The purpose for writing what I do here is not to instruct or lecture but to express myself on select issues and to make public my search, our search, for a way for my family, friends and me to navigate The Way while residing physically in a foreign land.
I know that there is an answer to the question.
Much time has been invested in researching how to remove, or more correctly separate, from the world. Many schemes to rescind numbers, certificates and liscenses have been reviewed. Dozens of legal strategies for overcoming the state with tricks and avoiding traps have been heard.
All of the propositions have one major flaw: they use they system to subvert the system or to defeat the system. Going to one part of the secular government to try to win immunity from another part of the secular government is akin to a chicken going to KFC to be protected from Tyson...you are still gonna be dinner.
If you use a process, designed into the system, to escape the world, what is there about that process that makes you believe you are free?
It seems to me that there are only three ways to separate completely from the world:
1. Leave the territory under their control,
2. Overthrow the rulers,
3. Be set free.
Since the entire world is under the control of the usurper and his forces, there is no where to go.
There are few, a remnant as it were, who seek this liberty, Rebellion is neither possible nor acceptable. I can find no-where where we are instructed by God or true Apostles to engage in an overthrow of any government of the world - locally, nationally or internationally. In fact, i can't even find a suggestion, much less a command, to engage with the world system to modify it. This precludes a dominionist concept of rule on the part of believers.
That leaves liberty by release. Either the slavemasters must voluntarily free us or our price must be paid (i.e. our debt satisfied).
The idea of redemption, Christ as kinsman redeemer, would have to come into play here.
Here are some references to explore:
http://threshingfloor-radio.com/index.php/2010/07/gospel-of-kingdom/
http://www.hisholychurch.org/index.php
http://www.oneradionetwork.com/liberty%10geopolitics_-_podcasts/%93how_to_be_free_in_an_unfree_world%94/david_williams_says_there_is_a_reason_the_constitution_is_not_working_for_us__live_monday,_may_31st._201005311720
http://www.oneradionetwork.com/liberty%10geopolitics_-_podcasts/%93how_to_be_free_in_an_unfree_world%94/david_williams_says_the_constitution_does_not_apply_here_thursday_,_july_1st_10_am_central_201006301749/
Read and listen.
Come back and talk with...and with them. Clever tricks and word games are not enough. We have other work to do.
P.S. Apologies for the roughness of the post. It was written in one pass. I will edit and expand in the coming days. This is the point of all of it.
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Pride and False Humility
Don't get me wrong, but there are some days when I look out on the events of the moment and I am certain I have it all figured out...then 15 minutes later something, or someone, comes along so profound, so transcendent that I am knocked off my self-constructed pedestal and put back in my place.
Pride and humility are both deceptive. Pride blocks communication and learning. Pride leads to misuse of friends and family. Pride is what causes people to calls themselves little gods, believe they can do what others can't, and refer to themselves in the third person.
Jesus, in word and deed, calls us to humility.
The deception in humility is in recognizing true humility and false humility.
To quote Dirty Harry: "A man's got to know his limitations." A succinct definition of humility.
Humility is not self-abasement - this is not being humble but is an excuse to avoid effort and responsibility. If you are called to teach, evangelize, write or to a place of leadership or public presence, it is not humility to demur - it is disobedience - and if you are led to such work, to be obedient, even if it seems otherwise, is not prideful.
On the other hand are those who pretend humbleness as a facade over pride. Their end is no different than any other liar.
Humility is doing what is required, in obedience, when required and knowing for whom we work. Constant reliance on the leading of the Spirit is the way to navigate that narrow path between pride and false humility.
Pride and humility are both deceptive. Pride blocks communication and learning. Pride leads to misuse of friends and family. Pride is what causes people to calls themselves little gods, believe they can do what others can't, and refer to themselves in the third person.
Jesus, in word and deed, calls us to humility.
The deception in humility is in recognizing true humility and false humility.
To quote Dirty Harry: "A man's got to know his limitations." A succinct definition of humility.
Humility is not self-abasement - this is not being humble but is an excuse to avoid effort and responsibility. If you are called to teach, evangelize, write or to a place of leadership or public presence, it is not humility to demur - it is disobedience - and if you are led to such work, to be obedient, even if it seems otherwise, is not prideful.
On the other hand are those who pretend humbleness as a facade over pride. Their end is no different than any other liar.
Humility is doing what is required, in obedience, when required and knowing for whom we work. Constant reliance on the leading of the Spirit is the way to navigate that narrow path between pride and false humility.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Government and Authority - Rough Draft Part 1
In the beginning God created...and what He created was created for His pleasure. The entirety of creation was created by God for His use. Whatever is created for the use of the creator is owned by the creator. Therefore, all of creation is the property of God without limitation or restriction.
As the possessor of creation, God retains authority over it in entirety. God may delegate authority to subordinates (created entities) and if those subordinates act within the boundaries of the delegated authority then their exercise of that authority is legitimate and may not be challenged or opposed without challenge and opposition to God's authority. The delegation of authority includes the extent of that authority, the responsibilities of the delegee, and the universe subject to the authority.
If the subordinate fails to properly exercise the assigned authority he forfeits that authority.
A subordinate who assumes authority which has not been delegated to him is a usurper and is illegitimate.
Residents of the universe subject to delegated authority are as bound to recognize that authority as they are the authority of the creator. Conversely, the same residents are not obligated to recognize illegitimate authority and are, in fact, required not to acknowledge illegitimate use of authority.
All creations of God have been assigned specific authority. All creations of God recognize His authority; not all creations accept God's authority.
All legitimate authority is derived from this delegation.
As the possessor of creation, God retains authority over it in entirety. God may delegate authority to subordinates (created entities) and if those subordinates act within the boundaries of the delegated authority then their exercise of that authority is legitimate and may not be challenged or opposed without challenge and opposition to God's authority. The delegation of authority includes the extent of that authority, the responsibilities of the delegee, and the universe subject to the authority.
If the subordinate fails to properly exercise the assigned authority he forfeits that authority.
A subordinate who assumes authority which has not been delegated to him is a usurper and is illegitimate.
Residents of the universe subject to delegated authority are as bound to recognize that authority as they are the authority of the creator. Conversely, the same residents are not obligated to recognize illegitimate authority and are, in fact, required not to acknowledge illegitimate use of authority.
All creations of God have been assigned specific authority. All creations of God recognize His authority; not all creations accept God's authority.
All legitimate authority is derived from this delegation.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Changing Weather
If you thought the revelation of just how sold out to the world climate scientists are, how they put money, fame and religion ahead of truth and objectivity, would put a damper on the push to regulate your breathing habits - you were wrong. Congress is going to put a carbon tax bill through. Oh, they won't call it that and it will be sold as only affecting a few companies or people who need taken down a peg anyway, but that won't be true. As always those with the leastest pockets will wind up paying the tab.
Personally I never found any anything compelling about the global warming hypothesis just like I rejected the global cooling and overpopulation hype in the Seventies. I'm pretty sure the repeated and rotating scare memes are a cause of my disenchantment with socialist philosophy.
By the way, where are all those global cooling, overpopulation experts...oh yeah, they are the senior statesmen of the global warming faith. Wow, that should probably tell me something.
What I do accept as fact, however, is global climate change. I don't mean the change of seasons either. That there are strange events occuring is beyond question. What does happen, rather than tending toward the mean as I would expect, seem to be deviating more and more often toward the extremes. Hot times are hotter, cold times are colder, storms stronger, droughts longer, typical weather for the season is less frequent, even the moderate days are out of place (though not always unwelcome).
This is just the weather. The same trends are notable in other events: earthquakes, volcanos, politics, culture, etc.
Add it all up it sums to a lot of changes and strangeness - all of it caused by man.
Yes, you read that right, I blame all of the climate changes on us - not in the sense that the defenders of Gaia do because nothing man does to the material earth has any permanent effect.
There are higher order effects, though, that have little to do with slash and burn, carbon output or nuclear reactors. Here is where they began:
17 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;
18 Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field;
19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. Genesis 3:17-19.
And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. Luke 21:11
There can be no doubt: the gyrations of weather and climate were caused by man.
Jesus told us more than just the coming of unusual weather, he warned us how it would be used, what would happen to us, and our hope for the future.
21:7 And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass?
21:8 And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.
21:9 But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by.
21:10 Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:
21:11 And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.
21:12 But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake.
21:13 And it shall turn to you for a testimony.
21:14 Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:
21:15 For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.
21:16 And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death.
21:17 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake.
21:18 But there shall not an hair of your head perish.
21:19 In your patience possess ye your souls.
21:20 And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.
21:21 Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto.
21:22 For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.
21:23 But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people.
21:24 And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.
21:25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;
21:26 Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
21:27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
21:28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
Personally I never found any anything compelling about the global warming hypothesis just like I rejected the global cooling and overpopulation hype in the Seventies. I'm pretty sure the repeated and rotating scare memes are a cause of my disenchantment with socialist philosophy.
By the way, where are all those global cooling, overpopulation experts...oh yeah, they are the senior statesmen of the global warming faith. Wow, that should probably tell me something.
What I do accept as fact, however, is global climate change. I don't mean the change of seasons either. That there are strange events occuring is beyond question. What does happen, rather than tending toward the mean as I would expect, seem to be deviating more and more often toward the extremes. Hot times are hotter, cold times are colder, storms stronger, droughts longer, typical weather for the season is less frequent, even the moderate days are out of place (though not always unwelcome).
This is just the weather. The same trends are notable in other events: earthquakes, volcanos, politics, culture, etc.
Add it all up it sums to a lot of changes and strangeness - all of it caused by man.
Yes, you read that right, I blame all of the climate changes on us - not in the sense that the defenders of Gaia do because nothing man does to the material earth has any permanent effect.
There are higher order effects, though, that have little to do with slash and burn, carbon output or nuclear reactors. Here is where they began:
17 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;
18 Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field;
19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. Genesis 3:17-19.
And the result:
"We know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the first-fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body."—Romans 8:22-23.
We are housed in a body of death. We live in a dying world. Is it any wonder that the same decay and deterioration which we are subject to as individual persons also plagues our planet?
So when Jesus says in Luke:
And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. Luke 21:11
There can be no doubt: the gyrations of weather and climate were caused by man.
Jesus told us more than just the coming of unusual weather, he warned us how it would be used, what would happen to us, and our hope for the future.
21:7 And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass?
21:8 And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.
21:9 But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by.
21:10 Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:
21:11 And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.
21:12 But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake.
21:13 And it shall turn to you for a testimony.
21:14 Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:
21:15 For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.
21:16 And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death.
21:17 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake.
21:18 But there shall not an hair of your head perish.
21:19 In your patience possess ye your souls.
21:20 And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.
21:21 Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto.
21:22 For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.
21:23 But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people.
21:24 And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.
21:25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;
21:26 Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
21:27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
21:28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Relationship
Easter is coming soon. You can tell because the Wal-Mart shelves are crammed with toys and baskets and candy, lots of candy, most of it some pastel shade. You can tell because the church signs are in full marketing mode.
We don't practice easter or christmas or any of those other adapted pagan celebrations.
We haven't for some time.
But some of our extended family just doesn't seem to have grokked our rejection of these unholy days.
This is now leading to a moment of decision: a long-time family friend wants to have an "easter" party for our children. He's a decent guy and no doubt he thinks he is doing something nice and fun for them.
What harm can it be? All our children know what easter is about and why we prefer to observe a Passover celebration and focus on the redemption Christ provided during this time. That being the case, how could a few easter eggs and some candy be bad, right?
Besides, if we decline, it will hurt his feelings, and that would be bad, right?
Wrong.
If we go, we will be teaching our children that it OK to compromise, especially if it brings a little pleasure or it helps to maintain a relationship. We teach them to put sense ahead of knowledge and relationship ahead of God.
This is one of those subtle devices the world employs to move you, however slightly, toward the broad and easy road.
Will it hurt our friend to say we can't go, maybe, but it would be more damaging to not stand firm.
We don't practice easter or christmas or any of those other adapted pagan celebrations.
We haven't for some time.
But some of our extended family just doesn't seem to have grokked our rejection of these unholy days.
This is now leading to a moment of decision: a long-time family friend wants to have an "easter" party for our children. He's a decent guy and no doubt he thinks he is doing something nice and fun for them.
What harm can it be? All our children know what easter is about and why we prefer to observe a Passover celebration and focus on the redemption Christ provided during this time. That being the case, how could a few easter eggs and some candy be bad, right?
Besides, if we decline, it will hurt his feelings, and that would be bad, right?
Wrong.
If we go, we will be teaching our children that it OK to compromise, especially if it brings a little pleasure or it helps to maintain a relationship. We teach them to put sense ahead of knowledge and relationship ahead of God.
This is one of those subtle devices the world employs to move you, however slightly, toward the broad and easy road.
Will it hurt our friend to say we can't go, maybe, but it would be more damaging to not stand firm.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Burdens
When Jesus said, "For my yoke is easy and my burden is light" He was not speaking to us on the nature of Christian labor. Jesus was making a promise to us of deliverance.
It is not God who burdens us with the weights of life; it is the world and the master of its hierarchy, the Adversary, that layer upon us unceasing demands for labor, blood and treasure.
In this world all must be bought with a price calculated to be just beyond the boundaries of your ability.
Every man, whether in the lowliest station or at the heights of power, is left wanting, just short of satisfaction. The poor man is beset by a dearth of means and presented the promise of an apparent escape, if only he will give a little more, do a small thing, give up something dear. The man of power is led along the trail of accomplishment with the seeds of pride and the bread of position.
At the end, all proclaim with Solomon "...vanity of vanities, all is vanity."
Jesus promises us nothing here for the world to admire.
There are no men of renown who belong to God - no titans of industry, no giants of the intellect, no paragons of virtue - those all belong to the world and they already have their reward.
God requires simplicity and He returns understanding. God requires trust and He provides sufficiency. God requires weakness and He infuses strength. God requires obedience and He is faith. God requires surrender and He gives us liberty.
If you are tired, broken, lonely, burdened by the world, the escape is Jesus. Give Him everything and He will give you more.
It is not God who burdens us with the weights of life; it is the world and the master of its hierarchy, the Adversary, that layer upon us unceasing demands for labor, blood and treasure.
In this world all must be bought with a price calculated to be just beyond the boundaries of your ability.
Every man, whether in the lowliest station or at the heights of power, is left wanting, just short of satisfaction. The poor man is beset by a dearth of means and presented the promise of an apparent escape, if only he will give a little more, do a small thing, give up something dear. The man of power is led along the trail of accomplishment with the seeds of pride and the bread of position.
At the end, all proclaim with Solomon "...vanity of vanities, all is vanity."
Jesus promises us nothing here for the world to admire.
There are no men of renown who belong to God - no titans of industry, no giants of the intellect, no paragons of virtue - those all belong to the world and they already have their reward.
God requires simplicity and He returns understanding. God requires trust and He provides sufficiency. God requires weakness and He infuses strength. God requires obedience and He is faith. God requires surrender and He gives us liberty.
If you are tired, broken, lonely, burdened by the world, the escape is Jesus. Give Him everything and He will give you more.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Another Government Post
Tracking the events of the health-care summit yesterday brought many thoughts to my mind, but most of all I wondered just how anyone who watched or listened could ever believe that those dilectical schemers had any intention of reforming anything.
Universal health care is a fantasy; universal health care regulated, managed or provided by a government is a stop-action nightmare.
Insurance is immoral. Expecting someone else to subsidize your insurance is to actively participate in theft.
Please, please, please, please understand this, if nothing else, none of the existing propositions, on either side, will enhance the quality of medical care in this country and, in fact, will decrease the availabilty, quality and affordability. If passed, a black market will develop which will widen the gap between the haves and have-nots.
In order to understand why this legislation is so important to the powers in DC, you must first understand who they work for - and I don't mean the CFR, the Illuminati, Committee of 300, or any other suspect organization - I mean the power which sits above even them and controls them and to whom they pledge fealty.
Yes, you guessed it: Satan and his co-conspirators.
Just in case I am not being clear, the US federal government is not a godly goverment..nor should they be expected to be.
This government, all governments in this present age, are not part of the Kingdom of Heaven.
So let's all get busy and change it, right!
Change it to what, may I ask?
In order to change the system, you must join the system, and to join the system you must pay the price. Can you afford that price?
On top of the cost, if you are truly one of the elect, they will take your payment and then destroy you anyway.
What those of us who desire to be in the Kingdom of Heaven have to realize that we cannot participate in the kingdom of hell and succeed. Why would you want to? The world system is nothing but an illusion. Success inside the system is a deception.
But there is a deeper issue, far deeper.
Who you look to for your provision is your god. If the state provides you medical care, i.e., is perceived to preserve life, then it is your god.
We are not to look to anyone but God for life.
It is a time for choice.
Universal health care is a fantasy; universal health care regulated, managed or provided by a government is a stop-action nightmare.
Insurance is immoral. Expecting someone else to subsidize your insurance is to actively participate in theft.
Please, please, please, please understand this, if nothing else, none of the existing propositions, on either side, will enhance the quality of medical care in this country and, in fact, will decrease the availabilty, quality and affordability. If passed, a black market will develop which will widen the gap between the haves and have-nots.
In order to understand why this legislation is so important to the powers in DC, you must first understand who they work for - and I don't mean the CFR, the Illuminati, Committee of 300, or any other suspect organization - I mean the power which sits above even them and controls them and to whom they pledge fealty.
Yes, you guessed it: Satan and his co-conspirators.
Just in case I am not being clear, the US federal government is not a godly goverment..nor should they be expected to be.
This government, all governments in this present age, are not part of the Kingdom of Heaven.
So let's all get busy and change it, right!
Change it to what, may I ask?
In order to change the system, you must join the system, and to join the system you must pay the price. Can you afford that price?
On top of the cost, if you are truly one of the elect, they will take your payment and then destroy you anyway.
What those of us who desire to be in the Kingdom of Heaven have to realize that we cannot participate in the kingdom of hell and succeed. Why would you want to? The world system is nothing but an illusion. Success inside the system is a deception.
But there is a deeper issue, far deeper.
Who you look to for your provision is your god. If the state provides you medical care, i.e., is perceived to preserve life, then it is your god.
We are not to look to anyone but God for life.
It is a time for choice.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Government
When I began to write this essay I had an idea in mind to survey the scripture for guidance on the construction of a God-approved earthly political system.
Personally, I have made a long and fitful journey from mainstream political programming to this point where my political philosophy lies somewhere on one side or the other of the blurry line between radical libertarianism and anarchy.
I confess, I hoped my exploration would lend support to my aversion to any kind of non-voluntary organization.
It is often said that government is, at best, a necessary evil. It seems to me, however, that the amount of government (evil) considered necessary, and the extent of the power it should be granted to enforce its policies depends on the perception of personal gain to be had from supporting the state.
In my mind, the insinuation of evil into any people, regardless of intentions or purposes, will still produce evil.
I still wish to explore what the Bible has to say about governmental structure, but I feel it necessary to expand the question to include how the individual believer is supposed to interact, or not interact, with the world outside the Church.
When I was much younger I was completely co-opted into operating within the system, captured by the idea that I could conform and work from inside and still retain my spiritual standing.
I don't believe that anymore.
In fact, I do not believe that there is any political system which meets God's standards - except the one He has already implemented in the heavenly realms - just as there no scripturally acceptable economic theory for the national government.
So I admit to coming to this examination with preconceptions - I will try not to allow these predispisitions and opinions to color my analysis of what I discover and will try to adapt to what is learned instead.
So here we go, beginning at the beginning and following the trails as they develop.
Hope I can stick with it...and I hope there will be some input from outside to instigate and question.
Personally, I have made a long and fitful journey from mainstream political programming to this point where my political philosophy lies somewhere on one side or the other of the blurry line between radical libertarianism and anarchy.
I confess, I hoped my exploration would lend support to my aversion to any kind of non-voluntary organization.
It is often said that government is, at best, a necessary evil. It seems to me, however, that the amount of government (evil) considered necessary, and the extent of the power it should be granted to enforce its policies depends on the perception of personal gain to be had from supporting the state.
In my mind, the insinuation of evil into any people, regardless of intentions or purposes, will still produce evil.
I still wish to explore what the Bible has to say about governmental structure, but I feel it necessary to expand the question to include how the individual believer is supposed to interact, or not interact, with the world outside the Church.
When I was much younger I was completely co-opted into operating within the system, captured by the idea that I could conform and work from inside and still retain my spiritual standing.
I don't believe that anymore.
In fact, I do not believe that there is any political system which meets God's standards - except the one He has already implemented in the heavenly realms - just as there no scripturally acceptable economic theory for the national government.
So I admit to coming to this examination with preconceptions - I will try not to allow these predispisitions and opinions to color my analysis of what I discover and will try to adapt to what is learned instead.
So here we go, beginning at the beginning and following the trails as they develop.
Hope I can stick with it...and I hope there will be some input from outside to instigate and question.
Friday, December 25, 2009
2010
There is little doubt that 2009 was a year filled with dreadful events - but so was 2008 and 2007 and 2001 and 1941 and well, you get the point. Death, mendacity and tyranny were the modus operandi of everyone from the politicians to the corporations to the religious establishment. What was most shocking this year to me was how naked and open evil has become; there was no attempt by the enemy to disguise his intents or for his henchmen to finesse their plots through to fruition. Evil was bold and unfettered as if it expected no opposition of any consequence.
As the secular calendar turns the page to a new year, it seems as if there may be some who are persuaded that there is reason to believe that the road to serfdom we are marching down can be blocked and that we can be returned back to the rightful path.
I wish I could agree.
Frankly, I don't see the efforts of the so-called patriot movement and the mainstream political opposition have accomplished any more than providing a false sense of empowerment to the people involved. They are doing the same things they have been doing since I came out of the TV stupor and began to understand where the real battle was and to recognize the false paradigms imposed on the world. The alarms are sounded, everyone scurries around, guns are sold, food is hoarded, gold and silver become scarce commodities, fear gives way to panic and then...nothing happens and it starts all over again the next week.
So, what is going to happen during the next 12 months?
The Health-care usurpation is still on track. Carbon regulation is about to take place by fiat rather than legislation. The state will soon actually, legally, take control over life and death and place it in the hands of bureaucrats whose only interest is to maintain their job, not solve problems.
Will the democrats be run out of office and replaced with republicans? Will the President declare martial law? Are we all getting bar codes?
Frankly, I don't see much changing.
Health-care will more than likely become law - and it will be a disaster. Yet I see the democrats retaining power because the real effects won't be felt until well after the election.
Don't be surprised if there are several million newly registered voters to make certain that happens as, by law or fiat, many currently illegal migrants are made citizens.
Journalism will still suck, but some of those who believed in the hope and change are becoming disillusioned and there will be some prominent defections this year.
Global warming and/or climate change will fall from favor and carbon taxes will start to take a back seat to other issues: inflation, fuel shortages, more terror (by someone) short credit, higher unemployment, a second wave of real estate failures, regional strife and the political battles moving to the local level and not in a peaceful way.
There's no better time for the believer to disengage from the system as much as possible.
What do you see for the coming months?
As the secular calendar turns the page to a new year, it seems as if there may be some who are persuaded that there is reason to believe that the road to serfdom we are marching down can be blocked and that we can be returned back to the rightful path.
I wish I could agree.
Frankly, I don't see the efforts of the so-called patriot movement and the mainstream political opposition have accomplished any more than providing a false sense of empowerment to the people involved. They are doing the same things they have been doing since I came out of the TV stupor and began to understand where the real battle was and to recognize the false paradigms imposed on the world. The alarms are sounded, everyone scurries around, guns are sold, food is hoarded, gold and silver become scarce commodities, fear gives way to panic and then...nothing happens and it starts all over again the next week.
So, what is going to happen during the next 12 months?
The Health-care usurpation is still on track. Carbon regulation is about to take place by fiat rather than legislation. The state will soon actually, legally, take control over life and death and place it in the hands of bureaucrats whose only interest is to maintain their job, not solve problems.
Will the democrats be run out of office and replaced with republicans? Will the President declare martial law? Are we all getting bar codes?
Frankly, I don't see much changing.
Health-care will more than likely become law - and it will be a disaster. Yet I see the democrats retaining power because the real effects won't be felt until well after the election.
Don't be surprised if there are several million newly registered voters to make certain that happens as, by law or fiat, many currently illegal migrants are made citizens.
Journalism will still suck, but some of those who believed in the hope and change are becoming disillusioned and there will be some prominent defections this year.
Global warming and/or climate change will fall from favor and carbon taxes will start to take a back seat to other issues: inflation, fuel shortages, more terror (by someone) short credit, higher unemployment, a second wave of real estate failures, regional strife and the political battles moving to the local level and not in a peaceful way.
There's no better time for the believer to disengage from the system as much as possible.
What do you see for the coming months?
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Sorting It Out
I come from a long line of ordinary people - common folk - from among those who conform to the world because that is what you do. You conform and hope that with some sweat and toil, with yes sir and yes ma'am, giving it all up, that everything will work out. The American dream can be had if you only do it right.
There was just one small issue: I couldn't do it. I really tried! Really I did! But there was nothing in the world, at least the ordinary world, that attracted me.
Don't take that the wrong way. I'm not saying I wasn't attracted to worldly things...pretty women, exotic ideas, mind-alteration - big things, weird things.
All I knew then was that I couldn't do what I saw everybody else doing, the way they did it, for the reasons they had.
And most of my life I have paid for it.
For years and years I was convinced that my problem was that I was lazy, or rebellious, or, sometimes, stupid. I'm still not sure that there isn't some truth there. But I find that when I start to work on something that is interesting or that I enjoy or important to me, I can work hard and long and well.
Rarely, however, do I find that what I want to do coincide with what I know the world deems to be important.
I am very dysfunctional in the ordinary world.
So the question before me is one of sorting out priorities - separating responsibilities from conformities, desires ffrom needs, right from wrong.
I am not even sure how to go about that, well, perhaps I really know, but I am finding distractions to keep me from the really hard work - the work of turning away from the world and turning to God.
The full truth is that I am sitting on the proverbial fence...and I despise myself for doing that.
What I really need to do is throw everything at the feet of Jesus and wait for Him to tell me what to pick up and work on.
Can I do that?
I don't know, but I think it is a matter of life or death.
There was just one small issue: I couldn't do it. I really tried! Really I did! But there was nothing in the world, at least the ordinary world, that attracted me.
Don't take that the wrong way. I'm not saying I wasn't attracted to worldly things...pretty women, exotic ideas, mind-alteration - big things, weird things.
All I knew then was that I couldn't do what I saw everybody else doing, the way they did it, for the reasons they had.
And most of my life I have paid for it.
For years and years I was convinced that my problem was that I was lazy, or rebellious, or, sometimes, stupid. I'm still not sure that there isn't some truth there. But I find that when I start to work on something that is interesting or that I enjoy or important to me, I can work hard and long and well.
Rarely, however, do I find that what I want to do coincide with what I know the world deems to be important.
I am very dysfunctional in the ordinary world.
So the question before me is one of sorting out priorities - separating responsibilities from conformities, desires ffrom needs, right from wrong.
I am not even sure how to go about that, well, perhaps I really know, but I am finding distractions to keep me from the really hard work - the work of turning away from the world and turning to God.
The full truth is that I am sitting on the proverbial fence...and I despise myself for doing that.
What I really need to do is throw everything at the feet of Jesus and wait for Him to tell me what to pick up and work on.
Can I do that?
I don't know, but I think it is a matter of life or death.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Take No Thought for the Morrow...a Question on the Parameters of Faith
Okay, I am venturing out into new and unexplored territory...for me.
Some are probably already here, by choice or by circumstances, patiently waiting for me to arrive. Well, here I am.
The subject is health insurance. Paying for healthcare is the uppermost topic of conversation all over the nation and has been for the past few months. If you are reading this, it is likely you are familiar with all sides of that debate, and just as likely you are tired of the fight and worried about the outcome.
And that leads to the issue I wish to consider in this article: Is it appropriate for a believer and follower of The Way to purchase health insurance in any form?
Up until a few days ago, there was no doubt in my mind that it was irresponsible and imprudent not to carry health insurance if at all possible financially - especially if I had others to provide for (spouse, children)who depended on my provision and care. Frankly, I don't believe I would have given a suggestion to the contrary a moment's consideration.
Yet, here I am, seriously questioning it.
What happened?
For a number of years I have been researching what is generally called alternative medicine - primarily herbalism and traditional medicine but also including modern concepts which are outside of the mainstream of medical practice yet relatively recent and similarly presented (vitamin therapy, chelation, sound therapy, and the like). An inevitable corrollary of this research is uncovering a great deal of information about the process and problems of contemporary allopathic medicine.
Most insurance will not cover herbal, traditional or any other natural or alternate approach to health and healing. Likewise, most mainstream physicians are ignorant about traditional or alternative therapies - a large percentage reject them outright and it is not uncommon for one to reject or terminate a relationship with a patient who chooses alternative medicine as a supplement to or instead of generally accepted practices.
The same goes for insurance. Patients who refuse to adhere to allopathic methodology can find themselves cancelled, and, in effect, blackballed, uninsurable for choices ranging from refusing vaccines to forgoing chemotherapy.
Insurers dictate to patients which courses of treatment are acceptable and covered by the policy. Deviation from the approved parameters are refused payment.
Fear of accumulating large medical debt forces patients to conform to the system and take what is offered - even if they don't believe in the effectiveness of the treatment.
My questions are derived from this understanding of how the system works:
1. We are told that we are not to be conformed to the world, but to Yashua. If we have health insurance which prevents us from using treatments we think are more effective or requires us to accept measures we know are ineffective or even harmful, aren't we conforming to the world?
2. Believers are not supposed to be in debt because the debtor becomes the slave of the lender. Isn't health insurance in a very practical sense the creation of debt - both because we commit to the payment of the costs of the coverage (premiums and deductibles, copays, fees) and because we are pre-paying for a surety against future debt. Are we then slaves to the insurer and, possibly, the employer?
3. Then there is Revelation 9:21 which warns us of the evil of "pharmakea" - drugs - termed in some translations as "sorceries". Modern medicine is very much a practice of sorcery using chemical compounds as magic potions. If you have health insurance, this is the predominant treatment option you will have.
4. The issue of faith. Do you trust Yahweh or will you make your own provision? The letter to Laodicea is very much about this. They had such great substance that they thought they had no need to depend on Yahweh for provision. They became spiritually poor as they ceased to act in faith. If we carry health insurance is that an act of self-reliance and placing our faith in ourselves and other men?
Yashua says we have not because we ask not.
The Scripture says by His stripes we are healed.
Insurance companies are deeply rooted in the world system of materialism and financial manipulation. Insurance is a core business of the worldwide financial order that demands conformity or else be excluded.
If we are to be in the world but not of it, is health insurance one of those deceptions formed by the adversary for the purpose of directing us away from God and strip us of faith and power?
I can't say for certain my family and I have decided in fact to go without insurance and rely totally on Yahweh for health and provision, but we are leaning that way.
Any ideas?
Some are probably already here, by choice or by circumstances, patiently waiting for me to arrive. Well, here I am.
The subject is health insurance. Paying for healthcare is the uppermost topic of conversation all over the nation and has been for the past few months. If you are reading this, it is likely you are familiar with all sides of that debate, and just as likely you are tired of the fight and worried about the outcome.
And that leads to the issue I wish to consider in this article: Is it appropriate for a believer and follower of The Way to purchase health insurance in any form?
Up until a few days ago, there was no doubt in my mind that it was irresponsible and imprudent not to carry health insurance if at all possible financially - especially if I had others to provide for (spouse, children)who depended on my provision and care. Frankly, I don't believe I would have given a suggestion to the contrary a moment's consideration.
Yet, here I am, seriously questioning it.
What happened?
For a number of years I have been researching what is generally called alternative medicine - primarily herbalism and traditional medicine but also including modern concepts which are outside of the mainstream of medical practice yet relatively recent and similarly presented (vitamin therapy, chelation, sound therapy, and the like). An inevitable corrollary of this research is uncovering a great deal of information about the process and problems of contemporary allopathic medicine.
Most insurance will not cover herbal, traditional or any other natural or alternate approach to health and healing. Likewise, most mainstream physicians are ignorant about traditional or alternative therapies - a large percentage reject them outright and it is not uncommon for one to reject or terminate a relationship with a patient who chooses alternative medicine as a supplement to or instead of generally accepted practices.
The same goes for insurance. Patients who refuse to adhere to allopathic methodology can find themselves cancelled, and, in effect, blackballed, uninsurable for choices ranging from refusing vaccines to forgoing chemotherapy.
Insurers dictate to patients which courses of treatment are acceptable and covered by the policy. Deviation from the approved parameters are refused payment.
Fear of accumulating large medical debt forces patients to conform to the system and take what is offered - even if they don't believe in the effectiveness of the treatment.
My questions are derived from this understanding of how the system works:
1. We are told that we are not to be conformed to the world, but to Yashua. If we have health insurance which prevents us from using treatments we think are more effective or requires us to accept measures we know are ineffective or even harmful, aren't we conforming to the world?
2. Believers are not supposed to be in debt because the debtor becomes the slave of the lender. Isn't health insurance in a very practical sense the creation of debt - both because we commit to the payment of the costs of the coverage (premiums and deductibles, copays, fees) and because we are pre-paying for a surety against future debt. Are we then slaves to the insurer and, possibly, the employer?
3. Then there is Revelation 9:21 which warns us of the evil of "pharmakea" - drugs - termed in some translations as "sorceries". Modern medicine is very much a practice of sorcery using chemical compounds as magic potions. If you have health insurance, this is the predominant treatment option you will have.
4. The issue of faith. Do you trust Yahweh or will you make your own provision? The letter to Laodicea is very much about this. They had such great substance that they thought they had no need to depend on Yahweh for provision. They became spiritually poor as they ceased to act in faith. If we carry health insurance is that an act of self-reliance and placing our faith in ourselves and other men?
Yashua says we have not because we ask not.
The Scripture says by His stripes we are healed.
Insurance companies are deeply rooted in the world system of materialism and financial manipulation. Insurance is a core business of the worldwide financial order that demands conformity or else be excluded.
If we are to be in the world but not of it, is health insurance one of those deceptions formed by the adversary for the purpose of directing us away from God and strip us of faith and power?
I can't say for certain my family and I have decided in fact to go without insurance and rely totally on Yahweh for health and provision, but we are leaning that way.
Any ideas?
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
God's Work
This is going to be a post following-up on the previous interogatory about a Christian System of Economics.
The question was whether or not there was a clear, definable, operable statement of economic principles by which existing theory could be analyzed or a unique theory developed.
On-going research and study has been quite remarkable.
Arguments can be found on the part of nearly every economic/political/social theory which cherry-pick amongst the writings of the Bible to demonstrate that Christianity favors that particular idea being promoted. Thus the Scripture has been used to defend both the Divine Right of Kings and democracy.
In truth those who attempt to prove a divine approval of their pet priciples are always wrong and, further, missing or ignoring a fundamental truth: Christian standards of behavior cannot be applied to a secular world.
It is true that God would prefer that the material society operate by the spiritual code revealed in the Bible; it is also true that God neither expects nor requires that it do so.
Only those professing to be of Christ are obligated to conform to the divine plan and even they obligate themselves by choice and by confession of a desire to be like Jesus.
Thus, in sum, Christian economics is not about how to organize the global economy but about how the Christian is to live in obedience to the Father.
If that is understood, then the next posts on Christian economics will be seen in a new light, with a peculiar view and a different purpose.
The question was whether or not there was a clear, definable, operable statement of economic principles by which existing theory could be analyzed or a unique theory developed.
On-going research and study has been quite remarkable.
Arguments can be found on the part of nearly every economic/political/social theory which cherry-pick amongst the writings of the Bible to demonstrate that Christianity favors that particular idea being promoted. Thus the Scripture has been used to defend both the Divine Right of Kings and democracy.
In truth those who attempt to prove a divine approval of their pet priciples are always wrong and, further, missing or ignoring a fundamental truth: Christian standards of behavior cannot be applied to a secular world.
It is true that God would prefer that the material society operate by the spiritual code revealed in the Bible; it is also true that God neither expects nor requires that it do so.
Only those professing to be of Christ are obligated to conform to the divine plan and even they obligate themselves by choice and by confession of a desire to be like Jesus.
Thus, in sum, Christian economics is not about how to organize the global economy but about how the Christian is to live in obedience to the Father.
If that is understood, then the next posts on Christian economics will be seen in a new light, with a peculiar view and a different purpose.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Education
Growing up in the spiritual world is similar to growing up in the material world in the sense that you start out young, lacking knowledge and experience, and in need of care and protection. In the Spirit, God is our parent and the members of the Church are our siblings.
God assumes responsibility for our care and education - duties he then delegates to one extent or another, to our brothers and sisters.
We, in return, are to be loyal and diligent, looking to our Lord for direction and to our spiritual family for edification and fellowship.
Similarly, just as the physical child gains wisdom and understanding as he develops intellectual maturity, acquires information and experiences the several common and uncommon life events, so too does the spiritual child grow and develop through study and spiritual interaction.
Recognizing that spiritual growth is a process that takes time and demands dedicated effort with education is vital to the Christian fellowship. We should no more expect that a new believer have the discernment and understanding of an older Christian than we would expect a three-year-old to operate a car like a fifty-year-old adult would.
Spiritual growth is also dependent on the relationship between the individual believer and the Godhead. Data flows and rote memorization are dry and lifeless without the inspiration of the Christian by the Spirit of God.
Because understanding and discernment become more complete and more acute as the believer grows and learns, it is reasonable to expeect that young believers will have simpler, less-developed theologies than older believers. New Christians will not perceive the spiritual natures of people nor the nature of the spirit informing events as readily as a more mature Christian. Thus it is not surprising that as we grow up in the Spirit we will find that people, acts, events, or things once viewed as benign or even acceptable in previous times may one day, perhaps in a sudden flash, be recognized as a temptation or a source of evil.
Spiritual immaturity is blindness.
Those of us who are further along in our spiritual life are as obligated to bringing light to the believers oppressed by the darkness of this material world as we are to shining the light of Christ into the physical world at large.
God assumes responsibility for our care and education - duties he then delegates to one extent or another, to our brothers and sisters.
We, in return, are to be loyal and diligent, looking to our Lord for direction and to our spiritual family for edification and fellowship.
Similarly, just as the physical child gains wisdom and understanding as he develops intellectual maturity, acquires information and experiences the several common and uncommon life events, so too does the spiritual child grow and develop through study and spiritual interaction.
Recognizing that spiritual growth is a process that takes time and demands dedicated effort with education is vital to the Christian fellowship. We should no more expect that a new believer have the discernment and understanding of an older Christian than we would expect a three-year-old to operate a car like a fifty-year-old adult would.
Spiritual growth is also dependent on the relationship between the individual believer and the Godhead. Data flows and rote memorization are dry and lifeless without the inspiration of the Christian by the Spirit of God.
Because understanding and discernment become more complete and more acute as the believer grows and learns, it is reasonable to expeect that young believers will have simpler, less-developed theologies than older believers. New Christians will not perceive the spiritual natures of people nor the nature of the spirit informing events as readily as a more mature Christian. Thus it is not surprising that as we grow up in the Spirit we will find that people, acts, events, or things once viewed as benign or even acceptable in previous times may one day, perhaps in a sudden flash, be recognized as a temptation or a source of evil.
Spiritual immaturity is blindness.
Those of us who are further along in our spiritual life are as obligated to bringing light to the believers oppressed by the darkness of this material world as we are to shining the light of Christ into the physical world at large.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Blessing
Some of us are going to be called to martyrdom...prison and death are near for a few. Now is the day to be sure of your calling. Do not desire to be a martyr; rather pray that you may be a vessel for the gospel and be bold. To die is to be blessed - to live is to be a blessing. Long to bless those around you. Ask Jesus what it is you are to be about and get busy. The time is short and the fields are white.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
For one walking by faith and not by sight, it would be very easy to see spooks behind every rock and tree along the trail...and there may be, in a manner of speaking, as we know we are, each of us, solitary lights in a world of darkness. But the evil lurking and stalking us comes from the other dimensions and is merely channeled through human beings.
I used to say that we blamed far too much of the blackness of this world on Satan and his crew; now I realize that it is not possible to attach too much blame to the fallen ones. Those rebellious angels never rest in the seeding of their intentions into the minds of men. In fact, I have come to believe that not enough recognition is given to the successful infiltration of satanic philosophy and traditions into all arenas of human society.
All of us are corrupted, but most of us are not manifestly evil. The greater number of people are not inclined to devious, destructive behavior (except as regards ourselves) and are, in the main, friendly, at times compassionate, and non-violent. Unfortunately, we are also selfish, greedy and lazy - and therein is where the problem lays.
As Paul has said, we all have a knowledge of God, and we deliberately, knowingly act against that knowledge when we choose to align ourselves with the world system to any degree. It truly is black and white, yes or no, right or wrong.
Either you, and I, are with God or you are against God.
I used to say that we blamed far too much of the blackness of this world on Satan and his crew; now I realize that it is not possible to attach too much blame to the fallen ones. Those rebellious angels never rest in the seeding of their intentions into the minds of men. In fact, I have come to believe that not enough recognition is given to the successful infiltration of satanic philosophy and traditions into all arenas of human society.
All of us are corrupted, but most of us are not manifestly evil. The greater number of people are not inclined to devious, destructive behavior (except as regards ourselves) and are, in the main, friendly, at times compassionate, and non-violent. Unfortunately, we are also selfish, greedy and lazy - and therein is where the problem lays.
As Paul has said, we all have a knowledge of God, and we deliberately, knowingly act against that knowledge when we choose to align ourselves with the world system to any degree. It truly is black and white, yes or no, right or wrong.
Either you, and I, are with God or you are against God.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
In But Not Of...
After a period of forced silence, I return with a refined message.
Separation.
The Lord wants us to understand what separation means; how we are to understand and live in separation.
The first understanding is to know that God has created, is creating and will create all that exists in the moment of the bereshith of His choice to make and remake the universe. Because creation is in the mind of the Lord, spoken forth through His Word, implemented by His Spirit is and always is, that which He purposed is already accomplished.
In simple linear terms, the future is set, the outcome assured, the battles won.
We cannot see with our limited physical senses on up the timeline, however, with the spiritual senses of the regenerated mind we may see that Babylon the Great has fallen...and we should rejoice to see that day.
Thus we are separated from the world for what they see as destruction we know to be regeneration, the renewal promised from the beginning, the salvation given before we are born.
We are separate in Spirit and cannot be united with the spirit of this world. Our spirit is with the Spirit and we know who is of this world and who is of His Spirit.
We must recognize this separation - those on the other side do. That is why they play with you, tease you, persecute you and kill you. The world knows who, and what, you are...it is His will that you recognize as well.
We owe no loyalty to the world and to the spirit of the fallen. This is why Paul says all things are permissible: we could legitimately take spoils of the conquered without guilt. The reason we do not is because all the riches and materials of this world are meaningless and tainted and we reject them for the eternal reward of the promise...as Paul says...not all are expedient. We desire only that which enhances.
If we are aware that we are separate and not of this world and that our citizenship is in another land (a land far away and yet among us), we are no longer concerned with the worries of this land. Our only interest here is to remain separate and to find our fellow citizens of the Kingdom.
In this is the instruction on how to interact with this world: give to them only what is theirs and only what is not opposed to the requirements of our land and leave them to themselves. Wait on orders from our King.
Separation.
The Lord wants us to understand what separation means; how we are to understand and live in separation.
The first understanding is to know that God has created, is creating and will create all that exists in the moment of the bereshith of His choice to make and remake the universe. Because creation is in the mind of the Lord, spoken forth through His Word, implemented by His Spirit is and always is, that which He purposed is already accomplished.
In simple linear terms, the future is set, the outcome assured, the battles won.
We cannot see with our limited physical senses on up the timeline, however, with the spiritual senses of the regenerated mind we may see that Babylon the Great has fallen...and we should rejoice to see that day.
Thus we are separated from the world for what they see as destruction we know to be regeneration, the renewal promised from the beginning, the salvation given before we are born.
We are separate in Spirit and cannot be united with the spirit of this world. Our spirit is with the Spirit and we know who is of this world and who is of His Spirit.
We must recognize this separation - those on the other side do. That is why they play with you, tease you, persecute you and kill you. The world knows who, and what, you are...it is His will that you recognize as well.
We owe no loyalty to the world and to the spirit of the fallen. This is why Paul says all things are permissible: we could legitimately take spoils of the conquered without guilt. The reason we do not is because all the riches and materials of this world are meaningless and tainted and we reject them for the eternal reward of the promise...as Paul says...not all are expedient. We desire only that which enhances.
If we are aware that we are separate and not of this world and that our citizenship is in another land (a land far away and yet among us), we are no longer concerned with the worries of this land. Our only interest here is to remain separate and to find our fellow citizens of the Kingdom.
In this is the instruction on how to interact with this world: give to them only what is theirs and only what is not opposed to the requirements of our land and leave them to themselves. Wait on orders from our King.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Separation
Materialism, legalism, worldliness.
The manners of the pulpits persistently warn us to be wary of these traps. "Don't let the world pull you in," they warn us, "Don't be judgemental (fill the plate)."
They lie.
But, don't judge. The ministers of deceit have a job to do.
Materialism is everywhere and subtle in its strategy.
Do you have debt? Gotcha. How about your credit rating...do you know your score? Gotcha. Upgrading? Remodeling?
Do you rely on God for the electric bill? or are you on a budget?
What are you going to do when the Father says to give your money to the family on the corner? Argue with Him?
You want the rewards of a life of faith?
Give it all away and watch the Lord replenish ... I dare you!
The manners of the pulpits persistently warn us to be wary of these traps. "Don't let the world pull you in," they warn us, "Don't be judgemental (fill the plate)."
They lie.
But, don't judge. The ministers of deceit have a job to do.
Materialism is everywhere and subtle in its strategy.
Do you have debt? Gotcha. How about your credit rating...do you know your score? Gotcha. Upgrading? Remodeling?
Do you rely on God for the electric bill? or are you on a budget?
What are you going to do when the Father says to give your money to the family on the corner? Argue with Him?
You want the rewards of a life of faith?
Give it all away and watch the Lord replenish ... I dare you!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
And Another Thing...
While I am on a soapbox, let me add one more item:
If there is a church out there wherein a member is going to bed hungry or living in a shelter or suffering from abuse and that congregation has not worked to the limits of their ability to resolve these needs, then that is a failed church.
If you say, we did not know, then further shame on you.
I have grown weary of the endless campaigns for political positions and sniping at the opinions of others while two pews back, one of yours is in pain.
If the churches had done their job, there would be no socialism rampant today.
That's right, Mr. Christian...I blame you!
Repent now and fall on your face before an almighty God!
If there is a church out there wherein a member is going to bed hungry or living in a shelter or suffering from abuse and that congregation has not worked to the limits of their ability to resolve these needs, then that is a failed church.
If you say, we did not know, then further shame on you.
I have grown weary of the endless campaigns for political positions and sniping at the opinions of others while two pews back, one of yours is in pain.
If the churches had done their job, there would be no socialism rampant today.
That's right, Mr. Christian...I blame you!
Repent now and fall on your face before an almighty God!
A Short Word
I will second that!
As if Zeph needed a word from me, but let me shoot out a confirming thought on the last audio.I have been quite uncomfortable with the survivalist meme growing among the underground church - awhile back I told an aquaitance who is building a compound in an isolated area that he was building his and his family's coffins, because the NWO would find them and target them.More importantly, to think you could outlast the world, store enough wheat and weapons, and ride out the tribulation - what a silly notion!If God can protect us from poison and vipers, can He not keep us safe from chemtrails and MSG?It is time we lambs decided to put our whole trust in Christ no matter the outcome.Listen for His voice, let Him tell you what to do. If He says to put in food for the neighbors, then we seem to be able to do that. But, if He says to sell it all and follow Him to Duluth or stay put and wait on Him...well that seems much harder.Hiding in the hills is not faith - we are to be ready to minister and be bold.The time is for prayers for strength and compassion, courage and mercy.With all that most of us have experienced, the coming tribulation will be like old times.Pray for me; I will pray for you!
As if Zeph needed a word from me, but let me shoot out a confirming thought on the last audio.I have been quite uncomfortable with the survivalist meme growing among the underground church - awhile back I told an aquaitance who is building a compound in an isolated area that he was building his and his family's coffins, because the NWO would find them and target them.More importantly, to think you could outlast the world, store enough wheat and weapons, and ride out the tribulation - what a silly notion!If God can protect us from poison and vipers, can He not keep us safe from chemtrails and MSG?It is time we lambs decided to put our whole trust in Christ no matter the outcome.Listen for His voice, let Him tell you what to do. If He says to put in food for the neighbors, then we seem to be able to do that. But, if He says to sell it all and follow Him to Duluth or stay put and wait on Him...well that seems much harder.Hiding in the hills is not faith - we are to be ready to minister and be bold.The time is for prayers for strength and compassion, courage and mercy.With all that most of us have experienced, the coming tribulation will be like old times.Pray for me; I will pray for you!
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Sacrifice?!
President-elect Obama says there will need to be sacrifices...what do you think that means?
I just bet there will be - don't you?
I just bet there will be - don't you?
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