On April 15 while driving in Moscow, Idaho, I came across several hundred people having a tax “tea party”. As I understand it was one of several hundred such parties across the United States. I have not participated in these kinds of events.
A few days later we received two letters from the Social Security Administration telling us that each of us was having $250.00 deposited into our bank accounts. This was from the law signed by President Obama in February.
I immediately made out a check to the US Treasury for $500.00. I am sending it to our senator to give to the Secretary of the Treasury.
There were several reasons for this action:
1. We are not AIG, Chrysler, General Motors, Wells Fargo, or Bank of America – we are not too big to fail. We may be too small, but we are not failing. Our home is paid for, as is our car.
2. To send $250.00 to each of millions of Social Security recipients is irresponsible and immoral. It is either conscious money or buying votes.
3. We have already received more money from Social Security than we have ever put into it.
Here is a motto I have followed all my life:
“Where principle is involved, be deaf to expediency.”
Here is a quote from Jeeves in the “Return of Jeeves” describing Britain in 1953:
“We are now living in what is known as the Welfare State, which means – broadly – that everybody is completely destitute.”
Monday, July 06, 2009
Narnia
Many of you have read the Chronicles of Narnia. You liked them when you read them or had them read to you. You should read them again for your second or third time. You may say “I am an adult.” Listen, these are stories for adults. I am not talking about the movies.
The reason for this important encouragement is this; I first read, The Last Battle 51 years ago. I am reading it again. Please read chapter three and encourage all your friends and relatives to read it also. If all you see is an interesting story, enjoy it and keep reading. However there might be more. Pay attention. Pass this on.
The reason for this important encouragement is this; I first read, The Last Battle 51 years ago. I am reading it again. Please read chapter three and encourage all your friends and relatives to read it also. If all you see is an interesting story, enjoy it and keep reading. However there might be more. Pay attention. Pass this on.
Adam and Jesus
Adam was made a little lower than the angels. Adam was crowned with glory and honor. Everything was put under his feet. Adam died and lost that glory and honor.
Jesus was made a little lower than the angels. He is now crowned with glory and honor. Because He suffered death, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.
The death of Christ for everyone is the reason that Christ is now crowned with glory and honor.
He shared in our humanity so He could die. He died to destroy him who holds the power of death – that is the devil – and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.
You can find all this in Hebrews, chapter 2.
Jesus was made a little lower than the angels. He is now crowned with glory and honor. Because He suffered death, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.
The death of Christ for everyone is the reason that Christ is now crowned with glory and honor.
He shared in our humanity so He could die. He died to destroy him who holds the power of death – that is the devil – and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.
You can find all this in Hebrews, chapter 2.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Testimony
Two and a half years ago we received the following testimony on the booklet, How to Be Free From Bitterness. It had been forwarded twice when we received it. You can download the booklet from our website www.ccmbooks.org or you can write us for hard copies (we ask $1/each). A paperback version can be ordered from Canon Press at http://www.canonpress.org/shop/item.asp?itemid=392&catid=
To Whom It May Concern:
Wanted to share: Because I’ve had deep-rooted bitterness and anger for so many years, I kept re-reading the pamphlet, highlighting stuff, but only up to about 2/3rds of it. I couldn’t “sincerely” say the prayer it calls for. After several months of this, I was able too, and found that the other essays after it were XCLNT and informative also. My anger made me a felon almost 7 years ago. Within the last year I’ve been blessed with having that dismissed even. This pamphlet impacted my life, and I will always keep it and reread it to maintain the level of forgiveness it helped me to attain. I consider it my “other bible”. I’ve shared it, recommended it to others, and know that I am blessed to just have been exposed to it. It is a totally different outlook on the topic of bitterness and anger, and a “MUST-HAVE” reading requirement fro those who suffer perpetually due to their inability to let go of anger and bitterness. The introspection essay meant a lot to me also because I beat myself up badly and repetitively from guilt. Now hat I’ve confessed my sin, I know, thru God’s grace, I am forgiven, and I won’t let the “lord of this world”/the devil, use it against me to convict myself anymore. Please maintain my anonymity though. I’m not proud of my past and don’t share it with people who would not benefit from hearing my story. God Bless You!
You brother in Christ,
.
To Whom It May Concern:
Wanted to share: Because I’ve had deep-rooted bitterness and anger for so many years, I kept re-reading the pamphlet, highlighting stuff, but only up to about 2/3rds of it. I couldn’t “sincerely” say the prayer it calls for. After several months of this, I was able too, and found that the other essays after it were XCLNT and informative also. My anger made me a felon almost 7 years ago. Within the last year I’ve been blessed with having that dismissed even. This pamphlet impacted my life, and I will always keep it and reread it to maintain the level of forgiveness it helped me to attain. I consider it my “other bible”. I’ve shared it, recommended it to others, and know that I am blessed to just have been exposed to it. It is a totally different outlook on the topic of bitterness and anger, and a “MUST-HAVE” reading requirement fro those who suffer perpetually due to their inability to let go of anger and bitterness. The introspection essay meant a lot to me also because I beat myself up badly and repetitively from guilt. Now hat I’ve confessed my sin, I know, thru God’s grace, I am forgiven, and I won’t let the “lord of this world”/the devil, use it against me to convict myself anymore. Please maintain my anonymity though. I’m not proud of my past and don’t share it with people who would not benefit from hearing my story. God Bless You!
You brother in Christ,
.
More on Prayer
You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs—he wants to please his commanding officer. Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 1 Timothy 2:1-6
Here is another comprehensive paragraph.
First of all that:
1. Requests
2. Prayers
3. Intercessions
4. Thanksgiving
5. Be made for everyone
Why?
God is pleased to use our obedience in this to save men by bringing them to the knowledge of the truth.
Here is another comprehensive paragraph.
First of all that:
1. Requests
2. Prayers
3. Intercessions
4. Thanksgiving
5. Be made for everyone
Why?
God is pleased to use our obedience in this to save men by bringing them to the knowledge of the truth.
Who is your Hero?
What are the differences between the following lists of characters in books?
1. Tom Sawyer, Becky Thatcher, Nancy Drew, Oliver Twist, Huckleberry Finn, Jim Hawkins, and Penrod.
2. Hudson Taylor, George Mueller, Amy Carmichael, Adoniram Judson, David Brainard and, Gladys Aylward
The first list of names are fictional, the second are real people.
The first list are heroes without being Christian.
The second are heroes because they are Christian.
The first list are forever boys or girls. They never grow up.
The second list we have their whole life.
The first hat cannot be, or should not be imitated.
The second list can be and should be imitated.
I encourage you to read biographies of Godly people.
Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct. Hebrews 13:7
1. Tom Sawyer, Becky Thatcher, Nancy Drew, Oliver Twist, Huckleberry Finn, Jim Hawkins, and Penrod.
2. Hudson Taylor, George Mueller, Amy Carmichael, Adoniram Judson, David Brainard and, Gladys Aylward
The first list of names are fictional, the second are real people.
The first list are heroes without being Christian.
The second are heroes because they are Christian.
The first list are forever boys or girls. They never grow up.
The second list we have their whole life.
The first hat cannot be, or should not be imitated.
The second list can be and should be imitated.
I encourage you to read biographies of Godly people.
Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct. Hebrews 13:7
Teaching the Truth
We have many ways of teaching truth. These include Sunday Schools, Vacation Bible Schools, camps retreats, confirmation classes, Bible studies, Bible colleges, Christian elementary and secondary schools, Christian colleges and universities, seminaries, parachurch group like the Navigators, CBMC, Young Life, Inter Varsity, Campus Crusade for Christ, Youth for Christ, Child Evangelism Fellowship, mass evangelism, radio and TV evangelism, preaching in churches, personal evangelism, literature evangelism, Bible translation, Gospel recordings, foreign missions and parent-child evangelism.
Assuming all of these are effective, but considering how much of the above there is, this nation should be a converted and godly nation. Of this list we have participated in, prayed for, or given to all but confirmation classes. Some of the works are very effective, some are less effective.
Less effective:
1. where law and judgment are not presented before the good news
2. where there is not genuine love from the teacher for the people taught.
This will include many places that emphasize the truth more than love.
More effective:
He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. Acts 11:24
It is very simple. We should not have ministries to the lost with people who are not filled with the Holy Spirit. The evidence will be the fruit of the Spirit, boldness, and power.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-25
Boldness
After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. Acts 4:31
Power
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:8
For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5
Some missionaries have to return if there financial support falls below a minimum standard. Others have to return because of family problems. Does anyone get recalled because they are not filled with love, joy, power, and boldness? How about pastors of churches?
Assuming all of these are effective, but considering how much of the above there is, this nation should be a converted and godly nation. Of this list we have participated in, prayed for, or given to all but confirmation classes. Some of the works are very effective, some are less effective.
Less effective:
1. where law and judgment are not presented before the good news
2. where there is not genuine love from the teacher for the people taught.
This will include many places that emphasize the truth more than love.
More effective:
He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. Acts 11:24
It is very simple. We should not have ministries to the lost with people who are not filled with the Holy Spirit. The evidence will be the fruit of the Spirit, boldness, and power.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-25
Boldness
After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. Acts 4:31
Power
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:8
For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5
Some missionaries have to return if there financial support falls below a minimum standard. Others have to return because of family problems. Does anyone get recalled because they are not filled with love, joy, power, and boldness? How about pastors of churches?
Can money make you secure?
Do you have enough money to be secure?
The name of the LORD is a strong tower;
the righteous run to it and are safe.
The wealth of the rich is their fortified city;
they imagine it an unscalable wall. Proverbs 18:10-11
Notice the difference. The name of the LORD is a strong tower. The wealth of the rick is an imaginary defense.
One is real; the other is not. The righteous are safe. The rich are not.
The name of the LORD is a strong tower;
the righteous run to it and are safe.
The wealth of the rich is their fortified city;
they imagine it an unscalable wall. Proverbs 18:10-11
Notice the difference. The name of the LORD is a strong tower. The wealth of the rick is an imaginary defense.
One is real; the other is not. The righteous are safe. The rich are not.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
How are you praying?
How are you praying?
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Ephesians 6:18
Notice how comprehensive this sentence is.
Pray:
1. in the Spirit
2. on all occasions
3. with all kinds of prayers and requests
4. be alert
5. always keep on praying
6. for all the saints.
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Ephesians 6:18
Notice how comprehensive this sentence is.
Pray:
1. in the Spirit
2. on all occasions
3. with all kinds of prayers and requests
4. be alert
5. always keep on praying
6. for all the saints.
Why Pray?
Why are you praying?
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time. 1 Timothy 2:1-6
Here is another comprehensive paragraph.
First of all that
1. requests
2. prayers
3. intercessions
4. thanksgiving
5 be made for everyone.
Why? We do this because it pleases God our Savior and because it is part of the process of people being saved and coming to a knowledge of the truth.
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time. 1 Timothy 2:1-6
Here is another comprehensive paragraph.
First of all that
1. requests
2. prayers
3. intercessions
4. thanksgiving
5 be made for everyone.
Why? We do this because it pleases God our Savior and because it is part of the process of people being saved and coming to a knowledge of the truth.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Two Types of Knowledge
There are at least two types of knowledge:
1. information, facts, truth,
2. personal experience of the facts.
It is possible to know that Barack Obama is president of the United States without knowing Barack Obama.
It is possible to know that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior without knowing Jesus Christ the Lord and Savior.
Much of the world does not have either kind of knowing Jesus Christ. Much of the United States knows who He is but still doesn’t know Him.
How can we correct this anomaly? It is by using the facts with love, kindness, and the Holy Spirit.
We seem to be short of speaking the truth in love in the power of the Holy Spirit, in joy, in peace, in patience, in kindness and goodness.
These are the things that will make people want to know Him, and not just know about Him.
1. information, facts, truth,
2. personal experience of the facts.
It is possible to know that Barack Obama is president of the United States without knowing Barack Obama.
It is possible to know that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior without knowing Jesus Christ the Lord and Savior.
Much of the world does not have either kind of knowing Jesus Christ. Much of the United States knows who He is but still doesn’t know Him.
How can we correct this anomaly? It is by using the facts with love, kindness, and the Holy Spirit.
We seem to be short of speaking the truth in love in the power of the Holy Spirit, in joy, in peace, in patience, in kindness and goodness.
These are the things that will make people want to know Him, and not just know about Him.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Agnostics too
Here are two definitions of words that are related.
Agnostic: unknown or unknowable, 1870, from the Greek gnostos, known, one who holds the view that any ultimate reality (or God) is unknown and probably unknowable.
For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Romans 1:20-21
Ignorant: destitute of knowledge or education, lacking knowledge or comprehension.
Because he has chosen not to know the agnostic says it is not knowable in order to excuse his sin and ignorance. Now that he has chosen ignorance he is now incapable of knowing.
The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. 1 Corinthians 2:14
Agnostic: unknown or unknowable, 1870, from the Greek gnostos, known, one who holds the view that any ultimate reality (or God) is unknown and probably unknowable.
For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Romans 1:20-21
Ignorant: destitute of knowledge or education, lacking knowledge or comprehension.
Because he has chosen not to know the agnostic says it is not knowable in order to excuse his sin and ignorance. Now that he has chosen ignorance he is now incapable of knowing.
The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. 1 Corinthians 2:14
Atheists – Part 3
Here are a few home truths about atheists.
Atheists for some reason become strident. If God does not exist there is no reason to become hysterical. However, if God does exist and you think He does not, then there is a good reason to become hysterical.
Here are some expressions which describe such people:
“Whistling in the dark”
“Argument weak, shout here”
Atheists find that they cannot stay off the subject of this non-existent being. Two famous examples in recent history of this are George Bernard Shaw and Bertrand Russell. Three contemporaries are Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris and Christopher Hitchens.
Atheists for some reason become strident. If God does not exist there is no reason to become hysterical. However, if God does exist and you think He does not, then there is a good reason to become hysterical.
Here are some expressions which describe such people:
“Whistling in the dark”
“Argument weak, shout here”
Atheists find that they cannot stay off the subject of this non-existent being. Two famous examples in recent history of this are George Bernard Shaw and Bertrand Russell. Three contemporaries are Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris and Christopher Hitchens.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Atheists -- Part 2
A few rational thoughts on atheists.
There are three kinds of self proclaimed atheists:
1. The most common kind says, “I do not believe in God.” Notice the grammar. The “not” modifies “believe” not “God”. What he is really saying is: “There is a God in whom he does not believe.”
2. The second most common kind of atheist says, “I believe there is no God.” In this case the “no” modifies “God.” However the “atheist” says he believes there is no God. His basis is belief. His is a faith position. He is saying either that he has a positive faith in nothing or a positive belief in something. If it is nothing then he is a faith atheist. If it is something, the something is his god.
3. The rarest kind of atheist says, “There is no God.” He makes a dogmatic statement as if he was declaring a fact. His is not a faith position. It is a factual position, not a theoretical position. However, when he makes a factual statement the burden of proof rests on him. A believer has no burden of proof.
It might be difficult to prove a positive. It is impossible to prove a negative. To establish a negative to be true, the prover has to know absolutely everything.
There are three kinds of self proclaimed atheists:
1. The most common kind says, “I do not believe in God.” Notice the grammar. The “not” modifies “believe” not “God”. What he is really saying is: “There is a God in whom he does not believe.”
2. The second most common kind of atheist says, “I believe there is no God.” In this case the “no” modifies “God.” However the “atheist” says he believes there is no God. His basis is belief. His is a faith position. He is saying either that he has a positive faith in nothing or a positive belief in something. If it is nothing then he is a faith atheist. If it is something, the something is his god.
3. The rarest kind of atheist says, “There is no God.” He makes a dogmatic statement as if he was declaring a fact. His is not a faith position. It is a factual position, not a theoretical position. However, when he makes a factual statement the burden of proof rests on him. A believer has no burden of proof.
It might be difficult to prove a positive. It is impossible to prove a negative. To establish a negative to be true, the prover has to know absolutely everything.
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Atheists -- Part 1
A few biblical pronouncements on atheists.
The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good. Psalm 14:1
The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, and their ways are vile; there is no one who does good. Psalm 53:1
since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools Romans 1:19-22
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun, Psalm 19:1-4
God in His goodness and common grace has made His eternal power and deity known to everyone on the earth. People are not born atheists. They become atheists. They were not born fools; they become fools.
The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good. Psalm 14:1
The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, and their ways are vile; there is no one who does good. Psalm 53:1
since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools Romans 1:19-22
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun, Psalm 19:1-4
God in His goodness and common grace has made His eternal power and deity known to everyone on the earth. People are not born atheists. They become atheists. They were not born fools; they become fools.
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