“Imagine There’s No Religion”

By Dennis Edwards:

The following is a conversation I had with some friends recently. I am posting it because I think it may be you may find it interesting! I am trying to share my faith without coming across self-righteous. Let me know what you think. we are all learning! Dennis

Ethan: John Lennon said, "Imagine no religion." I agree, totally. Religion is an unnatural, divisive force separating people into antagonistic groups, who cling desperately to beliefs based on their fear of death, salvation and the afterlife. We need to live in the moment. When those irrational beliefs are questioned, people "of faith" become disoriented and violence is their only option. That's what happened in the Roman siege of Gaul, the Crusades, the Inquisition and... Boston. Debate is not an option, because religion is not at all based on logic - it's based on fear. Pathetic, really. Sorry, Dennis, but Religion is a myth. God may or may not be real, but the rest is just crap.

Dennis : False religion was the opium of the masses until we got TV and shopping malls and computers. I agree in living in the moment. That´s what one of the prophets said. "Take no thought for tomorrow for tomorrow will take thought for itself, sufficient unto the day are today´s troubles."[1] And another said, “Forgetting those things that are behind, I reach forth for those things that are before."[2] The evidences you mention above about religion´s bad conduct are from the false hypocritical religionists who have always persecuted the real followers of love and peace. If God is love like the good Book says and we do unto to others like we want them to do unto us, which basically means to treat others like we would want to be treated, then that´s all the religion we need. But that idea so infuriated the religious leaders of the past, that they killed the prophet hoping it would wipe out those revolutionary ideas. You are right, friend. Religion is not an option. But religion and faith are not equals. Real faith is logical. The reason we can do science is because we are in a universe that operates on rational or reasonable laws. Where do those laws come from? Scientists confess that there are around 100 physical variables that need to be perfectly fine-tuned for the universe and life on earth to exist. Can we explain that fine-tuning?

Dennis: How did they get fine-tuned within the first sixty seconds after the "singularity"? The speed of light, the strong nuclear force, the weak nuclear force, electromagnetic field, gravity, the vigor of the "big bang," etc. How come water is perfectly "made" to make life possible? When the "big bang” occurred where did the matter that was spinning around in that little small dot smaller than a period come from? Why did it start to spin? Who or what made it spin? Where did the energy come from that gave the "big bang" just the perfect amount of force so that the universe did not fall back upon itself, or disappear completely and be unable to form galaxies etc. Evolution has no answers for these questions except nothing exploded and made everything. To me, that is not logical. The scientific law of causality states that if something has a beginning it has a cause, the First Cause. Einstein´s theory of relativity led to the scientific mathematical conclusion that the universe had a beginning. This fact led Einstein to abandon his belief in the Steady-State Theory of the universe which said the universe has no beginning or end. He said the bigger mistake from being wrong would be to not acknowledge that he was wrong and not change. But he did acknowledge it even though it had theological implications. He changed his belief system based on the physical evidence. He confessed the universe had some kind of creator though he stayed away from traditional religion. He also said when men discovered the Universal Theory that it would be both beautiful and simple. Most people today do not even realize the illogicality of their belief system. But Faith is in fact logical. True science leads to faith as many great scientists of the past have acknowledged. Most people can see the faults and hypocrisy of the man-made religions of today and therefore many conclude there is no God. However, has anyone ever thought that maybe the religious ceremonies and systems we observe may have very little or nothing to do with the creator of the universe?

Dennis: I do not want to be part of that false religious/ political system that wages war against the true followers of love and peace. The true followers of love and peace will always be in the minority, because though many are called, so few will pick up the call and follow. The voice of conscience is "God´s" voice speaking to our heart. Do you hear his voice? Or have you hardened your heart, because of so much pain, suffering, and injustice, that you see in the world around us? Friend, once when I was young and the FBI was after me, because I did not show up for my physical or induction, I called out to "God," though I did not believe "He" existed. Usually there is some catalyst that causes us to seek "Him." But the prophet Jeremiah said, "You shall seek "Me" and find "Me" when you shall search for "Me" with all your heart."[3] Have you really sought for "Him" with all your heart? Or are you letting your concept of religion get in the way of finding out if there really is a creator of the universe?

Dennis: The book In Six Days: why 50 scientists (Doctorates) believe in creation, edited by John Aston, may give you some logical answers to questions you may have. Dr. Lee Spetner, who holds a PHD in physics from MIT, has a book called Shattering the Modern Theory of Evolution which you may also find interesting. Then there is Werner Gitt an information scientist who poses some very good questions about the information code found in the DNA molecule in his book In the Beginning Was Information. I hope you will investigate further by reading one or more of them. Religion may be illogical and based on blind faith, but real faith is based on reason. Will you reason with me for the answers? 

( The above posts to Ethan I shared privately but then he re-posted the Lennon quote again.)

Ethan: Believe what you want, or need, to believe. DO NOT try to change what your neighbor believes, no matter how alien it seems to you, and DO NOT hate them for their equally irrational beliefs. If you do, the world will slip further and further into terminal darkness.( Dennis - I do not agree with the idea of not trying to change people. As Christians we are commanded by Christ to loving preach and live the gospel to affect change in others. Peter also says we should be ready to give an answer to every man that asks us of the reason of the hope that is in us with meekness and fear. Paul told us to vigorously contend for the faith, but it is important that we do so humbly and with kindness.)

Jane: Spot on!

Dennis : To Ethan: I believe we are all in the business of moving people, influencing people. Why did you put that post if you did not want to influence others to your way of thinking? We all try and influence others, but the way we do it makes the difference. Love is getting down where someone else is and trying to lift and help him up. Much of the progress of the pass came from a few individuals who were willing to stand up and fight for some unpopular issue, like emancipation for the blacks, equality for the Jews, etc.

Jane: Dennis I think of the Christmas song....just be good for goodness sake....to define a way of believing eliminates all those who think differently ... live and let live

Ethan: The only law we need is the Golden Rule. "Do unto others as YOU WOULD HAVE others do unto you." Not, "Do unto to others BECAUSE (Jesus, Allah, Yahweh) say so..." Why doesn't matter. Be good for goodness sake is a wonderful phrase; a perfect phrase. (Dennis -  I agree with that first line that all we need is the golden rule. If we followed that we find it is even harder than the ten commandments.)

Ethan to Jane: Thanks, Jane.

Jane: Just heard on NPR..an apathist.....it doesn't matter what the "story" is after we die..we will die..I'm not expecting anything afterwards.... I make my happiness one day at a time...if there's anything after..bonus time...if not I won't be disappointed...(Jane told me she was a Unitarian.)

Dennis : To Jane: If there are absolutes then one of the purposes in life is to find out what those absolutes are and live according to their dictates. If someone finds a way to light a candle in the darkness, then his moral conscience obligates him to try to teach others how they too can light a candle. Let´s say someone invents a baby food that is more nutritious than the traditional, then he feels morally obligated to try to influence others to use that product. Love is sharing the knowledge and experience that life has taught us in a loving way. We cannot legislate righteousness but as believers we should shine forth the truth with love and tolerance.

Ethan: What a load. Who’s to say that that particular baby food is the best? What if experts disagree (as do “holy men“)... and I use the words in their most sarcastic tone.

Leave people alone and teach them to respect themselves and others, and god becomes a useless appendage to our lives. ( Dennis - I mentioned the Baby food because he sells his own brand that is suppose to be better for babies and even shared it on my photo page, which I left there because he is a friend and I want him no harm.)

Kathy: Explaining the existence of God to someone who has never experienced Him is like trying to describe an orgasm to someone who has never had one. Does that mean that orgasms do not exist or are useless? (Dennis - Excellent example!)

Jane: I think I'm going to leave this conversation. Addressing Dennis ..absolutes...I absolutely know I'm going to die..what happens after is based on belief as no one on this earth knows what comes next. I don't waste my time worrying about the hereafter. ( Dennis - I am not worrying. I have that question worked out. Jesus has given me eternal life because I believe in Him.)

Ethan: There is, female friend, no assurance that the orgasm you experience is like anyone else's. If a Muslim experiences Allah, is it different from Christian experiencing Jesus? But this conversation is not at all about the existence of god... it is about the rules.

Abby: So interesting that I'm reading your conversation just after reading a NYT editorial that states..."religious attendance boosts the immune system and decreases blood pressure." (P. 9 in Sunday Review section. If you wish to read the rest for a good laugh!)

Dennis : Jane: Pascal´s famous wager. Live a good life following the golden rule is the best bet. But it is sad that people wait until they die to find out if God is real when He wants to have a personal relationship with us today and help us through the struggles of life. He wants to be a friend that sticks closer than a brother. For those who have experienced that friendship, it is hard for us to shut up about it. Like a Near Death Experience, it totally changes your life and your life´s goals. Like Paul said, "I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day."

Dennis : Ethan: Where does universal morality come from? I agree with you, Ethan, that the endless following of religious rules means nothing and this is what the prophet said and showed with his life style. The religious leaders of his day where so infuriated with him that they had him accused of political crimes against the state and killed.

Ethan: I'm out of this. When I start heeding scripture... whatever scripture it may be... I am at peace with life and I am at peace with the inevitable prospect of death. Invictus: I am captain of my fate, master of my soul. QED ( Dennis - And a few lines earlier the quote says..."My head is bloodied, but unbowed!)

Dennis : But Ethan: Where does objective right and wrong come from if it doesn´t come from God? You see we all know that there are absolutes, there is an objective morality and that objective morality must come from somewhere. Our conscience is God´s presence which brings about objective morality. It´s like the information within the DNA. It did not just get there by itself. Information always goes back to a sender. The tremendous amount of information in the DNA molecule cries aloud of a supernatural creator much more intelligent than you or I. He has put His signature in the cell for all to see. He has put it in the beautiful sunset, in the sky at night and the experience of sexual pleasure with someone we love. He can be seen in all these things and so many more. And He wants us to enjoy life and gives us a simply rule to live by: love.

Ethan: Dennis, it's referred to as "evolutionary conscience". We would not have been able to form ever larger and more complex civilizations were we without that aspect of our psychological makeup. It is as essential as opposable thumbs, language and stereo vision in our development. If we didn't have it, we'd simply kill each other willy-nilly. It was here before we even thought about one god... or any gods. Pagan civilizations possessed it. Primitive man possessed it. You argue against evolution, and even radio-carbon dating, based on a book written before willow bark was known as an anti-inflammatory; before real "empirical science" existed. There is no book, Dennis. There is only life and death. I do not need, seek or desire a "relationship" with god. Never have (I was literally forced to be bar mitzvahed), never will. I am an agnostic. I don't say a god or gods don't exist. I just don't care, and I'm sick and tired of being told I should care about what I have every human right to consider biblical smoke and mirrors. We "prohibit" gay marriage, marijuana, prostitution and a host of other personal choices which are none of anyone else's business. In the name of religion, we burned witches, slaughtered Muslims during the Crusades and committed countless genocides. We prohibited alcohol based on a radical, party-pooping group of Christian women called the Temperance Movement. That was a disaster, in every respect. Every prohibition is. Keep religion, god and biblical precepts out of our lives and legal system. Let logic be the rule of law and intelligence based on fact (rather than fear based on belief) reign supreme. (Dennis - My faith is based on reason not on fear. The evidences in nature and in life and in science point me to a eternal God infinitely superior to man.)

Ethan: If you believe it, that's great. I hope you find strength, solace and meaning in it. I don't, and most of us are sick of hearing about it. DO NOT try to "sell" it to anyone else, or insist that you're beliefs (or what you label "knowledge") are for everyone else to follow, believe in or care about. That sort of blind, self-centered insistence is exactly what a just god would NOT want. ( Dennis - Well, I do not want to come across self-righteously, but neither do I want to let others make claims that I believe are false and not speak up.)

Ethan: BTW, to Kathy, I know a lot more about orgasm than I know about god... more experience. LOL Seeking out THAT knowledge has served me better than Hebrew school ever did.

Kathy: I thought this was a conversation where anyone could jump in and pick up a thread. You mentioned that you don't think that God exists and I stated I did. I agree that religion divides men, because men, who are fallible, make up rules of religion; such as not eating bacon or drinking coffee. I don't think that I am trying to force my beliefs upon anyone else. It's none of my business what you choose to believe or where your soul may end up. Because I do believe in God, I leave such matters in his hands. I do not understand why everyone gets upset with others for sharing their beliefs. I don't believe in Santa Claus, but I don't go around bursting children's bubbles at Christmas. And, Ethan, I do agree that my orgasm is individual to me; but I would hazard to say that the dictionary defines what it is at least physically. We have the freedom to believe what we choose in this country. Why is there so much emotion in people sharing their beliefs? I really don't think anyone wants to convert anyone else; I don't. If you go to an outstanding restaurant or see a hit play it is completely normal to go out and tell everyone about it. Nobody hates anyone for that. Let's just all respect that we are all different and let's support everyone's right to believe and share their opinion. Love to all. P.S. I have a splitting headache today and cannot take anything for it because of a medical test I'm having tomorrow. Does anyone know any way to get rid of it without ingesting anything?

Ethan: Unfortunately, you are in limited company as someone of faith who does not try to convince others Every day, someone from the JWs or LDS knock on doors to convert we heathens.LOL As for the analogy, everyone knows the play is fiction. The quality of the writing and acting ate the topic. That is not at all what religious faith is about. Specious comparison.

Kathy : Content isn't what I was talking about; I meant that nobody thinks you're an idiot for going on and on about how great that play or dinner was. Our society elevates a hot playwright, producer, actress, or chef to the level of a god. I think that is extremely odd.

Kathy: Any headache cures forthcoming? Any one?

Ethan: I agree. Look at Beiber's behavior at the Anna Frank house pathetic.

Ethan: When I get a headache, I take a soaked hot washcloth and place it over my eyes. Reheat and repeat. It usually works.

Kathy: Done and done. I'll try it now. Thanks!

Jane: Kathy, I guess your MO...is pray for it to go away..

Dennis : I take a cold washcloth and place it over my eyes and when it gets warm I get it cold again and repeat. It is comforting. I used to tell my wife that having sex would take her headache away! Take your choice. In any case, I´ll pray for you! (Dennis - It is quite funny that me and Ethan did the exact opposite to relieve a headache. I was not trying to be sarcastic.)

Dennis: So few people realize that the false religions of churches and temples and mosques have actually very little or nothing to do with the true worship of God. God is a spirit, the spirit of love and "He" wants us to worship "Him" in spirit and in truth in how we live our lives. It´s not a rule keeping, or fear of death, but a purpose for living. It´s a lifting up of the heart and mind above the morass of the sad world we live in and seeing beyond into the unknown dimension and finding light, love and purpose in living! It´s a spiritual orgasm and it´s wonderful! Try it, you might like it!

Jane: I'm thinking at best god is a she....

Ethan: The best anything is a she.

Kathy: Tsk tsk Jane. Your intolerance of other opinions is showing.

Ethan: Ok. Show is over. Thank you all for attending, and Jane for adding reason and logic to the mix. 'night all.

Kathy: Oops you forgot about the golden rule. Shouldn’t you treat us all with respect and not just the friend who shares your views? Hardly the sign of a good host.

Dennis : Actually, the book of Proverbs seems to present the Holy Spirit in the feminine case.[4] In the traditional Christian belief of a Three-in-One-God, it would seem to make sense that there needs to be a feminine aspect. In the book The Shack by William P Young, the author also presents "God the Father" as a woman. The Father, Son and Holy Ghost can be seen as a Heavenly family, if that is the case, then the Holy Ghost would be the woman. Of course I am speculating as we have only glimpses into the spiritual dimension. But some in depth studies on this subject have been made by others. That was why I put "He" in quotations as God is a spirit with infinite abilities so whether we should use "He" or "She" I do not know. And I do not think it matters. Like Paul said, "Now we see through a glass darkly, but then face to face."[5] Hope this helps!

Dennis: Ethan, and as far as empirical science is concerned, agnostic Biologist Dr. Michael Denton does a good study on the topic of the impossibilities of changing a reptile into a bird which evolutionists claim. It can be seen on YouTube on “From a Prince to a Frog," http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtDX17KjjG0 In his book Evolution: A Theory in Crisis, Denton wrote, “Neither of the two fundamental axioms of Darwin´s macro-evolutionary theory- the idea that all of life forms are linked together and ultimately lead back to a primordial cell and the belief that all the adaptive design of life has resulted from a random process – have been validated by one single EMPIRICAL discovery or scientific advance since 1859.”[6]

Reiterating the point once again, neither natural selection nor mutations, which evolutionists claim are the mechanisms for evolutionary change, can form new genetic information. The theory that you are trusting in does not have a mechanism. People have been duped into believing that evolution is true and therefore their disbelief in God is justified. But, Ethan, when we look at the scientific facts, we find that evolution is the far less reasonable and logical of the theories. But, nevertheless, we accept it because we have rejected the concept of God. Our empty and hypocritical religious experiences from childhood and adolescence have taught us that God is dead, or at least inattentive to this life. In any case, we don´t want a religion that will crowd out our sexuality. We want to be free to live life to the full. I fully understand that and I´m sure God does, too. I just think you have quite a few misconceptions due to the obvious faults with the religious systems around the world. Very few, if any, have much to do with the "Spirit of the Living God."[7]

Footnotes:

[1] Matthew 6:34

[2] Philippians 3:13

[3] Jeremiah 29:13

[4] Proverbs 8; Proverbs 9:1-12

[5] 1Corinthians 13:12

[6] Denton, Dr. Michael; Evolution in Crisis

[7] 2Corinthians 3:3

Read More

Primary Relationships

by Peter Amsterdam

Something that has come up repeatedly in my life and in recent conversations and correspondence I’ve had with others is how busy we all are.—Busy making a living, doing mission projects and fundraising for those projects, taking care of the children, studying, spending time in meetings, paying bills, commuting and perhaps getting stuck in traffic, and trying to manage numerous commitments. Busy with house repairs, car repairs, medical treatment, cooking, cleaning, shopping. Busy with the never-ending list of things to do, to manage, to learn. The demands on our time can be overwhelming. And there are times when we truly are overwhelmed.

Unfortunately, when there is so much to do, it’s often the most important things that get pushed aside and suffer the most. Sadly, they are the things we feel we can temporarily neglect in order to take care of matters which are urgent. It seems to be a quirk of human nature that the urgent often trumps the important. Many times, those things which get set aside are our primary relationships. The cares and concerns of everyday life often cause us to focus on matters which, though important, are not vital to our true happiness and fulfillment in life.

Recently I realized that I’ve been seeing less and less of a very dear friend of mine. I’ve been getting increasingly busier, as has he, since he’s recently started his own business. I always enjoy his company, benefit from his practical counsel and spiritual fellowship, and can really relax when we’re together. As much as I benefit from meeting with him, I noticed myself repeatedly putting it off due to my workload and other duties. It finally dawned on me that I needed that time with him and those lively discussions on topics that aren’t related to my work. I was missing them and him. I made a decision to keep in closer touch and to get together regularly, even though it’s not always convenient and can set me back on the work front. I came to the conclusion that I’ll always have more work than I can keep up with, but I may not always have my friend close by, and I should value the time we have together.

As I see it, there are three primary relationships which we need to be very careful to not relegate to lower importance.

1. There is the relationship we have with ourselves. In the tumult of life, we often neglect taking care of ourselves. With so much to do, we under-sleep, over-caffeinate, and under- or overeat, depending on our personality. We stress and worry, which damages us both physically and mentally. We set aside things which will benefit us in the long term, like exercise, preparing healthy food, or taking time for relaxation. These are sacrificed for the expediency of the moment, even though this neglect causes us damage in the long run.

I think most of us missed one of the points Jesus made when He said to love your neighbor as yourself. While the focus of His statement is on loving others, without expressly saying it He made the point that we are supposed to love ourselves as well. When you love someone, it’s natural for you to want to care for them, to protect and nurture them. You feel a responsibility for their well-being. This is how you are meant to love and care for yourself as well. You are responsible to take care of your physical, spiritual, mental or emotional well-being. You need proper rest. You need time away from your work, diversion from your daily duties, some recreation. Everyone needs time to regenerate, to step back from the busyness that is life. When we do this, we are renewed. When we neglect it, we suffer for it.

2. Another is with our loved ones. These are the people who are closest to us—our spouse or significant other, our children, our parents, our close friends. These are the people who need our love, care, attention, and fellowship, just as we need theirs. They are members of our lifelong team, a team which should not be neglected or set aside, no matter how busy we may be.

3. Our primary relationship—and of course the most important, as this relationship is the foundation of all others—is with God. Since He is the one who made us, who has blessed us with life and purpose and loved ones, maintaining a strong relationship with Him is paramount. It is within this relationship that we nurture our spirituality, that we grow in faith, in love for others, and that we draw close to Him and become like Him. Both material things and accomplishments will pass, but the relationship we have with the giver of life will remain throughout eternity.

The busyness that we each encounter is a fact of our daily lives. For the most part, it’s something that we must cope with. But in order to cope, we need to protect and invest in our primary relationships so as to have proper balance, live in a loving atmosphere, and be spiritually and even physically renewed. Having healthy primary relationships is vital to a fulfilling life. This requires making decisions that enable us to give proper focus, time, and attention to our relationship with God, our loved ones, and ourselves.

It’s not that these relationships are all that is important in life, and that nothing else has value. There are many other important demands within our lives which require our time and attention as well. It’s because other things are important, and often timely, that they are given time and attention to the neglect of our primary relationships.

Allotting time, energy, and focus to our primary relationships—God, loved ones, and self—is a commitment and can be a sacrifice. It’s simply not an easy thing to do.

While God deserves top billing in our priorities, the time we spend communing with Him is sadly often the first thing to be jettisoned when we become overwhelmed with the myriad of other happenings which are calling for our time and attention. We are meant to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, with all that we are. If we regularly commune with Him and read and meditate on His Word, if we pray and express our love for Him, we strengthen our relationship with Him. And from within that strengthened relationship, we derive the power to build and maintain our other primary relationships.

Having happy, healthy relationships with our loved ones is vital to our having fulfilling lives. The shared love, the interaction, the care and concern, the moral and sometimes physical support—all of which are part of a primary relationship—provide a lifelong structure of mutual love and care which strengthens each one involved.

As human beings, we are made in God’s image. He’s a Triune Being, three persons in one. He’s a community of loved ones. As His image bearers, we are also meant to partake of and enjoy the community of our loved ones, our family, our friends and fellow believers. Strengthening the connections with those you love and who love you is important.

Your family, your friends, and those you gather together with to pray and worship are all important to your overall well-being. The deadlines, pressures, responsibilities, and the overall hustle and bustle of this life, as important as these things may be, or seem to be, should not be allowed to crowd out those you love. It can be a challenge to give enough time to your loved ones, but it’s a key to living a truly happy and fulfilling life.

Taking care of yourself is also a key to finding joy in life. This isn’t a call to selfishness; it’s a call to be a good steward over the life God has blessed you with. There are times you need to protect yourself, often from yourself, as for many it’s difficult to say no to work or potential commitments that encroach on the time which should be given to our primary relationships, and particularly the time taking care of ourselves. There are so many things in life that are important, so many things that need your attention or care. You have duties and responsibilities; people are counting on you. However, to adequately meet those responsibilities, you need to invest time in taking care of your own body, mind, and spirit.

Eating right and exercising both play a role in this. So do hobbies or interests outside of your normal responsibilities. Spending time nurturing your spiritual life is part of this as well. Maintaining healthy relationships and severing unhealthy ones, being around positive people, and cultivating friendships in which there is both giving and receiving, develop a healthy you.

Life is busy, there’s no doubt about it. While we may not be in a position to change that fact, we can more easily cope with it if we make the commitment to devote proper time and attention to our primary relationships.—To God, to our loved ones, and to ourselves.

Read More

What If Serial Killer Jeffrey Dahmer Had Found God Earlier?

Read More

The History Of Protestantism In A Nutshell!

www.deeptruths.com

By David Brandt Berg 7/6/78 & 12/9/82

Martin Luther

The first major split off from Rome and the Catholic church was the Eastern Orthodox church, from which all the various Orthodox groups came--Russian Orthodox, Greek Orthodox, Syrian Orthodox, etc. The Eastern churches were really the first split-off from Rome. Later, of course, Protestantism split off from Romanism also.

Martin Luther was the leader of the Reformation when Protestantism first split off from Catholicism, and the Lutherans were the first major Protestant denomination and the largest and most powerful, because they swept Germany and the Scandinavian countries, and that's why Luther's usually given credit for being the leader of the Reformation. But there were also many other reformers: Savonarola in Italy, John Knox in Scotland and Henry VIII in England and Calvin in France.

Calvin was a Frenchman who had to take refuge in Switzerland, where John Knox visited, studied under and became a follower of Calvin and then returned to Scotland and led the Reformation there, organising the Presbyterian Church. So the modern-day Baptists and Presbyterians are usually considered descendants of the Calvinist Movement of those days, although there were Anabaptists before that. They followed Calvin and were called Calvinists, and their major doctrine was called Calvinism, of which you and I (members of the Family International) are firm advocates!: Salvation by grace!--Eternal Salvation!--Once saved, always saved!

That was Calvin's strong doctrine, along the line of Luther's also: Salvation purely by grace, not by works. Because at the time of the Reformation, the Catholic Church was strictly a religion of works and practices and church-going and ceremonies and all the rest.--And that's still what they preach today, let's face it: You've really got to earn your Salvation by your works! And of course, nobody could ever make it that way! So they're building their Salvation on a poor foundation of their own self-righteousness, when only Jesus can save!

In those days all of those reformers were considered Protestants because they Protested! They were protest-ants--Protestants. And of course they were risking their lives to do it, because the Catholic Church held sway and held power and controlled the System and the police and they very often didn't hesitate to slaughter them or throw them in prison or beat them or whatever! One big army and invasion that the Pope sent North slaughtered one million Protestants in Bavaria alone!--And that's why Bavaria is almost solidly Catholic to this very day!--They just wiped out all the Christians!

So the protestants got their biggest push primarily from Martin Luther, and John Calvin was sort of the Luther of France, and virtually all of those first Protestants were "grace" people. They were sick of the Catholic Church, which was all works, so to really make the break they had to break completely with a real doctrine of grace!--"Once saved, always saved!"--Real grace!--Saved by grace and kept saved by grace, not by works!--Eternally!

BUT Then along came dear John Wesley! Sometimes I wonder about him--the Devil up to his old tricks. Under King Henry VIII, the Church of England had already split off from Roman Catholicism, but 200 years later, Wesley split off from the Church of England and began the Methodist Church. And although he supposedly preached grace, his major doctrine was so-called "Holiness", a strong religion of works rather than grace.--You had to be holy, good, perfect and not sin!--Or you could lose your salvation every time you had a bad thought!

The grace people all came, of course, out of the Catholic Church first, originally, and the works people came out of the Church of England through the followers of Wesley or the Wesleyans, and all the variety of Methodists and "Holiness" denominations came from the Wesleyan Methodists, including all the various Pentecostal denominations! So Luther, Calvin, Knox and virtually all the early Reformers were grace people, and this swing back to works didn't come until the days of Wesley when he began to promote works and piety and self-righteousness!

So the Protestant Church divided into those two main camps: Calvinistic, "Once saved, always saved", and the Wesleyans on the other hand. I used to say the one had the doctrine of Eternal Security and the other had the doctrine of Eternal Insecurity: Often saved--but you can never be sure!
Copyright © 1998 by The Family International

Read More

Daniel Estulin- The True Story of the Bilderbergers

Read More

Jesus, The Good Shepherd

A compilation

Download Audio (11.4MB)

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.—Jesus, John 10:111

*

He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.—Isaiah 40:112

*

For the Lamb on the throne will be their Shepherd. He will lead them to springs of life-giving water. And God will wipe every tear from their eyes.—Revelation 7:173

*

I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.—Jesus,John 10:14–154

*

“I am the good Shepherd”5 is the fourth of seven “I am” declarations of Jesus recorded only in John’s gospel. These “I am” proclamations point to His unique divine identity and purpose. Immediately after declaring that He is “the door” in John 10:7, here Jesus declares “I am the good shepherd.” He describes Himself as not only “the shepherd,” but the “good shepherd.” What does this mean?

It should be understood that Jesus is “the” good shepherd, not simply “a” good shepherd, as others may be, but He is unique in character.6 The Greek word kalostranslated “good” describes that which is noble, wholesome, good, and beautiful, in contrast with that which is wicked, mean, foul and unlovely. It signifies not only that which is good inwardly—character—but also that which is attractive outwardly. It is an innate goodness. Therefore, in using the phrase “the good shepherd,” Jesus is referencing His inherent goodness, His righteousness, and His beauty. As shepherd of the sheep, He is the one who protects, guides, and nurtures His flock.

As He did in declaring that He is “the door of the sheep” in John 10:7, Jesus is making a contrast between Himself and the religious leaders, the Pharisees.7 He compares them to a “hireling” or “hired hand” who doesn’t really care about the sheep. In John 10:9, Jesus speaks of thieves and robbers who sought to enter the sheepfold stealthily. In that passage the Jewish leaders (Pharisees) were contrasted with Christ, who is the Door. Here, in John 10:12, the hireling is contrasted with the true or faithful shepherd who willingly gives up his life for the sheep. He who is a “hireling” works for wages, which are his main consideration. His concern is not for the sheep but for himself. As a result, when a wolf appeared—the most common threat to sheep in that day—the hireling abandoned the flock and fled, leaving the sheep to be scattered or killed.8

First, to better understand the purpose of a shepherd during the ancient times of Jesus, it is helpful to realize that sheep are utterly defenseless and totally dependent upon the shepherd. Sheep are always subject to danger and must always be under the watchful eye of the shepherd as they graze. Rushing walls of water down the valleys from sudden heavy rainfalls may sweep them away, robbers may steal them, and wolves may attack the flock. David tells how he killed a lion and a bear while defending his father’s flock as a shepherd boy.9 Driving snow in the winter, blinding dust and burning sands in summer, long lonely hours each day, all these the shepherd patiently endures for the welfare of the flock. In fact, shepherds were frequently subjected to grave danger, sometimes even giving their lives to protect their sheep.

Likewise, Jesus gave His life on the cross as “The Good Shepherd” for his own. He who would save others, though He had the power, did not choose to save Himself. “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”10 Through His willing sacrifice the Lord made salvation possible for all who come to Him in faith. In proclaiming that He is the good shepherd, Jesus speaks of “laying down” His life for His sheep.11—Got Questions website12

*

Whenever the Savior describes Himself by any emblem, that emblem is exalted and expanded, and yet it is not able to bear all His meaning. The Lord Jesus fills out every type, figure, and character—and when the vessel is filled, there is an overflow. There is more in Jesus, the Good Shepherd, than you can pack away in a shepherd. He is the Good, the Great, the Chief Shepherd—but He is much more. Emblems to set Him forth may be multiplied as the drops of the morning, but the whole multitude will fail to reflect all His brightness! Creation is too small a frame in which to hang His likeness. Human thought is too contracted, human speech too feeble to set Him forth to the fullest. When all the emblems in earth and Heaven shall have described Him to their utmost, there will remain something not yet described. You may square the circle before you can set forth Christ in the language of mortal men! He is inconceivably above our conceptions, unutterably above our utterances!

But notice that He here sets Himself forth as a shepherd. Dwell on this for a moment! A shepherd is such a man as we employ in England to look after sheep for a few months, till they are large enough to be slaughtered. A shepherd after the Oriental sort, such as Abraham, Jacob, or David, is quite another person.

The Eastern shepherd is generally the owner of the flock, or at least the son of their owner, and so their proprietor in prospect. The sheep are his own. English shepherds seldom, or never, own the sheep—they are employed to take care of them—and they have no other interest in them. Our native shepherds are a very excellent set of men as a rule—those I have known have been admirable specimens of intelligent working men—yet they are not at all like the Oriental shepherd, and cannot be, for he is usually the owner of the flock which he tends. He remembers how he came into possession of the flock and when and where each of the present sheep was born. He knows where he has led them and what trials he had in connection with them. And he remembers this with the emphasis that they are his own inheritance. His wealth consists in them. He very seldom has much of a house and he does not usually own much land. He takes his sheep over a good stretch of country which is open common for all his tribe—but his possessions lie in his flocks. Ask him, “How much are you worth?” He answers, “I own so many sheep.” In the Latin tongue the word for money is akin to the word “sheep,” because to many of the first Romans, wool was their wealth and their fortunes lay in their flocks.

The Lord Jesus is our Shepherd—we are His wealth! If you ask what is His heritage, He tells you of “the riches of the Glory of His inheritance in the saints.” Ask Him what are His jewels and He replies, “They shall be Mine in that day.” If you ask Him where His treasures are, He will tell you, “The Lord’s portion is His people. Jacob is the lot of His inheritance.”

The Lord Jesus Christ has nothing that He values as He does His own people. For their sakes He gave up all that He had and died naked on the Cross. Not only can He say, “I gave Ethiopia and Seba for you,” but He “loved His Church and gave Himself for it.” He regards His Church as being His own body, “the fullness of Him that fills all in all.”—Charles Spurgeon

*

Jesus’ own stories about God’s love express a quality almost of desperation. In Luke 15 he tells of a woman who searches all night until she finds a valuable coin and of a shepherd who hunts in the darkness until he finds the one sheep who has wandered astray. Each parable concludes with a scene of rejoicing, a celestial party that erupts over the news of another sinner welcomed home. Finally, building to an emotional climax, Jesus tells the story of the lost son, a prodigal who spurns the love of his father and squanders his inheritance in a far country.

The priest Henri Nouwen sat in the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia, for many hours meditating on Rembrandt’s great painting Return of the Prodigal Son. While staring at the painting, Nouwen gained a new insight into the parable: the mystery that Jesus himself became something of a prodigal son for our sakes.

“He left the house of his heavenly Father, came to a foreign country, gave away all that he had, and returned through a cross to his Father’s home. All of this he did, not as a rebellious son, but as the obedient son, sent out to bring home all the lost children of God ... Jesus is the prodigal son of the prodigal Father who gave away everything the Father had entrusted to him so that I could become like him and return with him to his Father’s home.”—Philip Yancey13

*

Jesus said when a good shepherd takes his sheep to pasture, he goes before them and the sheep follow him.14 Jesus is the Good Shepherd, and He knows what’s ahead. He knows where the green pastures and the mountain passes are. He knows where the cool waters flow. He knows where the sheepfolds are, where you’ll be safe and secure. He also knows the danger spots, so you’d better stay close to Him.

You should always follow the guidance of the hand of God. You cannot go by your own understanding of the situation. You dare not rely on your own experience or wisdom. You must look for the Lord’s supernatural, miraculous, powerful leading. You must be guided by the hand of God. If you follow Jesus, you’ll never go wrong! He’s right out there with you, and He knows exactly what to do. Don’t try to rush ahead of Him or show Him the way you think you should go. He’s the one who has got to lead, because only He can.

May your prayer always be “Lord, I will follow. Show me the way.”—David Brandt Berg15

Published on Anchor April 2013. Read by Jerry Paladino.
Music by Michael Dooley.


1 NIV.

2 NIV.

3 NLT.

4 NIV.

5 John 10:11.

6 Psalm 23; Zechariah 13:7; Hebrews 13:20; 1 Peter 2:25; 1 Peter 5:4.

7 John 10:12–13.

8 John 10:12–13.

9 1 Samuel 17:36.

10 Matthew 20:28.

11 John 10:15, 17–18.

12 From http://www.gotquestions.org/Good-Shepherd.html.

13 The Jesus I Never Knew (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1995).

14 John 10:4.

15 Daily Might (Aurora Production, 2004).

Read More

Hearing God

A compilation


Download Audio (7.7MB)


Hearing God? A daring idea, some would say, presumptuous and even dangerous. But what if we are made for it? What if the human system simply will not function properly without it? There are good reasons to think it will not; the fine texture as well as the grand movements of life show the need. Is it not, in fact, more presumptuous and dangerous to undertake human existence without hearing God?—Dallas Willard
A secret weapon

There is a secret weapon that I have placed in the hands of every man, woman, and child who will accept it. This secret weapon is the ability to hear My voice—My instruction, guidance, and encouragement. This is one of your keenest spiritual weapons. It is your refuge.

This secret weapon is more powerful than the atom bomb, more accurate and dependable than smart bombs and computer-guided missiles. It is constantly fully operational; no one can ever take it from you, and it can’t be lost. It’s as light as a feather to carry around, and it’s invisible. No one can steal your technology and copy the making of this weapon. It’s one of the most powerful, effective, reliable weapons ever used and known to man.

It is unique, precious, invaluable. It is a weapon of spiritual warfare.1 It is a lifesaver. It is a comforter in time of need.

Not only will I use this gift to lead you and your loved ones personally, to help you to know My will, to find your way in the darkness, to help you to avoid danger, but I will also use this gift as a witness. For I am even now working in the hearts of people and putting a desire within them to know about the unknown.

They want to go where no man has gone before! They want to know what is impossible to know with the human mind. They want to see what is impossible to see with the human eye. Many people will be cold and indifferent to religion, but their quest for knowledge and their interest in the unseen spirit world, and even their tolerance for that which is strange and weird and inexplicable, will work for good, because it will make them hungry and open to this gift of prophecy. I will use this gift as a witness, according to your faith.—Jesus, speaking in prophecy2


Paul valued this gift so highly that he told the Corinthians, “Make love your aim, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.”3 Then at the end of his discussion of spiritual gifts, he said again, “So, my brethren, earnestly desire to prophesy.”4 … If Paul was eager for the gift of prophecy to function at Corinth, troubled as the church was by immaturity, selfishness, divisions, and other problems, then should we not also actively seek this valuable gift?—Wayne Grudem
The key to success

Hearing My voice is the key to success, the key to fruitfulness, the key to happiness. Through discerning My will by hearing My voice, you can know in which direction to walk, which decision to make, and which way to go in your unique situation that will bring about the desired results.

This gift is available for you, according to your faith. All you have to do is ask, and you will receive. Step out by faith, take the tiniest first step, and I will meet you, I will honor your faith, and you will receive. When you seek Me desperately, and you desire to hear My words, to speak My words, and to have this gift, I give it to you.

You have seen its effects in your lives and your work. You have seen how much easier life can be when you bring your questions before Me and hear My words, receive My answers, and put them into practice.

Men and women of faith who fight to bring the lost to salvation are like soldiers who carry out impossible missions, who snatch victory from the jaws of defeat through sheer determination, courage, and faith. They find themselves in situations where it would be impossible to know what to do without My specific, divine words of guidance. The weapons of their warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God, to the tearing down of strongholds.5 Their power is greater than that of earthly armies and soldiers because they wield My power, and offer men the chance to live forever.

You shall be victorious in this warfare, for I am the great overcomer! I am the victor, and I will never leave you nor forsake you. And when you open your mouth wide, I will fill it with My words.—Jesus, speaking in prophecy6


One of the greatest benefits of our salvation has to be that of hearing God speak to us personally. There can be no intimate relationship with our heavenly Father without it. … The Lord constantly speaks to us and gives us His direction. It’s never the Lord who is not speaking, but it’s us who are not hearing…. The first thing we need to do is fix our receivers—believe that God is already speaking and start listening. However, that takes time, effort, and focus.—Andrew Wommack7
A good investment

Come to Me regularly and I’ll give you all that you need. If you hear from Me, you can sail along guided by My Spirit and make solid progress. And as you progress, you will be encouraged, because nothing succeeds like success. So take the time to hear from Me, because time hearing from Me is like time spent sharpening the scythe. It’s not wasted, it’s invested, and it’s a good investment with good returns. You’ll “strike it rich” if you come to Me and invest your time, strength, and energy in seeking Me and hearing My voice.

Hearing from Me for your work, for your priorities, and regarding any questions you have will make your work and the challenges you face easier, and things will go more quickly. Plus you’ll have a wonderful peace of mind in knowing that you are in My will. Even in just five or ten minutes that you pause to hear from Me, you can get the answers you need and be refreshed.

Instead of thinking that hearing from Me in prophecy takes time, you can remind yourself that hearing from Me in prophecy saves time. You’re making real progress as you hear from Me, and the more you practice, the easier it will be to hear My words of encouragement and instruction for you.

You’ll find that it renews your spirit, strengthens your resolve, and clarifies your vision. It helps you to know what your priorities are, and then you don’t have to worry or wonder if you are doing the right thing. You’ll know that you are doing the right thing, because you’ve asked and you’ve received by faith.

So take time to hear from Me, to get the general counsel and the specific answers I have.—Jesus, speaking in prophecy8

Published on Anchor May 2013. Read by Jon Marc.


1 “For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds” (2 Corinthians 10:4 ESV).

2 Originally published in 1997.

3 1 Corinthians 14:1.

4 1 Corinthians 14:39.

5 2 Corinthians 10:4

6 Originally published in 1997.

7 “How To: Hear God’s Voice” (The full article is available at: http://www.awmi.net/extra/article/gods_voice)

8 Originally published in July 1997.

Read More

Quotation of the day! by Dr. Michael Denton

Biologist Dr. Michael Denton does a good study on the topic of the impossibility of evolutionary change of one type of animal into another which can be seen on YouTube on “From a Prince to a Frog.”[1] 

In his book Evolution: A Theory in Crisis, Denton wrote, “Neither of the two fundamental axioms of Darwin´s macro-evolutionary theory- the idea that all of life forms are linked together and ultimately lead back to a primordial cell and the belief that all the adaptive design of life has resulted from a random process – have been validated by one single empirical discovery or scientific advance since 1859.”

Footnote:

[1] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtDX17KjjG0

Read More

The Kids Are (Not) All Right

By Charles M. Blow, NY Times, April 17, 2013
The United States has done it again—and not in a good way.

According to a Unicef report issued last week—“Child Well-Being in Rich Countries”—the United States once again ranked among the worst wealthy countries for children, coming in 26th place of 29 countries included. Only Lithuania, Latvia and Romania placed lower, and those were among the poorest countries assessed in the study.

But let’s start with the good news, or what little there is to glean from the report: the United States has one of the lowest rates of children reporting that they smoke regularly or have been drunk at least twice, and our children are among the most likely to exercise daily. We also have one of the lowest levels of air pollution. We’re in the middle in terms of overall educational achievement, so I guess that could be considered “good” (give me a break, I’m reaching here). But that’s where the good news ends.

According to the report, the United States has the second highest share of children living under the relative poverty line, defined as 50 percent of each country’s median income, and the second largest “child poverty gap” (the distance between the poverty line and the median incomes of those below the line).

The United States ranked 25th out of 29 in the percentage of people 15 to 19 years old who were enrolled in schools and colleges and 23rd in the percentage of people in that cohort not participating in either education, employment or training.

Although our children were among the least likely to smoke cigarettes, they were among the most likely to smoke marijuana.

Although our children were among the most likely to exercise, they were also the most overweight.

But perhaps the most interesting part of the study is what children themselves say about their levels of personal satisfaction and the quality of their relationships.

American children were in the bottom third when ranking their own level of “life satisfaction.” Our children were 28th out of 29 countries in ranking the quality of their relationships (the French were dead last). Only 56 percent of children in the United States find their classmates “kind and helpful,” 73 percent find it “easy to talk” to their mothers and 59 percent find it “easy to talk” to their fathers.

These were among the worst rankings in the study.

In fact, according to data released last month by the Children’s Defense Fund, each day in America:

2 mothers die in childbirth.
4 children are killed by abuse or neglect.
5 children or teens commit suicide.
7 children or teens are killed by firearms.
67 babies die before their first birthdays.
892 babies are born at low birth weight.
914 babies are born to teen mothers.
1,208 babies are born without health insurance.
1,825 children are confirmed as abused or neglected.
2,712 babies are born into poverty.
2,857 high school students drop out.
4,475 babies are born to unmarried mothers.

That is a supremely sad list of numbers, and it’s only a small sample.

This says nothing of the violent society that we have created for our children. We have the third highest homicide rate among developed countries, according to Unicef. And according to a December Gallup poll, a third of parents fear for their children’s physical safety at school, and most believe it’s likely that a shooting like the one in Newtown, Conn., could happen in their communities.

We hear so much about what we’re leaving behind for future generations, but not nearly enough about how we are failing them today. It is a failure of parenting, a failure of society, a failure of politicians.

We need smart and courageous parenting, as well as policies that invest time and money, love and understanding in our children.

Failures sown one season will surely bloom the next.

Read More

Former 'Jesus freak' traces the evolution of Christian rock

Don Lattin, Religion News Service, Apr 17, 2013
Bob Gersztyn owned a fine collection of 300 rock ‘n’ roll albums in 1971, the year he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior. Among them were some choice 1960s vinyl from Jimi Hendrix, the Beatles, Bob Dylan, and the Mothers of Invention.

But all of a sudden, this was the devil’s music.

“I destroyed some of them with a hammer and took the rest to a used record store,” he recalled with a laugh. “I think I kept 10 classical music albums that I decided were not anti-Christian.”

Gersztyn retained his love of rock ‘n’ roll, but limited his listening to Christian rock, a genre that was just getting going in the era of the hippie-inspired “Jesus freaks” and the hit Broadway musical “Jesus Christ Superstar.”

He joined a Four Square Gospel Church in Los Angeles, enrolled in Bible college, and became a Pentecostal preacher. He also started emceeing and booking concerts for such Christian artists as Keith Green to 2nd Chapter of Acts.

Today, at age 65, Gersztyn’s religious fervor has mellowed; he rarely attends church and calls himself “an allegorical Christian.” But he has put together his love of pop music and photography to publish an illustrated, two-volume work titled “Jesus Rocks the World—The Definitive History of Contemporary Christian Music.”

The book, totaling some 600 pages, traces the history of Jesus music from Negro spirituals, gospel, and blues to its modern-day roots in Southern California with the Calvary Chapel and Vineyard church movements in the 1970s.

Gersztyn, who grew up in a Catholic family in suburban Detroit, decided Jesus was the answer when he heard a radio account of how guitarist Jeremy Spencer had suddenly quit Fleetwood Mac during a performance at the Hollywood Bowl. It was soon learned that Spencer ran off with an evangelical Christian sect called the Children of God.

Gersztyn, his mind altered by an estimated 100 LSD trips in the 1960s, convinced his girlfriend to head out to Southern California with him to join the Children of God.

“I was smoking pot one day when Jesus appeared to me in a vision,” he recalled. “He told me he was the source of all love, then said, ‘Come follow me.’”

Gersztyn, who wound up joining the Four Square Church rather than the Children of God, became part of an army of young people who went off seeking spiritual bliss after drug-induced mystical experiences in the 1960s and 1970s. Many of them found a home among the counterculture “Jesus movement,” also known as “the Jesus people.”

Today, the music born out of that movement has grown into a huge industry. Estimates of its annual revenue range from $500 million to $2 billion—depending on who does the calculating and what bands are included as “contemporary Christian.”

Read More