I know it's been a long time since I've posted here. There have been some times when I have wanted to, but then other things have distracted me.
A couple days ago, as I was digging in the garden, and meditating on the things of the Lord, something happened. To put it in the words of Micky Mouse, "A faint light begins to trickle through the cracks in my dome."
So, what was this great revelation? Well, some of you know that I'm now half a century old, and still single. Some of you even know that last year I was engaged to someone who turned out to be the wrong person. And some of you even know of other women I'd been interested in over the years.
Now, you might be asking, how this relates to the title of this section? Well, it relates in that, for years I've been lamenting all the "bad" decisions I've made over the years. You know, that constant phrase, "if only ..." that hangs in the back of your mind. Having met the Lord at the age of 6, I've always taken things to Him, and always believed that there are no coincidences in life. So, I was trying to fit some pieces of my belief system together, and then it dawned on me.
The children. The children born to the women I've been interested in, who met and married other men. How many of those children are of the Elect, chosen before the foundation of the earth? Christ said that none of those that the Father had given to Him would be lost, none could be plucked from his hand.
To make this more clear, let's go back to the Old Testament, where God promised Abraham and Sarah a son. Now, this son was to be born of them, not of Abraham and some other woman, but of Abraham and Sarah. This son was Isaac. Sarah didn't have the faith to believe that it would happen, and convinced Abraham to take her servant as a wife, that the child of promise might come through her. And when Ishmael was born, God told them that this was not the son of promise, but that the child was yet to come through Sarah.
This is an example of God's sovereignty with regard to his Elect, regardless of our exercising of "free will".
Another example I could point out is with Jonah and the people of Nineveh. God wanted the people of Nineveh to be saved, in spite of their current and past enmity with Israel. Jonah did not wish to be the instrument of God's salvation, he hated the people of Nineveh, so he tried to run the other direction. We all know the story (or should). God sent a storm. The men on the ship Jonah had sought to escape on thought they were going to drown, till Jonah told them it was his fault, and they should throw him overboard. Even then they didn't want to do it, but finally they did. God had prepared a large fish, or whale (I've heard it both ways, only the Lord knows which it was) to swallow Jonah, and take him to Nineveh. Jonah repented of his sin on the third day in the belly of this creature, and was deposited on the shore near Nineveh. Jonah preached repentance, the whole city repented and followed God, and it's destruction was delayed for 400 years.
Now, let's take a look at David and Bathsheba. We know what happened, and we know that Solomon was born of David and Bathsheba. Now, after considering what God has said in His Word about the Elect, it seems to me that, had David done what he was supposed to do, and gone out with the army to war, God would have taken care of putting David and Bathsheba together without their sin, and Solomon would have been born anyway.
I've talked with a number of people who have told me they had tried to run from God, when God sent people to tell them the gospel. In the end, though, they could not run far enough or fast enough to outrun God. Being of the Elect, God had placed in their path everything necessary to their coming to the point of accepting Jesus Christ as their savior. I believe that is the case with all of the Elect, regardless of what time in their life they accept Christ.
And I believe that the reason my earthly father survived the Korean War, when everyone else from two companies that he had been in, did not, was that I and my sister were to be born of my father and mother.
Now, I know, many of you would like to hold up "free will" as a banner, and claim that it is by "free will" that we accept Jesus Christ as our savior; however, there remains that (not so) little problem of the sin nature, passed on from father to child, from Adam on. Before we accept Christ, we are a slave to sin. All our best thoughts and deeds are done for selfish motives, whether consciously or unconsciously. We are enemies with God, whether passive or active. Even if we try, we cannot please God, "For without faith, it is impossible to please Him."
There is a sense in which we "freely" make the decision, but even that faith to accept Christ comes from God, not of works, lest any man should boast (there are those who would belabor the point of whether or not making a decision is a "work", I believe that it can be construed as such). So, perhaps the way to look at it is that many may come to the point of decision, some even several times in their life here on earth, but only the Elect ever truly make the decision to follow Christ; the rest may appear to make the decision, or may reject the faith given to them at that point.
At any rate, I'm no longer lamenting the past missed opportunities, but rather looking forward to the ones to come, and I pray that all of the children of those I've known and loved (or had affection for) may be of the Elect, and may have been saved at the earliest time possible (and if not yet saved, may accept Christ soon).
I have to go, now, so I will let you contemplate this. I may edit it later with scripture references, but at least I've got this written.
PK
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
What is "life"?
No, I'm not talking about our lives, though many people are asking what life is, what good it is to be living, what their purpose in life is.
Here I want to ask what the definition, the Biblical definition, of life is.
You know, scientists only classify plants and animals as "life". But, if we read the Bible, we see that God treats all of creation as living. Not only the Earth, but mountains, rocks, rivers, stars, and planets all as living things which rejoice, groan, travail, dance, sing, and declare the glory of God.
Christ himself told the Pharisees on the Sunday before he died, that if the people did not sing his praises, the very rocks would cry out.
Now scientists tell us that the rocks are recording the things that happen around them, though we have no means to decipher those recordings.
If indeed the Lord's definition of "life" is much broader than what we humans and our "science" wish to admit, then how much more of a tragedy is it that mankind, as a whole, and even we as Christians in our daily lives, have been such poor stewards?
I would that we could go back and convince our ancestors of the need to care for and preserve not only the plants and animals, but the land and sea, as living things.
Still, there is coming a day when Christ shall come, and redeem the whole of creation, which the Bible says is groaning today, because of sin, and expectantly waiting for that day.
Something to think about, next time you kick a pebble, or look at a mountain, or a brook, or a lake, or look up at the stars.
PK
Here I want to ask what the definition, the Biblical definition, of life is.
You know, scientists only classify plants and animals as "life". But, if we read the Bible, we see that God treats all of creation as living. Not only the Earth, but mountains, rocks, rivers, stars, and planets all as living things which rejoice, groan, travail, dance, sing, and declare the glory of God.
Christ himself told the Pharisees on the Sunday before he died, that if the people did not sing his praises, the very rocks would cry out.
Now scientists tell us that the rocks are recording the things that happen around them, though we have no means to decipher those recordings.
If indeed the Lord's definition of "life" is much broader than what we humans and our "science" wish to admit, then how much more of a tragedy is it that mankind, as a whole, and even we as Christians in our daily lives, have been such poor stewards?
I would that we could go back and convince our ancestors of the need to care for and preserve not only the plants and animals, but the land and sea, as living things.
Still, there is coming a day when Christ shall come, and redeem the whole of creation, which the Bible says is groaning today, because of sin, and expectantly waiting for that day.
Something to think about, next time you kick a pebble, or look at a mountain, or a brook, or a lake, or look up at the stars.
PK
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Christians and Political Activism
You've probably heard of The Moral Majority, you've probably also heard some TV or radio preacher (or perhaps your own) talk about political issues affecting areas such as:
1. Sexual Morality (especially with respect to public officials, and the "rights" of homosexuals)
2. Euthanasia
3. Abortion
4. Stem Cell Research (and it's tie-ins with human cloning)
5. 9/11 and other conspiracy theories
6. Political power grabs (FEMA and Homeland Security, among others)
7. Unfair taxes
8. Alternative Energy smoke and mirrors
9. Hate Crimes legislation
10. [Any number of other political issues]
Now, there's nothing wrong with pointing out that we have problems in this country, or for that matter, in the world. As I said, we appear to be living in the day of the generation that will see the rise of the Antichrist, the tribulation, and the return of Jesus Christ.
What I want to talk about is not so much the fact that people are talking about these and other issues, especially as they may possibly affect Christians and our ability to give testimony to the Truth of the God of the Bible, and the Christ who died to save men from sin. No, what I want to talk about here is the way many Christians go about talking about these issues.
First off, the Bible makes it clear that we are to "honour the king" (1 Peter 2:17). Now, I've heard the argument that the President, Congress, and the court system are not the same as a "king", but the Bible was written before there was a "President". In fact, 1 Peter 2:13-17 is all about honoring the law and those who govern us; obeying the law, insofar as it does not demand that we sin; and upholding the law, insofar as it does not ask us to disobey God.
Many Christian leaders, as well as their followers, attack the person of our leaders, as well as their actions. I do not believe this honours anyone. Also, our call is not to political action, but to spiritual action. I question the amount of time Christians spend trying to tear down our leaders, versus the amount of time they spend doing our calling: to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and Him crucified, to every people and nation and tribe.
Also, Peter warns in his second epistle that many deceivers will come, and among the list of characteristics of these deceivers are the following:
"... and despise government. Presumptuous are they, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities." (2 Peter 2:10b)
Peter goes on to say, "Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord." (2 Peter 2:11) Hmm. Yet we bring accusations before our fellow Christians, and even before unbelievers!
But wait, there is more, "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;" (2 Peter 2:12-13)
Perhaps we, as Christians, ought to examine ourselves and see if any of this describes us. Do we speak out against dignities without understanding? Do we really know the full story behind their actions? Even if they are preparing the way of the Antichrist, is it our job to speak out against them?
I believe that many Christians today have no concept of the ministry we were called unto by Christ. Jesus' ministry consisted of three things: spreading the Gospel (the good news of salvation through belief in His saving work on the cross), healing, and deliverance (from demons, curses, and evil soul and spirit ties). Jesus said that we would do the same things He did, and even greater.
Also, so many Christians join themselves with other "moral" people who are non-Christian (members of cults, moral humanists, agnostics, pagans and members of other "faiths") for the purpose of effecting political change. God says in His word that, "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)
I ask you, have you humbled yourself, gotten on your knees and prayed, sought God's face, confessed your sin, and turned from your wicked ways? If not, why not?
If you have not, then do not expect to see God heal your land. It's not your job, it's His, your job is to obey.
For those of us who do follow the scriptures I've quoted, let us pray that our brothers and sisters in Christ will follow suit.
Yours in Christ,
PK
1. Sexual Morality (especially with respect to public officials, and the "rights" of homosexuals)
2. Euthanasia
3. Abortion
4. Stem Cell Research (and it's tie-ins with human cloning)
5. 9/11 and other conspiracy theories
6. Political power grabs (FEMA and Homeland Security, among others)
7. Unfair taxes
8. Alternative Energy smoke and mirrors
9. Hate Crimes legislation
10. [Any number of other political issues]
Now, there's nothing wrong with pointing out that we have problems in this country, or for that matter, in the world. As I said, we appear to be living in the day of the generation that will see the rise of the Antichrist, the tribulation, and the return of Jesus Christ.
What I want to talk about is not so much the fact that people are talking about these and other issues, especially as they may possibly affect Christians and our ability to give testimony to the Truth of the God of the Bible, and the Christ who died to save men from sin. No, what I want to talk about here is the way many Christians go about talking about these issues.
First off, the Bible makes it clear that we are to "honour the king" (1 Peter 2:17). Now, I've heard the argument that the President, Congress, and the court system are not the same as a "king", but the Bible was written before there was a "President". In fact, 1 Peter 2:13-17 is all about honoring the law and those who govern us; obeying the law, insofar as it does not demand that we sin; and upholding the law, insofar as it does not ask us to disobey God.
Many Christian leaders, as well as their followers, attack the person of our leaders, as well as their actions. I do not believe this honours anyone. Also, our call is not to political action, but to spiritual action. I question the amount of time Christians spend trying to tear down our leaders, versus the amount of time they spend doing our calling: to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and Him crucified, to every people and nation and tribe.
Also, Peter warns in his second epistle that many deceivers will come, and among the list of characteristics of these deceivers are the following:
"... and despise government. Presumptuous are they, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities." (2 Peter 2:10b)
Peter goes on to say, "Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord." (2 Peter 2:11) Hmm. Yet we bring accusations before our fellow Christians, and even before unbelievers!
But wait, there is more, "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;" (2 Peter 2:12-13)
Perhaps we, as Christians, ought to examine ourselves and see if any of this describes us. Do we speak out against dignities without understanding? Do we really know the full story behind their actions? Even if they are preparing the way of the Antichrist, is it our job to speak out against them?
I believe that many Christians today have no concept of the ministry we were called unto by Christ. Jesus' ministry consisted of three things: spreading the Gospel (the good news of salvation through belief in His saving work on the cross), healing, and deliverance (from demons, curses, and evil soul and spirit ties). Jesus said that we would do the same things He did, and even greater.
Also, so many Christians join themselves with other "moral" people who are non-Christian (members of cults, moral humanists, agnostics, pagans and members of other "faiths") for the purpose of effecting political change. God says in His word that, "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)
I ask you, have you humbled yourself, gotten on your knees and prayed, sought God's face, confessed your sin, and turned from your wicked ways? If not, why not?
If you have not, then do not expect to see God heal your land. It's not your job, it's His, your job is to obey.
For those of us who do follow the scriptures I've quoted, let us pray that our brothers and sisters in Christ will follow suit.
Yours in Christ,
PK
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Signs of the Times
Okay, one of the topics I stated that I wanted to discuss here was signs of the times.
I've been watching what's been going on in the world, in this country, and around me here at home, for quite a few years now.
Some of the things I've noticed and/or done a little online research on are as follows:
1> Both the frequency and intensity of natural disasters have been visibly increasing over the last 120 or so years. Volcanic activity has reached a point where, if there are any "dormant" volcanoes any more, it may not be long before there are none. Weather is going crazy, no matter where you look.
2> Animals, birds, and insects that can be considered as scavengers are increasing in number, and moving into increasingly more populated areas.
3> In a book called "Our Headlong Rush to Oblivion", the author (before 9-11) wrote that progress alone would destroy us within 50 years, and there was nothing we could do to stop it. (Interestingly, I bought the book some years ago at Wal-Mart, and now I can't find reference to it on the internet.)
4> Spiritually, our nation, and perhaps the whole world (I can only attest to the United States of America's downward spiral) has been following the path found in Roman's 1:18-32.
5> Closely related to both 1> and 3> is the fact that we have not been very good stewards of the resources of this earth. Various resources are converted into forms that cannot be recycled, or are more toxic than the materials that went into them. We take no thought as to what we are doing when we overpackage products, drop trash on the ground, waste energy, drive when we could walk, build our cities to discourage use of bicycles and scooters (and nearly force people to own automobiles in order to get to work or to stores). We publicly claim we want to encourage conservation (promoting savings of 2-20% as wonderful), while privately we discourage anyone who really comes up with something that could save us 200% or more in any area of energy production/consumption.
6> Politically, whether we want to believe the conspiracy theories or not, we see power grabs and infringement of rights, nearly on a daily basis, in the name of "Homeland Security" and "Disaster Recovery". We've come to the point where a court can force someone to put their child through chemo-therapy, when they would rather try an alternative, first. Criminals have more rights than their victims. And it's legal for the military to experiment on our own citizens, while at the same time it's not legal for them to experiment on our enemies.
One may discount a few things as "coincidental", but each of these areas have an overwhelming number of things happening which point to the age that Christ spoke of in which, unless God shortened that age, there would be no flesh left on the earth.
Christ is returning, and it's sooner than you think.
What are you doing to prepare your family, friends, co-workers, strangers you meet at the bus stop, people you have contact and influence with, for the times to come? Are they ready? Do they know the Lord? You may be the only witness they will listen to. Be sure that your testimony is like a trumpet with a certain sound, for if the sound of the trumpet be uncertain, how will the people know to prepare?
I've been watching what's been going on in the world, in this country, and around me here at home, for quite a few years now.
Some of the things I've noticed and/or done a little online research on are as follows:
1> Both the frequency and intensity of natural disasters have been visibly increasing over the last 120 or so years. Volcanic activity has reached a point where, if there are any "dormant" volcanoes any more, it may not be long before there are none. Weather is going crazy, no matter where you look.
2> Animals, birds, and insects that can be considered as scavengers are increasing in number, and moving into increasingly more populated areas.
3> In a book called "Our Headlong Rush to Oblivion", the author (before 9-11) wrote that progress alone would destroy us within 50 years, and there was nothing we could do to stop it. (Interestingly, I bought the book some years ago at Wal-Mart, and now I can't find reference to it on the internet.)
4> Spiritually, our nation, and perhaps the whole world (I can only attest to the United States of America's downward spiral) has been following the path found in Roman's 1:18-32.
5> Closely related to both 1> and 3> is the fact that we have not been very good stewards of the resources of this earth. Various resources are converted into forms that cannot be recycled, or are more toxic than the materials that went into them. We take no thought as to what we are doing when we overpackage products, drop trash on the ground, waste energy, drive when we could walk, build our cities to discourage use of bicycles and scooters (and nearly force people to own automobiles in order to get to work or to stores). We publicly claim we want to encourage conservation (promoting savings of 2-20% as wonderful), while privately we discourage anyone who really comes up with something that could save us 200% or more in any area of energy production/consumption.
6> Politically, whether we want to believe the conspiracy theories or not, we see power grabs and infringement of rights, nearly on a daily basis, in the name of "Homeland Security" and "Disaster Recovery". We've come to the point where a court can force someone to put their child through chemo-therapy, when they would rather try an alternative, first. Criminals have more rights than their victims. And it's legal for the military to experiment on our own citizens, while at the same time it's not legal for them to experiment on our enemies.
One may discount a few things as "coincidental", but each of these areas have an overwhelming number of things happening which point to the age that Christ spoke of in which, unless God shortened that age, there would be no flesh left on the earth.
Christ is returning, and it's sooner than you think.
What are you doing to prepare your family, friends, co-workers, strangers you meet at the bus stop, people you have contact and influence with, for the times to come? Are they ready? Do they know the Lord? You may be the only witness they will listen to. Be sure that your testimony is like a trumpet with a certain sound, for if the sound of the trumpet be uncertain, how will the people know to prepare?
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
My First BLOG.
Okay, I now have a blog.
Mind you, the first time I had any experience with anything like this, it was connecting to BBSes at 14.4k baud via modem. The main differences between this and that are:
1. You can afford to post here, no matter where in the world you are.
2. We can't get together and have a barbecue because of #1.
3. The real-time aspect of the BBSes I frequented (which had more than one modem) isn't here.
Regardless, I suppose you're wondering what this BLOG is going to be about.
Well, so am I.
First and foremost, this blog should be about issues that concern conservative Christians in these end times.
Stewardship: How were we supposed to care for this Earth and it's resources, both living and non-living?
End Times: I'll start with what I see as being signs of the end times, and refer to other materials as I find or can remember them.
Biblical Authenticity: Why I believe the King James Version is the Inspired Word of God for mankind today, with links to resources to back it up.
Creation vs. Evolution: Why I believe that Creation is the only explanation for origins that fits with science, and just what is "science" anyway?
Neglected Doctrines: Doctrines presented in the Bible, which the church (as a whole) tends to ignore or shy away from, such as healing and deliverance.
Well, those are some broad topics that seem to be good places to start.
I welcome all comments, but ask that those who make comments be civil about it. No foul language is allowed, and no attacking other people's character.
Now, join with me and let's see what we can discover along the journey?
PK
Mind you, the first time I had any experience with anything like this, it was connecting to BBSes at 14.4k baud via modem. The main differences between this and that are:
1. You can afford to post here, no matter where in the world you are.
2. We can't get together and have a barbecue because of #1.
3. The real-time aspect of the BBSes I frequented (which had more than one modem) isn't here.
Regardless, I suppose you're wondering what this BLOG is going to be about.
Well, so am I.
First and foremost, this blog should be about issues that concern conservative Christians in these end times.
Stewardship: How were we supposed to care for this Earth and it's resources, both living and non-living?
End Times: I'll start with what I see as being signs of the end times, and refer to other materials as I find or can remember them.
Biblical Authenticity: Why I believe the King James Version is the Inspired Word of God for mankind today, with links to resources to back it up.
Creation vs. Evolution: Why I believe that Creation is the only explanation for origins that fits with science, and just what is "science" anyway?
Neglected Doctrines: Doctrines presented in the Bible, which the church (as a whole) tends to ignore or shy away from, such as healing and deliverance.
Well, those are some broad topics that seem to be good places to start.
I welcome all comments, but ask that those who make comments be civil about it. No foul language is allowed, and no attacking other people's character.
Now, join with me and let's see what we can discover along the journey?
PK
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)