Born Again Christians and Sin - Ron Graham - twotug@embarqmail.com 

“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” 1 John 1:8. Anyone who says they have not sinned is living a lie. In the verse above you must notice John adds himself into the mix of sinners. He says if we say we have no sin. “No” in the Greek is “ou” and is expressed absolutely, and emphatically. It’s as though the Apostle John has asked someone if he considers himself a sinner, and the answer has come back to John in the form of a resounding NO!

We deceive ourselves: Here again John adds himself into the fray in that he too would be leading himself astray if he were to claim he had no sin. We just aren’t grasping the truth if we claim to be sinless. John is addressing believers in Christ in his epistles therefore he is addressing me and you; as believers we will continue to sin until we are called home. If anyone tells you differently they are deceived.

“If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” 1 John 1:10. Again, we must first understand that John is addressing believers “In Christ” not the unsaved. Here in this verse John tells us if we claim we have not sinned we make Jesus Christ a liar. John tells us His (God's) word cannot be in someone who says they have never sinned, or even in those who claim now that they are saved they no longer sin. Again John places himself in the middle of this assertion by using the words “we” and “us”. It also means we can’t have God’s Holy Spirit in us if we claim a sinless life or a life of no more sin after we are born again. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9. Nowhere in the Bible are we told we will stop sinning once we’re saved.

“My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:” 1 John 2:1. Can you see what a contradiction this verse is when we neglect the exegeses of the scriptures? “My little children” is referring to born again believers and John wants us to fully understand that point. When we compare “That ye sin not” to the previous verse we can see John isn’t advocating sinning. He’s simply saying turn away from habitual sin. In other words don’t let our whole focus in life be on one big sin party without thought of the consequences. If that be your case, salvation has eluded you.

In the last part of First John chapter 2 verse 1, John states that if any man sins we have Christ as our advocate for our defense. In this same verse, “if any man sin” actually means “in case”. So if we interpret this verse correctly, what John is saying is when not if we sin we have an advocate which is Jesus Christ the righteous.

“He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” 1 John 2:1. Is it possible that John is saying in keeping Jesus’ commandments we will no longer sin? The Greek word “tēreō” represents our English phrase “keepeth”. The Greek word actually has many meanings but in this context John is speaking of those who “observe or take heed to” Jesus’ commandments. Since John previously addressed the fact that all believers sin, the answer to the question above is “No”. What he is saying is in observing Christ’s commandments we won’t live our lives in habitual sin. For example, living a lifestyle as a homosexual is habitual sin, as is living as an unmarried couple, or lying habitually. Once we become born again there will be a change that everyone who new us before our conversion will see. This change will reflect Christ as a definite positive part of our lives.

“I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake.” 1 John 2:12. This verse is wonderfully placed in this chapter and in context we are told that all believers are forgiven sinners. Something that many “In Christ” believers stumble with is the fact that they continue to sin even though they have been justified (saved). Condemnation reigns supreme in their lives. But Paul tells us “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Romans 8:1.

In the book of Romans chapter 7 Paul speaks about his childhood before he was taught the law “I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead.” Romans 7:7-8. Very young children don’t know what sin is until their parent’s teach them what constitutes sin and what doesn’t. That’s why parents must be responsible for explaining sin and its consequences to the children God has blessed them with.

In Jesus’ eyes the very young children are blameless. They aren’t corrupted by all the evil and sinful desires that adults are continually confronted with. Children see joy, happiness, and love in the simplest forms. But before we know it our children are at that age when they are accountable for their own sinful actions; if they aren’t taught Godly ways they will not see any sin in those actions.

In the following verses Paul addresses that age old conundrum, one that has continually plagued believers throughout the ages. Why do I continue to sin now that I’m born from above? Remember this, now that we are justified God sees us through His Son Jesus Christ and our sins past present and future are forgiven. Still, even though we are justified in God’s eyes (saved), we still sin. The Apostle Paul will explain why, “The law is good, then. The trouble is not with the law but with me, because I am sold into slavery, with sin as my master. I don't understand myself at all, for I really want to do what is right, but I don't do it. Instead, I do the very thing I hate. I know perfectly well that what I am doing is wrong, and my bad conscience shows that I agree that the law is good. But I can't help myself, because it is sin inside me that makes me do these evil things. I know I am rotten through and through so far as my old sinful nature is concerned. No matter which way I turn, I can't make myself do right. I want to, but I can't. When I want to do good, I don't. And when I try not to do wrong, I do it anyway. But if I am doing what I don't want to do, I am not really the one doing it; the sin within me is doing it. It seems to be a fact of life that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God's law with all my heart. But there is another law at work within me that is at war with my mind. This law wins the fight and makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin? Romans 7:14-24. (NLT)

Now read and understand Paul’s last words on this subject, and please, dwell on them. “I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin...” Romans 7:25 (KJV). I hope the readers of this commentary will understand why I’ve inserted the verses in the paragraph above using the New Living Translation. Many have a difficult time understanding Paul’s explanation about the nature of sin in Romans 7, especially when read in the KJV. So there is no lingering doubts, Paul, far into his ministry, states the obvious, we are all sinners and will remain so until glorification.

That’s why God had to die for His creation. There was no other way for us to be redeemed from this life of sin. Please don’t misunderstand, born again believers will grow to hate sin over time and they will be remorseful each time they fall back into temptation. Neither the Apostle John nor Paul is advocating sin. On the contrary, they are preaching against sin. Even though we remain slaves to sin, through our Christian maturity, our walk with the Lord Jesus Christ, we will begin to walk to the far side of sin.

One last point, for the believer who occasionally stumbles (that’s you and me), “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”1 John 1:9. This was written to born again believers in Christ, what an awesome promise.

God bless you all,

Ron Graham
twotug@embarqmail.com
KJV and NLT were used in compiling this commentary. Those of you who are KJ only, forgive me.
 

America’s Degeneracy is Flourishing - Ron Graham - twotug@embarqmail.com 

“Yet I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed: how then art thou turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto me?” Jeremiah 2:21. In this verse God is speaking to Israel through the prophet Jeremiah, but is He saying the same thing to the people of America today?

There can be no doubt that the U.S. is floundering. I don’t mean just financially, although that is certainly a very real concern. No, what I’m talking about is the moral and spiritual degeneracy currently permeating our land.

Down we go, down to new depths of depravity. Most people in America haven’t a clue of what’s just around the next bend in the river concerning this nation, still, to some it obvious. America is currently wallowing in total depravity, but too many Americans see only what they want to see. Instead of a united nation, America is horribly fragmented. Increasingly we’re seen as a populous of “What’s in it for me” and “The devil take ya” attitudes. Something’s rotten in America, people, and I don’t think it’s oily fish.

Since America has given God the boot, American’s no longer give God the glory as the provider of their needs. Being thankful for what they’ve received from God has become a foreign concept. Americans have kicked God out of every aspect of life, even many churches no longer allow Him in. Is there still a question in anyone’s mind as to why America is riding the toilet rim?

Because these days are filled with bad news and economic down turns people keep turning to one political figure after another as a cure-all to fix everything, Instead we should be turning to the only One whose great pleasure it is to heal and restore. This One is mankind’s Savior, Jesus the Christ. According to a recent poll taken in America approximately 80% of Americans profess they are Christian. If that be the case, then we need to ask ourselves two very serious questions: First why, if 80% of America is Christian is there a Muslim determining America’s fate? Second, as a nation that claims its foundation stone was the rock Jesus Christ, why have we done a 180 degree turn away from Him and His teachings? America would not be in the toilet today spiritually and morally if we hadn’t turned our backs on God some decades ago.

Since 80% of American’s claim they are Christians, it tells me many are either lying or they don’t really have a clue as to what it means to be born again. It’s impossible to be a Christian without being born again. A person can’t just claim to be Christian yet have no knowledge of what that designation entails. They can play Christian but we can all see where that gets us.

“Ye are the light of the world.” Matthew 5:14. God surely planted a noble vine when He planted America, a light to a lost world. But that once very influential light has diminished and is now in jeopardy of going completely dark. Many theologians say America never was a Christian nation, only that God, for a time in the past, could claim a much larger portion of the American populous as His children. After doing extensive research into America’s past I’ve come to the conclusion those theologians may be correct. I don’t doubt 80% of Americans claim to be Christian, but I do doubt their spiritual conversion. And it’s as plain as day as to why I have my doubts.

“Ye are the salt of the earth:” Matthew 5:13a. To be a Christian means we adhere, as best we can, to the percepts put forth in the Bible. In the past we made it known to the world that America was a nation of Christ’s followers. If Americans as a majority are Christian, then they certainly aren’t following the Bible as their guide to living that Christ filled life. “...but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.” Matthew 5:13b.

God gave us everything we need in His word, and by that I mean He’s given us His commandments which are to be our guide in all life’s endeavors. But how many of the American’s polled who make up that 80 percentile group above actually read and study their Bibles? Or for that matter, how many even believe the Bible to be God’s inerrant word? It’s only my educated guess, but I would guess that only a small minority of those who claim to be born again (Christian) actually study and believe what they learn from God’s word, and even less actually apply what they’ve learned to their lives.

If I’m correct in my assumption, then as a nation we’re in real trouble, and we have been for some time. Our Liberties, those basic freedoms most take for granted have begun to deteriorate and are in danger of reaching levels not previously seen on the US’s portion of this continent. For this reason, the scarcity of true born again believers in Christ, America may well be beyond help when it comes to re-establishing our once revered republic.

How did the United States of America ever go so long without slipping into a totalitarian run country before now you might ask? I believe the numbers of those who actually placed their faith and their lives in Christ’s hands and allowed Him to have dominion over all aspects concerning their lives as well as their families was at one time much higher than the artificially inflated numbers we see today. In years past there were many more truly born again Christians who stood firm on the morals and precepts proclaimed in God’s word. They are the ones who did the voting and they placed their vote for individuals who had morals and were of good character. This just is not the case today; morals of the majority of American government officials are at an all time low. If we are voting for these folks as Christians, we are voting with our eyes closed.

Morals and character are two forgotten godly characteristics relegated to a by-gone era. These two lost biblical concepts are no longer taught in our public schools nor, I would gather by the evidence, in most American homes today. America’s school children are now taught more about sex than any other subject previously taught in those once hallowed halls. Why? It is and has been the agenda with the sexual revolution crowd for many years. It’s the old “anything goes mindset” the current mantra is “Let’s get today’s children indoctrinated in all manner of sexual practices and perversions at the earliest of ages possible” (in Montana sex education now begins with kindergarteners).

At some point in the not so distant future Americans will be living in a society where everything goes and immorality will be overwhelmingly practiced. Promiscuity will no longer be taboo but demanded from every child and applauded when they’ve reached the pinnacle of sexual depravation. “But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!” Matthew 18:6, 7.

Evil is ever present, and when not held in check spreads like cancer. Who holds evil in check? Holy Spirit filled Christians. The degeneracy of America has been coming for some time now, which tells me Christianity has been diminishing right along. So when we read of polls taken proclaiming an 80 percentile range of Christians in this country know this, something is amiss.

With little or no moral or spiritual education as children, and even less discipline, crime flourishes in America. Thus the national crime rates are continually rising; hence America builds more prisons to accommodate the ever increasing criminal population.

A very real and current danger arising from an over taxed populous is that many local and state principalities can no longer afford to hold onto their prison population. For example, the duration of court assigned sentences are being drastically cut because of a lack of funding to increase the size of county jails and for the jailers who supervise the criminals. This carries over on a larger scale when related to state and federal prisons. So criminals are being released back into the unsuspecting law abiding population long before they’ve paid their debt to society and where they may, with impunity, continue their lives of crime. That old adage of “If you can’t do the time don’t do the crime” is no longer relevant.

So criminals are turned back out on the streets and it becomes a never ending cycle of crimes leading to more crimes leading to more regulations which also become just as impossible to enforce because of the lack of enforcers. And it’s all because America has turned from being a nation made up of moral Christ followers, to a majority of followers of the religion of secular humanism where anything goes. The truth of God’s word is no longer embraced but debased.

The fault for the flourishing degeneracy of America lies with all Americans, but even more so with those who profess to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. We allowed this evil to progress by what we allowed to be taught to our children in public schools. When our children, while attending public schools for twelve years, are taught that there is no God, that humans evolved from pond scum, and that our prehistoric ancestors were primates, we must expect and accept the consequences of those teachings.

Ultimately what happens to human beings indoctrinated with the lie of evolution, which is pure satanic, is a migration toward animalistic tendencies. Since those who are taught this lie are being convinced they evolved from an animal with no moral restrictions, they no longer perceive any moral absolutes, and the sky’s the limit when it comes to depravation.

When degeneracy is allowed to flourish in any society, all too soon that society will be transformed into a wasteland no longer fit for human occupancy. A nation that continues to loosen its morals and discards its character will, before long, end up as did the people that existed in the days of Noah just prior to the great deluge. And we all know what happened to those sick and depraved individuals, or do we? The Bible must be believed and interpreted literally to understand the account of Genesis 6 properly and to understand why God sent that worldwide flood. Those who don’t believe history, or who allow history to be changed to fit a more civil concept or even forgotten for that matter, are doomed to repeat it. “But as the days of Noe (Noah) were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” Matthew 24:37.

The key to a moral society is to live by God’s word. When His word is disparaged, or eliminated completely as it has been in our public school system, as well as in many homes in America, moral decay inevitably moves in. How can degeneracy and moral decay be abated? It can’t. At least not without God. Personally, I don’t see God being embraced by the majority of Americans any time soon.

America – 80% Christian? Not hardly. America – flourishing in degeneracy? Now we’re getting to the truth. America – willing to make changes and head back toward God? Not so you’d notice. America – a nation headed for self-destruction? Likely, very likely.

God save us from our own foolishness,

Ron Graham
twotug@embarqmail.com
All scripture is from the KJV
 

Where’s the Church -Ron Graham - twotug@embarqmail.com 

“After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.” Revelation 4:1. The Apostle John was given a special preview of future events as they would occur in Heaven. John wrote the book of Revelation approximately 2,000 years before the events he was allowed to see would actually occur. Our Lord Jesus Christ allowed this Apostle a very special gift and John wrote about all He saw as he gazed into the future.

The book of Revelation can be a little mysterious for believers who don’t understand what it’s all about. Many denominations just write this book off as allegory or dismiss it as past history with no bearing on the future of the Church. When I was first saved I asked my pastor about the book of Revelation hoping, as a new believer in Christ, to get some clarification about a book that had fascinated me for years, long before my becoming born again. I was seeking answers from a man who I presumed would be able to enlighten me as to the mysterious writings in that book; he had been a pastor for many years. His response to me was simple, “I don’t understand the book of Revelation therefore I just ignore it.” Consequently I never asked that man another question about the Bible and after a few more painful years at that church, my family and I left that non-denominational denomination. I went on to study my Bible and to place much emphasis on eschatology. I now understand the book of Revelation, and you can too.

There are 22 chapters in the book of Revelation, but after the first five chapters the only people who need concern themselves with the next 17 are those who will be left behind after the Rapture of the Church. Within the first three chapters Jesus addresses believers as well as others who think they are His followers but who are actually living a lie. As we can see from the verse above John is told to explain to all who will read this book of prophecy some of what Heaven is like and also who’s already there.

Remember, the voice which called to John in verse one above told him he would show John the things that must occur “hereafter”, in other words, things that must happen (in the future). John couldn’t have had any idea how far in the future this would occur, but he is sure of his location. He records the events as they occurred as the Holy Spirit directed.

“And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.” Revelation 4:2. John was in the spirit. Why? Because no sinful flesh can enter Heaven “...and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags...” Isaiah 64:6. Jesus Christ is in Heaven, and in the flesh, but He was and is sinless. His righteousness is perfect.

John was given an awesome gift as was the Apostle Paul; they were both given a glimpse of Heaven, an advance look if you will, into the Throne room of God Almighty. John goes on to explain what he saw there and his explanation is what assures all believers in Christ that they will not see the tribulation week unfold.

“And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.” Revelation 4:3. John was looking upon the Throne of God as God sat on His Throne. He uses the most descriptive terminology possible at that time to provide readers with understanding as he views God’s glory. John hands believers in Christ a most glorious insight into what awaits all those who place their trust, their faith, their lives in Christ’s hands, a peek at Who awaits us at the Throne of God.

John’s next view is quite significant for those who will be Raptured. “And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.” Revelation 4:4. The elders spoken of here by John are representative of Christ’s Church. This is where we who follow Jesus Christ realize that we are, at this point and from here on until sometime just after the end of the tribulation week, assembled before the Throne of God worshiping Him and giving Him all glory, honor and praise.

In Revelation 5:9-10, the twenty-four elders sing a song of praise to Jesus, and they cry out: “Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation. And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.” Revelation 5:9. In that passage, the twenty-four elders are clearly speaking as representatives of all God’s people, of the great company of the redeemed (Christ’s Church).

“The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” Revelation 4:10-11.

“The white robes and crowns of the elders seem to indicate that they are indeed human beings - in glory, of course. Angels are sometimes presented in white robes or garments (Mark 16:5; John 20:12; Acts 1:10), but saints also have white robes (Revelation 6:11; 7:9; 7:13-14) as a picture of their imputed righteousness (Isaiah 61:10; Revelation 3:5-18). However, we never see angels crowned, but believers are and will be (1 Corinthians 9:25; 2 Timothy 4:8; 1 Peter 5:4).

Therefore, redeemed, glorified man sits enthroned with Jesus, on lesser thrones, to be sure, but thrones none the less. We are joint heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17), and we will reign with Him (2 Timothy 2:12). John, through Jesus’ insistence, gives the Church a wonderful picture of the saints in Heaven, and kneeling before God, and recognizably way before the wrath of God is unleashed on a Christ rejecting world.” – David Guzik

“... four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb..., and hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.” Revelation 5:8, 10. At the end of the Great Tribulation the saints will return with Jesus Christ as He assumes His visible position as King and reigns over all of earth for 1,000 years. This is proof positive for all the scoffers and naysayers who reject the Rapture that the saints (those who belong to Jesus Christ) are in Heaven and that we are made kings and priests and that we will reign with Christ on earth. If we are to come back with our Lord to rule and reign with Him, at some point we must have left earth to be able to return to earth. Clearly, the Church will not be here during the seventieth week spoken of by Daniel the prophet.

From this point and throughout the remainder of the book of Revelation, the tribulation and the wrath of God is clearly portrayed with no further mention of the Church (the body of Christ) being on earth. The seven year tribulation week becomes the point where God once again turns His attention to Israel. Even though the majority of Jews are blinded to the truth of the Gospel during the first half of the tribulation week, at the 3 ½ year point of the tribulation week, when the anti-Christ introduces the abomination of desolation, we’re told that all remaining Jews on earth will be saved. And not only Jews but many gentiles will also come to faith in Christ during that final week.

The Bible clearly tells us that through Jesus Christ, and only through Him, can we ever expect to enter Heaven. John was a believer, a follower of Jesus Christ and he was allowed a trip to Heaven before his death. To be in the presence of God Almighty we must be purged of our sins. The only way to be purged of sins is to believe in Jesus Christ; to believe is to accept His truth and His Gospel through faith, faith in the fact that His sacrifice on that cross was to pay the price for the sin of the world, that all might be saved. The Bible is written to everyone and everyone can either accept it as truth or reject it as a fairy tale. Believing the Bible to be a fairy tale, though, doesn’t negate the fact that God’s word is true. Unbelief and the rejection of the truth will only act as a catalyst in the condemnation of that person.

Rejecting the Bible and thereby rejecting the Gospel of Jesus Christ will automatically place you or your loved ones in the next chapter of the book of Revelation. “And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see. And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.” Revelation 6:1-2. Enter the anti-Christ, not Jesus Christ, although Jesus Christ does return on a white horse in Revelation 19:11-16. This is not Him, this is a satanic dictator who imitates Jesus. He rules (a crown was given), he rules with a bow not a sword, and he exercises dominion over the earth (went out conquering and to conquer). But the results of his rule show that this is not the reign of Jesus Christ.

I think we can tell much about how a person understands the book of Revelation and God’s prophetic plan by seeing how they understand this first rider. Those who think Revelation is mostly a book of history believe that this rider is Jesus. Those who believe that this is a prophetic passage, yet to be fulfilled, mostly account this rider to be the antichrist. This final satanic dictator over men will be more terrible than all previous dictators. He will rule over men as a false Messiah, and lead man in organized rebellion against God.

This (anti-Christ) guy is going to demand everyone take his mark and worship him and if they don’t they will be killed (beheaded). From this point on the Revelation of Jesus Christ gets very disturbing, even gruesome. There won’t be any place to hide from the coming horrors, they will be worldwide, fierce to behold, and completely consuming in their vastness. No one on earth during this time will escape the tidal wave of tribulations. Those who miss the Rapture yet become believers during the tribulation week will fall prey to some of the horrors spoken of in those remaining chapters. Most will be martyred for their faith.

Only by becoming a born again believer in Christ now, before the Rapture, can we be assured of our non-involvement in all those horrors. The book of Revelation is God telling all who will read it that they will be blessed by it and that they should see their need for a savior and repent while there is still time. That’s the blessing. Read it for yourself and tell others to read it also. Keep in mind that you only have the first five chapters as a time frame for repentance and avoiding all those judgments which will ultimately prove God’s displeasure with those who’ve rejected His only begotten Son.

Those first five chapters of this awesome book speak of blessings, churches doing well and churches doing not so well, about things going on in Heaven, and about who is surrounding God’s throne. There’s no doubt about who’s there and who isn’t. Besides God Almighty, only angels and believers in Christ are there.

“...to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass...” Revelation 1:1. The word “shortly” in this verse means quickly or speedily. In other words, what John was about to witness were things that once they began their succession would bring quick and speedy results. Jesus said the signs we were to be watching for would come on this planet like a woman in labor (birth pangs). We are currently witnessing the beginning of many end times signs spoken of by our Lord Jesus. It seems, according to the book of Revelation, we’re now in the ninth month of labor.

Many will ignore the book of Revelation as my ex-pastor has. Many others will write it off as simply an allegory. Some will read it and dismiss it as having already taken place. God, on the other hand, is quite specific when it comes to this book and its wonderful blessing, and the future it holds. “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.” Revelation 1:3. Folks the time is at hand for the prophecies that have been spoken of.

The book of the Apocalypse is a book of prophecy in which we are given the events that lead up to Christ’s return. “Apokalypsis” in the Greek is transliterated Apocalypse, which is translated Revelation in English. Its meaning is more simple than what many perceive it to be. It literally means “uncovering, unveiling, revealing or laying bare a mystery, of things before unknown”. The book of Revelation was never meant to confuse or scare anyone away; on the contrary, it was written to benefit each and every believer in Christ and to open the eyes of the lost.

So, the question is, how will you respond to God’s blessing as it’s associated with reading this book concerning “things before unknown”?

God bless you all,

Ron Graham
twotug@embarqmail.com
All scripture is from the KJV
 

Wicked Ways – End Times -  Ron Graham - twotug@embarqmail.com

“...turn from their wicked ways...” 2 Chronicles 7:14.

To living men no time can be as solemn as "the living present," whatever its characteristics; and that solemnity is immensely deepened in an age of progress unparalleled in the history of the world. But the question arises whether these days of ours are momentous beyond comparison, by reason of their being in the strictest sense the last? Is the world's history about to close? The sands of its destiny, are they almost run out, and is the crash of all things near at hand?

Earnest thinkers will not allow the wild utterances of alarmists, or the vagaries of prophecy-mongers, to divert them from an inquiry at once so solemn and so reasonable. It is only the infidel who doubts that there is a destined limit to the course of "this present evil world." That God will one day put forth His power to ensure the triumph of the good, is in some sense a matter of course. The mystery of revelation is not that He will do this, but that He delays to do it. Judged by the public facts around us, He is an indifferent spectator of the unequal struggle between good and evil upon earth. – Sir Robert Anderson – The Coming Prince – 1841-1918.

Sir Robert Anderson wrote a book titled “The Coming Prince”, a must read for all believers in Christ. He was also the head of Scotland Yard and as such was fully aware of the evil of his time; he witnessed plenty of human depravity during his stint at Scotland Yard. Through his writings it can be seen that he too longed for Jesus’ soon return. Even in his day he knew that the earth was very close to its last day. He died in 1918 which was exactly 30 years before anyone would see Israel become a nation again. God did not allow Anderson to see Israel enter once again into the land He had promised them and become a full fledged sovereign nation. But just a few years after Anderson’s death a generation would be born that would see Israel re-established in their own land.

Jesus makes the following statement so everyone reading these scriptures would understand. “Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.” Matthew 24:34. Jesus is speaking of future events so the generation that would be witnesses to all the signs that He had just mentioned should be fully aware that all these thing will be fulfilled during the life span of that particular generation.

The disciples Jesus was addressing would not witness all those signs as they were going to occur long after they were gone. Of course, they didn’t know how many years would pass before this prophecy would be fulfilled. After all, they were still living in the land God had given them when Jesus spoke about the events that would unfold just prior to His second coming.

“When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)” Matthew 24:15. Jesus had earlier told His disciples that “There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.” Matthew 24:2. He was speaking of the destruction of the Jewish Temple, but then, after laying out some end times events, He tells them that when they see the abomination of desolation standing in the Holy of Holies they should flee, get out of Dodge so to speak. Clearly the Jewish Temple is standing again, and this time something even more horrible and evil was coming.

Some of Jesus’ disciples would live to see the temple destroyed and many Israelite people slaughtered and the rest scattered. But not one of them would ever see the abomination of desolation spoken of by Daniel come into view. Why? Because it would not happen for some 2,000 years further on into the future. But those Jews who remain in their self-imposed blindness will see this abomination take place.

The generation of Jews Jesus is speaking about will see the abomination of desolation standing in the Holy Place (the Holy of Holies) because they will be the last generation remaining just prior to and remaining through the Great Tribulation. The disciples asked Jesus what would be the signs of the last days and Jesus laid it all out for them. Those signs are obvious for us today, but those disciples asking for the signs can be very thankful they didn’t live to see what’s about to come down.

I believe when Jesus spoke of this particular generation He was referring to a full age span. According to national statistics a generation’s age span is approximately 70 years. More importantly according to God’s word we read “The days of our years are threescore years and ten...” Psalm 90:10a. So the generation that saw Israel reborn as a nation in 1948 is currently still with us. Some would be a little older than me. I was born 3 years after Israel became a nation but my sister who was born in 1944 could be considered a part of the generation that witnessed the most prophetic event of the 20th century. In the 21st century many of the folks of that generation are still here and will witness the biggest event since God entered His creation and became a man, the man Jesus Christ.

I’m not date setting I’m simply stating what the Bible plainly speaks of happening just before all these things (signs) occur. The 1940’s generation is just about out of here when we consider the average age span nowadays is 70 years. We can all agree that from 1948 to 2018 is a span of 70 years. 2018 is less than 8 years from now.

Could it be possible that 2018 just might be a very significant year prophetically speaking? I’m not referring to the Rapture. I believe in the doctrine of imminence when speaking about the Rapture of Christ’s Church. Therefore, clearly we can see that by all these calculations the Rapture could very well be on the cusp nearness wise.

Nobody can perfectly place a date on when the seven year tribulation period will begin and we don’t really need to. There’s no question that it will have a beginning and it will have an end which believers in Christ will never see. There’s also no question as to how soon it will occur. Why do I make such a blatant and outlandish statement? Because God Almighty told us, in His word, that when we begin to see these things we are to look up for our redemption draws nigh. I just read the news again and guess what? Sure enough, these things are beginning to unfold.

This commentary may seem to contain recurring themes similar to some of my past writings, but I believe as we draw closer to the end the importance of being observant and knowledgeable concerning prophecy is paramount for all those who are truly following Jesus Christ. Spiritually speaking, we all need to be on our toes. Anderson was convinced the end was near, and so it was. We on the other hand are so close now that the luxury of complacency should have been replaced with the anxiety of the moment.

Now, here’s why I’ve written this commentary. I see a major problem occurring today among those who profess to be followers of Jesus Christ. Many of God’s children are enticed with and even enjoying very wicked lifestyles. “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14. We should pay close attention to what God tells us.

The end is in sight, therefore shouldn’t we who are called by His name (Christians), be turning from our wicked ways? Let’s think about it for a minute. Have we? This time in which we live is certainly the last of the last days. Everyone who professes to be following the Lord Jesus Christ should be evaluating their lives and looking in the mirror to see who’s looking back. Is Jesus looking back at you and smiling that smile that says “Well done my good and faithful servant”? Or is the world looking back at you and whispering “You’re one of us”.

Wickedness abounds, just look at the news. It seems to me that Christians are somewhat responsible for this wicked and perverse generation. God tells us to turn from our wicked ways. We must pray and seek His face, realizing we are all just sinners. We must humble ourselves before our Great and Holy God. Then and only then will He hear us. The key word here, folks, is humble. Humble ourselves.

God gives us prophecy and as those prophecies are being fulfilled we need to open our eyes to the facts and not be afraid of them. In Daniel 9:2, Daniel was reading the prophecies of Jeremiah and he understood what was happening in God’s timing. He understood that the captivity was about to come to an end. As we read End Time prophecy we need to open our eyes to what is happening.

There are a lot of old time Bible teachers who have been at home with Jesus for a long time now and according to biblical prophecy they were way off base in their teachings. It was not their fault; God has opened up more for us to understand in these last days. Many prophetic scriptures remained hidden to the eyes of past Bible teachers. But now, in these last days, biblical prophecies are laid wide open for all who diligently seek to fully grasp.

The generation that witnessed the rebirth of the nation of Israel has not yet departed from the scene. The tentative end to that particular generation won’t come about until somewhere around the year 2018 (culminating in a 70 year lifespan). Then, of course, there’s the 7 year tribulation period that will immediately precede Jesus’ return. That tells us that perhaps the beginning of the tribulation week will fall sometime in 2011. Again, I’m not date setting, I’m only postulating a theory based on an exegesis reading of Scripture.

Then again, Jesus said “Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.” Luke 12:40. So if we think the above End Times scenario could not possibly be correct, then it might be.

God bless you all,

Ron Graham
twotug@embarqmail.com
All scripture is from the KJV
 

Wells without Water -  Ron Graham - twotug@embarqmail.com

“These are wells without water...” 2 Peter 2:17a. We have a well on our property which on the outside looks the same as most other wells these days. Our well is 518 feet deep, but on the outside it just looks like a pipe sticking out of the ground. Its job, of course, is the same as most other rural country wells, which is to draw water from an underground reservoir and move that water into our home. Many of you reading this commentary may have a very similar looking pipe sticking out of the ground in your yard. Though they may look the same from the outside, the question is, are they?

Our particular well has a problem down inside that deep hole where our transport pipe and pump reside. But only my wife, daughter, and I can see the problem. At times we see the water that comes from the tap as clouded and sometimes it is reddish brown in color. Outsiders who drive by can see our well and pump house but until they live in our home they will not discover for themselves the ugly truth about our drinking, bathing, and laundry water. But the most important thing about our well is that it contains an abundance of water.

In the verse cited above, the Apostle Peter addresses a problem that is occurring more and more as we move into the last days on this planet. That problem is false teachers, he refers to them as “wells without water”. Now there are wells, and there are wells, and what must be determined by the believer is which well are you hook up to. Unless you are aware of the lack of water in a well you might just be persuaded to latch onto one that’s completely empty.

False teachers may look and even sound the same as teachers who proclaim the truth, but inside they are only dry wells. Water being a metaphor for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is what Peter is speaking about. False teachers do not have the Holy Spirit of God, they are led by the enemy of God and therefore they are, as the Apostle Peter most appropriately states “wells without water”. A Holy Spirit filled teacher will not teach falsehoods. False teachers may proclaim a portion of truth in their teachings but they are all intertwined in deceptiveness, they are empty vessels.

“And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you… ” 2 Peter 2:3. These folks who profess a relationship with our Lord Jesus, yet have no water in their wells, are in virtually every case only in the ministry for what they can materialistically gain.

I know I’ve hit on this subject before and probably will again, but these false teachers are among us today, and in great numbers, which just proves the seriousness of the hour. There are false teachers currently proclaiming damnable heresies, and believers must acknowledge them as such. Their lies are exposed through our knowledge of scripture; in this way all the church can see and not be saddled with, nor lead astray by, their lies.

This particular chapter of Peter’s second epistle is not addressing the possibility of false teachers and false prophets coming among us. On the contrary, Peter is stating a fact, they are among us now. And they are in our Christian Churches doing their damage. Therefore Christians aren’t so much in the “be on the lookout” mode any longer; we are currently in the “damage control” mode. Soon and very soon if we don’t confront this evil we will be in the “run for your lives” mode.

“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies…” 2 Peter 2:1. Privily means secretive, but it isn’t that these liars teach in secret, it’s just that their agenda is cloaked in secrecy. Throughout the last 2,000 years, men and women have been tricked and swindled by these heretics. False teachers come and go but by-and-large we will never be without them. Many are here to reap a lifetime of earthly rewards and their consciences are seared with what’s in it for them attitudes.

Just by looking at the outside appearance of a water well isn’t enough to tell us anything about the capacity, efficiency, or lack of water in that well. If you are seeking a refreshing drink of water you’re not going to get it from a dry well. “Wells without water” (false teachers) are abundant, there may be one standing behind the pulpit at your local Church each Sunday, and I promise you they are great at extinguishing your spirit. On the other hand, only a Holy Spirit filled Bible teacher will work at satisfying your spirit’s thirst for the truth.

A huge red flag should go up for the true followers of Jesus Christ whenever someone claims Jesus is anything other than what He claims to be. Sadly, many are seduced into believing lies about Jesus even though they claim to follow Him. The Bible gives us the truth; all we must do is believe the Bible over men and women who continually teach lies. The only reason people follow a person who teaches a lie is because they neglect or reject their own Bibles. Here’s an example, many of these “wells without water” deny the deity of Christ. I’ve encountered many professing believers who blatantly deny Jesus Christ is God Almighty. A major heresy and a damnable one at that, yet they will follow the “wells without water” crowd blindly without ever looking to see if the Holy Spirit of God dwells in them.

“Just because a person has what appears to be a godly walk and relationship with Jesus Christ, they can still be bringing in destructive heresies. Often times, the worst damage is done by a good man who teaches lies. His lies are accepted far more easily because of the good character of the man.” –David Guzik

Our eyes are opened even more about these false teachers as Peter further explains that these “wells without water” are “…even denying the Lord that bought them”. 2 Peter 2:1. They, for all intents and purposes, look to be legitimate and truthful Bible teachers, saved and walking with the Lord, but they deny even “the Lord that brought them”.

I’ve been rebuked in the past by those who claim I’m being remiss in my duties as a watchman on the wall for not bringing into light the names of all those who are false teachers so the uninformed can know who they are. This is simply astonishing to me. How could I possibly name every false teacher out there? Besides, diligent Bible study habits aside, every born again believer “In Christ” is indwelt with the Holy Spirit of God. Thus the Holy Spirit directs us as to what is correct and truthful Bible teaching and what is false.

I’ve heard of many who might fall into the category of false teacher and false prophet, and yet I’ve not seen a need for myself to research them and their teachings. God will reveal their erroneous teachings, if indeed they are teaching erroneously, through His Holy Spirit to anyone who is seeking to know the truth. So, for the purpose of this commentary and many more I plan to write, I will leave the discernment of truthfulness up to all those who are indwelt with God’s Holy Spirit. These commentaries are written as a warning to you, as well as to the non-believers who choose to read them, to investigate the truthfulness, and whether there be water in the well of your favorite Bible teacher. Even non-believers will find the truth when they diligently seek it out.

We can expect a surge in heresy teaching and we are told that even many who’ve had occasion to hear the truth of the Gospel, as well as many professing Christians, will follow these heretics to their own destruction. “And many shall follow their pernicious ways;...” 2 Peter 2:2. Pernicious or destructive, no matter how you slice it they will all be damned to Hell because they chose to believe a false teacher who blasphemes and dishonors God’s Holy name.

“These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” Acts 17:11. We should all be just like those Bereans who would not just take Paul and Silas’ word for what the scriptures said, but they went to those very scriptures and read them themselves to see if what they were being taught was truth or lies, a practice we should all adhere to.

As Peter continues his 2nd Epistle he tells us of the harshness of the judgment that will befall false teachers. “…whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.” 2 Peter 2:3. You and I may see them prospering and becoming wealthier and much more affluent than we could even imagine. We may sit bewildered as to why they prosper as we watch them fill their bank accounts with all their treasures. But what God is doing behind the scenes is allowing them to heap up for themselves treasures here on earth, continuing in this same manner they will only cement their condemnation for eternity. Don’t envy these folks and their wealth for their end is destruction of the eternal kind.

Remember what Peter is telling us “These are wells without water...” 2 Peter 2:17a. The Holy Spirit is absent in the lives of these heretics. By deceiving the masses they have blasphemed God because they aren’t listening to His Holy Spirit. By not listening to His Holy Spirit and by falsifying His word they’ve condemned themselves. This condemnation is building to a crescendo that will result in the most horrible finale. And, as they continue and prosper more and more, one day their final reward will be realized, but it won’t be what they’ve been expecting.

The warning is to be sure you have the Holy Spirit residing in you and that you are in tune to His lead. This way you aren’t going to be drawn to the false teachings of the damned, Hell bound liars who only wish to prosper at your expense. Water wells are very similar in appearance, yet some are empty, devoid of water (the Holy Spirit). So the question remains, how’s the “Water” in your well?

God bless you all,

Ron Graham
twotug@embarqmail.com
All scripture is from the KJV

What Do We Say -  Ron Graham - twotug@embarqmail.com

“For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” John 3:17-18.

A friend’s mother passed away recently, and the lady was a devout Jehovah’s Witness. She might have lived but she refused a blood transfusion. Another friend of ours mentioned “Well, at least she’s in a better place” to which my wife gently responded, “I don’t think so”.

Should we lie to people and tell them that their loved ones are in Heaven even though they were devoted to following a cult built on lies? “I think God will take into consideration that she was a good person and went to church every week”. Oh, really? Not according to my Bible. I guess because the JW’s have re-written the bible to say what they want it to say, they’re okay salvation wise. As my wife so appropriately states, “I don’t think so”.

So, how do we contend with people who, as they are grieving, make statements such as “at least they’re in a better place”, when we know that the deceased did not believe in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord? Where do we draw the line when it comes to being sympathetic? Considering that it’s too late for the dearly departed to change their minds about their faith in Jesus Christ, will it do any good to be honest when addressing the loved ones left here and grieving? I believe it will.

Those of us who are left here after our loved ones pass away must still contend with our choice in regards to eternity. Our loved ones who have passed on are gone for good. There are no further choices for them to make. They either believed the truth of the Gospel or they believed a lie, of which there are many. Either way they can’t change their minds and choose to believe the truth after they’re dead and gone. Those loved ones who remain can still make the correct choice when lovingly confronted with the truth.

Many of those who are left here grieving are just as lost as the ones that traversed the dimension of death. And these lost people comfort themselves with the thought that their dearly departed are in a better place. Whether they believe that place to be Heaven or some made up after life existence, they are comforted by a false assumption; they believe everyone who did good in their lives goes to that “better place”. They know they’ve done plenty of good things themselves in this life and so they find solace in the belief that they will someday be reunited with their loved ones in that mythical afterlife they’ve invented.

There are believers who will not go to funerals of people they know had rejected Jesus Christ for their entire lives. They say it’s just too hard to sit there and listen to a pastor make claims of how good that person was in their life, and even though they weren’t saved “Surly they are with God”. Some will say “Who really knows how God saw that person? After all, who are we to judge a person’s salvation status?” They may have believed in God and even trusted in God to supply their needs and to heal their ills; they just couldn’t get around the idea of God dying for them on a cross.” And there’s the rub. They didn’t believe Jesus Christ was and is the Savior of the world; thus, according to the word of God they weren’t justified (saved) in God’s eyes. They’ve condemned themselves “because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God”. John 3:18b.

We can know God’s will regarding salvation. All we need to do is pick up a Bible (His word) and read it. But we must read God’s word not, man’s made up words. Think about it. Does God pull any punches in His word? I would say no. In the Gospel of John we read “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6. This is Jesus Christ speaking. Jesus Christ is God and as such He has the authority to make the statement in the verse above. He did this so everyone who follows a lie, a false gospel, a Christian cult, or any religion that teaches another way to the Father, would have no excuse when they die in their sins.

Why is it deemed cold hearted to tell someone the truth? Why should we remain silent? The one who died is gone and there’s nothing more we can do for them. But those who still remain must be told the truth so they can make an informed decision and hopefully one that would keep them from following a lost loved one to that same horrible eternal existence.

How do we know? How can we say for certain when a person passes on, if they passed on to Heaven or Hades? We aren’t God. We don’t make that decision, that’s God’s domain. A person might have had a change of mind within the last few seconds of their life, and just before they expired they might have said yes to Jesus Christ. Perhaps never verbally speaking the words out loud so family and friends would know they made that decision. Well certainly if they lived a life as a Christ rejecter and in those last few seconds silently changed their mind, only God would know that. But when a person lives their life as a devout member of a cult, and throughout that life they continually rejected the deity of Jesus Christ, then more than likely when they breathed their last breath they did so in that same frame of mind.

Either way the truth needs to be promoted. The loved ones who knew their dearly departed family member was never a follower of Jesus Christ wouldn’t know if they silently made a confession to God just before death and so they would need to be told that if they don’t want to suffer the same end as their loved one they must make a decision for Christ while they are still breathing.

If we tell people, or even agree with people, that their loved ones have gone to Heaven because they were a good person, even though we know they were devout in their cultic faith, or had no faith in Christ at all, we are leading them astray. We might just as well be telling them that there are many roads that lead to Heaven. In a way we are denying Christ by not speaking the truth. He gave His life to give us the only way to Heaven, but if we tell others that a “good person” who dies goes to Heaven even though they had not accepted Christ, we deny His sacrifice.

“...whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 10:33. When we keep silent we deny Him, when we agree with a falsehood such as many paths lead to Heaven, we deny His payment for our sins. Either way we’ve mislead the loved ones who remain.

So what do we do when we have loved ones who are thoroughly immersed in a cult or some other false religion? Do we keep peace in the family by remaining silent about the truth of the Gospel? How will remaining silent or even condoning a cult or a false religion help to bring a loved one out of that false, and very damning, teaching? If we love them we must tell them the truth. Even attending a religious function with loved ones who are in a cult at their place of worship should be avoided at all costs. Those who belong to a cult might perceive a nonexistent softening towards their false religion or worse, a condoning of their practices by those who join them even as spectators of their rituals.

Should “In Christ” believers bend over backwards to keep civility and peace in the family, a family which is separated by those who have turned away from the truth of Jesus Christ and embraced a lie? After all, they’re condemned to Hell. How does keeping the peace with these folks show our love for them, especially when we keep silent about the truth? The truth of the Gospel is the only truth with regards to salvation. Love means telling people the truth about Jesus so they will not follow all the Christ rejecters who went to Hades before them.

Let’s see what Jesus says about keeping peace in the family. “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.” Luke 12:51-53. Clearly Jesus knew that following Him would cause division even in the sanctity of our own families. But should we be deterred by this division? Absolutely not. We must continually and without hesitation remain faithful to Christ by contending for the faith.

Most would probably consider it common courtesy to avoid the subject about Heaven or Hell altogether at a nonbeliever’s funeral. After all, as long as we are saved that’s what matters, right? As born again believers we should all have a tremendous burden on our hearts concerning the lost. The lost who have passed on have reached a finality believers in Christ can do nothing about, but nothing is final when it comes to the lost loved ones who remain.

It is simple to stand on God’s truth. But if you don’t know where to find the answers to rebuttals and outright disparagements which will undoubtedly come from the lost, then you will probably just go along with their self affirmations of everyone goes to Heaven when they die. Jesus said “Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” Matthew 7:14. Here again Jesus makes it clear that there is only one way to Heaven and that is through Him and Him alone. He refers to Himself as the narrow way and few will find that way. And even fewer will find it if we keep silent.

“And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.” Luke 10:27. We’re commanded to love one another. If you love your neighbor as yourself you won’t just let them live a lie without explaining the truth to them.

Funerals are tough on the ones left here, but not on the one who departs. For the nonbeliever or cult follower who’s funeral we’ve just witnessed, Hell is their next destination and that’s the truth whether we want to admit it to the lost loved ones remaining at the funeral or not.

On the other hand, those lost folks who are left here in mourning, even though they are fully condemned to Hell, can still hear the truth from a believer and perhaps they will make a decision to accept Christ and avoid Hell. There’s no grey area when it comes to salvation, Heaven is only available to those who believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. There is no other option, there is no other way, “...for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12.

God bless you all,

Ron Graham
twotug@embarqmail.com
All scripture is from the KJV
 

Look Up - Ron Graham - twotug@embarqmail.com

“And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” Luke 21:28. It is my sincere hope and my fervent prayer that my brethren are all in the same frame of mind and that they are all, metaphorically speaking that is, looking up right now. We are so close to the return of Jesus Christ that many believers have moved into the position of being watchmen on the wall. The Israelites had their watchmen to sound the alarm when danger approached and the Christians today have their watchmen who are sounding alarms. Listen to the voices of those who are telling you to get ready for there is no doubt that we are on the very precipice of the Rapture of Christ’s Church.

Letters from my brethren are continually flowing in concerning the Rapture, and folks are now becoming concerned with the lateness of the hour. Obviously many are now seeing the signs which are beginning to make a real impression on us. Jesus spoke of signs as future history as He sat with His disciples. He fully explained the end times scenarios which were to unfold. We can read all about them in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21. As we read those chapters the light begins to shine on us. What do those chapters say to those who are watching and waiting? Read them and at the same time read current world events and you’ll come away thinking the Bible was written yesterday.

The signs Jesus addressed would begin gradually, and increasingly those very same signs would appear to be even more severe, ultimately bringing their frequency and severity to a raging crescendo of catastrophes. And what do we currently see unfolding before our very eyes? The beginning signs Jesus told us to watch and be mindful of. Remember, Jesus said that when they begin to appear “look up”.

Right now, and each day from here until the Rapture, the signs Jesus spoke about will become so numerous and intense that it will be impossible to keep up with these events as they rapidly unfold. We can see that we are currently standing just this side of the seven year tribulation period.

Speaking for myself, I can hardly wait to get up in the morning to see what has transpired overnight with my country and world events. I know the signs are emerging exactly as Jesus foretold. I’m not frightened by those signs, no, not at all. Instead I’m encouraged and even excited with each sign that unfolds. We, that is those who follow Jesus Christ, were given our history lesson in advance for one reason, so we would know how very close His return is and put forth a definitive cry of warning to those who are still lost.

As we watch world history unfold around us we are to prepare ourselves for the inevitable, “...then look up, and lift up your heads...” Luke 21:28. But more importantly we are to spread the Gospel of Christ as never before. We who are believers in Christ must not allow ourselves to be muted, but clearly and concisely speak the truth to all who are perishing.

So, what are the signs Jesus spoke about? Let’s take a look at a few of them, sign by sign. First of all we read “Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.” Luke 21:8. We’ve seen the damage wrought by those who’ve falsely declared that they are the Christ, and through their deceptive ways many have been led astray. Clearly not everyone has heeded Jesus’ words. We aren’t going to stop these deceptions from occurring but we need to be on guard, ever watchful, and ready to confront deceptions.

Secondly, we read “But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by.” Luke 21:9. Jesus basically tells us that these are non-signs. Not to get all worked up over rumors of wars and even full blown wars when they take place because they are ever constant and somewhat predicable, they’ve always been numerous as well as frequent, so essentially they’re non-signs.

In three of the Gospels, Matthew, Mark, and Luke, Jesus lays out a scenario that pretty much details the future of humankind. “Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake.” Luke 21:10-12. Surely we’ve all witnessed, either by reading about them or being there firsthand, great earthquakes in many different (divers) places. They are increasing in intensity and frequency, and apparently, according to many scientists, we haven’t seen anything yet.

All of the above mentioned signs Jesus prophesied are going to open up for many to behold in the last days, but for the believer in Christ we will only see the beginnings of these signs “And when these things begin to come to pass...” Luke 21:28. “Begin” is the key word here; believers won’t be on earth for the brunt of the action.

Nation against nation, kingdom against kingdom, this too is currently in the making and can be somewhat unnerving as we read about all the saber rattling. And Israel is constantly being blamed for every little skirmish. One of these days, and very soon I’m afraid, either North Korea or Iran will push the rest of the world into another world war.

Certainly, we are currently witnessing around the globe and within the boundaries of many nations, turmoil, nation against nation, their own citizenry rebelling and fighting in the streets, many are being slain and many more are being injured, and for what? Because their governments, in many cases, have cut back on the handouts people were accustomed to receiving. It takes money and lots of it to withstand the turmoil besetting the world, and this world’s economy is very much at risk of failing. The US economy is teetering on a knife edge; watch for the turmoil of aggressive demonstrations beginning to occur here in the states in the not so distant future.

The unrest now surrounding Israel due to the flotilla incident is a worldwide phenomenon; the hatred is obvious in practically every nation. We are seeing the stage being set for the prophetic war of Psalm 83. This unrest will continue and worsen as the days progress. Most of Israel’s enemy’s are arming themselves to the hilt. They have one purpose in mind, one agenda, and that is the annihilation of Israel. Their only reason for living is to eliminate Zionism from the face of this planet. God says in His word to pray for the peace of Israel and we should be doing so daily. But we also know that God’s hand is upon Israel and He will not allow the annihilation of His chosen people no matter how many come against her.

“Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem. And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.” Zechariah 12:2, 3. The scriptures are clear, and they point out that every nation will come against Israel and that God will destroy them. Seemingly, since all nations wish to curse Israel and to do so without fear of God’s retribution, believers should be keenly aware of just what’s around the corner. Every nation is going to be in that mindset of destroying Israel; clearly those who faithfully follow the Savior of the world should be looking up.

Earthquakes, pestilences, fearful sights, great signs from heaven will only be as a prelude for those of us who are in Christ to be witness to. But for those folks who remain on earth after the Rapture, they will witness the full force of all those prophetic catastrophes.

Besides all the news on the national and world fronts which clearly indicate the last days are upon us and that we should be “looking up”, there’s a strange spiritual, supernatural side unraveling before us. Jesus also tells us of a great apostasy (falling away from the faith) in the last days. This phenomenon is quite pervasive. How do I know? By the many letters I receive concerning the inability of many believers to find a Christ centered, Bible believing congregation where they can attend worship services. I can tell you all, that the apostasy Jesus speaks about has now infiltrated many a Christian Church worldwide.

When these things begin to come to pass? My brethren, they’ve begun. Interestingly, an unthinkable event occurs in the 8th chapter of the book of Revelation which may give us reason to pause and reflect as we read “And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood; And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed.” Revelation 8:8-9. I wonder if that mountain could be a mountain of oil seeping from a broken pipe out in the Gulf of Mexico. Could this catastrophe be a prelude to fulfilling Revelation 8? We’re told by the scientists observing the leakage that the oil under the water now resembles huge plumes, kind of like mountains, and the US coast guard is using fire to disperse that oil. Certainly a catastrophic event is unfolding before our eyes. Just my thoughts.

At any rate our days on planet earth are clearly numbered. As such, those of us who are diligently following our Lord Jesus Christ and His commandments should be in the midst of the unsaved sharing the Gospel of Christ with them, praying for the ones we’ve spoken to who are fence setting, and looking up intently as our “redemption draweth” so very close.

God bless you all,

Ron Graham
twotug@embarqmail.com
All scripture is from the KJV
 

“Good Luck” - Ron Graham - twotug@embarqmail.com

“And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” Genesis 2:7. Both the Old and New Testaments make it clear that God created everything we see including people. It wasn’t “luck” that brought about the human race. All through God’s word nothing is left to chance.

I suppose everyone has heard the phrase “good luck” and even used such a phrase themselves, I know I have. Repeating the phrase “good luck” has become a habit with most folks and habits are hard to break, but I’m trying.

Where in the world did such a phrase come from? Another similar expression is “by chance”. Some say it came from Shakespeare’s “The Merry Wives of Windsor”. Regardless of where the phrase came from, its inception has its roots in paganism.

It’s uncanny how commonplace it’s now become to wish good luck on another person. I can understand the lost of this world expressing themselves in this fashion because they either don’t believe in God or they don’t understand the foolishness of such statements. The question is why Christian believers, in many instances, express themselves as the pagans do when they know there is no such thing as luck or chance? Those of us who know and believe God’s word know that only through our God is it possible to receive blessings of goodness. Wishing someone luck, whether good or bad, has no place in a believer’s vocabulary.

“Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.” Psalm 90:2. Luck is nonexistent. Luck in any form is not of God. We don’t get lucky. The dictionary describes luck as “success that seems to happen by chance”. Good luck, good fortune, chance, bad luck, these are all derived from a pagan mindset. In paganism God is replaced by a lucky set of circumstances. Yet true Christians know nothing happens by chance. This is how the whole idea of evolution got started and promoted to the extent that it is today. People are overwhelmingly inclined to believe in chance because they’ve been so programmed.

Those of us who believe in an awesome God who created the universe and everything in it know that chance does not happen. Everything we know and see was predetermined before the foundation of the world. Jesus knew before the foundation of the world that He would die for His creation and He knew how He would die. Imagine knowing something as horrible as exactly how He would die and living with that knowledge, as Christ did, all the while watching His creation continually rebel and grow farther removed from Him with every passing day. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8.

God knew His creation would need a Savior so all mankind could be reconciled to Him. Human beings were at one time in a right and loving relationship with their Creator, but mankind rebelled against their Creator thus ending the awesome relationship which began in the Garden of Eden. Mankind could never expect to get “lucky” and obtain a reconciled relationship with God without God’s intervention. Luck had nothing to do with what Jesus did for us.

It’s interesting how many words are associated with luck, even a word like providence which is usually associated with God, is a synonym for luck in the dictionary. Divine providence is not luck, but again we have been programmed to associate luck with God. Yet luck plays no part in God’s economy. “When the boughs thereof are withered, they shall be broken off: the women come, and set them on fire: for it is a people of no understanding: therefore he that made them will not have mercy on them, and he that formed them will shew them no favour.” Isaiah 27:11. Believing in luck or chance will play a very distinct role in the lives of the lost and the consequences of such belief will be severe.

Those of us who are born again need to be mindful of using the word “luck” or even the phrase “by chance”. Anytime we use the word luck to describe an emotion, or any other word that relies on chance, we’ve just eliminated God. When believers, in Christ, invoke the word luck in their conversations instead of the truth, God is quietly but instantaneously relegated to a position not at all becoming of who He is. Why do we do this? Our witness becomes ineffectual each time we rely on the word luck as a form of expression especially if used during witnessing. Christians can’t even bless one another when the word luck materializes in their conversations.

“God bless you” is the response we who are “In Christ” believers should practice and be unafraid to proclaim. Even when speaking to unbelievers “God bless you” is much more significant and effectual than the phrase “good luck”. Saying God bless you to a non-believer will embed that phrase in their minds. We may get laughed at or hear snickers behind our backs, possibly even ridiculed, mocked and scorned, but it may take nothing more than a simple God bless you to jar those who do the ridiculing into hearing the Holy Spirit.

I’ve watched some older movies in the past, English and Irish and such, and have noticed in some of those movies when a character enters a house he/she announces themselves by saying “God bless all here”. I thought this was a great way to begin a conversation. Can you imagine entering a home and wishing everyone there good luck. It just doesn’t compute.

“I went fishing the other day and caught a big one; man did I get lucky”. No you were blessed. That fish was just another of God’s many blessings which pagans refer to as luck. How often do we take the honor and glory from God when we insert the word luck into our conversations? How often is God marginalized by the vocabulary of His own children? Think about it.

“Lucky you!” No, God blessed you. Why is that such a hard statement to make? If there is no such thing as luck, then there is no occasion to insert that word into our vocabulary. Everyone knows leprechauns are fictitious so how would it sound if we gave leprechauns the glory for all our blessings? “The leprechauns gave me good fortune”. How would God look upon His creation as they insult Him with such a statement? Yet we do exactly that with every utterance of “good luck”.

“The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors. As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.” Proverbs 26:10-11. People will travel miles out of their way to reach a place known as a gambling casino, they park their cars and their brains outside, and as they enter that establishment they are completely reliant on the pagan idea of luck to win money. Luck is what gambling is all about. Yet, if luck is nonexistent then why do some win at gambling? “...for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” Matthew 5:45. God’s ways are far above man’s ways. Why He allows some to win at gambling and others to lose is beyond me. But I can tell you this, if you come out ahead at gambling it’s because God blessed you, God gets the glory, not luck. Statistics prove beyond the shadow of a doubt that losing is the order of the day for the huge majority of those who submit to such temptations. Why? Because God knows and you know that there are much better ways to use your funds than to throw them away at a gaming table.

Somehow the word luck wormed its way into the vocabulary of the human race. I believe it is satanic and should be avoided with extreme tenacity. Satan wants us to believe in luck and by doing so he’s eliminating God from our lives. If everything that happens to us is pure luck then God had nothing to do with any part of our lives, thus He doesn’t exist. This has been Satan’s plan from the beginning. Get as many as possible to believe that lie and they will forget all about God, which is exactly what we see being promoted around the world.

In its past, England once had a bustling Christian culture. Currently though Christian’s make up approximately 2 percent of England’s total population (that statistic can be found on numerous sits on the internet). Why has this phenomenon occurred in England? Because God’s enemy and ours corrupted that island by convincing that population that chance had occurred billions of years ago and that God was not involved. Sadly, every nation on earth is now headed in that same direction, away from Christianity and fully embracing luck and chance.

Although America was founded on Christian principles, that foundation has been eroded through the teaching of evolution “chance”. Everything we see happened by “chance” and we are very “lucky” to even be here after evolving out of pond scum. God? What God? Chance and luck is our god.

The big bang theory can be explained thusly: At first there was nothing, and then it exploded. We sure are lucky to have been in the path of that explosion so earth could evolve and life could appear on this meager planet, and all because of an explosion out of nothing. Never mind that scientists know that we live on a knife edge; with the slightest variation in atmosphere or temperatures life could not have come about or currently exist. But the Bible fully explains how this all came about, and it could only have been created by an all powerful God.

According to resources I’ve read lately, most secular scientists don’t even believe in evolution yet they refuse to admit it in any public setting because most scientists derive their livelihoods from secular government funding. Apparently they would rather remain in their sins and not be accountable to God. Evolutionary “chance” is now looked upon as fact and taught as such in our public schools, as well as in most schools around the globe. Most people will attribute evolution to the “luck of the draw” instead of believing a loving and most merciful God could have created everything just with the power of His word.

Nothing creates nothing, just try adding 0+0 any way you want, you will still have nothing in the end. Life, planets, or even the universe could not come about without information, and only God can supply information. Thus, only God creates. God is responsible for life on this planet; it was not luck stirring a pot of pond scum that brought about life. “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” Genesis 1:1. In the very first verse of the Bible we see nothing left to chance or luck. God gave Moses the words to the first five books of the Bible so we who would follow would have the truth about creation at our fingertips and nothing would be left to chance.

I think by now everyone can see that placing ones faith in luck has had a devastating influence on planet earth. Satan planned his strategy prior to the fall of man and he has been hard at promoting his agenda for the last six thousand years. But God has His own agenda, and of course it includes Satan and all who follow him. They are those who will one day be the recipients of God’s judgment. Nothing lucky about that.

Jesus Christ is our Creator God and our Savior. All who choose to believe in and follow Him will have everlasting life. All who follow Satan’s luck will have everlasting damnation. So the question is, do you still feel lucky or blessed?

God bless you all,

Ron Graham
twotug@embarqmail.com
All scripture is from the KJV
 

That’s Offensive - Ron Graham - twotug@embarqmail.com

“Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.” 1 Peter 2:7-8.

“You can’t draw that, that’s offensive”. These were the words that a thirteen year old student in California heard a few days ago from her teacher. The student had drawn a picture of the American flag with the words “God bless America” inscribed on the flag. For this she was singled out and told her project was offensive. Then the teacher went on to praise another student who had drawn a picture of Obama. This is just a very small sampling of what’s happening across this nation.

Socialism is now the new flavor in America. We now see public school teachers promoting and indoctrinating our children into this new socialistic, godless, false utopian society, and our government leaders are consumed with promoting the same failed concept. It’s now an offense to be patriotic in America. And what’s much worse is that it is now considered almost criminal to publicly demonstrate a love for God.

“Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God,” 1 Corinthians 10:32. Those of us who follow Jesus Christ and promote His Gospel have no desire to offend anyone. The Gospel of Christ is a take it or leave it reality. Most believers who are actually witnessing to others prepare themselves for the rejection of the Gospel. We can tell someone about Jesus and if during the conversation they make it plain they are not interested or they seem to be getting agitated we can excuse ourselves and move on. We don’t brow beat people into submission or attack them because they aren’t inclined to partake of the truth. We simply change the subject or stop talking all together.

It’s true that lost people have no problem with being offensive around Christians or even singling out Christians for abuse. We are ridiculed and even condemned by those who hate God. Even ending a conversation with “God bless you” is an offense to those who are perishing. The young girl mentioned above was simply expressing her patriotism and love for God which is a Constitutionally protected right. It seems America’s founding fathers were offensive by placing such high esteem on what they believed to be God given rights. At least that teacher thought so. Oh yea, and for those who think the separation of Church and state has anything to do with the U.S. Constitution it doesn’t. There’s no such thing as “the separation of Church and state” written into the founding fathers documents as they established this country as a sovereign, godly nation. But there is something called the Bill of Rights which says Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech..., and so on. “The free exercise thereof” is the same as saying if you are in a classroom in America and you wish to exercise your Constitutional right to express your love for God and country you may do so unimpeded.

So what’s changed in the Constitution to allow a teacher to prohibit students “the free exercise thereof”? The Constitution of the United States of America has not changed, but we the people have placed ungodly leaders in control of our government and as such we are reaping what we have sown. God has been replaced with the religion of humanism. And this unholy saga continues as these misguided souls attempt to rid this nation of all vestiges of that old antiquated belief which emphatically maintains there is a God.

First, they change our laws. How can they get away with that, you might ask? Through evil deceptions they get themselves elected to the highest office in the land, the Presidency of the United States of America, then they proceed to fill all the cabinet posts associated with that office with Marxists and Communists. They infiltrate Congress through similar deceptions until they dominate that once revered and stately body. Then they place into the highest courts of the land those individuals who have no use for God. This will, in turn, give rise to new and devilishly thought-out rulings that will far and above favor humanism, socialism, and ultimately communism over anything that might be based on faith in the one true God of the Bible. After a few years of these socialistic, humanistic, Marxists leaders lording over the masses, most of America will become painfully aware that their “inalienable rights” have dried up and blown away.

Socialism is alive and thriving in America my friends and we now sit on the very precipice of evil completely consuming our national government and taking over our beloved country. We aren’t just slightly moving in that direction, the guy that occupies the Oval Office has placed America on the fast track to becoming a dictatorial and completely socialistic entity.

Recently it’s been revealed that any mention of God by students will be harshly dealt with. Wearing the American flag on your person is also becoming a crime in the godless halls of academia. But there’s a time coming, and is almost here, when one certain word will get you thrown into jail quicker then oil leaking out of a pipe in the gulf, that word is “Jesus” the name above all names. Unless of course you use the Lord’s name as a swear word then of course you’ll be excused.

Letters come in all the time rebuking me for my stance on our current leadership’s regime. They try to tell me that this is all biblical and that we need to just accept it as the inevitable. God places who He wills into the offices of government and we aren’t to question His motives or His plans. We are just to accept everything as from God no matter how bad and evil our government becomes. If that’s our destiny, so be it.

Of course in some respects I’m inclined to agree with them. When they point out that God has a plan and He is in control, of that I have no doubt. But, God in His word never tells us to simply give up our liberties or to stop standing up for righteousness. After all, our liberties are all God endowed. I must conclude from the letters that I receive that God has now taken those liberties back which He had graciously bestowed on this great nation over the past 234 years. Now with the establishment of our new socialist government firmly entrenched we are to just be passive and patient and take whatever is thrown at us as being from God? I don’t think so. You see, God establishes governments and places people in its leadership to run those governments as God wills. Let’s be honest, does anyone reading this commentary believe that America’s current leadership regime is in any way following God’s precepts or God’s will for the American people, or more specifically for His own Children?

The answer to that question is yes if we believe God is punishing America for her failure to follow His precepts, for giving Him the boot as it were. But that would mean that God is punishing the righteous along with the unrighteous. His word plainly states this will not be the case. But on the other hand could it be that our leaders are not following God’s precepts and His will for this land? I’m much more inclined to believe the latter.

“Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes!” Matthew 18:7. By referring to God as offensive those who make such claims are only condemning themselves. When Jesus uses the word “Woe” He is denouncing something, and in this instance He is actually judging those who bring offenses against God or against His children. If they only understood what they were doing they would be terrified to be in that position of denouncement. Alas, understanding is far from the minds of those who call God offensive.

Do I see any turnaround of our current rush toward socialism or communism or even Sharia Law? No. Wow, that’s depressing. Yes it is and we who follow Jesus Christ can plainly see where such a government made up of socialist Marxists will lead. Christians will be targeted as haters and dissenters, and will be seen as the enemy. If we become critical of the abuses which will certainly be manifest by the state we will feel the hand of persecution upon our backsides.

I’ve been accused of creating an atmosphere of fear among believers with some of my previous commentaries. I’m sure this one will fall right in line with the rest. It has not been my intention in the least to promote fear or be divisive. On the contrary, what I’ve been trying to induce is not panic or fear but the recognition of a new direction, a new and different playing arena if you will, in which our government leaders wish to lead us into a new and glorious utopian world where we will all live in harmony and peace. But knowing the word of God we can see that this is only an attempt by the enemy of God to move gullible people away from our Lord.

What does the Bible say about peace on earth? Only when Jesus Christ returns and makes an end of wars and eliminates the persistent evil will there be peace, one thousand years of it. Until then, while we have breath we are to be His mouthpiece, His disciples, His saints promoting His Gospel and telling everyone we can about His love for them. It’s not going to be easy from here on out, but that is partially our own fault. In many ways we believers in Christ have dropped the ball. It’s up to followers of Jesus Christ to pick it up again.

I believe there are some who’ve been called to be watchmen on the wall, and as such we watchmen will inevitably be singled out as the worst of the haters. There are many men and women who are courageously standing up for Jesus Christ and His Gospel and who will be the first to witness the strong arm of this new socialistic government.

Offensive people are going to increase and they will stand against us as we go about our Fathers business. That’s okay. We are told not to fear but to be of good cheer. “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33. Our peace is in Christ and we will never despair as long as we place our trust in Jesus Christ, and keep Him in our hearts.

Believe me when I tell you there will soon come a time when someone will say to you, “That’s offensive to me” and all you will have done is mention the name of Jesus our Savior to them. But do not fear what man will do to you for being a follower of Jesus Christ. Actually those who persecute us are the ones who need to be fearful. “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matthew 10:28.

If the world sees us as offensive for speaking the truth of Jesus Christ, that’s a good thing. It’s those who call themselves Christians but who are thoroughly engulfed in the world and never mention His name that I’m concerned about. Where do you stand?

God bless you all,

Ron Graham
twotug@embarqmail.com
All scripture is from the KJV
 

Doctrines of Demons - Ron Graham - twotug@embarqmail.com

“Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons,” 1 Timothy 4:1. Basically, doctrine is teaching or giving instruction, and in certain cases it wholly conforms to a teacher’s accumulated knowledge. Whether or not that knowledge is correct and biblical is for the student to ascertain. (Acts 17:11) Some, in the latter times, will depart from the faith. Why? Keep reading.

When it comes to our Bibles there are basically two doctrines available to all humanity: God’s doctrines or precepts, and man’s interpretations of God’s doctrines and precepts. Throughout history, man in many cases has made it clear that he believes he is wiser than God. Whenever this insanity occurs, he inevitably changes God’s doctrines to fit his own ideas. Then he goes a step further and he instructs others in the doctrine he has invented. Of course, man’s truth, when derived from demons, will always be contradictory of God’s truth.

The men who intrude into God’s sphere of truth with the express desire to change God’s word are only following the lead of a demon. Since the beginning of time man has disparaged God’s word, usurped God’s authority, and supplanted God’s truth and God’s will for his own. Man has been attempting to replace God for thousands of years. Man has relentlessly pursued teaching the simple minded how to think. There can be no doubt that behind every divergence from the truth is a demon orchestrating and choreographing man’s every step.

The list of doctrines of demons is long and, in the minds of those who follow such tripe, distinguished. Every misguided approach to God’s word, which ultimately leads people away from Jesus Christ, is a doctrine that can be laid in the lap of a demon. “They even sacrificed their sons And their daughters to demons,” Psalm 106:37. Throughout the Bible we can read how man has been enthralled by demons (devils in the KJV). Even to the point that they were convinced sacrificing their children to a demon was a positive thing. That’s called abortion today.

What is it that gives rise to the doctrines of demons which are responsible for leading man astray? “For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe.” 1 Timothy 4:10. God our Savior? Paul, in his writing to Timothy, is making the statement that Jesus Christ is the living God. But if you talk to some of the followers of the different Christian cults and false religions they will profess no belief in Jesus Christ as God, some believe Jesus is God’s son, yes, but not God Almighty. This denial of the deity of Jesus Christ is a doctrine of demons which has been taught throughout the last two thousand years. Moreover, that teaching is growing and becoming quite the pervasive teaching today.

“I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8. Here Jesus Himself is speaking. Jesus states quite emphatically that He is the Almighty. The Greek word used here is “pantokrator” and can also be translated Omnipotent. We know only God Almighty is Omnipotent.

Doctrines that teach Jesus is not God will have profound consequences on the people who follow and believe such teaching as truth. The Jehovah’s Witnesses are a good example of this demonic doctrine. Suffice it to say every doctrine that denies Christ as the Savior of the world, or that places Him in a subordinate position such as that of some kind of lesser god, is demonic. The JW’s wrote a book that counters the Bible. Why? Because of the demonic influence that took up residence in that organization as anti-Christ. They flat out deny that Jesus Christ is God. “...even now are there many antichrists;...” 1 John 2:18. There are many more anti-Christ and Christian cults’ fully established and operating openly professing to be true Christian believers, but in all actuality they are all condemned because they follow the doctrine of demons.

Then there are the doctrines that teach falsely that one can only be saved if one is baptized, or a member a particular church, or that one must speak in tongues, or worship only on Saturday, or pray for Mary’s intervention in their lives, or that one can lose their salvation. This list goes on and on, men promoting their own erroneous Bible interpretations as the truth even though the Bible, God’s inerrant word, teaches quite the opposite. They are demonic doctrines instituted to add to or even take away from the finished work of Jesus Christ.

Anything that man does to add to the sufficiency of the work that Jesus Christ fully accomplished on the cross is a doctrine of demons. The Bible is clear on that point, and adding to or taking away from the propitiation of Christ for the sin of the world is evil and demonic to say the least. False teachers are teaching what a demon has taught them.

Be assured even the demons know the scriptures and those who follow false doctrines will never hear the whole truth. They will only be taught a portion of truth and a whole plethora of lies so that the demons can hold sway over the biblical illiterate. Many people simply refuse to search the scriptures to ascertain whether or not they are being lied to. This is a very dangerous path to take. It would be akin to crossing a ravine which drops a thousand feet to the bottom by walking across on a tightrope of knitting yarn. Foolish to say the least yet many are currently standing on that very yarn (pun intended).

I continually receive letters from folks who quote scripture and then proceed to give me the translation of a scripture verse or verses which are completely out of context and therefore quite wrong. The Bible does not contradict its self but it must be studied exegesis. Most of these folks will quote a person who has been their Bible teacher for years. If a Bible teacher starts off with a wrong interpretation of scripture and after many years in the ministry hasn’t made a correcting adjustment to their erroneous teaching they’re still wrong. All those years of teaching doesn’t make them right, it only makes them followers of demonic doctrines. Simply put, they can’t see the truth because they are blinded by the lies they themselves have been taught. All attributed to demons.

People are being led down that primrose path that leads to their destruction all because they follow the teachings of an individual or cult/false religion that is ordained of demons. Today demonic doctrines are infiltrating and taking over our Christian churches like wild fire. The airwaves are full of doctrines of devils and even the most subtle of messages that seem so innocent and true can be doctrines designed by the enemy to corrupt and lead people astray.

A perfect example of “Doctrines of Demons” are the proponents of the feel good preaching techniques, and the prosperity gospel’s get rich schemes which come from those whose purpose is self gain. They are many and they are demonic as are the emergent movement and those who promote contemplative spirituality.

If a pastor stands before a congregation week in and week out and only speaks of God as love, never venturing into the realm of God’s judgment, then that pastor is thoroughly neglecting those tough, sometimes evil, churned up waters of sin where we find most people actually live. He would be a pastor who resides only within the boundaries of political correctness; his congregation isn’t being taught the whole council of God.

If lost folks only hear messages which peacefully tickle their ears sure they’re going to return for more tickling, but they will never become convicted of their sins. But let that pastor place them in the middle of their sin and he’ll be assured of a mass exodus.

The truth hurts; lost people don’t want to hear the truth. Think about it, they’ve been inundated with lies for so long they’ve grown accustomed to accepting lies as truth. An ear tickled congregation having been saturated with warm fuzzies might even revolt against a pastor who suddenly drops the doctrines of demons and reverts to God’s truth while delivering his weekly message. Then again some might just get saved.

Our enemy (Satan) doesn’t want his followers to hear the truth so he has devised a message that, if used by enough Bible teachers and pastors, will keep those who belong to him from ever becoming born again. Remember, Satan will lead you as close as possible to the truth without losing you to salvation. Once a person is born from God and they become a new creation “In Christ”, Satan loses. Satan doesn’t like losing and he will not go down without a fight.

“Christians aren’t perfect just forgiven”. But the crux of the matter is, to become a born again believer people must be convicted of their sin. That’s basically the first step. If that conviction is never forthcoming then repentance will also remain a nonevent. Doctrines of demons will see to that.

How do we stave off the influence of doctrines of demons? We must know God’s word. Did you get that? Let me reiterate, we must know God’s word. Not just a superficial knowledge of our Bible, but a solid understanding gained through Christ centered Bible teachings and much fervent prayer. God will give the diligent Bible studier all the discernment necessary to obtain a firm foundation and to proceed through life with understanding on how to avoid the doctrines of demons. Without that God given foundation there’s no telling what doctrines one might follow, Mormon, JW’s, Islam, Catholicism and the rest – doctrines of demons the lot.

Erroneous teachings and doctrines spread like the plague and after a while people will begin to see and perceive truth in a bald-faced lie. This is very dangerous and a perfect example of how cults are started, as well as how they flourish.

God tells us how to go about studying His word and even how to teach it to others. “Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:” Isaiah 28:9-10. Go through the Bible line upon line and study God’s word like you’re eternal life depended on it. Why? Because it does. Use a concordance and look up any word that may be difficult for you to grasp. Look up the Greek words that stump you in a “Vines Expository Dictionary of New Testament words”. Search your concordance as the Old Testament brings forth words you may find confusing. Our God is not a God of confusion so there is always an answer. There are so many ways to learn God’s word today that a true believer is without excuse. Following the many doctrines of demons can be avoided with just a little due diligence and prayer.

If you follow demonic teaching it is to your own peril. A born again believer will do everything possible to find out if what they are being taught from the pulpit or from a Bible teacher is the truth as God has designated it, or if they are following doctrines of devils. Which is it with you?

God bless you all,

Ron Graham
twotug@embarqmail.com
Both the KJV and the NKJV Bible translations were used in compiling this commentary
 

Second Chances - Ron Graham - twotug@embarqmail.com

“...they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12.

Are there second chances in life? Absolutely. Second chances are available for just about every aspect of life. Our God is a God of second chances, and third and forth and on they go. “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9. This verse is indeed encouraging, and rightfully so.

“Longsuffering is that quality of self-restraint in the face of provocation which does not hastily retaliate or promptly punish; it is the opposite of anger, and is associated with mercy, and is used of God.” – Vines Expository Dictionary.

That’s our God, longsuffering; even though we at times are quite rebellious He’s loving and patient, full of grace and mercy to us-ward. But the question is, will God be patient forever? Many have heard the Gospel of Christ, and cannot make up their minds whether or not the Christian life is for them. Still others simply rejected it. Either way, knowingly or not, these folks are relying on God’s longsuffering and patience.

“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:” 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4. Just so we are all clear on what the Gospel of Christ is, I just played a trick on all those reading this commentary who claim they’ve never received the Gospel. You just did. Now we can move on.

Those who hear (or read) the Gospel and yet choose to put off their decision for Christ while they wallow in their desired sin just a tad longer are playing with fire. Those who’ve just outright rejected Jesus Christ haven’t a clue as to what they are playing at. Why? Time is the procrastinators Achilles heel. “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.” Romans 13:11.

You say you want to wait until after the Rapture of the Church, if there is such a thing, to say yes to Jesus Christ? The word of God says not to delay, but when we hear the Gospel message we are to repent of our sins.

With all the signs of the times currently exploding onto the scene, and knowing what the Bible says about the end times believers in Christ know God is on the cusp of ending His self imposed longsuffering. If this is so, what happens to second chances then?

We all make mistakes, and oh how great it is when we are given a second chance; a chance to right the wrong we’ve committed. I’m sure everyone reading this commentary has had occasion when they can remember being afforded a second chance, perhaps even more than once. There will come a time though when all God’s second chances will end.

The Holy Spirit of God works in mysterious ways, ways we cannot comprehend. He works ever diligently, never tiring, pointing everyone to Jesus Christ. But there comes a time when the continual in His face rejection of the truth moves the Holy Spirit away from that soul. When a person hardens their heart to the extreme against God there’s a point of finality when the Holy Spirit ceases His work. Then those poor misguided souls are left to their own destruction.

People, for the most part, don’t understand God and His far reaching love for His creation. Where you and I might have given up on a person, believing them to be a lost cause, God sees far past our perceptions of who’s a lost cause and who’s not. A terrible place for any human to be though is in that place where the Holy Spirit finally decides enough is enough. I’d like to say that this just isn’t the case, but the Bible says differently.

“…because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved... That they all might be damned” 2 Thessalonians 2:10b & 12. This means they were offered the truth by the Holy Spirit of God, and that God was patient with them to a point you and I would consider extreme, and yet they continued in their rejection of God’s only begotten Son.

The Gospel of Christ has been preached around the world and, for the most part, in every language. So for the majority of earth’s human population the Gospel of Christ is a fairy tale. This rejection God calls blasphemy. These folks fall into a category for which this commentary was written. They are those who’ve rejected the truth of the Gospel, who have rejected the Holy Spirit’s convicting messages. This is essentially calling the Holy Spirit a liar, which is the blasphemy God speaks about and a condition, if not corrected, that will condemn the blasphemer to Hell “…because they receive not the love of the truth…” (v.10).

I’ve often been asked if, after the Rapture of Christ’s Church, people continue to be afforded salvation. The answer is yes. The 144,000 Jews for example (12,000 from each of the 12 tribes of Israel) will be saved and will be witnesses for Christ and spreading His Gospel everywhere during the Great Tribulation. Many more will be saved because of the efforts of these and others. Yet we read, “... for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:” 2 Thessalonians 2:11. What cause? They rejected the love of the truth. Recognizing the truth during the Great Tribulation for those who’ve rejected it for years will be very difficult, if not impossible. And by the way, if you’ve heard the Gospel and are still fence setting that would be the same as rejecting the love of the truth.

So what happens to second chances after the Rapture? God tells us that because of the strong delusion He will send them they will believe the lie. Who? Our current world of Christ rejecters. Why? Because they were given chance after chance after chance to believe the truth, yet they rejected God’s truth at every turn. Harsh punishment from a loving God? Not at all. These are the folks who took pleasure in unrighteousness and hardened their hearts against their God.

So why believe a lie instead of the truth? What could that strong delusion consist of that would be so appealing? The Vines Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words tells us that it’s a fraud. We all know how frauds operate, always lying, working feverishly at their craft of deception convincing the simple minded that they have the truth. Frauds are appealing, that’s how they deceive. People are easily deceived when they are ignorant of the truth.

“Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,” 2 Thessalonians 2:9. This strong delusion, this fraud, this anti-Christ, with all his lying signs and wonders will take many gullible people with him to Hell.

There will be folks who come to Christ during the Tribulation’s seven year duration, I’m not disputing that fact, but here’s the rub, many more will not be saved, and they will not be saved because of the condition of their hearts now. God’s strong delusion being placed on earth will be the stumbling block that keeps many from salvation.

Completely rejecting Christ now, before the Rapture, will lead multitudes to commit a horrible mistake during the tribulation period. God’s not going to make it easy on those who’ve called His Holy Spirit a liar and rejected His only begotten Son. A lifetime of rejecting the truth is a good indication of who will believe the lie.

“That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” 2 Thessalonians 2:12. Those who fall for this delusional lie condemn themselves to Hell. Why? Because they took pleasure in unrighteousness instead of rejecting unrighteousness and accepting the truth. That damnation comes as a result of their own foolish choice. Hardening ones heart against God means one accepts the enemy’s lies as truth.

Those of you who have been assured that salvation will still be possible during the seven year Tribulation may want to re-evaluate that assurance and your stance on God’s free gift of salvation now, this side of the Rapture. There’s nothing standing in your way of believing the truth while there is still time. God has made His free gift of salvation accessible and easily acceptable, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved,” Acts 16:30b-31a. God offers His free gift of salvation universally to all. The truth is, waiting for another day to accept God’s gift of salvation is pushing foolishness to the extreme.

So many people have been lied to for so long about what it means to be born again, that people shy away from asking for forgiveness and repenting of their sins. Many have heard the Gospel and liked what they’ve heard, but they feel it would be impossible to ever stop sinning. So they wait until they, through their own self will, can stop this sinfulness they’re obsessed with. But in all actuality the opposite is true – repent and ask for forgiveness now and the sinning will decrease. People need to be educated in this truth by all who preach and teach God’s word.

All believers are sinners and will remain so until death or the Rapture. Even though a person is born again, born from God, they never stop sinning. But they are forgiven and that is the key. Forgiveness only comes through repentance of sins and by believing in Jesus Christ. Waiting to say yes to Christ and His Gospel after being given truth is akin to sitting at a bus station and waiting for a bus you know has already come and gone. Foolishness.

Today many pastors and Bible teachers teach that sin is completely abated when we become born again. That is a completely erroneous fabrication and blatant corruption of the truth. The Apostle John addresses that very subject in his first epistle.

“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” 1 John 1:8-10. Here John is speaking to believers. How do I know? Go to the next chapter of First John “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:” 1 John 2:1. Here John addresses those he’s writing to as “My little children” He uses this phrase in conjunction with believers and no one else.

When we read First John chapter 2 verse 1 it is obvious that he’s telling us to “sin not”. Clearly he wants us to be mindful of our nature to sin and to turn against that nature. Then John states this most telling verse, “And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:” (v10). Another way to translate this word “if” from the Greek is “in case”, in case anyone sin. That tells us that Jesus stands with us as our advocate with the Father in case we sin. Clearly the Holy Spirit would not have had John include the above verse in his epistle to the saints if there was no further sinning after conversion.

God is a God of second chances; this is what John addresses in this epistle. This is what needs to be taught even to non-believers as we witness to them, even to those who are continually sitting on the fence. They need to know that as a believer in Christ they will occasionally sin while residing on this side of eternity. But their sins will, over time, diminish. As a matter-of-fact they will begin to hate the sin and remorse will ultimately set in each time they sin.

All our friends and family members, who fall into this category of fence-sitter or of those who completely reject the truth of the Gospel, need to realize that after the Rapture salvation will be much more difficult to obtain because of the strong delusion God is going to place on all who’ve rejected His Son. It is pure foolishness to put off the decision to become a born again believer in Christ hopping God will give you one last future chance.

If you’re still a fence sitter it’s time to take that leap of faith, all second chances are about to reach their finale. Say yes to Jesus Christ, right now, please don’t wait any longer, the end is in sight, Jesus is at the door, planet earth is sitting late in her last hour. There will be no second chances once your residence is Hell, and one way or the other, believer in Christ or Christ rejecter, everyone lives forever, the only question remaining is which eternal destination have you chosen?

God bless you all,

Ron Graham
twotug@embarqmail.com
All scripture is from the KJV
 

Space – The Final Frontier - Ron Graham - twotug@embarqmail.com

“Have ye not known? have ye not heard? hath it not been told you from the beginning? have ye not understood from the foundations of the earth? It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in:” Isaiah 40:21-22.

I know mankind, for the most part, doesn’t consider the Bible as truth, but simply an antiquated book filled with myths and legends all contrived by men with an agenda. And that fact in and of itself is becoming more and more apparent even throughout the evangelical community. So what is the basis for truth if not God’s word? Is it man’s knowledge now seen as truth based on fabricated evidence, changing almost daily, which most of humanity has been inundated with for the past few hundred years? Why is it that even many believers today find it so difficult, if not impossible, to believe every word that proceeds from the mouth of our God?

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” 2 Timothy 3:16. There should be no doubt in a believer’s mind of the validity of scripture. Alas, that is not the case. Like I said, even many Christian believers would rather believe man over God. I know this for a fact because I’ve spoken with them.

God’s word, in relationship with those He has made new creations “in Christ”, is to be trusted implicitly. The plain fact is the Bible is God’s truth, period. You either believe His word or you believe man, there is no in between area to where one might reside and feel vindicated. “Well I believe the Bible is God’s word, but I believe He’s speaking in allegories and metaphors.” NO, you believe man over God.

Scientists would have us all believe that the edge of the universe is billions of light years away, which means that by traveling at the speed of light man wouldn’t reach the edge of the universe for at least 18 billion years. I submit to all those enthralled by man’s fabrications that the heavens are simply rolled out as a scroll just as the Bible states. I’ll even take it a step further and say that all we humans see in the night sky, as far as deep space is concerned, is only a wonderful holograph, an illusion if you will. Well, my theory is no more farfetched than that of the proponents of billions of years.

Is God sitting on the circle of the earth? God encompasses all things, and as such He is as likely to be setting on the circle of the earth as He is dwelling in the very heart of every believer. There is nothing outside of the realm of possibilities for God. It’s only man who attempts to constrains God.

What amazes me about God is that God is thoroughly amazing. God’s intellect is so far above man’s that man has had to lower God down a few trillion notches as he tries to explain God, who is unexplainable. Man, in all his acquired knowledge, will never even come close to remotely comprehending just the minutest aspect of who God is.

We’re told by the scientists that there are trillions of stars out there in that huge expanse of space, God tells us that for man they innumerable. Interestingly, God has counted them all and even given each star a name. “He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names.” Psalm 147:4. That’s right, He calls them all by name; He even knows your name and every little detail of your life.

Man cannot possibly get his finite mind around that concept so he’s had to make up his own idea of what the universe is all about. To man, the size of the universe is only conjecture; no human being could possibly know what was involved in creating such an expanse or what holds it all together. God tells us He rolled the heavens out like a scroll, scientists tell us it all occurred with a big bang. God was there in the beginning, where were the scientists?

All of man’s obvious conjectures are only useful for one thing, to take man’s mind off his final destination. Man’s final frontier is not space as most astronomers, and scientists sucked into the lie of evolution, promote with all tenacity. Obviously man is preoccupied with space and all its seemingly endless vastness. But where does that preoccupation lead? As man speculates more and more about what lies impossibly out of his reach (space), he loses sight of his Creator who’s standing right next to him.

Man, in his lifetime, will never physically reach destinations that he has placed at light years distances out into space. To travel to Proxima Centauri, our closest neighboring star apart from our own sun, would take 4.22 light years; a person would need to travel at the speed of light to reach that destination. No human being could live through traveling at the speed of light.

Telescopes have afforded some interesting looks at our nearest neighboring planets and even exciting views of deep space, but that’s all it will ever be; anything more is simply conjecture on man’s part. But if we read God’s word we learn a lot about the truth of what the Heavens are all about, they make a declaration.

“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.” Psalm 19:1-3. God’s glory is declared to all who look to the skies. It’s His handiwork that man sees as he gazes into space. God is everywhere and there isn’t one single word that is uttered by man that He does not hear.

When man proclaims there is no God and decides to exalt himself above God and His word, God is painfully aware of man’s ignorance and rejection. He hears every word spoken and knows every thought that’s thought before we think it. He understands every language, fluently. Especially hurtful to God is when God sees His children (believers in Christ) accepting man’s explanation over His of how everything was created.

The stars and planets and all the expanse of the heavens are God’s domain. Man was never meant to travail the vastness of space, nor were we to eliminate God from an arena that declares His glory. There is nothing out in deep space that man must be preoccupied with to the exclusion of God. God tells us to look to the skies for signs. God has placed everything we see in the night’s sky for His glory not ours.

Astrology is a satanic corruption of what God has purposely designed into the heavens. These signs are there solely to assist man in seeking the truth. God gave man every opportunity to fully grasp the knowledge of who He is while establishing a foundation for our faith. There’s nothing evil about looking to the stars for pictures of the Gospel, such as the Mazzaroth indicates, but there are huge problems with contriving the things associated with the stars which the new age astrologists promote.

Looking to the cosmos as man’s final frontier is a satanic deception. Man’s final frontier is eternity and there are only two locations for man to consider. Ultimately man will end up in one or the other. And no matter what, man must choose which one to occupy. Sending men and women to the moon or to a docking station out in space is a huge waste of taxpayer funds and there is a bigger need for those funds right here on earth.

When we gaze at the night sky with a telescope we are defeating God’s purpose. We don’t need a telescope to gaze into space; we can take in all God’s signs with the naked eye. The signs are plastered across the expanse not in just one star.

“And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:” Genesis 1:14. We’ve just read God’s purpose for placing the lights in the firmament of heaven. Believing God placed everything exactly where it is should bring peace to every believer. Knowing there is no space that God does not occupy should be a joy and wonderfully comforting for those of us who are born again; only the nonbeliever remains perplexed by the vastness of the universe.

“All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.” John 1:3. Jesus Christ is who the Apostle John is speaking about as he refers to Jesus as the Word, or in the original Greek language the “Logos”. Our Creator God is none other than Jesus Christ the only begotten of the Father.

“For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” Colossians 1:16-17. Here Paul also refers to Jesus Christ as being the Creator of all things.

Conjecture about the stars and the planets, and galaxies far far away, has led men to write incredible stories of fiction, jam packed with mind boggling, phenomenal adventures as well as incredible strange creatures from other planets which has created much wealth for those in the book writing/movie making business. All of which are only fanciful tales created out of the minds of men who for the most part have no use for God.

God’s word tells us the reason for all the stars in the heavens; they are for signs and for seasons, lights for illumination. The Christian Gospel is there in all its glory to be seen by all who have eyes to see. But the enemy of God has perverted that vastness and turned it instead into a wasteland of astrological nonsense, the only purpose being to create a void in men’s minds and hearts where God should be. What do you see when you look to the stars? God or satanic deceptions.

The cosmos is not man’s last exploration, nor is it his final frontier – man’s final frontier will ultimately be his final destination. That old antiquated, but completely true book, the Bible, tells us so. What we all need to ask ourselves is which final destination do we chose? Heaven or Hell. Belief in Jesus Christ means you’ve chosen Heaven over Hell. By believing there is no God your choice has also been made and Hell will be your final frontier.

So, who ya gonna believe?

God bless you all,

Ron Graham
twotug@embarqmail.com
All scripture is from the KJV
 

Three Step Process - Ron Graham - twotug@embarqmail.com

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” Romans 10:9. There is a three step process which all believers in Christ will ultimately traverse; two of those steps come after salvation. Many believe salvation is all there is, but not so, in all actuality salvation only begins the process.

Justification or salvation – is the act of God declaring men free from guilt and acceptable to him. When we first believe we become justified in God’s sight. Believing in the selfless act of the only begotten Son of God, Jesus Christ, who died for the sin of the world. Jesus is the propitiation for our sins.

The Bible teaches that only by the death of a perfect man, God Himself, could man ever hope to be justified. God had to place Himself in the role of Kinsmen Redeemer, as such He became the propitiation for mans rebellion. For this reason Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son, became a human with flesh and bones, to be the perfect sacrifice for sin and make atonement or “propitiation” for the entire world.

When we place our faith and our trust in Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord, in the blink of an eye we are born again, which means we are justified. It’s not difficult, or painful, or even costly. And God wants all to come to this realization, to believe, and by doing so to become His children (sons of God).

When we first believe we go through what is commonly known as a change of mind. This new mindset leads us away from our past reprobate life. The question that many ask is: “Is a person completely saved at the point when they first believe?” My answer is this, if that person truly believed in Christ’s atoning sacrifice on the cross and humbly confessed to God that they recognize that they are a sinner, then yes they are completely saved at the point when they first believed. “...no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.” 1 Corinthians 12:3b. It’s the Holy Spirit which always points to Jesus Christ and convicts the lost of their need for a savior. When we confess that Jesus is Lord it’s only by the Holy Spirit that that confession is possible.

Reading the account in Matthew 13 concerning the parable of the sower gives us an answer to the question above. The first soil that Jesus speaks of refers to those who hear the word of truth but don’t understand it. Those who fall into that category, or soil, make no commitment to Christ and have no revelation that they are sinners, they make no profession of faith in Christ, they do not refer to Jesus Christ as Lord, consequently there’s no repentance of sin. They’re not saved. This, by the way, is a weekly occurrence in our Christian Churches today. Many hear the message but never respond.

Once we become born again it’s not difficult to see a part of ourselves represented in all four soils (which should actually be the parable of the grounds). All believers spend a little time in all four soils.

Like the wayside, sometimes even believers allow the word no room in our lives. Studying God’s word becomes a chore and ultimately is relegated to an insignificant position in the believer’s life. Neglect Bible study and face a lack of understanding which can lead a Christian into defeatism.

Like the stony places, we sometimes have "hot flashes" of enthusiasm in receiving the word but which is quickly extinguished. The enemy takes away our joy and before long we can become apathetic even lethargic towards our faith.

Like the soil among thorns, the world is constantly threatening to choke out God’s word and our fruitfulness. The cares of living in the world becomes so burdensome that believers begin to get discouraged, or disillusioned. Our positive Christ-like attitude becomes diminished. God’s word takes another negative hit.

Like the good ground, the word becomes very important and we begin to bear fruit. Finally we get it. This new revelation leads to an aggressive pursuit of God’s will for our lives, and Bible study becomes a pleasure as God opens up more and more of its meanings to us.

Truly a believers security can be found in the following verse “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,” Ephesians 1:13. God has just made us a promise that none of us can deny. Once we believe and trust in Jesus Christ we are sealed with His Holy Spirit, which is a God sealed promise that cannot be removed, ever, by anyone or anything. Justification is complete.

Sanctification – looking at each one of the soils in Jesus’ parable as I’ve just pointed out indicates God’s participation in the three step process. This Godly involvement is referred to as sanctification. Believers go through all sorts of ups and downs and occasionally we might fall down some rather slippery slopes. But God is always there to lift us back up and give us His assurance that He will never leave us or forsake us. This is the ongoing process of sanctification, God initiated, God fulfilling, lifelong work of God in every believers life.

When I first accepted the Lord Jesus as my Savior and was baptized I felt nothing had changed in my life. Oh sure I went around bragging that I had been baptized all the while thinking that that experience was the pinnacle of my salvation and that I was now a member of some elite group. It wasn’t until a few years later that I realized I had actually been re-born, and knew precisely what that meant. I was a new creation “In Christ”. When that realization hit me, like a ton of bricks, I knew I was saved, (justified in God’s eyes). Before that I continually had doubts. And prior to coming to that understanding of my eternal security I made little or no effort to live my life differently than before I made my confession of faith, or at least I thought I hadn’t. But looking back I see God was and is totally involved in every aspect of my then, as well as now, new life in Christ.

What I’m saying is God takes control once we become new creations in Christ. Our eternal security is God’s responsibility. His hand is what moves us from the very beginning of our new life in Christ through that process of changing us into the exact image of His Son. We actually progress in our walk with Christ, through God’s intervention, right up to the point in time when we leave planet earth for our heavenly home.

There are, on occasion, times when we will look at another person with wonderment as to their position in that three step process. We may not see any fruit in another’s life. We can’t really see what God is doing in that person’s life, can we? Remember, God is in control of the sanctification process, not us. Each person is different and each person comes to an awareness of the undeniable importance of salvation (justification) at different levels of that sanctification. Eventually the fruit that comes after being saved will appear in every true born again believer’s life. If they are not really born again the fruit will never materialize, at least not until they make that true profession of faith.

If a person tells me they are born again, that they believe Jesus Christ is Lord, that they believe His Gospel, then that is good enough for me. Like I’ve already mentioned, the Apostle Paul tells us that it’s only through the Holy Spirit that we are able even to confess such a belief. Each believer is in God’s hands, as such, He is responsible for keeping each one saved, not me or my perception of another’s salvation.

Many people get confused when it comes to these two concepts, born again and fellowship with God. Two entirely different perceptions but they go hand in hand. We all want to be in fellowship with God but each time we sin we are removed from that fellowship until we repent. There are many very adept Bible teachers who are still confused in this regard. Being born again is not an on again off again state in a person’s life. Sin is an on again off again part of every born again believer’s life. Fellowship with God, as much as we’d like to think otherwise, is an on again off again relationship because of sin.

Justification – done deal once we become born from above, from God. Sanctification – ongoing for the remainder of our lives, this is God’s exclusive domain.

Glorification – this is the last part of this three part process. Glorification occurs at the moment a believer in Christ dies. “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.” Romans 8:16-17. We are called joint heirs of the Kingdom of God with Christ. Suffering is a part of being children of God. Even though our flesh may not want anything to do with any type of suffering, sooner or later suffering for Christ will become apparent.

Suffering for Christ is only a natural progression of things, like death and taxes. This will become even more evident as we get even closer to Christ’s return. For many around this planet suffering for Christ is nothing new. “Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.” James 5:10. It’s important to remember we will be glorified with Christ at our immediate release of these earthly vessels. If we must endure a little suffering along that journey, then rejoice knowing you suffer for Christ.

Glorification, being the final stage coming just after death, should be looked forward to with a high degree of anticipation. While we’re alive, we go about our Fathers business, witnessing, and spreading the good news of Jesus Christ, but we are also eagerly but patiently anticipating our Savior’s imamate return.

There’s even a crown righteousness tied to that anticipation. “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:8. This crown of righteousness is given to all who love the idea of Jesus’ soon arrival.

When we go home to be with the Lord, at some point just after that homecoming we will receive our glorified bodies. And like Jesus after His resurrection, we too will have the ability to traverse all the different dimensions without hindrances.

“We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:8. It won’t be long now. Keep looking up.

God bless your all,

Ron Graham
twotug@embarqmail.com
All scripture is from the KJV
 

Christian Hate - Ron Graham - twotug@embarqmail.com

“These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.” Proverbs 6:16 – 19.

Human beings commit the aforementioned abominations all the time. They are nothing new, neither to man nor to God. The writer of the above proverb makes it abundantly clear that God is not at all pleased with these seven weaknesses attributed to us humans. Quite matter-of-factly we’re told God hates them. Strong word hate, especially when attributed to a loving and merciful God. We might be confused after reading such an account about God our Savior; it just doesn’t seem to fit who He is. God hates? I’m perplexed. Yet most Christians know that God’s word is true, and as such we can, and should, realize He does hate all He considers abominations.

Equally puzzling for the non-believer that is, is a reaction of hate or even borderline hate from a follower of Jesus Christ. The analysis of a Christian’s hateful attitude by nonbelievers whenever they encounter said hateful Christian would be one that would most assuredly condemn the whole of Christendom.

Christians should also find all that God refers to as abominations just as offensive even admitting to “hating” all that God abhors. But never are we to hate the people whose lives are consumed with committing these abominations. An attitude of hate displayed by a believer in Christ would certainly be offensive to God.

Was there ever a time during Jesus’ ministry when He exhibited hatred toward another person? What about Jesus’ enemies? “And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him..., Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do...” Luke 23:33a-34a. Jesus, during His ministry, was intent on leading everyone He could into an understanding of what the Kingdom of God was all about. During His ministry Jesus encountered hate everywhere, but since He is God he never displayed the slightest hint of hate. He was adamant about forgiveness even to those who nailed Him to that cross.

What then should we do when people display hatred towards us? “Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;” Matthew 5:43-44. If Christian’s haven’t learned this simple truth by the time they are off milk and have moved on to the meat of the word then they had better go back and start again. The command to “love thy enemy” is one of the foundational tenets of our Christian faith. It’s one of the first things we learn as a new believer in Christ, never to be forgotten or half-heartedly adhered to. We don’t go around murdering abortion doctors because they are murdering babies in the womb, that would be repaying evil for evil. We should pray for them and ask God to convict and change their hearts.

Shedding of innocent blood can certainly be referring to the wholesale murder of babies in the womb. Just imagine how this atrocity must grieve God; followers of Jesus Christ should be just as incensed at this evil. We should hate this atrocity and be involved in movements that are trying, through peaceful means, to stop such action. But we should never take such desperate action against a fellow human being as to kill them for their participation in these atrocities. Such an extreme response would mean we were allowing hate (Satan) to have authority over our minds and bodies instead of the Holy Spirit who dwells within us.

Hate is ugly, it’s an ugly word and it’s an ugly reaction. Hate will permeate the body of a believer and destroy their very soul if it’s allowed to fester like an open sore. Many people hate Christians, nothing new in that statement. But how should a Christian react to hatred when it is aimed explicitly at them? The knee jerk worldly reaction is to strike back with everything we have as we defend ourselves.

As believers, if we are being physically harmed or attacked we should defend ourselves and our families; we would be remiss if we didn’t. But hatred expressed verbally is only words, and if that be the extent of our harassment our reaction should be one of piety accompanied with prayer. Even if we find ourselves capable of outwitting an antagonist through superior intellect, love for that person should be expressed through whatever actions we display. Nothing good can be accomplished through an attitude that even remotely resembles hate.

Over the past few years we’ve probably all become painfully aware of a Christian cult based in Kansas which can’t seem to keep their church and its members out of the news. Why? Because they seem to be filled with hate. This group of individuals, who erroneously stake claim to the blood of Christ, continually spew hatred at funerals of fallen military personal as they are being laid to rest. They actually turn up at these funerals of our fallen hero’s and chant and wave ugly hateful signs while disrupting the service and offending the loved ones who are of course grief stricken. This Christian Cult has taken hatred to a whole new level, all the while denying the love of Christ through their deplorable actions. If one can call these folks Christians then they would be the embodiment of Christian hate.

God watched as man beat, spit upon, humiliated, and then murdered His only begotten Son. Most humans would retaliate against those who participated in that horror of hate, but not God. God doesn’t hate His creation, He loves us. People who promote hate towards others are not of God. As a matter of fact they can’t possibly even have read and understood God’s word and still spew hatred. It’s not possible for born again believers to follow God’s precepts and hate anyone. To love our enemies is a commandment not a suggestion.

Some people hate for no reason, others have a ton of reasons yet none of them valid in God’s eyes. If God tells you to love those who hate and persecute you then love must be the key. Have you ever tried to hate someone you love? It’s not possible. Yes you can have arguments, even long disagreements, you can become discouraged and even get mad and frustrated with them, but if you love them you can’t hate them. God knew that simple truth and that’s why He commands us to love our enemies. Hate cannot grow or even survive in an atmosphere of love.

“Evil shall slay the wicked: and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate.” Psalm 34:21. God is our defender and protector and as the verse above states, God will take appropriate action against those who hate us. There can be no continual blessings from God for those who hate the righteous. If they hate us they must also hate God. Imagine the horrible eternal punishment they will receive if they stay in that mindset until death. They need our prayers not hate.

“Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven:...” Luke 6:22-23. Here Jesus tells us it’s a blessing to be hated for His name sake. Rejoice and leap for joy? How is that possible? By knowing your reward is great in Heaven. God Almighty promises you and me great rewards when we get to Heaven. That should be worth enduring all the hate people can throw at us.

“Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.” 1 John 3:13. The Apostle John is basically saying it should come as no surprise that the world hates those who belong to Christ. Why do they hate us so? Because they hate being convicted of sin and just hearing the word Christian or Jesus Christ convicts them. People want to be able to wallow in the muck and the mire of sin without any consequences. They especially don’t want to be told they are doing something against God.

Without a doubt Christians are being killed every day for one reason, many people hate Jesus the Messiah so much that they need a release for that hatred and Jesus’ followers make for a perfect release. Until they come to realize Satan is behind their hatred manipulating their actions they will remain in that murderous mode.

“Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” Romans 12:17-18. Love and hate make impossible bedfellows. Hate in a Christians heart will nullify the precious Gospel of Christ. Get rid of hate before it festers. Christians are to live peaceably with all men. How is that possible if we allow hatred toward our fellow man to rule our hearts? Besides that the enemy will build his stronghold in a Christians life where hated is allowed to dwell.

My dad had a great way of contending with people who displayed hatred toward him. I would say “Dad are you going to let that guy get away with that remark?” My dad’s response was always “Just consider the source and forget it Ron”. Great advice but I would go a step further. Consider that that person is probably not saved and pray for them.

“Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.” Romans 12:20. In other words, by loving your enemy you might just help bring him to the Lord. It’s all about loving others the way God loves us, unconditionally. People, for the most part that is, will respond to loving kindness with kindness. What’s that old adage? “You can attract a lot more flies with honey than with vinegar.”

The cult I mentioned above would do well to embrace loving kindness instead of spewing hate. There’s no way for Jesus to be found in the middle of such an outlandish attitude. What those folks are doing is convincing the unbelieving world that Christians are full of hate. Witnessing, as we are commanded to do, is our opportunity to promote the Gospel of Christ by sharing it with unbelievers.

Using a false gospel (one filled with hate) as a witnessing tool as the aforementioned cult provides is, simply put, folly. If hate is the message, non-believers will stay away. They already live in the world, which is full of hate, why would they want to jump from the frying pan into the fire? The lost are searching for something different, something set apart from that which they already have.

To feel anger or entertain thoughts of resentment because someone has horribly wronged you is a normal worldly response, but Christians are no longer in that category. For Christians to take a harsh stance against another person who belittles them, even during a fleeting moment of frayed emotions, is wrong. We should pray about any such situation then submit those emotions into the Holy Spirit’s most capable hands and allow Him to take control. Recompensing evil for evil is contrary to God’s word. A believer’s life is to be filled with a loving and caring attitude toward our fellow man, evil hateful attitudes are worldly. We believers have been born from above, from God; we are no longer of the world.

Is there such a thing as Christian hate? Should there be hate in a Christian’s heart? As I’ve just laid out, hate disrupts lives and destroys the love we hold for one another, even our enemies. My answer then is no. If you are a Christian today and you have hate in your heart, repent and ask the Lord for His help in removing that hate. It is God’s good pleasure to fill you with His love and joy, and in doing so He promises you peace, a much greater possession, in lieu of hate.

My final thought is this, even using that offensive word to describe something that you detest should be discouraged. Jokingly proclaiming I hate this or I hate that can give rise to an attitude of condoning instead of condemnation of a more severe and less jokingly hateful attitude. There are plenty of other ways to express one’s self without using that particular offensive word. For example, I love this and I love that. Allow love run supreme in your vocabulary.

God bless you all,

Ron Graham
twotug@embarqmail.com
All scripture is from the KJV
 

Defeated Christians - Ron Graham - twotug@embarqmail.com

“Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come fearlessly into God's presence, assured of his glad welcome.” Ephesians 3:12. You’re experiencing periods of depression because you feel you’re not worthy of God’s free gift of salvation. You’re terrified God might send you to Hell even though you’ve said yes to Jesus Christ. You’re in constant fear because you can’t accept that God would allow you to be saved since your motives for being saved are only to avoid an eternity in Hell. You’re living a defeated Christian life.

Above are some common concerns generated by some of the readers of my past commentaries. Mostly these kinds of feelings are submitted by new believers, but occasionally even the lifelong believer can come to a place where they too feel defeated.

Fears and doubts, ups and downs are commonplace in the lives of believers. I say this so you won’t feel you’re all alone. As we grow in our knowledge and understanding of God’s word, the lack of worthiness and sometimes overwhelming fear about losing our salvation mostly dissipate. Those who neglect a Bible study routine can expect the enemy to use these doubts and fears, frequently leading the believer into a life of defeat.

Depending on where you are in your walk with the Lord you may still be in a position that many refer to as a “babe in Christ”. I hated it when a mentor of mine referred to me as a “babe in Christ”, but as I grew in the Lord I came to realize what he meant. He wasn’t trying to berate me or make me feel insignificant as a member of the body of Christ, but as a new believer I still had a long way to go to grasp the deeper meanings of God’s word. I believed and read my Bible, but I wasn’t studying my Bible. As such, my understanding of His word was, for the most part, superficial. I couldn’t see all the falsehoods that were at work around me, many of which were right in front of me where I worshiped.

At times we all experience lackadaisical emotions concerning our Christian, and then other times we seem to be on fire for the Lord. This rollercoaster ride of emotions diminishes over time, and depending on your frequency of Bible study will determine you’re being on fire for Jesus or simply in a rut of apathetic indifference.

The sin nature which we all bear in our flesh is a drag on our emotions. Believers, for the most part, want to do everything right and yet many times we fail. It’s not easy to cast all the old things away, all the sinful things we were into while we were unregenerate (lost). What we’ve all had to learn is how to say no to the flesh.

The Apostle Paul was no different than any of the rest of us when it comes to overcoming the sin nature. Just look how he struggled. “For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. ...For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do,” Romans 7:15, 18-19.

Even Paul, a mighty man of faith, could not overcome the sin nature by himself. So what do we do? Continue in sin? By the end of chapter 7 Paul gives us the answer. “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.” Romans 7:24-25. Our flesh is at war with our spirit, for this reason we will continue to sin. The only way to avoid sinning is to be rid of these fleshly vessels. But we won’t be separated from them until we die or we’re Raptured.

When it comes to believers, Satan has a specific agenda. His agenda is to do everything he can to disrupt the believer’s life. He does this by stealing our joy in the Lord. Before we were born again we belonged to Satan. Even though we may look like the same person on the outside, inwardly, at least, we are a changed and new creation, in Christ. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17. Obviously this new arrangement doesn’t set well with the enemy. We were Satan’s property and through a simple change of mind (belief and repentance) we now belong to God.

God sealed us with His Holy Spirit at the instant we first believed. That’s why we now belong to Him. That seal can never be broken - not by you or anyone else. All the hateful, prideful, scornful, pitiful emotions the enemy will bombard us with or that we may be laying on ourselves can’t change the fact that we have been justified in God’s eyes.

Of course the enemy of God now becomes our worst enemy ever. Becoming a new creation “In Christ” only adds fuel to the flame which is the enemy’s distain. Satan has always hated humanity, but those who belong to God are hated many times over.

The enemy is a deceiver and he’ll endeavor to convince you that you can do all the sinning you want since you aren't, and can never be, worthy to be called a son of God. If we fall for that lie we may slip back into a rebellious state standing against God until we come to the realization that it was only our enemy’s lies that we’ve been listening to.

A great example that points to a believer’s security is the parable of the prodigal son. (Jesus’ parable begins in Luke 15: 11). The story begins with a man who had two sons. The youngest grew restless and asked his father for his inheritance so he could go out and experience all that the world had to offer. His Father relents and gives the youth his inheritance and the boy goes out from his Father’s home and begins to live a riotous lifestyle, with drinking and all forms of perversions.

Finally after exhausting his entire inheritance he ends up working for a pig farmer (which for a Jew would be the lowest of low) where all he gets to eat is the pig’s leftovers. When he comes to his senses the young man returns to his Father’s home ready to plead for his Father to forgive him. What the boy didn’t understand is that even though he had left his Father’s home he never lost his Father’s love or the relationship he enjoyed by being his Father’s son. He was only out of fellowship with his Father (A place of defeat because we allow doubt and fear to rule and reign over our lives).

We read that his Father rejoiced when He saw His son approaching and He ran to welcome him back with open loving arms. This parable is proof that once we become sons of God we cannot lose our sonship; no matter how far we move away from God all believers remain forever His children.

If that boy had died in that pig sty before coming to his senses and returning home he would not have lost his sonship (salvation). Once we belong to God we are His forever. Whenever a born again believer in Christ goes through a period of rebellion he/she is only depriving themselves of God’s fellowship. Instead of living with God they are living with the pigs.

There are verses in the Bible that will haunt you if you take them out of context or if you determine their meaning to be different than what they were originally intended. Never allow anyone to tell you God can lose His grip on your soul. That person has definitely misinterpreted the scriptures. “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” Romans 8:14. In God’s eyes a son is a son forever.

Our enemy Satan and his demonic hoard delight in erecting strongholds such as doubt and fear in a believer’s life and they are relentless in their efforts. But Paul tells us “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; 2 Corinthians 10:4.

Satan will never stop his attack on believers but the enemy strongholds can be defeated. Only through God and His word is the believer given weapons to demolish satanic strongholds. A major stronghold that the enemy will exploit is an attitude of defeatism in a believer. “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” James 4:7. The devil can’t stand it when we open our Bibles; as we begin to rely on the word of God, Satan flees.

God gave us life and He wants us to live that life abundantly. But if we live life so abundantly that we neglect God or we relegate Him to a position of insignificance, or we allow the enemy to build those strongholds over us, then we will live our life defeated instead of in the abundant love of the Lord Jesus.

It’s an understatement to say the enemy isn’t happy about your decision to follow Christ. Satan considers your change of mind as a defection from his camp. This leads to a battle over the soul of every believer. That supernatural battle rages on all around us. The enemy is outside of our plane of vision and yet he continually lobs stinging darts at us. You avoid those darts through the study of God’s word and prayer. God’s word is likened to wearing armor and the enemy has nothing in his arsenal that can penetrate it.

The process of being born again is complete and there is nothing that can add to our salvation, or for that matter detract from it. But justification is only the first part of a three part process. Next comes sanctification. This is of course God’s domain and He is fully involved. God will do His sanctifying in us and through us for the rest of our lives. God keeps us saved, we don't keep ourselves saved. That would be as impossible as saving ourselves. Lastly we’re glorified. This happens when we die. At some point after we die we will be given our new glorified bodies and we will live forever with Jesus Christ.

Don’t let anyone tell you that if you mess up and sin you can lose your salvation. That is a lie and completely non-biblical. If we are born again, we are born from God, and God doesn’t have butterfingers. He will never lose any of those He has brought to His Son. “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father's hand.” John 10:27-29. That’s God’s promise to the believer. He knows us, we will never perish, He gives us eternal life, and He will never lose even one believer.

Lastly, and give this final point some serious thought, when Jesus died on that cross some 2,000 years ago, He did it not because He was guilty of any sin but because we are all guilty. We deserve the punishment that He endured. God died for His creation. Jesus, while hanging on that cross, looked into the future and saw every sin you and I would ever commit, and still He died for us. Man did not take our Lord’s life from Him, but God gave up His life so that we could have life.

“So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.” John 19:30. The Greek word which Jesus speaks from the cross is “tetelesti”. In our English Bibles we read it as “It is finished”, but “tetelesti” actually means “Paid in full”. Your sins and my sins as well as the sins of the rest of the world were “Paid in full” when Jesus died on that cross. Jesus Christ defeated the enemy and sin when He died, was buried, and rose again on the third day. And all anyone must do to receive the covering Christ provided with His shed blood that day is believe.

Defeated? Not hardly.

God bless you all,

Ron Graham
twotug@embarqmail.com

Close Encounter or Just Shock - Ron Graham - twotug@embarqmail.com

“And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.” Acts 7:56. Stephen saw a vision of Jesus just before he was stoned to death. There are many occurrences within the pages of God’s word where some have seen either an angel or a Christophony. In Stephen’s case he saw the Christ, the living Son of God the Father, in all His glory.

Many books have been written throughout the years which tell stories of those who’ve gone through a near death experience. Some of these folks claim to have seen God and some say they have even spoken with Him. In some cases these people have been declared clinically dead for a few minutes before returning to this human dimension. During that time they claim to have experienced something supernatural. Some have made rather hard to reconcile claims about having seen Heaven in all its glory and others claim to have been transported to the deepest dungeons of Hell itself, by Jesus Christ no less. Some of these stories have been so cleverly portrayed that many believe they must be true.

I’ve read many of these experiences, especially when I was a fairly new believer. I read as many books as I could get my hands on in those days, and all were written by Christians. Over the years I’ve seen the error of such books and now I understand much more about why people write books such as these. Some write about near death experiences because they know this subject is popular with the masses and they are very creative writers who can completely overwhelm the imagination of the readers. Many of these writers are only seeking after monetary gain or some other form of popularity.

But some of these authors surely believe they actually visited Heaven and Hell, or that they’ve seen Jesus in all His glory as they laid waiting for help in the middle of some automobile wreck or other catastrophe. I’m not here to argue or dismiss anyone’s near death explanation as false, only that I have doubts about some of them.

Many people use 2 Corinthians 12:2-5 as a Biblical proof text for believing in near-death experiences. However, this would be taking a lot of liberty with interpretation. They believe Paul had actually died and he found himself in heaven. But the passage does not state that Paul had died. God gave Paul a vision of heaven, so Paul did not have a near-death experience. Certainly Stephen had a near death experience since he was near death when he saw Jesus.

Other than Stephens experience the Bible is somewhat silent regarding near-death experiences, and there is no reliable scientific research to confirm such experiences, we probably shouldn’t simply accept the legitimacy of these claims on their face value. But I also believe it to be too strong to state that all near-death experiences are faked, imagined, or Satanic, but there are still serious concerns, Biblically, about the validity of many of these reported experiences.

Now that I’ve gotten that disclaimer out of the way, I would like to convey an event in my life that was a very strange occurrence to say the least. I’m not saying my story falls into the category of near death experiences, only that one fateful day I was supernaturally protected from harm. Close encounter with death, or was it something else? You be the judge.

In 1995 I went to work for a refuse company as a truck driver. Over the first few weeks I was going through some very intense training, learning to operate their equipment while being taught the route I was soon to be assigned. This particular day as my instructor and I were about halfway through my new route we had to make a quick detour to a transfer station. A transfer station is a place where trucks filled with refuse were unloaded and then other larger trucks would pick up those dumped loads and deliver them to a land fill area many miles away.

On this particular day my route trainer was driving the truck. As he brought the truck to a stop in front of one of the dumping bays he jumped out to move a backhoe that was parked in front of the bay. After moving the backhoe over to the side he climbed back into the cab of the truck and proceeded to back it into the bay. When he brought the truck to a stop again we both jumped out and went to the back of the truck to open our respective doors.

The driver opened his door first, swung it around and clamped it to the side of the truck and headed back to the cab, leaving me to do the same with my door. The problem arose when I opened my door. As soon as I had released the bar clamp which held the door shut it sprung open and hit me in the chest with a force I felt was equal to someone hitting me with a sledgehammer at full swing. My instructor had neglected to take the pressure off the load (similar to a large trash compactor), consequently all the pressure of that load was up against my door.

When the door hit me I was thrown backwards onto the top of the pile of garbage that was already lying there from a previous dump. The driver hadn’t realized I was injured and proceeded to raise the bed to dump the full load. As I was laying there in intense pain, and with all the air knocked out of me, I was unable to call for help. I watched as the front end of the dump unit rose high in the air and the back was lowered just above me. The door I had opened was swinging back and forth and that whole load of garbage was now hovering above my motionless body.

Now it’s important to understand that gravity alone should have created an unavoidable set of circumstances. I should have been buried at the bottom of a huge refuse pile. But that was not the case. As I lay there in excruciating pain fully expecting to be crushed to death, I was faced with an impossible situation. It was impossible for me to move out of harm’s way and it was impossible for that load to remain in the truck. As far as the driver was concerned, all that refuse should have been lying in a huge pile there in that bay.

Finally, after what seem like an eternity, the driver came back to the rear of the truck to ascertain the problem with the load not dumping out. When he saw me laying there under the back of that truck he picked me up and carried me out of the area where that load would eventually be dumped; that feat of strength alone coming from a man half my size can only be described as supernatural. When he laid me down again he placed me right next to the backhoe he had moved earlier and which was still running.

I was laying there in incredible pain as my instructor hurried off to call an ambulance and my wife. My wife tells me that the sound of his voice over the phone was one of extreme anxiety; he didn’t want to tell her everything. He must have thought that the spark of life which keeps us all alive was about to leave my body.

While I was laying there next to that backhoe in all that pain and with all the noise of the backhoe and the truck filling up that dump bay, I fell into what I can only suppose was a different realm of existence. Suddenly there was no pain and all the noise that had surrounded me earlier was gone. My eyes were open and I could see with perfect clarity a bright shining light before me. I didn’t hear a voice; I didn’t see a manifestation of Christ. And I’m still not saying that this experience was near death.

All I knew was I felt great with no pain at all; I was once again able to breath and felt I could even speak. I didn’t speak though, at least I don’t remember speaking, but I felt I had all my faculties. The day that this happened was very cold on the Oregon coast and yet I was now in total comfort - warm and without any pain in my chest. I didn’t have a clue as to where I was but I knew I was not lying next to that backhoe any more. The weirdest thing in my mind was that I was no longer laying down but standing. This comfort I felt was short lived.

Suddenly, quicker than a blink of the eye, I was back lying next to that backhoe, once again in extreme pain. All my senses were returned to the urgency of the moment. All the warmth I had felt was gone and I was freezing. All the noise that I had escaped from for that short period of time came back with a tremendous blast in my ears. And even though I was painfully back and in Oregon again, the only difference was I was breathing again.

The ambulance came and whisked me away to the nearest hospital. My wife met me there and she could see that I was in a lot of pain, but she was somewhat shocked when she saw me climb out of the ambulance instead of being carried on a gurney. The EMT’s took me into the emergency room where the attending physician ordered x-rays of my chest. When he got the x-rays back he was very surprised that there were no broken ribs. No internal injuries. No visible external injuries. The doctor determined I had only bruised some ribs. Surprisingly I was only laid up for a couple of weeks before returning to my job.

The garbage company fired me within a month of my return. They told me I would never learn how to operate their equipment efficiently, even though I had operated many different types of equipment for many years. I had to assume they were upset that they had to pay for an on the job injury.

Everything works out in God’s plan, and just after that accident my wife decided she needed to get back to Church; she had stopped attending church a few years before we met and was miserable during that time. Soon after that incident we began attending church together with our little girl.

It wasn’t long after that that I felt the conviction of the Holy Spirit; I prayed for Jesus to forgive me of my sins. I became a born again believer in Christ after what I suppose some might consider a near death experience. I think about that incident a lot these days as well as other incidences in my life when I came dangerously close to death. Where would I have been spending eternity if I had died that day? Thank God He kept me from severe injury and death. I thank Him daily that He has saved my soul from Hell.

Just a few years later I began to diligently read and study God’s word. Now here I am fifteen years later writing Christian apologetic commentaries. Those commentaries are read by literally thousands worldwide on a weekly basis. Could that be the reason God kept me alive through that ordeal? Is there any other reason I should be alive today other than to do God’s will and to be a light to the lost? Was my life saved that day supernaturally? Why didn’t all that garbage tumble out and bury yours truly?

A month after the accident I was in my doctor’s office for a follow up visit and I related this strange story to him. My doctor was not a believer at the time of hearing my story, and even if he was I might still have received the same response. His response was that I was probably in shock.

I’ll let you decide. God has placed us all here for a reason. He has a plan for every human being on this planet. Whether or not we ever follow His plan for our life is a decision we must all make. Was I given a special little boost on that fateful day? I must let the Bible be my guide, thus the truth of most near death experiences, in my view, will always be somewhat elusive. But God’s plan for our lives becomes clearer as we continue our walk with Him.

God bless you all,

Ron Graham
twotug@embarqmail.com
All scripture is from the KJV
 

American Sharia - Ron Graham - twotug@embarqmail.com

The title of this commentary is a complete contradiction in terms. The possibility of America and Sharia co-existing in the land of the free and the home of the brave is ludicrous. Other countries, such as England, are experimenting with this concept and are currently trying to develop a cohesive existence between their own original form of Parliamentary law and Sharia. So far it’s a disaster. A government under Sharia law cannot co-exist with any other form of government, period.

Many of our government leaders are currently conspiring to scrap the U.S. Constitution. Our Constitution has far too many restrictions on power grabbing. These government leaders must replace the Constitution of the United States with something else. Tampering with 234 years of proven success concerning our current form of government is madness. Mark my words, Sharia law will move in the moment our Constitution is moved out.

From the beginning of Obama’s first and only term in office we’ve witnessed over and over again his dishonoring of our Constitution and now he has spit on it and trampled it into the ground. Obama’s agenda is the destruction and complete elimination of our beloved and well established form of government. Why?

There can be no mistake, under a well written, proven document such as the Constitution of the United States of America, Sharia law would be impossible to implement. Don’t be fooled by what your government representatives are telling you about our Constitution being a living document, “We the People” is a Neanderthal of a concept in their eyes and at complete odds with Obama’s agenda. “We the People” must be disposed of so the ushering in of a new completely foreign form of government can take its place. I suggest it will be in the form of Sharia law.

America’s Christians have now reached that precipice in time where we are no longer compelled or commanded by God to adhere to our government’s laws. There’s no controversy surrounding a Christian’s duty to the Lord Jesus. We believers are not held to follow such a government that forces its people to participate, through the paying of taxes, in the wholesale slaughter of innocent babies while still in the womb. With the passage of the most illegal piece of legislation in America’s history, Christians have the duty to refuse to obey the laws of such a land. A majority of our elected officials mocked our Constitution, but even worse they’ve mocked God.

If you think Obama will stand behind an executive order that states there will be no government funding for abortions in this massive corruption that we just saw enacted into law you’re in for a surprise. I’m talking about the most pro-abortion president in the history of the US here folks.

If an executive order can be given it can be repealed, executive orders are not law, only Congress can enact laws. Obama will find a way for government funding of abortions to be included in this health care package or he’ll find another way to fund abortions, but let it be known he will not rest until he’s provided the abortion industry with the recourses of the federal government for full funding of this atrocity. You don’t believe me? You will and soon.

The government, through illegal means, snubbed its nose at the Constitution of America and its people and is now not only the enemy of this land but the enemy of God. As such, they can no longer demand our respect, our allegiance, or our patriotism. America as we’ve known it is waning and the socialist states of America are now the new mantra of Obama and his clan of misfits. Much evil is upon us as a nation and one way to respond is to refuse to go along.

For a long time now Christians have been wondering how their very powerful government would respond to any dissention in the ranks. What will they do with so many who refuse to toe the line? This country hasn’t enough prisons to hold all who stand against her tyrannical leadership, and I estimate there will be millions. So how will our government leaders respond to rebellion?

Obama will create a false crisis and then declare martial law. The military will be mobilized in every city to restore the peace in the land. Although Christians are for the most part peaceful, the government will determine that we Christians, as well as conservatives in general, are a huge threat to the stability of this new socialistic government. Thus we will be rounded up and locked up in detention camps just like this nation did to the Japanese Americans during WWII. It was a period of falsely created fear that moved Americans to stand against their own just because they were of a different race. This will be just one result stemming from the insanity that is now permeating our land.

The health care bill just passed by the House of Representatives and signed into law by Obama will be the catalyst that brings about the enforcement of martial law and I believe the introduction of Sharia through the eventual elimination of our Constitution. If you think the Muslims are going to pass up an opportunity to establish Sharia in America you are badly mistaken. Islam is all about world domination. They are chomping at the bit to get their foot in the door of American politics. Can you imagine what a coup that would be?

Oh you can say we will fight them in the courts, but remember who’s placing the judges in those courts. You say many states are challenging the constitutionality of this takeover of our rights. What Constitution? It’s being eliminated remember? Unless normal every day Americans make a visible public stance against this tyranny our government leadership will continue to rape our land and destroy our rights. Only 30 percent of America wanted this legislation to pass. Who were the democratic representatives listening to? Obama/Pelosi.

“Resistance to tyrants is obedience to God” –Thomas Jefferson. Is the United States of America still known as “One Nation under God”? Or have we capitulated to the enemy? We’ve just seen 219 democratic representatives doing just that.

Where will we go from here if Obama and his minions of evil are allowed to continue unabated? What recourse will be available to us if we continue to do little or nothing to stem the tide of what can only be referred to as, and I’ll put this as delicately as I can, the castration of the masses? We, as a once free people, are being systematically subdued. Sharia law will be Hell to believers in Christ if we are still here and being ruled by this evil. For those who decide to recite the following oath though “Allah is god and Muhammad is his messenger”, no problem.

America is on her way to resembling Hell on earth under this man who thinks He’s the messiah god. Christianity is out and the new religion of the land is approaching. We are all being set up for a huge fall. Obama’s intentions are clear. The replacement of our Constitution with his new socialistic agenda of spreading the wealth can certainly mean that eventually the enactment of Sharia will become the law of the land. The Constitution, in Obama’s mind, cannot be salvaged; it must be tossed out with the garbage. Watch for Sharia law to be introduced as the only viable alternative to the growing trend to obsolescence of our current Constitution.

Something evil this way comes. We’re witnessing the creation of a brainwashed bunch of lap dogs, a society being prepared to be ruled by Sharia law. Christianity is the antithesis of Sharia law. They simply cannot co-exist.

The following is an excerpt from American Thinker website:

Any review of the implementation of Sharia law anywhere in the world (or of Sharia itself) shows it to be brutal, cruel, misogynistic, anti-free speech, supremacist, anti-democratic, and anti-freedom of religion among its many unpleasant qualities.

Sharia law is derived from the Koran, Sira, and Hadith, the three foundational documents of Islam. Sharia law therefore has the authority of both Allah and Mohammed, as it is the codification of their commands and the words, deeds, and example of the prophet. American support of this barbaric "legal system" anywhere on this planet is folly.

Sharia law is antithetical to American concepts of freedom and democracy. There is no overlap whatever between American concepts of decency and justice and Sharia law. Among the horrors of Sharia are death for criticism of Islam, death for leaving Islam, dhimmitude (protection) for non-Muslims living under Sharia, the near impossibility of rape victims to prove rape, wife-beating, child marriage, unequal rights for women, no legal rights for non-Muslims, and the subjugation of women. The list of Sharia's horrors is lengthy and disturbing.

Under Sharia law, there is no "retaliation" by the Islamic state against a Muslim who kills a non-Muslim for whatever reason. Can there be a more barbarous "legal" system that is more overtly opposed to our own concepts of right/wrong, good/evil, decency/barbarism, and justice/injustice? No American who loves our Constitution and the freedoms guaranteed under it should accept Sharia law.

I preach Christ and Him crucified, I stand on the inerrant word of God. That’s good, that’s real good but an evil is coming that will preclude your preaching Christ and using the Bible. Under Sharia law you will be forced to preach from the Koran if you’re going to do any preaching at all.

Obama made the statement that shocked many American Christians last year, but was for the most part dismissed by the media. He said that America is no longer a Christian Nation. That statement, my friends, is so telling. He must believe that America was at one time a Christian Nation to say that it has now lost that designation. It’s a set up folks.

Another tyrant, Adolf Hitler, made some interesting quotes. Some of the more famous quotes include “Make the lie big, make it simple, keep saying it, and eventually they will believe it” and “How fortunate for leaders that men do not think” lastly “All propaganda has to be popular and has to accommodate itself to the comprehension of the least intelligent of those whom it seeks to reach”. Then there’s my quote, “If America doesn’t wake up soon we’re doomed.”

Side note:
Our government leaders know that Americans can get passionate when it comes to their rights being trampled, but they also know that that passion is short lived. Time diminishes passion and our leaders are more prepared to wait out the inevitable decline of passion among their particular constituency. Sooner than later American’s for the most part return to their normal daily lives, and all too quickly resolve to adapt to the new regulations. After all that’s why we elect representatives right? So we can just forget politics and leave the law making to the politicians because they know best.

Obama is Muslim, plain and simple, and has been since birth. He can quote the Koran from memory. Go to Google and type in “Obama and the Koran”. There are videos posted on YouTube that clearly show our president in his element. For those of us who are fully aware of Islam’s agenda to conquer the world for allah (Satan), this Obama character becomes even scarier.

Obama was raised in Indonesia and went to a Muslim school where he was fully indoctrinated with the mentality of the Muslims through the teaching of the Koran. The Koran teaches that a Muslim can lie when it promotes the Islamic cause, especially politically. Obama routinely participated in daily prayer vigils at his Muslim school, yet he lies that he rarely attended prayer time. Muslim children growing up in a Muslim society and attending a Muslim school are not given the option of attending prayer sessions. They attend, period. We all know he lies. Transparency in government? Liar. Americans are to be given five days to read any new legislation from the time he receives it to the time he signs it? Liar. He signed this new monstrosity within 36 hours of receiving it.

Obama has admitted how he loves to hear Islam’s call to prayer; he stated that “It’s the most beautiful sound in the world”. Wow, as a professed Christian I would have thought possibly Amazing Grace might have fit that bill better. And when it comes to the Bible, which all Christians should be adhering to, he either misquotes it or disparages it, which, by the way, is how Satan uses scriptures.

Obama canceled the National Day of Prayer breakfast 2009 but praises Muslims on their day of prayer.

"The National Day of Prayer, first designated by President Truman and made permanent by President Reagan, was celebrated by an ecumenical service in the White House by President George W. Bush every first Thursday in May.

This will no longer be the case. President Obama, apparently listening to complaints by atheists and others who hold that holding a religious service, no matter how inclusive, constitutes an official endorsement of religion, has canceled the National Day of Prayer service (White House observance)."

Mark Whittington - www.associatedcontent.com

The list of anti-American sentiments stemming from this man’s own mouth is staggering. Folks, Obama isn’t a traitor to America; he would need to be a citizen of the US to be labeled a traitor. But he is a usurper of power. Obama is a wolf in sheep’s clothing when it comes to his faith in Christ. His love for this nation and his respect for humanity are all nonexistent. He couldn’t care less about the American people. This agenda he’s embarked on is all about him, his Muslim faith, and Sharia law. Islam is a religion of peace. Ha! Christians might give their enemies a headache by witnessing to them, but Islam removes the heads of its enemies.

Heath care? Not on your life. This new law will give him (Obama) the farthest reaching power of any president in our history, far past the restraints preserved in our Constitution, and he will see it orchestrated to fully adhere to his agenda, pushing Americans to the brink of despair. We might see another revolution in this country, but I doubt it. Americans have become so docile, (like castrated animals) living the life of Riley that we’ll all probably just sit back and wait for the train (Sharia Law) to run us down.

What can we do then? Well most importantly pray, my brethren, of course, “Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17. The power in prayer is so undervalued these days, but God is listening. He longs to hear His children’s prayers; He wants us to trust Him in all things. Pray God will intervene on behalf of His children. And by all means we must become fearless for Christ.

"The more prominent you are in Christ's service, the more certain are you to be the butt of calumny [slander]. I have long ago said farewell to my character. I lost it in the earlier days of my ministry by being a little more zealous than suited a slumbering age. And I have never been able to regain it except in the sight of Him who judges all the earth, and in the hearts of those who love me for my work's sake." –C.H. Spurgeon

How prophetic of Spurgeon. “A slumbering age”, isn’t that where many Christians are today? Wake up America and follow God in all His precepts and stop the insanity of following a corrupt government down that wide path that leads to destruction. “We the People” must fight back against tyrants and all those who turned a blind eye and ear to the voice of the majority of Americans last Sunday by voting to bring on the further implementation of the destruction of our Constitution. You may not believe me, but I believe as Rush Limbaugh does “we are hanging by a thread”.

If our Constitution is still a viable document in November we have an opportunity to make our stand against the evil agenda of the Christian impostor sitting in our White House by voting. Then we must remain ever vigilant to never allow someone like Obama (to be voted out in 2012) or those 219 democrats (to be voted out in 2010) that voted yes last Sunday to ever gain a foothold in American politics again. But there remains a long, almost infinite period of time between now and November and a lot of damage can and will be done by those who wish to rid us of our current Constitution. Hence the implementation of Sharia.

You think I’m a wacko, out there in cyber space somewhere without a clue? Possibly, but just in case you’re wrong, you might want to begin a routine of reciting the Islamic oath I placed above, unless of course you’re going to stand up for Jesus our true Messiah.

Remember the queen of hearts in Alice in Wonderland and her famous and continual quote “Off with their heads”? Obviously she was Muslim.

Do you enjoy your freedom? It was fun while it lasted wasn’t it?

God help us all,

Ron Graham
twotug@embarqmail.com
All scripture is from the KJV
 

What About the Children - Ron Graham - twotug@embarqmail.com

“Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.” Psalm 51:5. Frequently I’m asked to give an answer to what many perceive to be a very difficult question. “Will the innocent children be caught up with the rest of Christ’s Church at the rapture?” First we must reconcile the concept of children being innocent. David recognized that even at conception, he was a sinner. In the discussion regarding the age of accountability we must first understand that there is none without sin, “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:” Romans 3:10. Children, no matter how young, are not “innocent” in the sense of being sinless. Adam’s sin condemns us all from the time we are conceived.

Should the flood of Noah’s day be our guide to determine whether or not children will be included in the rapture? This would be a faulty concept indeed and can in no wise determine the rapture status of children today. How can the children who existed just prior to the flood of Noah be compared to today’s children? In regards to what went on previous to the flood that destroyed the world there is certainly much more explanation needed concerning most of earth’s inhabitants including the children who perished at that time.

“The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth. And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.” Genesis 6:11-13. There’s no doubt that the whole earth, save Noah and his family, were corrupt. That means the children also. It must be understood that there were very evil things going on in those days which many theologians refuse to come to grips with. The intense pure evil associated with the days of Noah prior to the flood cannot be overstated. Are we currently living in evil times? Absolutely. But nothing we’re currently witnessing can compare with what transpired before the flood.

Over the years, many Bible teachers have corrupted the text of Genesis 6 by adding their own flawed interpretation of those verses. Nowadays believers are taught that the mingling of the “sons of God” and the “daughters of men” were simply two different people groups. They try to tell us that the decedents of Seth are the “sons of God” and the daughters of Cain are the “daughters of men” and that these two groups of humans are responsible for all the pervasive evil that occurred prior to the flood. How? Just through co-habituation? Apparently, according to those who corrupt of the text, the sons of Seth were these perfect human men and the daughters of Cain were sinners, and through the union of these two people types we’re to conclude they corrupted the entire world and God had to destroy it. Huh?

Come on people, humans when matched up with other humans give birth to more humans and sometimes through these unions little monsters are brought forth, but they are not monstrous. Since all people are sinners and sooner or later sinners marry other sinners we can deduce that more sinners will be created through the union of two sinners. The translation of Genesis 6 using perfect Sethite descendents and the imperfect daughters of Cain is most assuredly a corruption of the text. Moreover, anyone who teaches this corrupt doctrine is a false teacher. Be careful who you follow; if they are wrong here in Genesis 6 undoubtedly they will err in other areas of the Bible.

Naturally people weren’t very receptive to angels taking wives of all they chose so it was inevitable that some tickling of the ears had to take place. God did not send a flood to rid the world of sinners but to rid the world of the evil seed created by these fallen angels. Because of their intrusion into the world, and ultimately what they did with human women, humanity had to be destroyed. The seed of these angels created a race of something so horrifying and evil and so completely pervasive that God had no choice but to destroy all of that corruption. The children that were produced from this angel/human sexual activity, if you can even call them children, were gigantic monstrous creatures the Bible refers to as the Nephilim.

Today we’re witnessing children born into families who have no concept of morality. Certainly we’ve seen at least some of these little monsters growing into adulthood oblivious of love and compassion, many endeavoring to seek out a “whatever feels good” type of existence. The path that leads to evil is the easiest, widest, and most traveled path and we can see many a young folks sprinting off in that direction. Many children turn to a life filled with evil and many are bent on carrying out horrible acts of destruction, but as the old saying goes “You ain’t seen nothin’ yet”.

The evil seed planted to corrupt humanity prior to the flood of Noah will come again in the last days and is very probably at its inception even now. “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.” Matthew 24:21. As already mentioned Noah and his family were spared, but why? Why did God spare Noah and his family? The text tells us that “Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.” Genesis 6:9. The Bible tells us that Noah’s gene pool was not corrupt but it does not say anything about the women other then God telling Noah to bring them along. “But with thee will I establish my covenant; and thou shalt come into the ark, thou, and thy sons, and thy wife, and thy sons' wives with thee.” Genesis 6:18. Anything I would say to answer this question would be sheer speculation and so I’ll leave it like this, God knew exactly what He was doing.

“But of the cities of these people, which the LORD thy God doth give thee for an inheritance, thou shalt save alive nothing that breatheth: But thou shalt utterly destroy them; namely, the Hittites, and the Amorites, the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites; as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee: That they teach you not to do after all their abominations, which they have done unto their gods; so should ye sin against the LORD your God.” Deuteronomy 20:16-18. God commanded the Hebrews over and over again to completely wipe out whole cities and societies sparing none that breathe (men, women, and children) everything right down to the last animal was to be destroyed. Why would God want even the children and the animals wiped out? Because the same evil incursion that had transpired prior to the flood was once again raising its ugly head.

“There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that...” Genesis 6:4. Even after the flood of Noah, Satan continued with his attempts to sow a “virus” among the genetic pool of mankind. The Bible refers many times to other occurrences of giants in the land. One such occurrence is the story of David killing Goliath, others include Numbers 13:33, Deuteronomy 2:11 & 20, 3:11 &13, Joshua 12:4, 13:12, 15:8, 17:15, 18:16.

The various people groups mentioned above had allowed themselves to become corrupted once again, just like in Genesis 6, and thus God saw all the evil that threatened humanity before the flood occurring again and He knew He had to act to once again sideline Satan and disrupt his evil plans.

Chuck Missler www.khouse.org and Jack Kelly www.gracethrufaith.com both have great studies on the Nephilim and the corruption that took place which is referred to in the book of Genesis chapter 6. What happened to the offspring of the evil union of angels and human women has nothing to do with children today who are born from normal human parents, especially in regards to the Rapture.

Christ’s death is sufficient for all of mankind. “And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” John 2:2. This verse is clear that Jesus’ death was sufficient for all sins, not just the sins of those who specifically have come to Him in faith. The fact that Christ’s death was sufficient for all sin would allow the possibility of God applying that payment to those who were never capable of coming to a believing faith in Christ, such as children who died before reaching the age of accountability.

This is, of course, conjecture on my part because the Bible does not specifically say that He does this. Therefore, this very subject falls into a category of things we aren’t told and which we can’t know for certain this side of Heaven. God’s applying Christ’s death to those who cannot believe would seem consistent with His love and mercy. It is my position that God applies Christ's payment for sin to young children and those who are mentally handicapped, since they were not mentally capable of understanding their sinful state and their need for a Savior, but we should not be dogmatic. Certainly, God is loving, holy, merciful, just, and gracious. So anything He does is always right and good.

Therefore it is my opinion that all children who have not reached the age of accountability prior to the Rapture of Christ’s Church will not be left behind. The parents, if they are believers, will go in the Rapture along with their children. But those parents who aren’t believers in Christ will be left childless and heartbroken because when the Rapture occurs their children (who have not yet reached the age of accountability) will instantaneously disappear along with the rest of the raptured believers in Christ.

The following verse is to me the qualifying verse that alludes to children who have not reached that accountability age going to heaven. “But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.” 2 Samuel 12:23. The story of David’s son by Bathsheba dying is sad indeed, but what does David say to his servants who ask him why, after the boy died, he no longer mourned? You can see from David’s answer that he was sure that he (David) would see his son again in Heaven.

“And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:2-4. Jesus puts a lot of emphases on little children in these verses. Although He is referring to our need to humble ourselves, He uses a child to demonstrate His message. We can learn a lot about the nature of our Savior God from these three verses.

God is gracious and just, He will not allow the children who are still under the age of accountability, and who He plainly lifts up as an example to us in the scriptures, to be left behind and to go through the horrible time of the Great Tribulation.

The question remains, will you be caught up with your children? Think about it.

God bless all,

Ron Graham
twotug@embarqmail.com
All scripture is from the KJV
 

How Can They Be So Blind - Ron Graham - twotug@embarqmail.com

“Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:12. Through the Holy Spirit of God we are given discernment, an ability to grasp the meaning of the scriptures. On the other hand, the spirit of this world keeps many people blinded to the truth. Not the blindness associated with normal eyesight mind you, but rather a blindness that affects the ability to see the things of God. Why do so many allow the god of this world to claim dominion over their lives?

“Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth...” 1 Corinthians 2:13. The Holy Spirit that dwells in every born again believer teaches us the things of God. Without the Spirit of God people are unable to learn much about Him or His ways. We believers can do our best to teach the lost and we should, although it’s not through man’s wisdom that they will come to any real understanding of who God is, but through His Holy Spirit.

“But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Corinthians 2:14. The world will not receive the teaching of the Holy Spirit unless they first become born again. They will only consider the things of God as foolishness because the things of God are learned through the Spirit of God. That’s why God is so intent on His children learning His word. But the lost, on the other hand, are not in a mode of learning about God or His word. They’re lost and must first be convicted by His Holy Spirit to believe the truth over the enemy’s lies.

Although God loves them, the rest of the world won’t really understand who He is until they come out of their rebellion (remove the blinders). Even though this blindness can be effective in keeping people in darkness it doesn’t have to be final. All of humanity has a choice to make, which is whether or not to stay in the dark (blind) or to open their eyes to the truth.

Satan is, of course, the god of this world. He has placed himself in that position of self-perceived prominence and as such he defends his fallen state with all tenacity. Satan has provided all the lies that convince people to put on the blinders and to keep them on. Although the mentality of the lost world is to go with the flow, join the crowd, and to remain mentality in a state of denial, that tendency to reject the truth can be overcome. In his first epistle the Apostle John speaks of those who have overcome the enemy. “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: 1 John 4:4. Everyone can, if they so chose, overcome the enemies lies.

“But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.” 1 Corinthians 2:15. The natural man cannot spiritually determine God’s will for his life. Furthermore, the natural man can’t really acknowledge the existence of Satan or that of his demonic hoard because he hasn’t been given the ability to judge all things spiritual. Satan and the demons are in a spiritual realm that exists only as fantasy in the minds of most of his blind followers. And yes, the lost are Satan’s followers whether they want to acknowledge that truth or not.

On the other hand, the spiritual man is empowered through God’s Holy Spirit to recognize God’s Kingdom and His glory. We know Satan is no fantasy, we know he exists. We know that our lives are constantly under attack from an invisible but real spiritual world of demonic beings. Through knowing God’s word we learn how to avoid the traps set down by those demonic hoards. Without the Holy Spirit of truth enlightening us and empowering us we too would be as blind as the rest of the lost in this world.

As the natural man lives his life in the enemy’s camp, Satan feeds him more lies so his life is filled with a continual barrage of deception. The longer a person stays in the enemy’s camp the harder it will be to come out and join the saved. Why do these people believe Satan over God? They prefer to. The agnostic will tell you “You can’t prove God exists.” This attitude is simply a denial of the truth.

“Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:” Romans 1:18-20. God has given everyone the ability to see Him through His creation. It’s sad to realize that those who won’t believe are only condemning themselves as they continue in their spiritual blindness.

This blindness that Satan imparts unto the lost is akin to his being their life guide. It’s Satan’s agenda to keep everyone he can in that state of spiritual blindness so they can’t see the light of Christ. With blinders in place, as these folks look at God’s creation they may see a form of beauty but they don’t attribute that beauty to God the Creator, but to Satan the evolutionist. These folks don’t actually attribute evolution to Satan, oh no. The lost believe it was their PhD scientists that discovered this phenomenon not realizing Satan was and still is behind the Darwinian theories of evolution as well as the big bang lie. The blind believe in evolution because that’s what Satan pushes and since he is their spiritual guide they believe him over God.

As long as people reject God our Creator and Savior they must place their hope of the future in the only tangible thing they can come up with. That tangible is a self-reliance attitude which is, simply put, the reliance on one’s self for everything and which is satanic to the core. The lost are wholly reliant on themselves or government for provisions and sustenance. And when they die, they believe that’s the end. Lights out there’s nothing else.

Through spiritual blindness people have assured themselves that there is no Heaven or Hell so there’s no eternal existence after death and thus there’s nothing to be concerned about, live as you want to live. On the other hand some believe in Heaven, but not Hell. With this mindset everyone gets into Heaven no matter what they believe.

Satan is undoubtedly quite proud of his mastery when it comes to convincing the spiritually blind that there are many paths to Heaven. When Satan comes in contact with someone who really feels the need to believe in a god, he will take a different route than with atheist and agnostics. He’ll enlist the help of false teachers of which there are many willing to step in and guide the spiritually blind away from Christ as the one true way to the Father and show them all the different paths which, as we believers all know, lead not to Heaven but to Hell.

Believers know God because it’s His good pleasure that we know Him and that we continue in a loving relationship with Him. He reveals Himself to us, to teach us His ways and to provide for us. He does this through His Holy Spirit. Now that we have the Holy Spirit sealed within us, acknowledging Jesus Christ as our Creator and Redeemer makes perfect sense. But a Redeemer of mankind, a God who would die for His creation is a foolhardy concept indeed to the natural man’s blind belief system. Satan has achieved great success in this arena.

So what must one do to remove the blinders and get out of the clutches of God’s enemy? “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved,” Acts 16:31. Pretty simple huh? Yet many will still reject the simplicity of that verse. Blinders attached to the satanic realm can’t be removed any other way. God did not design stumbling blocks into His free gift of salvation. Nor did He make salvation difficult to understand.

Enter Heaven by Jesus Christ or condemn yourself to Hell, there’s no simpler way to put it. There is nothing easier than believing in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation. “He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” John 3:18. That name is Jesus Christ, not Buddha, Allah or his prophet Mohammad, the Virgin Mary, or the New Age god or goddess Maitreya. Or any other fictitious named god or co-redemtrix that lost man can conceive of.

The simplicity of the Gospel of Christ flies in the face of the natural man’s ability to make sound judgments in relation to his blinded mind. I’ve heard those still wearing blinders profess “It just can’t be that simple. There must be more to it.” And so off they go adjusting their blinders as they continue to stumble along in unbelief.

Saying yes to Jesus is not difficult. We make it difficult through our own presuppositions of who God is. Instead of allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us into the knowledge of God, many presume God is in everything and that all one must do is to go out and commune with nature to experience Him. So instead of belief in His only begotten Son, their communing becomes a feel good experience with nothing, or a burning in the bosom as the Mormons put it. This too is another tactic of Satan’s to form fit the lost with the blinders he’s so effectively created. A quote from a brother who recently visited me was so appropriate for this commentary I had to include it here. “Satan will lead you as close as possible to the truth without losing you to salvation.” Amen to that brother.

But God is not a rock or a tree, and what He did to bring eternal salvation to His creation is beyond our full comprehension. What God went through allowing His only begotten Son to die in our stead must have hurt Him horribly. And the excruciating pain that Jesus went through on that cross we can’t even imagine. Jesus knew, before the foundation of the world, that His Father would require the ultimate sacrifice to be carried out. And even though He prayed to His Father that if there was any other way for mankind to be saved that that cup might pass from Him, He knew His Fathers will would be accomplished. “And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” Luke 22:41- 42. There is no other way.

“But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” 2 Corinthians 4:3 - 4. If folks persist in their rejection of the truth which is rebellion to God even after all that has been explained, then God will allow those who reject Him to have their way. He doesn’t want a bunch of robots and He won’t demand our love. He won’t interfere with an individual’s rejection of Him and that’s the truth.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16. God loved His creation so much that He made a salvation provision for us, a way out of the most horrible eternity ever imagined. God provided Himself as a sacrifice for all. “God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering:” Genesis 22:8. And He did, “And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” 1 John 2:2. Jesus Christ is the propitiation for all sin. That, my friends, is pure love. Satan, on the other hand, hates all humanity and wants nothing more than to deceive all into holding on to the blinders (lies) he’s promoted throughout time so they can join him in his place of torment for eternity.

Are you one of Satan’s followers still wearing those blinders to your own destruction? If so, you’ve just been enlightened with the only way to avoid that one way ticket to Hell. Jesus Christ is the only way to the Father. Believe that truth and the blinders will fall off immediately. You will see clearly and the Holy Spirit will teach you what you need to know from that point on. “I was blind, but now I see.” You will too.

On the other hand… wait, there is no other hand. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved,” Acts 16:31. Father, how can they be so blind?

God bless you all, and pass it on.

Ron Graham
twotug@embarqmail.com
All scripture is from the KJV
 

The Days were Filled with Guns and Wars - Ron Graham - twotug@embarqmail.com

“And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.” Matthew 24:6. Just as Jesus told us, the last days would be filled with wars and rumors of wars and they are. No one can dispute that prophecy. Most nations now days have some very impressive armaments and most are fully into saber rattling. Is there any doubt in anyone’s mind that one or more of these nations “psychotic leaders” will launch their nukes one day very soon?

In the verse above, Jesus was speaking to four of His disciples and was unfolding for them and us the events leading up to earth’s final days. Wars and rumors of wars were something we would hear of but the end wouldn’t be just yet. Some look at these rumors as non-events in our day, but not long ago it would have been impossible to hear of the current saber rattling on a worldwide scale. Now we hear about it daily and instantaneously.

“For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.” Matthew 24:7- 8. Jesus goes on to explain that there are other signs to watch for that would occur on planet earth before His return. Mankind has witnessed these signs Jesus spoke of for quite some time now but they are increasing in frequency and intensity just like the labor pains that come upon a pregnant woman immediately preceding delivery As a matter of fact some might say she’s overdue.

Every day brings about more fears as to who will push that proverbial button, and launch their nukes first. How much longer before the end? Folks the end is in sight. To be sure, everything is winding down to that day of deliverance. Even though we see signs that indicate nukes will be launched in the near future there are many other events Jesus spoke about in Matthew 24 of which people would become acutely aware of during the last few years on planet earth.

Although Jesus is speaking to His Jewish disciples, He’s also addressing the people who aren’t believers at the time of the Rapture, which means Jews and Gentiles alike. Those left after the Rapture will be horribly and adversely affected by all those things Jesus spoke about. Imagine if you will, earthquakes much more devastating than they are now. Hundreds of earthquakes are currently running in the power range of 5 to 6 on the Richter scale and occasionally (but not often) they hit the 7 to 8 range. But how often do the earthquakes push to 9.0 or above on the Richter scale? Think of the devastation on planet earth if they were all 9.0 or better. The United States Geological Survey, or USGS, has tracked hundreds of earthquakes and aftershocks from the recent quake in Chile. What damage would have occurred on planet earth if those quakes had all been at the 9.0 range? What if they were occurring simultaneously all over the planet (in diverse places)? There would be no place on planet earth where one could hide from the devastation.

Jesus also speaks about pestilences. What about infectious diseases more widespread than what we currently experience or have ever experienced in the history of mankind. A disheartening news report recently spoke of tuberculosis coming back with a vengeance and being completely immune to any drug used previously to contain its spread. Imagine pestilences spreading like wildfire with no hope of any cure or vaccine ever being developed let alone distributed. And as in the case of the earthquakes there would be no place on planet earth where people could go and avoid the suffering.

Famines of course are terrible and devastating, claiming many lives and we’ve certainly seen the occurrence of such over recent years in various nations around the globe. But just as devastating would not only be those famines of food and water, but famines of God’s word. Just imagine if you will, the Bible, as we know it, being taken out of circulation in every country. How could such a thing happen, you might ask? Here’s something currently being advanced in today’s culture. I read recently about new Bibles being designed and promoted that will change God’s word to read completely politically correct. Just one example of this change is that the book of Revelation will be eliminated all together. Think of it, the inerrant word of God as we now know it gone, taken away. All that would be left is a horribly watered down contrivance of the original document with no Gospel message and no power at all to change lives.

Nation against nation. Could this mean the internal strife among people of the same nation, now that’s something we could conceivably see taking place in the not so distant future even here in the US. There is currently a ground swell of a revolutionary mindset exploding upon the scene and if we aren’t careful it could lead us into a second civil war. Conceivably, many more people would die this time around if this were to come about. The numbers would make the Haitian earthquake pale in comparison.

Along with Jesus’ Church the whole world is currently experiencing the beginnings of sorrows. Much of the evil things currently being promoted on this planet are aimed specifically at harming Christ’s Church. Evil prevails in every venue and it’s impossible to be unaffected by its continual appearance on the scene. Please be aware, if you are like me and you stand firm on God’s inerrant and literal word you will soon come under intense persecution even from the brethren.

We’re seeing so much misery and death currently being openly displayed that many people have begun to do the only thing they seem capable of doing to protect themselves against the depravity encircling the globe. They build walls around their lives so that the prevailing climate of evil and hatred will not penetrate their world. These walls they build will grow calluses on their hearts and cover over any remaining love for their fellow man. Then they sit back and wait for better times to materialize.

Here’s a news flash. Better times aren’t going to materialize until Jesus returns. This world is only going to experience further inclinations towards depravity. The second law of thermodynamics which is referred to in the scientific community as entropy teaches us that truth. Entropy is explained in laymen’s terms as a process of moving from order to disorder. At one time the human race was supernaturally ordered. In other words, when God finished His creation there was no occurrence of entropy. But since the introduction of sin into God’s economy and the subsequent curse and fall, the enemy of mankind has been hard at work ensuring entropy runs its full course. This world is becoming more disordered and thus depraved every day. This scenario, which included the introduction of entropy into God’s creation, is exactly what Satan had dreamed of accomplishing since he introduced Eve to his most famous lies way back in the Garden of Eden.

All the warnings which Jesus gave to His disciples in Matthew 24 are coming about now. Nations are mostly run by men who for the most part have cold and deceitful hearts. This influx of entropy is the catalyst the enemy uses in turning men’s hearts away from God and His love and toward depravity.

Men have been going forth conquering and to conquer for thousands of years. What’s new about this day and age is that in these end times we’re experiencing, many nations (being run by men with very depraved hearts) standing on the precipice of destroying earth with the idea that with their big guns they can rule supreme over the entire world.

Wickedness abounds and there’s no hiding a wicked heart which is bent on destroying others. We see it from nations such as North Korea and Iran to name just two. These two dominate the headlines these days because they are both governed by rogue and satanically controlled men. Both men seem to be chomping at the bit to destroy other nations. North Korea wants to destroy the US. Iran wants to destroy Israel and the US. Both have very big guns and both nations are run by men who are psychotic.

Can we, the rest of humanity, expect one of these men to go to the extreme and push that fatal button? Analysts say “It’s just a matter of time”. I read a report recently in which the writer claimed that we could expect something catastrophic within the next three months. With all the saber rattling currently being witnessed today, he may be right.

Here in the US the man who claims the title of commander in chief (not capitalized because it’s his claim not mine) is currently scaling back on our military and our big guns to appease our enemies. Let’s see if we can understand his strategy. We have had years of relative peaceful co-existence with all those who would like to see us either destroyed or conquered. But now, in the name of peace, we will drop our guard for that of a greater unified cooperation. All the while the two rogue nations mentioned above are thoroughly arming themselves as we disarm. Our other enemies, such as Russia and China, are also arming themselves to the hilt. So we drop our weapons, raise our hands high in the air, and give up in the name of peace? And that will stop our enemies from destroying us or invading our shores and placing us under their control? If that scenario wasn’t so absurd it would be laughable. You can bet our enemies are laughing.

Neighbors and friends, this psychotic episode in the history of the US might just be the straw that breaks the back of America. But that really isn’t what this commentary is all about.

There will be wars. There will be despots taking advantage of others whenever and wherever possible. All that is currently coming to pass in this world was prophesied in the Bible thousands of years ago. This evil march to the ultimate stage of entropy is biblical. God says it will happen but that He will put an end to all the evil in this world when He returns.

The problem as I see it is there really isn’t much time remaining for us to be about our Father’s business. If Obama is successful in his attempts at change, then the US could very well cease to be a force in spreading the Gospel worldwide. If we continue to allow Obama to have his way we will see the US come to that end. Other nations will follow suit as they always have. The Gospel message could soon become quite rare.

It’s exciting to watch this end game scenario of God’s materialize before our eyes. Just knowing everything God said would happen in the last days is true is encouraging. This generation is incredibly blessed as we are able to watch in amazement and awe the unfolding of major biblical prophecies. And yet it’s more than a little frightening. Why frightening? How many people do you know personally who are currently not believers in Christ? What about those in your immediate family and your close friends you go hunting with who have rejected the truth of the Gospel for years. Perhaps today is the day they well heed the Holy Spirit’s convicting message, and maybe a simple word or two from you will help them see the truth and make a change in their eternal destiny from Hell to Heaven.

Knowing the time is upon us and that Jesus stands at the door, the door of every heart, the burden on our own saved hearts for our lost relatives and friends should be so great that fear for their lost souls should become the motivating factor in our lives.

No need to sit around fretting about some despot with big guns who is bent on ushering in Armageddon. Instead, let’s toss away that callus covering over our hearts and dig out from that sand hill where we have our heads buried. Let’s stand firm in our faith while we continue to spread the Gospel of Christ throughout all nations while we are able and as we anticipate Jesus’ soon return for His Church. Because these last days are filled with rumors of guns and wars, and someday they will no longer be rumors, but a horrible reality.

God bless you all,

Ron Graham
twotug@embarqmail.com
All scripture is from the KJV
 

Evil Days Ahead - Ron Graham - twotug@embarqmail.com

Jesus said, “But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” Matthew 24:37-39. Even though the people of Noah’s day were marrying and giving in marriage, eating and drinking, and going about their daily lives, these activities were not the cause of the flood. So what was the cause and how will that affect us here on this planet when it hits again?

Although Jesus didn’t go into great detail about what had transpired in the world prior to the great flood of Noah’s day, God does go into a lot more detail in various passages throughout His word. We can be assured, through Jesus’ words, that the conditions on earth just before His Second Advent will be just as they were in the days of Noah and before the flood occurred, which as we all know carried away all but eight people to their destruction. Our Lord Jesus saw the characteristics of Noah’s day and made no distinction between that evil period of time and the evil period that is on a collision course with earth and mankind’s final days.

I heard many commentators repeat the verses above and basically as they speak about the last days they express their opinion thusly: Everything will be business as usual. So, I ask the question, will it?

What was going on in Noah’s day was not normal or business as usual. At least not in what many today would consider a normal business day. Let’s just take a peek at what God tells us was the goings on in Noah’s day.

“And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them,” Genesis 6:1. This verse plainly speaks of an exploding population. The word multiply comes from the Hebrew word “rahab” which means to be or become many. In Psalm chapter 144 verse 13 the same Hebrew word is translated “ten thousands”. So just as earth’s population is exploding today, some six billion people strong and counting, so it was in the days of Noah. But why flood the earth? Certainly not because men began to multiply. Even in the verse above we’re given no indication as to why God would annihilate earth’s inhabitants with a flood.

“That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.” Genesis 6:2. Now we begin to see some indication as to why God was displeased. The phrase “sons of God” is clearly seen as referring to angelic creatures. We find this phrase three other times in the Old Testament. “Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them.” Job 1:6. “Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD...” Job 2:1. “When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy” Job 38:7.

The translators of the Septuagint (Hebrew text translated into Greek) referred to the “sons of God” as “angels.” Unlike many today, these scholars certainly weren’t confused with the term “sons of God” nor were they trying to remain politically correct in their translation. Obviously the phrase “sons of God” is in no way referring to the descendents of Seth cohabitating with the daughters of Cain, which is what many believe. Thus what occurred there in Genesis 6 was clearly a demonic, sexual perversion, which God was not pleased with.

These demonic fallen angels somehow (we’re not told how) had sexual relations with human women of all they chose. Okay, let’s stop here for a moment. Before we progress any further we need to address what Jesus tells us in Matthew’s Gospel about angels and marriage. “For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.” Matthew 22:30. Keeping within the context of the conversation here in Matthew we can plainly see that Jesus, after being confronted with a question from those who only wanted to trip Him up, answered thusly. “Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.” Matthew 22:29. Jesus, nowhere in the scriptures tells us that angels can’t get married or have sexual intercourse, only that they don’t participate in such behaviors in Heaven nor will man when he reaches Heaven. That’s because there’s no further need for procreation once we get to Heaven. Thus we will be as the angels of God in Heaven.

Now that that’s cleared up let’s get back to the case in point. The fallen angels who participated in this abomination took them (women) as they chose. The verse doesn’t say they went to the fathers of the women and asked for their hand in marriage. No, these demonic beings took them, forcefully. Remember the verse states “and they took them wives of all which they chose.” This was all part of Satan’s agenda designed to corrupt the gene pool so the Messiah, and Savior of the world couldn’t come, because He would never come from such corrupted men. This whole supernatural phenomenon was an abomination to God and He was sorely displeased. Except for Noah and his immediate family, the entire planet took part in this perversion.

“And 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.” Genesis 6:3. We must consider the fact that God tells us right up front that He was only giving man another 120 years. In other words planet earth had already reached the point of no return and yet God gave them another 120 years to come to their senses, even though He knew they wouldn’t.

“There 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.” Genesis 6:4. To understand this verse correctly it must be understood that the sons of God (fallen angels) had sexual relations with human women and the women bore children. The offspring of this most unholy union created a race of beings commonly referred to as Nephilim. They were huge creatures mighty in power and well known in that day as completely corrupt and evil. Again, there’s no reason not to expect the same corruption when earth enters its last days just prior to our Lords return.

So it’s extremely important to understand what Jesus meant when He said “so shall also the coming of the Son of man be”. He didn’t say that business as usual is going to be the cause for His soon return but that the pervasive evil will be the catalyst that brings Him back to earth. There’s no doubt that the world just before Jesus’ return will experience the same demonic, sexual perversions as that of Noah’s day.

Immorality and perverse sexual relations are occurring by leaps and bounds today. Other than the fact that it’s getting worse with each passing day there’s not much new or different about it, right? Is this the demonic and sexual perversion that we can expect in the last days? I believe that what we see today in the way of sexual perversion is satanic but we haven’t seen anything yet. There will be a height of depravity reached that will be unimaginable for our finite minds. The stage is set for the introduction of the most vile and corrupt sexual perversions since Noah’s time. And it will be a time of pure satanic Hell on earth.

“And 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.” Genesis 6:5. This verse really does speak for itself. This evil heart syndrome is back and well on its way to overwhelming men’s lives. Wickedness abounds everywhere and even though only God can look into men’s hearts, it’s not difficult for anyone who has eyes to see that a huge segment of society already belongs in this category. But it hasn’t reached its pinnacle of perversion yet and it won’t until a certain portion of society is removed.

Jesus’ words are like a hammer on our brains, when we wake up to the reality of what is going on around us we will undoubtedly have a headache. So completely are His prophetic words being fulfilled today, it’s impossible to misconstrue their meaning. Unless of course we flatly refuse to believe something so sinister, so devilish, so horrible could possibly happen in our time or could have happened in any prior period of human history. But if we believe His words then we must conclude He meant what He said. As it was in the days of Noah so shall it be in the last days preceding His return.

There’s no need for conjecture here or for reading between the lines. Everything in Genesis 6 is spelled out for the discerning eye. God Himself was there in that period of time speaking to Noah. Since He is the same God speaking to His disciples in Matthew 24, we can conclude from His words that the activities associated with the demonic during Noah’s day will be the same activity concluding earth’s final days.

“And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.” Jude 1:6. How is it possible, you might ask, that since the angels that committed this abomination are held in everlasting chains until the judgment that the same thing can possibly occur again? Satan has many more hoards of fallen angels at his command and he is readying them now to resume his unholy agenda of corruption.

Thus the human race can expect the same evil in the last days as Noah witnessed in his day because Jesus Himself said so “as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” According to this verse there’s no reason to exclude anything that went on in Noah’s day from occurring again.

“The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.” Genesis 6:11. Noah witnessed the filling of earth with violence and corruption in all aspects of human endeavor during that period just before the flood. You and I can see this earth is filling up with this same incredibly widespread phenomenon of evil right now just as Noah witnessed in early stages of this same evil. Every day we hear and/or read news stories in which we are confronted with the obvious lateness of the hour. I believe this is why we have been given the ability to gather and disseminate breaking news as we do. It’s another sign of the times that God has enabled us with so we can be made aware of this evil approaching and act accordingly.

In these last days the human race has been given something that our early ancestors could not have even perceived: World news, which includes the many instances of man’s depravity. This news is now generated instantaneously from around the world. We can discern, with little difficulty that we are quickly approaching the final hour here on earth.

Jesus does not differentiate when it comes to these two time periods, which are separated merely by a relatively small amount of time. Noah’s days and earth’s final days will be very similar in its wholesale depravity and distribution of evil.

“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name” John 1:12. What becomes of us, those who are now considered “sons of God”? In those days filled with all forms of demonic sexual perversions, corruption, and violence, what will Christ’s Church[be doing? Those who are born again, of God, will be excluded from that horrible hour. Jesus is warning those listening and those who would read His words years later, but He’s not speaking to His Church. Nowhere in Matthew 24 is the Church mentioned, which can only mean we are already gone, just as Enoch was taken away by God prior to the flood of Noah.

But those to whom He is speaking it will be a most horrible and evil time period of which the world has not previously witnessed. “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.” Matthew 24: 21- 22.

No one in their right mind would want to be here on earth during that most evil of times. But many will remain tied to this world through their own foolish desires and complete lack of faith in the only one who can prevent their being left to endure such horrid times.

The late Larry Norman said it very well. “I wish we’d all been ready. The Father spoke, the demons dined, the Son has come and you’ve been left behind.” Don’t be left behind.

God bless you all,

Ron Graham
twotug@embarqmail.com
All scripture is from the KJV
 

Carnally Minded - Ron Graham - twotug@embarqmail.com

“For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.” Romans 8:5.

After a year in office it’s obvious Obama is still in love with himself. Sadly, approximately 46 percent of those polled in recent surveys remain totally enthralled with this man. But worst of all are those who profess to follow Jesus Christ yet remain devoted to this man and his agenda, even though Obama stands for everything God abhors.

Knowing that our God is a jealous God, and that He is the one and only true God, how then can professing believers follow a man who looks at himself as the world’s messiah? Where’s the loyalty to Christ? Do we just ignore God’s word and follow His nemesis? Either God’s word is true or it’s false, we must submit to God and His will through His word or we walk away from God and join the camp of the enemy. Is it possible for born again believers in Christ to be so thoroughly influenced by one of His staunchest enemies?

The answer to that question is found in our Bibles. What’s more, it’s as plain as the nose on Obama’s face. Both believers and unbelievers who voted for Obama are after the flesh as stated in the verse above. They also mind the things of the flesh. In other words they are carnally minded. Their minds are focused, even centered on what will benefit them, but certainly they are unconcerned in regards to the will of God. God’s word gives us direction yet many who say they are Christians voted for, and still support, Obama.

“Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee;” Jeremiah 1:5. God told Jeremiah that He knew him before He formed him in the womb. We can certainly conclude from this verse that God knows all of us before we’re formed in our mother’s womb. Therefore He also knows each aborted baby before they are ever formed and ultimately destroyed. Yet many Christians keep right on with their admiration for a man who is 100 percent pro- abortion. If you voted for Obama you voted against God, plain and simple.

“Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.” Leviticus 18:22. God says homosexuality is an abomination to Him, yet these same Christians elected a man who has given himself over fully to condoning this horrible lifestyle. “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;” Romans 1:18. God destroyed whole nations and some cities of the past because of their flagrant sinful lifestyle of homosexuality because God calls this lifestyle and abomination to Him.

Many will tell you that one sin is the same as another in God’s eyes. Oh Really? Well as far as other sins go, how many cities of our past human history has God destroyed for the sin of lying, stealing, or covetousness? People have condemned themselves and placed themselves in Hades for sinning against their Creator but has God purposely destroyed any other city, or nation for that matter, because of lying, cheating, stealing, even murdering? The whole world is turning a blind eye to the sin of homosexuality. But does the whole world turn a blind eye to any other sin?

As believers, we must stand firm on God’s word and make godly decisions pertaining to who we vote into any office. When a candidate for any office, makes his platform as well known to the voting public as Obama did, a man who is diametrically opposed to God, it’s not hard to understand the mindset of the Christians that voted for Him. Those professing Christians who voted for Obama are carnally minded. “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” Romans 8:6. Over the past few months, some of the believers who voted for Obama have written to me expressing their shame in having had that carnal mindset. Praise God they woke up. But as we can all see the damage has been done.

What does it mean for a believer to be carnally minded? It’s a mindset that is contrary to God and His will for their lives. For a person to profess a relationship with Christ and yet to be so fixated on the world that their mind no longer relates to the will of God is to be carnally minded. How can a person such as this actually be born again? Those who are truly born from God are focused on God; their lives have been turned over to Him. They are willing to stand on His precepts no matter what the consequences. And they would never knowingly vote for someone who stands in direct opposition to God’s precepts.

There is no “in between” area to hope for here. Jesus said, “He that is not with me is against me; Matthew 12:30a. We can’t be for Obama and with Jesus at the same time, that’s impossible. Jesus took a firm stand on right and wrong and thoroughly expects His followers to show the same regard for the things we know to be evil. Homosexuality is wrong, and it’s an abomination for a believer “in Christ” to vote for a candidate who openly condones such a abhorrent behavior. It’s wrong to kill the unborn. The baby in the womb is known by God. The baby is innocent of any wrong doing. Why would any believer hang on the side of such error, disregarding God’s inerrant word? Carnality, they are after the flesh, not the spirit.

Being carnally minded leads to death. “Because the carnal mind is enmity against God:” Romans 8:7a. If you don’t know what that word enmity means do yourself a favor and look it up in your concordance. In my Strong’s concordance it’s #G 2189. It actually means hatred. If you are at enmity with God it means you hate God. Wow. How many professing to being born again voted for Obama, the man who stands against the one true God? Many. Well then, how many Christians voted carnally in the last presidential election? Every professing Christian who marked Obama for President on their ballet sheet. Let me ask the question again but phrased slightly differently. How many Christians hate God? All who stand with any man who is at enmity with God.

We’ve now seen this man in action for a whole year and are faced with enduring three more years with a man who being duly elected president of the US is thoroughly content in his failure to follow God in any way. Obama is at enmity with God. In other words Obama hates God, if he didn’t he wouldn’t be so firmly entrenched in the issues that are obviously opposed to God (abortion, homosexuality, etc).

Obama actually had the audacity to make the claim that he is a follower of Jesus Christ, yet he stands against God in every decision he makes. Why then should he have received even one vote from those who profess to stand with God? That carnal mindset is the only answer. Here we are trying desperately to understand how God could allow this man into office to run a nation built on Christian principles, when all it takes is a little perusal through His word to find the answer. Carnality is at the core.

“If ye were of the world, the world would love his own:” John 15:19a. The lost (nonbelievers in Christ) are of the world and they are perishing, and the world certainly loves their own. Believers should not be in love with this world, moreover this world should know that all Christians are opposed to every immoral and evil deed set down. But as long as Christians live with a carnal mindset the world will continue to love them just as they do their own.

“So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.” Romans 8:8. All the while believers remain in the flesh, and carnally minded, they won’t be pleasing God. I wonder how many Christian believers actually understand that verse. Being born again means we are focused on pleasing God, not ourselves. No matter what befalls a true born again believer in Christ we will remain true to God and His word.

When we pursue earthly wealth and materialism to the point that God’s will is diminished in our lives, wrong decisions, like voting for someone with Obama’s credentials or lack thereof, can only lead to becoming even more carnally minded. But if we are spiritually minded our mindset will be one of allowing the Holy Spirit to lead us into godly decisions. Obviously many who profess Christ as their Savior and Lord but are more concerned about the things of the world are not allowing the Holy Spirit a place in their decision making process.

Many lost people voted for Obama because they were afraid of losing their material wealth, they believed his lies. Nothing was as important as the financial situation in the minds of most who voted for him, and that goes for many Christians also. As long as believers stay in that mindset it won’t really matter who runs for the office of president. As long as the candidate relates to that materialistic mindset (the flesh), the other issues of the day will just fade away. The flesh will get in the way of every decision when the mind is in that carnal mode. This is enmity with God.

“But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” Romans 8:9. The apostle Paul is speaking here to the believers in Rome. He say that if we profess to be a follower of Jesus Christ but we haven’t His Spirit dwelling in us we are not His. If I may elaborate a little further on Paul’s comments, if we don’t have Christ then we are still Satan’s property. And obviously, being in the flesh will be a very natural and basically everyday occurrence.

“Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.” Romans 8:12. As believers we owe no debt to the flesh or Satan, but to God. We are born from God when we became believers in His Son. We owe God a huge debt of gratitude that we can never repay. Why allow the flesh to reign over us since we owe the flesh nothing? To whom do we give our allegiance?

“For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” Romans 8:13, 14. Believers have spiritually “died” to sin and the power of the flesh, and in general to all spiritual association with the world. We now belong to Christ and our identification is in Him. We who are believers in Christ are no longer unregenerate (lost) nor should we live according to the flesh (carnally). We have been designated “sons of God”. As such we have put the flesh to death.

This mindset of living carnally and hence in enmity with God has corrupted many a believer. When we who are God’s children take a stance for evil we are in rebellion to God and consequently we are at enmity to God. If you are one of those folks that has placed Obama on a pedestal and elevated him to a status above God in your life because of your foolish tendencies toward wealth and materialism and your fear of losing what earthly possessions you’ve acquired, then Obama has become your god. Who then will you be relying on for your salvation? If you are at enmity with God Almighty you might want to re-think your claim to eternal salvation.

“...carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life... Romans 8:6. Where do you stand in relationship to your Creator God? Are you carnally minded? If you are, then you are living according to the flesh, and your mindset is flawed. Do you hate God? Surely you don’t. But if your mindset is carnal it’s time to make a change. A relationship with God is based on our faith in Him in all earthly endeavors. God is the believer’s providence, and believers are saved to serve not to strive for and attain earthly rewards such as wealth and power. Carnally minded or Holy Spirit filled? You can’t have it both ways.

God bless you all,

Ron Graham
twotug@embarqmail.com
All scripture is from the KJV

“New Christianity” - Ron Graham - twotug@embarqmail.com

“But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” 2 Timothy 3:13.

There’s a not-so-new “emerging movement” literally exploding onto the scene. It claims to be Christian yet shows clear-cut signs of dancing to a different tune. As you listen to the purveyors of this “New Christianity” you very quickly come to realize they are all about themselves. As a matter of fact you can listen to them for quite awhile before you ever hear the name of Jesus mentioned, and even then it’s only in a fleeting comment.

Honestly, while listening to these folks you will get the impression they are attempting to explain who they are, what they believe, and who they worship, yet when you walk away you’ll find yourself scratching your head in wonderment with no real idea of what they’re all about. Suffice it to say this new emerging movement, leaning heavily towards self awareness and contemplative spirituality, has significant false biblical roots.

“Take heed to yourselves, that your heart be not deceived, and ye turn aside, and serve other gods, and worship them;” Deuteronomy 11:16. Here in the fifth book of the Torah, Moses is addressing the nation of Israel, but in the New Testament we read the same warning over and over again. God knew the Hebrews would be drawn away from Him through the deceitfulness of evil men. There’s no difference today. Many will be led astray by deceit, which is what we see emerging in this “New Christianity”.

This “New Christianity” threatens the Church today just as Gnostic teachings threatened the first century church. This is what the Apostle John warned believers about in his epistles, “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.” 2 John 1:9. Both of these erroneous teachings are focused on removing the true doctrine of Christ from Christianity.

As we will soon see they are not alone. The roots of all deceptive teachings were firmly established way back in the Garden of Eden where Satan first put doubt in the mind of Eve. Satan’s lying words convinced Eve, who in turn convinced Adam, to reject God’s truth and accept the lie. Satan still calls God and the Bible into question and ensnares those who are either naïve and scripturally uninformed or who are seeking some personal revelation to make them feel special, unique, and superior to others.

This “New Christianity” is aimed at young adults and those who’ve been disillusioned for one reason or another by mainstream Christianity. Following the inerrant word of God is not part of this new belief system. Actually what the leaders of this movement profess is just opposite. They see a need to re-establish Christianity and re-mold it into a force that fits today’s evolving post-modern culture. I’ve heard they’re now 60 million strong and growing.

As I listen to these folks spew their ten dollar words I hear very little substance, which leads me to conclude they are only full of hot air. How is it that people can get so far away from the truth of God’s word and still look at themselves as Christians? The Bible is no longer significant in their minds but they will follow the writings of their leaders unabashedly. There is no room for absolute truth, and social tolerance has become the gospel of this “New Christianity”.

While in their worship services all the attendees become a living part of the service almost as though they are acting out a scene from a movie. Their meetings include some rituals associated with Catholicism, a little Eastern Orthodox, and for good measure they throw in nuances reflecting other Eastern religions with their yoga and mysticism. It’s not surprising that Jesus is hardly mentioned. Why would he be? Hindus and Buddhist don’t accept Jesus as their savior. Even many Catholics now days look to Mary for their salvation.

When we as Christians step back and take a look at our Christian faith, what is the most important aspect of Christianity? Jesus Christ! As believers, Jesus Christ is the center of our very existence and we know our faith rests in Him. Our lives are His and we are to devote ourselves to Him. A true believer quickly realizes that this new life we now enjoy is all about Jesus the Christ, Creator and sustainer of the universe and everything in it. It’s His game plan that we are His disciples. Christianity has worked for the last two thousand years and true Christianity is still working. There’s nothing negative or boring about the message of the Gospel. Jesus Christ is life itself. Without Christ in your worship service the only message you’ll hear will be from His nemesis.

“The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the LORD.” Proverbs 19:3. When we hear of any “New” movement that lays claim to being “Christian” but actually detracts from God’s inerrant word, think Satanic. The enemy’s purpose is to divide and conquer, to guide people away from the truth of the message of the cross. This new emerging movement along with this worlds other false religions all have satanic roots. Satan begins by placing doubt in people’s minds and he never changes his approach. Why should he? If it ain’t broke don’t fix it.

“Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said” Genesis 3:1a. If Satan can place doubt in a person’s mind which denies God’s absolute truth then even his lies will sound truthful. Soon, even the once faithful Christian is drawn away from Christ. Satan’s goal is to bring a message that will ultimately derail true Christianity. It may seem that he’s succeeding, but we who truly believe and follow the living Christ know who ultimately succeeds in the end.

It’s incredibly foolish to follow someone who professes to be a Christian and yet disregards Jesus and His word. That is the “New Christianity”, very persuasive and even attractive in all its casualness. Jesus is very hard to locate in their worship services. Outwardly this movement is seen by its followers as some great and wonderful replacement to the old tired traditions of the Christian past.

If you’re a young adult reading this commentary and you’ve become disillusioned with “traditional” Christianity, listen up. Even though innumerable multitudes have given themselves to the Lord over the past 2,000 years, many of whom were martyred for standing firm in their faith, you believe Christianity is broken and this “New Christianity” is the fix. This is a huge satanic deception, my young friend. True Christianity has been spread worldwide. Explain to me how that would have been possible without Christ. How could Christianity have ever come this far? In the minds of the adherents to this “New Christianity, for the last 2,000 years Christ’s Church has just been limping along barely surviving.

Because the folks following this new movement are looking for something different, something more exciting, something other than their parents Christianity, Satan will do everything he can to accommodate them in their quest. We shouldn’t be fooled by this easy belief system guided by articulate, persuasive, even charismatic speakers who’ve given themselves over to the enemy. “The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.” Proverbs 15:2. These foolish leaders are only following their father Satan, liar extraordinaire.

Satanic attempts at re-establishing, or re-making Christianity abound today. The truth is everybody searches for God. They’re searching for something but they know not what. This leaves a big empty hole in their soul that needs to be filled. This “New Christianity” is there to convince the searcher that their club is the best. Actually it’s Satan’s club and he wants you to become a permanent member.

Then again, many erroneously believe that they’ve found God apart from Jesus Christ. This “New Christianity” is just one of the many vehicles Satan is using today to draw people away from the Savior of the world. People occasionally make the erroneous statement “I found God”; God draws us to His Son not the other way around. Only through the Son can we have a relationship with the Father.

Whether you sit around on your circled couches believing that self realization, prayer mantras, prayer labyrinths, yoga, contemplative spirituality, lighting candles or sitting in the dark contemplating your navel will bring you closer to God, or if you follow one of the numerous other false religions of this world, what must be considered is that any teaching which leads folks away from the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and who He really is, conforms perfectly to Satan’s agenda.

Whether it’s Islam, Mormonism, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Buddhism, Hinduism, Zoroastrianism, New Age (which really isn’t new at all), Contemplative Spirituality, Emerging Church or any other false religion that diminishes what Christ accomplished on the cross, you can be assured they all are leading their adherents to Hell. Satan is the father of all lies and he is the initiator and leader of every false religion on this planet. He’s drawing multitudes down that “broad way” that leads to destruction.

“If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.” 2 John 1:10, 11. John was quite adamant about these false doctrines. When he addresses his second epistle to the elect lady, who many believe to be Mary the mother of Jesus, he admonishes her and all who are with her to heed his warning, even to the exclusion of inviting them into their homes. Alas, if folks would only pay attention to the scriptures many would not have been deceived.

You and I are only pawns Satan uses in his attempt to thwart God’s end game strategy. Satan hates the human race and that is the truth. Satan’s doomed and he knows it. “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” Revelation 20:10. He will scheme and lie and introduce all forms of “New Christianity” (ideas that are actually the antithesis of true Christianity) into the world to take as many foolish, gullible people with him to their destruction.

God tells us in His word what to look for as the days of the end draw ever closer and certainly we can see for ourselves the signs He spoke of are unfolding before us with uncommon speed. Those who are easily deceived are simply falling for the same old tired lie Satan has been throwing at us for the past 6,000 years.

In His Olivet Discourse message, Jesus gives four of His disciples, and ultimately all of us who would listen, a command to “Take heed that no man deceive you.” Matthew 24:4. Jesus is saying “Heed My warning, men are coming, who will deceive you if you let them” (Paraphrase mine).

Jesus knew many would be deceived if He didn’t give that warning, but many are being deceived everyday because they won’t heed His warning just as Adam and Eve did not heed God’s words in the Garden of Eden.

“If ye love me, keep my commandments” John 14:15. Those who love Jesus and study His word are going to be prepared to confront whoever would come to deceive them. Those who don’t won’t.

As I read more and more about these false teachings which are permeating our Church and culture, my Savior’s words in Matthew’s Gospel continually flood my mind: “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” Matthew 7:13, 14. The Greek word used here to indicate few is “oligos” and used in this instance denotes a number quantity and size, such as few, little, small, slight.

Jesus Christ, Almighty God, is telling you and me that He is the strait gate, the narrow way and it’s only through Him that we will be able to enjoy everlasting life. This is the truth that Satan is working overtime to corrupt. Satan will live forever but once God sends him to the Lake burning with Fire and Brimstone he’ll not be able to enjoy his deceitfulness ever again. Nor will any of those who followed him.

When I see so many falling for this “New Christianity” and all those other false religions my heart sinks. I can’t help but reflect on Jesus words. “For many are called, but few are chosen.” Matthew 22:14. There’s that word “few” again. The names of the redeemed are written in the Lambs book of life. It is somewhat disheartening to realize God knew these evil deceptions would flourish as the days grew to a close on planet earth.

Before the foundation of the world, God had a little book with everyone’s name written there who would eventually believe the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. These are the ones the Bible tells us will live forever. Certainly taking any other path to God instead of through His only begotten Son would not bode well for ones name being written in Lamb’s book of life.

The phrase “choose wisely” never grows old does it?

God bless you all,

Ron Graham
twotug@embarqmail.com
All scripture is from the KJV
 

Waxing Cold in the Last Days - Ron Graham - twotug@embarqmail.com

“And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” Matthew 24:12. Jesus, speaking to four of His disciples about the times just before His Second Advent, tells them that because sin will be so rampant, so commonplace in the last days that the love people once had for one another will become, for the most part, nonexistent. The Greek word “polys” is translated into our English word as “many”. It’s used in numerous places throughout the New Testament denoting multitudes, great and very significant numbers. Imagine, if you can, a world made up of people thoroughly devoid of “love” for their fellow man.

I believe Jesus is alluding to the seven year tribulation period that will begin just after the Rapture of His Church. It stands to reason that this “loveless” generation Jesus speaks about as being full of iniquity (wickedness) doesn’t just appear one day after the Rapture, but that societies would gradually migrate toward degeneracy and ultimately to a crescendo of rampant and overwhelming depravity.

In the verse above Jesus speaks of love which will wax (or grow) cold. Since we are living in the last days just prior to His return I believe that the lack of love for our fellow man has begun to spiral toward that final climax. I suppose, then, that it shouldn’t be surprising to biblically literate students of scripture when we see such cold heartedness infiltrating our society. But was Jesus including believers in that mix of folks whose love would progressively wax colder and colder?

What has happened to the once well known demeanor of those who profess to being born again? It seems, to me at least, that the once loving, caring attitude held by those who faithfully follow Jesus Christ is diminishing as we draw nearer to the last days before Christ’s return.

I’m talking about our attitude towards one another as we discuss biblical doctrine or other Christian issues. Discussion boards and forums are alive with debates and at times heated arguments ensue which are filled with angry words one might expect to hear from worldly people, but not Christians. Christians belittling Christian’s using a tone of superiority that bodes only of pride. Where’s that come from if not from the world? Love thy neighbor as thy self seems to be losing its appeal in these last days. My brethren, this should not be so; loving one another is one of Jesus’ most frequently stated commandments for His followers to adhere to.

Because we can now enjoy much more frank discussions which span what once was considered almost impossible barriers, believers can now communicate with one another worldwide, instantaneously, and with little or no accountability. We can join and contribute to forums and use email to express ourselves and if we so desire we can accomplish this new form of communicating with complete anonymity.

As believer’s views are attacked by other believers they, in many instances, attack right back instead of responding in love. Over the past few years I’ve noticed an increased hostility amongst believers who disagree on Bible interpretation.

All of us are confronted almost daily with what seems to be knee-jerk reactions instead of well thought-out and studied responses made through a love for one another and thorough devotion to God’s truth. Where has all the love gone? It seems that among believers today when it comes to discussing God’s inerrant word, love has been jettisoned. “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another” 1 John 1:7. How is true fellowship possible when the brethren continue in constant disagreement and strife?

Why must Christ’s Church argue so? This unholy trend is not hard to see as we peruse various Christian websites and forums. The anger that persists in discussions among believers is very disheartening. At times the very hostility that once was relegated to the heartless, unbelieving, and lost world has now crept into the lives of many believers. “Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.” Mark 9:50.

We’re witnessing a chasm growing between Christians today; there are so many different Bible interpretations being promoted that without well studied parameters (context is everything) many can’t distinguish clear and concise teaching from the erroneous. This inability to distinguish truth leads many believers today to argue amongst themselves on subjects such as doctrine and interpretation even though they may be completely wrong.

I believe this absence of love among the brethren can more easily be attributed to being conformed to the world than to a lack of Bible knowledge. Love is the bridge that will span any chasm no matter how big. Where is our Christian love? Are we to conform to the world or to Christ? “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son” Romans 8:29. The image of Christ is not seen in all this bickering.

The world is only going to corrupt its inhabitants, that’s all unbelievers can expect from this fallen, sin-filled world which they call their home. But believers don’t call planet earth home, we are only sojourners here and thus we should not become conformed to the world. Certainly we aren’t to have the same self-absorbed and prideful attitude as the unbelieving masses. If we allow the world to dilute our souls and corrupt our hearts and minds we will become as hateful and eventually just as loveless as many of those who have no hope. Then where does that leave our Christian witness?

God gives discernment to those who diligently seek His counsel; most believers know this to be so. There are those who will listen to a Bible teacher or a pastor and take everything they say as truth, never to be questioned. Are these teachers and pastors always correct? Not necessarily. In Acts 17:11 Luke tells us to search the scriptures daily to see if what we are being taught is truly following the scriptures (paraphrase mine). By searching the scriptures for ourselves we learn to rightly divide the word of God.

The problem and how it’s affecting the Church today stems from biblically illiterate Christians who only parrot what they’ve heard or been taught. Because many will believe the false teachers of the day they will argue a false doctrine to the exclusion of all else. And when these arguments get heated what emerges is bitterness and mistrust. Satan must be eating this stuff up.

It seems that believers are moving away from following Jesus’ commandment to love one another and beginning to embrace worldly debate as well as confrontation. There’s no doubt, Christians are becoming conformed to this world. “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:2.

I am completely aware of the need for correction today in the Church. But all correction should be tied directly to brotherly love. I’m convinced that Paul addresses the occasional need for correction in 2 Timothy. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16, 17. God’s word does the correcting when it is interpreted as His literal, inerrant word. We love one another and therefore we instruct and correct with loving convicted hearts. There is no room for contention and strife amongst believers.

As followers of Christ our words and our actions should emulate Christ. If we have a disagreement with a brother about a certain verse in the Bible or even doctrine, we should consider the ramifications of a prolonged and heated public argument on a forum, such as how others might be adversely influenced. Discussion is one thing but when the discussion turns heated something is out of whack. “He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.” 1 John 2:9. In a public setting, such as a Christian forum, we should never allow heated arguments to develop.

So to what may we contribute much of the bitterness and prideful attitudes being displayed today by believers? The very fact that believers are allowing some of the most depraved visual effects to permeate their minds these days is quite revealing. The more we are confronted with evil passing itself off as entertainment the more our minds will become influenced and guided toward darkness. Television and movies are both culprits in guiding believers away from God. The internet has also become a huge influence in the lives of many believers and non-believers alike. Garbage in garbage out as the old saying goes. Although information is plentiful on the net it isn’t all edifying to the saints. We must beware of wolves in sheep’s clothing.

The unbelieving world is always placing Christians under a magnifying glass. It seems what they want more than anything else is to trip us up. The way we handle ourselves in a discussion can affect the non-believer either positively or negatively. As the world watches us they should see Christ in us. But when the world sees us arguing, when they see our debate become so heated and filled with bitterness, that we now look no different than the rest of the world, the rejection of Jesus Christ becomes a whole lot easier. Instead of the possibility of gaining a new brother or sister in Christ, we’ve just tossed them back into the enemy’s camp.

There’s always going to be disagreements along the lines of Bible interpretation and Christian doctrine. All of Christendom, for one reason or another, simply won’t agree. If we are truly born again then we are brothers and sisters in Christ and Jesus is watching our every move. He can’t be pleased with the current trend towards bickering which in most instances ends up in an attitude of bitterness aimed at others in His family.

“And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.”
1 John 3:23. John, twice in this verse, places the emphases on the fact that Jesus gave us a commandment, first that we should believe on His name and secondly we’re to love one another. We would do well to heed all His commandments.

Anytime we are in a discussion with anyone, love must never be replaced with anger. Anger will lead to hate. Jesus’ words come crashing down upon us whenever we forget one of His most basic tenets. “If ye love me, keep my commandments” John 14:15. Love one another.

Nothing constructive can be achieved through all the bickering and anger associated with believers debating different Bible interpretations. It will only lead to bitterness and that’s something no believer should allow into their hearts. Bitterness, hate, strife, confusion are all strongholds where the enemy will certainly take up residence.

As faithful believers we should always be prepared to take loving correction whenever it applies and even rebuke if applicable. But outright bitterness as an approach to one another in what started out as a simple discussion brings reproach on the Church as a whole. Arguing is wrong and divisive, and it might stumble a brother “He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.” 1 John 2:10. Even worse is how this constant arguing will send unbelievers scurrying for cover anywhere but to the side of a Christian. “And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” Matthew 24:12.

Even in His Church? God forbid!

God bless you all,
Ron Graham
twotug@embarqmail.com
All scripture is from the KJV
 

Consequences to Bad Decisions - Ron Graham - twotug@embarqmail.com

There are consequences, sometimes overwhelming consequences, when bad decisions are made. Sometimes we ignore or shy away from the really complicated decisions, avoiding them all together if at all possible. It’s hard to always be right when it comes to making decisions. Occasionally we blow it. Sooner or later regret sets in as we’re faced with consequences we never expected.

There may be times when we are afforded the opportunity to change our decision before some horrible outcome materializes. Wouldn’t it be great if there was someone else who would make those difficult decisions in life for us so blunders and regrets might be avoided? Mostly we learn and grow stronger from mistakes but there are many who, as each new opportunity arises, will repeat the same erroneous decisions again and again.

Many of life’s bad decisions can be avoided by studying our Bibles. By making decisions based on God’s word the road ahead pretty much smoothes out in front of us. Through the diligent study and adherence to God’s inerrant word we can avoid making bad decisions.

The lack luster life of a biblically illiterate Christian is evident in how many wrong decisions occur in that individual’s life. But there’s a great deal of godly evidence in the life of a believer who has become committed to studying God’s word. Is it God’s word that holds our attention or the world? “He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.” Matthew 13:22. The cares of this world too often get in the way and God and His word became relegated to the back seat of lives.

Daily we’re faced with the decision of whether or not to ignore God’s word. The more we neglect reading and studying His word the easier it gets to just forget about it all together. “My Bible’s not going anywhere and tomorrow is another day.”

There’s an excellent line from a “Rocky” film that I just love. As Apollo Creed is speaking to Rocky Balboa trying to convince him to get with the program Rocky makes the statement “Tomorrow, we’ll pick it up again tomorrow” and Apollo yells back at Rocky, “There is no tomorrow!” Friends, tomorrow never comes, especially when we are putting off doing something that we now find tedious.

If you find Bible study monotonous or boring you’ve allowed outside interests to burden your thought process. The world has become more important to you than God. This is easy to see happening in a believer’s life when they are avoiding God. The more we avoid God the more He’ll just keep silent. If we aren’t walking with God guess who’ll be there to keep us company? The enemy relishes the opportunity to stumble us. He’s right there waiting to pounce and devour at a moment’s notice. It’s our decision to allow this attack to happen.

The decision to skip a routine of devotional time or to neglect the daily reading of God’s word will have profound effects on the other decisions of the day. Praying, for example, will not be important before we commit ourselves to any new course or action. Eventually our prayers will become less of a priority in our lives. The less relevance we place on prayer the further we’ll move away God. Through prayer a believer speaks to the Creator of the Universe. If we love God with all our heart, speaking to Him will become our highest priority.

Witnessing becomes almost a non-event when Bible study is forfeited for other more appealing activities. Who can be an effective witness without sufficient knowledge of God’s word? Questions will arise from nonbelievers that will confuse and even cause doubt in the mind of biblically illiterate Christians. And doubt can inevitably lead the believer to avoid witnessing altogether.

When you wake up and spend a little time in prayer and devotion to God the rest of that day’s decisions are then made with a completely different attitude. Always seek God’s council first. A godly decision that is based solely on God’s will, not our own selfish, wicked hearts, will be no match for the enemy. But the ill effects of godless decisions can cause profound consequences.

Reading and basking in God’s word can be as stream of living water rushing through our souls. Believers are empowered as we read and study His word. Through our diligent study of His word God lays more discernment upon us. Glimpses into who He is are as nuggets and pearls stored up in a believer’s heart.

Bible study becomes very enlightening as our desire to learn more of what God’s word says. But if the desire isn’t there the occasions to study will cease to materialize. Sometimes it takes a little motivation to get started, but once you’ve committed to a routine of study you’ll begin to progress and the more you learn the more you’ll want to know. You’ll never know it all but being grounded in God’s word becomes evident in a believers life. As you dig deeper you’ll be given more knowledge as a reward for your diligence.

Without biblical knowledge believers are as logs floating on an ocean filled with many misleading currents. They may find themselves drifting from one current to another void of any real direction. When believers allow themselves to be “current driven” or “guided” without knowing where they are heading they may not be aware, until it’s too late, who’s doing the guiding.

The enemy takes great delight in guiding believers off course. Satan will take advantage of believers who are ignorant of God’s word. Pushing the warm fuzzies of the current trendy alternatives to a real Christ centered biblically based message is Satan’s endgame strategy. Those who refuse to study or who deny the truth of God’s word become easy prey for the enemy, these folks will believe anything but the truth.

This life is a never ending assortment of decisions. Read my Bible today, don’t read my Bible, go to the movies, don’t read my Bible, watch television don’t read my Bible, begin my day reading my Bible, begin my day in an argument with my spouse, and on it goes. It’s your decision and it must be made daily.

There’s another decision, though, that only needs to be made once. The most important decision to ever confront humanity is the decision to follow Christ. Jesus is the Messiah of the world, the Creator of the universe, the propitiation for our sins. “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” 1 John 1:10.

“Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.” Joel 3:14. Man does indeed stand in the valley of decision, but it is God who does the deciding, not man. It is a valley of judgment–and we should decide for Jesus right now so we never stand in this valley of decision. Where do you stand?

Reading the Bible is awe inspiriting, and the most worthwhile and incredibly fulfilling journey that a believer can take. To be completely forthright though, the only way to actually grasp much of the nuances of God’s word is to become a believer and then read His word with a new heart and love for God. Paul the Apostle refers to the Gospel message as foolishness to those who are perishing. “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness;” 1 Corinthians 1:18a. Who is Paul speaking about? All those who will be standing in the valley of decision at the end.

We aren’t saved by reading the Bible, but by reading it after we are saved we are given direction for this life. God’s direction is the only correct path to walk.

If you’re reading this commentary today and you’re not a born again believer in Christ you were guided here by the Holy Spirit to read this message.

In God’s economy everything happens for a reason. The Holy Spirit is beckoning you to believe in the One who God the Father sent. That’s Jesus Christ, our Lord, the Messiah of Israel, and the Savior of the world. We have been given an incredible gift, a free gift from God Almighty. God’s gift to us (which means everyone) was the life of His only begotten Son who died in our stead. He took our sins upon Himself, died, was buried, and rose again on the third day all according to the scriptures. Whose scriptures? God’s scriptures.

You can believe and accept God’s free gift of salvation today and be assured of your place in Heaven for eternity, or you can make a bad decision by choosing to ignore the Holy Spirit’s message and go your way. Before you close this page and relegate it to obscurity, please give these last few words some serious thought.

Remember earlier in this commentary I spoke about the regret from the consequences of bad decision making? Think about this, you may never have the opportunity to say yes to Jesus again. Your life could end in a heartbeat before you reach the door.

If you choose to ignore God’s Holy Spirit today and then die in that lost state, your final decision in this life will result in the most horrible regret you could ever imagine. Unlike a decision that can be changed and the regret of a bad decision avoided, this ultimate decision of yours will fill you with a regret that will last for eternity. You will have just afforded yourself the same horrifying, awful, and dreadful eternal reality that so many before you have done. Hell will not be a huge kegger in the park with your buddies. The reality of Hell will be fully realized the instant you die as the result of your final bad decision.

So please, take a moment and come to the good and correct decision, the decision that will place you in Jesus’ loving hands for eternity. Say yes to Jesus now! You won’t regret that decision.

God bless you all,

Ron Graham
twotug@embarqmail.com
All scripture is from the KJV
 

Giving Up - Ron Graham - twotug@embarqmail.com

“Rejoice the soul of thy servant: for unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee. Give ear, O LORD, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications. In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me.” Psalm 86:4-7. Do you, my brethren, believe God’s mercy is plenteous, and that He is ready to forgive?

Because I had the audacity to suggest in a commentary that Christians participate in a nationwide prayer vigil. My brethren felt the need to rebuke me, first for suggesting that God just might be willing and able to heal our land and then for suggesting our nation is worth healing. I thought that there were many others with the same mindset as me. Although there were a few who agreed with me, clearly the majority of responders to my commentary, “A Prayer for Change”, were decidedly against prayer in any form that would focus on our nation, or its leadership.

Apparently a good portion of my readers feel God is hard at work laying judgment traps for the rebellious to fall into, which means He’s just too busy or He doesn’t care to hear our prayers for healing. I believe America may very well be under some form of God’s judgment, but I will never believe He’s not interested in hearing from His children, or that He’s unwilling to stay His judgment as He hears from more and more of us.

God expects to hear from those who belong to Him. I hate using the following term and I will avoid it at any cost, but I’m going to use it here because it seems most appropriate on this occasion. Stop putting “God into a box”. Stop it. God is bigger than any box you and I will ever imagine and He can do anything He wishes. If God wants to heal America or any other country for that matter because He’s heard from His Children how arrogant is it of us to say He won’t or He can’t?

Interestingly there are some Christian commentators that are suggesting we believers should not pray for America, “Its glory days have ended” they say. “It’s foolishness to pray for this nation, God has condemned America.” One such commentator says “There are only two kinds of believers who want to save our country. Those who subscribe to Dominion, or Kingdom Now, theology, and those who don’t really believe the Lord is coming back and don’t want to lose the lifestyle they enjoy here. They are amillennialist who think things are always going to be the way they’ve been.”

I believe there’s at least a third group. I for one know full well that God’s word will be fulfilled and that at any moment He may remove His Church from planet earth. But until then believers are told to occupy until He comes. That means we continue to spread the Gospel of Christ while we pray for God’s blessings to continue. I don’t believe that the Church has replaced Israel, but that the Church has its own distinctive place in God’s plan.

Life as a believer will be much better if we are free to go about our Father business. That commentator I mentioned has no idea what life will be like in America just prior to the Rapture. Why? Because America isn’t in biblical prophecy. All he can do is assume this or that will happen to America. Besides that, Paul tells us to “pray without ceasing” 1 Thessalonians 5:17. I don’t see where Paul or any other New Testament writer tells us not to pray for God blessing on our Nation.

Many, including myself, believe God may be judging America by allowing a socialist government to come into power for reasons of chastisement. Why? As I mentioned in that commentary Americans, by and large, have turned their collective backs on God. But I’ve never suggested giving up, nor will I.

Be assured God is not sitting back waiting for America to implode. No, He’s patiently waiting to hear from His children, all His children. He expects His children to stand firm on their faith in Jesus Christ, no matter in what direction this nation heads. From what I know of American history this nation has been fraught with evil demonic forces trying desperately to disrupt its growth and morality while adding massive amounts of violence into the mix from its inception. America has always been at odds with other nations as well as the discontent from within itself. Throughout the past two centuries Americans have fought and bickered amongst ourselves. Somehow we always come through it and for the most part unscathed. Could the reason be because of the unfettered prayers of God’s children?

It seems like World Wars I and II were catalysts in bringing Americans together. Then we had lesser wars that seemingly tore us apart. America is certainly a diverse nation, made up of a great ethnic and religious hodgepodge, and of course we have our share of sociopaths (people who are affected with a personality disorder marked by aggressive, violent, antisocial thought and behavior and a lack of remorse or empathy) thrown in for bad measure. We see a lot of those people currently exploding onto the scene committing horrible atrocities. Then of course there are the sociopaths running most world governments including that of the United States.

Many of my brethren complain that by my suggestion that we continue praying for this great nation, which they believe is completely doomed, that I am giving false hope to my more gullible brethren. “What an imbecile you are Ron. You’re like Nebuchadnezzar’s grandson Belshazzar who couldn’t see the attack coming on Babylon until the writing showed up on the wall”. Perhaps they’re right, so shoot me for being a firm believer in the power of prayer. I sure don’t see any reason to just give in or give up. I will not, nor should any Christian give in to apathy.

I’m not asking my brethren to take up arms and fight this new evil that has taken over our government. All I’m saying is at least give God the benefit of the doubt and a chance to fight for His children and bless them.

It’s becoming apparent that the hotly debated topic of America once being a Christian nation is gaining steam. It’s obvious that some American’s no longer wish the U.S. to be known as a Christian nation, nor do they want to acknowledge that this country was ever a Christian nation. We see Christians torn apart and extremely divided by what they have been force fed from the media as well as many of our Christian pulpits.

I heard from a pastor recently that the tax exempt status is something the government of the United States has graciously bestowed on the Church. I’d be very careful. The powers to be aren’t going to give anything without wanting something in return. Churches must maintain their anonymity so the IRS doesn’t take away their coveted tax exempt status (501) (C) (3). Wouldn’t it be better to go ahead and pay the taxes instead of being forced to water down God’s word? Pay the taxes and tell the truth. And let’s keep God’s truth and our American history visible and accessible to all.

We can see a hug groundswell of dissention in the ranks these days. American s, Republicans, Independents, and others are becoming more and more sure they made a massive mistake in placing these particular Democrats in charge of this country. Americans are now becoming keenly aware that their Democratic super majority run government isn’t even close to enacting the will of the people. Nobody in their right mind really ever wanted a gigantic super government structure taking over all aspects of our personal lives.

It’s the power of prayer which is currently changing the political landscape of our country. States, one by one are refusing to allow same sex marriages, and many States are turning against the Dem/Fed government. Massachusetts just voted into office a Republican Senator where a Democrat sat for the last 47 years, people are waking up and praying for this nation and God is listening. New Jersey and Virginia have also made the change over to Republican after many years of Democratic control.

We must be careful in this country, we must be fully aware of a politician’s past voting record. We shouldn’t believe everything we hear from our elected officials, whether they be Democrat or Republican. Both political party’s have their hands in the till so to speak. It becomes kind of a crap shoot if we aren’t familiar with a politician’s position on the issues prior to election day. Shame on us for not knowing who we voted for until he/she takes office.

There is much misleading information being presented to the public these days, but lately it seems many are turning their backs on the purveyors of lies and seeking truth from outside the normal arena of news sound bites. This practice of misleading the masses has been a growing threat to Christianity and is doing great damage to an America that once was the beacon of hope to many other nations.

God will not interfere in our government if we, His children, see no need to pray for Him to intervene in our affairs. He’ll simply comply with our desire to go it alone. Personally I like having Him along. After all He’s the one who gives us the ability to bear up under whatever evil is forced upon us. Even by this Christ rejecting government we are currently strapped with.

There are, of course, many who stand on the inerrancy of God’s word while “rightly dividing the word of truth” 2 Timothy 2:15b. They are those who are speaking out against the evil in this land, they have little fear of the Federal government snatching away their tax exempt status because they don’t claim it. They firmly stand against evil such as the man who currently occupies the Oval Office, and against all those other liars and sadists in his administration. These fearless believers include lay men and women, pastors, evangelist, and others who will surely be remembered in the Kingdom of Heaven for standing firm on God’s word.

America is at a crossroads. If Obama and company are allowed to continue to have their way, America will cease to be a sovereign nation made up of freedom loving, God fearing people. I know many don’t see it yet, but they will very soon now. Unless we stop the advancement of radical socialism from taking root there will no longer be an America to save. The power that’s wielded through prayer is, in many cases, underestimated. But there is power, great power when we invoke God’s help. “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31. When we stand with God, God stands with us.

Jesus is the Messiah of the Jews and the Gentiles, the Savior of the world. Christ overshadows all human endeavors. But human pride blinds men’s eyes and many can’t, or won’t, see the truth. You who bashed me because of my suggestion that Christians pray for their nation are indeed not seeing the whole picture. Jesus is among us and hears our prayers. I’ll leave the future of America in Jesus’ capable hands as I continue to pray for America. Whether or not we should pray that America is taken back out of the hands of the man who, more than anything else, wants to see her converted to a socialistic, totalitarian, dictatorial, czar run, Muslim country is the question.

I don’t care how many of my brethren write and tell me how ignorant I am or how biblically uninformed I am. I serve an awesome God who can and will do great things if we will only believe. But that’s the rub isn’t it. Believing God will continue to bless our nation is what many abhor. “What do you mean Ron?” Just this, many of my brethren are so fixated on the Rapture that they want to see the destruction of America happen, believing this will usher in the snatching away of the saints. That scenario is not biblical and may very well result in some horrible Christian persecution through apathy inside Christ’s Church.

We in America may see the elimination of our freedoms. We may witness the rise of socialism. America’s Christians may be persecuted to the point we currently witness in other nations. We may be forced underground to live and to worship our Lord Jesus Christ. Then again Jesus may take us home tomorrow. Nobody really knows what America will be like just before the Rapture happens, so why not keep God in the loop?

As long as I’m alive and kicking I’ll be praying that America’s liberties remain intact. I pray that God continues to bless His people and this great nation so we may continue with His commandment of spreading the Gospel unimpeded.

Patrick Henry said “Give me liberty or give me death” and many of my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ feel the same way. We don’t want to be here if America is going to go through the change Obama has planned. Like I said previously, we are told to occupy ‘til He comes and so we shall, but I can promise you this, we are going to need prayer and lots of it.

To succumb to an “I give up attitude” is to proclaim the enemy has won the battle. If your attitude is to surrender then you might want to re-examine your faith–held–belief that God is in control. Those of us who are actually born again aren’t going to surrender, ever. Why? Because we know who’s in charge and that He fights our battles.

If you are one of those who wrote condemning me or chiding me for praying for my country, then all I can say is stay out of my way. You give up if that’s your mantra. I’ll continue to call on God to withstand the enemy through prayer until I’m taken out of the way. I know God is not going to give up on His children, but I also know that if we give up on Him and His awesome ability to make changes then we should be prepared to accept the consequences. Without God in the mix our time remaining on earth will be hell.

Is America being judged? Maybe. Can we as God’s children do anything to abate God’s judgment? Possibly. Why not pray about it? “...then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” 2 Chronicles 7:14b. He stayed His mighty hand against the city of Nineveh why not the US?

What do ya say? “Pray” or “Give Up”? As for me and my family we will continue to PRAY God’s intervention and healing for the land of the free and the home of the brave.

God bless you all,

Ron Graham
twotug@embarqmail.com
All scripture is from the KJV

Saved, and I Know it - Ron Graham - twotug@embarqmail.com

How? How do I know I’m saved? That’s a question I receive from time to time and which is almost always followed with the statement “I want to know for sure I’m saved”. Every believer wants to be assured of their eternal salvation. Even those who believe in another god apart from the God of the Bible. Hey, even atheists want to be sure of what they’ve placed their faith in. All believers in Christ should know that there is no other God than the God of the Bible. And as far as atheists are concerned, well, they’ve placed their faith in man. Of course, beliefs in other gods or no God at all are both huge errors that by witnessing we hope to rectify.

Let’s take a look at how God looks at His salvation plan which is available to everyone. When did God first start dealing with you? “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:” Ephesians 1:4. God chose us “the elect” before the foundation of the world. That’s when God began dealing with each and every one of us. Believers are God’s “elect”. “Ye have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you” John 15:16. God has moved us into the position of a believer. How did He do that? Keep reading.

God’s offer of salvation is given to everyone (John 3:16, 3:36, 5:24, Romans 10:9, 13.), but the lost “choose” to remain lost. I want to make that statement as plain as I can. It’s a choice of ours to either believe or not. “But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
2 Thessalonians 2:13, 14.

God draws us to hear the Gospel, “he called you by our gospel”. If when we hear it we believe “the truth”, this moves us into the position of being God’s “elect”. On the other hand, many of those who God draws to hear His Gospel (and He draws everyone) refuse to believe, they are lost because they refused to believe His truth. Either way God chose us to come and hear His word. How do you know you have been “elected” by God to Salvation? By your response to His Gospel that He drew you to hear. Did you all get that? God is the initiator of our being drawn. He does the drawing. “Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father” 1 Peter 1:2, only means you heard the truth of the Gospel and you believed. We either respond in the affirmative or the negative but everyone is drawn to hear. The “elect” hear and believe. It’s a simple yes answer.

I’m not actually attempting to get into arguments with the Calvinists here. I don’t believe there’s any reason for those who diligently study their Bibles to come away with such a huge misunderstanding when it comes to foreknowledge, predestination, and the elect. So as far as I’m concerned, there should be no debate of whether or not some of us are predestined to be saved and others aren’t. Yes there are those who are God’s elect, and there are many who are not God’s elect. Why? God has made it abundantly clear that everyone is invited into his family (John 3:16). It’s just that some choose to turn down his invitation, and God knows who they are and He knew them, and their choice, before the foundation of the world. Yes there are many arrogant and foolish people who after receiving the truth, “their invitation”, refuse to say “Yes, I believe”. Some of these foolish people actually become so belligerent with God that they begin to blaspheme Him and spew hateful words at Him as they willfully return His invitation. In other words their refusal often times contains more than just a no thank you God. Hence these foolish, arrogant, belligerent people remain in their sins, thus they are not His elect, but they are perishing.

But what of those who’ve said yes to God? Those who’ve heard His Gospel message and believed. Those are who God calls His “elect”. What is it that gives them their sense of security? It’s simple. All those who’ve heard the Gospel and believed are immediately sealed with the Holy Spirit, and that’s a promise from God. Those of us who are sealed with God’s Holy Spirit are no longer under the power of the enemy.

So we learn that all believers fall under the banner of the “elect” of God. But all believers don’t feel the same way about their salvation. Some bask in the assurance of God’s gift of salvation and go about their lives seemingly fearless, almost as though they can’t be bothered about any attack from the enemy. These folks fully grasp the truth. When they are attacked their faith is so strong that they’ve learned how to overcome the enemy. These people know God will fight the battle.

Others, once justified, don’t give their salvation much thought at all. After their conversion there’s nothing else that brings out any signs that they were ever justified. Thus the enemy doesn’t see much reason in attacking them. After all, they probably aren’t doing any witnessing and they show little to no concern in producing and living a fruit filled Christian life.

Then there are the worry warts; those who think they’ve lost their salvation for some sin they committed after becoming a believer. These are the folks who listen to the false teachings of those who contradict God and teach that you can lose your salvation. Until they learn to listen to God instead of the naysayers they’ll be miserable. Many live a useless Christian life unable to break away from the condemnation of the enemy. Condemnation is laid on believers by Satan and his followers and sometimes by the brethren who’ve misinterpreted their Bibles, but never by the Holy Spirit.

This next group are the born again believers who cannot seem to grasp the fact that even though they feel they’re born again, there’s a nagging suspicion which tugs at their heart telling them they aren’t really saved at all. “Yes, I believe that Jesus is the Son of God, that He died on the cross for my sins, and that He arose three days later and sits at the right hand of God. I’ve repented of my sins and asked Him to rule and reign in my heart. And I believe that with all my heart. But, I still have doubts now and then about my salvation. Why?” That “but” is a security killer.

All believers go through ups and downs in their walk with the Lord. Doubting one’s salvation from time to time can eventually strip a believer of his/her joy, In some believers lives doubt seems to be a frequent, sometimes habitual occurrence. In some cases it’s a quick downer and the believer is back up and walking in fellowship with the Lord. With others the downer last through their entire Christian walk because they’ve never learned how to overcome the enemy's attacks. (Read Ephesians 6 for your allotment of armor).

Here’s what I see happening to these folks. They are allowing Satan to plant in their mind, a pattern of guilt and fear. Through his prodding he’s convinced them to question their salvation. It’s amazing to me just how many believers write and tell me they doubt their salvation. Satan is very good at stealing the joy we have in Christ. By placing doubt in our mind he’s gotten us to doubt even our own beliefs, our own faith, and our security in Christ.

Everyone reading this commentary must understand at least this one part. When we neglect God’s word we become most vulnerable to the enemy’s attacks. But when we take on a daily routine of Bible reading and study we remain much more secure and avoid those horrible darts of self defeat. Just a few paragraphs each day will do wonders in fighting off those enemy darts. Read more if you can of course, but even a page or two a day will help. Always pray for guidance from the Holy Spirit before you begin your Bible reading. Do this in the morning and you have put on the armor of God to help you through the entire day.

Believers have the Holy Spirit sealed within them. If we weren’t sealed with God’s Holy Spirit we would have plenty to worry about. This seal gives us the ability to rest in the knowledge that we are completely secure in God’s hands and that we have no reason to doubt our salvation, or fear our eternal destination. “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:32. Remember my brethren, God delights in keeping His promises, and He promises to keep you in His hands.

If we continue to allow the enemy to place doubt in our minds we will, sooner or later, feel we’ve lost our salvation, or at the least live a miserable Christian life. This is the enemy’s purpose when it comes to believers, and he’s perfected his craft to nth degree. Understand, Satan can’t do anything to those who believe. He has no power over us unless we allow him that power. Why? Because we belong to Christ. We are living in Christ. We are God’s “elect”. We are completely secure when it comes to our salvation. All the elect will go to Heaven either in the Rapture of the Church or by passing from this life through death.

If you are worried about whether or not you’ve lost your salvation, or that you might lose it, you’ll be of no effect as a witness for God. That’s where Satan hopes you’ll end up, and that’s the purpose for the doubt, the condemnation, the guilt he bombards us with every day hoping to catch at least some of us in his snare. The emails I receive indicate that he’s been very successful. Think about it, if we don’t or won’t witness to others about the good news of Jesus the Messiah, Satan will keep those souls in his camp. Oh sure you’re still saved but what about the person who gets overlooked when it comes to being witnessed to, all because of your fear and preoccupation with losing your salvation?

Don’t fall for the enemy’s lies. That’s all they are. Satan is the father of all lies. And all those who tell you a born again believer can lose their salvation, for whatever reason, are doing Satan’s work for him, whether they know it or not. Don’t listen to them. Just keep reading your Bibles and studying. Allow the Holy Spirit of God to dwell in your mind and teach you God’s word. He’s a much better teacher than those who only want to bring you under condemnation. “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1.

Saved! And I know it! If you’re born again claim your security and stop allowing the enemy a foothold. “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7.

God bless you all,

Ron Graham
twotug@embarqmail.com
All scripture is from the KJV
 

I Pledge Allegiance - Ron Graham - twotug@embarqmail.com

At some point in everyone’s life there has been a pledge made to someone or something. For example, here in America most of us as we were growing up recited the pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America every weekday in school. For those of you reading this commentary in other countries our pledge goes like this “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” Most of the very young probably haven’t a clue as to what they are actually saying or what that allegiance refers to. But as adults we know that if we recite that pledge above we are aligning ourselves with the laws and rules that govern this country. Basically we are placing ourselves, quite willingly, under that professed allegiance.

We can refuse to recite that pledge if we so desire. No one will do anything to you for your refusal to pledge allegiance to the flag. There is absolutely no punishment forthcoming because of a steadfast refusal to pledge your allegiance to the U.S. The Gestapo will not be knocking on your door at 2:00 am and hauling you off to some concentration camp. There’ll be no fines, no imprisonment, and no condemnation of any kind for refusing to stand and recite the pledge of allegiance to our flag.

Interestingly, there is coming a time when Americans along with the rest of the world will become united in a new pledge of allegiance. And this pledge, one that many believe is coerced, will be to a certain person who will come onto the scene in the not so distant future. This person will demand that every human bow down and worship his image as god. If they refuse there will be severe consequences attached to that refusal. Those consequences will very likely include a detachment of one’s head from the rest of their body. “And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.” Revelation 13:15.

“And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:” Revelation 13:16. Many people are confused when it comes to this verse. The word in the Greek for causeth is “poieō” and it is the same Greek word used in verse 15, but in this context it has a different meaning. Here it simply means “to continue in”. There’s no coercion involved with taking the mark of the beast. It’s only a continuation of verse 15. The damage has already been done. Those who’ve bowed down and worshiped the image of the beast do so willingly and then they take the mark of the beast, also quite willingly. In other words, their pledge to worship the beast will not come as a surprise or through some false pretence; those who do so will know exactly what the ramifications of pledging themselves to the beast will be. They’ll believe he’s god and they will worship him as such.

During the Tribulation period multitudes of people will be fully engulfed in the lie. “And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” 2 Thessalonians 2:11, 12. They will willingly worship the beast as their god. Still, a few will not fall under this delusion but if they are discovered without his mark they will be killed for not submitting. Obviously the great delusion sent by God will not affect everyone because the Bible talks about the Tribulation saints. But even many of those who know the truth may be so full of fear that they worship the beast to keep their heads from being detached from their bodies, and thereby receive his mark and the same condemnation as those who do so willingly.

When we as believers give ourselves to Jesus Christ He becomes a part of us and what we’ve actually done is we’ve pledged ourselves to Him. That means we belong to Him and no one else. This allegiance to Christ is so binding that nothing outside of Christ can touch us, that is our spirit, from then on. Yes, these bodies can be killed but no one can touch our spirit.

Similarly, once those who bow down to this coming world leaders image and pledge themselves to him, they will belong to him for the remainder of their earthly lives. And their eternal destination will be shared with this false god. He demands allegiance to him and him alone and all who submit become bound to him, nothing can change that ownership. Those of you reading this commentary who don’t belong to Christ will be left here on earth after the Church is removed. Something else you might want to consider is this, if you’re not a born again believer in Christ right now, you are already dwelling in the enemy’s camp. Whether you bow down to him or not if you die during that time without Jesus as your savior you’re still condemned to Hell.

Of course, everyone should know by now that I am writing of the anti-Christ, the man of perdition. The pledge made that this man demands by those left behind will be a final act of rebellion to God. I can’t overstate the point I’m making here. To become a servant to the anti-Christ one must willingly submit to him by pledging themselves to him. It won’t be by accident that that pledge is made. It won’t be done out of an acceptance of some government enforced embedded chip program placed under the skin of the populace. Pledging allegiance to the anti-Christ will be done willingly and with complete knowledge of what that allegiance means.

I’m not saying that this chip program won’t be in some way the vehicle that the anti-Christ uses as his mark when he’s ready, but that they who accept it will do so willingly. This will not be a concern to those who are in Christ because this will not happen until after the Rapture of the church. I don’t think anyone can actually pin down what form this mark will take, only that it will be a sign of allegiance. What's really important is that the condemning factor will be making the pledge of allegiance to the image of the beast; then the mark will be placed on them as a proof of that pledge.

After the great and terrible totalitarian rulers of the 20th Century (Lenin, Stalin, Hitler, Mao), it isn’t hard to imagine a dominating world leader demanding a declaration of allegiance, tantamount to worshipping him (Obama?). Here we are in the 21st Century and we’re seeing signs that the whole world is searching for a true leader, a world leader, basically a messiah figure to usher in a euphoric sense of nirvana. In the past year how many times have we heard Obama referred to as the “messiah” or the “one”? And as a “professed Christian” how many times have we heard him rebuke those who place those names on him? Not once.

The fact is, this world leader, whoever he is, is very close to being revealed and some of you reading this commentary have no protection from his influence and the “lie” that’s on the horizon. That fact alone should be terrifying. It won’t be much longer before some of you will find yourselves living under the rule of a one world government and its dictatorial god.

There is a sense of fear even among evangelical Christians that they may soon be coerced into receiving the mark of the beast. Many of my fellow brethren are actually promoting this fear. Why? Because they lack a full understanding of what it means to be a part of Christ’s Church. We believers can’t pledge allegiance to the anti-Christ because when this usurper is finally revealed and demanding all to bow to his image, the Church will no longer be on planet earth. At some point after the church is removed he will demand all those remaining to worship him and then take his mark. And as I said before those who do worship the beast will do so quite willingly.

For believers there’s nothing to fear from this man. But for those who are left behind? There’s plenty for them to be fearful of. As God sends the great delusion onto the populace of the world the majority remaining will not be interested in the truth of the Gospel. The reason for the delusion is that they have rejected God’s free gift of salvation through His only begotten Son.

Some people will become believers during the Great Tribulation period. All Jews who are still alive during the last half of the tribulation period will be saved. They will finally have their blindness cured and they will recognize their Messiah, Jesus. But, unfortunately most of them will be martyred for their faith as they make their stand for Jesus. “And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them” Revelation 13:7. This verse is proof that there will be believers on earth during the Great Tribulation. Some people will, somehow, dodge all the bullets and scimitars and while keeping hold of their heads and refusing to bow down to the image of the beast and take his mark, they may actually survive that horrible period of time and go into the millennium unsaved. But most will willingly condemn themselves to Hell.

For all those who bow their knee and worship the beast and then take his mark their destiny will be set in stone. Equate bowing to this beast in a posture of worship and taking of his mark to jumping out of a plane at 30,000 ft. without a parachute. No matter how much you might regret that jump you’ll never recover from it and the regret will last for an eternity. My advice is, never bow the knee to the beast, and never accept his mark. Better yet place your faith and trust in Jesus Christ right now before it’s too late.

When the tribulation period begins the Church will no longer be present and the Holy Spirit will be in a different capacity then He is now. Because we’re told that there are saints on earth during the Great Tribulation we know that the Holy Spirit must still be here but His primary job classification will change slightly. Every person who becomes a follower of Jesus Christ during the tribulation period will be responsible for keeping themselves saved. Unlike those of us who are currently born again, those who are saved during the tribulation will not be sealed with the Holy Spirit.

The tribulation saints are going to go through perilous times, thus these saints might be persuaded to take the mark of the beast just so they can buy and sell. If they do they will lose their salvation. “And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:” Revelation 14:9, 10.

What I’m getting at here is just this. Why wait? Do you really want to experience life during the tribulation period? The chance of becoming a believer and remaining a believer during that time will be slim. If you’re a holdout to the truth, it isn’t too late to accept Christ as your Savior. If you know someone who is going through a phase of rebellion to God, please pass this commentary on to them. We must at least try to convince the lost in these last days that life during the last three and one half years of the tribulation period is going to be so horrific they most certainly won’t want to be a part of it. But if they wait much longer they may wake up some morning in the middle of Hell on earth.

Spreading the Gospel of Christ is essential for every believer, especially now that we can see the end approaching. Jesus tells us that there’s an end coming and that we should all be working. “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” John 9:4. By adding the phrase when no man can work, Jesus is saying all of us must be about our Fathers business while it is day. That night is almost upon us. Therefore continue to spread His Gospel while it is day.

God bless you all,

Ron Graham
twotug@embarqmail.com
All scripture is from the KJV
 

False Teachers – Damnable Heresies – Apostasy - Ron Graham - twotug@embarqmail.com

“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.” 2 Peter 2:1-3.

I was listening to a radio call in program the other day when a man came on and asked the radio host if he knew anything about a new offer by a college to teach anyone how to become a biblical prophet for a mere $4,000 dollars. In other words they will sell you the gift of prophecy. “And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.” Acts 8:18-20.

The gifts given us by God through His Holy Spirit can’t be bought as Simon found out. They are a gift and they are given to whomever He chooses.

“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:” 1 Corinthians 12:7-10.

Paul tells us that we’re each given a gift, but that those gifts vary. Not everyone is given the gift of healing. Similarly, not everyone is given the gift of prophecy. You can pay one million dollars to become a biblical prophet but if the Holy Spirit hasn’t given you that gift then you’ve just wasted a million bucks. The people that promote this type of heresy are false teachers and the Bible says they will abound in the end times.

We’re also told in the Bible that in the end times the Church will go into a massive and destructive stance of overwhelming apostasy. In my estimation, most of the Church today hasn’t a clue as to what’s happening or that the apostasy is here. The most pervasive and gross attacks on the Christian Church today will come from within the church body itself. False teachers are rarely attacking the Church from the outside. More than anything else the false teachers are standing behind the pulpits.

People know the truth from reading the scriptures yet teach false doctrines for the purpose of promoting themselves and for obtaining financial gain from their followers. “And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you:” These folks either don’t care or don’t understand that they are receiving their reward now in this life. “And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness...” 2 Peter 2:13.

“Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.” Jude 1:11. There is no greater curse on the earth than empty, vain religion; “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud..., unholy..., lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” 2 Timothy 3:1, 2, 4b, 5. Many Christians are afraid of secular humanism or atheism or the world. But false teaching is far more dangerous, and sends more people to hell than anything else. These who teach thusly are going the way of Cain, ungodly, greedy, and finally apostasy.

False teachers twist scripture like nothing we’ve ever seen before and all to fit their own fancies. Evangelists have appeared on the national scene many of who the uninformed simple minded folks swoon over because of their appeal and charisma. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.” And by the sheer number of email responses I receive from folks who have been taught false doctrine, there must be a great amount of these preachers on the scene today.

I receive letters from folks who tell me the Trinity is a false teaching because the word Trinity isn’t in the Bible. Next they’ll complain because I equate Jesus to God because (they say) everyone knows Jesus isn’t God, even Jesus Himself never said He was God. They continue with the following lie, if you aren’t baptized you’re not saved. Others say if you can’t speak in tongues you’re not saved. Here’s one that really gets me. If you worship on Sunday you’ve taken the mark of the beast. Then of course there are always those who condemn me for teaching on the Rapture of the Church which they see as heresy, and on and on it goes. What in the world are these people being taught? And what does the person who’s teaching them this tripe hope to gain?

God, in His word, isn’t condemning those who honestly misinterpret a verse or make a mistake, but who are open to correction. He’s speaking about blatant and persistent false representation of His word. Lying for the purpose of fulfilling one’s own agenda, such as monetary gain, that’s the heretical teaching God hates.

Heresy is akin to leaven; it only takes a small amount to infect the whole bunch. Heresy spreads beginning from a small misrepresentation and almost without notice this lie begins to grow, and before long it has infested the whole congregation. Then some of those lie polluted people leave that congregation for another and they take the lies they’ve been taught with them. Within a very short period of time the Christian Church becomes replete with heretical teachings and false doctrines.

A friend of mine recently told me of a book he is reading where the author gives all authority for the interpretation of scriptures to the Catholic Church. How many people are going to read this same book and be swayed by the author’s un-biblical arguments? This is just one instance of leading people astray. How many Christians and non-Christians read the Da Vinci Codes and were swayed by Dan Browns attempt at fiction? Millions. Then the movie did it’s best to give credence to this same heresy. The same can be said for the book entitled “The Shack”. A book of fiction, yes, but with horrible misrepresentations of God, and the simple minded are led astray.

These are the times Jesus speaks about “And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.” Matthew 24:4. How many today are following Jesus admonition? By what I see going on in the media and different ministries, not many.

Peter tells us that such teachings are “damnable heresies”. What does damnable mean? The Greek word used here is “apōleia” Which is explained in my concordance as the destruction which consists of eternal misery in Hell. People who teach others heresies are on a one way trip to Hell.

Can you just imagine the snowball effect associated with the promotion of a heresy? Here’s an example to consider, Joseph Smith claimed he was visited by an angel named Moroni. This angel told him that he was giving Smith a new gospel because the original had become corrupt. “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.” Galatians 1:6-9. Paul repeats the condemnation twice, “let him be accursed”. I’ve noticed in the scriptures that anytime something is reiterated twice it carries much more weight.

Joseph Smith was certainly accursed; he soon became involved in a shootout in which he died a horrible bloody death. And of course he is in Sheol awaiting his turn to appear before the White Throne Judgment Seat of God which occurs at the end of the thousand year reign of Christ here on earth.

How severe will Joseph Smiths punishment be? Well he started off with a handful of converts to Mormonism leading people away from the true Gospel and over the years the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has grown into a huge conglomerate, a false religion of which millions of followers are already condemned to Hell. Joseph Smith is responsible for the condemnation of millions of simple minded people who are all perishing because of his false teaching. How severe will his punishment be? We mere humans would probably consider Smiths punishment extreme. But through his own actions Smith condemned himself.

Another man who is awaiting his turn before the White Throne Judgment seat of God and who is even today continually adding more and more severe condemnation to himself is Charles Russell. Russell was the first president of the Jehovah’s Witnesses. Russell originally denied the doctrine of Hell, and would go on to reject nearly every other Christian doctrine, as well as add many physically and spiritually dangerous doctrines of his own making. Many of these unique and bizarre teachings were to be found in his six volume series titled, Studies in the Scriptures.

For the year 2000, the Watchtower Society claimed a worldwide membership of over six million (about one million U.S.) in more than 91,000 congregations in 235 countries speaking 340 languages, and takes in approximately 300,000 new members each year (288,907 in 2000). Charles Russell no longer denies the doctrine of Hell; he has since learned that Hell is a real place. What kind of severe punishment will Russell endure? God knows.

“Denying the Lord that bought them” Peter continues with his explanation of the false teachers and what they can expect as punishment. But what constitutes false teaching? Anything that adds to, or takes away from, or that runs contrary to God’s inerrant word.

When men and women stand before an audience, and deceive that audience for the explicit purpose of monetary gain or some other agenda or write books for the same purpose, those folks are void of conscience. They are reaping their reward here on earth. They should do everything they can to live the happiest life they can because when all is said and done and they leave planet earth for their eternal destination, the fun and games will be over.

“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” Matthew 7:15. Wolves in sheep’s clothing? In other words they will look like you and I. They will speak words that seem to be so true. They will give great advice and lecture on current societal problems which will make all the sense in the world. But their motives will be selfish. Many will follow their evil ways. They will begin to behave in bazaar manners but they will be recognized as leaders in the Christian evangelical movement. Beware!

Some of these wolves will be debased sexually and after they’ve deceived many their dark secrets will be revealed, but it will be too late for they will have influenced many of the weak minded and biblically unstudied masses. People, this is going on right now in many Christian churches and it needs to be nipped in the bud. We need to make a stand against anyone who stands against Christ in any way. We need to remove leaders who don’t actually believe what they teach, and all who teach false doctrines.

And just how do we know they are teaching falsehoods? We study our Bibles and we learn the scriptures for ourselves. This way no church leader or any other Bible teacher can deceive us with words of deception. If this were the case those who teach false doctrines wouldn’t make it past a sentence or two before someone in the congregation would stand up and call them on the lie they are proclaiming.

The rub is we must study our Bibles otherwise I can promise you, you will be deceived. Whether intentionally or not, false doctrine will creep into your congregation when the flock hasn’t the biblical knowledge needed to confront those heresies. “For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.” Acts 20:29, 30.

We are held responsible to know the truth, each one of us individually. We are to work out our own salvation as Paul tells us “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” Philippians 2:12. Paul means to put forth real effort into our Christians lives. This is not to work our salvation in the sense of accomplishing it, but to work out our salvation - to see it evident in every area of our lives, and to activate this salvation God freely gave us. The believer must know God’s word so as not to be led astray.

Only those foolish enough to believe every word someone tells them are foolish enough to be led like sheep to the slaughter. Don’t allow this to happen to your family or to your congregation; don’t allow deceptions and false doctrine to ruin your life and your eternal destiny. Continue to study God’s word, and stay alert.

God bless you all,

Ron Graham
twotug@embarqmail.com
All scripture is from the KJV
 

GOD CAME – Let’s Celebrate - Ron Graham - twotug@embarqmail.com

“Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.” Hebrews 10:7.

This time of year brings great joy to folks all over the world and from just about every walk of life. Admittedly we’ve entered a very festive season, but few recognize the real reason behind all the festivities. As strange as it may seem many folks have no clue that Christmas is a birthday celebration. Christian’s especially enjoy this time of the year because we know whose birth we’re celebrating.

2,000 years ago God came. He entered His Creation and became a man, the man Jesus Christ. The Bible declares it; that should be enough evidence for anyone to believe it, and many do. But many disregard what the Bible says about the birth of the Savior of the world. Hey it’s a holiday, that’s good enough.

God went from being spirit to being a flesh and blood man. A perfect God became a perfect man. “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14. Jesus is our Messiah, our perfect God, and our Great Savior, and Redeemer. He’s the Creator of the entire universe. He came to set us free.

Most have either heard or read the account of Jesus’ birth. Jesus began His earthly life as an infant. He was born in a manger and His birth was heralded by an angel. “And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:9-11.

Undoubtedly great joy and celebration erupted in Heaven when the little baby Jesus cried His very first cry proclaiming the beginning of His human life. And here on earth that very night a whole host of angels appeared before those lowly shepherds “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:13, 14. Peace on earth? It won’t be long now.

God came as a propitiation for our sins. Those sins began four thousand years before Christ’s birth and they have continued for 2,000 years after His death, burial, and resurrection. Even though sin abounds today there is salvation, there is forgiveness, and there is hope for all who have sinned. And all have sinned. I guess that means there’s hope for some us, right? No, it means there’s hope for everyone. The angel that appeared to the shepherds that night told them that there would be great joy for all people, all people. We are all invited to accept the free gift that God gave to the world that night. When baby Jesus grew into manhood He became the sin offering for all of mankind, “for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself.” Hebrews 7:27b

Trying to explain to the lost that God came and that He died on a cross for the sins of the entire world can be an arduous task. Why? Because preaching the cross and Christ crucified is foolishness to most people. “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:18. They either refuse to believe in a God of the universe, or they believe in God but refuse to believe He could die, let alone die for the sins of man. But He did. “And you know that Jesus came to take away our sins, for there is no sin in him.” 1 John 3:5.

Even before Jesus became a full grown man He knew He had an eternal plan to accomplish. That plan was conceived between Father and Son before the foundation of the world and accomplished on an old wooden cross. Jesus’ death was not a tragedy, it was an achievement. Although God the Father and God the Son both knew few would enter through the narrow gate they still went ahead with their plan.

God knew from the beginning that man would fail the test of following His commands to the letter, and was fully aware of what He would need to do to move His children back into a right relationship with Himself. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8.

The Pharisees of Jesus’ time believed they could obtain eternal life because of their strict adherence to the scriptures, but Jesus told them “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” John 5:39. Sadly, many today have the same mindset as those Pharisees of old.

Preachers have been pounding the tops of pulpits for years trying to get the Gospel message out to a rebellious people so they might grasp the truth. Many have succeeded in their attempts, but many more have not. Rebellion is a difficult thing to counter. Moms and dads know this all too well. Children begin to rebel almost from birth. “No” becomes their favorite word in many cases. Whether or not you’d like to admit it folks, that’s rebellion. That’s what God sees in His children, but that’s what He overlooks once we’ve heard the Gospel and believed.

Each year the unbelieving world seek to change the name of this particular season to “winter festival” or some other non-biblical name, anything to take the emphases off Christ and His birth. All those who wish to eliminate Christmas from the season and change the name and the meaning of the 25th of December to “happy holidays” will soon get their wish. Here comes Santa Claus will be the only reference to this particular day in the not so distant future. After the Rapture of the Church there will be no further resistance to changing the name of the season. But there will be nothing to ho, ho, ho about either.

Call it what you will, God came to replace death with life. “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10. There’s no denying the facts for those of us whose blinders have been removed. Believers could no more deny Christ or the fact that He came than deny the sun shines every day.

But for many lost souls denying Christ is prominent, many times in the forefront of their minds and at this time of year the denial becomes even more extreme. Some of those who deny Christ become abusive and lash out at any reference to God and Jesus during the Christmas season.

But all the denial in the world doesn’t change the facts, God came. The Bible contains many scriptures about the Christ child and His arrival. Go ahead deny the Bible that’s easy, but you must deny truth at the same time. The Bible is true and complete; all of life’s questions can be answered from the Bible. As I’ve stated in previous commentaries the Bible was written as a history lesson in advance. That’s how God authenticates His word.

Reading and studying the Bible brings comfort in the form of truth. The Bible is God speaking to us and His words comfort our soul. This time of year can be especially comforting as we celebrate the birth of our Savior and King, our Messiah, Jesus.

Many people refuse to believe that God came because of what they’ve been taught; a lie that has been handed down from generation to generation is still a lie. People become convinced there is no God and then they choose to remain in their unbelief. Some when they are presented with the truth believe, but many more don’t. However, nothing can stop the forward progress of God’s advancing Kingdom, whether we run into unbelief or rebellion of any kind, God will not be stopped. He’s proved this time and again.

Those who reject the true fact that God came are in for a surprise of enormous proportions. It’s not going to be a pleasant surprise of course, but most certainly enormous. You see, all those who continue in unbelief continue to belong to Satan and they are condemned. God has made it plain that to reject His truth is to stand against Him. All who reject the truth announced throughout the scriptures of the birth, ministry, death, burial, and resurrection of the Messiah of the world are only following their father the devil.

God came, and Jesus is God. This biblical truth is disparaged by various religions as well as the Christian cults. In their case condemnation reigns supreme. But that condemnation can be avoided. How? “...Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved ...” Acts 16:31a. By believing that Jesus is who He says He is, earth’s populace can avoid condemnation. But many just flat out refuse to believe, thus they remain Satan’s property.

Jesus Christ is the Messiah that came, a descendant from the tribe of Judah, to proclaim salvation to the Jews. The Jews, many still in rebellion to this day, rejected their Messiah. The Gentiles, on the other hand, were excited about their Messiah and embraced Him with open arms and the Church was born. Many Jews heard the Apostles preaching and believed and joined the body of Christ. Many more did not. And to this day have not.

The Church is God’s creation and He had it in His mind to send His Son to begin the Church at a specific time. Yet many still don’t get it, so we pray for them, family members and friends. We pray that the scales that cover their eyes would melt away just as they did from our own, and the truth would become crystal clear.

All those who believe God came, will, one day soon, accompany Him to Heaven. All those who don’t believe will remain behind and life will be very different here for them once the Church is removed. Even though God came and died for all men He’s willing to allow men their freedom and their choice. He’s willing to refrain from interfering with man’s decision of where to spend eternity. You see, it really isn’t sin that sends people to Hell. No, it’s the refusal of God’s free gift of salvation. Jesus paid the price for the sins of the world. All we must do is believe in the Gospel of Christ.

Rebellion is rebellion, some get over it but we are all born with it. Some never get past that childish rebellious nature of saying “NO” so they can come to the truth of the Gospel. If you’re reading this commentary and you’re at a point in your life where you are beginning to feel a tugging on your heart that something is amiss in your life, then you might want to heed these words. The Holy Spirit of God is doing the tugging/drawing and if you’ll let Him He’ll help you remove those old stubborn scales covering your eyes and toss away that infantile rebellion you’ve been clinging onto for all these years.

Well, that’s it, that’s the whole shebang, the whole enchilada. It’s really that simple. God came, showed up here on earth as a little baby boy, grew to manhood, still fully God and fully man. If you believe that fact, if you believe Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, the Savior of the world, and the propitiation for our sins you will no longer be under condemnation, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1.

Christmas is so much more than ho, ho, ho. “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6.

A Gift Idea:
We are given a perfect opportunity to explain the Gospel to folks who at other times of the year may not be in the frame of mind to hear it. Christmas is a time of joy and many feel the need to give and so why not give the gift that keeps on giving. Give them this gift. Give them the message of the Gospel of Christ.

Merry Christmas, and God bless you all,

Ron Graham
twotug@embarqmail.com
All scripture is from the KJV

Homosexual Bishops - Ron Graham - twotug@embarqmail.com

The Episcopal Church has once again committed heresy. Not only have they named a woman as bishop, but she is a lesbian. What does the Bible teach on such things? “A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach;” 1 Timothy 3:2. Blameless means that a bishop must be without reproach and living a godly lifestyle to the best of his ability.

We read throughout scripture that homosexuality is condemned by God, so a homosexual is not without reproach. They are making no attempt to live a godly life. According to Paul, when held to just the first adjective in the above verse a homosexual/lesbian would be automatically disqualified from such a position as bishop in the church.

The next qualification for a bishop is he must be the husband of one wife. This is something that is impossible for a woman and not likely in a homosexual.

Let’s look at what it means to be vigilant and sober. From the Greek words we get the following definitions. “of a sound mind, sane, in one's senses, curbing one's desires and impulses, self-controlled, temperate”. Hmm, sound mind, sane, curbing one’s desires and impulses, need I go on? This description just doesn’t fit as we observe the lifestyle of a homosexual. Anyone living such a lifestyle certainly is not of a sound mind.

How about of good behavior? God refers to homosexuality as an abomination. If they are involved in that abomination their behavior is anything but good. I’m sure Homosexuals can be hospitable; hospitality isn’t difficult, anyone can do it. But would you want to be invited to the home of a homosexual knowing that in their home they practice what God explicitly abhors?

Apt to teach? My last question concerning the above verse is, what are homosexual Bishops going to teach? Are they apt to teach their flocks that their lifestyle is perfectly normal and that it should be condoned as such? Are they going to explain away the verses in the Bible which teach against homosexuality as nonsensical, out dated, unreliable, or maybe they’ll just exclaim that that was then and this is now.

We can see by the above verse that placing a homosexual in the position of a Bishop is not acceptable to God. It is doubly wrong for a lesbian woman since a Bishop needs to be a man. In Leviticus 18 God admonishes His people “the Hebrews” to abstain from all forms of evil. This whole chapter is devoted to sexual perversions that God considers abominations. He continues to explain that even the land, in which He was giving to the Hebrews, was defiled because of the evil sexual practices of the previous inhabitants. “Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you: And the land is defiled...” Leviticus 18:24, 25. God tells His people that even the land where these abominable sexual practices were taking place was defiled. Another word for defiled is ruined.

Many unbelievers, as well as folks who only profess to be Christian, remain unopposed to homosexuality. They believe the lie that homosexuality is a normal lifestyle and that people are born that way. But God says differently, thus, the land is becoming more and more defiled.

I realize that many Christian Churches have minor to extreme doctrinal problems, but to place a homosexual in the position of Bishop is way beyond potentially problematic. Many in the Episcopal Church exited after a homosexual man was appointed as Bishop, but now they’ve only added to their own perversions by placing a lesbian in the same capacity. Man condones what God abhors.

This is clearly an act of rebellion against God. For the life of me I will never understand how people who claim to follow Jesus and revere Him as Messiah and Savior of the world could purposely turn against God’s inerrant word and promote such a completely heretical doctrine as this organization has done. When God in His word speaks of apostasy, this is exactly what He’s talking about. “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” 2 Corinthians 13:5. Where we see God rejecting people become the elders of the church apostasy abounds.

As believers we are told to abstain from all appearances of evil. Homosexuality, to the sane mind, is inherently evil. It is clearly a satanic seduced lie. Satan has convinced many in the church that homosexuality can be practiced and even condoned as a perfectly normal lifestyle. God would never condone homosexuality as such. This, folks is pure insanity, it’s not natural yet now we see that man has changed this abomination into a completely normal “alternative lifestyle”.

How can God’s word be so ignored even in the Anglican Church? The very fact that people are leaving this church in droves must tell them something. The people don’t agree with the foolishness of the hierarchy of this Church, and it’s not bigotry, the abandonment of this rogue church by their body is simply Christians standing on God’s inerrant word.

Can a homosexual be a believer? Can they live this God professed abdominal lifestyle all their adult lives and actually claim to know Jesus intimately? How can they live a life as a homosexual, which is in direct opposition to God, and still claim to be one of His children? Is it because Leviticus is in the Old Testament and thus it can be ignored? Okay take the Old Testament and toss it out the window if you wish. Now all we have is the New Testament.

“Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, (homosexuals) nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God,” 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10.

That’s in the New Testament? Yeah, and so is this, “Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.” Romans 1:25-27. These verses are referred to by Barack H. Obama as obscure. Obscure means difficult to understand. Wow, and that man was elected our president?

God’s word is God’s word Old Testament or New and we either believe it or we don’t, but why claim a relationship with God if you don’t agree with what He’s given us as guidelines to live by? In the above verses as well as others in chapter 1 of Romans Paul is telling us that God is giving these people who have ignored Him over to this vile lifestyle. How do we ignore God? By reinterpreting the Bible to fit our on sinful lifestyle. People do this because they would rather live in their sins than to live as God says.

No people, God is not happy with homosexuality or any other sin for that matter. And He certainly doesn’t want people who are blatantly and openly claiming to live such a lifestyle as the abomination of homosexuality to be in a position as a teaching authority in His Church.

As born again believers we are to leave our old sinful lifestyle behind and strive to do God’s will. It will never be His will to remain in our previous state of rebellion. Homosexuality is a state of rebellion. Born again believers in Christ would certainly leave that lifestyle behind. Those who refuse to leave that lifestyle should re-examine their salvation position.

Here’s an example of how foolish it would be to place such a person who is the antithesis of a person God would want in a position of leadership in a Christian Church. Let’s say the Southern Baptist Association of America placed an atheist in the position of president over their whole organization. What could the Church be taught by an atheist? How much damage would be done by such a person while being seated in that high official capacity? Don’t tell me that he/she might become a believer while in that position. The damage, exacted by such a person, on the brethren, would be catastrophic. It just can’t happen, not that it shouldn’t happen, but it can’t.

“But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray...” 2 Peter 2:12-15.

The Apostle Peter is speaking about people who live in direct opposition to God and bask in their rebellious corrupted lives. Their minds are only on evil continually. Is this the person you want as the leader of your Christian Church? These people have no understanding of God’s word they are wholly following Satan not Christ. And this enemy of Christianity (Satan) has thoroughly seared the senses of these deceived and foolish souls.

For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.” 1 Peter 2:25. Peter tells us that Jesus our Messiah and Savior is the Shepherd and Bishop of our souls, are we to place a homosexually deviant person in a position where he/she will assume the posture of a shepherd of a flock? A flock that supposedly belongs to Christ? What truths will they teach their flocks? Or should I say, what lies will they teach their flock as they stand in defiance to their Messiah? How can a homosexual uphold the whole counsel of God and blatantly live a life that is contrary to God’s word? A person such as this can do nothing but lead others astray.

If you’re a Christian believer reading this commentary and you approve of homosexuality as a normal lifestyle then you are apostate. If your church condones this activity as normal your church is apostate. Either way you’re outside of God’s precepts and commandments.

“All scripture is God breathed...” 2 Timothy 3:16a. So where in God’s word does He condone sin? Any sin? He doesn’t and that’s why the Bible is disparaged when it comes to homosexuality. That’s why many countries, including the United States of America, have enacted legislation that prohibits preaching homosexuality as a sin. And that depraved mind is what has caused God to abandon those individuals to that lifestyle. Don’t believe me, do the research for yourself.

“Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:” Romans 1:24. God not only doesn’t condone the sin of homosexuality but He actually uses it as a judgment on those who’ve turned what they once knew as the truth into a lie. This is exactly the position of the current Episcopal Church of the United States. God, because of their Bible knowledge and because of their arrogance in ignoring His commandments, has given them up to uncleanness and He’s allowed them to dishonour their own bodies with the vilest of affections. In other words while they remain in their disobedience they will continue to be judged, and homosexuality will abound.

As we read the news, almost every day there’s another article about another Christian organization going apostate. Brethren be ever so watchful that these abominations don’t take root in your Church lest ye to are judged. “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.” Romans 1:18, 19. God is the revealer of truth. He doesn’t change, He can’t learn, it’s against His own nature to lie, and He can’t defy His own laws. From eternity past to eternity future God will never condone such an abomination as homosexuality. That’s a promise.

The Anglican Church will be held responsible by God for their condoning of such behavior. “Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.” Romans 1:32. Condoning this insanity is no different in God’s eye than participating in the abomination itself. All believers should give that serious thought.

God bless you all,

Ron Graham
twotug@embarqmail.com
All scripture is from the KJV

My God Won’t Send Me to Hell! - Ron Graham - twotug@embarqmail.com

“But where are thy gods that thou hast made thee?” Jeremiah 2:28a. Clearly many people create their own god–one which will conveniently suit their personal needs. Basically what they’re creating for themselves is a designer god. “My god won’t send me to Hell!” Here we go.

Why would a loving God, a God who is described as pure love, condemn any of his children to Hell? This is very a common question especially among those who don’t believe the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, or who have little to no Bible knowledge. Believe it or not even Christians ask this question, and few are able to give a sound, Biblical answer.

A common statement from non-believers is “My god would never send anyone to Hell, he’s a loving god. Only an evil god would create people and then send them to Hell.” Good point, but since these folks are non-believers their god is Satan. And his main modus operandi is to convince man that he is god and that he would never send anyone to Hell. Well he certainly isn’t God, but he is very efficient and persuasive when it comes to promoting his lies. After all he’s been at it for 6,000 years give or take a year or so.

What I tell these folks is that my God wouldn’t send any human being to Hell either. Now this really throws them for a loop and even some of my readers might be scratching their heads right about now.

Here’s what I tell these doubters. Since I’m a believer “In Christ” my God is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. My God is the God of the Old Testament and of the New. My God is the Lord Jesus Christ, God Almighty, Creator of the universe and everything in it. There is no other God. Now they’re saying “Well, your God sends people to Hell; He’s not my god. The God of the Old Testament was a horrible and gruesome God full of hate for the very people He created.”

So, what do we tell a person such as this? They don’t want anything to do with the God of the Bible because they assume He sends people to Hell. They’ve made up their own god, thanks to Satan, to associate with and to accommodate them in this life. Then they classify and condemn God, God Almighty, the one and only true God, as evil, unloving, and uncaring.

To obtain a little knowledge can be useful but sometimes a little knowledge of the Bible can be dangerous, even destructive. This is exactly how cults get started. People try reading the Bible without any discernment from God and they usually begin in the Old Testament and find scriptures where God condemned whole cities. Or they read where God would command his people to go into a particular city and kill all inhabitants. But because they don’t understand what God was doing in those instances they look at God as an evil and maniacal God, completely out of control, and certainly without love.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16. Arguably the most quoted verse in the entire Bible. If God loves the whole world why does He condemn some people to Hell? How can this presumed hateful God of the Old Testament be the same God of the New Testament?

There are many picture types of Jesus Christ in the Old Testament; Bible teachers will claim Jesus Christ is on every page. Jesus said, “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” John 5:39. When Jesus made that statement to the Pharisees the only scriptures in their possession were what we call the Old Testament. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1.

Clearly Jesus the Messiah is the God of the Old and New Testament. The writer of Hebrews tells us “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” Hebrews 13:8. So God never changes and since Jesus is God and always has been He must be the same God, Old Testament and New.

How can that be? Jesus is very loving when we read about Him in the New Testament. Jesus never changes He was as loving before the foundation of the world, when He and the Father came up with the plan to save their Creation from destruction, as He is today.

Now that we’ve established that Jesus Christ is the God of the Old and New Testaments let’s get back to the question at hand. Why does God send people to Hell? The simple answer is He doesn’t.

“Wait a minute, you’ve told me that if I don’t accept Jesus Christ as my Savior, if I don’t believe He died for my sins and repent then I will go to Hell when I die.” Yep, that’s what the Bible tells us. “Well I’m not going to believe in who you call your God so why am I going to Hell if your God doesn’t send me there?”

Wow, you’ve just about got it. God, in His word, gave us the keys to entering Heaven. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6. God Almighty tells us that only through Him (Jesus Christ) may we enter Heaven, and that any other means of getting there which we perceive is a possibility is actually just foolishness. “My god would never send anyone to Hell!” Nor would mine, but the question remains, who’s your god?

You don’t want to believe the truth so you’ve made up your own personal god who won’t send you to Hell no matter how you live your life. This is exactly what Satan promotes. You might want to rethink placing your faith in some nonexistent god. Here’s what has happened, you’ve accepted the following lie from the enemy. “God will never send me to Hell, I’m a good person” While it’s true that God doesn’t send people to Hell, we can see the lie of the enemy in that statement, “I’m a good person”. “And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.” Mark 10:18.

People who want to believe they can get to Heaven just by being good are horribly deceived. Many people live an exemplary life and are convinced they’re going to Heaven because of how they’ve lived, how generous they are, how loving they are, how respected they are. The cults will confirm this same lie just to get you into their fold. But it’s all still a lie, and a very destructive one at that.

Being sent to Hell only comes from one entity, you. You are the only one that is responsible for your eternal destination. God made it easy. “...believe on him whom he hath sent.” John 6:29b. It’s not very difficult, it only takes faith. But then again so does belief in your designer god, or no god. If you think you can get to Heaven by being good and nothing else, that my friend, still takes faith, albeit your faith is in a lie.

Many have said they just don’t believe this salvation thing can be that easy, there must be more to it than that. They just can’t get their minds around the fact that God had to die a horrible death on some old cross so the rest of us could go to Heaven instead of Hell. That unbelief is the condemnation that people just don’t understand. A hardened heart will never get it, and Satan is diligent in his efforts to keep you in that state of mind.

God made it easy for His creation to believe and be saved. But it was not easy for Him. He had to stand by and watch as man spit, beat, and humiliated His Son. Then surely the tears flowed as He watched man drive spikes into the hands and feet of His only begotten Son when they placed Him on that cross. God’s creation was instrumental in placing Jesus the Christ on that cross. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8.

Nope, it couldn’t have been easy for God. Yet, He loved us so much He was willing to watch from the sideline as His Son died. Now the awesome part is God (the Lord Jesus Christ) arose from the grave three days later. That accomplishment (prophesied throughout Old Testament Scriptures) is what it took to redeem mankind in God’s eyes. The only thing we must do to be redeemed (saved) is to believe that He did what He said He did. “...Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved...,” Acts 16:31. Yes, it must have been hard for God and we may never understand just how hard but God doesn’t ask us to attempt to understand His pain. He only asks us to believe.

People, you can believe in Jesus Christ as your Savior or choose not to believe, but you can’t blame God for sending you to Hell. He did His very loving part in sending His Son Jesus our Messiah to die for our sins. Jesus Christ is our Redeemer and we must do our part, and accept that fact as truth. God’s free gift of everlasting life is not costly; His free gift of salvation is not a hindrance. He did all the work. We get to enjoy all the benefits of eternal life without paying a cent, or being nailed to the old rugged cross ourselves, which, by the way, should have been our punishment not Jesus’.

You may be steadfast in your unbelief but that rebellious attitude will not diminish the fact that Jesus Christ died for the sins of the world. My God, Jesus the Christ, will not send you to Hell. Only your unbelief can do that. God made Hell for Satan and his minions of evil, it was not meant for mankind. But it’s there and wide open to anyone who chooses to follow Satan and enter that realm for eternity. Satan and all those angels that fell from grace with him prefer Hell. By the way, there’s no truth to annihilation, and there isn’t any truth to the Catholic concept of purgatory, both of those doctrines are unbiblical.

You’ve made your choice to continue in your rebellion to God, to live your life in unbelief and spend eternity in Hell. Remember this, when you die in that state of mind there’s no going back on that decision. There will be no reprieve from the governor, or the president or any other earthly leader. There will be no commutation of your sentence or any time off for good behavior. Once you’re there, you’re there for eternity.

If you’re not a believer today, right this minute, God says you’re already condemned. “...he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” John 3:18b. God’s not condemning anyone to Hell with this statement. He is, though, making it quite obvious what the consequences are in rejecting His free gift of salvation. Those who are condemned are so destined because of their unbelief. Consequently, those folks are sending themselves to Hell because of their own foolish rebellion. “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:18.

This foolishness doesn’t need to last. You can come out of that lost state and believe the truth. Your life doesn’t need to end in rebellion. Just say yes to Jesus Christ right now. Become born again. Place your faith and your trust, even your very lives, completely in His hands. If you would still rather not believe in the God who saves instead of the god who destroys then your destination is already set, Hell it is. My advice–choose life.

So go ahead, you keep your god, because he won’t send anyone to Hell and I’ll stay with the one true God, Jesus Christ, who similarly will never send anyone to Hell, but who will allow you to make your own decision as to where you would like to spend eternity. I can tell you this, only one of us is right. Are you willing to stake your eternal existence on a god which the enemy planted in your brain and who is completely nonexistent? Eternity is a very long time, without end.

The last thing Satan wants is for you to believe in the God of the Bible. He’s working overtime trying to get you to see things his way. He uses many deceptive devises. He convinces men who’ve hardened their hearts against the God of the Bible to promote his schemes and many are more than willing to do so. He wants you to either believe in a god that doesn’t really exist or, better yet, no God at all. Either way you lose.

Choose Christ and live.

God bless you all,

Ron Graham
twotug@embarqmail.com
All scripture is from the KJV

And the Bible’s Attacked Again - Ron Graham - twotug@embarqmail.com

“For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.” 1 Peter 1:24-25 Peter is placing his emphasis here on the fact that, unlike men’s lives, God’s word is eternal.

The new “hate crimes” bill passed in congress and signed into law by Obama is just another attack on the Bible. You say “How is that possible Ron”? For those of you who aren’t already aware of the agenda behind such a bill I’ll tell you. Homosexuality and the promotion of same are behind this bill. This bill effectively levy’s strict punishment upon anyone who speaks against homosexuality. Well guess what? God speaks against homosexuality as well as all sin. So, this is just another attempt to rid us of the Book that can and has changed lives.

Interesting isn’t it? The word of God has endured for thousands of years and yet the naysayers continue with their attacks. They’re always around to contradict God’s word. Much too frequently for my liking. There isn’t one day that passes without reading somewhere that someone is telling us the Bible is a bunch of fanciful stories for entertainment purposes alone. It’s not to be read as God’s word, after all it was written by men and we all know where that will get us. It’s just a bunch of hooey.

They come and go, don’t they? Who are they anyway these foolish people who won’t believe the truth? Even though the Bible has endured for thousands of years people still can’t, or won’t grasp the significance of such a humanly impossible accomplishment.

Think about it, here we have men writing what God has given them to write down and for the most part these men did not know each other. Yet as you read through the Bible as a believer you will shortly come to realize hat it is God’s inspired work. There’s no doubt He’s the author; we find its one integrated design from cover to cover. Only the Holy Spirit could have supernaturally accomplished such a feat.

How do we explain to the unbeliever that the Bible is true? Well how about telling them how long it has endured and then ask them if they know of any of man’s works that have endured as long. Just in case they come up with something like the writing of Plato or Homer’s Odyssey or Iliad, let them know that they aren’t even close to the long standing presence of the scriptures. No other writings will stand up to the test of time especially after what the Bible had to endure to stay around ‘til today.

When we come to the realization that the Bible has been the object of such persecution it’s a wonder, no it’s a miracle it’s still with us. The Bible has been the most bitterly hated book in all history. For the last two thousand years man’s hatred of the Bible has been persistent. Man with all his knowledge has been determined to rid the world of such a horrendous influence corrupting the minds of men. Every possible effort has been made to undermine faith in the inspiration and authority of the Bible, and innumerable enterprises have been undertaken with determination to consign it to oblivion. Yet it remains the most beloved book of all time. Just how is that possible? Could it be that the Bible is supernaturally protected?

Supernaturally is the only explanation, God wants His word available to all people. Some countries just can’t comprehend and refuse to even allow it to be a part of their society. Imperial edicts of past rulers have been issued to the effect that every known copy of the Bible should be destroyed, and when this measure failed to exterminate and annihilate God’s Word, commands were given that every person found with a copy of the Scriptures in his possession should be put to death. Hoards of Christians were put to death for their disobedience in not relinquishing their Bibles. The very fact that the Bible has been so singled out for such relentless persecution causes us to wonder at such a unique phenomenon.

Saudi Arabia is one of those countries in the Middle East that will not allow the Bible into their country and the punishments for disregarding this edict are severe. Don’t let that discourage you; many people put their lives on the line to get the word of God into the hands of those who seek His truth. Some are successful in their distribution attempts, others aren’t. God rewards the diligent, successful or not.

Why does the Bible receive such treatment? Well it’s really quite simple. The scriptures convict men of their guilt and condemn them for their sins. We see groups of people today that are determined to either eliminate the Bible all together or at the very least they want to change the wording to fit today’s advanced civilizations. The concentrated efforts of the Emergent church, and the contemplative spirituality crowd, are focused on ridding mankind of this book of antiquities which they say is full of myths, but they will utterly fail. God is in charge and unless He says “That’s it, my word is gone”, then it will remain completely intact.

It is humanly as well as supernaturally impossible to rid the world of God’s inerrant word. Every engine of destruction has been hurled at it to destroy God’s word yet the Bible stands firm and resolute. Is there an army defending the Bible? Is there a King defending God’s holy word? I say yes. An army of angelic hosts defend it against the powers of darkness. Our King the Lord Jesus holds sway over His word and no supernatural demonic creatures of evil will prevail against it.

It seems that in just about every field of academia there stands a huge throng of individuals ready to condemn the most important and influential book of all time. Only a relatively small amount of these folks actually honor or revere the Bible. The cities of the ancients were lighted with bonfires made of Bibles, and for centuries only those in hiding dared to read it. How then, can we account for the survival of the Bible in the face of such bitter persecution? The only solution is to be found in the promise of God. “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” Matthew 24:35.

During the first three centuries AD the Roman Emperors tried desperately to destroy any and all vestiges of God’s Word. One of them, named Diocletian, believed that he had succeeded. He had so many Christians put to death and so many Bibles destroyed, that when the lovers of the Bible remained quiet and stayed in hiding, he was sure he had ended the Christian religion and destroyed their God.

Diocletian was so ecstatic at his victory over those hard headed Christians that he ordered a medal to be struck inscribed with the words, “The Christian religion is destroyed and the worship of the gods restored.” But Diocletian was wrong and the Bible and Christianity are both thriving today. And we all know where Diocletian is spending eternity.

Missionaries and Bible smugglers have just about covered the globe with Bibles in almost every language. To this very day Bibles are being supplied either openly or in secret to just about every country the world over. It can’t be stopped by man, and it won’t be slowed by the forces of evil. God is behind this venture.

The Roman Catholic Church played its part in attempting to rid the world of the word of God to the point that if you were found with a Bible you were tortured and killed. That persecution ended with the Reformation at the close of the sixteenth century and the Word of God was again given to the masses in their own language. Bibles today are plentiful here in America; even secular bookstores carry the Bible. Why? Because the Bible has been, and remains to this day, the bestselling book of all time.

Whether for profit or for God, the Bible is being distributed. Does Jesus care whether or not His word is distributed through secular bookstores? “And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us. And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.” Luke 9:49, 50. God will use whatever means He wishes to get His word out.

What do we see happening today, attempting to dismiss the Bible as foolishness? Evolution. Scientists claim there is no god; that we evolved from pond scum millions, or is it billions, of years ago. They change it so often I’m never sure any more. So what good is the Bible if we weren’t created by a god? Since we evolved the Bible is useless. Oh sure there’s a few profound quips that might be useful but for the most part it’s just a very irritating and defamatory book. It ridicules our lifestyle and promotes nonsensical ideas of love and hope. It’s just foolishness and it’s not needed here in the enlightened 21st century.

The lie of evolution has been grossly and satanically fed to the world’s populace for many years now. Just after this commentary is posted to the internet I will begin to receive many emails from the brethren. They will attempt to prove me wrong in my estimation of evolution. Again, more attacks on the Bible, from those who profess to believe.

Every day the Bible comes under attacked and from many different directions, and what is accomplished with these attacks? Nothing, God won’t let His word become of no effect. He knows how much we need it. And like I said, until He’s ready for it to disappear no attack will ever remove His word from our lives. The Bible has been horribly mistreated. It has been burned, thrown into the ocean and drowned, locked away, ripped out of our hands, and torn to pieces, yet never destroyed. God’s word endures; God’s word is power.

All the attacks on the Bible are of a satanic nature, and all of the attacks will enviably fail. There will come a time when God’s word will seemingly disappear from the land. All those who’ve ignored it or tried to eliminate it so as not to be confronted with the truth, as well as those who’ve read it but disparaged it, will all regret their foolishness one day soon.

The souls of those who are foolish enough to dismiss the Bible as hooey and who have placed their faith in man instead of God will also endure forever, but in a place of torment Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. Mark 9:48. Paul says “But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks (Gentiles) foolishness;” 1 Corinthians 1:23.

Now after all I’ve just written about God’s word being indestructible this part of my commentary may seem a little confusing to some of you. “Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it.” Amos 8:11, 12.

God’s word will endure forever; we know that from Peter’s proclamation in the 25th verse in the first chapter of his first epistle. But God tells us those who’ve rejected His word, will, in the last days, seek it, but they won’t be able to find it; God is going to keep it from them. There will be a famine for His word (similar to a famine of food or water and just as necessary) all because of the rebellious nature of those who’ve been left behind.

There are always consequences to our foolishness. In the case of those who are perishing the consequences will be severe. Pick up your Bible before it’s too late. Study God’s inerrant word. Trust in the Lord and His word and accept the truth. Or, ignore God’s word at your own peril.

God bless you all,

Ron Graham
twotug@embarqmail.com
All scripture is from the KJV

Chicken Feathers - Ron Graham - twotug@embarqmail.com

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths,” Proverbs 3:5, 6. This proverb is so important to every one of us. Something my wife and I experienced recently brought this scripture verse to mind. The following is the saga of some trials the Graham family of Missouri have been experiencing of late. We’ve learned many humbling lessons through this experience. Especially, we’ve learned to lean on Christ more and we have come to fully understand the importance of a church family. “For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat...” Matthew 25:35.

About 8 weeks ago my wife had an accident. She broke her right ankle bone, both bones in her right wrist, and dislocated her right knee cap. She messed up the right side of her body pretty good. No, she didn’t fall off the roof of the house, and no, she wasn’t bungee jumping. I must admit that those two scenarios sound better than falling down in the chicken coop on a bed of straw and chicken poop while reaching for a chicken feather she thought would make a nice addition to the collection of five million chicken feathers she already has stored up in our spare bedroom.

I have a couple of reasons why I’m writing about my wife’s accident. Firstly, my wife ministers to many people online through a Christian forum and she also edits my commentaries. It may seem to some that this current set of circumstances could be an attack by the enemy. The enemy knows that if my editor was laid up and unable to render my commentaries readable I may just decide to give up and not write them at all. Not to mention disrupting her work with the folks who seek spiritual as well as biblical help from her on the forum.

Through this whole ordeal Mrs. Graham has had the best attitude I’ve ever seen in any person who has gone through what she has. Why do you suppose that is? Well I’ll tell you why. “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart” this is her attitude towards Jesus. She loves Him with all her heart and has turned her life over to Him. As such, nothing like a few broken bones can deter her from the tasks at hand. She still has daily contact with her Christian forum group and she still edits my commentaries, all left handed I might add. She’s right handed. Okay, household chores are out, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel; she is getting better. In the meantime, our daughter and I pitch in and do all the chores. I’ve now learned how to operate the dials on the washer and dryer, and can even cook a mean batch of biscuits and gravy. Did I mention she has no trouble doling out orders from the couch?

What I’m getting at is even if the enemy throws us a curve we can adjust and continue to meet life’s challenges if we are living for Christ. He will see us through any situation and mishap. But we must truly trust Him to see us through. I can’t imagine how folks who have rejected Jesus as their savior ever cope or expect to cope with tragic circumstances when they arise, and they will arise.

I’m not trying to imply that the enemy had anything to do with my wife’s accident, but only that some might feel he should take the blame. To us it was just a very simple fall that resulted in some major breakages. We live in a rural area of Missouri so she had to be air lifted out to a hospital that had an orthopedic surgeon on staff. At least she finally got to ride in a helicopter and while in that helicopter she sang “I’ll Fly Away” all the way to the hospital. Knowing Jesus and trusting Him helps us find the positive side of even the most horrendous situations. The rub is we must truly trust Him. Do you truly trust the Lord Jesus?

Interestingly, while we were waiting for the ambulance to come and take her to our neighbor’s cow pasture where the helicopter could land, she had no pain and she was in great spirits. Some of our neighbors had gathered around the chicken coop for moral support and to keep the chickens from roosting on her. But seriously, it was the Holy Spirit of God who watched over her and gave her the comfort and even joy at a time when she should have been in extreme agony.

Even if it was the enemy who was doing the attacking there was no fear in her because her heart is set on Jesus. Even the thought of this being an attack from Satan hadn’t come to mind and wouldn’t have except for a call-in radio program we listen to where a woman had a similar experience and some of the folks where she attends Church told her she had been satanically attacked.

But we know that with God on our side nothing the enemy does can really harm us. Oh sure, we can go through some difficulties and bad times that may seem impossible to cope with, and they may well be satanic. The word of God always has an answer “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7. He will flee when we pay him no mind. That, my brethren, is exactly what we all should be doing. Satanic attacks are going to become more frequent and fierce in these last days as the minions of evil realize their time is short.

Imagine the little power Satan would wield if we all ignored him and resisted his foolish, lying snares. He’d be as powerful as a wet noodle. I know that life has its many pitfalls and Christians are under constant attack from our enemy; I’m not making light of any trials that others may be going through. But harmful as pitfalls can be, and seemingly impossible to avoid, they are avoidable.

Many times we get ourselves into situations that we shouldn’t have. It might even be while flirting with sin that we slip into one of the enemies pitfalls. If that be the case you may find yourself paying man’s price for your short comings, but God will always forgive the repentant sinner. There may be much misery associated with the price we pay because of the foolish things we do. Once we repent there may still be consequences to pay, but through all those hard times God is with us and He will see us through even the hardest of times, if we trust Him.

God’s power is what we must enlist as we claim the name of Jesus for protection. That protection focuses against powers and principalities, against the powers of the prince of the air. God’s power is all we need, and actually it’s all that can ward off the evil and satanic attacks of the enemy.

The second thing that can set in is depression. In the case of my wife she has plenty to do. Even though she’s in this disabled condition she constantly keeps her mind on God and His will. There are many who after such a severe accident can and do fall into great despair and depression, many for the simple reason that they exclude God from their lives. Others because they’ve not completely turned their lives over to God, there are still areas of their lives they hold onto not willing to let go. Some try and deal with the enemy themselves which is impossible. Supernatural battles are fought solely by supernatural beings. Believers must rely completely on God to fight all supernatural battles.

Still others live alone and sometimes there’s no comfort from loved ones and worse yet no help at all. Many times in cases like this it’s God who’s blamed for the misery they’re experiencing. If we can be of help to others while they are going through a trial we should do all we can to commit to them our services. So many little things we do for one another show God’s love. When the doctor took the cast off my wife’s leg he replaced it with what they call a boot. It actually looks like something out of Star Wars. Every couple of days I would take that boot off and wash her leg and then rub body lotion over that area. This just thrilled my wife. Imagine the little things done through God’s love that can bring peace, and even faith, to another.

My wife is on the mend and the doctor says probably another three weeks of couch-sitting will do the trick. I must admit she is getting cabin fever. She can hardly wait to get back out to the chicken coop and continue her search for that elusive perfect chicken feather.

The next part of the Graham saga is a little more difficult to explain. I’ve been enduring a lot of medical problems and the specialists can’t seem to put their finger on the cause of all my ills. The muscles around my eyes are very weak and it’s difficult to hold my eyes open. Severe headaches are an everyday occurrence and I’m almost always dizzy or light headed. It’s not the spinning kind of dizzy but the off-balance dizziness one might feel when one has an inner ear infection. I’ve had two brain scans and every blood test you can think of, and still no answers.

High blood pressure, enlarged prostate, and a sphincter muscle in my stomach that’s giving me fits all add to my inability to work efficaciously on my wife’s honey-do list. Many of the things I once was able to do I just can’t do any more. But the interesting thing is I can still type my commentaries. Every week I write two or three commentaries to stay ahead just in case something happens that slows me down or brings me to a halt.

We both have had people from all over the country and even folks in other countries praying for God’s hand to heal us and comfort us and make all these medical problems go away. I’m sure God hears every prayer and in His time He’ll reveal His will. Some families from our Church have been very Christ-like in their response and outpouring of love during this crisis. We know that it is more blessed to give than receive, and that’s another lesson we’re learning – how to receive. In order for there to be a giver, there must be a receiver. It has always been easier for me to give, but I am learning that sometimes I must receive. That is humbling.

Why does God allow bad things to happen to His children? Through all the mishaps and miseries we’re going through we’ve never once thought of blaming God. We both know God is in charge and it’s our love for God and our faith in Him that gets us through day after day, and we thank Him for that faithfulness. “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

That’s the truth. Only by knowing God are we able to maintain some semblance of sanity through all this. I don’t know why all this happened, especially all at the same time, but it did. Praise God we have a relationship with Him that supersedes all misfortunes that can be thrown at us either by our own foolishness or by the enemy. We are in God’s hands and as His children we are completely safe and secure. This is the attitude which binds us to God, our faith in Him to do what He promises to do. As believers we can take stock in the fact that God is true to His word; He means what He says. The Graham family knows that truth and that’s what has sustained us through these trials and tribulations. We have learned to look for opportunities to serve Christ and not wallow in some kind of self pity.

If you’re reading this commentary today and you don’t know the only begotten Son of God, or if you’re out of fellowship with Him because of some sin in your life that you haven’t repented from, then all I can say is hesitation is a killer, a killer of joy, the joy of the Lord. Christ is more than eager for you to have fellowship with Him. Get into that fellowship before it’s too late.

There will be times when we all perceive our trials as so big that we just can’t see any way out. That is when it’s time to turn it all over to God. God is, and since He is, He can be that comfort you’re searching for in a world of madness and disappointments. Let God in. Let Him have control of your life and those trials will begin to disappear and at the very least seem un-intrusive. You’ve given them to Him to handle. He’ll deal with them in His way and in His time. Believing that He deals with our trials can give you great peace of mind; unbelief only leads to more misery.

If you’re not a believer today and your reading this commentary there’s a reason you’re doing so. Know this, Jesus is standing at the door of your heart and He’s knocking. And if you will only open that door and let Him in He will come in and He’ll stay with you. Shortly, you too will begin to know the peace that my wife and I have through Jesus Christ our Lord.

One last thing, my wife has no insurance. The hospital bill was astronomical for a couple living on a fixed income. The doctor’s bills and associated bills that followed would also have been very intimidating to anyone who doesn’t understand the peace of Jesus Christ. My wife and I never had a moment’s fear or concern for our lack of funds to take care of our obligations, only peace through the whole ordeal. That peace can only come through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In our case He’s working it out. Both the Hospital and the doctor whose care my wife is still under are allowing us to pay small monthly payments as we do our best to take care of our responsibilities.

What I’m trying to say is just this, if you are not a believer, if you don’t have a relationship with Jesus the Christ (you don’t know Him and He doesn’t know you) you will never understand the peace I’m trying to convey in this commentary. There’s still time to get your life right with God. Place your faith and trust in Jesus Christ today. Just say “Yes Lord Jesus, I believe in your death, burial, and resurrection and that you died for me, for my sins, I’m sorry I’m a sinner, please change me Lord Jesus”.

You’ll be eternally grateful you said that prayer. That’s a promise.

God bless you all,

Ron Graham
twotug@embarqmail.com
All scripture is from the KJV
 

Is Obama a Muslim? - Ron Graham - twotug@embarqmail.com

What could that possibly mean for America today? What’s wrong with a Muslim president? Keep reading.

“I will convey our deep appreciation of the Islamic faith which has done so much over the centuries to shape the world...a great and celebrated culture...I know civilization's debt to Islam...that carried the light of learning through so many centuries paving the way for Europe's renaissance and enlightenment...US has been enriched by Muslim Americans....” Barack H. Obama

What have the Muslims done in America that has afforded them so much acclaim by a sitting president? Why does the president of the United States of America dote on the Muslims as though they were the answer to all of life’s problems? It’s as though he believes the Muslims have the answer to just how to find the way the truth and the life.

Here are a few Muslim contributions of late. One American Muslim, Major Nidal Malik Hasan who was just practicing his religion, saw fit to practice it recently by murdering 13 Americans and wounding another 29 who were going about their daily routine just doing their duty, not off in a foreign country fighting to preserve our freedoms, but just going about their business on a military base right here in the safety and security of the good ‘ol USA.

Others who saw fit to practice their Muslim religion here in America were 19 Arabs who murdered 3000 innocents on September 11, 2001, a tragedy of enormous proportions causing a few billion dollars worth of damage. Obama overtly praises and glorifies this religion–which he campaigns for and sees it to be his duty as President to continue forging its Ummah (domination) into America.

Those of you who take the name of Christ and who’ve proclaimed His gospel to the lost of this world and yet voted for Obama should be thoroughly ashamed of yourselves. America is fought for land. For hundreds of years men and women have been fighting and dying to preserve our way of life, and in the blink of an eye many of you who call yourselves Christian gave our rights away to the Muslims who have only one desire and that is world domination. All of you Obama supporters just gave the Muslims a huge leg up. We may, very soon now, find out, up front and personal what life as a Muslim is all about.

You see Muslims won’t accept anything less than total adherence to their religion. If you decide to abstain from becoming a Muslim you’ll no longer have any worries, you’ll have no pains in your body, and you’ll never again be commanded to pay taxes. Sounds too good to be true doesn’t it. You might ask, “What’s wrong with that Ron, no more taxes, no pain, no worries, I say bring it on” Yes life will be grand. Oops, did I forget to mention that the reason you’ll lack pain and suffering is that you’ll no longer have a head attached to your body? It is written in their Koran that if you choose not to become a Muslim you must forfeit something near and dear to you – your head.

All of the above leads many to ask me the question, “Is Obama God’s judgment on America?” Let’s look at some pertinent information concerning our commander in chief. Has Obama actually paid his lawyers $1.7 million so far to keep his birth, college, and travel records confidential? I’ve read this many times on different news agency websites. If so, why? If you are like me you’d probably like to know the whole truth. Some day the truth will be revealed. That day may well be after Obama has left office, or maybe God’s judgment is that he never leaves office. Maybe we will have one Obama after another here in the new land of Allah.

If the truth be found that Obama was born in Kenya then he will have violated Article II Section 1 Paragraph 5 of the Constitution which states: “No person except a natural born citizen, or a citizen of the United States, at the time of the adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the office of President; neither shall any person be eligible to that office who shall not have attained to the age of thirty five years, and been fourteen Years a resident within the United States.” Thus he will have set a new precedence for holding the office of President here in the US. From that point on it will be a simple process for those constitution hating lawyers to convince an ignorant citizenry that anyone no matter where they were born in the world can be President of the United States of America. Wouldn’t that send a message heard round the world?

There has been no proof of a real birth certificate for Obama as to where he was born. Only that he was alive when he reached Hawaii with his mom and dad. It’s a statement of live birth, that’s it. No information on the time of delivery, or the doctor that delivered him. What his weight and his length were at birth or even a foot print that is usually present on hospital birth forms. It was not an actual birth certificate but that fact will never be proven because of who is behind this man.

Interestingly, a video that circulated for a while on the internet during Obama’s campaign for president, which has now been removed, included Obama’s grandmother making the statement that she was at BHO’s birth in Kenya. Funny how things like this seem to disappear at the most inopportune moments. Of course it was quite opportune for Obama.

Our constitution has been trampled on for some time now but Obama and company are doing more than treading on it. They are actually disregarding and discarding the US Constitution for their own set of rules and regulations. It’s a new world we live in and a new country, that’s for sure. We should be getting used to the new rules. Here’s a new one that was just signed into law by the our could be Kenyan president, it’s no longer okay to preach from certain portions of the word of God because they are accusatory in nature and you will be arrested for being hateful to your fellow Americans.

This is nothing new. Other countries have already enacted such legislation and have actually sent ministers to jail for disobeying their new law. America the beautiful ain’t so beautiful anymore is it? A country that was once a joy to be a resident of, or a native of, or even a visitor to is now growing into a nation of ugly. You disagree? Just keep watching the up and coming events as they unfold. You will become more and more convinced that even ugly hardly describes the new US.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, nothing derogatory sticks to this guy. He walks around spouting off “in error” about whatever subject he pleases and the ignorant masses still just swoon over him as though he’s perfect. The scales on people’s eyes are so heavy I doubt they’ll ever see the truth. As long as Obama allows Satan to control his every move masses will follow him right straight down that path that leads to destruction.

No real birth certificate? Who cares? Obama is doing great and wonderful things for this country and for the whole world. Abortion? He’s added to the abortion debate by opening up US funding for abortions worldwide, that’s a pretty big one. Homosexuality? He’s filled his cabinet with homosexuals and all sorts of perverts, go figure. Debt? He added trillions of dollars to the US debt, that’s no big deal we’ll just print more money to cover all that. Surely he wouldn’t put that burden on the American taxpayers that voted for him or their children, would he?

Talk about big government. Our government is now in the automotive business, the banking business, the health care business, besides being embedded in about a jillion other aspects of our meager lives. Have any of you reading this commentary ever asked yourself why? Why is Obama so hell bent on taking over everything he can? What does he want to achieve for his troubles?

Where is the accountability for the Obama administration’s shenanigans? There is none. He’s not responsible to anyone. He’s certainly not responsible to the American populace, not even to those who blew it big time by casting their vote for him. Obama is King of America and there is nothing that can be done to him by his subjects. You think he can be impeached? Not with Congress behind him. He controls both houses and that means he controls America. He’s the commander in chief which means he controls the US military which is the most powerful fighting force on earth. To those of you who think Obama is a weakling and naïve, he’s also the most powerful man on the face of this round orb and with the supernatural satanic and maniacal entities pulling his strings, well folks America is in big trouble. God’s judgment? Possibly.

“Ron, you’re not telling us anything we don’t already know. We’ve heard all this before; it’s old news to us. So what are you getting at?” Just this, now pay attention. In the book of Jonah we read about the city of Nineveh, a Gentile city, and the final chance they were given by God to straighten up. God sent the Gentiles at Nineveh a warning by the mouth of Jonah. “And Jonah began to enter into the city..., and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown.” Jonah 3:4. America has been warned for years. We’ve had our Jonah’s warning.

Who sits in the highest office of this land doing everything he can to destroy our way of life? That’s correct, Barack Hussein Obama, who, in my view is a Muslim. We must believe that God puts those of His choosing in positions of power, and for what reasons we don’t always know. It’s God’s plan and He doesn’t always let us in on the details but He does expect us to see the writing on the wall so to speak. To me it’s plain as day.

Many of you have emailed me asking why God doesn’t judge America. Then in the next sentence you complain about Obama being made president and seemingly destroying our way of life, our freedoms. So I write more commentaries with my thoughts on God’s word and how it may pertain to us here in America today.

I believe Obama is here in the capacity of President of the United States of America for one reason and one reason only. He’s here to deliver a form of judgment from God. Oh boy, please, don’t start writing me yet. Finish reading, then if you think I’m nuts go ahead and hit me with everything you’ve got.

This nation was an experiment; God used the United States of America to be a beacon of light, one of hope to the rest of the world. America sent out missionary teams by the thousands all across the globe. For what? To preach the gospel of Christ to all nations. This we did for years. As a nation we had our ups and downs but for the most part we thrived because of God’s awesome blessings.

Well guess what America sends out across the globe now? Pornography. That’s right, that’s our big export now. Do you actually think God is pleased with the way we spread “filth” to the rest of the world? Not hardly. America has turned its collective backs on God. God will not be mocked. America was His experiment as a shining light on a hill to a dark and depraved world. Obama is here for a reason.

God is not pleased with America and in a short while we’ll be toast if we don’t turn from our evil ways and repent. If Obama is actually God’s plan for our destruction or downfall, whichever comes first, He may have included a little more time for us to realize the consequences of our past actions. Maybe, but don’t count on it. We need to repent now.

Many of my brethren are expecting judgment to come, but judgment is here. “Wait a minute Ron, we thought God’s judgment would come in the form of a storm or pestilence or an earthquake. You know Ron, something we can get the government to take care of for us”

God sent us a man seemingly bent on destroying America which might just be exactly what we deserve. Now is the time to turn back to God or the punishment will only get worse. We must stop relying on the government for all our needs and turn once again to the creator of the Universe. God deserves our respect and our devotion, not our distain. He will not be ignored.

Nineveh had 40 days until they were to be totally destroyed. But God stayed His mighty hand. Why? Because from the king down to the least of the Ninevites all repented of their sins, all their evil ways, and God spared them. Now this action on God’s part infuriated Jonah. He was at his wits end because he wanted Nineveh to be obliterated.

Obama won’t be happy either unless his agenda is met, fully and without delay. But America’s judgment is not up to Obama it’s up to God and it depends on the American people whether or not they will recognize what their God is doing to get their attention. With Obama continuing in office I see the judgment becoming worse not lessening.

We as believers should never stop praying for God to continue to bless us and to lift His judgment from our land. As His children He expects to hear from each and every one of us on this subject. We need to pray for our nation and for our leaders because God expects it; to not do so would be the same as giving up, throwing up our hands in defeat.

America was once a God-fearing nation, but that fear (respect) has been replaced by apathy and ignorance. The judgment that God has sent is not pleasant as most of us have noticed by now. The judgment may remain for quite a while, and even get worse. Unlike the Ninevites, America may choose to just say “Oh well Obama will figure it all out, after all that’s why we elected him president”. But Obama isn’t looking for repentance from the people of America, he’s looking for adoration, a following if you will, right down that path to destruction.

Ignore God and His timely judgment at your own peril. Perhaps America will go the way of the dodo bird. The balls in your court America, what’ll it be folks?

God bless you all,

Ron Graham
twotug@embarqmail.com
All scripture is from the KJV
 

“I’m one of them” - Ron Graham - twotug@embarqmail.com

In a recent speech Obama admitted that he is a Muslim. What could that possibly mean for America today? What’s wrong with a Muslim president? Keep reading.

Obama admits he is a Muslim, “I'm one of them.” “I will convey our deep appreciation of the Islamic faith which has done so much over the centuries to shape the world...a great and celebrated culture...I know civilization's debt to Islam...that carried the light of learning through so many centuries paving the way for Europe's renaissance and enlightenment...US has been enriched by Muslim Americans....” Source: Obama admits he is a Muslim – Caryl Productions

How? Where? When? What have the Muslims done in America that has afforded them so much acclaim by a sitting president? Why does the president of the United States of America dote on the Muslims as though they were the answer to all of life’s problems? It’s as though he believes the Muslims have the answer to just how to find the way the truth and the life.

I’m one of them? One American Muslim, Major Nidal Malik Hasan who was just practicing his religion, saw fit to practice it recently by murdering 13 Americans and wounding another 29 who were going about their daily routine just doing their duty, not off in a foreign country fighting to preserve our freedoms, but just going about their business on a military base right here in the safety and security of the good ‘ol USA.

Others who saw fit to practice their Muslim religion here in America were 19 Arabs who murdered 3000 innocents on September 11, 2001, a tragedy of enormous proportions causing a few billion dollars worth of damage. Obama overtly praises and glorifies this religion–his religion–which he campaigns for and sees it to be his duty as President to continue forging its Ummah (domination) into America.

Those of you who take the name of Christ and who’ve proclaimed His gospel to the lost of this world and yet voted for Obama should be thoroughly ashamed of yourselves. America is fought for land. For hundreds of years men and women have been fighting and dying to preserve our way of life, and in the blink of an eye many of you who call yourselves Christian gave our rights away to the Muslims who have only one desire and that is world domination. All of you Obama supporters just gave the Muslims a huge leg up. We may, very soon now, find out, up front and personal what life as a Muslim is all about.

You see Muslims won’t accept anything less than total adherence to their religion. If you decide to abstain from becoming a Muslim you’ll no longer have any worries, you’ll have no pains in your body, and you’ll never again be commanded to pay taxes. Sounds too good to be true doesn’t it. You might ask, “What’s wrong with that Ron, no more taxes, no pain, no worries, I say bring it on” Yes life will be grand. Oops, did I forget to mention that the reason you’ll lack pain and suffering is that you’ll no longer have a head attached to your body? It is written in their Koran that if you choose not to become a Muslim you must forfeit something near and dear to you – your head.

All of the above leads many to ask me the question, “Is Obama God’s judgment on America?” Let’s look at some pertinent information concerning our commander in chief. Has Obama actually paid his lawyers $1.7 million so far to keep his birth, college, and travel records confidential? I’ve read this many times on different news agency websites. If so, why? If you are like me you’d probably like to know the whole truth. Some day the truth will be revealed. That day may well be after Obama has left office, or maybe God’s judgment is that he never leaves office. Maybe we will have one Obama after another here in the new land of Allah.

If the truth be told that Obama was born in Kenya then he will have violated Article II Section 1 Paragraph 5 of the Constitution which states: “No person except a natural born citizen, or a citizen of the United States, at the time of the adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the office of President; neither shall any person be eligible to that office who shall not have attained to the age of thirty five years, and been fourteen Years a resident within the United States.” Thus he will have set a new precedence for holding the office of President here in the US. From that point on it will be a simple process for those constitution hating lawyers to convince an ignorant citizenry that anyone no matter where they were born in the world can be President of the United States of America. Wouldn’t that send a message heard round the world?

There has been no proof of a real birth certificate for Obama as to where he was born. Only that he was alive when he reached Hawaii with his mom and dad. It’s a statement of live birth, that’s it. No information on the time of delivery, or the doctor that delivered him. What his weight and his length were at birth or even a foot print that is usually present on hospital birth forms. It was not an actual birth certificate but that fact will never be proven because of who is behind this man.

Interestingly, a video that circulated for a while on the internet during Obama’s campaign for president, which has now been pulled, included Obama’s grandmother making the statement that she was at BHO’s birth in Kenya. Funny how things like this seem to disappear at the most inopportune moments. Of course it was quite opportune for Obama.

Our constitution has been trampled on for some time now but Obama and company are doing more than treading on it, they are actually discarding it for their own set of rules and regulations. It’s a new world we live in and a new country, that’s for sure. We should be getting used to the new rules. Here’s a new one that was just signed into law by the Kenyan, it’s no longer okay to preach from certain portions of the word of God because they are accusatory in nature and you will be arrested for being hateful to your fellow Americans.

This is nothing new. Other countries have already enacted such legislation and have actually sent ministers to jail for disobeying their new law. America the beautiful ain’t so beautiful anymore is it? A country that was once a joy to be a resident of, or a native of, or even a visitor to is now growing into a nation of ugly. You disagree? Just keep watching the up and coming events as they unfold. You will become more and more convinced that even ugly hardly describes the new US.

One thing about Obama is he’s not prejudice, I don’t believe he likes anyone. How can you say that Ron? It’s simple, Satan has indwelt Obama and Satan hates all humans. Go ahead and disagree with me, send me your condescending emails, tell me how I can’t be a believer if I say the things I say about Obama. Then we’ll all set back and play the wait and see game.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, nothing derogatory sticks to this guy. He walks around spouting off “in error” about whatever subject he pleases and the ignorant masses still just swoon over him as though he’s perfect. The scales on people’s eyes are so heavy I doubt they’ll ever see the truth. As long as Obama allows Satan to control his every move masses will follow him right straight down that path that leads to destruction.

No real birth certificate? Who cares? Obama is doing great and wonderful things for this country and for the whole world. Abortion? He’s added to the abortion debate by opening up US funding for abortions worldwide, that’s a pretty big one. Homosexuality? He’s filled his cabinet with homosexuals and all sorts of perverts, go figure. Debt? He added trillions of dollars to the US debt, that’s no big deal we’ll just print more money to cover all that. Surely he wouldn’t put that burden on the American taxpayers that voted for him or their children, would he?

Talk about big government. Our government is now in the automotive business, the banking business, the health care business, besides being embedded in about a jillion other aspects of our meager lives. Have any of you reading this commentary ever asked yourself why? Why is Obama so hell bent on taking over everything he can? What does he want to achieve for his troubles?

Where is the accountability for the Obama administration’s shenanigans? There is none. He’s not responsible to anyone. He’s certainly not responsible to the American populace, not even to those who blew it big time by casting their vote for him. Obama is King of America and there is nothing that can be done to him by his subjects. You think he can be impeached? Not with Congress behind him. He controls both houses and that means he controls America. He’s the commander in chief which means he controls the US military which is the most powerful fighting force on earth. To those of you who think Obama is a weakling and naïve, he’s also the most powerful man on the face of this round orb and with the supernatural satanic and maniacal entities pulling his strings, well folks America is in big trouble. God’s judgment? Possibly.

“Ron, you’re not telling us anything we don’t already know. We’ve heard all this before; it’s old news to us. So what are you getting at?” Just this, now pay attention. In the book of Jonah we read about the city of Nineveh, a Gentile city, and the final chance they were given by God to straighten up. God sent the Gentiles at Nineveh a warning by the mouth of Jonah. “And Jonah began to enter into the city..., and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown.” Jonah 3:4. America has been warned for years now, we’ve had our Jonah’s warning.

Who sits in the highest office of this land doing everything he can to destroy our way of life? That’s correct, Barack Hussein Obama, a Muslim. We must believe that God puts those of His choosing in positions of power, and for what reasons we don’t always know. It’s God’s plan and He doesn’t always let us in on the details but He does expect us to see the writing on the wall so to speak. To me it’s plain as day.

Many of you have emailed me asking why God doesn’t judge America. Then in the next sentence you complain about Obama being made president and seemingly destroying our way of life, our freedoms. So I write more commentaries with my thoughts on God’s word and how it may pertain to us here in America today.

I believe Obama is here in the capacity of President of the United States of America for one reason and one reason only. He’s here to deliver a form of judgment from God. Oh boy, please, don’t start writing me yet. Finish reading, then if you think I’m nuts go ahead and hit me with everything you’ve got.

This nation was an experiment; God used the United States of America to be a beacon of light, one of hope to the rest of the world. America sent out missionary teams by the thousands all across the globe. For what? To preach the gospel of Christ to all nations. This we did for years. As a nation we had our ups and downs but for the most part we thrived because of God’s awesome blessings.

Well guess what America sends out across the globe now? Pornography. That’s right, that’s our big export now. Do you actually think God is pleased with the way we spread “filth” to the rest of the world? Not hardly. America has turned its collective backs on God. God will not be mocked. America was His experiment as a shining light on a hill to a dark and depraved world. Obama is here for a reason.

God is not pleased with America and in a short while we’ll be toast if we don’t turn from our evil ways and repent. If Obama is actually God’s plan for our destruction or downfall, whichever comes first, He may have included a little more time for us to realize the consequences of our past actions. Maybe, but don’t count on it.

Many of my brethren are expecting judgment to come, but judgment is here. “Wait a minute Ron, we thought God’s judgment would come in the form of a storm or pestilence or an earthquake. You know Ron, something we can get the government to take care of for us”

God sent us an evil man which is exactly what we deserved. Now we must turn back to God or the punishment will only get worse. We must stop relying on the government for all our needs and turn once again to the creator of the Universe. God deserves our respect and our devotion, not our distain. He will not be ignored.

Nineveh had 40 days until they were to be totally destroyed. But God stayed His mighty hand. Why? Because from the king down to the least of the Ninevites all repented of their sins, all their evil ways, and God spared them. Now this action on God’s part infuriated Jonah. He was at his wits end because he wanted Nineveh to be obliterated.

Obama won’t be happy either unless his agenda is met, fully and without delay. But America’s judgment is not up to Obama it’s up to God and it depends on the American people whether or not they will recognize what their God is doing to get their attention. With Obama continuing in office I see the judgment becoming worse not lessening.

We as believers should never stop praying for God to continue to bless us and to lift His judgment from our land. As His children He expects to hear from each and every one of us on this subject. We need to pray for our nation and for our leaders because God expects it; to not do so would be the same as giving up, throwing up our hand in defeat.

America was once a God-fearing nation, but that fear (respect) has been replaced by apathy. The judgment that God has sent is not pleasant as most of us have noticed by now. The judgment may remain for quite a while, and even get worse. Unlike the Ninevites, America may choose to just say “Oh well Obama will figure it all out, after all that’s why we elected him president”. But Obama isn’t looking for repentance from the people of America, he’s looking for adoration, a following if you will, right down that path to destruction.

Ignore God and His timely judgment at your own peril. Perhaps America will go the way of the dodo bird. The balls in your court America, what’ll it be folks?

God bless you all,

Ron Graham
twotug@embarqmail.com
 

Does God Care - Ron Graham - twotug@embarqmail.com

“No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God.” John 16:27.

Of course God loves all His children. The question we sometimes ask is who are God’s children? Those who are His enjoy an awesome relationship with Him. What God wants for each of His children is for them to understand His perfect will. But that can’t possibly happen if we are living a lifestyle that is contrary to what God’s word says. Why would anyone expect God to condone what His word specifically condemns?

Sometimes it seems as though Christians, when they read God’s word, aren’t convinced it’s God speaking to them. I imagine it’s because they don’t see God’s lips moving as they’re reading along. So they find His word, in many cases, to be unbelievable. “Just too tough to believe God actually breathed those words”. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, (Greek word “theopneustos” meaning God breathed) and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”
2 Timothy 3:16.

What God delights in is to see His children filled with the joy of the Lord, His joy. But many want a different joy, sinister, an evil; something God never intended His children to experience. The Bible gives us insight into God’s attributes and what He expects from those who’ve taken His name. But what we find is God’s word being ignored, even by many in the Church.

“It’s time to shelve the Bible. There are new and exciting alternatives to what people believe to be God’s word so we don’t really need that fuddy-duddy old book any more. It just doesn’t fit in our society. Our civilization has grown and advanced. That old book might have sufficed back in the stone age but it was certainly never meant for the 21st century.”

Here’s an excellent example of how the Bible is not taken seriously these days. Failed marriages in the Church are as commonplace as in the world. Many Christians today don’t know the word of God and don’t care to know it. The Bible makes it clear that God hates divorce. He hated it from the beginning when He created man and woman and He hated it when the “Word became flesh and dwelt among us” John 1:14. He hated divorce when the Apostles were preaching and teaching, and He hates it today.

Too many people today seem to think that God has lowered His standards. They have a “that was then and this is now” type of mentality. The truth is, these people are trying to conform God to man in order to justify their own sin. You may think I’m painting with a broad brush but it seems to me that Christians today are conforming to the world instead of to Christ.

The problem, as I see it, is many Christians have determined to ignore God’s word as it relates to certain areas of their lives. It’s as though they live in a dream world made up of their own ideas overlapping or superseding what God’s word says. Even many little “man invented quips” supersede God’s word, and become the norm. God’s word is relegated to a position of insignificance. That’s just pathetic.

People “think” they know God’s heart better than He does. They will makeup what they “feel” should be God’s response to certain circumstances that have arisen in their lives. They circumvent God’s word so their minds won’t be tortured with guilt. Many will go as far as to design their own personal god. They place their own feelings and ideas of right and wrong into the caricature of their personally designed god, in this way they’ve eliminated the restrictions and regulations of the one true God of the Bible. Although they believe their invented god is the God of the Bible He’s actually just a figment of their multimedia driven imaginations.

“If ye will not hear, and if ye will not lay it to heart, to give glory unto my name, saith the LORD of hosts, I will even send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings: yea, I have cursed them already, because ye do not lay it to heart.” Malachi 2:2.

God has been falsely and horribly portrayed through so many media outlets that people actually believe the many false representations portrayed as the god seen in the movies. We’ve all seen the different actor’s playing the part of God in movies and on TV sitcoms. Actors attempt to portray a version of God each adding his or her own entertaining perspectives on what they feel best represents God. Then, although it’s impossible for any human to ever play God and get it right, many people will accept their favorite actor’s portrayal of God. Morgan Freeman is a good actor but he shines a horrible light on the one true God.

People begin to pick and choose the god they want from what they’ve seen on the big screen. Some of those movie gods would let us get away with anything. These are the only kind of god’s people want when they wish to live a lifestyle that is contrary to the true words of the Creator God of the universe. In their minds they’re doing fine because their “self designed god” is behind them 100 percent.

My wife had an occasion to exchange emails with another believer who was convinced that God looked the way many different artists have portrayed Him over the years. Tragically, those paintings were all she had and all she knew as God. Let me ask you, did she really know God? Does the Sistine chapel actually display any likeness to God on its ceiling, or is that painting a figment of Michelangelo’s creative imagination?

Our minds can play some amazing games with how and what we believe. We can motivate our minds to accept anything we want so long as it corresponds with our desires. Our desires can be overpowering most of the time, and if we have little biblical knowledge to draw from there’s no limit to how far away from truth our desires will lead us. We’ve all seen the shipwrecks of people’s lives who thought they were sailing along pleasantly going about their business only to end up beaten and broken by the rocky, stormy seas along the shores of their lives. Their lives then become garbage heaps, full of pain and misery and they don’t understand why. Ultimately most blame the God of all creation for their misery. Why not blame the actor who deceived them by giving them their specially designed multimedia god?

Another example of how God’s word is ignored even in the Church can be attributed to the lust of the flesh. “For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.” Galatians 5:17. This is another huge problem that plays havoc with our minds. Old or young many today, because of the immorality shoved down their throats through what Hollywood calls entertainment, can no longer determine the difference between genuine love and lust. “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.” James 1:14. So, many marriages end up in disaster even though they began with what the couple thought was love. Lust is never fulfilling; even when it is satisfied for a moment it’s never lasting and certainly is no substitute for true faithful love.

With faithful attentive love, our relationship with our spouse will have some great accompaniments. For example, along with our love and the togetherness we share there is also a fulfillment for the need of compassion, companionship, devotion, honor, trust and respect. These are all human desires that are fulfilled when we truly love our spouse. There must be a true desire to give of one’s self wholly to a spouse if a marriage is going to last a lifetime.

According to the one true God of the Bible, marriage between one man and one woman is the only sanctioned and acceptable marriage He will accept. Entered into correctly with the right motives marriage will last a lifetime.

You know and I know that much of what’s happening around this nation of ours stems from a direct result of the influence of secular humanism. From our government run public schools to the disasters in our Christian churches the evil influence flourishes. As rules are relaxed, morals are relaxed and what was an evil and untouchable taboo in decades past is now, among many, looked upon as quite normal.

Christians, through God’s word, are given guidelines to live by. Over time those guidelines have become less and less intrusive in the Christians life because, for many, they’re now looked upon as foolishness or they’ve given up on the Bible. “God’s rules are outdated and old fashioned and nobody lives that way today”. This is all because we’ve been re-programmed to accept what God says as unacceptable.

Also, many Christians see what they’ve been “missing out” on by watching television programming such as soap operas and late night movies which make sin look like fun. When the Bible says such things are sin and that we aren’t to condone or participate in activities that would be considered by God as sinful, then we must follow what the Bible says. Many of those sinful things we see the “world” obsessed with have begun to look very inviting. They’re better known as temptations, something Satan is very good at developing.

“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13.

This worldly influence invades our Churches and every corner of our lives. It’s just a lot easier to ignore some parts of the Bible so we can enjoy the simple pleasures the rest of the world enjoys. This way we can be happy and much more content in our Christian walk. It’s easy to ignore the Bible, just stop reading it. Oh, and we better find a church where the pastor knows how to tickle our ears because we certainly don’t want to be offended by him bringing up those old outdated taboos (sins). This shouldn’t be too difficult these days. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23.

All that I’ve mentioned so far brings up a question asked frequently. “Why is it that God doesn’t seem to be very involved in my life? It seems to me that God just doesn’t care.”

Men and God have been at odds for thousands of years. Man, for the most part, just can’t get his mind around what God’s word says is the truth. Therefore man makes up his own truth, teaching that man’s truth is correct and God’s word is, well, fantasy.

Secular teaching in America has actually pitted man against God and has brought our nation to a point where our society is now made up of mostly unbelieving secular humanist devoted to man’s opinions. This kind of teaching is so prevalent that there now remains very few die hard believers devoted to God. Secular man looks at these die hard holdouts to God’s truth as strange, flat earth, morons completely devoid of common sense.

“These holdouts to our truth of evolution are killing this planet. They worship a nonexistent God, how can they possibly compare a nonexistent God to man’s intelligence? Where is their God? From the beginning of man’s existence they’ve been searching for some form of a god, so where is he?”

“Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.”
2 Peter 3:3, 4.

Why doesn’t God care?

Many of my brethren disparage the Bible and wonder why God is seemingly ignoring them, their lives are a mess. And continually the question is asked, “Why doesn’t God intervene in my life? Why doesn’t God care?” “I don’t bother with the Bible in its entirety, for me it’s just the New Testament that has some relevant ideas. After all everyone knows the Bible was written by men.”

If you don’t take God’s word seriously and if you don’t believe the Bible in its entirety is God’s word, then your god is not the God of the Bible and you are relying on a false god to intervene in your life. Believers who don’t believe the book of Genesis which contains the creation explanation must also dismiss the book of Exodus and the fact that God wrote in stone using His own finger: “For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested... And he gave unto Moses...two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God,” Exodus 31:17, 18. At this point those who misinterpret the book of Genesis must feel God has lied.

I will never understand my brethren who tell me that man has discovered the age of the earth to be billions of years old, even though they know God says He created the whole universe in six literal 24 hour days approximately 6000 years ago. Why do Christians believe man over God and then turn around and make the statement “God doesn’t care about me. If He did then why won’t he fix my messed up life?” To me it’s a no brainer. To God it’s a no brainer. When we oppose God in our personal lives and circumvent His word for man’s presuppositions there will be unpleasant consequences.

God will not be mocked. “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting,” Galatians 6:7, 8. All God asks of His Children is that we believe He is who He says He is and that we believe He speaks to us through His inerrant word. Isn’t it interesting that God only asks us to believe, but belief in man’s “discoveries” are demanded of us.

Christians claim to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ but how is that so if they continually mock God through their unbelief of the literality of His word? Are they not deceiving themselves? Who among us would ever call God a liar to His face? But isn’t that exactly what some are doing by placing what man has said above that of what God says. Think about it. Even if there is uncertainty in your mind, when it comes to a debate between what God says and what man says, it would benefit you greatly to always side with God. “Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:” 1 Peter 1:8.

Believe God, you’ll be glad you did.

God bless you all,

Ron Graham
twotug@embarqmail.com
All scripture is from the KJV

Perplexity, Despair, and Hope - Ron Graham - twotug@embarqmail.com

“And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;” Luke 21:25.

These days are certainly bewildering. It just keeps getting better doesn’t it? Everyone reading this commentary is certainly aware of all the distressing news now hitting us between the eyes. One might call this current round of events mystifying to say the least. Which of us would have ever dreamed that America would someday give up her sovereignty or make it illegal to preach from the Bible? It probably even baffles the mind of even the staunchest of pessimists. Many who consider themselves patriots are watching all this happen yet for the most part are in denial. It just can’t happen to America.

“Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken,” Luke 21:26. Men and women are going to be witnessing some very strange occurrences going on in these last days. As everyone knows men’s hearts fail them all the time, but what the Bible says is going to be much more severe and with a much greater frequency rate. Men will be confused, and confounded, and their minds will be overwhelmed by the crazy things they witness that just aren’t normal, at least not the normal they’ve been accustomed to.

Living and growing up in America today, is there any reason to be in despair? How does a sixty-ish year old man who grew up in the fifties and who became accustomed, as a young man living in America, to all the freedoms this country had to offer, possibly get used to a totalitarian government taking over his once free country?

Soon this middle-age man will be moving into a mode of a well deserved retirement and possibly even slowing down a bit. Looking at the events of the day, would this gentleman have any reason to despair? The destruction of the United States of America is at hand and even the bravest of hearts can turn to despair when they see something that was at one time so fine, turned into to something so dreadful it makes true patriots ill.

I wonder sometimes how people cope with current events. How many may be in the midst of or even totally engulfed with a deep feeling of despair these days. Is there any light at the end of the tunnel? Some may have thoroughly lost hope. But what is it that they’ve lost hope in? Is it that they see no way out of the current worldwide economic crises? Perhaps they despair over the state of moral decay in America today. Although many didn’t see it coming, and even more still don’t see it, socialism has been thrust upon us. Even many believers seem to be at the end of their ropes. Despair seems to be the flavor of the day. Those who are lost and perishing have no real hope and so perplexity and despair can certainly set in and devastate men’s lives.

What then, should we despair at all the insanity currently permeating our land? Absolutely not. “Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;” Romans 12:12. I once heard it said that to despair is to turn one’s back on God. The definition of despair is: a profound feeling of hopelessness. Anguish, gloom, depression, despondency, desolation, and misery are but a few of the synonyms that go along with this same definition. As believers an attitude of despair certainly doesn’t befit us.

We are secure in our life in Christ. The kind of hope believers have in Christ gives us a sense of security that covers us like a safety blanket. As we see the destruction of America coming down the road our anticipation grows for the soon return of our Lord and savior Jesus the Christ. We are mocked and ridiculed by the unbeliever, but we are undeterred.

Many people have placed their hope for the future in a man. Their kind of hope is of no avail. Man will always fail to hold up his end. Sooner or later, no matter who the man is, there will be disillusionment. One man has been thrust upon us, seemingly bestowed with a supernatural power to influence the weak minded to follow him and his foolishness. Thus it will take much longer for those individuals to see the fallibility of such a man. Sadly many of these weak minded souls will never see the truth. A huge number of Americans are so completely blinded by this man that it seems he’s placed a hypnotic trance over them. After all these months they still don’t see the idiocy of his mindset.

Can you remember watching all the hysterical wailing by both men and women as Obama won the presidential election? If you’ve forgotten the insanity and would like to be reminded just Google it or do a search of YouTube. There are plenty of videos that will remind the masses of just how much influence this man wields over the weak minded. Has Obama told the truth or fulfilled even one of his campaign promises? Only to the homosexual community. Come on people, talk about disillusionment. It’s time for those of you who voted for him to open your eyes to the truth. There is absolutely no hope for the future of American, or the world for that matter, with Obama at the helm.

Soon, if not already, you who voted for Obama will come to the realization that you’ve made a huge mistake. When this happens, you may well be overcome with despair, knowing you’ve helped with the destruction of America.

“Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time” 1 John 2:18. Obama is certainly one of them, anti-Christ that is. Everything he does is in direct opposition to God, that’s anti-Christ. That, my brethren, is what the Apostle John is referring to in his epistle to the church. He speaks of the spirit of anti-Christ. Obama is filled with the spirit of anti Jesus Christ. We can see it in all his works and attitudes. Unless you are born again his agenda will be difficult to comprehend. You who voted for this man be on your guard, because as you begin to realize how evil he is despair may well overcome you, especially as you realize how terribly deceived you’ve been.

Having lived in a country of many freedoms, most assumed it would remain forever as a free nation. Christians figured it would remain so at least until the rapture of the Church. The completely open satanic nature of this man will turn out to be a tragedy for America. Those who believe in him, those who’ve placed their trust and even their lives in his hands, are being lulled into a condition of passivity and false prosperity of political rhetoric and lies about our improving economic conditions. The awakening that hits them will be severe and painful. Many will think peace and safety but it will all be empty lies. When those weak minded individuals finally realize they’ve been duped it may well be too late.

Newsflash:

Our freedoms are very quickly eroding. Some are already gone and unless the Rapture happens within the next year or so everyone will feel the wrath of Obama’s changes firsthand. This ultimate change thrust upon America will remove all our freedoms; we the people will have little or no remaining rights. Despair will set in on a huge scale and many nonbelievers may very well despair unto death. “Men's hearts failing them for fear” Luke 21:26a. Many of my brethren can’t or won’t even consider the possibility of the coming persecution affecting the Church. Little do they know it’s already here. 

Let’s travel back in time a couple thousand years and take a look at how the believers of the first century Church were treated. They were persecuted and martyred for their steadfast faith in Jesus the Christ. “Yes Ron, but that was back in the days when knowledge and wisdom were sorely lacking. Men feared the unknown. People had a fear of Christians and their beliefs”. Fine, let’s move forward in time now a few hundred years. What was happening to the believers of that era? How were they treated at the hands of folks who were a little more enlightened than, say, the first century persecutors? More persecution and more martyrdom. Do the research for yourself and you’ll find that from the early church’s history right up until our present day there have been literally millions upon millions of Christians killed, martyred for their faith in Jesus Christ.

“Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you;” John 15:20. Why, in the name of God, do so many of my brethren in the United States at least, feel they are exempt from such an end? Personally, I see the church in the good ol’ U.S. of A., especially in these last days, as quite arrogant. To think for a moment that in this day and age Christians can’t possibly be martyred if they live in the U.S. is to ignore the truth of the scriptures. All born again believers are God’s children. Even though millions of believers have perished under the sword in the past two thousand years, and thousands of believers are being put to death today in many different countries around the world, the church in America is immune to such treatment. That type of persecution can never happen in America. Not in the land of the free and the home of the brave. Correct?

Well, guess what? No born again believer, who stands up for their Lord and vocally proclaims the message of the cross and does not cower, will be exempt from the persecution that’s on the way. Satan delights in stealing the joy of the brethren, we all know that to be true, he’s even more delighted when he can convince the unbelieving masses that those who follow Jesus Christ are evil and a detriment to any normal and progressive society. When he can get people to see his lies as the truth he can convince them of anything. The first thing he’ll want to do is to get rid of the stone walls (believers) that inhibit his unfettered advance. That means he needs to turn perfectly decent law abiding people into animals on the prowl to persecute the Church, and if possible remove those arrogant Christians from existence.

Knowing this ahead of time can lead believers to despair, but it shouldn’t. We, as Christ’s followers, know where we are going. We know this world is not our home and we should be in a mode of anticipation as we see the end approaching. To despair because of what’s happening before our eyes displays a lack of faith in Christ. This can be caused by a lack of knowledge of God’s word and even a lack of belief in what the Bible tells us will come about in the last days. Believing that God’s word is irrelevant and partly fable or mostly a myth is a real good indication some will end up in very deep depression and despair. Remember to despair is to turn ones back on God. Allegorize the Bible and you will find much to despair about.

The following quote shows up in many of the emails I receive, “I’ve read the end of the Book and God wins.” Yep, I agree God’s plan is being accomplished. God wins in the end as they say. But don’t you see, God won before the foundation of the world. As a matter of fact there was never even a contest. In God’s mind there was no win or lose scenario. God always knew Satan’s destiny. This was no surprise to God. He even placed all the names of His redeemed in the Lambs book of life before the foundation of the world. Nothing surprises God. And no, I’m not a Calvinist.

Believers can take heart in knowing that God knows each of us intimately and is completely aware of whatever our plight is. If we are living happy blessed lives or unhappy lives full of despair God knows where we are and what we are thinking. “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:” Romans 8:16. And I can assure you God isn’t going to take it well when He sees any of His children wallowing in the depths of despair. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1. God expects us to stand and be strong in the faith and trusting Him and His word. 

If I could convince the brethren to study their Bibles I know that they would become certain that God can take away their despair through His word. Our hope as believers is in Christ, and by reading His word believers can avoid the pitfalls of despair. There’s hope for all believers nestled between the pages of God’s word and you won’t find anything to despair about in the Bible. Yes, our hope is in Christ. We are believers because we believe Jesus died, was buried, and rose again on the third day. That’s our hope, that’s our strength. That’s His promise to His people. Fear is to be nonexistent for the believers as we know for certain where we will spend eternity. “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.” Romans 8:15.

Day by day as we see this world slipping further and further into the abyss our hope grows exponentially. Nothing in this world can touch the soul of a believer, not even the supernatural evil underworld of malevolent demons. Jesus has given us new life and that life is only accessible through Christ. Oh sure, outside influences bombard our minds and even our subconscious at times. It’s a constant battle with supernatural beings that inhabit other dimensions and that constantly infiltrate our dimension to wreck as much havoc as possible. Try as they might, nothing can touch those who belong to Christ.

If we believers could only grasp just a smidgen of how great and powerful God is and how much bigger He is than the lowly demonic hoard that wants to corrupt us and destroy us, we would never despair again. No matter how far this country slips into the wrong direction. We should never despair about our future since we know our future will be nothing less than awesome, full of joy and peace where God’s will is done for eternity.

“And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” Romans 8:17. Don’t despair at the coming evil but rejoice in knowing you are a joint-heir of the King. That when you suffer persecution you suffer with Christ.

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:35-39.

His Kingdom is within sight. So shout out your love for Christ if you dare. “I love you Lord Jesus and I’m waiting for Your soon return”. Now, shout it again.

God bless you all,

Ron Graham

twotug@embarqmail.com

All scripture is from the KJV  

Complete Lack of Understanding - Ron Graham - twotug@embarqmail.com 

This phrase, “Complete lack of Understanding”, is from a news headline I read recently. It was in reference to this whole idea of global warming, or as your president and others of his like-mindedness refer to it now, “climate change”. Over the past few months, Obama has demonstrated what many perceive as a shallowness of understanding; he seems to be proving his shallowness as he and his administration lead the US into a posture of “government controlled everything”.

When I read that headline something dawned on me. I thought about Obama’s claim of being a Christian, and his claim to taking a pro-life stance, but then I looked at all the devastating and satanic moves he’s made since taking office. I soon came to the conclusion that this man does not lack understanding he lack something much greater.

While looking at his term in office thus far, not just his stance on global warming, I see this man as making a firm stance against the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Just read about what went on in the building where he attended church services for twenty years. Then as president, signing into law the most sweeping agenda for murdering babies in the history of the US, and offering homosexuals equal legal and moral rights as though God would actually encourage such abominations. You might just come away with a sense of how much understanding this man lacks.

I started looking at the fruit this man has produced over the span of his life thus far. I’m no longer somewhat skeptical of Obama’s claim as a Christian, I’m sure he doesn’t know the Savior of the world. Obama has a gaping hole in his understanding of who Jesus Christ is and what it means to be born again. “Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,” Romans 1:22. Why would a born again believer in Christ congratulate the Pope for his pronouncement of five more individuals who the Pope has declared saints? The Bible says we are all saints when we become born again. Only those who don’t know Jesus Christ are able to see anything special in what the Pope did. A Complete lack of Understanding? Hmm.

Obama isn’t lacking in his understanding about what he’s doing as president, he knows exactly what he’s doing. Even some leaders of other countries perceive Obama to be naïve and without understanding. But they too lack understanding, they just don’t understand where Obama is headed and why. If we step back and focus our view on the big picture we can see his agenda is to dismantle every remaining vestige of what Americans once thought of as freedom. “Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.” Psalms 119:34. David is asking God for understanding as should we all. Is Obama seeking God’s heart? Is he seeking understanding from the creator of the Universe? Does he have any intention of keeping Jesus commandments? Not so you’d notice.

Here’s the problem. America has for the most part become a nation so wrapped up in the luxury of materialism, and degrading immorality that any perceived threat to their comfort zone or their immoral liberalities by anyone in government would bring swift retribution. So our leaders we’re bent on supplying Americans with all the pabulum they could dish out to appease the masses. Then someone came along who had no real answers but was articulate in his speech and charismatic in his demeanor. This man came on the scene with a simple message of change and it was swallowed hook, line, and sinker by the same masses that require pabulum to achieve understanding.

Obama’s real agenda wasn’t actually understood by the pabulum crowd. So in the mind of this heartless man he had fed the masses what they wanted to hear and it was easy. They fell head over heels for a man whose whole life has been devoted to creating a socialistic state. But that pabulum crowd could see only dollar signs and comfort zones being re-established throughout America once again, even if it had to happen at the expense and suffering of others. Obama’s vanity came shinning through. “He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.” Proverbs 12:11. In other words whoever follows Obama has most assuredly checked their brain at the door.

Now here we are 9 months or so into Obama’s presidency and we’ve seen a man who is bent on destroying our republic, bankrupting our economy, and turning the US into a slave state. Mark my words, we will be slaves to the government because we are currently relinquishing every freedom, even our God given freedoms are falling by the wayside just so we Americans can continue to live in what is perceived to be a land of plenty. It’s no longer a land of plenty because our national debt is so high that even Solomon in all his glory couldn’t possibly contemplate paying it off.

America will never be able to withstand four complete years of this man’s narcissism without losing much of what it once stood for. We will cease to be the nation we once were and by the time the opportunity comes around again to vote him out of office it may be four years too late. I wonder sometimes just how many actually see this man for who he really is. I recently received an email from someone who told me that voting in America is completely rigged and it will do no good in the future to vote. If that be the case folks we are doomed. But perhaps that’s just what the enemy wants us to believe so we won’t bother casting a vote at all. In that respect evil would certainly take over our country completely.

To some it may seem Obama hasn’t any common sense. That’s not what I see. I see Obama as a man driven by an external force speeding to accomplish a major change in this country in a very short period of time. Why? Because the force driving Obama knows there is very little time remaining to accomplish his agenda. Satan can also see the handwriting on the wall and he knows the hour is late. I know there are many who look to all those secretive organizations such as the Bilderbergers, the Illuminati, the Council on Foreign Relations and all the rest as being the power behind Obama, and in one sense they may be correct. But there is something even more secretive and sinister behind him and that force is what’s driving Obama as if he were the engineer on a runaway train with no brakes on a downhill slope to destruction. Our destruction is what he wants, no more USA. Think about it. What’s his all fired hurry? It’s almost as though he doesn’t even catch his breath before another act of lunacy is shoved down America’s collective throats.

It’s important for all those who agree with me on this subject to take an active role in the affairs of their government because we can no longer rely on our elected officials to act on our behalf. No matter how insane a measure appears to most of us on the outside, it’s pushed through the house and senate and signed before America has a chance to blink. Or it’s rammed through even though most of America doesn’t want it. Doesn’t all this seem just a little fishy? Does Obama have a complete lack of understanding? Or is Obama’s path set by the evil one? Are Americans in for the most terrifying ride this country has ever seen? “The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.” Proverbs 21:16.

There still seems to be a majority of the populace who see this man as their messiah. Some of them, though, are no longer basking in all the good they expected to see accomplished by this man. Some of those Obamaites are far less excited about their false messiah these days. Many have begun to see the truth and are not looking forward to the impending doom on the horizon. The slightly decreasing numbers of Americans that still approve of Obama’s presidency thus far are a real boost to those of us who have known the truth all along.

As believers we are given the strength to withstand whatever the enemy can throw at us, and throw at us he will. And that’s every bit of “ugly” he can muster. Believers won’t go through the wrath that is to come from God during the last half of the tribulation week, but nothing is said about believer’s avoiding persecution. Persecution can come subtly or aggressively but by the look of where this world is headed, especially when Islam becomes as dominate as many suspect and if the Lord tarries, aggressive persecution of the Church will soon be upon us.

“Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” Revelation 22:20b John prays this prayer at the end of the book of Revelation. John put that verse there for us to read and repeat. Every true believer should be repeating it daily. I know we can’t speed up Jesus’ return, but we can let Him know we earnestly desire His soon arrival for His Church. But until then we need to intensify our efforts in spreading the truth of the Gospel of Christ, for the end is in sight.

Complete lack of understanding is certainly an appropriate response to some politicians these days. On the other hand understanding has nothing to do with most of the actions taken by politicians as they sit in their comfortable chairs and allow Obama to destroy our nation. They are scared to death of the evil this man oozes, and that is a fact. Some will stand against Obama, but not for long. Before we know it they’ve changed their attitudes and their votes and begin to side with the rest of the lame-brained chicken hearts we’ve elected to represent us.

There is a real attitude of cowardice that runs rampant in the halls of government these days. Many politicians have been representing their constituents for so long they believe we owe it to them to continue to vote them into office. Then they have no intention of following the consensus of their constituency. They become embedded in their office and enamored with their power and oblivious to the needs of the American people. They only care about how much power and money they will retire with. So they aren’t about to upset the apple cart even if it means bowing to Obama as he bowed to the Saudis.

Obama is evil through and through. He doesn’t care anything about this country. He only cares about what this country can do to elevate him to an even higher level. Obama seeks to be leader of the world and worshipped by all people worldwide, and nothing is going to stand in his way to accomplish his goal. You think Ron’s gone off the deep end don’t you? Well, if you believe differently, if you believe that Obama is on his way to establishing a utopian world for us to enjoy, then just sit back and enjoy your ride to nirvana.

If, on the other hand, you see what I and many others see, that this man is treacherous and not one tiny bit without understanding of exactly where he intends to lead America, you better get to as many as you can with the truth and at least try to convince them of the lateness of the hour and what’s coming. I made the statement earlier that Obama lacks something much greater than understanding; he lacks heart and a conscience. Of course he’s not alone in his lack of these two very important traits but he’s in charge.

Jesus is at the door. There’s a point coming very soon when the very last believer will be acknowledged by God and the door will slam shut as far as the Church is concerned. God the Father will turn to God the Son and say “Go get ‘em Son”. In the twinkling of an eye the Bride of Christ will be rescued out from among the realm of this world’s persecution. At that point all those who were on the fence concerning whether or not to believe in Jesus as their Messiah will be sure they’ve blown it big time. At first their only indication that something went terribly wrong will be that they find the malls of America are never crowed anymore. Mall or Heaven, make your choice, but make it soon.

God bless you all,

Ron Graham
twotug@embarqmail.com
 

Jesus Saves, for Life - Ron Graham - twotug@embarqmail.com

“And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” John 10:28.

God entered His creation, and became flesh. “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us...” John 1:14. Jesus is God incarnate.

Jesus is God. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God,” John 1:1. The Apostle John identifies Jesus Christ as the word, and the Word was God. Now that we’ve established Jesus’ credentials we may proceed. In the verse from John 10 Jesus gives believers the wonderful promise of eternal life and eternal security.

God has given mankind a great resource for knowledge and truth. That resource, the Bible, is replete with how man must respond to God’s free gift of salvation in order to be justified in God’s eyes. Let me also say that no man can enter Heaven unless they have responded to God’s free gift of salvation by receiving the Son of God (Jesus the Christ) as their savior.

Over and over again I receive messages from folks who are very concerned that I’m leading people astray because of my stance on the believer’s security. I’m told that “Just because a person believes and becomes a follower of Jesus Christ (a born again believer) doesn’t mean they are completely secure”. I am then inundated with scripture verses that, in their minds, prove beyond the shadow of a doubt that believers can lose our salvation. Losing our salvation is completely contrary to God’s word. If you and I, once we are justified (saved in God’s eyes), can lose our salvation or even walk away from our salvation once we are born again, then God becomes a weak and insignificant God, one who certainly wouldn’t have the power to create the universe let alone save us from our sins.

It simply amazes me that born again believers will dispute God’s word, and at many different levels of understanding. To me it makes no sense, if we are born again, to argue with the one who saved us. After all who’s word is it? It’s not man that we’re disputing and squabbling with when we disagree with the word of God. It’s God Himself. For example, man has come up with many different scenarios as to how the creation of the universe came to be. Man has decided to believe in billions of years for the creation of the universe. They’ve plainly stated and they teach the earth to be billions of years old, and that man evolved from pond scum. In God’s word He tells us how it all happened in six literal, 24 hour days but as man’s “knowledge” has increased over the centuries so has his arrogance. God’s now wrong or the Bible is a myth. Many of my brethren will without any hesitation place their faith in man’s new “discoveries” over God’s word. You may be surprised to find out just how many Christians believe man’s published discoveries over God’s inerrant word when it comes to the age of the universe or the evolution of man.

Actually there is a lot more to that verse in John 10 than initially meets the eye. I’ve read John 10 many times and written about the believer’s security in past commentaries. The part of this particular verse that has eluded many Bible teachers in the past is, “they shall never perish”. I don’t know why Jesus’ words don’t always get all the recognition they should but if you will bear with me you will see how very significant they are.

We’ll need to go back a verse to get the full impact of what Jesus is saying. “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:” John 10:27. Okay, Jesus is speaking about born again believers. The best part of that particular verse is Jesus says “I know them”. God knows us when we become born again “But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God...” Galatians 4:9a. Paul is speaking to the Galatians who are saved as being known of God.

Side note:
I can tell you for certain that if Jesus doesn’t know you, you’re not saved. “And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” Matthew 7:23. The relationship we enjoy with our Lord Jesus is a two way street. We know Him and we are known of Him.

Then Jesus goes on to specifically convey His truth. He says, “I give unto them eternal life.” That should be good enough for anyone who feels the need to argue with God. When we read those words and we are truly born again, we can be certain we are going to spend an eternity with our Lord Jesus. Not to ever be separated from Him such as those who will be spending eternity in Hell. Believers will always be with Him. Jesus will never take away your eternal life if you truly have eternal life.

Jesus says neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. Well, first of all Jesus is God so who would be able to pluck any believer out of His hand? Who would even try to do such a thing? Let’s see, he isn’t a man but Satan would love to take believers away from God. All believers should be keenly aware that that scenario just isn’t possible. This is the part of that whole verse that trips up many Bible teachers. They say, “Yes, we agree that a believer can’t lose their salvation, but they can walk away from it”. Well, not according to the creator of the universe.

Still, they’ll focus their argument on other parts of God’s word. So, Jesus, giving his followers eternal life does little to convince the skeptic of the security of the believer. Their argument continues, “Jesus didn’t say a believer can’t walk away from that eternal life He gave them.” Au contraire my friends, Jesus made it perfectly clear in the very next part of the verse. But just like many others these skeptics skip right over these five little words “and they shall never perish”. Key word? Never.

Those who belong to Him are His sheep and His sheep know His voice “and they shall never perish”. The Greek word that God used here is ou mē translated “never, certainly not, not at all, by no means”. Jesus expresses, purposely for all the doubters, a double negative, strongly expressing a negation. “In no wise” can one of my sheep ever lose or walk away from the eternal life I’ve given them.

You still want to argue with God Almighty? If you insist we’ll keep going, although for the life of me I can’t see why you insist on arguing with God. At any rate let’s proceed. The word Jesus uses for “pluck” as in “neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand” is Harpazo in the Greek. That word may be very familiar to most of you rapture enthusiasts. It means to seize and to carry off by force. So, just who is able to seize the believers “In Christ” (Christ’s sheep) and carry them off, by force no less? What did Jesus say about the importance of even one of His sheep “... if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray.” Matthew 18:12, 13. Every one of those who have been born from above is as secure as Heaven itself. If it were not so Jesus would have certainly told us.

“My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my Father are one.” John 10:29, 30. After Jesus finishes telling us that no man can pluck (Harpazo) those who are born again out of His hands He takes us a step further and seals the whole concept of the believer’s security by proclaiming that all believers are in God the Father’s hands also. And “no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand”. Now we have the skeptic to the believer’s security telling us we can walk away from God the Father and God the Son by escaping out of their hands. God the Father gives all believers to Jesus His Son. Would God give His only begotten Son a bunch of renegades who, at the first chance they get would conspire to escape his clutches? Why? So they can escape that horrible idea of eternal salvation in Heaven with Jesus Christ? Not hardly.

It has always amazed me how the emails come flooding in about how wrong I am. They try and remind me of all the scripture verses that seemingly contradict what I’ve espoused above. Incredibly many people will continually stand adamantly against the believer’s security and they will diligently work at convincing me to do the same. If we will remember that there are no contradictions in God’s word it will help to affirm what I’m trying to explain. Actually all those other verses the skeptics love to point out only add to the whole proof of the believer’s security.

Case in point “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.” Revelation 3:5. Obviously, if Jesus can blot out the name of a born again believer from the book of life, believers can lose their salvation, right? It’s only a misinterpretation that leads people to conclude Jesus would ever remove a believers name from the book of life.

But if we look at the verse correctly, in context “He who overcomes . . . I will never blot out his name from the book of life.” The “overcomer” mentioned in this letter to Sardis is the believer. John tells us “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world.” Also “Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?” John 5:4, 5. “I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one” 1 John 2:13b. All believers are “overcomers” in that they have been granted victory over the sin and unbelief of the world.

Some people see in Revelation 3:5 God’s pen ready to strike out the name of any Christian who sins. They read into it something like this: “If you mess up and don’t win the victory, then you’re going to lose your salvation! In fact, I will erase your name from the Book of Life!” But this is not what the verse says. Jesus gives the overcomer (believer) a promise here, not a warning.

In His word God never says that He erases a believer’s name from the Book of Life –there is never even a warning that He is contemplating such a thing! The wonderful promise of Revelation 3:5 is that Jesus will not erase one’s name. Speaking to the “overcomers”–all those redeemed by the blood of the Lamb–Jesus gives His word that He will not remove their names. He affirms that once a name is there, it is there forever. This promise is not based on our faithfulness but on the faithfulness of God.

On the other hand “And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” Revelation 22:19. This verse is another of those verses that these skeptics will trot out to prove me wrong. The problem with this verse is those who would change God’s word are not believers. No truly “born again” believer “In Christ” would ever tamper with His word. No, these are those who are of pseudo-Christian cults and those who hold to very liberal theological beliefs. Many cults and theological liberals claim the name of Christ as their own, but they are not “born again”. Names that aren’t in the Lamb’s book of life can’t possibly be removed.

There are, of course, many other scripture verses that confirm Jesus’ own words. Once a person becomes born again, born from above, born from God they are sealed until the day of redemption. There are no more arguments. If you must argue, take them up with God.

For all of those who read this commentary who aren’t born again, it’s not too late. Speak to the Lord Jesus Christ yourself, and say “Yes Lord, I believe” before time runs out...tick, tick, tick.

God bless you all,

Ron Graham
twotug@embarqmail.com
All scripture is from the KJV
 

For Every Man - Ron Graham - twotug@embarqmail.com

“But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.” Hebrews 2:9. No one is excluded from receiving the free gift of salvation. God died on that cross so every human being on this planet could obtain salvation and continue on to a new and awesome Heavenly home. Jesus suffered and died for all humanity.

What stops man from wanting such a home? Pride. That’s it, it’s prideful to reject God’s free gift of salvation. Only by believing in the death, burial, and resurrection of His only begotten Son can we obtain that free gift. Many might disagree with me and say it’s a hardened heart, or ignorance, even self-reliance that keeps man from believing the truth. Pride is what got in Lucifer’s way and it’s been the one thing that has been so prevalent in so many lost souls since the beginning of time. “The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.” Psalm 10:4. Using God’s name as profanity doesn’t count as keeping God in all our thoughts.

To humble one’s self before God requires an abandonment of pride and there are so many who won’t allow that to ever occur in their meager and short existence. So many people actually believe that this world holds the answer to everything–every question, every thought, every experience and there is nothing at the end of one’s life but a cold dark grave. When some folks hear the question, “Are you a believer?” or “Do you have a relationship with Jesus Christ?” their pride is activated and they reject such nonsensical questioning with a prideful “I don’t believe in God” or “I don’t need your God”. This one really saddens me, “I don’t fear your God”. Pride is the culprit and many a lost soul will find this out the hard way. “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18.

We read in the book of Hebrews that Jesus tasted death for every man. That means everybody that ever lived or ever will live has been covered by the blood of Christ. In the past, before Jesus’ First Advent, if folks believed in the coming Messiah and were faithful to God, when they died their souls were sent to Abraham’s bosom. After Jesus died all who profess their faith in Him go directly to Heaven. But the one thing they all have in common is that they all, at some point, dropped that prideful attitude and humbled themselves before God. Alas, Jesus tells us many will never lose that prideful attitude. “Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” Matthew 7:14. They not only can’t find it but pride keeps them from seeking the truth.

Many will hold to the two big lies of Satan, “Yea, hath God said”, and “Ye shall not surely die” Genesis 3:1, 4. And they will remain in that state of condemnation. They will never give up the pride that holds them captive like zoo animals in cages. Jesus died for the express purpose of saving all the lost from an eternity in Hell. All are given the same opportunity to believe and repent. “Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain,” Psalm 73:6a.

Have you ever wondered how God could possibly love a person whose whole life is or has been devoted to sin? He can, and He does. A person who has never acknowledged God’s grace or His love but who has taken advantage of every good gift which can only come from God is still loved by God. God