May 2012 Blog

Welcome to the MAY blog.

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Psalm 109:8

My wife and I were in slow-moving traffic the other day and we were stopped behind a car that had an unusual Obama bumper sticker on it.

It read: “Pray for Obama. Psalm 109:8.”

When we got home my wife got out the Bible and opened it to the scripture. She started laughing and laughing. Then she read it to me. I couldn’t believe what it said. I had a good laugh, too.

Psalm 109:8 – “Let his days be few, and let another take his office.”
                                                                                  -Anonymous

[I will assume that the first part of the verse is referring to his days in office being few. – jre]

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Contradicting the contradictors

Unbelievers are always trying to find contradictions in the Bible to discredit it so they won’t feel responsible to the God who gave it. One of the examples they bring up is the health of Moses.

The “Problem”

Some claim that the descriptions of Moses at 120 years old in
Deuteronomy 31 and 34 are contradictory.

And Moses was an hundred and twenty years old when he died: his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated (Deuteronomy 34:7)

And Moses went and spake these words unto all Israel. And he said unto them, I am an hundred and twenty years old this day; I can no more go out and come in: also the Lord hath said unto me, Thou shalt not go over this Jordan (Deuteronomy 31:1,2).

So which is it? Was Moses unable to “go out and come in,” or was he hale and hearty at 120? If the latter, how? First let’s look at the surrounding context to see if there is anything that might be helpful in solving our riddle. The first verse of chapter 34:1 credits Moses with hiking “from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah.” This was quite the feat for an old man, especially one of 120 (at least by today’s standards). So it would appear there is a contradiction. After all, how can a man incapable of “going in and coming out” be described as vigorous?

The Solution

This supposed contradiction is a false dilemma. As revealed by the context of Scripture, the phrase “go out and come in” has nothing to do with physical fitness. We can see in Numbers 27 that it was used to describe the leadership given to Moses.

“Let the Lord, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation, Which may go out before them, and which may go in before them, and which may lead them out, and which may bring them in; that the congregation of the Lord be not as sheep which have no shepherd” (Numbers 27:16-17).

We can also see this phrase later used by Solomon:

“Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, that is so great?” (2 Chronicles 1:10).

In neither of these cases does the phrase “go out and come in” refer to the physical rigors of life. Rather, it refers to the leading of the people. And so, the picture becomes clear, which is why the context says that the Lord said Moses would not cross over the Jordan with them.

Conclusion

The Israelites were at the border of the Promised Land—a land which Moses could not enter (per the punishment God decreed in Numbers 20). It was time for Joshua to take the reins and lead the people into the inheritance God had promised them. When Moses said he could “no longer go out and come in,” he simply meant that God had revoked his right to lead the people.

The question then becomes, how could Moses really be physically fit enough to climb a mountain at 120 years old? Exodus 6 actually explains this rather handily, as it lists the lifespans of Amram (the father of Moses), Kohath (grandfather), and Levi (great-grandfather). According to those records, Amram lived to be 137, Kohath reached 133, and Levi also lived to 137. When this information and all the miraculous events surrounding the life of Moses are taken into account, it actually seems more amazing that he died so young!

- Kyle Runge in Demolishing Supposed Bible Contradictions Vol. 2 (See book section below)

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The Ant and The Grasshopper

Traditional Version:
The ant works hard in the withering heat all summer long, building his house and laying up supplies for the winter. The grasshopper thinks the ant is a fool and laughs and dances and plays the summer away. Come winter, the ant is warm and well fed. The grasshopper has no food or shelter, so he dies out in the cold.

Moral of the story:
Be responsible for yourself!

Modern Version:
The ant works hard in the withering heat all summer long, building his house and laying up supplies for the winter. The grasshopper thinks the ant is a fool and laughs and dances and plays the summer away. Come winter, the shivering grasshopper calls a press conference and demands to know why the ant should be warm and well fed while others are cold and starving.

CBS, NBC, ABC and CNN show up to provide pictures of the shivering grasshopper next to a video of the ant in his comfortable home with a table filled with food. America is stunned by the sharp contrast. How can this be, that in a country of such wealth, this poor grasshopper is allowed to suffer so? Kermit the Frog appears on MSNBC with the grasshopper, and everybody cries when they sing, “It’s Not Easy Being Green.” Jesse Jackson stages a demonstration in front of the ant’s house where the news stations film the group singing, “We shall overcome.” Jesse then has the group kneel down to pray to God for the grasshopper’s sake.

Left-wing leaders, in every media outlet they can find, exclaim that the ant has gotten rich off the back of the grasshopper and call for an immediate tax hike on the ant to make him pay his fair share.

Finally, the EEOC drafts the Economic Equity and Anti-Grasshopper Act retroactive to the beginning of the summer! The ant is fined for failing to hire a proportionate number of green bugs and, having nothing left to pay his retroactive taxes, his home is confiscated by the government.

Hillary Clinton gets her old law firm to represent the grasshopper in a defamation suit against the ant, and the case is tried before a panel of federal judges that Barack Obama appointed from a list of single-parent welfare recipients. The ant loses the case.

The story ends as we see the grasshopper finishing up the last bits of the ant’s food while the government house he is in, which just happens to be the ant’s old house, crumbles around him because he doesn’t maintain it.

The ant has disappeared in the snow. The grasshopper is found dead in a drug related incident and the house, now abandoned, is taken over by a gang of spiders who terrorize the once peaceful neighborhood.

MORAL OF THE STORY:
Be careful how you vote in 2012!

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Smoking and drinking

It needs to be said again: Pentecostals were right on the issue of smoking and drinking. We must never compromise our stand on these sins just because there seems to be “bigger” issues that face our people today. There are 80,000 deaths every year in America alone directly related to alcohol. There are over 400,000 deaths due to smoking every year. That is almost one-half million folks taken down by these habits every year.

It makes the front page headlines when one or two persons are killed by goofy gunmen, while no media outlet wants to point to the hundreds of thousands dying every year from nicotine and alcohol. It shows the power of the almighty dollar. The only entity that will take a stand on this issue is the church. Are we becoming lethargic regarding these sins?

Folks once knew when they came to an altar that one of the things they were to repent of was “smoking and drinking.” When they were converted, they were delivered from these practices. Today, it is more of a “try to overcome them over time” approach because they never heard it mentioned before coming to the altar. Perhaps we should not be so hard on Joel Osteen or Rick Warren if we become so sophisticated that we never mention those things that folks need to walk away from at the altar.

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Fear

From The Best of E. L. Holley

Fear torments! Fear of failure. Fear of rejection. Fear of forces outside us. Name it and we must readily admit that “fear hath torment” (I John 4:18).

The fear of failure can paralyze us, causing us to never try. We thereby suffer the greatest of all failures! This happens when we think of ourselves as failures because we’ve failed. But there is a great difference between having failed and being a failure!

Some of our greatest missionaries suffered defeat after defeat before they broke through to great victory. Saints of God have been bolstered in the faith through apparent ability to exercise simple faith for simple things. Few great soul-winners win every soul, but they reach beyond their ability to reach some who will reach others. Somehow, they fail to acknowledge failure in their pursuit of the possible!

Rejection is one of life’s bitterest cups! No one has taste buds for it. Consequently, some of us refrain from offering ourselves. It’s safer that way. Rather than feel the chill that accompanies the refusal of our offer we tend to withhold ourselves.

Yet some of life’s greatest rewards are bestowed upon those who come to grips with a simple but profound truth: we will never be rejected as Jesus was rejected until we offer ourselves as He offered Himself Because it was in the seedling of His rejection that the offering of Himself was acceptable! Can it be any different for us? Does not genuine acceptance on the basis of righteousness far outweigh the momentary experience of rejection, no matter how bitter?

Sometimes it seems that we are so very vulnerable to forces beyond to our control. Everything seems to collapse around us. Feelings of helplessness tend toward various forms of hopelessness. Fear magnifies and twists small and insignificant facts into formidable mountains laden with disaster.

Fear of the unknown can only be overcome by acquaintance with the known! While it is true that we know not what can befall us, it is also true that there is a place where there is no fear. And, in the absence of fear there is no torment!

There is no fear in love: but perfect love casteth our fear (I John 4:18). Let us seek the inner security and peace found in real love. This is both our privilege and responsibility. It will enable us to love God and our neighbor. Is not this the identifying hallmark of His disciples?

Failure is no threat to a person filled and motivated by the love of God. Rejection does not haunt our thoughts. We see ourselves in His stead. And, if He was rejected, why shouldn’t we be? Nothing from without can crush that which is within when love houses our souls!

Let each of us share the truth of our salvation in love. Thus, we cannot fail. He will accept us, and those whom He calls will as well. And nothing that is formed against us shall prosper.

There is victory in love!

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What’s a psychology degree worth?

Some of our Apostolic ministers and laymen have expressed a desire to go to college to get a psychology degree. Perhaps they are thinking that it would recommend them for a big salary somewhere. Well, here are the facts about the top 15 college majors with the highest unemployment rates:

 Number 1: clinical psychology

Number 5: educational psychology

Number 7: Organizational and industrial psychology

Number 8: Miscellaneous psychology

Number 12: Social psychology

In other words, four out of the top 10 and five out of the top 15 occupations that are hard put to find employment are those with psychology degrees. Before you start throwing darts at me, these statistics have been put together by Lynn O’Shaughnessy and they appear at http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505145_162-57325132/25-college-majors-with-the-highest-unemployment-rates/. It is from his list, published at this site, that the statistics were drawn.

O’Shaughnessy said, “The worst nightmare of a college student has got to be graduating without a job. And the college major that a student selects can actually increase his or her chances of getting stuck in an unemployment line. College majors that are hampered by high unemployment rates include a variety of psychology degrees, fine arts and architecture. The Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce delved into U.S. Census Bureau statistics to determine the employment rates of 173 college majors. I crossed them against a list of the most popular college majors. Five of the college majors with the worst job prospects on this list are related to psychology. Ironically, psychology is the fifth most popular college degree.”

 If God called you to preach, preach! Study preaching. Study the Word. Major in ministry and serving. Learn principles of the Word. Trust God. He will take care of you. If He called you to preach, He called you to preach the Word, not some theory put together by shamans, mystics, and pagans. It is best to leave the theoretical philosophies to the secularists, humanists and atheists. That is where they like to hang out. “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy…” (Colossians 2:8).

So what’s a psychology degree worth? Mostly, to be able to say, “I have one.”

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Is Christianity the only path to Heaven?

Some pastors don’t think so.

By Katherine Weber, Christian Post Reporter

April 13, 2012|8:45 am

A recent survey conducted by LifeWay Research found that while a majority of Protestant pastors believe Christianity is the only way to obtain eternal life, there is a small percentage who strongly feel other religions offer eternal salvation as well.

The survey asked 1,000 Protestant pastors the question, “If a person is sincerely seeking God, he/she can obtain eternal life through religions other than Christianity.”

Seventy-seven percent of the pastors questioned said that they strongly disagree with the statement and seven percent somewhat disagreed. Another seven percent somewhat agreed and five percent strongly agreed. Three percent said they are not sure.

The educational level of the pastor played a role in their decision making. Pastors with a graduate degree were more likely to strongly agree with the statement, and less likely to strongly disagree, compared to pastors with a bachelor’s degree or less. [Is there a message here? – ed]

The study also found that evangelical Christians held stricter views on the universality of eternal salvation compared to mainline pastors. According to LifeWay, 85 percent of evangelical pastors were more likely to strongly disagree that there are other ways to eternal life other than Christianity than mainline pastors at 57 percent.

Only two percent of evangelical pastors strongly agreed with the statement, while 11 percent of mainline pastors strongly agreed.

Region also played a role in the survey results. The survey found that 11 percent of pastors in large cities strongly agreed with the statement. Only four percent of small city pastors agreed.

Four percent of pastors in suburban areas strongly agreed, while three percent in rural areas said the same.

The question of exclusivity and universality has been a long disputed issue in the church. As noted by Ed Stetzer, president of LifeWay Research, “Rob Bell’s book Love Wins kicked off a discussion about the exclusivity of the Christian gospel. But most pastors are more in line with historic Christian beliefs than Bell, who suggested that other faiths lead to heaven.”

Bell, former pastor of Mars Hill Bible Church in Grandville, Mich., started somewhat of a firestorm in the evangelical community when he questioned whether the Bible teaches that there is an eternal hell. His 2011 book, Love Wins: A Book About Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived, prompted a bevy of responses from evangelical leaders who released their own books to counter Bell’s claims.

[If ministers—regardless of their religious affiliation—do not believe the Bible, and reject the clear teaching of Jesus and the apostles, they should go sell shoes and stop deceiving others. – jre]

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More craziness from “shoot from the hip” preachers

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2011/septemberweb-only/robertson-alzheimers-divorce.html

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You think English is easy??

1) The bandage was wound around the wound.

2) The farm was used to produce produce.

3) The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse.

4) We must polish the Polish furniture.

5) He could lead if he would get the lead out.

6) The soldier decided to desert his dessert in the desert.

7) Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present.

8) A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum.

9) When shot at, the dove dove into the bushes.

10) I did not object to the object.

11) The insurance was invalid for the invalid.

12) There was a row among the oarsmen about how to row.

13) They were too close to the door to close it.

14) The buck does funny things when the does are present.

15) A seamstress and a sewer fell down into a sewer line.

16) To help with planting, the farmer taught his sow to sow.

17) The wind was too strong to wind the sail.

18) Upon seeing the tear in the painting I shed a tear.

19) I had to subject the subject to a series of tests.

20) How can I intimate this to my most intimate friend?

Let’s face it—English is a crazy language. There is no egg in eggplant, nor ham in hamburger; neither apple nor pine in pineapple. English muffins weren’t invented in England or French fries in France. Sweetmeats are candies while sweetbreads, which aren’t sweet, are meat. We take English for granted. But if we explore its paradoxes, we find that quicksand can work slowly, boxing rings are square and a guinea pig is neither from guinea nor is it a pig.

And why is it that writers write but fingers don’t fing, grocers don’t groce and hammers don’t ham? If the plural of tooth is teeth, why isn’t the plural of booth, beeth? One goose, 2 geese. So one moose, 2 meese? One index, 2 indices? Doesn’t it seem crazy that you can make amends but not one amend? If you have a bunch of odds and ends and get rid of all but one of them, what do you call it?

If teachers taught, why didn’t preachers praught? If a vegetarian eats vegetables, what does a humanitarian eat? Sometimes I think all the English speakers should be committed to an asylum for the verbally insane. In what language do people recite at a play and play at a recital? Ship by truck and send cargo by ship? Have noses that run and feet that smell?

How can a slim chance and a fat chance be the same, while a wise man and a wise guy are opposites? You have to marvel at the unique lunacy of a language in which your house can burn up as it burns down, in which you fill in a form by filling it out and in which, an alarm goes off by going on.

English was invented by people, not computers, and it reflects the creativity of the human race, which, of course, is not a race at all. That is why, when the stars are out, they are visible, but when the lights are out, they are invisible.

PS. – Why doesn’t “Buick” rhyme with “quick” ?

Source: Anonymous (whoever that is).

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The progress of national stupidity

High School 1959 vs 2012. What a difference a few decades can make.

Scenario 1:

Jack goes quail hunting before school and then pulls into the school parking lot with his shotgun in his truck’s gun rack.

1959 – Vice Principal comes over, looks at Jack’s shotgun, goes to his car and gets his shotgun to show Jack. They discuss hunting.

2012 – School goes into lock down, FBI is called, Jack is hauled off to jail and never sees his truck or gun again. Counselors called in for traumatized students and teachers.

Scenario 2:

Johnny and Mark get into a fist fight after school.

1959 – Crowd gathers. Mark wins. Johnny and Mark shake hands and end up buddies.

2012 – Police called and SWAT team arrives. They arrest both Johnny and Mark. They are both charged with assault and both are expelled even though Johnny started it.

Scenario 3

Jeffrey will not be still in class, he disrupts other students by talking.

1959 – Jeffrey is sent to the Principal’s office where he is scolded and threatened with a paddling. He then returns to class, but sits still and does not disrupt class again.

2012 – Jeffrey is prescribed large doses of antidepressants. He becomes a zombie. He is diagnosed with ADHD. The school gets extra money from the state because Jeffrey has a “disability.”

Scenario 4:

Billy carelessly puts a dent in his neighbor’s car and his Dad gives him a spanking for playing where he was told not to.

1959 – Billy is more careful next time, grows up normal, goes to college and becomes a successful businessman.

2012 – Billy’s dad is arrested for child abuse. Billy is removed to foster care and joins a gang. The state psychologist is told by Billy’s sister that she now remembers being abused herself and their dad goes to prison. Billy’s mom has an affair with the psychologist.

Scenario 5:

Mark gets a headache and takes a small bottle of aspirin to school.

1959 – Mark shares his aspirin with a friend who has a backache.

2012 – The police are called and Mark is expelled from school for drug violations. His car is then searched for drugs and weapons.

Scenario 6:

Pedro fails high school English.

1959 – Pedro goes to summer school, passes English and goes to college.

2012 – Pedro’s cause is taken up by the state. Newspaper articles appear nationally explaining that teaching English as a requirement for graduation is racist. ACLU files class action lawsuit against the state school system and Pedro’s English teacher. English is then banned from core curriculum. Pedro is given his diploma anyway but ends up mowing lawns for a living because he cannot speak English.

Scenario 7:

Johnny takes apart leftover firecrackers from the Fourth of July, puts them in a model airplane paint bottle and blows up a red ant bed.

1959 – Ants die.

2012- ATF, Homeland Security and the FBI are all called. Johnny is charged with domestic terrorism. The FBI investigates his parents and all siblings are removed from their home and all computers are confiscated. Johnny’s dad is placed on a terror watch list and is never allowed to fly again.

Scenario 8

Phillip falls while running track and sprains his ankle. Mary, the women’s gym coach happens to be nearby at the time. Mary helps him up, steadies him as they walk to the gym, arm in arm, for splints and an Ace bandage.

1959 – In a short time, Phillip feels better and continues his classes.

2012 – Mary is accused of being a sexual predator and loses her job. She faces 3 years in State Prison.  Phillip undergoes 5 years of therapy.

How far we have come!

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Evangelical Evolutionists Meet in New York

A conference of Biologos, an organization that espouses the evolutionary process as God’s method of creation, held in New York on March 20-22 drew a number of prominent “Evangelicals.” Among them were such luminaries as N. T. Wright, Alister McGrath, John Ortberg, Tim Keller, Scot McKnight, Os Guinness, Joel Hunter, and Andy Crouch, Darrel Faulk, and Francis Collins. Prominent scientists attended included Ian Hutchinson of MIT and Jennifer Wiseman, senior project scientist for the Hubble Space Telescope. Forty-one pastors and parachurch leaders participated. Wheaton College Old Testament professor John Walton was lauded for his new understanding of Genesis 1–2, interpreting it as the inauguration of the earth as God’s temple.” How deep. How brilliant.

It was noted in the meeting that very few seminaries teach young earth creationism. No surprise there. They also are targeting homeschoolers for marketing their theories on evolution.

I felt that you deserved to know who some of the “Evangelical evolutionists”—an oxymoron—were who subscribe to evolution. How careful we need to be when selecting books and authors!

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Cure as bad as the problem?

The “People’s Pharmacy” column in the 1/2/12 Houston Chronicle carried a reader’s question about Chantix, the quit smoking drug that has become so popular. The side effects are some of the worst of any drug on the market. The question:

My mother has taken the stop-smoking drug Chantix for nearly a month. She no longer has any desire to smoke, but she has had severe side effects. They were nausea, a bad taste in her mouth, stomach cramps, gas, bloating, irritability, vivid dreams, extreme sleepiness but inability to stay asleep, chills, increased appetite, mild confusion and aches all over. She also had dreams that continued a few minutes after she woke up, and she was convinced they were real. She’s had vomiting spells, audio hallucinations and tinnitus. I just found out that if there are signs of anger, depression, confusion or hallucinations, the drug should be stopped immediately. I also read online that people with heart problems should not take this medicine. My mother’s doctor must not be aware of this problem. How worrisome is it?

The doctor’s answer:

All of the side effects your mother experienced have been reported with Chantix. Some studies also have raised concerns about an increased risk of heart attacks, irregular heart rhythms, congestive heart failure or heart-related death (Canadian Medical Association Journal, Sept. 6, 2011; Drug Safety, Jan. 1, 2012). We think doctors should be cautious about prescribing this medicine for smokers with heart problems. Your mother should discuss her symptoms with her doctor.

Three thoughts came to me as I read this:

First, who are these people? Obviously, they are totally at the mercy of anyone who claims a medical degree—lambs among wolves, gullible people who never read the back pages of drug ads. Perhaps their education failed to make readers out of them. Or they don’t care. Medical ethics direct doctors to avoid criticizing or second-guessing other physicians. All the questioned doctor would say was, “Your mother should discuss her symptoms with her doctor.” Duh.

Second, such people turn to Chantix and similar drug because they do not want to take personal responsibility for their own actions. They really don’t want to stop, and yet they know for their health’s sake they should, so they put the responsibility on the drug rather than make the decision themselves. They want the drug to take away the struggle involved in doing the right thing. This is a primary reason our entire culture is drug dependent.

Third, when will users of alcohol, nicotine and other “addictive” substances understand that consumption of those drugs is, at the bottom line, a choice. If one wants to quit smoking, all he or she has to do is don’t put a cigarette in their mouth. If they don’t want to drink, stay away from the stuff. That they cannot help themselves is propaganda from the pits of Hell—and from those doctors who are sold out to the pharmaceutical industry. “We have made a lie our refuge and falsehood our hiding place” (Isaiah 28:15 NIV).

“Oh, that’s too simplistic,” you might say. “You just don’t understand.”

Perhaps Dr. Jeffrey A Schaler’s book, Addiction Is A Choice would shed some light on the subject for detractors. Or Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave by Edward T. Welch might help our understanding. I have read and recommend them. Rather than continuing to give all our confidence to the doctors who want to feed us popular drugs that are debilitating an entire generation, why not give God’s Word a chance: “The unfolding of your words gives light” (Psalm 119:130).

For many people, the decision to stop was made after years of smoking or drinking or drug use. They found the motivation—perhaps the surgeon general’s proclamation or their spouses ultimatum—and were able to make the choice not to continue. Others found both the motivation and the help to make the hard decisions at an altar of prayer. When one is truly converted, he wants to please the Lord. To continue to be a slave to alcohol or tobacco does not please God: “I will not be brought under the power of any (KJV)…I will not be mastered by anything (NIV)…I must not become a slave to anything (NLT)…I will not be mastered by anything (NASB) (I Corinthians 6:12). “The fruit of the Spirit is…self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23 NIV).

I believe faith plays an important role in such decisions. Where there is faith, there is power; where there is power there is victory. Where there is ignorance there is slavery.

“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and self-discipline” (II Timothy 1:7 NIV).

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Wright on

Wright, as in Jeremiah Wright, strikes again. In a recent posting on the net, he delivered one of his scathing attacks on all things sacred to Americans. After lambasting Sean Hannity and Bill O’Reilly of FoxNews, he started in on Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and his Christian faith. He said, “And I’m not talking about black and white…some of ya‘ll think I’m talking about white folk,” he said. “There’s a whole lot of folk who look like you who are worshipping some other God—somebody shout Clarence Thomas. Hallelujah!”

He continued: “The god of racists is not the God of righteousness. The god of the greedy is not the God of grace. The god of Wall Street is not the God of Main Street,” Wright proclaimed. “Those are two different gods and I ain’t talking about Allah and Yahweh. Those are the same names for the same God.”

Wright also tackled racial issues, while waging a bizarre accusation at Thomas Jefferson, calling him a pedophile. “The ignorance and arrogance of white supremacy have the movers and shapers of world policy living in a different world from people of color all together,” Wright raged on. “And the sooner you realize that the better off you’re gonna be.”

Great stuff, huh? Plenty of fodder for the Black Panthers who are predicting “blood in the streets” soon.

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BooksBooksBooks

Do you have concerns about Bible passages that have bothered you for years?

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• Demolishing Supposed Bible Contradictions Volume 1
• Demolishing Supposed Bible Contradictions Volume 2

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How Do We Know the Bible Is True?

General editors Ken Ham and Bodie Hodge of  Answers in Genesis along with a team of biblical scholars and Christian apologists present answers to twenty relevant debates. Guard your family, your church, and future generations from vague notions of truth and authority. Be prepared to give a reason for your faith in God!  AM price 12.99

Already Gone

by Ken Ham

The next generation is calling it quits on the traditional church. And it’s not just happening on the nominal fringe; it’s happening at the core of the faith! This powerful book reveals shocking trends and offers some practical wisdom on how to win back our families, our churches, and our world!

AM Price 12.99

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Parting shots

Oldies but goodies:

Crooked by nature is never made straight by education.          –Erasmus, 1523

No one can forge good swords from faulty iron.        –Sadi 1258

Thanks for visiting. Drop by again, and invite a friend to do so.

JREnsey

April 2012 Blog

Welcome to the April blog. It is good to have you visiting today.

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Forgery allegations dismissed by Ossuary trial verdict

Unbelievers hate to admit that archaeological discoveries keep verifying the Bible. You will remember about five years ago they discovered an ossuary, or “bone box,” (top right) with an inscription containing the names James, Joseph and Jesus on it. Immediately, the skeptics howled that it must be a forgery. They are afraid that unless they disprove that such artifacts substantiate the Scriptures, someone might believe the Bible. Get a life! Other items known as the “Widow’s Plea” ostracon and the “Jehoash Tablet” (bottom left) were also tagged as forgeries by the atheists. They sued the owners, but the trial judge recently concluded that the evidence showed they were not forgeries. Here is the official word:

On March 14, Jerusalem Judge Aharon Farkash found defendants Oded Golan and Robert Deutsch not guilty of all charges of forgery. The judge stated that there is no evidence that any of the major artifacts were forged, and that the prosecution failed to prove their accusations beyond a reasonable doubt. The alleged forgeries include the inscription from the famous James Ossuary that reads “James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus.” The judge also found there was no clear evidence that several other ancient artifacts, including the “Three Shekels” ostracon, the “Widow’s Plea” ostracon and the Jehoash tablet, had been forged.

When will the unbelievers quit wasting their time trying to prove the Bible wrong? While certain artifacts do not “prove” the Bible is right, the discoveries continue to confirm that our faith in the veracity of the Scriptures is entirely justified.

Source:  http://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/breaking-news-golan-and-deutsch-acquitted-of-all-forgery-charges/

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The sad legacy of Whitney Houston, et al.

I just returned from El Paso where border violence is becoming stale news. Most residents, or at least their subdivisions, are now ensconced behind foot-thick rock walls. They don’t talk much about the spillover of violence, the bullets landing in the downtown area, or the drug cartels’ latest beheadings. Scared? Probably. Jaded? Perhaps. Maybe just tired of talking about it.

Probably not many reading this even noticed the news item about the Nigerian woman who was caught at the New York airport with a double handful of heroin capsules in her stomach. Or the Texas deputy sheriff that was shot in the spillover drug war.

But the violence of the cartels, the beheadings, the corruption of virtually all officials across the river—and all along America’s border with Mexico—will not cease as long as U.S. citizens crave their drugs. We cannot put all the blame on the smugglers and the suppliers for what is happening. As long as the news media will merely report the violence rather than the cause of the violence, it will continue. They refuse to finger the real culprits in this drug war—the users. Why the home invasions in Chicago? Or the car thieves in Sacramento? Or the menacing hoodies hitting the convenience stores in Philadelphia? The primary cause of such crimes is to get money to buy the drugs that some pusher got them hooked on. And who pays the bill for the increased prices of goods and insurance to make up for the losses—the taxpayers, of course.

If our dopehead celebrities would stop snorting cocaine, and the lazy street loafers would find something to do besides getting high and looking for another set of hubcaps to steal (one stole mine while I was sitting in the car!), the border violence and much of the street crime would subside.

Why not blame the real people who are keeping this cycle of violence, murders and smugglings going—the Whitney Houstons, the Charlie Sheens, the wealthy sports figures, the loony college students, and others who won’t give up their drugs. Stop praising them and start holding them accountable. Stop glorifying their lifestyle and start putting them behind bars, because they are guilty, in part, for the deaths of every deputy sheriff, DEA agent and border patrolman who has died in the line of duty. No market means no smuggling. No smuggling means fewer border problems and fewer deaths.

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Political Science 101

These may be five of the most insightful sentences you’ll ever read:

1. You cannot legislate the poor into prosperity by legislating the wealthy out of prosperity.

2. What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving.

3. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else.

4. When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that my dear friend, is the beginning of the end of any nation.

5. You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it.

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Who was the father of Jesus?

I have heard it said by some ministers that the Virgin Birth of Jesus is “denied” in the New International Version, the New American Standard Bible and other versions in Luke 2:33 where Joseph is called Jesus’ “father”—“And his father and his mother….” The KJV reads, “Joseph and his mother.” Is this an effort to dilute the doctrine of the Virgin Birth? Which version is correct?

First, the NIV and NASB (and all modern versions that I know of) plainly state that Mary was a “virgin” in all the NT places that refer to her status. The translators were clearly acknowledging that the real father of Jesus was God Himself. So it is unlikely that the same translators would then try to “deny” that fact elsewhere in a single verse by suggesting that Joseph was the actual or physical father of Jesus. Luke had already made it very clear in the previous chapter (Luke 1:34,35) that Mary was a virgin and God was Christ’s actual father (all modern versions that I have confirm this). If so, why is Joseph called the father of Jesus in this verse? Actually, there is really nothing problematic with referring to Joseph as Jesus’ father in such a context. It seems obvious that Jesus revered and recognized Joseph as His earthly father/guardian. Jesus was apparently thought of in the Jewish community as the natural born son of Joseph (Matthew 13:55).

The words translated “his father” in 2:33—o pater autou—appear in most ancient Greek texts. Textual scholars report that the evidence suggests that the phrase was changed to “Joseph” in some ancient Latin versions and their copies, ostensibly to protect the doctrine of the Virgin Birth. For some reason, in Stephanus’ 1550 Greek text, the basic text used by the KJV translators, “Joseph” appears in 2:33: “Joseph and his mother.” The ambiguity of the phrase—sounding like a reference to Joseph’s mother—as well as the manuscript evidence, tag it as an interpolation.

The claim of interpolation obviously arises through a change made in the Textus Receptus. Erasmus, in his first edition in 1516, which was the foundation of the Textus Receptus, had “his father and his mother” at Luke 2:33. He also had “his father and his mother” in his Latin translation. But by the time the Stephanus 1550 Textus Receptus edition was published—a take-off of Erasmus’ work—it had been changed to “Joseph and his mother.” So who “tweaked” the Textus Receptus here? Wycliffe’s Bible translated the verse as “his father and his mother,” as did Tyndale, Cranmer, the Great Bible, Geneva, the Bishop’s Bible, and Douay-Rheims—all except the KJV.

It is interesting that just a few verses later in 2:48, the KJV quotes Mary herself calling Joseph Jesus’ “father”—“And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? Behold thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.” (Emphasis mine) This rendering is supported in all Greek manuscripts. Why is it always 2:33 that is mentioned in accusations hurled at other versions and we never hear a word about 2:48? Were the KJV translators denying the Virgin Birth here? Was Mary herself denying the Virgin Birth? If anyone should know the truth, it would be her. If contemporary translations are to be accused, include Mary in the charges. Case dismissed.

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“Decide to forgive” 

Decide to forgive

for resentment is negative.

Resentment is poisonous.

Resentment diminishes and devours the self.

Be the first to forgive,

To smile and to take the first step.

And you will see happiness bloom

On the face of your human brother or sister.

Be always the first.

Do not wait for others to forgive,

For by forgiving

You become the master of fate,

The fashioner of life,

A doer of miracles.

To forgive is the highest,

Most beautiful form of love.

In return you will receive

Untold peace and happiness.

And here is the program for achieving a truly forgiving heart:  Only the brave know how to forgive. A coward never forgives.  It is not in his nature.

Source: www.DearAbby.com; submitted.

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Need computers and Wi-Fi for your church?

Turn it into a mosque and you might be successful in getting both—compliments of the U.S. government.

Three quarters of a billion dollars has been sent to Egypt to help rebuild the sewer system there since some mosques were experiencing flooding. The mosques themselves needed repairs and updating. Mosques in Cyprus have been granted a huge amount of your tax dollars. Mosques in Mali and in Pakistan were provided computers and hooked up to the Internet, courtesy of you and me. All this  is done by our government while suggesting that we eliminate deductions for home mortgages here in the U.S. and make religious organizations pay for contraceptives and abortions. Evidently, the push for separation of church and state only applies to Christianity.

We were warned in writing by Obama himself that he would stand by the Muslims. Why is anyone surprised to find out he is doing it? Our tax dollars are being spent to buy respect from Muslim nations. And are we getting it in return? We are getting continued attempts to blow up planes and buildings in return. Will more tax dollars sent to them change anything?

Source: WSB-TV.wmv. It is my understanding that this information was part of a newscast in Atlanta. To see for yourself, click on the following link:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXWm_xIxnZw.

Now you are invited to read the following item.

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15 Threats to U.S. Economy

http://www.worldviewweekend.com/worldview-times/article.php?articleid=8047

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Bible study goes viral

Into His Marvelous Light Interactive Bible Study is now on hundreds of church websites across America. As of 2/22/12, 337 churches have IHML on their websites, or at least have downloaded the Interactive PDF. (Spanish is now ready for downloading.) Additionally, the study is on websites in fourteen foreign countries, including Scotland, Germany, S. Africa, Sweden, Norway, India, Canada, Switzerland, Trinidad/Tobago, Venezuela, Australia, Fiji, and N. Ireland.

Into His Marvelous Light Bible Study is one of the most effective ways of reaching the unsaved today. If you would like to have more information on how your church could be involved in this effective outreach, contact OneHourBibleStudy.com and click on Free IHML Interactive PDF.

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The doom of DOMA

President Obama has worked diligently to totally remove the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) from American law and life. Buying votes from the liberal homosexual community, he has pushed for issues favoring the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender) community. The President is following through on virtually every promise he made to bring about the “overwhelming transformation” (his words) of this country into something our forefathers never envisioned. Unless we elect men and women to public office who will stand up for traditional marriage and oppose the homosexual agenda, it is likely that it will go the way of all the earth.

A sad statistic just came down the pike: 60% of couples now live together before marriage. Many are opting to never marry. Copulating and populating outside of marriage is eroding the foundation of our society. Was this what the homosexuals and liberal feminists had in mind all the time? Do these people ever think—what about the children? More and more children recognize they were probably “unwanted” so they feel less and less obligated to their parents. What a vicious, downward spiral!

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Blasphemy and free speech

One of the most disturbing aspects of our current government is its willingness to support all things Islamic. There must be a reason. I updated the March blog with the suggestion that our readers would find it helpful, but many read the blog before it was added. It is definitely worth the few minutes it will take to read it. It is entitled, “Blasphemy and Free Speech.” Click on this link:

http://www.hillsdale.edu/images/userImages/mvanderwei/Page_6907/Imprimis_Feb12.pdf

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Rick Warren says God and Allah are one and the same

By Jim Hinch, for THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

“The Rev. Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest and one of America’s most influential Christian leaders, has embarked on an effort to heal divisions between evangelical Christians and Muslims by partnering with Southern California mosques and proposing a set of theological principles that includes acknowledging that Christians and Muslims worship the same God.

“The effort, informally dubbed King’s Way, caps years of outreach between Warren and Muslims. Warren has broken Ramadan fasts at a Mission Viejo mosque, met Muslim leaders abroad and addressed 8,000 Muslims at a national convention in Washington D.C.” [end]

[Why do Evangelical ministers, including some Apostolics, by the thousands flock to his seminars to sit at his feet and inculcate his heretical doctrines and methodologies that will do nothing but lead them and their churches astray?]

Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California is the eighth largest church in the United States with an average attendance of 20,000 or more.  Rick Warren is the founder and senior pastor of this mega church.  He is also known for his popular book and program of church growth known as The Purpose Driven Church.

He has built his temple of thousands on a platform of liberal theology.  His preaching is more emotionally based than spiritually based, which is how, according to Warren, you build a big church. The bottom line of his philosophy is that it is more important to gather a big crowd than teach sound biblical theology. Crowds bring money, and with them come power and prestige. Truth is fallen in the streets.

In his typical liberal fashion, Pastor Warren has joined a movement known as King’s Way. The movement’s goal is to bring Christians and Muslims together without either group trying to proselytize or convert the other.

As part of this effort, Warren announced that he wants to create a set of principles that both evangelical Christians and Muslims could agree to in the effort to bring churches and mosques closer together. One of those principles is that we both worship the same God. In other words, Allah and God are one and the same deity.

Sorry pastor but you couldn’t be more wrong. Yes, I know that Muslims trace their history back to the Ishmael, the son of Abraham and Jews and Christians trace their history back to Isaac, also the son of Abraham. Warren used this common history as the basis of making his statement on God and Allah being one and the same. How ignorant of the facts of history.

Of course, the Muslim view of Allah is not the same as the Christian view of God. Here are some major differences:

• Allah was one of the pagan gods worshipped by the dwellers on the Arabian peninsula in the sixth century. Mohammad insisted on the worship of Allah alone to the exclusion of all the others. That insistence formed the basis of the Islamic religion.
• The only Person in the Christian Godhead is Jesus Christ.
• In Islam, Jesus was all human who was a prophet whose message has become corrupted.
• Christianity is based upon the fact that Jesus was God incarnate who died on the cross, was resurrected from the dead and ascended to the right hand of the throne of God.  Islam does not recognize Jesus’ deity, death on the cross, and His resurrection.

There are many other differences, these are listed as they are critical to the Christian faith.
Source (with some editorial amendments in the above list): Pastor Rick Warren Says Allah and God Are One in the Same – Godfather Politics http://godfatherpolitics.com/3962/pastor-rick-warren-says-allah-and-god-are-one-in-the-same/#ixzz1o6mFncct

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Killing babies no different from abortion, experts (?) say

Parents should be allowed to have their newborn babies killed because they are “morally irrelevant” and ending their lives is no different to abortion, a group of medical ethicists linked to Oxford University has argued.

The article, published in the Journal of Medical Ethics, says newborn babies are not “actual persons” and do not have a “moral right to life.” The academics also argue that parents should be able to have their baby killed if it turns out to be disabled when it is born.

The journal’s editor, Prof Julian Savulescu, director of the Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics, said the article’s authors had received death threats since publishing the article. He said those who made abusive and threatening posts about the study were “fanatics opposed to the very values of a liberal society.”

The article, entitled “After-birth abortion: Why should the baby live?”, was written by two of Prof Savulescu’s former associates, Alberto Giubilini and Francesca Minerva.

They argued: “The moral status of an infant is equivalent to that of a fetus in the sense that both lack those properties that justify the attribution of a right to life to an individual.”

Rather than being “actual persons,” newborns were “potential persons.” They explained: “Both a fetus and a newborn certainly are human beings and potential persons, but neither is a ‘person’ in the sense of ‘subject of a moral right to life.’

Source: By Stephen Adams, Medical Correspondent; 2/29/12

When was the last time you heard the word “infanticide”? Who’s next on the “expendable” list? Give you three guesses, and the last two aren’t needed.

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Fat-free tofu only?

The food stamp program: Part of the Department of Agriculture, is pleased to be distributing the greatest amount of food stamps ever.

Meanwhile, the Park Service, also part of the Department of Agriculture, asks us to “please do not feed the animals” because the animals may grow dependent and not learn to take care of themselves.

Helllllooooooo…..

If the government becomes the sole supplier of our food, then they will have total control over our lives. How easy to take the next step to mandate that the stamps are redeemable only for foods the government approves.

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Anybody else need anything?

U.S. immigration officials are under standing orders to provide abortion services for detained illegal aliens in some circumstances and hormone therapy to those who say they are transgendered.

The orders to do so are included in the “2011 Operations Manual ICE Performance-Based National Detention Standards” for the Immigration and Customs Enforcement division of the Department of Homeland Security.

Detention facilities are required to provide female detainees with “pregnancy services including routine or specialized prenatal care, postpartum follow-up, lactation services and abortion services,” the manual dictates.

The government will pay for an abortion in cases of rape or incest, or if the mother’s life is in danger, according to the manual. In other cases, the female detainee who wants to halt a pregnancy must pay for the abortion, but Immigration and Customs Enforcement will cover transportation costs to and from the abortion clinic.

The guidelines, which CNSNews.com highlighted in a report on 2/26/12, require a specially trained officer to interview aliens within 12 hours of detention.

“Transgender detainees who were already receiving hormone therapy when taken into ICE custody shall have continued access,” according to the regulations. “All transgender detainees shall have access to mental health care, and other transgender-related health care and medication based on medical need. Treatment shall follow accepted guidelines regarding medically necessary transition-related care.”

Source: Newsmax, 3/24/12

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This is especially for someone reading this blog. Is it you?

Charles Mackay (1814-1889) wrote the popular poem You have no enemies, you say?:

You have no enemies, you say?

Alas, my friend, the boast is poor,
For those who have mingled in the fray
Of duty, that the brave endure,
Must have made foes.
If you have none,
Small is the work that you have done.
You’ve hit no traitor on the hip,
You’ve dashed no cup from perjured lip,
You’ve never set the wrong to right.
You’ve been a coward in the fight.

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Jewelry from the Time of the Judges Found at Megiddo

Archaeologists working at the site of Megiddo in Israel’s Jezreel Valley recently discovered a hoard of gold, silver and bronze jewelry dating to around 1100 B.C.E. The jewelry was found wrapped in fabric and hidden inside a ceramic vessel that had been excavated in the summer of 2010 from an early Iron Age dwelling at the site. It is hoped that further analysis of both the textiles and jewelry can reveal important clues as to their origins and use.

Source: Biblical Archaeology Society Staff   •  03/01/2012

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BooksBooksBooksBooksBooks

Order these books from advanceministries.org

Better Than The Angels

by E. L. Holley

Here are the late E. L. Holley’s own teaching notes on the Book of Hebrews. His unique insight will provide a perspective that will shed new light on difficult passages. The material is clear, candid, and convincing. It has been winnowed so that the reader receives only the whole kernel, the heart of the matter and the real meaning that the author wanted to convey. The power of brevity is at work in these lines.
E. L. Holley was respected for his communication skills, his grasp of the Scriptures, and his insight into human nature that few have possessed. You will enjoy sitting at his feet and learning as he opens up the mysteries of Hebrews. AM price $6.95

Stepping Stones

by Nevin Bass

God teaches life’s lessons through trials. They are a part of every believers experience. Trials are a part of every believers life. The good news is that trials are one of the most effective methods that God uses to prepare us for His perfect plan.
Our trials will either be stepping stones to greatness or stumbling blocks of destruction.
We will either allow our trials to develop the traits needed to achieve God’s ultimate desire for our life, or we will resist change and find fault with the direction in which God leads us.
Our tests will either be our servants to minister grace toward us, or they will become our enemies and hinder our progress.
The determining factor is our attitude. We are not allowed to choose our trials, but each of us must choose how we will react to these times of testing. Take a journey through the wilderness with the Hebrew people and learn why God did not lead them in a direct route to the Promised Land. The path on which God led the exodus generation afforded opportunities for the people to grow and be prepared for the eventual conquest of Canaan. See how God provided opportunities for the people to learn to:

Conquer Fear
Beat Bitterness
Cultivate Thankfulness
Endure Dryness
Deal with Delays

AM Price $13.95

The Teachers Resource on CD is a PowerPoint presentation to go with Stepping Stones book.

AM price $14.95

Married W/O Spouses

by Christine Carney

This book is written for women whose husbands are not in the church. In spite of this spiritual handicap, you will come to understand that you are called to serve God as He desires in your life. As you read, you will begin a journey toward experiencing spiritual growth, gaining confidence to seek, pursue, and fulfill the service into which He has called you, to the fullest capacity!  AM price $9.95

Cooking With Wisdom

by Sylvia Ferrin

This Apostolic author recognizes that many people want to eat healthier and take better care of their bodies but simply don’t know where to start. This book is designed to accompany Food For Thought and will help you gently transition to a healthier lifestyle.
You’ll discover that cooking nourishing meals can be fun and rewarding. As you replace unhealthy foods with more nutritious options, your conscientious choices will yield gratifying benefits. And you will realize that good-for-you foods can also taste good!   AM Price $11.95

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The Causes of Ancient Rome’s Collapse

In his book, Caesar and Christ, historian Will Durant has documented the collapse of the Roman Empire with stunning words that seem to speak directly to the American nation at this point in time:

“A great civilization is not conquered from without until it has destroyed itself within.  The essential causes of Rome’s decline lay in her people, her morals, her class struggle, her failing trade, her bureaucratic despotism, her stifling taxes, her consuming wars….

“Rome was conquered not by a barbarian invasion from without, but by barbarian multiplication within….

“Moral decay contributed to the dissolution.  The virile character that had been formed by arduous simplicities and a supporting faith relaxed in the sunshine of wealth and the freedom of unbelief; men had now, in the middle and upper classes, the means to yield to temptation, and only expediency to restrain them.  Urban congestion multiplied contacts and frustrated surveillance; immigration brought together a hundred cultures whose differences rubbed themselves out into indifference.  Moral and esthetic standards were lowered by the magnetism of the mass; and sex ran riot in freedom while political liberty decayed….

“The economic causes of Rome’s decline [were] . . . the precarious dependence upon provincial grains, and the collapse of the slave supply and the latifundia [i.e., the large estates]; the deterioration of transport and the perils of trade; the loss of provincial markets to provincial competition; the inability of Italian industry to export the equivalent of Italian imports, and the consequent drain of precious metals to the East; the destructive war between rich and poor; the rising cost of armies, doles, public works, an expanding bureaucracy, and a parasitic [royal] court; the depreciation of the currency; the discouragement of ability, and the absorption of investment capital by confiscatory taxation; the emigration of capital and labor, the strait jacket of serfdom placed upon agriculture, and of caste forced upon industry: all these conspired to sap the material base of Italian life, until at last the power of Rome was a political ghost surviving its economic death….

“The political causes of decay were rooted in one fact—that increasing despotism destroyed the citizen’s civic sense and dried up statesmanship at its source.”

Source: Caesar and Christ, pp. 665-668.

Are you praying for America?

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The mainstream media at work

Old editors never die, they just keep using their Whiteout.

Parting shots

D.L. Moody, when speaking of the Masons said, “You can never reform anything by unequally yoking yourself to ungodly men. True reformers separate themselves from the world.”

“There is no other single force causing so much measurable hardship and human misery in this country as the collapse of marriage.” – David Jeremiah in I Never Thought I’d See the Day, p. 107, quoting Time magazine author Caitlin Flanagan.

Speaking of marriage, I recently read about the conversation between a father and his daughter’s suitor who was seeking her hand in marriage. The father was questioning him closely about his plans. “Do you have a job?” he asked. “Yes,” the boy replied. The father pressed him further: “Are you sure you can support a family?” “Absolutely,” the young man assured him. “Think, now,” the father said. “There are twelve of us.”

Have the best April ever! Make it the centerpiece of your “Apostolic Spring.”

JREnsey

March 2012 Blog

Welcome to the March blog. We appreciate your visit.

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 We hardly knew ye, Pontius

Pontius Pilate was the fifth governor of Roman Judea, under whose governance Jesus of Nazareth was crucified (Matthew 27:2, plus 60 additional occurrences in the gospels, Acts, and I Timothy). He was appointed by the emperor Tiberius in AD 26 and suspended by L. Vitellius, Roman governor of Syria, in AD 37, after slaughtering a number of Samaritans at Mt. Gerizim.

Although Pilate is also mentioned in Josephus, Philo and Tacitus, and coins issued during his governance exist, inscriptional evidence for Pilate was rare. This stone (at right) was discovered in Italian excavations at Caesarea Maritima. Antonio Frova, director of the excavations, found a dedicatory stone that bore a three-line inscription: Tiberieum/[Pon]tius Pilatus/[Praef]ectus Iuda[eae], the interpretation of which is: “Tiberius [the Roman emperor of the period]/Pontius Pilate/Prefect of Judea.”

The stone, in secondary use in the theatre at Caesarea, had been shaped to fit its new use and in the process some of the inscription had been mutilated, although it was easily reconstructed. The inscription not only confirms the historicity of Pilate, it clarifies the title that he bore as governor. It is now on display in the Israel Museum in Jerusalem.

I love it when the unbelievers in the field of science can see with their own eyes the mounting evidence of the Bible’s veracity.

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Social media is no new thing

Graffiti may have been the ancient world’s social media. Thousands of ancient graffiti can be found carved into the walls of burial caves, tombs and quarries throughout the land of Israel. Typically, they include the name of the carver, sometimes accompanied by a brief prayer or simple drawing. Though these simple messages from the past have traditionally been neglected by scholars, some archaeologists are beginning to study these remains more carefully to see what they can reveal about the societies that created them. “Graffiti are a way of expressing yourself,” said Boaz Zissu, an archaeologist and senior lecture at Bar Ilan University who has been studying Israel’s ancient graffiti for decades. “In a period when Internet and blogs didn’t exist and somebody wanted to express himself and to say something they were doing, they did it with a nail on a wall of a cave.”

Solomon was right…there is nothing new under the sun.

Source: BAR Staff, 9/1/11

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What is the Muslim Brotherhood?

Here is a whiteboard clip that will inform Americans about the plans the Muslim Brotherhood has for us.

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/new-whiteboard-video-blasts-obamas-islamist-sympathies/

They don’t mind telling us where they stand:

Allah is our Objective,

The Prophet is our Leader,

The Qur’an is our Law,

Jihad is our way,

Dying in the name of Allah is our highest Hope.

If they are that bold, why should we mind telling them where we stand?

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Blasphemy and Free Speech

If you care about your country, your church, your family…please read this article by Paul Marshall, a Senior Fellow, Hudson Institute. It is published in Imprimis, a monthy publication of Hillsdale College. America is on the brink of becoming something other than what you will want for your family. This is real, folks! Click on this link:

http://www.hillsdale.edu/images/userImages/mvanderwei/Page_6907/Imprimis_Feb12.pdf

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The Green Thing

Checking out at the store, the young cashier suggested to the older woman that she should bring her own grocery bags because plastic bags weren’t good for the environment.

The woman apologized and explained, “We didn’t have this green thing back in my earlier days.”

The clerk responded, “That’s our problem today. Your generation did not care enough about recycling and alternative energy sources to save our environment for future generations.”

She was right—our generation didn’t have the green thing in its day.

Back  then, we returned milk bottles and soda bottles to the  store. The store sent them back to the plant to be washed and sterilized and refilled, so it could use the same bottles over and over. So they really  were recycled. But we didn’t have the green thing back in our day.

We walked up stairs, because we didn’t have an escalator in every store and office building. We walked to the grocery store and didn’t climb into a 300-horsepower machine every time we had to go two blocks. But she was right. We didn’t have the green thing in our day.

Back then, we washed the baby’s diapers because we didn’t have the throw-away  kind. We dried clothes on a line, not in an energy gobbling machine burning up 220 volts—wind and solar power really did dry our clothes back in our early days. Kids got hand-me-down clothes from their brothers or sisters, not always brand-new clothing. But that young lady is right. We didn’t have the green thing back in our day.

Back then, folks didn’t have radios and stereos and TVs in every room in the house. The few folks who had TV had a small one with a screen the size of a handkerchief, not a screen the size of the state of Montana.

In the kitchen, we blended and stirred by hand because we didn’t have electric machines to do everything for us. When we packaged a fragile item to send in the mail, we used wadded up old newspapers to cushion it, not styrofoam or plastic bubble wrap.

Back then, we didn’t fire up an engine and burn gasoline just to cut the lawn. We used a push mower that ran on human power. We exercised by working so we didn’t need to go to a health club to run on treadmills that operate on electricity. But she was right. We didn’t have the green thing back then.

We drank from a faucet or fountain when we were thirsty instead of using a cup or a plastic bottle every time we had a drink of water. We refilled writing pens with ink instead of buying a new pen, and we replaced the razor blades in a razor instead of throwing away the whole razor just because the blade got dull. But we didn’t have the green thing back then.

Back then, people took the streetcar or a bus, and kids rode their bikes to school, or walked. Instead of turning their moms into a 24-hour taxi service.

We had one electrical outlet in a room, not an entire bank of sockets to power a dozen appliances. And we didn’t need a computerized gadget to receive a signal beamed from satellites 2,000 miles out in space in order to find the nearest pizza joint.

But isn’t it sad the current generation laments how wasteful we old folks were just because we didn’t have the green thing back then?

[Anonymous, but remember:  Don’t make old people mad. We don't like being old in the first place, so it doesn't take much to SET us off.]

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Planned Parenthood’s real agenda

Paul said, “I would not have you ignorant, brethren.” So let’s not be ignorant of the devil’s devices and the channels he uses to corrupt this generation.

If you really want to know what Planned Parenthood is all about, go to www.all.org website and click on “Hooking Kids on Sex.” PP would like everyone to think they are merely about breast cancer work and contraceptives for those who need them, and perhaps some “needful abortions.” Nay. This will shock you, but we will keep our mouths shut unless we are shocked. This is what Obama is protecting. He and his cronies have pressured former donors to reinstate millions of dollars to PP. He also wants Planned Parenthood to continue to be underwritten by our government. Here is what your tax dollars are buying for our children.

WARNING! Please DON’T let your children see this!! IT IS NOT FOR CHILDREN! It is for parents who want to be informed about what PP and public schools are putting before their kids. I apologize in advance for its extreme graphic content, but the need for parents to know trumps other considerations.

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 Psychologist advocates sin

 A psychologist has written a book about the joys of sin. Anyone surprised? That some sins may bring temporary carnal pleasure is not news, but claiming that sin is beneficial for overall health and well-being is a stretch. Should a so-called “scientific” website promote such ideas uncritically? Of course not, but the web is full of lies. If you would really like to know what the face of psychology in the twenty-first century looks like, just flip through the pages of the slick magazine Psychology Today. Hokey theories, New Age stuff, and mainly sex. Here’s the text from the site listed below:

In time for lustful thoughts on Valentine’s Day, Medical Xpress promoted a new sin book by Michael Laham (psychologist at the University of Melbourne).  The title surely attracts attention: The Joy of Sin: The Psychology of the Seven Deadlies (And Why They Are So Good For You).  Laham says go ahead and indulge: lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, anger, envy, pride—all the vices the Good Book warns us about—are not only pleasurable but beneficial.

Dr. Laham said that when you take a look at the evidence, the seven deadly sins can really serve us quite well despite being told for centuries they are bad for us.

“This is great news for Australians as a recent BBC poll deemed Australia the most sinful country on earth,” he said.

So research now shows that it’s okay to indulge in a bit of lust this Valentine’s Day and you’ll be better off for it. In fact, indulge in all seven deadly sins and you might just be a little smarter, happier and more successful.

Medical Xpress offered no contrary opinions.  On the contrary, it opened its article by praising the “virtues of living a sinful life” and headlined, in bold letters, “Lust makes you smarter and evidence that seven deadly sins are good for you.”

Jamie Condiffe at New Scientist was only halfway impressed, thinking that Laham was trying to shoehorn evidence from “experimental psychology” to fit his edgy title.

Don’t give this book to the military.  Actually, it might be a smart tactical move to airdrop copies of The Joy of Sin on the military of the enemy. Let them become slothful gluttons so that they become easy targets. Students, why study? Get lazy and indulge your lustful desires; earn a B.S. (Bad Sin) the easy way. Parents, let your kids eat all the sugar and junk they want. Be angry and sin not. Hate your neighbor as your self wants to. Tell everybody how great you are. Appoint yourself Vice President (president of vice). Why stop at the “seven deadly sins”? Break the Ten Commandments while you’re at it, and the laws of the land. Make the world a better place—land yourself in jail.  [End - Source: http://creationrevolution.com/2012/02/psychologist-advocates-sin/]

Poppycock, you say. Who are you to judge? Unless you are “educated” as that psychologist has been, and have a psychology degree, you don’t know doodley. Personally, I had just as soon not know doodley.

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 Is “Palestine” in the Bible?

President Obama recently suggested that Israel should return to the borders that were in place before the 1967 war. That would put the Palestinians right in the middle of Israel where there would be no way the borders could be defended. If Gaza and the West Bank are put under total control of the Palestinians (see map below), Jerusalem would be virtually surrounded and indefensible. The Palestinians and their Muslim/Arab supporters have proved they cannot be trusted. Their stated goal is to wipe Israel off the map.

The question is often asked: “Who are the Palestinians? Is there really a country called ‘Palestine’?”

The name Palestine refers to a region of the eastern Mediterranean coast from the sea to the Jordan valley and from the southern Negev desert to the Galilee lake region in the north. The word itself derives from “Plesheth,” a name that appears frequently in the Bible and has come into English as “Philistine.” Plesheth, (root palash) was a general term meaning rolling or migratory. This referred to the Philistine’s invasion and conquest of the coast from the sea. The Philistines were not Arabs or even Semites, they were most closely related to the Greeks originating from Asia Minor and Greek localities. They did not speak Arabic. They had no connection, ethnic, linguistic or historical with Arabia or Arabs.

The Philistines reached the southern coast of Israel in several waves. One group arrived in the pre-patriarchal period and settled south of Beersheba in Gerar where they came into conflict with Abraham, Isaac and Ishmael. Another group, coming from Crete after being repulsed from an attempted invasion of Egypt by Rameses III in ………. [continue reading the full article here: advanceministries.org/Articles

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 Allah, yes; Jesus, no

• Dexter Thielhelm, a second-grader at James Madison Elementary School in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, had a simple message for his classmates: “Jesus loves you.” The young boy had worked diligently with his mother and siblings to create candy and notes for his friends at school, as he filled empty water bottles with candy and a rolled-up Bible verse (John 3:16) to share with his classmates. But earlier this week, to the surprise of the boy and his family, school officials confiscated the valentines before they could be handed out. Jesus is verboten on school campuses.

 • Dozens of parents in Tampa, Florida, are outraged after finding out that a member of the controversial Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) spoke to history students at Steinbrenner High School last fall. Dozens of parents showed up at the Hillsborough County school board meeting on Tuesday night to make their frustrations known. Among their concerns, as FOX News reports, the parents discussed the group’s alleged ties to a terror financing case involving Hamas.

 • Colorado student quits high school choir over Islamic song praising “Allah”

A Colorado high school student says he quit the school choir after an Islamic song containing the lyric “there is no truth except Allah” made it into the repertoire.

James Harper, a senior at Grand Junction High School in Grand Junction, put his objection to singing “Zikr,” a song written by Indian composer A.R. Rahman, in an email to Mesa County School District 51 officials. When the school stood by choir director Marcia Wieland’s selection, Harper said, he quit.

“I don’t want to come across as a bigot or a racist, but I really don’t feel it is appropriate for students in a public high school to be singing an Islamic worship song,” Harper told KREX-TV. “This is worshipping another God, and even worshipping another prophet…I think there would be a lot of outrage if we made a Muslim choir say Jesus Christ is the only truth.”

Source: FoxNews.com and The Blaze.  Read more: http://nation.foxnews.com/islam/2012/02/16/high-school-choir-forced-praise-allah#ixzz1myAhJwP8

 “Jesus” and “Christianity” may be forbidden to be mentioned on campus, but Allah and Islam…no problem for school officials. You would think it was Evangelical Christians who rammed airplanes into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon killing nearly 3000 persons, and had attempted over 50 failed bombings in the U.S. since then. Amazing!

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 Headlines from the year 2059

Ozone created by electric cars now killing thousands in the seventh largest country in the world, Mexifornia, formerly known as California. White minorities still trying to have English recognized as Mexifornia’s third language.

Spotted Owl plague threatens northwestern United States crops and livestock.  

Couple petitions court to reinstate heterosexual marriage.

Iran still closed off; physicists estimate it will take at least 10 more years before radioactivity decreases to safe levels.

France pleads for global help after being taken over by Jamaica. No other country comes forward to help the beleaguered nation!  

Castro finally dies at age 112; Cuban cigars can now be imported legally, but President Chelsea Clinton has banned all smoking.

George Q. Bush says he will run for President in 2060.   

Postal Service raises price of first class stamp to $17.89 and reduces mail delivery to Wednesdays only.

85-year $75.8 billion study: Diet and exercise is the key to weight loss.

Average weight of Americans drops to 250 lbs.

Global cooling blamed for citrus crop failure for third consecutive year in Mexifornia and Floruba. 

Japanese scientists have created a camera with such a fast shutter speed they now can photograph Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee with her mouth shut.

Senate still blocking drilling in ANWR even though gas is selling for 4532 Pesos per liter and gas stations are only open on Tuesdays and Fridays.  

Supreme Court rules imprisoning criminals violates their civil rights. 

Average height of NBA players is now nine feet seven inches with only 13 illegitimate children.

New federal law requires that all nail clippers, screwdrivers, fly swatters and rolled-up newspapers must be registered by January 2060.

Floruba voters still having trouble with voting machines. 

I love this country! It’s the government that scares me!

-Source: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hanlons-razor/2011/06/21/

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 And some people can’t figure out why committed Christians don’t have televisions!

 Raunch rules

 PASADENA, Calif. (AP) Last week seemed typical for CBS’ sitcoms on Monday night, television’s most popular—and raunchy—night of comedy.

There was a strip club visit on “How I Met Your Mother,” lap dance included. The stars of “2 Broke Girls” mistakenly believed an upstairs neighbor ran a brothel. “Two and a Half Men” included jokes about masturbation, oral sex, sex with moms, trading cigarettes for sex and two scenes with loud noises of passion from behind closed doors.

A quick count found 53 sex jokes on the network’s four comedies, which includes “Mike & Molly.” There were also nine jokes about flatulence or bowel movements, and two scenes where marijuana use was clearly implied—one with a teen-age boy and the other with an older woman.

[My, what a wholesome, beneficial lineup for families! Don’t we have a wonderful media in America? Source: The Lufkin News, Lufkin, TX; 1/24/12]

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This is about how smart phone usage can put your children at risk:

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2vARzvWxwY

How do the social media negatively affect our youth? Let me count the ways…

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 BooksBooksBooksBooksBooks

 Judging With Righteous Judgment

 By J. R. Ensey

How often have you heard this question: Who are we to judge? Did Jesus forbid us from judging others? He did say, “Judge not,” but in what context? Later He said, “Judge….” Which command are we supposed to obey?

We certainly know that there is enough censoriousness being exhibited today to bring the wrath of God on the habitual critic. Undeserved, prejudicial censure is condemned in the Scriptures. Unrighteous judgment is what was proscribed by Jesus. He was nailing the Pharisees for indulging in it.

Many folks today do not know the difference, thus overlooking matters that should be confronted and handled according to the Scriptures. As Lewis Smedes once said, “Common sense suggests that if no one ever judged other people, there would be no real human community. In a sinful world, no community can exist for long where nobody is ever held accountable: no teacher would grade a student’s performance; no citizen would sit on a jury or call a failed leader to account. And, when you come to think of it, nobody would ever forgive anyone for wrongs he had done; we only forgive people for what we blame them, and we blame them only after we have judged them.”

Righteous judgment uses the background of biblical principles to make informed decisions. Would one consider marriage without “judging” their potential mate? Should one invest in a stock or business without making an informed judgment about the overall health of the company and the character of its chief executives? Would you put someone in a church position without determining whether they are capable or trustworthy? Or issue ministerial license without first judging by all the evidence available that they should have the license? Bottom line: all Christians, and especially Christian leaders, must judge.

This little inexpensive booklet points out the difference in righteous and unrighteous judgment, and also provides some guidelines for avoiding the guilt one may feel when he or she is obligated make a judgment.  AM price only 3.95.

Busy Woman’s Guide To Soulwinning

by Kimberly Sciscoe

Discover how to align your busy days so that they are God centered and soul conscious. This guide is filled with real-life stories, hands-on tips, and practical strategies to empower you to connect others to God. This type of soul winning is fun, easy, and rewarding. Be the soul winner you have always longed to be!  AM price $16.95

ORDER THESE AND OTHER GREAT BOOKS ONLINE AT:

advanceministries.org/store

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Giggling or grimacing allowed

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Parting shots

Dana Perrino (Fox News) describing an interview she recently had with a Navy SEAL.  After discussing all the countries he had been sent to, she asked if they had to learn several languages?

His reply: “No ma’am, we don’t go there to talk.”

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“I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.” – Thomas Jefferson

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“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” – Abraham Lincoln

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How long has it been since the kids and young people of your church sat on the edges of their chairs listening to you teach? Here is a surefire way of virtually guaranteeing that—take your next ten texts from Genesis Chapters 1-11. Build a foundation for their faith in the rest of the Bible by conveying the facts of history from those chapters of Scripture. True science proves the Bible is right on every point. Guess what? Their parents will love it too! Have a great month.

JREnsey

February 2012 Blog

Thanks for visiting. Sharing a few moments over coffee with you is a special monthly joy.

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Been there?

A friend shared this:

I have been in many places, but I’ve never been in Cahoots. Apparently, you can’t go alone. You have to be in Cahoots with someone. I’ve also never been in Cognito. I hear no one recognizes you there. I have, however, been in Sane. They don’t have an airport; you have to be driven there. I have made several trips there, thanks to my friends, family and work.

I would like to go to Conclusions, but you have to jump, and I’m not too much on physical activity anymore. I have also been in Doubt. That is a sad place to go, and I try not to visit there too often.

I’ve been in Flexible, but only when it was very important to stand firm. Sometimes I’m in Capable, and I go there more often as I’m getting older. One of my favorite places to be is in Suspense! But I want to be sure to stay out of Debt. It is a difficult place to escape from.

I may have been in Continent, but I don’t remember what country I was in. It’s an age thing.

If the shoe fits, wear it!

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T. D. Jakes renounces Oneness doctrine

 The Baptist Press is reporting a recent meeting in Aurora, IL where Bishop Jakes affirmed the Trinity. He says that his “Oneness brethren” are now calling him a heretic. How true it is that the oftener we put ourselves in “cahoots” (see article above) with Trinitarians, putting our feet under their tables, the more apt we are to feel the immense pressure to capitulate. If we become dependent on them for ministerial affirmation, or for their money and influence, we are setting ourselves up for compromise.

If we try to build something on those who are not totally committed to truth, sooner or later it will crumble. Either the folks will leave or we will compromise. Jakes was baptized by a Oneness preacher, married by a Oneness preacher, and held one of his first revivals in Oneness Apostolic church. He knows it is the truth. But pressure from Trinitarian “peers” have caused him to capitulate or else lose much of his congregation and his prominent standing in the Evangelical movement. Once we begin to equivocate on what we know is truth, our confusion is transferred to laypeople in our churches.

God give us grace to hold high the banner of truth about the identity of Jesus. It is our foundational doctrine.

If you care to read the entire interview, click on the link below:

http://blog.christianitytoday.com/ctliveblog/archives/2012/01/td_jakes_embrac.html

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The Parable of the Blind Men and the Elephant

by John Godfrey Saxe

It was six men of Indostan
To learning much inclined,
Who went to see the Elephant
Though all of them were blind,
That each by observation
Might satisfy his mind.

The First approached the Elephant
And, happening to fall
Against his broad and sturdy side,
At once began to bawl:
“God bless me, but the Elephant
Is very like a wall!”

The Second, feeling the tusk,
Cried, “Ho! what have we here
So very round and smooth and sharp?
To me ’tis very clear
This wonder of an Elephant
Is very like a spear!”

The Third approached the animal
And, happening to take
The squirming trunk within his hands,
Thus boldly up he spake:
“I see,” quoth he, “The Elephant
Is very like a snake!”

The Fourth reached out an eager hand,
And felt about the knee:
“What most the wondrous beast is like
Is very plain,” quoth he;
“Tis clear enough the Elephant
Is very like a tree!”

The Fifth, who chanced to touch the ear,
Said, “”Even the blindest man
Can tell what this resembles most;
Deny the fact who can:
This marvel of an elephant
Is very like a fan!”

The Sixth no sooner had begun
About the beast to grope
Than, seizing on the swinging tail
That fell within his scope,
“I see,” quoth he, “the Elephant
Is very like a rope!”

And so these men of Indostan
Disputed loud and long,
Each in his own opinion
Exceeding stiff and strong.
Though each was partly in the right,
They all were in the wrong!
Count the ways you can make an inspirational application of this old poem.

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 An interesting viewpoint

“I do not choose to be a common man.  It is my right to be uncommon.  I seek to develop whatever talents God gave me—not security.  I do not wish to be a kept citizen, humbled and dulled by having the state look after me.  I want to take the calculated risk; to dream and to build, to fail and to succeed.  I refuse to barter incentive for a dole.  I prefer the challenges of life to the guaranteed existence; the thrill of fulfillment to the stale calm of utopia.  I will not trade freedom for beneficence nor my dignity for a handout.  I will never cower before any earthly master nor bend to any threat.  It is my heritage to stand erect, proud and unafraid; to think and act myself, enjoy the benefit of my creations and to face the world boldly and say—This, with God’s help, I have done.’ All this is what it means to be an American.”]

– Dean Alfange (1897-1989)

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They wouldn’t lie to us, would they?

The current administration rammed through health legislation that will be a nightmare for elderly people and their families in the future. My brother passed away in December at age 82. Primary cause: bleeding on the brain caused by a fall. If surgery had been performed sooner, he might have survived. However, if Obamacare had been in effect, my brother may  have been denied the potentially life-saving surgery.

The basis for that statement lies partly in the words of a neurosurgeon as he discusses what we can expect under Obamacare. Click on the link below to listen to a phone call allegedly from the neurosurgeon himself:

http://blog.heartland.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Phone_call_from_Neurosurgeon_32bps-1.mp3

In fairness, I tried to confirm the authenticity of the surgeon and his claims. The administrators of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons suggested that the call was a hoax and listed some seeming inaccuracies in the surgeon’s statements. The jury is still out as to whether the caller was legitimate and his facts are accurate. My doubter is flashing. I do believe, however, that there are hidden provisions in Obamacare that would frighten us if we knew their ramifications. One of them is the rationing of care to the elderly. Too many insiders who are supposed to know have told us that rationing of care will be enforced. How else will they reduce the costs? Most healthcare dollars are spent on those over 60. Limiting their lives, thereby limiting their healthcare expenditures, will achieve Obama’s goals.

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We always have the stars

During the French Revolution, one activist who opposed the role of the church in French life said, “I will have all your steeples pulled down and remove every object that serves as a reminder of your old superstitions.”

This decree evoked this response from one of the peasants: “Yes, but you cannot help leaving us the stars.”

Some things can’t be taken from us if they are held firmly enough. How is your grip?

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 The Value of Self-Discipline

Sometimes Pentecostals are maligned for their insistence on ordered lives in our disorderly culture. Self-respect, personal discipline, and ethical behavior usually evolve out of a background of spiritual experience and the application of biblical principles.

Chided for such conservative expressions of the Christian faith, believers generally ignore the taunts and criticisms, knowing that inwardly many people would love to have sufficient motivation to manifest decency and admiral deportment in their personal lives. Outside of biblical Christianity, such motivation is rare.

However, I recently read an account of explorer Henry Morton Stanley and his efforts to find Scottish missionary Dr. David Livingstone in the deepest, darkest jungles of Africa. I submit this brief, interesting account excerpted from The Smithsonian:

IMAGINE, FOR A MOMENT, that you are Stanley early one morning. You emerge from your tent in the Ituri rain forest. It’s dark. It has been dark for months. Your stomach, long since ruined by parasites, recurrent diseases and massive doses of quinine and other medicines, is in even worse shape than usual. You and your men have been reduced to eating berries, roots, fungi, grubs, caterpillars, ants and slugs—when you’re lucky enough to find them. Dozens of people were so crippled from hunger, disease, injuries and festering sores that they had to be left behind at a spot in the forest grimly referred to as Starvation Camp. You’ve taken the healthier ones ahead to look for food, but they’ve been dropping dead along the way, and there’s still no food to be found. But as of this morning, you’re still not dead. Now that you’ve arisen, what do you do?

For Stanley, this was an easy decision: shave. As his wife, Dorothy Tennant, whom he married in 1890, would later recall: “He had often told me that, on his various expeditions, he had made it a rule, always to shave carefully. In the Great Forest, in ‘Starvation Camp,’ on the mornings of battle, he had never neglected this custom, however great the difficulty.”

Why would somebody starving to death insist on shaving? Jeal said, “Stanley always tried to keep a neat appearance—with clothes, too—and set great store by the clarity of his handwriting, by the condition of his journals and books, and by the organization of his boxes.” He added, “The creation of order can only have been an antidote to the destructive capacities of nature all around him.” Stanley himself once said, according to his wife, “I always presented as decent an appearance as possible, both for self-discipline and for self-respect.”

You might think the energy spent shaving in the jungle could be better utilized in looking for food. But Stanley’s belief in the link between external order and inner self-discipline has been confirmed recently in studies. [End of excerpt.]

Human pride? I don’t think so. Vanity? No. I believe it was a sense that personal self-discipline will spill over into other areas of life in the form of moral courage, mental toughness, and indispensible resiliency in the face of life’s challenges. Those virtues alone ultimately saved Stanley from failure of his mission and even from death itself.

The strength of mind and character that allowed him to achieve his goal will also be a part of those who overcome the oppositions we Christians are likely to face in these last days.

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North Korea follows U.S. example

Someone suggested that the North Koreans were following our lead in appointing their new leader. Here were his words:

“I am really concerned about North Korea’s appointment of the ‘dear esteemed leader,’ Kim Jung Il’s youngest son to be the new leader of North Korea—a nuclear power! After all, Kim Jung Un had NO military experience whatsoever before daddy made him a four-star general in the military. This is a snot-nose twerp who has never accomplished anything in his life that would even come close to military leadership. He hasn’t even so much as led a Cub Scout troop, coached a sports team, or commanded a military platoon. So, setting that aside, next they make him the “beloved leader” of the country. Terrific!!!

“Ooops! I’m sorry. I just remembered that we did the same thing here. We took a community organizer who has never worn a uniform and made him Commander-in-Chief—a guy who has never led anything more than an ACORN demonstration and made him the leader of this country. I’m sorry I brought this up, never mind.”

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 Start with historical facts

When teaching the Bible to our children begin with the first verse. Walk through the first eleven chapters and present them as historical facts, not Bible “stories.” This will provide them with a foundation for building a life on the principles found in the remainder of the Scriptures. Surveys tell us that one of the primary reasons many young people and young adults do not continue in the faith is the undermining of the Genesis record by evolutionary theories learned in school science classes. They must be prepared for the challenges their faith will face in academia.

There are many resources today for the Christian parent who wants to provide this foundational undergirding. Books and periodicals are available at bookstores, online, and at advanceministries.org. I recommend that every parent take advantage of free literature such as Acts and Facts from the Institute of Creation Research (www.icr.org) and AnswersUpdate from answersingenesis.org. Invest in your children’s faith and it will pay huge dividends.

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Another “scientific” wonder

Scientists are announcing the discovery of a 95 million year old fossil of an octopus. They say that the fossil was found in cretaceous rock in Lebanon. That is amazing, given the fact that there are virtually no “hard” parts, such as bones, etc., in an octopus. Should one die, it will rapidly decay into nothingness. So how could one be found in hard stone? The only answer would be that the rock hardened quickly with the octopus in it. What could cause such rapid formation? Surprise: the Flood!

The fossil looks just like the ones we see today—eight legs, rows of suckers, and traces of ink exactly where the creature carried it. If evolution were true, how could there be virtually no change over 95 million years? Claims of turtle fossils 215 million years old reveal the same thing—they looked just like the ones do today. The real truth is that there is plenty of hard evidence for the Flood and none to shore up the theory of evolution. We don’t have to go back billions or millions of years to understand how such fossils are formed. The Bible has the answers in the Book of Genesis. True science is proving every day that the Genesis record is accurate, and that the evidence for a young earth is mounting.

It is interesting that the same scientists that discount the Flood and the Genesis record, when evidence abounds, are the same ones who believe in man-caused global warming, when that is nothing more than a theory without hard evidence.

Source: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/03/090319-octopus-fossil-picture.html

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A plea from the past

Feeding Sheep or Amusing Goats

by C.H. Spurgeon

An evil is in the professed camp of the Lord, so gross in its impudence that the most shortsighted can hardly fail to notice it. During the past few years it has developed at an abnormal rate, even for the evil. It has worked like leaven until the whole lump ferments. The devil has seldom done a more clever thing than hinting to the Church that part of her mission is to provide entertainment for the people, with a view of winning them. From speaking out as the Puritans did, the Church has gradually toned down her testimony, then winked at and excused the frivolities of the day. Then she tolerated them in her borders. Now she has adopted them under the plea of reaching the masses.

My first contention is that providing amusement for the people is nowhere spoken of in the Scriptures as a function of the Church. If it is a Christian work, why did not Christ speak of it? “Go ye…” into all the world and speak the Gospel to every creature. That is clear enough. So it would have been if He had added, “and provide amusement for those who do not relish the Gospel.” No such words, however, are to be found. It did not seem to occur to Him. Then again, “He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers…for the work of the ministry.” Where do entertainers come in? The Holy Spirit is silent concerning them. Were the prophets persecuted because they amused the people or because they refused? The concert has no honor roll.

Again, providing amusement is in direct antagonism to the teaching and life of Christ and all of His apostles. What was the attitude of the Church to the world? “Ye are the salt,” not the sugar candy….something the world will spit out, not swallow. Short and sharp was the utterance: “Let the dead bury the dead.” He was in awful earnestness!

Had Christ introduced more of the bright and pleasant elements into His mission, He would have been more popular when He and His disciples went back, because of the searching nature of His teaching. I do not hear Him say, “Run after these people, Peter, and tell them we will have a new kind of service tomorrow, something short and attractive with little preaching. We will have a pleasant evening for the people. Tell them they will be sure to enjoy it. Be quick, Peter; we must get the people somehow!” Jesus pitied sinners, sighed and wept over them, but never sought to amuse them. In vain will the epistles be searched to find any trace of the gospel of amusement. Their message is, “Come out, keep out, keep clean out!” Anything approaching foolishness is conspicuous of its absence. They had boundless confidence in the Gospel and employed no other weapon. After Peter and John were locked up for preaching, the Church had a prayer meeting, but they did not pray, “Lord, grant unto Thy servants that by a wise and discriminating use of innocent recreation we may show these people how happy we are.” If they had ceased not for preaching Christ, they had not time for arranging entertainments. Scattered by persecution, they went everywhere preaching the Gospel.

They “turned the world upside down.” That is the only difference! Lord, clear the Church of all the rot and rubbish the devil has imposed on her, and bring us back to apostolic methods.

Lastly, the mission of amusement fails to effect the end desired. It works havoc among the young converts. Let the careless and scoffers, who thank God because the Church met them halfway, speak and testify. Let the heavy-laden who found peace through the concert not keep silent! Let the drunkard to whom the dramatic entertainment has been God’s link in the chain of his conversation, stand up! There are none to answer. The mission of amusement produces no converts. The need of the hour for today’s ministry is believing scholarship joined with earnest spirituality, the one springing from the other as fruit from the root. The need is biblical doctrine, so understood and felt that it sets men on fire.

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Personal Bible studies win souls!

The most popular Bible study designed for soulwinning is Into His Marvelous Light. Thousands of people have been motivated by this little booklet to give their lives to God and obey the gospel. So simple anyone can teach it. So powerful no one can walk through it unchanged.

People around the world are writing to ask us if they can reproduce it in the language of their own country. Missionaries are teaching it with astounding results. It is available in German, Italian, Spanish, French. Recently, a chaplain in American Samoa in the South Pacific asked if they could translate the study into the Samoan dialect. They have had exciting results with it already.

They are often called “Home Bible Studies” but they can be used anywhere you find a hungry soul. Many keep a copy in their Bibles ready for instant use.

Isn’t it time your church started sharing the gospel via Into His Marvelous Light? Effective yet inexpensive. As low as $1.25 each. Order online at advanceministries.org or call us at 936-856-3419.

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BooksBooksBooksBooks

New titles:

Gleanings

By Ron Schoolcraft

This Apostolic author has indeed picked up the “pen of a ready writer.” Gleanings encompasses most of the fundamental issues of life, laces them with Scripture, and lets the light of truth in through the window of anecdotal illustrations. He fearlessly projects the gospel message, while revealing a compassionate Christ who is involved in our daily lives. In its pages are lots of good lessons, sermons, and Bible studies that will provide spiritual nourishment for the reader, inspiration for the teacher, and wisdom for the seeker of it.

AM price 12.95

The Prudence Awakening

By Darin Bowler

What role does submission and obedience play in our salvation? This book skillfully expounds upon a vastly imperative truth that has been miserably overlooked for so long, that it has now become a strenuous “battle” to replace it back into the hearts and minds of believers today. This Apostolic author conclusively unveils what the Word of God actually says about the essential and soul-saving role that obedience truly plays in our relationship with God.

AM price only $10.95

Before You Say, I Do

By J. R. Ensey

This booklet has saved a number of marriages—before the marriages took place! It is imperative that Apostolic believers choose well before entering into matrimony. Every teenager or young adult contemplating marriage should answer these 25 questions before going to the wedding altar.

One pastor’s wife recently ordered 20 of the booklets for those they are teaching. They said it had helped them before they married and wanted to pass the principles along. Good idea!

AM price only $3.95

Order online at advanceministries.org or call 936-856-3419.

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Give us a sense of humor, Lord,
Give us the grace to see a joke,
To get some humor out of life,
And pass it on to other folk.

 
Figure out a way to say, “I love you!”

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Parting Shot 

Christians and Jewish martyrs say: “I will die for what I believe.”
A Muslim martyr says: “You will die for what I believe!”

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We can’t keep our eyes upward if our heads are down. Let’s look up expectantly in 2012…not because the Mayans goofed on their calendar, but because Jesus told us to “look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh” (Luke 21:28).

JREnsey

January 2012

WELCOME to 2012—the probable year of the Lord’s return. Until the trumpet sounds, however, we have some unfinished business for the Lord to accomplish. May this newsletter/blog serve as an inspiration to “git ’er done!” Then let’s get out of here!

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This is our fifth year of blogging

This will be a crucial year in the history of the church. I expect Jesus to come, but if He does not, we Christians must participate in some historic decisions relating to the political situation in our nation. Four more years of uncontrolled spending, taking us closer to national bankruptcy, will put America in a position to become just another North American country, like Greece and others of the European Union. We may also replicate Europe’s socio-religious woes, experience violence in the streets, and endure car bombs in our markets and malls.

America’s demise will affect the church. Admittedly, most of the church operates outside the U.S., but most of the missions funding and activity originates in the United States. As America goes, so goes much of Christianity’s strength and authority. The Apostolic movement is a linchpin in the stability of our society. Our demise would facilitate Christianity’s demise. We MUST remain strong and committed to our fundamental principles.

This is why the blog will continue to reference political matters, comment on church-wide issues, and inveigh against the encroaching corruption of the world. Jesus is coming back after a bride who has kept herself for Him alone, unspotted from the world—not an unkempt, dirty-gowned, made-up vamp who has run around with every lecherous libertine and reprobate in town.

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Steve Jobs and Heaven

I lost count of the number of articles, cartoons, and other caricatures of Steve Jobs going to heaven after his death on October 5, 2011. Many folks just couldn’t imagine a man who had contributed so much to the field of technology would go anywhere else in the afterlife. Is technological innovation the key to Heaven?

I am a Mac man and have been since the early eighties, and if innovation and the production of ministry tools could save one, he would certainly be on the short list. However, it is doubtful that not even Jobs could hack his way into the Book of Life with a gaggle of geeks tapping keyboards and gripping mice.

Walter Isaacson’s biography, simply called Steve Jobs, tells of his rejection of Christianity based on his pastor’s response to his questions as a 13-year old boy. Jobs had become disturbed after seeing pictures of starving children in Biafra, Africa on a magazine cover. Isaacson quotes Jobs as asking his pastor:

“If I raise my finger, will God know which one I’m going to raise even before I do it?”

            The Pastor answered, “Yes, God knows everything.”

            Jobs pulled out the Life cover and asked, “Well, does God know about this and what’s going to happen to those children?”

            “Steve, I know you don’t understand, but yes, God knows about that.”

            Jobs announced that he didn’t want to have anything to do with worshipping such a God, and he never went back to church.”

What if that pastor had provided a scriptural view of life and death and the consequences of sin in the human family? Jobs is not alone in feeling bitter toward God and confused at the way some Christians present Him. We must find ways of presenting the truth in love. We must not avoid the hard questions of life and death with nothing more than “Well, God is still in control and He is having His way in all things.” Such a response is very unsatisfying.

Watch the blog in the coming months for a possible alternative response to why there is suffering and pain and sickness in the world, even among believers.

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Dagg on Pastoral Leadership

“A man whose piety and call of God to the ministry are unquestionable, who gives full proof to those among whom he ministers that he seeks their highest good, and who serves a people that esteem him highly for his work sake, has an influence over them which is almost unbounded. He comes to them in the name of God, and they perceive that his instruction and precepts are drawn from the word of God. He addresses them with reference to the eternal world, and they realize that he and they are soon to stand together before God. The authority of God, and the momentous interests of the eternal world, give weight to every word which he utters. The powers of their minds bend under its influence. Such a minister as this has so swayed the hearts of Christian men that martyrdom has had no terrors for them. They have defied the cruel rage of tyrants, and have faced popular fury undaunted. Is not this influence great enough for any minister to wield? Would the objection substitute for it a part of the tyrant’s power which it has overcome? The apostles, on the day of Pentecost, were endued with power from on high, but it was not the power of coercion. God’s truth, and a holy life, have rendered the ministry invincible, and the minister who asks for other power, mistakes the nature of his office.”

- J. L. Dagg (1794-1884), Manual of Theology: A Treatise on Church Order (Gano Books 1982 reprint of 1858 edtion), p. 277. Quoted by Doug Kutilek in AISI, Oct. 2011.

Such a sense of responsibility should put every pastor on his face before God. We must speak as a dying man to dying men.

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You tell ’em, Jody!

Anyone yet unaware that Christianity is the target of persecution should get his head out of the sand.

The following is a statement that was read over the PA system at the football game at Roane County High School, Kingston, Tennessee by school principal, Jody McLeod. (Even the liberal snopes.com site validated that it was said.)

“It has always been the custom at Roane County High School football games, to say a prayer and play the National Anthem, to honor God and Country. Due to a recent ruling by the Supreme Court, I am told that saying a prayer is a violation of Federal case law. As I understand the law at this time, I can use this public facility to approve of sexual perversion and call it ‘an alternate life style,’ and if someone is offended, that’s OK. I can use it to condone sexual promiscuity by dispensing condoms and calling it ‘safe sex.’ If someone is offended, that’s OK. I can even use this public facility to present the merits of killing an unborn baby as a ‘viable means of birth control.’ If someone is offended, no problem.

“I can designate a school day as ‘Earth Day’ and involve students in activities to worship religiously and praise the goddess ‘Mother Earth’ and call it ‘ecology.’ I can use literature, videos and presentations in the classroom that depicts people with strong, traditional Christian convictions as ‘simple minded’ and ‘ignorant’ and call it ‘enlightenment.’

However, if anyone uses this facility to honor GOD and to ask HIM to bless this event with safety and good sportsmanship, then Federal case law is violated.

“This appears to be inconsistent at best, and at worst, diabolical.

Apparently, we are to be tolerant of everything and anyone, except GOD and HIS Commandments. Nevertheless, as a school principal, I frequently ask staff and students to abide by rules with which they do not necessarily agree. For me to do otherwise would be inconsistent at best, and at worst, hypocritical. I suffer from that affliction enough unintentionally. I certainly do not need to add an intentional transgression. For this reason, I shall ‘Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s,’ and refrain from praying at this time.

“However, if you feel inspired to honor, praise and thank GOD and ask HIM, in the name of JESUS, to bless this event, please feel free to do so. As far as I know, that’s not against the law—yet.”

One by one, the people in the stands bowed their heads, held hands with one another and began to pray. They prayed in the stands. They prayed in the team huddles. They prayed at the concession stand and they prayed in the announcer’s box!

Somehow, Kingston, Tennessee remembered what so many have forgotten. We are given the freedom OF religion, not the freedom FROM religion!

[This is not submitted as an endorsement of organized sports or attendance at the games. The appropriateness of prayer there is not in my purview. I just think those who are willing to take a stand for what made America different and exceptional need acknowledgement. We will lose the freedoms that we do not use and do not value. I do wish that the principal would have prayed aloud anyway.]

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The New Spirituality

 Lots of folks are “spiritual” today rather than “religious.” That is an important distinction. Some are being innocently sucked into dangerous, extra-biblical practices without even knowing what is happening.

Contemplative spirituality: a system of ancient mystical practices to induce what amounts to altered states of consciousness (the silence), and is rooted in mysticism and the occult but often wrapped in Christian terminology; the premise of contemplative spirituality is pantheistic (God is all) and panentheistic (God is in all).

 Spiritual formation: a movement built around the concept or theory that Christians need training in the mystical “spiritual disciplines.” It provides a platform and a channel through which contemplative prayer is entering the church. Find “spiritual formation” being used, and in nearly every case you will find contemplative spirituality. “Spiritual directors” lead groups by spiritual formation into contemplative practices.

Recognize these “inside” terms used by contemplatives:

Labyrinths

Enneagrams

Divine Mystery

Prayer Stations

Spiritual Direction

Breath Prayers

Ignation Contemplation

Centering/Divine Center/Centering prayer

Lectio Divina

Practicing the Presence

“Christian” Yoga

The Silence

Inner Light

Being in the Present

Ancient Prayer Practices

Spiritual Disciplines

Terms like Taize, Prayer of the Heart, Palms Up/Palms Down, Sacred Space, Mantra Moment, Awareness of Being, Beyond Words, Slow Prayer, and others usually signal that contemplative spirituality is the real topic.

The mystical practices of religious hermits, or “desert fathers,” have been promoted by Catholic devotees since the fifth century, including the following:

Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179), St. Catherine of Siena (1347-1380), Meister Eckhart (1260-1327), Richard Rolle (c. 1300-1341), Julian of Norwich (1342-1423), St. Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556), St. Teresa of Avila (1515-1582), St. John of the Cross (1542-1591), Brother Lawrence (1611- 1691), George Fox (1624-1691), Madam Guyon (1647-1717), William Law (1686-1761), Evelyn Underhill (1875-1941), Pierre Teilhard de Chardin (1881- 1955), Thomas Merton (1915-1968).

Contemplative spirituality practices are an integral part of the Novitiate training period of the Roman Catholic religious order of Jesuits. Modern Christian mystics like Richard Foster, Thomas Keating, and Basil Pennington, and authors like Dallas Willard, Tony Jones, Doug Pagitt, Leonard Sweet and many others from the Emergent Movement have made the practice of contemplative spirituality a part of their lives and ministries. Apostolics are wise to avoid them.

For more information on this topic, visit:

http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?cat=332

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Luther on the Difficulty of Translating Hebrew

“The words of the Hebrew tongue have a peculiar energy. It is impossible to convey so much so briefly in any other language. To render them intelligibly, we must not attempt to give word for word, but only aim at the sense and idea. In translating Moses, I made it my effort to avoid Hebraisms; ’twas an arduous business. The wise ones, who affect greater knowledge than myself on the subject, take me to task for a word here and there. Did they attempt the labour I have accomplished, I would find a hundred blunders in them for my one.”

–The Table Talk of Martin Luther, edited by Thomas S. Kepler (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1979), p. 23.

[Luther knew whereof he spoke. The great dissimilarity of Hebrew and German—and English—often makes a literal, word-for-word translation of the former into the latter impossible, assuming the translator wants to be both intelligible to his readers and accurate to the sense and meaning of the original. This is why 1) every good Bible translation must resort to paraphrase at times, indeed often; and 2) no translation can perfectly convey the precise meaning, no more and no less, of the original Hebrew. – Textual critic Doug Kutilek]

I reject Bibles like The Message, or The Living Bible because they are pure paraphrases and not translations. However, the truth is that all Bible translators, without exception, indulged in paraphrase and dynamic equivalence to some degree. There is no other way to provide an accurate, readable translation that makes sense in the English of today.

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Where are the common sense politicians?

There is a pressing need for patriots who speak common sense about our current national crisis. Here is a man who does that:

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=qtjfMjjce2Y

I am not suggesting that anyone vote for him as a candidate for President. He may not be the right one, but whoever is nominated to run against the current office holder needs to make as much sense as this man in this particular speech.

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How to achieve stardom

Rob Bell has resigned as pastor of the Mar’s Hill Bible Church in Grand Rapids, MI. He achieved notoriety by blasting blasting conservative Christianity and doing all the things that the liberal, anti-Christian media like—denouncing biblical doctrines, announcing that there is no Hell, and coming out in favor of universalism. So what is his next step?

Surprise, surprise. He is moving to Los Angeles to “work on a spiritual television drama loosely based on his life.” Just what America needs—another sacreligious reality show. The financial terms of Bell’s contract was called “hefty,” but ABC declined to disclose the actual amount he will receive. There must have been a big sign somewhere: “Bell for sale…cheap.”

Bell is moving into Rick Warren’s backyard and it is raising his hackles. The Religious News Service is quoting Warren’s Twitter communiqué as saying that pastors who leave churches have less impact and credibility. “Speaking tours feed the ego—all applause and no responsibility. A church gives accountability and validity.”

Is this the pot calling the kettle black? Apostasy, acclaim and money—is that all some people are interested in? No wonder the media that is largely run by non-Christians and atheists love guys like Bell and Warren.

I would prophesy that in ten years Bell will not even be a blip on the radar screen, much less the silver screen. He is just being used by the atheistic Hollywood moguls and will be tossed aside when his celebrity fades and other heretics become prominent.

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 The Bible wins again

The cuneiform tablet below was part of the Nabonidus Chronicle dating to 556—c. 535 B.C. found in Southern Iraq. Nabonidus was listed as a king in Babylon. The tablet and others like it have documented the biblical record.

It was during the period recorded on this tablet that Daniel was in exile there. The case was that Belshazzar was in charge because Nabonidus, the ultimate ruler and Belshazzar’s father, had been in Arabia for the past ten years. This is why Daniel was made third ruler in the kingdom instead of second (Daniel 5:29) after interpreting the handwriting on the wall.

Isn’t it amazing how archaeology continues to turn up artifacts that validate the biblical record? “The word of the Lord is right…” (Psalm 33:4).

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ABC News Exposes the Psychiatric Drugging of Foster Kids

ABC News conducted a yearlong nationwide investigation on the use of the most powerful mind-altering drugs on many of the country’s nearly 425,000 foster children.

ABC was given exclusive access to a Government Accountability Office report that included foster children from Florida, Massachusetts, Michigan, Oregon and Texas.

The GAO found that across America, foster children are being put on drugs 13 times more than any other kids. Despite the many reports of tragic deaths such as that of 7 year-old Gabriel Myers, who ended his own life in 2009 after being prescribed a mix of psychotropic drugs, regulators haven’t done enough to put an end to the drugging. After five minutes of talking to his psychiatrist, Gabriel was prescribed two psychiatric drugs with black box warnings that showed they could cause increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior.

Is anyone listening?

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Time for a laugh

 

 

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10th Annual

Apostolic Theological Forum

January 19-20, 2012

New Life Church of Albany, GA

1200 Cordele Rd. 300

Steve Waldron, Host Pastor

Since 2002, the Apostolic Theological Forum has provided a venue for scholars among us who are willing to share their knowledge and experience n a symposium setting. They are challenged to deliver positive papers that validate the Apostolic faith, rather than critically nibbling away at the corners of our message.

2012 Presenters:

J. R. Ensey, Facilitator, Wade Bass, Peter Connell, Bill Davis, Philip Harrelson, G. Jorge Medina, Roger Perkins, Steve Waldron, and Ben Weeks.

• You are invited to join us in Albany for the presentations of the theological papers and the discussions that follow each one. The papers will be covering relevant topics for today’s Apostolics.

• Registration opens at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 19. Cost is only $29 including a binder and printed copies of each paper.

• Convenient lodging in Albany at the Sleep Inn. $55 rate (mention ATF). Phone 229-888-5595

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BooksBooksBooksBooks

Bibles

KJV Wide Margin Bible AM Price $59.99

ESV Hardback Bible AM Price $24.99

Parallel Bible KJV/NIV in leather AM Price $74.99

KJV Duotone  (call for colors) AM Price $19.99

Whales, Rocks, and Chickenfish

By Brent Randall

The mission of this book is to put into your hands the tools needed to make you an effective, interesting, and passionate storyteller. Whether you teach kids daily in your home, a local school, once a week in Sunday school, or once a year at summer camp, this book will inspire you to take storytelling to the next level. AM price $9.99

Spanish Role of the Shepherdess

By Roffie Ensey

You will laugh and cry as you read through these inspirational pages. You’ll experience the highs and lows with the author as she takes you through the valleys and over the mountains of ministerial life. Roffie Ensey has participated in all aspects and facets of ministry discussed in the book—the wife of an evangelist, a home missionary, a missions administrator, a pastor, associate pastor (to their son), and Bible college president. It is written from the perspective of someone who has been there.

Due to the need among our Spanish sisters, we are reprinting this book and it will be available after the first of the year.

“Your book El Papel de la Pastora has been a blessing to our young ministers wives therefore, I was saddened upon being told it was no longer in print. I am need of the book for our new minister’s wives. My husband is the District Supervisor in Tamuaulipas, Mexico.” AM price $12.99

Please go to advanceministries.org and see these all the books and Bibles we have available. Order safely online.

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Parting Shots

“Let me control the textbooks and I will control the state.” – Hitler

Dr. Alfred Rosenberg, Chief of the Political Bureau of the Nazi Party, said: “I have become convinced in my own mind and I think I can speak for the Fuhrer as well, that both the Catholic and Protestant churches must vanish from the lives of our people.”

“The Christian cross is to be removed from all churches and cathedrals and is to be replaced by the unconquerable symbol of Germany—the Swastika.” – Article XXX of the German Reich Church Regulations

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Keep the faith…and have a very happy new year! Plan to be at the Apostolic Ministerial Conference in Murfreesboro, TN Februrary 28-March 1. New features this year!

JREnsey

December Blog 2011

WELCOME to the December edition of our blog. If you celebrate Christmas in the traditional, gift-giving way, check out the books this month that make great gifts.

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Jack-O-Sermon

One day last month, while I was watching my wife bake a pumpkin, then extricate the insides for pie filling, I was reminded of hearing an analogy someone had drawn. I think it went like this:

Being a Christian is like being a pumpkin. God lifts you up, takes you in, and washes all the dirt off of you. He opens you up, touches you deep inside and scoops out all the yucky stuff—including the seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc. Then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside to shine for all the world to see.

No, we didn’t make a hollow, snaggle-toothed Jack-O-Lantern, but when I see one I think it will remind me of what God does in our lives when He redeems us.

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Rick Warren on Pentecostals

Rick Warren thinks we should provide tutorials for visitors to our services. When speaking to a recent gathering of Assemblies of God (AG) pastors in Phoenix, Arizona, he suggested that Pentecostals not abandon the use of spiritual gifts. “What you do need to do [instead] is explain them. Do not compromise what God has called you to do; simply make it explainable.”

He used an analogy of a person’s first visit to the opera. He might need “a little help in understanding what’s going on and what it means.”

What prompted Warren’s comments, which were evidently aimed at the practice of speaking in tongues in the church service? Robert Crosby comments:

“In recent years many predominantly white Pentecostal churches in North America have deemphasized the dynamic gifts of the Holy Spirit. The most prominent among the gifts neglected may be speaking in other tongues, and especially the use of this gift within the context of corporate worship.

“Speaking in tongues has arguably been the most emphasized charism of the modern Pentecostal movement. Although the leading Pentecostal denominations in the world all emphasize this gift doctrinally, some do so more than others. In fact, the largest Pentecostal organization in the world, the AG, considers tongues ‘the initial, physical evidence of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit.’ The ‘distinctive doctrine’ of the AG is that this charism is the primary tangible evidence that a Christ-follower has experienced a “second work of grace” called the Baptism in the Holy Spirit—which believers, according to doctrinal statements, are supposed to ‘ardently expect’ and ‘earnestly seek.’

“Oddly enough, however, it seems that this hallmark phenomenon over the past decade has on many fronts been deemphasized, displaced and, in some cases, even placed on hold within churches that still would consider themselves ‘Pentecostal.’

“For Pentecostals, the times have changed. A movement that has experienced rapid growth in the past century in the United States amidst periodic controversy and frequent misunderstanding has both influenced mainstream church culture and been influenced by it. Pentecostalism, once unaccepted and spurned by other denominations, has become more welcomed amidst evangelicals than ever before. But has that acceptance come with a price?”

Source:  Robert Crosby @ http://www.patheos.com/Resources/Additional-Resources/Rick-Warrens-Surprising-Advice-to-Pentecostal-Churches-Robert-Crosby-11-08-2011.html#.TsPYG4qpH_o.wordpress 11/8/11

I will leave the relevance of Crosby’s comments on the Apostolic movement up to the readers, but I will say this to Mr. Warren: You wouldn’t have to be handed a tutorial pamphlet if you were the Bible scholar folks think you are. It is right there in the Bible, plain enough for all to read. You prefer to promote a Christianity without the power and operation of the Spirit, as though the Book of Acts and chapters 12-14 of I Corinthians has been removed from Holy Writ. You are still locked in a tradition that views speaking in tongues as an experience relegated to the apostolic age, or perhaps an operation too juvenile to be meaningful to contemporary believers.

The former pastor of your neighboring church—the First Baptist Church of Los Angeles—received the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues during the Azusa Street outpouring. You would find it makes a refreshing difference in how you view spiritual manifestations and their presentation in the Scriptures. Actually, Jesus said, “Except a man be born again of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5). So it is not only an operational “charism” for the corporate body of Christ, or merely a gift one should “ardently expect,” it is an essential element of salvation providing our entrance into the kingdom (Acts 2:38). Try it; you’ll like it!

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Lip-locking not to pope’s liking

The Vatican is apparently taking its displeasure with the Pope’s depiction in a new advertisement campaign called “Unhate” to the next level. He is shown kissing—mouth-to-mouth—an Islamic imam. He claims innocence. Recently, the controversy exploded over a new retail clothier’s campaign that also shows President Obama kissing Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, and Israel’s prime minister Netanyahu kissing a Palestinian, among other same-sex smooches. Yuck!!

The ad containing the obviously Photoshopped images went viral on the net. The Catholic Church has decided that it will, indeed, sue over the offensive picture. This development comes after Benetton, the Italian clothing company that created the advertisement, pulled the image from its campaign in mid-November. The ad’s creators might look over their shoulder to see if a Mossad agent is tracking them.

I am sure some folks out in ’Frisco were doing fist pumps for Benetton and snapping up items from their clothing line.

How about an “UnLove” campaign—as in “unlove the world.”

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Bible trivia: How long for Noah to build the Ark?

Creationist Ken Ham addressed this topic recently:

While the Bible does not directly answer the above question, it does give us some tantalizing clues.

Let’s start with Genesis 6:3 where God declared that because man is flesh, his
days shall be 120 years—as a result of removing His Spirit from them: “And the Lord said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.”

Now, scholars will debate the meaning of this text until we finally get to heaven and can ask Jesus Himself! But the point is: this declaration was in God’s mind, and the verse records that it was eventually “said” to someone—maybe Methuselah, or Noah, or Lamech (we simply do not know).

After Genesis 6:3, the countdown was on. But this was not the same time God made a declaration to Noah to build the Ark. Let’s look closer at the context.

Not until verses 17 and 18 does God speak to Noah about the Ark and coming Flood: “and you shall go into the ark—you, your sons, your wife, and your sons’ wives with you” (Genesis 6:18). Notice, Noah already had sons who already had wives. Noah didn’t have his first son until he was 500 years old, and the Flood came 100 years later (Genesis 7:6). Allowing 25-30 years for the sons to grow up and get wives (note the average ages in Genesis 11), we’re left with perhaps 70 years to build the Ark.

Could Noah build the Ark in 70 years? Let’s take off our mental glasses that are possibly tinted by evolutionary thinking as we make some inference from the Bible and reasonably speculate. Man was still a recent creation direct from the mind of God, his intelligence not as dimmed by thousands of years of the Curse as our minds are today (and archaeology confirms that even ancient post-Flood man was capable of great feats and technological advancement). Also, people lived immense life spans before the Flood during which they could continually hone their talents.

Furthermore, nowhere does it say Noah built the Ark by himself. He likely hired a crew of craftsmen who used both metal and wooden tools, which the Bible records they had available (Genesis 4:22). Such tools may have been as advanced as ours today, as archaeology suggests.

Source: Ken Ham in Answers EC, Vol. 18; issue 11, p. 3.

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The way it looks from here…

A recent article in the Belief section of the Houston Chronicle pointed out that some churches have “gone casual” but that others, specifically some Roman Catholic churches, are “calling out worshipers who wear inappropriate clothing to Mass, reminding churchgoers that even as styles change, modesty remains a virtue.” The article stated that the Vatican “is well known for posting signs prohibiting clothes that expose shoulders, knees or chests.”

The author went on to quote from the Roman Catholic catechism: “Purity requires modesty, an integral part of temperance. Modesty protects the intimate center of the person. It means refusing to unveil what should remain hidden. It is ordered to chastity to whose sensitivity it bears witness. It guides how one looks at others and behaves toward them in conformity with the dignity of persons and their solidarity.”

The way it looks from here is…we were pre-empted by the RC Church. The sign at left was posted in a Catholic church. (I am not for such signs in our churches.) Also, wouldn’t it make sense that what’s too immodest for the church is too immodest for the public?

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Our changing world

The car at right was a really nice convertible built in 1911. Fuel for it was purchased at grocery stores, drug stores, blacksmith shops, and similar places of business. “Filling stations” were still future.

What a difference a century makes! Someone submitted these additional statistics for the year 1911:

The average life expectancy for men was 50 years, 54 for women.
Only 14 percent of the homes had a bathtub.
Only 8 percent of the homes had a telephone.
The maximum speed limit in many cities was 10 mph.

The tallest structure in the world was the Eiffel Tower.
The average US wage in 1910 was 22 cents per hour.
The average US worker made between $200 and $400 per year.
A competent accountant could expect to earn $2000 per year, a dentist $2,500 per year, a veterinarian between $1,500 and $4,000 per year, and amechanical engineer about $5,000 per year.
More than 95 percent of all births took place at home.
Ninety percent of all doctors had little or no college education! Instead,  they attended so-called medical schools, many of which were condemned in the press and the government as “substandard.”
Sugar cost four cents a pound.

Eggs sold for about a penny each.
Coffee was fifteen cents a pound.
Most women only washed their hair once a month, and used Borax or egg yolks  for shampoo.
Canada passed a law that prohibited poor people from entering into their country for any reason.

The five leading causes of death were:
1. Pneumonia and influenza
2. Tuberculosis
3. Diarrhea
4. Heart disease
5. Stroke
The American flag had 46 stars.
The population of Las Vegas, Nevada was only 800.
Crossword puzzles, canned beer, and iced tea hadn’t been invented yet.

There was neither a Mother’s Day nor a Father’s Day.
Two out of every 10 adults couldn’t read or write and only 6 percent of all Americans had graduated from high school.

Many drugs considered addictive and dangerous were available over the counter at the local corner drugstores.

Back then some pharmacists claimed, “Heroin clears the complexion, gives buoyancy to the mind, regulates the stomach and bowels, and is, in fact, a perfect guardian of health!” (Perhaps that’s why we find it difficult to trust pharmaceutical claims today!)

There were about 230 reported murders in the entire U.S.!

Try to imagine what life may be like in another 100 years. On second thought, don’t.

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Western rules

Someone submitted the following rules for Arizona, Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming, Montana, Utah, Kansas, Idaho, and the rest of the Wild West:

1. Pull your pants up. You look like an idiot.

2. Turn your cap right, your head ain’t crooked.

3. Let’s get this straight—it’s called a ‘gravel road.’ I drive a pickup truck because I want to. No matter how slow you drive, you’re gonna get dust on your Lexus. Drive it or get out of the way.

4. They are cattle. That’s why they smell like cattle. They smell like money to us. Get over it. Don’t like it? I-80 & I-40 go east and west, I-35 & I-15 go north and south. Pick one and go.

5. So you have a $60,000 car. We’re impressed. We have $250,000 combines that are driven only 3 weeks a year.

6. Every person in the Wild West waves. It’s called being friendly. Try to understand the concept.

7. If that cell phone rings while a bunch of geese/pheasants/ducks/ doves are comin’ in during a hunt, someone might shoot it outta your hand. You better hope you don’t have it up to your ear at the time.

8. We eat trout, salmon, deer and elk. You really want sushi and caviar? It’s available at the corner bait shop.

9. ‘The Opener’ refers to the first day of deer season. It’s a religious holiday held the closest Saturday to the first of November.

10. We open doors for women. That’s applied to all women, regardless of age.

11. No, there’s no ‘vegetarian special’ on the menu. Order steak, or you can order the Chef’s Salad and pick off the 2 pounds of ham and turkey.

12. When we fill out a table, there are three main dishes: meats, vegetables, and breads. We use three spices: salt, pepper, and ketchup. Oh, yeah, we don’t care what you folks in Philadelphia call that stuff you eat…IT AIN’T REAL CHILI!!

13. You bring ‘Coke’ into my house, it better be brown, wet and served over ice. You bring ‘Mary Jane’ into my house, she better be cute, know how to shoot, drive a truck, and have long hair.

14. Turn down that infernal car stereo! That thumpity-thump ain’t music, anyway. We don’t want to hear it anymore than we want to see your boxers! Refer back to #1!

Source: Some ol’ codger who just drove off with a Brahma (pronounced brimmer by those who deal with ’em) bull in his car. (See accompanying photos.) Suggestion: don’t mess with anyone who rides with a bull in his car!

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Pop quiz

It is said that the Catholic churches of Las Vegas routinely get poker chips in the offering plates. Since the chips have to be sorted later as to which casino they are from and where they will be redeemed, this task is assigned to the priests residing in a nearby Franciscan monastery. What are these priestly “sorters” called?

Answer (read backwards):  sknom pihc

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New Emergent Commentary (EC)

Since we are living in the twenty-first century—the paradigm-shifting, postmodern, and soon-to-be post-Christian generation—it is time we had a commentary on the Bible that was up-to-date with the times. Religious progressives have had to put up with outdated and obsolete Bible commentaries long enough. They have demanded a “relevant” commentary that meets the felt needs of the seeker sensitive, forward thinking ministers of the endtime to help believers to engage our culture.

Well, now we have one in the works. It is not quite complete, but I am told work is moving forward on it. Here are some of the early entries:

Genesis 1:1 – “In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth.”

Emergent Commentary: Since no one was around when the Big Bang occurred, we cannot verify that creation was done ex nihilo, or from nothing, as conservatives suggest. Apparently God utilized the process of evolution to bring about the gradual formation of the planets and stars, since it appears from geological studies that the earth is billions of years old.

Genesis 1:27 – “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.”

EC:  When man finally evolved, he had the image of God, or the innate ability to become like godlike. That is where evolution is taking us—progressively into godhood. Re: the latter portion of the verse, modern science has confirmed that we are not all male or all female, but we have both male and female attributes. Body parts alone do not indicate one’s gender. Many people recognize that they are inwardly the opposite sex from outward indications. It is wonderful that the Bible confirms what science has determined.

Exodus 34:12 – “Take heed to thyself, lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land whither thou goest, lest it be for a snare in the midst of thee.”

EC: Get involved with the unsaved; just don’t be caught up in their evil ways. They have some great ideas. Pick and choose. Eat the chicken but toss the bones and you’ll be fine.

Joshua 23:7 – “That ye come not among these nations, these that remain among you; neither make mention of the name of their gods, nor cause to swear by them, neither serve them, nor bow yourselves unto them.”

EC: Don’t insult other people who don’t believe like you by refusing to honor their religion. You won’t win them if you manifest a ‘holier than thou’ attitude. You can assume their worship positions and adopt some of their rituals but don’t worship their gods in your heart.

Deuteronomy 18:9 – “When thou art come into the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations.”

EC: Just because one is a Hebrew monotheistic believer doesn’t mean he can’t learn some helpful things from non-believers. How can we condemn them when we have refused to learn why they do certain things and believe the way they do? Christians need to learn how they attract so many people to those groves up on the hill.

Deuteronomy 7:22,25 – “And the Lord thy God will put out those nations before thee by little and little…. The graven images of their gods shall ye burn with fire: thou shalt not desire the silver or gold that is on them, nor take it unto thee, lest thou be snared therein: for it is an abomination to the Lord thy God.”

EC: Overlook their image adoration. All religions have some redeeming value. Incorporate their successful methodology and you may gain their confidence and acceptance and thereby influence them for Christ at some future time. The Jews missed some great opportunities to be a witness nation by their attitude of separation.

Leviticus 20:23,24,26 – “And ye shall not walk in the manners of the nation, which I cast out before you: for they committed all these things, and therefore I abhorred them…. I am the Lord your God, which have separated you from other people…. And ye shall be holy unto me: for I the Lord am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine.”

EC: Focus on contact without compromise. Separation has only to do with what one actually believes in his heart, and nothing to do with literal separateness. God separated us spiritually by letting us see more light than they, but if we will be patient with those on their spiritual journey, eventually they will come to faith in Jesus.

Deuteronomy 7:1,2,5,6 – “When the Lord thy God shall bring thee into the land whither thou goest to possess it, and hath cast out many nations before thee…thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them…But thus shall ye deal with them; ye shall destroy their altars, and break down their images, and cut down their groves, and burn their graven images with fire. For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth.”

EC: [This was evidently an interpolation by some scribe who was abused as a child. God is love, and a loving, merciful God would have us be a loving and merciful people, not treating others in the way suggested here, as though we were “special” and therefore better than they. That would be unkind. So these verses should actually be stricken from the Bible.]

Joshua 23:5,7,8 – “And the Lord your God, he shall expel them from before you, and drive them from out of your sight; and ye shall possess their land, as the Lord your God hath promised unto you…. That ye come not among these nations, these that remain among you; neither make mention of the name of their gods, nor cause to swear by them, neither serve them, nor bow yourselves unto them: But cleave unto the Lord your God.”

EC: We can expel the unbelief from the hearts of the atheists and pagans by manifesting a loving attitude toward them at all times. Don’t denigrate their ‘religion,’ rather honor their ‘spirituality.’ Multiculturalism and pluralism are inevitable. You must learn to live together and strive for mutual understanding and cooperation. You can do this and still remain faithful to the Lord.

Ezra 10:11 – “Now therefore make confession unto the Lord God of your fathers, and do his pleasure: and separate yourselves from the people of the land, and from the strange wives.”

EC: Maintain your faith in the Lord, just don’t marry women you do not know well, or acquire more wives than you can adequately take care of. The “separation” thing was merely a temporary injunction because of the local situation at the time.

I Kings 11:1-3 – “But king Solomon loved many strange women…of the nations concerning which the Lord said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love. And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart.”

EC: Solomon married unwisely and let his wives have more influence than they should have had. He was just an old guy who couldn’t handle new ways of ‘doing church.’ Marrying the daughters of prominent rulers often brings peace to the nation, and as the Prince of Peace, the Lord loves peace.

I Corinthians 5:11 – “But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolator, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.”

EC: Don’t be judgmental of your brother. He may be going through difficulties of which you have no knowledge. Pray for him, encourage him, take him out to lunch. He may not be as guilty of some of the charges as the Council of Elders determined that he was. You never know…he might have just come into a lot of money and could really bless the church financially. Be compassionate and patient with the victims of these temptations. Help them to taper off of their sins gradually.

II Corinthians 6:14 – “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?…. Wherefore come out from among them and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.”

EC: Egalitarianism is the first rule of love. Everyone is equal. Don’t be ‘goody two-shoes’ as though Christians are untouchable. Be discerning about your fellowship, but remember there is some good in everyone and everything. Be fair and balanced. If you are culturally relevant and progressive you will likely enjoy great popularity and acceptance. ‘Unclean’ is an Old Covenant word that has no relevance to us today. Community is the contemporary watchword.

I Corinthians 15:33 – “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” [“Bad company ruins good morals” – ESV] [“Do not be misled. Bad company corrupts good character” – NIV]

EC: Evildoers can be a pain in the neck, but if you will try to live right while you are together, it will be a witness. They won’t turn you; you will turn them. Your influence on them is greater than their influence on you. Just because millions of others have been corrupted is no sign you can’t handle the pressure and influence of bad company. Just sip and pray…and don’t inhale.

Ephesians 5:11 – “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.”

EC: Having fellowship with good moral people who pray and worship and love the Lord is essential, especially with those who have a compassionate heart and a kind spirit. Avoid judgmentalism that excludes such people on the basis of some narrow doctrine. Inclusivism is the pattern of thought that is relevant today. Some non-Pentecostals have a better “spirit” than the Apostolics. A sweet attitude of tolerance is the most important factor in the life of a child of God.

Galatians 1:8-10 – “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.”

EC: Let us hope that we are right enough to be saved ourselves, and yet wrong enough that others will be saved. Listen carefully to your inner voice; it may be the utterance of angels. Preach all you know, but if there is something you aren’t sure of by your own experience, don’t worry—let it all hang out. Spill your guts. No one is right on everything. Truth is not totally objective, but rather subjective in many cases. It is what each of us believe it is.

II Peter 1:3 – “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue.”

EC: God’s word is good, as far as it goes. It is a living document that needs additions and revisions to be relevant to each generation and culture. It does not mention so many situations we face today; therefore, apply it where specifics are addressed, but in matters that are not directly referred to, use your own judgment or the current cultural practice.

II John 1:10 – If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: for he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.”

EC: Some people are not very far along on their spiritual journey; therefore, we must be patient with them. Spend time with them. Encourage them to continue seeking a comfortable level of spiritual light, even though it might be different from your own. Give them an offering if they are in need. It would be the missional thing to do.

As you excitedly read through this smattering of comments from leading theologians, you must know that God wants us to be progressive and relevant, standing in contrast to outdated brands of Christianity. We must appeal to the first two groups by any and all means—giveaways, comedy shows, outdoor drama productions, TV shows, celebrity visits….whatever. We can finance these efforts by the sale of trinkets like whistles and anklets, progressive music CDs, and funny imprinted T-shirts. The last group—outdated brands of Christianity, like conservative Evangelicals and traditional Pentecostal groups—should merely be ignored. They are hopelessly locked into retro methodology.

Ah, yes. This is a new day with fresh thinking and innovative ideas for doing church. As soon as we get the pulpit and altar benches out of sight (they scare sinners), the barstool down on the floor level, couches scattered around, and don our ragged $90 blue jeans, we will be ready to read from the missional Reader’s Digest Version (RDV) of the Bible. (It only has two chapters! Yesssssss!)

Be sure to stay after the service and sign up for our meditation and yoga classes!

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BooksBooksBooksBooksBooks

Covered by Love

This new book by Lori Wagner and Gwyn Oakes is all about women’s hair. Aimed at Pentecostal girls, the book provides sound, biblical reasoning for uncut hair. But it doesn’t stop there. It deals with hair styles, hair care, and just about all a girl needs to know about how to protect and wear her glory. Pastor’s wife, Rachel Coltharp, says, “How I wish this book had been available to me as a child/teenager. It so clearly and thoroughly lays out the positive message of obedience, purpose, and blessing concerning women’s hair. I hope every mother and grandmother will give their children the gift of this book.”

We agree. This book will make a great Christmas gift. It is a gift of biblical principles that will never go out of date. Order several today at advanceministries.org! AM price only $11.95.

Great Christmas gifts…

Bundle of ATF Journals

The Apostolic Theological Forum was established in 2002 to provide a colloquy where papers on theological subjects could be presented and discussed. A variety of papers dealing with doctrinal and cultural issues, church, government, prophecy and history have been presented each year in the Forum. There are five volumes. AM price $9.95 each.  Bundle of all five $44.95

The New Cyclopedic Theological Dictionary – 3rd edition

The reference volume based on the biblical, apostolic viewpoint! Compiled and written by J. R. Ensey.
When you want to know the meaning of a theological term, or the description of a religious movement, or the definition of over a thousand words that are found in reference works and the Bible…turn to The New Cyclopedic Theological Dictionary!
Contains:
• Over 1000 entries
• Definitions and descriptions of many Bible words, theological
terms, and religious movements
• 486 pages of easy-to-read, easy-to-use information
• The only reference volume of its kind! Written from a conser vative, apostolic viewpoint, this classic work has enhanced the study habits of thousands of ministers and laymen.
“This dictionary is far more than a word study; it is replete with the background and history of many doctrinal positions and teachings. It also serves as a standard for testing the validity of different theories…an invaluable tool!”
-Dr. Marvin Treece                                                                    AM Price $16.95

Order these and check out other great books at advanceministries.org.

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No spin zone

Redneck innovation

When it’s hot in Arizona, you just do what you have to do.

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Dates to remember

Apostolic Ministerial Conference in Murfreesboro, TN. February 28-March 2, 2012. Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center. Call 615-890-4464 for hotel reservations. All suites! Reserve early. Great preaching, great fellowship. Speakers: Cleve Lambeth, Daniel McKillop, Phil White, Alan Pickleseimer, Sam Ham, Clifford Clark, Caleb Adams. Don’t miss it! Everyone welcome!

Apostolic Theological Forum in Albany, GA. January 19-20, 2012. New Life Church, 1200 Cordele Rd. 300. Steve Waldron, host pastor, J. R. Ensey, chairman. Presenters: Wade Bass, Peter Connell, Bill Davis, Philip Harrelson, G. Jorge Medina, Roger Perkins, Steve Waldron, Ben Weeks. Registration opens at 6:00 p.m. Thursday evening. Convenient, inexpensive lodging at Sleep Inn (229-888-5595). See you there!

The Parting Shots

 “There is a craze these days to hear something new from the Lord; but what we need to hear are those things we have heard all along, but have not listened to.”  –  Oswald Chambers

 “Holy practice is the most decisive evidence of our repentance.”  –  Jonathan Edwards

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Have a blessed Christmas season…and don’t forget whose birthday we are really celebrating! Let’s keep Him at the center of all our activities.

JREnsey

November blog

WELCOME to our November chat. Leaves are falling and the grass is withering, turning an ugly shade of brown. But the crisp air, the hope of rain, and the welcome relief from the oppressive heat help us see the beauty in all things and in all seasons.

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“To err is human, but to really foul things up requires a computer.” – Farmers’ Almanac, 1978. How much misery could a Commodore 64 give you in 1978 compared to the monsters we use today? The hackers and wikileak types are proving they can really mess up the whole world.

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Pushed by an angel

You know I am not one to repeat a lot of angel stories, but indulge me this one. Sister Ilene Dewar, our assistant in the ministry of ISC, sent it to me a few days ago. May it be an inspiration to you.

A young man who works at the hospital as an operating room technician at the Indiana University Health Care—Bloomington is an Apostolic. As the operating team of which he was a part was wheeling a patient, also was Apostolic, into the operating room for surgery for a blocked colon, Brother Rob felt a hand on his back. Thinking it was a nurse who wanted him to move closer to the patient to give her room to pass by, he moved and looked over his shoulder. When he did, he saw an angel who was as tall as the ceiling. The power of God hit Rob and he burst out speaking in other tongues. The doctor and nurses were giving him looks so he quenched it. Then, it hit him again and he again burst out in other tongues and this time laid his hand on the patient. Then the doctor told him to stop and he did.

When the doctor opened the patient up, he said to the nurses, “Please check this man’s records, we must have the wrong patient.”  The nurses assured him that it was the correct patient. Then, he said, “Maybe the patient of the same name was scheduled for surgery.” So, again they checked and reported that this was the correct patient. Then the doctor said, “Call my office and have his records faxed over here.”  They did and everything checked out, even the measurements of his last procedure. The doctor then said, “Something is wrong—we have the wrong patient.” They closed up the incision.

After the doctor left the operating room, he reprimanded Rob. Rob tried to explain that he was Apostolic and that when we worship the Lord we sometimes speak in tongues. He tried to tell the doctor about Jesus and the plan of salvation, but the doctor would have none of it. However, the family and Bro. Rob knew the patient had been healed and they were rejoicing.

A few days went by and Bro. Rob had not seen this particular surgeon until one day, near the elevator, he said to Rob, “Come here, I want to talk to you.” Rob was sure he was going to be reprimanded again. The surgeon said, “When have you been to my village and when did you learn to speak my dialect.” Bro. Rob said, “I don’t know your language and I have never been to your village.” The doctor was incensed at this answer and all but called Rob a liar. Again the doctor, who is from India, demanded that Rob tell him when he learned to speak his language and his dialect. Rob said, “I do not know your language.”  The doctor said, “Then why did you speak to me in my language.” “Sir,” Rob said, “What did I say to you?” The doctor said, “The first time you said, ‘It is done,’ and the second time, you said, ‘I said, it is done.’”

So, this time, Rob was able to tell this doctor more about Jesus and the plan of salvation. The doctor said, “I want you to come to my home and teach my entire family about this. I have been having dreams that I and my whole family were cast into hell. Many dreams, many nights.” Rob told him that it must be very upsetting to the doctor to have those dreams. The doctor insisted that Rob come to his home and teach his family, his entire family, saying, “My entire family will be there.”

So, Bro. Rob is now privately teaching the doctor and his family a Bible study. Also, the doctor told Bro. Rob that he had studied much about what happened to the patient, why there was no sign of a blockage when it clearly showed up on x-rays. He said there is no scientific reason, no medical reason and just no reason at all, but that blockage is gone.

P.S. I don’t know the doctor’s name, but please pray for him and his entire family, that the Spirit of God will lead Bro. Rob as he teaches them a home Bible study. Also, I want to tell you that I have been so inspired by your book, Faith in the Furnace, which I began reading yesterday. I am sure that God has good things in store for all of us. – Ilene Dewer

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Occupy Wall Street’s new ally: el Papa

On Monday, the Vatican called for a shared body of rules to manage the global financial market. The statement came as thousands of protesters have camped out in cities around the world to protest the excesses of Wall Street. Father Thomas Reese says the Occupy Wall Street activists might have an unlikely ally, the pope.

THOMAS REESE: This will surprise those Americans who think the pope is a Republican because he opposes abortion and gay marriage. But when it comes to economic justice, Pope Benedict is to the left of President Obama. He is even to the left of Nancy Pelosi. Those who read the pope’s 2009 encyclical “Caritas in Veritate,” which is Latin for “charity in truth,” will not be surprised by this new document. In that encyclical, the pope decried the corruption and illegality among economic and political elites in both rich and poor countries. He wants a radical rethinking of economics so that it is guided not simply by profits but by an ethic, which is people-centered.

Benedict noted that economic inequalities are on the increase across the globe. He does not accept the trickle-down theory, which says that all boats will rise with the economic tide. Benedict condemned the scandal of glaring inequalities and sees a role for government in the redistribution of wealth. Yes, you heard that right. The pope favors the redistribution of wealth. When was the last time you heard even a liberal Democrat use those words? The pope also disagrees with those who believe that the economy should be free of government regulation.

An unregulated economy has led man to abuse the economic process in a thoroughly destructive way, he wrote. Critics have complained that the Occupy Wall Street movement has no program. The people in the movement could do a lot worse than to study what the pope has said about the economy. Sadly, not even many Catholics know about the church’s teaching on economic justice, which has been called the church’s best-kept secret. The pope does not have a magic plan to bring about economic prosperity, but he does focus on the values that a political and economic system must support.

The priority, he says, has got to be access to steady employment for everyone, and that means not just here in the United States but also in the developing world. So if you’re having a tea party, don’t bother inviting the pope; he won’t come. But if you see a white, solar-powered car heading towards Wall Street, it might just be the popemobile.

Source: National Public Radio®.

Looks like everyone is trying to get a ticket on the social justice train.- jre

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The Radical Homosexuals…

…who are infiltrating the United States Congress have a plan:

Indoctrinate an entire generation of American children with pro-homosexual propaganda and eliminate traditional values from American society.

Their ultimate dream is to create a new America based on sexual promiscuity in which the values you and I cherish are long forgotten.

I hate to admit it, but if they pass the deceptively named “Student Non-Discrimination Act,” (H.R. 998 & S. 555) that’s exactly what they’ll do.

Better named the “Homosexual Classrooms Act,” its chief advocate in Congress is Rep. Jared Polis, himself an open homosexual and radical activist.

And it’s dangerously close to becoming the law of the land.

H.R. 998 already has 147 co-sponsors in the House!

And S. 555 already has 34 co-sponsors in the Senate!

It is time to contact your congressman!

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Book recommendation

Brother Daniel Orr II submits this recommendation for profitable reading:

I recently ran across the well written book titled The Book of Man, written by William J. Bennett, former Education Secretary under former President George Bush, Sr. For a brief summary of this highly praised book please refer to the following website found on the Fox News website dated 10/14/2011:

http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2011/10/14/have-forgotten-how-to-raise-boys-into-men

This book comes highly recommended for those of you, or someone you know, who may be struggling with the cornucopia of issues connected to raising a boy in today’s world, or to those stuck with an adult man in your life—husband, brother, father or son—who is a modern Peter Pan Man without a clue of who he is or where he is going. Please read the article on Fox News and get the book. It makes sense in light of the perilous times in which we live.

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Apostolic Theological Forum

Make plans to join us in Albany, GA for the eleventh annual meeting of the Apostolic Theological Forum on January 19-20. The host church is New Life of Albany, 1200 Cordele Rd. 300. The host pastor is Steve Waldron. All who enjoy theological presentations and discussions are welcome.

Presenters include Wade Bass, Peter Connell, William Davis, Philip Harrelson, G. Jorge Medina, Roger Perkins, Steve Waldon (not pictured), Ben Weeks, and J. R. Ensey.

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 Who’s that knocking at the door?

I have been part of the ministerial seminar team in the Texas District for the past 32 years. I presently serve as the Ministerial Advancement Program chairman. That committee, along with others, provides training for incoming ministers and those seeking higher levels of ministerial credentials. So I am encouraged when we have applicants for license. We desperately need more ministers who can help us impact our world and extend the reach of the gospel.

That being said, I am aware of the need to carefully screen those who are knocking at the door for entrance into the UPCI. It was pointed out at the recent conference that there is a “graying” of the ministerial constituency. The current push for younger ministers that was made at the conference is commendable, and I am behind it 100%. However, the encouragement must be balanced by district boards being careful not to lower the bar because of this present need to reduce the average age of our ministerial body.

What is of greater concern than a graying ministerial constituency is one that is diluted by those who do not fully understand the essentials of the message of salvation or the holiness lifestyle as stipulated in the UPCI Manual. We need to pray earnestly for every district superintendent and district board member that they will know what every applicant believes and that it is in line with the Bible and our Manual before licensing is approved. That takes more intestinal fortitude than it once did. It sometimes means more than merely taking the sponsoring pastor’s recommendation.

Before we say, “Come in,” let’s be sure who is knocking at the door.

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We will all understand someday

The young police officer asked the elderly lady he had stopped, “Do you know you were speeding?”

The 83 year-old woman talked herself out of a ticked by stating, “Yes, but I had to get there before I forgot where I was going.”

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“Holy yoga,” anyone?

Are you as concerned as I am about the entrance of contemplative spirituality teaching and practices creeping into the Apostolic movement? I haven’t heard of our churches offering yoga yet, but other practices of the category are becoming more common. Where will we be with this stuff ten years from now if we don’t identify it and curb it now?

Check out these websites for the new spirituality information:

http://morebooksandthings.blogspot.com/2009/12/calvinists-promoting-contemplative.html

www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com

After being deceived into Christian Mysticism, Christine Pack warns us of the dangers in Mysticism: A Counterfeit Holy Spirit.

Here is an excerpt: “Christian proponents of mysticism, however, are making the assertion that Scripture is not enough of a revelation from God. No, according to them, we’ve got to power down, get still and silent, and “hear” from God.

However, speaking as a former mystic/gnostic/hindu/buddhist/pagan, I can attest that the “powering down” thing that mystics do is not biblical.

Pack also gives an interview warning us of the Dangers of Mystic Meditation Practices.

This interview really takes the lid off of why many Protestant Christian leaders involved in Roman Catholic monastic meditation tend to stop being Christian and turn into pantheists and panentheists who abandon the Word of God and the cross in favor of their next counterfeit spiritual fix.

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Psych watch

Multiple Personality Deception

The Wall Street Journal of 10/29/11 featured the review of a book by Carol Tavris. The book was Sybil Exposed by Debbie Nathan. How refreshing it is to see almost a full page given to the denunciation of this psychiatric deception called “multiple personality syndrome.” I exposed it in my book The Couch and the Cross several years ago when it was popular even in our own ranks. Every pastor would do well to take the time to read the review. It can be found at:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204524604576609350972680560.html

Pill mills

I trust you are also keeping up with the “pill mills” scandals that are popping up across America. Doctors are being paid to push prescriptions for particular name brand pharmaceuticals. Several Houston doctors made the news because of their involvement and at least one has already been tried and sentenced for indiscriminate pill pushing. Wake up, Apostolics! Brains and bodies and souls are being wasted through careless trusting of doctors without the patients doing their own independent fact-finding and research.

Bipolar kids?

“I have been a child psychiatrist for nearly five decades and have seen diagnostic fads come and go. But I have never witnessed anything like the tidal wave of unwarranted enthusiasm for the diagnosis of bipolar disorder in children that now engulfs the public and the profession. Before 1995, bipolar disorder, once known as manic-depressive illness, was rarely diagnosed in children; today nearly one third of all children and adolescents discharged from child psychiatric hospitals are diagnosed with the disorder and medicated accordingly. The rise of outpatient office visits for children and adolescents with bipolar disorder increased 40-fold from 20,000 in 1994-95 to 800,000 in 2002-03. A Harvard child psychiatry group led by Dr. Joseph Biederman, a prominent supporter of the diagnosis, recently insisted, ‘Juvenile bipolar disorder is a serious illness that is estimated to affect approximately 1 percent to 4 percent of children.’

“I believe, to the contrary, that there is no scientific evidence to support the belief that bipolar disorder surfaces in childhood. In fact, the opposite seems to be the case: the evidence against the existence of pediatric bipolar disorder is so strong that it’s difficult to imagine how it has gained the endorsement of anyone in the scientific community. And the effect of this trendy thinking can have devastating consequences. Such children are regularly prescribed medications that are not effective in kids and have unwelcome side effects.” (excerpted from Newsweek, June 27, 2011, p. 54).

Are you listening, Apostolics? And why do you think they are making so many bi-polar diagnoses? MONEY! It is pouring into the coffers of big pharma and the overflow is falling into the doctor’s pockets!

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For those who care to know…

Here is a website that clearly reveals what happens when we elect gays and lesbians to public office. Houston’s activist lesbian mayor is guiding the population into total acceptance of that lifestyle. She is changing laws and changing the entire landscape of our city’s culture. Here is what your grandchildren and great grandchildren will be facing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Y4M_fursus

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Worth repeating

This got my attention and made me realize how many times I’m asked for ID. I never thought about it before. Now that I have, I can’t for the life of me see why anyone should get upset at having to show an ID.

I’m a legal American citizen and I must show my ID when:

1.  Pulled over by the police for virtually any reason.

2.  Making certain purchases on my credit card.

3.  When I show up for a doctor’s appointment.

4.  When filling out a credit card or loan application.

5.  When applying for or renewing a driver’s license or passport.

6.  When applying for any kind of insurance.

7.  When filling out college applications.

8.  When donating blood.

9.  When making some debit purchases, especially if I’m out of state.

10. When collecting a boarding pass for airline travel.

I’m sure there are more instances, but the point is that we citizens of the USA are required to prove who we are nearly every day!

Why should people who are in this country illegally be exempt? Why shouldn’t we guard our borders as closely as every other country in the world does? What message is being sent to terrorists by open borders?

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I am told (with tongue in cheek) that…

…in Florida, an atheist created a case against Christianity’s Easter and Passover Holy days. He hired an attorney to bring a discrimination case against Christians and Jews and observances of their holy days. The argument was that it was unfair that atheists had no such recognized days.

The case was brought before a judge. After listening to the passionate presentation by the lawyer, the judge banged his gavel declaring, “Case dismissed!”

The lawyer immediately stood objecting to the ruling saying, “Your honor, How can you possibly dismiss this case? The Christians have Christmas, Easter and others. The Jews have Passover, Yom Kippur and Hanukkah, yet my client and all other atheists have no such holidays.”

The judge leaned forward in his chair saying, “But you do. Your client, counsel, is woefully ignorant.”

The lawyer said, “Your Honor, we are unaware of any special observance or holiday for atheists.”

The judge said, “The calendar says April 1st is April Fools Day. Psalm 14:1 states, ‘The fool says in his heart, there is no God.’ Thus, it is the opinion of this court, that, if your client says there is no God, then he is a fool. Therefore, April 1st is his day. Court is adjourned.”

You gotta love a judge that knows his Scripture!

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Apostolic Ministerial Studies 

Finally, the Apostolic Ministerial Studies course is complete! Years in the making, the two levels, Basic and Advanced, are available in two binders. There are twelve lessons in each level prepared for use by a pastor to train the ministers in his local assembly. Outlines for the ministers are also included. Written and compiled by J. R. Ensey, the studies are very practical and easy to teach. Here are the lesson topics:

Level I

The Word Handlers I
Conquering the Enemies of the Ministry
From Moses to King James
Managing Ministerial Finances
Taking the Pressure Off Your Marriage
Life in the Fishbowl
Leadership in the Local Church I
God’s Ministry Gifts
Making Full Proof of Your Ministry
Standards of Christian Conduct
The Ministry and Morality
Social Ethics

Level II

The Word Handlers II
Shutting the Backdoor of the Church
Ministerial Ethics
The Christian Counselor
A Page From Paul’s Ministers’ Manual
Requirements For the Priesthood
Maturing In the Ministry
Feeding the Flock
Leadership in the Local Church II
Pursuing the Will Of God
Shoulders For A Prophet’s Mantle
The Gifts of the Spirit

The 21st century Apostolic preacher faces challenges every day that past generations of preachers could have never imagined. We need all the resources and tools possible to equip us for this time. Ever since Brother Ensey told me he was working on a new study course for preachers a few years ago, I have been anxiously waiting to see the finished product. After having a chance to review the course I have not been disappointed. The experience from decades of hands-on ministry and years of training ministers have been distilled into a very user friendly manual. This is a must for every young minister and for ministers that are involved in training others for service. Thank you, Brother Ensey, for another great resource to strengthen the ministry. -Pastor Gary Howard

AM Price $119.00 (includes both levels)

Backsliding: The Bitter Bite of Beelzebub

Shirley Buxton writes with rare skill, say her readers. With artistic flair, she etches graphic views so that a deep understanding is taken from any subject she tackles. This eagerly awaited book is born out of a deep passion for the plight of those who have strayed from God. With loving words, she points to God’s eagerness to receive the prodigal. Drawing from the account of her son, Michael, who strayed for more than 25 years, she shows the way to full restoration.
Shirley Buxton recognizes this 21st century society as being degenerate, and that satan is fiercely attacking both young people and mature adults. From a sound scriptural basis coupled with intelligent pragmatism she urges the believer toward a way devoid of backsliding.
This book is for you if…
…you who wail in the night for your lost loved one.
…you who have strayed, but are ready to return home.
…you who want to secure your place in Christ, avoiding the terror of backsliding.

AM price $14.99

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Giggler’s Corner

Think that is what General George Patton was telling his troops?

Why snake handlers are becoming extinct!

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The Parting Shot

God gave each of us two ears. Perhaps that means when we are counseling we should hear both sides of the matter. Tom Hopkins made this observation: “The human body has two ears and one mouth. To be good at persuasion, we must learn to use those natural devices in proportion. Listen twice as much as you talk and you’ll succeed in persuading others nearly every time.”

HAVE A BLESSED NOVEMBER…and don’t forget to be thankful that your table will be probably be covered with wonderful food on Thanksgiving Day!

JREnsey

October 2011 Blog

WELCOME to our October visit. Is anybody out there praying for some Texas rain? Our trees are dying, at least the ones that are not burning in flash fires. I am not a “tree hugger,” unless it is one in my yard that shades the morning sun and a couple in the back that give us relief from the afternoon blazes.

Enough of my petty problems. Some of you are mopping the floodwaters out of your homes. Others are picking up the pieces of your homes that the tornadoes tore away. Reckon ol’ Al was right about the climate after all? If so, do you figger he just might have invented the Internet, too? Nah.

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A little too committed

“Even if the Pope were Satan incarnate, we ought not to raise up our heads against him, but calmly lie down to rest on his bosom. He who rebels against our Father is condemned to death, for that which we do to him we do to Christ: we honor Christ if we honor the Pope; we dishonor Christ if we dishonor the Pope. I know very well that many defend themselves by boasting: ‘They are so corrupt, and work all manner of evil!’ But God has commanded that, even if the priests, the pastors, and Christ-on-earth were incarnate devils, we be obedient and subject to them, not for their sakes, but for the sake of God, and out of obedience to Him.” - St. Catherine of Siena (1347-1380), SCS, p. 201-202, p. 222, (quoted in Apostolic Digest, by Michael Malone, Book 5: “The  Book of Obedience”, Chapter 1: “There is No Salvation Without Personal Submission to the Pope”).

Thank God we are not required to be that committed to any individual on earth. Such commitment only leads to corruption. We are not required to follow those who do not follow Christ—especially “incarnate devils.”

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There’s that “should” again

A couple of blogs ago, I wrote about the use of “should” in John 3:16 because some were assuming that it could mean “ought to at a future date” in that context. That was not true, but when excessive play on English words in the determination of doctrine is employed, error is usually lurking nearby.

Another example is the English rendering of Acts 2:47b—“And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved” (KJV). This can be used as a proof text for the doctrine of unconditional election, as if the word “should” suggests redemption of those foreordained to eternal life. It could also be used by proponents of infant baptism, as if aspersion as infants would serve as a hope or promise of future salvation as adults.

The Greek makes it clear what was really happening. The Greek in both the Textus Receptus and the newer Critical Text have “those who were being saved,” and is so rendered in major current versions. In other words, those who were repenting, being baptized in the name of Jesus, and being filled with the Spirit were being added to the Jerusalem assembly.

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Whatever happened to “in sickness or in health…’till death do us part”?

Religious broadcaster Pat Robertson told his 700 Club viewers that divorcing a spouse with Alzheimer’s is justifiable because the disease is “a kind of death.”

During the portion of the show where the one-time Republican presidential candidate takes questions from viewers, Robertson was asked what advice a man should give to a friend who began seeing another woman after his wife started suffering from the incurable neurological disorder.

“I know it sounds cruel, but if he’s going to do something, he should divorce her and start all over again, but make sure she has custodial care and somebody looking after her,” Robertson said.

The chairman of the Christian Broadcasting Network, which airs the 700 Club, said he wouldn’t “put a guilt trip” on anyone who divorces a spouse who suffers from the illness, but added, “Get some ethicist besides me to give you the answer.”

Most Christian denominations at least discourage divorce, citing Jesus’ words in the Gospel of Mark that equate divorce and remarriage with adultery.

Terry Meeuwsen, Robertson’s co-host, asked him about couples’ marriage vows to take care of each other “for better or for worse” and “in sickness and in health.”

“If you respect that vow, you say ‘til death do us part,’ Robertson said during the Tuesday broadcast. “This is a kind of death.” [end of report]

Questions: How many kinds of “death” are there? Who defines death? He has opened a can of worms. Thanks again, Pat, for shooting every Bible-believing Christian in the foot and giving all the talking heads in the media fodder for their broadcasts.

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Definition of an opportunist

It is said that last Friday, a hooded robber burst into a bank in South Louisiana and, at gunpoint, forced the tellers to load their cash into a plain brown bag.

As the robber approached the door, one brave customer grabbed the hood and pulled it off, revealing the robbers face.  Without a moment’s hesitation, the robber shot the customer.

He then looked around the bank and noticed one of the tellers looking straight at him.  The robber instantly shot and killed him also.

Everyone in the bank, by now horrified, stared down at the floor in silence.  The robber yelled, “Well, did anyone else see my face?”

There was a long moment of dead silence in which everyone was terrified to speak.

Then, one old Cajun named Boudreaux from down the bayou cautiously raised his hand and said, “I’m pretty sure my wife Cloteele got a good look at you.”

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Why the revival of Dominionism?

The faddish doctrine of dominionism began to be heralded among Pentecostals in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It took some ministers and churches down. A concerted effort by the majority of Apostolic ministers exposed it as false doctrine and it sort of went into “remission.” But the concept seems to have endless lives, being reincarnated and finding room in Reformed Theology and other Protestant movements, sometimes under different names, such as Kingdom Now or the Seven Mountains Mandate.

What is dominionism? A recent article appearing in the Houston Chronicle described it fairly accurately: “The term was popularized in the 1990s by scholars and journalists, who applied it to conservative Christians seeking political power. It derives from the Book of Genesis, in which God tells Adam and Eve to have ‘dominion’ over the Earth and its animals. It describes the belief that Christians are biblically mandated to control all earthly institutions until the second coming of Jesus. Experts identify two main schools of Dominionism: Christian Reconstructionists, who believe biblical law should [ultimately] replace secular law; and the New Apostolic Reformation, which advocates for Christians to ‘reclaim the seven mountains of culture’: government, religion, media, family, business, education, and arts and entertainment.”

The doctrine appeals to those who feel that the church will gradually mature and expand until it Christianizes the world, thus creating the kingdom of God on the earth. This may take hundreds or even thousands of years, some say. Because of that, the doctrine of the imminent return of Christ is set aside. And, besides, who wants to put all authority under the control of some religious entity—even us? Seems like they tried that during the Middle Ages, and it was one of the reasons we still refer to that era as “the Dark Ages.”

Dominionism is another name for the Kingdom Now doctrine. Robert Crabtree was Superintendent of the Ohio District of the A/G when he prepared a report for the pastors of his district on Jan. 13, 1987: “Kingdom Now teachers have redefined the Gospel which requires ‘re-evangelizing’ the church without an emphasis upon Jesus Christ. Salvation moves one from the kingdom of sin to the Kingdom Now of Christ on earth. This new kingdom is being built by waking up the professing Christians rather than reaching the lost. These renewed Christians are to seek control of the earth and assume stewardship responsibilities of the material world.”

Robert Wood, former Gen Sec’y of A/Gs, in 2006, said: “The church would have a larger mission than that of proclaiming personal salvation through Christ….The political, social, and economic systems of nations and cultures would need to be ‘Christianized’…”

Letter by C. Peter Wagner, (Chairman of Wagner Leadership Institute), May 31, 2007: “In my view it is not possible to get an operational handle on how to initiate corporate action toward social transformation without taking into account the seven mountains or what I like to call ‘molders of culture.’ The seven are religion, family, business, arts and entertainment, government, education, and media.”

We ought to be on guard against this and other false theories that would come among us, stealing good men and churches from our movement.

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Parental rights vs. government nonsense and abuse

How long will parents roll over and play dead in the face of obvious abuse by governmental authorities? When the school counselor or CPS bureaucrats, often 90-day wonders fresh from liberal colleges, require our children to take risky psychotic drugs, it is time to stand up and say NO!

That’s exactly what one Detroit mother said when they tried to take away her 13 year-old daughter when she refused to give her Risperdal, a drug so dangerous it is documented by international drug regulatory agencies to cause aggression, cardiac arrest, fatal blood clots, liver failure, mania, suicide and violence. Child Protective Services, accompanied by armed police officers, a SWAT team and a tank, arrived at her door with a court order to take her child away.

The mother, Mrs. Maryanne Godboldo, decided it was time to say NO. A 13-hour standoff ensued, but she was ultimately arrested, and multiple charges were filed. As it turned out, the CPS and police did not have a legitimate court order and many of the charges have been thrown out. She appears to be winning in court.

Johnson and Johnson, the maker of Risperdal, is currently facing $1 billion in federal and state lawsuits—and the state is forcing kids to take their dangerous drugs that will mess their lives up for as long as they live? If we don’t speak out and encourage others to stand up as Mrs. Godboldo did, what is the future for your grandchildren and mine? Please understand that big pharma has supported “therapists” and psychiatrists to come up with a new “disorder of the month” so they can market their drugs for them.

Please, pastors and parents, find out the truth behind this sordid scandal and save your children from this abuse by the pharmaceutical companies and government bureaucrats who put their job security first, not your children.

For the complete Godboldo story:

http://www.cchrint.org/2011/08/31/dont-drug-my-child/

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Things worth remembering

Modesty is not only an ornament, but also a guard to virtue.  -  Joseph Addison

A poverty of soul invites surrender to the enemies of the cross.

The language of truth is unadorned and always simple. – Ammianus Marcellinus

In skating over thin ice, our safety is our speed. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers” (Titus 1:9).

“Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward” (II John 1:8).

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Two gospels?

Dale Neill, President of the International Christian Chamber of Commerce: “The church must grow past the ‘gospel of salvation’ message and understand that it is only when we begin to implement the principles of the ‘gospel of the kingdom’ that we will really begin to see change in lives and cities and nations. The church has no understanding of this realm…the Church must grow up.” (www.worldwideweekend.com)

One wonders: What is the difference between Neill’s perceived “gospel of salvation” and the “gospel of the kingdom.” None! The gospel is the “good news” that Christ has come to be a propitiation for the sins of all people. The gospel of the kingdom is not the concept of converting cities and nations. Before we attempt to “take a nation” for Christ, let’s baptize a single representative from there and let God open the doors (Acts 8).

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Islam sneaking into our schools

Just like the influence of all things Hispanic has impacted American education, Islam is gradually, no, rapidly, infiltrating our culture. Schools are developing curriculum that casts Islam as a peace-loving religion. Even in Texas. I would be interested to know when Islam was converted into a “peace-loving” entity. A Georgia middle school adjusted its lessons after a father complained that his daughter’s homework assignment promoted Shariah law. My question: who is promoting this stuff, and who appointed the person(s) promoting it? We need to elect those who will make political appointments of people who favor America for a change.

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You can always trust the Muslim Brotherhood

Various news outlets have reported numerous times about the Muslim Brotherhood’s radical beliefs—beliefs that may be working their way into Egypt’s future governance. Last month Dr. Salah Sultan, a member of Yusuf al-Qaradawi’s International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS) and the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, declared on al-Jazeera that the IUMS would restore the fatwa they issued in 1994, which stated that “every Zionist who enters Egypt—tourist or not—should be killed.”

The Middle East is on fire and the cinders are falling here. There is only One who is able to extinguish the blaze!

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He wishes…

The Dalai Lama, one of my favorites, said recently that if he is to be reincarnated he will leave clear written instructions about the process, but that the matter is unlikely to come up for a number of years.

The Tibetan spiritual leader said in a statement that when he is “about 90” he will consult Buddhist scholars to evaluate whether the institution of the Dalai Lama should continue at all. He is 76.

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Why you can trust the Bible

Is the Bible we have today the same words early Christians confirmed were in the autographs? I believe it is. We have the same books Jesus and the apostles preached from. We have the letters that were quoted by Polycarp, Tertullian, Irenaeus, the Apologists and dozens of other “church fathers.” It is said that if all the quotations of the “fathers” were compiled, it would virtually reconstruct the entire New Testament. We have manuscripts of the Greek New Testament that could have been read by men who had opportunity to read the autographs of the apostles themselves.

When the early papyri manuscripts p⁶⁶ and p⁷⁵ were discovered in the last century, they didn’t change one iota of “the faith once delivered.” When the oldest extant Greek manuscript was found (p⁵² pictured), it again only served to verify that we hold the same Scriptures the earliest disciples read and loved. We read the same stories, commands, admonitions that Timothy and Titus and John Mark read. We teach the same doctrines that the Apostles and early church held. That should be a comforting thought to every believer today.

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Thanks for the memories.

Time to pray!

Texas rain guage…still empty!

“Honey, I have picked out a headstone for your mother.”

First love.

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BooksBooksBooksBooks

Married Without Spouses

by Christine Carney

This book is written to women who are married to unsaved men and addresses their unique set of needs with straight shooting humor and candor. However, these simple lessons and nuggets of encouragement are applicable to any marriage!

MARRIED WITH{OUT} SPOUSES empowers women to shift their focus from the circumstances of their lives to a life filled with excellence in Christ! The reader will come to realize her value as a daughter of the King. Wives will learn how her Royal relationship effects her Earthly marriage.     AM Price $9.95

Just Because You Are Depressed Doesn’t Mean You Have Depression

by Dr. Mary Block

In her new book, Dr. Mary Ann Block exposes the truth about the diagnosis of depression and reveals the dangers and risks of current drugs prescribed for it. If you or someone you love is one of the 19 million people diagnosed with or suffering with the symptom of depression, the information in this book could literally save your life. In her clear and easy-to-understand writing style, Dr. Block again takes on the often flawed area of psychiatry to help people understand the real issues surrounding their symptoms. If you don’t have all the information you can’t make an educated decision. This book gives important information that often is not included in the usual doctor/patient conversation.   AM Price $14.95

Pastoral Leadership for Manhood and Womanhood

by Wayne A. Grudem, Dennis Rainey

As the shepherd of the flock, a pastor has many responsibilities–few as great as leading and training families. The pervasive attitude and beliefs of the world have only added stress and confusion to this task. Sixteen highly regarded men and women help bring clarity and guidance to this important issue. They tackle practical topics such as how and why to preach on biblical manhood and womanhood, putting the Internet to use, church discipline, small groups, and handling domestic violence. They discuss the personal applications within the pastor’s marriage, and they examine the biblical views of ministering to singles, homosexuality, leadership and submission, and much more. This compilation is thorough, potent, and a must-have for any pastor’s library.  AM Price $16.99

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Parting shot

Someone told me recently that in the sport of golf, when something is not working and scoring soars, amateurs look for a gimmick—a special club, a new routine, a new kind of ball. Not so with professionals. They go back to the fundamentals. How is my weight dispersed in the address? Is my grip too weak or too strong? Is my swing on plane? Am I keeping my head down? How is my follow through?

How applicable that is to pastors and churches. When things are not coming together for maturity and growth, amateurs look for a gimmick—a new giveaway, a celebrity speaker, a new kind of drama, a new dress-down service, a hotter band, or a new doctrinal twist for broader appeal. The real pros go back to the fundamentals. Preach the Word. Encourage individual Bible studies. Mentor young people. Exercise spiritual authority. Lead by example. Provide music that leads into deep and sincere worship. Emphasize the basics.

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Just do it!

 

JREnsey

September Blog 2011

WELCOME to our September visit. Find a cool spot, grab a glass of iced tea and browse awhile. Come back. Order a book. Write a comment.

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We knew it

It is said that President Obama announced from Martha’s Vineyard that the earthquake that recently shook Washington and the entire Northeast was situated on a fault line that has not had earthquake activity on it before. It is called Bush’s Fault. Yes, we have heard much about that fault recently. One wonders how long the fault is and will it never end? And doesn’t Bush have a cousin named Irene? There’s probably a connection.

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The Godhead for English teachers

Jesus made the shortest complete sentence in history: “I Am!”

English teachers tell us that when we speak of ourselves, it is in the first person. When we address a person with “you,” it is in the second person. When we speak of “he, she, they or them” it is in the third person. Some say God is a trinity and want to make three separate, distinct persons out of God. OK, let’s do it this way:

First person: Jesus said of Himself, “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty” (Revelation 1:8).

We speak to Him in the second person: “And Thomas answered and said unto him, [You are] My Lord and my God” (John 20:28).

We speak of Him in the third person: “The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower” (Psalm 18:1-3).

Come on, trinitarians, admit it. We can speak of Jesus in the first, second or third person, but they all say the same thing—He is God in flesh!

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Better parents make better kids

“Kids need to pay attention, respect authority, “ said John Rosemond on American Family Radio a few days ago. And I can just hear someone out there saying, “And pigs will fly, too!” But let’s don’t give up hope too soon.

It’s not uncommon to hear older generations reminisce about the “good ol’ days.” But when it comes to child rearing, America’s most widely-read parenting expert says those days saw better parents and better children.

“By the time a child is three years old, he ought to be paying more attention to his parents than his parents are paying to him. That’s, today, a radical idea,” says John Rosemond.

The well-known columnist says it would have not have been radical to someone who heard this 50 years ago because people up until the modern age understood this principle.

“The modern age is the age of ‘psyco-babble’ and parenting. Up until this age of ‘psyco-babble,’ people understood that you cannot effectively teach a child what you need to teach him, you cannot effectively disciple a child unless the child is in a position of being the student—and that requires that the child be paying attention to you,” the expert says.

Rosemond says the problem in most American families today is that most parents are paying so much attention to their children, that their children never get the message that it is their job to pay attention to their parents.

“So what you have by the time most children of three years old is children with a very pronounced attention deficit disorder that they take with them to school and simply never learn to pay attention to adult authority figures—and as a consequence, have never learned to do what they’re told,” he adds.

The parenting authority adds that raising children should not be stressful, and if parents put their primary focus on their marriage, parenting will flow naturally and it will not be a stressful situation.

Rosemond made his comments during the latter part of August on American Family Radio’s The Matt Friedeman Show.

You are right, John. Better parents will likely produce better children. That is not rocket science, just plain common sense.

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Standard fare from CNN/Yale Divinity school

Jonathan Dudley, a young man fresh from seminary, has written a book to set the evangelical community straight on abortion, homosexuality, environmentalism, and evolution. On June 21, 2011 he wrote a promotional blurb for CNN to tell his story of growing up in an evangelical home (my bet would be a charismatic religious environment) but finally learning the truth at college.

Dudley was taught that abortion is murder, homosexuality sin, evolution nonsense, and environmentalism a farce. One reviewer said, “Yet, when he began studying biology at the evangelical Calvin College and theology at Yale Divinity School, Dudley’s views started to change. He soon realized that what he had been told about the Bible—and those four big issues involving scripture and biology—may have been misconstrued and that what so many Christians believe about key social and political issues may be wrong.”

“Since graduating from seminary, I no longer identify with the evangelical community of my youth,” he says. Not many do, son, after sitting at the feet of fools (Psalm 14:1) in Yale for years. He freely quotes Augustine, Jovinian, Thomas Aquinas, and his seminary professors, but casts doubts on the preachments of Paul concerning homosexuality.

In his book, Broken Words: The Abuse of Science and Faith in American Politics, Dudley lays the groundwork for a new generation of post-Religious Right evangelical political activists, who believe in evolution, rally behind the environmental movement, are moderate on abortion, and support gay marriage—and who are more faithful to orthodox Christianity than their counterparts.” Hmmmm…

Like one good morsel in the city dump, he calls out his former colleagues in the evangelical community for standing against homosexuality as presented in Romans and ignoring Paul’s instructions about hair in the next book. He says, “In short, Paul objects to two things as unnatural: one is male-male sex and the other is long hair on men and short hair on women. The community opposed to gay marriage takes one condemnation as timeless and universal and the other as culturally relative.” (Applause!) Something is still stuck to him from his upbringing!

He is just regurgitating what the professors have told him. The Bible is not a practical book in the eyes of secular college/seminary professors. Did you ever wonder why such unbelievers are part of seminary faculties? It looks like they, of all people, would be teaching the authority of Scripture. But such institutions have largely been reduced to agents of change within denominations. I prophesy that within five years, he will be teaching in some college or seminary.

With college professors like him, America is doomed.

Source: http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2011/06/21/my-take-bible-condemns-a-lot-so-why-focus-on-homosexuality/

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How many ways and in how many situations could you apply the principles expressed in the following quote?

“Wrong ways of thinking often sound persuasive. Error is often believed with confidence. For example, many cultists and false teachers are very confident and certain about their views. An argument for the need of certainty is often used to keep people loyal to the error. Promotion of error often depends on a mentality that says “trust us and we will give you absolute certainty.” A one-sided presentation of a claim may result in a feeling of certainty, but it may be far from the truth. A feeling of certainty is not identical with the truth. It is not certainty that makes people free. “Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).

- Rick Norris, The Unbound Scriptures (Fayetteville, NC: Unbound Scriptures Publications, 2003), pp. 4,5.

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“First Lesbian”?

Houston politics has long been left of center, and last year they elected an openly lesbian mayor. The mayor has begun calling her “partner” the “First Lady of Houston.” This is “in your face” political correctness and moral incorrectness. I am sure the many UPCI and Apostolic ministers of other fellowships will stand together and oppose such debauchery that will trickle down through the school system and the general populace.

Dr. Steve Riggle, chairman of the Houston Area Pastor’s Council, has announced that a seminar with Alliance Defense Fund, a network of 2,000 attorneys throughout the country committed to defending our religious freedom, including your right as pastors to speak out on any issue or candidate publicly from the pulpit. The seminar is scheduled on Wednesday, September 14 at Grace Community Church (South Campus) at I-45 at Dixie Farm Rd, beginning at 900 a.m. Lunch provided. It is time to stand up and be heard!

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A verse difficult to misunderstand

God’s basic plan of salvation is so clear in Acts 2:38 that “wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein” (Isaiah 35:8). And it matters not which version one reads from, they will all point the finger of truth in his face.

“Then Peter said unto them, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (KJV).

“And Peter answered them, Repent (change your views and purpose to accept the will of God in your inner selves instead of rejecting it) and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of and release from your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (AMP).

“And Peter said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (ASV)

“Peter said, “Turn back to God! Be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, so that your sins will be forgiven. Then you will be given the Holy Spirit.” (CEV)

“And Peter said to them, Repent, and be baptised, each one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, for remission of sins, and ye will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Darby)

“And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (ESV)

“Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (NASB)

“Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (NIV)

“Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (NLT)

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Can you spot at least three differences in Sarah Palin’s bus and Obama’s?
Never listen to mainstream news without a barf bag.

Put it as a text message. Juveniles can’t read cursive!

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When Harry Reid buys a car

Sen. Reid goes to a local GM dealer in Washington , D.C. with the intention of buying a brand new vehicle. Harry looks around and finds one he likes.
After going back and forth with the salesman, Harry settles on a price of $45,000. Harry and the salesman go back to the office to complete the paperwork. Harry works out a 4-year payment plan, and signs on the bottom line.
The salesman shakes Harry’s hand and says, “Thanks Senator Reid, the car will be ready for pickup in 4 years.” Harry says, “What are you talking about? Where are the keys to my new car?”
The salesman replies, “No, you don’t understand, Senator. You make payments for 4 years, THEN we give you the car. You know, just like your health plan.”

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Time out for comfort

Wash your eyes and ears out with this picture and accompanying scripture. I have no idea who caught this shot, but one thing for sure they were at the right place at the right time. One is reminded of Psalm 91:4—“He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust.”

Are YOU the one this was for?

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Mark your calendar

The Apostolic Theological Forum is coming to Albany, GA January 19-20, 2012. All who enjoy theological papers delivered followed by a lively discussion, are invited to attend. Host church is New Life of Albany, 1200 Cordele Rd. 300. Host pastor is Steve Waldron.

The 2012 Apostolic Ministers Conference on February 28-March 1 at the Embassy Suites Conference Center in Murfreesboro, TN. Fabulous hotel and conference facilities, full, cooked to order breakfast, and every room a suite. Great preaching, fellowship, perfect for the minister’s family to enjoy. Don’t miss it!

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The Third Option

That we are seeing a revival of Darwinian evolution is a commonly known fact. However, the Roman Catholic Church and some Protestant movements are progressing toward “spiritual evolution,” giving rise to the “third option.” The coming combination of one world government and religion will likely feature this option.

Are churches now accepting evolution? Many have lost their faith in the Bible and are embracing a theory that all things either happened by accident or that God used evolution to bring mankind where he is today. Either way, it is evolution. The next step is spiritual evolution, that we are all evolving upward, no one is going to Hell, and good and evil will merge, providing a better “third option.”

This was prophesied by Tielhard de Chardin, a Catholic theologian: “The fate of all mankind, as well as of religion, depends upon the emergence of a new faith in the future.” That new faith is now taking shape before our very eyes. There is a merging of segments of Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and the pagan religions of the East into a new spirituality.

The basis for such a new world order will be the total rejection of the authority of the Word of God. Man’s opinions and spiritual experiences will supersede the Bible. It will become a hated document, something standing in the way of humanity’s progress upward. The foundation for such displacement of Scripture was laid by the Roman Catholic Church long ago: “We confess that whatever new thing the Pope ordains, rather it be in Scriptures or not in Scripture, and whatever he commands is true, divine and salvific; and therefore ought to be held by lay people in greater esteem than the precepts of living God.”[1]

This is only one reason we are urging all ministers to re-focus on Genesis 1:1 and renew our commitment to creationism as taught in the Scriptures. Our young people have heard so little teaching from this section of the Bible that their faith is weak. When they get in high school and college they are bombarded with atheism, agnosticism and evolution, and many drop out of the faith simply because they cannot defend it. Brethren, this is a super serious matter. Let’s strengthen the faith of our youth in the authority of the Bible. Check out the helpful books below that will give you some ammunition to deal with this crisis. The next generation of Apostolics are depending on you…now!

“For the word of the Lord is right; and all his works are done in truth” (Psalm 33:4).

1. Roman Catholic Confessions for Protestants Oath, Article IV, (Confessio Romano-Catholica in Hungaria Evangelicis publice praescripta te proposita, editi a Streitwolf), as recorded in Congressional Record of the U.S.A., House Bill 1523, Contested election case of Eugene C. Bonniwell, against Thos. S. Butler, Feb. 15, 1913.

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BooksBooksBooksBooksBooksBooks

Into His Marvelous Light

Into His Marvelous Light Bible studies are now available in both KJV and NIV in English. The follow-up Bible study is Guide For Living—great for new converts and new members. We are the distributors of this enormously effective Bible study. This is where to buy them for less. If your people want to win souls, this is perhaps the simplest method. Order a supply today!

Prices for IHML and Guide For Living: $1.75 each to 49; 1.50 50-99; only $1.25 each 100-up. Let’s go soul winning!

Go to onehourbiblestudy.com or advanceministries.org to place your order.

Biblical Creationism by Dr. Henry Morris

This unique book discusses every passage in the Bible that deals with Creation and the Flood. Dr. Morris shows that Creation is taught not just in Genesis, but throughout the whole Bible. Easy-to-understand and invaluable for pastors, teachers, and all who are serious about studying the Bible.  Am Price 12.99

Many Infallible Proofs by Dr. Henry Morris

Many have said that this book is the most comprehensive—yet warm and evangelistic—presentation of the practical evidences of the infallibility of the Bible and the truth of Christianity available anywhere. Widely used as a textbook and reference work, yet especially suitable for inspirational reading.   AM Price 13.99

Already Gone by Ken Ham

In this powerful book, popular author Ken Ham and consumer behavior research/analyst C. Britt Beemer combine to reveal trends that must be dealt with now . . . before we lose another generation! The authors tell us how and why we are losing so many of our youth…and what we can do about it.     AM Price 12.99

Already Compromised by Ken Ham

Already Compromised is an incredibly valuable resource for parents with children nearing or in their high-school years. It receives a four-star rating from the Biblical Bookshelf.   AM price $13.95

Creation vs. Evolution by Dr. Arlo Moehlenpah

Every pastor, Sunday school teacher, and parent must equip themselves to meet the challenges of the pseudo scientists, college professors, and media types that are doing their best to wring the faith out of our youth. Arm yourself!  AM Price 13.99

Five Reasons to Believe in Recent Creation by Dr. Henry Morris III

“Dr. Henry Morris III offers five fundamental reasons why belief in a recent creation is not only feasible, but vital to a true understanding of God’s Word.” Preachable!  AM Price 5.99

The Way of the Shepherd by Kevin Leaman

The Way of the Shepherd will teach you how to lead the people God has placed around you so they will view their work as a calling rather than merely a job, a place to belong rather than a place to work. It shows you how to infuse work with meaning and how to engage and energize your workforce. Biblical principles of leadership at all levels.  AM Price 14.99

If you see a book advertised here but can’t find it on the web site, email us at roffie@advanceministries.org or call us at 936-856-3419. We usually ship the same day or the next day unless we are out of town. Thanks for purchasing your books and Bibles from Advance Ministries.

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Parting shot

“The Bible looks on sin, not as a disease, but as red-handed rebellion against the domination of the Creator. The essence of sin is – ‘I won’t allow anybody to ‘boss’ me saving myself’, and it may manifest itself in a morally good man as well as in a morally bad man. Sin has not to do with morality or immorality, it has to do with my claim to my right to myself, a deliberate and emphatic independence of God, though I veneer it over with Christian phraseology.” -  Oswald Chambers

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September is one of the best months of the year. Usually not too hot, certainly not too cold, kids are in school, good time to catch fish, gear up for hunting season, plan a fall festival or evangelistic crusade, plant greens in the garden, and generally get caught up on things you got behind on during the summer. A little rain in Texas surely would help those greens come on up.

JREnsey

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August Blog

WELCOME to our August visit. Find a cool spot, grab a glass of iced tea and browse awhile.

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Thanks, Ma’am

Rev. Dr. Susan Brooks Thistlethwaite, a senior fellow at the left-wing Center for American Progress and a board member for Faith in Public Life (a progressive, religious organization), believes that Christianity—and right-leaning political beliefs—are responsible for the tragic Oslo rampage.

In a Washington Post opinion piece entitled, “When Christianity Becomes Lethal,” Thistlethwaite lectures readers about the perils of “extreme Christianity” and the failure of believers to see the connections between their beliefs and associated violence.

It would probably be worth noting that Thistlethwaite is the former president of Chicago Theological Seminary (CTS) and a preacher ordained through the United Church of Christ (UCC). The infamous Rev. Jeremiah Wright has also taught at CTS and is, of course, ordained by UCC as well. You can read a piece in which Thistlethwaite defends Rev. Wright’s preaching style here, but providing even more of a backdrop to frame her views beyond this probably isn’t needed.

Source: Theblaze.com

I wonder if he had been a Muslim if she would have been so quick to condemn his religion.

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Obama says he would like to be a dictator

President Obama gave a speech on immigration last week to La Raza, a Hispanic group, and admitted that the idea of making his own laws and “doing things on my own is very tempting” when it came to dealing with Congress. The crowd began cheering and clapping, chanting “Yes, we can!” And while he added the caveat that our democracy doesn’t work like that, it was obvious that he was speaking from his heart. Shades of Venezuela and Hugo Chavez! The whole scenario was said to remind listeners of the Star Wars scene where Natalie Portman’s character (?) says, “This is how liberty dies, with thunderous applause.”

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Make A Move

There is a music video making the rounds called “Make A Move.” The singers and musicians are called the Royal Tailor Band, a “Pentecostal” group. I use the term rather loosely.

This is where most of us knew those young musicians who are plugged into the rock/dance/MTV scene were going. I understand the band has signed a lucrative agreement with Sony to produce more stuff like “Make A Move.” The group has even produced a video to teach young people how to “make the moves” and dance steps that they do on the video. The leader feels that moving into this realm with this type of choreography and music will “change the world.”

Into what?

Pastors, you may be surprised to know what your young people are being taught by such bands. That type of choreographed music has never led anyone into a deeper spirituality and walk with God. If it is allowed on our church platforms and in our youth meetings, it will quickly reproduce itself. Pastors and youth leaders must stand up now or watch your youth slip into carnality that is being labeled as spirituality.

“Oh, we have to have something like this to compete with MTV.” NEVER! We are not in competition with MTV! They may be in competition with us, but we are not with them. We ought never do what we do to look as good (or as bad) as someone else. This “spiritual consumerism” has infected the church and is gnawing at our vitals. We need a collective confrontation of this evil or it will take down thousands of our youth. One or two voices will not withstand it. This is a challenge from Hell and must be met with all the forces of Heaven. Where is the certain sound from leadership?

We just had a young man return from summer camp with a changed life and changed direction. When he got home, he went to his room and cleaned out over a thousand dollars worth of CDs. They were a weight and an encumbrance to his walk with God. He “made a move” to kick some things like this out of his life. Now that was a smart move!

Let’s stand TOGETHER against the encroachment of this type of non-Apostolic carnality that is knocking on the door of the Apostolic movement. Let’s make a move to keep this kind of stuff out of our meetings!

If you want to see what I am talking about: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rbsHB00G8g

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Center of the Bible

It’s strange how this works out.

What is the shortest chapter in the Bible? – Psalms 117

What is the longest chapter in the Bible? – Psalms 119

What chapter is the center chapter of the Bible? – Psalms 118

There is 594 chapters before Psalms 118 and 594 after Psalms 118.

Add these totals up and you get 1188.

So now what is the center verse in the Bible? Psalm 118:8!

So what does this verse say? It says something significant about

God’s perfect will

in and for our lives here and now.

Next time someone says to you that they would like to find

God’s perfect will for their

life, and want to be in the center of His will, just send

them to the center of His word:

The book of Psalms 118:8

“Its better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.”

When things get tough always remember: “Faith doesn’t get you around trouble, it gets you through it.”

Source: D. Myers – Huntsville , TX

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“Should” or “shall” in John 3:16?

A phone call this month made me realize that another review of John 3:16 might be in order. The caller was perturbed that certain preachers were heard misquoting that verse. They were quoting it with “shall not” rather than “should not.” Now if one is quoting from the KJV, they were indeed misquoting it. He pointed out that the words were “should not perish” (KJV), meaning—in his estimation—that if one believes, he “ought not” to perish but go on to full salvation via the new birth, etc. “Shall,” he said, “was absolute. Should is suggestive.” (NIV/NASB have “shall”; NLT has “will.”)

This was obviously an effort to make it fit his broader doctrinal position, which may be sound in itself and not in need of such subtle wordplay. This underscores the problem with trying to build a doctrine, or support one, based on the English wording alone. We should remember that Jesus did not speak in English, nor was the Bible originally written in medieval Elizabethan vernacular.

The word “should or shall” is understood as built into the phrase, “me apolētai”—should not perish—and is not a stand alone word in the original. The Bible’s Greek term ἀπόληται [apolētai] simply means “perish or destroy.” So the translators understood that Jesus was saying that one’s active faith in Christ was what will keep him from suffering eternal damnation (Ephesians 2:8). Reading more than that into the wording is eisegetical and unnecessary.

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Social Justice

So what is left for the churches when Hell is removed, when the cross and the blood of Christ is repugnant to the masses? When the mention of sin is not politically correct, and therefore redemption is moot? When faith in Christ and His Word are no longer necessary for salvation or even legitimate subjects for Christian pulpits, all they have left is works—good deeds, feed the hungry, provide for the poor, campaign for social justice, and the like.

Dispensing with the gospel of grace, of sin and redemption, or life change through the new birth strips the church of its place in society and makes is nothing more than part of the government’s nanny state.

That is not the kind of church where I found God as a teenager, nor is it the kind of church that Jesus is building today. Redemption is not found in social justice efforts, Rick Warren and the Emergents notwithstanding. We must never be reduced to that level. Individuals can help the hurting when they are encountered and the need is felt, and certain focused evangelistic efforts may spill over into physical assistance, but social service is not a substitute for the gospel. Jesus came to “seek and save that which is lost.”

We will never fulfill the Great Commission through social reform and charitable causes. It is commendable that a group of Christians will lend a hand in general tragedies like hurricanes and “acts of God,” as weather damage is called. The Jews in Israel and the church in the NT times helped fellow believers, but they didn’t make a concerted effort to relieve all the sin-caused pain and problems of society through social services. The Warrenesque “social gospel” is a distraction provided by the liberal bleeding hearts who have abandoned the real gospel of Christ and have nothing left but to engage in some popular area of social reform.

Interfaith social justice and new strains of so-called spirituality are all the rage in America today, emphasizing the fact that we are rapidly becoming a post-Christian nation. Isaiah noticed something like this in Israel and complained that “You have abandoned your people, the house of Jacob” (Isaiah 2:6 NIV). Why? “They are full of superstitions [influences -NASB] from the East; they practice divination like the Philistines and clasp hands with pagans.” Is there a better picture of America, and some branches of our own Christian faith? Have we forgotten how jealous God is? Do we think He will forever bless us regardless of how far we drift from Him and His Word?

For more on this topic, plus the new spirituality, emergent church, and related subjects, let me suggest that you visit  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0JEODSz2lk

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“Socialism is a philosophy of failure,

the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy,

its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery.”

– Winston Churchill

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The team that got bin Laden

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Islam and the future of the world

The world is becoming a hostage to Islam. In the UK, some wussies want the school textbooks to remove the record of the Holocaust because it offends the Muslims who believe it never happened.

In a braver time, below is what some notables had to say about Islam:

Patriarch Cyrus of Alexandria, while negotiating the surrender of Alexandria to the Muslims, 640 AD:

“I am afraid that God has sent these men to lay waste the world.”

Gregory Palamus of Thessalonica, 1354:

“For these impious people, hated by God and infamous, boast of having got the better of the Romans by their love of God…they live by the bow, the sword and debauchery, finding pleasure in taking slaves, devoting themselves to murder, pillage, spoil…and not only do they commit these crimes, but even — what an aberration — they believe that God approves of them. This is what I think of them, now that I know precisely about their way of life.”

William Eaton, US Consul to Tunis, wrote in 1799:

“Considered as a nation, they are deplorably wretched, because they have no property in the soil to inspire an ambition to cultivate it. They are abject slaves to the despotism of their government, and they are humiliated by tyranny, the worst of all tyrannies, the despotism of priestcraft. They live in more solemn fear of the frowns of a bigot who has been dead and rotten above a thousand years, than of the living despot whose frown would cost them their lives…The ignorance, superstitious tradition and civil and religious tyranny, which depress the human mind here, exclude improvement of every kind…”

Alexis de Tocqueville:

“I studied the Kuran a great deal … I came away from that study with the conviction that by and large there have been few religions in the world as deadly to men as that of Muhammed. As far as I can see, it is the principal cause of the decadence so visible today in the Muslim world, and, though less absurd than the polytheism of old, its social and political tendencies are in my opinion infinitely more to be feared, and I therefore regard it as a form of decadence rather than a form of progress in relation to paganism itself.”

John Wesley: 

“Ever since the religion of Islam appeared in the world, the espousers of it…have been as wolves and tigers to all other nations, rending and tearing all that fell into their merciless paws, and grinding them with their iron teeth; that numberless cities are raised from the foundation, and only their name remaining; that many countries, which were once as the garden of God, are now a desolate wilderness; and that so many once numerous and powerful nations are vanished from the earth! Such was, and is at this day, the rage, the fury, the revenge, of these destroyers of human kind.”

John Quincy Adams wrote:

“In the seventh century of the Christian era, a wandering Arab of the lineage of Hagar [i.e., Muhammad], the Egyptian, combining the powers of transcendent genius, with the preternatural energy of a fanatic, and the fraudulent spirit of an impostor, proclaimed himself as a messenger from Heaven, and spread desolation and delusion over an extensive portion of the earth. Adopting from the sublime conception of the Mosaic law, the doctrine of one omnipotent God; he connected indissolubly with it, the audacious falsehood, that he was himself his prophet and apostle. Adopting from the new Revelation of Jesus, the faith and hope of immortal life, and of future retribution, he humbled it to the dust by adapting all the rewards and sanctions of his religion to the gratification of the sexual passion. He poisoned the sources of human felicity at the fountain, by degrading the condition of the female sex, and the allowance of polygamy; and he declared undistinguishing and exterminating war, as a part of his religion, against all the rest of mankind. THE ESSENCE OF HIS DOCTRINE WAS VIOLENCE AND LUST: TO EXALT THE BRUTAL OVER THE SPIRITUAL PART OF HUMAN NATURE (Adams’s capital letters)… Between these two religions, thus contrasted in their characters, a war of twelve hundred years has already raged. The war is yet flagrant… While the merciless and dissolute dogmas of the false prophet shall furnish motives to human action, there can never be peace upon earth, and goodwill towards men.”

John Quincy Adams wrote in 1829:

“The precept of the Koran is, perpetual war against all who deny, that Mahomet is the prophet of God. The vanquished may purchase their lives, by the payment of tribute; the victorious may be appeased by a false and delusive promise of peace; and the faithful follower of the prophet, may submit to the imperious necessities of defeat: but the command to propagate the Moslem creed by the sword is always obligatory, when it can be made effective. The commands of the prophet may be performed alike, by fraud, or by force.”

Winston Churchill, wrote in 1899:

“The religion of Islam above all others was founded upon the sword … Moreover it provides incentives to slaughter, and in three continents has produced fighting breeds of men—filled with a wild and merciless fanaticism.”

Theodore Roosevelt wrote:

“The Greeks who triumphed at Marathon and Salamis did a work without which the world would have been deprived of the social value of Plato and Aristotle, of Aeschylus, Herodotus, and Thucydides. The civilization of Europe, America, and Australia exists today at all only because of the victories of civilized man over the enemies of civilization, because the victories stretching through the centuries from the days of Miltiades and Themistocles to those of Charles Martel in the eighth century and those of John Sobieski in the seventeenth century. During the thousand years that included the careers of the Frankish soldier and the Polish king, the Christians of Asia and Africa proved unable to wage successful war with the Moslem conquerors; and in consequence Christianity practically vanished from the two continents; and today nobody can find in them any ‘social values’ whatever, in the sense in which we use the words, so far as the sphere of Mohammedan influence. There are such ‘social values’ today in Europe, America, and Australia only because during those thousand years the Christians of Europe possessed the warlike power to do what the Christians of Asia and Africa had failed to do—that is, to beat back the Moslem invader.”

Winston Churchill:

“How dreadful are the curses which Mohammedanism lays on its votaries! Besides the fanatical frenzy, which is as dangerous in a man as hydrophobia in a dog, there is this fearful fatalistic apathy. The effects are apparent in many countries. Improvident habits, slovenly systems of agriculture, sluggish methods of commerce, and insecurity of property exist wherever the followers of the Prophet rule or live. A degraded sensualism deprives this life of its grace and refinement; the next of its dignity and sanctity. The fact that in Mohammedan law every woman must belong to some man as his absolute property must delay the final extinction of slavery until the faith of Islam has ceased to be a great power among men. Individual Moslems may show splendid qualities. Thousands become the brave and loyal soldiers of the Queen; all know how to die; but the influence of the religion paralyses the social development of those who follow it. No stronger retrograde force exists in the world. Far from being moribund, Mohammedanism is a militant and proselytizing faith. It has already spread throughout Central Africa, raising fearless warriors at every step; and were it not that Christianity is sheltered in the strong arms of science the civilisation of modern Europe might fall, as fell the civilisation of ancient Rome.”

G.K. Chesterton: 

“There is in Islam a paradox which is perhaps a permanent menace. The great creed born in the desert creates a kind of ecstasy of the very emptiness of its own land, and even, one may say, out of the emptiness of its own theology. . . . A void is made in the heart of Islam which has to be filled up again and again by a mere repetition of the revolution that founded it. There are no sacraments; the only thing that can happen is a sort of apocalypse, as unique as the end of the world; so the apocalypse can only be repeated and the world end again and again. There are no priests; and yet this equality can only breed a multitude if lawless prophets almost as numerous as priests. The very dogma that there is only one Mahomet produces an endless procession of Mahomets.”

Winston Churchill 14 June 1921:

“The Wahabis [Saudi extremists] profess a life of exceeding austerity, and what they practice themselves they rigorously enforce on others. They hold it as an article of duty, as well as of faith, to kill all who do not share their opinions and to make slaves of their wives and children. Women have been put to death in Wahabi villages for simply appearing in the streets. It is a penal offense to wear a silk garment. Men have been killed for smoking a cigarette, and as for alcohol, the most energetic supporter of the temperance cause in this country falls far behind them. Austere, intolerant, well armed, and bloodthirsty, in their own regions the Wahabis are a distinct factor which must be taken into account, and they have been, and still are, very dangerous to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, and to the whole institution of the pilgrimage, in which our Indian fellow-subjects are so deeply concerned….The Emir Bin Saud has shown himself capable of leading and, within considerable limits, of controlling these formidable sectaries.”

Andre Servier, 1922 wrote:

“Islam was not a torch, as has been claimed, but an extinguisher. Conceived in a barbarous brain for the use of a barbarous people, it was—and it remains—incapable of adapting itself to civilization. Wherever it has dominated, it has broken the impulse towards progress and checked the evolution of society.”

Hilaire Belloc who wrote in 1938:

“Will not perhaps the temporal power of Islam return and with it the menace of an armed Mohammedan world, which will shake off the domination of Europeans—still nominally Christian—and reappear as the prime enemy of our civilization? The future always comes as a surprise, but political wisdom consists in attempting at least some partial judgment of what that surprise may be. And for my part I cannot but believe that a main unexpected thing of the future is the return of Islam.”

Bishop Fulton J. Sheen who wrote in 1950:

“Today, the hatred of the Moslem countries against the West is becoming hatred against Christianity itself. Although the statesmen have not yet taken it into account, there is still grave danger that the temporal power of Islam may return and, with it, the menace that it may shake off a West which has ceased to be Christian, and affirm itself as a great anti-Christian world power.”

Vernon Richards wrote:

“The true Islamic concept of peace goes something like this: “Peace comes through submission to Muhammad and his concept of Allah” (i.e., Islam). As such the Islamic concept of peace, meaning making the whole world Muslim, is actually a mandate for war. It was inevitable and unavoidable that the conflict would eventually reach our borders, and so it has.”

David Selbourne – The Losing Battle with Islam:

“Of course, there are distinguished precedents even for the bleakest and coarsest of these judgments. To Montesquieu in 1748, Islam’s ‘destructive spirit’ spoke ‘only by the sword’; to Schopenhauer in 1819, the Koran was a ‘wretched book’ in which he had ‘not been able to discover one single idea of value’; to De Tocqueville in 1843, Islam was ‘deadly’, ‘to be feared’ and a ‘form of decadence.’”

Lord Tebbit wrote:

“The Muslim religion is so unreformed since it was created that nowhere in the Muslim world has there been any real advance in science, or art or literature, or technology in the last 500 years.”

And how about this quote from Ayatollah Khomeini from 1942:

“Islam makes it incumbent on all adult males, provided they are not disabled and incapacitated, to prepare themselves for the conquest of [other] countries so that the writ of Islam is obeyed in every country in the world. But those who study Islamic Holy War will understand why Islam wants to conquer the whole world…. Those who know nothing of Islam pretend that Islam counsels against war. Those [who say this] are witless. Islam says kill all the unbelievers just as they would kill all of you! Does this mean that Muslims should sit back until they are devoured by [the unbelievers]? Islam says kill them [the non-Muslims], put them to the sword and scatter [their armies]. Does this mean sitting back until [non-Muslims] overcome us? Islam says kill in the service of Allah those who may want to kill you! Does this mean that we should surrender to the enemy? Islam says whatever good there is exists thanks to the sword and in the shadow of the sword! People cannot be made obedient except with the sword! The sword is the key to Paradise, which can be opened only for Holy Warriors! There are hundreds of other [Koranic] verses and Hadiths [sayings of the Prophet] urging Muslims to value war and to fight. Does all that mean that Islam is a religion that prevents men from waging war? I spit upon those foolish souls who make such a claim.”

Source:  http://home.comcast.net/~vincep312/islam.html

How can our president and other gullible officials speak of Islam as a “religion of peace”? That has never been the case. And how many times should a statesman like Winston Churchhill have to tell us before we get the message?

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Saudi Islamic cleric issues fatwa condoning pedophilia and child marriage

It is difficult to imagine defending pedophilia at all, let alone issuing a religious decree officially condoning it through the act of marriage. Yet that is what one Saudi cleric has reportedly done by issuing a fatwa defending Muslim “child marriage” or, pedophilia.

Dr. Salih bin Fawzan, a cleric in Saudi Arabia’s highest religious council, has reportedly issued a fatwa asserting that there is no minimum age for marriage and that girls can be married “even if they are in the cradle.”

According to FrontPage:

Appearing in Saudi papers on July 13, the fatwa complains that “Uninformed interference with Sharia rulings by the press and journalists is on the increase, posing dire consequences to society, including their interference with the question of marriage to small girls who have not reached maturity, and their demand that a minimum age be set for girls to marry.”

Fawzan insists that nowhere does Sharia set an age limit for marrying girls: like countless Muslim scholars before him, he relies on Koran 65:4, which discusses marriage to females who have not yet begun menstruating (i.e., are prepubescent)  and the fact that Muhammad, Islam’s role model, married Aisha when she was 6-years-old, “consummating” the marriage—or, in modern parlance, raping her—when she was 9.

FP asserts the only question posed by the cleric is whether the child is literally physically capable of “bearing the weight” of her new husband.

Source: theblaze.com

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Comments on Creflo Dollar and Eddie Long

Last month we invited comments on the ethical problems besetting Atlanta megachurch pastors Eddie Long and Creflo Dollar regarding transfer of members, not an issue unknown to virtually any church and pastor. Re-read that article here. Below are some of the more interesting comments that were submitted.

“God chose preaching. One cannot sit under a preacher that he does not trust and have faith in, for he will not receive the tool God chose to save his soul.”

“I think the reason why Dollar would say something like that is because when he is busted he is not going to want his people to leave.”

“My comments/reaction to your question(s):

1. What was prior relationship between the two?

2. Is Dollar trying to keep under cover the same or other problems/situations?

3. Does he consider the transferees to be spies, or just simple /honest people who want to be religiously right in a right place, according to their knowledge or perception of truth?

4. There is money (payoffs) to be gained in these situations! Who knows if payoffs were used to silence the Long affair? (I Timothy 6:10) This goes on with legal stuff!”

First, I find Dollar’s quote and admonishment for members of Long’s church, calling them hypocrites and acting as if their own lives were “flawless,” not unlike the words, rebukes and caustic remarks tossed around after the vote in Tampa. If one chose another path, he was accused of disloyalty or hypocrisy. Those who were unhappy, yet stayed, had their convictions questioned.

Second, When does a member have the right to declare “enough is enough” without being burned at the stake? Would it have been permissible for Long’s members to abandon him after the third accusation of inappropriate behavior? What about the fourth or the fifth?

Third, probably some of Long’s members cried, “Stay with the ship! Stop the leaks and keep her seaworthy!” What assurances were given that “seaworthiness” could be maintained, or that repairs would be forthcoming? What would be different in the future? Should someone lose faith in the ship’s survival, at what point would they be considered AWOL (self-righteous with a big H on their chest)?

Last, if members of churches like those in the story are allowed to leave a church without censure, how about those in religious organizations? When are members and ministers free to follow their hearts and conscience without scorn?

Thanks to all those who submitted responses.

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BooksBooksBooksBooksBooks

Busy Woman’s Guide To  Soulwinning

Discover how to align your busy days so that they are God centered and soul conscious. This guide is filled with real-life stories, hands-on tips, and practical strategies to empower you to connect others to God. This type of soul winning is fun, easy, and rewarding. Be the soul winner you have always longed to be!

AM Price 16.99

Married With (out) Spouses

This book is written for women whose husbands are not in the church. You will come to understand that you are called to serve God and minister as He desires in your life. As you read, you will begin a journey toward experiencing spiritual growth and gain confidence to seek, pursue, and fulfill the ministry in which He has called you, to the fullest capacity!

AM price 9.99

Wiersbe Expository Commentaries

Countless pastors, teachers, and students have pored over the best-selling Be series—and now these insightful studies are available in one complete set for a spectacular price! From Genesis to Revelation, Wiersbe unpacks the meaning and message of Scripture with a skilled exposition that remains ever mindful of practical application. Very good Bible Commentary—a must have for any student of The Word. Approx. 3000 pages total, six hardcover volumes from Cook.

Regular price $129.99 Sale Price $79.99. Only one set at this price. Call 936-537-0250 to order this set.

It’s easy to order and pay at our secure site! Go to advanceministries.org/store and make your selection. Pay online. Never forget…leaders are readers!

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Parting shots:

“If the Arabs put down their weapons today, there would be no more violence. If the Jews put down their weapons today, there would be no more Israel.” –  Benjamin Netanyahu

Dr. John A Howard, president of Rockford College said, “I invite you to take a little card and put it on your mirror or display it in some prominent place where it can serve as a daily reminder. I suggest that you inscribe on that card the phrase, ‘Truth is outraged by silence.’”

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Have an august August!

JREnsey