Killing God - Part 42: Occultic Practices

Occultic Practices:

                It was tempting to leave the occult out of the killing of God but the occult is one of the worst killers! “Occult” means concealed. ⁷⁵⁹ The reference is most often reserved for the spiritual and has to do with concealed knowledge. That definition exactly fits Gnosticism with its “secret knowledge”. Simon wanted to know the secret of bestowing upon people the Holy Ghost to make money. Since it is not secret knowledge but profound truth, Simon perverted religion for his subtle purposes. His knowledge became a theology and only those who understood the secrets would be saved.

                Deism is a type of Gnosticism. Rather than having, though, concealed knowledge, Deism conceals it! Theism from the Greek – theos-ism - and means “belief in God”. ⁷⁶⁰ Deism is from the Latin – deus-ism - and means the same thing but is a movement more than a principle! ⁷⁶¹ (“Ism” is English for “a system or principle”.) ⁷⁶² Orthodoxy is traditional Christianity and is the basis of “theism”. With that God is both Creator and active in daily affairs. He is a personal God with whom the individual can commune. All that is “good” is due to an active God in the affairs of man.

                On the other hand, deism adheres to merely a creator God who built his domain, and then left it to the devices of man. They covered up the True God by removing His interactions with mankind and the first to go were miracles! Most deists do not believe in a Savior God, accepting Jesus only as a “good” man. ⁷⁶³ What does that do to God? After mankind killed off the Son of God, deists killed off God’s Purpose which was to die for mankind. Deism is a killer and covers up truth and is hence is of the occult.

                Most people think of the occult as worshipers of pagan gods are adherents of heretical ideas. The danger is more in the heresy of false doctrine. For instance, Gnosticism has done more to harm Christianity than has overt Satanism! The former should be feared more than the latter because it is less transparent. Satan’s tactics are to use much truth to conceal false knowledge. Satanism is very open about the rejection of biblical knowledge and wisdom. 

                The occult exists even in the Church. Some in the Church reject God’s revealed truth. Because they do so under the pretense of worshiping the Lord, they are of the occult since they cover up truth. Unitarian-Universalism is the most objectional false religion and is the most occultic of “Christian” denominations. They are honest about their inclusion but conceal paganism under the guise of Christianity.

                Those forms of occultism come first because they are the most obtrusive. Other forms are considered modern games now by some! For instance, astrology is on the entertainment pages of the newspaper right along with Billy Graham. People often tell me that they don’t take astrology seriously but read it for fun. Unfortunately, many direct their lives using astrology. Nancy Reagan apparently was a practitioner and it can be assumed that she advised the president using the stars as the source of knowledge! ⁷⁶⁴
                Astrology is not astronomy although they have the same origins. What’s more, astrology destroys God by looking to the stars for guidance, and astronomy looks to the stars to validate the notions of mostly the atheists. The latter is more scientific and the former more subjective but both can be used to minimize God. 

                Astronomy is basically observing the universe and making conclusions about “notions”. Notions are made scientific by the use of hypotheses which tested by making conclusions about their “null”. For instance, the hypothesis for existence is that it evolved. The null hypothesis is that it did not evolve. Science sets out to prove their notion by failing to reject the null. (i.e., they accept evolution because they failed to “prove” it didn’t evolve). “Prove” is in quotations because scientists never prove nor disprove anything. They mere fail to reject the null. Yet people accept their theories as proof, and they are taught in all levels of education as “proof”. 

                In science, time is measured by organic decay. Half-life is the time required for unstable atoms to undergo radioactive decay to half from its original value. ⁷⁶⁵ There are many assumptions that are made to accept that methodology; the main one being constancy of decay rate. Because God is Almighty He had the power to accelerate decay. Furthermore, the frame of reference for the humongous time for decay is theoretical. It seems that use of half-life for measuring time is circular reasoning. It may work on times of short duration but discerning people should question billions of years.

                Of course, astronomy is not of the occult. It is observable and transparent. The earth really is a sphere! However, the misuse of astronomy can be. Wrong conclusions are made under the pretense of objectivity. Essentially, scientists are supposed to be God but they are not! I call their God “Chance” because Chance is in what they believe. If one examines the improbability of random order, it is itself astronomical. 

                Astrology is accepting the notion that celestial objects reveal divine information. ⁷⁶⁶ There is much good in astronomy but astrology is more foolish because of its misuse in daily affairs. It is Yahweh who deals with mankind on a personal basis, and not the dead bodies scattered throughout the universe! It would take chapters to deal with the folly inherent in astrology but in this book, as always, what matters is what God says: ⁷⁶⁷ 

Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels. Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save thee from these things that shall come upon thee. Behold, they shall be as stubble; the fire shall burn them; they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame: there shall not be a coal to warm at, nor fire to sit before it.

                God considers it the transgressing of his covenant for consulting the cosmos for answers. ⁷⁶⁸ Yet what do people do? They turn to the stars! That is open rebellion against God. Those who look to the stars instead of God ae among the killers of God!

                Some people turn to psychics for answers. They use extrasensory perception from which to glean information hidden from the normal senses. ⁷⁶⁹ Of course, outside the normal is the paranormal – phenomena outside the laws of nature or the supernatural. As Christian seek truth from a supernatural God, psychics seek knowledge from another supernatural source. Many psychics are mediums and seek information from what they believe are the dead. Linking psychology with clairvoyance was most superbly accomplished by Carl Jung who developed his theory of archetypes ⁷⁷⁰ through channeling a twelve-year old girl.  Without commenting on all the occult practices, be certain they are all Satanic in origin! That twelve years-old girl may have been an ageless demon from the netherworld disguised as a sweet little girl!

                God commanded that mediums, clairvoyance, and the like be avoided. ⁷⁷¹ Those are danger areas; be warned that you are playing with those much more powerful than you: ⁷⁷² 

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

                When people play with demonic influences they endanger themselves. They may die! For sure, those who consult the Devil deny God’s Word – Jesus – and is the unpardonable sin!

                In one case an eight years-old relative of mine played with a Ouija Board. This young girl related that a force came out of the board and frightened her tremendously. I have the transcript on file which she relates her encounter with demonic forces. She knows that they are real! Dalliance with the occult is a clear rejection of God. It is irreverent.

                Few overtly worship Satan but some do. The Satanic Bible was written by Anton LeVay adapting the Wiccan faith, theosophy, and other occult practices. Satanism is real, and LeVay encouraged that Satan be worshiped by “Do what thou wilt is the whole law,” which is the doctrine of the New Age religion of Thelema. ⁷⁷³ 

                Before I feared demons and before I knew God’s will, I watched a movie documentary about Satanists. They practice their craft more enthusiastically than most Christians do. Animal sacrfice, and on occasion, human sacrifice occurs. They do have ritualistic sexual intercourse, and one victim revealed that to me that she was a minor. Another adult woman related to me that her husband sacrificed her to Satan by allowing members to have ritual sexual intercourse with her. Satanism is real although many deny his existence and abode! 

                My home county has what they in jest call the “Ghostbusters”. They seriously investigate acts of Satanism in the county. Their sergeant revealed to me that in my county alone, there are four covens. (Some witchcraft is associated with Satanism and Christians accept that there is no difference.)

                One of my sons while in high school related to me that one of his fellow students feared for her safety on Halloween because they cut her to mix blood with her urine, I would guess to consume. I reported this to the Ghostbuster Squad and spent forty-five minutes discussing with the sergeant its activities. He assured me that it is real and that of he was not a Christian, he could not have survived!

⁷⁵⁹ Merriam-Webster Dictionary; “occult”.

⁷⁶⁰ https://www.etymonline.com/word/theism

⁷⁶¹ https://www.etymonline.com/word/deism

⁷⁶² https://www.etymonline.com/word/-ism

⁷⁶³ https://www.quora.com/What-do-deists-believe-about-Jesus-of-Nazareth

⁷⁶⁴ http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-nancy-reagan-astrology-20160306-story.html

⁷⁶⁵ Wikipedia; ‘half life”.

⁷⁶⁶ Wikipedia; “astrology”.

⁷⁶⁷ Holy Bible (KJV); Isa 13:14.

⁷⁶⁸ ibid; Deut 7:2-5.

⁷⁶⁹ Wikipedia; “psychic”.

⁷⁷⁰ Wikipedia; ‘archetypes: Jungian”.

⁷⁷¹ ibid; Deut 18:9-12.

⁷⁷² ibid (KJV); Ephes 6:12.

⁷⁷³ Wikipedia; “Thelema”.

Killing God - Prelude

It was a cool evening in the Garden. Adam listened to God who spoke with His Voice. Adam did not call Him God but merely: “Father”, “the Word” or “Immanuel” for God was with him. Eve walked silently by Adam’s side. She and Adam were not only one in the flesh but in the Spirit too.

                God said, “I want to show you a place of great significance.” As God walked peacefully up the rugged path to the top of the hill, His Light led the way. Adam and Even could both see God because their eyes were undimmed by sin. They were made in His image and God was just as they were. As God walked, the animals shied away; they sensed His Presence but without bright eyes, they could not see God.

                Part of the way to the destination God stumbled. Not by accident but for a reason. He marked the spot. It was not rock nor weakness that caused his stumbling but this exact spot had spiritual significance. God stepped on a snake, whose short little legs scurried it quickly away. God looked thereon with remorse, as He spoke softly, “My will be done.”

                Adam was in awe, but nonetheless, reached for God to lift Him up. Instead, God stretched out His hands widely and lifted Adam up with no need to even touch him. Both Adam and Eve rose slowly as they looked down at the beautiful Garden – the very foundation of peace. Adam spoke softly in God’s language – שלום כאן (peace is here). As they gently settled back down, they continued the Way, treading steadfastly so as not to trip. They could not trip because that would mean pain, and pain had not yet to be! God kept them safe at all times. Even the lions nor snakes could harm them because around them was a spiritual hedge. It was the Spirit of God which kept them safe.

                Soon, they were at the top of the hill. From somewhere a reed arose from the soil. God poured the fruit of the vine into it. It was fresh wine for fermentation had no purpose in the Garden. Everything was always fresh with not impurities. God made it that way.

                God handed them some manna to be washed down by the grape. “Take and eat”, God said. “Do this in remembrance of me.”

Adam asked of God, “Where are you going. Please don’t leave us!”

God replied, “I will be with you always, even unto the end. But for a short time, we will be separated, and My will is that you will always remember the fellowship in the Garden. To it, you shall return after doing your will for a time.”

God shed Holy tears as if remembering what had yet to come. His Plan was set in place and nothing in Heaven nor Hell could disrupt His Plan.

                Adam sensed God’s distress. “We are in Paradise but where is Hell?” Adam asked.

“In the Third Heaven outside Paradise,” responded the Word. “There is a chasm between the two and egress from Hell into Heaven is impossible because it will be guarded. There is one Way back into the Garden and entry is by my Name.”

                “But we call you Father, what is your Name?” queried Adam.

                “I will be called many things but by one Name will you find the Way back home.”

                Adam was confused but he would ponder on that because he had all the time in the world for time is endless.

                They continued their walk on the “Way of Grief” but there was no grief. Grief had yet to come!

                God stopped and considered Adam. “What are you Adam?”

                “Well, Father, I am your son – I am man. My mother is the dust from which I was formed. You created me by your Spirit. I have no mother to be exact.”

                “Well, said, son.” God replied, “but soon you will choose death. I will never, however, leave nor forsake you but you must feel the sting of death.”

                “Why, so, Father? What is death?”

                “Death is isolation from me. It lies outside the Garden in whence you stand. There is a Tree on the summit which will restore you from death but you must eat of that tree.”

                “What will I do to deserve death?” asked Adam.

                God looked sternly at Adam. “I told you not to eat of that beautiful tree right there,” God said as he pointed to the midst of the Garden. There was a tree standing a little lower than the other Tree. “You will eat of that tree even though I commanded that you not.”

                Adam felt insecure. “I will never do that because I respect you so!”

                God said nothing more because it has to be.

                Adam asked, “How will I regain life?”

God pointed to the summit. He said, “By the Tree of Life you shall be saved. You may freely eat of it’s fruit. Until then Adam, after you die, you will be buried there where I stepped on the snake. The Tree of Life will return you to life in five-and-one-half days in spiritual time.”

                Adam considered the Word and what the Voice said. “How will that Tree restore my life?”

                God, speaking in truth responded, “It will bleed and die so that you can live again.”

                Adam understood. He didn’t cry because there are no tears to be shed in the Garden. Adam somehow knew he would be responsible. He would kill his own Father. “Don’t die, Father!” God said, “You will kill me but you’ll not know what you do!” God planned His own death so that Adam – mankind – would live. This is the story of Killing God.

Killing God - Part 41: Avarice

Avarice:

                I saved the best for last. Not the best in a spiritual sense but the best case of “worst”. Everyone knows the adage “money is the root of all evil.” Are you with me? That’s what people misquote quite often. It’s not money which is the problem, it is "the love of money”: ⁷⁵⁹

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.

                Now since it is known that misplaced love is mankind’s root problem, there is nothing more to learn. It struck me one day, I don’t love money yet I do evil things. There must be more to it than that. Of course, there is! Language is a barrier. That’s why God confounded it at Babel. In the koine Greek, the word is philaguria which is very close to “avarice” in the English language. ⁷⁵⁹

                Avarice adds many more offshoots – or hairy roots- to the root of mankind’s problem! Avarice is “extreme greed for material gain.” ⁷⁶⁰ The love of money is merely the things of the world. That love of things is referred to in scripture as “the flesh”:

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

You may recognize most of these from the Ten Commandments which intent is to make sinners aware of their sins – avarice. These things are not all material gain as the definition implies. However, they are epicurean – that pleasure is the greatest good, according to Epicurus.  ⁷⁶¹ Through pleasure, tranquility could be achieved. Of course, that is the opposite of what Paul argued at Athens against the philosophers as he condemned their “unknown god”.

Tranquility is essentially the need for self-actualization from the hierarchy of needs pyramid of Maslow which was examined earlier. This brand of self-actualization, however, is not based on needs but luxuries. It is what is called “the pleasure principle” of Sigmund Freud who stretched “pleasure” into a need! Pleasure for him, was to avoid pain, which is a basic biological and psychological need. ⁷⁶² Those in the field of psychology have the uncanny ability to twist any desire into a need!

It should by now have become apparent that avarice was the fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. How so? First, recall the twelve fruits of the Tree of Life: charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control, and chastity. These fruits are watered by the Holy Spirit. Compare them to the fruits of the forbidden tree from above: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and others. The former are of the spirit or soul, and the latter of the flesh.

It seems that the Tree of Life has three parts. What is seen represents God the Man called Jesus. The root, the unseen part, represents the Father from which the Tree emerges, and the living waters which watered the Tree from below represents the Holy Spirit who nourishes the Tree and its fruits through the Root! The Root of the Tree of Life is “goodness” which is called grace.

On the other hand, the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil has sort of an unholy trinity. What is seen thereon has beauty, is good for food, and will make one wise. That tree stands for Epicureanism, and its bark represents the flesh of mankind and its symbol is the serpent!

That tree has a root as well. It is avarice. That root is watered with iniquity. It flows in abundance in contaminated soil. From iniquity, or the spirit of Satan, is the power from below – the pleasure principle which grows the fruits of iniquity.

As the bark of the forbidden tree is the flesh, the bark of the Tree of Life is God incarnated – glorified flesh which is incorruptible! ⁷⁶³ Of course, the bark of the forbidden tree is corruptible and will die unless restored by Living Water which to be righteous one must drink! ⁷⁶⁴

Avarice, being the root of all evil. Is then mankind’s problem. The pleasure principle enslaves the flesh or men, and eventually the flesh destructs. The Holy Spirit circumvents self-destruction, and those who trust the blood of Jesus, representing the Living Water, will receive incorruptible flesh. That will be recognized by the fruits of the Spirit.

Avarice is man’s inclination and was inherited from Adam. Theologians call that propensity toward pleasure “original sin” because our desires are the same as Adam’s. Living in the flesh is incorporating the “pleasure principle” into our lives. (Skeptics deny that psychology is a religion but they merely created scientific terms for the spiritual).

There is a type of serenity which comes on with carnal satisfaction. That’s where Stoicism and Epicureanism overlap. Each come to a point of self-satisfaction but the ways to achieve that are opposite. Whereas Epicureans achieve serenity through pleasure, Epicureans become serene through abstinence. In either case, their peak experience is through themselves, not through Jesus Christ.

Back in the Garden was where mankind made the first attempt to kill God. He stood alone in the midst of the Garden just waiting for his newly created friends to stand by Him. They failed God. They stood under Satan’s Tree and listened to the serpent. God surely cried right then. Eve naively entered into temptation. Adam voluntarily and knowingly sinned after Eve tempted him. Avarice was the root of Satan’s evilness as he tempted children of God to become his children. God didn’t die but did lose His Fatherhood. He allowed His creatures to choose their own father. They chose Satan. ⁷⁶⁵

                Of course, avarice is the love of material things. Most of the things on the last are wrong thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, but they are those of human beings which are represented by very material things – the flesh. Avarice is wanting things which appease the flesh. Idols are representations of gods. The objects of mankind’s desires are not idols, the flesh of the people is. Things are to appease the idols of all the selves.  Hence, avarice is mankind’s way to self-satisfaction while the gifts of the Spirit are for satisfying God. He gives the gifts then mankind uses them.

The best example of avarice was with a person in my church. His wife had bought him a small less-expensive Rolex ® watch. My other friend has a fake Rolex Presidential watch. (Note: Having Rolexes is another form of avarice). As the two were group-praying at the altar, Presidential man saw common man admiring his Rolex! Perhaps that illustrates why avarice is so wrong. The watches were the “money” but the admiration or possibly envy, was the love of it.

Avarice includes about any idea which is “all about me” (“me” being any of us). The earth is heliocentric. Narcissists believe it is self-centric and so do those who self-actualize and take it seriously. Those into themselves strive to reach nirvana – a state of bliss in eastern religion. I did take some liberty with the “materialism” of avarice but as they say, money isn’t everything but it’s way ahead of what’s in second place!”

The death of my brother demonstrated that the love of material things has little avarice in the eternal scheme of things. When he was told that he was terminally ill, he sold all his things in preparation for his death; not for the money but to leave his wife with some support. With death eminent, those his estate meant little to him. On his deathbed, he carefully reached for cash and gave some of it away, saving the remainder for his heirs. He gave away everything because it meant little to him as the grim reaper came to lead him away. Where he was going, God would take care of him, and he knew that!

On the other hand, most people place the value of money above everything. In Kentucky, as in West Virginia and other places, the government pension fund was spent on other things. It was insolvent, and mostly teachers were effected (and affected).  The Republicans, now in charge sought to make it solvent. Some minor cuts were made. Of course, in the eyes of the public employees, any amount was major! Under the leadership of their union, teachers picketed the Republicans. Even my Christian friends had a streak of mean-spiritedness. They failed to realize that the pickets should have occurred when the fund when insolvent, not during the effort for solvency.

Of course, each person wants to hang on to what is die them. In the private sector, I experienced similar cuts in benefits. Neither did I like that! My company became insolvent and filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. I could have lost all my retirement but was content that I got to retain most of it!  I thank God for that even with my losses.

During the course of time, I have been very vocal regarding “social issues”. Those are the things society has determined to be beneficial to themselves. Usually, they are at odds with the Doctrine of Christ. Social issues are things like abortion, same-sex marriage, freedom from religion, and other non-economic things. We often hear, I am an economic conservative but a social liberal. That statement is oxymoronic since social programs cost extravagant monies. Social causes are avarice and at odd with spiritual issues.

Those protesting the minor cuts in their benefits screamed publicly like cry-babies, and many were hateful in demeanor. How dare the governor steal our money!  I agree with them somewhat. Those who were tenured deserved what had been promised. However, the new policy was for those without tenure but many of them cried the loudest! However, under the previous administrations when things were going awry, they were silent. Neither were they vocal when the institution of marriage was destroyed and the disgusting actions of Planned Parenthood were being revealed!

What mattered most to them were not the spiritual issues but the love of money. Their avarice was showing, and God saw it. I did too! Who would have believed that Christians would come to remain silent as the Church is destroyed but be angry with the loss of a few dollars? People are pitiful, and many Christians are as well! Socialism has deceived them again with their social justice without regard to spiritual justice.

There are many other examples of avarice. The commercialization of Christmas comes to mind. Even birthdays are all about “me”.  What am “I” going to get? The best thing to “get’” is freedom from things!  

Another brother of mine lost most of his own retirement due to the carelessness of one daughter and the spend-thriftiness of his other daughter. He was dismayed because his own livelihood was jeopardized. I recounted to him my own losses in the 2008 recession. God took care of me in spite of the losses. I am at peace because money means little to me where I am going soon. The counseling was effective. My brother is at peace because peace does not depend on money!

The best biblical example of avarice is the rich young man. ⁷⁶⁶ His social work was good, having done good things all his life. On the other hand, his love of God was lacking as he placed wealth over serving God. Many “Christians” today are the same; they do good works but their love for God is lacking. Several preachers have told me that when people become disenchanted with God, the first thing that goes is tithing.  The love of money is more important to them than accordance.

Scripture says that it’s easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to go to heaven. ⁷⁶⁷ Of course, that is impossible to do! However, there are rich Christians who are faithful to God.  Most rich men have avarice. It’s not the money the rich men love but their problem is its importance. Most wealthy people prioritize the pecuniary over the spiritual. God’s dollars in Heaven is love! That should be earthly dollars as well! Self-indulgence or avarice, is having other gods before God. It demotes God to the servant – even a genie – and promotes selfish people. It is killing God!

⁷⁵⁹ Holy Bible (KJV); 1 Tim 6:10.

⁷⁶⁰ Merriam-Webster Dictionary; “avarice”.

⁷⁶¹ Wikipedia; “Epicureanism”.

⁷⁶² Wikipedia; “pleasure principle”.

⁷⁶³ Holy Bible; 1 Cor 15:51-53.

⁷⁶⁴ ibid; Rev 7:17.

⁷⁶⁵ ibid; Gen 3.4

⁷⁶⁶ ibid; Mat 19:16-30; Mark 10:17:31; Luke 18:18-30.

⁷⁶⁷ ibid; Mat 19:24.

KIlling God - Part 40: Fear

Fear:

                Everyone is somewhat narcissistic, self-esteemed, over-indulged, and all the things false gods seem to be.  People fear that their hierarchy of needs won’t be met and that the boogieman will get them. We all have different boogiemen.

                Recently I said to a four-years old, “When I was your age I thought I had monsters under my bed.” She considered that for a while, gave me a knowing smile, and said, “That’s what I was a thinkin’.” As adults we still have monsters under our beds but different types of monsters.  Hers was a rolled-up quilt which in the dim light looked like a person under the bed. I exposed her monster and she was no longer afraid! Let me now expose your monster.

                Your monster is fear itself. Franklin Roosevelt said that, may be not first, but he said it; “We have nothing to fear but fear itself.” ⁷⁴⁸ He was right you know. Fear is mostly facing the unknown. Of course, people always look forward to pleasantries but dread what may be dangerous or upsetting. As I write, I dread my first book-signing which commences in four hours. That is what I have always looked forward to but now that it is near, there are many “what ifs”: What if I’m later? What if the book doesn’t sell? What if someone is offended by my opinions which some surely will be?

                Spiritual matters are no different. What is there is no Heaven? What if I was not sincere enough about God to receive a reward. Even before that, the end is fearful. What emotions will I have as I approach death? What will it feel like to die? Will I be afraid? Thus, most people dread dying. I’ve always said, “I don’t’ fear being dead; I fear dying!” Scripture calls that fear, “the sting of death”. ⁷⁴⁹ Also in that passage is that sin is the cause of the sting!

                I fear death because I know I don’t deserve a reward. That same passage disallows the Law as a sacrament and squarely indicates that the blood of God is! If our reward is based on performance, we would all get the Raspberry Award, or a Rotten Tomato awful review. That frightens us all!

                Satan allows us to think, I don’t deserve to go to Heaven. Since he is honest when he needs to be, that is true. However, Satan implies, you need to be doing things to deserve Heaven. Like the Pharisees when we’re busy doing, we don’t have our eyes on God. Doing is a distraction to loving. Christians are to be new creatures having new natures which is doing things willfully with enthusiasm without coercion or force! The Law is still God’s will. The Law is to be done on earth as it is in Heaven. ⁷⁵⁰  In Heaven, people are righteous because of their new nature. The same holds true when on earth. The Law’s benevolence is a difference between having to and willingness. Satan kills us by creating the thought, I have to!  People busy themselves doing good works because it is expected of them by some unknown god. Righteous people do good works because they desire to do God’s will.

                No one will ever reach perfection. Any breach of the Law will be used by the forces of evil against us. Satan’s emissaries often remind me, Larry, you’ll never be good enough. Just give up. Honestly, sometimes I am tempted to do just that. Who hasn’t had the thought, I’m missing all the fun because I am a Christian?  Knowing the truth creates fear. In know that although “my spirit is willing but my flesh is weak.” ⁷⁵¹ Jesus was willing and his flesh was strong even though he could have sinned. Why else would he come and allow himself to be tested? ⁷⁵² In a weakened condition – forty days of fasting – Jesus overcame the temptations offered by Satan.  Ultimately, the three temptations were little different than Adam’s because Satan’s bag of tricks is limited.

                Jesus was perfect because He Is God.  We are not but act as if we are! Church at times seems to be a play, and I’m the poor actor not even in the lead. Satan wants us to believe that. The notion that y righteousness is a poor play on my part is scary indeed! Satan’s method is to raise doubt. My doubt frightens me!

                There will be no fear in Heaven. Fear is of the world only. Since, I trust God, my destiny is Heaven which is without fear. Thus, Roosevelt was correct and we fear, fear itself.

                Hope is the antidote for fear. Hope, faith, and love are the three virtues of the Bible. Hope is the expectation of eternal life. ⁷⁵⁸ Fear, on the other hand, is that eternal life will not happen. To counter that fear, Christians must not forget God’s type of love called “grace” – being rewarded for what is not deserved. Because God is “good” is sufficient to allay all our fears. God handles fear and the anxiety which results. ⁷⁵⁴ Dark angels say that God will not.

                Fear increases if not allayed the closer one gets to the event feared. As the clock ticks, I get closer to my book-signing. My fear has increased because of the unknowns. Likewise, as we approach death, fear increases. For some, fear drives them to obedience. I’m sixty-nine years old. Assuming that I am blessed to live until I’m eighty-five, I have sixteen years to become righteous. I fear that I never will be! Satan reinforces that fear. In fact, I’m still committing the same sins I did when I was fifteen. Satan says to give up! God says, I’m covering for you. God has my back, as they say in the modern vernacular. People must understand that we will never be good enough to deserve heaven, and because we are not really gods, neither do we have the power to reward ourselves with it! God does because He is the Living God! ⁷⁵⁵ God will handle all our fears but Christians too often listen to other voices.

                Since fear is not knowing the unknown or knowing what’s coming and not preparing for it, the reasonable thing to do is plan for a bright future. When riding my motorcycle, I avoided catastrophe by taking care. It was not obeying the laws which prevented accidents but sobriety and vigilance. The same goes for eternal damnation. It can be avoided but Satan says it’s unlikely. God suggests strongly that to avoid collision with the unknown, men must be born-again. ⁷⁵⁶ Rebirth is not optional. Jesus said “must”! However, even many Christians do not know what that entails. It is much more than believing. English words are inadequate for birth is experiential. Until one experiences birth they do not exist. Until one is born-again, he does not spiritually exist.

                Fear is the doubting Heaven is for real and if God Exists. Even if Hell is not real, and it is, the thought of non-existence is frightening. When I was a child I thought death was ceasing to exist. I was afraid. That thought is fatalism and is the utter lack of hope. Fatalism is brought on my doubt. If the idea that there is nothing beyond the grave, Satan wins for then people cease to plan ahead. With nothing but a grave to which to look forward, born-again has no value. The fear of moldering in the grave is as terrible as the fear of Hell. Satan’s ploy is that there is nothing anyone can do about non-existence. That fear destroys the growth of Christianity, and the Church withers. God is not dead but is in the minds of people.

                Heaven is more than wishful thinking, and God is more than a creation of the mind. Sometimes I doubt that is true, then I consider the creation, prophecies, and the continuity of Holy Scripture. Immersion in the Word makes the devil flee. ⁷⁵⁷ Our own safety depends on reading the Word. The truth in scripture sets us free from fear.  ⁷⁵⁸ To protect the Doctrine of God, all Christians need do is study Scripture. While Satan is fleeing he can’t be killing God!

⁷⁴⁸ Presidential Inaugural Address; Roosevelt, Franklin; Mar 4, 1933.

⁷⁴⁹ Holy Bible; 1 Cor 5:55-57.

⁷⁵⁰ ibid; Mat 6:10.

⁷⁵¹ ibid; Mat 26:41.

⁷⁵² ibid; Mat 4:1-11; Mark 1:12-13; Luke 4:1-13.

⁷⁵³ ibid; Titus 1:2.

⁷⁵⁴ ibid; 1 Pet 5:7.

⁷⁵⁵ ibid; Acts 14:15.

⁷⁵⁶ ibid; John 3:7.

⁷⁵⁷ ibid; James 4:7.

⁷⁵⁸ ibid; John 8:32.

Killing God - Part 39: Narcissism

Narcissism:

                Narcissus was a mythological Greek god known for his beauty and vanity. Because of who he was, he had excessive pride. When Narcissus saw his reflection in a pool of water, he fell in love with it, not realizing it was just himself. ⁷³³ It is obvious that narcissism is vanity, egotism, and admiring one’s own attributes. Taken to the extreme it is narcissistic personality disorder, ⁷³⁴ historically called megalomania.  Few desire friendship with those vain people because they are always manipulating for attention or appeasement. Life, for them, is all about them. Because they so love themselves, they are difficult to love.

                In spiritual terms narcissists have been made in the image of Lucifer whose name means “bright and morning star” and is associated with the planet Venus. ⁷³⁵  In Scripture, the ultimate “narcissist” is the fallen angel Lucifer. ⁷³⁶  

How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.

               

                This passage is the only place in the Bible that Lucifer is mentioned by that name. He is “the son of the morning”, is proud, and self-exalting. Lucifer, if not Narcissus, is narcissistic. (I use the present tense here because Lucifer is still alive.) Narcissism is being like Lucifer, who not by accident, is father of narcissists – “ye are of your father the Devil”. ⁷³⁷ The implication made here is that Lucifer is the Devil.  Modern theology denies that Lucifer, the Devil, and Satan are names of the same narcissistic angel.

                On the television program Brad Meltzer’s Decoded, the statue of Liberty was investigated. ⁷³⁸ Believing that secrets are hidden within the statue, Meltzer’s team Decoded them. The conclusion was that Liberty (Latin for the Roman goddess Libertas) was likely the goddess Isis – the Egyptian Queen of Heaven”. ⁷³⁹ The final conclusion on the program was that Liberty is a statue of Lucifer. At the conclusion, a theologian was brought in who tempered the finding. He emphatically said that Lucifer and Satan are not the same!

                Without going into all the theology which shows their commonality, they are scripturally the same vain identity. The most obvious commonality is their destination: Lucifer, just as Satan, will be brought down to Hell: ⁷⁴⁰

And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, and cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him.

                Scripture establishes several identities as the same being: the dragon, the serpent, the Devil, and Satan. Satan’s destination identifies him as the fallen angel Lucifer. Satan doesn’t want anyone to know his identity. His plan to destroy God is incognito. If Satan doesn’t exist, then how could he kill God? Of course, the angel Lucifer would be too nice to do such a thing (sic)!

                The idea herein is to identify the killer. He has several identities from dragon to an angel. He can be what he wants to be. Angels can morph. Sometimes in scripture, as at the tomb, they appeared as men. In other places as scary-type “monsters”. The killer has a multitude of disguises, and most of them are unseen. His most repulsive disguise is that he does not exist. That’s what the world wants everyone to believe. Christians have an invisible Father and the world has an invisible father as well!

                Libertas – the Statue of Liberty – represents freedom. “Her” statue was placed in France’s church buildings during the time of the French Revolution. She was called “the Goddess of Reason”. ⁷⁴¹ In France, she was the goddess of those who did what was right in their own eyes. America accepted her statue without question, when she was gifted to this nation by France. Liberty is honored now in the nation that once honored God!

                The intent herein is not to indict the Statue of Liberty but to demonstrate how easily Satan can conceal himself and his law of sin. Americans take for granted, for instance, that democracy is all good. It is not. It of course, contains much good but much evil as well. For instance, since democracy is based on the will of the majority, then most want independence from authority. They desire to “do what is right in their own eyes” as mentioned several times before. Democracy can lead to destruction, if not tempered by republicanism and God because so many are narcissists.

                Narcissism is more than appearance-centered. As the serpent warned back in Genesis, mankind would be as gods. Narcissism is that, and there are many. Socialism is an example of a government of narcissists: people deserve appeasement. What do people deserve in truth? Death! ⁷⁴² On the other hand, God doesn’t deserve death but his killers screamed that he should die. ⁷⁴³ Look at the folly in this type of thinking: you deserve appeasement but God deserves death! No wonder mankind is so deserving of death.

                Narcissus should have died on the cross but Yahweh did. Narcissists should have died on the cross but Yeshua did.

                There are two worldviews in people: (1) some believe that the world is for them, and (20 Christians believe that heaven is their home and that this world is temporary. Narcissists focus on the world, their world, and what it can give to them. Ironically, Christians looks at Heaven and what it can provide? Escape from the destruction of the world.

                Most of my commentary is about who are the gods of whom God is jealous. Gods are not of stone, wood, or even gold. Those are idols. It’s what they represent that God detests. In reality there are no other gods but there are those who think they are gods. That is Narcissism. God is jealous of Narcissists; they who will die but God will live on!

                The modern world is full of narcissists. In the beginning they were two but they multiplied. God knew what when multiplication was ordained the ordination was for trillions of gods; mankind who would have as idols their flesh. Narcissists highly esteem themselves. In order to be saved, the narcissism must be relinquished. That is being born-again! The nature of Narcissus is given up in favor of the righteousness of God.  Mankind was made in the image of Jesus and are to be Christlike. ⁷⁴⁴

                Narcissus must be crucified! ⁷⁴⁵ For God’s death to be meritorious, as many of those trillions of narcissists must be crucified with Him! Narcissism kills God. Just look at Christmas: it’s no longer about Christ but the consumer. Many think, what’s in it for me?  The notion of gifting at Christmas is pagan in nature, and for many narcissistic. People even train their children in narcissism! Christmas and Easter are more to appease the kids than to glorify God! People despise my thoughts on the holidays – “Holy days” – but they are no longer holy.

                The world is a place for narcissists. Most people are Epicurean in philosophy. Even Christianity has become all positive: all the good things “I” can get! “I” has become a god. The many “I’s” are many gods. All mankind contends for God’s glory – his beauty and grace. Satan even wants his throne so that he can be worshiped. The earth is God’s footstool ⁷⁴⁶ but mankind acts as if it is our throne! People war with God because he is in charge. Little gods can’t do as they please so the mob rebels. Even churchgoers kill God!

                I dress casually for church although I have many suits. When I was young oftentimes my family didn’t go to church because we were too poor to have church attire. I have a friend who won’t attend churches where the people overdress. He walks out because he senses that the focus is on them. Some say that for church Christians must wear their best. Look what John the Baptists wore when he was threshing out the Church with baptism for the remission of sins. He wore camel hair attire. 747 He was wearing his best because what he wore diminished him.  His type of Church was not about him but all about Jesus.

                I laugh sometimes at church because we are so pitiful. Some dress as if it’s a fashion show. Even the preachers primp up for preaching in their finest suits. They spit-shine their shoes, get fresh haircuts, and swagger to the pulpit. The sermon becomes more about them. I laugh at the pretense but am not sure that God does. I know that they are think they are doing right but if those who live in poverty step in, do they?

                Even the author is narcissistic. I must ask myself as I write, “Am I writing for me or to glorify God?” Sadly, at many times I feel guilty as I conclude that I want to leave a legacy so that I’ll be remembered, as if that even matters! Realizing that, I figure, if it’s for me, at least I can write about God!

                If one thinks on salvation, even that is narcissistic: Christians so love themselves that we desire that we not perish. Salvation is all about saving us! Gladly, the way to save “us” is to trust God, knowing that us narcissists are not really the gods that we think!

                My worst childhood memory is when I said out loud: “I wish Daddy was dead so that I can do what I want!” I said that. That was narcissistic. If I was still that person, I would say, “I wish my Father in Heaven was dead so that I could do as I please.” People want God dead for that reason – to do as they please. That’s what Satanism is all about with their creed, “Do what thou wilt!”

                Unfortunately, our will more often aligns with Satan’s will because mankind’s flesh is of the world. The flesh of men are their idols. Of course, “the flesh” is mankind’s desires – what’s important to us. Transformation is when God becomes more important than our pleasure. Narcissus is hung on the cross.

⁷³⁴ Wikipedia; “Narcissism”.

⁷³⁵ Wikipedia; “Lucifer”.

⁷³⁶ Holy Bible (KJV); Isa 14:12-15.

⁷³⁷ ibid; John 8:44-45.

⁷³⁸ Decoded, Season 1: Episode 3, “Statue of Liberty”; Meltzer, Brad; 2012.

⁷³⁹ https://wakeupandlive1.wordpress.com/2013/08/03/was-the-statue-of-liberty-built-to-secretly-represent-lucifer/

⁷⁴⁰ Holy Bible (KJV); Rev 20:2-3.

⁷⁴¹ Wikipedia; “Cult of Reason”.

⁷⁴² Holy Bible; Rom 1:32.

⁷⁴³ ibid; Mat 26:66.

⁷⁴⁴ ibid; Rom 15:5.

⁷⁴⁵ ibid; Gal 5:24.

⁷⁴⁶ ibid; Isa 66:1.

⁷⁴⁷ ibid; Mat 3:4.

Killing God - Part 38 Islam

The epitome of psychological positiveness is in the book, I’m Okay - You’re Okay. ⁷¹⁷ In transactional analysis, there are four life positions. “You” and “I” are either okay or not okay which results in four permutations. Of course, the “life position” was communication and psychological behavior, but there is no chasm between the psyche and the soul! “Okay” in psychology is well-balanced. “Okay” in Christian theology is spiritually in communion with God – safe with trust in Him. “Not okay” is psychologically maladjusted but in theology, it is living without hope. The problem lies in psychology where people are convinced that they are okay when they are not! “Okayness” is the soma of mankind. We are not okay – never. Although mankind communicates well with God, there is still some doubt. Christians often question their own degree of okay. Satan says that you are not okay; there is something else you must do!

On the other hand, God says, although you doubt, you’re okay with Me! Do Christians have perfect faith where there is no doubt? Not at all; they still fear the vipers, and that they may be bitten but God is keeping them safe. 

We all have doubts: are we okay? Positive affirmation is saying and thinking often, I’m okay. Thinking you are okay does not make you okay. It is the object of your affection and trust that makes one okay! He is God. Many people convince themselves they are okay. Joyce Meyers, on her television program says something to the effect, “I know that I know that I know that I am saved.” That declaration is being assured of salvation. Is she really that assured? Has she no doubts at all? Has she perfect faith? I submit that only God has perfect faith and to claim that for oneself is irresponsible and maybe a little conceited. Satan casts doubts on our safety all the time. I suggest that her hope of salvation is intense! That is a good thing! But what if people say that to delude themselves? That is dangerous.

There are many types of Positive Christianity. It is not inferred that the Joel Osteen types are of the same caliber as the German Church in the Third Reich. Just as there are degrees of spirituality, there are degrees of confusion. Satan’s method is confusion. Everything must be tested by Scripture, and the psychology removed from doctrine. God need not be manipulated. He is who He is! Satan wants God distorted. Distortion kills God’s “nature”. (I have trouble using nature because God is supra-natural). God is not an Islamic Jenn who grants wishes and makes good things happen to you.  Christians must make sacrifices and face persecution. ⁷¹⁸ There are degrees of persecution. Sometimes Christians do not prosper. That is a lesson in humility. Sometimes Christians get sick. When they recover, it makes one thankful for healing. When a loved one dies, it makes eternity real for the living.

We have looked at the deaths of the apostles. All but one died for Jesus’s Name. Joh of Patmos was boiled in oil for Jesus’s sake. That’s not positive Christianity from the standpoint of humanity but it was God’s will. Bad things happen to “good” people for God’s purposes! 

During the 2008 recession, I lost most of my 401k. At the same time a legal problem took a chunk of my cash on hand which was modest. It seemed the end of the world for me, and even with prayer, I was stressed. Money was my viper, and I feared the venom of poverty. Then, I put it in perspective – God will take care of me, and He did! I thought of the young rich man in the Bible who had always kept most of the commandments. ⁷¹⁹ Those he carefully kept referred to his fellow man. He never mentioned the commandments about trusting, revering and loving God. His love of money, like mine, was his poisonous viper. 

                The rich young man did not trust God to forsake his wealth. God took my wealth but never forsook me. He stayed firm with me as He promised. ⁷²⁰ In 2008, much of my life was far from positive. I faced many trials and was sick with stress. My faith increased. That was God’s purpose for me. I needed that challenge to see if I would look up at God on his “pole”. He pulled me through but the vipers were vicious!

                Before I leave the subject of positive Christianity, let me relate the greatest challenge of my life. I announced to my Sunday school class that in the following week, I would be teaching about Satan. Late one night a thought occurred to me in the third person present tense: before you teach against me you’d better be without spot yourself. I never talk that way, especially like I’m someone else! I’m not proud enough to think that Satan visited me but surely a dark angel had, representing Satan. 

                That conversation scared me. I was shaken and afraid. To repress those thoughts, although I can’t sing, I sang hymns for about an hour. I prayed for God to deliver me from that spiritual affront. When I became settled enough about four in the morning a wrote it all down. I never wanted to forget that experience! God delivered me and that is a positive thing. However, for months I was tested. God allowed Satan to test my faith. Satan presented vipers at every turn: lasciviousness, anger, stress, marital problems, and on and on. I had never been tested so much! The snakes were striking at my heels. I looked up at the “pole” and God brought me to safety. God overcame my snakes.

                Testing is not a fun thing. To appreciate the Hebrew and the vipers story, one must read the Book of Job. That example is a simile of the Christian walk. Job was attacked from all sides by various “vipers”. He looked up at God, and God kept him safe with His spiritual hedge. That is not positive Christianity. What is, is that God will carry us through the vipers if we keep looking up to Him. However, the vipers may very well keep striking time and time again but we must remain steadfast! 721 

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith.

                The devil roaring and seeking to devour Christians is hardly positive! There are always another devil trying to devour us.  One of the worst is the onset of Islamic influence into the modern Church. 

Islam: 

                In this age, doctrine of foreign peoples cannot be criticized. The ideological police have defined criticism of non-western ideas as hatred. The elite: educators, media, special interest groups, government representatives and even the liberal Church have made it improper – politically incorrect – to criticize anyone other than Christians and Jews. Like the Romans of post-apostolic times, society is very tolerant of religions other than Judaism and Christianity. Persecution was extreme in those times and less so today. However, in apocalyptic times persecution will rise to that extreme again. ⁷²² 

                People from Islamic nations are some of the “whosoever” from John 3:16 that God loves. However, God must be loved on His terms. Christians Doctrine is that to be saved, one and all must believe in God. “Allah” is the Arabic word for God. (a contraction of al-ilāh, which means "the god"). ⁷²³ Allah is a descriptive word. God is a descriptive word. Like God has descriptions in reference to Him, so does Allah. Many are the same because they came from the Hebrew sacred writings. ⁷²⁴ Arabic-speaking Christians use Allah in reference to God. That should not be surprising because it’s just a difference between English and Arabic. Likewise, Jupiter was the chief god in the Roman state religion as well. That does not make either the one true God! 

                Allah has one aspect or “nature”. He is the creator “God”. Thus, Muslims are monotheistic as are Christians but they are also non-Trinitarians. Allah’s identity is not of three aspects: Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Christian Doctrine is that Jesus is God incarnate, and that he was conceived by God’s Holy Spirit. That is not the character of Allah. ⁷²⁵ 

                Islam has its “Jesus”, called Isa in Arabic. However, Isa did not die on Calvary and neither was he resurrected. Therefore, Allah never died for anyone! He is an imposter God. This is not stated to offend but merely to point out doctrinal differences. 

                After the 9/11 attack, the “correct” thing to say even in Churches was, Islam is a peaceful religion. However, it is not, and never has been! Whereas, Christians use trust in Jesus’s death to proselytize, Islam is noted for conversion with the sword. The history of Islam is one of violence – conquering nations for Allah’s sake. Their goal is a worldwide caliphate with Sharia Law and the Islamic faith. (Much of this can be found in a careful reading of the Quran – their “bible”).

                To be fair, neither was Christianity, in its beginnings, a peaceful religion. The Hebrew religion was always Christ-focused. When God destroyed people’s in patriarchal days, it was all in preparation for the Messiah. However, God’s methods changed with His coming to earth. He came to provide “peace on earth and good will toward men”. ⁷²⁶ However, that peace had nothing to do with war! It was inner peace in man, and toward mankind. Thus, with the advent of the Messiah, Christianity changed drastically because God’s purpose had bene fulfilled – the seed of Israel was born as promised to Abraham in God’s covenant with him. 

                Muslims don’t like it but the promise was to Abraham through Jacob, not Ismael. Thus, Jesus is of Jacob (renamed Israel), and the Kingdom of David was the prosperity that Abraham was promised to grow God’s people. Indeed, the Jews are the chosen people even though anyone can be His peculiar people as was discussed earlier. Salvation was always for everyone, by grace, and through the blood of Jesus. That is “the mystery of God” of which Paul taught. ⁷²⁷ Thus, grace is for the Arabs as well. Islam hinders their conversion. Like the Jews when they killed God, Muslims know not what they do.

                Because of the Abrahamic Covenant there has always been war in the middle east. ⁷²⁸ War is about the ownership of the Holy Land. Thus, since Mohammad conceived Islam, there has been war between the Church and Islam, and between the Semitic cousins – the Arabs and the Jews. 

                Islam killed the Church in the middle east in he seventh century. I almost killed the Church in Europe in the eight-century until it was stopped by Charles Martel in the Battle of Tours in 732. ⁷²⁹

                Referring to Montefiore’s book again, ⁷²⁸ the reformation of the nation of Israel in 1948 accelerated the hatred and war between Islam and Judeo-Christians. It seems that God did not bring peace on earth! Did Scripture lie? ⁷³⁰ 

Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three.The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.

                Jesus did not come to stop war! It was peace within and to others. Jesus realized that his Doctrine was controversial. Peculiar people would cause distress in the world. There exists a new psychological dysfunction in the world since Jesus’s time. I have coined the term “christusphobia” – the fear of Christ!  Of course, people are to fear God. He is the Judge. However, because God judges people, because of their guilt, those not born-again fear Him. Christianity should not be feared. It is the religion of peace. Christ brought peace to the world and it’s there for the having! Why, then, the violence? Because of provocation. War has always in ancient times been about whose “god” is the most powerful. Even today, the war between Islam and Judeo-Christianity is about whose God is strongest and correct.  Islam’s Allah has always attempted to kill the Israelite God. Killing God means Jesus must be killed! 

                But Jesus already died! How can he be re-crucified? By denying that His death was efficacious – taking God’s Name… and death in vain. Islam doesn’t believe that Isa died on the cross. They demote him from Savior to prophet. Islam kills the idea of God. He is no longer Savior but only Creator, although it seems that the Creator would be Almighty enough to save!

                Islam’s mission is nearly accomplished. Although there is still violence which is overwhelming, their peaceful takeover seems to underwhelm. What is meant by that, is while the world looks keenly at terrorism, that is not the greatest danger; the peaceful acceptance of Islam is! The western world forgets their goal – a world wide caliphate with Sharia Law and Islamic religion. Islam is a real and present danger through their peaceful means. Socialism is their tool through progressive thought. Yes, progressivism with their magnified tolerance will lose our republic which Ben Franklin questioned whether it could be kept! ⁷³¹ 

                The Book of Revelation reveals that our republic will not be kept. There will be a global government with a religion which beheads those who do not take the mark of the beast. The leader, from the middle east, will proclaim himself God. According to Islam Isa will return with a vengeance. ⁷³² Isa’s identity is the Antichrist of Revelation. 

                Putting prophecies of the Quran, the Surat, and the Bible together, and examining Marxism’s Manifesto, the apocalypse seems clear. Operating as socialists, I believe that Islam will be established and grow for the first three-and-a-half years of the tribulation period. It will be looked on as kind and peaceful. However, it seems to me that the last three-and-a-half years will be severe Sharia Law which is as dogmatic, repressive, and cruel as communism. 

⁷¹⁷ I'm OK – You're OK;  First printing (U.S. Edition); Harris, Thomas A; July, 1973; paperback, 317 pages.

⁷¹⁸ Holy Bible; Mat 5:10.

⁷¹⁹ ibid; Mat 19:16-30; Mark 10:17:31; Luke 18:18-30.

⁷²⁰ ibid; Heb 13:5.

^{721 ibid} (KJV); 1 Pet 5:8-9.

⁷²² ibid; Rev 20:4.

⁷²³ Wikipedia; “Allah”.

⁷²⁴ Wikipedia; “Names of God in Islam”.

⁷²⁵ The Religions of the Ancient World; Rawlinson, George; Lovell, Coreyell and Company: New York; 1880.

⁷²⁶ Holy Bible; Luke 2:14. 

⁷²⁷ ibid; Col 1:27.

⁷²⁸ Jerusalem: The Biography; Montefiore; Simon Sebag; Vintage (reprint); Sept 18, 2012.

⁷²⁹ Wikipedia; “Battle of Tours”.

⁷³⁰ Holy Bible (KJV); Luke 12:51-53.

⁷³¹ Ben Franklin Quote to Mrs. Powell who asked what type of government they had.

⁷³² http://www.islamicity.org/5640/jesus-will-return/