Category Archives: Christian

Christian, Inspirational

A Giving Heart

Yesterday on 700 Club there was a woman who asked if she should give to people on the street or if she should give $10 or $20 to whomever asks?

The response from Pat Robertson I have heard from preachers before. Don’t. There are panhandlers in every city and all you are likely doing is enabling their drug habit.

To Mr. Robertson and those supposedly righteous men, I say hypocrites. Your giving pays Pat Robertson’s or your Preacher’s salary. They don’t mind panhandling themselves, to the tune of millions, but they want to hurt people on the street where your charitable giving may do the most good?

Organizations like the 700 Club have administrative fees. These fees pay the salaries of the hosts, the production team, building expenses, etc. This occurs the same in churches and usually is done before charitable giving.

It’s your money, but don’t be afraid to help those that could be in greatest need because of what they may or may not do with your offering.

I think the poor are often marginalized to psychiatric facilities, jails, and to places unseen.

When else will you have a chance to help the needy, except they ask. Jesus said in Matthew 5:42 KJV Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.

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Christian, Inspirational

Denominational Deafness

I am of the opinion that most people, like myself, attend church based on parental influence. It’s hard to leave a group you’ve known since childhood. The Church of Christ I attend is given over to denominational deafness. They are no different than thousands of other churches. At the base level I think people pay for what they like to hear, comfortable words.

When people would not hear Jesus, he bluntly told them they could not hear because their father was the Devil. He said, if your father were God, you would hear me. John 8:43-47. I am not Jesus to say this of someone, but I wonder greatly. If a person is partially deaf to the truth, does that show they have given room to the Devil? What level of deafness can cause loss of salvation?

The following ways to fight deafness are crucial.

Question the actions that occur at your denomination. Are they biblical? Is their scriptural interpretation accurate?

There are only two ways that I know of to answer these questions. Study and prayer. Read the Holy Bible on your own and pray for wisdom that you may understand it.

Acts 17:11 KJV … they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

James 1:5 KJV If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

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Christian, Inspirational

Hurdles

I have had a few conversations recently that disturbed me. One was that all Catholics are going to Hell. The other was that unless you’re Church of Christ you’re unrighteous.

My viewpoint is that God’s chosen, Christ’s Bride will be taken from among various denominations. These chosen are people that learn the Word and follow it. Nonetheless there are people attending certain denominations which have greater hurdles to overcome to be among those going to Heaven.

Catholics – The greatest challenge is proper baptism. Sprinkling water on babies or baptizing children with no understanding does nothing. Children must be able to understand who Jesus is. Repenting of their sins requires knowledge of sin. Proper baptism is confession of Jesus as Christ, repentance of sin, and being completely immersed in water, or baptized, by another in the name of Jesus or in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Another concern is praying to Saints and Angels instead of Jesus only. Confession is appropriate, but penance in the form of repeating prayers is not scriptural.

Church of Christ – Believing in the power of God and discerning the law of Jesus. They misinterpret 1 Corinthians 13:10 to mean an end of miracles. They cannot read New Testament commands such as those found in Corinthians. Additionally, they do not understand the Lord’s Prayer, nor can they see that all the Ten Commandments are still to be followed.

Baptist – Again baptism is an issue. From my understanding they consider it a public profession of Christ. It is more than that. It is being baptized into the family of Christ and being forgiven of previous sins by his blood. They also do not offer the Lord’s Supper every Sunday.

Mormon – I am convinced there are decent Mormons, but they face a large hurdle. They follow a false prophet and a false book. I think to obtain salvation their best course would be to leave the Mormon Church.

I realize there are many more denominations, but one of the hurdles listed above probably applies.  It bothers me greatly that one denomination or preacher should say to all others – we are going to Heaven and everyone else is going to Hell. Take a good long look in the mirror. To those that have shall be given more. To those that have not, even what they think they have shall be taken away.

I do not know if people with partial deafness can make it to Heaven. Remember 1 John 1:9. It is the only opportunity for forgiveness after receiving water baptism. When you find the strength correct others with the Word. Hearing comes by the Word of God. If they do not listen, you did your part and yet remains James 5:20!

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Christian, Inspirational

Stumblingblock

1 Corinthians 1:22-23 KJV For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: [23] But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;

Why is Christ a stumblingblock unto the Jew?

The Jews largely do not believe Jesus is the Messiah, they do not believe he is the only begotten Son of God. They believe in their hubris they can approach God the Father without the Son.

The good news: Romans 11:26 KJV And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:

I think soon Israel will realize their error and come to Jesus in mass. The only questions left are who will lead them to the truth and when will it occur?

Acts 4:10-12 KJV Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. [11] This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. [12] Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

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Christian, Inspirational

Brotherhood

What is Brotherhood? Is it really about DNA?

I watch a lot of TBN as most of my readers probably already know. One preacher is asking for money to build a retirement home for Haulocaust survivors in Israel another is doing DNA tests to verify Jewish ancestry of tribes in Africa. Are Jews really are brothers and sisters? If you are a Christian they are – if they are likewise followers of Jesus.

Paul said in Romans 9:6 KJV … For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel… .

He also said in 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 KJV For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. [13] For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

Frankly I think supporting family and fellow Christians in the U.S.A. would be more appropriate than helping non-believers. I also think Jews only allowing Jews to immigrate to Israel and seeking fellow Jews out by DNA is bigotry and discrimination.

Brotherhood – the brotherhood that matters – the eternal brotherhood is only found in Christ.


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Christian, Inspirational

First Preventer

I have noticed not only a trend at our local Church, but one that seems to be popular nation wide. The trend is praying for and honoring first responders. Although fire fighters, EMTs, doctors, and police are honorable professions, I don’t care to pray for them all, especially ones I don’t know. In my opinion prayers and blessings should be first for those close to you. Remember when Esau sought a blessing he found nothing left, for it had already gone to Jacob.

As we pray, there is no better way than Matthew 6:9-13.  Let us not forget to honor and trust the First Preventer.  He caused David to sleep peacefully at night. He built hedges around Job. He causes the tumor to be benign or never to form. He causes the thief and the murderer to pass by your house. These among thousands of other ways He keeps us safe. He is the Lord God Almighty. He is Jehovah. And in God do we trust.

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Christian, Inspirational

A Cruel Trick

I’ve heard people say there are no stupid questions. I disagree. The number one stupid biblical question I’ve ever heard is will we recognize each other in Heaven.

What this question reveals is that the asker doesn’t know God. Do they think the Lord God Almighty is a joker or a prankster?

Everybody that is blessed to make it to Heaven will recognize their relatives and friends that are likewise blessed to make it to Heaven. It’s Heaven. It’s not a place for cruel tricks or undue punishment.

Trust the Lord. Read your Bible and get to know him better!

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Christian, Inspirational

Examining Pulpit Credibilty

There are several public speaking tricks that preachers use to establish credibility. I am hesitant to use the word tricks because the message they are conveying may be otherwise truthful or helpful, but let me present my opinion and then you may form your own conclusions.

Knowledge of original scripture – “The original Greek says… .” The preacher is using a Greek translation Bible. All such translations were done by men of the modern age. If you trust in your KJV this is totally unnecessary and a hit at faith in the complete accuracy of the Holy Spirit’s work in the King James Version Holy Bible.

Knowledge of Multiple Translations – “Other translations put it… .” The preacher is trying to establish mastery over the subject greater than your own. It is very similar to a preacher exhibiting special knowledge of the Greek or Hebrew supposedly acquired through years of study.

Comparison of one’s life to a Holy figure in the Bible. – “As Noah preached righteousness so do I.” As Moses came through all his tribulations, so did I.” Most preachers don’t compare themselves directly to Jesus, perhaps that is God’s work. This may seem innocent enough, but when you hear these comparisons the speaker is hoping to borrow some Holiness. Something I find even more disturbing is criticism of the Holy men of the Bible. The implication may be the speaker is better, smarter, or more faithful.

Direct communications from God – “God said…”, “God told me…”, “God put it on my heart…”. I am leary and extremely doubtful of preachers who make this claim. God can of course talk to people today, but many of television preachers make such claims. I think I myself would need to be 100% sure. We often answer our own questions and put the answer we want to hear on our own hearts.

Closeness to the Lord – Preacher’s that use the phrase My God or Oh my God. I’m guessing this is done to show closeness to the Lord. We’re close so I can say it. To me it sounds like taking the name of the Lord God in vain, as it is in most cases when the layman says it.

Better are the preachers that stick to the word and demonstrate knowledge of it.

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Christian, Inspirational

Repentance 

I have heard preachers over the years give various definitions for repentance. I think it’s a little like love, you’ll know it when you feel it.

But I don’t mean to wax too philosophical. Here is repentance according to God: 

Proverbs 28:13 KJV He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

True repentance is not only feeling sorry for your sins or actions, it is also not repeating them. 

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Christian, Inspirational

It’s All English to Me

Which translators should we trust?

The King James Version Holy Bible was translated under the authority of King James of England. If you read the Bible you likely know Kings are appointed by God.

Daniel 2:20-22 KJV

Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: [21] And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: [22] He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.

The work of translation is complete in the KJV.

Why do I glorify the KJV? Two reasons. First, I want you to use the KJV as I do. Secondly, many preachers today use statements such as the Greek originally says or other translations say… .

What are they really saying. When preachers say the Greek originally says they are quoting from a supposedly direct translation Greek Bible. Keep in mind this Bible was written by modern translators. Do you want to put your faith in authorized translators or in unauthorized ones?

Some preachers say another translation puts it thusly. What are they saying? They are saying the KJV is insufficient or wrong. It is nothing more than an attempt to sound learned and express mastery of the subject.

Understanding the KJV can be difficult enough without trying to re-translate the Greek and Hebrew, but it is the translation I trust. As a follower of Christ I urge you to do the same.

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