A Note From the Damned - Me!

I am a ‘Christian’. More specifically, I am a ‘non-denominational’ protestant [a member of any of several church denominations denying the universal authority of the Pope and affirming the Reformation principles of justification by faith alone, the priesthood of all believers, and the primacy of the Bible as the only source of revealed truth; broadly : a Christian not of a Catholic or Eastern church:: http://www.m-w.com/home.htm].

I believe, beyond doubt, Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
I also believe 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

That makes me damned!

According to the Roman Catholic Church, I am Damned; “However, for those that knowingly and deliberately commit sins of heresy (rejecting divinely revealed doctrine [of the Catholic Church]) or schism (separating from the Catholic Church and/or joining a schismatic church), no salvation would be possible…”
“Notice that the same Fathers who declare the normative necessity of being Catholic also declare the possibility of salvation for some who are not Catholics. These can be saved by what later came to be known as “baptism of blood” or “baptism of desire”
http://www.catholic.com/library/Salvation_Outside_the_Church.asp

1258 The Church has always held the firm conviction that those who suffer death for the sake of the faith without having received Baptism are baptized by their death for and with Christ. This Baptism of blood, like the desire for Baptism, brings about the fruits of Baptism without being a sacrament.

1260 …Every man who is ignorant of the Gospel of Christ and of his Church, but seeks the truth and does the will of God in accordance with his understanding of it, can be saved. It may be supposed that such persons would have desired Baptism explicitly if they had known its necessity.

1263 By Baptism all sins are forgiven, original sin and all personal sins, as well as all punishment for sin. In those who have been reborn nothing remains that would impede their entry into the Kingdom of God, neither Adam's sin, nor personal sin, nor the consequences of sin, the gravest of which is separation from God.
http://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p2s2c1a1.htm

Since I am a heretic (I reject some of the teachings of the Catholic Church) and am schismatic (I am separated from the Catholic Church), No salvation is possible. In fact, according to ‘Canons’ 1258 and 1260 - Osama Bin Laden, Saddam Hussein, and Muhammad Atta stand a better chance of salvation through ‘Baptism of blood’ and ‘desired Baptism explicitly’. [Muhammad Atta - may have fallen under the Canons 1258 and 1260. Of course, by strict interpretation - any religious zealot, ignorant of the ‘Doctrine’ of the Catholic Church - regardless of what terrible things they did in the ‘name of God’, could qualify - including Hitler, and Stalin.]

I am further damned because I absolutely denounce ‘Canon’ 1263. Being submerged in, or sprinkled with water does NOT forgive sins.

*
According to Islam and the Qur’an, I am Damned; "If anyone desires a religion other than Islam (Submission to Allah), Never will it be accepted of him; and in the Hereafter he will be in the ranks of those who have lost."(Qur'an 3:85)
http://www.islamworld.net/

“A Muslim believes that man must work out his salvation through the guidance of Allah. No one can act on behalf of another or intercede between him and Allah. In order to obtain salvation, a person must combine faith and action, belief and practice. Faith without doing good deeds is as insufficient as doing good deeds without faith.” “Also, a Muslim believes that Allah does not hold any person responsible until he has shown him the Right Way. If people do not know and have no way of knowing about Islam, they will not be responsible for failing to be Muslim. Every Muslim must preach Islam in words and action.”
http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/fundamentals/pillars/intropillars.html

I desire a religion other than Islam. I am further damned because I have been ‘shown’ Islam and I believe Salvation is through faith, not works (see Eph. 2:8-9 above)

*

According to Judaism, I am Damned; “The nature of man is basically good, or neutral, free from the encumbrance of original sin. Thus, man may be optimistic and hopeful about his future. “Jews believe that God's providence extends to all people but that God entered into a special Covenant with the ancient Israelites. They do not believe that they were chosen for any special privileges but rather to bring God's message to humanity by their example. Belief in a coming Messiah has been a source of optimism for Jews.” “The beliefs of Judaism have never been formulated in an official creed; Judaism stresses conduct rather than doctrinal correctness. Its adherents have a considerable measure of latitude in matters of belief, especially concerning the messianic future and immortality.
http://mb-soft.com/believe/txo/judaism.htm

I do not believe that man is 'basically' good (Jeremiah 17:9. “The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?") I believe the Messiah has already come, been crucified, dead, buried and resurrected - Jesus Christ. I do not believe in ‘Salvation through ‘conduct’ (works - again see Eph 2:8-9).

*

According to Buddhism, I am Damned (or at least I will repeat this life as an annoying insect - and never reach Nirvana); “Buddhism sees ignorance rather than sin as the roadblock to salvation. That is, the belief that the world and self truly exist, keeps the illusory wheel of existence rolling--only destruction of that belief will stop the mad course of the world. Its doctrine is summed up in the Four Noble Truths: (1) life is basically suffering, or dissatisfaction; (2) the origin of that suffering lies in craving or grasping; (3) the cessation of suffering is possible through the cessation of craving; and (4) the way to cease craving and so attain escape from continual rebirth is by following Buddhist practice, known as the Noble Eightfold Path.”
http://wri.leaderu.com/wri-table2/buddhism.html#salvation

I believe sin separates us from God and Heaven, and ignorance of that fact leads to destruction. Romans 3:23, “"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,"

*
According to Hinduism, I am Damned (or at least will repeat this life many, many, many, many, many times); “The final goal of salvation in Hinduism is escape from the endless round of birth, death, and rebirth. That can mean an eternal resting place for the individual personality in the arms of a loving, personal God, but it usually means the dissolving of all personality into the unimaginable abyss of Brahman.” “Four yogas, or ways of reaching such salvation, are described: (I) jnana yoga, the way of knowledge, employs philosophy and the mind to comprehend the unreal nature of the universe; (2) bhakti yoga, the way of devotion or love, reaches salvation through ecstatic worship of a divine being; (3) karma yogo, the way of action, strives toward salvation by performing works without regard for personal gain; and (4) raja yoga, "the royal road," makes use of meditative yoga techniques. Raja yoga is usually viewed as the highest way, but for the majority of people, who cannot become wandering monks, the other ways are considered valid.”
http://wri.leaderu.com/wri-table2/hinduism.html#salvation

I do not believe in reincarnation (Hebrews 9:27, “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,”). Each of the ‘Four yogas’ it is incumbent upon man to reach God, not God to save Man. Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Only God can make man holy.

*
According to Humanists, I am not Damned; Since humanists believe that there is no ‘Divine’, no ‘supernatural’, and no heaven and hell…I am just a lunatic heretic squawking about the nonexistent. Maybe they will give me better medications.

I do believe in the ‘Divine’, supernatural, heaven and hell, and say to humanists; Romans 1:21-21, “because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools,". My favorite on the subject, Psalm 53:1, "The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, and have done abominable iniquity; There is none who does good."

***
I am fairly certain that since I am ‘Damned’ or a 'heretic' by the major ‘religions’ of the world, that I’m probably ‘Damned’ by the majority of minor religions as well.

That is all right. It means, since I am a ‘heretic’, whatever I post on this site cannot offend anyone!

A Dangerous Step

A Dangerous Step

I have added ‘Religions’ to ‘Views on Politics & History’. It seems to be a dangerous leap. However, my posts regarding Palestine vs. Israel, could be construed equally as ‘Religious’ or ‘Historical’, it does not seem that big a leap.

I have edited the post ‘Love to Argue!’ to include ‘apologetics’ since, here, I will ‘give answer to’ or ‘defense of’ my comments and beliefs.

Since I have been ‘spurned’ by a couple of other blogs, I may from time to time visit them, and then address the topics here, instead of there.

I have previously stated that I ‘believe’ my primary ministry is the blog on debt. It is to share my Biblical studies, and experiences on debt at Free to Serve.

That ‘ministry’ is finite. There will come a day, in the not to distant future, when that ‘argument’ will be complete. I will have finished presenting the material, and that blog will enter the realm of apologetics. I will ‘defend’ my argument. That leaves the groundwork here for what may possibly become a ‘new’ area of ministry. In the meantime, as God, time, and my condition allows, I will add, argue and defend posts here.

A note regarding the Bible, I believe the Bible to be an exegesis of the Bible - That is, I believe the Bible explains itself. Some topics are ‘mysteries’. I revert to the quote in “Setting the Record Straight” by Count Zinzendorf, “in essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty and in all things charity (love).” If I don’t know the answer, can not find the answer, or believe the Bible does not address an issue, I will not comment on it, or if I do, I will try to make it quite clear that it is an opinion without direct Biblical support.

What qualifies me to even be ‘commenting’ on a Biblical view of Politics, History, or Religions? As previously stated, I am not ‘educated’ in theology. I have a burning desire to know the Truth of the Word. I have at my ‘disposal’ an array of guides, helps, commentaries, etc. I have access to the internet, where a surprising amount of information can be found. I have direct, and indirect access to people I consider godly Christians. Proverbs 11:14 says, “Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” Those are my ‘qualifications’.

“Separation of Church and State” ≠ “There is No God”

What DID our ‘Founding Fathers’ intend when they wrote the Constitution of the United States and the ‘Bill of Rights’? Specifically, what did they intend or mean by the First Amendment, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”?

There is little doubt that the ‘Founding Fathers’ were educated men. There is little doubt, from their historical writings that most were at least Deists, if not deeply committed men of various religions. Disregarding popular internet misquotes, evidence of their belief in the ‘Divine’ is found in the very first sentence of the Declaration of Independence, “When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.”

Why was their very first Amendment an seeming ‘attack’ on religion?

The answer is found in two passages. One must examine the second sentence of the second paragraph of the ‘Declaration of Independence’. "--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. --" Second one must also look to the first sentence of the Constitution, “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”

Abraham Lincoln in the ‘Gettysburg Address’ paraphrased the common combination of these sentences eloquently. When he said, “Democracy is the government of the people, by the people, for the people.”

The ‘Founding Fathers’ were embarking on a ‘great experiment’, a modern democracy without the ‘benefit’ of a King. England had formed a type of Democracy with the ‘Magna Carta’ in 1215. Later revisions to the English government in 1628, and 1689 expanded this definition, but a ‘true’ democratic government did not exist.

The ‘Founding Fathers’, as learned and educated men, identified two obstacles to the establishment of a democracy. The first was ‘tyrannical’ rule by a single person. The second was ‘outside’ influence to governance. The first obstacle they dealt with in the body of the Constitution itself, by establishing the balance of power between the three the branches of Government.

The second element of ‘outside’ influence was more difficult to address. These men understood their own history. They were perfectly aware that the Roman Catholic Church believed in the primacy and secular authority of the Pope over civil governments.
They knew of Cardinal Richelieu’s ‘governance’ of France. They had repeatedly seen the intervention of the Catholic Church in civil affairs. They knew that, with the exception of England, most of the ‘Crown Heads’ of Europe were affirmed and elevated by the Catholic Church. They knew that Henry VIII had to ‘break’ from the Catholic Church in 1534 in order to ‘keep’ his crown (and get a divorce). They knew the English wars and intrigues surrounding Mary, Queen of Scots and Elizabeth I were almost solely motivated by religion. They had ‘seen’ this ‘intrigue’ and open warfare between ‘Catholic’ and ‘non-Catholic’ monarchs rage across Europe for over 100 years.

Our ‘Founding Fathers’ lived in a time when the ‘Protestant Reformation’ was not ‘ancient history’. The ‘Spanish Inquisition’* was in its last days, but it was still a clear indictment that a religion could and did exercise civil authority. They did not live in ‘Modern Society’ where the only ‘real’ war between Protestants and Catholics was the ‘curious’ but troubling situation in Northern Ireland. In their day, heads of state and governments rose and fell because of their religious affiliation.

*“Pope Sixtus issued a Papal Bull giving authority for an Inquisition. However, the authorization was actually given to the Spanish crown. Thus, the Spanish Inquisition was founded to purify the nation from heretics.” [http://www.bibletopics.com/biblestudy/64.htm]

*The Catholic sovereigns were determined to have a united country, and they did not believe this ambition could be achieved unless all their subjects accepted one religion. This they were determined to bring about through persuasion, if possible, and if not, by force. Spain under Isabella and Ferdinand was ripe for the Inquisition; that was why the cruel institution was embraced so heartily and continued to survive until the nineteenth century (J. Plaidy, The Spanish Inquisition, 1967, p.86).

These were the days of our ‘Founding Fathers’. They knew that a government - answering to a ‘Religion’ - could NEVER be ‘of the people, by the people, for the people.’ They knew that in order to preserve the Union and the Democracy, they had to keep ANY ‘Religion’ from exercising its own ‘agenda’ and ‘outside’ influence in disregard to the will of the ‘people’.

If our ‘Founding Fathers’ were alive today, there is little doubt they would be appalled at the current state of affairs in this country. There is little doubt they would consider ‘Humanism’ a religion. They would also consider the efforts of ‘Humanism’, represented by the ACLU, a direct attack on the Constitution and the First Amendment.

Humanism**: a doctrine, attitude, or way of life centered on human interests or values; especially: a philosophy that usually rejects supernaturalism and stresses an individual's dignity and worth and capacity for self-realization through reason.

Religion**: a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith

**http://www.m-w.com/home.htm

Humanism and the ACLU qualify as a religion, “a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith”. It is obvious from their ongoing lawsuits that they have an ardor and an agenda. It is obvious that their agenda includes ‘outlawing’ any other religion in the United States. We should call their ‘Crusade’ the ‘American Inquisition’. Borrowing from J. Plaidy, the ‘Humanists, and ACLU, are “determined to have a united country, and they did not believe this ambition could be achieved unless all their subjects accepted one religion. This they were determined to bring about through persuasion, if possible, and if not, by force.” Their ‘religion’ is “There is NO God!”

The ACLU’s ongoing ‘persecution’ of ANY reference to the Supernatural or Divine in Government amounts to ‘religious intolerance’. How many teachers, government employees, even Federal Judges have lost their jobs due to this ‘Inquisition’. This is a deliberate attempt to influence the government. They are, by their very actions, proving the necessity for the First Amendment. Our ‘Founding Fathers’ would have little difficulty in identifying humanists and the ACLU for what it is: An organized religion attempting to exercise its will over the will of the people.

If this ‘Religion’ continues to win court battles, without its proper label, a ‘Religion’, then a ‘government of the people, by the people, for the people’ will cease to exist. In its place we will have a Government of the ‘Religious’ elite, Humanists with total religious intolerance. The First Amendment will become the ‘weapon’ of the ‘American Inquisition’.

Our ‘Founding Fathers’ intended and contended, justly, that a religious order should NEVER override the will of the people. They never intended for an ‘outside’ influence to supercede the rights of the individual, or the collective will of the people. The ACLU has firmly established their desire to ‘outlaw’ God. That is not the will of this individual, or the will of the people.

Palestine vs. Israel OR Muslims vs. ‘The World’

Many people do not understand why Palestinians HATE Jews and many Muslims HATE both the Jews and ‘the West’. They do not understand why, through modern political means, that a ‘reasonable’ peace can not be established. They do not understand why for the past 60 years (since Israel became a nation again) there has been war. What they do not understand is that this is not a ‘Political’ issue, it is a ‘Religious’ issue. They do not understand that this is not a 60 year old issue; it is a 4000 year old issue. The enmity between Palestinians (and by proxy Muslims - I will explain) and Jews dates back to about 2000 years before Christ.

It all started with one man, and his wife doubting God’s promise! Image that. The ongoing violence between Palestinians and Jews, September 11, the ‘War on Terror’ and numerous other atrocities are all because one man and one woman did not trust God (It puts ‘Trusting God’ in a completely new perspective - at least for me).

About now, many are asking where this is going. Some are surmising that I’m going to ‘blame’ Adam and Eve. No, I’m not going to blame Adam and Eve, although through them sin entered the world, and it hasn’t been the same since.

No, in this case, the ‘culprits’ are Abraham and his wife Sarai.
The first part of the story is God’s promise to Abraham (Abram - his name was changed later) recorded in Genesis 13:14 - 17, “And the Lord said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him: “Lift your eyes now and look from the place where you are— northward, southward, eastward, and westward; for all the land which you see I give to you and your descendants forever. And I will make your descendants as the dust of the earth; so that if a man could number the dust of the earth, then your descendants also could be numbered. Arise, walk in the land through its length and its width, for I give it to you.””

This ‘Land’ is the modern day area of Israel and Palestine. This is the ‘first part’ of understanding the ongoing troubles between Palestinians and Jews.

Part two of the story is God promising Abraham an heir. Genesis 15:4, “And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, saying, “This one shall not be your heir, but one who will come from your own body shall be your heir.” God promised Abraham a land for his descendants and an heir ‘from his own body’ - offspring.

This is where it starts getting a little complicated. Sarai, Abraham’s wife was ‘barren’; she had given Abraham no heir. Out of earthly wisdom, and lack of trust in God to deliver on his promises, Sarai and Abraham came up with a plan of their own. Genesis 16:2, “So Sarai said to Abram, “See now, the Lord has restrained me from bearing children. Please, go in to my maid; perhaps I shall obtain children by her.” And Abram heeded the voice of Sarai.” Sarai’s maidservant, Hagar, conceived. One can continue reading the story in Genesis 16, but the next important piece of the puzzle is in verses10 -12, “Then the Angel of the Lord said to her, “I will multiply your descendants exceedingly, so that they shall not be counted for multitude.” And the Angel of the Lord said to her: “Behold, you are with child, And you shall bear a son. You shall call his name Ishmael, Because the Lord has heard your affliction. He shall be a wild man; His hand shall be against every man, And every man’s hand against him. And he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.””

So Abraham’s FIRST son is Ishmael, “a wild man, His hand shall be against every man, And every man’s hand against him.” Regardless of what we do (or Abraham did) God keeps His promises…God promised a multitude of descendants, He repeated that promise to Hagar.

That wasn’t God’s plan. God’s plan was to bless Abraham through Sarai. In Genesis17, God makes additional promises to Abraham, including a son by Sarai (named changed to Sarah). God makes a promise to that son (Isaac) in verses 19 - 21, God establishes His promise to Isaac and confirms His promise to Ishmael. Genesis 19 - 21, “Then God said: “No, Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac; I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his descendants after him. And as for Ishmael, I have heard you. Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly. He shall beget twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation.”

God keeps His promise to Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 21:2 -3, “For Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him. And Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him—whom Sarah bore to him— Isaac.”

Now we skip forward (in the narrative of Genesis) to Abraham’s sacrifice. There is a very important passage, Genesis 22:2, “Then He said, “Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.”” Continuing in verse 12, God speaks to Abraham, “And He said, “Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.”

Finally, there is the Promise of God because of the sacrifice by Abraham. Genesis 22:16 - 18, “and said: “By Myself I have sworn, says the Lord, because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only son— blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies. In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.”

By now, some are wondering what this has to do with anything.

Let us review:
God promised the land of Canaan (Israel and Palestine) to Abraham’s descendants.
God promised Abraham an heir.
Abraham and Sarah ‘compromised’ and Abraham had a son by Hagar, named Ishmael.
God promised Ishmael that he would be a great nation.
God promised Abraham an heir through Sarah.
Abraham had a son named Isaac through Sarah.
God promised Abraham that Isaac would also be a great nation.

Abraham had two sons, Ishmael and Isaac, both promised to be great nations.

Okay, thanks for the history lesson on Abraham, what has that to do with anything?

****************************************
As Paul Harvey would say, “Now, the rest of the story.”

Abraham had two sons, Ishmael and Isaac.
Remember Genesis 16:12 says about Ishmael, “He shall be a wild man; His hand shall be against every man, And every man’s hand against him.” Whether that is also ‘promise’ about his descendants is unknown, but it certainly seems so.

Abraham is the ‘father’ of TWO great ‘nations’. He is the father of the Jews, by Isaac, and Palestinians, by Ishmael.

Additionally:

Abraham is the ‘father’ of TWO 'great' (large) religions. He is the father of Judaism, by Isaac, and Islam, by Ishmael.

Allah, of Islam and God (Jehovah) of Judaism is the same ‘God’. [In 'name' only. The 'Allah' described in the Quaran - is 'supposedly' the 'God' of Abraham, however any resemblence to the 'God' described in the Bible, ends there.]

The Quaran argues (states) that because Ishmael was the ‘First Born’ of Abraham; the land of Canaan belongs to the Palestinians because of the promise in Genesis 13:14 - 17. As the ‘First Born’ Canaan is Ishmael’s inheritance, not Isaac’s.

That is why the Palestinians and Jews are constantly at war over Israel. Both ‘believe’ it is their inheritance.

Further, Islam argues that the book of Genesis is corrupt because of Genesis 22:2 and 12 where the phrase ‘only son’ is used. Islam claims the event recorded in Genesis 22 happened before Isaac was born, and the Jews changed the name from Ishmael to Isaac to ‘steal’ their additional promise. Additionally, it is argued that the Covenant of Genesis 17:5-9 where God promises to be the ‘God to you and your descendants’ applies to the ‘descendants of Ishmael’ for two reasons. First, Ishmael was circumcised with Abraham as a sign of that covenant (vs10 & 23). Second, Isaac had not been born yet, so obviously (according to Islam, this promise was to Ishmael).
Conventional Judaism (and Christianity) argue that Ishmael was given one promise and Isaac another because vss 15 - 19 specify Isaac. Additionally, Genesis 17:21 states SPECIFICALLY, “But My covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear to you at this set time next year.” In the previous verse, God made His promise to Ishmael to make him a great nation. Isaac is referred to as the ‘only son’ because he was the ‘Son of the Covenant’ that God would be the God of Isaac and his descendants (this is where the phrase ‘chosen people’ originates). Additionally at the time Isaac was to be sacrificed, Ishmael and his mother Hagar had been banished from Abraham’s household.

At this point, it does not matter what one’s politics are.

What matters is:
The Palestinians and Muslims believe that they are ‘The Chosen People of God (Allah), Land of Canaan is their ‘rightful’ inheritance, and that as the descendents of Ishmael they, “shall possess the gate of their enemies.” They hate and are mortal enemies with the Jews because the Jews are trying to steal their inheritance. They hate and are mortal enemies with any people or nation that supports the Jews and Israel.

The Jews (and Christians*) believe that the Jews are the ‘Chosen People of God’, the Land of Canaan is their rightful inheritance, and the Palestinians are trying to steal their ‘rightful’ inheritance.

This is a Holy War to claim the inheritance promised by God. No lasting ‘political’ solution will be found until the times prophesied in the Bible. First, peace will be established during the ‘Tribulation’ by FORCE (and only last three to seven years). Second, peace will be established when Christ returns to earth to claim His earthly kingdom.



*Christians believe the Jews are the ‘Chosen People’ because Jesus was a Jew, and promised as His adopted children, they (we) will share in the inheritance of the Jews.

Love to Argue!

(edited 7/27/05 - to address 'apologetics')
A short note on definitions (of words as I use them):

I use the words ‘argue’ and ‘argument’ often, in their ‘true’ and ‘original’ meaning, NOT as synonyms for fight, quarrel, bicker, row, or squabble.

From the Merriam-Webster online dictionary: LINK

Main Entry: ar-gue
Function: verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French arguer to accuse, reason & Latin arguere to demonstrate, prove; Middle French arguer, from Latin argutare to prate, frequentative of arguere; akin to Hittite arkuwai- to plead, respond
intransitive senses
1: to give reasons for or against something: REASON
2: to contend or disagree in words: DISPUTE
transitive senses
1: to give evidence of: INDICATE
2: to consider the pros and cons of: DISCUSS
3: to prove or try to prove by giving reasons: MAINTAIN
4: to persuade by giving reasons: INDUCE

Main Entry: ar-gu-ment
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin argumentum, from arguere
1 obsolete: an outward sign: INDICATION
2 a: a reason given in proof or rebuttal b: discourse intended to persuade
3 a: the act or process of arguing: ARGUMENTATION b: a coherent series of statements leading from a premise to a conclusion c: QUARREL, DISAGREEMENT

Main Entry: apol-o-get-ics
Pronunciation: -tiks
Function: noun plural but singular or plural in construction
1 : systematic argumentative discourse in defense (as of a doctrine)
2 : a branch of theology devoted to the defense of the divine origin and authority of Christianity

I like these definitions better than: ‘Debate’ (a regulated discussion of a proposition between two matched sides) because I am trying to convince you, not just present a ‘differing’ opinion. I am defending my position and beliefs. I am presenting my position and beliefs, based on experience and Biblical study with the INTENTION of proving, and persuading others to that position.

That being said, when one reads the word ‘argue’ and ‘argument’ here, one should not ‘hear’ - ‘fight’, one should ‘hear’ - ‘persuade’, ‘convince’ and ‘prove’.

Seeing Black & White in a World of Shades of Grey.

Now that you know what I believe, you need to understand how I (try to) view the world.

Some call this a Christian or Biblical World View:

Jesus Christ lived a sinless life: Matthew 1:22, 23: Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5: 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14,15; I Cor. 15:3, 4; Romans 1:3,4; Acts 1:9-11; I Timothy 6:14,15; Titus 2:13
Hebrews 4:14-15, “Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.”

God is the all-powerful (omnipotent) and all-knowing (omniscient) Creator of the universe and He rules it now and forever: Gen. 1:1, 26, 27, 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; I Peter 1:2: 2 Cor. 13:14
Psalm 90:1, 2, “Before the mountains were brought forth, Or ever You had formed the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.”

The Bible is accurate in all of its teachings: 2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20, 21; 2 Tim. 1:13; Psalm 119:105, 160; 12:6; Proverbs 30:5; Matthew 5:18
Psalm 119:160, “The entirety of Your word is truth, And every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever.”

Ergo: If Jesus Christ is real, God is real, and the Bible is accurate:

Then the following must ipso facto be TRUE:

Salvation (eternity spent with God as opposed to being separated from God in Hell) is a gift…It is impossible to earn. Romans 6:23; Eph. 2:8, 9; John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5; Revelation 3:20
Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”

Satan is a real entity. 1 Peter 5:8; Revelation 9:11; John 8:44; Acts 5:3
1 Peter 5:8, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”

Christians have a Duty to share their faith with other people. I Peter 2:9; Matthew 28:19, 24:14, 26:13; Mark 14:9; Romans 1:8; Colossians 1:6
Matthew 28:19, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,”

Absolute Moral truth EXISTS and the Bible defines THAT TRUTH. 2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20, 21; 2 Tim. 1:13; Psalm 119:105, 160; 12:6; Proverbs 30:5; Matthew 5:18; Philippians 4:8; 1 Samuel 12:24; 1 Corinthians 13:6; Ephesians 5:9:
2 Timothy 3:16-17, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
John 17:17, “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.”

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The ‘Moral’ TRUTH of the Bible is one of the most assaulted parts of Christian life. We are battered constantly by ‘situational ethics’ and humanism. There is a constant battle to get Christians to compromise that ONE FACT. “You Shall Not Steal.” Means YOU SHALL NOT STEAL! Not,”It is okay if you are not caught.” Not, “They were not using it anyway.” Not, “I just borrowed it.” Stealing is stealing. As Christians, as people living in a corrupt world, we are constantly tempted by ‘little sins’, and ‘little white lies’. “Everybody does it,” is not an answer, its rationalization. Satan is using the world constantly to convince Christians that rationalizing sin makes it not sin. The major purpose of this assault is to get us to compromise. If Satan can coerce us into compromising ONE aspect of Truth…ALL Truth becomes suspect. If we say just once, “The Bible doesn’t REALLY mean that,” then EVERYTHING else becomes compromised. The Bible is not situational ethics; it is True…the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. What is right is right, everything left is wrong. The Bible is definitive…it is absolute black and white, right and wrong. It is not ‘sometimes right’ and ‘sometimes sin’.

There is a line in a movie that goes something like, “When you dance with the Devil, you don’t change the Devil, he changes you.” It is an excellent paraphrase of the importance of standing firm on beliefs. Fortunately, the opposite is true, and promised. When you spend time with God, God changes you! (Romans 12:1-2).

Romans 12:1-2, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

Understand it is a life’s endeavor (and Christian duty) to see only black and white in world that Satan wants to be seen as shades of grey.

Setting the Record Straight.

Before beginning this blog, we need to set the record straight!
It is important for the reader to know WHAT I BELIEVE. (Sometimes called a ‘statement of faith’ and used almost exclusively by churches and ‘religious’ organizations, I believe an ‘Individual’ should have a ‘statement of faith’. The preferred format is written, with Biblical references. This allows individuals to remind themselves of where they stand, so they do not fall prey to the plethora of ‘kind of Biblical’ doctrines abounding today.)

Where Do I Stand?
I start with a quote by Count Zinzendorf, a leader of the Protestant Reformation. The Quote from Count Zinzendorf is “in essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty and in all things charity (love).”
Here is what I believe and live by as the essentials of the Christian faith.

B.L.U.F. – Bottom Line Up Front
Jesus Christ, GOD, the one and only Son of God, crucified, dead, resurrected, reigning….IS My Savior

Zinzendorf’s quote:
In essential beliefs — we have unity:
“There is one Body and Spirit…there is one Lord, on faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of us all…” Eph. 4:4-6.
In non-essential beliefs — we have liberty:
“Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters… Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls… So then each of us will give an account of himself to God… So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God.” Romans 14:1-4,12,22
In all our beliefs — we show charity (love):
“…If I hold in my mind not only all human knowledge but also the very secrets of God, and if I have the faith that can move mountains – but have no love, I amount to nothing at all.” I Cor. 13:2 (Ph)

GOD
I believe in one living and true God. God is the Creator, Ruler, and Preserver of all things. God is a spirit, and God is love. I believe that God is eternal, infinite, all-powerful, all wise, almighty and unchangeable, yet can be known by humanity and is intensely concerned for His creation. I believe in the unity of the Godhead, which, in the divine mystery, is one substance yet Three persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. God is perfectly just and righteous as well as being gracious and merciful.
Gen. 1:1, 26, 27, 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; I Peter 1:2: 2 Cor. 13:14

JESUS CHRIST
I believe in Jesus Christ as the only Son of God, fully human and fully God. I believe that he was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. By Jesus’ incarnation, God became one of us to declare best to humanity His Love and Purpose. Jesus walked among us and in his sinless ness, became the perfect sacrifice for our sin. He suffered at the hands of humanity, was crucified, died and was buried and resurrected. The purpose was to restore our relationship with God, which was broken by sin.
He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory to intercede on our behalf with the God. He will return someday to earth to reign as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.
Matthew 1:22, 23: Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5: 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14,15; I Cor. 15:3, 4; Romans 1:3,4; Acts 1:9-11; I Timothy 6:14,15; Titus 2:13

THE HOLY SPIRIT
I believe in the Holy Spirit as the person of the Holy Trinity who lives within us. The Spirit convicts us of sin, and guides us in repentance. The Spirit offers us comfort, helps us and gives us understanding of God’s truth. The Holy Spirit also gives us the power to live the Christian life and directs us in the discovery and use of our spiritual gifts.
2 Cor. 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16, 17; Acts 1:8; I Cor. 2:12; 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Gal. 5:25; Ephesians 5:18

THE AUTHORITY OF SCRIPTURE
I believe that the Holy Scriptures (the Bible) are and shall remain the only source and rule of doctrine, faith and practice. The Bible contains all the necessary truth to lead humanity into salvation. I believe that Christ is present with us in both Word and Sacrament and I decline to determine as binding what the Scripture has left undetermined or to argue about the mysteries impenetrable to human reason. Further, the Bible is God’s Word to us. Human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit, wrote it. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because God inspired it, it is the truth without any mixture of error.
2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20, 21; 2 Tim. 1:13; Psalm 119:105, 160; 12:6; Proverbs 30:5

HUMANITY AND SIN
I believe that God created humanity in His own image, pure and sinless. Yet through sin (disobeying God’s will) all humanity is sinful, having a selfish, rebellious and depraved nature. Being created in God’s image, I have the ability to determine what is right and wrong, as well as having the freedom to choose my own path. I also will be responsible for and held accountable for my actions and choices.
Sin destroys my ability to have a relationship with God. Sin is a way of life that seeks to satisfy wants and desires without regard of God. Sin is both individual acts of resisting, mistrusting and rejecting God’s will and the condition of my existence if I do not allow God to rule and direct my life. I believe that all of humanity is in bondage to sin and all are in need of salvation.
Genesis 1:27; Psalm8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1, 2

SALVATION
I believe that Jesus Christ is the one and only Savior of humanity. Mankind cannot save itself, but Jesus Christ, by dying on the cross for our sins, has mended our relationship with God. Humanity (as individuals) can be restored to that relationship only through acceptance and belief in Jesus Christ and his gift on the cross.
Recognizing Christ as Lord and Savior gives us the free gift of eternal life. Salvation is by grace and not through any human effort. Once I am in God’s grace, nothing can separate me from that eternal relationship. It is possible to fall into sin, but through confession and true repentance, I will find forgiveness and restored fellowship with God.
Romans 6:23; Eph. 2:8, 9; John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5

ABOUT ETERNITY
God created people to exist forever. We will either exist eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation or face judgment and damnation. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life through salvation. Those that have not been saved will be judged on their works and then be cast into the ‘Lake of Fire’ (Hell). Heaven and Hell are REAL places of eternal existence. John 3:16; 14:17; Romans 6:23; Romans 8:17-18; Revelation 20:10-15; I Cor. 2:7-9

THE CHRISTIAN LIFE
I believe that the true spirit of my faith is life-centered rather than creed-centered and maintain that the greatest evidence of a regenerated heart is godly living. I find guidance for living this life of faith in the simplest Christian confession, “Jesus is Lord.”
I believe the Christian Life (Sanctification) is the work of God and the power of the Holy Spirit, making the believer pure in heart and totally committed to God. This work is both instantaneous and progressive. It begins with the birth of faith and continues throughout a person’s life.
The effective Christian life brings the believers to a point where they will denounce a desire to live for themselves and will desire to live totally for God. At this point Jesus will be truly Lord of our lives.
I believe that even though humanity cannot receive salvation through good works, they are pleasing to God and give evidence of genuine faith. Christian living in itself builds faith and gives testimony to God’s will for a person’s life.
Romans 12:1,2; James 5:12; Eph. 5:22-6:4; 1 Cor. 6:1-8; Rom. 12:17-21; Gal. 5:22-23; Eph. 6:18; Phil. 4:6


MINISTRY IN THE CHURCH
I believe that the Holy Spirit has given spiritual gifts to all believers. The purpose of these gifts are the building up of the Body of Christ (the Church) - and bringing glory to God. I believe in the Priesthood of all believers and that all Christians share in the privilege and responsibility of ministry in the church.
It is the goal of every believer to discover and use his or her gifts of ministry as a witness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I believe that the church is called to evangelize the world, make disciples, and offer worthy worship to God. This mission is concerned with the individual souls of all people as well as the structures of the world. The social ministry of the church is one of justice, peace and equality.
I Peter 2:9; Eph. 1:22-23; 5:25-32; 1 Cor. 12:12-13; Eph. 4:11-16

THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST
I believe that Jesus Christ will return to this world again to receive his believers and to be the righteous judge of God’s perfect justice. The time of His return is unknown, but may be at any moment. This is the glorious hope of all believers. 1 Thess. 4:16-17; 1 Thess. 1:10; Rev. 3:10; Rev. 19:11-20:6

Welcome

I have another blog, “Unchained Slave - Free to Serve” [http://unchainedslave.blogspot.com/]. That blog is dedicated to a Biblical and experiential study of debt. I consider that blog my ‘ministry’. I was convicted that debt was sin. I learned what the Bible says about debt. I was rescued from the ‘pit’, and then compelled to share that with others.

This blog is a different story. From visiting and commenting on other blogs, I realized there were many ‘other’ things that I have knowledge and opinions about. Many of these are relevant in today’s society. That is the ‘birthplace’ of this blog.

It is necessary for the reader to understand how I perceive the Bible and the World, and the ‘way’ I present information. I am ‘reposting’ three ‘blogs’ from the other site: “Setting the Record Straight”, “Seeing Black & White in a World of Shades of Grey” and “Love to Argue!”

Here I present ‘discussions’ on various political and historical topics from what I believe is a Biblical World View. In that, “What has or is happening in the world viewed in the context of what the Bible says”. Some posts will be based solely on my opinion or historical research, or my view of ‘common sense’. Where appropriate I will endeavor to quote appropriate scripture or cite sources.
While this blog is (I believe) based on a Biblical World View, I am not a theologian, or ‘Master of Divinity’. I have no credentials in the conventional sense, just forty some odd years of experience and study.


**Unless otherwise noted: All Biblical quotes in this blog are from The New King James Version. 1996, c1982. Nashville: Thomas Nelson.