Revelationships

Freedom is knowing the Father and the Son

2011-07-27T14:07:00.001-07:00

Lord teach me how to be free. Or free me if I am not. In all aspects of life I want to be free. I believe you will see me through any situation. I believe you are with me. Show me this love that sets the captives free. Destroy the chains of self, so I may live. So I may love. Free me from the bondage of the illusions of this world. I believe I am free and made alive. Help me step into this reality. Jesus is alive. He died, and rose again. I will rise with Him. When blood and water hit the ground, I was made free. Show me this reality until it becomes my heartbeat. I want to love without the restraint of self seeking. Without the restraint of ego or pride. This is freedom. I want to be. Spirit of God fill me up again. I desire the desire again. I know what I need to want so bad. My flesh has no recollection of the spiritual experience. Remind my spirit with fire of the Love which you have. Encounter my deep with you. Reign in this vessel oh Spirit of the Son. I will listen until I cant stand to stop listening again. I will work out my salvation daily, today. Give me the strength to do so tomorrow. Thank you papa.

Treasure in the moments…

2011-07-14T10:54:00.000-07:00

Losing this life for the pursuit toward God is not losing anything but the dependence on all that is lost already. Lord give me wisdom. Give me revelations of time and the reality of the moment at hand. All things are permissible but most things are a waste of time. Lord God, put each moment in perspective. Let me see how you see. Make all moments a supernova of revelation. Like a star bursting in its completion only to become a new paradigm of truth power and love. Boredom is the result of a stagnate mind. The moment is of the utmost relevance. Even the past’s relevance is only so as to increase the awareness of the moment. By no means is this a call to live in the moment as the world does, perverting truth to justify carnal desires. They see the moment as a fleeting event which must be harnessed for sensuality. But as we live in Christ we live knowing each moment is eternal in that eternity can be found within it. Time, like an ocean being drained into the abyss holds precious jewels which have been hidden only to be sought out for those who desire eternal treasure. This is the relevance of the moment, each holds a revelation. Lord make me an avid treasure hunter, give me a heart and mind hungry for the eternal riches hidden in the moments. All of which reflect facets and depths of your Love. Lord quicken my mind to a steadfastness of seeking. Make my spirit energized with Love and Joy in a pursuit for Truth and Love.

Proverbs 25:2 “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.”

Virtue, and Freedom: You can’t have one without the other (part 2)

2011-04-27T16:52:00.000-07:00

Demoralization: The foundation of our prison

So what happened? What went wrong? Since America’s declaration of independence in 1776, Our government has grown to a size way beyond the intention of our founding fathers. Income Taxes, Federal sovereignty, socialized health care, welfare, bailouts which monopolize private sectors. We are way passed “a necessary evil” and getting dangerously close to, “an intolerable one”. But, to point at our current state of government which in so many ways has become tyrannical, with frustration and blame toward it’s residing members , is to continue to be ignorant of the source of such evil. The necessary size of our government is always a parallel of the “necessity to be governed”. I placed quotes over this phrase because that is the variable which is debatable and we will discuss further a bit later. I don’t believe the reduction of freedom is justified but is the result of evil taking advantage of a generation’s transgression against the law.

This reminds me of what Paul wrote in his letter to the Roman Church:

“For sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, deceived me, and through the commandment put me to death.”

Paul here is referring to God’s law and not mans law, but with this verse we get to the real root of the problem and the source of man’s government. Sin. Thomas Paine speaks of government being instituted due to man’s vices, but that is about as far back that Paine goes. Paul here is referring to the vices themselves. Webster’s dictionary defines a vice as: frailty: moral weakness or a specific form of evildoing. Sin. Sin results in Laws. The original sin of man, resulted in Laws from God, and sin continues to provide the opportunity for more laws. So if freedom is the lack of laws and laws are the result of sin, we could conclude that where sin is absent, freedom is found.

Paul wrote to Timothy in this regard as well…

We also know that law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful”

Paine continues regarding the suffering due to government…

“when we suffer, or are exposed to the same miseries by a government, which we might expect in a country without government, our calamities is heightened by reflecting that we furnish the means by which we suffer! Government, like dress, is the badge of lost innocence; the palaces of kings are built on the ruins of the bowers of paradise. For were the impulses of conscience clear, uniform, and irresistibly obeyed, man would need no other lawgiver; but that not being the case, he finds it necessary to surrender up a part of his property to furnish means for the protection of the rest; and this he is induced to do by the same prudence which in every other case advises him out of two evils to choose the least”

Paine recognizes that if man were to always submit to a God given conscience, laws to restrain man would not be necessary, and freedom would be complete.

An Ex KGB officer named Bezmenov once spoke regarding the communistic approach to take over a society through a brain washing process they called ‘Ideological subversion’. Bezmenov said the following:

“It’s a great brain washing process which goes very slow, its divided into 4 basic stages. The first one being ‘demoralization’. It takes from fifteen to twenty years to demoralize a nation. Why that many years? Because this is the minimum number of years to educate one generation of students of your enemies and expose the ideology without being challenged by the basic values of America. The result? The result you can see, most of the people that graduated in the 60’s, are now occupying the positions of power: Government, civil service, business, mass media, educational system you are stuck with them you can not get rid of them, they are contaminated, they are programmed to react to certain stimuli… The process of demoralization is complete and irreversible.”

Man’s lusts and vices have become the foundation and catalyst for a prison. When we look at the world we see an evil machine designed to enslave people. This system appeals to every aspect of a persons flesh and ego provoking them into transactions of sin which eventually result in lawlessness thus provoking the system to add additional layers of bondage through legislation. Then the process is repeated until a people are completely enslaved.

Bezmenov goes on to say the solution to this problem and only solution is a new generation of people with new values, with virtue.

Virtue, and Freedom: You can’t have one without the other (part 1)

2011-04-27T16:50:00.000-07:00

The Original Design

A truly free society would not have a government, but our founding fathers, were forced to settle necessarily for a government which protects inalienable rights so an individual can be as free as is possible in a fallen world. This was the original design. The most limited government possible to protect the rights God has given to every man. The minimal amount of laws so that the individuals inalienable rights are protected.

Thomas Paine Wrote:

“Society is produced by our wants, and government by our wickedness; the former promotes our happiness positively by uniting our affections, the latter negatively by restraining our vices. The one encourages intercourse, the other creates distinctions. The first is a patron, the last a punisher.“

The republic founded by our fathers of old had minimal laws toward the individual which would restrain the vices that represent a threat to said rights. But even this form of government was as Paine puts it “in its best state a necessary evil in its worst state an intolerable one”.

According to Paine, governments are instituted to restrain vices. The implication in this statement is that there exist vices to be restrained. Transgressing against a law results in new layers of law which further restrict ones freedom . This example can be seen clearly in the life of a criminal who eventually breaks laws, until he is imprisoned by them. Even in prison, were freedom is so limited, further law breaking will eventuate in isolation, an even smaller cell with zero freedom. In the natural world, the size of our prison is determined by our submission to the existing law. The general idea however, was minimal government, maximum freedom. But, there is always a catch. There exists a requisite for such a free society. This requisite, was virtue. This I believe is what Benjamin Frankly meant when he said “We have founded for you a republic, if you can keep it”

Fire: It Hurts So Good

2011-01-03T16:58:00.000-08:00

Oh the mystery. The unknown is a place of testing. A perspective which has just as much potential to inspire fear as it does Awe. Oh how weak we truly are, only a fire can really reveal such an obvious circumstance. Our frailty, our helplessness truly apparent when the flames of trial reveal the true meaninglessness of every worldly asset one possesses. The truth, brilliantly defined when the scorching heat consumes all that which was once a source of comfort or confidence. That which remains is Truth. The density of residing worldly objects parallels the time invested into it which also parallels the intensity and duration of the fire necessary for its complete and utter destruction. ‘Though You slay me, I will trust in You.’ This process of substitution of infinite for that which was finite is knowingly beneficial in its outcome, painful in its process and I trust, never unnecessary. When do we want our fire I ask? On earth while the space once occupied by finite subjects can be gracefully replaced with the infinitude of God’s glory? Or in heaven, when all that potential lost is realized at the Bema seat of Christ? ‘Consider it all joy my brothers…’ ‘…For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, works for us a far more exceedingly and eternal weight of glory.’ That which experiences pain is due to die, eventuating in the infinite experience of restoration which inherently is nothing less then intimacy with infinitude, our Creator, the Holy one.

Climb With Love

2011-01-03T16:19:00.000-08:00

What will I find at the top? What will I discover along the way? We climb for an ultimate reward of summit which few have recorded as have done this, (Paul being one) but the journey gives us a view as well. That is, a view of our self. Risk, reward and fear seem to increase together. Climbing requires strength, steadfastness and fearlessness and how much of my own well being am I willing to sacrifice in exchange for a destiny fulfilled. How will I handle the fears which try to capitalize on my vertical journey? How determined am I? How is this determination cultivated? There is no Reward without sacrifice, no sacrifice without Risk, and no Risk without action. I must move. I must go up. But potential reward is still not motive enough to move much of the time. What causes us to move I ask? I believe, that which prompts us to move is only that which moves our hearts. “We love because he first loved us” We need to cry out for His heart. We are nothign without love. We are without use without love. Love it seems is a prerequisite to use, and Jesus is the prerequisite to Love. If it is fear that prevents us from climbing higher and true love casts out fear, then we must know love each day if we wish to continue our epic journey upward. Love will increase as the elevation increases. Love assures our minds and increases our peace, securing our foothold. Love before you climb lest you fall.

Mandate to Love Before We Speak

2010-10-26T14:52:00.001-07:00

Every word that comes out of our mouth is coated with a sort of oil or tar, each being influenced by the heart, each bringing with them the once hidden intent. Vocalizing thoughts into organized sounds, vibrating the air while traveling in time and space until it meets the ears of the recipient. No going back what is said is said, intent is known our hearts exposed. To destroy or build the choice is ours. Our words are the vehicle for the fulfillment of a mandate to Love or a weapon in the hands of the enemy. The condition of our heart determines the color of our words. Test your heart, Test your heart. What is the intent? Consider the implications of our words to be the very thing that is said. The implications will be heard. Maybe even more clearly then the words that were said. You’re heart will be made known regardless of the words you choose to use. We must not only master our flesh but also our hearts. Forcing them into a place of submission, unrelentingly going back to the cross until the mindful revelation of Gods Love transforms the heart of hearts. Until then are we even permitted to speak? To define someone without love is to lay a foundation for a demonic stronghold. We CANNOT love without Love. We cannot love without God. Let our yes be yes and our no be no. In order for our words to be true we must go to Truth for our words. The source. Truth the Man, Jesus Christ.

Oh the mysteries of the cross...

-B

(Dream) Fear - Storm - Bulding - Pillar - Truth

2010-01-29T10:32:00.001-08:00

Dream 1 (Fear attacks)
I "woke up" but i was still dreaming. It was dark and I was in my room. I was struck with fear. I felt like something was on the other side of my door. I grabbed my rifle and pointed it at the door. Then I "woke up" again but was still dreaming and did the same thing. thought I was awake this time so I grabbed my rifle and pointed it at the door... Then the dream transitioned...

Tornado...
Playing catch with a football on a huge lawn with unrecognizable people. The setting was gloomy, windy, Erie. Black Storm clouds were brewng and it was getting worse. I meet up Ryan, Aaron, Britt and Kristen. (I believe this was the group) I asked out loud 'can we go down' refering to a basement. Someone points us to a shallow basment compartment thing. It was only a couple steps deep and was not fully submerged in the ground. Not the best shelter. The storm started blowing over us. It pulled this basment thing off base and slides us down road while inside it. at one point it hit something and stopped so we got out. "at least we are farther away from the storm." I said. as we get out of this structure we get caught in rain floods that start pulling us back toward this storm. While floating in this flood i looked up and saw a ugly black twister cloud forming in distance. as its forming a skull forms in the cloud inside it while twisting. This storm was not of God,it seemed evil, or deat. While flowing toward this storm we swim to the side of the flood to pull our self out in the direction of a building I see. Pull our self out soaking wet we approach the entrance of this building. It was impressive in size and stature. A man wearing an Isreali head piece and old school traditional Isreali garb opens the door for us. This man was emotionless. He was not suprised to see us, and I felt he knew we needed the protection of this building. He was a servant, I think an angel. I knew this building was for the a priviledge people, royalty maybe so I felt out of place soaking wet from a storm but the man seemed ok with it. once inside the stregnth of this building was felt. The storm would not shake this building. I patted on of the pillers while looking at Ryan as if to say "this piller is not going anywhere". Then I remembered the storm and realized it was about to hit us. I got on my knees to hold tight to that pillar in prep for tornado storm. I asked where Kristen was and gestured to her to come down with me to grasp to this pillar. Then I Woke up.

When I woke up I looked around and was not inittially aware of the dream I just had. Then it came back to me. As soon as I started thinking. I need to remember this, the first dream about being fearful and my rifle flooded my thoughts and I actually thought about grabbing the gun and pointing at my door. The fear got intense. I wanted to rebuke it in my mind but was intimidated to even rebuke it because I thought it would retaliate (the fear it self). Then, in my brain I just said 'fear is a lie'. When I said this, I heared/felt a loud sound. It was a reverberating sound like that of a high power laser. The sound really woke me up. It felt as if the lie had been burned out of my brain. I felt this sound. At that point i looked around my room and was almost joyful because i still felt i was in the midst of fear and not afraid. Then I grabbed my phone and started typing. Lol. I ask for dreams and He is faithful right.

have fun with this one bud.

Thank you Lord, keep em coming.

I think the piller was knowledge of God or Fear of God. Not sure. Could be wrong.

A Meal Being Prepared (Dream)

2010-01-12T17:47:00.000-08:00

Dream...

I was in a grocery store. A huge grocery store/fun house cause everyone was having a blast in the store. I saw a man who was making some food. I was asking him what it was and that I wanted some. It was baklava and hummus wrapped in panceta. (sounds yummy but very wierd) and then he asked if I wanted to try something. He was very inviting and I knew he knew what he was doing, so i really wanted to. He handed me what looked like some grilled onions. I ate them and they were spicy. He asked what I thought and I said, "there spicy" and he smiled at me and said 'ya spicy' like he knew there was more meaning to that. Then he said, come with me ill show you how to cook something (I think) and he came over to this stand like you might see in a costco where peeps are giving out samples. He lit a fire in the middle of this grill thing, then he took ice and poured it on each side of the fire and then right over the fire. The ice did not fall on the fire though, it just got poured right over it and appeared to be held up by an invisible barrier. I could see the fire flickering through the ice. Then the ice started melting over the fire but it was not effecting the flame. Then i looked up and saw above that grill there was a griddle that was about head hight with a huge steak like piece of meat that was cooking. Kelly was there and she took some salt and and seasoned half the steak. I was impressed cause she seemed like she knew what she was doing, then I grabbed salt and seasoned the other half cause I wanted to be involved. Then i checked the bottom of the steak to see how cooked it was and it was only barley cooked on the bottom portion. The top portion (which we seasoned was more browned) Thats about it. I know he was going to make something really really delicious though. His presence was very pleasent and inviting. And he knew what he was doing.

Libson Treaty Signed. New Rome?

2009-11-10T11:53:00.000-08:00

Just quick important update. The Lisbon Treaty has been signed by all memebers and will take full effect December 2009.

Treaty of Lisbon...

The Treaty of Lisbon (initially known as the Reform Treaty) is an international agreement signed in Lisbon on 13 December 2007 designed to change the workings of the European Union (EU). Having been ratified by all EU member states, the treaty will enter into force on 1 December 2009. The treaty amended the Treaty on European Union (TEU,Maastricht; 1992) and the Treaty establishing the European Community(TEC, Rome; 1957). In the process, the TEC was renamed to Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).

Prominent changes included more qualified majority voting in the Council of Ministers, increased involvement of theEuropean Parliament in the legislative process through extended codecision with the Council of Ministers, eliminating the pillar system and the creation of a President of the European Council with a term of two and a half years and aHigh Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy to present a united position on EU policies. The Treaty of Lisbon will also make the Union's human rights charter, the Charter of Fundamental Rights, legally binding.

So in other words the Treaty will provide a level of sovereignty to the EU like never before, cause human right laws created by the union legally binding and create a full term presidency. This will be the first time since Roman rule that one person will have this much power over all of Europe. Why is this significant? It appears to be an exact fulfillment of biblical prophecy. Read this bit of info I researched in 2006 to get filled in:http://revelationships.blogspot.com/2006_07_01_archive.html At the point that I wrote the article a 6 month rotating presidency of the 'European Council' was in effect, the EU had no real sovereignty, and many members were actively against such a treaty. Fast forward 4 years and the EU is now becoming what appears to be exactly the revival of Rome Daniel wrote about regarding King Nebuchadnezzar's dream.

The most exciting part of this revelation, is the events that follow after the rise of the new Rome. Not long after this happens in the biblical prophecy our Lord Jesus Christ returns to establish His Kingdom. Are you ready? Are you ready for this to happen? I encourage all non-believers to seek their heart, and pray for revelation of Jesus Christ. And all believers like said by my buddy Hans, to Immerse them self in the spirit and the secret place. Close the door and meditate! All glory to God through Christ Jesus. Father by your Grace we are saved.

-B

Strength

2009-01-28T13:47:00.000-08:00

Strength:

What is strength? Webster defines strength as “Capacity for exertion or endurance” Where does it come from? Hardship? Awareness? Genetics? Training? As a young kid, I always associated strength with muscle, then as an “old kid” it was enduring physical pain. Now? Hmm, well I am learning now. Now is a time of learning. I am learning strength is in weakness, and weakness is in strength. I am learning the unfortunate reality of weakness that manifests thru pride which often times is inherited by strength. I am learning that a Christ given steadfast mentality is always the result of humility provided by a state of weakness. So where is the line drawn? How can I be strong without becoming weak? Sounds simple enough. In theory, sure. In practice, it has become the catalyst to the confusion that motivated this attempt to organize my thoughts. I find strength in many things. Working out. Heavy objects that I elevate then relegate, then elevate, then relegate. This seemingly tedious task of working my muscles to the point of controlled injury, brings me to a state of weakness. My muscle fibers in their weakened state, have literally been torn apart slightly creating small amounts of space between them. This is the reason my legs experience pain and weakness after a workout. I must endure the weakness, to gain strength. The gap in the muscle fibers must be filled with additional proteins. The body will utilize proteins in the blood stream to repair the gap to the best of it’s ability by creating additional muscle tissue. The extent of repair however is dependent on the amount of vital resources available in the blood stream. So it’s a two part process. Break the muscle down to the point of weakness then provide the body with the necessary resources to repair the tissue. True strength can only be found thru weakness! We must become weak to obtain strength. That is physical strength, what about mental, emotional and intellectual strength? Yes, now I see it is all exactly the same. To obtain any kind of strength, I must become weak in that area. How can anyone obtain more of anything, if they believe there is no room for growth? I must see my weakness, and proceed from the place of weakness. I looked up some passages from scripture in this regard and found the answer I was looking for in 2 Corinthians 12:9 :But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.” Acknowledgement of weakness is really a lack of pride. Pride in our strength is the reason we limit our growth and prevents us from seeing our weakness, and is the very thing the makes us weak. Knowing that becoming weak can result in strength, how do I become weak? What is the emotional or mental equivalent to the Gym? How can I become weak so that I may grow? Difficult Times in Life make us weak, Trials. These are the times of enduring, the situations that create weakness, These are the times we must not only endure but rejoice knowing they are an opportunity for growth! James 1 verses 2-4 state the following … “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” This is the It! This is our gym, that will develop strength. Just like the gym, I must endure the weakness to gain strength. Knowing this, do I pray for struggle? I would not say that. I will pray for revelation. Revelation of Christ. Who He is, and what His purpose is in my life. I will follow Him, and in this, I may be led through some “Harsh Terrain” On the other hand I don’t believe this ‘Call to weakness’ is completely dependent on the occasional struggle in life. I believe this becomes a state of mind. Humility, dying to you is self, considering others greater. Weakness is not just the place you find you’re self after you lose your house through economic catastrophe. Even in times of prosperity we must strive to clench to a heart of weakness. We must be submissive, and soft. Maybe this is why giving is so important. True Giving is giving when you can’t spare what you give. True giving requires faith in the strength of Christ. This place of giving makes us weak, which will become the platform for strength.

In our weakness His strength is made perfect:

Well knowing where our weakness comes from, now, just like the muscle repair, we need to ingest the resource that will become the building blocks for strength. Christ! He is our strength, just as Paul has mentioned in the above verse. “So that Christ’s power may rest on me”. So in the spiritual case, it is not our own strength that is obtained but Christ’s. The more we endure our struggles, we become weak, and this weakness creates an openness in our spiritual muscles, which, if we want to become stronger, must be filled by Christ. 2 Corinthians 12:10 “That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” Jesus is the ultimate example of this both in weakness and in strength. God become flesh and lead a blameless life, He was perfect. Thus, perfect in weakness to the point of death, His life and sacrifice was the ultimate act of humility and weakness, which allowed for God’s power to be ultimate in him …2 Corinthians 13:4 For to be sure, he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by God's power. Likewise, we are weak in him, yet by God's power we will live with him to serve you. The more I learn about God, the more I realize how revolutionary this life is. While the rest of the world is advertising strength, Jesus suggests, weakness. Strength is not found in thy self where the capacity is low, but in Christ who is God incarnate and who has an infinite capacity for strength. So, there it is. The true origin of strength. Christ is my answer. Christ is always my answer.

2 Corinthians 1 Read & Thoughts

2009-01-15T12:40:00.000-08:00

KEY:

GODS WORD: BOLD

My Thoughts: Not Bold

2 Corinthians 1

1:3-4 …the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in ALL our troubles, SO that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

5-8 For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation;

(Paul is working for their salvation, His burden is that which will become the comfort and salvation of those he is talking to)

If we are comforted, it is for your comfort,

(Paul’s comfort is the result of their current spiritual condition & “salvation status”)

which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer.

(If salvation and “comfort” is obtained by the recipients of Paul’s letter, their agenda changes, then they see and become burdened by the same burden as Paul)

And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.

(Once you get our burden, you to will understand our Satisfaction… For others?)

12-14 Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God. We have done so not according to worldly wisdom but according to Gods grace.

(While in the world, They have conducted themselves appropriately and have approached their relationship with holiness and sincerity that is from God. They have a clear conscience because of the trust in God and the power of God that has been granted to them because of their faith.)

For we do not write you anything you cannot read or understand. And I hope that, as you have understood us in part, you will come to understand fully that you can boast of us just as we will boast of you in the day of the Lord Jesus.

(Seems Paul is trying to say he is blessed by them as he hopes they feel blessed as well?)

18-24 But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not “Yes” and “no” (Law) For the Son of God, Jesus Chris, who was preached among you by me and Silas and Timothy, was not Yes” and “No”, but in him it has always been “Yes” For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.

(Christ is the Yes to ALL of the promises of God, Christ is the fulfillment of Promises made by God)

Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

(Gods Spirit in our hearts, and his anointed power is the reason we stand firm in Christ, even our faith is the result of Gods power, all glory to God Amen!)

I call God as my witness that I was in order to spare you that I did not return to Corinth. Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, because it is by faith you stand firm.

The workshop of Jesus (Dream)

2008-08-18T08:24:00.000-07:00

08/16/08:

...I found myself in an area outside but surrounded by natural looking walls made of large rocks. The walls surrounded around almost completely but there was one portion that led off to what seemed like mining tunnels. Other people were in this area walking around, talking like normal. Everyone seemed content and happy with them self. At this point even I seemed very ok with the situation. For whatever reason I decided to fly. From what I could tell, I was the only one in the group that could do this. I jumped up and flew with ease. I soared over the walls which I believe was surrounded by water (not sure). I remember kind of showing off, and I remember getting many peoples attention when I flew. I came back down, and at some point in the dream, I realized everyone including my self, was dead. Everyone was completely content with the fact that they were dead. At one point I went up to one guy, and without a hint of negativity I asked him, "Are you dead?" He answered, almost proudly "Yes!" with a big smile on his face. It was almost as if I had asked him some trivial day to day question. We both responded to the situation like it was normal. Then I decided to walk thru the mining tunnels I saw earlier. It was very much like you would expect of a mining tunnel. After about 10 or so feet, it branched off. On the left was a door with I believe the letter 'G' on it, to the right the tunnel continued into darkness. At that moment, when I looked at the door I realized I was dead, and the contrast of life was then apparent. I knew the door was the key to life. So excited, I ran back to the group yelling, "Hey everyone, we don’t have to be dead!" We can all be alive. At first I remember people responding to my excitement but then they quickly lost interest after hearing what I said. I was so excited I did not care. My sisters April & Erin did hear me and followed me back to the door. Once there I explained to them, "Look it says Jesus!" But all you could see is the "G". For some reason when you believed in the fact that this door said "Jesus" you could see the word "Jesus" But you could not see it on the door, but internally. Erin tried so hard to logically see the word "Jesus" on the door, she went closer and touched it. I said, "No" kind of annoyed at this point, "you have to stand back and believe" I said "Stand back". Then Erin, obviously annoyed at my impatience, punched me on the shoulder and took of back and out of the tunnel. In an instant I sensed a great danger that was flowing thru the mining tunnel that behind us. I thought that lava was coming thru toward us at a quick pace. I told April "We have to go now" We went right thru the door without even having to open it. And fell into one of those mining containers they use to transport materials out of the mine. It was on a track and under the track was flowing lava. We flew thru this underground rollercoaster experience on tracks that seemed to be just seconds away from breaking, leaving us to the fate of the molten rock. It seemed very chaotic, fast, and kind of fun. Then the train ended throwing us thru another door, we both went thru, then fell down these wooded stairs. When I looked up we were in what looked like a basement that had been converted into a wood working workshop. Everywhere I looked I saw beautifully crafted furniture and decor, beyond any workmanship I have seen from Man or machine. All different types of wood, designs, styles. The atmosphere seemed to be the complete opposite of where we just came from. Calm, peaceful, humble and glorious all at once. As I looked around I saw a man wearing traditional Israeli dress, he was on a ladder grabbing tools or supplies from a shelf above. He did have long hair and I could not see his face, only his back and right side. He was aware of our presence and slowly started walking down the ladder. In an instant the shear magnitude of the situation encompassed my mind and soul at once. This Man was Jesus. And the next thought brought my face to the ground in absolute humility. He was making all of the furniture in preparation of his people. Each detail, each style, each perfectly hand crafted item was for a specific person. The comprehension of his love enveloped me. He loved his people so much, he wants to personally create every detail by hand for our dwelling place in heaven. Jesus, our Lord and God was in a humble basement building furniture, for me. When I fell to the ground I did so to get so low, as if I could become lower then the ground itself. My soul was almost overpowered by the emotion. The power of the spirit and love was so heavy. I was crying from the soul. It felt amazing just to be in his presence. I was not very aware of much else at this point but I am pretty sure April had the same response. Before I could see his face I had already fell to the ground. Although I was not looking I knew he had walked right in front of us, I could feel his presence, and it was very heavy. Then I woke up. I woke up in that instant, completely awake. I almost started crying when I woke up as well, I could still feel the presence I felt in the dream. I was disappointed I was awake. I wanted to go back and be in back on the floor in total submission. But I woke up.

God did something.

2008-05-27T07:41:00.000-07:00

It was Sunday May, the 25th 2008. Kristen and I were on our way to marriage counseling with our counselors Shuno and his Wife Deborah. Last year we participated in the counseling when we weren't engaged, so we knew what to expect. Since it is a Christian Counseling, they prayed over Kristen and I after our session. Kristen had to go watch the kids, and after she left the Lord sent the Holy Spirit do something. I am still not sure of the depth of what changed but I know certain things did in fact change in me. I was really discouraged the weeks prior because I have NEVER experienced the holy spirit up to that point and was praying to God for a while for this. Shuno and his wife laid hands on me and were praying which is very normal to me cause I have grown up in a charismatic church my whole life. I even felt emotional and was crying because I did feel the words of knowledge God was giving to Shuno, but that too was something I have experienced and did not phase me. Then He decided to do what the bible calls 'anointing in oil, where he literally took out some 'prayer oil' and placed it on my forehead and began to pray again. This is where it got out of control. It started with a head-ache but it was weird, like a flow of blood going to my head as if I was doing a handstand. Then it literally felt as if my brain was being moved a little. Then seconds passed that and I did not even realize what was happening. Before I even recognized the spirit was on me, my stomach had hunched me over, I was swaying (not realizing it) and I felt as if I was intoxicated, or in a dream state. Then I realized seconds had passed since my last 'conscious' thought. I was upright being prayed for, then for a point I was not even conscious of my surroundings, then I realized the spirit was on me. That is when it got really strange. I started to listen to what shuno was praying for. I felt so far away from 'reality' as we know it so I could not concentrate hard enough to understand the words he was saying. He was only inches away from me but I dont know what he actually said. The weird thing is, part of me understood everything he intended thru his words. His words felt so good going into my soul. The ONLY way I can describe the prayers, is that it was like a river of life coming out of his mouth and into my soul thru my head. I invited it fully and did not care about my physical environment. Mainly, because for all effective purposes, I was NOT in a physical realm. Then I could not help but have this huge smile on my face as I was bent over crying. Then my whole face, hands feet and head where almost numb. At this point they were about done praying and I was 'Coming to' If you will. I looked up at Shuno and he was full of tears to. I was sitting the whole time, but if I was standing, I would not have been able to. At this point my legs were numb and really weak. My hands were shaking my face and body were very dehydrated and I was nauseous. There was so much energy going thru my body that all the food I had recently ate, all the water in my body got used up from the minutes of prayer. I did not know what was normal so I asked them. Shuno informed me that when you get 'delivered' from any type of darkness the symptoms I was feeling were normal. And in that time they were praying for healing and deliverance of certain things from my past. I felt a little sick, shaky, and weak but I was stoked. My faith grew a huge amount on Sunday. God is SO Real and is SO GOOD. After explaining to them that this was the FIRST time I had felt the holy spirit, they kinda laughed and seemed to get even MORE excited for me. Deborah went to her car and gave me two water bottles which I downed immeadiatly. Then they said, I should go into the main sanctuary where the worship service was taking place and 'soak it up'. So I did. When I went outside to walk over to our main sanctuary I still felt the presence of God on me. I felt as if I had just awaken from a really deep sleep as I walked over. I still felt very 'distant' from the physical enviornment that I was walking in. Once I got the the 'Big building' I looked for my parents. I spotted my step Mother praying for my dad and went over. As soon as I got to them I told them what had happend and they started getting so happy, then right away their happiness turned into a feeling of Pure Joy for me. The presence of God came back but it was different this time. When shuno was praying there was a huge physical thing happening very intense because I was getting cleansed from things. Now when I was with my parents in the worship portion of church I felt for a few seconds what can only be described as euphoria. I felt such a joy and love. I looked at my step Mom and saw her in a way I have never seen anyone. I loved her so much at that moment with the most pure unbiased love. I believe I saw her how God may see her. I could not resist, I just grabbed her and embraced her. Then the same to my Dad, It was a level of reality I have never experienced. I had NO care as to what the people around me thought or saw cause I KNEW I was experiencing something beyond them or myself. Then the pastor came on and directed the congregation back to the seats to start the message. I started to 'come to' again and was once again back in the 'physical realm' if you will. (I have no idea how else to explain what I experienced except with the terms and words I am using so please use your imagination i guess) The whole rest of the day the presence was still on me. It was so Cool. This sounds weird but I could hear God so well that day. He saved me from a speeding ticket (told me there was a cop coming seconds before I saw him while I was speeding & told me to give the waiter that night a 100% tip because she is paying her way thru college which I confirmed. She is going to berkley and is living with her parents in the off season and that is what the job was for) So thats it. I cant wait to do it again. God is coming people. He IS coming.

Pharaoh Practiced Free Will

2008-03-11T11:31:00.000-07:00

Free Will Vs Destiny:
The Story of Pharaoh

Many believe they are in control of their destiny and the choices they make are purely the result of free will and a conscious decision. While others believe ALL things that happen are not only pre-destined but the actual will of God, also known as fatalism. In my opinion both of these perspectives lack the complexities that are apparent with God. One major story in the bible that lends to the idea of fatalism is the story of Pharaoh and Moses. In the Book of Exodus we find that God hardened the heart of Pharaoh in order that his glory may be shown. (See Exodus 7:3,13, 9:12, 10:1, 20,27, 11:10, 14:4,8) This implies that God can and will overrides certain peoples free will, so the actions of those who’s hearts are hardened will allow God to demonstrate his power. One portion of this way of thinking appears to be flawed for this reason; It implies that God requires certain actions of Man to take place before he can perform other actions. Lets get one thing straight first, God does not need anything. If you look at the real beginning of the story God being outside time can determine the Pharaoh’s heart before it was hardened. Exodus 3:19-20 “19 But I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go unless a mighty hand compels him. 20 So I will stretch out my hand and strike the Egyptians with all the wonders that I will perform among them. After that, he will let you go.”

In the next chapter the LORD said to Moses, “…"When you return to Egypt, see that you perform before Pharaoh all the wonders I have given you the power to do. But I will harden his heart so that he will not let the people go” After this, several other verses state the same thing, that God hardened Pharaoh’s heart. Have you ever been confronted by someone who makes your blood boil? Could you say that there words or even just there presence hardened your heart? As an “idiom” you could say, “That person Hardened my heart” I believe every reference to the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart is an active idiom. (An idiom is an expression, that is a term or phrase whose meaning cannot be deduced from the literal definitions and the arrangement of its parts, but refers instead to a figurative meaning that is known only through common use. Supposedly, in linguistics, idioms are widely assumed to be figures of speech that contradict the principle of compositionality;) “the biblical languages had idioms, colloquialisms, Semitisms, and word usages peculiar to them, which those familiar with the language would understand.” A clear example of this type of usage is found in 1 John 1:10, which states, “If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him (God) a liar.” No one can make God a liar, but the attempt to deny sin is the equivalent of attempting to make God a liar, which is rendered with an active verb as if it actually happened. Verbs, therefore, can have idiomatic usages that may convey something other than a strict, literal meaning.

The Following is a writing by Kyle Butt, M.A and Dave Miller, ph.D...

With that in mind, Bullinger’s fourth list of idiomatic verbs deals with active verbs that “were used by the Hebrews to express, not the doing of the thing, but the permission of the thing which the agent is said to do” (p. 823, emp. in orig.). To illustrate, in commenting on Exodus 4:21, Bullinger stated: “ ‘I will harden his heart (i.e., I will permit or suffer his heart to be hardened), that he shall not let the people go.’ So in all the passages which speak of the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart. As is clear from the common use of the same Idiom in the following passages” (1968, p. 823). He then listed Jeremiah 4:10, “ ‘Lord God, surely thou hast greatly deceived this people’: i.e., thou hast suffered this People to be greatly deceived, by the false prophets….’ ” Ezekiel 14:9 is also given as an example of this type of usage: “ ‘If the prophet be deceived when he hath spoken a thing, I the Lord have deceived that prophet’: i.e., I have permitted him to deceive himself.” James MacKnight, in a lengthy section on biblical idioms, agrees with Bullinger’s assessment that in Hebrew active verbs can express permission and not direct action. This explanation unquestionably clarifies the question of God hardening Pharaoh’s heart. When the text says that God hardened Pharaoh’s heart, it means that God would permit or allow Pharaoh’s heart to be hardened.

A second equally legitimate explanation for the Exodus text is that the allusions to God hardening Pharaoh’s heart are a form of figurative speech, very closely associated with metaphor, known as “metonymy,” where one name or word is employed for another. For example, when we speak of “reading Shakespeare,” we mean that we read his writings or plays. God hardening Pharaoh’s heart would be “metonymy of the subject,” that is, the subject is announced, while some property or circumstance belonging to it is meant. Specifically, under this form of the figure, “[a]n action is sometimes said to have been accomplished, when all that is meant by it is that an occasion was given” (Dungan, 1888, p. 287; cf. Bullinger, 1898, p. 570).
The Bible is replete with examples that illustrate this figure of speech. John reported that “Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John” (John 4:1). In reality, Jesus did not personally baptize anyone (John 4:2). But His teaching and influence caused it to be done. Jesus, the subject, is mentioned, but it is the circumstance of His influence that is intended. His teaching was responsible for people being baptized. Repeatedly in the book of 1 Kings, various kings of Israel are said to have “walked in the way of Jeroboam…who had made Israel sin” (e.g., 1 Kings 16:19,26; 22:52). But Jeroboam did not force either his contemporaries or his successors to sin. Rather, he set an example that they chose to follow. Judas was said to have purchased a field with the money he obtained by betraying Christ (Acts 1:18). But, in reality, he returned the money to the chief priests and then hung himself. The blood money was then used to purchase the field (Matthew 27:5-7). By metonymy of the subject, Judas was said to have done that which his action occasioned. Paul warned Roman Christians: “Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died” (Romans 14:15). What he meant was that they should not set an example that lures weaker brothers into doing what they consider to be wrong. Paul told Corinthian Christians that they were in a position to “save” their unbelieving spouses (1 Corinthians 7:16). He told Timothy that he was in a position to “save” those who listened to his teaching (1 Timothy 4:16). In both cases, Paul meant that proper teaching and a proper example could influence the recipients to obey God’s will for their lives.

Another instance of metonymy of the subject, closely aligned with the example of Pharaoh in Exodus, is the occasion of the conversion of Lydia, the businesswoman from Thyatira. The text states that the “Lord opened her heart” (Acts 16:14). However, the specific means by which God achieved this action was the preaching of Paul. God’s Word, spoken through Paul, created within her a receptive and responsive mind. In like fashion, Jesus is said to have preached to Gentiles as well as to the antediluvian population of Noah’s day (Ephesians 2:17; 1 Peter 3:19). Of course, Jesus did neither—directly. Rather, He operated through agents—through Paul in the first case and through Noah in the latter. Similarly, Nathan accused king David: “You have killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword” (2 Samuel 12:9). In reality, David sent a letter to his general ordering him to arrange battle positions where Uriah would be more vulnerable to enemy fire. On the basis of metonymy of the subject, David, the subject, is said to have done something that, in actuality, he simply arranged for others to do.

In the case of Pharaoh, “God hardened Pharaoh’s heart” in the sense that God provided the circumstances and the occasion for Pharaoh to be forced to make a decision. God sent Moses to place His demands before Pharaoh. Moses merely announced God’s instructions. God even accompanied His Word with miracles—to confirm the divine origin of the message (cf. Mark 16:20). Pharaoh made up his own mind to resist God’s demands. Of his own accord, he stubbornly refused to comply. Of course, God provided the occasion for Pharaoh to demonstrate his unyielding attitude. If God had not sent Moses, Pharaoh would not have been faced with the dilemma of whether to release the Israelites. So God was certainly the instigator and initiator. But He was not the author of Pharaoh’s defiance.

Notice that in a very real sense, all four of the following statements are true: (1) God hardened Pharaoh’s heart; (2) Moses hardened Pharaoh’s heart; (3) the words that Moses spoke hardened Pharaoh’s heart; (4) Pharaoh hardened his own heart. All four of these observations are accurate, depicting the same truth from different perspectives. In this sense, God is responsible for everything in the Universe, i.e., He has provided the occasion, the circumstances, and the environment in which all things (including people) operate. But He is not guilty of wrong in so doing. From a quick look at a simple Hebrew idiom, it is clear that God did not unjustly or directly harden Pharaoh’s heart. God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34), He does not act unjustly (Psalms 33:5), and He has always allowed humans to exercise their free moral agency (Deuteronomy 30:19). God, however, does use the wrong, stubborn decisions committed by rebellious sinners to further His causes (Isaiah 10:5-11). In the case of Pharaoh’s hardened heart, God can be charged with no injustice, and the Bible can be charged with no contradiction. Humans were created with free moral agency and are culpable for their own actions.

REFERENCES
Bullinger, E.W. (1898), Figures of Speech Used in the Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 1968 reprint).
Dungan, D.R. (1888), Hermeneutics (Delight, AR: Gospel Light).
Hobbs, Kendall (2003), “Why I Am No Longer a Christian: Ruminations on a Spiritual Journey out of and into the Material World,” [On-line], URL: http://www.infidels.org/library/modern/kendall_hobbs/no_longer.shtml.
MacKnight, James (1954 reprint), Apostolic Epistles (Nashville, TN: Gospel Advocate).
Palmer, Edwin (1972), The Five Points of Calvinism (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker).
Wells, Steve (2001), Skeptic’s Annotated Bible, [On-line], URL: http://www.Skepticsannotatedbible.com>.

The Study of the “Law” & “Sin” Pt. 3

2008-01-04T12:23:00.000-08:00

Romans 3

God's Faithfulness
1What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision? 2Much in every way! First of all, they have been entrusted with the very words of God.

3What if some did not have faith? Will their lack of faith nullify God's faithfulness? 4Not at all! Let God be true, and every man a liar. As it is written:
"So that you may be proved right when you speak
and prevail when you judge."[a]

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Footnote: (1-4) “Paul responds to the objection that his teaching on the sinfulness of all humanity detracts from the religious prerogatives of Israel. He stresses that Jews have remained the vehicle of God's revelation despite their sins, though this depends on the faithfulness of God.” http://www.usccb.org/nab/bible/romans/romans3.htm

God trusted his word with Jews. It is special, but its not because they did good, but because God said he would and is faithful to fulfill EVERYTHING he says.

Term: Prerogative

An exclusive right or privilege held by a person or group, especially a hereditary or official right

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5But if our unrighteousness brings out God's righteousness more clearly, what shall we say? That God is unjust in bringing his wrath on us? (I am using a human argument.) 6Certainly not! If that were so, how could God judge the world? 7Someone might argue, "If my falsehood enhances God's truthfulness and so increases his glory, why am I still condemned as a sinner?" 8Why not say—as we are being slanderously reported as saying and as some claim that we say—"Let us do evil that good may result"? Their condemnation is deserved.

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(This is the concept we were talking about last week: “If there was no evil, then there would not be good, cause there would be no opposite to compare to)

Footnote: (5-8) God is good because He has always been good and always will be good – regardless of us. Furthermore The Key to this statement is in Paul’s question: “Certainly not! If that were so, how could God judge the world?” What paul is saying is this; If Gods reputation of being Good was dependent on our actions and if when we sinned that improved God’s reputation, and by improving God’s reputation we were excluding our self from his judgment… Then NOBODY would be judged since all sin. “…If that were so, how could God judge the world?””

Questions:

-Would a Circle be a Circle if a Square didn’t exist? It may not be called a “Circle” But it sure would exist. Lets say it was the only shape we knew of, maybe we would call it “Shape”

-If you are in a room FULL of light and with, does the light exist? Of course it does there is just nothing that is preventing the light from filling the room.

If evil did not exist, maybe we would not have an actual word for ‘Good’, but that does not mean it would not be present. This concept is really based off of language, with the assumption that the terms and definitions that have be created by man actually determine an objects existence. But, I feel certain that there are things in the universe that have not be defined by man that still exist without out our terms our comparisons.

LETS DISCUSS!!! J

No One is Righteous

9What shall we conclude then? Are we any better[b]? Not at all! We have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin. 10As it is written:
"There is no one righteous, not even one;
11there is no one who understands,
no one who seeks God.
12All have turned away,
they have together become worthless;
there is no one who does good,
not even one."[c]
13"Their throats are open graves;
their tongues practice deceit."[d]
"The poison of vipers is on their lips."[e]
14"Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness."[f]
15"Their feet are swift to shed blood;
16ruin and misery mark their ways,
17and the way of peace they do not know."[g]
18"There is no fear of God before their eyes."[h]

Footnote: (9-18) So no one is good? Nope. Look thru each example in the verses and ask yourself this; have you or can you put your self in a situation regardless of how extreme that would make each one of the examples true to your self? God & Paul are talking about entirety. People have Good in them, but they are not Good. People say good things about each other, but we also say bad things. Most people are peaceful, but given the right circumstance, “Their feet are swift to shed blood” I know I would be quick to shed blood if you put Osama Bin Laden in front of me. See, It does not matter how good we think we are, EACH person has or will/would fall short in every category that Paul gives.

Question: Is water still water if you add Rum to it? No, it’s an alchoholic beverage. Water in its PURE form is the ONLY liquid that can sustain life ultimately. So, are Humans Good, if you add unrighteousness, deceit, fear etc, into the mix, even in the smallest amounts? No, not really.

Although we have Good in us, we are not Good. Lets look at this portion from a different perspective…

9What shall we conclude then? Are we any better[b]? Not at all! We have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin. 10As it is written:
"There is no one righteous without faith, not even one;
11there is no one who understands everything,
no one who seeks God always.
12All have turned away at some point,
they have together become worthless, and require Jesus to be saved ;
there is no one who Always does good,
not even one."[c]
13"Their throats have been open graves;
their tongues practice deceit."[d]
"The poison of vipers is on their lips."[e]
14"Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness."[f]
15"Their feet are swift to shed blood given the right circumstance;
16ruin and misery mark their ways,
17and the way of peace they do not know."[g]
18"There is no fear of God before their eyes."[h]

19Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. 20Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.

Footnote (20) HUGE!!! This IS the purpose of the law for the Christian (“…rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.”)

Righteousness Through Faith
21But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, 23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement,[i] through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— 26he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.

Terms:

Forbearance: Tolerance and restraint in the face of provocation (to provoke); patience

Atonement: Amends or reparation made for an injury or wrong; expiation.

27Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. On what principle? On that of observing the law? No, but on that of faith. 28For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law. 29Is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, 30since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith. 31Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law.

Footnote: (27-31)

Jewish Arguer: Ah no Boasting?

Paul: No!

Jewish Arguer: Why not? The law doesn’t say we cant boast!

Paul: Do you agree that a man is justified by faith and not by observing the law?

Jewish Arguer: Yes.

Paul: Is God the God of Jews as well as Gentiles?

Jewish Arguer: Yes

Paul: Then what do you have to boast about?

Einstien Slaps His Teacher, Metaphorically Speaking

2008-01-04T10:29:00.000-08:00

Did God create everything that exists? Does evil exist? Did God create evil?
A University professor at a well known institution of higher learning challenged his students with this question. "Did God create everything that exists?"

A student bravely replied, "Yes he did!"

"God created everything?" The professor asked.

"Yes sir, he certainly did," the student replied.

The professor answered, "If God created everything; then God created evil. And, since evil exists, and according to the principle that our works define who we are, then we can assume God is evil."

The student became quiet and did not answer the professor's hypothetical definition. The professor, quite pleased with himself, boasted to the students that he had proven once more that the Christian faith was a myth.

Another student raised his hand and said, "May I ask you a question, professor?"

"Of course", replied the professor.

The student stood up and asked, "Professor, does cold exist?"

"What kind of question is this? Of course it exists. Have you never been cold?"

The other students snickered at the young man's question.

The young man replied, "In fact sir, cold does not exist. According to the laws of physics, what we consider cold is in reality the absence of heat. Every body or object is susceptible to study when it has or transmits energy, and heat is what makes a body or matter have or transmit energy. Absolute zero (-460 F) is the total absence of heat; and all matter becomes inert and incapable of reaction at that temperature. Cold does not exist. We have created this word to describe how we feel if we have no heat."

The student continued, "Professor, does darkness exist?"

The professor responded, "Of course it does."

The student replied, "Once again you are wrong sir, darkness does not exist either. Darkness is in reality the absence of light. Light we can study, but not darkness. In fact, we can use Newton's prism to break white light into many colors and study the various wavelengths of each color.

You cannot measure darkness. A simple ray of light can break into a world of darkness and illuminate it. How can you know how dark a certain space is? You measure the amount of light present. Isn't this correct? Darkness is a term used by man to describe what happens when there is no light present."

Finally the young man asked the professor, "Sir, does evil exist?"

Now uncertain, the professor responded, "Of course, as I have already said. We see it everyday. It is in the daily examples of man's Inhumanity to man. It is in the multitude of crime and violence everywhere in the world. These manifestations are nothing else but evil.

To this the student replied, "Evil does not exist, sir, or at least it does not exist unto itself. Evil is simply the absence of God. It is just like darkness and cold, a word that man has created to describe the absence of God. God did not create evil. Evil is the result of what happens when man does not have God's love present in his heart. It's like the cold that comes when there is no heat, or the darkness that comes when there is no light."

The professor sat down.

The young man's name - Albert Einstein 7

The Study of the “Law” & “Sin” Pt. 2

2007-12-28T08:26:00.000-08:00

Romans 1
“18The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.”

-In the bold Paul is saying, it is obvious God exists by the universe we live in. Look around and everywhere you can see God. “…being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.”

24Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. 25They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.

-In the bold Paul is saying, the people idolized. This can be applied to anything today, whether it be a car, or video games, a relationship or a job. Anything that is put before God could easily be put in place of this statement. I have some work ahead of me, that’s certain.

Romans 2
1You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. 2Now we know that God's judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. 3So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God's judgment? 4Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?

In the bold: Do you really want that type of burden? When you judge you are adding to your load. Judgment is weight to your already burdened being. Lets be honest, when we judge can we really hold up to the standards we are applying for someone else’s life? Every time you judge, it is a double standard. There is only one Judge. You are a sinner, he is the judge, I am a sinner, he is the judge. A sinner cannot judge a sinner.

5But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God's wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed.

In the Bold: Imagine a dam holding a huge lake full of water, and you are in the valley where the water would flow if the dam ever broke. If that dam opens (the day of God’s wrath) You are dead. That’s IT… But if you repent, its like a secondary dam on the other side of the lake releases all the water and safely empties the lake.

12All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. 13For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous. 14(Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law, 15since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them.) 16This will take place on the day when God will judge men's secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares.

In Bold: To Be discussed.

17Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the law and brag about your relationship to God; 18if you know his will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the law; 19if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those who are in the dark, 20an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of infants, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth— 21you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal? 22You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? 23You who brag about the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? 24As it is written: "God's name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you."[b]

In the Bold: I cant just say I am a Christian, I need to be a Christian, and live like one as well. “24As it is written: "God's name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you."[b

The Study of the “Law” & “Sin” Pt. 1

2007-12-28T08:20:00.000-08:00

The Old & New Covenant (The Laws)

A covenant is a contract, an agreement, between two parties. When God is one of those parties, it is a very serious contract, a sacred agreement. In fact, God looked at the Old Covenant as a "marriage" contract between Himself and Israel.

In the Old Testament, the word “law” is used to translated the Hebrew word torah, “instruction.” The Hebrew word for “law” probably comes from the causative form of the verb yarah, “to throw,” “to shoot (arrows).” In the hiphil stem, the verb horah means “to point, guide, instruct, teach.” Hence, the law is that which provides authoritative guidance. In the New Testament, the Greek word used for law is nomos. Nomos means “that which is assigned,” hence, “usage, custom,” and then “law,” or “a rule governing one’s actions.”

The Old Covenant Or “Mosaic Law” The law that, according to the Old Testament, God gave to the Israelites through Moses. The Mosaic law begins with the Ten Commandments and includes the many rules of religious observance given in the first five books of the Old Testament. In Judaism, these books are called the Torah, or “the Law.”

Old Covenant Fact: Commandments are divided into positive and negative commands, which are treated differently in terms of --Divine and human punishment. Positive commandments (of which tradition holds there are 248) require an action to be performed, and thus bring one closer to God. Negative commandments (traditionally 365 in number) forbid a specific action; thus violations create a distance from God. In striving to "be holy" as God is holy, one attempts so far as possible to live in accordance with God's wishes for humanity, striving to more completely live with each of these with every moment of one's life. 613 Total

Galatians 3:16 & 19 (The Old until the New) 16The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say "and to seeds," meaning many people, but "and to your seed,"[a] meaning one person, who is Christ. 19What, then, was the purpose of the law? It was added because of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise referred had come. The law was put into effect through angels by a mediator.

The New Covenant Or “God’s Law” "'The day will come,' says the Lord, 'when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah . . . . But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel on that day,' says the Lord. 'I will put my law in their minds, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people" (Jeremiah 31:31,33).

Jesus Christ came to fulfill the law of Moses (Matthew 5:17) and create a new covenant between God and His people. The old covenant was written in stone, but the new covenant is written on our hearts, made possible only by faith in Christ, who shed His own blood to atone for the sins of the world. Luke 22:20 says, "After supper, [Jesus] took another cup of wine and said, 'This wine is the token of God's new covenant to save you – an agreement sealed with the blood I will pour out for you.'"

Now that we are under the new covenant, we are not under the penalty of “the law”.

Summary: Old Covenant: The Ten commandments, and a bunch of rituals and rules of religious observance. Before Jesus died and essentially beat ALL sin that will ever exist, (An infinite amount of sin, would require an infinitely perfect sacrifice) people were required to follow certain guidelines that God established in order to stay “Clean” The New Covenant was made real when Christ died. This covenant is a set of rules applied to your heart. The new covenant changes the heart, not just the mind. “'I will put my law in their minds, and I will write them on their hearts” So we observe the law (10 Commandments) but you have really entered into this covenant when these laws are on your heart. (Desire to fulfill them)

European Union. The New Rome?

2006-07-22T10:29:00.000-07:00

King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream of a statue...

A head of gold
Breast and arms of silver
Belly and thighs of bronze
and feet of iron and clay

Nebuchadnezzar's Dream is interpreted by most bible scholars to represent the four major empires that have existed in world history. Daniel confirms the first of these empires to be Babylon (head of gold) in Daniel 2:37-38) Knowing the head is Babylon, we can then figure out the rest of the dream by following world history. Silver is Persia, Bronze is Greece, Iron is Rome and the feet, the feet of iron and clay? Well this part has not come to pass, yet. The Bible speaks of the Roman empire to have received a "mortal wound" from this wound. She has fallen but is not destroyed. It is said she will rise again. In 1957 the treaties of Rome were signed which, established the European Economic Community (EEC) Then in 1965 the Brussels Treaty was signed which began the process of rebuilding the old Roman Empire through reunification of European states under one political system. This treaty established a commission, council, parliament, and court for the union. The European Union is currently made up of over 25 countries. Some are calling the EU the "United States of Europe."

Below is a map of the Roman Empire and the European Union. Hmm looks the same...

The European Union is a federation of many different countries that include many different cultures and background. Maybe the most diverse community of people on this earth..

Daniel 2:40 "It will be strong, yet mixed" (part of potters clay and part of iron, the kingdom will be divided) But will be strong.

So why is this so important to us? Well it is believed that this 4th and last empire is the empire the anti-Christ will rule before Jesus Christ returns. Plans for an EU presidency that will replace the 6 month rotating presidency (which is the current setup) are already being discussed. A president of Europe? That would create a very powerful international leader with HUGE influence on the global stage. The anti-Christ is said to become a great and beautiful person. He will talk about peace, and unity, and ultimately call himself God. Blasphemy!

Even the currency being used by the E.U is parallel to scripture.

"The Euro has replaced currencies that were, for many of the countries concerned, centuries-old symbols and instruments of their national sovereignty. In doing so, the new currency has moved Europe considerably closer to economic union. It has also given EU citizens a much clearer sense of sharing a common European identity" -
http://europa.eu/abc/12lessons/index7_en.htm

The EU Is striving to create "Economic and monetary union" thru the Euro. No its not a bad idea, But its relevant cause it coincides with scripture...

"He also forced everyone, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of his name. This calls for wisdom. If anyone has insight, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is man's number. His number is 666" (Rev. 13:16-18).

Monetary union would be the first step in fulfilling this prophecy. The symbol on the currency may be the mark of the beast which will be given.

The EU also has there own Anthem. Cute right? Not exactly Its the "Ode to Joy" Is the prelude to the last movement of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. The EU states its actually an "ode to freedom, community and peace" But, the lyrics by Friedrich von schiller, are about the entering of the shrine of a pagan goddess and the uniting of all men in brotherhood, by the power of magic. What the..?

It gets better. "The Eu constitution has also raised the ire of protestant leaders by banning the mention of Christianity as part of Europe's cultural heritage, while at the same time, including references to the civilizations of Greece and Rome, and the philosophical heritage of the Enlightenment. Eu government representatives excused this revisionist view of history by claming any mention of Christian values would upset the Muslim Population of the EU." http://www.contenderministries.org

As you can see, its not hard to relate the development of the EU to the rise of the last empire described in the visions from the book of Daniel, from which the anti-Christ will arise in the end times. I guess we will have to wait and see.

Nebuchadnezzar's Dream (The Rise of Powers)

2006-07-21T10:39:00.001-07:00

The Dream...

"You saw, O king, and behold, a great image. This image, mighty and of exceeding brightness, stood before you, and its appearance was frightening. The head of this image was of fine gold, its breast and arms of silver, its belly and thighs of bronze, its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of clay. As you looked, a stone was cut out by no human hand, and it smote the image on its feet of iron and clay, and broke them in pieces; then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold, all together were broken in pieces, and became like the chaff of the summer threshing floors; and the wind carried them away, so that not a trace of them could be found. But the stone that struck the image became a great mountain and filled the whole earth." (Daniel 2:31-35 RSV)

Interpretation...

"This was the dream; now we will tell the king its interpretation. You, O king, the king of kings, to whom the God of heaven has given the kingdom, the power, and the might, and the glory, and into whose hand He has given, wherever they dwell, the sons of men, the beasts of the field, and the birds of the air, making you rule over them all - you are the head of gold."
"After you shall arise another kingdom inferior to you, and yet a third kingdom of bronze, which shall rule over all the earth. And there shall be a fourth kingdom, strong as iron, because iron breaks to pieces and shatters all things; and like iron which crushes, it shall break and crush all these. And as you saw the feet and toes partly of potter's clay and partly of iron, it shall be a divided kingdom; but some of the firmness of iron shall be in it, just as you saw iron mixed with the miry clay. And as the toes of the feet were partly iron and partly clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly brittle. As you saw the iron mixed with miry clay, so they will mix with one another in marriage, but they will not hold together, just as iron does not mix with clay."

"And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed, nor shall its sovereignty be left to another people. It shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall stand for ever; just as you saw that a stone was cut from a mountain by no human hand, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold."
"A great God has made known to the king what shall be hereafter. The dream is certain, and its interpretation sure." (Daniel 2:36-45 RSV)

Ok lets break this down...

Knowing that the head of gold is clearly Babylonia (Daniel 2:36-38) we then know the meaning to the rest of the dream. Babylon under Nebuchadnezzar's rule, conquered Jerusalem but was later defeated by the Persians in 536 B.C (the arms of silver) Two Centuries passed before the Greeks swallowed up the persian empire under Alexander the Great. (Belly and thighs of bronze" The "legs of iron" are thought to be the Romans who fell in about 500 AD But will have one final time and will rise up as a new Rome. Many believe this new Rome will be the European Union. European Union? Or "EU" is a union of twenty-five independent states based on the European Communities and founded to "enhance political, economic and social co-operation." Im currently researching this subject and will describe in detail the "EU" : )

Revelationships

2006-04-11T13:51:00.000-07:00

For centurys humans have anticipated the end of all existince. Armageddon, God's return to earth to restore peace, and deliver judgment. Some believe Lucifers right hand MAN will come to rule in the form of a saint. And some believe this beast has already been. Is the truth hidden in the symbolisms or abstract prophecies of revelations? And are we already living in the "end times" ???