Fool for Christ

To Everything, There is a Time, And a Season, And a Purpose

I just finished reading “The Shack” by William P. Young today – and I was then drawn to do a little research on the Web about whether or not the story was based on any true events – or if it was entirely fictitious.

There is very little question that one would not need to look too far in our modern society to find a “Little Ladykiller” among us, or to have a friend or neighbor who had suffered at the hands of such an atrocity. It is in our daily news broadcasts – even good church goers like  Dennis Rader, the BTK serial killer who, by the way, was elected president of the Congregation Council of the church he had attended for 30 years, and was also a Cub Scout leader – can become monsters and prey on the weak and vulnerable among us.

It is not very alarming that a broad spectrum of our society would have serious and lingering questions about why God would not stop such acts, whether there is forgiveness and redemption for those involved, who is to blame if there is any way to ascertain just where such brutality begins from generation to generation, is there any closure or reconciliation possible, and that if there is a God of love – why He allows such things in the first place?

Even those that are not scorched by such tragic events have similar questions about their everyday lives.

What about the way they treat their spouses, children, families, and coworkers? How is God involved in that? What does the Holy Spirit do – and what kind of personality is the Holy Spirit? Was Jesus really real, and if so, what does his sacrifice on the cross mean to me in my everyday life?

And here is a real good one for those of you who read the Old Testament – if God can change His mind, like he did with Moses, does that mean that God can lose His mind too?

In researching and reading reviews and comments on the book, I think the most surprising thing to me was the reaction of “Christian” theologians – warning their flocks to beware of the theological underpinnings of the book.

It reminded me a little bit of the song The Byrds made famous, “Turn, Turn, Turn”, penned by Pete Seeger. I liked the song, and still do – there is a lot of scripture or paraphrased scripture used there – almost the whole song in fact, except that final line, “Turn, turn, turn”. That didn’t come from scripture.

If I were to apply the same reasoning to that song that some of these writers, including Tim Challies, Norman Geisler, and others applied to “The Shack” – then I would have to quit listening to songs like “Turn, Turn, Turn” because of the omission of some words from the original King James Bible – and the addition of that last line. What was Pete Seeger thinking anyway – and what kind of theology is that? “Turn, turn, turn”?

I watched “The Da Vinci Code” too – but I didn’t do so to see if I could improve my understanding of theological tenants.

In other words, if I was going to read “The Shack” for my theology – then perhaps their observations are relevant.

One thing can not be denied, and that is that Willie (he goes by his middle name Paul) certainly broached a lot of deep material in this book – subjects that are not often covered in the Sunday meetings that I have attended. He certainly has some deep, and first hand, insights into losing loved ones under tragic circumstances, the resultant pain, grief, and self-doubt, the need for human relationships – and even our relationship to God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. He may not have all his ducks lined up as far as the modern council of the Sanhedrin is concerned – but he sure did get people thinking. It is, after all – fiction.

A lot of the criticism is in his approach to the persons of God. He certainly has taken some liberties there.

When you change the paradigm – then you have the opportunity to view the tenants and boundaries of the established or former paradigm in a new way. It doesn’t necessarily mean that you are going to abandon them, you might, in fact, hold to them more dearly than before – providing that your understanding of them was somewhat solid in the first place. Perhaps that is what the theologians are worried about – that they have not prepared their flocks for controversial viewpoints like these.

I have one thought on the resultant theological hair splitting by the status quo – it is this. “The Shack” and its popularity among a large “Christian” audience have hit a sensitive nerve among the Doctors of the Law, and I think it is primarily because “The Shack” does preach freeing yourself from their doctrine, and from their seeming inability to address and answer the deep questions posed in “The Shack”.

Perhaps that is the greatest failure or weakness of the status quo when it comes to our relationship with God – they have put God in a box, their box, and have defined what their understanding of the boundaries of the box are – and they insist that unless we accept God in their way – then we are heretics.

The problem with this is that more often then not – when the Spirit of God moves – the human reaction is just like Peter, when he and James and John saw Jesus transfiguration, “Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said.” – Humans want it written in stone. They try to capture the moment so that they can point back to that time and place and say, “it was right there that we met with God.” But as soon as they do that, and try to itemize and set down their rules and requirements for admission into God’s presence, they lose contact with the Spirit of God.

In his book “The Case for Christ” – by Lee Strobel, Ben Witherington III, PH.D. points out that Jesus Himself – when He spoke to the Jewish leaders about who He was, violated some of their most sacred ideas about their relationship with God, “Jesus makes the truly radical statement that it’s not what enters a person that defiles him but what comes out of his heart. Frankly, this sets aside huge portions of the Old Testament book of Leviticus, with its meticulous rules concerning purity.”

These violations of Jewish tradition and the Law were the reason given by the religious leaders to have Him arrested, tried as a blasphemer, and then crucified. However, the scripture tells us another story about their motives, “But Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews? For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy.”

Jesus Himself warned, in His famous “eat my flesh and drink my blood” sermon – “Doth this offend you? [What] and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before? It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, [they] are spirit, and [they] are life.”

Presuming to understand all that is written in the Bible is a fairly heady assignment.

If the present day Sanhedrin’s model was working so well, then how come they have not come out with answers to these difficult and challenging questions in a way that has rung true with believers and non-believers alike? Perhaps it is because they don’t have all of their ducks lined up either.

I think that turning this story into a theological debate is missing a lot of the point. Your theology and my theology are probably not based on one or two volumes of study. In fact, your understanding of the Holy Scriptures is probably subjective in some way or another – and you can’t simply declare that since a whole bunch of you have agreed that the scriptures say this or that – that indeed they do. Don’t forget about The Jesus Seminar and others like them.

It is recorded in the Old Testament that “the LORD appeared unto him (Abram) in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day; And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw [them], he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,” Some believe that these were three angels. Some believe that one of them was the Son of God. It doesn’t really say does it? It does say that two angels entered Sodom – leaving us to believe that in fact, the one who stayed back was the Son of God, but we really aren’t sure. If it was the Lord Jesus, the question then arises how Jesus had a body before he was born?

Some might consider this to be pretty important theology – but to most people today – the question of what is happening regarding a serial killer and the victims of such crimes is probably a lot more relevant.

Until the theologians and representatives of this present day and age are able to bring the things of God and the things of the Spirit to people in an engaging and vibrant manner – then books like “The Shack” will fill the void – and who’s to say it isn’t God Himself who is behind it.

“And my speech and my preaching [was] not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” – The Apostle

It’s A Sign

Just a few days before he was crucified – Jesus of Nazareth visited the Temple in Jerusalem for one final time.

The Temple was a marvelous structure – but Jesus had not gone there to bask in that holy sanctuary – instead, he had gone for what He himself knew would be His final scathing indictment of the religious leaders of the Jewish people.

“Woe unto you, scribes! Pharisees! – Hypocrites!

As Jesus and his disciples departed – his shocked and bewildered disciples – perhaps in an effort to bring calm to this heated and emotional confrontation – pointed out the beauty of the Temple itself.

But their words fell hollow – and Jesus’ reply and the ensuing destruction of the Temple by the Romans just 40 years later ring down through the centuries – “there shall not be left here one stone upon another that shall not be thrown down.”

After they had departed to the Mount of Olives – perhaps to the Garden of Gethsemane – and some repose had come – the disciples – sensing the finality of the deep rift that had just taken place – asked Jesus,

“When shall these things be? – and what shall be the sign of they coming – and of the end of the world?”

And these were the signs,

Troublous times, false messiahs, famine, new devastating diseases, a fear storm, heart attacks, senseless brutality against the innocent, the Earth itself in the throes of death – quaking and shivering – violent eruptions and direful change – and an ever increasingly connected humanity – clamoring for relief – and embracing a final solution while heralding their final King – a ruler so dreadful that he would be worshipped as the King of the entire Earth – a man so overcome and consumed that the Ancient Texts record his name – the Son of Perdition – possessed by that Wicked One – and proclaimed as God in the flesh.

Grasslands

“We are compassed about, with so great a cloud of witnesses.” – Brother Paul

My journey is about to take
Round the planet Earth
Again
To far off lands
New sights, new sounds
Strange voices
People (children) of a different way
But these grasslands
Will go along – as will my song
My voice,
And as I walk down this path
The things I see and understand
Began when I was just a child
In wonder of the stars
And subtle hue, of morning’s dew
Upon the blade
In me these grasslands will abide
In me they will not fade away.

If there is any of you
That feel that I owe an indebtedness
Unto them
Let me offer this -
In my next year of travels – I will
Answer a question per week
Anything you would like a firsthand observation of – at least – in my immediate vicinity (and with my limited access.) And when the year is concluded
Even so is my debt unto you
However blatant, unfeeling or indebted I am, from henceforth, at the fulfilling of this agreement – and there after . . . forgiven.
And all of this with my most humble apologies for my weakness of character – my self indulgence – and my foolishness.

Not withstanding this:

As your servant in these matters

I will fulfill to the best of my abilities, resources, health and protection – & will give you my best submission for your perusal and edification.

Not withstanding this:

That we agree – and you – by your steady and ready access to the answers to your questions, and your participation – agree

To allow me to publish your inquiries – as a form of public service to others who may have similar questions

And in the event that our words should turn to the golden edge, along the grasses on the ridge – then we agree in such a day – to fairly compensate your grace, and duly recognize your character and your labors and your ways.

By the way – this offer is only good for the next 12 months beginning August 1, 2009

You can enter into this agreement until – July 31, 2010

Not withstanding this:

That the full contract – by year or by day - is equally binding and true – and to this we say,

“Our eyes are upon Thee, for we know not what to do.”

I am looking forward to hearing from you at brian@proclamationfoundation.org

The prophecies of philosophies
The prophet of the Wind
The voices of the Grasslands
The discussions of a Friend.

And in apprehension of boring you let me close with this one caveat -

I am a student of the Gospels
My family is The Family
I am a follower of the teachings
Of Jesus of Nazareth

Perhaps you would bore me as to whose student you are?

And what is your creed?

And in your fifty (hereafter referred to as “one year” – Easter and Christmas you know) questions – if we look – we might find, that it is drawing very near – and that we should speak – ere the sun go down – and they night fall – and we be separated by the waves.

And only this remaining statute – that if you go in grace – That ye go in peace, and in power, and in the anointing of God.

- Gab

Before we leave our residence,
Let me say this
The only reason to go is to continue
Answering the drummer’s call
And reaching for the stars
Proclaiming as we go
Our understanding of the truth
The consequences of our youth
And faith in Jesus
And in God.

Former fundamentalist ‘debunks’ Bible

By John Blake
CNN

CNN — Just so you know, Bart Ehrman says he’s not the anti-Christ.

What an idiotic lead statement.  Anyone who has any knowledge whatsoever about the AntiChrist will almost puke when they hear Bart laughingly admit that he isn’t “the anti-Christ”.  The real question is whether or not he is against Christ – and particularly whether or not he is against the teachings of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.

Bart Ehrman says most of the New Testament is a forgery but it’s still an important body of work.

Really – we of course assume he has evidence to back this up.  Given this lead line to a front page CNN story – we are all in awe of such a blanket statement – has he read the Bible? – Who by the way does he say “forged” it?  Certainly he is not talking about the book of John, of which we have quite a body of evidence – even concerning the author and the Roman’s inability to boil him in oil.

He says he’s not trying to destroy your faith. He’s not trying to bash the Bible. And, though his mother no longer talks to him about religion, Ehrman says some of his best friends are Christian.

What an idiotic statement – or series of statements.  Sure, he wants to “accept” the Bible because it exists – but he doesn’t want to believe it – so don’t patronize us.

Ehrman, a best-selling author and a professor of religious studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, is a biblical sleuth whose investigations make some people very angry. Like the fictional Robert Langdon character played by actor Tom Hanks in the movie “Angels & Demons,” he delves into the past to challenge some of Christianity’s central claims.

So Bart is a professor.  You might want to take a good look at the word professor.  The Apostle Paul stated that he had “professed a good faith”.   Do you really believe that Bart is doing all of this in good faith?

In Ehrman’s latest book, “Jesus, Interrupted,” he concludes:

Doctrines such as the divinity of Jesus and heaven and hell are not based on anything Jesus or his earlier followers said.

Oh, good for you Bart.  Were you there?  This is the Jesus Seminar again – since the “scholars” said it, it must be true.

At least 19 of the 27 books in the New Testament are forgeries.

Wow, so who did write them?  CNN is doing a lead story with not a chance of rebuttal.  That isn’t investigative journalism – it is pandering to the unbeliever – Bart the professor of doubt, unbelief, and ignorance.

Believing the Bible is infallible is not a condition for being a Christian.

The first bit of truth mixed with all the lies above.

“Christianity has never been about the Bible being the inerrant word of God,” Ehrman says. “Christianity is about the belief in Christ.”

Of course, and the Bible is not only a record of the life and death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, but there is a lot of other stuff in there, Jewish history, eschatology, prophecy, poetry, songs, sex stories.

Critic: ‘There’s a touch of arrogance’ about him

Ehrman’s claims have found an audience, and controversy. He’s a fixture on History Channel and Discovery Channel documentaries on Christianity. He’s appeared on National Public Radio, CNN and the BBC and talked about scribes misquoting Jesus on “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.”

Being a fixture for unbelievers may comfort Bart – but it does not accredit him in any way.  And just for the record, where do we have the scribes quoting Jesus – I thought the Gospels were written by his disciples – and not by the scribes.  Does he believe that Matthew was one of the scribes, or that John was?

Yet Ehrman’s popularity also may be due to a larger trend. The books of people like Elaine Pagels, author of “The Gnostic Gospels,” and Dan Brown, author of “The Da Vinci Code” and “Angels and Demons,” resonate with people who believe there are parts of the Bible that the church left on history’s editing floor.

Popularity lends nothing whatsoever to his credibility.

Some scholarly critics say Ehrman is saying nothing new.

His arguments are as old as the Serpent’s in the Garden of Eden.

Bishop William H. Willimon, an author and United Methodist Church bishop based in Alabama, says he doesn’t like the “breathless tone” of Ehrman’s work.

“He keeps presenting this stuff as if this is wonderful new knowledge that has been kept from you backward lay people and this is the stuff your preachers don’t have the guts to tell, and I have,” Willimon says. “There’s a touch of arrogance in it.”

Yet even many of Ehrman’s critics say he has a knack for making arcane New Testament scholarship accessible to the public.

“He has a gift for clear thinking and an ability to present some complicated things in simple, direct ways,” Willimon says.

“The serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field.” – Genesis

Some pastors also say that Ehrman forces them to confront tough questions about the Bible in front of their congregations.

What a pity – considering that “Most Americans, even those who say they are Christian, have doubts about the intrusion of the supernatural into the natural world,” commented George Barna, founder of The Barna Group and author of books analyzing research concerning America’s faith. Seems like the pastors ought to be confronting at least some questions, doesn’t it?  Since when was “confronting tough questions about the Bible” something that followers of the teachings of the Bible would want to shy away from?

“His take on the scriptures is a gift to the church because of his ability to articulate questions and challenges,” says Rev. Guy Williams, a blogger who also happens to be a Methodist minister in Houston, Texas. “It gives us an opportunity to wrestle with the [Bible's] claims and questions.”

Ehrman: There was no resurrection

Ehrman says that no one accepts everything in the Bible. Everyone picks and chooses . He cites some New Testament’s references to the role of women in church as an example.

Something he is not guilty of?

In the first book of Corinthians, Ehrman says, the Apostle Paul insists that women should remain silent in church (1 Corinthians 14:35-36).

In the 16th chapter of the book of Romans, Paul’s attitude is that women could and should be church leaders — and he cites women who were serving as deacons and apostles in the early church, Ehrman says.

Oh gee, Bart – you are sooooooo perceptive – ever heard of context?  And attacking the Bible based on what the churches have accepted as their liturgies or dogma isn’t a very good basis for judgement.

Ehrman backs his arguments with a deep knowledge of the culture and history of the New Testament world. He’s written 20 books on early Christianity and is an authority on ancient manuscripts used to translate the Bible.

His claims, though, take on some of Christianity’s most sacred tenets, like the resurrection of Jesus. Ehrman says he doesn’t think the resurrection took place. There’s no proof Jesus physically rose from the dead, and the resurrection stories contradict one another, he says.

Who cares what he “thinks”?  If you know Jesus Christ in your own heart, then Jesus is resurrected in you, isn’t he?  Does he have some proof that Jesus wasn’t resurrected?  The writers of the Gospels died rather than recanting their stories.  I wonder if Bart is ready to die in defense of his story.

He says he doesn’t believe the followers of Jesus saw their master bodily rise from the dead, but something else.

They claimed to have seen him risen from the dead – and that was recorded as little as 3 years after the fact, with the challenge to go and ask them – since they were still around.  However, this is a key statement – Bart “doesn’t believe”.  If you are ready to base your faith on the arguments of an unbeliever, then God help you.  You might want to find someone who does believe and ask them why.

“My best guess is that what happened is what commonly happens today when someone has a loved one die — they sometimes think they see them in a vision,” Ehrman says. “I think some of the disciples had visions.”

Gee Bart, we are so thankful for your guesses.  Guess again.

Ehrman says he immerses himself in the Bible, though he doesn’t believe in its infallibility, because it’s the most important book in Western civilization.

“I have friends who teach medieval English,” he says. “They don’t believe in Chaucer, but they think Chaucer is important,” he writes in the conclusion of “Jesus, Interrupted.”

So patronizing.  Jesus himself warned the unbelievers, “It is the spirit that quickeneth, the flesh profiteth nothing, the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life.” – John 6:63

The fundamentalist turns agnostic

Ehrman once had a different attitude toward the Bible.

Like this is somehow supposed to authenticate his unbelief.  He has converted to agnosticism  - Bart, instead of  proclaiming your dedication to the Greek “agnostic” – why not use the Latin, “ignoramus”?

He was raised in the Episcopal Church in Lawrence, Kansas, and became a fundamentalist Christian at age 15 when he met a charismatic Christian youth group leader who reached out to him. Ehrman says he later persuaded his parents to embrace a more conservative brand of Christianity.

He says he became so devoted to the Bible that he memorized entire sections. He was convinced the Bible was “God’s words.”

But Ehrman says he began to develop doubts about the infallibility of the Bible after attending Princeton Theological Seminary to become a college Bible professor.

He even began to change his opinion of the Christian youth group leader who helped convert him. The youth leader visited Ehrman’s father when he was dying of cancer in a hospital.

The youth leader used a bottle of hotel shampoo to “anoint” his father, and tried to persuade his father to confess specific sins, Ehrman says. Ehrman says he was angry at the minister for acting “self-righteous” and “hypocritical.”

Bitterness is never a good foundation for teaching others the truth.

“For a vulnerable high-schooler who is trying to figure out the world, a personality like that is very attractive,” Ehrman says. “They’re like cult leaders. They have all the answers.”

Which you admit that you don’t, Bart – being the ignoramus that you are.

Ehrman says he later became an agnostic because he couldn’t find the answer to another question: How could there be a God when there is so much suffering in the world? An agnostic is one who disclaims any knowledge of God, but does not deny the possibility of God’s existence.

Bart, like so many – has the idea, “If I was God I would be doing things differently.”  I personally am glad that you are not God, Bart – because so far you only have questions and doubts about the Bible – but I certainly haven’t seen any answers here.  Perhaps you can tell us, “Why is there Evil in the World” – being the religious scholar that you are.

Today, Ehrman describes himself as a “happy agnostic.”

“Ignorance is bliss” – Thomas Gray

But some people can’t believe an agnostic can be happy, he says. They tell him that they’re praying for him. Others say worse. They say he’s being fooled by Satan and he’s headed to hell. Some say he’s the anti-Christ.

Happiness is not the goal of the teaching of Jesus Christ or the writers of the Gospels.  Salvation from sin and redemption of the eternal soul are.

“I’m not that powerful,” he says, laughing.

And certainly the AntiChrist is no ignoramus.

His family, however, feels no obligation to talk to Ehrman about his ideas on the Bible, Ehrman says. His mother, brother and sister remain conservative Christians.

He once tried to talk to his mother about his new beliefs, but the discussion proved fruitless.

“My mom is a strong evangelical,” Ehrman says. “We talk basketball. We don’t talk religion.”

Still, Ehrman says he still sends his mother and siblings copies of his latest books. They’ve never responded, he says.

“I imagine they’re hidden in a back room,” he says.

Poor rejected baby.

Whether it’s his family, critics or students, Ehrman says he has a better handle on why he is so threatening to so many people — some Christians worry they will make the same decision he has.

Here is the punch line of this article – which in its entirety is an attack on your faith.  With this statement, they are sowing the definitive doubt – “If such a scholar as Bart could be converted to unbelief – maybe you could too.  After all, he is a professor.”

“I changed my mind,” he says. “My students find me more dangerous that way. I really do know what they’re talking about when they stake out an evangelical position.”

True belief passes the understanding of your mind.  If he changed his mind – then he really didn’t have any faith in the first place.  Jesus changes hearts and transforms the very being – creating a new creature.  Bart needs to really dive in, and not just dangle his feet in the pool – his problem isn’t that he lost faith – his problem is that he never had intercourse with God.  All mystics understand that God is a lover.

“‘Will you walk into my parlor?’ said the Spider to the Fly.” – Mary Howitt

Seeing Signs and Wonders?

Why doesn’t God just speak out the message like He did in the past – a voice from Heaven saying, “I am the Lord, and this is my will.” - tablets written in stone, a burning bush, a talking ass, visitors at an evening camp fire pausing for a meal before the destruction of Sodom, a cloud of smoke and a pillar of fire?

Perhaps the reason lies in the purpose of God speaking in the first place.

Jesus said, just before He raised Lazarus from the dead, “Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.”

For the true believer, it doesn’t really make any difference if God speaks or not – the manifestation of the Spirit is more often for the unbeliever and the scoffer. Even the miracles of Jesus are limited – and even when He had done many miracles among them – he upbraided them by saying, “Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.” Jn 4:48

God is not out to put on a show – He is trying to reach us in our hearts and minds.

For the believer, this is an ongoing relationship that needs no additional theatrics – anything more than we are already treated to on a daily basis – the wind and the rain, sunshine, the stars and the heavens, loving friends and family, health, babies, our many blessings and our daily bread.

Interestingly enough, theatrics really don’t help the unbeliever that much either.

When Jesus spoke of signs and wonders – He was referring to two different aspects of the same event – two different purposes for a miracle taking place.

“Signs” being God’s signature or authentication of the messenger, those observing the miracle know that only one sent from God is able to perform such a miracle – and “wonders” being the sensational aspects of the event that draws the attention of the masses and fills them with awe so that they can have their hearts and minds opened to receive the truth.

Although there are many places in the Bible where you can find the record of God’s supernatural intervention – the grandest sequence of signs and wonders is associated with the children of Israel in Egypt – and the Exodus; the wandering for 40 years in the Wilderness, and entering the Promised Land.

In all the records of these events – Pharaoh’s heart was hardened.

It is interesting to note that of the 29 times that “signs and wonders” appears together in the King James Bible – 12 of them are specific mentions of the signs and wonders done in Egypt.

The second period of a “water shed event” concerning “signs and wonders” was the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

In these, the Last Days or the Endtime – we are expecting an increase of miraculous events – for these have been promised throughout the prophecies concerning these times. Here are a couple of references.

Concerning God’s Children:

“And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come:” (Act 2:17 – 20)

Concerning the AntiChrist :

“For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if [it were] possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” Mat 24:24

“For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if [it were] possible, even the elect.” Mar 13:22

“[Even him], whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,” 2Th 2:9

So then, “signs and wonders” have a specific purpose, and it is not usually for the edification of those who already believe. It is rather, for the setting of the stage for specific times and events.

In the case of Jesus of Nazareth, though God did many signs and wonders by Him and the Apostles of the Early Church – it still did not result in many more believers and followers. In fact, the greatest seed or source of dedicated new believers was often the result of the martyrdom of public witnesses.

In fact, it was largely for this reason that even Jesus did not speak plainly unto unbelievers when He was sharing the truth with them.

Mat 13:13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.

Mat 13:35 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.

You can read the words of Jesus when he did speak plainly to them in Matthew 23 – a sermon which he closed with the words, “Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.” Mat 23:38

The reaction of the Jewish leaders was to plot his death.

For the unbeliever, theatrics complicate the problem to the point of complete and utter rejection – rejection that brings forth violence and the murder of the messengers of truth. This was true of Pharaoh, it was true of the Jewish leaders concerning Jesus, and it will be true of the AntiChrist and his followers.

When God begins to do public miracles by your hand, and you come out full force against the scribes and the Pharisees, then you better be ready to be crucified.

“Zeitgeist”

The Internet is really coming into its own – a place where the millions or the billions can be taken for a ride.

Jesus of Nazareth warned – “Because broad is the way and wide is the gate that leadeth to destruction, and many there be that go in thereat; but strait is the gate and narrow is the way that leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”

There is a new film that boasts 100 million viewers called Zeitgeist. The 2007 “documentary” type film was written and narrated by Peter Joseph, a freelance film editor, composer and producer in New York City.

“Literally meaning “spirit of the time,” “Zeitgeist” was released on DVD and the Internet, and Joseph claims it has been viewed more than 50 million times on Google Video, and more than 100 million times when other formats and public screenings are taken into account. “Part One” of the movie explores similarities between today’s Christianity and ancient cultures that worshipped sun gods by a variety of different names. It concludes Jesus of Nazareth is merely a fictional character, a combination of many fabled solar messiahs.” (From WorldNetDaily)

I have not seen the film – so I will be presenting some observations about a portion of the film that is credited with destroying faith in Jesus Christ.

It is common knowledge that throughout history there have been similarities between the Gospels and other religious beliefs in other cultures, many preceding the stories of Jesus as recorded by the writers of the New Testament.

Some examples covered in the film include:

 Horus (from the ancient Egyptians) was born on December 25th of the virgin Isis-Meri. His birth was accompanied by a star in the east, which in turn, three kings followed to locate and adorn the newborn savior. At the age of 12, he was a prodigal child teacher, and at the age of 30 he was baptized by a figure known as Anup and thus began his ministry. Horus had 12 disciples he traveled about with, performing miracles such as healing the sick and walking on water. Horus was known by many gestural names such as “the Truth,” “the Light,” “God’s Anointed Son,” “the Good Shepherd,” “the Lamb of God,” and many others. After being betrayed by Typhon, Horus was crucified, buried for three days, and thus, resurrected. …

 Attis, of Phyrigia, born of the virgin Nana on December 25th, crucified, placed in a tomb and after three days, was resurrected.

 Krishna, of India, born of the virgin Devaki with a star in the east signaling his coming, performed miracles with his disciples, and upon his death was resurrected.

 Dionysus of Greece, born of a virgin on December 25th, was a traveling teacher who performed miracles such as turning water into wine, he was referred to as the “King of Kings,” “God’s Only Begotten Son,” “the Alpha and Omega,” and many others, and upon his death, he was resurrected.

 Mithra, of Persia, born of a virgin on December 25th, he had 12 disciples and performed miracles, and upon his death was buried for three days and thus resurrected, he was also referred to as “the Truth,” “the Light,” and many others. Interestingly, the sacred day of worship of Mithra was Sunday.

It is also widely understood that the ancient texts of the Hebrews contain numerous references to a Messiah who has many if not all of these same characteristics, excluding perhaps the present day calendar dates for the celebration of some of these events – particularly his birth and resurrection dates.

The Christian faith is in part, based on the belief that Jesus of Nazareth fulfilled these prophecies – of which there are over 60 prophecies with more than 300 references to this Jewish Messiah in the Old Testament – what he would do, where he would be born, how he would live, his death, burial, and resurrection.

So what is going on here? Are the stories of Jesus just another fabrication of an age old story, and as such – mere myths and fairy tales?

The discussion and debate over this question is as old as the New Testament itself, and any attempt to rehash this debate here would be as meaningless as most of the controversy is in the first place.

It is a big step for modern day scholars to assume that they understand the perceptions of those who held these ancient beliefs and where and how they originated.

Seeing that mystics in different cultures and at different times have had a shared vision of a messiah figure with very similar attributes – and have in fact elevated the story of this figure to the most revered and worshipped status in their cultures alludes not to a mythological figure – but to men throughout history glimpsing one of the most pivotal events in history and attempting to not only record these events – but to assimilate the knowledge and understanding of these events and this messiah into their daily lives.

When mystics throughout the ages have had a shared vision, and in every case have interpreted that vision as sacred and religious knowledge – then one can just as easily conclude that they were in fact peering through the veil and seeing the same event – the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

However, there is one striking difference between the various mystical outcroppings of the stories of this messiah figure and the story as it is presented in the Gospels – and that is that the writers of the New Testament claimed to be eyewitnesses of the actual events recorded there – and to have lived with Jesus and seen these things with their own eyes.

In fact, they were so convinced of the story that they had written that they were willing to die the most cruel deaths rather than recant what they had written and publicly preached.

The disciples of Jesus Christ not only had such deeply held beliefs – but they, through their preaching, were able to persuade subsequent generations of believers throughout the world. These believers cross every cultural, ideological, physical and national boundary – and they in like manner, held these beliefs so strongly that they were willing to die rather than recant.

This begs the question, “Why would people be willing to give their lives for a fairy tale?”

Scoffers, like Peter Joseph would have us believe that it is because these people suffer from the worst kinds of ignorance and superstition.

That is not what the record of human history from the time of Jesus Christ shows us. In fact, it shows us just the opposite.

Jesus himself admonished us, “By their fruits shall ye know them.”

Peter Joseph and those of similar persuasions and belief would lead us toward a world where man can worship himself and be his own god.

The Zeitgeist Movement says its ultimate aim is global “unity and equality.” According to its website, “The goal is to revise our world society in accord with present day knowledge on all levels, not only creating awareness of social and technological possibilities many have been conditioned to think impossible or against ‘human nature,’ but also to provide a means to overcome those elements in society which perpetuate these outdated systems.” The movement takes a harsh view of any religion, claiming, “we have been conditioned by society to think that crime, corruption and dishonesty is ‘the way it is’ and that there will always be people who want to abuse, hurt and take advantage of others. Religion is the largest promoter of this propaganda, for the ‘us and them’ or ‘good and evil’ mentality promotes this false assumption.” (from WorldNetDaily)

Peter Joseph and his friends are not the newly enlightened among us. Their viewpoint and programs are as old as the Serpent with Eve in the Garden of Eden.

But then, they believe that is a fairy tale too.

What’s blood got to do with it?

I have a fellow laborer in the Lord – a man who preaches the Gospel – and he sent me the outline of a little class he gives. I think the outline is pretty good – but I would like to have a recording of him teaching it sometime – I think I would get more from the class if I heard him teach it.

Whenever we were talking about eternal salvation and eternal security – the question comes up, “Well, if Jesus is going to forgive me for any sin, and if I get saved and then sin again and I will be forgiven each time – then what is the point in being good. Can’t someone who is saved then do wicked things and “get away with it”?

The short answer is – you don’t have to be good, you can still “sin” and yes – Jesus will forgive you when you ask Him to and you can still go to heaven.

Most of us are OK with that answer as long as the “sin” we are talking about is a minor sin in our eyes – like maybe telling a lie, or stealing something small, such things as that. However, that answer doesn’t sit well with most of us if the “sin” becomes something major, like murder, rape, extortion, or a continued life of wickedness. In that case, we all pretty much question whether or not the “eternal security” holds any water.

The deep answer, the real spiritual answer may be so complicated – as varied as the human experience and the human spirit and soul – that only God Himself can really understand it and decide. Nevertheless, the hypothetical answer is troubling for most of us.

There are a few reasonable answers to the dilemma, and I will attempt to touch on them here.

First of all, once we receive Jesus as our Saviour – and He comes in (Rev. 3:20) – we now have a balancing force within us. Jesus, unlike other great teachers and searchers – is the high priest and the King of Kings – and when Jesus comes into our hearts at our request – we not only receive salvation – but we receive power to become the sons of God.

This power is manifest in our lives – and although it is possible to fall and commit terrible sins – this is not a reflection of the ability of God and Jesus to save us – it is evidence of the depths to which the human spirit can fall – it is the evidence that our “frame is dust”. Cases of people who have received Jesus Christ into their hearts and then going out to commit terrible sins are probably numerous – but who among us can understand God’s dealings with the individual human soul. Even the great apostle lamented, “O wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from the body of this death?”

Part of the problems is that most of us see little sins as being of little consequence, when in reality – any sin separates us from God – and as such, they are not little at all. All sin needs redemption.

We all do have access to the power to overcome though – and in all cases, if this power is not realized to the transforming of our lives here and now – it is still powerful enough to deliver us from death and hell. The prophet Daniel was talking about the saved when he wrote, “Some will be raised to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.”

Secondly – there are different rewards in heaven – and this can be found throughout the Bible – from the parables of the talents to storing up treasure in heaven, to the precious things vs. those consumed in the fire of trial mentioned by Paul. 1 Cor 3:11-15 “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.”

Living and acting in a way as to store up treasure in Heaven is just a damn good idea.

Not only that – Heaven will have levels of access, and those who get in by the skin of their teeth will be missing a lot – whereas the true brides and lover’s of Jesus will enter into a kingdom prepared for them from the foundation of the world – starting with the Marriage Supper and continuing with more exciting relationships, responsibilities and opportunities then we can imagine. “Eye hath not seen nor ear heard the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.”

But believe it or not – most of us are already wicked enough – even when we get saved, that the reasons above are not enough to keep us motivated and walking the straight and narrow. We fall because we are human – we get covetous, we get lustful, we get hateful, we get down and in despair – and we sin.

The next deterrent to sin is fear, the loss of joy, the emptiness of sin – the fruit of sin. Dad talked about it and here is a quote from him.

BACKSLIDERS BEWARE!–The Hotel Marshal Dream! DBBFO 1045 29/6/81

1. I HAD A DREAM WHERE I WENT OUT TO SOME SHOP & was trying to find a kind of a little extension piece for a curtain rod. So I went into this one shop & I was in the back of the shop rummaging around through their stuff & I found this set that had the very little end piece that I needed.
2. But I decided, “Well, they’re not going to want to break this set, they’re going to insist on selling me the whole set to get this one little tiny piece, so I’m just going to slip it in my pocket & they’ll never know the difference!” So I did & walked out & walked down the street feeling guilty & worrying.
3. It really isn’t worth it to risk your life & liberty for a little thing like that! Why it happened in the dream, I don’t know, but I did it in the dream. In fact, that sort of thing keeps you living in constant fear that you’re going to be found out, & it’s hardly worth the trouble. It’s like the saying that “the coward dies a thousand deaths, the brave but one!”
4. The thief, robber, criminal & fraudulent character is always worrying night & day that he’s going to be discovered & apprehended! He lives in constant fear, & this is a state of torture & torment. You pay a big price if you get caught & you pay the price of fear & apprehension if you don’t. And besides, it’s not love & it’s unscriptural & it’s against the law & it’s not consideration for others & it’s stealing, it’s theft, it’s shoplifting, it just isn’t right & you shouldn’t do it! (Backsliders Beware!–The Hotel Marshal Dream! [#1045])

Sin and Jesus don’t abide well with each other – and when we have Jesus in our hearts – and we sin – then we will suffer the turmoil of that kind of life – and the Holy Spirit will come and do all she can to restore us – and when we are restored and happy again, and full of joy, and the blessings fall – then eventually we learn to “flee youthful lusts” and to cease from our sins and embrace living for Jesus and endeavoring to “walk the walk” and not just “talk the talk”.

But there is one deterrent that is greater than them all. It is the real “bottom line” – the end of the rope, the final point of no return. This may not be true of you, but in my life I can say it is true of me – and that is that the Word of God convicts me of the reward of sin, and I am filled with a fear of God.

How many of us can live with ourselves when we know we have failed the ones we love, when we know we have stumbled a child, or hurt those we love the most and who have loved us – when we know that our own wicked ways have brought pain and suffering to others – even if it is to others that we don’t know. We all suffer, and suffering – if it bears the right fruit teaches us that we would not want to be the source of suffering for others – suffering is just too difficult – and to be the cause is almost a worse pain then suffering ourselves.

Jesus warned, “But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and [that] he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh! Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast [them] from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast [it] from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire. Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven. For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.”

It is at this point where those who have been exercised by the reproofs for sin, and the chastisements of a loving heavenly Father – and been repeatedly rescued by a loving and powerful Saviour can sing, “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now I’m found, was blind but now I see.” – (John Newton, former slave trader)

When I see the goodness of God in my life – and the Lord’s blessing are around me, and I know that He will deal with me if I sin – and I know that it can cause pain for those I love, and destroy my testimony so as to stumble those whose faith is not as strong, or those who are looking to me for an example – then I want to flee sin – however difficult it is for me to do so, even being the wretch that I am.

We endeavor to walk in the ways of the Lord for one reason and one reason only – the goodness of the Lord.

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Ted Haggard on Oprah

What ever the outcome of this former pastors “moment in the sun” on the Oprah Winfrey show – the long term ramifications can be nothing short of dubious. This does not portend well for true believers.

Whenever the children of God seek out solace and comfort – and approval from the princess of an earthly kingdom – it always involves compromise.

If his redemption rests in the arms of Oprah Winfrey – then what we are looking at is the process of redefining the political correctness of the Christian faith for the American public.

And who better to serve us in this pivotal role than former pastor Ted Haggard? Remember, this is a man who sat on the National Association of Evangelicals board – and represented the faithful in some important and controversial documentary venues – including Dateline NBC, ABC’s 20/20, “The Anti-Christ” on the History Channel, “The Root of all Evil?” – a British documentary featuring Richard Dawkins, the HBO documentary “Friends of God” with Alexandra Pelosi (yes, the Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi’s daughter) – and “Jesus Camp”. Alexandra Pelosi also made the film, “The Trials of Ted Haggard” which was recently aired on HBO.

And his role would be pivotal if it all stopped there – but it doesn’t.

During Ted Haggard’s tenure at the New Life Church, which he founded – one of the most horrific shootings in America took place when sisters Stephanie and Rachel Works, ages 18 and 16, were gunned down by Matthew Murray, “a loner with emotional problems” who carried a book by Aleister Crowley in his front pocket.

Having such an incident take place in the parking lot of your church might have sent a strong warning message to Pastor Haggard. These are the kinds of things that make us check our hearts – that bring the fear of God on believers in not only a congregation – but to an entire city – even a whole nation.

We might not be able to ask God why certain tragedies occur – but like King David of old we can cry out, “O Lord, create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me.”

All of these honors and tragedies apparently didn’t do the trick for Pastor Haggard – he still had one trick up his sleeve – Mike Jones and methamphetamines.

The Ancient Texts admonish, “Pride cometh before a fall.”

It would be unfair of me to sit in judgment of Pastor Ted – he has had his appearances before the councils – and suffered the removal from his former office – and has been banished from those he tried to love and serve.

Pastor Ted’s standing with the Almighty is between him and his Maker.

What we are attempting to take a critical look at here is his continued place on the public stage.

The question begs asking, “Is Pastor Ted being used – in his present fall from grace, as a pawn by powerful and influential people – to bring more confusion and exposure to homosexuality and its place in the public’s acceptance of what constitutes “proper religious faith”?

Don’t misunderstand me – I believe that homosexuality is a personal decision. Some people believe that it’s just the way they were made.

What I have difficulty with is in publicly setting the boundaries for what is acceptable for me to believe when I practice my religious faith – because I believe it is purely between me and God.

The learned Apostle affirmed, “The kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but peace, joy and righteousness in the Holy Ghost.”

When the sexuality and sexual encounters of such an influential person become the focus of public discourse – then I just think that there is more going on here than meets the eye.

One thing to remember is that Pastor Ted is the one who the media has chosen to pursue.

You might want to speculate what the characteristics of a “politically correct” leader of the Christian faith would be.

Where would such a “leader” stand on the most controversial issues of the day?

What would his viewpoints and experiences most likely include?

Throughout history – the leaders of the most powerful nations have attempted to set these standards based on what they themselves considered to be in the best interests of the public – and they proscribed, even persecuted those that did not comply.

In some cases, what was at first politically expedient degenerated into an enforcement nightmare.

Anytime you endeavor to regulate the speech, opinions, observations, attitudes, or religiously held beliefs of one group over another – you can expect some major difficulties.

In the documentary “Jesus Camp” Pastor Ted is seen making fun of – almost mocking the film’s protagonist Levi. (for comments from the films producers see http://www.jesuscampthemovie.com/haggard_response.html)

In a conversation Jesus of Nazareth warned his disciples about the coming destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple by the Legions of Rome – he prophesied, “(They) shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another – because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation”.

Pastor Ted missed his – let us hope that we don’t.

Beautiful Feet

“How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things.” – Paul, formerly Saul the Murderer

All too often we get sidetracked when we speak of religion, or the gospel, or spirituality, or mysticism. More often than not, when we are talking of these we descend into a confrontation of practices, or initiation rites – compulsory hurdles for the adherents or initiates into a group.

These hurdles or requirements often have little, if anything, to do with the reality of the understanding and application of the teachings. In fact, these boundaries and requirements are usually set up for the sole purpose of the control of the members of any particular body or persuasion in much the same way institutions, businesses, team sports, or any other cohesive unit sets standards of participation.

What was Paul talking about then, when he stated that the feet of those that bring glad tidings of good things were beautiful? Did their feet become beautiful as a result of them joining a group who set forth requirements of membership – or by walking around preaching?

Although it is possible that after we begin to walk with the wise, we will become wise – it is not unusual for people to become members or congregants without any perceptive changes in their manners, their aspirations, or their inner selves. The reason for this is that the standards of participation are usually set low enough to encourage new members to join, and only high enough to keep the most undesirable outside the circle.

There is in existence a belief that our overall health and well being can be stimulated by the massage of our feet and hands. Today it is called reflexology. I call it a belief because there is some controversy surrounding it, as there is no clinical or scientific data to support it. However, it has been practiced for millenniums around the world.

If the tenants of reflexology are indeed true – then it follows that those that have “beautiful feet” are representatives of good health and a stable intellect, and are most likely good examples of the “higher” self – the moral and spiritual nature of our being.

Although our use of the word gospel is largely in association with the Christian belief – the general meaning of the word is “the good news” – or something accepted as a truth or guiding principle. In the latter case, someone with “beautiful feet” preaching the “gospel” could describe a variety of persuasions – but always with the same formula – and that is, those with beautiful feet are the obvious representatives of the good news that they, by the very nature of their being – bring with them in their interactions with others.

We all know the old adage – “Don’t judge a man until you have walked a mile in his shoes.” The implications are obvious – unless you can experience that individual’s unique challenges – then you will lack understanding in your judgment of them. Also, it is our feet that carry us forward into the world, and it is our feet that transport us to and from our interactions with those around us.

It follows then – that our feet, and how we enter into the relationships with those around us – determines our influence, our example, and in the end, our legacy.

The word “feet” occurs 256 times in the Bible – and the statements found there paint a vivid picture of this idea, that our feet are the instruments of our influence, and of our success.

These statements range from the dangers of letting our feet carry us in the wrong direction, “For he is cast into a net by his own feet, and he walketh upon a snare.” – Job 18:8; to their being the basis of our every endeavor. “I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.” – Psalm 119:59

But none is more poignant than, “Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.” – The Preacher of Jerusalem

Finally, we are admonished, “And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.” – The Writer of the Book of Hebrews