Uncategorized
It’s Common Sense
Alliance Defending Freedom is a Christian non-profit ministry defending our religious rights. The “good guys.”
There is Only One Path
Located in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee lies Mt. LeConte. At 6,593 feet, it is the third highest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are five separate trails (Alum Cave, Rainbow Falls, Trillium Gap, Bullhead and Boulevard) that reach the summit. Some are harder than others but they all reach their destination. I’ve been to Mt. LeConte on three of those five trails and sure enough, I always ended up at the top of the mountain.
In today’s religious landscape, it’s popular to believe in many spiritual paths. Tolerance is preached as the ultimate in religious maturity. Many people want to create their own personal idea of God and salvation and develop their own path to get there, one that is easy and comfortable.
The truth is, there is only one path…through Jesus!
It may be unpopular to speak in absolutes, but the Bible, the inspired word…
View original post 246 more words
Silly Putty Bible
Silly Putty Bible
image: http://www.prophecynewswatch.com/images/recent/sillyputtymay062016.jpg
BY ALF CENGIA/ZETEO316.COM MAY 06, 2016
Silly putty Bible! No, I’m not being irreverent. The thing about silly putty is that you can twist it any way you like. You are its master, not the other way around. The Bible is often treated in the same fashion – many professing Christians prefer to dictate to it. They don’t want the Bible to intrude into their lives.
John MacArthur hits the bull’s-eye in one sentence when commenting on the contemporary state of Christianity, the world and God’s word. He writes:
The Bible is treated like Silly Putty, pressed and reshaped to suit the shifting interests of popular culture. ~ The Inerrant Word (page 26) (<- affiliate link)
MacArthur states that when he began his ministry nearly half a century ago, he fully expected to deal with assaults on Scripture by skeptics and unbelievers. It’s natural for the unbelievers’ carnal mind to reject the truth and the Bible’s authority (Rom 8:7Open in Logos Bible Software (if available)).
However, from the beginning of his ministry until the present time, MacArthur notes that the most dangerous attacks against God’s word have come from the evangelical community. He lists: “seminary professors, megachurch pastors, charismatic charlatans on television, popular evangelical authors, Christian psychologists, and bloggers on the evangelical fringe.”
I believe the last category is growing and exerting influence among young Christians. Young bloggers emerge from seminary and immediately begin questioning some of the fundamentals of the faith. The word evangelical is also losing its traditional meaning and is long due for revision.
“The shifting interests of popular culture.”
Churches which prioritize culture – dressed up in social justice issues – inevitably leave Scripture behind. A classic example is the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (and many others). It first crossed my radar through ELCA New Testament Professor Barbara Rossing’s materials. It was frustrating to read anything written by Rossing with a Bible in hand.
Her views on the book of Revelation, the denial of the reality of God’s wrath etc, and her commitment to environmentalism, can be explained by an article I found online. It was an in-house discussion centered on the acceptance of the practice of homosexuality. Rossing argued that one should adopt a hermeneutics of diversity when interpreting Scripture.
She called it “faithful diversity.” That’s the silly putty MacArthur referred to.
Another example emerged from a 2005 Lutheran Advent Newsletter. The goal of the newsletter was to promote acceptance of homosexuality. One columnist suggested it was time for Lutherans to close their Bibles for a few months. He asserted that they weren’t going to find the answer to the question there!
Well the answer is there but it wasn’t what they wanted to hear. They didn’t care what could be proven via God’s word. It could be bypassed. The ELCA had already determined to serve the culture and was seeking ways to justify it.
ELCA Pastor Nadia Bolz-Weber takes a different strategy to serving culture. In her book, she wrote the following Bullet Point:
The Bible is not God. The Bible is simply the cradle that holds Christ. Anything in the Bible that does not hold up to the Gospel of Jesus simply does not have the same authority. ~ Pastrix (p 49)
In many cases the definition of the gospel has been infused with social justice issues. Her Bullet point is familiar. Remember anti-Zionist Anglican priest Naim Ateek? He once said:
When confronted with a difficult passage in the Bible or with a perplexing contemporary event, one needs to ask such simple questions as: Does this fit the picture I have of God that Jesus has revealed to me? … If it does, then that passage is valid and authoritative. If not, then I cannot accept its validity or authority.
In one chapter of her book, Bolz-Weber discusses her decision to become a pastor. Under the chapter’s title she has 1 Tim 2:11-12Open in Logos Bible Software (if available). But it’s there as a note of defiance. She doesn’t attempt to debate Paul or seek scriptural approval. What mattered to her was the desire to become a pastor and her parents’ approval.
In another chapter she turns the story of Philip and the Egyptian eunuch upside down (Acts 8:26-40Open in Logos Bible Software (if available)). Suddenly the eunuch represents the lowly LGBTI community sent to teach Philip (us) a life lesson – not the other way around.
This is a practical example of diversity values trumping the expositional teaching of the Bible.
Many U.S. churches are not only embracing homosexuality, they also defend Planned Parenthood. In one spectacular example of circular reasoning a Beliefnet columnist posited that the Bible is silent on abortion. Therefore, she argued, each person, created in God’s image, must exercise moral choice based on that “individual’s dignity and autonomy.”
The Bible is silent on many other things we know are wrong. Yet when clear biblical injunctions against murder and infanticide are raised, a counter-argument is to challenge the status of the unborn child. But, just in case, the article spins the gross lie that abortion is ultimately doing an unwanted baby a favor:
Because we believe in the sanctity of human life that we believe a child has the right to enter the world wanted and loved. Because we believe in the sanctity of human life we are sensitive to the effects of an unwanted pregnancy upon individual women, upon their loved ones and their families, and we recognize that they, not we, must determine what is best for those directly concerned and involved.
Does God have any say?
The serpent couldn’t have turned a better argument (Gen 3:1Open in Logos Bible Software (if available)). It’s not murder because it’s not a baby in one instance: but abortion is morally acceptable, even if it’s a baby, in another instance because it’s better for mother and child in the long run.
Examples like this are almost endless. One popular pastor blogged the following gem:
The truth is, you can completely doubt the accuracy of the bible, and yet be bible-minded to such a degree that Christ is clearly alive in and through you.
This same fellow recently suggested that Jesus was born “intersex.” What would motivate him to preach that?
Just over seventy years ago Wilbur M. Smith wrote a book (Therefore Stand ) warning about was coming. He based it on what had occurred in the past, and what was developing in his day. Smith warned that certain institutions (Humanism etc) and other cultural dynamics were influencing schools, universities and even Christian institutions.
He saw an increasing trend where professing Christian ministers began to deny God’s word. They questioned inerrancy, creation, Christ’s resurrection, sin and future judgment. They treated the Bible as an antiquated book of moral platitudes. Does it sound familiar?
What these self-described Christian leaders have done is dethrone God’s word by enthroning the culture in its place. Instead of identifying in Christ, they embrace their sin natures. There is little to no teaching about holy living and repentance.
Fundamentalist objections to sacred social narratives are treated with contempt. One cannot biblically question abortion, homosexuality or same-sex marriage etc without being classified a homophobe or hater.
One day these slaves to cultural whims will lose the sanctimonious mask they’re hiding behind. The truth is that in departing from Scripture they’ve begun worshiping another god.
But whether one likes it, or chooses to disbelieve it, we’ll all eventually bow the knee to Jesus Christ (Phil 2:9-12Open in Logos Bible Software (if available)).
And it’s far better that we faithfully do it now rather than later.
But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death. Rev 21:8Open in Logos Bible Software (if available)
Applying a silly-putty interpretation to that warning won’t change its Truth.
Originally published at zeteo316.com – reposted with permission
Target Must be Destroyed
Target Must be Destroyed–Boycotted into Bankruptcy!
Don Boys, Ph.D.
http://donboys.cstnews.com/target-must-be-destroyed-boycotted-into-bankruptcy
Every time Cato the Elder (born 234 B.C.) spoke to the Roman Senate, whatever the subject, he ended each speech with, “And Carthage [on the coast of North Africa] must be destroyed.” After many years, Carthage was defeated and destroyed. Carthage had been defeated twice before but quickly rebuilt, revived, and returned to threaten the Roman Republic. So Cato thought it best to destroy them for good. This was accomplished in theThird Battle of Carthage in 146 BC, and the cities’ entire remaining population was sold into slavery, consequently it never again posed a threat to Rome.
Target must be destroyed, not just boycotted and humbled into submission regarding their love affair with the LGBT crowd. Target’s statement said, “We welcome transgender team members and guests to use the restroom or fitting room facility that corresponds with their gender identity,” the retailer said. “Everyone deserves to feel like they belong.” No, everyone deserves to be protected and have privacy; and the situation of sexual predators with a camera in female restrooms is not protection or privacy.
Now, there should be no mistake about Target’s rights in this matter. They have every right to do exactly what they are doing. I have advocated many times for the right of business people to run their business without government interference. They should be able to open and close when they desire, hire whomever they please, sell to whomever they please, pay any amount they want, and fire anyone for any reason whenever they choose. This is assuming there is no contract. That is the way America used to be. Moreover, I have every right to disagree with all their decisions, despise all their products and have the right to tell all my friends that it would be a wise decision, in my opinion, to never shop there again. That is also freedom and it does not conflict with any biblical principle.
I support the present boycott of Target; however, it is not a winning strategy. If we hold to the boycott and it grows with intensity until Target’s parking lot is almost empty then Target’s CEO will be forced to back down, but we will have only won a temporary victory. My desire is that Target should be destroyed even if they relent (not the same as repent) and ask to be accepted back into decent society again. However, I say that there should not be a rush back through their doors as if Target had not declared war on our women and girls.
I don’t want to be misunderstood. I do not agree with Rome’s total war of elimination at Carthage, but we should pursue the Target boycott all the way to bankruptcy! In our “war” with Target, Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Ford, Disney, and hundreds more, we should not be motivated by hate or self-righteousness but by principle: those groups chose the wrong side in this cultural war; and they must take the consequences. For sure, I want my grandchildren and others to know what side I was on; and, with Target, I want their failure to be an example for others since I am interested in victory not a truce.
Critics will suggest that that is unchristian since the theme of the Bible is redemption; however, that is for persons, not entities. Others are free to rush back to Target but I choose not to do so, even if Target’s CEO weeps copious tears, throws dirt over his head, and rips his Brooks Brothers’ suit on national television. I believe the boycott should not cease! At least if we are serious about winning this cultural war. After a few years, if Target walks the walk I might reconsider my decision. Others will choose to make various decisions which is everyone’s right. And it might help in my decision if their checkout ladies started dropping a KJV Bible into each shopping bag.
When considering the status of America, the power of the LGBT lobby, and the brainwashing of Americans, I believe the best procedure is to sacrifice a business–that frankly does not deserve any consideration–and leave its wreckage along the business highway as a warning to others: don’t think you can disregard the people whose ancestors build this nation–without paying a price.
People have a right to expect God to fulfill His promise of redemption but businesses don’t have that right. When Target goes belly up, it will send a loud message to other businesses that it is not wise to use perversion to antagonize principled people.
Numerous businesses need to get the message that decent people will not accept perversion as normal or a female restroom being used by a man who thinks he is a female. If a business wants to be LGBT friendly, that is one thing but to take an aggressive, asinine, and arrogant anti-family position as Target has done, is another.
Let me assure everyone that the road to America’s moral garbage dump is paved with bad intentions. The Perversion Lobby wants to destroy your way of life. A successful boycott is a way to make a difference instead of whining about our “mistreatment.”
Hey, even a dog knows the difference in being stumbled over and kicked around. We have been kicked too many times and we expect acknowledgement and respect as we make our purchases. We will take public action to make the anti-family crowd feel our muscle at their cash registers. It’s a matter of principle. If Target goes bankrupt, it will be a lesson to others that they reaped what they sowed and it will be an example to others not to jump on the LGBT bandwagon.
Even the dullest of business leaders should get the message: choose your friends carefully.
I hope and pray that this boycott is as permanent as Rome’s success at Carthage.
Boys’ new book, Evolution: Fact, Fraud, or Faith? was published last week by Barbwire Books; to get your copy of Evolution: Fact, Fraud, or Faith? click here. An eBook edition is also available.
(Dr. Don Boys is a former member of the Indiana House of Representatives; ran a large Christian school in Indianapolis, wrote columns for USA Today for eight years; authored 15 books and hundreds of columns and articles for Internet and print media publications; defended his beliefs on hundreds of talk shows. These columns go to newspapers, magazines, television, and radio stations and may be used without change from title through the end tag. His web sites are www.cstnews.com and www.Muslimfact.com andwww.thegodhaters.com. Contact Don for an interview or talk show.)
Follow Dr. Boys on Facebook at CSTNews and TheGodHaters, Twitter, and visit his blog.
RELATED: Targeting Target
The views expressed herein are the sole responsibility of the article’s author, or of the person(s) or organization(s) quoted therein, and do not necessarily represent those of The Olive Branch Report.
I can’t even Walk – Gaithers
The Third Harbinger
AND WE WONDER WHAT IS HAPPENING TO OUR COUNTRY?
Lo But the Hand of God is Mighty
Smile for the day.
Truth in Palmyra
truthinpalmyra.wordpress.com
http://www.facebook.com/elahministries
Blessings to you
Franklin Graham to Christians
Franklin Graham to Christians: Take Back America
Evangelical leader says today is ‘most dangerous time in history’ and only hope ‘is in Almighty God’
by Deirdre Reilly
Evangelist and CEO of both the Christian relief organization Samaritan’s Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Franklin Graham (son of Billy Graham) has a serious message for Christians all over this country.
The message, like the man, is straightforward: It is time for Christians to get actively involved in politics.
Graham and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association are visiting all 50 states with their Decision America 2016 tour. They’re holding prayer rallies to challenge Christians to pray for America and its leaders, and to live and promote biblical principles at home, in public, and, very importantly, at the ballot box.
LifeZette spoke exclusively to Franklin Graham, 63, about the tour, the current spiritual state of America, the role of faith in politics — and how average Americans can turn the current progressive tide and bring back traditional values.
“We’re living in the most dangerous period of history in our nation,” said Graham, who is from Asheville, North Carolina. “It wasn’t the Civil or Revolutionary Wars or World War I or II that were the most dangerous — that time is now. We’re fighting the war within, the moral war. If Christians don’t stand up now we’re going to lose — and we’re going to lose big.”
Graham answered LifeZette’s other questions about changing America.
Q: Tell us about your “Decision America 2016 Tour” — how is that going?
A: It’s gone much better than I ever envisioned. We’ve pulled permits in all 50 states for 3,500 attendees at the state capitals, thinking if we got 500 people we would have a nice crowd. Our smallest crowd has been about 1500 and our largest has been around 10,000. People get there early. I’m talking hours early — and they aren’t coming to be entertained. In Concord, New Hampshire, people stood for hours in 18-degree weather before we even began. The wind was blowing 30 miles an hour and they braved that to hear the message.
Q: Why is “Decision America” drawing such big crowds?
A: People are coming to pray. Whether they are Democrat or Republican, they’re coming out because they’re dissatisfied. People realize that Washington is broken, and they know that politicians will promise anything, but then when they get into office nothing happens.
I would hope that during this election cycle people get mad enough to act. I’m not backing Donald Trump by saying this, but you see it at his rallies — people are mad. And they are concerned enough that they will attend our rallies. They realize that if we don’t turn around, we’re finished.
People sense the only hope this country has is God. I ask them to take the hand of the person next to them — and it could be the hand of a stranger — and I ask that we confess the sins of our nation. Let’s confess it out loud to God on the Capitol steps. I offer a gospel invitation, and I ask people to surrender their lives to Christ. We have had hundreds accept Christ. Then, I encourage people to get involved.
Q: How can the average American affect change in the country?
A: We talk a lot about the presidential election on the tour, because that is what the news focuses on, but there are races that are just as important or maybe even more important and those are: Who is going to be your mayor? Who is going to be your state representative or serve on your city council? We need to get Christian men and women to run for office across this country.
To be a county commissioner or mayor in a small town is not a full-time job. Normally county commissioners meet once a month for two or three hours on an afternoon. What I say is: “Every one of you ought to be a county commissioner. Every one of you ought to sit on city council. You can do this. We can take our communities back, one city, one municipality at a time.”
I encourage Christians to get on school boards, too. The filth and the trash that is being approved for kids to read and study today is pitiful, and we need to take these decisions back.
Q: Should politics be kept out of faith — or vice versa?
A: Christians need to be actively involved in politics. People say, “Well, what about separation of church and state?” Well, that’s a lie — our forefathers never told us Christians should be silent and uninvolved. They meant that government could not set up a religion. France was Catholic back then, England had the Church of England, and Germany was Lutheran — our new country could not be set up under one denomination, that’s what they intended. You were never intended to be separated from your faith. Our forefathers never meant to stop us from preaching, or praying, or living out our faith.
Q: How can we use our faith to effect change?
A: As Christians, our voice needs to be heard. We need to stand up, and we don’t need to worry about being politically correct — if you stand for the name of Christ you won’t be politically correct, so forget about that! Let’s take a stand for Almighty God, and for His truth and His righteousness. Churches and pastors are frightened, afraid to speak out because they don’t want to be called intolerant.
When Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life, and no one comes unto the Father but by me” — that was intolerant. Take a stand. We can be both bold and Christian.
I don’t just want to practice my faith, I want to live it. Christ called the Pharisees hypocrites and vipers. He wasn’t lovey-dovey. He called it what it was. He took action. We need to do the same and take this country back.
“You were never intended to be separated from your faith. Our forefathers never meant to stop us from preaching, or praying, or living out our faith.”
Q: How is America’s spiritual health, in your opinion?
A: If you put it those terms, we have cancer — spiritual cancer. It’s eating away at us, because of compromises that churches and Christians are living in their lives. We need to get back to serving God. We need to get back on our knees, confessing our sins and turning from our sins — otherwise, we’re finished.
Q: What can parents do?
A: Get your kids into church, a Bible-believing church. And go with your kids — don’t just drop them off. You set the example for your kids. They are going to be pounded at school with things that are not true — they will be told lie after lie there. If kids hear the truth at home, they’ll hear the lies at school but they’ll know what the truth is. Kids don’t know the word of God, and their parents don’t either.
Q: What about societal issues like the current wave of LGTB-focused changes?
A: The gay and lesbian movement is basically a lie itself. Less than 2 percent of the American population is gay, but they have been able to convince the vast majority — largely because they’ve gotten into schools — that the behavior is okay. They are forcing the rest of the country to accept their lifestyle, and our president is promoting that lifestyle. For us as Christians we need to stand up and push back, by getting elected locally.
Can you imagine if most of the mayors in this country were Christian? They would take our education system back.
Q: Your thoughts on living our daily lives of faith?
A: Don’t be afraid to say no, and don’t be afraid of being intolerant. Make your answer: “This is what the Bible says, and I’ll stand on the word of God.”
Sue's Pen 2 Paper Blog 
