If you are aware of a person's intent to come into your home and attack you family, your children -- what would you do to prevent this type of "home invasion"? Would you defend your family? Well, it is time to take a stand to defend your family, your family values, and your Christian values.
ABC television's upcoming Prime Time show "Good Christian Bitches" is in the works today. And, the show features the tagline: “For Heaven’s sake, don’t let God get in the way of a good story!”
Critics Slam ABC Pilot "Good Christian Bitches": http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2011/03/04/critics-slam-abc-pilot-good-christian-bitches-inappropriate-damaging-title/print
Can you imagine the world uproar if their show was named "Good Muslim Bitches" or "Good Jewish Bitches" or even "Good Buddhist Bitches"? Then, why shouldn't the Christian world be in an uproar demanding the same respect for our Christian faith?
Many years ago, I loved the show "The Flying Nun" starring Sally Field, who also starred in the family friendly television series "Gidget." Yes, for many years, Sally Field was a role model for family friendly values on television. Then, in 2007, at the Emmy Awards, while accepting her award -- Sally Field, on world-wide television -- cursed the name of God. Since then, I cannot stand to see her on television. If even a commercial comes on featuring Sally Field, I will change the channel.
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Fox Explains Censorship Of Actors At Emmys: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/18/arts/television/18emmy.html
Ms. Field used an expletive in saying that if mothers ruled the world, there would be no wars. She won the Emmy for her performance as Nora Walker, a liberal matriarch whose son is headed to Iraq for combat duty, on the ABC drama “Brothers & Sisters.”
Backstage after her acceptance, Ms. Field said she “would have liked to say more four-letter words up there.”
But she added that she “probably shouldn’t have said” the word that was censored. “If they bleep it, oh well, I’ll just say it somewhere else,” she said.
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Kathy Griffin's Jesus Remark Cut From Emmy Show: http://www.reuters.com/article/2007/09/11/us-griffin-emmys-idUSN1144512920070911
In 2007, comedienne Kathy Griffin, in her Emmy Award acceptance speech declared, "A lot of people come up here and thank Jesus for this award. I want you to know that no one had less to do with this award than Jesus," an exultant Griffin said, holding up her statuette. "Suck it, Jesus. This award is my god now."
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This was so offensive that the secular Emmy Awards Show producers edited it out of the taped version. But, unfortunately, not before millions had seen it on television. Today, I will not watch any show, period, on which this woman appears. I would rather go to a barn and shovel manure -- than to see her on any venue.
Personally, I boycott any and all shows which include Sally Field or Kathy Griffin. Does my boycott cause them any loss of money or fame? No, but, it most certainly allows me to respect myself -- and, I personally feel that it pleases God.
But, just imagine if ALL CHRISTIAN believers are offended and personally boycott all shows and commercials featuring these two ladies -- what an impact that would have on these ladies and on all businesses who advertise on shows which feature these ladies.
Yes, my Christian brothers and sisters, we CAN impact who and which "home invasions" enter our homes via the television. Are you willing to do it, to protect your family, for you own personal self-respect, and to please the God we serve?
Another more immediate thing YOU can do, right now, is to visit the "American Family Association Action Alert" web page and sign their petition. I have. Will you join me?
A Petition To ABC And Parent Company Disney http://secure.afa.net/afa/activism/signpetition.asp?id=1920
This message is my plea for all Christians, world-wide, to join me in telling the secular television and media "money worshiping" bosses, "We Christians demand the same respect you give to Muslims, Buddhists, Atheists, Secularists, and all other world religions. Stop defaming our God and our faith!"
It is time that we stand and tell the secular world, "We are tired of your attacks on our Christian faith -- and we won't take it anymore!"
If you agree with me, please share this with ALL your Friends, Relatives, Associates, and Neighbors -- all your FRANs. Let's all stand tall in our Christian faith
God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,
Bill
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Saturday, February 26, 2011
What Is The "JEDP" Bible Theory?
Shortly after I became a born again Christian believer in 1987 and began my lifelong study of God's Word, I read a book written by a Professor of Religion from San Diego State University. In his book, this professor went into elaborate detail explaining how Moses was not the real author of the first five books of the Bible, the Pentateuch -- but, instead there were four authors whom he identified as J, E, D, P instead of by name.
To say the least, as a new Christian, I was confused and began to question the Bible. Who is right, the scholars -- or the Bible? Well, praise God, over the last 20+ years, I have determined that, when in doubt, always depend upon God's Written Word, the Bible. And, this got me back on track and helped me toward maturing in my knowledge of His Word.
So, I submit this writing to you today for two purposes: First, to help some who may have fallen into this same "Bible Scholars" trap -- to understand that not all Bible scholars are Christian believers. And, not all Bible scholars live to prove the Bible to be the inspired, authoritative Written Word of God.
My second reason for this writing is to introduce you to a really good web site resource: GotQuestions.Org
Over the years, I have found and used many online resources and found many of them to be acceptable; some quite good. Yet, when I have a question and want a concise, accurate answer -- I have found GotQuestions.Org to be one of the best. Below is their explanation of the, in my mind, erroneous teaching of the JEDP theory regarding the authorship of the Pentateuch.
I was prompted to write this because I found a post by Ken Ham, of Answers In Genesis, on Facebook today: It's hard to believe -- but even today, in Christian Colleges and seminaries, the idea of multiple authors (instead of Moses) for Genesis -- and the rest of the Pentateuch is still being taught. I urge you to read:
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
WHAT IS THE JEDP THEORY?
http://www.gotquestions.org/JEDP-theory.html
Question: "What is the JEDP Theory?"
Answer: In brief, the JEDP theory states that the first five books of the Bible, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, were not written entirely by Moses, who died in the 1400's B.C., but also by different authors/compliers after Moses. The theory is based on the fact that different names for God are used in different portions of the Pentateuch, and there are detectable differences in linguistic style.
The letters of the JEDP theory stand for the four supposed authors: the author who uses Jehovah for God's name, the author who uses Elohim for God's name, the author of Deuteronomy, and the Priestly author of Leviticus. The JEDP theory goes on to state that the different portions of the Pentateuch were likely compiled in the 4th Century B.C., possibly by Ezra.
So, why are there different names for God in books supposedly written by a single author? For example, Genesis chapter 1 uses the name Elohim, while Genesis chapter 2 uses the name YHWH. Patterns like this occur quite frequently in the Pentateuch. The answer is simple. Moses used God's names to make a point.
In Genesis chapter 1, God is Elohim, the mighty Creator God. In Genesis chapter 2, God is Yahweh, the personal God who created and relates to humanity. This does not point to different authors, but to a single author using God's various names to emphasize a point and describe different aspects of His character.
Regarding the different styles, should we not expect an author to have a different style when he is writing history (Genesis), writing legal statutes (Exodus, Deuteronomy), and writing intricate details of the sacrificial system (Leviticus)? The JEDP theory takes the explainable differences in the Pentateuch and invents an elaborate theory that has no basis in reality or history. No J, E, D, or P document has ever been discovered. No ancient Jewish or Christian scholar has even hinted that such documents existed.
The most powerful argument against the JEDP theory is the Bible itself. Jesus, in Mark 12:26, said, "Now about the dead rising -- have you not read in the book of Moses, in the account of the bush, how God said to him, 'I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob'?" Therefore, Jesus says plainly that Moses wrote the account of the burning bush in Exodus 3:1-3.
Luke, in Acts 3:22, comments on a passage in Deuteronomy 18:15 and credits Moses as being the author of that passage. Paul, in Romans 10:5, talks about the righteousness Moses describes in Leviticus 18:5. Paul, therefore, testifies that Moses is the author of Leviticus.
So, we have Jesus showing that Moses was the author of Exodus, Luke (in Acts) showing that Moses wrote Deuteronomy, and Paul saying that Moses was the author of Leviticus. In order for the JEDP theory to be true, Jesus, Luke, and Paul must all either be liars or be in error in their understanding of the Old Testament. Let us put our faith in Jesus and the human authors of Scripture rather than the ridiculous and baseless JEDP theory (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Recommended Resource: "Inspiration and Authority of the Bible" by Benjamin Warfield.
This page is also available in: Español, Português, Arabic, Italiano, Indonesia
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I pray this has been worth your reading time. If so, please feel free to share it with your Friends, Relatives, Associates, and Neighbors -- all your FRANs. Let's all keep sharing the Word of God and the Gospel of Jesus Christ -- until He returns.
God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,
Bill Gray
To say the least, as a new Christian, I was confused and began to question the Bible. Who is right, the scholars -- or the Bible? Well, praise God, over the last 20+ years, I have determined that, when in doubt, always depend upon God's Written Word, the Bible. And, this got me back on track and helped me toward maturing in my knowledge of His Word.
So, I submit this writing to you today for two purposes: First, to help some who may have fallen into this same "Bible Scholars" trap -- to understand that not all Bible scholars are Christian believers. And, not all Bible scholars live to prove the Bible to be the inspired, authoritative Written Word of God.
My second reason for this writing is to introduce you to a really good web site resource: GotQuestions.Org
Over the years, I have found and used many online resources and found many of them to be acceptable; some quite good. Yet, when I have a question and want a concise, accurate answer -- I have found GotQuestions.Org to be one of the best. Below is their explanation of the, in my mind, erroneous teaching of the JEDP theory regarding the authorship of the Pentateuch.
I was prompted to write this because I found a post by Ken Ham, of Answers In Genesis, on Facebook today: It's hard to believe -- but even today, in Christian Colleges and seminaries, the idea of multiple authors (instead of Moses) for Genesis -- and the rest of the Pentateuch is still being taught. I urge you to read:
WHAT IS THE JEDP THEORY?
http://www.gotquestions.org/JEDP-theory.html
Question: "What is the JEDP Theory?"
Answer: In brief, the JEDP theory states that the first five books of the Bible, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, were not written entirely by Moses, who died in the 1400's B.C., but also by different authors/compliers after Moses. The theory is based on the fact that different names for God are used in different portions of the Pentateuch, and there are detectable differences in linguistic style.
The letters of the JEDP theory stand for the four supposed authors: the author who uses Jehovah for God's name, the author who uses Elohim for God's name, the author of Deuteronomy, and the Priestly author of Leviticus. The JEDP theory goes on to state that the different portions of the Pentateuch were likely compiled in the 4th Century B.C., possibly by Ezra.
So, why are there different names for God in books supposedly written by a single author? For example, Genesis chapter 1 uses the name Elohim, while Genesis chapter 2 uses the name YHWH. Patterns like this occur quite frequently in the Pentateuch. The answer is simple. Moses used God's names to make a point.
In Genesis chapter 1, God is Elohim, the mighty Creator God. In Genesis chapter 2, God is Yahweh, the personal God who created and relates to humanity. This does not point to different authors, but to a single author using God's various names to emphasize a point and describe different aspects of His character.
Regarding the different styles, should we not expect an author to have a different style when he is writing history (Genesis), writing legal statutes (Exodus, Deuteronomy), and writing intricate details of the sacrificial system (Leviticus)? The JEDP theory takes the explainable differences in the Pentateuch and invents an elaborate theory that has no basis in reality or history. No J, E, D, or P document has ever been discovered. No ancient Jewish or Christian scholar has even hinted that such documents existed.
The most powerful argument against the JEDP theory is the Bible itself. Jesus, in Mark 12:26, said, "Now about the dead rising -- have you not read in the book of Moses, in the account of the bush, how God said to him, 'I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob'?" Therefore, Jesus says plainly that Moses wrote the account of the burning bush in Exodus 3:1-3.
Luke, in Acts 3:22, comments on a passage in Deuteronomy 18:15 and credits Moses as being the author of that passage. Paul, in Romans 10:5, talks about the righteousness Moses describes in Leviticus 18:5. Paul, therefore, testifies that Moses is the author of Leviticus.
So, we have Jesus showing that Moses was the author of Exodus, Luke (in Acts) showing that Moses wrote Deuteronomy, and Paul saying that Moses was the author of Leviticus. In order for the JEDP theory to be true, Jesus, Luke, and Paul must all either be liars or be in error in their understanding of the Old Testament. Let us put our faith in Jesus and the human authors of Scripture rather than the ridiculous and baseless JEDP theory (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Recommended Resource: "Inspiration and Authority of the Bible" by Benjamin Warfield.
This page is also available in: Español, Português, Arabic, Italiano, Indonesia
I pray this has been worth your reading time. If so, please feel free to share it with your Friends, Relatives, Associates, and Neighbors -- all your FRANs. Let's all keep sharing the Word of God and the Gospel of Jesus Christ -- until He returns.
God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,
Bill Gray
Sunday, February 13, 2011
We Can Change Our World -
One Person At A Time!
One Person At A Time!
In the TimesDaily Religion Forum today, my Friend, Vic, began a discussion titled A Miraculous Cure" -- about a man blinded in one eye by an explosion. Then, twenty years later, he recovered his sight when he bathed his eyes in the waters of the Our Lady of the Grotto fountain and prayed. I will not say that the water had any special affect -- but, we all know that prayer can and does have amazing results.
Of course, all our atheist, secularist, and other non-believing Friends immediately started mouthing those worn out old questions, "If He is a God of love; why does he allow people to be sick and injured? Why does He allow bad things to happen?"
My answer to those queries today:
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God loves us all so much that He gave us "free will" -- the ability to think and choose as individuals. Can anyone really say that he/she would prefer that God makes all the decisions and allows us no choice in any matter? I would not want that -- and neither does God. I don't believe anyone wants this.
Why? Well, if you had FORCED your spouse to marry you -- how would you know if you are loved? You might as well go to the store and buy a robot or a rubber doll if that is the kind of love you prefer.
When God gave man "free will" -- with that came the ability to do good or to do evil. When one person chooses to use his/her free will to harm another -- that is man working, not God. Could God stop such actions? Yes. But, then He would be invalidating His gift of free will.
So, when you see a person committing genocide, infanticide, or just murder in general -- that is not God working, that is man's creative genius at work.
But, Uno, and our other atheist, secularist, and vanilla flavored non-believers -- if you want to stop some of these horrible actions from occurring, I have a suggestion. Pray! But, first, you must sincerely pray to receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior -- and, then, your prayers will be heard in the throne room of God the Father.
If all the atheist, secularist, and other non-believers did this -- can you imagine the effect it would have on the world? This, alone, would virtually stop all murders, terrorism, and other crimes. For, if these people become Christ Followers, how can they be praying to God and committing such evils at the same time?
I know, I know -- you will bring up the people in churches who are child predators. However, you are forgetting one thing -- I said if these people sincerely become Christ Followers. Just because a person is a priest, pastor, or anyone else "claiming" to be a Christian -- this does not make him/her a Christian.
Being a Christian is not putting on holy robes or putting on your Christian hat. Being a Christ Follower is to sincerely seek and find your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ -- and, then to repent, turn from the ways of the world, and turn to follow Him. This, if done by all atheists, secularist, and other non-believers -- could be world changing.
Why not give it a try -- and see what effect YOUR turning and praying can have upon our world?
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Imagine a world where many atheists, secularists, and other non-believers turn from their worldly endeavors -- and sincerely turn to Jesus Christ? Can you see the dramatic effect this would have on our world? What have YOU done today to make this happen?
God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,
Bill Gray
Of course, all our atheist, secularist, and other non-believing Friends immediately started mouthing those worn out old questions, "If He is a God of love; why does he allow people to be sick and injured? Why does He allow bad things to happen?"
My answer to those queries today:
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
God loves us all so much that He gave us "free will" -- the ability to think and choose as individuals. Can anyone really say that he/she would prefer that God makes all the decisions and allows us no choice in any matter? I would not want that -- and neither does God. I don't believe anyone wants this.
Why? Well, if you had FORCED your spouse to marry you -- how would you know if you are loved? You might as well go to the store and buy a robot or a rubber doll if that is the kind of love you prefer.
When God gave man "free will" -- with that came the ability to do good or to do evil. When one person chooses to use his/her free will to harm another -- that is man working, not God. Could God stop such actions? Yes. But, then He would be invalidating His gift of free will.
So, when you see a person committing genocide, infanticide, or just murder in general -- that is not God working, that is man's creative genius at work.
But, Uno, and our other atheist, secularist, and vanilla flavored non-believers -- if you want to stop some of these horrible actions from occurring, I have a suggestion. Pray! But, first, you must sincerely pray to receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior -- and, then, your prayers will be heard in the throne room of God the Father.
If all the atheist, secularist, and other non-believers did this -- can you imagine the effect it would have on the world? This, alone, would virtually stop all murders, terrorism, and other crimes. For, if these people become Christ Followers, how can they be praying to God and committing such evils at the same time?
I know, I know -- you will bring up the people in churches who are child predators. However, you are forgetting one thing -- I said if these people sincerely become Christ Followers. Just because a person is a priest, pastor, or anyone else "claiming" to be a Christian -- this does not make him/her a Christian.
Being a Christian is not putting on holy robes or putting on your Christian hat. Being a Christ Follower is to sincerely seek and find your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ -- and, then to repent, turn from the ways of the world, and turn to follow Him. This, if done by all atheists, secularist, and other non-believers -- could be world changing.
Why not give it a try -- and see what effect YOUR turning and praying can have upon our world?
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Imagine a world where many atheists, secularists, and other non-believers turn from their worldly endeavors -- and sincerely turn to Jesus Christ? Can you see the dramatic effect this would have on our world? What have YOU done today to make this happen?
God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,
Bill Gray
Saturday, November 6, 2010
What Would Jesus Tell Us?
WHAT WOULD JESUS TELL US? - If you are a pastor or church planter, young or more mature, and set out to plant a church - would Jesus instruct you to lure young people away from existing churches - and, in this way, bring them, their friends, and their families into your newly planted church? Or, would Jesus tell you to go into the highways and byways, i.e., to the unchurched and unsaved, and bring them into My house (Matthew 22:9, Luke 14:23)?
Although I am not a fan of Pastor Rick Warren's Social Theology nor his views on inter-religion ecumenism -- I am a strong fan of his ideas on church planting and church growth. In his book, published in 1995, titled "The Purpose Driven Church," Warren says, "The Saddleback statistic I'm most pleased about is the fact that 80 percent of our members found Christ and were baptized at Saddleback. We have not grown at the expense of other churches" (page 50).
In his autobiography "Strength For The Journey," Jerry Falwell tells of the beginning of the Thomas Road Baptist Church in Lynchburg, Virginia. Their first service was in the Mountain View Elementary School in Lynchburg; they had 35 people that day. The next week, Jerry and several men went in search of a permanent church building and found a deserted soda bottling building -- with sticky syrup still clinging to the floors, walls, and even the ceiling. They went to work cleaning it and on a July Sunday in 1956, they held their first service in their new Thomas Road Baptist church building.
To grow the church, Jerry took a map of the area, put a black spot on the location of the church -- and drew 1/2 mile circles around it. That first morning, he lay the map on a table, lay his Bible on it -- and read from Acts 1:8 the message Jesus left for His apostles and for us, ". . . and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."
Then, Jerry went door-knocking, setting as his goal 100 homes a day, 6 days a week. First, in the 1/2 mile circle around the new church building. When he had saturated that circle, he expanded to the 1 mile circle -- and continued this process until he had saturated the entire community with his door-knocking and inviting the unchurched to come to Thomas Road Baptist church.
On page 184 of his book, Jerry writes, "I wasn't out to steal souls from other congregations in the area. In fact I congratulated each person who claimed active church membership and wished them and their church God's best."
I sincerely believe this is what Jesus Christ is telling us in Matthew 20:19-20: Go - Make Disciples - Baptize Them - Teach Them.
And, in Matthew 22:9, He is telling us to, "Go therefore to the main highways, and as many as you find there, invite to the Wedding Feast."
No where does He tell us to go into other churches; to use our ability to relate to young people as a lure to bring them into a newly planted church -- and through those young people, to bring their friends and families into the new church. That is not church planting and church growth. That is spiritual felony! And, that is not what Jesus Christ has told us to do.
Just my thoughts.
God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,
Bill
Although I am not a fan of Pastor Rick Warren's Social Theology nor his views on inter-religion ecumenism -- I am a strong fan of his ideas on church planting and church growth. In his book, published in 1995, titled "The Purpose Driven Church," Warren says, "The Saddleback statistic I'm most pleased about is the fact that 80 percent of our members found Christ and were baptized at Saddleback. We have not grown at the expense of other churches" (page 50).
In his autobiography "Strength For The Journey," Jerry Falwell tells of the beginning of the Thomas Road Baptist Church in Lynchburg, Virginia. Their first service was in the Mountain View Elementary School in Lynchburg; they had 35 people that day. The next week, Jerry and several men went in search of a permanent church building and found a deserted soda bottling building -- with sticky syrup still clinging to the floors, walls, and even the ceiling. They went to work cleaning it and on a July Sunday in 1956, they held their first service in their new Thomas Road Baptist church building.
To grow the church, Jerry took a map of the area, put a black spot on the location of the church -- and drew 1/2 mile circles around it. That first morning, he lay the map on a table, lay his Bible on it -- and read from Acts 1:8 the message Jesus left for His apostles and for us, ". . . and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."
Then, Jerry went door-knocking, setting as his goal 100 homes a day, 6 days a week. First, in the 1/2 mile circle around the new church building. When he had saturated that circle, he expanded to the 1 mile circle -- and continued this process until he had saturated the entire community with his door-knocking and inviting the unchurched to come to Thomas Road Baptist church.
On page 184 of his book, Jerry writes, "I wasn't out to steal souls from other congregations in the area. In fact I congratulated each person who claimed active church membership and wished them and their church God's best."
I sincerely believe this is what Jesus Christ is telling us in Matthew 20:19-20: Go - Make Disciples - Baptize Them - Teach Them.
And, in Matthew 22:9, He is telling us to, "Go therefore to the main highways, and as many as you find there, invite to the Wedding Feast."
No where does He tell us to go into other churches; to use our ability to relate to young people as a lure to bring them into a newly planted church -- and through those young people, to bring their friends and families into the new church. That is not church planting and church growth. That is spiritual felony! And, that is not what Jesus Christ has told us to do.
Just my thoughts.
God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,
Bill
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Bible Translations - Which One?
On the TimesDaily Religion Forum, I began a discussion by asking the question, "Should We Interpret The Bible?" And, my Forum Friend, Tigrtrek replied, "Of course people should read the Bible and decide for themselves. (Does) 'Study to show thyself approved rightly dividing the word of truth' ring a bell? Don't let someone -- me, Bill, the Pope, Pat Robertson, or anyone tell you what it (the Bible) says. Read it yourself. And don't limit yourself to any one translation. I spent too many years blinded by a KJV-only bias."
Tigr, I agree with you completely that we should not limit ourselves to one specific Bible translation. Personally, my main Bible is the NASB; but, when doing an indepth study of a passage I will use the NASB, the NKJV, and sometimes the KJV. These are word for word translations and tend to be better for such studies. In my writings, I will sometimes use the NIV when it better expresses the thought I am trying to convey.
I stay away from all paraphrase Bibles, such as Peterson's "The Message." The paraphrase Bibles tend to be more just the author's interpretation and not a translation, i.e., it is closer to a commentary than a Bible translation. Another paraphrase Bible is "The Living Bible." On the title page, in the subtitle, it reads "Paraphrased, A Thought-for-Thought Translation." No, a Bible cannot be a "paraphrase" and, at the same time, be a "translation." Another paraphrase Bibles is the "Good News for Modern Man" -- also called Today's English Version.
The "New Living Translation" began as a redo of "The Living Bible" and would fall more into the category of the NIV.
In a discussion of the New Living Translation, we read at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Living_Translation :
"It has been suggested that this "thought-for-thought" methodology, while making the translation easier to understand, is less accurate than a literal (formal equivalence) method, and thus the New Living Translation may not be suitable for those wishing to undertake detailed study of the Bible."
I also stay away from the Amplified Bible for a similar reason -- the amplification tends to put it more into a commentary status. And, I tend to stay away from the "gender neutral" translations such as the TNIV. In my thinking, if God had intended the Bible to be gender neutral -- He would have authored it that way.
A very good Bible web site is the Blue Letter Bible: http://www.blueletterbible.org/index.cfm
The Blue Letter Bible web site has 12 English translations as well as Spanish, Latin Vulgate, Greek, and Hebrew. You can choose to view a verse in side by side translations for comparison -- or view a chapter in any of the available translations. The site offers Strong's Concordance for word studies, commentaries, Bible dictionary aids, and other great information to help in your Bible study.
Like you, Tigr, I am a wee bit uneasy when someone tells me that we must use only the KJV Bible. And, I agree with you that we must never allow anyone, myself included, to dictate to us what a Scripture verse or passage means, i.e., that their interpretation is the absolute and only correct interpretation.
Yet, on the other hand, I will suggest to anyone who is a new believer, who is not yet mature in Biblical knowledge -- that you find someone who is mature and can mentor you. And, get involved in a good Bible study group -- and do not miss your church's Sunday School classes. I know that, in the church I attend, our Sunday School classes have always tended to be as interactive, challenging, and exciting as our Bible studies. This is an environment where we all can grow more mature in our personal knowledge of God's Word.
I recall my own situation the first few years I was a believer. My Bible knowledge was more on the "Kindergarten" level. In early 1991, during the "Operation Desert Storm" Gulf War, when Iraq set all the oil fields on fire and the scene was looking like Armageddon -- our Bible study leader, Tom Fletcher, began to talk about the Rapture, the Tribulation, etc.
And, I had no idea what he was talking about. Of course, I was not going to ask and show my Bible ignorance -- so, I just smiled and pretended to know what he meant. And, then, I began my own quest to understand End Times eschatology.
But, my point is that we all, when we are new Christian believers, need someone more mature in the Word to mentor us. I began reading Dr. J. Vernon McGee and other Bible teachers, listening as much as possible to KWVE Christian Radio, as well as attending Bible studies and Sunday School classes. I have attended Eschatology Conferences -- and, yes, I read the full set of "Left Behind" series books by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins -- and many other good books on eschatology.
I found mentors and learned from them. Some I soon outgrew, i.e., wanted more meat in my Biblical diet -- so, I moved on to other mentors. And, today, I am still learning -- and have built quite a nice personal library.
However, with all that said -- I have never met, heard, or read a Bible teacher, scholar, or theologian with whom I agree 100% of the time. I do as the apostle Paul tells us in Acts 17:11 -- I read, listen, etc., to my teachers -- consider what they have taught me -- and then, compare it with what I find in Scripture. And, from this -- I settle on what I believe this Scripture passage is teaching me.
Doing this, I feel that I am fairly well grounded in my theology and that I stand on a pretty solid theological foundation. Could I be wrong on some things? You bet! But, I will keep studying and learning until the day I breath my last breath in this mortal body or He comes to rapture me.
And, then, my real education will begin. Can you imagine having an eternity, all that time -- to continue learning? Do you doubt this is true? Consider this point. Only God knows everything and cannot learn.
If we could ever get to a point where we know everything and there is nothing more we can learn -- we would be Gods. Since we know this will never happen (Lucifer is good proof of this) -- then, we must keep learning even after we are in the eternal presence of God. Isn't that exciting? All of these issues which we are debating today, we will know -- and much more. Yes, exciting! I can hardly wait to begin working on my Advanced Degree!
If you have found this useful, please feel free to share it with your Friends, Relatives, Associates, and Neighbors -- all your FRANs. Let's all study to grow more mature in our knowledge of God's Word -- and then use that knowledge to share the Gospel with all the world -- until He returns.
God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,
Bill Gray
Tigr, I agree with you completely that we should not limit ourselves to one specific Bible translation. Personally, my main Bible is the NASB; but, when doing an indepth study of a passage I will use the NASB, the NKJV, and sometimes the KJV. These are word for word translations and tend to be better for such studies. In my writings, I will sometimes use the NIV when it better expresses the thought I am trying to convey.
I stay away from all paraphrase Bibles, such as Peterson's "The Message." The paraphrase Bibles tend to be more just the author's interpretation and not a translation, i.e., it is closer to a commentary than a Bible translation. Another paraphrase Bible is "The Living Bible." On the title page, in the subtitle, it reads "Paraphrased, A Thought-for-Thought Translation." No, a Bible cannot be a "paraphrase" and, at the same time, be a "translation." Another paraphrase Bibles is the "Good News for Modern Man" -- also called Today's English Version.
The "New Living Translation" began as a redo of "The Living Bible" and would fall more into the category of the NIV.
In a discussion of the New Living Translation, we read at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Living_Translation :
"It has been suggested that this "thought-for-thought" methodology, while making the translation easier to understand, is less accurate than a literal (formal equivalence) method, and thus the New Living Translation may not be suitable for those wishing to undertake detailed study of the Bible."
I also stay away from the Amplified Bible for a similar reason -- the amplification tends to put it more into a commentary status. And, I tend to stay away from the "gender neutral" translations such as the TNIV. In my thinking, if God had intended the Bible to be gender neutral -- He would have authored it that way.
A very good Bible web site is the Blue Letter Bible: http://www.blueletterbible.org/index.cfm
The Blue Letter Bible web site has 12 English translations as well as Spanish, Latin Vulgate, Greek, and Hebrew. You can choose to view a verse in side by side translations for comparison -- or view a chapter in any of the available translations. The site offers Strong's Concordance for word studies, commentaries, Bible dictionary aids, and other great information to help in your Bible study.
Like you, Tigr, I am a wee bit uneasy when someone tells me that we must use only the KJV Bible. And, I agree with you that we must never allow anyone, myself included, to dictate to us what a Scripture verse or passage means, i.e., that their interpretation is the absolute and only correct interpretation.
Yet, on the other hand, I will suggest to anyone who is a new believer, who is not yet mature in Biblical knowledge -- that you find someone who is mature and can mentor you. And, get involved in a good Bible study group -- and do not miss your church's Sunday School classes. I know that, in the church I attend, our Sunday School classes have always tended to be as interactive, challenging, and exciting as our Bible studies. This is an environment where we all can grow more mature in our personal knowledge of God's Word.
I recall my own situation the first few years I was a believer. My Bible knowledge was more on the "Kindergarten" level. In early 1991, during the "Operation Desert Storm" Gulf War, when Iraq set all the oil fields on fire and the scene was looking like Armageddon -- our Bible study leader, Tom Fletcher, began to talk about the Rapture, the Tribulation, etc.
And, I had no idea what he was talking about. Of course, I was not going to ask and show my Bible ignorance -- so, I just smiled and pretended to know what he meant. And, then, I began my own quest to understand End Times eschatology.
But, my point is that we all, when we are new Christian believers, need someone more mature in the Word to mentor us. I began reading Dr. J. Vernon McGee and other Bible teachers, listening as much as possible to KWVE Christian Radio, as well as attending Bible studies and Sunday School classes. I have attended Eschatology Conferences -- and, yes, I read the full set of "Left Behind" series books by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins -- and many other good books on eschatology.
I found mentors and learned from them. Some I soon outgrew, i.e., wanted more meat in my Biblical diet -- so, I moved on to other mentors. And, today, I am still learning -- and have built quite a nice personal library.
However, with all that said -- I have never met, heard, or read a Bible teacher, scholar, or theologian with whom I agree 100% of the time. I do as the apostle Paul tells us in Acts 17:11 -- I read, listen, etc., to my teachers -- consider what they have taught me -- and then, compare it with what I find in Scripture. And, from this -- I settle on what I believe this Scripture passage is teaching me.
Doing this, I feel that I am fairly well grounded in my theology and that I stand on a pretty solid theological foundation. Could I be wrong on some things? You bet! But, I will keep studying and learning until the day I breath my last breath in this mortal body or He comes to rapture me.
And, then, my real education will begin. Can you imagine having an eternity, all that time -- to continue learning? Do you doubt this is true? Consider this point. Only God knows everything and cannot learn.
If we could ever get to a point where we know everything and there is nothing more we can learn -- we would be Gods. Since we know this will never happen (Lucifer is good proof of this) -- then, we must keep learning even after we are in the eternal presence of God. Isn't that exciting? All of these issues which we are debating today, we will know -- and much more. Yes, exciting! I can hardly wait to begin working on my Advanced Degree!
If you have found this useful, please feel free to share it with your Friends, Relatives, Associates, and Neighbors -- all your FRANs. Let's all study to grow more mature in our knowledge of God's Word -- and then use that knowledge to share the Gospel with all the world -- until He returns.
God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,
Bill Gray
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Gianna Jessen: Abortion Survivor! - Video
Today, a young lady, a Christian sister, shared this video on Facebook -- and I have to continue that sharing on every venue God has given me. This video is the most important I have ever watched. And, I urge you to watch it and to share it.
GIANNA JESSEN - ABORTION SURVIVOR:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOWMmx6eBjU
SHARE THIS VIDEO WITH THE WORLD! -- I thank my dear sister in Christ, Valerie Zin, for making me aware of this video.
In the late 1990s, my wife, Dory, and I attended an anti-abortion fund raising concert hosted by Dr. David Hocking and Pat Boone at Calvary Church in Santa Ana, California. The two special guests were Joni Eareckson Tada and a teenage girl in a wheel chair who had survived a Saline Abortion.
For those not familiar with saline abortions -- to an unborn baby it is like giving it a bath in acid. This method of abortion is intended to burn the unborn child to death in the womb. At the concert, this teenage girl in her wheel chair sang a love song to Jesus Christ. That teenage girl we saw at the concert -- is the beautiful lady in this video, Gianna Jessen.
Who can better speak, in person and in her life -- against abortion, all abortions, than this lady? Who can speak of the glory of God's love -- louder than this articulate lady? Who should we, the world, be listening to -- this lady blessed by God with life -- or the abortionists who get rich by killing, snuffing out the lives, of millions of unborn babies each year?
I thank God for Gianna Jessen; I thank God for her brave stance against the infanticide of millions of babies each year via legal abortions; I thank God for Gianna Jessen's life and courage.
This could be the most important sixteen minutes of your life. This sixteen minute video -- just may save the life of ONE UNBORN BABY! Share this video and this message with the world!
God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,
Bill Gray
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOWMmx6eBjU
SHARE THIS VIDEO WITH THE WORLD! -- I thank my dear sister in Christ, Valerie Zin, for making me aware of this video.
In the late 1990s, my wife, Dory, and I attended an anti-abortion fund raising concert hosted by Dr. David Hocking and Pat Boone at Calvary Church in Santa Ana, California. The two special guests were Joni Eareckson Tada and a teenage girl in a wheel chair who had survived a Saline Abortion.
For those not familiar with saline abortions -- to an unborn baby it is like giving it a bath in acid. This method of abortion is intended to burn the unborn child to death in the womb. At the concert, this teenage girl in her wheel chair sang a love song to Jesus Christ. That teenage girl we saw at the concert -- is the beautiful lady in this video, Gianna Jessen.
Who can better speak, in person and in her life -- against abortion, all abortions, than this lady? Who can speak of the glory of God's love -- louder than this articulate lady? Who should we, the world, be listening to -- this lady blessed by God with life -- or the abortionists who get rich by killing, snuffing out the lives, of millions of unborn babies each year?
I thank God for Gianna Jessen; I thank God for her brave stance against the infanticide of millions of babies each year via legal abortions; I thank God for Gianna Jessen's life and courage.
This could be the most important sixteen minutes of your life. This sixteen minute video -- just may save the life of ONE UNBORN BABY! Share this video and this message with the world!
God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,
Bill Gray
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Why Do Non-believers Post So Zealously
On The Religion Forum?
On The Religion Forum?
Do atheists and secularist really believe there is no God? Or, is that their desired belief? While I do understand that there are people who can commit heinous crimes, murder, rape, child abuse, etc., with no apparent feelings of guilt, i.e., with no guilty conscience -- I suppose I want to believe those are the exceptions, the human anomalies, and not the norm.
So, when a large number of people tell me that they do not believe God exists -- I have to wonder how many of these are the anomalies, and how many only want to deny God exists, because they do not want to allow Him to be master of their lives?
Once again, I want to believe that the majority are in the latter group -- and there is still a chance to bring them to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Maybe I am naive; but, I know that my God exists -- and I know that He can save even the most stubborn and hopeless people. He proved that with the apostle, Paul, in Acts, chapter 9.
If you agree, share this with your Friends, Relatives, Associates, and Neighbors -- all your FRANs. Let's keep telling the world about the love of God; about His Word, written just for them; and the Gospel of Jesus Christ who wants all to be saved. Let's keep telling them all -- until He returns.
God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,
Bill Gray
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Hi to all my Forum Friends,
In the discussion titled "So Does God Decide Who Goes To Hell?" begun by our new Forum Friend, or an old Friend with a new posting name, Everlasting Godstopper (what does this posting name tell you?) -- there has been a running dialogue between Jan, a declared atheist, and Peter, a Christian believer.
As usual, Jan, and all of our atheist Friends, are comparing our belief in God to children's belief in Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy. She tells Peter, "A child believes in a Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, the Easter Bunny, right? However, when they grow up most put those kinds of fairy tales behind them and realized that they are not real. Some kids apparently only grow out of certain fairy tales and hold on to others. You seem to be one of those kids that held on to the biggest one of all.
So, because some of us other kids grew up and read a science book or two, we got past all those childhood falsehoods. Including your scary god figure that knows when we are sleeping, that knows when we're a wake, who knows if we've been bad or good. Oh for goodness sake!
And, Peter responds to Jan, "(Since) you think of God in the same way you think of Santa -- why are you wasting your time on a Forum about God?
Seriously! I don't care if you think of Him as a sky fairy. That's your choice. And, if I'm correct in my beliefs, you will have to deal with that choice one day. But why do you continue to scream from the mountain tops that the 'sky fairy' isn't real? Do you do that about Santa, the Tooth Fairy, or the Easter Bunny? NO? Didn't think so. God is so irrelevant to you, (yet) you sure do seem to spend a ton of time and energy discussing Him."
Peter, as long as the atheists can close their eyes (spiritual eyes) and keep repeating, "He is not real! He is not real! He is not real!" -- they can pretend, and, I imagine, even to some degree, convince themselves that He is not real.
I am reminded of a time when my brother and I were young boys in Sheffield. One evening, we were home alone and in bed -- when we heard someone opening a window and coming into our home. So, we did the intelligent thing -- we pulled the blanket over our heads! Hey, if we could not see him -- surely he could not see us! Right? Wrong!
When I was a young adult, believe it or not, I was, not necessarily afraid -- but, very nervous in the dark. I suppose I was imagining all the things lurking in the dark which could jump out and grab me. But, there I was -- a young adult -- and, basically afraid of the dark.
Then, I read a book by John Steinbeck, "Travels With Charlie." Steinbeck, who came from the mid-California Monterey area, had written about America for years and decided it was time to get on the road and see America again. He had a camper put on his pickup truck -- and, with his large poodle, Charlie, set out to see America.
Normally, he stopped at camp grounds so that he could interact with people. But, one evening there was no camp ground available; so, he pulled off the highway and parked for the night. In the middle of the night, he began to hear all sorts of night noises. He became nervous, got his gun, and went outside to see what was up. As it turned out, it was just that -- night noises and noises from the camper settling. So, once he had assured himself that all was well, he slept well.
Reading this, I thought to myself, "Self, if a manly man such as John Steinbeck can be afraid of the dark -- then, why are you so worried about this silly fear?" And, believe it or not -- from that moment I have never been nervous in the dark. As a matter of fact, I cannot sleep well unless it is very dark. If there is light seeping into the room where I am sleeping, I have to get a night mask to prevent the light from keeping me awake. Quite a reversal.
And, I sense that our atheist Friends fear that same kind of spiritual reversal, i.e, if they acknowledge God -- they will be accountable to God. Then, they could not be "masters of their own world" -- they could not be their own gods. So, the more this idea of a true God of the Bible tends to seep in through the cracks -- the bigger their night mask must be to keep Him out.
How can this dilemma -- this fear that there could be a real God and that He would take control of our lives and we would be His slaves -- be prevented? Well, I would suggest that we begin by teaching our children about God and His love when they are very young. Then, they can grow up understanding, feeling, and growing in the love of God -- rather than in fear of God.
Let me give you a good example; once again using my brother and me, and our childhood. When we were young -- 9, 10, 11, 12 -- we were both tall and skinny. Even though he is three years older, we were always about the same size. Yet, when we did things -- he was always the best, he always won. When we went into PeeWee Football, he was always the first string player -- and I was his second string backup. With the young ladies -- even those I had a crush on, always seemed to like my brother better.
Needless to say, I grew up feeling second best. How could this have been prevented? If only my mom, or some other adult in the family, would have set me down and explained that Bob is three years older and should be stronger and more mature; very likely things would have been different. No one ever did this and consequently I grew up feeling second best.
We even carried this silent competition into high school. Bob was the star of our Sheffield High track team. He was, with no doubt, the best 440 Dash runner in the state of Alabama at that time -- and was offered a scholarship to the University of Alabama. And, I have no doubt that, had he pursued this, he would have gone to the Olympics. Instead, he got married while still in high school.
Yet, this I will declare, again with absolute certainty, his wife for 56 years, Mary, is a far greater prize than any Olympic gold medal.
In high school, I played varsity basketball. I would go to Bob's track meets and cheer my head off for him; but, no way would I allow him to know this. In the same way, he would cheer for me at our Sheffield basketball games. But, in person -- you suck!
My point in this personal excursion into the past is that, if some adult had set me and Bob down as young boys and explained to us about our bodies, how he was supposed to be stronger and more mature because he was three years older -- very likely we would not have developed that competitive sibling rivalry which carried over into our adult lives. Today, praise God, that feeling is totally dead. But, I mourn the lost sibling camaraderie of those young years.
In the same way, if parents and grandparents are Christian believers, if children are raised in Godly Christian homes and environments -- they will grow up loving God and not fearing Him. That should be the goal of all parents and grandparents. But, of course, the parents and grandparents need to be Christian believers -- before they can raise the children to love God.
Assuring that all children will have this kind of Christian home environment in which to grow in God's love -- by witnessing to and evangelizing non-believing adults who are parents and grandparents, and young adult who will become parents -- should be our highest priority for all Christian believers. We can help plant the "seeds of salvation" which can turn a secular home into a Christian home -- and into a Christian environment in which children can grow into God loving, God worshiping, young adults. Can you think of a more effective way of assuring the eternal happiness of our children?
Of course, our atheist Friends will answer that last question by replying, "Yes! Just leave them alone and let them develop their own ideas and morality." That, my Friends, is called Moral Relativism and is the rallying call of all atheists and secularist -- and was the driving motivation for Madelyn Murray O'Hair and the ACLU in 1963 when they had God and prayer evicted from our pubic schools.
We all have witnessed the happy results of that 1963 decision by the Supreme Court: an explosion of drive-by shootings and teenage crimes; runaway teen pregnancy; rampant drug use among young children; children in elementary schools now routinely having sex; and, the highlight of the secular world view -- the "politically correct" teaching and indoctrination of homosexuality and same-sex marriage in our public schools, beginning in Kindergarten.
How has America and our families benefited from the secular Moral Relativism? How has America and our families benefited from God and prayer being evicted from our schools? In absolutely no way! Since 1963, it has been all down hill.
Since 1963, the only bastion for Positive Moral Values, i.e., Christian Values -- are our Christian homes, our Christian churches, and our Christian schools where children can escape the indoctrination of the secular schools -- and grow in the love of God and Godly families.
What is next on the secular/atheist agenda? What is the next move in their attempts to deny God?
God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,
Bill
So, when a large number of people tell me that they do not believe God exists -- I have to wonder how many of these are the anomalies, and how many only want to deny God exists, because they do not want to allow Him to be master of their lives?
Once again, I want to believe that the majority are in the latter group -- and there is still a chance to bring them to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Maybe I am naive; but, I know that my God exists -- and I know that He can save even the most stubborn and hopeless people. He proved that with the apostle, Paul, in Acts, chapter 9.
If you agree, share this with your Friends, Relatives, Associates, and Neighbors -- all your FRANs. Let's keep telling the world about the love of God; about His Word, written just for them; and the Gospel of Jesus Christ who wants all to be saved. Let's keep telling them all -- until He returns.
God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,
Bill Gray
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Hi to all my Forum Friends,
In the discussion titled "So Does God Decide Who Goes To Hell?" begun by our new Forum Friend, or an old Friend with a new posting name, Everlasting Godstopper (what does this posting name tell you?) -- there has been a running dialogue between Jan, a declared atheist, and Peter, a Christian believer.
As usual, Jan, and all of our atheist Friends, are comparing our belief in God to children's belief in Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy. She tells Peter, "A child believes in a Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, the Easter Bunny, right? However, when they grow up most put those kinds of fairy tales behind them and realized that they are not real. Some kids apparently only grow out of certain fairy tales and hold on to others. You seem to be one of those kids that held on to the biggest one of all.
So, because some of us other kids grew up and read a science book or two, we got past all those childhood falsehoods. Including your scary god figure that knows when we are sleeping, that knows when we're a wake, who knows if we've been bad or good. Oh for goodness sake!
And, Peter responds to Jan, "(Since) you think of God in the same way you think of Santa -- why are you wasting your time on a Forum about God?
Seriously! I don't care if you think of Him as a sky fairy. That's your choice. And, if I'm correct in my beliefs, you will have to deal with that choice one day. But why do you continue to scream from the mountain tops that the 'sky fairy' isn't real? Do you do that about Santa, the Tooth Fairy, or the Easter Bunny? NO? Didn't think so. God is so irrelevant to you, (yet) you sure do seem to spend a ton of time and energy discussing Him."
Peter, as long as the atheists can close their eyes (spiritual eyes) and keep repeating, "He is not real! He is not real! He is not real!" -- they can pretend, and, I imagine, even to some degree, convince themselves that He is not real.
I am reminded of a time when my brother and I were young boys in Sheffield. One evening, we were home alone and in bed -- when we heard someone opening a window and coming into our home. So, we did the intelligent thing -- we pulled the blanket over our heads! Hey, if we could not see him -- surely he could not see us! Right? Wrong!
When I was a young adult, believe it or not, I was, not necessarily afraid -- but, very nervous in the dark. I suppose I was imagining all the things lurking in the dark which could jump out and grab me. But, there I was -- a young adult -- and, basically afraid of the dark.
Then, I read a book by John Steinbeck, "Travels With Charlie." Steinbeck, who came from the mid-California Monterey area, had written about America for years and decided it was time to get on the road and see America again. He had a camper put on his pickup truck -- and, with his large poodle, Charlie, set out to see America.
Normally, he stopped at camp grounds so that he could interact with people. But, one evening there was no camp ground available; so, he pulled off the highway and parked for the night. In the middle of the night, he began to hear all sorts of night noises. He became nervous, got his gun, and went outside to see what was up. As it turned out, it was just that -- night noises and noises from the camper settling. So, once he had assured himself that all was well, he slept well.
Reading this, I thought to myself, "Self, if a manly man such as John Steinbeck can be afraid of the dark -- then, why are you so worried about this silly fear?" And, believe it or not -- from that moment I have never been nervous in the dark. As a matter of fact, I cannot sleep well unless it is very dark. If there is light seeping into the room where I am sleeping, I have to get a night mask to prevent the light from keeping me awake. Quite a reversal.
And, I sense that our atheist Friends fear that same kind of spiritual reversal, i.e, if they acknowledge God -- they will be accountable to God. Then, they could not be "masters of their own world" -- they could not be their own gods. So, the more this idea of a true God of the Bible tends to seep in through the cracks -- the bigger their night mask must be to keep Him out.
How can this dilemma -- this fear that there could be a real God and that He would take control of our lives and we would be His slaves -- be prevented? Well, I would suggest that we begin by teaching our children about God and His love when they are very young. Then, they can grow up understanding, feeling, and growing in the love of God -- rather than in fear of God.
Let me give you a good example; once again using my brother and me, and our childhood. When we were young -- 9, 10, 11, 12 -- we were both tall and skinny. Even though he is three years older, we were always about the same size. Yet, when we did things -- he was always the best, he always won. When we went into PeeWee Football, he was always the first string player -- and I was his second string backup. With the young ladies -- even those I had a crush on, always seemed to like my brother better.
Needless to say, I grew up feeling second best. How could this have been prevented? If only my mom, or some other adult in the family, would have set me down and explained that Bob is three years older and should be stronger and more mature; very likely things would have been different. No one ever did this and consequently I grew up feeling second best.
We even carried this silent competition into high school. Bob was the star of our Sheffield High track team. He was, with no doubt, the best 440 Dash runner in the state of Alabama at that time -- and was offered a scholarship to the University of Alabama. And, I have no doubt that, had he pursued this, he would have gone to the Olympics. Instead, he got married while still in high school.
Yet, this I will declare, again with absolute certainty, his wife for 56 years, Mary, is a far greater prize than any Olympic gold medal.
In high school, I played varsity basketball. I would go to Bob's track meets and cheer my head off for him; but, no way would I allow him to know this. In the same way, he would cheer for me at our Sheffield basketball games. But, in person -- you suck!
My point in this personal excursion into the past is that, if some adult had set me and Bob down as young boys and explained to us about our bodies, how he was supposed to be stronger and more mature because he was three years older -- very likely we would not have developed that competitive sibling rivalry which carried over into our adult lives. Today, praise God, that feeling is totally dead. But, I mourn the lost sibling camaraderie of those young years.
In the same way, if parents and grandparents are Christian believers, if children are raised in Godly Christian homes and environments -- they will grow up loving God and not fearing Him. That should be the goal of all parents and grandparents. But, of course, the parents and grandparents need to be Christian believers -- before they can raise the children to love God.
Assuring that all children will have this kind of Christian home environment in which to grow in God's love -- by witnessing to and evangelizing non-believing adults who are parents and grandparents, and young adult who will become parents -- should be our highest priority for all Christian believers. We can help plant the "seeds of salvation" which can turn a secular home into a Christian home -- and into a Christian environment in which children can grow into God loving, God worshiping, young adults. Can you think of a more effective way of assuring the eternal happiness of our children?
Of course, our atheist Friends will answer that last question by replying, "Yes! Just leave them alone and let them develop their own ideas and morality." That, my Friends, is called Moral Relativism and is the rallying call of all atheists and secularist -- and was the driving motivation for Madelyn Murray O'Hair and the ACLU in 1963 when they had God and prayer evicted from our pubic schools.
We all have witnessed the happy results of that 1963 decision by the Supreme Court: an explosion of drive-by shootings and teenage crimes; runaway teen pregnancy; rampant drug use among young children; children in elementary schools now routinely having sex; and, the highlight of the secular world view -- the "politically correct" teaching and indoctrination of homosexuality and same-sex marriage in our public schools, beginning in Kindergarten.
How has America and our families benefited from the secular Moral Relativism? How has America and our families benefited from God and prayer being evicted from our schools? In absolutely no way! Since 1963, it has been all down hill.
Since 1963, the only bastion for Positive Moral Values, i.e., Christian Values -- are our Christian homes, our Christian churches, and our Christian schools where children can escape the indoctrination of the secular schools -- and grow in the love of God and Godly families.
What is next on the secular/atheist agenda? What is the next move in their attempts to deny God?
God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,
Bill
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