Are You Dancing?

An Organ Grinder was someone who traveled around town and played a tune on a portable organ for money. Oftentimes the grinder would have a monkey with him who would dance to the music and would walk around and collect money from those observing.

I bring up Organ Grinders because the church often reminds me of the monkey who dances around when the music starts playing. The question is, “Who is playing the music?”

I think the music makers are those that are not Christians or those that leave you wondering if they are.

For some reason the church (Christians) think that they have to dance (keep in step, imitate, copy) those that are not Christians. We act like them, dress like them, talk like them, and have many, if not most, of the habits and ways of those who are not going to Heaven.

There is no holiness in the church just conformity. If it feels good, looks good or sounds good, do it.

“God loves all kinds of music because he invented it all – fast and slow, loud and soft, old and new. You probably don’t like it all, but God does” Purpose Driven Life, page 65

What if the music glorifies self, sex, or sin? God approves?

Some would say that the church just wants to be relevant and culturally in-touch. That seems to be what Rick Warren wants for the church. The social gospel is more important than preaching Christ and Him crucified. It seems that if your church is not drawing lost people to it then you are dead in the water. That's why you need to buy this product or that subscription to boost your numbers and get'em comin'.

But how are you going to draw lost people to church without entertaining them? If church is not entertaining then they do not want to come. But when was the church supposed to be about fun and entertainment? I thought it was about lifting up the holiness of God, the sinfulness of men and teaching His people to do the work of the ministry.

What I see going on is a major down-playing of beliefs and more of a "feeling" type of salvation.

On page 34 of Purpose Driven Life Warren says: “God won’t ask about your religious background or doctrinal views. The only thing that will matter is, did you accept what Jesus did for you and did you learn to love and trust him?”

What Jesus are we talking about here? The Jehovah Witnesses version, the Emergent version, the Catholic version, or the Jesus in the Bible?

Doctrinal views are your belief system. They are inseparable.

I think one of the big problems here is one word-Compromise.

You see, our goal in church should not be to fill it up. Our goal should be to point people to Christ and to encourage them to imitate Him. We should learn more about denying self instead of pleasing self. We need to hear that we are sinners hopeless without Christ and that we need to be abandoned to Christ. But...that does not make people come back. Little Johnny did not like the preacher talking about Hell being a real place. Dad did not like the preacher preaching against self-help techniques. Mom did not like when the preacher preached on submission.

So, where does that leave us? Rick Warren wants to make the lost man comfortable. And then we wonder why the church has lost its flavor (salt) and why world looks at us and laughs. We act no different than the cussing, drinking, staring at women, cheating on taxes, griping, lazy man who cares nothing about going to Heaven.

Why should the world take notice of us? Why should they be impressed with Christianity? When the people (Christians) who represent Christianity do their best to look like the world they are bringing reproach on themselves, the church and ultimately, Jesus.

We are called to be in this world, not of it. The world around us should see a striking difference between ourselves and those who care nothing about the cross of Christ.

What tune are you dancing to?

Cults- Jehovah's Witnesses-Watchtowerites

No doubt the hardest working cultists are the JW's. WOW, can they work!! But hey, if you promote that you are saved through your works then people will work.

Let's look at what this hellish religion believes.

- There is one God in one person, Make Sure of All Things, p 188.
- There is no Trinity, Let God be True, p. 100-101; Make Sure of All Things, p.386.
- The Holy Spirit is a force, not alive, Reasoning from the Scriptures, 1985, pp. 406-407.
- The Holy Spirit is God's impersonal active force, The Watchtower, June 1, 1952, p. 24.
- Jehovah's first creation was his 'only-begotten Son'. . . was used by Jehovah in creating all other things", Aid to Bible Understanding, pp. 390-391.
- Jesus was Michael the archangel who became a man, The Watchtower, May 15, 1963, p. 307; The New World, 284.
- Jesus was only a perfect man, not God in flesh, Reasoning from the Scriptures, 1985, pp. 306.
- Jesus did not rise from the dead in his physical body, Awake! July 22, 1973, p. 4.
- Jesus was raised "not a human creature, but a spirit." Let God be True, p. 276.
- Jesus was born again, The Watchtower, Nov. 15, 1954, p. 682.
- Jesus did not die on a cross but on a stake, Reasoning from the Scriptures, 1985, pp. 89-90.
- Jesus began his invisible rule over the earth in 1914, The Truth Shall Make You Free, p. 300.

- Jesus' ransom sacrifice did not include Adam, Let God be True, p. 119.
- Their church is the self-proclaimed prophet of God, The Watchtower, April 1, 1972, p. 197.
- They claim to be the only channel of God's truth, The Watchtower, Feb. 15, 1981, p. 19.
- Only their church members will be saved, The Watchtower, Feb, 15, 1979, p. 30.
- Good works are necessary for salvation, Studies in the Scriptures, Vol. 1, pp. 150, 152.
- The soul ceases to exist after death, Let God be True, p. 59, 60, 67.
- There is no hell of fire where the wicked are punished, Let God be True, p. 79, 80.
- Only 144,000 Jehovah's Witness go to heaven, Reasoning from the Scriptures, 1985, pp. 166-167, 361; Let God be True, p. 121.
- Only the 144,000 Jehovah's Witness are born again. Reasoning from the Scriptures, 1985, p. 76.; Watchtower 11/15/54, p. 681.
- Blood transfusions are a sin, Reasoning from the Scriptures, 1985, pp. 72-73.
- The Cross is a pagan symbol and should not be used, Reasoning from the Scriptures, 1985, pp. 90-92.
- Salvation is by faith and what you do, Studies in the Scriptures, Vol. 1, pp. 150,152.
- It is possible to lose your salvation, Reasoning from the Scriptures, 1985, pp. 358-359.
- The universe is billions of years old, Your will Be Done on Earth, p. 43.
- Each of the 6 creative days of God in Genesis 1, was 7000 years long. Therefore, Man was created toward the end of 42,000 years of earth's preparation, Let God be True, p. 168.

- Satan was entrusted with the obligation and charged with the duty of overseeing the creation of the earth, Children, p 55

In the end the Watchtower and Bible Tract Society is the god of the JW's. Whatever the Watchtower prints it is absolute truth and cannot be questioned.

When you study with the Jehovah's Witness, you agree to attend five meetings a week where you are taught from Watchtower literature. You cannot be baptized until you have studied their material for at least six months and have answered numerous questions before a panel of elders. Men are not supposed have long hair or wear beards and women are to dress in modest apparel. They refuse to vote, salute the flag, sing the "Star Spangled Banner, celebrate birthdays or Christmas, won't take blood transfusions, and they can't join the armed forces. A schedule of door-to-door canvassing is required where you distribute the Watchtower literature, acquire donations, and forward all monies to the headquarters in Brooklyn, New York. If you ever leave the Jehovah's Witness organization, you are considered an apostate and are to be shunned.

Here is a little interesting side-note. The JW's bible (small "b" because their bible does not deserve a "B") is the New World Translation. They have done their best to remove references that would give any idea that Jesus is God in the flesh. I have learned over the years that they did not do a good enough job removing all occurances. If a JW comes to your door have them bring out their bible and go over these verses with them in this order:

-Ask them in Rev. 1.8 who the Alpha and the Omega is. They will say God.

-Then ask them to turn to Rev. 21.5-7. Ask them again who is the Alpha and the Omega. They will say God.

-Then ask them to turn to Rev. 22.13. Ask them again who is the Alpha and the Omega. They will say God.

-Lastly, ask them to turn to Rev. 1.17-18. Ask them who the First and the Last is in v. 17. They should say God. Then ask them who is this in v. 18 who died. Only Jesus, God in the flesh died and rose again.

Also, another note. The next time you have one come to your door, offer him/her a gospel tract or some Christian literature. A good JW WILL NOT take your literature because it is false to them. Then you tell them you will not take their literature if they will not take yours.

Cults- Mormonism-The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

I have had a lot of dealings with those in the previously mentioned cults but none have I spoken with more, than Mormons. This cult, besides the Masonic Lodge (Masons), is the most deceptive group that I know of. It is totally demonic to the core. Its members call themselves Mormon Christians and also attempt to deceive others by promoting free KJV Bibles and family friendly movies.

Here are the key doctrinal points that need to be mentioned.

-God God used to be a man on another planet, Mormon Doctrine, p. 321. Joseph Smith, Times and Seasons, Vol 5, pp. 613-614; Orson Pratt, Journal of Discourses, Vol 2, p. 345, Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, vol. 7, p. 333.) "The Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man’s..." (D&C 130:22). God is in the form of a man, (Joseph Smith, Journal of Discourses, Vol. 6, p. 3.) "God himself was once as we are now, and is an exalted man, and sits enthroned in yonder heavens!!! . . . We have imagined that God was God from all eternity. I will refute that idea and take away the veil, so that you may see" (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 345 God the Father had a Father, (Joseph Smith, History of the Church, vol. 6, p. 476; Heber C. Kimball, Journal of Discourses, vol. 5, p. 19; Milton Hunter, First Council of the Seventy, Gospel through the Ages, p. 104-105.) God resides near a star called Kolob, (Pearl of Great Price, pages 34-35; Mormon Doctrine, p. 428.) God had sexual relations with Mary to make the body of Jesus, (Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, Vol. 4, p. 218, 1857; vol. 8, p. 115.) - This one is disputed among many Mormons and not always 'officially' taught and believed. Nevertheless, Young, the 2nd prophet of the Mormon Church taught it. "Therefore we know that both the Father and the Son are in form and stature perfect men; each of them possesses a tangible body . . . of flesh and bones." (Articles of Faith, by James Talmage, p. 38).

-Jesus The first spirit to be born in heaven was Jesus, (Mormon Doctrine, page 129.) Jesus and Satan are spirit brothers and we were all born as siblings in heaven to them both, (Mormon Doctrine, p. 163; Gospel Through the Ages, p. 15.) Jesus' sacrifice was not able to cleanse us from all our sins, (murder and repeated adultery are exceptions), (Journal of Discourses, Vol. 3, p. 247, 1856.) "Therefore we know that both the Father and the Son are in form and stature perfect men; each of them possesses a tangible body . . . of flesh and bones." (Articles of Faith, by James Talmage, p. 38). "The birth of the Saviour was as natural as are the births of our children; it was the result of natural action. He partook of flesh and blood - was begotten of his Father, as we were of our fathers." (Journal of Discourses, Vol. 8: p. 115). "Christ was begotten by an Immortal Father in the same way that mortal men are begotten by mortal fathers" (Mormon Doctrine," by Bruce McConkie, p. 547). "Christ Not Begotten of Holy Ghost ...Christ was begotten of God. He was not born without the aid of Man, and that Man was God!" (Doctrines of Salvation, Joseph Fielding Smith, 1954, 1:18). "Elohim is literally the Father of the spirit of Jesus Christ and also of the body in which Jesus Christ performed His mission in the flesh ..." (First Presidency and Council of the Twelve, 1916, God the Father, compiled by Gordon Allred, pg. 150).

-Trinity, the The trinity is three separate Gods: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. "That these three are separate individuals, physically distinct from each other, is demonstrated by the accepted records of divine dealings with man." (Articles of Faith, by James Talmage, p. 35.) "Many men say there is one God; the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost are only one God. I say that is a strange God [anyhow]--three in one and one in three. . . It is curious organization… All are crammed into one God according to sectarianism (Christian faith). It would make the biggest God in all the world. He would be a wonderfully big God--he would be a giant or a monster." (Joseph Smith, Teachings, 372).

-Salvation "One of the most fallacious doctrines originated by Satan and propounded by man is that man is saved alone by the grace of God; that belief in Jesus Christ alone is all that is needed for salvation." (Miracle of Forgiveness, Spencer W. Kimball, p. 206.) A plan of salvation was needed for the people of earth so Jesus offered a plan to the Father and Satan offered a plan to the father but Jesus' plan was accepted. In effect the Devil wanted to be the Savior of all Mankind and to "deny men their agency and to dethrone god." (Mormon Doctrine, page 193; Journal of Discourses, vol. 6, page 8.) Jesus' sacrifice was not able to cleanse us from all our sins, (murder and repeated adultery are exceptions), (Journal of Discourses, Vol. 3, p. 247, 1856.) Good works are necessary for salvation, Articles of Faith, p. 92.) There is no salvation without accepting Joseph Smith as a prophet of God, (Doctrines of Salvation, Vol. 1, p. 188.) "The first effect [of the atonement] is to secure to all mankind alike, exemption from the penalty of the fall, thus providing a plan of General Salvation. The second effect is to open a way for Individual Salvation whereby mankind may secure remission of personal sins (Articles of Faith, by James Talmage, p. 78-79.) "As these sins are the result of individual acts it is just that forgiveness for them should be conditioned on individual compliance with prescribed requirements -- 'obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.'" (Articles of Faith p. 79). "This grace is an enabling power that allows men and women to lay hold on eternal life and exaltation after they have expended their own best efforts" (LDS Bible Dictionary, p. 697). "We know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do," (2 Nephi 25:23).

1) God the Father is married and there is a Mother God (Answers to Gospel Questions, Joseph Fielding Smith, Vol. 3, pp. 143-144).2) All men and women who have ever lived on Earth are the spirit offspring of Heavenly Father and Heavenly Mother. Every person was conceived and born in a pre-existent spiritual realm (Mormon Doctrine, p. 589).3) Black people are black because of their misdeeds in the pre-existence (Three Degrees of Glory, LDS Apostle Melvin J. Ballard, p. 21).4) Temple ceremonies include Baptism for the Dead, Washing and Anointing for the living and the dead (Mormon Doctrine, McConkie, pp. 72-74, 226-228).5) Salvation or exaltation, whereby men become gods, is based on one's own good works or merit (Church News, October 8, 1988, p. 23 and The Religion of the Latter-day Saints, Lowell Bennion, LDS Institute of Religion Director, p. 160).6) The Bible is considered usable, but suspect due to its many errors and missing parts (Articles of Faith No. 8, Ensign January 1989, pp. 25, 27).

This is only a tip of the iceberg in reference to info about Mormons.

Cults- Halloween

I know that Halloween is a not necessarily a religion but I felt it would be good to go over this subject this time of year.

I am absolutely amazed at the money that gets poured into this wicked celebration. It seems that there is no such thing as Thanksgiving during the Fall. Once the pumpkins and skeletons are hung up you can bank on it that Frosty and Santa are also coming out soon.

As a Christian should we celebrate this "holiday?" I think it helps to study what it is and the purpose of it to come to an answer. Otherwise, it is just a matter of opinion as to whether to celebrate it or not.

The word Halloween is derived from the term "All Hallows Eve" which occurred on Oct. 31, the end of summer in Northwestern Europe. "All Saints Day," or "All Hallows Day" was the next Day, Nov. 1st. Therefore, Halloween is the eve of All Saints Day.

Michael Judge, writing for the New Age periodical Common Boundary explains Halloween probably began between 1000 and 100 B.C. among the Celtic people. The actual holiday was a commemoration of the new year (Sep./Oct. 1993, p. 29). It was at this time of the year that Baal, the Celtic god of Spring and Summer, ended his reign. It was also when the Lord of the Dead, Samhain, began his reign (Ibid.).

Proinsias MacCana writes, "During this interval the normal order of the universe is suspended, the barriers between the natural and the supernatural are temporarily removed, the sidh lies open and all divine beings and the spirits of the dead move freely among men and interfere, sometimes violently, in their affairs" (Celtic Mythology, p. 127).

As a part of the Druid festival, men and women had to fear not only the departed spirits, who were to return during the evening hours, they must also fear the Druid priests themselves. It was a time of mass human sacrifice. "Men and women, young and old, criminals and innocents, were forced into huge wooden and thatch cages. Often these cages were fashioned in the shape of giants - `wicker men' - perhaps representations of Samhain himself. At a signal from the presiding Druids, these immense structures were torched, everything in them burned to cinders." After the sacrifices, the Druids held thanksgiving meals around "roaring bonfires" (Common Boundary, Sep./Oct. 1993, p. 30).

It was believed by the Druids that during Samhain, the dead would play "tricks on mankind and caused panic and destruction. They had then to be appeased" (Ibid., Vol. 4, p. 440). Part of this appeasement process involved the giving of food to the spirits as they visited the homes. This formed the foundation of the modern practice of "trick or treat."

Another common belief of the Celts was the idea that those who had died the previous year "had been transformed into animals." Thus, to welcome the dead on this sacred night, the Celts "dressed as animals." Then, "As the dawn broke, they made a great parade to the edge of the settlement, in hopes of leading the ghosts into paradise" (Common Boundary, Sep./Oct. 1993, p. 30).

What does the Bible say about Halloween? Nothing. But it does speak concerning witches, the occult, and paganism.
Exodus 22:18, You shall not let a witch live.

Deut. 18:10-12, "Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, 11 or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. 12 Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD…"

The Bible definitely speaks negatively about occultic practices, spirits, and witches and condemns not only the practice but also the people who are involved in it. As Christians, we are to have nothing to do with the occult. Tarot Cards, contacting the dead, séances, lucky charms, etc., are all unbiblical and can harm a Christian's fellowship with God and open the Christian to demonic oppression. Most Christians know this and avoid these activities.

Just as the Celtic religion of Druidism had incorporated costumes from its Roman conquerors (Pomona worship, with her horn of plenty and sacred apples), so the Celtic religion adapted to its new environment. Things in America were different than they had been in Ireland. America possessed a bountiful harvest of a new product - the pumpkin.The Irish also did something that has become the indelible symbol of Halloween in America - they made jack-o-lanterns. The original jack-o-lanterns were potatoes or turnips carved and illuminated by Irish children and used to light Halloween gatherings. They commemorated Jack, a shifty Irish villain so wicked that neither heaven nor the Devil wanted him. Rejected by both the sacred and profane, he wandered the world endlessly looking for a place to rest, his only warmth a glittering candle in a rotten potato" (Common Boundary, Sep./Oct. 1993, p. 31). Hence, the jack-o-lantern finds its historical place in the history and religion of the Celtic people.

Romans honored the dead with a festival called Feralia in late October. It honored Pomona, their goddess of fruit trees who was often pictured wearing a crown of apples. During this festival, they ran races and played games to honor the "Apple Queen" and used omens such as apple parings thrown over the shoulder or nuts burned in the fire in order to predict the future concerning their marital prospects. When the Romans conquered the Celts, they combined local Samhain customs with their own pagan harvest festival. Bobbing for apples was derived from this blended pagan celebration.

I want to offer my thanks to Matt Slick, Rick Branch, and James Walker for much of the information provided here.

In the end, who in Christianity would want to be associated with such wickedness?

It does not matter how much fun you had growing up and dressing up or if you were only participating to have a little fun and candy. I say go buy a bag of candy and spend some time with your family.

Colossians 3.1-2
1Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
2Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

Cults- Islam

I apologize for the long periods between my posts. I will work on being more consistent.

I also would like to say that most of us write different than we speak. I am no different. At the same time, I do not think that is a good nor honest way of communicating with others. So, from this point on I will try to write exactly how I would speak of it at home.

I would like to say that since I've been a Christian I have always believed that the Islamic religion/belief system is a cult. Their religion is the very definition of a cult. So, I have not just determined this since 9/11, the World Trade Center bombing in the early 90's, Kobal Towers, or the Cole attack. My comments are in bold.

I will start with the five pillars (beliefs or tenets) of Islam:

1. Shahada- The Islamic proclamation that "There is no true God except Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah."
I suppose that we could stop there and proclaim that this is cultic in its very foundation.

2. Salat- Prayer- Prayer involves confession of sins which begins with the purification of the body and ends with the purification of the soul. Prayer is performed five times a day. The first prayer is at dawn and the last at sunset. The names of the prayers are Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha. The Maghrib prayer is the sunset prayer. Isha is the prayer that is said after sunset. There is also a prayer that is said right after Fajr known as Shurooq.
To whom are they praying?

3. Saum- Fasting The month of Ramadan is the month of fasting in Islam. It is an act of worship where the faithful follower denies his own needs and seeks Allah. Usually, this fasting entails no drinking, eating during, or sexual relations during the daylight hours for the entire month of Ramadan.

4. Zakat- Almsgiving or Charity Charity given to the poor. It benefits the poor and it helps the giver by moving him towards more holiness and submission to Allah. Alms-giving is considered a form of worship to God.

5. Hajj- Pilgrimage This is the pilgrimage to Mecca. All Muslims, if they are able, are to make a pilgrimage to Mecca. It involves financial sacrifice and is an act of worship. Muslims must make the pilgrimage the first half of the last month of the lunar year.

Muslims claim that only the Quran is trustworthy and that the other scriptures have been compromised because we do not posses their original manuscripts. The Koran (Qur'an) is the inspired word of Allah given to people through the Prophet Muhammad and it supercedes all other scriptures before it including. It alone is inerrant and trustworthy as a revelation for today. It is unchanged from the beginning.

In reference to Jesus Muslims believe He was a very great prophet, second only to Muhammad. Jesus is not the son of God (9:30) and certainly is not divine (5:17, 75)) and he was not crucified (4:157). These references are in the Qur'an.

Salvation-If your good deeds exceed your bad deeds, and you believe in Allah, and sincerely repent of sins, you may go to heaven (3:135; 7:8-9; 21:47; 49:14; 66:8-9). There is an eternal hell for those who are not Muslims, not practicing and of the truth faith (3:77). These references are in the Qur'an.

About God in general... There is only one God (5:73; 112:1-4). God is called Allah by Muslims (5:73) Allah sees all things (40:20), is present everywhere (2:115; 7:7). Allah is the sole creator and sustainer of the universe (3:191). Allah is not a Trinity, but is one (5:73). Allah is all-knowing (2:268; 10:61) and all powerful (6:61-62). Allah created the heaven and earth (2:29; 6:1, 73; 25:61-62; 36:81; 46:33).
These references are in the Qur'an.

I feel that this is an open-shut case. To give more info would be wasting my time and yours. This belief system and the others previously mentioned are from Hell. This is not an unloving comment but the truth.

Cults-The Masonic Lodge (Freemasonry)

I have taught about cults and heresies for many years. Cults and heresies have their own tendencies and characteristics apart from doctrinal problems. Some are smart and calculating and others are deceptive and totally dishonest.

The Masonic Lodge (Freemasonry) is a totally dishonest and deceptive cult. It is also the most in-depth cult I have ever come across. There are layers and layers and layers of teaching, deception, and falsehoods that riddle this belief system.

Please understand that I know that this will upset some, especially wives and daughters who have had husbands and fathers that were/are part of this demonic organization.

Lastly, I remember years ago while teaching this in a church I was forewarned not to teach this if I knew what was good for me. It did not stop me then and it will not stop me now.


About Jesus

Freemasonry says…
-"In his private petitions a man may petition God or Jehovah, Allah or Buddha,
Mohammed or Jesus; he may call upon the God of Israel or the First Great Cause.
In the Masonic Lodge he hears petition to the Great Architect of the Universe,
finding his own deity under that name. A hundred paths may wind upward
around a mountain; at the top they meet." (Carl H. Claudy, "Introduction to Freemasonry." p. 38)

The Word of God says…
-Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the Life: no man cometh to the Father, but by me. (John.14:6)
-Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12)


About God

Freemasonry says…
-"...Since every man's conception of God must be proportioned to his mental
cultivation, and intellectual powers, and moral excellence. God is, as man
conceives Him, the reflected image of man himself. (Albert Pike, "Morals and Dogma," 14th Degree, p. 234)
-"The only personal God Freemasonry accepts is humanity in toto...Humanity therefore is the only personal God that there is." (J.D. Buck, "Mystic Masonry," p. 216)
-"The Absolute is Reason. Reason IS, by means of itself. It IS because IT IS...If God IS, HE IS by Reason." (Albert Pike, "Morals and Dogma," 28th Degree. p. 737)


But the Word of God says…
-In the Beginning God created the heaven and the earth. (Gen. 1:1)
-For there are three that bear record in Heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. (1John. 5:7)
-God said undo Moses, I AM THAT I AM... (Ex. 3:14)


About the Bible

Freemasonry says…
"...the literal meaning (of the Bible) is for the vulgar only." (Albert Pike, "Digest of Morals and Dogma," p. 166) "Masonry makes no profession of Christianity...but looks forward to the time when the labor of our ancient brethren shall be symbolized by the erection of a spiritual temple...in which there shall be but one alter and one worship; one common altar of Masonry on which the Veda, Shastra, Sade, Zend-Avesta, Koran and Holy Bible shall lie...and at whose shrine the Hindoo, the Persian, the Assyrian, the Chaldean, the Egyptian, the Chinese, the
Mohammedan, the Jew and the Christian may kneel..." ("The Kentucky Monitor." Fellowcraft Degree, p. 95)
-The removal of the name of Jesus and references to Him in Bible verses used in the ritual are "slight but necessary modifications." (Albert Mackey, "Masonic Ritualist." p. 272)


But the Word of God says…
-The Words of the Lord are pure words, as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. (Psa. 12:6)
-All Scripture is given by inspiration of God... (2Tim. 3:16)
-...if they speak not according to this Word, it is because there is no light in them. (Isa. 8:20)


About Salvation

Freemasonry says…
-"These three degrees (1st, 2nd, 3rd) thus form a perfect an harmonious whole,
nor can it be conceived that anything can be suggested more, which the soul of
man requires." (Daniel Sickles, "Ahimon Rezon or Freemason's Guide." p. 196) --"If we with suitable true devotion maintain our Masonic profession, our faith will become a beam of light an bring us to those blessed mansions where we shall be eternally happy with God, the Great Architect of the Universe." (Daniel Sickles, "Ahimon Rezon or Freemason's Guide." p. 79)
-"...salvation by faith and the vicarious atonement were not taught as now interpreted, by Jesus, nor are these doctrines taught in the esoteric scriptures. They are later and ignorant perversions of the original doctrines." (J.D. Buck, "Mystic Masonry." p. 57)


But the Word of God says…
-As it is written. There is none righteous no not one: (Rom. 3:10)
-For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. (Rom. 3:23)
-For He hath made Him {Jesus} to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might
be made the righteousness of God in Him. (2Cor. 5:21)
-For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of
God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Eph. 2:8-9)


About Satan

Freemasonry says…
-"The conviction of all men that God is good led to a belief in a devil..." (Albert Pike, "Morals and Dogma." 19th Degree, p. 324)
-"...there is no rebellious demon of Evil, or Principle of Darkness coexistent and in eternal controversy with God, or the Principle of Light..." (Albert Pike, "Morals and Dogma," 32nd Degree, p.859)


But the Word of God says…
-Ye are of your father, the devil...he is a liar, and the father of it. (John.8:44)
-Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (Jas. 4:7)
-Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of
the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
(Eph. 6:11-12)
-...your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. (1Pet. 5:8)


About Honesty

The Mason Doctrine teaches that it's right to lie, if necessary to protect the secrets
of the Lodge, or to protect brother Masons by concealing his wrongdoing. It can
even be right to deliberately deceive sincere Masons seeking to learn the lessons
and secrets of Masonry.

Freemasonry says…
-"The Blue Degrees are but the portico (porch) of the Temple. Part of the symbols
are displayed there to the initiate, but he is intentionally misled by false
interpretations. It is not intended that he shall understand them; but it is intended
that he shall imagine that he understands them...their true explication
(explanation / understanding) is reserved for the Adepts, the Princes of
Masonry." (Albert Pike, "Morals and Dogma," 30th Degree, p. 189)
-"You must conceal all crimes of your brother Masons...and should you be summoned as a witness against a brother Mason be always sure to shield him...It may be perjury to do this, it is true, but you're keeping your obligations." (Ronayne, "Handbook of Masonry." p. 183)
-"Furthermore do I promise and swear that a Master Mason's secrets, given to me in charge as such, and I knowing them to be such, shall remain as secure and inviolable in my breast as in his own, when communicated to me, murder and treason excepted; and they left to my own election." (Master Mason's / 3rd Degree Oath of Obligation)


But the Word of God says…
-Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor. (Ex. 20:16)
-Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another. (Lev.
19:11)
-...lie not to one another. (Col. 3:9)
-...all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone; which is the second death. (Rev 21:8)


About Secrecy and Blood Oaths

Freemasonry says…
Secrecy is indispensable in a Mason of whatever degree." (Albert Pike, "Morals and Dogma," 4th Degree, p. 109)
-I...do hereon most solemnly and sincerely promise and swear that I will always hail, ever conceal and never reveal any of the arts, parts or points of the secret arts any mysteries of ancient Freemasonry which I have received, am about to receive, or may hereafter be instructed in..." (Oath of Obligation, Entered Apprentice/1st Degree, and include in all subsequent degrees, always on penalty of mayhem and violent death) "
-...binding myself under no less a penalty that that of having my body severed in twain, my bowels taken out and burned to ashes, the ashes scattered to the four winds of heaven..." (from the Oath of Obligation, Master Mason/Third Degree) "
-...In willful violation whereof may I incur the fearful penalty of having my eyeballs pierced to the center with a three-edged blade, my feet flayed and I be forced to walk the hot sands upon sterile shores of the Red Sea until the flaming Sun shall strike me with a livid plague, and may Allah, the god of Arab, Moslem and Mohammedan, the god of our fathers, support me to the entire fulfillment of the same." (from the Oath of Obligation, Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine ["Shriners"])


But the Word of God says…
-I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple...and in secret have I said nothing. (John. 18:20)
-Provide things honest in the sight of all men. (Rom. 12:17)
-Thou shalt not kill (murder). (Ex. 20:13)
-But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation. (Jas. 5:12)
-Seek the Truth through the Word of God!
"...ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John. 8:32)

Cults-Roman Catholic Church

I apologize for the length of time it has taken to get back to my blog. I appreciate all who have read and currently read it. I do welcome comments. If you want to comment, especially about the cult posts, all I ask is that you read my post first, and then comment.

The cult that I would like to cover is the Roman Catholic Church. Yes, the Church of Rome. Let's get right to it.

"For it is through Christ's Catholic Church alone, which is the universal help towards salvation that the fullness of the means of salvation can be obtained. It was to the apostolic college alone, of which Peter is the head, that we believe that Our Lord entrusted all the blessings of the New Covenant, in order to establish on earth the one Body of Christ into which all those should be fully incorporated who belong in any way to the people of God" (Vatican Council II, p. 456).
"Therefore, the Church announces the good tidings of salvation to those who do not believe, so that all men may know the one true God and Jesus Christ whom he has sent and may be converted from their ways, doing penance (Vatican Council II, p. 6).

"The doctrine of purgatory clearly demonstrates that even when the guilt of sin has been taken away, punishment for it or the consequences of it may remain to be expiated or cleansed. They often are. In fact, in purgatory the souls of those 'who died in the charity of God and truly repentant, but who had not made satisfaction with adequate penance for their sins and omissions' are cleansed after death with punishment designed to purge away their debt" (Vatican Council II, p. 64).

Roman Catholicism believes that redemption is not accomplished in Christ alone:

"For it is the liturgy through which, especially in the divine sacrifice of the Eucharist, 'the work of our redemption is accomplished'" (Vatican Council II, p. 1).

The Roman Catholic Church says that Christ's sacrifice was not sufficient in itself to take away the penalty for our sins:

"Hence the Mass, the Lord's Supper, is at the same time and inseparably: a sacrifice in which the sacrifice of the cross is perpetuated (Vatican Council II, p. 102).

This is in direct violation of Isa. 53.4-6.

There are seven sacraments in the Catholic Church: baptism, confirmation, Eucharist, penance, anointing of the sick, holy orders, and matrimony. "The seven sacraments are the signs and instruments by which the Holy Spirit spreads the grace of Christ the head throughout the Church which is his Body" (CCC, no. 774). Catholics believe that the sacraments actually "confer the grace that they signify" (CCC, no. 1127) and that their ordained priesthood "guarantees that it really is Christ who acts in the sacraments" (CCC, no. 1120). For believers, the sacraments of the Catholic Church "are necessary for salvation" (CCC, no. 1129).

The Roman Catholic Church teaches that the Bible is the inspired Word of God, and that is the basis for establishing truth, doctrine, and practice. But it also has other criteria that it says are equal to Scripture: tradition, and Magesterium (the leaders of the Roman Catholic Church).

"Sacred Tradition and sacred Scripture, then, are bound closely together, and communicate one with the other. For both of them , flowing out from the same divine wellspring, move towards the same goal. Sacred Scripture is the speech of God as it is put down in writing under the breath of the Holy Spirit. And Tradition transmits in its entirety the Word of God which has been entrusted to the apostles by Christ the Lord and the Holy Spirit. It transmits it to the successors of the apostles [the pope and bishops of the Roman Catholic Church] so that, enlightened by the Spirit of truth, they may faithfully preserve, expound and spread it abroad by their preaching. Thus it comes about that the Church does not draw her certainty about all revealed truths from the Holy Scriptures alone. Hence, both Scripture and Tradition must be accepted and honored with equal feelings of devotion and reverence...

"But the task of giving an authentic interpretation of the Word of God, whether in its written form or in the form of Tradition, has been entrusted to the living teaching office of the Church alone...

"It is clear, therefore, that, in the supremely wise arrangement of God, sacred Tradition, sacred Scripture and the Magesterium of the Church are so connected and associated that one of them cannot stand without the others. Working together, each in its own way under the action of the one Holy Spirit, they all contribute effectively to the salvation of souls" (Vatican Council II , pp. 755-756).

This is Hellish. To compare something man-made and man-centered to the Word of God is Hellish.

To those of us that are not part of the Roman Catholic Church we are called "separated brethren."

According to the Roman Catholic Church, unless we toward accepting the Roman Catholic doctrine we remain outside the graces of the Church, regardless of how much in God's grace we live.

"Bishops should show affectionate consideration in their relations with the separated brethren and should urge the faithful also to exercise all kindness and charity in their regard, encouraging ecumenism as it is understood by the Church" (Vatican Council II, p. 573).

Notice the phrase "understood by the church." The Roman Catholic Church has set itself up as the final authority.

Here are a few more things to think on.

Catholics believe that Mary "was totally preserved from the stain of original sin and she remained pure from all personal sin throughout her life" (Catechism of the Catholic Church) (CCC, no. 508). Catholics teach that Mary remained a virgin throughout her life. They also believe that at the end of her life she "was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory, and exalted by the Lord as Queen over all things" (CCC, no. 966). Catholics refer to Mary as "the Holy Mother of God" (CCC, no. 975). They view her as a co-mediator of God's grace and as a collaborator with the salvation of Jesus her Son (CCC, nos. 510, 973). According to Pope Paul VI, "The Church's devotion to the Blessed Virgin is intrinsic to Christian worship" (CCC, no. 971).

The CCC defines sin as "an utterance, a deed, or a desire contrary to the eternal law" (CCC, no. 1871). Catholics distinguish between two types of sin. The two types of sin are mortal and venial (CCC, no. 1854). Mortal sin destroys the sanctifying grace of God within the individual and necessitates forgiveness through a sacrament of reconciliation (CCC, no. 1856). It causes exclusion from heaven and results in "the eternal death of hell" (CCC, no. 1861). Catholics classify a sin as mortal when it meets the following conditions: the sin is serious or "grave" (murder, adultery, stealing, bearing false witness, etc.), is committed with "full knowledge and complete consent" (CCC, nos. 1857-59). A venial sin is a sin that either is not serious or grave, or does not involve full knowledge or complete consent (CCC, no. 1862). Unlike mortal sin, venial sin does not destroy the saving grace of God in the individual. "Venial sin does not deprive the sinner of sanctifying grace, friendship with God, charity, and consequently eternal happiness" (CCC, no. 1863).

Where is this in Scripture?

"The faithful are born anew by Baptism" (CCC, no. 1212). "Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ" (CCC, no. 1213). Catholics baptize their children shortly after birth. "The Church and the parents would deny a child the priceless grace of becoming a child of God were they not to confer Baptism shortly after birth" (CCC, no. 1250). Catholics teach that "Baptism is necessary for salvation for those to whom the Gospel has been proclaimed and who have had the possibility of asking for this sacrament" (CCC, no. 1257). "By Baptism all sins are forgiven, original sin and all personal sins, as well as all punishment for sin" (CCC, no. 1263).

Here a few things that the Roman Catholic Church has proclaimed:

1. Prayers for the dead . ………………300 A.D.
2. Making the sign of the cross ………………………… …300 A.D.
3. Veneration of angels & dead saints ……………….375 A.D.
4. Use of images in worship………………………………… . 375 A.D.
5. The Mass as a daily celebration……………………………… 394 A.D.
6. Beginning of the exaltation of Mary; the term, "Mother of God" applied a Council of Ephesus…431 A.D.
7. Extreme Unction (Last Rites)……………………………… ..526 A.D.
8. Doctrine of Purgatory-Gregory 1…………………………… .593 A.D..
9. Prayers to Mary & dead saints ……………………………… .600 A.D.
10. Worship of cross, images & relics ……………………… … 786 A.D.
11. Canonization of dead saints ………………………………… ..995 A.D.
12. Celibacy of priesthood …………………………………… …1079 A.D.
13. The Rosary ……………………………………………… … 1090 A.D.
14. Indulgences ……………………………………………… …..1190 A.D.
15. Transubstantiation-Innocent III …………………………… 1215 A.D.
16. Auricular Confession of sins to a priest …………………… 1215 A.D.
17. Adoration of the wafer (Host)…………………………… .. 1220 A.D.
18. Cup forbidden to the people at communion …………………..1414 A.D.
19. Purgatory proclaimed as a dogma……………………………..1439 A.D.
20. The doctrine of the Seven Sacraments confirmed …………….1439 A.D.
21. Tradition declared of equal authority with Bible by Council of Trent..1545 A.D.
22. Apocryphal books added to Bible ……………….1546 A.D.
23. Immaculate Conception of Mary……………………………….1854 A.D.
24. Infallibility of the pope in matters of faith and morals, proclaimed by the Vatican Council …1870 A.D.
25. Assumption of the Virgin Mary (bodily ascension into heaven shortly after her death) .1950 A.D. 26. Mary proclaimed Mother of the Church……………………… 1965 A.D.

When you get tired of reading this, study the Inquisition. It is very eye-opening.

I will be glad to provide more info if anyone feels it is needed.

New Topic- Cults

As I sit here in a public library (I satisfy my need(?) for high-speed by coming to the library every once in a while) I noticed three young teenage girls on a computer next to me. While this is not an issue itself, what they were looking at was. I kept hearing them oohh and aahhh and giggling and my curiousity got the best of me as to what was so funny and intriguing. To my surprise they were looking at a vampire site loaded with pentagrams as the wallpaper. I alerted my bride and mentioned it to her. Then I looked over again and noticed a page displaying in large letters "Necromancy." They seemed very intent on reading things and not just noticing images.

I guess I figured that these young girls would be looking at the latest gossip about a cute movie star or something from the Disney channel.

All of this just solidifies in my mind the need to preach, teach and alert Christians to the dangers of cults and aberrant teachings. For the next couple of weeks I am going to go over a few select cults and aberrant teachings. But consider yourself warned...I will not hold back. I believe in calling it like it is. If something falls within the qualifications of one of these groups then they are open game.

Very simply, a cult is:

1. (+) any group that adds to the Word of God as their spiritual guidance, manual or wisdom
2. (-) any group that subtracts from the person of Jesus Christ. "He is a good teacher" or "He was only a prophet."
3. (x) any group that multiplies what you have to do to become a Christian. "Grace by faith plus works."
4. (./.) any group that divides itself as the only true church.

I will come against any group that follows some or all of these practices.

I welcome your comments.

The Pastor's School

It is Wednesday here at Beeson's Pastor's School and things are going ok. I was not sure what to expect from John Yates' preaching Monday night but it was quite refreshing. He is the Rector at The Falls Anglican church in Virginia.
Last night Erwin Lutzer preached and shared a very simple but sharp message. I really do like hearing his accent as he speaks. He is a great communicator. He is pastor of The Moody Church in Chicago.

I have not been impressed with the plenary workshops though. Most of the workshops are repeats of previous years or an old workshop with a new name and face.

There is something that troubles me. I have been seeing a trend over the last several years to cater to the Modernist/Emergent fringe. This group within itself is troubling and deserves a week or so of comments at a later date.

One of my biggest beefs with The Pastor's School as a whole is its strong ecumenical tones. "Can't we all just get along" is something that I am expecting to hear any day. Don't get me wrong. I am not trying to create divisions or drive a wedge but doctrinal differences can really divide if you ask me and rightfully so.

More to come...

Denominations-No-Name Churches

Something that I have seen brewing for years is the no-name church. You know what I mean. Instead of So and So Methodist and This and That Baptist it is now "Fellowship" Church or Mt. Carmel" Church. It seems that churches are opting for the Non-Denomination appearance. I am supremely convinced that this is for one reason; growth. So as not to be offensive, they leave out part of their identity and hope this will draw the masses. I say that it is foolish and wrong. To me this is deceptive and nothing but compromise. Don't be ashamed to be Methodist, Baptist or etc.

I remember being a layman back in the late 80's and the mega church that I attended in Atlanta started answering their phone "Trinity Church" (only an example). This did not happen once but everytime I was around the receptionist. I later brought it up around the Associate Pastor with a few members present and you would have thought I had a watermelon for a head. They just stared and remained silent. At that point I knew I had touched a nerve.
Am I the only one noticing these things?

I do not worship denominational titles I just believe that we need to be up front with people so that they have a basic idea of what kind of church they are visiting or attending.

Denominations-Non-Denomination

"Oh, we are Non-Denomination" or "We are a Non-Denominational church"

How many times have I heard this? Too many to count. Without being sarcastic though, when I hear this I want to laugh. I want to laugh because the people who join or attend a non-denominational church often do so because they want to avoid the stigma or label of a denomination. In doing so, they join a denomination of sorts by going to a non-denominational church. Non-denomination has become a denomination of its own. Maybe it is made of churches and/or individuals who are disgruntled with the status quo. It appears that the "mainline" (as I have heard) churches just don't cut it. So they opt for a church that does not have an affiliation. But just because it does not have a formal affiliation does not mean that it does not line up with a certain denomination.
In my years as a pastor and ministry in general, I have attended a good many ND (Non-Denominational) churches. In my opinion near 100% of them were a little Baptist in doctrine and a good bit more Charismatic in their worship style.
As I have stated in earlier posts, ND is actually a denomination in itself because there is a strong similiarity to certain churches styles and doctrines. Denominations do define us.
I will comment later on this.

Starting Monday, the 24th, my family and I will be at Beeson Divinity's Pastor's School in Birmingham, AL. I will be posting from there and giving you comments as to how it is going.

Denominations-Doctrine

Perhaps there is no other area where the differences arise within denominations than in the area of doctrine.

We understand the term doctrine to mean what we believe, teach and desire to live by. Within denominations we see where doctrine really highlights the differences between us as Protestants.

Let me extrapolate this to give you an idea of where I am coming from.

Typically, in a Baptist church for example, the term Baptism means the public act of being immersed under water as a public showing of your new salvation in Christ.

In a Presbyterian church, this term takes on a different meaning. The child of believing parents may be baptized by sprinkling signifying that that child is a child of the covenant.

In a Pentecostal church, this term takes on an even different meaning. This type of church does hold to the Baptistic view of believer's baptism. The change comes from the phrase "Baptized in the Spirit." Some churches believe that the baptism of the Spirit is an experience different than initial salvation. They see it as a second experience that gives a person much greater spiritual power and boldness, and the ability to live a more victorious Christian life. Some groups teach that the baptism is accompanied by such signs as speaking in tongues.

I am not going to discuss these differences and what is wrong or right. That is for another time.

The point I am sharing is that denominations show marked differences in how we worship and what we believe. If we were to break down the doctrinal differences of the above-mentioned groups Blogger would probably say I am taking up too much time on their server because there are a lot of differences; some trivial, others foundational.

Denominations do define us.

Denominations-Music

While continuing the talk about denominations for a few more days I have been thinking about music.

Denominations, as stated before, define (in a small-medium way) who we are. One of the ways that we are defined within our denominations is music. Now I do not mean that all denominations have the same music. What I am saying is that within a denomination the music will often, but not always, be similiar.

Take, for example, a Church of God church. If you were to visit there you would most likely find lively contemporary music. You might also find drums, electric guitars and etc. The music would be very upbeat even when hymns were sung.

In a First Presbyterian church you might find a large pipe organ and a piano. The music might be very low key and "reverent" as some would describe it. Hymns and maybe a chorus or two might be the order of the day.

Lastly, if you attended a Primitive Baptist church you would not find instruments at all. The singing would probably be exclusively out of the hymnal but with no musical instruments.

I do not bring these up because I am for them or against them. I merely wanted to show that denominations have within its framework a certain style of music that is preferred or followed.

Once again, denominations define us to some degree.

Why so many??

The topic for a little while is denominations.

I have often wondered about denominations and why there are so many. I suppose one reason is the doctrinal differences that make up so many denominations.

Denominations describe who we are and what we believe. They are like last names in a way. A person would look foolish telling you their name is "Ted" and that is all. You may say "Ted, what?" He would say "Just Ted." His last name would tell you what family he is from and in some areas it might tell you where he resides. It defines who we really are. His family is not the "Ted" family. That just tells you a little about him. His last name would separate him from a dozen other "Ted's" that you might know.

That is the way denominations are. They define us.

I welcome your input as to what you think and whether you think denominations are a good thing or not.

That butcher knife

But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way. James 3.8-9

Lately, I have been reminded of this verse. The part that especially gouges me is the “restless” part.

I have noticed as a dad how much our children notice every dagger that comes forth from our mouth. The sharper the dagger the more intent their focus especially if it is about someone that they know. If it is something that is more positive that cannot be recalled as easily. Our flesh loves something mean, spiteful, vengeful, and wickedly delicious about someone. It is even more entertaining to share that something with someone else.

The point of why I am saying this is that our children are mimicking our lives. We are to train them in the ways of God even though when not careful we are training them toward becoming like the world.

Our tongues are razor-sharp and can cut deep. We should be careful with our tongues so as not to gossip, complain, grumble and gripe. We should make sure that our mouths are enhancing like salt not cutting like a knife.
Be careful with your mouth. People are listening, especially little ones who share your home and last name.

When I think about Real Love I think about the Heavenly Father's love for us. Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace...2Thess. 2.16

We have done nothing to deserve this love; it is just bestowed upon us. In the line of thinking I wonder if I have made my children feel loved like that. Like "You are loved no matter what you do or how you mess up." I fear that as a father I have made my love conditional upon an action. I am not to love only if they deserve it. None of us deserve anything but judgment and wrath. But since I have had the Father's love shown to me should I not show unconditional love to my children? To withhold love from a child for bad actions is cruel and selfish. What we are saying when this happens is "you have not pleased me or made me happy so I am going to punish you by withholding love from you." That is wickedly selfish. But, I have done this just like everyone else. We need to repent of this selfish behavior.

The secret of every discord in Christian homes and communities and churches is that we seek our own way and our own glory. --Alan Redpath

Are You a Stumbling Block?

I have been sitting here on this Monday before the 4th of July thinking about the awesome responsibility it is in being a dad. To think that we are being watched continually by our children is a sobering thought. Dig a little deeper and it gets worse. What if my thoughts were being viewed up on a screen by my children? I do not mean when I am thinking about the greatness of God and His greatness and how He is always faithful. I mean the times that I lust, not necessarily from a physical perspective but from a material perspective. What if I am so focused on something or acquiring something? What if my focus on that something is so strong that I talk about it, read about it, think about it, long for it, and work for it's aquisition? At that time, my children are seeing that my heart is focused, sold-out, driven, and consumed with something other than pleasing Christ. At that moment, I have become a large stumbling block. In reality, I am responsibile for the lack of growth in the Lord that my family, especially my children are experiencing. What they are seeing is a dad (leader) who is coveting something other than his relationship with the Lord. What they are seeing is their dad (their leader to whom they look up to) dancing around a golden _____________{you fill in the blank}.

Our desire as dads should be to make the Lord Jesus Christ appear to be so great and holy in our lives that our children are amazed at how great God is.

A stumbling block is something that trips people up or prevents them from moving forward. Is this you?

Being a Dad

I was thinking about the destruction of the family and how it affects so many things. The biggest loser on TV and movies is Dad. In the 80’s and 90’s he always had to be bailed out by his wife. Now he has to be bailed out by his children. (Ironic since so many children run the home.)

Anyway, I wanted to say to you Dads and future Dads that your role is one of great importance. Your children, and/or future child will look to you for protection and leadership. You cannot fail them. You are playing a vital role in the forming of their personality and their identity as an individual. Don’t fall prey to the media as they do their best to make the Dads appear to be so inept. We have to have Dads who will be leaders and be willing to make sacrifices to raise their child. Be proud to be a Dad/Future Dad. You have a high calling and a huge responsibility.

"The Bible calls debt a curse and children a blessing. But in our culture we apply for a curse and reject blessings. Something is wrong with this picture."-- Doug Phillips

Should we stay or should we go?

In looking at the reformers and the impact they had a question comes to mind. When attempting to get the church back on track should we as followers of Christ stay or should we go? What I mean is should we take the attitude that Martin Luther had or should we take the John Knox or John Calvin attitude?

Martin Luther felt that God would have him stay in the Catholic Church and try to reform it from within. Calvin and Knox felt that God would have them lead reform leaving the Catholic Church and starting fresh.

Both views are good and obviously God has to be the one leading in the process. But I have to say that staying in the false system like Luther is a noble and difficult task. I think our nature wants to "cut bait and run." Staying in a false system and attempting to reform it brings tremendous heartache and opposition with a constant uphill struggle. But if you are successful in this reform you have made an incredible impact upon the system which may affect the system with a domino effect.

Leaving the system like Calvin, Knox and Zwingli (and others for that matter) gets the attention of the system you have left along with the public also watching. This does draw negative attention because you appear rebellious and upsetting the status quo. If you are successful you will draw a lot of attention that may draw those in the false system out.

I say all of this to say that each reformer, and there were many, had to really seek the Lord as to whether he would stay or go. From a human viewpoint I see both the pluses and minuses.

Are There Any Out There?

I have been wondering if there are any men out there today like the previously mentioned reformers. I say reformers because they came up against the Popish system and challenged it head-on. The only one that I can of at the moment is John MacArthur. To me he is a beacon in the shadowy church.
Do you think that God is going to raise up others that will come against the tide of seeker-sensitive, emergent, compromising, prosperity, etertainment-filled preaching? It grieves me that we don't have a Martin Luther who is willing to stay within his denomination or group and call them back to it's moorings. It is a shame that we don't have a John Knox that will blast those who twist scripture into a monstrosity. It is sad that we don't have preachers like John Calvin who rightly could be called theologians. Now a theologian is someone who rights a lot of books on theology.
We need reformers. We need people that will stand up for truth despite the winds that blow against them. Remember, truth is always truth even when everyone says it's false.

In the grave!

These gentlemen, though in the grave, have encouraged me and pointed me to Christ, my True North, when my focus gets off center. They were not perfect but they shared through their writings what it means to love and follow Christ.