July 27th, 2009
American Presidents engage in what is euphemistically called ‘exit interviews’ in an effort to influence the legacy they want left after they vacate the office. President Bush is no exception. He conducted a large number of such interviews in the final weeks of his Presidency. During these interviews, and throughout his Presidency, he openly spoke about the topic of his faith.
It is no secret George W. Bush’s proclaimed faith in Christ is sourced to the “Addiction Recovery Movement.” A recent affirmation of this fact was offered in an exit interview on December 18, 2008. When asked about such matters, Mr. Bush replied, “If you’re a drug addict and you need a ‘higher power’ to get off drugs…” [then you should seek such help.] As an (Alcoholic Anonymous defined) “recovering[1]” alcoholic, George Bush speaks of a ‘higher power’ in the same breath as he does the power of the biblical Godhead. For this I believe he will stand corrected at the Judgment Seat of Christ.[2]
“Recovery Faith” is not the same faith as described in the Bible. Instead, it is another gospel, which the Apostle Paul warned we must reject outright. Recovery Faith sources to the fount of all evil: Lucifer, the father of lies and the one who appears to the beleaguered seeking help. He appears through his deceptive messengers who conduct the addiction recovery process. Many souls seek the ‘god of their own understanding’. But the God of the Bible does not mean to be easily understood by those who are indebted to Him. He gives us the Holy Spirit to understand His revealed Word, not the words of men and their self-help programs. If it were really possible to understand the “who, what, and why of God,” i.e., understand the Great I AM, then He’d not be the sovereign, omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent God He is! He would be exactly who many worship now, “the god of their own understanding”. Those who are indoctrinated by any of the many tributaries of polluted 12 Step Programs believe the lie that “some find the God of the Bible by first beginning with the god of their own understanding.” Here is the truth: countless souls are truly addiction free as a result of their bondage to addiction recovery methods. –but nonetheless these end up in hell if they’ve not been born again according to John 3:3,5,7. Recovery faith is not saving faith –even if Presidents endorse such frauds. Let us repent of such programs and turn only to the God of the Bible, Jesus Christ, He who heals our every infirmity. Lady Lydia
[1] Q: When we apply the bibleviewTM to this question, we must ask, “Just how long is needed to ‘recover’ from past sin?” This is a rhetorical question. We are instantly healed when true conversion comes to a soul. The 12 Step system of bondage never releases its victims from the label of their former sin. But the fact of the new birth is instantaneous, with all sin washed away, never needing re-confirmation or counseling to sustain it. There are no sub-categories of Christians who, after salvation, go through additional steps necessary to maintain their walk. Addiction counseling and 12 Step indoctrination stand in opposition to, not in concert with, biblical saving faith. When supposedly ‘recovering’ addicts, of any type, ‘lapse’ they are sinning –not experincing the normal path of life long recovery Only confession of that sin brings a true follower of Christ back into fellowship with the Father.
[2] I also believe Mr. Bush will explain to the God of the universe why he publicly stated for the world press that Christians and Muslims worship the same God. Early in his Presidency, in December 2004, I heard with my own ears Mr. Bush answer a question he’d been repeatedly asked. He was in Europe on a Thursday. (The question and answer received less coverage than if he’d been stateside.) The day after President Bush stated Christians and Muslims worship the same god, Dr. Richard Land of the SBC released a short statement correcting what some mischaracterized as a mere faux pas, a “misspeak” –a necessary little lie in order to appease possible world outrage. Dr. Land reminded listeners that the President is due our respect and allegiance as the civil head of State, the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. Dr. Land emphatically and correctly stated that the President is not the “Theologian-in-Chief”, speaking for the truth of the revealed Word of God. Sadly, only God and the former President know if he is going to repent of his blasphemous declaration of a false universal god.
Tags: 12 Step addiction recovery, 2008, another gospel, Bush intervew December 18, Commander-in-Chief, drug addict, George W. Bush's faith, god of their own understanding, higher power, Judgment Seat of Christ, Presidential exit interviews, recovery faith, recovery movment, Theologian-in-Chief, universal god
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July 27th, 2009
A 2008 television ad from the United Methodist Church encourages “path finding that leads to a shared journey” –an invitation to join other Methodists in spiritual relationship. Commendably, the international denomination declares their commitment to fish in the vast oceans of lost souls. Encouraging the spiritually minded to find their path, the ad’s imagery evokes a perspective that is subtle in it’s meaning and effect. But as with other mass evangelistic campaigns, I believe the invitation to path find contributes more to making a “big splash” than it teaches soul winners how to seriously fish for the cause of Christ. Foundationally, we must admit the only reason to fish is to retrieve souls from their hell bound destiny; not assist them on a spiritual quest to find their own way.
Biblical soul winning models the method of catching one fish at time. It’s true, man has devised many different fishing techniques. There’s trout line fishing that uses heavily baited line stretched across a narrow eddy. Unsuspecting fish may meander by to take the bait. And there’s large net fishing that traps hundreds of pounds of catch –never mind what else is actually caught in the net (as taught by the parable of the dragnet). And there’s deep sea fishing where the end goal is not the fish but the prideful satisfaction of the one who mounts the trophy on the den wall. There’s fly fishing and catching grunion as they run, and there’s crappie catching techniques. There’s no end to the ways avid fishermen approach this sport. Each technique may have its merits and levels of success.
But some are experimenting with deficient fishing lures repackaged as ‘emerging church’ methods. It is a false notion that it is possible for paths (plural) to end in one unified journey. It is only the Holy Spirit, and not man’s techniques or initiative that prepares hearts –one at a time –to receive the truth of the living Word. Successful fishing technique does not lure the lost in with promises to “upgrade from coach to first class”. It does not entice the lost with offers to “super size your order” or even to “improve one’s self esteem”. There are not individual paths (and techniques) that succeed in growing Christ’s Body. “Ye must be born again” is the singular clarion call that serves all good fishermen. The gospel that saves is available only on the One Path, not the many. There is nothing new under the sun, including the only way to fish for lost souls.
And what about that fish after it’s caught? How secure is that one’s promised resurrection –as a result of their regeneration by the power of the Spirit and the washing by the Word? I am reminded of an assurance offered to me by a wise octogenarian. Gramma Thurlia shares the truth of the Living Word regarding the eternal security of any redeemed child of God. I once asked her if she believed it is possible to be removed from the Lamb’s Book of Life, once your name is written there. She pensively paused and then shared with me the wisest refutation I’ve ever heard of the ‘insecurity of the believer’ taught by some. Gramma Thurlia describes the certain success of applied and received divine grace. She says, “The Lord Jesus goes to such trouble and effort to catch each and every hand selected fish to ever consider throwing any one of them back.” Men can make capricious commitments and fail to keep their promises. But the Lord declares no one and nothing can remove a soul from His firm grasp once He has retrieved that soul from the grip of the enemy. Sharing this soul winning truth is the best fishing technique available. It will steer seekers away from exploring their own path to instead walk the One Path to eternal life. Lady Lydia
Tags: "ye must be born again", catching fish, crappie fishing, deep sea fishing, emerging church, evangelism, find your path, fishing, fly fishing, grunion running, lures, net fishing, share the journey, travelers' advisories, trout line fishing
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June 23rd, 2009
“But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord” (Gen 6:8). God’s merciful grace as experienced by Noah is still operative today. But just prior to verse 8 we read the shocking truth that only one family survived the deluge, the worldwide flood, approximately 4,004 years ago. Gen 6:5-7 reads, “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. And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved Him at his heart. And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.” Absent any historical record with which to calculate the numbers, it is conservatively estimated that perhaps as many as ten million souls perished from the earth in this one catastrophic judgment.
We are again living “as in the days of Noah” (Matt 24:38, Luke 17:26) with wickedness filling the earth. Now, just as then, God’s longsuffering patience continues –but only for a season. “…God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water“ (1 Pet 3:20). God “…spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly“(2 Pet 2:5).
Having not spared the old world, God will not spare our world. Yes, true to His promise, bows of color continue to grace the sky after the rain. He promises that never again will water cover the entire earth. But after Jacob’s Trouble, after the nations are judged, fire will purge all wickedness from God’s previously perfect creation (2 Pet 3:10).
There is only one true urgency, one universal imperative for every soul on the planet: Being found inside the Ark – in God the Son –by the washing of the Word and the power of God the Holy Spirit. Any whose sins are covered by the Son of God, Christ Jesus, being justified in Him alone, are safe inside the Ark according to Heb 10:18-20. Spiritual safety taught by the Bible means “Ye must be born again” according to John 3:3,5,7.
To learn more about the construction of this unique vessel and it’s application for us today, inquire about the display “As in the Days of Noah”. Suited for the entire family, including young children, this display will replicate to scale the Ark as described in Genesis, offering scientific facts and theological teaching. Call 865.774.7895 for information. Lady Lydia
Tags: "ye must be born again", 004 years ago, 1 Pet 3:20, 2 Peter 2:5, 2 Peter 3:10, 4, 865-774-7895, as in the days of Noah, bows of color, catastrophic judgment, eight souls were saved by water, found inside the ark, Genesis 6:8, Hebrews 10:18-20, Jacob's trouble, judgment of the nations, justified in Christ alone, longsuffering patience, Luke 17:26, Matthew 24:38, Noah found grace, Noah's flood, power of God the Holy Spirit, rainbow, safe in the ark, Son of God, the deluge, unique vessel, universal imperative, washing of the Word, wickedness in the earth
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June 23rd, 2009
An atypical flag configuration includes the American flag, the Christian flag and the Israeli flag. What does this tri-flag message mean? What symbolism is conveyed by these flags flying together. To answer this, Christians should consider the Bibleview™ and not simply a view reflecting civic, secular, nationalistic or patriotic identity and loyalty.
Since 9-11-01, display of symbols of allegiance has increased. Wearing lapel flag pins is expected, even required. God fearing, loyal Americans wave, wear, and witness for the red, white and blue –in support of our collective expression of united resistance to “networks of violence and hatred” that would tread on our soil and harm Americans. But for any citizen who professes Christian faith, obedience to God means first engaging in Ephesians 6 warfare against the arch enemy greater than any terrorist or enemy country.
These three flags, in their biblical relationship to each other, are the strongest symbols of united allegiance. When we wave the American flag we should also wave symbols which reflect eternal identities and loyalties. Christians are, first and foremost, citizens of heaven, not earth. We are pilgrims here –no matter our citizenship. We are aliens in a foreign land. Forsaking all for Christ, we set aside idolatrous worship of false gods, even comfortable tradition. Christian Nationalism is both a traditional and cultural idol.
The greatest demonstration of sacrificial love (John 15:13) is Jesus Christ’s atoning, substitute death. There is no higher allegiance than to the Lord Jesus Christ, and no home more sacred than heaven. As Christians, our loyalty is not primarily to earthly entities.
Christians ought not subvert the spiritual primacy symbolized by the Christian flag to a lesser place of honor below the patriotic symbol of Old Glory. Further, the Israeli flag ought not be an uncomfortable reminder of our nation’s association with our ally, Israel. God has chosen one earthly nation, Israel, along with choosing one heavenly people, Christ’s Body, the Church –her members spiritually called out from all nations. God will judge Israel, the Church and all nations according to His eternal plan.
As Christians, our first allegiance is not to man or country or even blood family –but to the sovereign Creator of the universe. Solomon wrote “a threefold cord is not quickly broken” (Eccl 4:12b). Strength is expressed by these three flags flying together. Lady Lydia
Tags: "networks of violence and hatred", aliens in a foreign land, atoning death, Bibleview, biblical relationship, called out from all nations, chosen nation, Christ's body, Christian faith, Christian flag, christian nationalism, citizens of heaven, citizenship, civic duty, Ecclesiastes 4:12b, Ephesians 6 warfare, eternal identity and loyalty, false gods, first allegiance, flag lapel pin, flag symbolism, forsaking all for Christ, God fearing, God's eternal plan, heavenly people, home in heaven, identity and loyalty, idolatrous worship, idols of tradition, Israeli flag, John 15:13, loyal American, nationalism, obedience to God, Old Glory, patriotism, pilgrims, sacrificial love, secular separation, sovereign creator, spiritual primacy, substitute death, symbols of allegiance, symbols of united allegiance, the church, threefold cord is not quickly broken, tread on our soil, tri-flag message, united resistance, wave, wear and witness for the red, white and blue
Posted in 2 Triune God | No Comments »
June 23rd, 2009
The God of the Bible created all life ex nihilo (out of nothing) during six, 24 hour days of abrupt Creation. Created honey bees continue to exist as they were made, “after their kind”, as revealed in Genesis 1:21, 24. Bee colonies survived the Flood in uprooted, floating trees or “gum stands”. Attempting to contradict the truth of how honey bees and all life came to exist, some false explanations for the origin and sustenance of life include:
Transpermia – Life originated somewhere else in the universe, was brought to earth and dropped off by an advanced ET civilization. Searching for extraterrestrial intelligence now will later serve to falsely explain why bodies are missing after the translation of the saints (1 Thess 4 and 1 Cor 15).
Pangenesis – Darwin’s false belief that body cells excrete information into the blood stream, passed on to the next generation in the egg and sperm cells. Rather, it is the sin nature that is passed on to all humans. Man’s inherited depravity is atoned for by Christ Jesus’ perfect sacrifice.
Punctuated Equilibrium – Evolution occurred in short rapid bursts not preserved in the fossil record. Ex nihilo Creation under the omnipotent power of the Creator did occur abruptly, but all changes after Creation are degenerative, not beneficial. All scientists accept this law of entropy.
Intelligent Design – Life is irreducibly and specifically complex; therefore it must have been designed by an outside unknown and unknowable intelligence. But the true God is knowable, personal and involved with man. I.D. fails to draw man to ultimate truth in God’s Word and His Creation.
Micro-evolution – Shifting information within a gene pool, causing variation within a kind. But no variation in any kind has ever explained its origin.
Macro-evolution – Large-scale changes from one biological life form into another kind of biological life form.
Progressive Creation – God created individual life forms whole and complete, as needed, over billions of years. This is simply disguised evolution.
Gap Theory – Inserts evolutionary time in the Bible by placing billions of years between Genesis 1:1 and :2 before Adam and Eve’s creation. Some believe this also proves non-Caucasians are inferior as a result of a pre-Adamic ‘polluted’ gene pool. Correct Hebrew exegesis refutes this theory.
Quantum Speciation – Rapid speciation occurs in small populations isolated from the larger population. Variations in skin tone and eye shape fail to explain the origin of life. Rather, variations are a result of judgment at Babel’s Tower. Man’s migration after Babel produces gene pool variation.
Theistic Evolution – God used evolution to create all life. This is a common compromise believed by some who desire to live their faith in a way compatible with false scientific theories. But true science is not at odds with the biblical account of creation. 1 Timothy 6:20 exposes false science.
The Bibleview™ of reality provides correct information to understand the origin and sustained existence of life. A correct understanding of biblical creation teaches the earth is young (6-10,000 years). Creation Scientist Grady McMurtry explains that “any old earth/universe view says that the death of a Nepesh organism (with skin and nostrils) occurred before human sin. This totally contradicts Genesis and it means that sin was not the reason death was instituted by God. If human sin did not cause death, then the death of one man on a cross is meaningless. Only when we understand creation can we realize that sin caused death; that the sin of the first Adam is the causal agent. If the first Adam did not bring death into the universe, then the second Adam cannot take it away. If we do not understand creation, we cannot understand that the death of One Sinless Man can atone for the sins of the world.” See Dr. McMurtry’s work at www.creationworldview.org. Lady Lydia
Tags: "ex nihilo", 865-774-7895, abrupt creation, after their kind, Bibleview, cause of death, creation scientist, creationworldview.org, death on a cross, first Adam, gap theory, Genesis 1:21-24, Grady S. McMurtry, gum stands, honey bees, HoneyHouses, Hugh Ross, Intelligent Design, last Adam, macro-evolution, micro-evolution, nephesh, old earth view, origin of life, out of nothing, pangenesis, progressive creation, punctuated equilibrium, quantum speciation, the flood, Theistic Evolution, transpermia, young earth
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June 23rd, 2009
The gospel of grace that redeems is this: God the Son was crucified, died and buried. Being quickened by God the Holy Spirit, on the third day Christ Jesus rose from the dead, later ascending to heaven. This satisfies the death penalty imposed on human wickedness by God the Father. Justice served, Christ’s resurrected life immediately and irrevocably redeems whomever receives Him, by the washing of the Word and the power of the Holy Spirit. “Ye must be born again” (John 3:3,5,7). This is Christ’s gospel of grace, the very best news and man’s only hope. This is God’s perfect plan for the ages.
Yet man attempts to hang false gospels on Christ’s Cross, substituting innumerable idols for His perfect work. For those who will not come in simple faith to Jesus, the Cross of Christ truly becomes their own Hanging Tree. Of man’s many religious beliefs and practices (even of those biblically sanctioned), some are idolatrously claimed to save souls, hung on the Cross as false gospels. These can include: finding one’s own way; saying a prayer or reciting a mantra; claiming faith in something or someone other than Christ; confessing or repenting of sins; water baptism; joining a church; attending church; holy, sinless, modest and pure living; possessing spiritual gifts; receiving communion; practicing the golden rule; denying, loving or improving self; being spiritual; finding purpose; reforming one’s behavior; obeying church authority and creeds; suffering; studying the Bible; election; doing or supporting good works; making tithes, offerings or vows; being baptized as a baby; having right desires or positive thoughts; seeking truth; revering Mary or a Prophet; recovering from addiction, saying the mass; being good; embracing Jesus only or Jehovah only; having good intentions; observing sacraments; fasting or abstaining; serving others; meditating; going on missions; professing Ten or Two Commandments; attempting all of the above; etc., etc.
But Isaiah prophetically declared Jesus Christ “…poured out His soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and He bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors” (53:12). This prophecy was fulfilled at the crucifixion when two thieves were crucified with Christ (Mark 15:37). Together these two men represent all sinners for all time. Though hanging physically close to Jesus, one thief still would not believe the perfect Lamb was pouring out His life to save him, a blasphemer. He would not admit his need. But the other blaspheming thief declared the truth. Both he and the other thief were “…under the same sentence of condemnation” (Luke 23:40b). We are under this same condemnation. The lesson for us is clear: Don’t follow the example of the thief on The Missing Cross. That cross has now disappeared along with the memory of that one who is cast into hell, while the thief on the remaining cross now lives. Like that thief, hear and believe these words from the dying Lamb, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). Forsake both the Missing Cross and the Hanging Tree. Come in simple faith to Christ Jesus. Lady Lydia
Tags: "ye must be born again", abstinence, addiction recovery, bare the sin of many, being spiritual, Bible study, blaspheming thief, church attendance, church creeds, church membership, confessing sins, denying self, doing good works, false gospels, fasting, finding purpose, God the Father, God the Holy Spirit, God the Son, good intentions, gospel of grace, Hanging Tree, holy living, improving self, infant baptism, inferior work, intercessor, Isaiah 53:12, Jehovah only, Jesus only, John 12:32, John 3:3-5-7, loving others, loving self, Luke 23:40b, Luke 23:43, making vows, Mark 15:37, meditation, Missing Cross, modesty, numbered with the transgressors, obeying ten commandments, obeying two commandments, observing sacraments, offering offerings, offering tithes, perfect work, positive thinking, prayer, pure living, receive Christ in this life, receiving communion, reciting mass, reforming behavior, repenting of sin, resurrected life, revering Mary, revering prophets, right desires, seeking truth, serving others, sinless living, speaking in tongues, spiritual gifts, suffering, supporting good works, the golden rule, the third day, trusting church authority, two thieves, water baptism, you shall be with me in paradise
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June 23rd, 2009
According to Webster, lemmings are small mouse like creatures….noted for periodic mass migrations from Norway and Sweden. These migrations sometimes result in the mass drowning of these creatures. In effect, lemmings commit suicide, en masse. I know a man who says he’s witnessed one of these events, a migration of lemmings leaping off the cliffs over the Pacific Ocean on Oregon’s coast. He sees this as a comparative caricature of human self-destruction when duped souls figuratively leap off cliffs based on their ‘group think’ mentality. He believes people naturally gravitate toward the same type of mass hysteria and mindless behavior. I agree. Some group think markers may be sophisticated or subtle, but the effect is the same. ‘Lemming leaps’ would be just another interesting and curious phenomena in nature if it were not for the clear spiritual lesson the Creator offers in the example of this creature’s behavior.
AARP the Magazine claims it is the “world’s largest circulation magazine”. The magazine’s six-times-a-year lead articles on ‘senior’ citizens are appreciated by the massive population of seniors and others who read the magazine in doctor and auto center waiting rooms. In the July/August issue film director Ron “Opie” Howard is the featured senior in Meg Grant’s article entitled “Ron Howard’s Revenge”. Regarding Howard, I remember my disappointment when one of my favorite child actors who played “Opie” of Mayberry chose as an adult to pursue the completion of the film The DaVinci Code. As the Director, Howard was well aware that many considered the work blasphemous and entirely false. But he quietly and diplomatically persisted in reaching his goal, citing freedom of expression.
From the AARP Magazine article are these quotes about the 55 year old “Opie”:
“Think nice can’t trump vice? The Angels and Demons Director may take us to the dark side in his films, but his heart’s still in Mayberry.”
“He’s not just a clean, happy guy,” says his friend and longtime producing partner, Brian Grazer. “He has edge–but no anger. He understands darkness.”
“He’s Opie grown up,” says Henry Winkler, who co-starred with Howard on the television series Happy Days in the 1970′s…” “He’s wise. He was wise when I first met him. I think he’s an old soul. There is a wonderful sense of fairness in Ron”.
“Howard is self-deprecating, quick to offer a laugh at his own expense. When asked about his enduring popularity, he deadpans, “I’ve just been around a long time.” Then his ears seem to perk up, his lips part to reveal that gap-toothed grin, and he bursts out in hearty laughter.”
“If he has a dark side, I’ve never seen it,” says Winkler.”
[Cinematographer] Totino insists he has never seen Howard lose his temper. Which isn’t to say he’s a milquetoast.”
“…I really do try to live by this pretty simple principle [says Howard]: my folks weren’t formally very religious, but they taught us to follow the golden rule.”
“Because of his style, Howard engenders tremendous loyalty”, writes Grant.
While admittedly there is no real life connection between the article on Howard and this BLOG post, the “picture” painted of Howard nonetheless offers an excellent parallel to teach about a glaring spiritual error evident in an increasingly expressed obsession –conjecture regarding the anti-christ. Merely a joke to the millions who don’t even believe there is a real anti-christ, among the professing church in America, discussion of this “instead of messiah” imposter is now a daily mainstay in face to face conversations, on the internet, the radio and television. It is undeniable this “group think” obsession began in 2008 with the claim that then-Presidential candidate Barack Obama is the future anti-christ.
As a born again follower of Christ Jesus, a child of the triune God of the Bible, I am ashamed and dismayed that other followers of Christ (and false believers who are tares among the wheat) keep returning over and over again to this obsession, like dogs to their vomit. Does my displeasure with those who claim Barack Obama is the anti-christ indicate that I believe I know who IS the anti-christ? No. And with my limited human understanding do I think I can accurately rule out any particular person as a candidate for the anti-christ? No. But I do understand that many are not accurately recognizing the identifying persona and modus operandi of this key end times character revealed in the Scriptures. This demonically controlled individual has not yet come into public recognition. Revealing his identity will not be forthcoming until the body of Christ is removed from the earth. But now the coming prince is not being portrayed as he will present himself when he does arrive and is elevated by those he will deceive.
Lemming-like, duped creatures fail to recognize the decoys Lucifer offers now. The enemy of our souls is quite pleased to have the masses run off the cliff as they denounce the U. S. President (or any other example) as the anti-christ. But the irony is, the more the President is denounced and the more he is claimed to have ‘evil motives’, the more he fails to meet the criteria of the henchman of the devil! Duped lemmings need to reverse their understanding of the coming anti-christ. He will be entirely loved and trusted. He will not be someone who engenders the hate leveled against this President.
The profile offered of “Opie grown up” in the magazine article is much more an example of the character that will be displayed by the anti-christ than is the character and operation of any other proposed figure, living or dead. I have never understood why so many claim dictators such as Herod or Hitler could have been the anti-christ. By and large, wicked men of the past (or those living today perceived as wicked) do not give us insight as to who the future anti-christ will be. This deceiver will be perceived by the masses as entirely “good, kind, benevolent and harmless” — a man most suited to orchestrate world peace. He will display no character deficits, unlike the many who’ve been wrongly dubbed as this unique individual.
Before any reader leaps to the wrong conclusion, I would not waste my time trying to get anyone to focus on a specific individual as the anti-christ. I’ve made it clear I do not think President Obama is the anti-christ and I certainly don’t think Ron Howard fits the profile either. I am interested in encouraging true followers of the Most High God to increase their ability to recognize truth compared to error. We are called to exercise spiritual discernment. “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1).
An accurate understanding of the anti-christ persona and his modus operandi should more likely lead us to suspect true blue ‘golden boys’ as potential candidates. This individual will be so brilliant and suave and convincing that NO ONE will doubt or criticize him. He will project an “Opie” like image –not the dark image of someone accused of faking his birthplace.
Learn to discern. Followers of Christ are of little use in witnessing for truth when they follow the crowd, like lemmings leaping off cliffs. The anti-christ will have impeccable credentials, not character deficits like King David. Christians who look for new ‘signs’ that the anti-christ is here now only reduce their eternal reward at the Judgment Seat of Christ. Let us repent and get on with our calling: witness for the truth of the saving gospel of Christ Jesus. Lady Lydia
Tags: "Opie", 'instead of messiah', 1 John 4:1, AARP the magazine July/August 2009, Angels and Demons, Barack Obama, character deficits, DaVinci Code, decoy, golden boy, golden rule, group think, Henry Winkler, Herod, Hitler, Judgment Seat of Christ, King David, lemming, lucifer, obsession, persona and modus operandi, return to their vomit, Ron Howard, Ron Howard's Revenge, saving gospel, spiritual discernment, spiritual error, the coming prince, the deceiver, truth compared to error
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May 29th, 2009
The final word spelled correctly by the winner of the 2009 Scripps National Spelling Bee was “Laodicean”. To assist contestants, word definitions are offered which contextualize word meaning. Context gives clues that may help a contestant eliminate misspellings. Many of the offered definitions were lengthy. But only “Luke-warm or indifferent” was offered as the definition of Laodicean for contest winner Kavya Shivashankar. The definition she heard is incomplete, minus its meaningful context.
The Bible city of Laodicea was famous for both hot and cold spring baths used for medicinal purposes. John writes in Revelation 3 regarding the church there: “…I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. [Both hot or cold therapy is useful. But lukewarm is without any use.] So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of My mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.“
The Apostle John repeatedly writes in the third chapter of Revelation: “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” Of all the critiqued churches, the strongest rebuke is for the Laodicean church. The Laodicean church is not merely a congregation living 2,000 years ago. Laodicea is the present day contemporary and loudly professing, but not truly Christ-confessing church. Wherever Laodicean ways are in control in a professing fellowship it follows that the tares among the wheat –the lost and the carnal believers –are comfortable and hiding from the words of truth that will judge all in eternity. “He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day” (John 12:48). God’s Word will either reward an obedient soul at the Judgment Seat of Christ: (“Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour” Cor 3:8); condemn a lost soul: (“I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” Matt 7:23b) or leave a carnal believer standing empty handed before the King: (“If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire” (1 Cor 3:15).
Laodiceans today focus on everything but the pure truth of the Living Word. They are comfortable with Sunday morning churchianity. They appear to the world as “cool” with contemporary and carnal worship. And they are clearly deceived as they practice their idolatrous embrace of all things tangible rather than obedience to intangible Spirit and Truth. Man and all his works are glorified in Laodicean fellowships. But glorying in God’s work on the Cross provides true fellowship (1 Cor 1:31 and Jer 9:23). Laodiceans are focused on improving self rather than dying to self.
The Creator uses even spelling bees to remind that it is not His desire that any should perish. “Laodicean” is not simply a word that randomly appeared to end this internationally broadcast competition. It was providentially placed to prick the conscience of many who are lukewarm and indifferent –to warn of coming judgment. If we turn from fleshly idols to the living God we will not be judged with the Laodiceans. Lady Lydia
Tags: 1 Cor 1:31, 1 Cor 3:15, 2009 Scripps National Spelling Bee, carnal believer, Churchianity, Cor 3:8, Cross, dying to self, indifferent, Jer 9:23, Judgment Seat of Christ, Laodicea, Laodicean, lukewarm, Matt 7:23b, neither cold nor hot, self-improvement, Spirit and Truth, tares among wheat
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December 29th, 2008
Fulfilled prophecy either builds one’s faith or intimidates the reader of such stark reality. Prophecy 93 in the booklet 101 Last Days Prophecies focuses on Revelation 13:16 “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…” This is the sensational “666″ prophecy, (listed fourth on the back page of the summary chart “Last Days Prophecies, 78 Recognized, 22 Partially Fulfilled as of Nov. 2008.” Readers may request the free chart by mail, POB 4778, Sevierville, TN 37864.) Voluntary tatooing, body piercing and wearing of other popular garb now does give us a glimpse into the future mandatory marking of all bodies by the beast. But let us pause for a moment to consider those living prior to the Tribulation.
It is true that bodies of even true Christians can be tattooed or pierced. However, most of these scarred saints come to the eventual understanding they have marred the temple God gave them. They regret their former unfortunate decision(s). Many wish they could remove what only the resurrection will accomplish. Yet despite any lack of physical evidence of tattoos or piercing, no less obvious are some of the scars caused by former sins and sufferings. These are also endured by blood-bought, born again members of Christ’s redeemed body. These not-so-visible insignia are just as painful and hard to endure as are obvious markings on the external body. We must acknowledge that tattooed and body pierced saints are no less holy than their tattoo-less brothers and sisters in Christ, all of whom have repented of former sins.
The authors of the last days prophecy booklet comment regarding Rev 13:16. “The final generation would be open to receiving a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads (Revelation 13:16). Consider how the up and coming generation is tattooed, pierced and marked with all kinds of insignia.” (page 26). (This writer vividly remembers her angst regarding a previously accepted practice that now seems less popular. Multiple pierced ear holes, sometimes as many as can fit on the ear are sported by women today who followed the peer pressure crowd. Many of these who claim Christ repent of their foolishness, but the mirror reminds them of their rush to acquire ‘swiss cheese’ ears.)
Even though all these markings of the body do not divide the unified Body of Christ, let us question the ‘group think’ mentality that spawns a desire to sport body insignia or mark the body. Anything one desires to communicate to the world is easily accomplished by this type of “personal advertising”. “Yellow ribbon group think” took hold a few decades ago to communicate the desire for loved ones to return safe from war. That practice made way for other ribbons of all colors to communicate social consciousness on a range of topics. Marketing programs promote wearing ribbons to encourage philanthropic giving for worthy causes. And, during the 2008 Presidential campaign the wearing or lack of wearing American flag lapel pins became a point of “group think controversy”.
Most revealing to this writer is the growing practice of wearing rubber arm bands to signify remembrance and loyalty campaigns. These one-size-fits-all ‘bracelets’ come in all colors, with words and symbols to communicate any idea. They can be worn 24/7 and are waterproof, avoiding the necessity to ever remove them.
Very interesting to me is seeing who is wearing these arm bands, in what contexts, and with what apparel. Observation reveals how easy it’s going to be for the enemy of our souls to gain voluntary compliance in receiving the mark, once the Tribulation begins. Rubber arm band insignia are now worn by persons of all ages, both sexes, varied ethnic identities, all ranges of socio-economic status and in all geographic locations. When arm bands were first introduced, the rubber material relegated their wearing only at times, only in places, and only with apparel that is consistent with casual, informal attire. But this is no longer the case. No matter how formal the event; no matter how elegant the apparel; no matter how public or ‘important’ the person wearing it, these arm bands are seen daily in the many photos, newscasts, and internet images that capture in time and space any individual’s wearing of their desired public statement of personal identity or cause.
Many years ago I chose to cease wearing a cross. I’d worn a cross in my teens and twenties, even before I was born again at age 24. But when I began to walk in more mature faith I began to question wearing a cross. Why? Because by the time the new millennium arrived, it was clear that every Tom, Dick and Harriet wore a cross –communicating whatever meaning they desired to personally assign to our Lord’s execution stake. Display of Christ’s cross has generally been co-opted to mean many entirely different things than it’s only true meaning. The Word calls us to separate from such pagan practices. Instead, I now often wear a lapel pin with a cross and the words, “not ashamed” –signifying Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” The words “not ashamed” simply don’t support a worldly, carnal use of Christ’s cross.
The world is following right in the steps necessary to bring the lost to the level of conformity and consistency needed to segue way into receiving the mark of the beast. Comfortable conformance prepares souls to pass into the Tribulation with the mentality needed to receive their Tattoo. Receiving Antichrist’s mark will occur right under unsuspecting noses and with not even a whimper of protest by those who will sport the Tribulation Tattoo.
The point of this BLOG post is not to marginalize those who now sport tattoos or arm bands. It is to motivate readers to ask the question “Will I be one of those who receive the mark?” Not if you receive Christ Jesus now, before it is too late. At the moment the body of Christ is translated out of this dying world –with some members leaving behind tattoos, piercing and arm bands –it will no longer be possible to avoid receiving Antichrist’s Tribulation Tattoo. Translation of Christ’s body will occur with absolutely no forewarning. After that moment, receiving the mandatory mark seals a person’s eternal damnation. Respond to this truth now: Today is the day of salvation. Lady Lydia
Tags: "not ashamed", 666, Antichrist's mark, arm bands, body insignia, body piercing, Christian cross wearing, flag lapel pins, group think, Last Days prophecies, pierced ears, Rev. 13:16, ribbon campaigns, Rom 1:16, tattoos, tribulation
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December 25th, 2008
The Christmas story has all the elements necessary to be a truly great story. It is a very simple story, at the same time it is complex. Most of all, it is the greatest story ever told because it’s all true and we’re all in it.
The story starts with a “No, No!!!” There’s a problem here. What is it? All people on earth are stuck in sin, sitting and walking in darkness. Old Testament prophets Isaiah and Joel warn the people they are far from the God who made them.
What or who is the cause of this problem? An evil enemy. “Booooo!!” The devil is the cause of every evil and wrong in the universe. Yet he and his ‘angels of light’ deceive many who do not yet know they are duped. We pray they wake up before it is too late.
The Christmas story offers relief in the main characters, Mary and Joseph. We say “Ahhhhh….” because we just looovvve these people! They are unknown to anyone but they have servant hearts. Mary and Joseph, like all true servants, are willing to obey God in everything He asks them to do.
“Wow!!” is what we feel when we understand baby Jesus is God. “For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon His kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this” (Isa 9:6-7). This baby in the manger is the God who does so much for us and through us.
At Mt. Sinai God knew He had to show the people how to live those rules He gave them. This is why He sent the baby Jesus into the world. The baby in the manger makes God approachable. But Jesus did not come to stay a baby in a manger. He came to die on the cross for our sins. Jesus says to us, “Everyone can come to my Dad, but you’ll have to meet with me first.”
This greatest story ever told ends with the hero victorious over the enemy. “Yahooo!!” is what we feel when the hero wins. Three days after His death Jesus rose from the grave. His resurrected life gives us eternal life. His victory is our victory if we belong to Him.
Because Christ Jesus is the victor over all, He has the right to judge the world . “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and He that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns; and He had a name written, that no man knew, but He himself. And He was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed Him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of His mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it He should smite the nations: and He shall rule them with a rod of iron: and He treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He hath on his vesture and on His thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS (Rev 19:11-16).
But what happened to the bad guy of the story? The enemy of our souls? “And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone” (Rev 19:20).
But this Christmas miracle is just another story if those who hear it are “C and E” people –Christmas and Easter people who just show up a couple of times a year. The preacher, Ecclesiastes, tells us we ought to consider our own fate when we hear this. We need to ‘read the fine print’ where we find out Jesus is going to reign on the earth a thousand years before eternity begins. He wants you there with Him, ruling and reigning over the earth. He’s knocking at the door of your heart. The knocking ends when you open the door.
Open the door now in order to pass from death to eternal life. Lady Lydia
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