The American Jesus - God, Country and the Bible

The Apostle Paul warned about accepting "another" Jesus, a Jesus other than the one described in the Bible.

Many churches in the United States have accepted an American version of Jesus.  This  Red, White and Blue Savior cannot be recognized when compared with the description of the true Jesus of scripture?  And most readily look to American government! with it's Roman origins, as the provider of all their needs? 

Is it any wonder that the lives of professing Christians in America look more like popular American society rather than the life called for by God in the flesh?

Postmodernism or Rebellion? Cowards for Jesus in the Church

I just thought I would share this casual day of rest observation.

It shames me to say that most professing Christians are cowards and wimps. They are afraid to seriously study the Word of God and even attempt to live by it simply because the cost of doing so is too great. It will require them to change so much in their lives and make them too different from others around them. The ridicule from such changes is too much for them to bear.
So, they continue merrily along their way living their accommodating life that mirrors this world, espousing the same kind of wimpy, syrupy sweet, live any way you want to because Jesus loves you anyway! kind of life for God. This kind of life sounds great until you compare it with the Bible.
And this goes for the leadership of most churches as well. Of course, the reason these leaders hold these positions is because the people in the pews want it that way. There's nothing like official approval for your disapproval of the Word of God!
The sad part of this reality is that It's pervasive In churches today. It's the norm rather than the exception.
No wonder Jesus asked if He would find faith on this earth when He returned.

Bible Knowledge Necessary for the Christian

If you are a Christian and aren't very familiar with the Word of God, The Bible, you will probably have difficulty living life the way God would have you. Winging it according to feelings, traditions and the thoughts of men, will not be the same as what the Bible reveals. Conventional wisdom many time disagrees with the Word He has provided for His Disciples.

Nothing substitutes meditation and study of the Word of God for helping us to understand how God would have us think and act while living on this earth.

Pray for Obama? The Bible Tells us Why

I've seen some calls by Christians to pray for the Obama administration and all government personnel. This is truly an idea that comes from the Bible and is not to be disparaged or taken lightly. But I wonder if anyone has taken the time to look into the reasons the Apostle Paul gave for praying for "kings and for all in authority?"........................................

The last reason might be surprising. 

I Timothy 2:4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

We should be praying for the salvation of government officials. Why? Because government is the realm of the lost, those that know not God or His Son Jesus. God has placed lost people, those that have rejected God, in a place of governing this world for His purposes. In scandalous times like these, it is easy to focus on things other than the most basic and necessary for men, reconciliation with God. That includes President Obama and all IRS Officials, etc. May we be reminded of God's priorities.

What is Your Final Authority for Living Life?

I've noticed that many so called "Christians" don't like the idea of a standard they must live by and be accountable to. When it comes to God's law, that's being legalistic, narrow-minded and judgmental!............ But let the New World Order and their secular Politicians do the same with their laws - or the lack thereof - and these same Christians start screaming about the filthy, immoral lifestyles of some who have seemingly cast off all standards to do what they individually think best! .......Sounds kinda hollow! Sounds kinda double-minded! So, what's it going to be? Ordering your life according to laws or not? If so, whose laws do you choose to be your final authority?

The New World Order - God Ordained or Conspiracy Theory?

The New World Order is a concept revealed in the Bible, yet rarely understood from a truly biblical position. Men, even Christian men, tend to view it through the eyes of the World. The result of this is a "Christian view" that misses entirely or distorts what the Bible actually says while those holding this view live a life dictated by and centered on the World instead of Scripture. So, while many profess a life lived in allegiance to the Savior, they dance to the tune played by the god of this Age.

The New World Order was ordained by God for His purposes!

Jesus & American Culture - The War of World Views

When it comes to how we, as Believers in Christ, conduct our lives on a daily basis, what standard have we chosen to determine and govern our actions? Does the increasingly perverted American culture hold our attention while we adopt their standards? Or do we seek the Culture of Christ for His Disciples as revealed in the Bible? Or is your attitude that of an increasing number among professing Believers, that it really does not matter as long as what you do is done with a heart for God?

Whose culture are you living out? The World's or Christ's?

Slavery is not About Race - It's About God and Mankind

Jesus said, "No man can serve two masters."

 The Bible reveals that all on this earth are, ultimately and literally, slaves. We are someone else’s Property. We belong to someone else. Someone else is our master.

The Bible also reveals that you belong to one of only two ultimate masters.

You either belong to the God of the Bible and His Son Jesus as citizens of His Kingdom or you belong to the god of this World, Satan, as citizens of this World and his Kingdoms / nations.

Who is your master?

The Barriers of a Christian Worldview - Are All Spiritual Standards Equal?

Has man's involvement with the Bible rendered it untrustworthy?

In this day and age of breaking down ancient barriers and traditions, the idea of Christians depending upon a written standard for the conduct of their life is fast becoming unpopular. Instead, the idea of following the Spirit or seeking spiritual experiences that are not to be argued with or against has become dominant. The Bible is considered archaic and unreliable, since it was fashioned by man and has been tainted and changed by man through the centuries. The Holy Spirit or the spiritual realm is considered the arbiter of all things new, including a new way of living spiritually, and receives the approval of Jesus.

Do we question the Source of spiritual light?

So, if a person has a spiritual experience and receives some type of guidance or direction, it must be followed and trusted. It can't be questioned. To do so is considered being judgmental and contrary to Jesus and his unconditional love and acceptance.

The only problem with this is that this idea behind the New Spirituality is not new in this World. Solomon said that there's nothing new under the sun.

God addressed this type of situation in the Old Testament and in the New Testament, also. The New Testament phraseology is a little different, but just as applicable as the OT. The Apostle John said to "test the spirits, to see whether they are from God or not."

It was a known and accepted fact not all spirits were of the same character and origin, thus their purposes and methodologies were different. So, when encountering spiritual activity, blind faith was to not to be exercised.

There are various avenues of Spirituality - not all are equal.

The ignorance of this Truth from the Bible has lead many astray and down destructive paths not intended by The Father, His Son and the Holy Spirit. May we be more careful about the Way we choose.

ESPN, Tolerance, God & Gay Pride - A Salute to Chris Broussard

ESPN's Chris Broussard speaks candidly!

 On the heels of the earth-shaking revelation from NBA player Jason Collins that he is gay, that he prefers to have sex with other men, comes even more eye opening comments from Chris Broussard, ESPN sportscaster / commentator. Broussard, a born again Christian, says that anyone who is dedicated to having sex with other men is "in rebellion against God."

Current NBA Free Agent Jason Collins

This whole episode began with Sports Illustrated's article on Collins' "coming out" earlier in the week, considered by some, including Jason Collins, as the first ever for an active player in professional sports, Martina Navratilova notwithstanding.

I personally offer a salute to Chris Broussard, not for his comments about the lifestyle choice of Jason Collins, but for his straightforward response to this whole episode and not being afraid to articulate, explain and clarify his personal beliefs. Many Christians in this country could learn much from this man, for he has put his job on the  line by speaking up. Whatever happens, I pray that God would continue to bless him and that Broussard would continue the good fight of faith for his Lord. I also pray that Jason Collins would come to know the Lord Jesus in a personal way. Maybe Broussard could help with that , too!

American Resistance, Tyranny & The Politics of Jesus

Many Christians perceive President Obama as a tyrant in the tradition of Hitler and Stalin.

 The American brand of a true relationship with Jesus Christ through repentance and faith has wrought an unusual mandate for those interested in currently living for Christ in a public manner. In the face of what has been taken as an unprecedented attack on the Bible, Christianity and the Constitution, many are responding with nothing more than threats of what the government will face if they try to fulfill their threats of unlawful actions against the citizenry.

Is this how the Child of God is to repond?

 The Bible has an answer for us if we will but listen. And it comes from none other than Jesus Himself. Peter, known as a firebrand, tells us the course to follow in such circumstances. I Peter 2:     

²¹ For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
²² Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
²³ Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:

Admittedly, following Jesus in this manner cannot be easy. Yet, there it is, a very clear and direct command.

Yet, American tradition teaches us to resist, to threaten, to speak ill of those God has ordained as public officials. And yes, this same tradition teaches us violence.

And yet, Jesus, under the tyranny of Rome, a victim of that tyranny, chose to do none of what American tradition would demand. And we are commanded to follow His example.

Does the idea of suffering like Jesus make us a little uncomfortable?

Has the Constitution supplanted the Bible as our authority? Has Tradition trumped the Word of God? Does the politics of the moment, of the culture, determine how we are to proceed?

Once again, Whom do we Trust? Whom do we follow? Whom do we Obey?

God is Pro Choice!

When thinking about any moral issue, it must be remembered that God is a God of Choice. He will never force His will on anyone.

While the laws of men may provide a myriad of choices for us to consider, those laws never provide a chance or force us to violate Gods Laws. God's Laws are always there for us to adhere to or violate, regardless of the choices provided by the laws of men.

And while God always leaves the final choice up to us, included in that choice are the consequences that accompany that choice.

Thanksgiving for The Old Paths - The Ancient Ways for Man

The Old Paths

by Martin & Deidre Bobgan

Today most Christians wonder how to help troubled people without some form of counseling, from psychological to some form of biblical adaptation. Too many see the luscious-looking grass on the other side of the fence as being good for food, pleasant to the eyes, and desirable to make them wise.  Jesus is the good shepherd who leads His sheep to good pastures. He has given new life and sustains it through the Holy Spirit working in that new life. He has given His sheep wisdom from above through His Word, which is living, life-giving, and powerful. He is the one who searches the hearts of mankind. He is trustworthy to complete that which He has begun and to fulfill what He has promised.  God has marked the path for us to walk in His Word Believers need to return to the old paths rather than sniff and nibble the grass on the other side of the fence. They need to stay close to the good shepherd and they need to be wary of those who through erudite speech would entice them to another pasture. They also need to watch out for those who would plant hybrid seeds that look even better than the real thing but starve the soul. Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein (Jeremiah 6:16). We pray that when we hear the Lord call us to the old paths we will not respond as the Israelites did, but turn again to the Lord and trust Him rather than the enticing wisdom of men.  (PsychoHeresy Awareness Letter, January-February 2012, Vol. 20, No. 1)

Wild At Heart - Searching for Truth in All the Wrong Places

Wild at Heart - Discovering the Secret to a Man's Soul

 If you've ever read this book by John Eldridge and are familiar with the overall content and teaching of the Bible, then you know that is is severely lacking in biblical integrity. It fails miserably to identify the needs of men and God's provision for them as revealed in the Scriptures. This book is filled with nothing more than popular psychological philosophies merged with secular ideas and Bible verses. These ideas do nothing but destroy men and their loved ones.

For a more detailed analysis of this book, please visit Christian Worldview.

Beth Moore - What's the Final Authority?

I previously posted a warning about popular women's speaker Beth Moore. I continue that warning here by linking to a short video segment of Moore beginning to talk about what God revealed to her about the body of Christ.

Popular Teacher - Beth Moore

In this post, I continue to voice my concern for those who may be swayed by the teachings of Moore and those she recommends and whose doctrine she espouses. Though containing many innocuous sounding biblical words and phrases that are linked to the activities she endorses and recommends, the practices must be examined. We should not be so quick to accept practices just because familiar terms are used to describe them.

Once again, we must be reminded that, whatever doctrine we are examining and whoever the person may be that presents a particular doctrine, the Word of God is to be the final authority to determine its correctness. To make this statement, I refer to this verse in Isaiah 8:20, "To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them."

Liberty in Christ - Free from the Law?

The next time you get stopped by a Police Officer, try convincing him that he's nothing but a legalist and he's impeding your liberty in Christ because Christ has made you free from the law! See how far that gets you!
See The Politics of Heaven - The Christian Worldview

Does Liberty in Christ mean that we don't have to obey laws? If not, then whose laws do we obey?

 

The Evolution or Creation of a Confrontation? Ken Ham Challenges Bill Nye, The Science Guy

            

In case you haven't heard, Bill Nye The Science Guy has been challenged to a debate by Ken Ham, Founder of Answers in Genesis, an apologetics Ministry.

Bill Nye caused a rucus when he termed the teaching of Creation as detailed in the Bible book of Genesis as "inappropriate" to teach children.

Ken Ham and his staff have rebutted his assertions prior to this public challenge.

We shall see if Bill Nye can withstand the result of his evolutionary zealousness!