Give Thanks!
October 31, 2007 at 12:12 pm | In Christianity | 2 CommentsTags: ateasetees, Christian, evangelism, give thanks, God, hope, Jesus, Thanksgiving, truth
I wanted to do something a little different than normal. I know that I’m a day early, but I really have come to appreciate the coming season.
What I wanted to do with this post is give Christians an opportunity to give thanks for what God has done for them. It doesn’t matter how big or small it seems, if God has done something for you to be thankful for, please leave a comment and let me and others know just how thankful you are!
Of course, all of this is predicated on the fact that Jesus Christ came down from heaven to reconcile us to God. He lived on the earth for 331/2 years as both God and man and lived without sin. He suffered tempation in every way that we do and stood before God pure and holy. He healed the sick, raised the dead, set the captives free, and gave hope where there was none. He was then betrayed by a friend that He chose, was beaten, mocked, spit upon, and humiliated by the very people He came to save. He was whipped 39 times with a cat of nine tails to the point that the Bible says that He was unrecognizable. He was then forced to carry a wooden cross about 600 yards to the place where He would then be nailed to that same cross. He was pierced not only by the nails, but by our transgressions. He was raised up on the cross between two thieves as a criminal, even though He was innocent. He hung on the cross for six hours that day, and through the entire ordeal, He still forgave the thief. When He finally died, the veil in the temple was split from top to bottom, the earth shook, it grew dark, and many of the saints who were dead were raised back to life. His body was then pierced with a spear and taken down. It was laid in a borrowed tomb and closed with large stone. The tomb was also guarded by 16 Roman soldiers to ensure that noone would take the body. On the third day, Jesus arose from the dead and for the next 40 days, He was seen by anywhere from one to 500 people. He then ascended to heaven and told those who followed Him to go and teach others what He taught them.
The most amazing thing about all of this is that Jesus did it knowing that we would be sinners. Knowing that we would go our own way and live our lives as a mockery of what He did for us.
By writing what I have, I may have lost some respect in your eyes because this is what I believe. That’s ok. Maybe you know it all. You may be reading this and thinking:
“That really didn’t happen. Science proves it isn’t possible.”
“The Quran says that God can’t have a son.”
“The Messiah hasn’t come yet.”
“God doesn’t exist.”
“Religion is a crutch.”
“I’m not worthy of that.”
You have every right to believe what you want, but that doesn’t change the truth that Jesus died for you. It doesn’t change the truth that if you repent of your sins and accept Him as Lord and Savior, you’ll be able to know that you’re going to heaven. It doesn’t change the fact that if you deny Him for who He is, hold on to your sins (lying, stealing, looking with lust, blasphemy, hatred, etc.), and reject the only One that can save you, that you will end up eternally separated from the God who loves you.
This is the beginning of the Thanksgiving season and if anyone needs to be giving thanks, it is Christians. If you are reading this, and you are a Christian, let others know what God has done for you and give thanks!
Tricks or Treats?
October 30, 2007 at 10:01 am | In Christianity | Leave a CommentTags: ateasetees, Christian, evangelism, God, Jesus, trick or treat, truth
Tomorrow night in the US, thousands of kids will be running around for hours, decked out in a multitude of different costumes, knocking on the doors of complete strangers and hollering “Trick or Treat!”. I remember it all, and thinking back on it reminds me of the church today….
In today’s church, we have people from all walks of life, dressed up in a multitude of different classes, colors, and clothings. And as I’ve watched them, I’ve noticed something. The majority of them are running around knocking on the doors of complete strangers and hollering “Trick or Treat!”.
The church today is running back and forth from one thing to another looking for something that will satisfy it. We are going door to door hoping that the next program we run or the next event we have will be like the elderly woman who used to throw money into our candy bags. We are looking for the next big Treat that will bring the multitudes in by the busload and allow us to feel good about “our” church and how we are doing “the will of the Lord”. We are looking for the next big Treat the will give us the formula and guidlines to produce the church that looks and acts most like Jesus and best represents Christianity to the lost around us.
Sadly, one day we will wake up and realize that it was all one big Trick.
There are churches all over the globe that are “trick or treating” in the hopes of having the largest, most productive church in the world. They are seeking the best ways to build disciples and grow the body of Christ, or so they think. They are like the little kids who will be knocking on doors tomorrow night. They run around looking like one thing when in reality they are something completely different. They knock on door after door hoping to get the best and most wonderful gifts from men; gifts that will give them some amount of satisfaction. Little do they realize that eventually the sugar rush will wear off and things will be back to the way they used to be.
The sad thing is that most of those doing the running don’t even realize what they already have at home. They completely ignore what they need to be focusing on. Instead of parading around like the world does in facades of false happiness and joy, they should be walking out lives that show the truth of what serving and loving the Lord Jesus really looks like. Instead of running from house to house looking for the next program or event to make the people feel good, they need to be looking at the Word and seeing that feelings don’t mean anything compared to the confidence and knowledge that comes from spending time with Jesus.
I pray that some day soon, the church will have the boldness and the honesty to remove the masks they’ve been wearing, stop looking for the next sugar rush, and get back to doing what our Lord told us to do from the very beginning. Here’s to no more Tricks or Treats, just the Truth….
From the loins of Abraham?
October 29, 2007 at 9:47 am | In Christianity | Leave a CommentTags: Abraham, ateasetees, Christian, evangelism, God, Jesus, Mormonism, truth
In a recent interview with presidential hopeful Mitt Romney, a discussion took place as to whether or not Mormonism was the 4th Abrahamic religion. So, is the origin of Mormonism found in Abraham?
For all it’s flowery words and the Christian lingo that they use, I do not see Mormonism as a form of Christianity, much less originating from Abraham. To originate from Abraham, Mormonism would have had to come from Issac or Ishmael, the two sons of Abraham. Muslims are from Abraham through Ishmael (who they claim is the true son of promise). Jews and Christians are connected to Abraham through his son Isaac, who is the true son of promise according to the Bible.
So where did Mormonism originate? Well, according to history and the Mormon website, it originated from Joseph Smith in 1820, when as a 14 year old boy, he went into the woods to pray about which church to join. It is said that here, God the Father and Jesus appeared to Joseph Smith and told him not to join any of the denominational churches.
Three years later, Smith supposedly received golden plates of the Book of Mormon from the angel Moroni. The “angel” told him that he had been chosen to translate the book. While translating the book, Smith said that John the Baptist appeared to him and ordained him to restore the true church.
Mormonism uses many of the words of phrases that you might hear in a Christian church, but they hold to beliefs that are far different. For instance, according to Mormon doctrine, Jesus and Satan are brothers (pg.163)of “God” and “His” wife. Mormon doctrine also says that if it weren’t for Joseph Smith (the “prophet” of Mormonism), there would be no true salvation. It says that there is no true salvation outside the Church of Latter-Day Saints. Not only that, but according to their doctrine (pg. 193), both Jesus and Satan brought to God a plan for the salvation of the world, but Jesus’ was more acceptable. They say that have the “privelege of worshipping God accordgin to their own conscience” (Article of Faith #11). They also believe in polygamy. They believe that “the Bible is Word of God where it is translated correctly” (Article of Faith #8) and that the Book of Mormon is also the Word of God. This goes against Proverbs 30:5-6 which says “Every word of God is pure. He is a shield to those that put their trust in Him. Do not add to the word of God, lest He reprove you and you be found a liar.”
Paul reminds us in the Galatians 1:8-9 that if any man or angel preaches to you a gospel other than what we’ve preached to you, let him be accursed.
Looking at their beliefs, Mormonism has no real claim to Christianity or to originating from Abraham other than the words that are used to describe those beliefs.
Embrace the change?
October 26, 2007 at 10:39 am | In Christianity | Leave a CommentTags: 40 days of faith and family, abortion, ateasetees, Christian, concert, evangelism, gay marriage, God, Jesus, Obama
Today starts the “Embrace the Change” gospel concert support Barrack Obama and his campaign for president. The extravaganza marks the end of Obama’s “40 days of Faith and Family” in South Carolina. The whole idea behind the “40 Days” is to show how Obama sees faith and family as important in shaping him and his desire to cause fundamental change. It is supposed to show how “the Democrats are not afraid to talk about faith” and how Obama is the man that conservatives can look to to lead them and our country to a brighter day.
Ok, so I got a little carried away with the last sentence there…
I can’t help but ask this though…Can someone who approves of abortion and “gay marriage” truly say that they support faith and family? How does support of either strengthen families? Abortion is the senseless, cold hearted killing of an unborn child. Does that say family to you? To me, it says “even though this is a human being, I’m going to get rid of it and ignore the morality behind it”. Does that mean that if you’ve had an abortion you have no chance to support faith or family? No. If you are willing to repent for the murder that you’ve caused, God will forgive you. But that doesn’t change the fact that abortion is murder. I know many people that have had abortions. They’ve talked to me about how it has affected them. I still see them shed tears over the whole ordeal. But they acknowledge what they did and every single one of them now see abortion for what it is and supports the rights of the unborn. God doesn’t want you to have an abortion. He says it in the Bible. “You shall not murder”. But, if you have had an abortion, He wants you to see the truth and turn to Him so that He can heal your pain and grief and then use you to help stop the atrocities that are taking place daily.
What about “gay marriage”? Does that support family or faith? No. “Gay marriage” says that two men or two women can have the relationship that God reserved for a man and a woman alone. It completely undermines all that God set the family up to be. How can you support “gay marriage” and faith or family? If you support the Christian faith, then you shouldn’t support “gay marriage” because it goes against what God says marriage is and that should be enough.
In the end, this is just another politician trying to use the right combination of words and emotions to grab the votes of people. In the end, anyone that supports abortion or “gay marriage” cannot honestly support (Christian) faith or family. And those who are seeking the Lord will see this for what it is. My only concern is for the gospel music artists who are scheduled to appear. What are you thinking? Is it all about the Christianese and the “good feeling”? Is that all that Christianity has become? If so, then it’s not the faith the Bible talks about. The faith the Bible talks about is all about Jesus and what He stood/stands for. The truth, the purity, the justice, the grace, the mercy, the love. And unless Jesus is portrayed in His fulness, He is not the true Jesus….
If you are planning on going to the “40 Days” I hope that you have a great time at a political function. But, I also hope that you realize that that’s all that it is….
Is he getting rusty?
October 25, 2007 at 9:20 am | In Uncategorized | Leave a CommentTags: abomination, ateasetees, California, Christian, evangelism, God, homosexuality, Jesus, SB 777, Schwarzenegger
It seems to me that “The Governator” is either getting a little rusty, or he has put up a conservative front that is slowly falling down around his feet.
The governor of California signed into law measure SB 777 which prohibits any instruction or school-sponsored activity which discriminates against gender. According to the soon-to-be law, this means that terms like “mom” or “dad” or “husband and wife” couldn’t be used because it promotes heterosexuality as the norm. It also provides for disciplanary measures to be taken against teachers and students who oppose “same sex marriage” and cross-dressing or sex change operations. It also allows for those who identify with the opposite gender to use that opposite gender’s changing rooms and restrooms. On top of all of that, if parents choose to remove their children from the California public school system, they will still be supporting it through the taxes they pay…
Once again, California seems to be leading the charge straight into hell…Even the supposedly “conservative” leaders are supporting ideas and laws that are anti-family, anti-free speech, and anti-Christian. This law, which is supposed to go into effect January 1st, 2008, basically nullifies the free speech rights of teachers and students, while protecting the rights of those who support the homosexual agenda. Once again, it’s an issue of “we have constantly heard (from honest and true Christians) that homosexuality is wrong and instead of changing our lifestyle and making a choice for heterosexuality, we will try everything we can to get our way and get others to stop showing us our sin”. I’m amazed that the governor of any state would be allowed to even consider such a bold and obvious attack on the free speech rights afforded to all Americans.
As I’ve said before, God says in Leviticus 18 that homosexuality is an ABOMINATION! How much stronger a word could God really use to indicate how He feels about something? Just for those of you who may be wondering, here is the definition (from dictionary.com) of abomination:
a·bom·i·na·tion [uh-bom-uh-ney-shuh
n] Pronunciation Key – Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun
1. anything abominable; anything greatly disliked or abhorred.
2. intense aversion or loathing; detestation: He regarded lying with abomination.
3. a vile, shameful, or detestable action, condition, habit, etc.: Spitting in public is an abomination.
Should those who claim to be “conservative Christians” be supporting something that God calls an abomination? Should anyone for that matter?
Trying to close the gap
October 24, 2007 at 10:27 am | In Christianity | Leave a CommentTags: ateasetees, Christian, evangelism, Giuliani, God, Jesus, truth, values, voters
In an effort to try to close the gap between himself and conservative voters, Rudolph Giuliani said that the ideals that he and conservative voters have in common are more important than what separates them. He says that he’s not “an activist for liberal causes”. He told the values voters in Washington D.C. that, while he and conservatives have many areas of disagreement, that “he would protect the values they share”.
Is this possible? As president, would Rudolph Giuliani really represent the conservative voters of our nation? Especially when so many of the ideals that we hold don’t match up with his own? Just reading his website you can see the doubletalk dripping from his quotes about where he stands on political issues.
For instance, on marriage the website states:
Rudy Giuliani believes marriage is between a man and a woman. He does not—and has never—supported gay marriage. But he believes in equal rights under law for all Americans. That’s why he supports domestic partnerships that provide stability for committed partners in important legal and personal matters, while preserving the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman.
So, does he support marriage as it’s supposed to be or not? If marriage is between a man and a woman that should be it. Period. There shouldn’t be any support for anything that goes against that…And this is just one example of the presidential hopeful talking out of both sides of his mouth….
In an effort to reach out to evangelical Christians, he let loose with some Christianese in hopes of helping them forget what he stands for.
“Christians and Christianity is all about inclusiveness. It’s built around the most profound act of love in human history, isn’t it? It grew from a persecuted few people in the Roman Empire to the most widespread religion in the world by spreading a message of love, of hope, of faith, profound optimism, and with its hands out to everyone.”
Is Christianity all about inclusiveness? Does Jesus preach that we should tolerate everybody and every belief that is out there in an effort to show that we love them and are optimistic about where there life is going?
In a word, NO!
Does Christianty desire to see all be free? Yes. Does Christianity hope that all will be saved from the wrath of God that is to come? Yes. Does Christianity seek to show the love that Jesus had on the cross? Yes. Is that all that Christianity is, one big happy love-fest? NO!
Jesus was/is love. He is the complete embodiment of what love really is and His sacrifice on the cross is the greatest example of this. But this love also comes with a cost. Jesus said, in John 14:6, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me”. Does this sound like inclusivism? Does this sound like the common canard that “all religions lead to God”. Nope. It sounds like Jesus is saying, “If you don’t believe in Me and you don’t follow Me, then you won’t find God”. And that’s exactly what He said. For anyone to say that Jesus was all about accepting everything as equal, even things that are contrary to what He taught and lived out, is an out-and-out, bold-faced lie!
He told those present that “my belief in God and reliance on His guidance is at the core of who I am”. But which “God” is he talking about? If it’s the one that loves everyone regardless of their sin and doesn’t care about what they do or how they live as long as they claim to know “Him” in some form or another, then his “God” needs a little “g”.
On the other hand, if his “God” is the one that loves everyone regardless of their sin, but calls them to repent of it and turn from their wicked ways, and if it’s the God who’s desire is that “none should perish but all should come to repentence”, and if it’s the God who gave everything He had to return us to a right relationship with Him; then “Rudy” needs to pay more attention to his God and start acting in accordance with the rules that God has laid down and worry less about how voters will see him or what people might think.
In the end, will he stand before God and say, “Well, I had to say that so that I could become president. I had to try and get as many votes as I could to win and I only compromised who you are a little. I’m sorry though…”? If he thinks so, then God will say, “I’m sorry too. I can’t let you in. You compromised the truth for your own selfish reasons and made me into something I’m not (idolatry)”.
Sadly, “Rudy” isn’t the only one that He will say this too. “There will be many on that day that say, ‘Lord, Lord’” and Jesus will say, “Depart from Me you workers of iniquity. I never knew you.”
What will He say to you?
Is this inflation?
October 23, 2007 at 10:30 am | In Christianity | Leave a CommentTags: ateasetees, Boy Scouts, Christian, evangelism, God, homosexuality, Jesus, Liberty Council, truth
A Boy Scout council in Philidelphia, PA has encountered one of the largest increases of rent that I’ve ever heard of. The Cradle of Liberty Council in Philidelphia serves about 64,000 scouts in Philidelphia and it’s surrounding suburbs. Recently, the council was told that they would have to start paying the market value for the building that they are using, which is $200,000 a year. Their previous rent was $1 a year for their downtown office.
Why the change in rent? It came about because the Cradle of Liberty Council was accused of discriminating against homosexuals. This is a huge change from the 2000 court ruling that said the Boy Scouts have a first amendment right to bar homosexuals from participating in the Boy Scouts.
What is the city’s purpose behind this? Just a little bit of thought would show that this is foolishness. Would it be safe or right to allow homosexuals to be part of the Boy Scouts? Think about it for a minute. That’s like letting a pedophile teach kindergarten…
I was in the Boy Scouts for 16 years (3 years as a cub, 7 years as a scout – including Eagle, and 4 years as an adult leader). The Boy Scouts of America provided something to me that I didn’t have at the time. Through the Scouts, I had men in my life that looked out for me and taught me how to be an upright citizen. They taught me how to do things that my dad wasn’t teaching me because he wasn’t around. They taught me a lot of things about morality and truth just by their example. I appreciate the leaders that I had in the Scouts growing up. I wouldn’t be who I am without them.
As a former Scout leader and a Christian, I see no reason the Cradle of Liberty Council shouldn’t be able to bar homosexuals from being a part of the Scouts. The people leading the Scout troops and Cub Scout packs are shaping and molding hundreds of thousands of young men during the time when they are most open to influence. They are showing them how to do the things that they will need to do to provide for themselves and their families. They are building up the next generations of leaders for our nation. These young men don’t need to be “influenced” by something that goes against what the Boy Scouts is based on. If you read through the Scout Law and Scout Oath, you will see that Boy Scouts is based on the God of the Bible. If you read throught the Law and the Oath, you’ll see qualities and characteristics that are sorely needed in today’s generation…
Disagree with me if you want, but I see no place for homosexuality in the Scouts….
How many can you name?
October 22, 2007 at 10:44 am | In Christianity | Leave a CommentTags: ateasetees, Big Mac, Brady Bunch, Christian, evangelism, God, Jesus, ten commandments, truth
In a day and age when information is flowing like water and there seems to be no limit to what is available to those who know where and how to find it, it seems like our country (and others) is not holding on to the information that is the most important to the health, growth, and future of our country.
In a study done by Kelton Research, Americans were asked a number of different questions about how much information they knew. I would like to say that the results were surprising, but really they weren’t.
The focus of the study was the 10 commandments. 1,000 Americans were asked how many of the commandments they could name. In order to compare, they were also asked questions like “What are the ingredients of a Big Mac” and “Name the six kids of the Brady Bunch”. The study showed that 25% (250 people) could name all 7 ingredients in a Big Mac, 80% knew that there were “two all beef patties”, 76% knew there was lettuce , 75% a sesame seed bun, 66% knew about the “special sauce”, 62% got pickles, and 60% remembered cheese. For the Brady Bunch kids, 35% of the 1000 could name all six, and while Bobby and Peter were the least remembered, they still came in at 43% each.
In contrast, only 14% of the 1000 (140 people) could name all 10 of the commandments. Less than 60% knew that “you shall not kill” was a commandment. Seven of the 10 were familiar to less than half of those surveyed (including “honor your father and mother” and “remember the Sabbath”). “Remember the Sabbath” was known by on 34% and “Do not make false idols” was only known by 29%! Even the ones that we expect others to know, like “You shall not kill” and “You shall not steal” were only known by 70% at the most!
In a related study done by Kirk Cameron and Ray Comfort for their Way of the Master ministry, they asked people how many beers they could name. They had adults and teens(!) answer with more than 15 beers without thinking. When asked if they could name the 10 commandments, they may have gotten 2 or 3 tops.
Is it any wonder our country is in the condition it is? When a growing section of the population has no idea what God’s law says or that it is the basis for our judicial and social systems, should we be surprised when crime rates increase and lawlessness is rampant?
Should we be surprised that more and more people want God out of the public eye? Should we be surprised or offended when more and more people claim to be Christians and then live in direct opposition to what His Word says? Or that more and more of those same “Christians” support things that are against what God says is right?
The truth is this: The 10 commandments are very much necessary in turning our nation back to God. They are the standard that God will use to judge. That means that all of those who do not know Jesus as their Lord and Savior will be judged according to what is found in the 10 commandments.
If you’re reading this and you don’t know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, that means that if you’ve ever lied (#9), if you’ve ever stolen anything (#8), if you’ve ever hated anyone (hatred is the same as murder – #6), if you’ve ever taken God’s Name in vain (blasphemy – #3), or looked at someone with lust (lust is the same as adultery – #7), then you’ve broken God’s law and will be found guilty. Because of your guilt, you’ll end up in hell, against God’s wishes.
The only way to keep this from happening is for you to understand that your sin can only be paid for with the blood of Jesus. That through His death and resurrection, He paid the price that you should have paid. By accpeting that sacrifice and turning away from your sin, you can live in freedom and walk the way that God calls us to walk…
So….how many can you name?
Are they adding fuel?…
October 20, 2007 at 7:33 am | In Christianity | Leave a CommentTags: ateasetees, birth control, Christian, evangelism, God, Jesus, Maine, middle school, truth
A middle school in Portland, Maine has decided, by a vote of 5-2, to start handing out birth control pills and patches to it’s 11-13 year old students. They’ve also been dispensing condoms to the students since 2002.
WHAT?!?!
Ok…maybe I’m just getting older. Or, maybe I have just gotten completely detatched from reality. Or…maybe I just have more common sense then all of King Middle School’s board members, but COME ON PEOPLE!
Can you not see that this is adding fuel to the fire instead of solving the problem? Can you not see that by handing 11-13 year old kids condoms and birth control pills, you’re basically saying, “It’s ok if you have sex outside of marriage, even though God said it’s wrong“? Or, even if you’re not a believer, “We know that there is a growing epidemic of young people who are getting sexually transmitted diseases, and we know that more and more kids are getting pregnant younger and younger, so here’s a pill and a condom!”…
Idiots…
This is a good example of the lack of concern some people have for our kids. Instead of providing the kids with morals and education to help them go above and beyond those who have come before them, the “leaders” of King Middle School have decided to provide them with the things that will distract them and may lead them someplace they wouldn’t have otherwise found themselves…
This is also another example of what happens when you remove God and prayer from the schools and homes of America. Instead of pushing our kids deeper and deeper into sin, the educators of this country should be instilling in them morals that will help restore the foundation of a country that is slowly eroding away. The problem is, for the morals to be instilled in them, they’ve got to be in the people educating them!
What’s next for Portland, Maine schools? Will they start providing rooms in the schools for the kids too? Will they follow in the footsteps of a school in Norway that allows it kindergarten and preschool kids to dance naked, “play doctor”, and commit immoral acts in front of their classmates?
We need to start looking at what people are doing to and for our kids and we need to stand up against things like this. Our middle school kids don’t need help being immoral. They need people in their lives who can live a moral, modest example before them. Where are those people at?
Alabama makes a smart decision!
October 19, 2007 at 3:14 pm | In Christianity | Leave a CommentTags: Alabama, ateasetees, Bible truth, Christian, evangelism, God, Jesus, textbook
In national education rankings, unfortunately Alabama doesn’t seem to rank very high. One of the more recent rankings had the state at 45 out of 50. But they seem to making strides to change that…
Alabama has recently become the first state to approve a bible textbook for public high schools. The book “The Bible and it’s Influence” became accepted as a highschool textbook throughout the state and is going to have a big impact on other states considering adding it to their own curriculum. There are currently 163 high schools in the country using the book, but Alabama is the first to adopt the book statewide. Not only that, but any school desiring to use the book will be able to get it using state provided funds until 2013.
According to the Alabama state Board of Education, the book, created by the Bible Literacy Project, is considered “sufficient to be used as the sole textbook/program for a particular grade or course and meet[s] 80% or more of the standards outlined in the state course of study and/or is sufficient to be used as the sole textbook for an elective course.”
The textbook is said to be more academic and not a devotional by showing how the Bible influenced people in different times and occupations.
I am happy to hear that Alabama is stepping up and making a choice about it’s future. Not having read the book, I’m still a little concerned about how it presents the Bible, but having a textbook about the Bible and it’s influence in public schools will hopefully be the start of something larger. We need to be teaching our kids the truth and the only way to teach them the truth is to lead them to the Truth.
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