There are those who would pit God the Father and God the Son against each other in the judgment as the world ends. The Father is made out to be the harsh Judge and Christ our intercessor who "pleads" in our behalf. And we are supposed to wait while the Father ponders the issues, puts our lives on His scales, thinks, and then issues an almost grudgingly, "Well, O.K.!"
When one goes to trial in court there are two attorneys; one for defense and one for prosecution. Question: who is "...the accuser of the brethren"? Who is it that "opposes" (NKJV) and "resists" (KJV) our Lord in His work of Salvation, Justification, and Sanctification of the saints of Jesus Christ? Right! It is Satan. This is clearly demonstrated in the first seven verses of Zechariah chapter 3.
It was Satan who contended with Christ over the body of Moses. Satan is always the one who prosecutes (pursues) those who choose the Christ.
The broad principles of the struggle between Christ and Satan are outline throughout the Bible but are especially clear in Zechariah and in John 3:15 and 16. The God of the Old Testament (I Am) is the God of the New Testament [Exodus 3:14 and John 8:58]. Christ told His disciples, when they asked to seen the Father, '...if you have seen Me you have seen the Father...' [John 14:9].
It is not as though the Christ has to position Himself between us and the Father in order to protect us from His wrath: No! Not at all. If we believe that and think that we have a completely distorted picture of the Oneness of the Father and His Christ and the grand solution to the problem of sin, worked out before the foundations of the world were hung in space.
Any attempt to picture the Father as harsh, vindictive, always ready (and willing) to send His consuming fire, then we know not either the Son nor the Father, and are more likely to serve from dread than decision.
Thin on these things.
God Bless. e.c.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
By Your Patience Possess Your Souls
Jesus is speaking to His disciples, listing things that will happen in Jerusalem and in the earth before the end. We will pick it up at verse 11 of Luke chapter 21. "And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven. " "But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you; delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers for My name's sake. "But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony. "Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer; for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. "And you will be hated by all for My name's sake. "But not a hair of your head shall be lost. "By your patience possess your souls."
In closing; "Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus." Revelation 14:12
God Bless. e.c.
In closing; "Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus." Revelation 14:12
God Bless. e.c.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Words From 'Yesterday' for Today and Tomorrow
"The life of Jesus gave evidence that He expected much, and therefore He attempted much. From His very childhood He was the true light shining amid the moral darkness of the world. He revealed Himself as the truth, and the guide of men. His conceptions of truth and His power to resist temptation were proportionate to His conformity to that word which He himself had inspired holy men to write. Communion with God, a complete surrender of the soul to Him, in fulfilling His word irrespective of false education or the customs or traditions of His time, marked the life of Jesus."
"To be ever in a bustle of activity, seeking by some outward performance to show their superior piety, was, in the estimation of the rabbis, the sum of religion; while at the same time, by their constant disobedience to God's word, they were perverting the way of the Lord. But the education that has God back of it, will lead men to seek after God, 'if haply they might feel after Him, and find Him.' The infinite is not, and never will be, bound about by human organizations or human plans. Every soul must have a personal experience in obtaining a knowledge of the will and ways of God. In all who are under the training of God is to be revealed a life that is not in harmony with the world, its customs, its practice, or its experiences. Through study of the Scriptures, through earnest prayer, they may hear His message to them, 'Be still and know that I am God.' When every other voice is hushed, when every earthly interest is turned aside, the silence of the soul makes more distinct the voice of God. Here rest is found in Him. The peace, the joy, the life of the soul, is God.' " [Source] Fundamental of Christian Education pgs. 440.5-441.3
God bless. e.c.
"To be ever in a bustle of activity, seeking by some outward performance to show their superior piety, was, in the estimation of the rabbis, the sum of religion; while at the same time, by their constant disobedience to God's word, they were perverting the way of the Lord. But the education that has God back of it, will lead men to seek after God, 'if haply they might feel after Him, and find Him.' The infinite is not, and never will be, bound about by human organizations or human plans. Every soul must have a personal experience in obtaining a knowledge of the will and ways of God. In all who are under the training of God is to be revealed a life that is not in harmony with the world, its customs, its practice, or its experiences. Through study of the Scriptures, through earnest prayer, they may hear His message to them, 'Be still and know that I am God.' When every other voice is hushed, when every earthly interest is turned aside, the silence of the soul makes more distinct the voice of God. Here rest is found in Him. The peace, the joy, the life of the soul, is God.' " [Source] Fundamental of Christian Education pgs. 440.5-441.3
God bless. e.c.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Sorry About My Absence
I have been absent for a while--busy taking care of things here at the place-on-the-lake. In the past I have shared with you items that I glean from World magazine; the one that writes on national and international politics and religion. Well, I have another. This one is by Janie B. Chaney and she is writing in the October 10, 2009 issue. The article, "All The President's Men," can be found on page 32.
Chaney writes; "In late August, a report surfaced on the "Big Hollywood" website, a gathering of conservatives in entertainment and the arts. Patrick Courrielche, an entrepeneur and consultant, had received an email from Yose Sergant, Director of communications for the National Endowment for the Arts. It was an invitation to a conference call of movers and shakers in the creative community, scheduled for Aug. 10, to be hosted by the NEA, the White House Office of Public Engagement, and United We Serve. The purpose was finding ways to "work together to promote a more civically engaged America and celebrate how the arts can be used for a positive change!"
Courrielche dialed in and heard this disturbing rallying call; "Take photos. Take video. Post it on your blogs. Get the word out. Like I said, this is a community that knows how to make a stink. Do it. Do it within your town. Do it nationally. Call on other producers, marketers, publicists, art--you know--artists, people from within our community and get them engaged."
Just four days later the group, Rock the Vote announced a "Health Care Design Contest" and began receiving artwork in support of a government-controlled plan. Soon after, another conference-call invitation went out from the White House Office of Public Engagement."
Are you with me on this stuff or am I the only paranoid one in the house? e.c.
Chaney continues: "So what's wrong with that? For one, the NEA was founded to support excellence in the arts, enlarge their presence in local communities, and increase the quality of arts education--not cheer lead a particular agenda. Over time the agency's mission has bent in the direction of the prevailing political wind, and grants are doled out not necessarily on a work's merit but on its correctness. But this is the first time, to my knowledge at least, that the NEA has attempted to gin up art for specific policies, and in a particularly artless manner: Hey kids! Lets grind out some propaganda."
If there is a message here, is it starting to come clear? or am I still all by myself. Be patient. e.c.
She continues: "Artistic propoganda is hardly new, nor is it always contemptible. Even in the USA, artists have been recruited to help inspire public support during times of crisis: Think of James Montgomery Flagg's World War I "Uncle Sam Wants You" poster. But "Uncle Barak wants to use your talents for his policies" lacks the enduring resonance that qualifies it art as art."
Finishing up Jeanie quotes: "This is just the beginning," participants in the conference call were told. "We are just now learning how to really bring this community together to speak with the government"...
e.c. comments: I would re-translate the phrase "...to speak with the government..." into what is in store for all spiritual dissidents; id est (that is) to bring the community together to speak for the government.
I see the seeds and sprouts of a movement to shape, collect, motivate, and direct public opinion as an extension of the objectives of the government. From my Christian-Adventist point of view this tactic is (in a musical metaphor) either the prelude or first movement in a symphony of voices raised in an anthem of support to the Beast and the Two-horned lamb-like beast that enforces the words of the Beast and lends its authority to force feed those who would dare to speak against the government.
Abraham would be shocked--not that one, Lincoln--as this present infestation in the White House is remaking a Government, of the Government, by the Government, and for the Government.
p.s. Where will we be made to go to pick up our brown shirts, the arm bands, and ID cards that grant permission to buy and sell? ...Zig--Heil!
God help us. e.c.
Chaney writes; "In late August, a report surfaced on the "Big Hollywood" website, a gathering of conservatives in entertainment and the arts. Patrick Courrielche, an entrepeneur and consultant, had received an email from Yose Sergant, Director of communications for the National Endowment for the Arts. It was an invitation to a conference call of movers and shakers in the creative community, scheduled for Aug. 10, to be hosted by the NEA, the White House Office of Public Engagement, and United We Serve. The purpose was finding ways to "work together to promote a more civically engaged America and celebrate how the arts can be used for a positive change!"
Courrielche dialed in and heard this disturbing rallying call; "Take photos. Take video. Post it on your blogs. Get the word out. Like I said, this is a community that knows how to make a stink. Do it. Do it within your town. Do it nationally. Call on other producers, marketers, publicists, art--you know--artists, people from within our community and get them engaged."
Just four days later the group, Rock the Vote announced a "Health Care Design Contest" and began receiving artwork in support of a government-controlled plan. Soon after, another conference-call invitation went out from the White House Office of Public Engagement."
Are you with me on this stuff or am I the only paranoid one in the house? e.c.
Chaney continues: "So what's wrong with that? For one, the NEA was founded to support excellence in the arts, enlarge their presence in local communities, and increase the quality of arts education--not cheer lead a particular agenda. Over time the agency's mission has bent in the direction of the prevailing political wind, and grants are doled out not necessarily on a work's merit but on its correctness. But this is the first time, to my knowledge at least, that the NEA has attempted to gin up art for specific policies, and in a particularly artless manner: Hey kids! Lets grind out some propaganda."
If there is a message here, is it starting to come clear? or am I still all by myself. Be patient. e.c.
She continues: "Artistic propoganda is hardly new, nor is it always contemptible. Even in the USA, artists have been recruited to help inspire public support during times of crisis: Think of James Montgomery Flagg's World War I "Uncle Sam Wants You" poster. But "Uncle Barak wants to use your talents for his policies" lacks the enduring resonance that qualifies it art as art."
Finishing up Jeanie quotes: "This is just the beginning," participants in the conference call were told. "We are just now learning how to really bring this community together to speak with the government"...
e.c. comments: I would re-translate the phrase "...to speak with the government..." into what is in store for all spiritual dissidents; id est (that is) to bring the community together to speak for the government.
I see the seeds and sprouts of a movement to shape, collect, motivate, and direct public opinion as an extension of the objectives of the government. From my Christian-Adventist point of view this tactic is (in a musical metaphor) either the prelude or first movement in a symphony of voices raised in an anthem of support to the Beast and the Two-horned lamb-like beast that enforces the words of the Beast and lends its authority to force feed those who would dare to speak against the government.
Abraham would be shocked--not that one, Lincoln--as this present infestation in the White House is remaking a Government, of the Government, by the Government, and for the Government.
p.s. Where will we be made to go to pick up our brown shirts, the arm bands, and ID cards that grant permission to buy and sell? ...Zig--Heil!
God help us. e.c.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Doot-To-Door Salesman...No Sale!
Frankly my dear(s), I'm just a little embarrassed that our president flew to Denmark to knock on the doors of the Olympic Committee and sell them a package marked, "Made in Chicago."
The reason for this feeling is that; 1. while the Olympics are a worthwhile event; 2. while it might have been good for Chicago; 3; while President Obama is a personable and convincing man...meanwhile, back at the Oval Office, there is serious business to be done for this nation.
This jaunt to Denmark ended with a cold shower for our president while the politics of health care, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, a belligerent North Korea, earthquakes around the ring-of-fire (around the circle of the Pacific Ocean), are heating up. It seemed poorly timed and poorly judged for the president of the (hopefully, still) greatest nation in the world, to leave the debate team in the middle of crucial talks and go outdoors for recess and play on the swings of the Olympic lottery.
Arguably, President Obama is one of the best spoken presidents since Kennedy or Roosevelt, whom I clearly remember. But polish, finesse, and attitude failed this time out and I see this as a deliberate slap in the face by the Old World for the "new kid on the block." As I said; this is embarrassing. Perhaps something will be learned.
Just for perspective as to where we are in time and prophetic history, listen to the words of Christ and measure them against what is happening in the world day by day. "For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows (birth pains)." [Matthew 24:7 and 8]
Let's see; is anything going on between nations? (there isn't enough space to list them all); are there any famines? Thirty thousand children in the world die every day from malnutrition related disease. Are there pestilences? Anybody heard of E-bola, H1N1, HIV, the reappearance of tuberculosis, etc! Any news about earthquakes?
If we put our ear to the door where lives the agnostics, ignostics, and atheists, we will hear something like..." Oh, these kinds of things have been going on for millennia, and this is just another cycle in a world that goes round and round..."
In closing, I view President Obama's absence from his post as a sign of inexperience in his assigned role as leader (I'll say that again) leader, of these United States and the ever shrinking free-world.
In case you're wondering, the answer to the intrinsic, unstated question in all these problems is found in the book of Revelation: "Even so, come, Lord Jesus." [Rev. 22:20].
God bless! We need it! e.c.
The reason for this feeling is that; 1. while the Olympics are a worthwhile event; 2. while it might have been good for Chicago; 3; while President Obama is a personable and convincing man...meanwhile, back at the Oval Office, there is serious business to be done for this nation.
This jaunt to Denmark ended with a cold shower for our president while the politics of health care, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, a belligerent North Korea, earthquakes around the ring-of-fire (around the circle of the Pacific Ocean), are heating up. It seemed poorly timed and poorly judged for the president of the (hopefully, still) greatest nation in the world, to leave the debate team in the middle of crucial talks and go outdoors for recess and play on the swings of the Olympic lottery.
Arguably, President Obama is one of the best spoken presidents since Kennedy or Roosevelt, whom I clearly remember. But polish, finesse, and attitude failed this time out and I see this as a deliberate slap in the face by the Old World for the "new kid on the block." As I said; this is embarrassing. Perhaps something will be learned.
Just for perspective as to where we are in time and prophetic history, listen to the words of Christ and measure them against what is happening in the world day by day. "For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows (birth pains)." [Matthew 24:7 and 8]
Let's see; is anything going on between nations? (there isn't enough space to list them all); are there any famines? Thirty thousand children in the world die every day from malnutrition related disease. Are there pestilences? Anybody heard of E-bola, H1N1, HIV, the reappearance of tuberculosis, etc! Any news about earthquakes?
If we put our ear to the door where lives the agnostics, ignostics, and atheists, we will hear something like..." Oh, these kinds of things have been going on for millennia, and this is just another cycle in a world that goes round and round..."
In closing, I view President Obama's absence from his post as a sign of inexperience in his assigned role as leader (I'll say that again) leader, of these United States and the ever shrinking free-world.
In case you're wondering, the answer to the intrinsic, unstated question in all these problems is found in the book of Revelation: "Even so, come, Lord Jesus." [Rev. 22:20].
God bless! We need it! e.c.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)