Virtual World for the Christian Community

Wonder if like the actual Church it will have its share of heretics, false teachers, prophets and such? Can’t you just imagine the possibilities…

The Dominionists will be trying to “take over the world”, and we can have our own Virtual Elijah List prophets! ahaha

ATLANTA, Nov. 30 /Christian Newswire/ — Entertainment Arts Research, Inc., an innovative video game development and publishing company, is set to revolutionize online virtual world entertainment with the launch of Universe of Faith (UOF), the first ever virtual world specifically designed for the faith-based community.

Universe of Faith is the brainchild and creation of Jonathan Eubanks, President of EARI, who has done previous work with Warner Bros and Universal Pictures. This $2.5 million project will provide a safe, family friendly virtual world. Universe of Faith is going to be the catalyst for change in the online Christian community. UOF is scheduled to launch in the first quarter of 2010.

Universe of Faith introduces a diverse and immersive experience for users to create a life beyond the tangible world. With opportunities to connect with people across the globe, Universe of Faith will quickly become the most intriguing venue for social networking available. Never before has there been such a revolutionary tool that allows people to go beyond their means and limitations and explore a world and life that they have only dreamed of. This will be a dynamic experience giving users total control of the details allowing them to design a personalized way of living.

“These virtual worlds have become more than a gaming experience -in these challenging economic times, people are using such virtual experiences as networking tools. Universe of Faith is one of the most powerful faith-based simulations of a real-world experience providing a safe, friendly and encouraging alternative to other gaming worlds.” said Damon Davis, CEO of Legacy Group Global, a leading international advertising and media agency for ministries, non-profits, and humanitarian organizations.

Universe of Faith is developed in partnership with Legacy Group Global an international advertising agency that works with non-profit organizations and ministries. They are working hand in hand with EARI to develop Universe of Faith and share it with the world.

This new cutting edge development is the first browser based virtual world of its kind, giving anyone around the world that has access to a basic Internet connection the ability to participate. (more at Christian Newswire)

The Manhattan Declaration; A Parable…

Rick Frueh at Judah’s Lion has written an inspired parable..

Recently a group of people signed what they called The Manhattan Declaration. It was meant to express outrage over some moral issues. I was asked my thoughts. I will answer with a parable.

The Owner of many pieces of property brings his hired servant out to view his land.

As they both scan the landscape they notice thousands of dead corpses laid out across every piece of property. The Owner points to these corpses and instructs the servant to take the electronic paddles that he provides for him and go corpse to corpse using the paddles against each chest. The Owner tells the man that every once in a while a corpse will come to life, but that he should not be discouraged when most of them do not. The Owner also informs the servant that the servant himself was once dead and laid among these same corpses until someone placed the paddles on his chest and he came to life. The servant understands and the Owner departs.

The servant begins to go to each corpse and place the paddles against each chest and activate the electronic surge. He has done it to scores of dead bodies when all of a sudden one person comes back to life. The servant is surprised and ecstatic and rejoices with the now living person. The servant goes back to using the paddles on each corpse. After a while the servant begins to realize that these corpses give off a decidedly foul odor. And along with their smell, they draw many insects and scavenger birds. The entire atmosphere deteriorates and the servant begins to feel very uncomfortable.

It Is Well With My Soul

Life from the Dead

“And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins.”—Ephesians 2:1

OUR TRANSLATORS, as you observe, have put in the words “hath he quickened”, because Paul had thrown the sense a little farther on, and it was possible for the reader not to catch it. The have but anticipated the statement of the fourth and fifth verses: “God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ.”

Here is the point.

God has quickened us, who were dead in trespasses and sins, spiritually dead. We were full of vigour towards everything which was contrary to the law or the holiness of God, we walked according the course of this world; but as for anything spiritual, we were not only somewhat incapable, and somewhat weakened; but we were actually and absolutely dead. We had no sense with which to comprehend spiritual things. We had neither the eye that could see, nor the ear that could hear, nor the power that could feel.

We were dead, all of us; and yet we were not all like one another. Death may be universal over a certain number of bodies, and yet those bodies may look very different. The dead that lie on the battle-field, torn of dogs or kites, rotting, corrupting in the sun, what a horrible sight! The corpse looks like life still; yet is your beloved one in the coffin as dead as the mangled bodies on the battle-field. Corruption has not yet done its work, and tender care has guarded the body as yet from what will surely come to it; yet is there death, sure, complete death, in the one case as well as in the other.

So we have many who are lovely, amiable, morally admirable, like him whom the Saviour looked upon and loved; yet they are dead for all that. We have others who are drunken, profane, unchaste; they are dead, not more dead than the others; but their death has left its terrible traces more plainly visible.

Sin brings forth death, and death brings forth corruption. Whether we were corrupt or not, is not a question that I need to raise here; let everyone judge concerning himself. But dead we were, most certainly. Even though trained by godly parents, though well instructed in the gospel scheme, though saturated with the piety that surrounded us, we were dead, as dead as the harlot of the street, as dead as the thief in the jail.

Now, the text tells us that, though we were dead, yet Christ has come, and by his Spirit he has raised us out of the grave. This text brings us Easter tidings; it sings of resurrection; it sounds in our ear the trumpet of a new life, and introduces us into a world of joy and gladness. We were dead; but we are quickened by the Spirit of God.

I cannot help stopping a minute to know whether it is so with you, my dear hearers, and praying that what I might have to say may act as a kind of sieve, separating between the really living and those who only think that they are alive, so that, if you have not been quickened, if you are only “a child of nature, finely dressed,” but not spiritually alive, you may be made aware of it. If you have been quickened, even though your life be feeble, you may cry to the living God with the “Abba, Father,” which never comes from any lip but that which has been touched and quickened by the Holy Spirit.

Excerpts from Life from the Dead, delivered by C. H. Spurgeon (March 13th, 1890)

Uganda’s President Named in Washington DC Cult, “The Family”

You may recall the expose concerning Doug Coe, Washington DC’s ‘The Family” and C Street this past summer (See story and video: Washington DC’s ‘The Family’).

If so, you’ll find this story from Kato Mivule, Yesu Mulungi ministry, interesting.

Its only been recently I’ve realized just how pervasive dominionist teachings are outside of “normal” false theology within the Church–how intertwined it has become with extreme right-wing politics. And not only in the US.

If you look closely at the beliefs and goals of many of the well known  “Christian” activist groups here in the US today, you will see the unbiblical root of dominionism:

Dominion theology is predicated upon three basic beliefs:

(a) Satan usurped man’s dominion over the earth through the temptation of Adam and Eve;
(b) The Church is God’s instrument to take dominion back from Satan; and
(c) Jesus cannot or will not return until the Church has taken dominion by gaining control of the earth’s governmental and social institutions.

One of the most important distinctions of DT is its belief in Theonomy. DT teaches that Christians are under the Law as a way of life, and are obligated to ultimately bring the world under that Law.

Dominionists believe the United States must be a Christian theocracy. For them the Constitution and Bill of Rights are merely addendum’s to Old Testament Biblical law. They claim that Christian men with specific theological beliefs are ordained by God to run society. Christians and others who do not accept their theological beliefs would be second-class citizens.

Recently we’ve seen Peter Wagner’s group move toward dominionism wrought through political activism, its one of the 7 Mountains, but Washington DC’s The Family has been at it for years–

Uganda’s President Museveni Named in a US Christian Cult, The Family

For those who have been following Evangelical Christianity in East Africa you will know that the story below of African Politicians being manipulated, used, and controlled by false Christians from the West, is not a new story but this has been going on for some time.

Dominionists and Political Christians from Peter Wagner and his Global Apostles, George Ortis and his false Revival Reports (Transformations), and now ‘The Family’ have all been pushing a false Christian Movement in East Africa bent on acquiring and maintaining Political Power.

Born Again Christians are simply seen as Political Tools and their Leaders as puppets. Yet Born Again Christians refuse to discern this important issue.

The so-called Fight Against Homosexuals is being used by Politicians to continue cementing their activity inside Born Again Churches.

What ‘The Family’ is replicating in Africa is simply another version of Right Wing Political Christian Lunacy and Madness in America and every Born Again Christian in Africa should reject such associations.

President Museveni is NOT a True Born Again Christian as widely  reported by Uganda’s Evangelical Christians but simply manipulating undiscerning Christians in Uganda for Political gain.

It is a shame that folks like George Ortis and Peter Wagner keep promoting stories of “Transformations” and a false revival in Uganda, yet the reality is that they are simply promoting ideologies of ‘The Family’…the real “Transformation” in Uganda is that’ The Family’ has had powerful political influence Uganda and the Evangelical Christians there did not even know it.

Museveni, Bahati, named in US ‘cult’
The Observer |November 25, 2009

NEW YORK: President Museveni, Ethics Minister Nsaba Buturo and MP David Bahati have been linked to a shadowy religious fundamentalist group in the United States known as the ‘The Family’.

‘The Family’ Fellowship Members In Uganda, From The Left: Minister of Ethics Dr. Nsaba Buturo, MP Bahati, and President Museveni- Image Source: The Observer

The group, comprising a number of influential congressmen, senators and other people in strategic positions, works secretively to promote its political, economic and religious ideas, some of them controversial, in the United States and across the world.

According to journalist, academic and author Jeff Sharlett, who has spent years researching on The Family, its core agenda includes fighting homosexuality and abortion, promoting free-market economics and dictatorship, an idea they once termed “totalitarianism for Christ”.

Palin Prophecies

“Given the interest so many people seem to have had in alleged prophecies about Barack Obama in the Bible, I am really astonished that the same individuals have been so slow to draw attention to the far clearer references in the Bible to another figure in modern politics. As any New Testament scholar can tell you, Palin is mentioned 141 times in the New Testament…” (Continued at Exploring our Matrix)

Another reason why I’ll never support the Manhattan Declaration

From Christian Research Network: Jim Daly (Focus on the Family) Reveals the Foundation of His Faith – and it Ain’t What You Might Think

In an email praising The Manhattan Declaration (an issue that currently has Christians on both sides, but NONE that I know would agree with this), Jim Daly, President and CEO of Focus on the Family wrote:

It is important, first off, to note that the Manhattan Declaration is not a partisan or political statement…Instead, it addresses and elevates four specific areas of universal consensus. Some have referred to these as “threshold issues,” meaning they represent the foundation of our faith and the pivot point from which everything else flows. This is the bedrock. If we can’t agree on these areas of doctrine, everything else will be of reduced value.  (emphasis added)

These four areas are:

1. The sanctity of human life.
2. The sanctity of marriage.
3. The protection of religious liberty.
4. The rejection of unjust laws.

Daly refers to these as “baseline principles” of the Christian faith. Now, there are intramural debates over which is the foundation of our faith, Christ or Scripture, God or His Word, etc., but Daly opts for neither and instead claims 1-4 above.

I’ve offered my blog, biblicalthought.com, as a place to discuss the Manhattan Declaration. There you will also find more discussion of Daly’s email in the thread: Discussing the Manhattan Declaration

I truly hope one of the evangelical Manhattan Declaration signatories step up and correct (or rebuke) Mr. Daly, warning him of the radical implications of his claims as head of one of the largest, most influential, worldwide evangelical organizations. I don’t think even the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox signatories would agree with such a wild claim.

I find it coming from a drastically confused understanding of the Christian faith when it is said that 1-4 above represent the foundation of our faith. The same confusion of the faith that selects ecumenism as the answer to secularism also breeds odd claims such as “They are the pivot point from which everything else flows; the Bedrock” One cannot help but wonder where “Christian leaders” get strange ideas like this that are so foreign to God’s Word, but it is obvious that a faith grounded in these things cannot withstand being shaken by the floods. Scripture, the Word of God, is the only foundation of our faith, not four randomly disconnected political issues . (Discussing the Manhattan Declaration, Stephen Macasil)

The Manhattan Declaration and its supporters have removed their houses off of the true Foundation on which Biblical Christianity is built and are building on a faulty foundation constructed upon (4) issues: human life, marriage, religious liberty, and the rejection of what they believe to be unjust laws.

And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great. (Luke 6:46-49)

True Biblical Christianity is built upon Christ. Jesus and the Word are our foundation, as are the teachings “of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the Chief Corner Stone” -

Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: (Ephesians 2: 19-21)

To believe anything else is not Christianity.

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: (Col 2:8- 10)

Again I’ll say, this Document is political.

Be Thankful for Suffering

Joni Eareckson Tada’s life has been an inspiration to many Christians. I recall first hearing her speak about her accident and paralysis. Her words of honesty (concerning her physical situation) and deep faith and trust in God has come back to me a few times over the past 30 years. Her words have been an encouragement.

In the holiday season we enter today, in which family, friends, and all the related brew-ha becomes the norm for the next month, Im aware that not everyone will be celebrating in the manner in which the world (and media) has portrayed Thanksgiving (and Christmas) traditions for years: with days filled with family, an over-abundance of food, ribbons, bows, and gifts, etc. Simply put, they can’t. That can produce emotional suffering..

Still others may be traveling through their own season of suffering physically and don’t see much to be thankful for right now.

If its emotional or physical suffering, it doesn’t seem to really matter: suffering is suffering.

All I want to say brethren, is if you’re suffering in any way–be thankful anyway. God loves you and He knows what you’re feeling. He hasn’t forgotten you for one second. Whatever your load is, you’re carrying it because God recognized you have broad shoulders and can be trusted to carry it. And, on days when you grow too weary, He himself will share your load.

I use to view suffering in a totally negative way–but I don’t anymore. One reason is because it will eventually bring forth the “best fruit”. I’ve witnessed this beautiful spiritual fruit mature in many I’ve known through the years, who suffered greatly. Their walk with Jesus became deeper–more intimate. And they carried a sense of peace with them, that is unexplainable and to be envied.

So, as Joni Eareckson Tada writes in the small message below, we really can be thankful for suffering. For we can know God is working a ‘work’ in us, that one day the world will see and God will use to bring Glory to His Son.

just musing..

As Thanksgiving approaches once again, I am reminded of so many people who are learning to be thankful despite their suffering.  However I want to encourage them to go one better — I believe we can even learn to be thankful for suffering.

It is a common response to question God’s goodness when we endure hardships — whether physical limitations, illness, job loss, the death of a loved one, you name it.

When I hear the question, Where is God? I am reminded of something I’ve learned through the years. God doesn’t say, Into each life a little rain must fall, and then turn a fire hose on the earth to see who gets the wettest. On the contrary, He screens the trials that come at us, always erecting invisible fences around the enemy’s fury and bringing ultimate good out of wickedness.

Thanksgiving

Bothers and Sisters; My sincere Prayer for each and every-one of you is to have a Thanksgiving filled with God’s Love and Peace…

“O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good..”

*UPDATED* Around the blogosphere: The Manhattan Declaration

Links to a few posts concerning the Manhattan Declaration.

• Steve Camp: THE MANHATTAN DECLARATION and EVANGELICAL CO-BELLIGERENCE

• Frank Turk: I Respectfully Decline

• Mark: To Sign Or Not To Sign

“The ultimate goal of the church biblically is not the public good, but the glory of God in the proclamation and advancement of His gospel of sola fide.
God, not the audience, is sovereign.

The “public good” is political speak for tolerance. The gospel, however, does divide; it is a stumbling block, offensive and foolishness  for those who are perishing” (Steve Camp)

• John MacArthur: The Manhattan Declaration

• Polycarp: I will not be signing the Manhattan Declaration

• Wickle: I wish I could back the Manhattan Declaration

“..support for The Manhattan Declaration would not only contradict the stance I have taken since long before the original “Evangelicals and Catholics Together” document was issued; it would also tacitly relegate the very essence of gospel truth to the level of a secondary issue.  That is the wrong way—perhaps the very worst way—for evangelicals to address the moral and political crises of our time. Anything that silences, sidelines, or relegates the gospel to secondary status is antithetical to the principles we affirm when we call ourselves evangelicals.” (John MacArthur)

Weird Email Today…

World Net Daily’s Joseph Farah (a self claiming Christian) sends out some odd emails but this one took the prize. It was titled, Reagan enlists your help in the battle against socialism and for America’s soul. That’s in Ronald Reagan, who is no position (where-ever he is, only God knows) to enlist anyone at this time.

With WND’s latest line of banners, buttons and bumper stickers, you can display your love of freedom, opportunity and the ideals that made America great in eye-catching fashion. Our exclusive, original design of a vintage Reagan is modeled after the iconic Uncle Sam recruitment posters of the World War I era. The image captures the essence of Reagan with such lifelike clarity that you can nearly hear his confident, comforting delivery as you read the words, “I Want You to Fight Socialism!”

Farah has no shame as to how or who he uses, in order to push his latest banners and bumper-stickers.To conjure up Reagan and place words in his mouth is pitiful.

Dealing with Difficult Relatives

This photo gave me a laugh because it represents what many families go through at Thanksgiving. My own included, LOL.

Hopefully we don’t end up pulling hair (unless its our own) but for  many of us these 3 to 4 time a year gatherings can be stressful for it brings us face to face (in the same room, no less breaking bread together) with relatives we don’t normally see except on these occasions. And truth be told, we ALL have at least one “difficult relative”.

Anyway, on a more serious note, Max  Lucado sent out a little message today, just in time for Thanksgiving, concerning difficult relatives.

Does Jesus have anything to say about dealing with difficult relatives? Is there an example of Jesus bringing peace to a painful family? Yes, there is.

His own.

It may surprise you to know that Jesus had a difficult family. If your family doesn’t appreciate you, take heart, neither did Jesus’.

“His family … went to get him because they thought he was out of his mind” (Mark 3:21).

Jesus’ siblings thought their brother was a lunatic. They weren’t proud—they were embarrassed!

It’s worth noting that he didn’t try to control his family’s behavior, nor did he let their behavior control his. He didn’t demand that they agree with him. He didn’t sulk when they insulted him. He didn’t make it his mission to try to please them.

Each of us has a fantasy that our family will be like the Waltons, an expectation that our dearest friends will be our next of kin. Jesus didn’t have that expectation. Look how he defined his family: “My true brother and sister and mother are those who do what God wants” (Mark 3:35).

When Jesus’ brothers didn’t share his convictions, he didn’t try to force them. He recognized that his spiritual family could provide what his physical family didn’t. If Jesus himself couldn’t force his family to share his convictions, what makes you think you can force yours?

Having your family’s approval is desirable but not necessary for happiness and not always possible. Jesus did not let the difficult dynamic of his family overshadow his call from God. And because he didn’t, this chapter has a happy ending.

What happened to Jesus’ family?

Mine with me a golden nugget hidden in a vein of the Book of Acts. “Then [the disciples] went back to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives.… They all continued praying together with some women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, and Jesus’ brothers” (Acts 1:12, 14, emphasis added).

What a change! The ones who mocked him now worship him. The ones who pitied him now pray for him. What if Jesus had disowned them? Or worse still, what if he’d suffocated his family with his demand for change?

He didn’t. He instead gave them space, time, and grace. And because he did, they changed. How much did they change? One brother became an apostle (Gal. 1:19) and others became missionaries (1 Cor. 9:5).

So don’t lose heart. God still changes families.

From He Still Moves Stones
Copyright (Thomas Nelson, 1999) Max Lucado

Amen, He does indeed still change families!

Just musing..

This clip was an interesting exchange which took place on the Chris Matthews program yesterday between Matthews and a Catholic bishop. The interview’s original intent was to talk about Rep. Patrick Kennedy being denied communion because of his support of abortion rights, but the discussion actually ended up being more about Church and State–moral law and civil law, and what the church’s position should be.

The last few minutes, starting around 7:00 into the clip, is worth watching…

(Chris Matthews) “you’ve gone into the area of law-making and condemned the behavior of public officials who have to write public policy. Going back to what John Kennedy said concerning the separation of church and state, the difference between rendering unto Cesar the things which are Cesar’s, which is the law, and rendering to the flock (*the church) what is right and wrong. And I would contest, that your problem is you haven’t gotten people to obey your moral code through teaching, and so now you’ve resorted to using the law to do your enforcement for you..”

The last part of the above quote is true, “your problem is you haven’t gotten people to obey your moral code through teaching, and so now you’ve resorted to using the law to do your enforcement for you” —

Matthews may have stated this concerning the Catholic church, but its true concerning Evangelicals in America as well.

You may not see this as I did–but it was as though a light went on when hearing Matthews make that statement; for it explains the reason for the countless number of  so-called  “Christian” activist groups today, groups signing public “declarations”, calling for civil disobedience, etc.

Its because that part of the Church in America has no other recourse but to seek to change people (and morality issues) by changing civil laws. They no longer possess a message by which real change would come about. They lost the ability to reach people and bring about lasting change, because they left off teaching Christ and him crucified–the gospel.  So now, as was stated, their only recourse is to use government (civil laws) to enforce morality.

And in the end, it will never work.

Further Bentley insanity…

Rick Hiebert has been checking out the Todd Bentley “webinars” being held at Todd’s website. Rick is a brave person. Though I’ve received ‘invites’ to the “webinars”, so far I’ve not bit the bullet and checked them out.

You’ll find three interesting posts at Bene Diction blog:

Mr. Grady mucks out the barn

Why Rick Joyner may never be frank in public about Todd Bentley

I was about to become a king at Lakeland, says Todd Bentley

Quote

I might add more on his webinar in the comments below, but there is one thing that he says that sets off an alarm that I feel that I need to cite. It fails my smell test.

It comes after Bentley has been talking about David at length. David didn’t look like the “best” person for God to use, Bentley points out, but God did nevertheless. Gradually, David grew in his anointing, i.e., his sphere of influence and power. When David became King of all Israel, Bentley argues, he came into his “third anointing” and all the promise of the day that he had been anointed by the prophet Samuel had been fulfilled.

Some of his listeners, Todd says at the end of the 64th minute of his webinar, are about to come into their “third anointing” this year.

Starting at 64:26, Bentley says:

”Everything changes when the kingly anointing comes. When the kingly anointing comes on you life, that’s when you begin to reign–”he [David] began to reign at 30″…and then all of a sudden the third anointing comes, the kingly anointing….when you come into you third anointing, that’s when you begin to reign. I’m telling you what I touched in Lakeland, what I touched two years ago, what I touched five years ago, it was just on my way to third anointing, it was on my way to kingship, and I’m saying, My God, I haven’t even began…. ”

We have Bentley proclaiming, with raised voice and flailing of arms that he is to be a king, with incredible amounts of authority and power. He has not yet begun to operate in the levels of mischief, er, anointing that he plans to.

This isn’t the humility of a humbled man. This is pride, if not hubris.

If I had the flawed record of Bentley, I would hestitate in wanting to be a king. I would just try to not be in the King of King’s way as I served Him.

Some of Bentley’s critics feared that the evangelist was flirting with the Manifest Sons of God heresy. Would this fit? I fear it does.

Scary. Really scary, I would say.

Yes Rick, I agree its scary. This guy is totally deluded to even think he was on his way to a “Kingly anointing” (which by the way there is no such thing) in Lakeland. Was he on his way while drunk or cheating on his wife? It won’t surprise me if at some point he claims all the lies, drinking, cheating, etc were part of his journey to this fictitious anointing!

The Ecumenical Manhattan Declaration

Follow-up on a previous post, Christian Leaders Unite on Political Issues.

Religious Leaders Call for Civil Disobedience if Laws Don’t Respect Faith

A formidable coalition of 150 Catholic, Orthodox and evangelical leaders are calling on Christians in a new manifesto to reject secular authority – and even engage in civil disobedience – if laws force them to accept abortion, same-sex marriage and other ideas that betray their religious beliefs.

“We are Orthodox, Catholic, and evangelical Christians who have united at this hour to reaffirm fundamental truths about justice and the common good, and to call upon our fellow citizens, believers and non-believers alike, to join us in defending them,” says the declaration, (source)

Disappointed but not surprised to read Albert Mohler signed this ecumenical document, (Why I Signed The Manhattan Declaration)

“Be not unequally yoked with unbelievers: for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? or what communion hath light with darkness?” – 2 Cor. 6:14

Pastor Billy Joe Daugherty Dies at Age 57

Megachurch Pastor Billy Joe Daugherty, whose network of schools spans across 911 campuses in 93 countries, passed away Sunday – just one month after he was diagnosed with cancer.

According to leaders of his church, Victory Christian Center in Tulsa, Okla., Daugherty succumbed to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma just after 4 a.m. Sunday at MD Anderson Medical Center in Houston.

“It was a peaceful passing with his family and loved ones by his side,” they announced. (more:Christian Post)

Austerus, Humanus, Prudens, Volatilis, Cessator, Curiosus & Querulus

Grace LETTERS is a wonderful resource. I love reading and posting the various letters for the reasons stated in the intro:

Letters, especially when written to beloved friends in the Lord, draw forth much of the inmost experience of the writer’s heart. The very freeness of correspondence unlocks those bosom secrets which are often almost necessarily held back from a public congregation.

Below is is another one written by John Newton, which I admit had me laughing. I’m sure its because I saw myself in a few of these Christian ‘portraits”.

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8

Dear Sir,

The precept which I have chosen for my motto is applicable to many particulars which are but seldom and occasionally mentioned from the pulpit. There are improprieties of conduct, which, though usually considered as foibles which hardly deserve a severe censure, are properly sinful; for though some of them may not seem to violate any express command of Scripture, yet they are contrary to that holiness and circumspection which become our profession.

A Christian, by the tenor of his high calling, is bound to avoid even the appearance of evil; and his deportment should not only be upright as to his leading principles, but amiable and engaging, and as free as possible from every inconsistency and blemish. The characters of some valuable people are clouded, and the influence they might otherwise have greatly counteracted, by comparatively small faults; yet faults they certainly are; and it would be well if they could be made so sensible of them, and of their ill effects, as that they might earnestly watch, and strive, and pray against them.

I know not how to explain myself better than by attempting the outlines of a few portraits, to each of which I apprehend some strong resemblances may be found in real life. I do not wish to set my readers to work to find out such resemblance’s among their neighbors; but would advise them to examine carefully, whether they cannot, in one or other of them, discover some traces of their own features..

Wiley Drake lifts call for ‘imprecatory prayer’…

A former Southern Baptist Convention officer who made headlines in June when he said on national radio that he was praying for Barack Obama to die now says he wants to see the president live long enough to stand trial for treason.

Wiley Drake, pastor of First Southern Baptist Church in Buena Park, Calif., issued a press release Nov. 19 calling for an end to “imprecatory prayer” — words of judgment from the Book of Psalms prayed back to God, directed toward Obama.

Drake said he is now “calling for all of God’s people and prayer warriors to cease the imprecatory prayer, and pray for Mr. Obama’s protection until he can be properly tried for treason.”

Drake attributed his change of heart to “spiritual counsel” of James David Manning, pastor at ATLAH World Missionary Church in New York, contained in a 16 1/2-minute video recorded Nov. 18.

“I have asked men everywhere please do you no harm,” Manning said in remarks he addressed to “Barack Hussein the long-legged mack daddy Obama.” According to the Merriam-Webster online dictionary, “mack daddy” is slang for a slick womanizer or conspicuously successful pimp.

“I do not want to see anyone attempt, dream about, think about or ever discuss assassinating you,” Manning continued. “It is most important to you and to my savior Jesus that you live, and that you live a long life, but that you live that we might be able to bring you to trial. You see if someone does you harm, and you are not able to be brought to trial, then we lose the opportunity of proving our statements that you are not the president of the United States of America. You are not. You are an illegal alien, a usurper.” (more at Associated Baptist Press)

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”  – Colossians 4

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” -  Matthew 5

“Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” – 1 Peter 2

“Now then we are ambassadors for Christ…” – 2 Corinthians 5

The book of Revelation is not meant to be scary

Youtube’s bzel333 is going to be posting a series of videos on Revelation. Below is the first clip.

Understand, my posting them will not automatically indicate I agree with all of his interpretations. Having only watched the first video (introduction) its impossible to say if I will or not! LOL

BUT regardless, they may prove to be interesting. Feel free as they’re posted, to agree or disagree, or toss in your .02

Part One

Emperor Titus on the Capture of Jerusalem

As a history buff, I found this translation fascinating.

Titus Flavius Sabinus Vespasianus (A.D. 40-81) – Sole Emperor of the Roman Empire 79-81.

Comment by Emperor Titus on the Capture of Jerusalem:

Emperor Titus Vespasianus – Flavius Philostratus II (c.170-244/249): The Life of Apollonius – Chapters 29-34 (Commissioned prior to 217) focus on Apollonius’ contacts with Vespasian’s son and crown prince Titus.

Apollonius writes a letter of eulogy of Titus for having refused to be crowned after the fall of Jerusalem (6.29) :

“After Titus had taken Jerusalem, and when the country all round was filled with corpses, the neighboring races offered him a crown; but he disclaimed any such honor to himself, saying that it was not himself that had accomplished this exploit, but that he had merely lent his arms to God, who had so manifested his wrath; and Apollonius praised his action, for therein he displayed a great deal of judgment and understanding of things human and divine, and it showed great moderation on his part that he refused to be crowned because he had shed blood. Accordingly Apollonius indited to him a letter which he sent by the hands of Damis and of which the text was as follows…”

Apollonius sends greetings to Titus the Roman general.

Whereas you have refused to be proclaimed for success in war and for shedding the blood of your enemies, I myself assign to you the crown of temperance and moderation, because you thoroughly understand what deeds really merit a crown. Farewell.

Now Titus was overjoyed with this epistle, and replied:

In my own behalf I thank you, no less then in behalf of my father, and I will not forget your kindness; for although I have captured Jerusalem, you have captured me.

You’ll find other info on Titus along with interesting artwork and coins here;

Emperor Titus Vespasianus Augustus

The artist’s depiction of Josephus Being Presented to Vespasian by Titus is interesting.

 

Christians & Conspiracy Theories: A Call to Repentance (1)

2 Corinthians 10:5 – Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.

Conspiracy Theory is more than just the belief in an occasional conspiracy. Simply put, it is a belief system that asserts that world events are being controlled in secret by a group of ultra-powerful puppeteers behind the scenes. While nothing much can be done about this overall conspiracy, at least we can have the satisfaction of being smart enough to have figured it all out.

If viewed as fiction, Conspiracy Theory is compelling and fascinating. If it were just a nightmarish novel meant to be unnerving and just a bit beyond plausible, like Asimov’s Foundation, that would be one thing. But Conspiracy Theory projects its fiction onto real-life people, families, groups, and organizations. It purports to actually be true… and this is the problem.

If The Root Is Unholy…

Conspiracy Theories are as old as politics. Hitler was a master at weaving conspiracy tales. Nero concocted one to shift the blame to Christians for the burning of Rome. Those who rejected the resurrection of Messiah came up with a Conspiracy Theory to explain the empty tomb and His many appearances. And so on.

The modern day mythology of conspiracy was brought into popular view by the self-styled candidate Lyndon LaRouche and his followers in the late 1970s. (You may remember the guys in the airports, right next to the Moonies.) The LaRouchites would pass out “Executive Intelligence Reports” (EIRs) that purported to inform us plebeians what was “really going on” and why we should thus support Lyndon.

Ironically, the hobbyhorse has now made the shift from airport “kook” fund-raising to mainstream commentators and talk show hosts, both conservative and Christian.

Regurgitated Propaganda, Or Wisdom?

The basic plot-lines of Conspiracy Theory have a striking resemblance to anti-Semitic propaganda manufactured in Germany pre-WW2, with only the slight obfuscation of substituting “international bankers” for “Jews.” Indeed, many in the Militia and Patriot movements have no illusions about this and have an open anti-Semitic message.

Lyndon LaRouche, and later a few Christian prophecy teachers, brought these ideas into widespread exposure by omitting the original–and more obvious–anti-Semitic ravings and by weaving them together into a compelling whole. Before this, John Birch Society members often promoted them.

Somehow, these tales inflame the fears and paranoia of people to the extent that a residue remains in the human imagination that is happy to attach itself to a more vague target. For it must be admitted that some people get a perverse enjoyment from wallowing in such “snits” of paranoia, bogus “insight,” fear, discontentment, etc. that propaganda like this evokes.

With the common bond of being “upset” and discontent in general, the modern co-belligerents of Conspiracy Theory are an odd group indeed.

The sources of Conspiracy Theory notions are suspicious–to be generous. But regardless of a dubious historical pedigree, is Conspiracy Theory true or merely a paranoid delusion coupled with an active imagination? Or is it just the human tradition of “ghost stories” taken to a new level of story-telling believability?

These questions must be asked by modern-day Christians since Conspiracy Theory concepts and assumptions are intertwined with modern pop-eschatology “end times” teaching. This (unfortunately) being the case–and Conspiracy Theory assertions are clearly extra-biblical–we must “test all things” (1Thessalonians 5:21) by doing a thorough “fruit inspection” of these ideas. For we are told to judge a tree by its fruit (Matthew 7:16-20).

Unless we are ready to suggest that fear, paranoia, delusion, slander, and hatred are new “fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-23), we need to go into this with the instinctive spiritual premonition that Conspiracy Theory is likely to fail the test and with the view to let the Holy Spirit lead us to repentance.

Christians & Conspiracy Theories: A Call to Repentance (2)

Conspiracy Theory versus Revelation

The theory of communism was built on a faulty premise and, thus, was doomed to not work in practice. Christians who believe in the Bible should be able to quickly apprehend that Conspiracy Theory is faulty at its core. Thus we should not be surprised at its failure in practice.

Somebody Forgot To Check Their Scriptures...

Fundamental to Conspiracy Theory is a basic view of the world. This view is defined by its adherents as the “Conspiratorial View” of history. This explanation of the course of history is pitted against the “Linear View” of history (or somesuch). These, we are told, are the only options! (This smacks of Marx’s false dichotomy that only two classes existed.)

But it is just not true.

Dare we mention it, at least one other possible explanation of why things happen is the “Biblical View.”

Amos 3:7 – Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets.

And Scripture never mentions anything anywhere even approaching the scope of Conspiracy Theory.

In general, The Bible neither denies real human conspiracies nor suggests that they are a major factor in history. Scripture puts conspiracies where they belong: as an occasional and hard to maintain sideshow.

2 Samuel 15:12- … And so the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom’s following kept on increasing.

Acts 23:21 – The next morning the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul.

But never in the Bible are we encouraged to imagine that conspiracy is the grand explanation of history or the overarching issue of causality in human affairs. In fact, just the opposite is commanded.

Isaiah 8:12-13 -  “Do not call conspiracy everything that these people call conspiracy; do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it. The Lord Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread.”

The lesson seems to be that there are certain times that the temptation to blame what is happening on conspiracy or evil alliances should be distinctly avoided, by direct command of the Lord.

2012, Prophetic Speculation, & Tim LaHaye

Article: Avoiding Doomsday Hype and Hysteria

Guyana’s Jonestown suicide site gets plaque

It has taken more than 30 years, but the government of Guyana has erected a memorial plaque at the site of the Jonestown cult massacre, a dark episode the South American country had long sought to downplay.

A simple, white stone plaque was unveiled with little fanfare Wednesday at the jungle clearing where more than 900 members of the cult led by the American preacher Jim Jones died in a night of mass murder and suicide on Nov. 18, 1978.

(more at USA Today)

One tragic piece of history I’ll never forget living through.

Christian Leaders Unite on Political Issues

I saw this story posted on a number of websites today, and to be honest, I don’t understand what this action is suppose to accomplish.

Recognizing two names and organizations associated with this, (Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council and  Jim Daly, president of Focus on the Family) causes me to wonder if its not just a case of public posturing.

NYTimes,

Citing the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s call to civil disobedience, 145 evangelical, Roman Catholic and Orthodox Christian leaders have signed a declaration saying they will not cooperate with laws that they say could be used to compel their institutions to participate in abortions, or to bless or in any way recognize same-sex couples.

“We pledge to each other, and to our fellow believers, that no power on earth, be it cultural or political, will intimidate us into silence or acquiescence,” it says.

The manifesto, to be released on Friday at the National Press Club in Washington, is an effort to rejuvenate the political alliance of conservative Catholics and evangelicals that dominated the religious debate during the administration of President George W. Bush.

They want to signal to the Obama administration and to Congress that they are still a formidable force that will not compromise on abortion, stem-cell research or gay marriage. They hope to influence current debates over health care reform, the same-sex marriage bill in Washington, D.C., and the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, which would prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation.

They say they also want to speak to younger Christians who have become engaged in issues like climate change and global poverty..

“We argue that there is a hierarchy of issues,” said Charles Colson, a prominent evangelical who founded Prison Fellowship after serving time in prison for his role in the Watergate scandal. “A lot of the younger evangelicals say they’re all alike. We’re hoping to educate them that these are the three (*abortion, homosexuality and religious freedom) most important issues.”

They convened a meeting of Christian leaders in Manhattan in September to present the document and gather suggestions. The 4,700-word document is called the “Manhattan Declaration: A Call of Christian Conscience.”

The document says, “We will not comply with any edict that purports to compel our institutions to participate in abortions, embryo-destructive research, assisted suicide and euthanasia, or any other antilife act; nor will we bend to any rule purporting to force us to bless immoral sexual partnerships, treat them as marriages or the equivalent.”

A personal note…

I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah. ~ I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. ~ I cried unto the LORD with my voice; with my voice unto the LORD did I make my supplication. I poured out my complaint before him; I shewed before him my trouble. ~ God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. (Psalm 3:4, Psalm 34:4, Psalm 142:1-2, Psalm 46:1)

Tonight my heart overflows with gratitude and love  — for the Lord heard and answered the many prayers which were sent up for my 39 year old son Richard. He suffered a sudden heart attack late last night; but after surgery is now resting comfortably in Cincinnati’s Christ hospital.

Thank you Helen, Libby, Samantha, Wayne, and Pastor Charles; plus all the others, who after receiving the call immediately stopped what you were doing and went before the Lord on behalf of Richard.

And most of all, thank you Jesus… for when all I could do was to call out your name, you comforted me with your peace which passes all understanding.