truth of the Bible on the issue of homosexual behavior and the need to expose the heresy and errors found within this reprobate theological movement.

*******

Now, here's the part I left out. Instructions for the nominees!

1. If, and only if, you get tagged, write a post with links to 5 blogs that make you think,

2. Link to this post so that people can easily find the exact origin of the meme,

3. Optional: Proudly display the ‘Thinking Blogger Award’ with a link to the post that you wrote

Congrats to all the winners!!

Peace, Contentment in the Midst of the Storms of Life

In my other blog (The Way of God in Truth), I shared a post back in November of 2006 called, "Anointing of God's Gracious Spirit." I just re-read the post, and in case readers here never think to venture over to my other blogs, I thought I'd share it here at Talkwisdom.

*******
UPDATE 7/18/07

I have been graciously nominated by Jaded of Is Anybody There? for the "Thinking Blogger Award!"

How sweet of her to chose my blog! Now the pressure is on...living up to being a "thinking blogger." heh heh

Since I had planned to keep this post up for a while, I wanted to interject this task of chosing my "Thinking Blogger" nominees.

[But please don't skip reading this post! Keller's book excerpts in it have already blessed many (so I've been told) who have read it!]

This is going to be difficult. There are so many to choose from! However, I have decided not to include the obvious large blogs (like Michele Malkin, LGF, HotAir, La Shawn Barber's Corner, Jihad Watch, War on Jihad, NewsBusters, SharperIron, TownHall, Hugh Hewitt, etc.) and go with smaller, personal choices.

Well, here goes.

1. Doug at The Powers That Be. He has a special knack of combining current event issues with humor that typically gives me a belly laugh when I visit his blog. He is also an excellent columnist for WND, has written for Glenn Beck, and has authored a funny yet informative book called "Because That's the Way That God Decided to Do It!" I've read excerpts from his book and it's a hoot!

2. Mark at Chester Street When I first visited Mark's blog, I just loved the description he gave it:

"A Street filled with Conservative, Bible Reading, American Flag Waving, Neighbor Helping, Gun Owning, Animal Loving, Church Going, Regular People. This Street is No friend of the Left, so turn right."

I usually visit his blog every day.

Mark isn't afraid to state what he really thinks about social and political issues that often rail against the truth of God's Word. Sound like someone else we know? Yes. I admit it! Mark and I are "brother and sister believers" in Christ who help lift each other up against those who are opposed to God and His Truth that is written in the Bible.

3. The Roscoe Daley Report. This choice might surprise some people, but I chose Roscoe because it is another blog where I can get current event info with a laugh!! (I guess you have all figured out that I love to laugh... )

Roscoe may not get a lot of comments at his blog, but he probably has a huge amount of readers and lurkers. A while back, he was considering closing down his blog and there was a flood of commenters who said No!!!

Roscoe does a lot of humorous, tongue-in-cheek posts about radical Islamic Jihad. When you visit his site today, scroll down to the pic under the title, "Another 'terrorist' captured?" HILARIOUS!! The fact is, even though Roscoe makes us laugh, his posts also make us really think about these topics.

4. Bob at Puritan's Sword. His blog description reads:

"The Puritan's Sword: A Commentary on Philosophy and Theology"
"Take up...the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." (Eph 6:17) Thoughts on the philosophies behind current social issues and the theological trends within evangelicalism."

Bob doesn't post every day, but each blogpost is well researched, thought out and inevitably teaches me something that I had not known before. Case in point. The blogpost dated July 7, 2007 includes a link to a sermon that:

"It is rare that you find men of God who preach with such blood earnestness in this fuzzy feel good I'm ok your ok and don't you dare rebuke me evangelicalism."

5. Gay Christian Movement Watch. If you are looking for a Biblically-based, brave, not-afraid to confront the heresy issues type of blog, then this blog ranks up there. Confronting such a volatile issue as "gay theology" is hard work. There is often a tremendous amount of opposition being hurled at bible-based Christian writers who would "dare to confront" the errors that abound in that movement. The GMC Watch website declares:

"But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction." 2 Peter 2:1

GCM Watch is:

orthodox progressive
evangelical
full gospel
prophetic

I commend them for their efforts and bravery in defending the truth of the Bible on the issue of homosexual behavior and the need to expose the heresy and errors found within this reprobate theological movement.

*******

Back to the post!
I typically discuss a lot of the problems, troubles, and anti-Christian happenings going on in the world here at Talkwisdom. Some may misconstrue such posts to mean that I am angry, worried, hateful (now THAT'S a biggie...) or any other negative adjective that one could come up with.

However, nothing could be further from the truth! The warnings that are discussed here are for the benefit of others. In my life, there is so much to be grateful for!! Most of all, of course, I'm truly and continually grateful for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I have been blessed with a wonderful husband and family who all share love for each other as well as faith, love and belief in Jesus Christ.

The following post shares some of the reasons why we, as Christians, can enjoy peaceful contentment whether things are going well or whether we are in the midst of any "storms in life".

Christine

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I have to admit. I never thought that I would get so much out of one Scripture verse as I now have from reading chapter 10 in Phillip Keller's "A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23". The chapter is entitled, "Thou Anointest My Head With Oil...".

At first glance, we might see this as a type of ritual done for a certain religious purpose. In my Catholic upbringing, I remember that there was a definite significance to it. If I recall correctly, it was often done by a priest in the performance of "Last Rites" at the bedside of a dying person.

But now, after reading that the poet was recounting the salient events of a full year in a sheep's life, this verse now has so much more meaning than I could ever have imagined! For me, a verse that I formerly might have just skipped through, has now become one of the most beloved verses of the entire Psalm!

In this post, I will attempt to summarize some parts, but there are way to many great paragraphs that need to be quoted directly. I hope and pray that this blogpost will speak to your heart as greatly as it has spoken to mine!

Christine

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Keller starts out the chapter informing us about over half a dozen different kinds of flies or parasites that can make the lives of the sheep that a shepherd tends absolutely miserable. In particular, the nose fly can deposit their eggs and the hatched larvae would work their way up into the sheep's head causing severe irritation, inflammation, and agonizing annoyance for the sheep. Such infestation can cause a sheep to beat their heads against trees, rocks or brush. It may even end up killing itself in it's frenzied effort to get away from the aggravation. In some cases, it can lead to blindness.

The author tells us that even just the hovering of such flies around the flock can cause fear and panic in an attempt to excape their tormentors. They tend to toss their heads up and down, race from place to place, stamp their feet, hide anywhere they could find some shelter and relief.

This all causes so much excitement and distraction, that it has devastating effects upon the entire flock; includes the ewes and lambs.

Keller writes:

Only the strictest attention to the behavior of the sheep by the shepherd can forestall the difficulties of "fly time." At the very first sign of flies among the flock he will apply an antidote to their heads. [Keller applied a combo of linseed oil, sulphur and tar which was smeared over the sheep's nose and head.]

What an incredible transformation this would make among the sheep. Once the oil had been applied to the sheep's head there was an immediate change in behavior. Gone was the aggravation; gone was the frenzy; gone was the irritability and the restlessness. Instead, the sheep would start to feed quietly again, then soon lie down in peaceful contentment.

[J]ust as with the sheep there must be continuous and renewed application of oil to forestall the "flies" in my life, there must be a continuous anointing of God's gracious Spirit to counteract the ever-present aggravations of personality conflicts. Only one application of oil, sulphur and tar was not enough for the entire summer. It was a process that had to be repeated. The fresh application was the effective antidote.

There are those who contend that in the Christian life one need only have a single, initial anointing of God's Spirit. Yet the frustrations of daily dilemmas demonstrate that one must have Him come continuously to the troubled mind and heart to counteract the attacks of one's tormentor.

This is a practical and intimate matter between myself and my Master. In Luke 11:13 Christ Himself, our Shepherd, urges us to ask for the Holy Spirit to be given to us by the Father.

It is both a logical and legitimate desire for us to have the daily anointing of God's gracious Spirit upon our minds. God alone can form in us the mind of Christ. The Holy Spirit alone can give to us the attitudes of Christ. He alone makes it possible for us to react to aggravations and annoyances with quietness and calmness.

When people or circumstance or events beyond our control tend to "bug" us, it is possible to be content and serene when these "outside" forces are counteracted by the presence of God's Spirit. In Romans 8:1-2, we are told plainly it is the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus that makes us free from the law of sin and death.

It is this daily anointing of God's gracious Spirit upon my mind which produces in my life such personality traits as joy, contentment, love, patience, gentleness and peace. What a contrast this is to the tempers, frustrations and irritableness which mars the daily conduct of so many of God's children.

What I do in any given situation is to expose it to my Master, my Owner, Christ Jesus, and say simply, "O Lord, I can't cope with these petty, annoying, peevish problems. Please apply the oil of Your Spirit to my mind. Both at the conscious and sub-conscious levels of my thought-life enable me to act and react just as You would." And He will. It will surprise you how promptly He complies with such a request made in deadly earnest.

Keller goes on to discuss and describe the irritating and highly contagious disease called "scab," which is common to sheep the world over. He mentions how sheep tend to rub heads together in a friendly, affectionate manner. However, when one has the "scab," this terrible disease spreads easily from one to the other.

Keller writes:

In the Old Testament when it was declared that the sacrificial lambs should be without blemish, the thought uppermost in the writer's mind was that the animal should be free of scab. In a very real and direct sense scab is significant of contamination, of sin, of evil.

Again as with flies, the only effective antidote is to apply linseed oil, sulphur and other chemicals that can control this disease. In many sheep-rearing countries dips are built and the entire flock is put through the dip. Each animal is completely submerged in the solution until its entire body is soaked. The most difficult part to do is the head. The head has to be plunged under repeatedly to ensure that scab there will be controlled. Some sheepmen take great care to treat the sheep's head by hand.

[S]o I know precisely what David meant when he wrote, "Thou anointest my head with oil." Again it was the only antidote for scab. [Keller adds that an old remedy is olive oil, sulphur and spices.]

In the Christian life, most of our contamination by the world, by sin, by that which would defile and disease us spiritually comes through our minds. It is a case of mind meeting mind to transmit ideas, concepts and attitudes which may be damaging.

Often it is when we "get our heads together" with someone else who may not necessarily have the mind of Christ, that we come away imbued with concepts that are not Christian.

Our thoughts, our ideas, our emotions, our choices, our impulses, drives and desires are all shaped and molded through the exposure of our minds to other people's minds. In our modern era of mass communication, the danger of the "mass mind" grows increasingly grave. Young people in particular, whose minds are so malleable, find themselves being molded under the subtle pressures and impacts made on them by television, radio, magazines, newspapers, [Christine adds: the internet!] and fellow classmates, to say nothing of their parents and teachers.

Often the mass media which are largely responsible for shaping our minds are in the control of men whose characters are not Christlike: who in some cases are actually anti-Christian.

One cannot be exposed to such contacts without coming away contaminated. The thought patterns of people are becoming increasingly abhorrent. Today we find more tendency to violence, hatred, prejudice, greed, cynicism and increasing disrespect for that which is noble, fine, pure or beautiful.

This is precisely the opposite of what Scripture teaches us. In Phillipians 4:8 we are instructed emphatically in this matter, "...whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things"! Here again, the only possible, practical path to attaining such a mind free of the world's contamination is to be conscious daily, hourly of the purging presence of God's Holy
Spirit, applying Himself to my mind.

There are those who seem unable to realize His control of their minds and thoughts. It is a simple matter of faith and acceptance. Just as one asks Christ to come into the life initially to assure complete control of one's conduct, so one invites the Holy Spirit to come into one's conscious and subconscious mind to monitor one's thought-life.

Just as by faith we believe and know and accept and thank Christ for coming into our lives, so by simple faith and confidence in the same Christ, we believe and know and accept with thanks the coming (or anointing) of His gracious Spirit upon our minds. Then having done this, we simply proceed to live and act and think as He directs us.

The difficulty is that some of us are not in dead earnest about it. Like a stubborn sheep we will struggle, kick and protest when the Master puts His hand upon us for this purpose. Even if it is for our own good, we still rebel and refuse to have Him help us when we need it so desperately.

In a sense we are a stiff-necked lot and were it not for Christ's continuing compassion and concern for us, most of us would be beyond hope or help. Sometimes I am quite sure Christ comes to us and applies the oil of His own Spirit to our minds in spite of our own objections. Were this not so, where would most of us be? Surely every gracious thought that enters my mind had its origin in Him.

Wow!! Is that some powerful truth or what??!!

So that this post doesn't get to long, I will just mention that Keller discusses the unfortunate practice of Christians "butting heads" with each other on trivial issues. Some here might regard my last post as an example of this. But I don't. I see it as something that isn't just an "agree to disagree" issue, but one that can lead some of Christ's sheep astray through heresy and apostasy; just as the book of Jude describes in detail. However, I also believe that such issues can be discussed in a civil manner so as not to intentionally injure or batter the other side. Keeping in mind that all Christians have this one, solid, belief in agreement: "teaching Jesus Christ and Him crucified" is the Gospel message that binds us all together. That is why I share this fact often; so that my fellow Christians who are in disagreement with certain social issues will realize that I am not dismissing them from the family of Jesus Christ. Only God knows, for certain who is truly saved and who isn't. As Christians, we are only here to plant seeds of faith. Jesus gave us the commandment to "go and teach the Gospel to everyone, all over the world, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit." That's our job. The rest of the work is His and the results belong to Jesus Christ, lest "any man should boast."

At this point, Keller says:

To forestall and prevent this sort of thing from happening among His people our Shepherd loves to apply the precious ointment of the presence of His gracious Spirit to our lives. It will be recalled that just before His crucifixion, our Lord in dealing with His twelve disciples, who, even then, were caught up in jealous bickering and rivalry for prestige, told of the coming of the Comforter- the Spirit of Truth. Because of His being sent to them, He said, they would know peace. He went on to say that His people would be known everywhere for their love for one another.

There is a lot more that I could add to this section, but perhaps I can add more later. Keller brings up the important point that we should not get involved in petty bickering, jealousies, and rivalry. I think that we all could admit to some guilt in that area (including me!!). However, Keller shares the fact that we should be the most contented people on earth! As the children of God, a quiet, restful contentment should be the hallmark of those who call Christ their Master.

In a side note, yesterday [Note: originally written around election time in November, 2006], I admitted to my current Bible study leader that I was worried about the election results last night. I told her that I know I shouldn't be worried...no matter what happens! But sometimes isn't this easier said than done? I told her that I know that I am acting like "Martha" rather than "Mary." You can read about that account here. In Luke 10:41, "And Jesus* answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things." Then in Luke 10:42, Jesus added, "But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her."

Both Tammy (my friend and Bible study leader) and I have our "Martha" and "Mary" moments in life. It's so cool when we can lift each other up when we are worried about something. In the parking lot after the study, I said, "But Tammy, you don't understand the dire circumstances in this election...Nancy Pelosi, the most radical, left-wing, San Francisco type liberal Democrat may become speaker of the house!!"

She (Tammy) doesn't even know who Nancy Pelosi is!! Bless her heart... but she did respond, "In 100 years, it isn't even going to matter!"

Amen!! Ha ha...I needed to hear that!

Back to Keller's book.

[T]his is the overcoming Christian life. It is the life in which a Christian can be content with whatever comes his way - even trouble (Hebrews 13:5). Most of us are glad when things go well. How many of us can give thanks and praise when things go wrong?

The author then describes how unexpected blizzards can blow up or sleet storms suddenly shroud the hills. The flock of sheep and their owner can pass through appalling suffering together.

[I]t is here that I grasp another aspect altogether of the meaning of a cup that overflows. There is in every life a cup of suffering. Jesus Christ referred to His agony in the Garden of Gethsemane and at Calvary as His cup. And had it not overflowed with His life poured out for men, we would have perished.

What an awesome realization!

But there's more:

Keller mentioned bringing a mixture of brandy and water in case a lamb or ewe was chilled from cold weather. Even though they had heavy fleece, if they laid down in distress, they could freeze to death. It was then that his mixture of brandy and water came to the rescue. He mentions that the Palestinian shepherds most likely shared their wine with their chilled and frozen sheep.

[W]hat a picture of my Master, sharing the wine, the very life blood of His own suffering from His overflowing cup, poured out at Calvary for me. He is there with me in every storm. My Shepherd is alert to every approaching disaster that threatens His people. He has been through the storms of suffering before. He bore our sorrows and was acquainted with our grief.

And now no matter what storms I face, His very life and strength and vitality is poured into mine. It overflows so the cup of my life runs over with His life...often with great blessing and benefit to others who see me stand up so well in the midst of trials and suffering.

I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name O most high. Psalm 9:2

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I am reminded of the Casting Crowns song, "Praise You in this Storm."

YouTube Video of "Praise You in this Storm"

Lyrics:

Praise You in This Storm
words by Mark Hall/music by Mark Hall and Bernie Herms

I was sure by now,God, that You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.

Chorus:
And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on
if I can't find You
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away

Chorus

I lift my eyes unto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes unto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth

Chorus