GOD's plan

The plan that GOD clearly laid out in HIS word was simple. We, Christians, are supposed to be spread out among the people of this planet as representatives of a kingdom that is not of this world. We were to be salt and light in our communities. We were supposed to take care of widows and orphans and keep our personal righteousness intact in a wicked world.

Operating in this plan, the Christian church grew from 12 disciples into a force for GOD that the Roman empire couldn't resist. Then it went bad.

The Romans made the Christian church part of the government (which was not part of the plan laid out for us). As a result, the Christian church became gangsters and thugs and resorted to bullying and intimidation to make people proclaim a belief. This was not part of the plan and is not reflective of JESUS. This manifestation of the church murdered millions in the name of JESUS (also not part of the plan). It murdered millions of GOD's people, both Jews and Christians.

People left there and came to America to get away from this church. They risked life and limb on the open ocean in tiny boats. But, they brought the evil of that church with them. They burned witches and slaughtered the native Americans in the name of JESUS and Manifest destiny.

Still, good Christianity rose up. Men that I believe were lead of the Holy Spirit of GOD established a nation and wrote a constitution that was intended to make sure the church never violated the plans of GOD or the freedoms of those who chose not to believe. Under this constitution and in a nation so conceived, and dedicated to the proposition that GOD knows what is best, the nation and the church flourished. We became the symbol of all that is right and good in the world.

Then, the Christian church grew complacent. After a good period of nearly 150 years, the nation became spiritually sick to the point that the church woke up and took notice. But, rather than honor the founding fathers of the nation, rather than honor the plans that GOD set down for HIS people, the Christian church  returned to it's previous methods. It once again began to use the heathen courts and the worldly governments in an effort to battle against flesh and blood, with a disregard for the spiritual forces and the spiritual sickness.

Once again, Christians set out to be gangsters and thugs and use there numbers and human effort to bully those who failed to comply. Once again the Christian church rejected GOD's plan and moved forward in pride and hubris. GOD resists the proud and these actions have had nothing but resistance from GOD.

We, who know that we do not fight against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces, must rise up and fight against this stronghold that Satan has in our churches and in our lives. We must stop battling homosexuals and transsexuals and atheists. We must stop using the weapons of this world. We must renounce this course of action completely and make a radical change back to the radical faith and trust that the plan of GOD requires. AND WE MUST DO IT NOW!

Transgender and Southern Baptists pt1

GOD has, for decades now, poured punishment and chastisement down on HIS people with the idea that, when it gets bad enough, they would fall on their knees and proclaim, “It is enough. We have acted wrongly in our human effort and human pride. We have turned away from your ways and have followed the precepts of men as if they are the commandments of GOD”. But, it has not happened.

Time and time again, Christians have engaged in actions in the name of JESUS that JESUS NEVER SAID TO DO. Christians, who I confess have a zeal for GOD (but without understanding) have turned to the heathen courts, the worldly governments, and even violence in the name of JESUS. They have chosen a path of battle against flesh and blood based in a carnal understanding, and have left behind the real battle, and the real power and strength of the Christian people. Faith and trust in GOD.

GOD has destroyed our economy, and raised up leaders who continue to lead the nation into a deeper hole. HE has brought drought and floods and tornadoes and hurricanes. HE has raised up an army of militant atheists and Muslims and homosexuals to oppress and distress HIS people. Still, they will not relent of their human effort and rejection of HIS plans and purposes. So, HE did something new. Something that HE never even addressed in HIS words and laws from HIS prophets.
 

We call it “Transgender”. The idea that a male personality is trapped in a female biology. Or the other way around.
 

I was just at the Illinois Baptist State Convention where the issue of transgender was taken up in a referendum. It was stated the there are 700,000 people in this category. An overwhelming number, you would think.
 

Surely GOD has finally done something that will cause HIS people to fall on their knees and say, “We give up, LORD. We are going to leave all these concerns about the world at your feet and trust that you will handle them the way you choose, and we are going to return to doing only what you have told us to do”. Surely, after seeing all of their failures, they would acknowledge that while GOD has continued to the promised land, they have returned to Egypt. Surely they would see by now that GOD is not with them in the battles they have chosen. After all, in every battle GOD is in, HIS people have victory. Surely, doing something new, doing something that is not even addressed in the Word of GOD, surely THIS will drive them to their knees in surrender and submission. YES?? No!
 

No. Instead, the leaders of the Southern Baptist Convention and the leaders of the Illinois Baptist State Association draft a resolution that tells GOD and the world that Transgender doesn't exist. I kid you not. This was their action. To deny that transgender exists.

 

Oh, and the idea that the Bible doesn't even address the issue? They created a whole new doctrine by loosely using the scriptures and twisting them into the shape they needed for this (and adding a little something to it). Then, they created a whole new religious list of do's and don'ts. Yep, a completely made up theology to tell people that transgender doesn't exist and that surgical correction of the afflicted is sin and wickedness. Out of thin air, there came a resolution that is equal to the word of GOD. Even to the point that we were told, “If you do not vote yes for this, it is a sin”.
 

The basis of this new teaching from the keepers of the Word of GOD? “GOD made them male and female”. That is it. GOD made them male and female. Now, unless I am mistaken (which is always possible) transgender folk only identify with being either male or female. So, GOD made transgender people male or female. This fulfills the scriptures. Because GOD does nothing that doesn't align with HIS holy word.
 

So, then the new doctrine degenerates to a discussion of genitals. Now, no where in any scripture does it say that a persons equipment determines their gender identity. That is where human understanding adds to the scriptures. “Trust in the LORD and lean not on your own understanding”? Out the window. This new doctrine is all about trusting our own understanding and rejecting the notion that GOD is in control and can do whatever HE wants with HIS creation.
 

And there we are. GOD is in Heaven saying, “What do I have to do to get this people to acknowledge they can't do anything about anything”. OK, GOD really doesn't think that way because HE knows how stiff necked people are. HE also knows that men will see a problem, or a perceived problem, and try to fix it in their own strength (which is really weakness) because they will not acknowledge that they need GOD, and only GOD, to change things.
 

You see, GOD can put an end to homosexuality, transexuality, alcoholism, divorce, adultery, economic collapse, and all of the other plagues and chastisements with a snap of the finger. IF HE were going to do it, it will only happen when HIS people, who are called by HIS name, will humble themselves and place all of the worldly cares in HIS hands.
 

There are those who want to place all this on Satan, and it is true that Satan is the tool GOD uses. But, Satan does nothing original. HE doesn't create. HE only mimics. Transgender is something new. Something that is not referenced in the word of GOD of things past or future. It isn't as if GOD didn't know it was coming. It is as if GOD expects HIS people to see it and then leave it in HIS hands and move on with what they are supposed to be doing.
 

I stood in front of this freight train at the Illinois Baptist State Association annual meeting and got run over. After I spoke for about 30 seconds (and as you can see, there is more than 30 seconds of issue here) I was asked to make my point. Then a man stood up and said that to not vote yes for this resolution is sin. Then a man stood up and made a motion to table any further discussion and take a vote. All of which was done because the IBSA official who put the agenda together only left enough time to rubber stamp the resolutions.
 

Southern Baptist associations are supposed to be working for the churches. Each church that wishes to participate in the process sends messengers to communicate the concerns of the churches. Illinois Baptist State Association leaders do not want to hear from them. So, I am left with striving to be heard outside of the Illinois Baptist State Association. Because I believe GOD wants us to get the message.

Human Effort

There is no act of human effort, no amount agreement or numbers of troops of fighters in the courts or the government or on the battle fields of the world, that can in any way alter the course of a town, state, nation or world. The only action that can alter the course of human dignity and social evolution is the action of a sovereign GOD.

There is no fatalism in Christianity. There is only surrender. We are not existing a a state of zero accountability, but rather in a state of absolute (even hyper) accountability. We are not the victims of a power greater than ourselves. We are cared for by that power. We are, however, victims of our own failure to comprehend the GOD of our salvation. We are victims of our own choice to not seek HIM diligently where HE can be found.

Of all the people in this world, there is only one group that should have the knowledge and ability to sustain a condition of life capable to achieving a lasting and permanent flow of blessings and peace for our creator. That group of people is the Christian church.

We alone hold the keys to the heart and mind of GOD. We alone have been chosen to be the recipient of HIS love and promises. Indeed, GOD Himself has testified that we alone or the object of HIS affections and love and it is in our actions that HIS interactions are based and established.

It is unique that within us there is no ability to do good. With all of our learning and our salvation and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, we are still fully incapable of doing that which is good and right a proper towards GOD without HIS spirit doing it in and through us.

We are not vindicated in this. In fact, it is affirmed in us that we are fully responsible for the chastisements and punishments that come from GOD upon the nations and ourselves. For, indeed, we are all sinners that have fallen short of HIS glory and the calling that is on our lives. We have allowed ourselves to be drawn away from the teachings and precepts of GOD to follow after men, solely because we need to do something and sitting on the couch and praying and trusting in the LORD to handle the ways of HIS world has been described as doing nothing. In truth, it is the most you can do.

There is no other power. There is no other resource. There is no other force in nature or in man. There is, was and always will be, only GOD. In HIM we live and breath and have our being and everything is of HIM and by HIM and for HIM unto HIS magnanimous glory and honor.

If you do not like how GOD is handling HIS business, take it up with HIM. Maybe you will learn something.

Hobby Lobby 2

The rest of the story

Since I wrote my first blog on Hobby Lobby and their court case, there has been a decision on behalf of Hobby Lobby. Shortly after the announcement of the decision, my pastor and friend called me on the phone and wondered if I was going to write anything else on the subject. I hadn't really considered it. However, in our conversation I came to a realization and since then I have seen a possible outcome.

The realization is this;

GOD, in HIS infinite wisdom, when establishing the government of this nation, established within it certain checks and balances. One of those is a way to resist the authorities. Since my first blog was based in the idea of Hobby Lobby resisting the authority, thus resisting the GOD who established those authorities, it seems right that I should add that it is also the authority that GOD established that accounts for the court system that way laws are reviewed, and sometimes struck down, in this country.

So, some of the premise for the first blog is slightly off, only in that GOD has established the whole system and Hobby Lobby was within that system. Good on them for the outcome.

The possible outcome;

Since I am one who believes that GOD has set a plan in motion and will complete it, and that plan is the eventual and complete moral decay and physical destruction of this current creation, I see a possible effect from this ruling and the reactions to it that will further facilitate the end the Bible speaks of.

As a result of this blow to Obama and the feminists who really want to be able to murder unborn babies with out discretion, it is very likely that they will band together with their atheist buddies ( the enemy of my enemy..and all that) and write legislation to establish law that will counter the Supreme court ruling. That means that they will have to craft a law specifically against religious organizations or corporate owners of private organizations. However it is worded, it will be specific legislation targeting Christians.

I am not saying they will be successful in their first effort. But, the foundation will be laid and sooner or later the desired result will be obtained. This may not seem possible to those who keep their head in the sand, but when the atheists and Muslims have control, the foundation for the laws to imprison and kill Christians will be in place. I give that about 20 years at the most.

Since Christian are now squarely in the way of the movement, the victory in this case will result in a greater effort to remove the influence of religion in laws. It will be one of the pivotal legal decisions that accelerates the process of de-Christianization of America.

Does that mean it shouldn't have been done? NO. In the end, a victory would have embolden the other side. But now, they will have to craft their laws and regulations with a more specific and careful wording. A lesson they will have learned and will achieve.

GOD is in Control

It seems as if I have taken for granted that Christians know that GOD is in control. I have simply assumed that the teaching of scripture on this matter is clear. Yet, when I mention that GOD is the one who puts rulers in place, who establishes our president and our congress and our judges and even chooses our parents for us, it is as if I am teach some foreign doctrine or religion.

Daniel 4:17. This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.

Proverbs 20-21:1.The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.

And, for those who like to discount the Old Testament;

Romans 13:1. Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 13:2. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

Now, why does this matter? Because, if you do not know this, then you will never seek to understand exactly why GOD is giving us the leaders HE is giving us. Since there are so many Christians who have determined that people decide who is president and who the leaders are, and that GOD exercises no control over these things things or these people, they seek to fix things by fixing the government.

Which is why we do not fall on our face and pray and seek HIS face. We have been led, and are being led, to think we can fix it in our own power. Since we do not acknowledge GOD a sovereign in the affairs of men, we do not see that our efforts are to fight against what GOD is doing. So, we enlist the help of GOD in our fight against GOD to undo what GOD has done.

This is where humanism and humanist doctrines have landed us. We are under the chastisement of ALMIGHTY GOD and we think we can fix it in our strength. (“WE” meaning Christians)

Folks, I implore you to look into this. Learn this truth. Understand that GOD establishes our governments so you can seek to understand what is needed to turn HIS chastisements into blessings. Only Christians can do this. So, only Christians can be held accountable if they do not do this.

Witch Hunt

Once again I find myself compelled by the actions of those I have aligned myself with to write a blog of disagreement. Recently I read an article that said that this group took a vote and decided “Transgender” didn't exist. Really? We can just take a vote and decide something doesn't exist? These are not medical professionals. Most of them probably never heard of Transgender until the last year or two.

This spirit that has gotten such a hold on the Christian church (once again), is the same spirit that burned witches, ran the inquisitions, and allowed Christians to support killing the Jews in Germany. It is a wicked and evil spirit that draws Christian men and women into pursuits that JESUS never suggested we be involved in.

Now, obviously, we as Christians should define what is and is not of Satan. What is and is not of GOD. What is and is not acceptable in the Christian Church. Understanding sin, and defining it for our churches, is good an proper. Certainly no one can argue that point. Since the only information I have been able to find on this vote is from a “news paper”, I do not know the intent or scope of this proclamation. What I do know is that it flies in the face of science and medicine. What I do know is that the idea of a group of non-professionals voting on something doesn't actually alter what that something is. It really just shows Christians as people who choose to be ignorant and stick their head in the sand. It is no wonder we can't accomplish anything in this society when we simply choose to dismiss what we do not like.

It is good to have a zeal for that which is good and right and holy. But, I think a quote from Paul best describes the Christian leaders of our day, “I attest of them that they have a zeal for GOD, but without knowledge.”

I am not sure what this proclamation has to do with the work JESUS sent us out to do. I doubt it will save one soul or lead one lost person the knowledge of GOD. I expect it is just another stumbling block set up between those who need a savior and the SAVIOR they need. This spirit that is at work in this organization is from Satan and those who know JESUS need to pray it out of here.

I love the Christian brothers and sisters of the denomination I belong to, but I really hate a lot of what they are doing, as it has nothing to do with JESUS or kingdom work and is just distracting our time and money from the real task at hand.

“Means and methods used for the improvement of society and the establishment of righteousness among men can be truly and permanently helpful only when they are rooted in the regeneration of the individual by the saving grace of God in Jesus Christ.” (From The Baptist Faith and Message)

Hobby Lobby

 

My pastor, bless his heart, asked me a tough question about the situation facing Hobby Lobby and their current court battle. The gist of the question was, “How does what you are saying play out in the real world?” I think I could have written a whole book on this question.

Of course, that was not the question at the time. But, as I pondered our conversation, I had to grapple with the very real aspect of being Christian in this society. There is a simple scripture that I thought would help to answer this question and as I prayed and meditated on it, the LORD gave me an even deeper understanding of some things.

For those who do not know, Hobby Lobby is embroiled in a lawsuit over being forced to supply insurance that would cover certain birth control methods that their founder finds unacceptable and against his religious beliefs as a Christian. There is more to it than that and there are always additional facets to issues that make everything less black and white. Yet, as I thought about it, it really is black and white.

In the book of Romans, chapter 13, the first couple of verses, Paul writes to us a very real truth. ALL authorities are established by GOD and to resist the authorities is to resist the ordinances of GOD.

13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

13:2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation

In the case of Hobby Lobby, they have chosen to resist the ordinances of GOD by choosing to resist the authorities GOD has set in place. The provisions of Obamacare include the mandate that Hobby Lobby has determined to resist and to defend themselves against.

Regardless of who or why, a lawsuit has been brought against them to force them to comply with the law established by the authorities. In short, Hobby Lobby has chosen to resist the ordinances of GOD, in the name of GOD, and have asked GOD to help them.

They will stand before an authority that is put in place by GOD and will be tried. The outcome of this trial being fully in the hands of the GOD who has established the authorities and the ordinances which are currently at odds with Hobby Lobby and it's religious beliefs. Now, I would not have you fully ignorant of the fact that there is extreme Biblical precedence for this type of resistance to authority.

In the book of Daniel there is a story of three young Hebrew boys who refuse to bow down to a golden idol even though the offense is punishable by death. If I were in the shoes of Hobby Lobby, I would reply to the judge of this case in the exact same way these young Hebrew boys replied to the king.

As a Christian who is more answerable to GOD than to men, I would place all of my hope in the mercy and power of GOD. However, Hobby Lobby is likely placing millions of dollars and a great deal of hope in some slick talking lawyers who have no power at all to affect the outcome of this lawsuit.

My response to the lawsuit would be to ask forgiveness for resisting the authorities and for mercy in the court ruling. My presentation to the judge would go something like this;

“Since I know that the authorities are established by GOD, and these current rulers are in office as a chastisement and punishment of HIS people, I accept that my resistance to the ordinances established by the current leaders of our nation is a resistance to the ordinances of my GOD.

Throughout all of God's dealings with HIS people, HE has chosen to raise up Godless men and nations to take His people into captivity. So it it is today. I, therefore, have acknowledged to God, and now to this court of law, that I stand as the young Hebrew boys in the book of Daniel. We have no defense against the charges brought other than to honor our conscience before God in the way we have chosen.

Whatever happens in this court is in the control of JESUS the CHRIST. Either He will save us from the fiery trials and deliver us from this unscathed, or He will let the full fury of the law and ordinances be felt upon us. Either way, we cannot in good conscience bow down before this king or the idols it has erected.

In times past, America has been a nation of morality and decency. It is sad to see the decay that has taken place over the last 100 years, or even the last fifty.

When this company was founded, it was operated with Christian values and principals in mind. It was started at a time when those things were celebrated. Those times have passed. With them, perhaps, the time for this company. Should it be found true and appropriate that our government should have changed so much as to force a company to fund that which is abhorrent to it's founders, then this court will establish that truth. Should this court establish that truth, then Hobby Lobby will no longer be able to continue to do business under the current rulers of the nation.

The determination of these things is in the hands of GOD. Should HE choose that Hobby Lobby continue or end, HE is to be praised and what HE determines in this courtroom will establish the future of this company.”

With that, I would give all to the hands of GOD and whatever HE decrees through the judge would be so. I know that the government and authorities are established by GOD and the current ones are there to be a chastisement for HIS people. So, even these laws, the laws that Christians wish to oppose, are from HIS hand.

It is a slippery slope when we decide GOD is no longer in control. Since HE controls everything, it is only through real humility and repentance that we will ever see HIS chastisements removed and HIS blessings returned.