John 9:31 Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.

Mark 2:17 When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

1 Peter 5

¹The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: ²Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; ³Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. ⁴And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

⁵Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. ⁶Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: ⁷Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

⁸Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: ⁹Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

¹⁰But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. ¹¹To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. ¹²By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand. ¹³The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son. ¹⁴Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen.

There are many people in this world today that simply will not believe the gospel of Jesus Christ. This is not a surprise at all. The Jews didn’t believe Jesus when he walked among them. Most refused to believe and repent after he rose again. Even though the Apostles testified they had in fact been with Jesus after the resurrection, and did great signs as evidence, the people still didn’t believe. Keep in mind that we are not talking about atheist here. The Jews were a very religious people and monotheistic. The problem was in their beliefs concerning Christ.

The Jews were not looking for a self sacrificing Messiah whereby men would be able to kill him and then claim to rise again. They were looking for a King that would destroy the Roman enemies and would reign in Israel upon the throne of David. Even today many Jews continue to reject Jesus as the Christ because of this.

People tend to imagine how they think things should be. When reality doesn’t conform to their imagination they reject it outright. False prophecies and false doctrines originate from these same imaginations of men, whereby they reject the truth. If the religious people will not accept the truth then why would you expect the atheist to? And why would you expect any to readily accept the fact that they are sinners and condemned to hell by a loving God?  Even I find it strange when I hear someone claim that God loves everyone so much, but will destroy them in the eternal fire. Many professing Christians like to quote John 3:16 and leave it there. You shouldn’t do that!

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. ¹⁷For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. ¹⁸He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

Jesus didn’t come into the world to condemn the world because the world is already condemned. He already destroyed the world once by flood, because of the wickedness of man. We are told that he is also going to destroy the world again, but by fire. The atheist and many theists have a problem with my writings claiming that I am a judgmental and condemning person. That can’t be further from the truth. Why would I condemn those who are already condemned? That’s not even logical. And if I wanted to condemn them, then why am I trying so hard to save them? Heck, I could just be silent and let them perish. However that would also present a problem for me. I would be guilty of their blood if I did not warn them and I would perish. So they claim I’m hateful to warn them but God claims that I’m hateful not to warn them.

So here’s the situation. Men are already condemned because of their wickedness. Jesus came into the world to save sinners from their condemnation, by changing who they are from within. The key element here though is that they must want to change. They must want to be partakers of the promises which Jesus offered. They must be willing to sacrifice their lives and abandon the cares of this world. Their love for themselves, this world and the pleasures thereof is what has them in bondage and compels them to sin.

Jesus clearly stated that where your treasure is there shall your heart be also. Everyone follows after the desires of their hearts. But people don’t desire what they don’t know about. This is why we have commercials on TV and billboards; to inform the people of what options or products are available. It’s called advertisement. The best advertisement though is word of mouth.

Romans 10:12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. ¹³For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. ¹⁴How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? ¹⁵And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! ¹⁶But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? ¹⁷So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. ¹⁸But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world. ¹⁹But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you. ²⁰But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me. ²¹But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.

I have already stated at the beginning of this blog that God does not hear sinners. This means that God will not hear and answer the prayers of the disobedient. There is however one exception to his rule; If any person will repent to follow the Lord Jesus Christ. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. However, that brings up another dilemma we should all be aware of.

Matthew 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. ²²Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? ²³And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. However, not every one who says Lord, Lord shall enter the kingdom of heaven. Is this a contradiction or is there a qualifier to found here? There is in fact a qualifier; “but he that doeth the will of my Father”. Paul explained this dilemma very well.

2 Corinthians 7:10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

Repentance is the key. If you are not going to turn away from sinning to obey the Lord, He will not hear your prayer. God looks on the heart. He already knows if you are sincere in repentance or just apologizing. Unfortunately today, people are being taught that repentance is to feel sorry about your sins and ask God for forgiveness. That is simply not correct. Let me show you by example what repentance is.

Matthew 21:28 But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard. ²⁹He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.

Repentance is not just feeling sorrow and asking for forgiveness. It is a change in mind followed by a change in behavior. People are sinners. They are seditious against God. If they will repent to obey the Lord then God will hear their prayers. This is when everything changes because of what will happen at this moment.

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

The baptism of the Holy Ghost is only given to those that repent of sinning against God, to obey his commandments. These are the people that will escape the wrath of God which is to come upon the disobedient. Look, I don’t care how religious of a person you may be, but unless you repent to obey Jesus Christ the Lord, you will die in your sins. If you repent then amazing things will begin to happen in your life. You will meet God in this life which changes everything, through the baptism of the Holy Ghost. Why do most believers in Christ know nothing about the baptism of the Holy Ghost? They have never repented to obey the Lord. However, they will believe and obey their pastors. That’s just not what we are called to. We are called to believe and obey the Lord Jesus Christ. We don’t need men to lead us, much less to deceive us.

1 John 2:27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

Matthew 13:44 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.

Where is your treasure found and what price are you willing to pay for it?

Mark 8:34 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. ³⁵For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it. ³⁶For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? ³⁷Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? ³⁸Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

Believe it or don’t believe it. The choice is yours!

^{1 Corinthians 2:14} But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

There is a common Calvinist teaching spreading through all the churches called the inherited sin nature (Total Depravity). This doctrine originated with Augustine and Calvin borrowed it from him. Many claim this is the reason why men sin. I do not agree with this concept.

As I read the scriptures I see how that Lucifer sinned against God. One third of the angels of heaven followed Lucifer in sin. None of the angels were born with a sin nature. They were all created. Equally so, Adam and Eve were created, not born. They also sinned against God without an inherited sin nature.

Then I look to Cain and Abel, the first two sons born to Adam and Eve. Abel walked with God while Cain did not. How could it be that Cain inherited a sin nature that Abel did not? Neither of the two was born again. Then we see how Seth walked with God. Enoch walked with God. Methuselah walked with God. Noah walked with God. Nowhere was it taught that men inherited a sin nature from the fall of Adam. So how did these men prevail over sin while others failed? They prevailed because they loved God and therefore walked with God in obedience. The others failed because they loved themselves and pleasures more than God. This is what leads men to sin. This is the natural man.

The natural man is a lover of self. This is what led Lucifer into sin. The scriptures tell us that Lucifer was lifted up by reason of his beauty (vanity). When Lucifer fell in love for himself, he then became proud (lifted up). Then covetousness followed and he wanted to be like the most high. The problem was that Lucifer didn’t want to be like God in integrity of heart, but in power. He wanted to rule over the angels of heaven and be worshipped like God. This is the curse of vanity. Vanity is self centered and leads to insanity. What makes a man think he can conquer God? It’s the insanity of vanity.

Lucifer’s covetousness led to rebellion (anarchy) whereby he committed fraud against God and deceived one third of the angels to follow him. This ultimately led to war (violence) and Lucifer and his angels were cast out of heaven.

So what we see here is a progression in heart that leads to insanity and ultimately death.

1. Love of self.
2. Pride.
3. Covetousness.
4. Rebellion.
5. Fraud.
6. Violence.
7. Death.

This progression was repeated in the Garden of Eden when Lucifer tempted Eve. She didn’t care about the fruit of the tree of knowledge. Eve knew that tree only brought forth death. But when Lucifer said she would become like God knowing good and evil, and would not die, that was more than she could resist. This gave birth to vanity in Eve that she never before knew. Then she was lifted up in pride and coveted the fruit. All of a sudden she saw how the fruit was pleasant to the eyes and good for food. Then she ate the fruit, and in turn gave it to Adam to eat. So she rebelled against God and then defrauded Adam. Adam loved Eve more than he loved God. Therefore God cast them out of the garden and cursed them as he did to Lucifer and his angels in heaven. The end of sin is always violence and death.

When God killed all life on earth in the flood of Noah’s day, God said the earth had become filled with violence. This was the evidence of mans vanity and how a little leaven leavens the whole lump. Vanity, like a disease, begins with one and spreads until all are infected by it. Violence increases and the end of this is death. So goes the world today. This is the way of the natural man.

Many are familiar with the philosophy of the natural man, since this is the philosophy that all naturally minded people live by.

1. Look out for number one, self.
2. If it feels good do it.
3. If it looks good get it.
4. If is sounds good, self promoting, believe it.
5. If anyone offends me, get vengeance.

Sin is synonymous with crime and fraud. The intent is to deceive people for personal gain and/or to bring damage to another person. Sin is self serving while apathetic towards God and others. Sin comes from within the heart of a person. This is not inherited. It’s just the natural progression of a selfish person’s heart. Righteousness must be taught. This is why we are to train a child in the way they should go, and when they are older they will not depart from it. Those not trained in righteousness from childhood will follow the natural progression of vanity. This is why God chose through the foolishness of preaching that men would be saved. The battle is in the hearts of men.

In the establishment of our public school system, the goal was to teach knowledge, religion and morality. Since the removal of religion and morality in the public school system, we have all witnessed the progression of vanity in our society to the point of insanity, fraud and violence. This is the way of the natural man. Atheists believe they can be moral without the need of God. This is called humanism. As we can observe in society repeatedly, this is obviously not the case. Without God’s guidance men become more wicked with time, and this wickedness spreads to others. As it is written; because iniquity shall abound, the love of many will wax cold. The more vain people in society become, the vainer the rest of society will become.

Without God, society becomes hedonistic where pleasure has the ultimate importance and is the most important pursuit of humanity. What is the most powerful tool used to access unlimited pleasures? Money! This is why it’s written; the love of money is the root of all evil. There is nothing a vain person will not do for money, in the pursuit of self glorification and pleasure. There is no limit to the harm a vain person will do for the gain of money. There is no person too valuable to be sacrificed by a vain person in the pursuit of money and pleasure. There is no limit to the torment that vain people will therefore inherit from God. If vain people lived eternally free, they would eternally torment others for their own pleasures. We see this in every country by every government. God will not allow this to continue.

People are by nature untrustworthy, malevolent and self-serving. They appeal to the prejudices, emotions, fears and expectations of others to deceive and prey on them for personal gain, glory and power. They despise and seek to destroy anyone and anything that opposes them. This is why they crucified the Lord of Glory, our Lord Jesus Christ.

These people are opposed to everything God stands for. They are anti-Christ.

The theologies of nearly all denominations today have gone after the way of vanity. Preachers are teaching that you must love yourself before you can love God and others. This is completely opposite to what Jesus taught. We are to love not our own lives unto the death. We are to present our bodies a living sacrifice. Unless we deny ourselves and take up our crosses we cannot be his disciples. The love of self is how all evil got started.

Preachers are teaching a faith without faithfulness. They are teaching an unconditional love that allows men to be saved while continuing in the sins of their vanity. They are teaching apology in place of repentance but still calling it repentance. They are teaching obedience to God as working for your salvation, therefore you don’t have to obey God to be saved. They teach that the commandments of God, such as baptism, are non essential. They deny the baptism of the Holy Ghost which God promised to all those that repent and are baptized. It’s all vanity!

2 Timothy 3

¹This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. ²For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, ³Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, ⁴Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; ⁵Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. ⁶For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, ⁷Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. ⁸Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. ⁹But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.

Ecclesiastes 1

¹The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem. ²Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity. ³What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun?

⁴One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever. ⁵The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and hasteth to his place where he arose. ⁶The wind goeth toward the south, and turneth about unto the north; it whirleth about continually, and the wind returneth again according to his circuits. ⁷All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full; unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again. ⁸All things are full of labour; man cannot utter it: the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.

⁹The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. ¹⁰Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us. ¹¹There is no remembrance of former things; neither shall there be any remembrance of things that are to come with those that shall come after.

¹²I the Preacher was king over Israel in Jerusalem. ¹³And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven: this sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith. ¹⁴I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit. ¹⁵That which is crooked cannot be made straight: and that which is wanting cannot be numbered. ¹⁶I communed with mine own heart, saying, Lo, I am come to great estate, and have gotten more wisdom than all they that have been before me in Jerusalem: yea, my heart had great experience of wisdom and knowledge. ¹⁷And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit. ¹⁸For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.

To repent or not to repent, that is the question of the day. I spent 15 years in the Independant Baptist Church under the teachings a hyper Calvinist sect of Free Grace teachers. Free Grace is also called Carnal Christianity and Easy Believism. What most don't know is that free grace theology is apathetic towards God. It's a one sided religion. God does everything for us and we aren't required to do anything for him. They reject that repentence of sin is required for salvation, even though Jesus clearly said "Repent or Perish". Here is an opening statement, from a free grace blog, posted as an argument against my teaching on repentance:

Lordship salvation? What is Lordship salvation? It is a doctrine out there today that falsely teaches that a person must forsake sin in their life, or be willing to do so, in order to be saved and have an eternal Fellowship with the Holy God of this very universe.

This teaching, and belief simply is just not true and in fact might even be considered heresy as it is totally AGAINST the Word of God as it pertains to a souls Holy requirements needed to achieve God's eternal salvation.

What is Lordship Salvation? This is what I teach. I believe that God made Jesus both Lord and Christ. That Jesus has all power and authority in heaven and earth. Jesus is the word of God made flesh. The Living Word!

I believe that God is going to judge all men according to their love and obedience towards His son "Yeshua" Jesus. I believe that mankind is in an apathetic state of rebellion against God, called sin, and must repent of sin to love God and obey his commandments, or perish in a lake of fire for all eternity.
 
God has reached out to all humanity by Jesus Christ to teach us how to love one another by his living example. He is the creator, provider and benefactor of all life and requires everyone to love each other or perish for their hatred and the evil they pour out on their neighbor. God does not tolerate such Evil from men or angels.

To turn from this hateful mindset of selfishness to love and kindness is called repentance, and is required of all. Since all men have walked in this sin they are deserving of punishment, but God in his love and mercy for mankind has given him the gift of repentance. We have been given the opportunity to turn from our wicked ways and live, or reject Gods offer and perish for continuing in sin.

It is obvious there are many who believe that we do not have to repent of sin to be saved. That somehow if we just ask God for forgiveness, he will grant us eternal life, even though we continue in our wicked ways.  This doctrine of easy believism, carnal christianity, contradicts everything that Jesus taught and died for.

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Acts 5:32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

1 John 2:4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

Matthew 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

So let every man look to himself, within his own heart, and with purpose choose if you will believe Jesus or those that hate him. Many claim to love Jesus while teaching free grace theology, without repentance unto life. These are called wolves in sheep clothing; false prophets that turn mens hearts from the truth.

Matthew 7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

God looks on the heart

My heart breaks for the world today. Those within the churches and those without have been so lied to so terribly, they think the truth is a lie and the lie is the truth. There is so much talk about the baptism of the Holy Ghost with speaking in tongues, being slain in the spirit, holy laughter and many similar things that are not true.

I was a member of an Assemblies of God, Pentecostal Church for a couple of years and observed many such things done within the assembly. I have seen people claiming to be slain in the spirit, imitating speaking in tongues, and giving false interpretations and prophecies. These same people found out to be in promiscuous relationships, unfaithful to spouses and disobedient to God in many ways.  

Are these people casting out spirits, healing the blind and deaf so they may see and hear? Are the lame healed and walking upright again? Are people who make these claims doing the obvious miracles or just the things that can be imitated by natural men? It is no wonder that when the world sees these things that they want nothing to do with it, or Christianity.  Even the mainstream churches flee from such things. But there always seem to a following of people who want to experience something more and will follow all manner of deception in hopes of finding it. Are these the kind of followers that God is looking for? Let’s look at what God himself said He was looking for in mankind.

1 Samuel 16:7  But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.

Even though God clearly stated that he looks on the heart, men continue to look on the outward appearance. Some people walk into the Pentecostal churches and see what is happening and are drawn in like moths to a flame. The doctrines being taught are of no concern. These people just want to celebrate. I remember going to rock concerts when I was a teenager and seeing the kids all acting the same way. Everyone was excited, jumping around and raising and waving their hands in the air. Everyone was getting into the spirit of the music and emotional excitement of the event. Having a little pot or some beer always opened the spirit for a greater experience, though it wasn’t required.

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

The teaching today in many churches does nothing to prick the hearts of people and to condemn them of their sins against God. It has become about the fellowship and experiences. Everyone is just sinners saved by grace. There is no real change in the people’s hearts. It’s all about the appearance of godliness not the heart of godliness. And if you get emotional, it’s called the Spirit of God moving in you.  

2 Corinthians 3:3 Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.

Romans 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. ¹¹For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

According to the scripture there is a change that takes place in the true followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. It’s a change that takes place within the hearts of men and is manifested outwardly in their behavior. True Christians have the Spirit of the living God within them that lead them unto righteousness. This is no secret indwelling that many teach about today. Many people make changes in their lifestyle everyday without believing in God or being born again of the Holy Ghost. So making changes is not itself evidence of the Holy Ghost.

Romans 6:17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. ¹⁸Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

Ezekiel 36:25 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. ²⁶A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. ²⁷And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.

Ezekiel 18:31 Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel? ³²For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.

The true evidence of being born again is a change of heart, followed by obeying God in righteousness. There is a freedom from the lust of the world that you once followed after, and compelled you to sin. Being born again of the Holy Ghost creates in you a new heart and a new spirit. All things change within. What used to be vanishes away and everything becomes new, like you were born again. I don’t know of anyone who made more changes in their life, when they came to the church, than I did. Yet, I was not born again as the preacher claimed I was. But at that time I didn’t know the difference.

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. ³⁹For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

It took me over 20 years in the church and bible study before I found true repentance and received the baptism of the Holy Ghost. I was ashamed and broken hearted when I first came into the church. I knew that I was guilty of sin and deserved whatever punishment was handed down to me. I said the sinners’ prayer and meant it with all my heart. But I wasn’t born again that day. I was told that I had become a born again Christian and that the Spirit of God came in to dwell within me, and I believed it. But it was 22 years later, when I received the baptism of the Holy Ghost, when I realized that I had been lied to. God does not call us to be ashamed and broken hearted. God calls us to repent of sin and obey him. Shame and brokenness should be the consequence of having defrauded God, but that in itself is not repentance; nor is the sinners’ prayer.  There is a great difference between repentance and apology!   

Acts 10:34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: ³⁵But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. ³⁶The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) ³⁷That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; ³⁸How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. ³⁹And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: ⁴⁰Him God raised up the third day, and showed him openly; ⁴¹Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. ⁴²And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. ⁴³To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

⁴⁴While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. ⁴⁵And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. ⁴⁶For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, ⁴⁷Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? ⁴⁸And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.

Acts 11:16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. ¹⁷Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God? ¹⁸When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

The promise that Jesus gave to all that truly repent of sin to follow him is the baptism of the Holy Ghost. This is no secret indwelling of the Holy Spirit. When the Holy Ghost is poured out on a man, it is a physical experience of meeting God personally. The promises of the scripture become fulfilled in you. Your eyes are opened like waking up and seeing the world for the first time. God is with you and in you and you understand what the true calling of God is. You never want to do anything to hurt God ever again. Instead you want to walk with God and keep his commandments that he might be pleased with you everyday, as he was on that day. You will understand love in a way you never did before.  

Acts 1:4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. ⁵For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

⁶When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? ⁷And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. ⁸But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

When you receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost, you will want to tell the world about what happened to you. You will want them to experience the same thing you did, including repentance. You know that Jesus is indeed the Son of God and will defend him with your life. Jesus is your Lord, King and God and you are not ashamed anymore to tell the world about him. Even the church will think that you have lost your mind because they haven’t experienced such things as you have.

1 Corinthians 12:12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. ¹³For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

Romans 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

A man recently asked me if I believed he were a hypocrite and would die in his sin. I answered him with a question; have you received the baptism of the Holy Ghost?  If you haven’t then you are not born again. The baptism of the Holy Ghost is promised to all that repent. If you haven’t received the promised gift of God, it’s because you haven’t repented of sinning against God. If you haven’t repented of sin, it’s because you don’t love God enough to repent. You still love this world, pleasure and your own life too much to give it all up, and truly take up your cross for the Lord Jesus Christ and his gospel. You will die in your sin being rejected by God. To whom God accepts he pours out his Spirit upon them. This is Gods’ seal upon all of his children, and God knows your heart.

Rote Learning

Rote learning is a learning technique which avoids understanding of a subject and instead focuses on memorization. The major practice involved in rote learning is learning by repetition. The idea is that one will be able to quickly recall the meaning of the material the more one repeats it.

Rote learning is widely used in the mastery of foundational knowledge. Examples include, phonics in reading, the periodic table in chemistry, multiplication tables in mathematics, anatomy in medicine, cases or statutes in law, basic formulas in any science, etc. Rote learning, by definition, eschews comprehension, however, and consequently, it is an ineffective tool in mastering any complex subject at an advanced level.

Rote learning certainly has its place in education and is a necessity to the learning process. Memorizing the multiplication table is a necessity in mathematics. Memorizing the element table is a necessity in chemistry. Memorizing scripture is a necessity in bible study. The problem is exposed when rote learning supersedes critical thinking.

When I taught computer diagnostics, repair and networking it was easy for my students to memorize basic facts, but then be totally lost in application. People are commonly divided into three groups. Some just don't get it no matter how many different ways you try and explain it to them. Others are good at memorizing facts but are lost at applying the facts to real life situations. The final group is good at memorizing the facts and applying them to real life situations.

Understanding how a system works is more important than the rote learning of the components of the system.  You don't have to know what a bus is to understand a faulty modem will prevent a computer from starting up. But it helps to know that when explaining the working system to others.

Education certainly has its place in society but it's not the all in all. I have known many preachers with PhDs that didn't grasp the simplest principals of the scripture. I've known scientist with PhDs that couldn't install a simple program on their computer. I have also known people with an 8th grade education that could rebuild an engine and high school students that were master carpenters. There is a great difference in rote learning versus learning how a system works.

This is the underlying situation of most of the arguments I have with the creationist and the evolutionist. Some just don't get it. Others are just rote learners without any understanding of what they are arguing. Only a few actually understand why they believe what they do and how things work.

A common argument I have had lately with evolutionist has been on the constant speed of light. Light and energy is the same thing. Energy does not move at a constant speed therefore light cannot move at a constant speed. Energy move fastest nearest its source and slower the further it gets from the source. Energy also disperses rapidly in an open system.

If you pay attention to solar radiation, its energy is dispersed in waves. The closer you are to the sun the shorter the waves are. The further away from the sun you get, the longer the waves are. Why does happen? The closer you are to the energy source the faster the particles collide together yielding there energy to other particles. Think of it like billiards. You hit the cue ball transferring energy from the stick to the ball. The cue ball then hits the rack transferring its energy to the racked balls. The balls are then dispersed rapidly around the table. As the balls collide with each other and the rails of the table, the balls yield up their energy and begin to slow down until they all stop. That's how energy works.

Energy is carried by particles that collide like the billiards do, forming waves as the energy is dispersed among the particles, just like a wave in a pool when a stone is dropped into it. The greater the energy of the particle the greater it's speed and collision with other particles and the shorter the wave. As the particles collide they become weaker and slow down forming longer waves. That's why a gamma wave field is shortest and strongest but the radio wave field is the longest and weakest. The wave field shows the distribution of this energy as it spreads out.

Since energy and light are the same thing, light must behave the same way it's carrier does, which is energy. Since energy does not move at a constant speed neither can light.

Now if you look at the wave analogy you will see how energy is dispersed over time and distance. Energy, depending on its push, has a limited distance that it can travel within a limited time frame. Both distance and time are relative to each other.

An explosion is a good example here. Depending on the strength of the explosion the particles will be dispersed or scattered rapidly like a wave. The particles will only go so far so fast, slowing down until all particles stop. In this explosion you will see a flash of light called a light burst that only last a second. The speed of this burst is relative to the rapid dispersement of the particles. Energy and light function in the same way.

So the speed of light is not constant. The light from an exploding star in the Andromeda Galaxy would never reach earth. The light from a start or galaxy would never reach earth. There is another reason why this is so besides the way energy is dispersed. If the light from other stars and galaxies are solar radiation, it would be absorbed by the solar radiation field of our sun and we would never see it.  This is survival of the fittest. If this light from stars and galaxies are reflected light it would be absorbed by the reflected light of our moon.

So how do we see the light from stars and galaxies in the night sky? Because they are in our field of vision. For those who think that light must enter in through the retina in order to see the object, think again. If that were so you wouldn't see anything but a blur because of the competition of light.  

So do you see the difference from learning rote facts versus understanding how a system works? Scientists do not give the correct answers to everything. Preachers do not give the correct answer to everything.  Education is not proof of understanding nor truth.

1 Corinthians 5:1 It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father’s wife. 2And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you. 3For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, 4In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, 5To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. 6Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?

7Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: 8Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

9I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: 10Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world. 11But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. 12For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? 13But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.

Based on the above scripture, what would you conclude in regard to the unity of believers? Are we to accept sin and hypocrisy in the church? Are we to accept false teachers bringing in false doctrines? Is being saved by grace a license to do evil and yet be saved?

I keep hearing people talk about how I should be more loving and compassionate to others that claim to be Christians, as though I have no concept of love or that I don’t show enough love to others in my blog comments. So I want to look at this from another direction. I teach, in my blogs, to love God and obey his commandments. This is called integrity of heart. I usually describe integrity with the characteristics of humility, love, loyalty and honesty. We are to walk in integrity towards God and others. So how is teaching this unloving? Do you realize that it’s the people that do not obey God that are unloving? When you continue in sin it is you that are hurting others for your own selfish motives and are bringing shame to the name of Christ before the unbelievers. According to the scriptures you are not to be accepted. In fact we who are faithful are not to even have fellowship with those that aren’t faithful, but rather we are to warn you to repent and rebuke you for the evil you do that you might be saved.

If you are not in unity with Christ, being faithful and walking in integrity then you can’t be in unity with me. Those that are Christ’s hear his word and obey it. Those that don’t are not in Christ and Christ is not in them. I will not tell you that you are a Christian and everything is alright with you when you openly admit that you continue in sin and teach others that you are justified while doing so. It’s a lie!

Matthew 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Neither will God
Category: Religion and Philosophy

I don’t find being human an excuse for doing evil. None of us are all knowing nor infallible but we should all be faithful and thankful for the blessings we have received from God and others. Everything I have ever received in this life has been a gift from God and others. Even the jobs I worked were gifts from my employers. There is always an "expectation" of thankfulness and faithfulness from those we care about and benefit. God declares this same expectation from us, just as I expected from my daughters. I have never asked of anything from my daughters but their love and faithfulness to God, me and to all others. But all I got back from them was their backs to me walking away with contempt, disrespect and unthankfulness. This is what is in the hearts of men toward God. I do not despise my girls nor refuse forgiveness to them. I would gather them unto myself as a hen gathers her chicks, but they will not. God offers forgiveness to all that repent. I offer the same to my girls. But I will not receive them and bless them to continue in this contempt against me. Neither will God do so to us.

 
Category: Religion and Philosophy

Science fiction/Mythology/The theory of evolution

As a means of understanding the world through speculation and storytelling, science fiction has antecedents back to mythology. Pantheism is the basis, or tree root, for origin of the species and Darwin’s tree of life.  

Science fiction (abbreviated SF or sci-fi with varying punctuation and case) is a broad genre of fiction that often involves speculations based on current or future science or technology. Origin of the Species, Charles Darwin, 1859.

Science fiction is largely based on writing entertainingly and rationally about alternate possibilities in settings that are contrary to known reality. These include:

1. A setting in the future, in alternative time lines, or in a historical past that contradicts known facts of history or the archeological record

2. A setting in outer space, on other worlds, or involving aliens

3. Stories that contradict known or supposed laws of nature.

4. Stories that involve discovery or application of new scientific principles, such as time travel or psionics, or new technology, such as nanotechnology, faster-than-light travel or robots, or of new and different political or social systems.

Exploring the consequences of such differences is the traditional purpose of science fiction, making it a "literature of ideas".

Myth in general use is often interchangeable with legend or allegory, but some scholars strictly distinguish the terms. The term has been used in English since the 19th century. The newest edition of the OED distinguishes the meanings

1a. "A traditional story, typically involving supernatural beings or forces or creatures, which embodies and provides an explanation, aetiology, or justification for something such as the early history of a society, a religious belief or ritual, or a natural phenomenon", citing the Westminster Review of 1830 as the first English attestation.[7]

1b. "As a mass noun: such stories collectively or as a genre." (1840)

2a. "A widespread but untrue or erroneous story or belief". (1849)

2b. "A person or thing held in awe or generally referred to with near reverential admiration on the basis of popularly repeated stories (whether real or fictitious)." (1853)

2c. "A popular conception of a person or thing which exaggerates or idealizes the truth." (1928)

The classicist G. S. Kirk thinks the distinction between myths and folktales may be useful, but he argues that "the categorizing of tales as folktales, legends, and proper myths, simple and appealing as it seems, can be seriously confusing". In particular, he rejects the idea "that all myths are associated with religious beliefs, feelings or practices".

It is my hope and intent that others will be able to make the same connections that I have. The theory of evolution has its root in Pantheism. It is a work of science fiction based on the imagination of Charles Darwin. It was of course his hopes that future science would help answer his questions of past events. This theory has had horrible side affects on the social and political world view of the nations. Mainly, that people are animals with no inherent rights or values. The people are work mules for the elitist of the nation and must be controlled or destroyed. Some examples of this control can be found in the educational system, birth control, population control, abortion, sexual promiscuity, drugs and alcohol, disease control or release, war and genocide.  It’s the concept that people behave like pets do. Give them their desires such as sex, drugs and food and they will do whatever you say and follow you wherever you go. The ones that don’t, such as Kent Hovind, cage them up. You don’t have to break the law today to be a lawbreaker. You only have to dissent and lead others to do the same. Biblical prophecy is being fulfilled today before our eyes, yet many are still blind to it. Will you open your eyes and see the reality of our world today and where it’s headed? 

The Light of Truth
Category: Religion and Philosophy

Wow, the discussions of late have been most informative and educating. To know the truth is to be free. But to believe a lie is bondage for sure. So is there truth and can it be known? Yes there is and yes it can. But the understanding of the truth is in the "light".

I am going to state two propositions for you about light. One is true and the other is false. The one you believe will show where you stand in the light. "

PROPOSITION 1: To view an object.
1. The object must be in line and field of vision.
2. The object must be illuminated by light.
Based on the two points stated, if you see it, you see it in "real" time. That includes the sun, moon, stars and galaxies in the night sky.

PROPOSITION 2: To view an object.
1. The object must be in line and field of vision.
2. The object must be illuminated by light.
3. Light must travel from the object to the eyes.
Based on the three points stated, if you see it, you see it in "past" time. So by the time light reaches your eyes what you see is in the past. That includes the sun, moon, stars and galaxies in the night sky.
Therefore, If you are viewing a galaxy one million light years away, based on the constant speed of light, you are seeing what the galaxy looked like approximately one million years ago.
Therefore, there is no way God created the earth 6000 years ago because we can see these galaxies from millions of miles away. Therefore creation is a "myth" and science is true while the bible is a lie.

Truth
Category: Religion and Philosophy

Although few would admit it, our rejection of religious and moral truth is often on volitional rather than intellectual grounds-we just don't want to be held accountable to any moral standards or religious doctrine. So we blindly accept the self-defeating truth claims of politically correct intellectuals who tell us that truth does not exist; everything is relative; there are no absolutes; it's all a matter of opinion; you ought not to judge; religion is about faith, not facts! Perhaps Augustine was right when he said that "we love the truth when it enlightens us, but we hate it when it convicts us". Maybe we can't handle the truth. 

On one hand, we demand truth in virtually every area of our lives. For example; we demand the truth from:

*loved one (no one wants lies from a spouse or a child)

*doctors (we want the right medicine prescribed and the operations performed)

*stock brokers (we demand that they tell us the truth about companies they recommend)

*courts (we want them to convict only the truly guilty)

*employers (we want them to tell us the truth and pay us fairly)

*airlines (we demand truly safe planes and truly sober pilots)

We also expect to be told the truth when we pick up a reference book, read an article, or watch a news story; we want the truth from advertisers, teachers, and politicians; we assume road signs, medicine bottles, and food labels reveal the truth. In fact, we demand the truth for almost every facet of life that affects our money, relationships, safety, or health.

On the other hand, despite our unwavering demands for truth in those areas, many of us say we aren't interested in truth when it comes to morality or religion. In fact, many downright reject the idea that any religion can be true.

Contrary to what is being taught in many public schools, truth is not relative but absolute. If something is true, it's true for all people, at all times, in all places. All truth claims are absolute, narrow, and exclusive.

Main Entry:truth

Pronunciation:*tr*th

Function:noun

Inflected Form:plural truths  ..*tr**z, *tr*ths..

1 : TRUTHFULNESS : HONESTY

2 : the real state of things  : FACT

3 : the body of real events or facts  : ACTUALITY

4 : a true or accepted statement or proposition  *the truths of science*

5 : agreement with fact or reality  : CORRECTNESS

Synonyms   veracity, verity

Why Creation and Evolution Can’t Co-Exist!
Category: Religion and Philosophy

Because the whole presuppostion to the theory of evolution is that there is no God. And if there is no God how could all that exist come to be? If there is a God, there is no need for the theory of evolution because in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth and all that are contained therein!

I use the term "empirical" being based on observation. There is no greater evidence than that which is eye witnessed.

1. Animation of life: Do you know the difference between a dead man and a living man? Animation! Both the living man and the dead man have the same chemical composition but only one is animated. Chemical composition does not produce life.

2. Life is in the blood: The circulatory system. Oxygen, nutrition, etc is carried through the blood to the sustain life. All life forms have a circulatory system. Without such there will be no life.

3. Everything reproduces after it's own kind: The reproductive system. All life forms have a reproductive system in some form. Without such there would be no more life. One generation, if possible, but no more. Not even evolution can take place without this.

The ORIGIN of these things can not be proven by science or natural phenomena. Their existance is empirical. If you don't know the origin nor can explain it, then you can't explain how it evolved. Why? Because you don't know what it was that evolved or even if it would be possible to evolve. So everything about the theory of evolution is nothing more than mere speculation that can't be proven scientifically.

You must be careful not to over analyze things and confuse interactions with origins and transitions. Observation of a cell mutation only proves that cells can mutate, but it doesn't prove they can evolve. Speciation is only proof of micro evolution, not macro evolution. They are not the same thing. Differences within a species is much different than one species giving birth to another species.

The theory of evolution is the only branch of science that is not science. Science: The modern use of the term refers to a system of acquiring knowledge based on the scientific method, as well as to the organized body of knowledge gained through such research.

Fields of science are commonly classified along two major lines:
Natural sciences, which study natural phenomena (including biological LIFE), and
Social sciences, which study human behavior and societies.

These groupings are EMPIRICAL sciences, which means the knowledge must be based on observable phenomena and capable of being experimented for its validity by other researchers working under the same conditions.

So in regard to EVOLUTION AND THE ORIGIN OF LIFE (ABIOGENESIS), where's the science? There is none. It's just the belief in something that doesn't exist.

IT'S A MYTH:

Main Entry:myth
Pronunciation:*mith
Function:noun

1 : a usually legendary narrative that presents part of the beliefs of a people or explains a practice or natural phenomenon
2 : an imaginary or unverifiable person or thing
  –myth*i*cal ..*mi-thi-k*l..  adjective

Who then can be saved?

²⁵When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? ²⁶But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. (Matthew 19)

My intent with this letter is to give a break down of the various groups of people that Jesus spoke of and their relevance to salvation verses damnation. In other words who can be saved and what did Jesus say about it.

There are specifically three groups or categories that Jesus put all men into and this will be the order of the discussion. The premise of this argument is that Jesus is the Christ and the only way to God the father and salvation.

1. The enemies of God.
2. The religious but lost.
3. The sheep (disciples).

The enemies of God:

This is the most obvious of the three groups. They fall into the category of those that will not have Jesus to reign over them. They fall into the categories of atheist, evolutionist and other religions apart from Jesus.

^{Luke 19:14}  But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us.

^{Luke 19:27} But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.

The religious but lost:

This is the confusing group and difficult to distinguish. They believe that Jesus is the Christ, they are zealous towards God and Christ, but they have never repented of sin to serve the Lord. They follow a religious path in Jesus name but they don’t follow Jesus. They would fall into the category of “hypocrite”.  Paul said this of the Jews also in reference to their zeal.

^{Matthew 15:7} Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, ⁸This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. ⁹But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

^{Romans 10:2} For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. ³For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

^{Matthew 7:21} Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. ²²Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? ²³And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

The sheep (disciples):

The disciples of the Lord Jesus are totally devoted servants to the Lord. They hear the word of God and obey it. They give their life a living sacrifice, in love. The disciples of Christ are what is called Christian.

^{Acts 11:26} And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

^{John 10:27} My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: ²⁸And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

^{John 13:34} A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. ³⁵By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

^{Luke 14:27} And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. ²⁸For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?

The two groups of disciples:

The disciples are further broken down into two groups.

1. Those that endure to the end. (bear fruit)
2. Those that turn away. (bear no fruit)

^{Matthew 10:22} And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

^{Hebrews 10:38} Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

^{Luke 9:62} And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

^{John 15:1} I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. ²Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. ³Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. ⁴Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. ⁵I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. ⁶If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. ⁷If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. ⁸Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

^{Matthew 25:26} His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: ²⁷Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. ²⁸Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. ²⁹For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. ³⁰And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

There are so many scriptures and examples that Jesus and his Apostles have given to show the truth and give us understanding of Gods will. The enemies and the religious are not disciples of Jesus Christ. The disciples are repeatedly warned to be and remain faithful and obedient until the end or they shall be cast out like a withered branch into the fire also. This is not a complete study on the subject, of course, but will serve as a guide to individual studies.

Faith vs. Theory

The suggestion was given to me to do a blog on the comparison or contrast to faith and theory. In the analysis of data, I have found more varying definitions to these two words than all the words defined in any given dictionary (exaggerated statement of course). This explains so much of the confusion and arguing going on today between the secular, scientific, and religious, creationist, communities today. Both parties of the argument are using the same terms in at least two totally different defining ways.

There are the secular definitions for these two terms and religious definitions, and the two shall never meet, unless a common definition is settled on.

Faith is believing what you know ain't so. --Mark Twain.

This statement seems to sum up what most secularists believe faith is: To believe without reason or evidence. As for myself, I have never met anyone of any religion that didn’t have a reason to believe what they did or weren’t persuaded by some argument. It doesn’t mean that they are correct, just persuaded. I see the same thing every day in this society, many people persuaded by some argument to believe things on the basis of an argument more so than the facts of an argument, and it has nothing to do with religious dogma.  I also see this taking place within the scientific community. It’s seems the argument is more important than the facts anymore. Many times you will find this happening in a court of law when the jury is provided with only circumstantual, indirect, evidence apart from direct, eye witness, testimony. This is not just a religious, secular or legal problem. It has become the philosophy of todays society. Facts, evidence and truth are no longer the measuring stick of belief. The new measuring stick has become who is telling the better or most believable story and don’t confuse me with the facts! It is relevent to this discusion to state that this discription has nothing to do with what faith is.

Lets start with the word truth. Truth is synonimous with the word reality. It is what it is regardless of seeing, understanding, perception or belief. Truth is an unchangible fact. These two terms, truth and fact, are relative to each other in the context that truth doesn’t change and niether do facts. What is changible are the conclusions derived from the facts.

The more facts you have the easier it is to draw the correct conclusion or truth. Also the less facts you have the more difficult it is to draw the correct conclusion or truth. This pertains to both direct, empirical evidence, and indirect, circumstantial, evidence. And this is where theory and faith come into unity: What you conclude the facts to represent as truth, is both your theory and your faith. It’s what you believe the truth to be.

Throughout my life what I have believed has changed. The more I learned about a subject coupled with what I personally experienced has had a great influence on what I believe to be the truth. Some facts changed and some didn’t change, so did my conclusions as more information and facts have been gathered. In this context faith and theory should agree. Where faith parts with theory is where the facts keep changing and the theory doesn’t or the theory keeps changing when the facts don’t. With faith, if the facts change so does the faith.

This brings us to the point about true fact versus fabricated facts. As I stated previously truth and fact are relevent to each other in that niether change. So what happens when the facts change? They were never true! This is called supplanting of evidence: to take the place of another especially by force or trickery. This is also called a lie or revision: to look over something written in order to correct, improve or make a new version of.

This is common today in theology, science, law and relationships. Communication of information is the primary key to undertanding, learning, reasoning and deceiving. The modern day press and publication of books with mass distribution, as well as the internet, has increased the ability of writers to inform and to decieve the populas on a greater scale than ever known in previous history.

Every debate, such as in the court of law, there are opposing sides of an argument. Each side present their evidence in the form of an argument with prejudice, which sometimes can lead to a very heated debate. Each party of the debate will provide supporting evidence to their argument and contradicting evidence against the other party. At the end of the argument a judgement must be made by weighing the evidence for and against each argument. In the judging process justice must be blind without bias of the parties involved. This should be the same consideration given to any argument. The goal is to find the objective truth not prove a subjective conclusion. This is where faith and theory should be in unity, but unfortunately theory is not.

In the text below I will show a comparison of theory to the scientific method. What I have realized is that objective faith is more consistant with the scientific method than subjective theory is, and all theory is subjective. When either theory or faith is subjective, it is blind and abandons reason for the purpose of self promotion. This is where the phrase below becomes truth.

Faith and theory are believing what you know ain't so. –Ken Tyner

The word theory has a number of distinct meanings in different fields of knowledge, depending on their methodologies and the context of discussion.

In science, a theory is a mathematical or logical explanation, or a testable model of the manner of interaction of a set of natural phenomena, capable of predicting future occurrences or observations of the same kind, and capable of being tested through experiment or otherwise falsified through empirical observation. It follows from this that for scientists "theory" and "fact" do not necessarily stand in opposition. For example, it is a fact that an apple dropped on earth has been observed to fall towards the center of the planet, and the theories commonly used to describe and explain this behavior are Newton's theory of universal gravitation, and general relativity.

In common usage, the word theory is often used to signify a conjecture, an opinion, or a speculation. In this usage, a theory is not necessarily based on facts; in other words, it is not required to be consistent with true descriptions of reality. This usage of theory leads to the common incorrect statement "It's not a fact, it's only a theory." True descriptions of reality are more reflectively understood as statements which would be true independently of what people think about them. In this usage, the word is synonymous with hypothesis.

Scientific method is a body of techniques for investigating phenomena, acquiring new knowledge, or correcting and integrating previous knowledge. It is based on gathering observable, empirical and measurable evidence subject to specific principles of reasoning. A scientific method consists of the collection of data through observation and experimentation, and the formulation and testing of hypotheses.