“But I am a worm, and am no man, and despised of the people.” (Psalm 22:6)

“For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.” (Psalm 22:16)

“And when [H]is friends heard of it, they went out to lay hold on [H]im: for they said, He is beside [H]imself.” (Mark 3:21)

We O’ so very, very carefully and reverently enter into a possible, and again we say possible, inside peek into, dare we say, the Mind of God’s saving love and omniscience. This possible insight is, of course, from the perspective of finite beings only hoping to grasp a glimpse of His Majesty’s Back parts (Exodus 33:18-23).

By the above paragraph one may see how very careful we are being when handling a subject such as this. Understand, we are only wading in the infinitely shallow waters compared to the great fathoming depths of God’s unsearchable knowledge.

All of the above has been written to simply state that one needs to be reverent and careful when touching upon the subject of the Mind of God.

In the Mark reference we are to understand the compassion and desire of Christ to do all He can to help, heal, free and comfort those around Him but He is “limited” by His Humanness. To be sure, this limtedness is self impose as Paul teaches in Philippians 2. He is doing all He can to the point that some began to think he was going mad. However they have confused madness with the deep desire to help everyone. Beloved, have you felt this deep need to help those around you? Have you looked upon the infirm and desired so much to release them from their prison that you could cry out in despair of your human weaknesses? This, we believe, is what His friends confused with Him being beside Himself.

Please recognize the great urgency in this next paragraph.

To gain the possible insight or understand to His compassionate madness here is your challenge. Next time rain passes through your neighborhood go outside and look at the street and sidewalk. Most likely you will find worms wiggling everywhere. Your task is to save each and everyone. simply take up a spatula or some other tool and carefully, O’ so very carefully slide that tool underneath each and every individual worm and place them safely in the grass. You must be sure to slide the tool under the darker half of the worm as to keep it safely balanced. If you drop the helpless worm it’s insides may explode so be so careful. You will probably become rather exasperated due to the amount of worms you see and know this; if you do not help them they will certainly be food for the fouls of the air or they will be stepped on or a car will smash them into nothingness. If they do not die through those means the sun will certainly cook them to death. You must hurry because time is limited and you are limited but you must try. Are you yet beside yourself? The compassion of Christ is unsearchable and endless.

As you are saving these helpless creatures you will notice that the big ones are far easier to balance than the small ones. This too is an insight; only this insight is into ourselves. A person with a greater sense or understanding of their depravity will also understand their great need of a Saviour more so than does the human with a smaller sense of their guilt.

The next reference speaks of the wicked as barking dogs. With this passage we would like to try to grasp God’s infinite power through the doctrine of His omniscience. Imagine yourself walking through the world largest and loudest dog pound or kennel. As you pass through this place your challenge is to keep each and every dog’s bark distinct. You must be able to simultaneously recognize each and every bark with it’s source. As you are doing this you also need to manage all of your thoughts perfectly and don’t forget about the wiggling worms.

What sovereign mastery He must have to keep each and every prayer, tear, and need distinctive to it’s source and don’t forget He also is aware of each falling sparrow, and the number of hairs on our heads.

What is man that He is mindful of us?

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”                                                                                                                                                      (Psalm 133:1)

These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are a abomination unto [H]im:…he that soweth discord among brethren.                                                                      (Proverbs 6:16,19b)

 

The writer is, by nature, a loner. That is not to say that we do not cherish family and friends. Since our childhood, though we had friends, we would rather be alone. Alone to think and alone to be. We have found, in hindsight, that God wired us this way to prepare us for a life in the ministry. Some, in His service, could tell you that when surrounded by others they are alone with God. This is illustrated in Luke 9:18, “And it came to pass, as [H]e was alone praying, [H]is disciples were with [H]im… ”

Having said the above we would state very clearly, we love the Christ-ian brotherhood and am so very thankful to God and the brethren, known and unknown, for this body of believers.

The brotherhood is likened unto iron in the Proverbs of Solomon, “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” Christian brothers should make one another better, holier, stronger, more courageous, more knowledgeable, and more gracious. It truly is pleasant to be part of the Christ-ian brotherhood.

And woe unto the person that would cause discord among this pleasant Christ-ian brotherhood!!! Search the Scriptures and you will not find God’s favour upon anyone who caused discord among the brotherhood. Some examples would be Lucifer, Korah, Miriam, Absalom and Judas.

Who else but God could make an indestructible family from a bunch of loners?

“And immediately when [Lord] Jesus perceived in [H]is spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, [H]e said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your heart?”  (Mark 2:8)

One of this writers’ hobbies is reading people. He enjoys engaging strangers and telling them things about themselves. This is done by focusing in on little things. This skill has been learned through prayer, the study of Scripture, and reading Sherlock Holmes as a text book and not just for entertainment. Holmes is one of the very few fictions that we allow ourselves; as our time is to be spent in the Scriptures and prayer.

We find the Master…that is the Lord Jesus. I state that because many who read Sherlock Holmes refer to him as the master. This is not an acceptable practice for Christians. We find the Master many times throughout Scripture “perceiving.” He perceived wickedness, He perceived man’s thoughts and their intentions; He perceived all. This is, in theological terms omniscience. Omniscience is an attribute that belongs to God Alone. Omniscience is the ability to know all things and nothing excepting. This attribute is found over and over again in the person of the Lord Jesus. This attribute alone would pronounce deity upon Him.

There is a conceit that is used in our preaching. It is called “the veil.” To demonstrate the veil we use the doctrine of election. Inside the veil we see that salvation and those saved belong to God and His will and choice Alone. Outside the veil we find salvation to be every man’s responsibility. Preachers are to call sinners to repentance and belief and in that order. Outside the veil salvation depends upon a sinner responding to God’s terms upon God’s calling.

Applying this to our subject we say that inside the veil Christ is omniscient. Outside the veil we see the Man using His insight and incredible intellect to perceive or to “read” His subjects.

One cannot separate the God-Man, Christ Jesus with the Word of God and this is because in eternity past Christ “was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God” and in God’s ordained time and through a miraculous virgin birth, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:1;14). We state that in order to state this, The Bible or the Word is a reader of persons and if read under the guidance of the Holy Spirit it will read thee.

If studied from a certain prospective the Word will tell you what you need to know about individuals you come a cross. For example in (Proverb 6:12-15) One reads in v. 12;  “A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth.” A froward mouth is perverse, rude, crude and dirty. The froward mouth belongs to a person who is difficult to deal with. If one applies this insight to life you will then know that a froward speaking person is naughty and wicked as the Word states. In V. 13 we read “He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers;” Here is a homework assignment. Watch either FOX or CNN and when the talking heads start bantering back and forth look at their eyes. Their eyes will be blinking at a great speed. Why is this? It is because they know they are lying and their debate opponent is speaking truth. Their eyes are shielding them from truth. “He speaketh with his feet”- You can usually tell where a person is going by where they have been or in other words it is usually a safe bet that one can tell what another will do based on what the other has done before. “He teacheth with his fingers”; He will speak about the future hoping to cover up the past. V.14 “Frowardness is in his heart”…Frowardness or perverseness is who he is.”he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord.”; He is always causing trouble and he causes division where there should be unity and by these traits he is well known.

Does that sound like anyone you may know? You will know them better hereafter. Does this sound like anyone running for presidential office?

The Bible; the Word is up on current events.

“…and  where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty” (2 Cor.3:17)

“STAND fast, therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” (Galatians 5:1)

All the doctrines of the Holy Scriptures are inspired by the Holy Spirit of the Triune God. To be sure the doctrines of Christianity are not open to private interpretation. I repeat, The inspired doctrines of God’s Word are not open to any private interpretation(s). The reason for this is that all of Scripture are recorded by holy men of Old as the Holy Spirit led them.

Some of the great foundational doctrine of the Christian faith are the virgin birth, the deity of Jesus Christ, the Sonship of Christ, the eternal preexistence of the Word, the depravity of man, the absolute helplessness of man in terms of his salvation, the death of Jesus Christ in the stead of His people, the burial of Christ, and the resurrection of Christ in the stead of His people, the salvation of sinners based upon the finished work (that is the perfect life and the satisfaction of God’ s wrath based upon the death and resurrection of Christ.) Other doctrines include the terms of man’s salvation which are repentance of sin(s) and faith in Christ. These terms can only be met if the sinner is enabled by the Spirit of God. The sinner that is enabled by the Spirit will be forgiven, will be indwelt by the Spirit of Christ, and will walk in a newness of life that will reflect the life of Jesus Christ.

There are, of course, many other doctrines but the above lays out the foundational doctrines that the orthodox faiths cling to. I say orthodox because the vast majority of cults like Mormonism, Jehovah’s Witness and others would find many of the above doctrine to be objectionable as would the Catholic church.

The other doctrine we make mention of in the above paragraph are essential to a fulfilling life in Christ. In other words, there are some doctrines that, being essential to joy, are not essential to eternal salvation.

These doctrines would include addressing our Saviour with His title of Lord. We have written, taught and preached on this extensively. If interested you may learn of this forgotten doctrine in past postings and we would encourage thee to do so. There, of course, the debated doctrine of baptism. Should the believer be submerges or sprinkled? Should the believer be baptized (3) three times forward or (3) three times backward? Another question that many act is in regards to the Lord’s Supper. Should the church celebrate it once a month or each Sunday? Should there be enough cups for all present of should all take from one cup?

The doctrines in the last paragraph, with the exception; in my opinion, of the first can be summed up under liberty, the great and forsaken (not forgotten) doctrine.

Liberty can be described in many ways. Liberty causes fear in the legalistic, especially the legalistic pastor. So much so that if one dares to preach on liberty the legalistic pastor will spend the next month(s) preaching against “loose living” or “worldiness” and rest assured that servant of the liberating God shall never preach in his “church” again. Be sure of my meaning, The boldfaced his refers to the legalistic pastor and the quotes around the word church denotes the sad fact that it is no church; at least not a church of God. Remember the text at the start? If there be no liberty then the Spirit of God is not Present and if He be Present liberty is known and experienced.

One can always spot a legalistic “church” for they are the ones that forbid their women to wear pants ( I chose the words their women because such they are). They forbid different versions on Scripture. The cinema is forbidden as is music; even some Christian music is outlawed. Haircuts must meet standards; this is true of the women, too. Men’s jewelry, with the exception of wedding bands, are frowned upon. Leather represents rebellion as do motorcycles. Facial hair is also frowned upon and yes, these types are familiar with Isaiah 50. We spent much time in legalism. Am thankful, however for all of it. Our first time visiting we wore long hair, an earring in the left ear. Our attendance was for the sole purpose of winning over the parents of a girl. The pastor did not throw us out nor did he act coldly. The opposite is true. The pastor was warm and welcoming. We learned years later that he was afraid of losing the girl I was dating so he decided to be kind to me in order to keep her. I do not say that to shame the man. He did the right and righteous thing. He and I became good friends. We are no longer in contact but we hope all the best of God to him and his family. The reason there was a split was due to the issue of legalism and liberty.

The above mentioned pastor made the mistake of inviting my wife and I to a “revival” meeting. He warned my wife to wear a skirt because this evangelist has been known to change his sermon from his topic to women in pants. Also, this evangelist is so holy that he doesn’t even have a T.V.                                                                                                                             We found the opposite to be true. To be sure; what had been said concerning this evangelist was true…once. But now this evangelist preaches liberty in Christ!!! Yes, my then pastor and friend had made a mistake by taking us there but God had not!!! For years we have sat under legalistic standards, man made laws, and man centered traditions as if they were holy doctrine. (this is the legalist’s formula or poison: man’s tradition become legalistic standard and legalistic standard becomes law and law become doctrine) And now we hear of liberty. This liberty states to the Christian, “The truth shall make you free…If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”  We all are encouraged to stand fast in this [blessed] liberty wherewith Christ [Himself] hath made thee free [forever]. My world changed that night and so had my understanding of God. God was not and is not a God of lying in wait to punish His people. No! No! No! God is the God that loves to see His people free. Augustine sums it up this, “Love God and do as you please.” If one’s staring place or if one’s spring board is God’s love  and one’s love to God all will be done well.

Though the legalistic preachers will tell you, “I believe in Christian liberty and I preach it!” Do not be deceived, beloved. It is true they do teach on liberty and what they teach for the most part is accurate they stop short of teaching all of the doctrine and this is to keep control.

The legalistic will teach on liberty and what they teach is true and is glorious. The doctrine of liberty to the legalistic is this: The believer is set free from the punishment of sin, the penalty of sin, the power of sin, and the pleasure of sin. All of this is true and we should praise God, through Christ, daily for this truth. Here, however, is their hook. While the freedom from sin’s penalty, punishment, power are truths based in the objective Word of God the pleasure of sin is subjective and inside of us. The legalistic pastor focuses in on that pleasure and exploits it. He will tell you the way to tame it is by “man made thou shalt nots.” This is not truth. Not only are you not overcoming this pleasure problem but now he has exposed you to an even greater threat. The threat of pride, self righteousness, and setting thyself up as a judge over others. We have been delivered from pleasuring in some sins yet there remain others. This remaining sin has been called the pet sin or in Hebrews it is called the sin that does so easily besets us. We may never be rid of this sin and if we are another will latch on. The reason for this is the old nature/man, the carnal nature, the flesh. Here is a question that may help. It is true we still find pleasure in sin(s); we would not commit them otherwise, right? If God, right now, were to offer you freedom from said sin(s) would you   (A). gladly relinquish them or (B). would you wish to retain them a little longer? If you chose A you are on the right track. We may still find pleasure in sin BUT…BUT…BUT we have(!) been set free from the pleasuring in the pleasures of sin. God be Praised!!!

To be clear; none set out to become this type of minister. It simply happens over time and under the influence of others  who have been brought under the influence of others over time. However, with legalism comes control, power, and dependency by others upon you. God is faithful and He will reveal this sin…these sins to the legalist and once it has been made clear one must decide. If one repents one will be forgiven and the penitent faces many challenges because he has created a church in his legalistic image. If one chooses to remain his legalistic self ; may God be merciful to him and those he has, is, and shall create in his own image and this is at God’s allowance.

The full extent of liberty includes freedom from fear, freedom from being controlled by one’s emotions, freedom in an active prayer-life, freedom in or during prayer, itself. Liberty is present during times of Bible study, during the preachers preaching, Liberty gives us the freedom to be who God has made us to be. Freedom to be bold. Freedom to do whatever we want within the bounds of God’s rules…God’s rules. Liberty grants us the freedom from the prejudices and judgments of others (1 Corinthians 2:15) O’ they will judge but it means less than nothing (lest their judgment is true).

Scripture says a wise man knows his ways. So by way of a loving and experiential warning…before one embarks upon the liberty wherewith Christ has made you free know thyself. In other words, while it may be acceptable and lawful to partake in social drink if one knows of family history or is aware of an addictive personality one should forgo the social drink. Attire was mentioned above. There is liberty in attire but to be sure God does command modesty and this modesty is for your own good and well being. Keep in mind; is this the past you want to look back upon from your future (DV)? If one is inclined to sexual predilections one might think about not attending a movie that has scenes that will inflame. A Bible verse that backs this up is Romans 13:14; But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.”

A Christian in prison has more liberty than does the lost man on Wall Street, in Washington, or in Hollywood.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

…Be not conformed to… (Romans 12:2)

We do not normally use popular culture in our writings or preaching, however in this post we would show the dangers of television and film. This is not about the evil influences in the entertainment industry. This posting is a warning against conformed weakness. In other words or by way of example: If one watches crimes shows or scary movies one will inevitably see the villain and the victim come face to face and the villain is shown to be strong and menacing while the victim is shown to be absolutely helpless and powerless to do anything.

Beloved, I do not seek to insult your intelligence but we are called, sheep in the Scriptures for a reason. Many are easily influenced into being what they think they are expected to be.

We would encourage the people of God to be watchful for this trap and to know that they are more than capable of fending off those who would do them harm. We may be sheep but we are not the proverbial deer in headlights. The television show, “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” is a good example of using one’s strength, power, and confidence in fighting off an evil doer. In this production the monsters are afraid of the blonde girl (and to be sure; she is no dumb blonde).

Therefore; beloved, appropriate the strength, power, and confidence that God has built into you and be not influenced or weakened by what you see portrayed by others.

Another example is a scene in “War Room.” An aged Christian lady and her young friend are being mugged and the young friend is all to ready to hand over her belongings but the aged believer says, with power, strength and confidence (confidence in the power of her Lord, that is) No! In the Name of Jesus, No!!! and the mugger is warded off. One may say, in objection, “Yeah, but.. that’s just a movie.” To which we would reply, “Ye of little faith, know ye not the power of His Name?”

Do you know why it will be the meek that inherits the earth? Meekness hides and presupposes great strength and power that is being held under restraint. Meekness is the Christian’s secret identity as it was the Lord’s.

Be strong and of good courage for He is with thee.

 

“To everything their is a season, and a time to every purpose under the [H]eaven …a time to die…a time to pluck up…a time to kill…a time to break down…a time to laugh…a time to mourn…a time to gather up stones…a time to refrain from embracing…a time to cast away…a time to rend…a time to speak…a time to hate…a time to war”               (Eccl.3:1-8)

If one is familiar with this practical and instructive passage it is known that the imperatives written therein share space with their antithesis or opposite. To be clear, verse (8) eight states “[there is] a time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war; and a time of peace.” It could be instructive if one notes the order of these times in verse (8) eight. First a time love, second a time to hate, then a time of war, and lastly a time of peace. In life there should be far more love than hate; if we are in Christ we will love far more than we hate. Before moving on to the war and peace let me define, Biblically, love and hate. To love someone, in the Biblical sense, is to bless them, to help them, to support them, to pray for them and to desire God’s best for them. Emotional affection need not be present. To hate someone, in the Biblical sense, is to oppose or to go against, to stand in the way of,  and to resist. Again affection need not be present. These definitions come from such truths as “Jacob have I (God) loved and Esau have I (God) hated”;” [God] hates all workers of iniquity”; “God gives more grace to the humble but resists the proud”; “Bless them that curse you and pray for them that despitefully use you.” With this understanding our Master’s hard saying, “Love me and hate mother, father..family, and friends (verse is paraphrased)” makes sense. To be even more clear we use other words, one must be loyal and faithful in all ways to Christ even at the expense of going against or standing in the way of family and friends. Now onto the second part of verse (8) eight. It is a historical and visible fact that there is, and will be more war in this life than there will be times of peace. Allow me to make a time of war and peace personal and practical. While war and its effects are already personally felt because many have family and friends in the military and many have friends and family that have already met their eternal destiny. To make this verse even more personal we give a secondary meaning. In our everyday lives we will experience more times of personal trials than times of peace. However, God be praised, He has given those in Christ a peace that does and will always pass any and all understanding!!!

Allow me to preface my words by saying very plainly that we are not calling upon God’s flock to rise up and become vigilantes. Though we would call upon the flock to heed Peter, the Under-shepherd to “be vigilant”; “to gird up the loins of thy minds”. We would further quote the Good Shepherd Who tells us to “[continuously] Watch and pray.”

These directives have been given us because there are enemies all about. Who are these enemies?  These enemies are principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this world, spiritual wickedness in high places, anti-christs, wolves in sheep’s closing, false and dangerous doctrines, the flesh, the carnal nature, the old man, and the old serpent, himself. Beloved, these enemies have always been about their heinous business of harming our spirits and souls but now they are at the gate to attack us physically.

These wolves are here to scatter, to steal, to kill, and to destroy. Understand my meaning. I do not speak about our souls for we know Him, Whom we have believed and have long been persuaded that He is most capable of keeping that which we have entrusted to Him. No, Beloved, we are speaking in terms of our temporal state. The ravenous wolves are at the gate. The old serpent has called upon his minions to kill God’s ministers and that is to say law enforcement. These attacks are under the guise of avenging police brutality and racism. Also the men and women of the armed forces are targets so that satan’s army has a straight path to God’s flock. The enemy is publishing names and addresses of our military and their family. These wolves are using blades, axes, guns and other weapons to kill people. These wolves come out of nowhere and these attacks are happening on the streets in the view of many. These killers are using cars to kill. They perpetrate these acts without fear. They are motivated by their abominable beliefs. They kill in the name of allah (satan) and their reprobate prophet. In addition to that the prophecy that states the love of many shall wax cold is being fulfilled. There was a report in the summer of 2015 that during Spring break a young girl was gang raped while a large number of people (an estimate of at least 100 was given) stood and not only watched but recorded the assault with their phones!!! Rape has been called the murder of the soul. It is time that this crime is treated as harshly as murder and that the statute of limitations of (4) years is repealed and that rape, like murder, is without any statute of limitations. The backlog of rape kits doesn’t allow for these assaults against God’s image to be handled, justly, within a (4) four year period.

Do not think us afraid, or seeking to cause fear in others for that would be rank treason and faithlessness and a great offense to our Lord. We call upon the people of God to remember they are sealed, they are complete in Him, they have not been given the spirit of fear but instead the spirit of power, the spirit of love and the spirit of a sound mind!!! (Please read Isaiah 11:1-2 and Ephesians 1:1-5 to learn the other powers of the Spirit  and spiritual blessings you have been infused with and have been given from the Sovereign One that sits in the Heavens and does as He pleases.) Take the command of God to Joshua, “Be strong and of good courageous…”, or God’s command to Jeremiah, “Fear not their faces…”, or the edifying words of David,” I shall not fear; for [T]hou art with me.” Moreover, let us not forget the command of our Lord Jesus, “Fear not little flock” or “fear not only believe.”

Our purpose in this post is to remind you of something our King has said and to tell you, as His servant, that this is the time to heed His instruction to, “buy a sword.” To be careful not to incite we add to that order a principle He also laid down, “He that lives by the sword shall also die by the sword.”

Christian husbands,                                                                                                                                             We have been called, by Paul, the saviour of our wives body or her protector.

Women,                                                                                                                                                                   You, like man and child, are made in the image of the Maker or in the case of Christians we are all being remade into the Image of Christ and that work of art is to be protected and honoured as such. Our children should be taught the essentials in self protection and we should all seek the courage, that God has put within us, to protect others. Yes, Cain, you are your brothers keeper. In the law it is stated “Thou shalt not kill.” In the spirit of that law lies the order to protect others as well as not harming others.

Therefore, there “is a time to be prepared” and this, beloved, is that time. One may object and call us faithless but I would answer by Scripture, (paraphrased), Though the horse is prepared against the day of battle; safety is of the Lord. In other words, ultimate safety and all victory is of the Lord He fully expects and intends for us to be prepared.

We would, therefore, as a faithful under shepherd advice the purchase of firearms and the education, confidence and respect that must go with it. While firearms cannot be legally carried (without proper training and licensing) one should keep some form of legally sized blade on one’s person at all times. A set of brass knuckles are always helpful and can be purchased on line and at flea markets. They are usually sold as “paper weights” to get around certain laws and or local ordinances. Pepper gas and or mace is handy and easily procurable at any sporting goods store, keys between the fingers are basis but work well, a woman’s high heel is useful. Also the very basic and very best defense against attack is the aura of vigilance and confidence and keeping a hand in a pocket as to project the appearance that one is armed. This is a cerebral and psychological weapon for at the core these attackers are cowards. There are many other items that one can and may purchase and conceal upon their person, for example, a knife within a lipstick case, a stake hidden within a comb, gloves that have lead in the knuckle, a baseball cap that is lined with a blade on the bill. Also there is kevlar forearm protectors that will shield off a knife attack. It is time to think like good soldiers of the Lord Jesus Christ.

It is very important to guard one’s heart on matters such as this. While it is time to take protective steps let us do so without bitterness and certainly not with pleasure, God forbid. If one were to kill in the process of protecting one’s person or another and realizes a sense of pleasure or satisfaction for your own souls sake, repent for you have not killed an assailant but have committed murder. I do not advice even the thought of killing in the process of defense. No, the idea of defense is to ward off an assailant and not to kill, God forbid. We would suggest the farthest one goes is the breaking of the assailants bones or incapacitating him in some other way. We are prepared to educate interested parties the various ways of defending and or incapacitating another. Again, to kill is the very last alternative. These attackers are usually not seeking to kill out of personal spite but to earn favour from their wicked god and fellow reprobates so there should be no concern that they will try again or have others try again to harm or kill you. If there is however, a reason to suspect you are a perennial target of someone for personal reasons (remember God knows your heart and intent) then it may be necessary to “mortify their flesh” as you ward off their attack. as God may have given you occasion and opportunity or in the language of Holy Scripture, God has delivered the enemy into you hands.

But above all, beloved, “take unto you the whole Armour of God.” (Ephesians 6) that is also to say “put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 13:14a) for without these nothing else truly matters.

Onward, Christian Soldier…onward and upward!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not [T]hyself from my supplication.

Default by definition is: A preselected option by a  computer programmer or other mechanism when no alternative is specified by the user or programmer.

We have heard it said that when a soldier is at the point of death he will cry for mother. That may be true or not.

However, in our (44) forty- four years we have heard, when one is in dire straits one cries out, O my God! or  O God! One might even invoke the Name of God’s only begotten Son when one is in trouble.

He is a human’s default.

That is evidence enough for an unbeliever.

If one recognizes this default one may be saved. One may be saved, but it is on God’s terms. His terms are these; One must come through the Lord Jesus; this means one must face their sin  and confess it as sin. Christ is the One and Only Way to God ; He is God. One must repent and turn to Him as our default setting shows us.

Apprehended.

 

 

 

 

“And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” (Genesis 6.5)

“But Jesus did not commit [H]imself unto them, because [H]e knew all men, and needed not that any should testify of man: for [H]e knew what was in man”                                                                                                                                                               (St. John 2:24,25)

“For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing…”                                                                                                                                                            (Romans 7.18)

 

In our world and/or in many cultures today we see great sin, its always been there but now we can know more about it through media exposure. Today one sees buildings and people blown apart on a regular basis. One sees children shot at, maimed and killed with great frequency. In the urban cities races are killing their own without remorse and in many case without penalty.

When these crimes against God and man occur people will say, mostly without exception, “he seemed like a normal guy.” or others will explain these events by saying,”what a monster” or “sick, he must have been sick.” These comments are made to separate “us” from “those evil monsters” The truth is however, Scripture does not support these claims or views. The truth usually is he was a normal guy and he is no monster for there are no monsters there is only depraved and fallen humanity who are dead in there trespasses and sins.

I’m discounting that some are truly mentally ill due to chemical imbalances in the brain. These are proven and can be helped through medicines. However the truth still is is play; even mental illness is a condition of humanity falling into depravity.

I also ,without hesitation, acknowledge the psychopathy and/or sociopathy  of individuals. But again this is due to humanities fall and not because these persons are monsters or different from us. Granted there brain chemistry may be different but it is still a human brain. The psychopath appears to be born with brain deficiencies in vital areas of self control and/or empathy which would be a biological reaping of the sin sowed in Eden.. The sociopath however, seems to be a product of the loveless and compassion free effects of fallen individuals upon other fallen and weaker individuals.

I will also acknowledge the powers and principalities of darkness as well. I do believe in the possession of persons by demonic forces. These are well documented in Scripture and by many contemporary and historical creditable witnesses. We will not call these entities monsters however. We must use the language of Scripture. These are celestial beings that have likewise fallen into depravity,  reprobation and perdition. When individuals are taken captive by these forces they are still not monsters, for their openness to demonic possession and captivity is due to their fallen state and the empty throne room of their hearts.

In closing I will state again with the full weight and force of the divinely inspired Word of God. There is no rising up of monsters in our world today; there is only the, always visible, fall of humanity; the fall from God’s great purpose into utter depravity.

Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things. Romans 1.22-23.

Idolatry is a very strong charge. If one were to look upon our culture with objectivity one would see idolatry run rampant. We all are/were/ will be guilty of this charge. Another word for idolatry is hero worship and emulation.

We are not saying that role models are wrong for Hebrews 13.7 endorses them.  We simply are stating hero worship and idolatry is sin. It is the turning away from God and a turning unto …..celebrities, athletes, politicians, preachers, materialism, self, family, business, etc., etc., etc……

When one meets a celebrity and begins to cry and shake…this is idolatry

We are not saying that t.v., films, or concerts are sinful.

When all one thinks of is ……., this is idolatry.

One can be inspired by another without worshiping them.

One can see positive traits in others and seek to adopt those traits without worshiping them.

When one changes one’s appearance to emulate another….this is idolatry.

Again, we say role models are not in themselves wrong. One may have a career goal so they choose to “walk in the foot steps” of another who has attained that goal. This is not idolatry for the energy is spent towards the goal and not the person.

Idolatry angers God greatly. There are many examples in Scripture of God sending His prophet with the message (paraphrasing) When everything falls apart run to your idols for help.

What is the answer for this sin? Repent and look to the truly Awesome God Who inhabits the praise of Israel. When one meets God in an experiential way all other heroes and idols are put in their place.

Psalms 115&135.

“The Wrath of God is revealed from [H]eaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men…” Romans 1:18

 

Normally a biography is written in a story-telling format. This biography will be presented in a bullet-point question and answer format (DV). We have found that this format assists in retaining  and recalling important information. If one desires to read the biography of sin, or rather, the definitive biography, or the first and last word on sin’s beginning, one must look to the “Holy Bible” Who’s “Author and Finisher” (Proofreader) is God.

First Q. What is sin or how does Scripture define sin? A. Sin can be defined thusly,           Sin: *an overstepping of the boundaries of divine law and will; Sin is *the antithesis of righteousness; Sin is *bad action or harmful thinking being given an avenue to manifest itself. These are all acceptable ways to define sin. Let us see how Scripture defines sin. Scripture defines sin as *the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1 John 2:15-17), *A conforming to this world’s ways (Romans 12:1-2), Sin *seems to be the right way unto a man, but the end thereof is the way of death (Proverbs 14:12), Sin is *a betrayer of man as sin rewards men with eternal death (Romans 6:23), Sin is *the friendship with the world (James 4:4), Sin is a *love for the world’s ways(1 John 2:15), *Sin is that which God hates as well as those who pleasure in it, promote it, and propagate it (Psalm 5).

Second Q. Where does sin come from or where was sin born? The Scriptures are clear on this. Sin was birthed and began in the garden of Eden.  It was birthed and began at the enticement of Satan and the pride of man. A quick rabbit trail-this answers the question of why is mankind is in the state it is in. Evolution does not have an answer..

Third Q. How does sin effect mankind? Sin is to man what a parallel line is to math. Sin is continuous; Sin is ever deepening and expanding as is God’s wrath and judgement are ever growing, deepening and expanding upon the worker of iniquity. How different are the measurements of God’s great love towards His beloved people (Ephesians 3:14-19).

Fourth Q. What has it done to the relationship that existed between man and God?  A. “So [H]e drove out the man; and [H]e placed at the east of the garden of Eden cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life. Sin has and does separate man from the Glory and Greatness of God. Furthermore, God no longer revealed Himself as Creator and Provider, but of Judge.

Fifth Q. How is sin manifested? A. Sin is manifest through the works of the flesh. A list of these works can be found in 1 Corinthians 6 and Galatians 5- adultery,fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envying, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like…; 1 Corinthians lists the balance- effeminate, abusers of themselves with mankind (submissive participant and the dominate participant respectively are equally guilty before God), thieves, covetousness, and extortioners. This is not an exhaustive list. Let us not forget about liars, gossipers, backbiters, slothfulness, the prideful, etc.

Sixth Q. How did/does sin die? A. “Through death [H]e might destroy him (the serpent from Q. 2) that had power of death (remember?… the wages of sin is death Q. 3) , that is the devil; And deliver them who were (through fear of death) all their lifetime subject to bondage (Hebrews 2:14b-15); …this [M]an , after [H]e had offered one [S]acrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right [H]and of God; From henceforth expecting till [H]is enemies be made [H]is footstool. For by one offering [H]e hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.”; Death is swallowed up in [Christ’s] victory 1 Corinthians 15:54b).

Seventh Q. What is man to do with sin? A. Know…that to whom (or what) ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his (or its) servants ye are to obey…(Romans 6:16). This means that you have been, are, and forever shall be the subject and servant of sin. Please recall from above what this means and what it therefore means about you.  Man must come to; no, man must rush to Him that so soundlessly and ruthlessly defeated and destroyed sin at Calvary and brought forth eternal life from the Empty Tomb; Who even now liveth to make intercession for His own. One must confess all of the above to be true of themselves, repent and to humbly seek His great mercy, His grace, His salvation… His pardon. Once this gracious pardon is received one will walk in a newness and abundance of life. One shall walk in the attitude of ceaseless confession, the ceaseless giving of thanks and praise unto God, Who is the Defeater of all sin(s) and the One and Only Saviour of His beloved people.

O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?… [T]hanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.