WorldNetDaily and the Anti-Christ video

A few days ago I posted about the youtube video which attempts to prove Obama is the antichrist, (Antichrist revealed! again).

Well, this is an update. I knew there would be one after seeing that World Net Nut Daily, had it up late last night as a “breaking”- “exclusive” story on their front page, (Did Jesus actually reveal name of the ‘antichrist’?)

- Bartholomew’s Notes on Religion has weighed in today: WorldNetDaily and Obama the Anti-Christ, with some interesting points..

- As well as has Alex Koppelman at Salon: Obama isn’t just Kenyan, he’s also the Antichrist?

WASHINGTON — Move over, Birthers. It turns out President Obama is actually part of a far, far more sinister plot, one that will make you long for the days when you only worried that someone had ginned up a phony birth certificate for him.

As a breathless new report on the loony World Net Daily makes clear, Obama isn’t just Kenyan — he’s also the Antichrist.

Both posts are interesting in that they offer insight into the correct translation of the words of Jesus recorded in Luke 10:18, that the youtube video hinges upon.

“And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven”

Debate concerning adding religion to U.S. history curriculum

Peter Marshall senior was someone, as a young Christian, I had the deepest regards for, but I’m not sure I agree with his son on this matter of adding to, or modifying American history curriculum. It sounds too much like the on-going attempt to change the United States from a democracy into a theocracy: in the same manner in which the recent American Patriot’s Bible, (see: “American Patriot’s Bible” Draws Strong Criticism) attempts to do by replacing biblical Christianity with a nationalistic form of Christianity.

He states in the article at the Christian Post, (Texas Debates Adding Religion to U.S. History Curriculum)

“Our children need to know the truth about how our country got started,”

And I agree. But if our children are to be taught the whole truth, then we cannot omit other, not so “Christian” aspects of our Nation’s founding, settling, and early history. Like millions of displaced (or exterminated) Native Americans, or the years in which slavery was accepted as the norm. Many of those who avowed a belief and faith in God, were actively involved in both.

In other words, don’t just paint a partial or distorted picture concerning our history; for like all Nations, some of our historic moments are memorable for the good which occurred, while other moments in our history are memorable for other reasons, not so ‘good’.

You can read the article Here

Are you “Abnormal?”

Fun post up at Polycarp’s blog: Rorschach and Wikipedia – What do you see?

P.S.- let me know if you find out you have abnormal tendencies. AHA!

Twisting Scripture

The Watchman Expositor offers a few thoughts on scripture twisting, cults, and false teachers, which I’d like to share. They are excellent reminders of the wolves and false teachers among us, who actually use God’s word (though in error) to support their teachings.

I’d like to add an observation first.

False teachers, prophets, and cult’s are not the only ones who twist scripture.

If not careful, any of us can find ourselves guilty of the practice.

The difference is, unlike the wolves and false teachers, we may not be doing this purposefully, in an attempt to deceive, but rather,  in an attempt to defend our theology or personal interpretation[s] of certain doctrines; though its more common to find ourselves (or other well meaning believers) falling into this practice when it entails eschatology. At least that’s been my experience.

We can become over zealous (and eager) to “prove” our view is correct while the other guys view is wrong: Especially when discussion turns into debate. Its then we may resort to taking scripture out of its rightful context, in the desire to prop up our personal interpretation.

Kind of like this little fellow in the cartoon.

My only point is any twisting, omitting, adding to, or the misapplying of scripture is wrong. Even if our intent is not like that of the wolves among us. If we feel we must do this to prove our point or view is correct, then perhaps we need to re-examine our view or point! Amen?

Moving on..

• From, A Mark of False Teachers: Twisting the Scriptures, by Craig Branch

The apostle Peter wrote describing Paul’s epistles, “…in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction” (2 Peter 3:16).

There are many individual powerful practices which characterize the methods of deception employed by false teachers, but the twisting of Scripture is universal among them.

Are there one people of God or two?

Q) – Does the bible teach that there are two peoples of God, Israel and the Church?

A) – Not only does the bible not teach that there are two distinct peoples of God, Israel and the Church, but it is very explicitly opposed to this idea.

For one thing, the Church existed in the Old Testament, long before the outpouring of the Spirit on the Day of Pentecost (see Acts 7:38); and furthermore, the clear teaching of the New Testament is that the modern day Church is really just the expansion of God’s people Israel.

According to Paul, being an Israelite has never been based merely on outward ethnicity (Rom. 2:28-29;  – 9:6-8); but those who have been called according to God’s promise are Abraham’s true seed (Rom. 9:8). Hence, all who have faith are Abraham’s children, and the true Israel of God (Rom. 4:11-17; – Galatians 3:6-9, 26-29; 4:21-31; – 6:16; Phil. 3:3; 1 Pet. 2:9-10; Rev. 2:9)

When Paul deals extensively with the whole question of the place of Jews and Gentiles in the people of God, in Romans 11, he shows that there is just one people, symbolized by one good olive tree; unbelieving ethnic Jews may be broken off of that tree of true Israel and believing Gentiles may be grafted in; but there is still one tree, one body, one people of God. Thus, Paul teaches elsewhere that there is no difference between Jew and Gentile in Christ (Gal. 3:26-29;  Col. 3:11), but that all believers are members of the same body, citizens of the one commonwealth of Israel, inheritors of all the promises made to Abraham (Eph. 2:11-22;  Gal. 4:26-31; Phil. 3:20; Heb. 12:22-23).

In short, there is and always has been one people of God, and that people includes all those who are grafted in to God’s “good olive tree” to become Abraham’s children by faith, whether ethnic Jews or Gentiles. (source)

Bob Jones has been to heaven again…plus

Elijah List:

“Decrees Are Falling From Heaven”

Last April, I was talking on the telephone with Bob Jones who told me he was in Heaven and saw that “books were being reconciled regarding people’s destinies.”

My Journey Out of Dispensationalism

It brings me great joy when The Holy Spirit leads me to a message or article which pertains to an issue or topic recently posted and/or discussed here.  The message below is a case in point.

From Sharper Iron: My Journey Out of Dispensationalism

My friends have often heard me say, “The more I read my Bible the less dispensational I become.”

This statement comes from someone who was spiritually nurtured in churches with dispensational theology, who graduated from a Christian university steeped in dispensational theology, who received his first graduate degree from a dispensational seminary, and who—for twelve years—preached sermons that reflected dispensational theology. For the first sixteen years of my Christian life, I rarely questioned the fundamental distinctions of dispensational theology. What are those distinctions? In his discussion of what he called the “sine qua non of dispensationalism,”

Ryrie asserted:

“A dispensationalist keeps Israel and the Church distinct … . This is probably the most basic theological test of whether or not a man is a dispensationalist, and it is undoubtedly the most practical and conclusive”  (Ryrie 44-45).

Later he concluded:

“the essence of dispensationalism, then, is the distinction between Israel and the Church” (Ryrie 47).

As a dispensationalist I studied my Bible with the understanding that God had dual and separate plans for Israel and the church. I understood this “church age” to be somewhat parenthetical until God resumed His plan with the nation of Israel. I believed that the Abrahamic covenant and all the other Old Testament covenants were essentially for national Israel, and that only the soteriological benefits of the covenants belonged to the church.

World Net Daily, you’ve lost your mind..

I’m beginning to honestly believe World Net Daily’s Joseph Farah has lost his mind.  No kidding. This man and those who work for him have become so obsessed and actively involved in this ‘birther movement’ there is nothing he and they will not say or write.

If you think I’m exaggerating or over-reacting read tonight’s headlined story:

New doubts revealed in Obama’s nativity story; School documents show mother left father within weeks of birth

Now they are saying its possible Obama was born in Seattle or Canada, but, if you read closely, what they are really (subtly) hinting at in this article is: Obama’s mother wasn’t really his mother, or/and Obama was illegitimate.

Is there no line to be concerned about crossing today? Apparently not…

These people at WND, if not careful, will need spiritual deliverance to be free of this obsession which has now took them into looking at when Obama’s mother conceived…

Obsession is deep spiritual bondage which can keep one from seeing or accepting truth.

“Evil spirits “obsess,” or persistently molest, and besiege the man, to gain possession. They obsess his mind with some dominating idea which destroys his peace, and takes over his life..” (Jesse Penn-Lewis, War on the Saints )

Billy Graham Barely Speaking

Think it can be said, Billy Graham won’t be here much longer…

Story at CBN News: Friend: Rev. Billy Graham Barely Speaking

Antichrist revealed! (again)

Have you ever noticed the lengths some folks will go to to attempt to prove someone is ‘the’ antichrist? There were a number of books written during the years George W Bush was in office, attempting to ‘prove’ he was the one, as well as countless articles coming from prophecy watchers. Ditto, Bill Clinton. Most of their reasoning was based on the strangest twisted hypothesizing, and speculation imaginable.

As there’s nothing new under the sun, so it continues today. Check this out:

Video: JESUS GAVE US THE NAME OF THE ANTICHRIST

30 July 2009, Anniversary of the Temple’s destruction

Came upon this at Messianic Good News, after posting a comment under the post below (Hagee’s Prosperity Gospel) and thought someone might be interested. One of the messages linked, I’ve posted previously (The Leprous House).

Tisha b’Av – 30 July 2009 – Anniversary of the Temple’s destruction

“Many Christians share the belief that the Islamic shrines [Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque] must be destroyed and that a Jewish Temple must and will be rebuilt – very soon. But this won’t be a museum replica of the one king Solomon built or be just another attraction for pilgrims to the Holy Land. No, this Temple will be built for one purpose and one purpose only – for bloody animal sacrifices, and lots of them …

“However eccentric or strange it may seem, influential Christian leaders are actively promoting and funding Jewish religious groups who want to destroy the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, the third most holy shrine within Islam. They want to replace it with a fully functioning Jewish Temple … What makes their plans even more bizarre is that they believe the Temple must be rebuilt just so that it can be desecrated one more time by the Antichrist before Jesus returns. They believe Daniel and Matthew predict the Temple will be desecrated before Jesus returns to rescue Israel and defeat her enemies in the ‘Battle for Jerusalem’ …

“On January 8, 2001, former Shin Bet secret service chief Carmi Gillon and former police commissioner Assaf Hefetz together with leading Israeli academics delivered a report to the then Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak detailing their concerns regarding plots by extremist groups to blow up the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque. Keshev, the Centre for the Protection of Democracy, based in Tel Aviv, founded by Gillon and Hefetz following the assassination of Rabin, published a twelve page report entitled, ‘Target Temple Mount’ … The report claimed, ‘The Temple Mount is like a smouldering volcano that is bubbling and threatening to erupt – a threat that is liable to endanger Israel’s existence.’ And the tragedy is that some Christians are ready to light the fuse.”

What is the significance of the Temple’s destruction and what lies behind the clamouring for its reconstruction? See the following articles from our archive:

• The Saddest Day in Jewish History

quote..

The rebuilding of a temple ediface would be the ultimate step in vindicating Jewish unbelief, in usurping the new covenant Temple made up of living stones, and in scorning the gift of Messiah’s blood. If this should ever happen it will surely surpass Tisha b’Av as the saddest day in Jewish history, and herald in the final judgment that will close the mortal age.

• Mourning the destruction of the Temple | Zechariah 11

quote..

Isaiah prophesied judgment against those who refused to listen to the word of the LORD:

“… when I called, no one answered, when I spoke, no one listened. They did evil in my sight and chose what displeases me.” Hear the word of the LORD, you who tremble at his word: “Your brothers who hate you, and exclude you because of my name, have said, ‘Let the LORD be glorified, that we may see your joy!’ Yet they will be put to shame. Hear that uproar from the city, hear that noise from the temple! It is the sound of the LORD repaying his enemies all they deserve (Isaiah 66:3-6).

Although this was primarily a reference to the destruction of the first temple, the calamity that would result from Israel’s unbelief, and particularly from the rejection of the Messiah, was again prophesied in Zechariah chapter 11. The destruction of the second temple is directly linked to the unbelief that culminates in the rejection of the divinely appointed shepherd.

• The Leprous House

quote..

The second destruction differed from the first in that the first destruction left for Ezra foundations and stone by which the Temple could later be rebuilt. This can be inferred from Ezra 3:7 which speaks of the wood that was procured for the reconstruction, while there is no mention of any stone or quarry. Solomon had employed great effort to hew exceptionally large blocks which were transported to Jerusalem with the help of 150 000 men (1 Kings 5:15-17) – an impossible task for the returning Jews to emulate in their sparse numbers and within the modest means at their disposal at the time.

While this may seem a trivial detail, the significance of the latter destruction in accordance with Jesus’ prophecy is found in this very fact, that no substance was left from which a later Temple could be reassembled. The finality of the judgment of AD 70 is further supported by a prophecy of Zechariah..

Messianic Good News: Boldly Proclaiming that Jesus is the Messiah

Hagee’s Prosperity Gospel

Interesting eye-witness account by one who attended a U.S. Pastor’s Conference in Houston Texas, apparently today, with guest speaker John Hagee. Read closely and spot the false doctrine.

Hagee’s Prosperity Gospel

On July 27, 2009 the U.S. Pastor’s Conference, Houston version, met in a northwest suburb of the Texas city.  Meeting in an Assembly of God church, there were several hundred in attendance. The featured speaker was John Hagee who was to speak on support for Israel.

Joined at the hip to the HAPC is Christians United for Israel, CUFI for short.

The leader of the area CUFI greeted pastors at the door and handed them David Brog’s book, STANDING WITH ISRAEL. John Hagee started CUFI and is its director. The board of the organization lists Gary Bauer and Jonathan Falwell.

The leader of the Houston area CUFI did not have many kind things to say about Jimmy Carter who he accused of holding to “replacement theology”.  I mentioned Jack Van Impe and the leader greatly admired Jack.  When I raised the issue of Jack’s holding to anti-Semitic theories about Jewish organizations who ran the world he didn’t seem to mind.  He could excuse this apparently as easily as he did statements by his founder that Hitler was used of God to cause the Holocaust.

The book he handed out by David Brog had some interesting views on the Holocaust.

Brorg, who used to be an aid to Senator Arlen Specter, wrote that Christians caused the extermination of Jews in Europe.

That was because they were adhering to “replacement theology”.

Prayer Request – Heart Issues

Brothers and sisters, Polycarp has posted an urgent need for prayer: Not for himself, but for a baby named Stellan.

You can read about it here

Thank you

Cults and their Leaders

The cover photo from Time Magazine’s December 1978 issue is truly disturbing. Its a harsh reminder of a cult leader and many of his followers who took that last step from truth and reality, into the unthinkable.

While most cult leaders may never reach that point, they are still just as dangerous. They may not cause our physical death, but they can most certainly help bring about our spiritual death.

Let Us Reason ministry has posted (2) excellent articles on Cults this past week.  One concerns the mindset of a cult leader, the other, a message to the Church from a cult member.

The mindset of a cult leader

Cult leaders are not instantly made; they often have a gradual ascension to their position of control. Many times they come from among the church as the apostle Paul warned.

Cults have not vanished from America’s landscape (or other countries), in fact they are on the increase.

Not all cults are religious in nature. There are religious cults, secular cults, personality cults and Political cults. Cults are all about control, dictators can be cult leaders.

Today, there is a wide variety and cults and religions that come in various flavors. They teach either their way through their church or group is the only way to God or that all religions have their own way to God and are acceptable. Neither extreme is true. Jesus said he was the way and told us that we are saved by grace through faith in HIM.

“How Sharp the Edge”

The words of God can certainly bring us comfort. But they can also include what I call ‘hard sayings’. Some of these cut like a finely honed sword, others, can stop me in my tracks with Godly fear as I ponder upon the warning included.

Thinking about this today, three in particular came to mind. For you there may be different words, which after reading them, caused you to experience such a solemn warning in your spirit that you’ve never forgotten them.

The (3):

“Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.” Hebrews 12:15-17

Esau’s example of one who later looked to repent and could not, is frightening. It says he even wept in hope of being able to repent! But could find no place. I may not understand that theologically, but I sure get the warning: its the Holy Spirit which is even involved in our being able to repent. Without him drawing us to repentance, we too will ‘find no place’. Something to think about when we unwittingly grieve or offend him. (see: Ephesians 4:30 and Matthew 12:31)

“Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses. But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness? And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.” Hebrews 3:12-19

Bottom line, unbelief could keep us from entering into our rest also. Its not enough to begin well, but its important to continue to ‘remain’ in faith; “we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end“. Satan battles constantly to take us into doubt and unbelief, causing us to question God. I believe its one of his most used tools on the believer.Those who came out of Egypt (a type of the world) and fell into unbelief are a ‘deadly’ serious example for us, not to do the same.

“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” Matthew 7:21-23

Is there anyone who has not stopped to ponder those words of our Lord? The idea that one can cast out demons, prophecy, and do many wonderful (good) works, and still be told ‘I never knew you’ is frightening. Jesus doesn’t say these people prophesied, cast out devils, or did good works by another spirit–in fact he says they did them all in his name. So what does Jesus mean? In the following verses (24-27) he continues:

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

Prior to this warning Jesus had been teaching the people about the Kingdom of God in what we call The Sermon on the Mount, (chapter 5 and 6). I think this is what he is talking about: that its not enough to prophecy, cast out devils or do good works in his name, that we must obey the teachings of Jesus, in order to be ‘known’ by him and to belong to him.

Using only one of the many things Jesus taught in chapters 5 and 6 as an example:

“Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?” 5:43-46

And looking again to his words of warning, (I never knew you) its evident that ‘if’ we don’t love our enemies, etc; even though we cast out devils, do good works (all in his name) it plain doesn’t matter! We can do all kinds of ‘spiritual works’, but if we are not abiding by the teachings of Jesus in our daily lives, (read chapters 5 and 6 in Matthew) they will be for naught.

Only by laying up in store a good foundation for the time when storms come, floods arise and winds blow, beating against our ‘house’ (verse 27) will we stand. And that foundation is Christ and his teachings.

just a simple Sunday musing..

This and That

Something to chew on…

This quote sure doesn’t lack pride, does it…

Ramping into TheCRY will be a series of Canadian Oil meetings where generals of this movement of reformation and revival will be imparting the word of the Lord for this key window of time. Speakers at these meetings will be: Stacey Campbell, Patricia King, Charlie Robinson, Lou Engle, Faytene Kryskow and others. As ones who carry grace to discern the times and know what to do their words will be seasoned with revelation, impartation and activation that are key for the hour we are entering into. (link)

Chuck Pierce says we’re in “Dire Straits.

But not to worry for we’re soon to receive a ‘Gideon anointing’

“The teams and troops that I have will be narrowed down, for this will be a narrowing time.  The corridor is narrowing in the midst of this sound. Listen!  Listen carefully, for this clarion call is now being extended and it will look like the days of Gideon.  The anointing I will release will be a Gideon anointing that will overtake the Midianites that have robbed in the past seven years and stolen at the time of harvest…” (link)

Just in case you don’t buy into Chuck Pierce’s coming Gideon anointing, then flee for your life–for Fema is preparing Train Prison Cars for us all:

“Warning – Warning – Warning – GET THE WORD OUT” (link, and also here)

I’ve been seeing post’s on this topic recently, so it must be something new going around: The ‘hope’ one can come back to witness AFTER they are raptured.

“I personally have had no visions or dreams about coming back in our “new raptured bodies.”  However, I have read many posts of others having dreams and visions. One dream saw people walking around in a raptured body in the middle of an area that had just been blown to bits from an atomic bomb. Another dream talked about walking around those being taken to FEMA camps (in a raptured body) witnessing and encouraging the saints going through the holocaust. I saw one dream (on another site) where many of the raptured saints are sent back to earth….” (link)

I’m done..

One of the 10 Lost Tribes has been found in America

Other then this announcement would have come as quite a shock to my maternal grandfather, if he were still living, I can think of nothing to say.

The Central Band of Cherokee is pleased to announce that we have scientifically, with DNA, proven that the Cherokee are Hebrew (Jews). This is the only way we could prove The Historical Culture of The Cherokee. (link)

Painting of Pocahontas, quote: “Obviously a “Little Jewish Girl” (link)

The Media: CNN’s Lou Dobbs & Bill Moyer’s Journal

Two interesting Media items today.

Tonight on Bill Moyer’s Journal there looks to be an interesting program dealing with RAGE ON THE AIRWAVES, which discusses talk-radio and cable news, and its affect on the public, and the recent report from the Department of Homeland Security concerning “Right-wing Extremism: Current Economic and Political Climate Fueling Resurgence in Radicalization and Recruitment.” (I’m planning on watching  it). Also at the website is an interesting essay on “The Origins and Evolution of Talk Radio“

The second item concerns Lou Dobbs and the ‘birther’ movement.

I haven’t hidden my disgust at this whole nonsense since its taken off on the Internet, especially on many Christian ‘news sites’ and boards. The agenda behind it is obvious and quite ugly. And it paints Christian’s who are involved as unbalanced or crazies, which sure does nothing [good or positive] for Christ and the Gospel.

Anyway, instead of going away it appears to be growing, helped along recently by the regular media. I see there is a call for CNN to either fire or do something about Lou Dobbs, who has recently jumped into the birther movement, coming from at least two sources:

SPLC President Calls on CNN to Remove Lou Dobbs from Air, Cites Newsman’s Support for Extremist-Inspired ‘Birther’ Claims

And:

CNN’s Dobbs Problem: Birther Obsession On “Most Trusted Name In News”

just sharing; I thought someone might be interested in the Journal at PBS tonight…

Parable of the Seed Growing Secretly

He also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.” Mark 4:26-29

This parable is the only parable in the book of Mark that does not have a parallel in either Matthew or Luke. It’s also an amazing parable, one I have witnessed personally when loved ones have come to Christ, against all logic. With some of them it took years for the seed scattered to take root–and a lot of discouragement on my part, because I never saw the seed doing anything!  But it was…it was growing secretly where only God knew of it’s progress.

It’s taught me not to underestimate God, nor to write people off . And to be prayerfully patient, having faith once the seed has been scattered, that the Holy Spirit is at work.

• Quotes from The Parable of the Seed Growing Secretly by Jeffery L. Edmiston

There are a few different ways to look at this parable, and a few different messages that can be taken from it. Each message is equally correct. The primary central theme, that focuses on the seed, is that, “the growth of God’s Kingdom in the world is beyond man’s understanding and control” (Sanner 303). The Beacon Bible Commentary tied in 1 Corinthians 3:7, “So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.” (NRSV).

Jeremias tends to look at this parable more as a parable of contrast:

Consider the husbandman, says Jesus, who patiently awaits the time of the harvest. So, too, God’s hour comes irresistibly. He has made the decisive beginning, the seed has been sown. He leaves nothing undone. His beginning ripens to its fulfilment. Till then it behoves man to wait in patience and not try and anticipate God, but in full confidence to leave everything to him. (152)

Here we see the emphasis more on the farmer rather than the seed, and it is a message to those who are like the Zealots to sit back and let God work. As Carlston says in The Parables of the Triple Tradition, “From sowing to harvest is a sure and certain step” (205).

Blomberg has in a way combined these two themes and says:

“The kingdom will continue to grow inexorably, though sometimes almost invisibly, and at the end of the age the kingdom will have grown in to all its fullness, after which judgement day will immediately follow” (266).

In reading and studying this parable, I cannot help but think of a story I was told just the other day at work.

A young man I work with told me about how they have a place behind their house that they use as a sort of pit where they throw some types of biodegradable trash. This last summer he had thrown several old cantaloupes in there. Now it is springtime and he has all of these cantaloupe plants growing. My friend was absolutely amazed. He did not till the ground and carefully plant these cantaloupes. He just tossed the rotten fruit to the ground. Still, the plants grew. Right now they are just small plants, but soon the vines will stretch out across the ground and the melons will begin to form. When the time comes and the melons are ripe, my friend will go out and pluck the ripe melons from the vine.

The purpose of this parable is not to tell us to just sit back and do nothing, but in the work that we are doing for the kingdom we should remember that it is only God who causes the growth…. (and) it is always a mystery and a miracle brought about by God’s grace. (more here)

President Obama, “I pray all the time now”

Interesting Nightline segment.

Story at ABC: President Obama Tells Terry Moran His Spirituality Has Deepened Since Taking Office

Video Clip at youtube: Obama On Nightline Says “He Prays All The Time”

Save America?

Just wanted to share something;

While browsing I came upon a thread at Sermon Index. Following along reading the comments, I was stopped dead when I read this observation: (the underlining is mine)

“…what we should lay our focus and energy (on) is not turning America into a theocracy, but turning lost sinners into saints by our selves (being) as flaming bright lights in the midst of this wicked evil generation.

“…I thank the Lord there are Christians in America, many wonderful brethren, but .. i fear they miss the eternal things by focusing on what soon will be in flames; we should be worried about the people inside the building, not the building itself. America, with all creation will burn up in fire and brimstone, nothing will stop that; but still, some Americans can escape that burning fire. Yet many are worried about (saving) the house, while the people are still inside. Don’t pray to save america, (but) to save americans….”

Ever come upon a statement that just jumped out at you, speaking, what you knew in your spirit was truth?

That’s what I sensed when reading this person’s comment.

That many Christians in America are more interested in seeing ‘America’ (the house) preserved and saved, then they are seeing American people come to Christ and be saved. Even though the house is only temporal…

Sadly, this commenter hit the nail on the head.

Read God’s word below, recorded by Peter:

**

“This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour: Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.

For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?

Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness” - 2 Peter 3:1-13

Good Grief! Fred Phelps goes global

To at least be categorized as an apostate you had to have known the truth at one time. I can’t believe these people ever knew it…

*Be sure to check out the video at youtube: “Fred Phelps followers sing God Hates The World”

From ABP News: Anti-gay church says God hates the world

TOPEKA, Kan. (ABP) — An independent Baptist church best known for picketing military funerals with placards proclaiming “God hates fags” and “God hates America” is going global.

Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kan. — whose 75-member congregation is composed almost entirely of the extended family of Pastor Fred Phelps — has posted a five-minute video on YouTube titled “God Hates the World.”

It parodies “We Are the World,” a charity single written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie and performed by a host of celebrities to raise money for famine relief in Africa in 1985.

A new website, GodHatestheWorld.com, one of several spun off from the original GodHatesFags.com, includes an interactive global map that breaks down country-by-country reasons Phelps and Westboro say God is holding a grudge is against them.

The website says the popular reading of John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” — is wrong

Protection From Deception: From Earthly to Soulish to Demonic

After posting excerpts from Protection From Deception, chapter (3) by Derek Prince last evening, I thought we might look at a few excerpts from:

Chapter (2), Earthly, Soulish, Demonic.

To receive full understanding of the topic, it would be wise to read it all, but because of space I’ll only post excerpts. I found his assessments of Five Movements that Went Astray, very interesting

quote..

Talking about a certain kind of wisdom, James says:

This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. 3:15

Sensual is soulish. So there is a kind of wisdom that is soulish. And there is a decline, descending in three stages: first, earthly; second, soulish; third, demonic.

I believe this is the main way in which demons get in to the work of God … the people of God … the church of God. It is through this decline from the earthly to the soulish to the demonic.

Now let us consider what is implied. What does it mean to be earthly? For a Christian I believe it means our vision is completely limited to this earth. We cannot see beyond this earth. All we are expecting from God through salvation are things that belong to this life: prosperity, healing, success, power – who knows what?  I believe all of that is soulish.

CUFI and Hagee, back politicking in Washington

Its that time of year again–time for CUFI and its leader, false teacher John Hagee to ‘alight’ on Washington DC. Many get upset with me when I refer to him as a false teacher, but any man who claims to be a pastor and preacher of the Gospel and withholds preaching that Gospel to a certain ethnic group for not only political reasons but for reasons based on his own private false interpretation of scripture, is a sham in my book. And that’s John Hagee.

“I believe that every Jewish person who lives in the light of the Torah, which is the word of God, has a relationship with God and will come to redemption”

“I’m not trying to convert the Jewish people to the Christian faith. In fact, trying to convert Jews is a ‘waste of time. The Jewish person who has his roots in Judaism is not going to convert to Christianity. They (already) have a faith structure. Everyone else, whether Buddhist or Baha’i, needs to believe in Jesus, he says. But not Jews. Jews already have a covenant with God that has never been replaced by Christianity” source PFO

From the Jerusalem Post: Evangelicals back Israel in Washington

Over 4,000 Christians are gathering in Washington this week to advocate for Israel on Capitol Hill.

The fourth annual summit of Christians United for Israel (CUFI) has brought together Christian leaders and supporters of Israel from around the country, starting Monday and continuing through Wednesday.

Founded in 2006 by Pastor John Hagee, the organization is now active in all 50 states and in dozens of countries. Throughout the year it holds local events to educate Christians about Israel, build up their support and raise money for the organization and for charities in Israel.

The Christian Zionist organization cites biblical sources as imperatives for Christians to support and help the Jewish people and the State of Israel.

For the first two days of the conference, participants are learning about issues relating to Israel and the Middle East. They will spend Wednesday lobbying their elected officials on Capitol Hill.

The conference features a wide range of leaders and policy experts, including Israel advocate Gary Bauer and Susan Michael, director of the US Branch of the International Christian Embassy, Jerusalem, as well as some of CUFI’s religious leadership.

Most of the speakers, however, deal with Israel and Judaism.

They include Rabbi Aryeh Scheinberg of San Antonio, Texas; Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi, founder and president of The Israel Project; Congressman Eric Cantor; Malcolm Hoenlein, executive vice chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations; Asaf Shariv, consul-general of Israel in New York; and talk radio host Dennis Prager. (more here)

Also see:

Review of In Defense of Israel by John Hagee

John Hagee And His Deceptive Stand Concerning ISRAEL

A Jewish Believer In Jesus Responds To John Hagee

Christian Zionism, and ‘John Hagee

The Threat of Christian Zionism

JOHN HAGEE: FALSE PROPHET

John Hagee Declares: “Jesus Did Not Come To Earth To Be Messiah”

*UPDATE* Prophecy Pundits, or ‘Help, my head is ready to explode!’

*UPDATE* – Wanted to add a few more today, the 23rd.

Perhaps its just the uncertain times we’re living in, but the last-day prophecy pundits are in over-drive. Some of the stuff (signs etc) they come up with are so wacky or worse yet, confusing, I get a headache trying to make sense of what they’re saying. If I had half a brain I’d just stop reading them, but its like I have to keep up on the ‘latest’ LOL.

The one’s I came upon today are concerning numbers. As Yemi recently pointed out under another post, “I did not know God required a lot of mathematics and algebra to understand the scriptures” .

Well Yemi, I didn’t either. And if my receiving revelation on last day prophecy is dependent on understanding this stuff below, I’m out of luck.

The “NEW” Jupiter impact – its meaning!!!!!!!!!!

Obama’s upcoming birthday and 888!!!!!!!!

666 magic square

President Obama > Rosh Hashanah > 8888

This one hasn’t to do with numbers, but its so wacky its funny:

Nephilim on TV?

Folks like this are not in the same category as today’s false prophets and teachers. They are not seeking to deceive others.  But boy, they sure do they let their  imaginations go walking on the wild-side!

*Added the 23rd*:

Hidden In Plain Sight (weird break-down of the word “Jewel”)

Lying to avoid the Swine Flu Vaccine (belief that vaccine is to be used to ‘kill us off’–gives suggestions on how to avoid it) Also: Vaccination Lies: When is it RIGHT for a Christian to tell a Bold Face Lie???

Bill Gates, Satanist in Sheep’s Clothing

The Rapture Date (again)

HEAR IS A MIND THAT HAS WISDOM (I’ll refrain from making a comment on that)

Protection From Deception: Four Safeguards

From Protection From Deception chapter (3) by Derek Prince

No. 1: Humble Ourselves

“God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”

I believe the first essential requirement is that we humble ourselves. The Bible says, God resists the proud. So, if we are trying to come into the presence of God but we are proud, we may push but He pushes against us – and He pushes harder than we can. Nowhere in the Bible does it say that God will make us humble. God always puts the responsibility upon us to humble ourselves. It is a decision we have to make. No one can make it for us. People can pray for us and preach to us, but we have to make the decision to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt us in due time.