Saturday, August 30, 2008

Talk Wisdom Irks GreenEyedLilo & Co.

Received another comment from homosexual advocates. How does this blog get on their radar screen so often? My guess is that it is probably the same disgruntled homosexual person using various screen names.

The following is a copy of the post and some of the comments there. A blogger named "alcari" apparently took offense towards a former Talk Wisdom post entitled Their Own Consciences Testify.

Here we go! I have blotted out the curse words. Didn't want to subject my readers to a link to their LGBT CULT OF CONFUSION!

Christine

*******

Meh Fundie!

Italicized portion taken from my original blog post:

It is also "written on our hearts." In our heart of hearts, not matter what the homosexual agenda tries to push on us, WE KNOW that same-sex sexual behavior is a sin and an abomination to God. The fact that certain people refuse to recognize that fact does not change the truth. As Roman 2:15 informs us - their thoughts will either accuse or excuse them!

The gay christian movement is in the business of excusing themselves. They have chosen "to exchange the truth for a lie."

And, what's more, they will do ANYTHING and EVERYTHING to attempt to cover their sin and excuse themselves rather than what is truly needed - repentance! Why? Because whether one admits it or not, one's own conscience and God's Word accuses them.


ChristineWJC, Her "Talk Wisdom" blog [Comments (16)] [2008-Aug-30]

Submitted by GreenEyedLilo

Rat of Steel

#697502
2008-Aug-30 07:30 PM

"WE KNOW that same-sex sexual behavior is a sin and an abomination to God."

In the immortal words of the Lone Ranger's sidekick, Tonto:

"What do you mean 'WE', paleface?"


RavenWood

#697512
2008-Aug-30 07:36 PM

Sounds like Her "Talk Bulls**t."


Panz

#697519
2008-Aug-30 07:37 PM

We know?
Um, no, you don't, you THINK and BELIEVE according to cherry picking from your FAITH...

"And, what's more, they will do ANYTHING and EVERYTHING to attempt to cover their sin and excuse themselves rather than what is truly needed - repentance!"

Wait, isn't this like Christianity in a nutshell?


aaa

#697528
2008-Aug-30 07:42 PM

Whine...


Old Viking.

#697630
2008-Aug-30 08:21 PM

Couldn't you choose another abomination -- obstreperous children, non-virgin brides -- for a change of pace? Just for a while, mind you.


Xotan

#697633
2008-Aug-30 08:24 PM

The day Christians extend tolerance to others, and start minding their own business, and stop looking at what is going on in others' bedrooms, is the day they should be tolerated. Until then, they should be whacked three times on each ear morning, noon and night with a wet tea towel.

This cow is a steaming pile of barf and sick.




#697646
2008-Aug-30 08:36 PM

i really would like to know what the **** the gay "agenda" is, being accepted and treated as people with emotions? oh ok..


IanC

#697721
2008-Aug-30 09:45 PM

We?

Oh no. Not we. Just some


Fishcakes

#697746
2008-Aug-30 10:00 PM

In my heart of hearts, I know that there's absolutely NOTHING wrong with homosexuality, that love is love, and hell, we need MORE love in the world today, and who are we to say who others can and cannot love?



#697761
2008-Aug-30 10:11 PM

@Fishcakes: Right on.


GreenEyedLilo

#697788
2008-Aug-30 10:26 PM

@Old Viking: I wouldn't wish this nonsense on a non-virgin bride or any child.

She tries to make us sound like cats in the litterbox or something. But no "God" accuses me. It's God's little helpers, like Christine, who try to accuse me and other LGBTs, and the thing is, the "crime" isn't a bad thing at all. The "crime" is a just-fine thing that can sometimes be really good!



alex77

#697797
2008-Aug-30 10:31 PM

I still have hope (if he exists) that God is Love. Have a nice day. And please try to "Love thy neighbour" just once.


Jay-Sus

#697805
2008-Aug-30 10:39 PM

Talk Wisdom could not be more wrong.


Allegory for Jesus

#697830
2008-Aug-30 10:52 PM

"I feel it in gut that they are icky!" is not a very good argument. Just FYI.

"They have chosen "to exchange the truth for a lie." "

Oh...and you haven't? I assume that you couldn't have possibly done so, since you have "wisdom" in your blog title. You are obviously immune to such oversights, right?

"And, what's more, they will do ANYTHING and EVERYTHING to attempt to cover their sin and excuse themselves rather than what is truly needed"

Repent for being a woman NOW!! Do it! Yeah. Not exactly fun to be forced to repent for something that isn't your choice, and isn't morally wrong from your view, now is it?


ID82

#697837
2008-Aug-30 10:54 PM

What is this agenda that they speak of?


Reverend Jeremiah

#697966
2008-Aug-31 12:59 AM

Hey **** face.. a homosexuals conscience doesnt accuse them..all it does is think of hot, sweaty men folk.

Lack Of Real Wisdom?

Received a comment this morning from someone who took me to task for my labeling of GLBT people as "confused." Apparently, this commenter believes that the post showed a "lack of real wisdom" on my part. I have already responded, but please feel free to share any thoughts and comments (whether you agree or disagree) you may have on this issue.

Here is the original post.

Here is a copy of the comment:

neverlosethatfeeling said...
I know this thread is a month old, but for a site that proposes to talk wisdom, I'm surely not seeing much evidence of introspection in this article.

Your idea that gay people are 'confused' is unrefined and hyperbolic; calling all gay people everywhere (regardless of the obvious dissimilarities between gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transsexuals) confused is a pretty ungracious move, and by trying to obliterate the differences between them, you reduce your ability to make sense of individual gays and lesbians. The word 'confused' shouldn't be a rhetorical weapon with which you discredit people.

The cruelty of the word 'confused' is like applying the word 'retarded' to a non-retarded person: it's slander, and it's demeaning. Do you really mean to say that you are more informed about a gay person's sexuality than they are? Or a transgendered person?

Lots of gays and lesbians seem 'confused' about their sexual preference: when they are in denial about who they are attracted to and trying to fit in and 'become' heterosexual, "confused" is a word you hear a lot.

But it diminishes your ability to listen to people if you merely label them (or your past self!) 'confused' and pretend that, by stringing together ad-hominem criticisms and some half-digested pop science you've conquered with Reason. It shows you lack patience. It's a bully tactic that hints at a lack of real wisdom, and an inability to address oneself to the person in front of you.

And finally, it's not constructive. It comes off as pedantic, crude, and lacking in charity. And if you really do possess the Truth, with all your riches you think you'd be able to afford some good charity. Yes, even to people you think are committing an abominable evil. Please, please don't talk this way anymore.

August 30, 2008 5:02:00 AM PDT



My reply:


neverlosethatfeeling,

Thank you for stopping by and expressing your opinion. Though we most likely will never agree on this subject, I appreciate that you took the time to comment.

I will begin with one area of agreement regarding your comment.

I agree that all of the adjectives described through the acronym GLBT have definite dissimilarities about them. However, I think that my choice of the term "confused" is applicable and does not necessarily have to be seen as terribly derogatory.

If you look at the various meanings of the word "confused" you will note that it does contain several different points.

If I were to choose which definitions more accurately describe what I am attempting to convey here, I would select the following:

5. to combine without order; jumble; disorder: Try not to confuse the papers on the desk.
6. Archaic. to bring to ruin or naught.

To disconcert is to disturb one's mind by irritation, perplexities, etc

To make opaque; blur

To mistake (for another): confused effusiveness with affection.
To make opaque; blur: "The old labels ... confuse debate instead of clarifying it" (Christopher Lasch).
To assemble without order or sense; jumble.
Archaic To bring to ruination.

intr.
To make something unclear or incomprehensible: a new tax code that only further confuses.


Lacking logical order or sense: a confused set of instructions.
Chaotic; jumbled: a confused mass of papers on the floor.


If you will notice, I did not select the meaning(s) of the word which would suggest "lack of intelligence or understanding." Therefore, this eliminates the idea that I am using such a term as some people would use the term "retarded."

I realize that many glbt people are highly intelligent and successful in their lives. That's not the kind of confusion that I mean here.

What I am saying is what the portions of the definition I have chosen from the list indicate.

The reason that I have done this is precisely because our God of the Bible is not a God of confusion. He is a God of order.

Human beings confuse things.

I won't go into great detail here because you can read more about this elsewhere on this blog. Just type in "homosexuality" and/or "radical homosexual agenda" into the blog search box.

Briefly, I will say that there are people who have different purposes in mind when expressing their sexual orientation and proclivities. Some want approval. Some are actively trying to sway children away from what their parents (and thus, the Bible) teaches them regarding God's plan for proper sexuality. I will also say that many unsaved heterosexuals have their own brand of sexual confusion in this area. Adultery, fornication, pedophilia, rape, bestiality and porn are just a few.

[Update on 8/31/08 - Just as Susan Smith mentioned in her comment here, Christians can backslide and struggle with sin. Here is a link to an awful situation regarding a "pastor" who lied about having cancer to hide his p()rn addiction. One has to wonder whether or not this person was truly born-again. If he is genuinely saved, then he obviously did not take the next step towards sanctification through making Christ Lord over his life. When you read that article, you will find that the man had a vomiting problem. P()rn can certainly be so disgusting - that the symptom is real. Guilt, shame, secretiveness, lying, sexual immorality, and gross sexual sin will do that to a person. Perhaps this is why God created us to react in such a way towards sin. The only way out from suffering its penalty (including the physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual harm) is repentance (which is not only asking for forgiveness - but turning away from former sins). This heterosexual man's terrible addiction was not freedom - it was bondage. Sin is bondage. That is why Jesus told us that "the truth will set you free."]

However, the difference is that not many heterosexuals get to go into the public schools and "teach" such sexual deviancy to the students. Homosexual activists are busy polluting young minds with sexual confusion and deviation that can (and often does) lead to ruination - which is another description of the term "confused."

I could not help but noticed that you capitalized the term "reason." Was this intentional? If so, is reason your god?

Christian author and apologist, R.C. Sproul once said, "Love of wisdom is to discover ultimate reality."

Truth is reality, whereas philosophy (while utilizing reason) is trying to discover reality.

We each start somewhere. What is your worldview?

God gave us a conscience. However, He also warned us that we can be captivated by the world's lies. (See Romans 12:2) We are told in Scripture that we need to be born again through Christ and thus have the renewing of the mind.

The Bible informs us that we need to seek to be "meta morphed" - a.k.a. "transformed" by the "renewing of our minds." (See 2 Corinthians 3:18)

Christian believers are highly concerned with the anti-God, anti-Biblical teachings that are going on in our nation. Destruction of the consciences of our children is at work. We are actively working to prevent such an onslaught.

Sin has blinded many to God's Truth. Do you believe there is such a thing as absolute truth? If so, where would you look for it? Where would you find it?

The downside of not knowing Jesus Christ or His Word, the Bible and all that it instructs is that we will be conformed, instead, to the world. (See Colossians 2:8)

My goal at this blog is to carry out Jesus' command of The Great Commission. This includes sharing the Gospel. Part of sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ is to inform people of the bad news - that we are all sinners desperately in need of the Savior. The Cross of Christ is an offense to those who are perishing. Look at how offended you were when I only used the word "confused."

My vision in this effort is to help others see and realize the joy that can be theirs when they learn and apply God's Word to their lives.

My mission is to fellowship with people who are seeking answers, share the gospel message and help lead them to Christ. I want to encourage new believers towards the study of God's Word in order for them to be able to discern truth from error.

I truly believe that once a person is born again in Christ, he/she will be led by the Holy Spirit to discern and apply God's Word - which, by the way, ultimately fulfills every need.

I am committed to applying God's Word in every area of my life and help show others the way towards reconciliation with God - even if it means that people may be offended by what I share.

Jesus said, "What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his own soul?"

My ultimate goal is to evangelize in this confused and hurting world. I can only point in the direction of Jesus Christ. He does the saving.

Think about this.

If evangelizing is all about making people feel comfortable in their particular sinful proclivities, then the gay-behavior-affirming churches are right.

However, If evangelizing is all about pointing out that we are all sinners in need of the Savior, Jesus Christ; and the only way into His Kingdom is through repentance of sin at the foot of the cross for our redemption - then the born again, Bible believing, Christ loving, saved followers are right.

Bottom line? God is right! And we discover Him and His Truth through the Person of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life - no one comes to the Father except by Him (see John 14:6)! The Bible is special revelation about Jesus Christ. It is God's Love Book to this sinful world. Nothing else compares!

Friday, August 29, 2008

McCain Chooses Palin!

John McCain chooses Governor Sarah Palin of Alaska for his V.P. running mate! I must admit, I do not know a whole lot about her yet, but what I have learned since Fox News Channel broke the news is that she is conservative, a Protestant Christian, pro-life, pro-traditional family, has worked on energy policy, has executive experience in running the state of Alaska for two years, and has visited our troops in Iraq.

She has five children, two boys and three girls. Her eldest son is a teenager. Her youngest son (born just months ago) was diagnosed with Downs Syndrome before birth. Although many women may have chosen to abort such a child, Gov. Palin chose to give him life!

Choose life! Your mother did!


The more I learn about this person, the more I like her!!

I found a blog that has several links to articles about Sarah Palin.

I am now going to watch the official announcement on television. Will be back later with more information and links!




HT: Draft Sarah Palin for V.P.

Found this interesting!

Here are the search results for "Sarah Palin" prior to John McCain's announcement and first appearance with his newly selected running mate.

I was curious to see how much the total in the search would change after the announcement.

It grew from 450,000 to 480,000 - in just about 1/2 hour after the announcement!

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Cumbersome Sack of Discontent

Over the last three days, I have had the complete displeasure of watching and listening to most of the keynote speakers at the Democratic Convention. Last night, I watched the repeat broadcast of Joe Biden's speech.

I was struggling to find a catchy line that would describe what was heard in most of the speeches. Then, while reading a chapter from Max Lucado's book Traveling Light, I found the phrase I was looking for:

Democrats: Those people who trudge through each day with a "cumbersome sack of discontent."

I am serious!! All that I heard coming out of the mouths of most of the speakers were complaints!!

Except for moments of grandeur and praise of themselves, their own families, and other Democrats, did you hear any mention of gratitude for living in the greatest nation on God's green earth??

The other thing that really bothered me was seeing Hillary and Bill join the clueless, Kool-Aid drinkers and through their individual speeches, ultimately ended up bowing at the altar of Obamination. Are we to really believe that what they said was sincere?

Perhaps Hillary was sincere in her rejection of John McCain, but the recent campaign commercial where she states something like this - "John McCain is prepared to be president and has served this country honorably for years - Barack Obama gave a speech in 2002." [paraphrased here] has to make one wonder...when was she telling the truth? Was it when she made that original statement about Senator McCain or the other night when she disparaged him and praised Obama?

Isn't it logical to ask, "When was she genuinely sharing her true opinions and feelings?"

It is mindboggling how Democrats consistently talk out of two sides of their faces - and end up saying completely opposite things. What's even worse is that the MSM lets them get away with it!! Thank God for the Internet where we can discern truth from lies!

Did you happen to see the new NOBama fad? Flip flop sandals with mini heads of Obama attached at the top! Each one represents each of his known flip-flopping stances on issues! Ha!! More accurately, it appears that he tries to be "both ways Obama." Now, that's a real hoot!!

It wasn't my intention to continue describing all of the discontent that reeks from the Democrat Party. It's just that it served as a perfect example of what Max Lucado describes as "the prison of want" in chapter four of his book Traveling Light.

This particular chapter is so good that I wish I could type it all out! But I will share just a few portions that will hopefully give you the main message.

Max describes the "world's most oppressive prison" as "the prison of want." He gives examples. People who may not want much, but just that "one thing" that will make them happy.

Excerpt:




They want just one thing. One new job. One new car. One new house. One new spouse. They don't want much . They want just one.

And when they have "one," they will be happy. And they are right - they will be happy. When they have "one," they will leave the prison. But then it happens. The new car smell passes. The new job gets old. The neighbors buy a larger TV set. The new spouse has bad habits. The sizzle fizzles, and before you know it, another ex-con breaks parole and returns to jail.


Personally, I think that many liberals and most Democrats are in the prison of want. What's worse is the fact that their leaders want them there in order to get what they want...elected!

When the Democrats took over Congress in 2006, did you see them pass any legislation to make their "prisoners of want" happy? No. Of course not! Why? Because they wanted the "sack of discontent" to linger all the way up to this forthcoming election day on November 4th, 2008! Doesn't it seem that way to you, too?

Lucado tells us how to recognize when we are in this type of prison:




Are you in prison? You are if you feel better when you have more and worse when you have less. You are if joy is one delivery away, one transfer away, one award away, or one makeover away. If your happiness comes from something you deposit, drive, drink, or digest, then face it - you are in prison, the prison of want.


If the truth be told, I think that almost everyone goes through a time in this particular prison. However, some people remain their for most of their lives! That's truly sad!

Well, as Max writes, "that's the bad news. The good news is, you have a visitor."




And your visitor has a message that can get you paroled. Make your way to the receiving room. Take your seat in the chair, and look across the table at the psalmist David. He motions for you to lean forward. "I have a secret to tell you," he whispers, "the secret of satisfaction. 'The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want'" (Ps. 23:1 NKJV).

David has found the pasture where discontent goes to die. It's as if he is saying, "What I have in God is greater than what I don't have in life."

You think you and I could learn to say the same?


Wow! That's SO POWERFUL!

Let me take a brief time out to share some thoughts about a movie documentary that I saw yesterday. The movie is called Young At Heart.

At that link, you can read a brief review (that doesn't give a lot of the plot away) and also view several video clips (may contain spoilers) of the documentary.

At the end, I teared up big time!!

It was so awesome to see these people perform and receive standing ovations. They got such responses from both a huge concert audience, as well as from prisoners (who were holed up in a real prison camp) they had performed for earlier in the movie.

Several of members of the choral group were believers. One sang in his church chorus and another mentioned that the Lord will take him when it is his time.

I have to say that seeing some grown men at the prison camp tear up - and then hug the choral group members after their performance - was so very moving!

We know that many Christian groups bring children and various singing groups to nursing homes to visit the elderly and cheer them up. But to see the elderly from nursing homes come and sing for a group of hardened criminals was just amazing!

These chorus members still had their problems - health and otherwise. They had their aches and pains. They had difficulty learning and memorizing some of the lyrics. They had their emergency trips to the hospital. They had physical disabilities and all the rest that comes with the aging process. Yet, when they were performing - in those moments - all of those problems went away...for a time. They expressed how much they loved singing and performing for grateful audiences.

The final concert at the end had me sobbing - both with sadness and joy!

You see, the life of the Christian believer is like that. Sometimes filled with sadness - but also overflowing with joy!

When we receive Christ as Lord and Savior, that born-again experience releases "the fruit of the Spirit" within us.




Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,


Gal 5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Eph 5:8 ¶ For ye were sometimes darkness, but now [are ye] light in the Lord: walk as children of light:


Eph 5:9 (For the fruit of the Spirit [is] in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)


Eph 5:10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.


Notice that one fruit is called "long suffering." The Bible tells us the truth - and the truth is just as Jesus described to us in John:




Jhn 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.


And, why can we be of good cheer despite all of the turmoil going on around us?




1Jo 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.


Jesus is all about overcoming. At the moment of salvation, he overcomes the effect of sin on our souls. With Him in our hearts, he allows us to overcome our fears, trials, tribulations and yes - even the "prisons" that tempt to snag us in this life.




Rev 2:10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast [some] of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.


Rev 2:11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.


Which brings us back to Max Lucado's book.

Excerpt:




Think for just a moment about the things you own. Think about the house you have, the car you drive, the money you've saved. Think about the jewelry you've inherited and the stocks you've traded and the clothes you've purchased. Envision all your stuff, and let me remind you of two biblical truths.

Your stuff isn't yours. Ask any coroner. Ask any embalmer. Ask any funeral-home director. No one takes anything with him.


The author goes on to tell the familiar story of one of the wealthiest men in history, John D. Rockefeller. When he died, his accountant was asked, "How much did John D. leave?" The accountant answered, "All of it."

"Naked a man comes from his mother's womb, and as he comes, so he departs. He takes nothing from his labor that he can carry in his hand." (Eccles. 5:15 NIV).

Back to the election for a moment. During all of the back and forth about Barack Obama's elitism (and, now he's 4 million dollars richer through book sales) and John McCain's wife owning seven homes; on campaign camp tried to outdo the other in the "rich man" game.

However, I liked what I heard from John McCain. Compared to most of the rest of the world, every single one of us in America is rich! He probably wasn't only talking about financial circumstances. America is rich in many other things too.

Rich in faith, hope, love, forgiveness, grace, mercy, and salvation through Christ.
Rich in freedom.
Rich in generosity.
Rich in protection.
Rich in good people.
Rich in a military unsurpassed by any other.
Rich in giving to those less fortunate.
Rich in providing education.
Rich in opportunity for those who work for it.

The list could go on and on.

What would you add to it?

I see John McCain's candidacy as being filled with optimism - about today and tomorrow. I see Obama's campaign as filled with pessimism and discontent about today - with a pseudo kind of "hope" for tomorrow. These are just my opinions, of course.

Back to Lucado's book:

All that stuff - it's not yours. And you know what else about all that stuff? It's not you. Who you are has nothing to do with the clothes you wear or the car you drive. Jesus said, "Life is not defined by what you have, even when you have a lot" (Luke 12:15 MSG). Heaven does not know you as the fellow with the nice suit or the woman with the big house or the kid with the new bike. Heaven knows your heart. "The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart" (1 Sam. 16:7 NIV).

When God thinks of you, he may see your compassion, your devotion, your tenderness or quick mind, but he doesn't think of your things.

And when you think of you, you shouldn't either. Define yourself by your stuff, and you'll feel good when you have a lot and bad when you don't. Contentment comes when we can honestly say with Paul: "I have learned to be satisfied with the things I have....I know how to live when I am poor, and I know how to live when I have plenty" (Phil. 4:11-12).


Back to the election.

Tonight, there will be a grand performance held at a stadium which holds 70,000 people for Obama's speech. I just can't even imagine what the cost of such an extravaganza will be. In the midst of all this hype, I have two questions.

1. Why doesn't Obama donate money (even just some of the 4 million from book sales could do a LOT!) to the needy he often talks about in his speeches?

2. Why is he wasting millions of campaign donor money on an event that is designed just to specifically glorify himself?

HT: Young at Heart

Max Lucado's Traveling Light

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

God's Call For Righteousness

I thought it was really good that Rick Warren brought up the two most controversial social subjects that Christians must deal with in society today - abortion and homosexuality. We needed to hear the clear differences between the two candidates who are running for the presidency in 2008. One of them will most likely be president. The differences between the two are like night and day!

I you already watched the videos and/or read the transcript at the links provided in my post about the Civil Forum, then you already know where each candidate stands - particularly on these two issues.

When I hear arguments being bantered about in favor of same-sex marriage, I have to share the fact that those who would ignore God's laws and admonitions in the Bible obviously just don't care what the truth is - they only want to further their own agenda. What's more, their "agenda" is not new. It has been done before. The story of Sodom and Gomorrah testifies to what happens when people ignore God's call for righteousness.

Jesus told us that one of the clear signs that we are getting closer and closer to the end times would be that the world would be "as in the Days of Lot" and "as in the Days of Noah."



Luk 17:28 Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded;

Luk 17:29 But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed [them] all.

Luk 17:30 Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.

Mat 24:37 But as the days of Noe [were], so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

Mat 24:38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,

Luk 17:26 And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.

Luk 17:27 They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.



Over the weekend, I heard a preacher's sermon that gave a little more insight into God's mercy demonstrated within the biblical account of Sodom and Gomorrah. If you are familiar with the story, Abraham asked God to spare the two cities if he could find 50 righteous people there. When Abraham realized that it would probably not be possible to find 50 righteous people in such wicked cities, he asked if God would spare them if he found 20 righteous people. Each time, God gave Abraham the grace he was asking for in finding righteous people. Of course, God knew that Abraham wouldn't even find 10 righteous people - which was Abraham's last request.

Think about this for a moment. Lot's family was led out of Sodom by angels (who actually almost had to force them to leave!) and Lot's family of four were saved from the carnage. Except for one person. Lot's wife disobeyed the command not to look back. She did and was instantly turned into a pillar of salt! So, in total, only three people were saved that day. What if Lot and his daughters had found six or seven people and converted them to be righteous in the eyes of the LORD God? Would God not have spared Sodom and Gomorrah? He is a God of His Word - isn't he?

I thought that was a great point. It shows that any effort that we put into evangelism is not wasted. We'll never know whose heart (or how many hearts, for that matter) could be turned back towards God if we don't try! We'll never know, this side of heaven, what affect converting people to Christ will have in saving a city, a town, a state, or even a nation!

We have been given The Great Commission by Jesus Christ. It was his final command before ascending into heaven to be seated at the right hand of God the Father. Shouldn't we take this command seriously all the days of our lives?

The trouble is, many Christians appear to be afraid to speak out against the evils of our times. What's worse, as one controversial pastor shared in a sermon, "the church (meaning all believers, not a building or denomination) sounds like a house cat purring on the couch!"

Ouch!!

Contrast that with what the Bible says:



Pro 28:1 ¶ The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.

Amo 3:8 The lion hath roared, who will not fear? the Lord GOD hath spoken, who can but prophesy?


Personally, I think that the tendency of many Christians not to speak out against abortion and homosexuality is because they want to be loved and accepted. Therefore, many have become silent.

I have news for you - THE MEDIA WILL NEVER LOVE YOU!

In fact, Jesus told us that "the world hated me first" and "they will hate you, too."

Why?

Jesus tells us, "because of me."

And, the second reason is because their deeds were evil and Jesus exposed them for who they follow (your father - the devil) and for what they are (sinners in need of Him! The Savior!)!

I heard a saying that should encourage you - even when you are verbally attacked because of your beliefs:

"Crows only attack the best fruit!"

Back to the Civil Forum questions.

When the abortion question was answered by Obama, he gave a flippant (IMO) answer. Over the past two days, I have noticed that some news analysts have tried their best to try and spin his answer so that it wouldn't appear to have been as bad as it surely was!

Bottom line? Obama had no defense for his wayward position on the important issue regarding the truth about when life begins.

Because of his rabid, baby-killing positions (someone once quipped that Obama never met an abortion method he didn't like) he actually trapped himself - which caused him to look even more ridiculous.

Let's see what God's Word has to say about "when life begins."



Isa 49:1 ¶ Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name.

Isa 49:5 ¶ And now, saith the LORD that formed me from the womb [to be] his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the LORD, and my God shall be my strength.

Jer 1:4 ¶ Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,


Jer 1:5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, [and] I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.


Yes. I think that God's Word is quite clear when life begins - and the answer is AT THE MOMENT OF CONCEPTION!

Let's look at what happened in Luke:



Luk 1:41 And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:

Luk 1:42 And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed [art] thou among women, and blessed [is] the fruit of thy womb.


The baby in Elisabeth's womb - who would be John the Baptist - leaped in her womb when Mary's name - who was carrying Jesus our Savior - was heard.

In Genesis 25:21-26 we read:



Gen 25:20 And Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah to wife, the daughter of Bethuel the Syrian of Padanaram, the sister to Laban the Syrian.


Gen 25:21 And Isaac intreated the LORD for his wife, because she [was] barren: and the LORD was intreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived.


Gen 25:22 And the children struggled together within her; and she said, If [it be] so, why [am] I thus? And she went to enquire of the LORD.


Gen 25:23 And the LORD said unto her, Two nations [are] in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and [the one] people shall be stronger than [the other] people; and the elder shall serve the younger.


Gen 25:24 And when her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, [there were] twins in her womb.


Gen 25:25 And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau.


Gen 25:26 And after that came his brother out, and his hand took hold on Esau's heel; and his name was called Jacob: and Isaac [was] threescore years old when she bare them.


Notice that these two twin babies in Rebekah's womb represented two nations. God knew their names! They were not just a "blob of flesh."

An abortion takes away the life of a baby. Period. End of story. What does God think about the killing of innocent life?



Gen 4:10 And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground.


God avenges the taking of innocent blood!

In Matthew 27:3-5, we read that Judas, after having turned Jesus over to be crucified hung himself. The guilt was too much for him. He knew that his evil deed led to the shedding of innocent blood.

A pastor once said, "Do not allow abortion to steal our future."

Amen??!!



Pro 14:34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin [is] a reproach to any people.

Mat 5:13 ¶ Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.


Mat 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.


Mat 5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.


Mat 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Just A Guess...

Wanted to post my guess as to who Obama will pick as his VP choice. I think that it will be Joe Biden, but not for the reasons that the pundits and MSM will be exclaiming once the announcement is made.

I think that Obama owes Biden - BIG TIME - because of Biden's help in covering up Obama's possible connection to this. The MSM cover-up of the laundry list of terribly bad characters which have influenced Obama over the course of his life will, one day, come crashing down. I don't know when that will happen, I just know that eventually, the truth on such matters DOES comes out.


Num 32:23 But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out.

HT: Citizen Wells

Monday, August 18, 2008

When Does a Baby Get Human Rights?

The title of my post today is what I thought was one of the most important questions asked at the Saddleback Civil Forum.

This morning, it was my initial intent to search around for some of the best articles that critique the answers given by Barack Obama and John McCain after Saturday's T.V. broadcast. I found this one and encourage everyone to read it.

However, I feel led to discuss what is heavy on my heart and has been in my thoughts over the past two days regarding the issue of the pro-life vs. pro-death (a.k.a. abortion) worldviews - which obviously separate these candidates.

I must ask a question. For those of you who have seen it, what did you think of Obama's answer to "at what point does a baby get human rights in your view" question?

Portion of transcript:

4 NOW, LET'S DEAL WITH ABORTION. 40 MILLION

5 ABORTIONS SINCE ROE V. WADE. YOU KNOW, AS A PASTOR I

6 HAVE TO DEAL WITH THIS ALL OF THE TIME. ALL OF THE

7 PAIN AND ALL OF THE CONFLICTS. I KNOW THIS IS A VERY

8 COMPLEX ISSUE. 40 MILLION ABORTIONS. AT WHAT POINT

9 DOES A BABY GET HUMAN RIGHTS IN YOUR VIEW?

Obama's answer:

10 A. WELL, I THINK THAT WHETHER YOU ARE LOOKING AT

11 IT FROM A THEOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE OR A SCIENTIFIC

12 PERSPECTIVE, ANSWERING THAT QUESTION WITH SPECIFICITY,

13 YOU KNOW, IS ABOVE MY PAY GRADE
"Is above my [his] pay grade"???

Obama went on and on trying to justify THAT PARTICULAR ANSWER.

What are Talk Wisdom readers thoughts on his answer? What do you think he genuinely meant by that phrase? Do you think that came from his own thoughts or was it a line given to him by his campaign to use? I have my own thoughts about it, but will post it later.

I will mention one thing, however. How ironic is it that Obama shared his views at the forum that he sees child abuse (by parents) as an evil in the world; yet when asked about "when does a baby get human rights" he justifies killing children in the womb? Isn't that a logical inconsistency - especially when he professes to be a Christian? There were MANY inconsistencies in Obama's answers. Were you able to pick them out?

For anyone who wishes to view the forum videos, or, read the entire transcript, see links below.

Click on this link to view several videos of the event.

Click on this link to read the entire transcript.

Please share your thoughts about what you read (or viewed) about this event.

I thought that John McCain's Vietnam prisoner/guard story that was shared at the forum was very riveting. It gave me a better glimpse into his worldview and Christian faith.

Excerpt of John McCain's experience from the transcript:

20 A VIETNAMESE KEPT US IN PRISON IN CONDITIONS OF

21 SOLITAIRY CONFINEMENT FOR TWO OR THREE TO A CELL. THEY

22 DID THAT BECAUSE THEY KNEW THEY COULD BREAK DOWN OUR

23 RESISTANCE. ONE OF THE TECHNIQUES THAT THEY USED TO GET

24 INFORMATION WAS TO TAKE ROPES AND TIE THEM AROUND YOUR

25 BICEPS, PULL YOUR BICEPS BEHIND YOU, LOOP THE ROPE AROUND


1 YOUR HEAD, PULL YOUR HEAD DOWN BETWEEN YOUR KNEES AND

2 LEAVE YOU IN THAT POSITION. YOU CAN MANAGE, IT'S VERY

3 UNCOMFORTABLE. ONE NIGHT I WAS BEING PUNISHED IN THAT

4 FASHION. ALL OF A SUDDEN THE DOOR OF THE CELL OPENED, THE

5 GUARD CAME IN, A GUY WHO WAS JUST WHAT WE CALL A GUN

6 GUARD. HE JUST WALKED AROUND THE CAMP WITH A GUN ON HIS

7 SHOULDER. HE WENT LIKE THIS AND THEN HE LOOSENED THE

8 ROPES. HE CAME BACK ABOUT FOUR HOURS LATER, HE TIGHTENED

9 THEM UP AGAIN AND LEFT. THE FOLLOWING CHRISTMAS, BECAUSE

10 IT WAS CHRISTMAS DAY, WE WERE ALLOWED TO STAND OUTSIDE OF

11 OUR CELL FOR A FEW MINUTES, AND THOSE DAYS WE WERE NOT

12 ALLOWED TO SEE OR COMMUNICATE WITH EACH OTHER ALTHOUGH WE

13 CERTAINLY DID. AND I WAS STANDING OUTSIDE FOR MY FEW

14 MINUTES, OUTSIDE MY CELL. HE CAME WALKING UP. HE STOOD

15 THERE FOR A MINUTE AND WITH HIS HANDLE ON THE DIRT IN THE

16 COURTYARD HE DREW A CROSS AND HE STOOD THERE AND A MINUTE

17 LATER, HE RUBBED IT OUT AND WALKED AWAY. FOR A MINUTE

18 THERE, THERE WAS JUST TWO CHRISTIANS WORSHIPPING TOGETHER.

19 I'LL NEVER FORGET THAT MOMENT SO EVERY DAY ---


Personally, I thought that Rick Warren's non-reaction to this awesome story was quite insulting. Also, notice that he cut off John's answer!! Did he do that with Obama? I'm not sure. I haven't seen the entire video yet. But the segments that I did watch of Obama looked as though he was allowed to ramble on and on. So why was John McCain cut off??

Of course, I was glad about the next topic and John's excellent answer - and he received a HUGE round of applause from the audience, too!


20 Q ALL RIGHT. LET'S GO INTO THE TOUGH ONES. THAT

21 WAS JUST A GIMMIE. LET'S DEAL WITH ABORTION.

I, AS A 22 PASTOR, HAVE TO DEAL WITH THIS ALL THE TIME, EVERY

23 DIFFERENT ANGLE, EVERY DIFFERENT PAIN, ALL THE DECISIONS

24 AND ALL OF THAT. 40 MILLION ABORTIONS SINCE ROE V WADE.

25 SOME PEOPLE WHO -- PEOPLE WHO BELIEVE THAT LIFE BEGINS AT


1 CONCEPTION WOULD SAY THAT'S A HOLOCAUST FOR MANY PEOPLE.

2 AT WHAT POINT IS A BABY ENTITLED TO HUMAN RIGHTS?


John McCain's answer was absolute, truthful, and given without hesitation or excuses (unlike Obama's ):


3 A AT THE MOMENT OF CONCEPTION. I HAVE A 25-YEAR

4 PRO LIFE RECORD IN THE CONGRESS, IN THE SENATE. AND AS

5 PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, I WILL BE A PRO LIFE

6 PRESIDENT AND THIS PRESIDENCY WILL HAVE PRO LIFE POLICIES.

7 THAT'S MY COMMITMENT, THAT'S MY COMMITMENT TO YOU.


HT: Kingdom People

Online Newsroom

Doug Patton article

*******
Update at 11:05 a.m. PT -

I just located the "official Civil Forum" website and noticed what was written there:

The Saddleback Civil Forum series was established to promote civil discourse and the common good of all. The first forum, held during Passover week this year, featured five Jewish World War II Holocaust survivors sharing their stories. In September, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair will be featured.

Although Rick Warren’s primary calling is to proclaim the Gospel Truth of salvation in Jesus Christ, he created the Civil Forums to further three additional life goals: helping people accept responsibility, helping the Church regain credibility, and encouraging our society to return to civility.


Also, notice that there is NOTHING included in the "PEACE" plan with regards to the Great Commission command given by Jesus Christ before His ascension to the Father to "go into all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit."

Mat 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:


Mat 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.


Notice that Jesus emphasizes "what I [He] has commanded you [us]!!"


Here is what purpose-driven Saddleback seems to think is more important:

Recognizing their far-reaching influence, the Warrens are working together, along with churches, businesses and NGOs, to mobilize 1 billion Christians to fight the five global giants of the world through The P.E.A.C.E. Plan –Promote reconciliation, Equip servant leaders, Assist the poor, Care for the sick and Educate the next generation.


This is all well and good. I am NOT CLAIMING THAT SUCH PROMOTION IS NOT GOOD. However, to NOT HAVE ANY MENTION of evangelism through the Gospel and PROMOTE REPENTANCE THROUGH THE Cross of Jesus Christ is certainly alarming!!!

It is reminiescent of the New Age goal to create a kind of utopia here on earth.

Jesus told us that we would always have the poor with us.

Mar 14:7 For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always.


Of course it is a good thing to help the poor. However, what good is helping them physically if we are not sharing the Cross of Christ so that they will be saved and enter into eternity with God forever??

Jesus told us that in this world, we would have trouble.

Jhn 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.


Obviously, Jesus' emphasis is on the fact that he is King of kings, Lord of lords, and Savior of the entire world. He, and he alone has "overcome the world." Doesn't that indicate that evangelism through the Great Commission commandment is more important than any other endeavor that the Church does?

Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God:


Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.


Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.


Good works come second, as a result of being saved!

What did Jesus emphasize as most important in this life?

Mat 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?


Mar 8:36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

Saturday, August 16, 2008

Why Denial of Sin Doesn't Work

Faith's Checkbook by C.H. Spurgeon
Saturday August 16, 2008
Christians Unite.com

Uncover and Confess Sin

He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. (Proverbs 28:13)

Here is the way of mercy for a guilty and repenting sinner. He must cease from the habit of covering sin. This is attempted by falsehood, which denies sin; by hypocrisy, which conceals it; by boasting, which justifies it; and by loud profession, which tries to make amends for it.

The sinner's business is to confess and forsake. The two must go together. Confession must be honestly made to the Lord Himself, and it must include within itself acknowledgment of the wrong, sense of its evil, and abhorrence of it. We must not throw the fault upon others, nor blame circumstances, nor plead natural weakness. We must make a clean breast of it and plead guilty to the indictment. There can be no mercy till this is done.

Furthermore, we must forsake the evil; having owned our fault, we must disown all present and future intent to abide in it. We cannot remain in rebellion and yet dwell with the King's majesty. The habit of evil must be quitted, together with all places, companions, pursuits, and books which might lead us astray. Not for confession, nor for reformation, but in connection with them we find pardon by faith in the blood of Jesus.

HT: Christians Unite.com

Friday, August 15, 2008

Temple at the Center of Time

This is certainly fascinating! See this article and video review of the Temple at the Center of Time at WorldNetDaily.

Author David Flynn has written a book called Temple at the Center of Time: Newton's Bible Codex Deciphered and the Year 2012.

A belief that the ancients held unusual scientific knowledge, of which only fragments remain today, was held by many great philosophers and scientists who participated in the "scientific revolution". Though research by these men led to great discovery, many were convinced that they were merely scratching the surface of an immense but lost pristine knowledge (prisca sapientia) somehow reflected in the architecture and remains of ancient civilizations.

In "Temple at the Center of Time: Newton’s Bible Codex Deciphered and the Year 2012”, David Flynn uncovers what is sure to be heralded as one of the greatest discoveries of all time.

Many books have investigated whether Newton believed that an original and pure knowledge existed. Some conclude that he did in fact search for it, but that is the whole of their investigation. A few have written that Newton actually discovered ‘something’ and try to fit his existing research into a prisca sapientia of their own design, claiming his beliefs fit modern realms of philosophy or eastern religions, but these speculations are not upheld by the body of his work. Although Newton had solved riddles of space, time, gravity, light and invented mathematics to predict the motion of objects, this was not the "priscia sapient". Since the time of Newton, no one has revealed the true form and nature of the original knowledge, or from whence it came… until now.

For the first time in history, "Temple at the Center of Time" uncovers what Newton was looking for and, in so doing, proves that pivotal events in history are unquestionably connected in time and space to Jerusalem.

Newton didn't know it. The key was right in front of him.


HT: WorldNetDaily

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Churches That Create False Converts

People....YOU HAVE TO LISTEN TO the radio clip over at Christian Research Net. Even though it is an hour long, you would only need to hear the first twelve minutes to see how utterly ridiculous the teachings can be of some of the purpose-driven, seeker-sensitive churches.

Excerpt of what is written at the site:




Granger Community Church, one of the premiere Purpose-Driven churches and the 6th most influential church in America just announced the results of their Reveal Study. The results are SHOCKING but not surprising because sites like this one have been warning for years that the seeker-sensitive / purpose-driven model was creating false converts and now there is hard statistical data that backs up this claim.

Granger’s own qualitative study revealed that:

47% of those attending Granger DO NOT believe in salvation by grace.

57% of those attending Granger DO NOT believe in the authority of the Bible.

56% of those attending Granger DO NOT believe Jesus is the only way to eternal life.



Chris Rosebrough, on today’s edition of the Fighting for the Faith radio program tackles these findings and what they mean. This is a MUST LISTEN program!


Can you even believe what is being passed off as "Christianity" today?

AWFUL!!!

Need a visual? Go to A Little Leaven and view the six minute video.

Know what's messed up? Their crazy theology...

P.S. What are they focusing in on in that video? Themselves... That's idolatry. How sad...how lost they are.

Did you notice?
1. No worship of Jesus Christ.
2. No Bible reading or study.
3. No honor or glory directed at God the Father or Jesus Christ.
4. No altar call to repent of sin.
5. No invitation to be born again in Jesus Christ.


How easy it is to recognize a false church, false ministry, and false teacher when the truth of the Bible is not being preached!


HT: Christian Research Net

A Little Leaven

Beautiful Name

For the sake of your Beautiful Name - You're Beautiful Name....

The Name above all names - Jesus Christ.







"Beautiful Name" by ZoeGirl

Your heart I seek to find
With Your hands You fashioned mine
Let me be used by you to carry out the truth
To the ends of the earth
'Til everyone's heard
My mended heart will share Your words
I will tell the world that You are God

I will run
I will fly
I will live to be a sacrifice
Through it all I'll rise above
Unafraid I will face what comes
I will run
I will fly
And for my faith I will live & die
I'll be strong - I will press on
For the sake of Your beautiful name
Your beautiful name

Should all life cease to grow
Should chaos take control
The only hope we know is You will save us
It's worth the cost to take up my cross
As You take back what's been lost
Until all who doubt know
You are God

I will run
I will fly
I will live to be a sacrifice
Through it all I'll rise above
Unafraid I will face what comes
I will run
I will fly
And for my faith I will live & die
I'll be strong - I will press on
For the sake of Your beautiful name
Your beautiful name

I'm not captive anymore
I'm gonna soar to a new place
Take on a new pace
I know what my life is for

I will run
I will fly
I will live to be a sacrifice
Through it all I'll rise above
Unafraid I will face what comes
I will run
I will fly
And for my faith I will live & die
I'll be strong - I will press on
For the sake of Your beautiful name
Your beautiful name

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Their Own Consciences Testify

Over at my Protect Biblical Marriage blog, I had posted a three-part series with links called "In Defense of Marriage." There are several comments to read there. Many of them were arguing in opposition to what was posted.

However, Wayne from Jeremiah Films had a great point in his comment:

I'm not going to debate if marriage is between a man and a woman in the Bible; clearly it is, over and over again.

I will add however that if you go to the ends of the earth where nobody has heard of McDonald's or Cola, or Jesus. They understand the concept of a marriage being between a man and a woman.

Roman 2:15 - They show that what the law requires is written in their hearts, a fact to which their own consciences testify, and their thoughts will either accuse or excuse them.


Wayne is right. The affirmation that marriage is the union between a man and a woman is written in the Bible many times. In fact, it was directly affirmed by Jesus Christ:

Gen 2:24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

Mat 19:5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?

Mar 10:7 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife;

Eph 5:31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.


No other type of union is affirmed as marriage.

It is also "written on our hearts." In our heart of hearts, not matter what the homosexual agenda tries to push on us, WE KNOW that same-sex sexual behavior is a sin and an abomination to God. The fact that certain people refuse to recognize that fact does not change the truth. As Roman 2:15 informs us - their thoughts will either accuse or excuse them!

The gay christian movement is in the business of excusing themselves. They have chosen "to exchange the truth for a lie."

And, what's more, they will do ANYTHING and EVERYTHING to attempt to cover their sin and excuse themselves rather than what is truly needed - repentance! Why? Because whether one admits it or not, one's own conscience and God's Word accuses them.


In reply to Wayne's comment I wrote:

Really good points, Wayne. The gay christian movement is all about excusing sinful, same-sex behavior. As was pointed out by Romans 2:15, either one is accused of one's sin - or - one does all that he or she can to excuse one's own sin. That is precisely what is going on in this, as well as many other heretical and worldly elements raging against true Biblical Christianity in our world today.

The "do not judge" mantra being elevated by homosexuals who want to be Christians while willfully continuing in sinful sexual behavior may indicate that they have not truly repented and are still under the judgment of God.

Rom 2:15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and [their] thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;

Rom 2:16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel. (KJV)

I think that a post done by Gary DeMar called, A Fool's Wager – Does the Bible Condemn Homosexual Marriage? reiterates what Wayne and I wrote. Romans 2:15, 16 directly address this as well. In fact, all of Romans 2 is very instructive on this issue.

Gay Christians often quote only a portion of this chapter that they think "favors" their "do not judge" mantra. However, a closer look (especially concerning correct judgment) tells us that proper judgment is imperative!

Romans 2

Matthew Henry's commentary goes into great detail about this portion of Scripture. Note this section:

(2.) In dispensing his frowns (v. 8, 9). Observe, [1.] The objects of his frowns. In general those that do evil, more particularly described to be such as are contentious and do not obey the truth. Contentious against God. every wilful sin is a quarrel with God, it is striving with our Maker (Isa. 45:9), the most desperate contention. The Spirit of God strives with sinners (Gen. 6:3), and impenitent sinners strive against the Spirit, rebel against the light (Job 24:13), hold fast deceit, strive to retain that sin which the Spirit strives to part them from. Contentious, and do not obey the truth. The truths of religion are not only to be known, but to be obeyed; they are directing, ruling, commanding; truths relating to practice. Disobedience to the truth is interpreted a striving against it. But obey unrighteousness—do what unrighteousness bids them do. Those that refuse to be the servants of truth will soon be the slaves of unrighteousness. [2.] The products or instances of these frowns: Indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish. These are the wages of sin. Indignation and wrath the causes—tribulation and anguish the necessary and unavoidable effects. And this upon the soul; souls are the vessels of that wrath, the subjects of that tribulation and anguish. Sin qualifies the soul for this wrath. The soul is that in or of man which is alone immediately capable of this indignation, and the impressions or effects of anguish therefrom. Hell is eternal tribulation and anguish, the product of wrath and indignation. This comes of contending with God, of setting briers and thorns before a consuming fire, Isa. 27:4. Those that will not bow to his golden sceptre will certainly be broken by his iron rod. Thus will God render to every man according to his deeds.

2. There is no respect of persons with God, v. 11. As to the spiritual state, there is a respect of persons; but not as to outward relation or condition. Jews and Gentiles stand upon the same level before God. This was Peter’s remark upon the first taking down of the partition-wall (Acts 10:34), that God is no respecter of persons; and it is explained in the next words, that in every nation he that fears God, and works righteousness, is accepted of him. God does not save men with respect to their external privileges or their barren knowledge and profession of the truth, but according as their state and disposition really are. In dispensing both his frowns and favours it is both to Jew and Gentile. If to the Jews first, who had greater privileges, and made a greater profession, yet also to the Gentiles, whose want of such privileges will neither excuse them from the punishment of their ill-doing nor bar them out from the reward of their well-doing (see Col. 3:11); for shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?

V. He proves the equity of his proceedings with all, when he shall actually come to Judge them (v. 12–16), upon this principle, that that which is the rule of man’s obedience is the rule of God’s judgment. Three degrees of light are revealed to the children of men:—

1. The light of nature. This the Gentiles have, and by this they shall be judged: As many as have sinned without law shall perish without law; that is, the unbelieving Gentiles, who had no other guide but natural conscience, no other motive but common mercies, and had not the law of Moses nor any supernatural revelation, shall not be reckoned with for the transgression of the law they never had, nor come under the aggravation of the Jews’ sin against and judgment by the written law; but they shall be judged by, as they sin against, the law of nature, not only as it is in their hearts, corrupted, defaced, and imprisoned in unrighteousness, but as in the uncorrupt original the Judge keeps by him. Further to clear this (v. 14, 15), in a parenthesis, he evinces that the light of nature was to the Gentiles instead of a written law. He had said (v. 12) they had sinned without law, which looks like a contradiction; for where there is no law there is no transgression. But, says he, though they had not the written law (Ps. 147:20), they had that which was equivalent, not to the ceremonial, but to the moral law. They had the work of the law. He does not mean that work which the law commands, as if they could produce a perfect obedience; but that work which the law does. The work of the law is to direct us what to do, and to examine us what we have done. Now, (1.) They had that which directed them what to do by the light of nature: by the force and tendency of their natural notions and dictates they apprehended a clear and vast difference between good and evil. They did by nature the things contained in the law. They had a sense of justice and equity, honour and purity, love and charity; the light of nature taught obedience to parents, pity to the miserable, conservation of public peace and order, forbade murder, stealing, lying, perjury, etc. Thus they were a law unto themselves. (2.) They had that which examined them as to what they had done: Their conscience also bearing witness. They had that within them which approved and commended what was well done and which reproached them for what was done amiss. Conscience is a witness, and first or last will bear witness, though for a time it may be bribed or brow-beaten. It is instead of a thousand witnesses, testifying of that which is most secret; and their thoughts accusing or excusing, passing a judgment upon the testimony of conscience by applying the law to the fact. Conscience is that candle of the Lord which was not quite put out, no, not in the Gentile world. The heathen have witnessed to the comfort of a good conscience.


What the gay christian movement is attempting to do by professing that they are Christians - while at the same time NOT repenting of their sin - yet requiring all (including Biblical Evangelical Christians) to have "tolerance," "acceptance," and even going so far as labeling their aberrant sexual behavior as a "blessing" (with or without "marriage") - is actually an example of trying to get God and His people to be "respecters" of them and their sinful fleshly desires.

Act 10:34 ¶ Then Peter opened [his] mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:


Act 10:35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.


Of course, what I have just shared is definitely not politically correct in today's world of moral relativism. The point is, many of the most prominent and widely honored and accepted Biblical scholars (like Henry) are not being consulted by groups such as "Soulforce." No. They prefer the "new would-be scholars" of today who condone their sin for political, social, intellectual, and even spiritual expediency. That is the truth - my friends.

If you haven't already read Gary DeMar's article, here is a copy:

A Fool's Wager – Does the Bible Condemn Homosexual Marriage?
By Gary DeMar

State representative Alvin Holmes (D–Montgomery, Ala.) is putting his money where his worldview is. He is offering $5000 to anyone who can prove the Bible actually condemns homosexual marriage. Of course, it’s quite easy to prove the Bible does not support homosexual marriage, so why would a man make such a preposterous wager? No matter what evidence you put before him, he will explain it away, because he wants to support homosexual marriage. We’ve seen this same type of “reasoning” on the abortion issue. No matter how you go about showing that abortion kills a preborn child, there are those who still support abortion. There are some who even recognize that abortion kills a proborn baby, and they still support baby killing for “high social reasons.” The same is true on the homosexual issue. If homosexuality is explained away when it is self-evident in the Bible, then so much else can be explained away, including adultery and other sexual sins. The Bible becomes no more authoritative than Aesop’s Fables.

The nature of unbelieving thought is to interpret evidences in terms of a pre-constructed worldview. The resurrection of Jesus is denied because skeptics begin with the premise that resurrections can’t happen. When evidence is shown to the contrary, the evidence is explained away. The rich man appealed to Abraham to send Lazarus to his brothers to warn them of the consequences of their lifestyle choices. They would certainly listen to a man risen from the dead. Abraham’s response is not what the rich man wanted to hear: “They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them. . . . If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone rises from the dead” (Luke 16:19-31). The Bible is plain enough on these issues. Rep. Holmes doesn’t want to listen.

The creation account sets the standard for proper sexual relationships, including marriage. Adam was incomplete until God created someone “suitable” (KJV: “meet” not “mate”) for him. God did not create a man and a woman, thereby giving Adam a choice. God created a woman, setting a standard. Even if the Bible never condemned homosexual behavior, the creation account alone would be enough to establish what God wants in marital and sexual relationships. Even the physical makeup of men and women is a rational defense of heterosexual relationships. The command to be “fruitful and multiply” can only apply to heterosexual relationships. The NT supports the one man, one woman standard: “But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh” (Mark 10:6–8). The Bible couldn’t be any more clear. In any normal world, Rep. Holmes would be $5000 poorer.

Then there are the direct prohibitions of homosexual behavior found in the OT and NT. If homosexual behavior is prohibited, then it follows that a marriage that is built on homosexual marriage has to be wrong as well. The story of Sodom should be enough to convince anyone that homosexuality is prohibited by the Bible (Gen. 18-19). But if this detailed and irrefutable story isn’t enough, there are the stated prohibitions in Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13.

Leviticus 18:22 “You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination.”

Leviticus 20:13 “If there is a man who lies with a male as those who lie with a woman, both of them have committed a detestable act.”

Pro-homosexual advocates argue that these laws are found among “purity laws,” therefore, they no longer apply. The same purity laws found in Leviticus that prohibit homosexuality also prohibit rape, theft, putting obstacles in front of blind people, sex with animals, and murder. Why haven’t these laws been abrogated under the new covenant?

Paul describes homosexual behavior as “degrading,” “unnatural,” and “indecent” (Rom. 1:26–27). If homosexual behavior is described using these terms, it’s hard to see how marriage makes the behavior Paul condemns legitimate. If two murderers marry, does this mean that now they are married, murder somehow becomes legitimate? Rep. Holmes is living in a world of his own making. The Bible condemns him because he “gives hearty approval to those who practice” homosexuality (Rom. 1:32). The leadership of Hutchinson Missionary Baptist Church should discipline him for his rejection of God’s Word, and the people of Montgomery, Alabama, should vote him out of office.


HT: The American Vision

Center for Christ and Culture

Saying Farewell to Heidi

Sad news to report. Our beloved dog, Heidi, has entered into eternity. She lived a long life - 15 years, 4 months - which was over 2 years more than she was expected to live.

Back in March of 2006, our sweet, fluffy white American Eskimo was diagnosed with urinary cancer. We were given several options at the time, but our vet mentioned that using a cancer fighting drug called Peroxicam might help in the struggle with this illness. At the time, we weren't even told that many dogs only last for 3 months using such a drug.

After Heidi's tooth extraction at an emergency vet clinic several months ago, we visited our vet for a checkup (she wasn't eating much) and found out that she had kidney disease. It was December 31, 2007. We were told to prepare for the worst. Our vet gave us the prognosis as being "days to possibly two weeks" left for her to live. The tears flowed as we realized that we might only have days left with our first family dog.

The vet gave us another medication called "famotidine" for the kidney problem. Apparently, the peroxicam was harsh on the kidneys while it relieved the urinary cancer problem. The famotidine was to treat the kidney disease. Heidi was off of the peroxicam for three days. When she couldn't urinate anymore, I knew it was time to re-start that medication.

Surprisingly, she rebounded back from the brink of death. Within two weeks, she was running around in the yard with our puggle Sasha - prancing about like a puppy again. It was so cute! She runs around and then gets tired and lays back down on the green grass.

She was always a "barker." When any of us would kick a small soccer ball for Sasha, she would come over just to bark. She wasn't a very smart dog and didn't "get" how to play soccer with us, but she certainly wanted the attention! A few times she would chase and pounce on the ball. It was as if her younger sister taught her the ropes!

Two weeks ago, Heidi did not consistently eat her food anymore. I found that she would only eat once every three days. Then, she started not eating at all. I could hardly get a tablespoon of food with her medication into her. One evening, I was so concerned that I followed her around the yard spoon-feeding her. She ate three tablespoons full that day. From that point on, it was all downhill. She was weakening and losing the ability to walk and squat without her hind legs collapsing under her. She lost bowel function and needed to be bathed several times a day. She was bed-ridden for two days and two nights.

I knew that the moment I called the vet and shared what was happening, they would have told me, "its time."

However, all this time during her difficulties, she didn't cry. It didn't look like she was in pain. Then, this last Friday, August 8th, she cried constantly. I went in to comfort her every 15 minutes.

Let me back-track a bit here. Several days before, I had gone to a doggie deli store to get food for Sasha. While talking with the young lady behind the counter about Heidi, I asked her, "when will I know it's time?" She said, "Your dog will give you 'the look'." I said, "What kind of look?" It will be a look that tells you she's ready to go."

She was right. When Heidi was crying and I went in to pet and comfort her - she had a different look in her eyes. I thought, maybe that is "the look" the pet store lady meant?

My husband was able to leave work early. My son got home from his job at 2:00 p.m. We called the vet and they said they were really booked up later in the day but we could bring her in right now.

I couldn't help feeling VERY conflicted. I wanted her to hold on and stay with us a bit longer. Yet, I knew that she was telling us it's time.

The drive over there was excruciating. It wasn't long before I teared up. I wasn't even driving very well. At a train crossing, I found myself needing to back up as the barriers came down. To make it worse, there was a cop car behind me!

My son was in the back seat comforting Heidi in her bed. My husband was in the front passenger seat. It was a tough 15 minute ride to the vet office.

Our daughter was unable to be there in person, so she talked to Heidi by cell speakerphone and listened to everything that was being said and done. Sasha was with us, too.

It went better than expected. First, I have to say that for the very first time in her life, Heidi didn't shake entering the vet office! During her regular exam visits, she would shake so violently! And she wouldn't stop until we were out the door! She was always a nervous dog. But this time, she was calm. It was as if she knew that this would make the pain go away.

I cried so much.

It was painless and peaceful. When Heidi was gone, my son lowered her bed to the floor so that Sasha would know.

There is a radio show called "Doctor Dog." He has a website and there is a very good bereavement page.

Since listening to that show on the radio, I have learned a lot about dog behavior. Back in Dec. 2007, I did not know that it was important for other dogs in the family to sniff the dog that has departed this life in order for them not to continue to look for them. That was quite helpful to know.

Sasha is going through grief just like the rest of us. She misses her companion of almost three years.

Out of habit, I threw down two dog biscuits. She and Heidi used to "fight" to get their treat. This time, she brought both biscuits up on the couch and laid them in front of her. She sat there for a few moments. My daughter, who was sitting on the couch, typing on her laptop computer saw this and immediately teared up. I came back into the room and she told me to look at what Sasha was doing. At that point, I was worried that maybe we didn't "do it right" at the vet office and that Sasha didn't realize that Heidi wasn't coming back.

The next morning, she wouldn't walk out the back door by herself. The routine was that she would wait for Heidi to lumber along and they would walk out together.

I has been really tough for me. I keep looking out the kitchen window, expecting to see my fluffy white dog sleeping in the green grass like she often did throughout the years.

Another tip I learned from the Dr. Dog radio show was not to prolong the grieving period with your second dog. Apparently, a lady called in and confessed that she grieved with her second dog every day for months! Dr. Dog politely told her not to do that because she was teaching the dog a new habit that might be hard to break.

We have tried to carry on as normal as possible at our home. Sometimes each of us have to grieve in private. That's O.K. It takes time.

We are getting Heidi's ashes back. I liked the idea shared at the Dr. Dog website:

How I Deal With A Departed Dog

Like many of you, I know how devastating the loss of a beloved dog can be. I still mourn the loss of Mugger, whose cancer mandated euthanasia last year, and I rarely think of his loss without a sob. He was so very, very special.

I've come up with what for me is the best way to deal with a beloved dog's death. I have the dog cremated and get the cremains back. Then I go to my favorite plant nursery and buy a new large bush or tree. After I dig the hole in just the right place in my yard, I mix the dog's ashes in with the fertilizer and amendments for the plant. Then I plant the new bush or tree.

This gives me two major benefits. First, with his or her very last act on Earth, the dog I so loved contributed to LIFE. Second, in a way they're still with me. As I walk around my yard, at the jacaranda I say: "Hi, Bimbo!" At an orange tree it's: "Hey, Shadia!" Baron gets greeted when I see the Liquid Amber. So they're all still with me because they helped bring life to the plants in my - their - yard.

This is especially beneficial if the plant bears fruit. No orange ever tasted as sweet as an orange from the tree Shadia helped to grow. Wherever you live, there are trees that will do well that bear some sort or fruit, nut or flower. How good if that beloved departed dog can be thanked with every lime, avocado, or grapefruit that you enjoy from now on!

Do it this way, and you'll get to love them forever - just as I do.


We plan to plant a "Heidi" tree or bush in our yard. That way, we will have a landmark in remembrance of her.

This book sounds good, too:

"Do Dogs Go To Heaven?"
Eternal Answers for Animal Lovers
M. Jean Holmes

Ms. Holmes, a practicing attorney, spent several years researching and writing this book to answer the question her mother asked her and many clergymen. Based upon intense study of Scripture and Christian, Hebrew and Greek documents, her conclusion is well documented and seems virtually bullet proof!


We love you Heidi! We know that you are now at peace. See you in heaven!!

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Obama's New Gesture - Fixed!

While catching up on some of my favorite blog reading, I gleefully discovered this new Obama "progress" symbol. Apparently, it has been circulating the Internet since August 8th.

Hot Air has an absolutely hilarious post - complete with icons and even an old Star Trek episode clip - that captures, once again, the silly, ridiculous and cult-like organization called "The Obama Campaign."

Love the "Obama's gesture fixed" from Michele Malkin's blog:



Ha ha ha haaaaa!!

Herbert! Herbert! Herbert!! [see the Star Trek video clip at Hot Air]

Too funny!!



HT: Hot Air

Michele Malkin

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Jesus: The Spiritual Bread You Need

Weekend, August 9 & 10


Sweet Reminders of God's Good Provision: Bread of Life


I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. John 6:35


Recommended Reading

John 6:30-59

It seems to be part of the human condition that we are more attracted to the sizzle than the steak; the creamy icing instead of the cake. And it happens in the spiritual realm as well: We much prefer the gifts to the Giver.


When Israel traveled from Egypt to the Promised Land, they were led by none other than God himself. But their focus was on food instead of fellowship, on tasting the meat of Egypt instead of the treat of the Promised Land. They were more interested in what God might provide than in God himself. Fifteen hundred years later, their focus was still blurry. When God incarnate, Jesus Christ, walked in their midst, they asked Him to perform signs for them—like Moses had done by providing manna in the wilderness. And Jesus' answer was, "I am the bread of life." That is, Jesus himself was the sign they should have been looking for. Instead of arguing about what Jesus might do for them (as their forefathers had done with Moses), they should have been embracing Him as the spiritual bread they needed.


If you have a need at this moment, look first to the Giver, not to the gift. It was Moses who said, and Jesus who confirmed, that "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God" (Deuteronomy 8:3; Matthew 4:4). It is His Word that sustains us. The sweetest reminder of God's good provision for us is the gift of His living Word, the Bread of Life. Don't look for anything sweeter in life until you have tasted Him.


A piece of bread with God's love is angels' food.

Thomas Watson


Read-Thru-the-Bible

Jeremiah 37:1 - 41:18 ; Jeremiah 42:1 - 45:5



HT: David Jeremiah.org

Saturday, August 09, 2008

Ex-MoveOn Leader's KKK Style Tactics

Truthfully, is anyone really surprised about this? 'Leftist' group looks to dig through lives of 'conservatives' - Ex-Moveon leader's planned 'warning' letters to donors 'could fall under the KKK Act'

Bloggers know all too well how they can be targeted when the liberal left lunatics don't like what they write! Just ask the PUMA bloggers. This is proof positive that the far left crazies would even go so far as to turn against their own liberal left 'moderates' who do not agree with Obamaidiots!!

Isn't it ironic that a former Move On leader would inspire KKK style tactics...remind you of anyone? The 'Rev.' Jeremiah Wrong, perhaps?

People, there is SO MUCH CORRUPTION swirling around Barack Hussein Obama. If you have not visited any of the links in my sidebar (under "News You Won't Get From MSM), then I suggest that you visit those sites.

Regarding Obama, see Citizen Wells blog and ZachJonesIsHome. Both contain excellent writings about the ongoing farce of the Obama campaign.

Cao's Blog has a post about the fact that the Communist Party USA and Obama platforms are identical!

Concerned yet?? - Especially about what an utter disaster an Obama presidency would be like for our nation?

Big Dogs Weblog is a daily read for me. See this post that truly exposes Obama's continuing arrogance.

One last comment. I do not know whether or not it was intentional, but I have found that Blogger often turned my former "News You Won't Get From MSM" bloglist element into links to screen shots of "feeds." Each time I tried to correct the error through physically going through and deleting each link, then replacing it with a fresh link to each site, it would revert back to the "links to nowhere" mode. Anyone else experiencing this on Blogger?

I have to wonder. Because the blog list allows authors to post the latest blog title and/or snippets of the blog post under each individual link, could it have been "attacked" in some way and destroyed because of liberal leftist bias and dislike of the content?

Hmmmmm.....

If you go to the Citizen Wells and ZachJonesIsHome links, you will read about how the Obama campaign people have worked to shut down blogs that are critical of Obama (e.g. Larry Sinclair has had to change servers three times due to these attacks). Isn't that highly suspicious? If the man was a total liar, you would think that Obama would counter such lies on his "Fight the Smears" website. But no! Nothing but silence about the allegations. I give Sinclair a lot of credit for not succombing to the threats of the powerful people who are trying to shut him up.

At the blogs listed above, you will also read about all of the harassment being hurled at anti-Obama critics. The attempts to silence critics (like the PUMA groups) have even led to death threats being made against any and all who want to expose Obama for the corruption he has been involved in.

I for one cannot even believe that this is happening in America!! How could a low-life thug like Obama get this far towards the presidency?? It is absolutely astounding to me!!

Who cares about Edwards. He's yesterday's news anyway. But we must ask, if the Enquirer was right about Edwards' affair, couldn't Larry Sinclair possibly be right about his drug and homosexual encounter with Obama in the back of a limo? Why was his National Press Club announcement met with silence from the MSM? Who do they think they are kidding?

Look at the contrast today. John McCain is at the Iowa Fair and Obama went on vacation. Why is Obama in Hawaii? Because a poll showed that people were sick of hearing about him!!

DUH!!!

I think that people are smarter than the Obama campaign's managers and members. This continuing strategy to shield Barack from criticism and exposure of all the corruption that surrounds him is not working. He is being exposed (via two books * that have come out) for not only the empty suit that he is; but more importantly, for the DANGER THAT HE PRESENTS to our beloved nation.

God help us on election day.

May the people who know about the real Barack Hussein Obama come out in droves and vote AGAINST Obama.

NOBAMA!!


HT's World Net Daily

Big Dog's Weblog

Cao's Blog

ZachJonesIsHome

Citizen Wells

NYTimes

*******

* The Obama Nation: Leftist Politics and the Cult of Personality by Jerome Corsi

* The Case Against Barack Obama: The Unlikely Rise and Unexamined Agenda of the Media's Favorite Candidate by David Freddoso