Doing Our Part

We all know about doing our part. God gets us started, gives us the responsibility to complete His will, then it's up to us.

It is a huge honor to be needed to fulfill His plan. So big that a lot of people fail to do it. They may not listen to His call. They shrug it off, eventually die, and go to hell.

Many, many, are in hell now. I hear it's in the billions. And it's all their fault because they failed to do their part.

As for those who never hear of God's offer to do their part, somehow it is still their fault. Maybe He looked ahead and saw that they would not do their part, even if they heard about it.

But anyway, its up to us to help get ourselves born, and to stay born.

Of course, the above is total **** shit. If it were necessary for us to cooperate in our salvation, we would all fail to do it.

Parents are 100% necessary to get a baby born. Even an unfertilized ovum can't become a baby (or a fetus if aborted) by using his or her free will.

I heard a radio personality tell of bringing in a fireplace log one snowy day. His tiny child asked if he could help. "No thanks," he said. "I can get a log without you very well."

Then he remembered the song of a similar title. Maybe we should too?

Full of it Churches

And I don't mean the Holy Spirit. Wouldn't that be refreshing?

This is not an idle criticism, but is based on doctrinal statements and my own experience. A whole bunch of Christians claim that since there is no record of their origin, that they have existed since the beginning of the Christian era. It is the argument based on a total lack of evidence as proof. Kind of like me proclaiming that I am a direct lineal descendant of Charlemagne, because there is no record that I am! Must have been lost in a courthouse fire.

These people also claim that, although they are not Catholics (though they share major doctrines with them), neither are they Protestants. We have all heard about the early bird that gets the worm. Well, these people got there before the early bird. After all, Protestantism is so recent. In fact a major division of these people say they started with John the Baptist.

When the church began is actually a matter of argument. Many, like me, say that it began at Pentecost. Others, that it began with the Disciples. But, as far as I can find, only this group claims the church began with John.

I am not writing this to expose the obvious error of this group. Rather, I feel that they are in danger of over-inflation of the ego--a serious condition.

Instead of more deacons, I suggest they appoint professional truck drivers to straighten them out. These savvy drivers would have them pull to the side of the road, come to a complete stop, and check their pressure. Those who are over-inflated should let some of the air out.

These are not evil people. They are very good people. But they hurt their witness by claiming false ideas of their origin, and by following preachers instead of the Bible and the historical record.

Resurrection

I stand on trial because of the hope of the resurrection of the dead. Acts. 23:6, NIV

When Paul used a "divide and conquer" strategy in one of his trials, it is often treated almost humorously. As if Paul was only arguing about an incidental difference of opinion. But the doctrine of bodily resurrection is at the heart of the Gospel. A very quick search of the term in a concordance is startling, and here the NIV shines.

If I, personally, were on trial concerning this doctrine, I would ask, "What motive could I have for proclaiming resurrection as opposed to the totally pagan concept of an immortal soul?" I am winding up my days on earth. Now of all times is the time for honesty. I could say that resurrection is illustrated from Genesis to Revelation, while an immortal soul is nowhere in scripture. That should do it. But I am no longer so naive.

The Word of God loses out to superstition every day and night. Nothing I can write will alter a belief built in to human nature. But it is the witness of a (happily) dying man that we do die completely, just as we will be resurrected and given new immortal bodies. I have no illusion whatsoever that people will give up their pagan beliefs. Yet I still say it.

The Roman Catholic Church did not invent immortal souls or hell, they just passed them on from far older sources. The Protestants have retained them.

Yet the Reformation is still alive. It is even gaining strength as I lose mine. Not in mainline, corporate churches, which are lining up to kiss the Pope's Most Holy Ass, but in individuals who believe in the Bible alone as the source of truth. You can read their beliefs and arguments online. I draw great joy and comfort in their brave stand.

Struggling Against the Inevitable

the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure. Daniel 2:45

Been watching a series of videos about what some think could be the future. One video purports to show the earth 1,000,000 years in the future. The general theme of them all is a call for us to engage in some activity to prevent what seems to be an inevitable future.

My particular joy is to study the parts of the Bible showing what will take place, regardless of any human (or Satanic) activity.

For those who are determined to help save the world--that is, the people of the world--let me urge them to begin with their own families. Being a Calvinist, I am quite certain that any effort spent trying to make a sheep out of a goat is 100% wasted time.

The same is true of trying to prevent the dissolution of this crumbling world. To many, this may be considered the attitude of a "quitter", even of a negative point of view. As far as trying to go against the revealed word of God, this is certainly true. To strive against what will surely be, is not only folly, it is Satanic.

I can hear the voices that say, "But it would not be inevitable if we all tried real hard to prevent it." This is the cry of those who have not read Daniel chapter 2, or Romans chapter 9. It is so relaxing to understand that God has made plans that will be fulfilled, no matter what.

We have been educated in a system that teaches things take place through human effort. The Bible tells us of the will of God that brings things about despite human effort. For those who believe that human will is supreme, let me ask, is the world getting better because of it? Are people better now?

How ironic that, long ago, Nebuchadnezzar knew the future of the world and its destruction. He was given, and believed, what most today are in complete ignorance of. The world listens to the lies of Satan, rather than to the revealed truth of God.

Celebrity Chefs--2

I was reading a list of the characteristics of empires in their last stages. What caught my attention was that from long ago until today, they all elevated chefs to a high status.

Just my opinion, of course, but when the preparation and taste of food becomes a big deal in a person's life, that person is in trouble. Not that good food is "evil", but that there is no great interest in a person's life that takes its place. It is the vacuum in someone's life that interests me.

I saw an article with pictures of a young married couple that featured their fantastic kitchen. The lead photo showed the pretty young lady working in her kitchen. Its caption read, "We believe in living the good life." Wowee, this is the good life? Had I been invited to their home, I'm sure I would have enjoyed a meal there.

But, having enjoyed the hospitality of such nice people, I do tire of talking about the asparagus and other items. Such a grouch am I that, to me, food is for eating, not talking about. I could really enjoy a toasted cheese sandwich and good conversation a whole lot more.

Since cook books are always favorites, let me propose a title. The Finest Gourmet Meal That Jesus Ever Had, and How to Prepare it. Think it would sell?

I am a defender of Martha, the one who was so busy. The story of Lazarus tells us she had very good theology. I am certain that Jesus had good food and wonderful conversation in her household. But the Bible emphasizes the deepest truths, not the joys of a so called "good life".

I see around me a multitude who do not even try to live the way Jesus showed us. They do succeed in eating better than He did.

Mr. Smarty Pants Called a "Know-nothing"

Dear Know-nothing Smarty Pants,
I just read your piece, pretentiously titled, "Truth". As if you have it and others do not.

After rambling comments about "original texts", you start into your favorite rant on "hell". For some reason hell means a lot to you. Then you finish by talking about "Easter". Can you keep your wandering mind on a topic at all?

You recommend a good study Bible, then finish with a quotation from the NIV! Is this your idea of a good study Bible?

Answer: "Hell" would not enter my mind at all if it were not continuously promoted by others. When they stop promoting it, and quoting Jesus as using the term, then I will gladly drop it.

As for the NIV, I never said it was a study Bible; but it does correctly use the term "Passover" in Acts 12:4, which all accurate Bibles do. I am optimistic about the new translations and those who use them.

The Reformation is not over, and I try to help in my blog by pointing out errors that we have not yet eliminated. "Hell" and "Easter" are two of them.

Truth

Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? John 18:38

Truth has become an open question to many. Within my lifetime I have seen it become no question at all, as it is considered a purely personal matter. 6-1/2 billion people = 6-1/2 billion truths.

But the Bible shows that truth is a person. He became a baby to be born among us, grow to manhood, then give His life for us. His Word is truth.

So why the confusion, or pretended confusion?

Not only does the Father of Lies attempt to distract us from reading or even thinking about it, but he is aided by the various churches, his favorite target.

I do not believe in the infallibility of any Bible translation. But I do believe in getting as close to our original sources as possible. We can do that because a group of translators used manuscripts to create a New Testament in the Greek language. Its accuracy is so great that Jesus quoted from this translation. Good enough for Jesus, good enough for me.

There are more than two thousand manuscripts of the original documents. There are minor differences, but no doctrine is violated or changed by them. Anyone can buy an accurate Bible. Major bookstores sell them. Yet the church continues to promote false doctrines based on faulty translations.

To say these things makes you hated by many. I no longer care as I plan to leave this world soon. The only One I will answer to is God. To those who believe that any English translation is the most accurate reading of the Bible, let me say that some day their beliefs will be judged at the judgement seat of Christ.

If anyone promotes the false doctrine of hell, inherited from the Roman Catholic church, their works will be judged by Christ Himself. Any study Bible will reveal this error in its notes. How can you call yourself a Protestant when you teach errors from the Catholics?

May I recommend that you stay as close to the original teachings of Jesus as you can. Men died to bring this truth to us. Don't refer to church theology when doctrines are questioned. One study Bible will reveal the truth--the words of Jesus, not the differing translations and beliefs of the organized churches.

The ones who promote these differences will not be able to help you when Christ judges our works. They themselves will have their works judged.

A simple example of the insertion of false doctrine: where "Easter" is deliberately substituted for the word "Passover", which Luke wrote.

And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. Acts 12:4, King James translation.

After arresting him, he put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover. Acts 12:4, NIV