The Christian Message

"LutherRocks:" You are asking me my tho...

2012-05-06T23:32:28.440-04:00

"LutherRocks:"

You are asking me my thoughts, but, basically, my thoughts originate from an earthy sinful nature. How can I possibly understand and / or evaluate the actions and intents of our Creator God, of holiness? Hence, if I were to answer from that sinful perspective, I might be questioning God, thinking that what you mention is contradictory. But, when I subject my thoughts to God's thoughts (the Scriptures), I recognize a paradox. Scripture says that God's desire is that all men, be saved. [1 Timothy 2:4] This, of course refers to all people. But, at the same time, I believe another Scripture teaches that God predestinates. [Ephesians 1:3;4;5] Human reason would like to force us to reconcile the two. But, I believe that it is impossible for men. But, not for God.

However, I don't even care to attempt to understand all of this. To me, this issue which you raise is one of those paradoxes which have to be accepted by faith. Also, it is one of those "secret things" of God. [Deuteronomy 29:29] Here, again, the element of faith enters in. By faith, I believe that God is faithful. He cannot lie, and He deals justly. And, far be it for me to question the Almighty:

Romans 11:33 - "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!" [KJV]

Finally, about your reference to "limited atonement." I don't believe that "limited atonement" is taught in Scripture. I believe that was one of the Calvinistic inventions of the 16th Century. But, be that as it may, we have to, again, (by God's grace, in operation with His Holy Spirit), accept what the Scripture tells us:

2 Corinthians 5:15 - "......he [Christ] died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again."

Back up a 4 verses and note what is attributed to the Apostle Paul (under direct inspiration of the Holy Spirit). Note his evangelistic fervor to preach the Gospel:

2 Corinthians 5:11 - ".....Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men;....."

In short, brother - don't allow some of these human questions to wrack your brain:

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones........." Proverbs 3:5-8 and, as follows....[KJV]

Thank you pastor, for your edifying message. I am...

2012-05-06T22:02:32.871-04:00

Thank you pastor, for your edifying message.

I am curious though...I am wondering where you stand in regard to intuitu fidei. Is faith the cause of election or is election the cause of faith?

It also seems to me that they who teach that the forgiveness of sins is only for those who believe, teach that even though Christ's atoning sacrifice took the sins of the world away so that every man could have the forgiveness of sins since it is God's will for all to be saved, is not for all men. This seems to me a kind of limited atonement. What are your thoughts?

Two verses come to mind, Ananias and Sapphiras who...

2012-04-29T22:59:48.237-04:00

Two verses come to mind, Ananias and Sapphiras who sold land and kept a part of the money, but lied about giving it all to the apostles.Peter asked, Why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? When a person, particularly a Christian lies to himself/herself they aren't lying to their conscience, they are lying to the Holy Spirit who indwells all Christians. Acts 5:3
One verse that has always had an impact on me is one found in Isaiah 63:8 "For He said,"Surely they are My people, children who will not lie" So He became their Savior" I never want to hurt God, so this has become a life verse for me.
I enjoyed your article very much; very thought provoking.

I learned something today: the 4th principle of Bi...

2012-04-28T07:05:04.827-04:00

I learned something today: the 4th principle of Biblical interpretation. Build upon clear passages to unwrap the ambiguous and the hard passages.

I would add a 6th: "Whatever scripture means to you personally, God meant something non-subjective and specific."

And a 7th: "Scripture must be understood as what it meant in the original Hebrew or Greek (or Chaldee or Aramaic)." Application of this principle would circumvent misunderstandings inherent in the multiple meanings of English words, such as mistaking "Logos" for "biblos" because both Greek words are tranlated into English as "word". For example, John 1:1 is not infrequently misunderstood to mean, "In the beginning was the Word (the Bible), and the Word (the Bible) was with God, and the Word (the Bible) was God."

Anonymous – Thank you for visiting The Christian...

2012-04-25T00:01:11.168-04:00

Anonymous –

Thank you for visiting The Christian Message site. It saddens me that you would make such (baseless) charges. Surely you couldn't have missed what appears on every page of this website, towards the top right where I state:

"It is the intention and prayer of this website's author, to convey the Christian Message through various topical messages, instruction and information........"

I rather think that you are needlessly taking offense because your perception of reality and of Creator God is not in keeping with His Scriptural revelation as historically documented in the Bible. I mention in the top tab under "Links / Author," the following:

"I do not hesitate to convey that which I have received and understand from my Creator, Triune God, and Savior, Christ, in keeping with the Divine Revelation of the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures."

Furthermore, you didn't evidence your charge against me.

Finally, I invite you to keep reading this website. Perhaps, God's Holy Spirit will open your mind to understand the Scriptures and then in the future you won't think that someone such as I, am a hate-monger. Perhaps, you will come to a fuller and more complete understanding of God and understand that God hates sin; is angry with the sinner, - while at the same time, loves the sinner and is continually calling the sinner through the divine revelation Word to repentance and faith.

Please next time, don't damn, that which you, (at least at this time) are, apparently incapable of understanding. 1 Corinthians 2:14

I have never seen such hatred, self-rightousness, ...

2012-04-22T00:47:34.501-04:00

I have never seen such hatred, self-rightousness, and ignorance in my life. That you see God as sadistic shows your ignorance of spirituality and God.

Great message. Thanks you.

2012-03-30T01:25:42.159-04:00

Great message. Thanks you.

these days are modern day Sodom and Gomorrah, the ...

2012-03-20T15:02:56.281-04:00

these days are modern day Sodom and Gomorrah, the liberal propaganda in Hollywood as pressed inside the heads of the world as sex being casual. We are in the end times this is one of the signs, things will most likely get worse.

Anonymous – The crux of your comment deals with ...

2012-03-19T01:00:53.753-04:00

Anonymous –

The crux of your comment deals with the Scripture's integrity and reliability.

First of all, here are a couple of links [below] of general and specific information about the Bible, itself. These informational links make it clear that the Bible is set apart from all other literary works, both modern, and, of antiquity.

"The Bible:"
http://carm.org/cut-bible

"Manuscript evidence for superior New Testament reliability:"
http://carm.org/manuscript-evidence

Secondly, the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures are a compilation of singular writings. These writings were examined and selected according to certain criteria and then codified into what is commonly referred to, as "the Cannon of Scripture." Here, is a link to help you further understand The Canon of Scripture and its process:

"The Canon of Scripture:"
http://www.blueletterbible.org/faq/canon.cfm

Furthermore, your comment seemed to suggest that you were placing the Hebrew and Christian Scripture's (Bible) on a comparative level with all other literary works. Such, is not possible for a number of reasons.

History indicates that various cultures possessed their dominate, forte features. For instance, The Romans were known for their high quality roadways, some of which still exist, today. The Scriptures were the prized possession of the Hebrew Culture. The Jewish people took utmost care to protect the Scriptures. And that included the whole copying / transmission process. [Please note also the aforementioned links, and relish carm.org as a reservoir of information]

Also, Scripture itself claims to be the true God’s [the Triune God’s] Divine Revelation. It claims for itself, exclusivity. It claims to be a writing of total truth, humanly penned, under direct “inspiration” of God. 2 Timothy 3:14-17 ; 2 Peter 1:20;21 ; John 17:7 ; Psalm 12:6 ; Psalm 19:7;8;9 ; Psalm 119:144

Yet, also, the Hebrew Christian Scriptures are full of prophecy. If you would just do a study about the prophecies concerning Jesus Christ, you would be forced to be honestly amazed. No other sacred or religious book can even compare to the Bible when it comes to the topic of prophecy and fulfilled prophecy. Do a quick Google search and find the book by Josh McDowell – “Evidence That Demands a Verdict.” This Christian apologist and Speaker, lists the many Biblical prophecies and their specific fulfillments, oftentimes several centuries later. Biblical prophecy in and of itself attests to the Divine origin and Divine authorship of the Bible.

Finally, your life is ticking away. Each moment brings you closer to the time frame in which you will have to meet your Maker. You may choose to dismiss the Scripture's message that your Maker is none other than the Creator / Savior Christ. It would be physically impossible for you to spend your whole life inquiring of the truth, (looking for this and that “proof”) and to ready your soul for the hereafter. If you are truly honest with yourself, you have to come to the conclusion that you are not perfect and that your efforts of searching for the truth, is a "hit and miss" proposition.

However, there is good news! And that good news is that the God, who created you, did not leave you without a clue and, without a “map.” His greatest gift to the world (next to His "only begotten Son") was, and still is the (historical) Scriptures, the Bible. In that book are all the necessary answers. But, those answers cannot be grasped and accepted by human reason. It takes faith. And, the Scriptures tell us that "faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God." [Romans 10:17] So, you see - if you reject the Scriptures, you reject the message and the prophesied Messiah, the Christ, who is the very One, who can save your priceless soul.

I see a lot of Bible passages you referenced here....

2012-03-17T23:13:29.034-04:00

I see a lot of Bible passages you referenced here. What I wanna know is, how do we know that the Bible has NEVER been altered, edited, tampered with, etc... after it was written umpteen thousand years ago to conform with somebody's personal liking? You can't tell me that sinful man has NEVER EVER altered that Bible. If it's the absolute truth that the Bible has never been altered in any way, shape, or form, I would like to see some sort of proof of that......

Dear Fergus - First of all, thank you for visiti...

2012-02-20T20:22:17.053-05:00

Dear Fergus -

First of all, thank you for visiting "The Christian Message" site. Please feel free to visit often. This website is not a commercial endeavor. I only attempt to be the good Lord's servant, disseminating what He has graciously given me. I hope and pray that His blessing come upon you.

Secondly, I can't but help but think from your comment that you are in bitter spirits. It is obvious that you "have it in for" the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures.

Thirdly, is appears that the reason for your disgust and discontent with the Scriptures, is that you cannot seem to conceive that a book from the past can have such an impact upon this present day culture. Is that because your bias against the Bible stands outside your realm of finite understanding?

Fourthly, you draw the unsubstantiated conclusion that you reject the Old Testament Hebrew Scriptures "because most of it is provably untrue." [Your words] Frankly, I don't know why you would reasonably draw such a conclusion, without evidencing your bias. And, I will ad that needy souls make the colossal mistake of dismissing something that they cannot understand. Would a reasonable person dismiss Einstein's Theory of Relativity because it is beyond his present comprehension?

Furthermore, I will grant you a plus. Whether you have come upon it by happen chance or, whether God's Holy Spirit is beginning to make some inroads upon your priceless sinful and lost soul. You say:

".....I reject the New Testament because without the OT it makes no sense." [Your words]

Perhaps, without realizing it, you have discovered an obvious reality. Whether you even care to realize it, the Christian New Testament Scriptures are a fulfillment of the Old Testament Scriptures. This reality is due to the substance and theme of the totality of the Scriptures. That major "theme" is the message of the person of Christ the Messiah. He was foretold and prophesied in the Old Testament and wondrously fulfilled those prior prophecies (some, 600 years after) as documented in the then future New Testament writing times.

Fergus - I encourage you to keep reading from this site. There is no limit to the operation of God's Holy Spirit and the work which He can do in your heart and thinking process. Please do read my latest topical message, and I pray for your understanding:

"Understanding the Bible – Reasons Why Non Christians Don’t Comprehend the Holy Scriptures:"

http://www.thechristianmessage.org/2012/02/understanding-bible-reasons-why-non.html

Oh, yes, try if you may, not to allow your human reasoning to stand in the way of receiving God's gracious Word (the Scriptures). The principal that I've learned in the Old Testament book of Proverbs is this: A soul begins to understand when he begins to receive. First comes reception; then, understanding. Try as is humanly possible for you to admit that there is much that you don't know and will ever know. No human being can come to perfect head knowledge about everything and then decide to connect the dots. Thinking that you or anyone can do that, is, simply, not possible. And, if it were, it would only happen when hell freezes over. And, according to the Good Book, that isn’t going to happen.

"Scripture itself makes it clear why many peo...

2012-02-20T19:20:35.051-05:00

"Scripture itself makes it clear why many people do not receive the Christian Message"

Rubbish. What can a book written 1,900 years ago have to say about the reasons people reject christianity NOW? The answer seems obvious: nothing. I reject the Old Testament because most of it is provably untrue and I reject the New Testament because without the OT it makes no sense.

Dear Dr. Mbobi, First of all, thank you for visit...

2012-02-07T23:11:24.611-05:00

Dear Dr. Mbobi,

First of all, thank you for visiting "The Christian Message." May you visit often, as the Spirit of God, working with the Word of God (the Scriptures) may, by His grace give you a spirit of genuine understanding.

Secondly, I don't know where you are quoting me from, as I believe that this topical message does not bring up about our chief White House occupier, as being an unconstitutional US president. Barack Obama. Perhaps, you read a comment of mine following an online news piece. But, be that as it may, I find your comment rather curious and illogical. Your viewpoint tells me that you begrudge me my opinion (free speech) United States 1st Amendment right.

Also, your comment - specifically, "not worthy of a clergyman" is nothing that I have not heard before. I am accustomed to hearing people criticize Christians, such as I for speaking our opinion voice. And, I've heard the "'clergyman' bit" before, - as if Christian pastors should sit down and be quiet and never express personal political views.

Thirdly, I think that you took offense at my "birther" position, namely, that I do not think Mr. Obama to be a legitimate US president. It saddens me that someone of your intelligence would take offense (when no offense by me was intended or given) and initiate the political correctness game of playing the "race card." The part of your comment in which you insinuate that I am a racist, saddens me. I've found that in the past, people who accuse others of being hate mongers, that they (instead) are the real bigots.

Furthermore, I believe that you draw the wrong conclusion about Christ. You insinuate that Christ's presence and preached message brought about "peace." Yet you do not clarify. What type of "peace?" A human political correctness "peace" in which people, such as you would like to shut everyone up and label them hate mongers?

Finally, if you would but seriously read and study the Scriptures, you would, (by God's grace), be able to recognize the type of peace which Christ came to bring. Try this Scripture for starters - Matthew 10:34. But, then make sure to read that Gospel in context, - Matthew 10:32-42

And, may you also check out 1 Corinthians 13:6, where God tells us that love does not rejoice in iniquity but in the truth. A world truly at "peace" will welcome the Messiah Christ of the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures. He is the "Prince of Peace."

Again, thank you for visiting The Christian Message. Please continue to visit, as I attempt to be only a human tool to disseminate the Triune God's revelation truths as set forth in the historical Hebrew and Christian Scriptures.

Pastor emeritus Nathan Bickel, Your comment on th...

2012-02-07T19:58:06.288-05:00

Pastor emeritus Nathan Bickel,

Your comment on the president as being a "non natural born citizen, illegitimate, illegal bogus "president," is not worthy of a clergyman. You are just upset that President Obama is black and occupying the highest office in the world. I really feel sorry for you and people who think like you.

My suggestion to you is get used to it because America in a couple of decades will not be your beloved "white country." I wonder who the people are who listen to your garbage sermon. I do believe that if Christ were walking the streets today as he did 2000 years ago, your church would be the last place he would have attended. Christ preached peace, you preach hate. What a contrast.

Dr. Mbobi

I have struggled my whole life without a father, b...

2012-01-23T15:38:34.819-05:00

I have struggled my whole life without a father, but I have God and that is all that matters. I have been trying to spread the word how important it is for us Men to be men of God.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Christ-Followers/345664472118860?sk=wall

Humbling and true. My prayer is that america will ...

2011-08-31T14:52:27.498-04:00

Humbling and true. My prayer is that america will stop overlooking abortion and bring it to an utter halt. As for the well over 705,000 thousand sex offenders in america how many truly were worthy and deserve to have to register for 10 years to life. It hurts to see some of these people being overly charged and forced to register.

Dear Anonymous, Thank you for your comment. Howev...

2011-06-20T22:26:57.118-04:00

Dear Anonymous,

Thank you for your comment. However, I do not concur with your blistering "take" on this topical sermon message and its [human] author, [me].

Apparently, you accuse me of being unreasonably judgmental and without mercy. You utilize as your example how even the Lord showed mercy on one of the Jewish people's most wicked kings, Manasseh. Yet, you leave out the reality that Manasseh repented. [Also, I think that you skipped the last part of the topical sermon message when I mentioned that God is a "God of mercy and forgiveness"]

Furthermore, I find that your critical comment is par for the course. Your comment reminds me, how some online forum liberal extremists argue. Like many of them, you totally avoid the subject and go to work, attempting to either discredit and / or, demonize the messenger.

I saw nothing in your comment decrying the reality that the unconstitutional, non natural born citizen, illegitimate, illegal bogus "president," is heavily involved in American genocide. Instead, you preach the lib line that castigates any Christian minister for making spiritual assessments about political leaders, thereby holding them accountable and responsible for their immoral policies and actions.

Finally, I suggest that you read one of my past topical sermons in which I describe a common trait of people who debate and argue, such as yourself. If you will take the time to read it, perhaps, next time, you will not be so "struck" when a Christian minister exercises his right as a preacher and his First Amendment rights as an American citizen:

Absolutes and Christ’s often misunderstood words of “Judge not…..”

http://www.thechristianmessage.org/2011/02/absolutes-and-christs-often.html

Were you ever defrocked for spiritual malpractice?...

2011-06-20T21:13:51.122-04:00

Were you ever defrocked for spiritual malpractice? God will strip you naked, and leave you bare to the winds for you are the most obvious example of one who's lips say the word love, but who's heart is that of a whore for hatred. For even God showed mercy on Manasseh, who committed his own son to the fire and erected idols in the Temple. Yet you have knelt before the idol of political power and sacrificed the mercy of Christ before the ashera of hatred, prostituting yourself and the clerics title to self-legitimize your Pharisaic nature. You would have been screaming, "Barabbas, barabbas" and looked on contentedly as Stephen challenged your self-righteous spititual negligence. all indications point to the possibility that you are currently suffereing the consequences of the dark nature of your sould, Yet God will take mercy on you, and love you until you are prepared to show the same mercy you have recieved. You were once not a people, and Nathan, It seems that you have rejected God's offer to now be a people.

2011-05-26T20:47:54.745-04:00

This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

Great post!

2011-03-31T01:13:06.009-04:00

Great post!

Anonymous -- I find your comments to be, somewhat,...

2011-02-04T13:56:26.536-05:00

Anonymous -- I find your comments to be, somewhat, ambiguous. Without stating your principle objection to the topical message, -- why Jesus Christ rejected the theory of evolution, you make some hasty generalizations. I counted 3 times in which you used the following words: "Every," "all," "everything else," May I suggest that a local community college logic course would help you to formulate your assertions more clearly, minus the fallacy of generalizations.

Secondly, you presuppose that what I posted was written by ancient "desert dwelling nomads." If, what you object to, is the Scripture, which I utilize to help support my assertion that Jesus Christ, rejected the evolutionary theory that life came from other than Himself [as Creator] -- then, I can understand why you would have a problem with this topical sermon message.

My message underscores [assumes by faith] the divine revelation [origin] of Scripture. God uses people of His choosing as "human instruments." Whether they were simple people, as you seem to imply, made no difference to the Lord. He chooses what is considered the "foolishness of the world," "to confound" the [self considered] "wise." [1 Corinthians 1:25-29]

Finally, allow me to leave you with 2 premier websites, as they may help you not to assume what is not -- and, why [true] "science" and Scripture need not contradict, one another.

These sites also help to explain how the theory of evolution is pseudo science and incompatible with genuine science. Perhaps, after frequently visiting these two excellent sites, you may have more questions than answers, for yourself. But, at least you may gain a certain degree of respect for the special book, which Christians [by faith] consider to be divinely inspired.

http://www.icr.org/

http://www.answersingenesis.org/

Thank you for visiting, "The Christian Message."

Every argument you make was written by some 2000 y...

2011-02-04T01:28:43.178-05:00

Every argument you make was written by some 2000 year old desert dwelling nomads. It was a useful tool to give people quick answers when they had no means to produce better ones. It is not a valid thing to produce as evidence for your arguments, which is all the evidence you did produce. Also while your beliefs can be summed up by saying "god made everything", any remotely scientific argument, just like everything else in life, is much more complicated than it seems, and certainly much more than you went into detail about. I imagine this stems from some serious misconceptions about evolution that I'm sure a quick Bio course at your local community college could clear up for you.

Anonymous -- Please explain why you "hope,&qu...

2011-02-04T01:12:14.893-05:00

Anonymous -- Please explain why you "hope," [your word] the message is a "joke." [your description]

I really hope this is a joke...

2011-02-04T00:25:50.712-05:00

I really hope this is a joke...