Entertainment

What's called entertainment today would astound our pious predecessors! What? It surprises even me. I have to admit that in my high school days my friends and I slipped off to see an adult movie. Our hormones took over our brain. What we saw were women in skimpy bikinis. All the essentials were covered. However, we were excited by “almost seeing”. We were tantalized, but not engulfed, because our imagination was what was exciting. Was that wrong? Most certainly.
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In contrast, in this modern world, commercials show more than even our imaginations imagined. Our senses become dulled by what we see. It no longer excites. Provocative entertainment has become ordinary. We can see about any type of lascivious activity on television, not to mention movies and music videos. The “shock factor” is gone. Humanity is scraping the bottom of the barrel for entertainment's sake. The “typical” viewer of pornography in my childhood was the deviate slum-dweller or the lonesome trucker or salesman sneaking a peak. Although many salesmen, truckers and inner-city folks are fine people, some were not, like any profession. The typical viewer of what was earlier considered pornography is your thirteen year-old daughter, your four-year old unattended, housewives, professionals, the church elder, and even some preachers! We're all victims!

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I'm not a prude, but I do know what's right! Excessiveness in entertainment can lead to a variety of problems. How can you compare a mother with four kids with an anorexic model? How exciting is a tired housewife when compared to Britney Spears or the ladies of Wisteria Lane (no, I've never watched it nor intend to)? How does the young mother rocking a baby compare to Gaga's gestures? For me I prefer modesty to provocative! Wholesomeness, coupled with natural beauty and self-respect, for me, is what's exciting.

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How can a Christian focus on the promises of God while at the same time dwelling on the deceit of the devil? Who would even think of planting a seductress on a carpet-cleaner commercial? Answer: Those sponsors influenced by the ruler of this world... Satan. Lasciviousness isn't of God whether it be in movies, on television, music videos, magazines or in person. Satan has mutated god-given sexual desire to be a thorn in our side. Rather than having a natural relationship with the one we love, Satan's goal is for us to want someone other than our God-ordained mate. Lasciviousness is a cancer in the world and Satan is the carcinogen!

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Lasciviousness is any behavior which corrupts our moral sexual behavior. Lasciviousness is sin and we are at odds with God's will!

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Ephesians 4:18 “Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart 19Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. 20But ye have not so learned Christ;”

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Lasciviousness alienates us from God and I don't like that! How can I pray when my mind has been exposed to the impure? After hearing co-workers curse all week long, I've went to church and the first thing I've had to do is pray for a clear mind. Bad language is the same as second-hand smoke... it's offending to us who have to hear it.

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We choose to be ignorant of God's will in what we listen to and watch. We put God out of our mind when movies, videos and such come on. We rationalize our weakness by making excuses “They've got to have one F word to get a PG rating!” When we watch such movies we'll get more. Why? When we pay for the theater ticket we're voting for more of the same. When we watch a music video on TV we're telling the sponsors “That's what we like!” We get filth because we condone filth! Yes, our hearts are blinded by self-indulgence.

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When Ephesians says “Who being past feeling” is an indictment to our life. We become acclimated to sin. Just as your body adjusts to new room temperatures, your heart adjusts to increased lasciviousness. Ten years ago would you ever have dreamed that society would see what we see today... and on family TV? If you're not shocked, you're acclimated. In fact most of America is greedy for garbage just as Ephesians implies “to work all uncleanness with greediness”. Sexual desire is dynamic! The more you participate, the more you desire. In Ted Bundy's interview with Dr. Dobson he said that his sexual addiction started as a young boy with “Playboy” and was culminated in serial sexual murders! You haven't become reprobate yet, but you're still out of God's will.

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The solution is _____. Ephesians says “ye have not so learned Christ.” The thought here is that if you “learn” Christ, your lasciviousness and apathy to it, by the way, will turn your heart away from falling to temptation. James tells us if you don't want to sin, “flee from it” (temptation). Learning Christ means not only believing in him and reading scripture, but committing your life to him. When the Holy Spirit resides in your heart, he will comfort (aid) you in defying temptation. Seek the company of those who abhor what God abhors. Avoid places and times where the indulgent roam. Avoid drugs and alcohol because they lower the defenses. Control what you watch and hear. It's so easy to change channels or even turn it off. You might be surprised with how entertained you can be when doing Christian appropriate activities.

Reconciliation

To be saved one must have belief and acceptance of Jesus to rule your life. You are justified by your faith in Christ: you're declared free of blame because Christ suffered for you. “Justification” is the key concept in Christianity for without justification no one would be “good”enough to be rewarded with heaven. At the same time we are justified we are also reconciled: we have brought ourselves into close relationship with Christ and accept Him as our Savior. However, reconciliation doesn't stop there! Although you're justifiedand reconciled, one time is not the end; reconciliation is an ongoing process. We are to live a consistent life, actually in harmony with Christ. It's not a condition of salvation, it's the assurance of salvation.
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Many who're saved don't have evidence of it. They don't have the assurance of their salvation because reconciliation has been one-sided. Here's an example of the many places we are told of reconciliation:

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Colossians (KJV) 1:20 “And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. 21And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled

22In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:”
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These verses show that at salvation Jesus reconciles you (brings you into a close relationship: you become his son or daughter and part of his bride, the church). Reconciliation at salvation is a gift of God! You are rewarded for your faith. Jesus wipes your slate clean. You were wicked and alienated from Him. Now you start afresh. Jesus has no requirement that you become “good” to be saved, but because you're saved you will want to do good!

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2 Corinthians (KJV) 5:17 ”Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.”

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2 Corinthians corroborates Colossians plus ads “and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation”! Reconciliation is what you do: “given to us the ministry of reconciliation”. That's as Paul Harvey would say is “Page 2”. Just as Jesus has put us in harmony with Himself, we are to put ourselves in harmony with Jesus. Much like the older covenants with God, this is also a two-party covenant. At salvation we don't become robots who walk as a “Stepford Wife”: obedient, perfect, personable, agreeable and reliable; we still have that human nature to sin; but we must exercise self-control and be obedient to the Holy Spirit. Each time we sin we make a decision: “I will pursue my own gratification or I will be obedient to God.” Unfortunately, you as well as I, often put our own pleasure first.

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1 Thessalonians (KJV) 5:23 “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

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Sanctification is a work of God allowing you to seek and obey the truth. You're set apart from the world because you're to be Christlike (which the world is not). In effect you move from a “babe in Christ” having little knowledge of the truth, and grow in obedience (and love) as you seek the truth through the call of the Spirit. 1 Peter 1:16 says “Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” That's what Christians are called to be. It implies effort on your part! You don't go immediately from falling to the deception of sin to perfection. You grow in sanctification! You will never be perfect because you're not Jesus, but that's not to stop you from obedience and love! However, someday you will be entirely sanctified:

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1 John 3:2 “Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.”

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Jesus' second appearance will finish your sanctification! When He appears you will be holy just as Jesus is holy! It will be the finis certiminis, the end of the struggle! Your war with principalities will be over! I can hardly wait until that “War of the World” is finished. Guilt will be gone because sin won't exist in my life. Love will be easy and plentiful. God will reign in my life ALL THE TIME! Amen!

On Gambling

Gambling is by definition a risk taken for material gain. Of course we think of money, but gambling includes what money can buy as well. The astute reader will notice that gambling is also defined by the noun “risk” which is the expectation of probable loss. A risky activity means a person is endangered. We can also perform risky activities. For myself, I think of climbing to great heights. I'm careless and I'm taking a risk!
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One can't become an alcoholic without imbibing. This implies that if a person drinks recreational beverages they are taking a risk. They take the chance of being one of the world's millions of alcoholics. In fact the probability of becoming an alcoholic if you drink has much more “favorable” odds than ever winning a lottery, yet people hope to win the lottery each time they play. I call it “stupid tax”.

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Also, if you play Russian Roulette each time you spin the revolver you have one out of six chances of killing yourself. That means you have a 16.7% chance with each trigger-pull. With six tries you're statistically dead! The odds of becoming an alcoholic may not be that great, but there is a “bias” built into the system. Your family may skew the odds so as that you in particular may have even greater chances. Likewise we (everyone) have a sinful nature which skews the odds. I don't play Russian Roulette with alcohol and neither do I with gambling!

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Gambling is legally rigged! It has to be so that the gambling houses can support the facility, pay the staff, pay utilities, pay taxes and make a profit. When you gamble, if you're wise, you know that you're doomed to lose. Just as with Russian Roulette with each pull of the trigger (each time you gamble) the odds increase that you'll lose. With the loss of money comes destitution. Some lose their home, their car, their jewelry, but as likely, their spouse and children, and even their friends! Everyone loves a winner, but no one likes a loser! Your destiny, if you're a gambler, is to be a loser.

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There's another type of bias built into gambling. That bias is a spiritual emptiness. Those who are spiritually destitute put their hope on the thought of riches. I hate to really say this, but scripture does not say “Thou salt not gamble!”. However, scripture does say “Thou shout not covet.”, and that should be enough, but there is more. Covetousness is the desire of what belongs to others. If you gamble what you want is your opponents assets; their money or possessions. You are in effect jealous of what they have and you want it for yourself!

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We can rationalize “easy money” as a quick and fun way of support. Ignoring the fact that the odds are against you, the Bible discourages “easy riches, but supports hard work and wise investment. The risk associated with gambling precludes wisdom.

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Acts (ESV) 20:34 “You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me. 35 In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

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As you can see from Acts we are called to be hard-workers, and not only that, but we are to give of our abundance to the needy. You may use the argument that your intention is to give a portion of the jack-pot to the needy, but how often does that even happen? God doesn't honor the easy way out, but rewards you for your work! If you have winnings and you give, your generosity is already rewarded. If you help the needy out of the work of your hands, your reward will be eternal. You will receive a crown for your generosity because you're giving what's yours, not what belonged to another.

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Many gamble for the reward. They like money and plenty of it. They like what it'll buy and the prestige of having money. For those people, they are on the wrong train!

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1 Timothy (KJV) 6:10”For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”

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We're not to place emphasis on money! God will provide for those who're faithful. It may not be riches, but it will be necessities. For those who gamble they may be relinquishing the necessities which God has provided for the promise of wealth. Their heart is in the wrong place! They have “erred from the faith”. By having little faith in God to provide, they have opened themselves to the deceit of Satan. With their solicitation of wealth come consequences... “many sorrows”.

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We've all gambled on something. We remember the exhilaration of winning, but do we remember the sorrow of losing? No! We long remember the thrill of winning, but when we lose, we look to the hope of that win again. It's a false hope and an ungodly hope. Winning is not defined by taking the belongings of another, but giving to others! Just as you feel a thrill in winning, the losing part feels depression and a sense of wrong. Any sane individual would keep a balance sheet showing losses and wins. The results would be staggering for anybody, but the “house”! You would see what a loser you are! Do you take pride in the lush carpets and dazzling lights of the casino? You should... you paid for it!

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For me gambling is one of respect! I respect Jesus enough to have self-control. I don't seek riches, but the glory of God. Someday when I'm rewarded for my faith I'll live in a room in the most beautiful heavenly mansion describable. I'll walk there on streets paved with gold. However, I'll place a different value on those riches because they will all pale when compared with the glory I will see when I'm in the presence of God. Earthly pleasures are a roadblock to your coming heavenly pleasures!

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“But”, you say, “I'm already a Christian and I'll see that anyway!”. There's a difference between “fire-insurance” and “glory in heaven”. Your rewards will be based on how faithful you are. A faithful person doesn't do things disrespectful to their Lord. Here's what I mean:

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Mark (KJV) 15:24 “And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take.”

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The Roman soldiers had just finished killing the man who came to save them. He was innocent. Jesus never even gambled. What was the most important things in the minds of the soldiers? “What's in it for me?” They didn't see salvation. They saw possessions. They threw the dice for Christ's clothing! How selfish! How disrespectful! Out of respect for my Savior, I don't gamble! It's just not worth offending Jesus for a small payback. The “return on investment” (ROI) is a pittance as it is with all gambling, but when we disrespect the sacrifice which Jesus made for us, the only ROI we deserve is eternal death. Riches will never save us, but selflessness is our call!

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Will you go to hell for gambling? Probably not, unless you put more emphasis on the joys of life than you do on the promises of God. Did godly people gamble in scripture? There is no evidence of it. Lots were cast to determine God's will (Urim and Thummin), but that wasn't for gain. Does God's grace cover the sin of gambling? It covers all sin, but you have to repent first! Before gambling gets a hold on you, ask God for self-control. Tell Him that your priorities have been wrong. Don't pay the “stupid tax”, but give generously to those in need. Jesus will forgive and your reward will be great... eternal life and all the gold you can tread on for eternity!

One Year to Live!

Apocalypse 2012 is the prophesy that the world will end on December 21, 2012. By coincidence that's Terri's and my anniversary and I guess sixteen years is about all she can handle of me. This date is based on the Mayan Calendar. Their last age of 5,125 years ends on that date. Their calendar stops there! They did not predict the end of the earth, they just ran out of calendar!
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In Tobasco, Mexico at the Tortuquero site is this inscription (Transliterated from the 7^th Century Mayan language by Sven Gronemeyer and Barbara MacLeod): “It will be completed the 13th b'ak'tun. It is 4 Ajaw 3 K'ank'in and it will happen a 'seeing'[?]. It is the display of B'olon-Yokte' in a great "investiture".” The parading around of Bolon Yokte' K'uh will be on 13th b'ak'tun (December 21, 2012). This is the last date mentioned in the long calendar of the Mayans. However, there are events past that date on their short calendar. Of course since this phenomenon is from the pagan world, the New Agers and Mystics have grabbed onto this as an era of spiritual regeneration instead of death and destruction.

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Nostradamus predicted Apocalypse (total destruction) in 2060 AD. Who's right? Both can't be! I say neither:

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William Miller (Advent Society Founder-later Seventh day Adventists) predicted March 1843, then October 22, 1843, then 1844 before abandoning prophesy and admitting error. However, Ellen G. White, a follower, continued and formed the Seventh Day Adventists in 1863. their primary doctrine is a focus on apocalyptic events. If memory serves me well, Miller and the Adventists were always wrong and always will be!

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(All KJV)

Matthew 24:35”Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. 36But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. 37But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.”
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When will “the end” come? As a Christian we don't know because Jesus doesn't even know! God has kept that to himself and limited even Jesus' knowledge of it. We are not to set a time... period!

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What were the days of Noah like?

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Genesis 6:1”And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, 2That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose. 3And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years. 4There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown. 5And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.”

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The days of Noah were thus:

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1. Intermarriage. Some believe “sons of God” angels (wicked) married human women. This would mean that there was some type of miscegenation going on which grieved God. Whatever, it was as bad as incest or bestiality for there were mutations in their genetics. A giant race of people resulted. Gigantic races throughout the Bible were always warriors. (It is to be noted that the only way the gigantic race crossed the deluge since all was destroyed was through sons-in-laws of Noah or by genetics, a dominant gene recurring after a few generations.
2. The people multiplied. It probably happened at a rate too good for mankind. The birth rate was likely due to sexual pleasure rather than for family planning.
3. They became “men of renown”. In the King James English this meant that they had what we call a “reputation” today. They are known for their past acts, likely treachery.
4. The “wickedness of man was great”. We only need look at lists of “wicked” behavior in the New Testament to see what men were doing in the time of Noah. (The Teacher said that there is “nothing new under the sun”). Among those were adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, homosexuality, thefts, covetnous, deceit, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride and foolishness.

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Today we have the same situation. Anything goes! Nothing is verboten. Blasphemy, fornication and homosexuality have grown exponentially since the early 1960s. We have never seen this level of wickedness in modern history! We are the generation of rebellion and pleasure. God is saddened... and God is angry! We are ripe for apocalypse.

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Will the world end in 2012, specifically December 21? It may, although probably not on December 21. The world could end tomorrow! It could end one-thousand years from now. Jesus said “surely I come quickly” and with his arrival comes the start of the end. We do still have some prophecy left which must be fulfilled. The temple must be rebuilt, all must have heard scripture, and the world has to reach a level of wickedness only known to God. We're getting there and we need to live like Jesus is coming tomorrow!

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One word of caution: don't get involved in setting times. It's NOT from God. We're dabbling with the occult if we look for mystic signs of doom. Beware of reading Nostradamus. Beware of reading Isaac Newton's prophecy, beware of analyzing Da Vinci's art for clues, avoid Fatima's prophesies, avoid Egyptian hieroglyphic interpretation, and avoid all New Age instruction (they've already claimed that their Christ is here). Do be sound in the Word. Look for evil masquerading as good in modernistic Christian churches and Progressive political parties. (They link arms in the end). Pray to God that we as individuals are raptured (taken up) before it becomes as bad as Sodom and Gomorrah.

The Gifts of the Magi; The True Meaning of Christnatum

Matthew 2:1 “Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 2Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.... 9When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. 10When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. 11And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshiped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.”
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There's so much meaning in these verses!

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“Jesus was born”! Besides his death and resurrection, his birth is the most meaningful event in history. Think about it. A poor baby was born to be King and it was foretold : Isaiah 7:14 “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” (This prophesy was written ca 685 BC and fulfilled at ca 5 BC). The Virgin Mary did give birth, he was a son, and he is “God With Us” (Immanuel). Yes, God took on human form and walked among us. That young baby was God and still lives!

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“Bethlehem of Judaea” About 700 AD Micah told us of the Messiah's birthplace: Micah 5:2 “But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.” Micah told of a future king who had been with the creation at its creation and will be born in Bethlehem. How could a king be born in such an unclean place? Although Bethlehem had been the birthplace of King David, years of war and miscegenation had made it an unclean insignificant city. No one would even visit Bethlehem except those who were diligently awaiting the Messiah. Few self-righteous Jews took the notion seriously that their general and king would come from Bethlehem. But he did! This humble carpenter.

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“Wise men from the east”. From the Greek these men were “magoi”, transliterated into the English as “Magi”. There may have been more, but because of the three gifts, we think of three. They were from the east of Jerusalem, likely Iran (Persia). In the second century AD they were given the names at the time of Origen: Casper (Jasper), Balthasar and Melchior. They were not kings, but religious philosophers, hence “wise men” (Magi). They were astronomers and followed the star to the infant Jesus. They, likely being Zoroastrians, believed the true God and was guided to praise Jesus. Their new-found faith was a gift of God. God still calls us today to seek Jesus and the wise respond! We cannot ignore the fact that Jesus was/is real; Jesus is in history right along with Cleopatra, Caesar, Herod and all the other notables of that day; and that Jesus was killed, raised from the dead and still lives. All these events were witnessed by thousands and many have testified to the truth of Jesus.

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“Jerusalem”. Jesus didn't live in Bethlehem. He was born there because of a special Roman census. Each family was to return to their hometown for the census. This was the first time this has ever happened, and it had to happen! The Romans didn't know it, but they were instruments of God fulfilling prophecy! Jerusalem comes from the Semitic words “yeru” and “shalem”, and means
“to raise up God”. That's certainly what happened! Jesus was resurrected (raised up) in Jerusalem and he confessed to be and was recognized as God.

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“King of the Jews”. When Isaiah spoke of a ruler being raised up, many expected a warrior King who would finish the war of independence. The Maccabaen dynasty had been defeated just a few years earlier and Judah was a Roman tributory state. Jesus was not only the King of the Jews, but died to save the unclean gentiles as well. That means he died for us all! He was a spiritual King, not a civil one, but during the millennial reign, he will be both. Jesus will finally be the King for which the Jews awaited. In the tribulation time 144,000 Jews will become believers in Jesus! He will be their King.

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“Star in the east”. By God's design at creation stars appear to move from east to west. Hence, the Magi followed a star placed there by God to direct them to the awaited Messiah. That star arose for the special occasion, astronomers have tentatively identified it and it really happened. Jesus is certainly the “star of the east”. Babylon was confounded for looking to the stars for God. It's ironic that they looked too soon! While they were looking for guidance from the heavens, God gave us the Way and He was found by following a star. That was a right reason!

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“Come into the house”. Nope. The gifts weren't given in the manger when Jesus was born, but months later at his home!

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“ Rejoiced with exceeding great joy”. That's what we're to do. Rejoice! We're to show our joy, not because of the star, but because of the STAR! We are to take the time to praise Jesus. It was a one-time event. His birth was the commencement of our own salvation. Imagine, our creator walked the earth as a person, felt what we felt, cried for his mother, cried for us and died for us! Rejoicing doesn't make you charismatic. Rejoicing means you adore Jesus. Never be ashamed to praise Jesus! He wasn't ashamed of you when he died for you.

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“ Mary his mother”. Mary is not a person to venerate. She was a righteous woman, but still a sinner and certainly not divine. Our praise is to be directed toward Jesus who is God. Jesus himself denied Mary as his mother, not because of disrespect, but because in our heavenly homes we'll all be his sons and daughters. Remember, God is a jealous God and he commands utmost reverence and the worship of Him only! The saints and Mary were special people, but not gods nor God!

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“ Worshiped him”. The focus of the Magi's attention was Jesus, the infant. Heretics believe that he became God at his baptism. He was God already. He was born God in the flesh! When the wise men bowed down before Jesus, he was praised as both creator and Savior. Worship is showing reverent love, respect and devotion. That's how we worship Jesus: We love Him, we respect Him and we are devoted to Him. While many people “believe” in Him they fail to love and respect Him, not to mention a total lack of devotion. Reverence is “profound awe”. God is an awesome God! Just ask Moses, Elijah, and others who've seen him. They tell you of God's awesomeness in Scripture. On Christmas Day, not to mention the rest of the year, how many of us truly worship Jesus? How much time is devoted to the study of scripture, praying, fasting, meditating, and loving? Very little is the answer for which you're looking.

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“They presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh”. Jesus was presented gifts, not others! Rather than ritually giving and receiving to each other, Christmas should be a time of giving to Jesus. It deflects self-centeredness and correctly propagates Christ-centeredness. We must think of and worship Jesus and be servants and meek ourselves.

We all know what gold is. It's recognized as valuable by all people in all times. It has intrinsic value. The gift of gold by the Magi showed the value placed on Jesus. His life was universally valued. The Magi weren't Jews. They knew Jesus was for all mankind! Whereas Jews in rebellion built a golden God (the calf), the Magi gave God his just dues... gold!
Frankincense is a perfumed incense. We know from tabernacle worship that God was pleased with the aroma of burning incense. The priests burned incense because they loved and revered God. Surely, the Magi were pleasing God! They knew what God loved of his children.
Myrrh is a soothing oil, medicine and perfume. Myrrh is an analgesic, thus reducing pain. Myrrh was also used as an embalming fluid which was learned from the Egyptians. Hence, the wise men knew not only of Jesus' birth, but his death as well!
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I'm still furthering the use of “Happy Christnatum” (Happy Birth of Christ). Pronounce it as “krist nay tum”. We're not to put the emphasis on the Mass (Christ Mass, Christmas), but on his birth! Christum Natum. Merry Christnatum to you and may Jesus be your own Messiah!

On Political Correctness

I went to view a klan rally... at a distance of course. I just wanted to see the historical moment and to watch the people. As I stood back on a grassy lawn I was within feet of a swastika decorated tattooed skinhead about 23 years old. I just stood there wondering what made him tic. He seemed just like any other young man. His talk was intelligent as I could hear. How could he be so hateful?
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As the Klan Leaders were speaking, spewing forth truth intermingled with patriotism and hate, the opposition was in their area yelling and screaming at the Klan. Rather than love and prayer, I saw anger and hate. Some of these people I recognized from various local churches. While one group was deceived by Satan (they talked as Christians) the other group (from churches) missed their chance. I missed mine too!

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One thing I regret. I failed to witness to the young skinhead. Many people filled with hate become the best Christians once the Lord gets a hold on them. Here was a young man who could be my son, was filled with hate by the trickery of Satan, I had the chance, but I failed to tell him about the love of Jesus. God will hold me accountable for this. Likewise, I failed to temper the anger and hate which I saw in Christian people I knew. We can't answer hate with hate.

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While I was free to tell the skinhead about Jesus and should have, few would have denigrated me if I used Jesus name in changing this young fellow. However, if I told a Muslim or even a Jew about the love of Christ, I would be politically ostracized. Likewise, if I told a homosexual about the love of Jesus I would be hated! That's just not “politically correct”. I do want to point out that I want to tell people about Jesus because I love them and don't want them to be eternally punished. Now, who punishes the guilty in the end? God does!

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Hebrews 10:26 “For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. “

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I won't use this scripture for its primary point: that Christians must not continue in sin, but for the results of a life of sin: judgment and punishment by a devouring fire. Yes, God punishes and severely so! It is obvious that God is not politically correct either! He loved us enough to provide a way out, but many will refuse his free gift. That's their mistake, not his.

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Christians are called to convert other Christians. That's our mission as Christians:

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John 8:26”I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him.”

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We are to tell the world about Jesus. That would make great lyrics for a song! (Smile). However, what does the world say about proselytism? It is “politically incorrect”. We must not offend the Muslim, the Jew, the Hindu, the infidel, the atheist, the agnostic or any other groups of people by trying to make Christians of them. Now let me get this straight. We are told by God to tell the world about Jesus to keep them from eternal destruction, and we're to worry about hurting their feelings? Political Correctness is the dogma of the devil and actually is the silliness of Progressives.

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With that said, I criticize the damning religions of the Moslem and Hindu. (God will show mercy on the Jews who convert at the time of the tribulation. Yes, there is still hope). I criticize the atheist and the Deist. They are deceived by their own false knowledge. I criticize the evolutionist and the teachers thereof. I criticize behaviors as well: lasciviousness, infidelity, pride, jealousy and yes, even homosexuality. I criticize those who abort babies as well as those who support unjust laws. God hates those behaviors. I love those who fall into those groups enough to tell them of their errors, because they are sinners, and they need to know of God's love and grace. (That doesn't mean that I don't sin, but that I ask forgiveness of my sins. God has been merciful to me as well).

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“Political Correctness” (PC) is the thought, having been around since the 1980's, that we are to protect the feelings of those with shortcomings or are in specific groups who have historically ridiculed. The movement includes racial groups, those with abnormal sexual orientations, certain handicapped people and even women, foreigners and underachievers. PC is the agenda of those seeking “social justice”. It's noble on their part, but actually impedes positive change because it teaches “tolerance”, not “obedience”.

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With regard to humanity our Lord taught tolerance of those who were dealt a bad hand. The best example of that is the story of the “Good Samaritan”. God is not a respecter of persons. However, when behaviors are concerned, God teaches obedience. The best example of this is God's admonishment of the act of homosexuality. (Note that I call out the behavior rather than the person because it's not people God hates, but their sin).

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While many of us have friends, even relatives, who fall into their latter behavior, it's wrong in God's eyes. We seek for them to change because we love them and don't want them to spiritually die. Admonishment of sinful behaviors is the manifestation of love! (I know... I've been corrected myself and it took courage on the part of my Christian brother).

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As a side note: Don't believe the lies of society that some are “born that way”. That contradicts God and God doesn't lie! It also contradicts what any thinker can see is a learned behavior. (“Girls Gone Wild” aren't born that way. They seek further extremes of pleasure). Homosexuality is a sexual and religious sin (See Old Testament). Furthermore, all studies which propagate the genetic theory of homosexuality are confounded my their methodology... the “scientists” have an agenda. This means that all such studies belong in the mythology heap! We are all born with a desire to sin. However, we all manifest that desire in different sinful activities.

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Now “normal people”, especially Christians, have been labeled as “sick” by the PC Police. We are homophobes, Islamaphobes, ant-Semites, bigots, and are even labeled Nazis. Such tripe is offensive and are terms used by those in the PC Police who have no sound arguments to defend their positions. “Political Correctness” is another tool of the Progressive Socialist ideology which will replace capitalism before the apocalypse. PC has become the religion of the World and National Council of Churches... the precursor to the church of the Apocalypse.

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Let's call a rose a rose for it's still a rose by any other name. While we are to admonish in a loving manner, we are to admonish! That's God's will for us. We are to love the sinner, but hate the sin. Let's do what God tells us to do and get off the evil PC bandwagon. I do forewarn you: You will be persecuted for your Christian beliefs, and the PC Police will see to that. They have the support of the educational institutions, the entertainment world, politics and the news media. As Joe Friday often said “Just the facts, Mam!” Here you have an example of “the facts”. Consider what I say. Do your own research. Open your eyes that you may see!

Posers

It's almost amusing! How do “posers” keep multiple personalities separate?
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Posers are “wannabees” in slacker talk. According to the proverbial expression they “talk the talk, but don't walk the walk”. We've all met them and the church is full of them!

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A Christian friend of mine was caught in the act. When he was driving, another Christian friend honked his horn from behind in an attempt at being friendly. The first driver responded by making an obscene one-fingered gesture. He certainly failed to “walk the walk”.

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My brother ran into an elder from his former church. The elder invited him to come back to church and then branched off into a friendly conversation. Before long he was cussing (sic). He had gotten confused about which type of friend with whom he was communicating. Oh, how in the world to keep the two personalities straight... one for Christian friends and one for the “fun” crowd. Yes, for you that do that, you'll eventually trip up and be exposed!

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When I moved to Bowling Green a Christian man was in the process of inviting me to church. He had the habit of holding on to the listener's shoulder, I guess, to make it an engaging conversation. While he held me by the shoulder to keep me obligated, he caught another friend and told him a dirty joke... while holding onto me to invite me to church! I was astounded! He couldn't keep his double-life straight in the face of a friend from each world.

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What does the Bible say about posers? Those Christians who fail to walk the walk!

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Matthew 23:25 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence.”

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Jesus likened the scribes and Pharisees, both the epitome of “hypocrite”, to dinnerware... clean on the outside but quite impure on the inside. A hypocrite is one who pretends to be good and pious, but is not really so. It's being a poser! This is one place where the “slacker” understands the soul even better than the faux Christian.

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What's inside the poser? A person “full of extortion”. Extortion is operating under false pretenses. It's an effort to deceive. And who is the author of deceit? Satan.

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In what other regard does a poser pose? Self-indulgence! It's enjoying the pleasure appetite. It's languishing in sinful desires. Jesus knew very well of whom he was speaking! A poser has the false pretense of being righteous, but on the inside has a sinful appetite. We all struggle with that with some degree of success. We can succeed if we have self-control aided by the Holy Spirit. God knows how we are inside and provided the remedy. Forgiveness is the potion! When we catch ourselves being posers we are to remove the mask ourselves and be genuine. Unpretentious sinners get more respect than those posing. God doesn't give an “Oscar” award for the best actor, but an Heisman Trophy in “outstanding authenticity” in the form a godly crown.

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1 Corinthians 9:23 “Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you. 24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. 25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.”

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Worldly prizes result in a perishable crown. For those who're temperate (showing self-restraint), they get an imperishable crown. This is a case of getting the prize for failing to “act”. We are rewarded for our refusal to play a false role.

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I want an eternal crown. While I am still tempted and sometimes I fail, I continue to run the race in pursuit of winning the prize. Some say that they're too many “hypocrites” in the church. That's exactly where they belong. God will either straighten them out or he will do the judging. However, don't confuse inborn sin with hypocrisy. We're all in a fight for our souls and only by the grace of God will we win. On the other hand, be genuine. If you sin with one hand while praising with the other, one only has to ask for forgiveness and spiritual help. God is our hope!

Grand kids

I have two of my four grand kids with me tonight! My day... no, my year is made! I seldom see them and when I do I'm astounded at their growth; not only physical, but in maturity. What pleases me is that my granddaughters are following in my footsteps. They may not know that and may even hate to be compared to me, but God beaconed me at an early age. My own Dad worked all hours and Mom didn't drive so I went to church by myself. I can't fathom growing up without a church family.

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My granddaughters do the same. They have chosen to become active in their own church! I remember it well about three years ago! They told me they were getting baptized. I asked if they had been saved and they replied “No.” I explained to them that baptism is for the “saved” and that they first must be saved before baptism is effectual. They confessed that they were sinners, asked forgiveness and prayed for redemption. I explained to them that if they believed in Jesus with all their heart and were truly sorry, then Jesus would save them. Both testified that they were now Christians. I said “Now you can be baptized and It'll mean something!”

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I watch them on Facebook daily. They are a witness to Christ and though not perfect, have never caused anyone an ounce of trouble. Both study the Bible, participate in youth activities and make me proud! They did this without the influence or instruction of a parent. They do it because they want to! That's what Christ meant when he said:

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Matthew 18:1 “At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? 2And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, 3And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.”

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Yes... it's easy for a child to be saved. They have little baggage, know nothing of philosophical issues, have not been crazed by what's falsely called knowledge and they have a tender responsive heart. A child can even love so much more unconditionally than an adult. You see children loving fat people, ugly people, gigantic ones, black ones, red-haired ones, those with acne, those who stink, those who're crippled and even the narcissistic ones. Children by nature love everyone, whereas adults have been conditioned to be biased! The least little chastisement of a child brings them to guilty tears. Oh, to be as a child again and not be hung-up on grown-up things!

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Mark 10:14 “But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer (do not hinder) the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.”

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We need to encourage our young to love Jesus at a young age before their hearts are hardened. If we could only tenderize our own hearts, perhaps more of us would be as brave as the children. God loves them! They are what he wants us to be!

Respecter of Persons

 Oftentimes I've seen it and so have you. People seem to forget those less popular, less affluent, less prestigious, less athletic, less interesting, less educated, poorer groomed and those who are insecure with themselves. Often the persons described are the SAME person. All these characteristics go together. When a person is cursed by one flaw, it seems they have all the flaws. I feel so sorry for these folks! The popular, prestigious, affluent, well-groomed and secure seem to forget the feelings of the down-casts. This is so wrong!
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James 2:1 “My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. 2For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; 3And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: 4Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? ... 8If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: 9But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. 10For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. “

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Although James is talking of the wealthy, the admonishment would be the same for the down-cast of any type. If we don't include ANY person we're in sin! We are all guilty of it at some time or another, but God expects us to do better! We need to empathize... put ourselves in their place. I've been there and done that! As a child I fit the description of the less popular and the poor. My ability to perform in school raised me beyond being a downcast, but even today I feel it at times.

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What should we do? When there is an activity, make a special effort to include those who aren't normally included. If a person seems to be a poor conversationalist, include them in your discussions. Ask them what they think of the subject in vogue at the moment. Ask them what their own interests are. You might learn something yourself! Love them just as you love those who are more as you are. Step out of that predictable slot “I'll sit with my friends.” or “”I'll eat with my family”. Make others your friends and family!

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In churches we tend to gather with those whom we already know, with family and with people who like similar activities. That's normal, but taken to the extremes of exclusion it looks cliquish to the ones excluded. We must do better at making a special effort to be in unity. Let's start right now with a commitment: Look for the new person at church. Invite them out to dinner. (Don't worry, it won't cost you a dime. People want friends, not your money!) Invite them to your home for an evening. Your friends will still be around later... new people may not be!

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Do you want the church to grow? Look around! Who's missing? I bet it's those that haven't been included. I'm pretty good at breaking the barrier myself, but others aren't as forceful.

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My ministry at my former church was to look for the second-time visitor. If they liked us enough to come back, I wanted to include them. I invited old and young, wealthy and poor and popular and not so popular. They all appreciated it. I bought their meal the first time as I could afford it. I never lost! Each time a new friend was made and God provided the finances. I attended a church with about 32 people in attendance. John Maxwell (before he became famous) preached on church growth for three months. Within a year our church was over 300! How was it done? By inviting, loving and including people! That works. Let's all make a resolution to do our part right now.

Politics and the Christian

Jesus failed to get involved in politics. However, his teachings have much to do about government. Remembering that Jesus' mission was not to rule the world, but to save it, we can learn much about government by applying his teachings.
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Let's first examine the persecutions of Jesus:

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Matthew 2:13 “And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.”

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Herod was a tetrarch in power because of Caesar's authority. To save the life of their child, Mary and Joseph fled the government for their lives. If they had failed to escape mankind would have been doomed because Jesus would not have accomplished his mission. (The government does matter!)

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Mark 6:23 “And he (Herod) sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom. 24And she (Salome) went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist. 25And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist.”

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John was the cousin and emissary of Jesus. He was the one preparing the way for Jesus' ministry. In doing so he criticized King Herod's adulterous marriage. Herod as a gift to Salome, gave her the head of John on a platter. The introduction of Christ to the world was done. John was dead thanks to the ruler of the people.

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The judge and religious council of the Jewish people was the Sanhedrin. They made the religious law which overlapped entirely with the civil and what they said was enforced. During the ministry of Jesus, they were the adversary. Scribes and Pharisees (modern-day lawyers) were constantly badgering Jesus and trying to entrap him in his own words. Jesus was persecuted by Jewish lawyers!

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Ironically, the Romans did not actively persecute Jesus. They did enforce the right of the Jewish people to run their own affairs without intervention in religious issues. By protecting wrong, they condoned wrong. The Romans were accomplices because of their silence; no toleration; of injustice.

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Not one time did Jesus attack his persecutors! That wasn't his purpose. Whereas Christians as I am are so impatient with wrong in our government, Jesus knew it was because of sin that corruption existed. He could have initiated a heavenly kingdom at will, but that would have failed to save us. He had other instructions! Jesus, tactfully acknowledged his place in government when he paid his taxes:

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Mark 12:17 “And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him.”

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That said, are we to even care what goes on in government? Yes, as long as we keep it in perspective. We know of the coming corrupt apocalyptic government and it's our role in the future of the world. It is the enemy of Christ. Each day we will move toward totalitarianism. It's inevitable because John saw it and prophesied it. It's our job as Christians to oppose the ideology leading up to the rule by the anti-Christ. Those rulers preceding him aren't THE anti-Christ, but are anti-Christs. It's our role to keep them out of power so as our people will have time to find the Lord before the second-coming of Christ.

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What are we to do in politics as Christians:

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1. Pray for our nation.
2. Pray for Godly leaders.
3. Pray that our non-Christian leaders will do right.
4. Support those in politics who are Christian.
5. Avoid political parties whose platform are in violation of God's will.
6. Support political parties who favor the true God and those ideas reflected in their party platform.
7. Firmly reject those mavericks who defy Christian principles in political affairs. We are to seek God's guidance in all things, including politics and government.
8. Recognize that the role of the government isn't to save us. That requires faith in God. However, do recognize that the government's role is to protect our freedom, especially our Christian freedom.
9. Never vote for a candidate who doesn't respect life. God made life and we have no right to destroy what God has created. That one issue is a deal maker or breaker. If a person doesn't respect life, can we expect them to support other Christian values? No!
10. God has ordained marriage between one man and one woman as His will. Any candidate who seeks to destroy God's plan for the family is in gross violation of God's will. (Same sex activity is a sign of the end-of-times, It is ungodly behavior).
11. We are to love each other. Politics must not involve hate, but truth must be paramount. Look for those who don't pander, but who speak truth even though it may hurt their electability.
12. In line with truth and love, don't fall for demagoguery. Because the majority believes a certain way doesn't make it right! The rulers can twist truth to fool the people. We need to discern. Discernment means to compare what's said to scripture.
13. Never be jealous of other groups within society. If your neighbor has more than you and it was obtained legally, you're stealing if you want it confiscated. God tells us not to covet. If the rich have been treacherous in their prosperity, we are to love them. God tells us that He will be the one to heap hot coals upon their heads (he will punish).
14. Drop that false idea that you “deserve” prosperity. You will be prosperous if you obey God, but if you don't, you're on your own. With jealousy, don't count on God to help you. He won't! (Many people who fail financially have this jealous attitude and narcissistic expectation that they deserve what they failed to earn). That's un-Christian.
15. Turn to God in your need! By turning to politicians and the government you show little faith in God.
16. Paying UNFAIR taxes is injustice. Jesus had no problem paying taxes, so some taxes are expected. The government is to be good stewards of God's wealth just as we are. If we fail to be good stewards, we deserve failure. Likewise, if the government is a poor steward of your contribution, it deserves to fail. Rome did fall. God heaped the coals on their heads!
17. Look for those candidates who help with Christlike charities out of their won pocket. Generosity with the money of others is theft!
18. Help with Christian charity yourself. When you see how God wants assistance to work, you'll see the error in forced assistance. We are to help those who can't help themselves and to assist those who are committed to success in their own life. (The Bible does not encourage support for the unmotivated, but for those willing),
19. Never be a poor representative for your own viewpoint. Name-calling fails to change minds. Example, facts and scripture is God's way.
20. Never support those who turn to violence and mob-rule. They are direly out of God's will. There is, however, “justified anger”. An example of that would be war to save the lives of the innocent, such as in Nazi Germany. It is wrong to turn our heads to collective evil.
21. God doesn't intend for there to be discord between the genders and nationalities. Groups which separate the nation on either side are wrong. As the Klan is wrong, we must also recognize that feminism and special rights groups divide people. We need the rights guaranteed by natural law, “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness”.
22. “Pursuit of happiness” doesn't insure “successful outcomes”. We propagate injustice and lackadaisical attitudes if we help those in their lethargy. Our help must be linked to effort! We give the chance to succeed. The helped must provide the action!
23. By even joining with a party which propagtes evil we are accomplices in that evil. (Fresh water and salt water don't go together in God's view.)

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There's so much more. We need to consider everything! Scripture will guide us if we seek truth. Anyone who votes a certain way because their parents did are basking in fantasy land. Parents can be and are wrong. Likewise, politics are dynamic. The parties of the twenty-first century are far cries from what they were even fifty years ago.

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People vote because of name-recognition, popularity, fine-tuned speaking skills and even great smiles. As Christians we are called to support truth. To do that we have an obligation to study the issues, look at the records of the candidates and ask how they are to fulfill their promises. Any politician can promise a new society of some sort. In truth, they're spewing optimistic-sounding mantras to provide false hope in order to ensure their own election. Promises must be realistic goals... real and obtainable. Other promises are campaign spin.

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In all things seek God. If you don't understand God's will, ask a godly person to guide you. If our nation returns to God, our nation will prosper! That's God's promise.

Our Attitudes

Each one of us have our own personality. The personality can be viewed as a “system” in our body. By that I mean like our other systems: respiratory, circulatory , etc. the personality is started at conception and grows in proportion to the other systems. One doesn't “all of a sudden” develop a personality at birth. It has been growing for nine-months! The personality of the individual, to be normal, must grow in proportion to the other systems. The fully-developed personality is just as important to the health of the individual as are the other systems. However, there is one big difference.

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Our environment may effect the health of our heart, lungs and kidneys by causing improper functioning and even disease. The personality is not so much altered by our interaction with nature, but with our fellow man. We must have contact with our fellow humans in order to develop the personality. It will be most responsive to those who influence us the earliest and for the most time. Often our early development is most influenced by our parents. Over the years, yes, I have turned into my own father!

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Some parents start talking to their young while they're gestating. Devices with soothing sounds are used to keep the in utero baby pacified. Some parents use tapes of their own voices to teach and comfort their unborn children. Their hearing is developed and they do respond to sound and words. Likewise, the stroke of the mothers-to-be abdomen actually placates a restless baby! It's so important that parents do their job in molding the personality of their children! If we don't others will.

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Exodus 20:12 “Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.”

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The child is to, and will, listen to their parents if they are brought up that way commencing at birth. A parent can't commence to teach and mentor the child when they're teens. It's too late by then. Respect is taught to the young, but at the same time respect is earned. A poor parent can hardly expect respect! At this time of year we're tempted and err in teaching our children poor attitudes. They EXPECT things and parents OBLIGE by spending, much like they're trying to buy their love. Although the motive is noble, the results stink! If you really want to help your child's development. Make them earn what they are given.

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Ephesians 6:4 “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”

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This verse shows that we must nurture the child. Nurturing is providing for their sustenance and part of that means loving your child. If we love someone we put them before people or things less deserving: friends, jobs, education, sports and so forth. Another part of providing sustenance is talking with, showing an interest in, befriending and disciplining them. We often fall short on the discipline because, frankly, that's not the fun part! In fact a rebellious child is often punished by isolation. To avoid confrontation the parents puts up a wall between them. Love is absent as well as much needed correct discipline.

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In disciplining we must be fair. Applying the “Golden Rule” is the best approach. You know how to be treated because that's how you want to be treated! Reciprocate. Often the parents provide punishment disproportionate to the “crime”. You can never “ground” a child for a month or a year because they will never get “ungrounded”. They must have hope for redemption and without that hope they are even more rebellious. When spanking, it doesn't have to hurt; only humiliate. That works!

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Your own personality, like a mirror, is most often reflected in your child.

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Exodus 34:7 “Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.”

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What we do and how we behave can not only contribute to the life of our own children, but can be clearly seen to be passed from generation to generation. If you're not a “saved” Christian parent with a proper attitude, then it is most likely that your children and grandchildren will behave in much the same way. We don't pass sin from generation to generation, but they suffer the consequences of your behavior and attitude.

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Personality is a pattern of all your combined traits relating to behavior, temperament, emotion and mental activities. It's you! The good, the bad and the ugly. A Christian can and will change their personality. The bad will be tempered by the Holy Spirit residing in you. You will become a new person! We are to be Christlike!

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Romans 15:4 “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. 5Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: 6That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

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These verses are just like a re-phrasing of the “Greatest Commandment” (love God and love your neighbor). As a born-again Christian we're supposed to be “born-again” We are to be a new man in Christ! We are to strive (be like-minded) with each other and that like-mindedness would be with a Christlike attitude! Attitude is how you carry yourself; how you come across to others. What is your attitude?

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As Christians we often think that our Christianity is measured by what physical sins we have given up. “I quit smoking, drinking, cursing, fighting, stealing, doping or whatever.” That's not how you measure your change! You cannot be assured of your salvation until you love more. You (and I) need to change your attitude!

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My mantra at one time was “I don't get mad... I get even!” No, I didn't say it out loud, but that was my attitude. It's an attitude of anger and vengeance. God hates that more than my outward law-breaking that's for certain. Yes, I needed to change... and still do! We're never a finished work!

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I've had Christians shun me, hold a grudge against me, be argumentative, make no attempt to provide friendship and even avoid talking with me. All these “attitudes” are childish and sinful! It's not a compliment to be called “grumpy” and “quirky”! It isn't a good attitude to be argumentative and confrontational. It's not a good attitude to avoid those you have pre-determined not to like as friends. Some of my best friends I have today are those who I disliked at first. God changes hearts! The compliment is to be known as “loving”, “friendly”, “empathetic” and “helpful”. It seems like things Jesus was known for, does it not?

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Christ expects a changed heart!

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2 Corinthians 4:6 “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”

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Is Jesus reflected in your attitude? Is Jesus in your heart? If you have seen the glory of God through the grace of Christ, let God shine in your heart! Don't hold on to that old wicked personality inherited from your parents all the way from Adam down. Let Christ do a work in you! Let the attitude of Jesus be reflected in your own attitude. He's your Father now! Let go of that attitude that separates. Let's all love each other as Jesus loved us.

What Baptism Means to the Baptist

This topic is not meant to ridicule others who differ, but to point out that there are differences. Somebody's wrong and we each believe ourselves to be right.

Baptism and the Christian

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The word “baptize” is from the Greek “baptizein” or “baptein” and means to dip.

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Baptism is considered a sacrament in many churches taken from or Catholic, but an ordinance in most evangelical and Western Christian churches.

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Matthew 28:19 (Jesus said) Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

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Baptism is therefore ordained (authorized) by Jesus, hence, it's an ordinance by definition.

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A sacrament is a rite instituted by Jesus and has sanctifying grace. “Sanctifying” means that the person is purified. On the other hand an ordinance is an outward expression of faith, being symbolic.

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Baptists believe that baptism is an ordinance which is symbolic and does not impart grace.

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Christians baptize by various methods: The three methods used by different denominations are

aspersion – sprinkling, effusion – pouring, and immersion – to submerge, covering completely.
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Aspersion does not fit the definition of “baptize” since it certainly is NOT “dipping”.
Pouring doesn't fit the definition because it's the dipper being dipped (baptized), not the person.
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Catholics, Methodists, and Episcopalians baptize as a general rule by aspersion. Mennonites and other Anabaptists use effusion. Baptists, although it's redundant baptize by immersion.

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The Didache is a Greek work from around 100 AD which speaks of baptism:

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“…But if you have no living water, baptize into other water; and if you cannot do so in cold water, do so in warm. But if you have neither, pour out water three times upon the head into the name of Father and Son and Holy Spirit.”

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From this it can be seen that in abnormal situations where running water is not available, still water can be used or can be poured. However, the Didache is not the Bible! This does not infer that “pouring” is the proper method of baptism, but only shows that “pouring” was used by the church at an early time. In fact the Didache would infer that a natural running body of water is the most appropriate place for Baptism. “No living water” implies immersion.

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However, Scripture tells us more of baptism and should be the source of our information:

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Romans 6:3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

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Water Baptism is symbolic or a metaphor for the death and burial of the sinful man and the regeneration as a “new” man (or woman) just as Jesus was glorified by his own death and resurrection. As a baptized Chrisitan we signify that we are commening a new life.

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Campbellite And Stonite factions split from the Baptist faith in 1832 and formed what they call non-denomination churches. This is called the “American Restoration Movement”. They portend that baptism has saving grace. Baptism to them is not symbolic, but the end of the process of salvation. That would imply if their doctrine was true then all those unbaptized and incorrectly baptized throughout the ages fell short of the glory of God.

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Some would say that Orthodox Jews performed baptism long before John the Baptist did. However, that's not the case. Their ceremony included ritual washing. This ceremony was performed to cleanse the body before participating in religious ceremonies. Such ritual had no symbolism and was used by both men and women to cleanse biological impurites.

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The first person known to ever baptize was John, the cousin of Jesus, the son of Zacharias and Elizabeth. John was born to prepare the way for Jesus' ministry. (Matthew 3:4-6)

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Matthew 3:1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, 2And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. 3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

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There are three types of baptism:

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1. The Baptism of repentance called the Baptism of John.
2. The Baptism of remission called the Baptism of Jesus.
3. The Baptism of fire called the Baptism of the Holy Ghost. (Used in the early church to show the power of God and to help the church begin).

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John's Baptism was in preparation for Jesus. People were to repent, to return to God!

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Matthew 3:6 and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.

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As you can see “repent” was to confess the sins. Many churches ask for a testimony at the time of baptism. Public confession of our sins is honored by God.

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The Baptism of Jesus was to be the effectual baptism.

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John 1:33 I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, 'He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.'

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No one else, but Jesus, had the Holy Spirit descend and remain on them.

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John came to baptize with water for repentance to prepare for the remission of sins, Jesus came to baptize with the Holy Spirit FOR the remission of sins.

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Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

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Jesus implied in Matthew 21 that just as He was was authorized by God, likewise John was authorized by God to baptize. John himself implied in John 1:33 that he was sent by God by saying “the one who sent me”.

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If we read Acts 19 we can readily see the difference between the Baptism of John and that of Jesus.

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There he (PAUL) found some disciples. 2And he said to them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" And they said, "No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit." 3And he said, "Into what then were you baptized?" They said, "Into John’s baptism." 4And Paul said, "John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus." 5On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them...

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It is obvious from these verses that the disciples didn't have God's spirit when they were baptized by John, but did receive the Holy Spirit due to their belief in Jesus. The spirit wasn't received later, but at the time they believed and were baptized. Hence, the Holy Spirit came with belief, not baptism.

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The proof of this is in Acts 10:47 "Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?" where the people already had the Holy Spirit and were then baptized.

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The baptism of Jesus by John marked the beginning of Jesus' public ministry. Jesus didn't come to baptize, but to provide a means of salvation for the world. (Jesus did not become God at his baptism, because he was God already!) The heresy which proposes that Jesus became God at his baptism is called Adoption.

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Baptism is always by water. Every instance of baptism refers to water. Water represents the cleansing blood of Jesus. Just as are sins are washed away by the blood of Jesus, we become a new creature in God by the symbolic washing of our body and dedicating it to Christ.

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Hebrews 10:22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

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The water is to be of sufficient amount to allow the candidate to be entirely immersed. Scripture refers to:

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• John was baptizing at Aenon because the water was plentiful there. (John 3:23)
• Jesus, at his own baptism “immediately he went up from the water”, implying that he had been in the water. (Mark 1:10 and others)
• Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River (Matthew 3:6) as were the disciples (Mark 1:5)
• The eunuch saw flowing water in a stream and was baptized (Acts 8:36), and Philip and the eunuch “both went down into the water” (Acts 8:38). They “they came up out of the water” (Acts 8:39).
• Revelation 7:17 says that Jesus will guide us to “springs of living water”. This represents belief in Jesus and our baptism.
• We are “buried therefore with him by baptism” (Rom 6:3).

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Did Jesus himself baptize?

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John 4:1 Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John 2(although Jesus himself did not baptize, but only his disciples).

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The apostles are believed to have been baptized by John, except for Paul. Therefore, the apostles are the first to perform the “Baptism of Jesus”.

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Others say that Jesus baptized early in his ministry and himself baptized the apostles:

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John 3:22 After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.

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Other scholars believe that Jesus accompanied the apostles while they baptized since John 4:1 says that Jesus did not baptize. That Jesus did not baptize is more consistent with scripture.

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In whose name should we baptized?

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We can be baptized in Jesus' name or the Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

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Matthew 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

Acts 10:48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.
Acts 19:5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Romans 6:3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?
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We're not to be baptized by any other name.

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1 Corinthians 1:15 so that no one may say that you were baptized in my name (Paul's).

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How should the person be immersed?

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Forward, backward, one time, three times? Many make an issue of this, but the scripture does not indicate which direction, but appears to be one time.

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Circumcision and Baptism:

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Circumcision represents the fulfillment of the covenant between God and Abraham. It was a picture of baptism. Whereas circumcision was a physical symbol, baptism is spiritual. It represents circumcison of the heart. Wheras circumcision was a male rite only, baptism is for Christian men and women (Acts 8:12).

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Who should be baptized?

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All Christians should be baptized. It's called Believer's Baptism or credobaptism. The baptism of infants is not scriptural although it's been done for centuries. It is referred to as pedobaptism and was performed at the age of eight-days in order to represent circumcision which was also done at that time. Cathlolics perform baptism to exorcise evil (among several reasons) from the infant so as to protect them through life.

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European Christians who rejected infant baptism and insisted upon believer's adult baptism were called Anabaptists, meaning to re-baptize.

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Converts on the day of Pentecost were baptized (Acts 2:41). Likewise were the converts at the revival in Samaria (Acts 8:12). Paul the Apostle was baptized (Acts 9:8). Paul's converts were baptized (Acts Chapters 16 and 18) and baptism has been continuous throughout scripture, even until this day.

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When should baptism occur?

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The Christian should be baptized immediately after belief. It demonstrates that you are starting a new life in Christ and is a public confession of faith. Paul (Acts 9:18), as the eunuch, were baptized immediately upon belief. We should be joyful and ready to display our new found faith!

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Who should baptize?

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Acts 1:22 (KJV) (Referring to the apostles): Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.

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The raising up our of the water is a metaphor for the resurrection. Only one who is ordained (authorized of God) is to do baptisms. In early Baptist history a preacher who was himself baptized would baptize others and authorize them to perform baptisms. They then had the authority to do so as well.
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Summary:

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Baptism is authorized by Jesus and is for all believers as a symbol of our death, burial, purification (remission of sins) and the resurrection. It signifies the death of the old man and the birth of the new man cleansed by water, representing the blood of Jesus shed in payment for our own sins. As such we are to totally immersed as a confession of our faith and the forgiveness of our sins. We receive the Holy Ghost at the time of our belief. It is most desirable that we immediately be baptized by a person ordained to do so. As baptism is symbolic it is not a prerequisite for salvation, but is obedience as a result of our salvation.