Unbelievable Ignorance of Mentally Challenged Democrats
Since the democrats created this mortgage fiasco in the first place via Clinton, Franks, and Dodd with the prodding of the black caucus they now feel obligated to make scapegoats out of the rest of us. These leaders forced the Macs and Maes of the financial world to make loans to people they knew couldn’t afford them. By now most know people bought homes they couldn’t afford and weren’t even ask if they could afford them have defaulted and as a result the rest of us that live within our means meaning much sacrifice to keep our ever-loving heads above water are being forced to pay the notes. While they continue to live in penthouses many of us are still in the outhouses yet we are being told to have compassion on these that can’t afford these luxurious homes. Adding insult to injury, we are now not being asked but told we are going to bail out Bank of America for the bad home loans they made to illegal invaders and other such loans to lawbreakers. Just the fact they made loans to lawbreakers was enough to make me switch banks, now I have to pay for those bad loans. What gives people? I'll tell you one thing that gives. Hillary is offering these homes to foreigners or so I am told. America has gone to hell in a hand basket and no one seems to care but me. Woe is me the whole world is collapsing around me! What to do what to do? It has been reported several times some of these people that purchased these expensive homes had incomes of $19,000 per year or less and got sub-prime mortgages or variable rate interest loans of as much as $700,000. How can this be? I figured out one thing I think. The international financiers that control monetary matters in America and the rest of the world like Republicans better than democrats. Why, because when it comes to getting really dumb things accomplished they know they can depend on the democrats, hence the mortgage crisis. They simply play on the power sympathies. They know democrats are so desperate for power they will do anything to obtain it. Liberals never admit to mistakes but instead find a way to justify their actions and putting their folly on the backs of the taxpayers is always the action they take for their own "goofs". Never mind the fact Obama can’t find anyone to serve his socialist agenda but tax dodgers. Don’t get me wrong I believe in being my brother’s keeper but the democrats have taken this responsibility to a whole new level and out of the realm of what it truly means. But as the saying goes birds of a feather flock together. This reminds me of a story a person sent me and it fits perfectly into the mindset of democrats we now have running our country.
Little Red Hen
Who will help me plant my wheat?" asked the little red hen.
"Not I," said the cow. "Not I," said the duck. "Not I," said the pig. "Not I," said the goose. "Then I will do it by myself." She planted her crop and the wheat grew andripened. "Who will help me reap my wheat?" asked the little red hen. "Not I," said the duck. "Out of my classification," said the pig. "I'd lose my seniority," said the cow. "I'd lose my unemployment compensation," said the goose. "Then I will do it by myself," said the little red hen, and so she did. "Who will help me bake the bread?" asked the little red hen. "That would be overtime for me," said the cow. "I'd lose my welfare benefits," said the duck. "I'm a dropout and never learned how," said the pig. "If I'm to be the only helper, that's discrimination," said the goose. "Then I will do it by myself," said the little red hen. She baked five loaves and held them up for all of her neighbors to see.They wanted some and, in fact, demanded a share but the little red hen said,"No, I shall eat all five loaves." "Excess profits!" cried the cow. (Nancy Pelosi) "Capitalist leech!" screamed the duck. (Barbara Boxer) "I demand equal rights!" yelled the goose. (Jesse Jackson) The pig just grunted in disdain. (Harry Reid) And they all painted 'Unfair!' picket signs and marched around and aroundthe little red hen, shouting obscenities. Then the farmer (Obama) came. He said to the little red hen, "You must notbe so greedy." "But I earned the bread," said the little red hen. "Exactly," said Barak the farmer. "That is what makes our free enterprisesystem so wonderful. Anyone in the barnyard can earn as much as he wants.But under our modern government regulations, the productive workers mustdivide the fruits of their labor with those who are lazy and idle." And they all lived happily ever after, including the little red hen, whosmiled and clucked, "I am grateful, for now I truly understand." But her neighbors became quite disappointed in her. She never again bakedbread because she joined the 'party' and got her bread free. And all theDemocrats smiled. 'Fairness' had been established. Individual initiative had died but nobody noticed; perhaps no one cared solong as there was free bread that 'the rich' were paying for. EPILOGUE Bill Clinton is getting $12 million for his memoirs. Hillary got $8 million for hers. That's $20 million for the memories from two people, who for eight yearsrepeatedly testified, under oath, that they couldn't remember anything. IS THIS A GREAT BARNYARD OR WHAT?
It is becoming more obvious everyday liberal democrats have lived a deprived life and some have made it to positions of authority determined others don’t have to. They spend so much working on the self-esteem of people they totally destroy the meaning of the word especially the part the demands messing up and learning from it and pulling on the boot straps and going forward. This is how one attains lasting self-esteem. If one never learns from his/her mistakes and makes the necessary adjustments to right the wrong they stay muddled in the mire their whole lives and the only recourse is to blame somebody else for their failures. This is why we have such educational programs created such as Goals 2000 and such. Instead of correcting a child that said two plus two is five by telling him/her it is four these ignoramuses’ teach if that is what you want it to be then that is the right answer. They say there is a spirit behind everything that happens and I have to wonder what was God thinking when he created some of these evil mentally challenged spirits that chose to follow Satan over God or was it they had turned so bad he turned them over to a reprobate mind? Remember, according to liberal thinking it is always somebody else's fault and never the person that commits the murder, crime or whatever the circumstance dictates. To a liberal taking responsibility for one’s own actions puts that person in the class of bigots, hate mongers, and whatever else they dream up to demean acceptance of personal responsibility. The term “pass the buck” has shot its wad as far as I am concerned. This ideology is why America has fallen behind the rest of the world in so many areas and soon we will be no more than a third world country if “we the people” don’t fire every incumbent in Washington and take our country back. The only qualification for being a liberal is to be in all aspects as it pertains to life in general mentally challenged or “dumb and dumber”.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Should Christians Engage in Politics
Should Christians Engage Themselves in Politics
George Washington"Do not let anyone claim to be a true American if they ever attempt to remove religion from politics." This is only a sampling of what the founding fathers believed about Christian citizen’s involvement in politics.
Since Christians have been charged by God to be the watchmen over the souls of man the simple answer is yes. However in America today Christians have been made to believe they shouldn’t engage themselves in the political arena and most have bought into this lie. Jesus involved himself in the politics of his day on monetary matters as well as other things. Matthew 21:12 And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers or manipulators of currency, and the seats of them that sold doves. Further study of this event reveals some unknowns to most. These businessmen with the approval of the political and religious establishment of that day were deceiving the common folk if you will into exchanging their money for worthless money hence the term moneychangers. Do we not see this exact same thing happening in America today in its various forms and being propagated by politicians in Washington who in our day and time could actually be described as the scribes and the international financiers the Pharisees? Remember this scripture is given us for an example to follow. Very seldom is the same action taken recorded repeatedly except for some in the gospels. He may have very well done this in other places as well. The scripture says he did so many things there was not room to write it all down. Common sense tells me it was unnecessary to record every instance where the same thing was accomplished. Can you imagine reading over and over everything Jesus did. What would be the purpose? Again, these examples provide the roadmap for the Christian to follow. Below are more examples of how the early church got knee-deep in the politics of their day but under much worse circumstances that we in America face as far as freedom to petition government is concerned. John Adams, said, "Our Constitution is designed only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate for any other." Adams went further, declaring, "So great is my veneration of the Bible that the earlier my children begin to read it, the more confident will be my hope that they will prove useful citizens of their country and respectful members of society." What better way is there to be useful citizens than for those that name the name of Christ to stand guard over our freedoms from the federal and business level?
It is important to understand in a democracy such as ours because of the wisdom of our founding fathers setting up a check and balance system it is much easier for would be dictators to accomplish their agenda incrementally until the whole program is put in place such as the Real I.D. act that will eventually lead to receiving a chip in our hand or forehead or the installation of populist appealing red light cameras to stop wrecks and injury leading to surveillance cameras watching our every move as has happened in Europe and this card check legislation being crafted that will take away the freedom of workers to make their own choice as to whether they want the unions to dictate their every move. There are at least two ways to describe the same thing as far as how evil is accomplished in a democracy and I want to familiarize you with both. One is if you here the term “mission creep” and as the bible makes reference, a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. Mission Creep means dictatorial policy is accomplished by these people little by little by installing bits and pieces toward an ultimate goal and in 99% of the cases I believe it is safe to say it is to increase one group’s power over another until they are brought into total subjection. Unchecked power corrupts the checks and balance system the constitution provides, which is what made America successful in the past. In other words, fascism has been stopped at the door because of the hurdles it has had to overcome in our great land but as we are seeing the roadblocks are being removed incrementally so most won’t notice until it is too late. This is why Christians are the bastions of freedom or should be and for that reason must continually pay attention to issues especially by those that man the pulpits. What we are witnessing with the Obama administration is the expedited way he and his cronies are installing fascist policy. Truth is they are moving so swiftly, it is hard to keep up with especially when the media doesn’t report the truth but instead is obviously behind him tooth and nail. In six weeks Obama and his socialist supporters in congress and special interest organizations have been working on making gun ownership illegal, redefining marriage, expanding abortion funding worldwide, calling for the doubling of foreign aid to include moving terrorist (falsely called Palestinians) onto our soil at taxpayer expense, passed a so-called stimulus bill that in truth was done to make permanent democratic control of government by creating a populace that is subservient to government and really has socialism written all over it, and is intent on shutting down opposition to his policies by rebirthing the “Fairness Doctrine”. This is all happening so fast by design it is hard to keep up with and you can look for much of this to be hidden in other legislation to keep the public from knowing it. This is the way things are done in Washington whether it be Republicans or Democrats. The latest method is to force votes before the bills are read. Another important thing we must pay serious attention to is the treaties the U.N. now feels it can get passed because they have their socialist in office and that means both houses of congress and the president. I might add here this is why the battle for the senate office in Minnesota is so important to the internationalist and the socialist Democrats to get this seat because it will consolidate the power making the needed 60 votes required by most senate action to avoid filibusters. But once again these laws will be enacted by being hidden in bills and once a treaty is signed into law it is almost impossible to get out of so we can’t expect a conservative replacement for running the affairs of government to overturn these treaties. I am emphatically telling you not to count on the Republicans with the exception of a few to stop this corrupting of principles we as a country have successfully lived by for over 200 years because they have proven where their loyalties are beholden to so far. To me it is like a huge veil or TARP of deception has been pulled over our eyes blinding us because of the fear Obama and his willing accomplices the Democrats has instilled in us. But I warn you of why it is important that you understand one of the reasons America is moving toward fascism today. It is because they have put aside the constitution as the rule of law or amended it through the use of unanswerable, un-elected bureaucrats to accommodate the globalist. Instilling fear has always been a successfully used tool of tyrannical men and as one of our great leaders of by gone days proclaimed, “One of the first goals of tyranny is to create fear in the population, fear so paralyzing that the public will accept any measure to allay it. Make the threat onerous enough and the people will relinquish everything”. End of quote! The government is always presenting us with a crisis, whether it is health care, terrorism, crime, environmental or whatever they dream up. We the people are left with two choices, be consumed with the crisis or let the government solve the threat of the day by limiting, constraining, or removing freedoms. We are almost at the point as Voltaire noted, “It is dangerous to be right when your government is wrong.” Former president Teddy Roosevelt saw through this deception: “Patriotism means to stand by the country; it does not mean to stand by the president or any other public official save exactly to the degree in which he himself stands by the country. It is patriotic to support him insofar as he efficiently serves the country. It is unpatriotic not to oppose him to the exact extent that by inefficiency or otherwise he fails in his duty to stand by the country.” I might add that Teddy’s philosophy followed that of founding father Thomas Jefferson when Shay's Rebellion of farmers broke out in Massachusetts in 1786, Jefferson wrote to James Madison, "I hold it that a little rebellion now and then is a good thing, and as necessary in the political world as storms in the physical." End of quote! Contrary to what we are seeing today one could surmise Roosevelt didn’t see a president as a “Messiah”. I have to assume Obama likes this christening because he has yet to downplay this heralded status put upon him by the media or individuals such as Louis Farakken an extremist white folk hating Muslim. U. S. Supreme Court Justice Robert Houghwout Jackson put it simply: “It is not the function of our government to keep the citizen from falling into error; it is the function of the citizen to keep the government from falling into error.” I think it is fair to say this justice’s comment is a far cry from what we hear from these “liberal lawmaking judges” today. “We the People are the rightful master of both congress and the courts, “said Abraham Lincoln, “not to overthrow the Constitution, but to overthrow the men who pervert the Constitution.” Another of our great founding fathers (Thomas Jefferson) imparted a bit of wisdom to us when he said, “When the government fears the people, there is liberty, but when the people fear the government there is tyranny. Here is what the father of our country said. George Washington: Ninety-nine percent of the failures come from people who have the habit of making excuses. Either we live by our principles or we don't have any principles. They are defined by what they are against, more than what they are for. I'm for constitutionally limited government. I'm for freedom, which includes individual rights. I'm for self-government and the rights of Americans to own property, guns or anything else they want to own. I'm for personal responsibility and accountability to God. End of quote! In other words, finding excuses for not getting involved in theirs and the future well-being of their children’s economic and spiritual prosperity. Conservatives today are letting liberals define them and we must stop this now.
One of the things already in place is the existence of a “Master Search Warrant” and “Master Arrest Warrant,” the latter of which (authorized by the Attorney General) directs the FBI to: Arrest persons whom I deem dangerous to the public peace and safety. Again I asked, “What is a threat?” Could it be opposition to the homosexual agenda through the evil “Hate Crimes Law”? As it is currently crafted it would be criminal to even think bad thoughts about this abominable behavior as God calls it. I know the first response would be how are you going to prove someone had a bad thought about a homosexual? Don’t be deceived they don’t need proof, all they need is through the use of the taxpayer funded ACLU or American Communist Law Usurpers get it to the right judge and he will take care of it and knowing full well most people can’t afford the cost of appeals to higher courts. According to the above it is whatever any Attorney General deems a threat to be. Remember, it was Janet Reno who said, “The religious right is the greatest threat.” Someone please explain to me what happened to the Bill of Rights in the derivation of these onerous laws and directives. Who stole Articles 4, 5, and 6? Of course at present only the Navy and Marines can do this because they are not subject to USC Title 10 Posse Comitatus prohibitions against using federal military forces for domestic law enforcement. Could it be anything that would impede the forward progress of the One-World Government? The people at Waco or Ruby Ridge must be examples of what they consider a threat. Bill Clinton took this a giant leap forward by creating an order (Presidential Directive #25), which by the way is still in effect that says in a national emergency the U.N. would have the authority to come in and take over. Chew on that a little bit.
Judging from what I have seen thus far Obama is no doubt a master of deception so much so it is almost as though he is accomplishing his will upon America through inhuman means. Hum, I wonder if maybe the real battle we are fighting lies in Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. However, rest assured Romans 8:38-39 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord if 1 John 2:28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.. Romans 8:28 Furthermore, we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Obama’s latest tirade is “bring it on” a populist choice of words he knows will appeal to those either too ignorant or those who half pay attention, which I am convinced unfortunately is the majority of people to the issues of concern. He is referring to lobbyist dissatisfaction to his socialist policy. While I and most Americans agree the lobbyist must be brought under control because they are undermining the real power in America, the American people themselves, he can make statements like this because of his bedfellows Nancy Pelosi (Speaker of the House and Harry Reid Senate Majority Leader share his goal of creating a socialistic country. The internationalist confers with him either directly or through the State Department or Commerce Department and he and they confers with each other. At least for the very word’s sake consider this concerning Obama’s, Pelosi’s and Reid’s masterful deception tactics; 2 Corinthians 11:14-15 and no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. How does he accomplish this? He does it with masterful oratory skills and demeanor by using appealing words of deception meaning he is saying one thing he knows the public likes in a masterful way but with an entirely different application than what they have perceived as his meaning. He has already proven this in only six weeks of being in office. For instance, he said like the government, which has got to be a joke, tighten your belts and if one is intelligent enough based on his performance so far and what he has already done should realize the meaning of this is more oppressive taxation is coming our way. Only the astute observer will catch this. In other words, from what he has already proven in his agenda, he is intent on taking us down the road to fascism and at breakneck speed because he realizes the honeymoon will soon be over and he has to accomplish his agenda before the public gets wise to his deceptive policy. Saul Alinsky, his communist mentor along with fellow communist terrorist Ayers warned him to get this accomplished very fast to avoid backlash. So, Obama speaks it, Pelosi and Reid put into law with their authority to write law and most often without other legislators having been given the time to read the legislation and/or hiding it in other legislation. This is of course a disgrace but that is the way it is done nowadays whether its Republicans or Democrats in charge. Another method that flies under the radar is doing it through un-elected bureaucrats of federal agencies who for every law congress creates pump out 18 regulations (a way of circumventing the constitution) and all with the force of law that sometimes end up in the courts with little or no attention paid to it by the controlled media therefore the public rarely even knows it is going on. And considering their willing accomplices in the judiciary they most often get their way. Any way you slice this is run amuck federalism the constitution made no allowances for.
Early Christian Involvement in Politics
The Apostles and Christians were knee deep in involvement of the political climate of their day and some were killed because of their biblical stands against men of corrupt minds. A survey of all they did through scripture and such text as the Foxes book of Martyrs plus many more gives us the right to know the truth about Christian involvement in politics that will turn unto salvation for all that adhere to it. These men of corrupt minds were the same as we see today in America constantly changing the political climate of their day for their own gain, which always lead to moral decay. Paul challenged both the political and religious establishment of their day on issues and in this particular text of Acts 15 below about circumcision. In Acts chapters 25 and 26 we find the apostle Paul challenging the King himself. If a king is not a politician what is he? He also challenged them concerning immoral sex acts such as homosexuality (Romans 1) and this included the political viewpoints of the leaders of these countries. Today in America this same issue is being fought by the opposing political forces that be. The Democrats are pushing for same sex marriage and the right to kill innocent babies and the Republicans are against this and allowing homosexuals the right to adopt children. For example: Acts 15:2 When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question. The apostle didn’t mince words with these leaders as the text above suggest. In other words, unlike many of us Christians today they put faith on their legs and took it to them. The frustration of these political and spiritual leaders (notice the text says rulers) grew so bad they accused Paul of Acts 17:6 and when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also. This is but one example of the role of the Christian in society today to challenge the political establishment when they go astray of righteous living as given by God’s word. The question that begs an answer is why should Christians engage themselves in the politics of the day? The answer to a good conscience is this we what we are really waging warfare against Ephesians 6:12 for we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places and this includes men that rule over the lives of people. It was men Jesus and the apostles fought against that were under the influence of the imps of Satan. Is it not true the issue of homosexuality being challenged by the church is now being fought in the political landscape which includes the courts? If Christians were not opposed to this abomination there wouldn’t be much of a problem. Our society has become so secular minded through deceit there wouldn’t be enough opposition to withstand these wilds of the devil. Like it or not as long as a person/persons stand against immorality a political solution will inevitably follow. The answer to a good conscience is for all Christians to reach the unity of the spirit as we are admonished to do on these immoral issues and tear down the strongholds of these rulers of darkness of this world and against spiritual wickedness in high places. If we do this then the battle becomes the Lords. Thus saith the LORD unto you, be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's. Of course the main prerequisite is for Christians is to first examine themselves to see if they are of the faith. Second, do all of the above as laid out in Ephesians the sixth chapter and throw in 2nd Chronicles 7:14 for good measure and we will have assured victory. So as you can see from the above this idea that Christians should not engage themselves in politics is pure hogwash. Revelation 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that you may be rich; and white raiment, that thou may be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. But I would have you to know O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Prayer from a sincere repentant heart will produce fruit. We are to as the scripture admonishes us to James 5:16 confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much and Romans 8:31 what shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? We must avoid; Matthew 15:7-19 you hypocrites, well did Isaiah prophesy of you, saying, this people draw nigh unto me with their mouth, and honor me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand; it is not that which goes into the mouth defiles a man but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defiles a man. Then came his disciples, and said unto him, do you know that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying? But he answered and said every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up. Let them alone: they are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch. Hebrews 4:12 for the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Because as I have already pointed out the battle we are fighting is against the principalities and powers of the air or on high, which makes it spiritual makes it impossible to separate the spiritual from the political. Let me say that again, it is impossible to be pleasing to God to attempt to separate the spiritual from the political. They are inevitably intertwined and as the last book of the bible teaches us the spiritual (false prophet) and political will have such a negative effect on human beings with the anti-Christ and the false church leadership joining forces and it will only be by God’s intervention that it be righted. I for one do not want the Lord to look upon me and say Isaiah 63:5 And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore mine own arm brought salvation unto me; and my fury, it upheld me. So with this thought in mind I think it is fairly safe to assume the hottest places in hell are reserved for those who in times of moral crisis do nothing and many Republicans can count themselves dealt in. Ben Franklin "I think vital religion has always suffered when orthodoxy is more regarded than virtue. The scriptures assure me that at the last day we shall not be examined on what we thought but what we did." The apostle James confirms this reasoning with James 2:18 yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works.
Even our first president George Washington knew better when he made the statement; "Do not let anyone claim to be a true American if they ever attempt to remove religion from politics." Benjamin Franklin said, "Whoever will introduce into public affairs (both social and political) the principles of Christianity will change the face of the world." This statement seems to contradict today’s version of separation and church doesn’t it?
I leave you with this thought: George Washington: Ninety-nine percent of the failures come from people who have the habit of making excuses. Either we live by our principles or we don't have any principles. Conservatives today are letting liberals define them. They are defined by what they are against, more than what they are for. I'm for constitutionally limited government. I'm for freedom, which includes individual rights. I'm for self-government and the rights of Americans to own property, guns or anything else they want to own. I'm for personal responsibility and accountability to God. How about you?
George Washington"Do not let anyone claim to be a true American if they ever attempt to remove religion from politics." This is only a sampling of what the founding fathers believed about Christian citizen’s involvement in politics.
Since Christians have been charged by God to be the watchmen over the souls of man the simple answer is yes. However in America today Christians have been made to believe they shouldn’t engage themselves in the political arena and most have bought into this lie. Jesus involved himself in the politics of his day on monetary matters as well as other things. Matthew 21:12 And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers or manipulators of currency, and the seats of them that sold doves. Further study of this event reveals some unknowns to most. These businessmen with the approval of the political and religious establishment of that day were deceiving the common folk if you will into exchanging their money for worthless money hence the term moneychangers. Do we not see this exact same thing happening in America today in its various forms and being propagated by politicians in Washington who in our day and time could actually be described as the scribes and the international financiers the Pharisees? Remember this scripture is given us for an example to follow. Very seldom is the same action taken recorded repeatedly except for some in the gospels. He may have very well done this in other places as well. The scripture says he did so many things there was not room to write it all down. Common sense tells me it was unnecessary to record every instance where the same thing was accomplished. Can you imagine reading over and over everything Jesus did. What would be the purpose? Again, these examples provide the roadmap for the Christian to follow. Below are more examples of how the early church got knee-deep in the politics of their day but under much worse circumstances that we in America face as far as freedom to petition government is concerned. John Adams, said, "Our Constitution is designed only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate for any other." Adams went further, declaring, "So great is my veneration of the Bible that the earlier my children begin to read it, the more confident will be my hope that they will prove useful citizens of their country and respectful members of society." What better way is there to be useful citizens than for those that name the name of Christ to stand guard over our freedoms from the federal and business level?
It is important to understand in a democracy such as ours because of the wisdom of our founding fathers setting up a check and balance system it is much easier for would be dictators to accomplish their agenda incrementally until the whole program is put in place such as the Real I.D. act that will eventually lead to receiving a chip in our hand or forehead or the installation of populist appealing red light cameras to stop wrecks and injury leading to surveillance cameras watching our every move as has happened in Europe and this card check legislation being crafted that will take away the freedom of workers to make their own choice as to whether they want the unions to dictate their every move. There are at least two ways to describe the same thing as far as how evil is accomplished in a democracy and I want to familiarize you with both. One is if you here the term “mission creep” and as the bible makes reference, a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. Mission Creep means dictatorial policy is accomplished by these people little by little by installing bits and pieces toward an ultimate goal and in 99% of the cases I believe it is safe to say it is to increase one group’s power over another until they are brought into total subjection. Unchecked power corrupts the checks and balance system the constitution provides, which is what made America successful in the past. In other words, fascism has been stopped at the door because of the hurdles it has had to overcome in our great land but as we are seeing the roadblocks are being removed incrementally so most won’t notice until it is too late. This is why Christians are the bastions of freedom or should be and for that reason must continually pay attention to issues especially by those that man the pulpits. What we are witnessing with the Obama administration is the expedited way he and his cronies are installing fascist policy. Truth is they are moving so swiftly, it is hard to keep up with especially when the media doesn’t report the truth but instead is obviously behind him tooth and nail. In six weeks Obama and his socialist supporters in congress and special interest organizations have been working on making gun ownership illegal, redefining marriage, expanding abortion funding worldwide, calling for the doubling of foreign aid to include moving terrorist (falsely called Palestinians) onto our soil at taxpayer expense, passed a so-called stimulus bill that in truth was done to make permanent democratic control of government by creating a populace that is subservient to government and really has socialism written all over it, and is intent on shutting down opposition to his policies by rebirthing the “Fairness Doctrine”. This is all happening so fast by design it is hard to keep up with and you can look for much of this to be hidden in other legislation to keep the public from knowing it. This is the way things are done in Washington whether it be Republicans or Democrats. The latest method is to force votes before the bills are read. Another important thing we must pay serious attention to is the treaties the U.N. now feels it can get passed because they have their socialist in office and that means both houses of congress and the president. I might add here this is why the battle for the senate office in Minnesota is so important to the internationalist and the socialist Democrats to get this seat because it will consolidate the power making the needed 60 votes required by most senate action to avoid filibusters. But once again these laws will be enacted by being hidden in bills and once a treaty is signed into law it is almost impossible to get out of so we can’t expect a conservative replacement for running the affairs of government to overturn these treaties. I am emphatically telling you not to count on the Republicans with the exception of a few to stop this corrupting of principles we as a country have successfully lived by for over 200 years because they have proven where their loyalties are beholden to so far. To me it is like a huge veil or TARP of deception has been pulled over our eyes blinding us because of the fear Obama and his willing accomplices the Democrats has instilled in us. But I warn you of why it is important that you understand one of the reasons America is moving toward fascism today. It is because they have put aside the constitution as the rule of law or amended it through the use of unanswerable, un-elected bureaucrats to accommodate the globalist. Instilling fear has always been a successfully used tool of tyrannical men and as one of our great leaders of by gone days proclaimed, “One of the first goals of tyranny is to create fear in the population, fear so paralyzing that the public will accept any measure to allay it. Make the threat onerous enough and the people will relinquish everything”. End of quote! The government is always presenting us with a crisis, whether it is health care, terrorism, crime, environmental or whatever they dream up. We the people are left with two choices, be consumed with the crisis or let the government solve the threat of the day by limiting, constraining, or removing freedoms. We are almost at the point as Voltaire noted, “It is dangerous to be right when your government is wrong.” Former president Teddy Roosevelt saw through this deception: “Patriotism means to stand by the country; it does not mean to stand by the president or any other public official save exactly to the degree in which he himself stands by the country. It is patriotic to support him insofar as he efficiently serves the country. It is unpatriotic not to oppose him to the exact extent that by inefficiency or otherwise he fails in his duty to stand by the country.” I might add that Teddy’s philosophy followed that of founding father Thomas Jefferson when Shay's Rebellion of farmers broke out in Massachusetts in 1786, Jefferson wrote to James Madison, "I hold it that a little rebellion now and then is a good thing, and as necessary in the political world as storms in the physical." End of quote! Contrary to what we are seeing today one could surmise Roosevelt didn’t see a president as a “Messiah”. I have to assume Obama likes this christening because he has yet to downplay this heralded status put upon him by the media or individuals such as Louis Farakken an extremist white folk hating Muslim. U. S. Supreme Court Justice Robert Houghwout Jackson put it simply: “It is not the function of our government to keep the citizen from falling into error; it is the function of the citizen to keep the government from falling into error.” I think it is fair to say this justice’s comment is a far cry from what we hear from these “liberal lawmaking judges” today. “We the People are the rightful master of both congress and the courts, “said Abraham Lincoln, “not to overthrow the Constitution, but to overthrow the men who pervert the Constitution.” Another of our great founding fathers (Thomas Jefferson) imparted a bit of wisdom to us when he said, “When the government fears the people, there is liberty, but when the people fear the government there is tyranny. Here is what the father of our country said. George Washington: Ninety-nine percent of the failures come from people who have the habit of making excuses. Either we live by our principles or we don't have any principles. They are defined by what they are against, more than what they are for. I'm for constitutionally limited government. I'm for freedom, which includes individual rights. I'm for self-government and the rights of Americans to own property, guns or anything else they want to own. I'm for personal responsibility and accountability to God. End of quote! In other words, finding excuses for not getting involved in theirs and the future well-being of their children’s economic and spiritual prosperity. Conservatives today are letting liberals define them and we must stop this now.
One of the things already in place is the existence of a “Master Search Warrant” and “Master Arrest Warrant,” the latter of which (authorized by the Attorney General) directs the FBI to: Arrest persons whom I deem dangerous to the public peace and safety. Again I asked, “What is a threat?” Could it be opposition to the homosexual agenda through the evil “Hate Crimes Law”? As it is currently crafted it would be criminal to even think bad thoughts about this abominable behavior as God calls it. I know the first response would be how are you going to prove someone had a bad thought about a homosexual? Don’t be deceived they don’t need proof, all they need is through the use of the taxpayer funded ACLU or American Communist Law Usurpers get it to the right judge and he will take care of it and knowing full well most people can’t afford the cost of appeals to higher courts. According to the above it is whatever any Attorney General deems a threat to be. Remember, it was Janet Reno who said, “The religious right is the greatest threat.” Someone please explain to me what happened to the Bill of Rights in the derivation of these onerous laws and directives. Who stole Articles 4, 5, and 6? Of course at present only the Navy and Marines can do this because they are not subject to USC Title 10 Posse Comitatus prohibitions against using federal military forces for domestic law enforcement. Could it be anything that would impede the forward progress of the One-World Government? The people at Waco or Ruby Ridge must be examples of what they consider a threat. Bill Clinton took this a giant leap forward by creating an order (Presidential Directive #25), which by the way is still in effect that says in a national emergency the U.N. would have the authority to come in and take over. Chew on that a little bit.
Judging from what I have seen thus far Obama is no doubt a master of deception so much so it is almost as though he is accomplishing his will upon America through inhuman means. Hum, I wonder if maybe the real battle we are fighting lies in Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. However, rest assured Romans 8:38-39 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord if 1 John 2:28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.. Romans 8:28 Furthermore, we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Obama’s latest tirade is “bring it on” a populist choice of words he knows will appeal to those either too ignorant or those who half pay attention, which I am convinced unfortunately is the majority of people to the issues of concern. He is referring to lobbyist dissatisfaction to his socialist policy. While I and most Americans agree the lobbyist must be brought under control because they are undermining the real power in America, the American people themselves, he can make statements like this because of his bedfellows Nancy Pelosi (Speaker of the House and Harry Reid Senate Majority Leader share his goal of creating a socialistic country. The internationalist confers with him either directly or through the State Department or Commerce Department and he and they confers with each other. At least for the very word’s sake consider this concerning Obama’s, Pelosi’s and Reid’s masterful deception tactics; 2 Corinthians 11:14-15 and no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. How does he accomplish this? He does it with masterful oratory skills and demeanor by using appealing words of deception meaning he is saying one thing he knows the public likes in a masterful way but with an entirely different application than what they have perceived as his meaning. He has already proven this in only six weeks of being in office. For instance, he said like the government, which has got to be a joke, tighten your belts and if one is intelligent enough based on his performance so far and what he has already done should realize the meaning of this is more oppressive taxation is coming our way. Only the astute observer will catch this. In other words, from what he has already proven in his agenda, he is intent on taking us down the road to fascism and at breakneck speed because he realizes the honeymoon will soon be over and he has to accomplish his agenda before the public gets wise to his deceptive policy. Saul Alinsky, his communist mentor along with fellow communist terrorist Ayers warned him to get this accomplished very fast to avoid backlash. So, Obama speaks it, Pelosi and Reid put into law with their authority to write law and most often without other legislators having been given the time to read the legislation and/or hiding it in other legislation. This is of course a disgrace but that is the way it is done nowadays whether its Republicans or Democrats in charge. Another method that flies under the radar is doing it through un-elected bureaucrats of federal agencies who for every law congress creates pump out 18 regulations (a way of circumventing the constitution) and all with the force of law that sometimes end up in the courts with little or no attention paid to it by the controlled media therefore the public rarely even knows it is going on. And considering their willing accomplices in the judiciary they most often get their way. Any way you slice this is run amuck federalism the constitution made no allowances for.
Early Christian Involvement in Politics
The Apostles and Christians were knee deep in involvement of the political climate of their day and some were killed because of their biblical stands against men of corrupt minds. A survey of all they did through scripture and such text as the Foxes book of Martyrs plus many more gives us the right to know the truth about Christian involvement in politics that will turn unto salvation for all that adhere to it. These men of corrupt minds were the same as we see today in America constantly changing the political climate of their day for their own gain, which always lead to moral decay. Paul challenged both the political and religious establishment of their day on issues and in this particular text of Acts 15 below about circumcision. In Acts chapters 25 and 26 we find the apostle Paul challenging the King himself. If a king is not a politician what is he? He also challenged them concerning immoral sex acts such as homosexuality (Romans 1) and this included the political viewpoints of the leaders of these countries. Today in America this same issue is being fought by the opposing political forces that be. The Democrats are pushing for same sex marriage and the right to kill innocent babies and the Republicans are against this and allowing homosexuals the right to adopt children. For example: Acts 15:2 When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question. The apostle didn’t mince words with these leaders as the text above suggest. In other words, unlike many of us Christians today they put faith on their legs and took it to them. The frustration of these political and spiritual leaders (notice the text says rulers) grew so bad they accused Paul of Acts 17:6 and when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also. This is but one example of the role of the Christian in society today to challenge the political establishment when they go astray of righteous living as given by God’s word. The question that begs an answer is why should Christians engage themselves in the politics of the day? The answer to a good conscience is this we what we are really waging warfare against Ephesians 6:12 for we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places and this includes men that rule over the lives of people. It was men Jesus and the apostles fought against that were under the influence of the imps of Satan. Is it not true the issue of homosexuality being challenged by the church is now being fought in the political landscape which includes the courts? If Christians were not opposed to this abomination there wouldn’t be much of a problem. Our society has become so secular minded through deceit there wouldn’t be enough opposition to withstand these wilds of the devil. Like it or not as long as a person/persons stand against immorality a political solution will inevitably follow. The answer to a good conscience is for all Christians to reach the unity of the spirit as we are admonished to do on these immoral issues and tear down the strongholds of these rulers of darkness of this world and against spiritual wickedness in high places. If we do this then the battle becomes the Lords. Thus saith the LORD unto you, be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's. Of course the main prerequisite is for Christians is to first examine themselves to see if they are of the faith. Second, do all of the above as laid out in Ephesians the sixth chapter and throw in 2nd Chronicles 7:14 for good measure and we will have assured victory. So as you can see from the above this idea that Christians should not engage themselves in politics is pure hogwash. Revelation 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that you may be rich; and white raiment, that thou may be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. But I would have you to know O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Prayer from a sincere repentant heart will produce fruit. We are to as the scripture admonishes us to James 5:16 confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much and Romans 8:31 what shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? We must avoid; Matthew 15:7-19 you hypocrites, well did Isaiah prophesy of you, saying, this people draw nigh unto me with their mouth, and honor me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand; it is not that which goes into the mouth defiles a man but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defiles a man. Then came his disciples, and said unto him, do you know that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying? But he answered and said every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up. Let them alone: they are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch. Hebrews 4:12 for the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Because as I have already pointed out the battle we are fighting is against the principalities and powers of the air or on high, which makes it spiritual makes it impossible to separate the spiritual from the political. Let me say that again, it is impossible to be pleasing to God to attempt to separate the spiritual from the political. They are inevitably intertwined and as the last book of the bible teaches us the spiritual (false prophet) and political will have such a negative effect on human beings with the anti-Christ and the false church leadership joining forces and it will only be by God’s intervention that it be righted. I for one do not want the Lord to look upon me and say Isaiah 63:5 And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore mine own arm brought salvation unto me; and my fury, it upheld me. So with this thought in mind I think it is fairly safe to assume the hottest places in hell are reserved for those who in times of moral crisis do nothing and many Republicans can count themselves dealt in. Ben Franklin "I think vital religion has always suffered when orthodoxy is more regarded than virtue. The scriptures assure me that at the last day we shall not be examined on what we thought but what we did." The apostle James confirms this reasoning with James 2:18 yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works.
Even our first president George Washington knew better when he made the statement; "Do not let anyone claim to be a true American if they ever attempt to remove religion from politics." Benjamin Franklin said, "Whoever will introduce into public affairs (both social and political) the principles of Christianity will change the face of the world." This statement seems to contradict today’s version of separation and church doesn’t it?
I leave you with this thought: George Washington: Ninety-nine percent of the failures come from people who have the habit of making excuses. Either we live by our principles or we don't have any principles. Conservatives today are letting liberals define them. They are defined by what they are against, more than what they are for. I'm for constitutionally limited government. I'm for freedom, which includes individual rights. I'm for self-government and the rights of Americans to own property, guns or anything else they want to own. I'm for personal responsibility and accountability to God. How about you?
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Truth of What is Happening to America
What you must come to terms with as far as the American economy is concerned this is the plan the Bilderbergers, Council of Foreign Relations , Tri-lateral Commission, World Federalist Association in conjunction with the international financial institutions using the various central banks to control the economy of the world and has been all along. Have you noticed especially since we lost our manufacturing jobs how one region of the world’s economy is doing fine and another’s is sucking hind tit and this goes on and on through the manipulation of currencies. You know the old saying “follow the money”. Its important to bring America down so low we will holler uncle and be willing to accept anything or anyone to get us out of this mess and this election is a good example of what I am talking about. It was all about the phony “95% tax cut” and the word “change”.
David Rockefeller—Founder and honorary chairman, Council of the Americas. Chairman , Council on Foreign Relations. Founder and Honorary Chairman, Trilateral Commission__We are on the verge of a global transformation. All we need is the right major crisis and the nation will accept the New World Order. He also said, "Some even believe we (Rockefeller family) are part of a secret cabal working against the best interests of the United States, characterizing my family and me as 'internationalists' and of conspiring with others around the world to build a more integrated global political and economic structure---one world, if you will. If that's the charge, I stand guilty, and I am proud of it." All the government has to do to gain control of the people’s mind is to gain control of their pocketbook. Another of the one world government heirarchy said, "give me control of the people's money and I care not who they elect". This statement should tell you we have been attacking the wrong organizations and people because we have been following the MSM’s lead. Hey, guess who owns the MSM?
Where all this is leading:
Paul-Henri Spaak, the founder of the European Common Market and the general secretary of NATO, emphatically declared in a speech: "We don’t want another committee-we already have enough of them. What we want is a man of such stature that he be capable to gain the alliance of peace-the politics to pull us out of the economic chaos into which we are sinking. Send us this man, and be he god or the devil, we will welcome him!" Though this speech was given many years ago it reflects the sentiment of these reprobates. I have even been attacked for jumping on David Rockefeller. They say “hey man leave the man alone he is 92 years old”. I say I don’t care if he is 192 he still espouses and finances using your tax dollars I might add the idea of bringing about a one world government dictatorship, which means bringing my children and grandchildren under bondage. I just wish there more like me that can’t live with this idea.
Recently, Henry Kissinger a member of the Biderberger Group (one world government advocates) said Obama has been being groomed and primed to lead the world into a one world government. Obama has signed and registered a presidential directive to bring thousands of Palestinians to America and provide free everything to them. He is I believe bringing about what the prophet predicted for nations that turn their backs on God and his chosen people of Israel. Jeremiah 51:14 (NKJV) shows us the future: "Surely I will fill you with men, as with locusts, and they shall lift up a battle cry against you." Terrorist camps are here already and the government knows it and now Obama is bringing in the troops for these terrorist to train. What we should be doing is obeying the scripture concerning our role with Israel. Genesis 12:3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. If you think I am lying look it up yourself and you will see twenty millions has been set aside from the stimulus for the purpose of resettling these terrorist. Folks you might as well accept the fact we have a devil in the white house and that is about as candid as I can be with you. You should have picked up on it already. He says one thing in front of the camera does another behind it. Example: He said nobody's god would condone killing the innocent yet the first thing he did as president is reverse Bush's policy on federal funding of abortions and even extended it to the rest of the world. He is for gay marriage and on and on. What else do you need to see this man for what he is. And please don't ask me to pray for him to succeed because that would be like asking God to send me to hell. This stimulus is a huge step toward bringing us into subjection of a one world government body and George W is a part of it like his dad also plus Bill Clinton. Clinton did two very important things to bring this about. First NAFTA to ship our manufacturing overseas and then forcing Fannie Mae and Freddy and others to give loans to people to purchase homes that couldn't afford them. The backbone of any economy is in manufacturing. In 1955 78 % of the GDP was based in manufacturing. Today it makes up 14%. We have an economy dependent on consumer spending and makes up 70 % of the GDP. People don't have the money to spend and it was propped up by issuing credit until all things necessary was in place like it is now. Since NAFTA consumer credit card debt has been at an all time high. Want to know something that should ruffle your feather greatly, Obama's election was largely financed by credit card debt that the rest of the taxpayers are now bailing out and this was done by design. It didn't just happen!
This is the baffled, bewildered, befuddled mindset that will usher in the Antichrist. For the day will come-and soon-when such a man will emerge out of the U.S. or European Union and bewitch the political leaders of the world. He will announce a grand scheme for universal peace and prosperity that the world’s leaders will agree to, and draw up a seven year contract. All nations--even Israel--will sign it. But in the middle of the peace, after three and a half years, everything falls apart and deadly conflicts break out again, culminating in the prophetic battle of Armageddon, in Israel’s Valley of Megiddo. This is in the bible. The sooner people accept these facts the sooner we might be able to turn it around but we are at a point where it will have to be done with the help of God and that means one thing. It starts with us. 2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. We can’t blame God for what is happening to us, we did it ourselves and God gave us free will. That is why Obama got elected. People wanted him so like God did with the Jews when they cried for a king he told the prophet give them a king and warned them what it would be like but they didn’t want to listen. The question is will we do the right thing or continue to waller in our filth.
A British historian Alexander Tyler once said, “A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government; they will only exist until the people find that they can vote money for themselves from the treasury and until the politicians find that they can distribute that money in order to buy votes and perpetuate themselves in power.” “Hence, democracies always collapse over weak fiscal policy to be followed by a dictatorship”.
What has always historically followed
“The U.S. is a country which leads the world in homosexuality, promiscuity, pornography, divorce, abortion, violent crime, drug usage, alcoholism, and child abuse: a country which embraces its enemies (China through trade) while turning its back on its friends (Taiwan); and a country which turns its back on its spiritual, Christ-centered heritage while believing itself to still be the greatest – is ready for a major fall,” says Don McAlvany. It happened to Rome, Babylon, Persia, Assyria, Greece, and now America is on the verge of allowing it to happen. We spend 173 billion dollars annually for food, alcohol, tobacco, recreation, and gambling.
David Rockefeller—Founder and honorary chairman, Council of the Americas. Chairman , Council on Foreign Relations. Founder and Honorary Chairman, Trilateral Commission__We are on the verge of a global transformation. All we need is the right major crisis and the nation will accept the New World Order. He also said, "Some even believe we (Rockefeller family) are part of a secret cabal working against the best interests of the United States, characterizing my family and me as 'internationalists' and of conspiring with others around the world to build a more integrated global political and economic structure---one world, if you will. If that's the charge, I stand guilty, and I am proud of it." All the government has to do to gain control of the people’s mind is to gain control of their pocketbook. Another of the one world government heirarchy said, "give me control of the people's money and I care not who they elect". This statement should tell you we have been attacking the wrong organizations and people because we have been following the MSM’s lead. Hey, guess who owns the MSM?
Where all this is leading:
Paul-Henri Spaak, the founder of the European Common Market and the general secretary of NATO, emphatically declared in a speech: "We don’t want another committee-we already have enough of them. What we want is a man of such stature that he be capable to gain the alliance of peace-the politics to pull us out of the economic chaos into which we are sinking. Send us this man, and be he god or the devil, we will welcome him!" Though this speech was given many years ago it reflects the sentiment of these reprobates. I have even been attacked for jumping on David Rockefeller. They say “hey man leave the man alone he is 92 years old”. I say I don’t care if he is 192 he still espouses and finances using your tax dollars I might add the idea of bringing about a one world government dictatorship, which means bringing my children and grandchildren under bondage. I just wish there more like me that can’t live with this idea.
Recently, Henry Kissinger a member of the Biderberger Group (one world government advocates) said Obama has been being groomed and primed to lead the world into a one world government. Obama has signed and registered a presidential directive to bring thousands of Palestinians to America and provide free everything to them. He is I believe bringing about what the prophet predicted for nations that turn their backs on God and his chosen people of Israel. Jeremiah 51:14 (NKJV) shows us the future: "Surely I will fill you with men, as with locusts, and they shall lift up a battle cry against you." Terrorist camps are here already and the government knows it and now Obama is bringing in the troops for these terrorist to train. What we should be doing is obeying the scripture concerning our role with Israel. Genesis 12:3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. If you think I am lying look it up yourself and you will see twenty millions has been set aside from the stimulus for the purpose of resettling these terrorist. Folks you might as well accept the fact we have a devil in the white house and that is about as candid as I can be with you. You should have picked up on it already. He says one thing in front of the camera does another behind it. Example: He said nobody's god would condone killing the innocent yet the first thing he did as president is reverse Bush's policy on federal funding of abortions and even extended it to the rest of the world. He is for gay marriage and on and on. What else do you need to see this man for what he is. And please don't ask me to pray for him to succeed because that would be like asking God to send me to hell. This stimulus is a huge step toward bringing us into subjection of a one world government body and George W is a part of it like his dad also plus Bill Clinton. Clinton did two very important things to bring this about. First NAFTA to ship our manufacturing overseas and then forcing Fannie Mae and Freddy and others to give loans to people to purchase homes that couldn't afford them. The backbone of any economy is in manufacturing. In 1955 78 % of the GDP was based in manufacturing. Today it makes up 14%. We have an economy dependent on consumer spending and makes up 70 % of the GDP. People don't have the money to spend and it was propped up by issuing credit until all things necessary was in place like it is now. Since NAFTA consumer credit card debt has been at an all time high. Want to know something that should ruffle your feather greatly, Obama's election was largely financed by credit card debt that the rest of the taxpayers are now bailing out and this was done by design. It didn't just happen!
This is the baffled, bewildered, befuddled mindset that will usher in the Antichrist. For the day will come-and soon-when such a man will emerge out of the U.S. or European Union and bewitch the political leaders of the world. He will announce a grand scheme for universal peace and prosperity that the world’s leaders will agree to, and draw up a seven year contract. All nations--even Israel--will sign it. But in the middle of the peace, after three and a half years, everything falls apart and deadly conflicts break out again, culminating in the prophetic battle of Armageddon, in Israel’s Valley of Megiddo. This is in the bible. The sooner people accept these facts the sooner we might be able to turn it around but we are at a point where it will have to be done with the help of God and that means one thing. It starts with us. 2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. We can’t blame God for what is happening to us, we did it ourselves and God gave us free will. That is why Obama got elected. People wanted him so like God did with the Jews when they cried for a king he told the prophet give them a king and warned them what it would be like but they didn’t want to listen. The question is will we do the right thing or continue to waller in our filth.
A British historian Alexander Tyler once said, “A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government; they will only exist until the people find that they can vote money for themselves from the treasury and until the politicians find that they can distribute that money in order to buy votes and perpetuate themselves in power.” “Hence, democracies always collapse over weak fiscal policy to be followed by a dictatorship”.
What has always historically followed
“The U.S. is a country which leads the world in homosexuality, promiscuity, pornography, divorce, abortion, violent crime, drug usage, alcoholism, and child abuse: a country which embraces its enemies (China through trade) while turning its back on its friends (Taiwan); and a country which turns its back on its spiritual, Christ-centered heritage while believing itself to still be the greatest – is ready for a major fall,” says Don McAlvany. It happened to Rome, Babylon, Persia, Assyria, Greece, and now America is on the verge of allowing it to happen. We spend 173 billion dollars annually for food, alcohol, tobacco, recreation, and gambling.
You Load Sixteen Tons and What Do You Get?
Republicans Never Again
It is repeatedly being said the Republicans need to stay the current course and keep harping about the tax and spend liberals and they will win back control of government. The knowledge of the tax and spend policy of Democrats is not relevant here and not a factor at all. I know that may shock you somewhat but it needs to be said in the interest of truth. I wish that were true but it isn’t because it is obvious the leadership of the Republican still don’t have a clue what this past election was all about evidenced by repeating the same old same old. To start with, the Republican leadership doesn’t have anything to back up their demands for conservatism. The only way conservatives will be a voice again is if they have the economic tools behind them. When it comes to understanding the mindset of the American people it comes down to this. When a person loses his/her ability to control their own destiny a historically familiar pattern develops everything to include morals goes out the window and that is the pattern we are all witnessing. It is a time in America where there is little hope for a man/woman to be successful in creating a sustained good life for their family. And because it is so difficult to accept losing a comfortable lifestyle to a much less one hope goes out the window and people will grasp at any opportunity to maintain a comfort level they are used to even it if it is done with through the roof credit, which is what happened. I might add this desperation is what makes for a dangerous situation in that a silver-tongued guy like Obama can masterfully manipulate the minds of the American people into believing anything that promises to restore people to their former selves, hence the words of a former United Nations Secretary General, we need a man that can get us out of this hell, we don’t care if it is the devil himself.
When we lost our manufacturing jobs which is the backbone of any economy and what made America the envy of the world we started down the slippery slope to oblivion. These jobs are gone and Republicans had their chance to stop it and didn't. I have to ask what are the Republican leaders going to conserve? Tech jobs are gone now also and all that is left is a service and stock market economy that is dependent on what these overseas jobs or our former manufacturing jobs provide for us. We stand at the ready to service these manufactured products in all its forms but few are being produced today and those that are being sought after by service companies in the rest of the world at a greatly reduced cost. This is a cost that makes America a non-competitive entity with the result that forces down wages that much more. When you lose your manufacturing base you also lose the ability to decide how these products will be marketed and serviced. Add to that the fact we allowed our technological advantage to get away from us through selling or giving away our technology we are where we are. Our arrogance and ignorance is responsible for lowering our guard on this precious advantage we once held. Then we allowed the extremist of the far-left leverage over our ability to remain a manufacturing giant through “wacko” environmentalist and groups such as PETA, NOW, ACLU (American Communist Law Usurpers) and many others. Our leaders have essentially done a double back flip with our trade policy; gone from setting the rules to being a follower of the rules. You are left at the mercy of what others do meaning you no longer control your own destiny. The service jobs that are left are being given to overseas entities because of the cheap labor so we are losing here also. So what is left for Republicans to harp on? In 1955 78% of the GDP was based in manufacturing and today that figure is 14% and replaced with consumer spending which now makes up 70% of the GDP, so consider the dramatic affects this has had on the American economy. We are left with our hands out saying to the rest of the world “make something so I can package and sell it for you”. We have gone from magnate to beggar. This is where we are today so it is not altogether the American people's fault for taking the position they have towards Obama. I think if you research what pulled most heavily on the heart strings of most Americans during the campaign you will find it is when Obama said he was going to stop giving tax breaks to companies that moved jobs overseas and give them to companies that are here in America. Of course we all know that is another of his big lies because he knows he doesn’t control that aspect of the economy because we have turned our economy over to the international financiers of the world and they will determine our future. After all, W pushed so-called “free trade” by lying to Americans that it is the way to grow the economy and Americans finally saw that for what it was, growing trade deficits that are out of control to the point our creditors dictate policy to us now. Examples: the Arabs demand we accept “Sharia Law” as a prerequisite for loaning money to AIG now called 21st Century or anyone else. Take the UK for example it is now deeply entrenched in Shariah-Compliant Finance – which means Islamists not only have demonstrations, riots and terrorism with which to threaten the Brits they also have the power of money. In other words the way of life for Britain’s citizens has changed dramatically. So when the outrageous detention of Dutch parliamentarian Geert Wilders when he entered London’s Heathrow Airport, after which British authorities deported Wilders back to Holland. Why? Wilders flew to London after being invited to show his documentary Fitna in Britain’s House of Lords, in spite of being warned by the British Home Office that his presence in the UK would “threaten community harmony and therefore public security.” In other words, Islamists were protesting and there were those in the British government who were afraid that Wilders’ visit would set off Muslim rioting or, worse yet, terrorist attacks. China has used manipulation of their currency to maintain an advantage over America with little being said or done about it because we can no longer act from a position of strength. China has gone virtually unchallenged with only lip service toward them with this illegal procedure they have used for years. To start with you don’t do business with evil empires like we have China because we get the results we are witnessing today and turn our backs on our friends such Taiwan. We are reaping what we have sown and as far as the blame being leveled at the American people about the only truth here is we keep re-electing the same reprobates again and again and the sellout continue unabated. God help us I hope we learn from this and don’t repeat the same mistake.
The greatest demise of the American economy began with Clinton (NAFTA, World Trade Organization) and W through so-called non-existent free trade policy, plus open borders allowed the false economy (credit and a manipulated stock market) to grow where it is now and it has come home to roost. We have had plenty of years of experience with the WTO to understand the anti-U.S. nature of this globalist organization and how trade policies of recent decades that have helped to neuter a fair portion of a once much mightier U.S. industrial base. The greatest deception of this period of time simply means the so-called sustained economic growth during the Clinton years was done so artificially under the guise of credit while the implementation of sending manufacturing overseas was accomplished. Clinton also raided Social Security to fund non-related socialist programs and pay down debt while at the same time reducing our defense capabilities drastically. Add to that Clinton's making loans to homeowners that couldn't afford them and as a result it drove up all time high records of consumer debt and the banks are defaulting as a result of being forced to make these loans by him. I have no doubt once the dust settles and an objective look is taken of the Clinton years in the White House he will go down as one of th worst presidents in the history of the United States because of what he did to the economy and how he lowered the bar morally. And the Democrats and Republicans remained virtually silent while this was taking place.
The only way Republicans will gain a voice again is to somehow get these manufacturing jobs back in America and quite honestly with the international bankers, central banks, etc. using their ability to manipulate currencies and now having control of our economy I don't see that happening. As Ernie Ford sang, you load sixteen tons and what do you get, another day older and deeper in debt, St. Peter don’t you call me cause I can’t go, I owe my soul to the company store and only St. Peter or rather Jesus can get us out of this fiasco but at this point the majority of Americans can’t see the trees for the forest because they are single-mindedly focused on financial survival. Republicans had the chance to right the wrongs of jobs being shipped overseas, the growing homosexual community’s influence on politics, abortion, hate crimes, pornography, and all other immoral things that are bringing down America but didn’t. Republicans had the chance to stand strong for our only democratic ally (Israel) in the Middle-East and didn’t do it. Instead, they knowingly forced Israel to agree to give up more land for peace to an enemy that will never be satisfied until Israel is completely destroyed which isn’t going to happen because these people happen to be the apple of God’s eye contrary to what many pulpits are spewing today via “Replacement Theology” which says Israel has been replaced by the church and all prophecy ceased at A.D.70. We missed a great chance to capitalize on God’s promise by adhering to God’s word which says, Genesis 12:3 And I will bless them that bless thee (Israel), and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. Instead of dealing with the Arabs from a position of strength as Reagan did our leadeship caved to the demands of the Arab Muslims. God described the Arab this way, which are by the way descendents of Ishmael Abraham’s illegitimate child Genesis 16:12 And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren. Without elaborating isn’t this what we are witnessing from these people and the bible is proved to be true on this matter. Take the time to study the Quran and you will get an even better understanding of the mindset of these barbarians as Reagan called them.
The bottom line is Americans want long time secure jobs they can plan their lives around and there aren’t any. Average life of a middle or upper income job today is five years so what kind of planning can one do when faced with this? Under the current cloud of uncertainty the mortgage delinquency fiasco can only do one thing and that is to continue as it now is. Can one imagine taking on a 30 year mortgage with these prospects combined with the fact Americans all things considered are working at 1978 wage levels and real inflation is still creeping up forcing them to lose even more buying power. Americans have no choice but look to government for help because our economy has relegated us to a welfare state dependent on socialistic policy for survival. It s true this policy will also fail as has been proven repeatedly by other nations that have gone down this road but what other horse are the American people going ride until this happens? We are at the end of our rope and because we remained silent for so long we are about to finish hanging ourselves. America is as the story of the horse tormented by a boar. Exasperated, Horse asked Man for help. “Certainly,” said Man, “I shall help you, but first you must let me saddle you up.” Agreeing to the terms, Horse found his problem quickly resolved, but found too, the price extracted was weighty: Horse’s freedom. Of course, the moral of this story applies directly to what we see happening in America today, which is a frightened and tormented people that is willing to horse-trade away its fundamental freedoms. Harp all you want about spending but until you give the American people something concrete or hope they can sink their teeth into forget it. We are clinging desperately to end of the slippery slope and Obama and the Democrats are applying the grease to make it a near impossibility to hold onto. There is only one possibility for America notwithstanding turning our moral lives around to include our position on Israel and that is socialism then communism.
It is repeatedly being said the Republicans need to stay the current course and keep harping about the tax and spend liberals and they will win back control of government. The knowledge of the tax and spend policy of Democrats is not relevant here and not a factor at all. I know that may shock you somewhat but it needs to be said in the interest of truth. I wish that were true but it isn’t because it is obvious the leadership of the Republican still don’t have a clue what this past election was all about evidenced by repeating the same old same old. To start with, the Republican leadership doesn’t have anything to back up their demands for conservatism. The only way conservatives will be a voice again is if they have the economic tools behind them. When it comes to understanding the mindset of the American people it comes down to this. When a person loses his/her ability to control their own destiny a historically familiar pattern develops everything to include morals goes out the window and that is the pattern we are all witnessing. It is a time in America where there is little hope for a man/woman to be successful in creating a sustained good life for their family. And because it is so difficult to accept losing a comfortable lifestyle to a much less one hope goes out the window and people will grasp at any opportunity to maintain a comfort level they are used to even it if it is done with through the roof credit, which is what happened. I might add this desperation is what makes for a dangerous situation in that a silver-tongued guy like Obama can masterfully manipulate the minds of the American people into believing anything that promises to restore people to their former selves, hence the words of a former United Nations Secretary General, we need a man that can get us out of this hell, we don’t care if it is the devil himself.
When we lost our manufacturing jobs which is the backbone of any economy and what made America the envy of the world we started down the slippery slope to oblivion. These jobs are gone and Republicans had their chance to stop it and didn't. I have to ask what are the Republican leaders going to conserve? Tech jobs are gone now also and all that is left is a service and stock market economy that is dependent on what these overseas jobs or our former manufacturing jobs provide for us. We stand at the ready to service these manufactured products in all its forms but few are being produced today and those that are being sought after by service companies in the rest of the world at a greatly reduced cost. This is a cost that makes America a non-competitive entity with the result that forces down wages that much more. When you lose your manufacturing base you also lose the ability to decide how these products will be marketed and serviced. Add to that the fact we allowed our technological advantage to get away from us through selling or giving away our technology we are where we are. Our arrogance and ignorance is responsible for lowering our guard on this precious advantage we once held. Then we allowed the extremist of the far-left leverage over our ability to remain a manufacturing giant through “wacko” environmentalist and groups such as PETA, NOW, ACLU (American Communist Law Usurpers) and many others. Our leaders have essentially done a double back flip with our trade policy; gone from setting the rules to being a follower of the rules. You are left at the mercy of what others do meaning you no longer control your own destiny. The service jobs that are left are being given to overseas entities because of the cheap labor so we are losing here also. So what is left for Republicans to harp on? In 1955 78% of the GDP was based in manufacturing and today that figure is 14% and replaced with consumer spending which now makes up 70% of the GDP, so consider the dramatic affects this has had on the American economy. We are left with our hands out saying to the rest of the world “make something so I can package and sell it for you”. We have gone from magnate to beggar. This is where we are today so it is not altogether the American people's fault for taking the position they have towards Obama. I think if you research what pulled most heavily on the heart strings of most Americans during the campaign you will find it is when Obama said he was going to stop giving tax breaks to companies that moved jobs overseas and give them to companies that are here in America. Of course we all know that is another of his big lies because he knows he doesn’t control that aspect of the economy because we have turned our economy over to the international financiers of the world and they will determine our future. After all, W pushed so-called “free trade” by lying to Americans that it is the way to grow the economy and Americans finally saw that for what it was, growing trade deficits that are out of control to the point our creditors dictate policy to us now. Examples: the Arabs demand we accept “Sharia Law” as a prerequisite for loaning money to AIG now called 21st Century or anyone else. Take the UK for example it is now deeply entrenched in Shariah-Compliant Finance – which means Islamists not only have demonstrations, riots and terrorism with which to threaten the Brits they also have the power of money. In other words the way of life for Britain’s citizens has changed dramatically. So when the outrageous detention of Dutch parliamentarian Geert Wilders when he entered London’s Heathrow Airport, after which British authorities deported Wilders back to Holland. Why? Wilders flew to London after being invited to show his documentary Fitna in Britain’s House of Lords, in spite of being warned by the British Home Office that his presence in the UK would “threaten community harmony and therefore public security.” In other words, Islamists were protesting and there were those in the British government who were afraid that Wilders’ visit would set off Muslim rioting or, worse yet, terrorist attacks. China has used manipulation of their currency to maintain an advantage over America with little being said or done about it because we can no longer act from a position of strength. China has gone virtually unchallenged with only lip service toward them with this illegal procedure they have used for years. To start with you don’t do business with evil empires like we have China because we get the results we are witnessing today and turn our backs on our friends such Taiwan. We are reaping what we have sown and as far as the blame being leveled at the American people about the only truth here is we keep re-electing the same reprobates again and again and the sellout continue unabated. God help us I hope we learn from this and don’t repeat the same mistake.
The greatest demise of the American economy began with Clinton (NAFTA, World Trade Organization) and W through so-called non-existent free trade policy, plus open borders allowed the false economy (credit and a manipulated stock market) to grow where it is now and it has come home to roost. We have had plenty of years of experience with the WTO to understand the anti-U.S. nature of this globalist organization and how trade policies of recent decades that have helped to neuter a fair portion of a once much mightier U.S. industrial base. The greatest deception of this period of time simply means the so-called sustained economic growth during the Clinton years was done so artificially under the guise of credit while the implementation of sending manufacturing overseas was accomplished. Clinton also raided Social Security to fund non-related socialist programs and pay down debt while at the same time reducing our defense capabilities drastically. Add to that Clinton's making loans to homeowners that couldn't afford them and as a result it drove up all time high records of consumer debt and the banks are defaulting as a result of being forced to make these loans by him. I have no doubt once the dust settles and an objective look is taken of the Clinton years in the White House he will go down as one of th worst presidents in the history of the United States because of what he did to the economy and how he lowered the bar morally. And the Democrats and Republicans remained virtually silent while this was taking place.
The only way Republicans will gain a voice again is to somehow get these manufacturing jobs back in America and quite honestly with the international bankers, central banks, etc. using their ability to manipulate currencies and now having control of our economy I don't see that happening. As Ernie Ford sang, you load sixteen tons and what do you get, another day older and deeper in debt, St. Peter don’t you call me cause I can’t go, I owe my soul to the company store and only St. Peter or rather Jesus can get us out of this fiasco but at this point the majority of Americans can’t see the trees for the forest because they are single-mindedly focused on financial survival. Republicans had the chance to right the wrongs of jobs being shipped overseas, the growing homosexual community’s influence on politics, abortion, hate crimes, pornography, and all other immoral things that are bringing down America but didn’t. Republicans had the chance to stand strong for our only democratic ally (Israel) in the Middle-East and didn’t do it. Instead, they knowingly forced Israel to agree to give up more land for peace to an enemy that will never be satisfied until Israel is completely destroyed which isn’t going to happen because these people happen to be the apple of God’s eye contrary to what many pulpits are spewing today via “Replacement Theology” which says Israel has been replaced by the church and all prophecy ceased at A.D.70. We missed a great chance to capitalize on God’s promise by adhering to God’s word which says, Genesis 12:3 And I will bless them that bless thee (Israel), and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. Instead of dealing with the Arabs from a position of strength as Reagan did our leadeship caved to the demands of the Arab Muslims. God described the Arab this way, which are by the way descendents of Ishmael Abraham’s illegitimate child Genesis 16:12 And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren. Without elaborating isn’t this what we are witnessing from these people and the bible is proved to be true on this matter. Take the time to study the Quran and you will get an even better understanding of the mindset of these barbarians as Reagan called them.
The bottom line is Americans want long time secure jobs they can plan their lives around and there aren’t any. Average life of a middle or upper income job today is five years so what kind of planning can one do when faced with this? Under the current cloud of uncertainty the mortgage delinquency fiasco can only do one thing and that is to continue as it now is. Can one imagine taking on a 30 year mortgage with these prospects combined with the fact Americans all things considered are working at 1978 wage levels and real inflation is still creeping up forcing them to lose even more buying power. Americans have no choice but look to government for help because our economy has relegated us to a welfare state dependent on socialistic policy for survival. It s true this policy will also fail as has been proven repeatedly by other nations that have gone down this road but what other horse are the American people going ride until this happens? We are at the end of our rope and because we remained silent for so long we are about to finish hanging ourselves. America is as the story of the horse tormented by a boar. Exasperated, Horse asked Man for help. “Certainly,” said Man, “I shall help you, but first you must let me saddle you up.” Agreeing to the terms, Horse found his problem quickly resolved, but found too, the price extracted was weighty: Horse’s freedom. Of course, the moral of this story applies directly to what we see happening in America today, which is a frightened and tormented people that is willing to horse-trade away its fundamental freedoms. Harp all you want about spending but until you give the American people something concrete or hope they can sink their teeth into forget it. We are clinging desperately to end of the slippery slope and Obama and the Democrats are applying the grease to make it a near impossibility to hold onto. There is only one possibility for America notwithstanding turning our moral lives around to include our position on Israel and that is socialism then communism.
Salvation Cometh by Deadline
The predictions of the Lord’s coming for the church at the rapture have been proven wrong so many times it’s ridiculous and gives false signals that serve to only deflate or discourage those watching for his coming. And besides to set dates misses the whole point of the relationship God wants with those of us that seek him. There is no doubt there is a deadline for one getting him/herself ready to meet the Lord in the air but nobody knows what that deadline is and for a good reason. Matthew 24:36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. This next scripture is the reason for this not being known. Matthew 25:13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. The key word is “watch” and he goes on to say Luke 21:39 "And this know, that if the good man of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through." Can you imagine the procrastination that would take place if everyone could set their clocks or marked their calendars to the coming of the Lord? Is this the purpose of salvation? Salvation comes by putting on the nature of Christ through faith and experience not because of a looming deadline. There would be no need of building a loving relationship with God if all we were doing were avoiding the doom and gloom coming on planet earth. Do you think God wants a bunch of people in heaven that are there just because they wanted to escape so great of destruction on earth? No, God wouldn’t have us on a silver platter if this was the condition of our hearts toward him. After all, he created us with a free will to either live for Satan or live for him. One could live like a devil his/her whole life and just in the nick of time come on board to avoid going to an eternal unquenchable fire if they knew the exact date of his return that is if they didn’t die before the rapture. People would circle the day on their calendar, confident they had plenty of time to repent but this line of thought only reveals how carnal of a mindset this is because; James 4:14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow because what is your life? I t is even a vapor, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. So suffice it to say it is because of the mercy of God he didn’t reveal the exact day or hour of his coming.
The deadline for being ready for the rapture or catching away or the come up hither, whichever you prefer is when the door of opportunity for salvation for those who heard the Gospel but put it off until later slams shut forever. Here is a scriptural representation of those that chose to live in sin and neglect so great a salvation circled the date on their calendar to clean up their act in time to go in the rapture. Luke 13:25-28 When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are: Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out. In other words these are those that Matthew 15:8 draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honored me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. 2 Timothy 3:5 having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. Romans 10:3 for they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.
The smart course is "Therefore, be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh." (Matthew 24:44) Matthew 25:1-13 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them.
Note: In other words, the foolish virgins didn’t stay full of the spirit of God but let the lust of their flesh take precedence over the spirit. Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Titus 3:5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost, which under extreme persecution or difficult times gives one a chance because it is only Matthew 24:13 he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. The foolish didn’t stay full or renew themselves with the spirit of God. Why is this necessary? Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Again we are born with a free will to do as we choose; Romans 8:5 for they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. Romans 8:8 so then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. Romans 9:8 That is, they which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God. Deuteronomy 11:13 And it shall come to pass, if ye shall hearken diligently unto my commandments which I command you this day, to love the LORD your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul. After all, God set forth the only acceptable way to be pleasing to him and that is Proverbs 3:5-7 trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil and understand Isaiah 55:8 my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. Today thanks to the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ we can Philippians 2:5 let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus through the infilling of the baptism of the Holy Ghost to lead us in prayer and study of God’s word. John 14:26 but the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps Matthew 25:7 then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps figurative for staying full of the spirit of God. Romans 13:14 but put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ (spirit of God), and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof. Galatians 5:16-17 this I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Proverbs 23:23 buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.
In all that you do it is wise to think eternally because Matthew 12:36 but I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the Day of Judgment. Romans 14:12 so then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. Since every child of God is a steward we certainly don’t want to be told or ask by the Lord, Luke 16:2 how is it that I hear this of thee give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward.
As it pertains to setting dates for the rapture of the church, the bottom line is it’s foolish and is why God doesn’t allow anyone to know the day or the hour of his coming. If you are one of those that can’t understand why he hasn’t come knowing there is nothing prophetically speaking to keep him from taking the church up in the clouds to meet him remind yourself of this; the scriptures say that "the Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." (2nd Peter 3:9)
The only deadline or expiration date that applies is when the door is shut that final time. Be wise and watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. Matthew 24:44
The deadline for being ready for the rapture or catching away or the come up hither, whichever you prefer is when the door of opportunity for salvation for those who heard the Gospel but put it off until later slams shut forever. Here is a scriptural representation of those that chose to live in sin and neglect so great a salvation circled the date on their calendar to clean up their act in time to go in the rapture. Luke 13:25-28 When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are: Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out. In other words these are those that Matthew 15:8 draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honored me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. 2 Timothy 3:5 having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. Romans 10:3 for they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.
The smart course is "Therefore, be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh." (Matthew 24:44) Matthew 25:1-13 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them.
Note: In other words, the foolish virgins didn’t stay full of the spirit of God but let the lust of their flesh take precedence over the spirit. Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Titus 3:5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost, which under extreme persecution or difficult times gives one a chance because it is only Matthew 24:13 he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. The foolish didn’t stay full or renew themselves with the spirit of God. Why is this necessary? Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Again we are born with a free will to do as we choose; Romans 8:5 for they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. Romans 8:8 so then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. Romans 9:8 That is, they which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God. Deuteronomy 11:13 And it shall come to pass, if ye shall hearken diligently unto my commandments which I command you this day, to love the LORD your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul. After all, God set forth the only acceptable way to be pleasing to him and that is Proverbs 3:5-7 trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil and understand Isaiah 55:8 my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. Today thanks to the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ we can Philippians 2:5 let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus through the infilling of the baptism of the Holy Ghost to lead us in prayer and study of God’s word. John 14:26 but the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps Matthew 25:7 then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps figurative for staying full of the spirit of God. Romans 13:14 but put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ (spirit of God), and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof. Galatians 5:16-17 this I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Proverbs 23:23 buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.
In all that you do it is wise to think eternally because Matthew 12:36 but I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the Day of Judgment. Romans 14:12 so then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. Since every child of God is a steward we certainly don’t want to be told or ask by the Lord, Luke 16:2 how is it that I hear this of thee give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward.
As it pertains to setting dates for the rapture of the church, the bottom line is it’s foolish and is why God doesn’t allow anyone to know the day or the hour of his coming. If you are one of those that can’t understand why he hasn’t come knowing there is nothing prophetically speaking to keep him from taking the church up in the clouds to meet him remind yourself of this; the scriptures say that "the Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." (2nd Peter 3:9)
The only deadline or expiration date that applies is when the door is shut that final time. Be wise and watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. Matthew 24:44
Should Christians Engage Themselves in Politics
Christians have been made to believe they shouldn’t engage themselves in the political arena and most have bought into this lie. Jesus involved himself in the politics of his day on monetary matters as well as other things. Matthew 21:12 And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves. Further study of this event reveals some unknowns to most. These businessmen with the approval of the political and religious establishment of that day were deceiving the common folk if you will into exchanging their money for worthless money hence the term moneychangers. Do we not see this exact same thing happening in America today in its various forms and being propagated by politicians in Washington? Remember this scripture is given us for an example to follow. Very seldom is the same action taken recorded repeatedly except for some in the gospels. He may have very well done this in other places as well. The scripture says he did so many things there was not room to write it all down. Common sense tells me it was unnecessary to record every instance where the same thing was accomplished. Can you imagine reading over and over everything Jesus did. What would be the purpose? Again, these examples provide the roadmap for the Christian to follow.
The Apostles and Christians were knee deep in involvement of the political climate of their day and were killed because of their biblical stands against men of corrupt minds but guess what; a survey of all they did gives us the right to know the truth that will unto salvation for all that adhere to it . These men of corrupt minds were the same as we see today in America constantly changing the political climate of their day for their own gain, which always lead to moral decay. Paul challenged both the political and religious establishment of their day on issues and in this particular text of Acts 15 below about circumcision. In Acts chapters 25 and 26 we find the apostle Paul challenging the King himself. If a king is not a politician what is he? He also challenged them concerning immoral sex acts such as homosexuality (Romans 1) and this included the political viewpoints of the leaders of these countries. Today in America this same issue is being fought by the opposing political forces that be. The Democrats are pushing for same sex marriage and the right to kill innocent babies and the Republicans are against this and allowing homosexuals the right to adopt children. For example: Acts 15:2 When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question. The apostle didn’t mince words with these leaders as the text above suggest. In other words, unlike many of us Christians today they put faith on their legs and took it to them. The frustration of these political and spiritual leaders (notice the text says rulers) grew so bad they accused Paul of Acts 17:6 and when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also. This is but one example of the role of the Christian in society today to challenge the political establishment when they go astray of righteous living as given by God’s word. The question that begs an answer is why should Christians engage themselves in the politics of the day? The answer to a good conscience is this we are fighting against Ephesians 6:12 for we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places and this includes men that rule over the lives of people. It was men Jesus and the apostles fought against that were under the influence of the imps of Satan. Is it not true the issue of homosexuality being challenged by the church is now being fought in the political landscape which includes the courts? If Christians were not opposed to this abomination there would be no problem. Like it or not as long as a person/persons stand against immorality a political solution will inevitably follow. The answer to a good conscience is for all Christians to reach the unity of the spirit as we are admonished to do on these immoral issues and tear down the strongholds of these rulers of darkness of this world and against spiritual wickedness in high places. If we do this then the battle becomes the Lords. Thus saith the LORD unto you, be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's. Of course the main prerequisite is for Christians is to first examine themselves to see if they are of the faith. Second, do all of the above as laid out in Ephesians the sixth chapter and throw in 2nd Chronicles 7:14 for good measure and we will have assured victory. So as you can see from the above this idea that Christians should not engage themselves in politics is pure hogwash. Revelation 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that you may be rich; and white raiment, that thou may be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. But I would have you to know O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Prayer from a sincere repentant heart will produce fruit. We are to as the scripture admonishes us to James 5:16 confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much and Romans 8:31 what shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? We must avoid; Matthew 15:7-19 you hypocrites, well did Isaiah prophesy of you, saying, this people draw nigh unto me with their mouth, and honor me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand; It is not that which goes into the mouth defiles a man but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defiles a man. Then came his disciples, and said unto him, do you know that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying? But he answered and said every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up. Let them alone: they are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch. Hebrews 4:12 for the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Because as I have already pointed out the battle we are fighting is against the principalities and powers of the air or on high, which makes it spiritual makes it impossible to separate the spiritual from the political. They are inevitably intertwined and as the last book of the bible teaches us the spiritual (false prophet) and political will have such a negative effect on human beings with the anti-Christ and the false church leadership joining forces and it will only be by God’s intervention that it be righted. I for one do not want the Lord to look upon me and say Isaiah 63:5 And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore mine own arm brought salvation unto me; and my fury, it upheld me. Even our first president George Washington knew better when he made the statement; "Do not let anyone claim to be a true American if they ever attempt to remove religion from politics." Benjamin Franklin said, "Whoever will introduce into public affairs (both social and political) the principles of Christianity will change the face of the world." This statement seems to contradict today’s version of separation and church doesn’t it? If the Christian doesn't right the wrongs taking place then pray tell, who will?
The Apostles and Christians were knee deep in involvement of the political climate of their day and were killed because of their biblical stands against men of corrupt minds but guess what; a survey of all they did gives us the right to know the truth that will unto salvation for all that adhere to it . These men of corrupt minds were the same as we see today in America constantly changing the political climate of their day for their own gain, which always lead to moral decay. Paul challenged both the political and religious establishment of their day on issues and in this particular text of Acts 15 below about circumcision. In Acts chapters 25 and 26 we find the apostle Paul challenging the King himself. If a king is not a politician what is he? He also challenged them concerning immoral sex acts such as homosexuality (Romans 1) and this included the political viewpoints of the leaders of these countries. Today in America this same issue is being fought by the opposing political forces that be. The Democrats are pushing for same sex marriage and the right to kill innocent babies and the Republicans are against this and allowing homosexuals the right to adopt children. For example: Acts 15:2 When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question. The apostle didn’t mince words with these leaders as the text above suggest. In other words, unlike many of us Christians today they put faith on their legs and took it to them. The frustration of these political and spiritual leaders (notice the text says rulers) grew so bad they accused Paul of Acts 17:6 and when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also. This is but one example of the role of the Christian in society today to challenge the political establishment when they go astray of righteous living as given by God’s word. The question that begs an answer is why should Christians engage themselves in the politics of the day? The answer to a good conscience is this we are fighting against Ephesians 6:12 for we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places and this includes men that rule over the lives of people. It was men Jesus and the apostles fought against that were under the influence of the imps of Satan. Is it not true the issue of homosexuality being challenged by the church is now being fought in the political landscape which includes the courts? If Christians were not opposed to this abomination there would be no problem. Like it or not as long as a person/persons stand against immorality a political solution will inevitably follow. The answer to a good conscience is for all Christians to reach the unity of the spirit as we are admonished to do on these immoral issues and tear down the strongholds of these rulers of darkness of this world and against spiritual wickedness in high places. If we do this then the battle becomes the Lords. Thus saith the LORD unto you, be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's. Of course the main prerequisite is for Christians is to first examine themselves to see if they are of the faith. Second, do all of the above as laid out in Ephesians the sixth chapter and throw in 2nd Chronicles 7:14 for good measure and we will have assured victory. So as you can see from the above this idea that Christians should not engage themselves in politics is pure hogwash. Revelation 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that you may be rich; and white raiment, that thou may be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. But I would have you to know O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Prayer from a sincere repentant heart will produce fruit. We are to as the scripture admonishes us to James 5:16 confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much and Romans 8:31 what shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? We must avoid; Matthew 15:7-19 you hypocrites, well did Isaiah prophesy of you, saying, this people draw nigh unto me with their mouth, and honor me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand; It is not that which goes into the mouth defiles a man but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defiles a man. Then came his disciples, and said unto him, do you know that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying? But he answered and said every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up. Let them alone: they are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch. Hebrews 4:12 for the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Because as I have already pointed out the battle we are fighting is against the principalities and powers of the air or on high, which makes it spiritual makes it impossible to separate the spiritual from the political. They are inevitably intertwined and as the last book of the bible teaches us the spiritual (false prophet) and political will have such a negative effect on human beings with the anti-Christ and the false church leadership joining forces and it will only be by God’s intervention that it be righted. I for one do not want the Lord to look upon me and say Isaiah 63:5 And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore mine own arm brought salvation unto me; and my fury, it upheld me. Even our first president George Washington knew better when he made the statement; "Do not let anyone claim to be a true American if they ever attempt to remove religion from politics." Benjamin Franklin said, "Whoever will introduce into public affairs (both social and political) the principles of Christianity will change the face of the world." This statement seems to contradict today’s version of separation and church doesn’t it? If the Christian doesn't right the wrongs taking place then pray tell, who will?
Leaves of an Empty Profession
Show me your faith without works (fruit), and I will show you my faith by my works (fruit). James 2:17 Befitting fruit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth. Ephesians 5:9 it is presenting your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service, not conforming to this world, but by being transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you might prove what is that good and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:1, 2
In the book of Mark the 11th chapter we find an example of what not to be. On the night before Jesus brought judgment to the spiritual leaders running the temple, he saw how the religious establishment of that day had become no more than a shadow of what used to be the reality of a life with God, but was now devoid of power. It had become barren and without fruit, much like many of our churches today and like the object of our lesson today. The fig tree that Jesus saw from afar off while on his way the next morning to the temple had much the same appearance. It was fully clothed in the splendor (meaning great brightness of luster; magnificence, pomp) and ceremony of it's leaves. From a distance, it held great promise because a fig tree produces fruit before it's leaves. Though the time of figs was not yet, it held promise like some of our newer saints, producing fruit before their time. By cultivating, digging into the word of God along with much sincere fervent prayer and seeking God for his understanding will we hasten our knowledge and understanding of God's ways? As the saying goes, "You will get out of it what you put into it." This is why we see new converts come into the church and some of them seem to excel in knowledge and understanding and I might add to the chagrin of some. I remember making a comment to one of the older saints that one of our new converts seemed to be learning fast and she said, "Well you gotta remember he's a new saint full of fire right now." I said to myself hum, I guess that means he is supposed to stop after he's been in the church awhile? I can tell you in all sincerity that you will never master the word of God, ever! Just when you think your getting a handle on a subject, you will soon learn there is so much more to learn about it than you ever imagined. It doesn't matter what it is, you will never totally know all there is to know about it.
On the other hand we have folks like some of the figs on the fig tree, big green robust looking figs that remain hardened while much of the tree is producing fruit fit for consumption though not as big in stature and size. One characteristic of some of these folk is they are like the blue jays that come to the fig tree (church) to dine. They come to the fig tree (church) and unlike the redbirds, hummingbirds, mockingbirds, and woodpeckers, you can hear him/her coming from afar off. Once there, instead of going about to eat and enjoy the fruit like the other birds, he just gripes and complains about everything, even while eating or at least that is how it sounds anyway. It seems as though he is never satisfied, never at peace with him/herself. Like some folk, ever learning but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth, because you see in the Holy Ghost there is peace, joy, contentment, and happiness. The woodpecker, one would never know he was there unless he was banging his head, but let that blue jay come around fussing and the woodpecker starts making noise. I reckon the best thing that can be said for him (woodpecker) is that he is like a lot of our youth, done a little too much head banging. One thing I have noticed about the fig tree is that finding fruit can be difficult because of such a heavy covering of leaves in parts of the tree. Poor Adam and Eve, they found out that sin doesn't pay; they learned pretty quick it pays to get rid of your sin because all they had was fig leaves to cover their nakedness, all the other tree's leaves had fallen. That alone would seem to be punishment enough! When you are able to expose some fruit, then you have to worry about being punished for it because those leaves will sting and itch you something terrible not to mention the wasp and spiders that seem to consider the fig tree home. While trying to get to the fruit I found myself in a situation comparable to that ol' boy that got trapped in a tree with a mad momma coon. He shouted down to them shoot, shoot one of us has got to have some relief. I learned that if the whole tree (church) is soaked (Holy Ghost) not only will the fruit manifest itself, but the leaves (other folk) will lose much of their abrasiveness. For every situation there is always a better way to get things accomplished. This is where prayer with patience becomes critical. In the process do not lean on your own understanding but rather lean on the Lord trusting him with all your heart and soul. Well, enough meddling, back to the lesson!
The scripture says it like this; and on the next day when they were come from Bethany, he (Jesus) was hungry. And seeing a fig tree from afar off, having leaves, he came, if perhaps he might find anything on it; and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet. And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter forever. And his disciples heard it. Some may ask, "Do you think he knew it wasn't the time for figs?" The answer to this is yes. In Luke 21:29, 30 he gives the parable of the fig tree in which he tells you when the time of figs is right. Also, we find in John 1:3 and Colossians 1:16 that he (Jesus) created the fig tree so he does know when the time of figs is right. Jesus used this fig tree as an object lesson for his disciples and for us today. God expects vineyard fruit from those that have been given vineyard privileges, not leaves only. (Good showing) As Mark 11:12 points out he was hungry for fruit. A bare profession, though ever so green, will not serve. There must be more than buds and blossoms. There must be fruit! A good heart, good life, good thoughts and affections, words and actions that are agreeable to the Spirit of God is what makes fat the vineyard Galatians 5:22, 23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law, one that is answerable to the ordinances (due order or process of God), which are the dressings of the vineyard.
On the morrow the religious establishment of that day saw their normal routine daily church happenings come to an abrupt halt. It goes like this, And they (Jesus and disciples) come to Jerusalem; and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out those that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of those that sold doves; In John 2:17 we find how that the zeal of God's house would consume Jesus and it surely did. I can see him now popping that whip, kapow! Heads ducking, animals and people running everywhere. Now the moneychangers (priest) are those that would change your money for temple coinage because that was the only acceptable payment. They were supposedly providing them a service, when in reality temple coinage held more buying power, just another way to exact usury (charge interest) in a legal sense is what they were doing. Oh yes, and then you had those (priests) who would sell you animals for sacrifice, not perfect (without spot or blemish) as in olden times mind you, but what they had decided was good enough. This is a perfect example of hypocrisy in the church. Have you ever noticed that some of the biggest churches in any town you go are where you find most of the business and professional leaders of the community? One is impressed to see so many of them in church until you listen to their conversations. They actually use the church to conduct business. One said once, "I would rather do business in God's house than anywhere else because I know he will appreciate being a part of my business. What ignorance!! How carnal!! Jesus said, Mark 11:17 "My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer, but ye have made it a den of thieves." This is not to imply that all business and professional people do this, but you do find it happening a lot. This is what by definition (as concerning the temple) cleansing means, ridding God's house of ceremonial defilement.
In Nehemiah the 5th chapter we find this same corrupt greed taking place, only this time some of the people of God were still trickling in from Babylon. They desired to possess their portion also, but found the land had been gobbled up. These landlords if you will would let them stay if they would sell their children into bondage and if they gave a portion of their crops to them. You'd think after 400 years of Egyptian bondage and the bondage of Babylon it would at least be on their mind a little while. What we see in some of our churches today should serve to remind us of those Jews in the close to Joshua's day, Joshua 24 And I have given you a land which you did not labor, and cities which ye built not, and ye dwell in them; of the vineyards and olive yards which ye planted not do ye eat. Some of us refuse to even call each other brother because we don't meet a certain criteria. What about Paul? They called him brother Saul Acts 9:17 before he had become filled with the Holy Ghost and baptized in Jesus name. Freely you have received, freely give. Like those Jews, it's amazing how we tend to forget! In other words, they were charging them a price for something they had gotten free. Sound familiar, it ought to because some of us do the same thing. We have a truth seeker come to church hungry for the word of God and what do we do, we sit there arms crossed, stone faced, couldn't be budged with a jackhammer. Instead of yielding ourselves (not quenching) to the moving of the Spirit of God we charge these poor desolate souls a price for something we got free. Freely ye have received, freely give. Nehemiah had finally gotten a belly full of this and called for all the elders and took his cloak and shook it at them and said, "So may God shake everyone of you if you don't leave off this usury." (Charging interest)The difference in them and us is they did in the natural (flesh) what we do in the Spirit.
Now that you have seen the examples of what not to do and there will be more to follow, we need to take a look at things that accompany salvation. To start with, anyone chosen of God is ordained to go and bring forth fruit. I might add here that contrary to the popular teaching of accepting Christ as your personal savior as if it is entirely your choice, is fallacy. In John15:16 we find where the Lord sets the record straight, "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain; (meaning to continue to abide in Christ) that whatever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. Also in John 6:44 Jesus said, "No man can come to me, except the Father (Spirit) which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. What does it mean to bear fruit and what happens when we do bear fruit or when we don't bear fruit? These are the questions in this lesson I will deal with using the above biblical examples to illustrate the text for better understanding.
FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT
Bearing befitting (meaning suitable, appropriate, proper, decent) fruit is the resulting effect of the first paragraph in this study.
Steps to a happy walk with God but not necessarily in this order
Joy(constant delight in God)
Goodness (kindness, beneficence)
Gentleness(sweetness of temper)
Love(to love God and one another)
Meekness (self-control; not easily provoked)
Peace (contentment and peace with God and others)
Temperance (not excessive in use of life's enjoyments)
Faith (fidelity, justice, honesty in what we profess and promise to others)
Long-suffering (patience to defer anger and a contentedness to bear injuries)
There are three conditions that lead to a fruitful life.
I
CLEANSING
Cleansing is being washed by the blood of Jesus Christ through repentance and water baptism, for without being cleansed by the Lord one has no part with him. John 13:8 Cleansing is the purging or putting away of your sins or to be free of guilt; to be delivered from moral or ceremonial defilement which is going through the motions but not bearing any fruit. John 15:2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away; and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. After sincere repentence the Lord chose water baptism as the way to wash away our sins for the new person in Christ. This is the reason water baptism is so important to salvation. While it is true that baptism in and of itself won't save one, it is nonetheless an essential part of God's plan of salvation. John 3:5 & Acts 2:37,38
What about the established Christian, how does God keep them? Part of the plan for sustaining a continually successful Christian life is to learn to accept the sovereign God's chastening, after all in the end it is He who makes the decision as to our worthiness to enter the kingdom of heaven. God chose chastening (to correct by punishment or suffering) as a way for one to be renewed. The renewing of your mind is done by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost. Titus 3:5 In Ephesians 4:22,23 Paul said, “that ye put off concerning the former manner of life the old man which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind. This includes being renewed in knowledge previously obtained. How oft should we be renewed? The Apostle Paul said this should occur 2 Corinthians 4:16 day by day. By being renewed on a daily basis can we steadfastly be bearers of befitting fruit for the kingdom of God and his righteousness. And finally, The Lord uses chastening to purge us of our sins, witness Isaiah 6:1-8 In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and His train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord of host: the whole earth is full of His glory. Can you imagine the goings on around the throne with all the praise being offered up. Even more than that, can we imagine what would happen if we, the people of God could face one another as these seraphim’s, and say to each other in an humble and contrite spirit of praise, “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God almighty!" Could it be that we would see and experience what the Apostle Paul was talking about in I Corinthians 2:9 here and now and not in the hereafter as this scripture is widely taught. He said, "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him." And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke. Then said I, Woe is me for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts. Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: and he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away and thy sin purged. Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, "Here am I, send me." Isaiah wasn't given this incredible revelation of angelic activity simply to comfort him after the death of a leprous king. Nor is the sixth chapter of Isaiah merely a record of his call to the ministry of prophet, he has already prophesied for five chapters. God's purpose for allowing Isaiah to enter into this vision of His throne was to impart to Isaiah and to us His ultimate desire-- to fill the earth with his glory! We must ask God to do for us what we cannot do ourselves: make us clean, righteous vessels for his service. Hebrews 12:6-11 For whom the Lord loveth, he chasteneth, and scourageth every son whom he receiveth and if ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous but grievous; nevertheless, afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them who are exercised by it. Those that are able to endure chastening will be as Paul described in Romans 8:23 we ourselves groan within waiting for the adoption, that is, the redemption of our body, because the chastening process establishes in us a discipline that we may grow in wisdom and love and grace in the knowledge of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. The chastening process is why the apostle Peter could make the statement found in I Peter 4:16 "If any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God on this behalf and the apostle Paul in Phillipians 2:17 Yea, and If I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. These men were constantly subjected to the purging process and as a result they grew in grace, love, and knowledge of the Lord. Some of us see through the glass mentioned in I Corinthians13:12 much better than others because we have allowed the purging process to have its way in our lives. It brings one to the point to where he/she realizes pleasing God with the eternal reward in the end is really what matters. The apostle Paul's attitude was this I Corinthians 15:19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ we are of all men most miserable. God knows the carnal nature of man is at enmity with his Spirit Romans 8:7 so chastening is a necessary element in how he keeps us. Paul said inGalatians 6:8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption, but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. It is much better that the Father of spirits chasten us, than the fathers of our flesh who chasten for a few days after their own pleasure, but he (God) for our profit that we might be partakers of his holiness. The Lord cannot be glorified in us unless we bear fruit.
II
FAITH
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him (God): for he that cometh to God must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. What does it profit, my brethren, though a man says he hath faith, and have not works (bear any fruit)? Can faith save him? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yes, a man may say, You have faith, and I have works; show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show you my faith by my works (by the fruit I bear). In other words not in word only but in deed, be doers of the word. James 1:22, 25 Put some legs on that faith! Know this O vain man, faith without works (bearing the fruit of the Spirit) is dead. James 2:14, 17, 18, 19 Contrary to some teaching which says that the apostle Paul and James contradict each other concerning faith and works, they do not contradict each other. Paul is saying in Ephesians 2:8-10 you cannot earn or buy your way into heaven. See Matthew 7:22, 23 and Acts 8:18,19. It is given by the grace of God. Also, in Romans 4:1-5,Hebrews 11:17 we have the example of Abraham in which we learn that faith without works or vice versa is meaningless. First, he believed God and because of it, works (or fruit of his belief) followed and because of his belief in God he was willing to offer his beloved son in sacrifice to God. These verses of scripture prove that you cannot be considered a believer without faith and the works (or bearing fruit) that follows. One of the main points the apostle Paul was making is steer clear of the thinking that your works are to be recognized. He didn't want one to allow pride to creep in because pride is the enemy of faith and would destroy their power in prayer. In other words thinking, "man I am something, look at all the great things I have done for the kingdom of God." Paul was thrilled that the Lord had chosen him in the first place. He like Peter knew that without the Lord he could do nothing, St John 15:4, 5 so all glorying was to be to God for making their works possible for them to do. They knew as I Peter 1:24 says, For all flesh is like grass, and all the glory of man like the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and its flower falleth away. We might as well face it, we are only good from one day to the next. That is why Paul said we have to be renewed day by day in the Holy Ghost. Titus 3:5, Ephesians 4:3, Colossians 3:5, II Corinthians 4:16
If one manifest the fruits of the Spirit it is because they have faith through a secure knowledge and trust of God. You are not considered faithful unless you bear fruit, for to remain faithful means to remain (abide) and bear fruit. Knowledge is essential because without it there would be no faith. Knowledge is spoken often as an equivalent to faith. John 10:38 & I John 2:3Can a new person in Christ be expected to immediately bear fruit? Isn't it necessary that he first be taught or given knowledge? You cannot have remaining (abiding) faith without knowledge of what or who that faith is in. Faith implies belief, trust, and loyalty to God. Faith is where it begins and where it ends!
III
FORGIVENESS
Mark 11:25, 26__And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have anything against any, that you’re Father also, who is in heaven, may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father, who is in heaven, forgive your trespasses. Unforgiveness is based in pride and is the enemy of faith, therefore creating a separation between man and God.
Unforgiveness- Psalms10:2 The wicked in his pride doth persecute the poor and Matthew 18:32, 33 the Lord said to a man, "O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou besoughtest me. Shouldest not thou also have compassion on thy fellow servant, even as I had pity on thee. In this case "forgiveness." So in brief, unforgiveness is based in pride, and pride is the enemy of faith which in turn will block your power in prayer.
Enemy of Faith Psalms 10:4 The wicked in his pride will not seek after the Lord and Proverbs 16:8 pride goeth before destruction and a haughty (blatantly and disdainfully proud) spirit before a fall. Although in reality you could argue there are more than three conditions that lead to a fruitful life, all are intertwined in these three, for without these three none of the above mentioned fruits of the Spirit would be attainable.
Jesus said, “For without me you can do nothing for I am the true vine and you are the branches; the branches cannot bear fruit of themselves, except it abide(remain) in the vine. John 15:4,5
At this point it is easy for you to see that he did to the temple what he did to the fig tree. But there is another area that we as individuals have to consider, the question of what is more important ceremony or a communal relationship with God. Consider what Jesus said to the scribes and Pharisees, Matthew 23:27,28 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye are like whited sepulchers, (only for show) which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. They were self-righteous hypocrites like the Pharisee in Luke 18:11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee that I am not as other men are, extortionist, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. In the fourteenth verse Jesus said in response to this kind of praying, "everyone that exhalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. There is only one way we will ever get the ear of God and that is with a contrite and humble spirit. In Isaiah 57 we find where the Lord rebuked the false leaders because they too had lifted themselves up and became stumbling blocks to the truth seekers. After the Lord rebuked them he let it be known to whom he would revive. Found in the 15th verse it says, for thus saith the high and lofty One who inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also who is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. Beloved take heed unto yourselves that you do not become a stumblingblock to the weak. As Paul says in Romans the eighth chapter, for if any man see thee, who hast knowledge, sitting at the table in the idols temple, shall not the conscience, of him who is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols. Also, he said in Romans 5:18 Therefore, as through one man's offense judgement came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man's righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. In other words because of Adam's sin many were made sinners, but because of the righteousness of Jesus who had no sin, we are now able to be partaker's of the heavenly gift. Living a life in Christ will win many to him, but to partake of sinful deeds will condemn those around you (those who follow you) to a life of sin. This part of the lesson is like the old saying "monkey see monkey do," Don't not allow yourselves to be given to situations that invite sin because it not only will hurt you, but those that follow you also.
Finally, learn from the parable of the vinedresser in Luke 13:6. This could be considered a lesson in procrastination. (Putting off) The story relates how that for three years the Lord had come by this vineyard and found no fruit. (Fig tree) He told the vinedresser to cut it down, why take up valuable space. And the vinedresser answered him and said, "Lord let it alone this year and I will dig about it and fertilize it." This message also has a lot to offer the shepherd of the sheep. Many times we all put off things, but the work of God is one of those we mustn't procrastinate about because we could end up like this fig tree or like the one spoken of in Revelation 6:13. And the fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. (Trials, tribulations and Luke 21:34) Untimely means an occurrence or happening at an inconvenient or inopportune time. Opportunity doesn't wait for everyone! We will be judged by the opportunities we have been given, so don't let a storm or the Lord's coming force the casting forth of untimely figs. Prepare yourselves, arm with the loving Spirit of God, pray fervently, and study God’s word seeking his understanding. Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding.
If we are not careful, our liberties will become a snare unto us, and we become as the barren fig tree, all splendor and ceremony. Matthew 6:19, 20 Take heed unto yourselves, lest at anytime your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting (overindulgence in something food or drink) and drunkenness (to excite or stupefy to the point where physical and mental control is markedly diminished; to excite or elate to the point of enthusiasm or frenzy). This can be other things than alcohol such as fishing, golfing or anything that takes you away from or puts you to sleep from the things of God) and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. Matthew 24:43For if the good man of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have allowed his house to be broken into. Watch ye therefore and pray always, that ye may be counted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass and to stand before the Son of man because to not ready is to be considered an evil servant who says in his heart, "My Lord delayeth his coming." Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of man cometh. God is not at all interested in splendor and ceremony but rather he desires a communal relationship with us. When he sent the disciples out to preach the gospel, he didn't say go build magnificent temples unto me. That is why he came and died for us, so we could receive his Spirit and we ourselves become the temple of God. II Corinthians 6:16 for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
A true Christian will produce fruit and will remain (abide) in Christ even when things seem bad. The true Christian will live a dynamic life, never satisfied with his/her place in the kingdom because there is a fire that burns from deep within. He/she loves Jesus with all their heart and because of this; they will have a burden for lost souls. Beloved, don't ever think that it is more important to make a good showing than to have a personal one on one relationship with the God of heaven. God bless you is my prayer.
In the book of Mark the 11th chapter we find an example of what not to be. On the night before Jesus brought judgment to the spiritual leaders running the temple, he saw how the religious establishment of that day had become no more than a shadow of what used to be the reality of a life with God, but was now devoid of power. It had become barren and without fruit, much like many of our churches today and like the object of our lesson today. The fig tree that Jesus saw from afar off while on his way the next morning to the temple had much the same appearance. It was fully clothed in the splendor (meaning great brightness of luster; magnificence, pomp) and ceremony of it's leaves. From a distance, it held great promise because a fig tree produces fruit before it's leaves. Though the time of figs was not yet, it held promise like some of our newer saints, producing fruit before their time. By cultivating, digging into the word of God along with much sincere fervent prayer and seeking God for his understanding will we hasten our knowledge and understanding of God's ways? As the saying goes, "You will get out of it what you put into it." This is why we see new converts come into the church and some of them seem to excel in knowledge and understanding and I might add to the chagrin of some. I remember making a comment to one of the older saints that one of our new converts seemed to be learning fast and she said, "Well you gotta remember he's a new saint full of fire right now." I said to myself hum, I guess that means he is supposed to stop after he's been in the church awhile? I can tell you in all sincerity that you will never master the word of God, ever! Just when you think your getting a handle on a subject, you will soon learn there is so much more to learn about it than you ever imagined. It doesn't matter what it is, you will never totally know all there is to know about it.
On the other hand we have folks like some of the figs on the fig tree, big green robust looking figs that remain hardened while much of the tree is producing fruit fit for consumption though not as big in stature and size. One characteristic of some of these folk is they are like the blue jays that come to the fig tree (church) to dine. They come to the fig tree (church) and unlike the redbirds, hummingbirds, mockingbirds, and woodpeckers, you can hear him/her coming from afar off. Once there, instead of going about to eat and enjoy the fruit like the other birds, he just gripes and complains about everything, even while eating or at least that is how it sounds anyway. It seems as though he is never satisfied, never at peace with him/herself. Like some folk, ever learning but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth, because you see in the Holy Ghost there is peace, joy, contentment, and happiness. The woodpecker, one would never know he was there unless he was banging his head, but let that blue jay come around fussing and the woodpecker starts making noise. I reckon the best thing that can be said for him (woodpecker) is that he is like a lot of our youth, done a little too much head banging. One thing I have noticed about the fig tree is that finding fruit can be difficult because of such a heavy covering of leaves in parts of the tree. Poor Adam and Eve, they found out that sin doesn't pay; they learned pretty quick it pays to get rid of your sin because all they had was fig leaves to cover their nakedness, all the other tree's leaves had fallen. That alone would seem to be punishment enough! When you are able to expose some fruit, then you have to worry about being punished for it because those leaves will sting and itch you something terrible not to mention the wasp and spiders that seem to consider the fig tree home. While trying to get to the fruit I found myself in a situation comparable to that ol' boy that got trapped in a tree with a mad momma coon. He shouted down to them shoot, shoot one of us has got to have some relief. I learned that if the whole tree (church) is soaked (Holy Ghost) not only will the fruit manifest itself, but the leaves (other folk) will lose much of their abrasiveness. For every situation there is always a better way to get things accomplished. This is where prayer with patience becomes critical. In the process do not lean on your own understanding but rather lean on the Lord trusting him with all your heart and soul. Well, enough meddling, back to the lesson!
The scripture says it like this; and on the next day when they were come from Bethany, he (Jesus) was hungry. And seeing a fig tree from afar off, having leaves, he came, if perhaps he might find anything on it; and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet. And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter forever. And his disciples heard it. Some may ask, "Do you think he knew it wasn't the time for figs?" The answer to this is yes. In Luke 21:29, 30 he gives the parable of the fig tree in which he tells you when the time of figs is right. Also, we find in John 1:3 and Colossians 1:16 that he (Jesus) created the fig tree so he does know when the time of figs is right. Jesus used this fig tree as an object lesson for his disciples and for us today. God expects vineyard fruit from those that have been given vineyard privileges, not leaves only. (Good showing) As Mark 11:12 points out he was hungry for fruit. A bare profession, though ever so green, will not serve. There must be more than buds and blossoms. There must be fruit! A good heart, good life, good thoughts and affections, words and actions that are agreeable to the Spirit of God is what makes fat the vineyard Galatians 5:22, 23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law, one that is answerable to the ordinances (due order or process of God), which are the dressings of the vineyard.
On the morrow the religious establishment of that day saw their normal routine daily church happenings come to an abrupt halt. It goes like this, And they (Jesus and disciples) come to Jerusalem; and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out those that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of those that sold doves; In John 2:17 we find how that the zeal of God's house would consume Jesus and it surely did. I can see him now popping that whip, kapow! Heads ducking, animals and people running everywhere. Now the moneychangers (priest) are those that would change your money for temple coinage because that was the only acceptable payment. They were supposedly providing them a service, when in reality temple coinage held more buying power, just another way to exact usury (charge interest) in a legal sense is what they were doing. Oh yes, and then you had those (priests) who would sell you animals for sacrifice, not perfect (without spot or blemish) as in olden times mind you, but what they had decided was good enough. This is a perfect example of hypocrisy in the church. Have you ever noticed that some of the biggest churches in any town you go are where you find most of the business and professional leaders of the community? One is impressed to see so many of them in church until you listen to their conversations. They actually use the church to conduct business. One said once, "I would rather do business in God's house than anywhere else because I know he will appreciate being a part of my business. What ignorance!! How carnal!! Jesus said, Mark 11:17 "My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer, but ye have made it a den of thieves." This is not to imply that all business and professional people do this, but you do find it happening a lot. This is what by definition (as concerning the temple) cleansing means, ridding God's house of ceremonial defilement.
In Nehemiah the 5th chapter we find this same corrupt greed taking place, only this time some of the people of God were still trickling in from Babylon. They desired to possess their portion also, but found the land had been gobbled up. These landlords if you will would let them stay if they would sell their children into bondage and if they gave a portion of their crops to them. You'd think after 400 years of Egyptian bondage and the bondage of Babylon it would at least be on their mind a little while. What we see in some of our churches today should serve to remind us of those Jews in the close to Joshua's day, Joshua 24 And I have given you a land which you did not labor, and cities which ye built not, and ye dwell in them; of the vineyards and olive yards which ye planted not do ye eat. Some of us refuse to even call each other brother because we don't meet a certain criteria. What about Paul? They called him brother Saul Acts 9:17 before he had become filled with the Holy Ghost and baptized in Jesus name. Freely you have received, freely give. Like those Jews, it's amazing how we tend to forget! In other words, they were charging them a price for something they had gotten free. Sound familiar, it ought to because some of us do the same thing. We have a truth seeker come to church hungry for the word of God and what do we do, we sit there arms crossed, stone faced, couldn't be budged with a jackhammer. Instead of yielding ourselves (not quenching) to the moving of the Spirit of God we charge these poor desolate souls a price for something we got free. Freely ye have received, freely give. Nehemiah had finally gotten a belly full of this and called for all the elders and took his cloak and shook it at them and said, "So may God shake everyone of you if you don't leave off this usury." (Charging interest)The difference in them and us is they did in the natural (flesh) what we do in the Spirit.
Now that you have seen the examples of what not to do and there will be more to follow, we need to take a look at things that accompany salvation. To start with, anyone chosen of God is ordained to go and bring forth fruit. I might add here that contrary to the popular teaching of accepting Christ as your personal savior as if it is entirely your choice, is fallacy. In John15:16 we find where the Lord sets the record straight, "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain; (meaning to continue to abide in Christ) that whatever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. Also in John 6:44 Jesus said, "No man can come to me, except the Father (Spirit) which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. What does it mean to bear fruit and what happens when we do bear fruit or when we don't bear fruit? These are the questions in this lesson I will deal with using the above biblical examples to illustrate the text for better understanding.
FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT
Bearing befitting (meaning suitable, appropriate, proper, decent) fruit is the resulting effect of the first paragraph in this study.
Steps to a happy walk with God but not necessarily in this order
Joy(constant delight in God)
Goodness (kindness, beneficence)
Gentleness(sweetness of temper)
Love(to love God and one another)
Meekness (self-control; not easily provoked)
Peace (contentment and peace with God and others)
Temperance (not excessive in use of life's enjoyments)
Faith (fidelity, justice, honesty in what we profess and promise to others)
Long-suffering (patience to defer anger and a contentedness to bear injuries)
There are three conditions that lead to a fruitful life.
I
CLEANSING
Cleansing is being washed by the blood of Jesus Christ through repentance and water baptism, for without being cleansed by the Lord one has no part with him. John 13:8 Cleansing is the purging or putting away of your sins or to be free of guilt; to be delivered from moral or ceremonial defilement which is going through the motions but not bearing any fruit. John 15:2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away; and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. After sincere repentence the Lord chose water baptism as the way to wash away our sins for the new person in Christ. This is the reason water baptism is so important to salvation. While it is true that baptism in and of itself won't save one, it is nonetheless an essential part of God's plan of salvation. John 3:5 & Acts 2:37,38
What about the established Christian, how does God keep them? Part of the plan for sustaining a continually successful Christian life is to learn to accept the sovereign God's chastening, after all in the end it is He who makes the decision as to our worthiness to enter the kingdom of heaven. God chose chastening (to correct by punishment or suffering) as a way for one to be renewed. The renewing of your mind is done by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost. Titus 3:5 In Ephesians 4:22,23 Paul said, “that ye put off concerning the former manner of life the old man which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind. This includes being renewed in knowledge previously obtained. How oft should we be renewed? The Apostle Paul said this should occur 2 Corinthians 4:16 day by day. By being renewed on a daily basis can we steadfastly be bearers of befitting fruit for the kingdom of God and his righteousness. And finally, The Lord uses chastening to purge us of our sins, witness Isaiah 6:1-8 In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and His train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord of host: the whole earth is full of His glory. Can you imagine the goings on around the throne with all the praise being offered up. Even more than that, can we imagine what would happen if we, the people of God could face one another as these seraphim’s, and say to each other in an humble and contrite spirit of praise, “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God almighty!" Could it be that we would see and experience what the Apostle Paul was talking about in I Corinthians 2:9 here and now and not in the hereafter as this scripture is widely taught. He said, "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him." And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke. Then said I, Woe is me for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts. Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: and he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away and thy sin purged. Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, "Here am I, send me." Isaiah wasn't given this incredible revelation of angelic activity simply to comfort him after the death of a leprous king. Nor is the sixth chapter of Isaiah merely a record of his call to the ministry of prophet, he has already prophesied for five chapters. God's purpose for allowing Isaiah to enter into this vision of His throne was to impart to Isaiah and to us His ultimate desire-- to fill the earth with his glory! We must ask God to do for us what we cannot do ourselves: make us clean, righteous vessels for his service. Hebrews 12:6-11 For whom the Lord loveth, he chasteneth, and scourageth every son whom he receiveth and if ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous but grievous; nevertheless, afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them who are exercised by it. Those that are able to endure chastening will be as Paul described in Romans 8:23 we ourselves groan within waiting for the adoption, that is, the redemption of our body, because the chastening process establishes in us a discipline that we may grow in wisdom and love and grace in the knowledge of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. The chastening process is why the apostle Peter could make the statement found in I Peter 4:16 "If any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God on this behalf and the apostle Paul in Phillipians 2:17 Yea, and If I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. These men were constantly subjected to the purging process and as a result they grew in grace, love, and knowledge of the Lord. Some of us see through the glass mentioned in I Corinthians13:12 much better than others because we have allowed the purging process to have its way in our lives. It brings one to the point to where he/she realizes pleasing God with the eternal reward in the end is really what matters. The apostle Paul's attitude was this I Corinthians 15:19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ we are of all men most miserable. God knows the carnal nature of man is at enmity with his Spirit Romans 8:7 so chastening is a necessary element in how he keeps us. Paul said inGalatians 6:8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption, but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. It is much better that the Father of spirits chasten us, than the fathers of our flesh who chasten for a few days after their own pleasure, but he (God) for our profit that we might be partakers of his holiness. The Lord cannot be glorified in us unless we bear fruit.
II
FAITH
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him (God): for he that cometh to God must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. What does it profit, my brethren, though a man says he hath faith, and have not works (bear any fruit)? Can faith save him? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yes, a man may say, You have faith, and I have works; show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show you my faith by my works (by the fruit I bear). In other words not in word only but in deed, be doers of the word. James 1:22, 25 Put some legs on that faith! Know this O vain man, faith without works (bearing the fruit of the Spirit) is dead. James 2:14, 17, 18, 19 Contrary to some teaching which says that the apostle Paul and James contradict each other concerning faith and works, they do not contradict each other. Paul is saying in Ephesians 2:8-10 you cannot earn or buy your way into heaven. See Matthew 7:22, 23 and Acts 8:18,19. It is given by the grace of God. Also, in Romans 4:1-5,Hebrews 11:17 we have the example of Abraham in which we learn that faith without works or vice versa is meaningless. First, he believed God and because of it, works (or fruit of his belief) followed and because of his belief in God he was willing to offer his beloved son in sacrifice to God. These verses of scripture prove that you cannot be considered a believer without faith and the works (or bearing fruit) that follows. One of the main points the apostle Paul was making is steer clear of the thinking that your works are to be recognized. He didn't want one to allow pride to creep in because pride is the enemy of faith and would destroy their power in prayer. In other words thinking, "man I am something, look at all the great things I have done for the kingdom of God." Paul was thrilled that the Lord had chosen him in the first place. He like Peter knew that without the Lord he could do nothing, St John 15:4, 5 so all glorying was to be to God for making their works possible for them to do. They knew as I Peter 1:24 says, For all flesh is like grass, and all the glory of man like the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and its flower falleth away. We might as well face it, we are only good from one day to the next. That is why Paul said we have to be renewed day by day in the Holy Ghost. Titus 3:5, Ephesians 4:3, Colossians 3:5, II Corinthians 4:16
If one manifest the fruits of the Spirit it is because they have faith through a secure knowledge and trust of God. You are not considered faithful unless you bear fruit, for to remain faithful means to remain (abide) and bear fruit. Knowledge is essential because without it there would be no faith. Knowledge is spoken often as an equivalent to faith. John 10:38 & I John 2:3Can a new person in Christ be expected to immediately bear fruit? Isn't it necessary that he first be taught or given knowledge? You cannot have remaining (abiding) faith without knowledge of what or who that faith is in. Faith implies belief, trust, and loyalty to God. Faith is where it begins and where it ends!
III
FORGIVENESS
Mark 11:25, 26__And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have anything against any, that you’re Father also, who is in heaven, may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father, who is in heaven, forgive your trespasses. Unforgiveness is based in pride and is the enemy of faith, therefore creating a separation between man and God.
Unforgiveness- Psalms10:2 The wicked in his pride doth persecute the poor and Matthew 18:32, 33 the Lord said to a man, "O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou besoughtest me. Shouldest not thou also have compassion on thy fellow servant, even as I had pity on thee. In this case "forgiveness." So in brief, unforgiveness is based in pride, and pride is the enemy of faith which in turn will block your power in prayer.
Enemy of Faith Psalms 10:4 The wicked in his pride will not seek after the Lord and Proverbs 16:8 pride goeth before destruction and a haughty (blatantly and disdainfully proud) spirit before a fall. Although in reality you could argue there are more than three conditions that lead to a fruitful life, all are intertwined in these three, for without these three none of the above mentioned fruits of the Spirit would be attainable.
Jesus said, “For without me you can do nothing for I am the true vine and you are the branches; the branches cannot bear fruit of themselves, except it abide(remain) in the vine. John 15:4,5
At this point it is easy for you to see that he did to the temple what he did to the fig tree. But there is another area that we as individuals have to consider, the question of what is more important ceremony or a communal relationship with God. Consider what Jesus said to the scribes and Pharisees, Matthew 23:27,28 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye are like whited sepulchers, (only for show) which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. They were self-righteous hypocrites like the Pharisee in Luke 18:11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee that I am not as other men are, extortionist, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. In the fourteenth verse Jesus said in response to this kind of praying, "everyone that exhalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. There is only one way we will ever get the ear of God and that is with a contrite and humble spirit. In Isaiah 57 we find where the Lord rebuked the false leaders because they too had lifted themselves up and became stumbling blocks to the truth seekers. After the Lord rebuked them he let it be known to whom he would revive. Found in the 15th verse it says, for thus saith the high and lofty One who inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also who is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. Beloved take heed unto yourselves that you do not become a stumblingblock to the weak. As Paul says in Romans the eighth chapter, for if any man see thee, who hast knowledge, sitting at the table in the idols temple, shall not the conscience, of him who is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols. Also, he said in Romans 5:18 Therefore, as through one man's offense judgement came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man's righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. In other words because of Adam's sin many were made sinners, but because of the righteousness of Jesus who had no sin, we are now able to be partaker's of the heavenly gift. Living a life in Christ will win many to him, but to partake of sinful deeds will condemn those around you (those who follow you) to a life of sin. This part of the lesson is like the old saying "monkey see monkey do," Don't not allow yourselves to be given to situations that invite sin because it not only will hurt you, but those that follow you also.
Finally, learn from the parable of the vinedresser in Luke 13:6. This could be considered a lesson in procrastination. (Putting off) The story relates how that for three years the Lord had come by this vineyard and found no fruit. (Fig tree) He told the vinedresser to cut it down, why take up valuable space. And the vinedresser answered him and said, "Lord let it alone this year and I will dig about it and fertilize it." This message also has a lot to offer the shepherd of the sheep. Many times we all put off things, but the work of God is one of those we mustn't procrastinate about because we could end up like this fig tree or like the one spoken of in Revelation 6:13. And the fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. (Trials, tribulations and Luke 21:34) Untimely means an occurrence or happening at an inconvenient or inopportune time. Opportunity doesn't wait for everyone! We will be judged by the opportunities we have been given, so don't let a storm or the Lord's coming force the casting forth of untimely figs. Prepare yourselves, arm with the loving Spirit of God, pray fervently, and study God’s word seeking his understanding. Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding.
If we are not careful, our liberties will become a snare unto us, and we become as the barren fig tree, all splendor and ceremony. Matthew 6:19, 20 Take heed unto yourselves, lest at anytime your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting (overindulgence in something food or drink) and drunkenness (to excite or stupefy to the point where physical and mental control is markedly diminished; to excite or elate to the point of enthusiasm or frenzy). This can be other things than alcohol such as fishing, golfing or anything that takes you away from or puts you to sleep from the things of God) and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. Matthew 24:43For if the good man of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have allowed his house to be broken into. Watch ye therefore and pray always, that ye may be counted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass and to stand before the Son of man because to not ready is to be considered an evil servant who says in his heart, "My Lord delayeth his coming." Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of man cometh. God is not at all interested in splendor and ceremony but rather he desires a communal relationship with us. When he sent the disciples out to preach the gospel, he didn't say go build magnificent temples unto me. That is why he came and died for us, so we could receive his Spirit and we ourselves become the temple of God. II Corinthians 6:16 for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
A true Christian will produce fruit and will remain (abide) in Christ even when things seem bad. The true Christian will live a dynamic life, never satisfied with his/her place in the kingdom because there is a fire that burns from deep within. He/she loves Jesus with all their heart and because of this; they will have a burden for lost souls. Beloved, don't ever think that it is more important to make a good showing than to have a personal one on one relationship with the God of heaven. God bless you is my prayer.
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