When Israel Split in Two

Israel was once a nation of 12 tribes. Like the USA they had a rebellion. The northern 10 tribes rebelled against the southern remaining 2 tribes of Judah (where Jerusalem was) and Benjamin.

But unlike the USA, there was no civil war. Judah was about to fight, but God intervened. This breakaway was His doing. Soon the pagan northern tribes formed a separate nation. Samaria became their capital city. They had abandoned the temple of Jerusalem and worshiped idols in northern locations.

When I was recovering from my stroke, I stayed in a senior care facility. We had a very tall Ethiopian man as a waiter. He told people he was one of the ten lost tribes of Israel. This is still told today--the ten Lost Tribes.

Ethnically, the ten rebellious tribes may be anywhere today. The cult of Anglo-Israelism claims that they became Britain and the USA. But religiously, Israel is composed of the faithful of all twelve tribes.

After the rebellion under Solomon's son Rehoboam in about 980 B.C., these faithful ones left the northern kingdom and came back to the south. The Bible said they strengthened the Davidic kingdom. This is revealed in 2 Chronicles 11:13.

So it is that in 56 to 58 A.D., Paul said he was an Israelite of the tribe of Benjamin, a southern tribe. The unfaithful went north, the faithful resorted to the south. Religiously Israel was composed of 12 tribes once again.

Why is Zechariah Like Maple Syrup?

I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. Romans 11:1

Not because it it so sweet--it's too powerful to be described in that way--but because it is so concentrated. This great prophetic book has so much in it. But it is not about the church. So those who limit themselves to the New Testament avoid or neglect Zechariah.

Those poor ignorant people who do so, especially the "church replacement" crowd, suffer from a misunderstanding of God's chosen nation and it's wonderful future. Worse yet, those who "stick to the Gospels" have little knowledge of the church, even though they go to synagogue every Saturday. That is what they should do to be good neo-Israelites.

The sweep of Zechariah amazes me each time I hear it. It is not a dusty old book at all. It extends into the future of our day. Want to know the future?

For the people of Israel, after the church goes to heaven, this is a great source of their future. God is not through with His people. His future dealings with them can be found in Zechariah.

Tomb of the Misunderstood Soldier

But whosoever loves God is known by God. 1 Cor. 8:3, NIV

Not being understood is the subject of much humor. "My wife doesn't understand me," etc. Yet it is not humorous at all. How many of us live our entire lives without anyone really knowing us? It is said that if we have one true friend we have done well.

Through genetics and circumstances, I was not understood by my parents. I had no career dreams, except for being a hobo and seeing the world. My mother called me her "ugly duckling", after the story by Anderson. I am not sure I qualified. I still can't swim, but I am ugly.

I imagine a couple visiting the tomb of the Unknown Soldier. After taking pictures, one of them suggests visiting the tomb and park of the Misunderstood, both soldiers and civilians.

"I don't think we'll have enough time," the other says. "I hear that, like Nineveh, it takes three days to cross it."

But we can cheer up. Remember the inscription on the Unknown Soldier monument: "..known only to God."

The Bite of the Pit Bull

And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. Genesis 32:26

The Pit Bull is famous for its strong bite. But I am aware that there are dogs with more powerful bites. The larger the dog the stronger the bite, and Pit Bulls are not the largest of dogs.

So why am I writing about the Pit Bull's bite? Because they hang on, like for 15 minutes, wagging their tails for the enjoyment of the contest.

A lot of us are not big either. We may not be overwhelming in our persons or presence. A very good example would be anyone who would continue to read this blog. They must be patient and tough-minded.

It has been my lot to argue with some big shots. Even without a tire gauge you could tell they were high pressure people. I should have been proud to debate with them, even to be so honored as to be despised by them.

To keep up the illusion that most people wish to live in, it is necessary not to look behind the curtain. I mean it's not a pretty sight. Business managers are not hired to lead churches because they have deep knowledge of the Bible. With sufficient understanding they would not hire out as business managers at all.

So when they bite, remember the Pit Bull. He endures while the big guys drop away. Understanding and reward come to the one, who like Jacob, will not let go.

God So Loved the World, Love Not the World

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 1 John 2:15

Oh my, a seeming contradiction. God is said to love the world, then we are told not to love it. Did God change His mind?

Poor non-studiers of the Bible! The translation from Greek to English can be hazardous. Better, say some, to stick with the first quotation and just not even think about the other one.

A sincere student--a really adventurous one--will find that in each place, the definition of "world" is a translation of a different Greek word with a different meaning. Amazing how just a little study can clear things up.

Let's just suppose a person wanted to understand how to reconcile the two verses. Furthermore, let's just suppose that this person looked up both verses in a study Bible (let's just say a Scofield reference Bible), and found the original Greek words. They would get the true meanings and the so-called contradiction would disappear. Dr. William Graham has said, "Contradictions disappear when we study."

WARNING: The preceding undertaking could take minutes to perform.

If we imagine an even more dedicated seeker of accuracy, we might find an adventurous soul who would look up the major meanings of "world" in the Bible. There are only seven of them. Contradictions would be slain all over the place.

This reminds me of the words of the stable hand in the old TV show, National Velvet. In explaining a dilemma to the young lady, he uttered the simple formula, "The only way to be sure is to find out."

Study or stew? I'd rather study.

Whosoever is Very Tall May Play on My Basketball Team

That means that anyone can play on your basketball team, right? Because you said "whosoever". This is the logic of some very sincere Christians, ones that should know better.

You can tell who slept through English class, or at least the classes on modifiers. There is a type of "toggle switch" mind set that is either on or off. I will say that people who do not understand the basics of language are in danger of grossly distorting Bible doctrine of even the simplest sort.

For many years, ignorance, simplistic thinking, or just plain crudity, have been considered the highest virtues. The motto of these "simple folk" has been, "I'm not much on book learning, but all I know is..." If applied to table manners, then eating with your fingers would be superior table manners. Books have been written about the supposed virtues of ignorance applied to Bible study.

My mother in law, a very nice lady, once said, "If you just read the Bible like a little child, you will have no problem understanding it." This was said while she was trapped in a legalistic cult that she only escaped from a few days before she died.

A simple faith, like that of a child, can and does save. But to escape the pitfalls of false doctrine we need the help of an understanding of language. To look up a contested scripture in a good study Bible really helps. First impressions are just as dangerous in reading the Bible as they are in cooking a delicious meal, or learning to fly a plane.

Visiting Time is Over

Bong, bong, bong, Visiting hours are over. It is time for visitors to leave.

Many moons ago I took a trip to Churchill, Manitoba. My sister said she had an idea. "Why don't I send you a letter in care of General Delivery so you'll have some mail when you get there?" So, with pencil poised over her note book she asked, "What's your name?"

You see I didn't get this way without a lot of help.

Another time she traveled to a rural town in Kentucky. I got her postcard saying, "This would be a wonderful place to live, but I wouldn't want to visit it."

Bob Hope took a trip around the world. Upon returning, he said, "It's a great place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live here." That sums it up for me, though sometimes my visit hasn't been too great.

An old preacher at my church gave his last sermon before retiring. It was entitled "A Citizen of Heaven". I had a tape of it. What a wonderful way to say it. We live here, but this is not our home.

Guess I'm getting homesick for a home I've never even seen, except by faith.

Our Glorification

Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. Romans 8:30

Predestinate, called, justified, and glorified! So many wonderful doctrines in one sentence! And in the past tense too. Of course, the book of Romans is like that, giving the credit to God, totally apart from any effort on our part.

I would say, that among those who read these promises, the first three are well known, along with scriptures from other parts of the Bible that also proclaim them. But how many of us consider glorification other than applying to God?

A friend of mine told me "I've been whittled down to a little stump." All I could say to him is that that is where God wants us, humbled down to where He can talk to us. It has been my experience that, with Jesus as our example, humility is one of the most understood ideas in scripture.

Predestination, calling, and justification are also known, though the first is sometimes not believed in. But how many of us have heard sermons on, or studied, our glorification? I know I have not.

To many, myself included, the thought of being glorified is alien to our minds. Being denigrated, lowered, and even despised, is closer to our experience. These we may share with Jesus, and identify with him through our experience. Perhaps it is the futurity of this wonderful promise that keeps us from thinking about it, though we should do so.

Maybe we need a "glorification break" where we think of ourselves and those we love, finally being glorified with and through Christ? We do not deserve it on our own, but He does, and He will share his glory with us.

To Join a Corporate Church

Some corporate churches are nice, and a lot of nice people go there. Perhaps the nicest person there will be the nice preacher and his nice wife. Some churches have two such preachers and several services to handle the congregations that crowd them.

There is a severe penalty for joining them though. This can come in two flavors. Some of the nicest insist that you become baptized again--even though you already have been--to be able to join. These were originally called Anabaptists, later shortened to Baptist.

They also really want you to accept some ideas that they have received from Egypt and Babylon, via the Roman Catholic church. They claim to despise this church, but stoutly defend the devilish doctrines that they share with them.

They may also insist that you restrict your Bible reading and study to the King James translation, which they believe is totally infallible.

Among their restrictions are that you abstain from alcohol, insisting that Jesus made grape juice in His first miracle, and that it "did not have time to ferment" and become wine.

I could go on, but don't you hope I don't? I call these "Check your brain at the door churches" and avoid them.

To escape these self righteous, know it all churches, you may choose a "We don't care what you believe" model. A lady told me a preacher of her denomination does not believe that Jesus was a real human being, but merely a made up ideal.

Some of the "loosey goosey" models do have restrictions. For instance, they prefer their women preachers not be homosexual, but straight.

To me, and most of my friends who do not attend churches, we find that none of them can withstand a Biblical test. I would like any church to engage in a discussion over their beliefs and practices. But to me they are cultists, following their leaders rather than the Biblical church epistles.

Discussion is closed. Not being able to engage in discussion is a good reason to commune with Christ alone. This is the perfect church that they insist you can never find.

When Did Jeremiah Decide to Become a Prophet?

Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. Jeremiah 1:5

So when did Jeremiah--using his "free will"--decide to become a prophet? I hear it was early in his life. Perhaps right after he reached the age of twelve, the "age of accountability".

No. There were no Baptists then to invent this idiotic idea.

Perhaps it was when he was eight days old and decided to become a member of God's covenant people through circumcision?

No. It turns out he must have decided to become a prophet before God formed him.

I am in no way trying to denigrate Free Will. Not at all. But Jeremiah's "free will" is not a factor here.

Why not? Because he did not exist yet. So it was God's free will that made Jeremiah a prophet. It is as if God is the one who did the choosing and the forming, as it always is.

I know that the great majority of church goers fall on their faces to worship man's free will. It is such a boost to their egos. So they steadfastly follow ignorant or lying preachers, rather than read, at least, the first five verses of the book of Jeremiah. The Bible tells us here, and elsewhere, that God does all the choosing--just as babies do not decide to be born, but they are anyway.

Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:13

Oh, Look, They're Taking the Station Away!

In a Judy Canova movie, the country girl she plays has just boarded a train. When it begins to move, that is what she says. She is moving, but it seems as if the station is.

My tight little coterie of friends, both dead and living, have one terrible thing in common. They did not and do not go to church. They once did. Some were immersed in corporate churches. They were all believers, and most studied the Bible in depth.

I have read Hebrews 10:25, but I have also read (and cherish) Revelation 3:20. I feel these two verses represent the history of the church from the time of Paul to the end times written of by John. Further, I am certain that the time in which I live is the one written about in John's Revelation.

Please let me say, I have recently tried, and two denominations have either been Bible-denying or have put up barriers to my membership through their insistence on my being re-baptized. To them, my childhood baptism is not valid. Martin Luther and I (such company!) will suffer eternally in a devil's hell. Not only was I baptized as an infant, I believe very strongly that it was valid. So I did try.

Why is it that my best friends and I avoided and now avoid church? My sister's girl went regularly and contributed to a corporate church. Her family no longer does.

For some, continual pressure to "dig deeper" combined with extremely shallow treatment of the Bible, has made their church intolerable. Now, in her fifties, she studies on her own and gives money only to those she knows. No more "associate youth pastors" to pay for.

Church practices have long imitated government bureaucracies--always increasing staff and budgets, and shortchanging on the Bible. The lady and her husband study and pray at home.

There is a church which Jesus spews out of his mouth. I do not wish to be in it. Did the churches move away, or have we? Either way, we have parted company.

The Sound of Truck Tires on a Rainy Night

you are alone at night in a motel room. You have awakened to the sound of truck tires on the nearby highway. It has begun to rain, and the speeding trucks make frying sounds on the wet pavement. Soon it will be dawn, and life will be stirring. The attached diner will be open and you can eat alone there before you resume your lonely trip.

You have returned from a foolish journey to your home town. Your people are long gone, and the visit has only left you feeling more isolated. Nothing is left but memories. You have the melancholy realization that no one cares or even knows about you.

So turn on the light, open the drawer in the night stand. There is the usual Bible. You could read it, but where to begin? It all seems so dry and long ago. You need something now, something very personal.

You think of Jacob, alone in the wilderness. He must have felt like you do now. But he was a man of destiny with a great future ahead of him. He saw a ladder reaching to heaven. Where is your ladder? If only you could hear the voice of someone who cared.

Then, not a voice, but an infinite Awareness speaks inside your head. "Let's talk."

Ephraim

For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. Romans 11:29, KJV

for God's gifts and his call are irrevocable, Romans 11:29, NIV

Ephraim was the younger of two sons born to Joseph and his Egyptian wife Asenath. Jacob blessed these two sons, but reserved the greater blessing for Ephraim. This took place in about 1,500 BC.

Much later, after the nation of Israel divided into two parts, the tribe of Ephraim was in the rebellious Northern Kingdom. Samaria, capital of the ten northern tribes, was located in Ephraim's territory.

The reason for mentioning the history of this tribe is to show how one who received such a blessing from Jacob could become the center of such a sinful tribe and nation. From the time of the rebellion, the name Ephraim became synonymous with all ten northern tribes.

So what about Jacob's blessing? Did the sin of Ephraim nullify it? Did Ephraim's idolatry cause them to lose God's favor?

I remember when I first read Romans 11:29. A thrill went through me. I realized that sin cannot separate us from God's promises. Once He has blessed us, we will always be blessed.

Ephraim will fulfill their name, "fruitful". Scriptures tell us that the original twelve tribes will reunite, and Ephraim will fulfill his promises.

And I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim, and the horse from Jerusalem, and the battle bow shall be cut off: and he shall speak peace unto the heathen: and his dominion shall be from sea even to sea, and from the river even to the ends of the earth. Zechariah 9:10

Do you know anyone who fears that they have departed from the will of God and lost their blessings? The story of Ephraim shows that this cannot be. Paul then further explains the beautiful doctrine that once called, always called. Our worst sins cannot separate us from God's plan for us.

When Men Used to Debate

On my first job I saw two men in an argument. One was a plant foreman, the other worked for the railroad. The argument was about the location and timing of "spotting" a coal car. It quickly became heated. At this point one of them removed his work glove in order to shake the hand of the other. They introduced themselves and then continued the argument.

As a boy just out of high school I saw how men should handle disagreements. I have a terrible feeling that now a different path is followed. Anger and even murder are stirred up in debates. Within the realm of the church, the results are resentment, permanent separation, and lifelong animosity.

I think of such "opponents" of long ago. George Whitfield and John Wesley. Both were Methodists, but Wesley was Arminian, and Whitefield was a Calvinist. This same argument goes on today, but the way it was conducted then at our nation's beginning is a wonderful example of how it should be done. These two men exchanged letters for almost twenty years, each laying out his case, and remained friends.

I am not so patient. As a Calvinist, I recommend all Arminians just read Romans chapter nine, and let Paul do the arguing for me.

The Olivet Prophecy is Not About the Church

I have been watching a bunch of videos filled with shocking calamities, and in each one the Olivet Prophecy--Matthew 24--is invoked as proof that we are in, or near the end days. This is very dramatic, but very wrong.

When we read this great prophecy, we see the Messiah, seated overlooking Jerusalem, and answering questions from His Jewish disciples about the restoration of the Kingdom of David. How Jewish can you get? This is a powerful, comprehensive prophecy, but it's not about the Church or these present days.

Jesus warns about not being deceived, but people are deceived all the time.

But what about the signs? Terrible, and growing more terrible. But of them, Jesus says that the "end is not yet", even about the events yet to come.

You feel like shouting, "Everything in the Bible is not about the church!" So many are church centered to the point that they misapply almost all of the Bible to the church, including the identity of the twelve tribes.

Much of this comes from the belief that the church has replaced Israel, and thus "inherited" scriptures applying to her. We have our own scriptures, beginning with the book of Acts.

While all of the Bible is for us, much of it is not about us.

The Final Human Government

This may seem like an ambitious undertaking, claiming to know the nature and leader of the last world government. I would never undertake such a task by logic alone. But the Bible lays it out very clearly. Here is how just two Bible books define it, though there are many, many, more details.

The geography involves the nations of the Roman empire. The ruler is a little man who becomes empowered by Satan. The duration of this government is 3 and 1/2 years. The Bible books that tell us this are Daniel and Revelation.

I may sound contradictory when I say that, we the church will not be on earth during the days of this government, yet pursue a study of it. It looks like others besides the church will use this divinely inspired guide in the Bible to understanding the last days--non-church people who remain after the rapture. But my immediate purpose is to help disprove a bunch of sloppy ideas being thrust upon us.

For example, there is presently a movement towards a one world government. Horrible as such a government will be, it is not the last one, the big one. Wrong territories, and the lack of the proper, or Biblical, leader, and the timing is off.

First, Daniel 2 gives us the makeup of this satanic empire, the nations of the Roman empire. This leaves out Canada, the United States, and Mexico. It also excludes South America, Japan, Russia, and China. Leaders of these countries are thus excluded, as are all prominent leaders everywhere. Why? Because the last leader starts out as small. The included nations are the subjects of the end time government because they are intimately connected with Israel.

I want very much to frame out the basics of the final government, its nations, and leader. This subject is dear to my heart. I have been immersed in it for decades. A little entry of mine cannot do it justice, but everything in it will stand up to, and be supported by, further study.

Who Only Hath Immortality

Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto, whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.
1 Timothy 6:16

I can't dance. Too uncoordinated I guess. But I admire those who can, and like to watch them. So, I enjoy the motions of those who try to wriggle out of the above scripture. To a naive literalist, like myself, "who alone hath immortality" means that God is the only one who is immortal.

But, I told you I can't dance. For those who can, "who only hath immortality" means that everyone is immortal. That is some dancing! As an old cat, I should expect this scripture twisting, and I do.

I believe that our immortality is future. Again, naively, I base this futurity on scriptures.

For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 1 Corinthians 15:53

Sure sounds like resurrection, doesn't it? Since I have yet to be resurrected, I know I am not yet immortal.

Told you I can't dance. And in this case I'm glad I can't.

Close Your Mind, Then Open Your Bible

This is purely hypothetical, but please imagine someone having a whole head full of ideas, gathered from society, family, their fleshly nature, and even from often repeated cartoons. This person would have a mind filled like a vacuum cleaner bag, full of stuff that should be discarded. They would believe in the evolution of life over millions of years, on an earth billions of years old. Imagine that.

This would make it impossible for them to believe in the Bible's creation, certainly a six day one. They could be well read on the first point of view, but sadly lacking in an alternative explanation. I could name some very scientific authors who would support the Bible--some Jewish, some Gentile, both Christian and atheist.

But our hypothetical person would absorb an anti-Bible point of view on all things. Their minds would close like a clam on a morsel. There would be a red light over their brain that said "FULL".

Now, imagine that person becoming interested in the Bible, even being born again. Poor soul, they might want to become informed on the Bible, believe in it, but their brain is filled up with the junk I spoke of. If they were really blessed, they might discover some of the wonderful authors I mentioned who would help empty the junk out of their minds to make room for the truth.

Let's just say this would take place over many years. They would have the advantage of knowing Satanic lies and their fatal weaknesses. If this theoretical person had been steeped in science, nothing from a secular, scientific point of view would surprise them. They would know the strategies of a Godless point of view.

But this is, as I said, all hypothetical. I only know one such person, though I am certain there must be others. Who is this person? It is me.

Simple Simon

When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money and said "Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit". Peter answered: "May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money." Acts 8:18-20, NIV

In a biography of Madame Curie, her sister tells of a hated teacher's daughter who fell ill. The children pooled their money, went to a local priest and asked him to perform a mass. When the priest asked the purpose of the mass, the children said that it was a secret. They had conspired to get the mass said in order that the girl would die.

Double horror--that the act of Simony was invoked, and that the girls had such murderous intentions.

Are we not glad that today such acts no longer take place? Unfortunately, religious power, in one or another form, is still sought today.

What a tremendous work it would be to trace the connection between the seeking of Divine power and plain old money! We send missionaries to people who make voodoo dolls and pay practitioners of the dark arts, and yet we ourselves have religion for hire.

In the Holy Land I visited a church, built on the supposed site of the birth of Christ. While some were crying over the little grotto, a man with a rough voice insisted we put money on a shelf.

Simon's spirit lives on.

Some Gift - Why it's Broken!

The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Psalm 34:18

Long ago I was depressed and sad. I couldn't shake it. Someone had given me a book by M. R. DeHaan called Broken Things. As I read it my sorrow went away.

This was not a self-help or "inspirational" book. Those don't work for me. Broken Things was about God and who He loves and helps. It was written for Christians who are in trouble, and it works.

I thought so highly of this wonderful book and its author, that I read it onto tape for the blind to hear. It was distributed by a library for the blind. I hope others were helped too. Like, "I was sad, then I was no longer sad"--helped like that.

God hates pride and self glorification. We can't give Him that part of us. But He receives our tears and brokenness gladly. No matter how poor we are, or wretched, these are gifts we can give Him. Instead of taking mind altering drugs, may I suggest this little book? It comes recommended by a satisfied user.

Why They Drink Coffee in Church

I understand this is standard practice now. The last two times I went to church--two churches--I was offered coffee right off. One man, being friendly, offered to bring me a cookie.

In some evening services you can attend in flip flops and shorts. In one of the churches a couple turned to me and said, "That's our son playing the drum." Nothing like a hymn accompanied by a conga drum to juice things up.

Well, not a hymn, but some kind of meandering music, maybe sung to the Holy Spirit. I swear it is the same style of music played in big box stores to "help" you shop.

Maybe we could just have a tailgate party? See you in the parking lot.

Yet, even being an old guy, I guess I could adjust to all of this, if there was something of substance coming from the pulpit. Poor preachers, some of them may want to give out the truth. But, for many reasons, they can't lose their audiences. Entertainment is safe. It helps pay the bills.

A loan of $500,000 (for capital improvements) in one church is proving to be hard to repay. Some people have left it, saying it was being run like a business. Not really. Businesses pay taxes. So, to keep up membership they must avoid sound doctrine. Dumb people are happy people.

But what about the coffee? I smack my forehead. Why didn't I get this before? The coffee is to try to keep you awake! You know how boring business meetings can be.

The Big Three False Doctrines

For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
Acts 20:29 - Paul, on his death.

How to be unpopular, even hated. I know, been doing it for many years. Throw out paganism when referring to the Bible.

I am not troubled by pagans at all. I have read about them for decades and talked with them, most recently a worker at Walmart in the early morning hours. They may be Wiccans or any other type. I am not offended. Except when their beliefs and practices are put into the Bible, then I am offended.

I have spent years on this subject--more years than most peoples' life spans--and I know paganism has polluted the church and Bible translations, since shortly after the Apostles died. Paul said it would happen.

I will list some of the giant false doctrines which I have studied and found false.

• That people do not die. That they have immortal souls that separate from their bodies at death.
• That there is a fiery place where some of these souls go and are tormented.
• That people are saved through the operation of their own choice, known as free will.

These are the main ones. There are a bunch more, but I wanted to name the really big ones. I could be safe by avoiding them altogether, but they are evil and I will continue to denounce them.

The number of heartbeats that separate me from the sleep of death are fewer every day. I will be glad to die and have rejected all medical intervention. I only want to leave the record that I hate paganism in the church, in Bible translations, and in individual Christians.

If any man who disagrees with me on these would bring scriptures to show where their coveted false ideas are in the Bible, I would gladly debate with him. But it is easier for them to turn away.

I have lost belief that a mere presentation of Bible truths will affect those marinated in the traditions of the Devil's Doctrines. But I am light hearted and peaceful to have stated my views. Soon, God will be my judge in these matters.

The Standard Lines Are So Easy

Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. Romans 8:7

In a way, teaching, preaching, and "auto-pilot" thinking are easy. You just follow fleshly ideas, and tradition, and never, never depart from human nature. If there is a conflict between what satisfies the ego and the Bible, go for the ego every time. Like a gyroscope, the human mind resists change of direction.

Do I sound like I don't have much respect for human nature? Good, because I don't. Until God intervenes, we are issued with fallen natures. Even when He does, our old natures remain. The Apostle Paul tells of his endless struggle with the old, sin nature. We're born with it, and it remains until we die.

The unsaved only need to deal with one nature, and though troublesome, it gets them by. A non-elect singer or musician can do beautifully. I am not concerned by these things. I have had unsaved friends who did marvelously.

But what I am concerned with--understanding the Bible--shows how our inborn natures are hopelessly marred. A little boy I knew would say, "Lets turn on the lights and see which way the roaches run." The light of the Word shows up our crummy human natures.

This really shows up in doctrine. A doctrine which goes against the human nature of even a pious, otherwise knowledgeable, Christian, brings out the worst in them. If you mention election, for example, you really upset even famous Bible teachers. You have become the enemy of entire denominations.

What peevish, effeminate, little men there are now. Instead of kicking your ass when you are deemed "wrong", and using scripture to demonstrate it, they will turn purple faced, pout, or even cry.

A famous pistol expert (Jeff Cooper) required that any man courting his daughter be good with a handgun. He said, "I still believe a man should have skill in arms." As a Bible man, I believe Christian men should have skill in interpreting the Word of God. Imagine how many men think they are manly because they immerse themselves in sports, but are unfit to defend their wives and children from the wiles of false religion.

It has been said that when two men meet, within fifteen minutes they know who is the superior man. Many times this is based on height or bulk. In which case, a bull would be a "superior man". In a way I indulge in this sizing up, especially with preachers. I think, "Are you diligent in your calling, or have you taken one of the people pleasing, easy ways?"

I'll Never Forgive Him for Moving!

My cousin Carol was a sweet, innocent girl. She was loving and conventional, hardly a mean bone in her body. But when another cousin of mine decided to take his mother and brothers from Ohio to live in Florida, her temper flared. After the move, I heard her say, with narrowed eyes, "I'll never forgive him for moving!" He even committed the sin of taking his family with him!

At the time he wanted to open a tackle shop and fish endlessly. After the move I went on a fishing trip with him, way down in the keys at Rock Harbor. I caught a grouper, which we had for supper that night.

I was just a lad, but I saw no dishonor in the move, nor in my cousin. He had become a medic, and later an instructor. But he had committed a terrible act in the eyes of many in our clan. He had broken up the family. He had acted on his own.

We were worker bees, doing our jobs, living in a neighborhood where we had been born and would die. We went to a local church and went through all the rituals and listened to church propaganda. My father's motto: "Never read books, they're bad for you. Let the experts tell you about the deep things. That's what we pay them for."

Even as a child, I rebelled at this. I too, wanted to leave. Not to go to Florida, but mentally. I was being fitted for my role as a black sheep, not that anyone cared, as long as I stayed in the area.

Religion was not our thing, nor was any Bible study. Ignorance of such a thing was a positive virtue. Success was getting a good job. The most successful in the job market were the least religious. Some were atheists.

As a young man I wanted no more than a subsistence income, with lots and lots of books. Funny, but that's the way it turned out. Poor guy, he never amounted to anything. True, but I had the books, secular at first, but later, after my conversion, the Bible.

I never impressed my family. All I wanted was to think of the deepest things I knew of. Soon I will find out if it worked. After my nap, I will see if God approves of what I tried to do.

Gabriel the Messenger Angel, and Michael the Warrior Angel

But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia. Daniel 10:13

And I heard a man's voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision. Daniel 8:16

These two verses in the book of Daniel introduce us to both Gabriel and Michael and their respective roles. And such marvelous things they do! I could go on and on about these angels and their angelic ministries.

Their tasks are continued in the New Testament. Gabriel as messenger to Mary in the first chapter of Luke, and Michael as the successful warrior against Satan's angels in Revelation chapter twelve.

We see in Daniel the pattern that will be continued later on. We see that God acts through his angels, that they are His intermediaries. But it is God that gives them their tasks.

It is in Daniel that we learn of the wars in the second heaven that determine the course of nations and empires. Nowhere in the Bible can we see more clearly the Satanic angels that rule over the nations. Our governments are determined in the second heaven, not in the voting booth.

God's elect are guided in their understanding by Gabriel, but coming to his aid is God's great warrior, Michael.

The Order of Events

But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. 1 Corinthians 15:23-24

My friend and I watched as a skilled amateur mechanic began to reassemble an engine he had been working on. Then my friend informed him that he had forgotten the push rods. My friend was very methodical. He later became an internal auditor for IRS, helping to unscramble complex computer glitches, for example. He understood that you must follow a sequence of events to solve a problem.

We all are being presented with numerous examples of people who would take items from the news and try to use them to prove that the end of the world is upon us, as if these represent fulfilled prophecies. Those who do so have a ready audience of willing dupes, people who are too lazy to put prophetic events in sequence. These people would put their shoes on first, then their socks.

I realize that people are busy, and many have no time or talent to search these things out. They may have two jobs, or drive trucks through the mountains, and do them very well. I sympathize with such situations.

But there are people who have had the time to analyze prophecies and put things into order. They have written wonderful study Bibles that put speculation to rest. If one does not have time for a study Bible, they can read 1 Corinthians chapter 15. It has several sequences in it, including the order of events by which we are saved.

Even a quick reading of this wonderful chapter will show us the logic involved in understanding the Bible. We will learn not to be in a hurry or listen to those who are.

Honor All Men, Love the Brethren

Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. 1 Peter 2:17

Surely Peter meant "love all men". After all, that's what John tells us God does in John 3:16, right? To do what God does, we must love all men.

Wrong. Enough sappy, unrealistic, "love" is generated by John 3:16, to drown a whale.

Personally, I have trouble loving my relatives and neighbors. But that's just me. How my friends love me is a mystery.

I was discussing John 3:16 with a very dear friend. She recommended just looking at surrounding verses to see the qualifiers in this verse. If anyone would dare say the following statement in a typical church, he or she would be shunned: "God does not love everyone. He loves His elect."

There. I said it. I hope you will not shun me. Sentiment dominates the Word of God in such a matter.

I have heard people list the things in the Bible that they refuse to believe because they disagreed with them. I have to remember that many are on a shopping trip, choosing doctrines that are pleasant, and rejecting others, based on the preferences of their fallen natures. This leads to some bizarre shopping carts.

A lady who wishes to teach haughtily rejected Paul's scripture saying that women should not teach or have authority over men (I Timothy 2:23). My own sister said this was written because "we all know Paul was a woman hater".

And so the selection goes in the great shopping mall of popular and unpopular doctrines.

Very few shoppers will accept that God does not love all people. Happily, Bible students are catching on.

An online search of the term "world" is very enlightening. However, those who have made such a study will be consigned to the rank of those who--though they proclaim that God loves everyone--hate us.

Waiting for Something a Whole Lot Better

There is a very popular idea that we should "live life to its fullest". Though I practised this in a very tame form for awhile, I was never really into it. I watched friends try to do it and was amazed to see how shallow their experiences were, and how little they satisfied them.

One of my friends was almost illegally handsome. Women nearly fainted when they met him. One day he introduced me to his girlfriend. She was shy and hid in his shadow. She had with her a portfolio of sketches, cartoons really. Reluctantly, she showed them to me. I was taken by a set that illustrated figures contemplating their navels. One was of a perplexed individual with about six navels. It said "confused". I cracked up at that one and told her, "That's me!" She basked in the attention.

A little later, when I was away, I found that she had come to my place alone to see me. My friend, who later married her, would have been upset. I wondered, why would the girlfriend of such an impressive man come to see me? Later, I think I figured it out. I had noticed her and her work, and we had laughed together. The focus had been on her.

My friend who believed in a thrill a minute, traveled the world, rode the fastest motorcycles in the world (Vincent Black Shadows and Lightnings), made delayed parachute drops, and sky dived, and became an airline pilot, was as shallow as a birdbath. He was a sensualist and atheist. He needed the thrills to feel alive and had zero hope for life after death. He regarded my faith as an aberration, something I would "get over".

While dating his wife to be, he found she had a former husband who stalked her. My friend began carrying a derringer, and a bullet slide on his belt. He jumped if anyone touched him from behind. Not too long after they married, his neglected wife divorced him. He is dead now--by my standards, never having lived. Without a belief in God, and no hope for the future, his life was meaningless.

I learned to become satisfied with my belief in what comes after death, or the rapture. The good things lie ahead.