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?

Government Shutdown in Heaven?

 The government of the Kingdom of God has never nor will it ever shut down for any reason!

The Founding Father of the Kingdom of God - The Politics of Eternal Power

There's one thing about the Kingdom of God that differs from the Kingdoms of this World. The  Founding Father of the Kingdom of God and His Founding principles may be ignored, berated and denounced, but the citizens of the kingdom can always count on their King to maintainj power and authority. He is the only Eternal King of Glory, possessing all authority in heaven and earth. Long live King Jesus!

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?

Does God Rule Over Both Tyranny & Freedom?

  It makes certain people uncomfortable to realize that God also ordains tyrants to rule in secular government.

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!

God, Jesus & Caesar - Christian Obedience of the Law

Not one man-made law nullifies God's Commands to us as His Children.

The choice is ours!

The Evidence for Christian America - Is Ignorance Bliss?

If the presence of Christian words, phrases and symbols on, in and around government buildings are evidence of the Christian heritage of the United States, what is the presence of many more Pagan words, phrases, and symbols on, in and around those same buildings evidence of?

Are professing Christians ignoring evidence of the origins of America?

Christian Worldview - Contemplative Spirituality for the World

In this age of instant everything, any process that promises anything other than instantaneous delivery is looked on with an ample amount of negativity. Waiting is undesirable and, essentially, not an option in the lives of most.

Looking inward and beyond

This fact is becoming more evident in the spiritual activities and desires of many. In the quest to become one with the cosmos and self (considered by many to be one and the same), all things that promise instant spiritual transformation, experiences and and altered reality are considered legitimate prospects for incorporating into daily life.

Contemplative spirituality and it's related practices have become the spirituality of choice for many. The adherents to these disciplines cross denominational, religious, cultural and national barriers, and even include those who have previously warned about them. The proponents specifically point out their applicability to all religious faiths and mindsets.

While many of the tenets sound great, especially to the uninitiated, the true seeker of Truth will find the Bible lacking in its agreement with many, probably most, of its teachings and practices. Of course, to know this requires a certain amount of time in study of the Bible in order to arrive at some basic conclusions, which is a negative for the instant guru at heart.

God's Ways for Man are different than man's way for man.

Rather than seek the mind of God on any subject, many tend to find the mind that agrees with their own mind and ideas. So tenets, practices and teachings that make sense to the common man are chosen to pursue.

So, instead of pursuing and adopting God's Ways and Thoughts for our life, many are putting into practice ways and thoughts that God doesn't agree with. They are, many times, those of their own heart or the Enemy of God, Satan. They usually are in agreement with each other in their opposition to God and his thoughts and ways. Unfortunately, as popular as they are, they ultimately lead to spiritual death. Many are headed down this path.

Christian Worldview - Cowards for Jesus

Modern Christians, in their quest to be salt and light within the cultures of this world, have taken on a quality that never befits their Savior.

The idea that it is necessary for this world to speak well of them has left them afraid to speak the Truth lest they be accused of being hateful, insensitive, judgmental, unloving, etc. Simply put, many of God's people have become cowards.  They have become what Christ would never approve of.

Oh, don't get me wrong. Many have social causes for which they take a stand on. They do this with words and actions. These causes may also have religious terms associated with them, so their duty toward God and the Church is somehow fulfilled in their mind.

But to actually speak and act the Words of Jesus as recorded in the Bible is somehow deemed to be taking Religion and God a little bit too seriously. Only the self-righteous and overly pious person follows such a path. So, reforming this world one community at a time is the preferred method. Preaching the Gospel has somehow taken a back seat to more socially acceptable activities and messages.

The idea that Man is a sinner is negative. The idea that man is powerless to help himself and needs to look beyond himself to remedy his dire situation offends man's dignity. That man is doomed to eternal punishment for his choices against a holy and righteous God and Creator is the myth of ancient, unenlightened ages gone by. The idea that a Holy God would take on the body of a man and accomplish perfection on behalf of mankind and make it possible to be reconciled to God is also offensive to the abilities within mankind to help himself. The belief in the bloody and violent death of this Savior that God requires for mankind to approach God in fellowship is considered to also constitute the vestiges of unenlightened, barbaric man. It is rejected.

Portrait of Modern Christians

So, what are modern Christians left with? One look in the mirror would reveal the same cowardice of the Lion in the Wizard of Oz - afraid to gaze at himself, trembling at the mere thought of thinking a thought, afraid that his actions will not measure up to what others think and expect, running in every other direction than that direction which call for courageous responsibility, duty and action according to the Word of God. I see a whole host of such characters when viewing the mobs that call themselves "Christian."

What a shame!

Christian Worldview - Does the Bible Really Matter?

Well Ken Ham has done it again! Christians everywhere are upset with this noted apologist because he dared to tell the truth....again. Last year, it was challenging Bill Nye the Science Guy to a debate after Nye made disparaging comments about the literal Creation account and those who believe it. Now, Genesis creation is again involved, but on a different front.

Ken Ham - Teaches a Literal Genesis Creation

 It must be admitted, though, that this time was a little different. He was a little too specific for the comfort of many. The specifics involved particular people. Ham named them!

So, now many are attempting to calm the rocking boat amidst this tempest of truth from one known for relying on the Bible for his doctrine and lifestyle.

The problem? Ken Ham named those who have publicly, verbally and in their writings, denied a literal six day creation as detailed in the first part of the Book of Genesis. Coupled with that assertion is the belief that Genesis only has doctrinal value in the allegorical interpretation of the stories in the book of Genesis rather than the literal  historical narrative account.

Ken is to be commended for taking the proper stand on such a vital issue. We need more men like him in this day of relativistic teachings coming from pulpit, podiums and publications!

The Constitution & The Bible - Religious Pluralism - An Inalienable Right From God??

Religious Pluralism - An Inalienable Right Given by God?

  "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights....."

These words from the beginning of The Declaration of Independence are among the most well known and revered in all of history. While holding a special place in the hearts of people within many nations of the modern world, in no place are they held higher and closer than within the hearts of American Christians of most stripes.

I found out just how closely they are held and how highly thought of these words are yesterday in a conversation on Facebook. After being invited to the page of Ben Bush Sr, my Father by the way, I posted the following;

• "I've been asking this question for several years and have never received a response other than silence, even when the question was asked face to face. The question is this. ..........."If certain signs, symbols. words and phrases on government buildings and documents are to be considered legitimate evidence for the United States being a Christian Nation, what are the many more pagan signs, symbols, words and phrases on government buildings and documents to be taken as evidence of?"

The entire conversation can be accessed through the link in the above question.

The issue I want to point out regards Final Authority: Who or What is your Final Authority? This vital question has traditionally been answered by resorting to The Bible, self-identified as "The Word of God," as the final arbiter of beliefs and practice for all professing a relationship with God through faith in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The above conversation, though, is a stark example of what takes place when the people of God attempt to interpret History, especially American History, without a prior acknowledgment of The Bible's statements about God, secular politics and the relationship of God's People to each one.

So, here's the rub. The Declaration espouses the particular tenet that all rights, inalienable rights specifically, come from God. That includes the Freedom of Religion, the right to worship God, to exercise their religion according to the dictates of a person's own heart, specified in the First Amendment to the Bill of Rights.

It must be made clear that to believe this is not a problem. For this issue to be a matter of law is not a problem. The problem begins with the fact that God is identified as the origin of this right and approves of a person worshiping Him in any manner that person desires or chooses. The problem is consummated  by the fact that the Bible can never be the source for this supposed right originating from and being approved by God. In fact, the Bible reveals just the opposite.

Exodus 20:4-6

⁴ Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.
⁵ Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;
⁶ And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.

Soon after the giving of the Commandments to the children of Israel, they put YHWH's Word to the test when they became impatient from Moses' long stay on the mountain with YHWH. They took the matter of worship into their own hands and Aaron made the golden calf for their "feast unto the Lord". (Exodus 32:1-5)

The Golden Calf - Unapproved Worship of YHWH

When Moses returned, he was angry and asked the question, "Who is on the Lord's side?" Three thousand people died as a result of that disobedience as well as a plague being put on the people.

We can see that worship is a serious matter with God. In no way is the  manner of worship left to the thoughts of men. God specifically addresses all aspects so that nothing is left to conjecture. In fact, God specifically mentions the style and type of worship of the pagan nations surrounding them as being prohibited. Furthermore, God saw fit to put it in writing for the Nation of Israel and the rest of the World to know.

Even Jesus said that they that worship God must worship Him in spirit and truth. There is a right way and a wrong way.  

So, we can see that God in no way sanctions His Worship in any manner seen fit by man to choose. God has set the standards for men to approach Him in worship.

So, it can be seen that in worshiping the God of the Bible in truth, YHWH neither approves of nor agrees with the First Amendment Freedom of Religion according to the dictates of a man's heart. YHWH alone dictates how to worship Him.

For those who may be worried that the Founding Fathers of the United States were mistaken in their assertion that the inalienable rights of the Constitution, specified and unspecified, are given by God, the Bible does provide a certain amount of enlightenment. 

The Prophet Ezekiel tells us how YHWH deals with a people, a nation that despises His judgments and walks not in His Statutes. Chapter 20, verse 25 tells us that, "Wherefore I gave them also statutes that were not good and judgments whereby they should not live."

So, when the Bible is allowed to speak, it tells us that the inalienable right of Freedom of Religion as articulated in the 1st Amendment to the Constitution of the United States is nothing more than the judgment of God upon this nation. It's given to a people that have rejected the Law of God in their lives. In this case, it is given by God as a law, an inalienable right, that is "not good" and  one whereby we should "not live." Contrary to the thoughts of many, it is not given as a blessing from God, nor is it to be taken as a positive. The only way this right can be declared, as the Founders articulated in the Declaration,  as one of the "Laws" of "Nature's God" is as the judgment of God.

The Politics of Truth - Jesus, Truth & Courage

 When it comes right down to it, the truth is something that many don't really take seriously. Talk about? Yes. Live out in you life? Now that's a different matter!

Many issues seem to be open to negotiation. While it might be the right thing to do and it might be what the Bible specifically commands us to do, but to actually do it? Oh, Please, be real! No one really lives that way, not in today's society!

In today's churches, even the Pastors don't, can't or won't come right out and say that something is right or wrong. It's all up to the individual or determined by the situation a person finds himself in. And only that person can determine whether something is right or wrong.

And worse, anyone who says that they know what is right and wrong is "hardcore." They are "judgmental." They are "intolerant."

And then there's Jesus, the one person everyone wants to identify with because He's so soft and cuddly. He never speaks harshly, never raises his voice, never condemns a person and never offends the sensibilities of those around Him.

Yet, when it comes to the particulars of His teaching, well, we shouldn't go too far. After all, to do the same things Jesus did, to actually follow His Words.........well..........we might end up just like Jesus, with people trying to figure out a way to eliminate you from their lives. It's called persecution. And it's something that Jesus promised if you identify with Him, live like Him according to all He said.

The fact is, that in spite of his popularity, the large crowds to hear him teach, the healings, the miracles, the kindness, the love, the gentleness, the anger, the rebukes, etc., they wanted Him dead. And they killed Him simply because He was a threat to their power and influence.

Don't be surprised when you aren't the most popular person in the room or the building for speaking and living the Truth. We are following in His steps.

Politics - The Way of God, The Way of Man - Are They the Same?

The Bible says that Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived, thanks to his request and God's provision.

He made a statement that many times is quoted, but I wonder how much attention is paid to the details.

It begins this way, "There is a way that seems right to a man........"

Many issues today are approached, discussed, argued over, then decided based upon this one premise that "Well, it just seems the thing to do" or "It just seems the right way of thinking" and so on.

I find this true especially when it comes to political discussion. Most people are proceeding from a very similar mindset when the details of politics are discussed.

Among Christians, this way of thinking can sometimes seemingly be supported with a verse or two of Scripture. The result is that many think that, "Well, this way seems right for us as Christians, so that 's the way it's going to be." After all, who can argue against The Bible? That includes the Bible itself. If you bring up a verse that contradicts another verse quoted, many times they will fall back on the "it just seems right."

Couple this with the Subject of American History, specifically the Founding era, and it becomes almost impossible to engage in a true discussion because of the aura surrounding the Founding Fathers. Their wisdom is almost Divine itself, especially because they, too, used the Bible periodically to support certain policies. And, once again, pragmatism wins out. It just seems divinely right, the way God would want things to be. It just makes sense from God's point of View.

The problem with this is that God actually says in Isaiah that His Ways are higher than the ways of men, as far as the Heavens are from the Earth. And God's People are instructed to live according to God's Ways while on this earth, not the ways of men. Try inserting that into a conversation and see how far you get.

The rest of that verse from Solomon? Well, "........for the end thereof are the ways of death."

The Final Authority!

And you wonder why societies are crumbling around you? And you want to keep relying on "it just seems like the right way"? Following the herd will only get you the approval of the herd. I really want the approval of God, not because I think that seems like the right way, but because His Word tells me so. This is the same Word that has proven itself time and time again. It's veracity amazes me and I will continue to trust it and, at least, attempt to live by them, counting on His Blessings in my life. I also trust His Word to provide the understanding for all that is going on in this world, even in political discussions!

The Standard of American Liberty - Taxes, Tyranny & Jesus

How did Jesus resist Tyranny?

Within the realm of American Secular Politics, there remains one steadfast rule for the wanna be patriot, rebellion or resistance. The two are so closely allied, I group them together.

For those aligned with the idea of resistance being nothing more than pacifism, you will be disappointed with this post. But for the true Disciple of Jesus and Biblical ideas of resistance, this article will hopefully provide some Truth and Peaceful Understanding.

In a previous post, I dealt with the issue of a person paying taxes that they weren't legally required to pay, all for the simple reason of protecting the Tax Collector from legal harm. Next I want to very briefly introduce an idea that will leave many patriots probably feeling a bit uncomfortable, especially in their bid to return America to her Christian roots.

No Taxation w/o Representation

This issue was one of the Hallmarks of the American Revolution. In fact the Cry "No Taxation without Representation" was the official motto that accompanied it and the Founding Fathers' resistance to tyrannical taxes passed by King George and Parliament as well as the Officials in the Colonies having the duty of enforcing these edicts.

For those desiring to return to the Christian roots of America, I wonder how well the official policies of the Founders, as well as their actions, line up with the Words and actions of Jesus. Do they even come close to being the same?

The Bostonians Paying the Excise-Man, or Tarring and Feathering,
attributed to Philip Dawe, 1774, in the Colonial Williamsburg collection.

If Jesus would go so far as to pay a tax He didn't owe in order to protect the Tax Collector, I wonder if the Founders ever went this far in there dealings with officials and Governing Bodies? Surely there are examples within American History to justify this return to such lofty Christian ideals and actions, aren't there?

And surely, those espousing such resistance and rebellion would be most willing to point us to the loftiest standards, say, those of the Christ they would have us emulate, right?  And the example set by Patriots of old that also believed the words of Jesus and were willing to follow them, even in the face of further tyranny and even death? Please, let the prophet for American Patriotism speak from authority. May he disdain empty words and rhetoric not espoused by God in the flesh!

Jesus & Taxes - Was Jesus an IRS Tax Protestor?

I've seen the following picture on Facebook recently about Irwin Schiff, Taxes, the IRS and prison. I finally shared it with a preface statement and questions as follows.

"If you, like Irwin Schiff and others, were faced with a government that wanted you to pay taxes you weren't required by law to pay, what would your response be? Would it be the same as Irwin Schiff and others? Would it be the same as Jesus?"

Did irwin Schiff know Jesus' Tax law?

I wonder how many know what the response of Jesus was to the idea of paying a tax He wasn't legally liable to pay? Were you aware that Jesus faced this dilemma? Do you know the choice Jesus exercised? Can you guess?

I assure you that the option chosen by Jesus was not one most of us would have seriously considered, much less actually performed. I will make another post about His choice. In the meantime, see if you can figure it out.

The Dallas Cowboys, Jerry Jones & God - Who Moved?

Jerry, God & Success!

 The merger of God, religion and sports has always been a mixed bag. Athletes regularly mention divine assistance in their professional quests, some more overtly than others, but they fail to somehow mention the true role God plays in defeat. Somehow, God only seems prominent in the success of a team and players.

America's Team has it's own claim to God, though. And it's generally been accepted within American culture since the 70's, when Lee Roy Jordan claimed that God was an active Spectator from Heaven through the hole in the Texas Stadium Roof. This became a part of the Legacy of the Cowboys.

This is also what was inherited by Jerry Jones in his purchase of the Cowboys in 1989. In fact, in the spirit of that legacy, Jerry later informed the world that he told God he only wanted three Super Bowl Trophies. After that, Jerry was on his own.

Jerry's frustrated!

Well, Jerry got his three from the most holy of sources. Since then, Jerry's been wildcattin'. For almost two decades, dry holes have become the replacement for Divine Approval. And Jerry's ticked off!

Jerry, try repentance! It surely can't hurt!.................But it does require a certain amount of submissive bending of the knee and heart.

But knowing Jerry, maybe he's relying on God blessing the just and the unjust. I'm fairly sure which one Jerry thinks he is. What I'm unsure about is which one God thinks Jerry is! It might make all the difference, a difference not seen for quite awhile around here.

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?

Obama's Stole Election? - Not So Fast! Republicans Did Their Part!

A Two Party Conspiracy?

For all who still think that this past Presidential election was stolen by Barack Obama via rampant voter fraud, here comes evidence maybe extremists of every political stripe can lend their ear to. Is it possible that Democrats and Republicans are in agreement when it comes to election results? Well, the courts have publicly recorded such an agreement. Can you guess what the facts are?

This article from World Net Daily says it all.