Ramblings of a Sinner

     When Abraham walked the earth with God he was promised that his descendants would make up a great nation in land that was promised to them by God.  God promised this to Abraham for his faithfulness and obedience.  Both of Abraham’s offspring became the foundation for nations of people.  Following a man named Moses the descendants of Isaac, Abraham’s son, were led to the land that was promised to them and through their obedience the nation of Israel was born.

     Two hundred and thirty three years ago a new nation was formed.  Among the people that came to inhabit this new land were scores of Christians that were seeking to escape persecution in their homelands.  Many of the homelands hand state endorsed religions having the policy that the national religion must be followed.  Many political reasons can also be sighted for the creation of this new nation but the foundation of laws were based on Christian-Judeo values and religious freedom was established.  Through writings and recorded events we know that the faith of the founders played highly in their every day life.  Prayer was a must at the beginning of every meeting with requests for guidance and blessings from God.  By all accounts the military force formed by this fledgling nation was no match for the forces of the homeland and there was confidence that the superior forces would quickly put down the rebellion.  Much like Joshua leading the nation of Israel to their promised land, the leaders of this aspiring new nation prayed and sought the blessing of God to give them this nation to save them from oppression.  There are reports from numerous sources that General George Washington prayed before battles seeking the favor of the Almighty God, there is even a painting commemorating this event.  Against all odds this new nation was formed and independence was gained from the former homeland.  Within the last few decades their has been a push to remove the influence of God from the nation that He blessed two hundred and thirty three years ago.  The misguided thoughts and beliefs of a few are letting this happen.  What is the cost of removing God from the life of a nation?

     After time past the people of Israel came under the influence of other nations and strayed from God and did not seek His blessings and at such times God gave the people over to their enemies.  Repentance brought redemption but straying would bring punishment.  After generations of this behavior the nation of Israel was routed and scattered throughout the lands.  The nation of Israel did not exist from about 70 A.D. until 1948 when the nation was reformed by the international community following World War II.  Almost one thousand eight hundred and eighty years without a country.  What would that mean to us today?  Could you imagine being just a visitor no matter where you went because you country no longer existed? 

     I wonder if the people of the United States of America could learn anything from the story of the nation of Israel.  Could you imagine the United States ceasing to exist?  Yes it can happen, anything is possible.  Learn from the past.  Learn what had happened to a nation that turned its back of God.

Originally posted July 2, 2005

Are Christians what is wrong with Christianity?

July 2, 2005

Some say that before you can point fingers at others you better make sure your own backyard is clean. Well before Christians can point fingers and blame society and secular, un-Christian influence on the problems with society today they need to look into the mirror and make sure the ‘mud’ isn’t sticking to them also. The ‘Episcopal’ Church started the latest fervor with the appointment of a homosexual bishop. Now other denominations in the Christian faith are taking a look at their policy on the matter. Get real, the policy has been in writing for thousands of years – THE BIBLE. Churches are splitting on the matter. Jesus tells us in Matthew 12:25 “…A town or family splintered by feuding will fall apart.”(NLT) Isn’t that happening today? The Anglican church in England, part of the ‘communion’ with the US Episcopal church, is turning it’s back, closing its doors to the American and Canadian churches for a period of three years. Churches are leaving the Episcopal church in response to the appointment of a homosexual bishop.

Now the ‘United Church of God’ is supporting the unholy union of homosexuals in marriage. Jesus tells us the Biblical view of marriage; “Because of this, a man leaves father and mother, and in he becomes one flesh with a woman–no longer two individuals, but forming a new unity. Because God created this organic union of the two sexes, no one should desecrate his art by cutting them apart." (Mark 10:7-9 MSG). Why are these persons that call themselves Christians turning away from the Godly, Biblical view and focusing on the ‘Worldly’ view. In the book of Genesis we are told that God flooded the world to destroy the evil that had occupied the world. God promised not to destroy the world again because of evil but when the cries of help called out to God because of the evil in Sodom and Gomorrah He destroyed them, wiped them out of existence!

Rom 1:26-32 (KJV) 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 recompense of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenant-breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 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.

God knows that not everyone will call to Him nor seek salvation through Jesus, as the Bible tells us those people will be give over to their own evil thoughts and desires.

As Christians we are to take the gospel to the world so that the knowledge of God’s Law and promise of Salvation are heard and known through out the world. We are not to ‘bend’ God’s Law to allow the desires of those that wish to defy God and His Law. Why do you think ‘they’ want God removed from public view, from public schools? Why do you think that ‘they’ want God’s Law hidden from public view? ‘They’ do not want the public reminder that ‘they’ have turned ‘their’ backs on God and if ‘they’ don’t see nor hear the Law then ‘they’ are not reminded that ‘they’ are dead in God’s eyes if ‘they’ do not repent.

Joshua 24:15 says it for me, “…but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (KJV)

It is time for Christians to stop worry about what the world thinks and spend more time worry about what God thinks!!

© 2005

And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" But when he heard it, he said, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners."
(Mat 9:10-13 ESV)

Monday, May 18, 2009

     Much has been made about the invitation of President Obama to the Graduation at Notre Dame.   The lightning rod issue is that the President is Pro-Choice on Abortion and advocates the resumption of infant stem cell research.  A position that is against everything for which the Catholic Church stands.  In actuality the opinions of the President stand in contrast to many Christians, but sadly not all.  At the heart of the debate is the issue of how can anyone claiming to be a Christian advocate the termination of any life for any reason.

     What I have witnessed is that many are so strongly rooted in opinion and views.  This means that patient dialogue cannot be conducted without great effort.  Some will not make the effort to communicate so that a person that is not in proper fear of the Lord can be brought back into relationship with the Creator.  Screaming gets you nothing but more screaming.  I have been saddened that Christians would rather engage in confrontation rather than counsel.  The Catholic Priest leading the protests at Notre Dame this weekend giving an interview used the example of Jesus confronting the Pharisees and the Sadducees.  What he failed to explain is that the Pharisees and the Sadducees were the leaders of the temple charged with the spiritual care of God’s people and they were leading the people astray, some times for personal gain.  Jesus was calling them on the carpet as it were, to point out their transgressions and to correct their behavior.  When Jesus was instructing His disciples or talking to tax collectors or other sinners He was instructive.  He had to show them where they were wrong and how to get back on the right path.  For those who are not in sync with ideas, philosophies or opinion that are in agreement with Biblical Doctrine, screaming and throwing stones is not the way to bring to light wrong behavior.

     Passion is a good thing when used properly.  God used His passion for His creation when He sent His only begotten son as an atoning sacrifice for the sins of men.  Jesus used His passion for us when He allowed Himself to be nailed to the cross.  How will we use our passion?  Will we use the example of Jesus as a passionate teacher or will we be the stone throwing screamer who sends women and children hiding in fear?  Will your passion move you to instruct and inform?  Will your passion over come you and send you to the latest protesting scream-fest?  Protesting is not wrong, the manner in which it is done could be.  Lets look at another example from Jesus.  A prostitute was to be stoned for her sins.  Jesus stands between the prostitute and the others in protest to the actions about to take place.  He did not scream, He did not shout accusations.  Jesus simply stated that any one whom themselves were without sin could cast the first stone.  He forced them to look at themselves, Jesus directed their accusatory glare away from another and inward to their own sins.  It was facing their own sins that caused them to drop the stones, turn and walk away.    As children of God, and followers of the teachings of the Son of God, we do not need to change the hearts and minds of every man, woman and children, that is a task of God.  We as children of God we are to spread the message of His salvation.  We, in our charge to make disciples (Matthew 28:19), can show that through God’s Law we are all sinners and only through the sacrifice of Jesus can we restore our relationship with God.  It is at this point the Holy Spirit will work on their hearts.

     Having said this,  screaming, trespassing and disrupting orderly meetings of others does not serve the purpose of Matthew 28:19.  While Christians should not compromise their obedience to God we must realize that those who do not know God or do not know him completely need our help to learn and come closer to God.  Pointing a finger and labeling others with accusatory, derogatory names does nothing but push people away.  We must listen to the words of others in order to know where to and how to help those who need help.

For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the LORD will take me in.
(Psalms 27:10 ESV)

With all that has gone on in my life, I have felt lost at times and abandoned by my parents at others.  One day while reading the Bible I read the verse above and it started to ring in my heart.  At one point or another my parents have turned against me for one selfish reason or another.  Each time the feelings of hurt and betrayal weighed me down terribly.  Then my thoughts return to this verse.

I cannot explain the feeling of comfort that this verse brings to me, knowing that my Heavenly Father is always there for me.  I talk to Him and express all my hurt and He listens and then takes my pain.  While there are many out there that know the type of pain that I am talking about the ideal is that of a perfect family.  I am here to tell you that there is no perfect family.  That only exists on TV and in the movies or books.  All families have problems the problems just vary by severity.

I would like to say to all those who feel abandoned by one or both parents, or those who may have lost their parents, there is one that will always be there when needed and will never turn a back to you.  God, the God of the Bible, is always there for you.  He will never turn you away.  Turn to Him and hand your troubles over to Him and accept His help.