Posts
Dear Brother Ron
What would Jesus do? Would Jesus live it up? Would He appreciate life? Would he make sure he didn't waste a minute of his time on this earth? Is that what Jesus would do, or would he spread the word of God, live in a fantasy, live for words, live for what comes after life?
So what would Jesus do?
Eleanor
Dear Eleanor
I assume you mean what would Jesus do if he were to return to earth today. First, He would make Himself known by presenting undeniable credentials such as miracles and healing. Then He would declare the reason for His return.
I imagine the first order of business would be to set us straight about killing God's children in His name. Then He would challenge us to end the disease and misery which drives so much of this world's population to wars and atrocities. After that, He would help us find ways to take better care of the world our Father has given us.
I doubt that He would have time for parties or fantasies. When His parents found Him in the temple at the age of 12, He told them, "I must be about my Father's business."
I believe there is still much business to attend to. That would probably occupy most, if not all of His time.
Best always
Brother Ron
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Probate Mind
Dear Brother Ron
What does it mean if someone tells you that "there will be worse days coming to me" and when i asked why, they said "probate mind". I am a "baby Christian" and this was told to me by a Christian man I was seeing. I recently got an email from another girl on his Myspace saying he was trying to date her as well. Supposedly this man wants to be a Pastor one day, and he sure knows the bible and loves to minister.
I let him have it because i didn't fully trust him and he kept telling me the spirit lives in him and he wouldn't hurt me and that i have trust issues....well he got caught and now he's disappointed in me??? Then he told me that worse things are to come for me and when i asked him why...he just said probate mind that's why. Meaning me! Worse things for me.
He seems to know a lot and always refers to scripture for answers. However, he said that God opened his heart to me and he knew i am to be his wife. He has proposed to me even. Well he made a move on me and we did end up having relations. I told him i felt it was a sin because we are not married and i'm not even divorced yet. My soon to be ex-husband was unfaithful so i left him in Aug 07. This new man tells me i have trust issues and i should trust in the lord...but then when it came to relations, he said God has sanctified us to be together and the bible says go "know" your wife. He says we are not doing wrong in God's eyes because the divorce and us not being married are rules of "THIS world". Is this true? Is this ok? He would make everything sound ok. He has an answer and turns to the bible for everything, but I'm afraid he is manipulating me. What do you think?
Luvte
Dear Luvte
I think Jesus saw this guy coming a long time ago.
Matthew 24:4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. Matthew 24:5 For many shall come in my name saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
This bozo sounds more like a used car salesman than a minister. If he really loved you, he would respect your feelings and not try to hustle you into doing something you were uncomfortable with. I have been married for most of my 62 years. Marriage is a partnership based on mutual trust and respect. You don't trust him and he doesn't respect you. I really don't see much of a future in this relationship.
Jesus also told us not to look for God from external sources.
Luke 17:20 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Luke 17:21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or lo there! for behold, the kingdom of God is within you.
You say you are afraid he is manipulating you. Who do you think is telling you this? Listen to the voice of your Father within you, not this manipulative jerk.
Best always
Brother Ron
What does it mean if someone tells you that "there will be worse days coming to me" and when i asked why, they said "probate mind". I am a "baby Christian" and this was told to me by a Christian man I was seeing. I recently got an email from another girl on his Myspace saying he was trying to date her as well. Supposedly this man wants to be a Pastor one day, and he sure knows the bible and loves to minister.
I let him have it because i didn't fully trust him and he kept telling me the spirit lives in him and he wouldn't hurt me and that i have trust issues....well he got caught and now he's disappointed in me??? Then he told me that worse things are to come for me and when i asked him why...he just said probate mind that's why. Meaning me! Worse things for me.
He seems to know a lot and always refers to scripture for answers. However, he said that God opened his heart to me and he knew i am to be his wife. He has proposed to me even. Well he made a move on me and we did end up having relations. I told him i felt it was a sin because we are not married and i'm not even divorced yet. My soon to be ex-husband was unfaithful so i left him in Aug 07. This new man tells me i have trust issues and i should trust in the lord...but then when it came to relations, he said God has sanctified us to be together and the bible says go "know" your wife. He says we are not doing wrong in God's eyes because the divorce and us not being married are rules of "THIS world". Is this true? Is this ok? He would make everything sound ok. He has an answer and turns to the bible for everything, but I'm afraid he is manipulating me. What do you think?
Luvte
Dear Luvte
I think Jesus saw this guy coming a long time ago.
Matthew 24:4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. Matthew 24:5 For many shall come in my name saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
This bozo sounds more like a used car salesman than a minister. If he really loved you, he would respect your feelings and not try to hustle you into doing something you were uncomfortable with. I have been married for most of my 62 years. Marriage is a partnership based on mutual trust and respect. You don't trust him and he doesn't respect you. I really don't see much of a future in this relationship.
Jesus also told us not to look for God from external sources.
Luke 17:20 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Luke 17:21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or lo there! for behold, the kingdom of God is within you.
You say you are afraid he is manipulating you. Who do you think is telling you this? Listen to the voice of your Father within you, not this manipulative jerk.
Best always
Brother Ron
Paul’s Commandment to the Unmarried
Dear Brother Ron
What is the proper application for today of Paul’s commandment to the unmarried (I Corinthians 7:25-28)?
Newby
Dear Newby
1Co 7:25 Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: but I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be trustworthy.
1Co 7:26 I think therefore that this is good by reason of the distress that is upon us, namely, that it is good for a man to be as he is.
1Co 7:27 Art thou bound unto a wife? Seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? Seek not a wife.
1Co 7:28 But shouldest thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Yet such shall have tribulation in the flesh: and I would spare you.
Notice first of all that Paul tells us these are not the words of God but merely his own opinion. Judging from the last sentence, he would appear to discourage marriage for those who are not already married. But again, this is merely his opinion.
The application for today is simply that we are not to enter into marriage lightly. If we consider marriage as simply a license to have sex or a meal ticket, then we are sure to encounter the tribulations Paul speaks of.
Best always
Brother Ron
What is the proper application for today of Paul’s commandment to the unmarried (I Corinthians 7:25-28)?
Newby
Dear Newby
1Co 7:25 Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: but I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be trustworthy.
1Co 7:26 I think therefore that this is good by reason of the distress that is upon us, namely, that it is good for a man to be as he is.
1Co 7:27 Art thou bound unto a wife? Seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? Seek not a wife.
1Co 7:28 But shouldest thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Yet such shall have tribulation in the flesh: and I would spare you.
Notice first of all that Paul tells us these are not the words of God but merely his own opinion. Judging from the last sentence, he would appear to discourage marriage for those who are not already married. But again, this is merely his opinion.
The application for today is simply that we are not to enter into marriage lightly. If we consider marriage as simply a license to have sex or a meal ticket, then we are sure to encounter the tribulations Paul speaks of.
Best always
Brother Ron
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Editing the Bible
Dear Brother Ron
In Deuteronomy 4:2 it says, "Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you."
If this statement is true, then why are there words in the Bible after this verse?
Kinky
Dear Kinky
The real question is why did the Catholic church disobey this commandment when they edited the Bible at the First Council of Nicea in 325 A.D. Several books were left out of the final version. Other books, known as the Apocrypha, are found in some Bibles but not others.
You must also remember that the Israelites at this time were a theocracy. The priests were the government. So the word of God was literally the law of the land. In today's society, we are expected to obey the law as it is written, not how we think it should have been written. The Israelites were expected to do the same.
The Bible is a wonderful source of spiritual guidance. It is also a book of history, philosophy, sociology, poetry and other disciplines. Unfortunately, man has chosen to ignore the admonition of this verse. The words of God have been distorted by everybody from the Catholic Church to the Internal Revenue Service.
This is why I tell people the only truth you can depend on is the voice of God within you. Everything else is hearsay.
Best always
Brother Ron
In Deuteronomy 4:2 it says, "Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you."
If this statement is true, then why are there words in the Bible after this verse?
Kinky
Dear Kinky
The real question is why did the Catholic church disobey this commandment when they edited the Bible at the First Council of Nicea in 325 A.D. Several books were left out of the final version. Other books, known as the Apocrypha, are found in some Bibles but not others.
You must also remember that the Israelites at this time were a theocracy. The priests were the government. So the word of God was literally the law of the land. In today's society, we are expected to obey the law as it is written, not how we think it should have been written. The Israelites were expected to do the same.
The Bible is a wonderful source of spiritual guidance. It is also a book of history, philosophy, sociology, poetry and other disciplines. Unfortunately, man has chosen to ignore the admonition of this verse. The words of God have been distorted by everybody from the Catholic Church to the Internal Revenue Service.
This is why I tell people the only truth you can depend on is the voice of God within you. Everything else is hearsay.
Best always
Brother Ron
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Adam Was a Hermaphrodite
Dear Brother Ron
My sister has always gravitated to churches where they are always dissecting the Bible. I remember back in the 90's she said that the world wide web was the devil's workshop and that WWW was the mark of the beast. The latest she has shared is that Adam was a Hermephrodite(sp). Now, first of all WHERE in the Bible does it say this? She used the scripture Genesis 1:27 :
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them
So, I asked her to look at the next verse 1:28 (I quote)
28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth
If this was the case then was God telling Adam to be fruitful and multiply with himself? NO!
Candy
Dear Candy
You will notice the scripture does not say male and/or female created He them. Second, the scripture says created he them, not him. He created two creatures, male and female, not one androgynous being.
Your sister needs to bone up on both her theology and her grammar.
Best always
Brother Ron
My sister has always gravitated to churches where they are always dissecting the Bible. I remember back in the 90's she said that the world wide web was the devil's workshop and that WWW was the mark of the beast. The latest she has shared is that Adam was a Hermephrodite(sp). Now, first of all WHERE in the Bible does it say this? She used the scripture Genesis 1:27 :
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them
So, I asked her to look at the next verse 1:28 (I quote)
28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth
If this was the case then was God telling Adam to be fruitful and multiply with himself? NO!
Candy
Dear Candy
You will notice the scripture does not say male and/or female created He them. Second, the scripture says created he them, not him. He created two creatures, male and female, not one androgynous being.
Your sister needs to bone up on both her theology and her grammar.
Best always
Brother Ron
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Do You Believe in Reincarnation?
Dear Brother Ron
Do you believe in reincarnation? Sometimes I think reincarnation is true but it's against our religious beliefs. Do you think it exists? I've read lots of books about reincarnation because it interests me so much. Please answer my question.
Vanessa
Dear Vanessa
I believe that God is the source of all life. I believe that a part of the living God lives within all of us. I believe that God can never lose a part of Himself. I believe that, when the body dies, the part of God within us returns to the source it came from. I believe God uses that part of Himself to create new life, which is what God does.
In that sense, I believe in reincarnation.
Best always
Brother Ron
Do you believe in reincarnation? Sometimes I think reincarnation is true but it's against our religious beliefs. Do you think it exists? I've read lots of books about reincarnation because it interests me so much. Please answer my question.
Vanessa
Dear Vanessa
I believe that God is the source of all life. I believe that a part of the living God lives within all of us. I believe that God can never lose a part of Himself. I believe that, when the body dies, the part of God within us returns to the source it came from. I believe God uses that part of Himself to create new life, which is what God does.
In that sense, I believe in reincarnation.
Best always
Brother Ron
Where Does All the Money Go?
Dear Brother Ron
The Christian Church is a multi-billion dollar muli-national conglomerate. Where does the money go? I'm starting to think I'm in the wrong business. It obviously doesn't go to the poor and needy as it should because the amount of money pouring into Christianity (all forms) is enough to solve the world's financial problems 10 times over yet it doesn't. The numbers just don't add up.
Jester
Dear Jester
Granted there are some religious organizations which take money from the congregation and spend it on lavish lifestyles. But there are thousands more which use the money to help God's children. For example, after Hurricane Katrina, while the government was bumbling and stumbling around, churches from across the country were sending in trucks loaded with food, clothing, generators and other needed supplies.
Actually, a recent survey showed that churches are the most efficient way to distribute aid to the needy. If my family is starving and needs $100 worth of groceries, it costs the average church $7 to give them to me (utilities, salaries, etc.). The average United Way agency spends $20 in administrative costs (mostly fund raising) to give me my $100 worth of groceries. The administrative cost for the government to give me $100 worth of groceries is $328.
The trick is to do your homework and find out how the church is spending your money. If they won't tell you or if you don't like the answer, find another group to contribute to.
Best always
Brother Ron
The Christian Church is a multi-billion dollar muli-national conglomerate. Where does the money go? I'm starting to think I'm in the wrong business. It obviously doesn't go to the poor and needy as it should because the amount of money pouring into Christianity (all forms) is enough to solve the world's financial problems 10 times over yet it doesn't. The numbers just don't add up.
Jester
Dear Jester
Granted there are some religious organizations which take money from the congregation and spend it on lavish lifestyles. But there are thousands more which use the money to help God's children. For example, after Hurricane Katrina, while the government was bumbling and stumbling around, churches from across the country were sending in trucks loaded with food, clothing, generators and other needed supplies.
Actually, a recent survey showed that churches are the most efficient way to distribute aid to the needy. If my family is starving and needs $100 worth of groceries, it costs the average church $7 to give them to me (utilities, salaries, etc.). The average United Way agency spends $20 in administrative costs (mostly fund raising) to give me my $100 worth of groceries. The administrative cost for the government to give me $100 worth of groceries is $328.
The trick is to do your homework and find out how the church is spending your money. If they won't tell you or if you don't like the answer, find another group to contribute to.
Best always
Brother Ron
Will Jesus Get Angry?
Dear Brother Ron
Will Jesus get angry if I skip Mass this week? It is kind of cold outside.
Number Two
Dear Number Two
Jesus was more concerned with you inner relationship with God than your public display of that relationship. In fact, He had some very negative things to say about those who made such a public display:
Luke 11:43 Woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets.
Matthew6:6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
Spirituality is what goes on inside you between you and God. Religion is your public display of that spirituality. If you miss the public display, your inner relationship with God will not suffer. God will still be with you and listening to you no matter where you are.
Best Always
Brother Ron
Will Jesus get angry if I skip Mass this week? It is kind of cold outside.
Number Two
Dear Number Two
Jesus was more concerned with you inner relationship with God than your public display of that relationship. In fact, He had some very negative things to say about those who made such a public display:
Luke 11:43 Woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets.
Matthew6:6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
Spirituality is what goes on inside you between you and God. Religion is your public display of that spirituality. If you miss the public display, your inner relationship with God will not suffer. God will still be with you and listening to you no matter where you are.
Best Always
Brother Ron
Would This Person Go to Hell?
Dear Brother Ron
Would this person go to Hell? This person has created a cure for cancer, donated 50 billion dollars to charity, risked his/her life countless times to save someone else. Made an end to all wars, solved global warming, be really kind. Have never sweared or done anythign naughty, BUT the person was an atheist.
Would that person still go to hell, even though that person is more kind, generous and great than Christians, based on the fact that he was a humble atheist, someone that was not in his/her control?
Devilish
Dear Devilish
Since a piece of the living God exists within all of us, and since God can never lose any part of Himself and still be God, when this person dies, the part of God within him will return to its source. Let me ask you a question. You are probably sitting in a chair as you read this. Do you believe in the chair? Do you believe it has the power to support you and keep you from falling and hurting yourself?
Suppose you decided not to believe in the chair. Suppose you looked at the chair and said, "I don't believe you exist and I refuse to put my trust in you". Do you suppose it would make any difference to the chair? Would it crumble and send you crashing to the floor? Probably not. The chair does not need your permission to be what it is.
Neither does God.
Best always
Brother Ron
Would this person go to Hell? This person has created a cure for cancer, donated 50 billion dollars to charity, risked his/her life countless times to save someone else. Made an end to all wars, solved global warming, be really kind. Have never sweared or done anythign naughty, BUT the person was an atheist.
Would that person still go to hell, even though that person is more kind, generous and great than Christians, based on the fact that he was a humble atheist, someone that was not in his/her control?
Devilish
Dear Devilish
Since a piece of the living God exists within all of us, and since God can never lose any part of Himself and still be God, when this person dies, the part of God within him will return to its source. Let me ask you a question. You are probably sitting in a chair as you read this. Do you believe in the chair? Do you believe it has the power to support you and keep you from falling and hurting yourself?
Suppose you decided not to believe in the chair. Suppose you looked at the chair and said, "I don't believe you exist and I refuse to put my trust in you". Do you suppose it would make any difference to the chair? Would it crumble and send you crashing to the floor? Probably not. The chair does not need your permission to be what it is.
Neither does God.
Best always
Brother Ron
Monday, July 4, 2011
My Father is Very Religious
Dear Brother Ron
My father is very religious and has always been pushing his views on me ever since I was little. I am now living out of his house on my own. Even though I do not have the same beliefs, he will still persist with his religion on me. He has been asking me consistently to go with his church to him. I kindly turn down the offer, yet he still keeps asking...nearly every time he sees me. Should I just go?
Fenix
Dear Fenix
I believe this is an important event your father wants to share with you. You should grant him the pleasure of doing so. Before going, however, you should have a clear understanding between the two of you that your attendance will not change your beliefs and he should not expect this. If that understanding can not be reached, you should not go.
I believe accompanying your father will accomplish one important goal-you will have a better understanding of what your father believes and why he believes that way. You could also make it a reciprocal deal. You will accompany him to his church if he accompanies you to yours. He needs to understand you as much as you need to understand him.
Best always
Brother Ron
My father is very religious and has always been pushing his views on me ever since I was little. I am now living out of his house on my own. Even though I do not have the same beliefs, he will still persist with his religion on me. He has been asking me consistently to go with his church to him. I kindly turn down the offer, yet he still keeps asking...nearly every time he sees me. Should I just go?
Fenix
Dear Fenix
I believe this is an important event your father wants to share with you. You should grant him the pleasure of doing so. Before going, however, you should have a clear understanding between the two of you that your attendance will not change your beliefs and he should not expect this. If that understanding can not be reached, you should not go.
I believe accompanying your father will accomplish one important goal-you will have a better understanding of what your father believes and why he believes that way. You could also make it a reciprocal deal. You will accompany him to his church if he accompanies you to yours. He needs to understand you as much as you need to understand him.
Best always
Brother Ron
God and Creation
Dear Brother Ron
What do you think about GOD and creation?
Darnifino
Dear Darnifino
I think the Bible is correct when it says that in the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. I also think the scientists are correct when they try to tell us how He did it. You are talking about the conflict between religion and science. This conflict is as old as religion itself. Gallileo had to write his findings in code to keep from being roasted by the church.
Science tells us how things happen. Religion tells us why they happen. To me, there is no conflict. Could God have created the universe in an instant with a thought? Yes. Could He have set in motion a chain of events which would take billions of years to unfold? Of course. Which method did He use? I don't know. I wasn't there and neither was anyone else. We are all just guessing and threatening to kill anybody who disagrees with us.
The whole argument is pointless anyway. We will never get where we need to go if we keep our focus on the rear view mirror instead of the road ahead. However we got here, we're here. Now what?
Best always
Brother Ron
What do you think about GOD and creation?
Darnifino
Dear Darnifino
I think the Bible is correct when it says that in the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. I also think the scientists are correct when they try to tell us how He did it. You are talking about the conflict between religion and science. This conflict is as old as religion itself. Gallileo had to write his findings in code to keep from being roasted by the church.
Science tells us how things happen. Religion tells us why they happen. To me, there is no conflict. Could God have created the universe in an instant with a thought? Yes. Could He have set in motion a chain of events which would take billions of years to unfold? Of course. Which method did He use? I don't know. I wasn't there and neither was anyone else. We are all just guessing and threatening to kill anybody who disagrees with us.
The whole argument is pointless anyway. We will never get where we need to go if we keep our focus on the rear view mirror instead of the road ahead. However we got here, we're here. Now what?
Best always
Brother Ron
Money and Religion
Dear Brother Ron
When the rich man wanted to follow Jesus, he was told to give his wealth away if he wanted to be a follower. Please explain why all religions manage to accumulate vast assets and money. It appears that it is all about money and power. Jesus and other prophets would turn in their graves if they knew of the present day religions actions.
Edward
Dear Edward
A church must function in the real world, which means rendering unto Caeser as well as the bank, the electric company, salaries, etc. Unfortunately, many religious organizations get so caught up in their business affairs they lose sight of why the church was founded in the first place. There are also many who are wolves in sheep's clothing. Jesus spoke often about them. His words were not kind.
Jesus told us that a man can not serve two masters. There are many churches which exist to serve their communities and the will of God. There are unfortunately many others which exist to accumulate money and power. Our Father knows which is which and will deal with the offenders in His own time and in His own way.
Best always
Brother Ron
When the rich man wanted to follow Jesus, he was told to give his wealth away if he wanted to be a follower. Please explain why all religions manage to accumulate vast assets and money. It appears that it is all about money and power. Jesus and other prophets would turn in their graves if they knew of the present day religions actions.
Edward
Dear Edward
A church must function in the real world, which means rendering unto Caeser as well as the bank, the electric company, salaries, etc. Unfortunately, many religious organizations get so caught up in their business affairs they lose sight of why the church was founded in the first place. There are also many who are wolves in sheep's clothing. Jesus spoke often about them. His words were not kind.
Jesus told us that a man can not serve two masters. There are many churches which exist to serve their communities and the will of God. There are unfortunately many others which exist to accumulate money and power. Our Father knows which is which and will deal with the offenders in His own time and in His own way.
Best always
Brother Ron
The Soul and the Holy Spirit
Dear Brother Ron
Can you differentiate between soul and spirit?
GXI
Dear GXI
I find it interesting that churches try to separate the soul of man from the Spirit of God. According to the Catholic Church, the soul is the home where the Holy Spirit dwells. The word spirit means breath. We find in Genesis where God breathed the breath of life into Adam and Adam became a living being. This would mean that God instilled part of Himself into Adam. If the breath of life was just air, it would have no life-giving power. This would mean that a part of the living God dwells within us. Jesus told us this in Luke 17:21. "Neither shall they say, Lo here or lo there for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you."
Since God is perfect, He can never change. That means He can never lose part of Himself. If He did, He would no longer be perfect and no longer be God. So if our soul is part of the living God (which I believe it is), then it can never be "lost". And if it can not be lost, there is no need for it to be "saved". Kind of throws the whole evangelistic marketing strategy into a cocked hat, doesn't it?
Best always
Brother Ron
Can you differentiate between soul and spirit?
GXI
Dear GXI
I find it interesting that churches try to separate the soul of man from the Spirit of God. According to the Catholic Church, the soul is the home where the Holy Spirit dwells. The word spirit means breath. We find in Genesis where God breathed the breath of life into Adam and Adam became a living being. This would mean that God instilled part of Himself into Adam. If the breath of life was just air, it would have no life-giving power. This would mean that a part of the living God dwells within us. Jesus told us this in Luke 17:21. "Neither shall they say, Lo here or lo there for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you."
Since God is perfect, He can never change. That means He can never lose part of Himself. If He did, He would no longer be perfect and no longer be God. So if our soul is part of the living God (which I believe it is), then it can never be "lost". And if it can not be lost, there is no need for it to be "saved". Kind of throws the whole evangelistic marketing strategy into a cocked hat, doesn't it?
Best always
Brother Ron
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Psalm 91
Dear Brother Ron
Can you please give me a brief summary of the 91st Psalm and tell me what you think the meaning of this passage is?
Thanks.
Destiny X
Dear Destiny
We have now (Psalm 91) another most important principle introduced; Messiah's taking His place with Israel, the place of trust in Jehovah, so as to afford the channel for the full blessing of the people. Three names of Elohim (God) come before us in this psalm: one that by which He was in relationship with Abraham, the Almighty; another which Abraham through the testimony of Melchisedec may have known prophetically, the millennial title of Elohim when He takes His full title over the earth (compare Genesis 14:18-20), the Most High.
Both, as all the names of God, have their proper meaning: one complete power; the other absolute supremacy. The question then arises, Who is the God who has this place? Who is this supreme God over all to the earth? Who shall find His secret place to dwell in? He who has found this shall be completely protected by almighty power. Messiah (Jesus) says, I will take the God of Israel as that place, Jehovah. In Verses 3-8 (Psalm 91:3-8) we have the answer. Doubtless it is true of every godly Israelite, and they are in view, but led by the Spirit of Jesus, the one perfect faithful One who took this place indeed.
In Verse 9, I apprehend Israel speaks (that is, the Spirit personifying Israel addressing Messiah): "Because thou hast taken Jehovah, which is my refuge,... as thy habitation," almighty power shall guard thee. This continues to Verse 13. In Verse 14, Jehovah Himself speaks of Him as the One who has set His love upon Him. The form of the psalm is striking. The Spirit of God proposes the problem. He who finds the secret place of the supreme God (of the millennium) will have all the full blessing of Abraham's God, the Almighty. Messiah says, I take Jehovah the God of Israel.
Then the answer; so it was and He would enjoy the fruit of it. In Verse 9, Israel speaks and declares by the Spirit He would have the blessings. In Verse 14, Jehovah sets His seal on all this, and the solver of the great riddle of God will find the full blessing of Jehovah, on whom He had set His love, whose name He had known — even Jehovah the God of Israel.
It is a very interesting psalm in this way. But we have to remark that all is viewed on earth, the character of God in all respects. How Christ, as a present thing, relinquished the title to deliverance flowing from this, for perfect obedience, trusting His Father absolutely, belongs to deeper views of the purposes of God and of the paths of the blessed One Himself. Satan would have just used this to take Him out of the path of obedience, and into that of distrust and His own will: blessed be God, in vain, as we know. The sure mercies of David were to be in an obedient and risen Onethis point is treated in a psalm of unexampled beauty farther on — and thus deeper blessings and higher glories brought out.
But He who went in that perfect path of submission, has not the less made good all the fruit of all that is here, for those who shall walk after Him in the place of this trust in Jehovah upon earth. This principle we see indeed, in various forms, all through the Psalms. Indeed the atonement of Christ was needed, which implied His resigning personally this blessing, in order that others might walk in that path in which He could personally walk, of course, without it. Psalm 21 gives a divine revelation as to the way in which the promise of life was fulfilled to the Lord.
Best always
Brother Ron
Can you please give me a brief summary of the 91st Psalm and tell me what you think the meaning of this passage is?
Thanks.
Destiny X
Dear Destiny
We have now (Psalm 91) another most important principle introduced; Messiah's taking His place with Israel, the place of trust in Jehovah, so as to afford the channel for the full blessing of the people. Three names of Elohim (God) come before us in this psalm: one that by which He was in relationship with Abraham, the Almighty; another which Abraham through the testimony of Melchisedec may have known prophetically, the millennial title of Elohim when He takes His full title over the earth (compare Genesis 14:18-20), the Most High.
Both, as all the names of God, have their proper meaning: one complete power; the other absolute supremacy. The question then arises, Who is the God who has this place? Who is this supreme God over all to the earth? Who shall find His secret place to dwell in? He who has found this shall be completely protected by almighty power. Messiah (Jesus) says, I will take the God of Israel as that place, Jehovah. In Verses 3-8 (Psalm 91:3-8) we have the answer. Doubtless it is true of every godly Israelite, and they are in view, but led by the Spirit of Jesus, the one perfect faithful One who took this place indeed.
In Verse 9, I apprehend Israel speaks (that is, the Spirit personifying Israel addressing Messiah): "Because thou hast taken Jehovah, which is my refuge,... as thy habitation," almighty power shall guard thee. This continues to Verse 13. In Verse 14, Jehovah Himself speaks of Him as the One who has set His love upon Him. The form of the psalm is striking. The Spirit of God proposes the problem. He who finds the secret place of the supreme God (of the millennium) will have all the full blessing of Abraham's God, the Almighty. Messiah says, I take Jehovah the God of Israel.
Then the answer; so it was and He would enjoy the fruit of it. In Verse 9, Israel speaks and declares by the Spirit He would have the blessings. In Verse 14, Jehovah sets His seal on all this, and the solver of the great riddle of God will find the full blessing of Jehovah, on whom He had set His love, whose name He had known — even Jehovah the God of Israel.
It is a very interesting psalm in this way. But we have to remark that all is viewed on earth, the character of God in all respects. How Christ, as a present thing, relinquished the title to deliverance flowing from this, for perfect obedience, trusting His Father absolutely, belongs to deeper views of the purposes of God and of the paths of the blessed One Himself. Satan would have just used this to take Him out of the path of obedience, and into that of distrust and His own will: blessed be God, in vain, as we know. The sure mercies of David were to be in an obedient and risen Onethis point is treated in a psalm of unexampled beauty farther on — and thus deeper blessings and higher glories brought out.
But He who went in that perfect path of submission, has not the less made good all the fruit of all that is here, for those who shall walk after Him in the place of this trust in Jehovah upon earth. This principle we see indeed, in various forms, all through the Psalms. Indeed the atonement of Christ was needed, which implied His resigning personally this blessing, in order that others might walk in that path in which He could personally walk, of course, without it. Psalm 21 gives a divine revelation as to the way in which the promise of life was fulfilled to the Lord.
Best always
Brother Ron
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Judges 3:10-11
Dear Brother Ron
I need help figuring out what this bible verse means (Judges 3:10-11)--
"The spirit of the Lord came upon him, and he judged Israel. When he went out to war, the Lord delivered Cushan-risha-thaim, king of Aram, into his power, so that he made him subject. The land then was at rest for forty years, until Othniel, son of Kenaz, died."
I thought Cushan-risha-thaim was a bad king, so what's this whole thing about being subject about? I'm not very good with uncovering Bible verses, and I need help. Thanks!
Kelley
Dear Kelley
You are right. Chushan-rishathaim was the king of Mesopotamia who oppressed Israel in the generation immediately following Joshua. He was not a nice guy. So when the children of Israel cried out for a deliverer, God inspired Othniel to raise up an army against Chushan-rishathaim and defeat him.
Before going into battle, Othniel assumed the role of judge, reproved the Hebrews for their sins, reformed them from their idolatry and restore among them the pure worship of God. Once this was done, Othniel formed his army and defeated Chushan-rishathaim. Israel then enjoyed forty years of peace until the death of Othniel.
Hope this helps.
Best always
Brother Ron
I need help figuring out what this bible verse means (Judges 3:10-11)--
"The spirit of the Lord came upon him, and he judged Israel. When he went out to war, the Lord delivered Cushan-risha-thaim, king of Aram, into his power, so that he made him subject. The land then was at rest for forty years, until Othniel, son of Kenaz, died."
I thought Cushan-risha-thaim was a bad king, so what's this whole thing about being subject about? I'm not very good with uncovering Bible verses, and I need help. Thanks!
Kelley
Dear Kelley
You are right. Chushan-rishathaim was the king of Mesopotamia who oppressed Israel in the generation immediately following Joshua. He was not a nice guy. So when the children of Israel cried out for a deliverer, God inspired Othniel to raise up an army against Chushan-rishathaim and defeat him.
Before going into battle, Othniel assumed the role of judge, reproved the Hebrews for their sins, reformed them from their idolatry and restore among them the pure worship of God. Once this was done, Othniel formed his army and defeated Chushan-rishathaim. Israel then enjoyed forty years of peace until the death of Othniel.
Hope this helps.
Best always
Brother Ron
John 13:1-15
Dear Brother Ron
(John 13.1-15). Jesus washes disciples' feet. Can you explain what the passage teaches us (directly or indirectly) about love? I need to understand this passage.
Slayer
Dear Slayer
The answer to your question is found in John 13:16-"Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him."
The same sentiment is found in Mark 9:35-"And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all."
This is why, even though I am an ordained minister, I do not answer to the title "reverend". A reverend is somebody worthy of reverence. I believe only God is worthy of reverence. I am the bishop of Columbia. I do not use this title because I see it as an opportunity to serve and not a designation of more holy stature.
The best way to show your love for God is to minister to the needs of His children.
Best always
Brother Ron
(John 13.1-15). Jesus washes disciples' feet. Can you explain what the passage teaches us (directly or indirectly) about love? I need to understand this passage.
Slayer
Dear Slayer
The answer to your question is found in John 13:16-"Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him."
The same sentiment is found in Mark 9:35-"And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all."
This is why, even though I am an ordained minister, I do not answer to the title "reverend". A reverend is somebody worthy of reverence. I believe only God is worthy of reverence. I am the bishop of Columbia. I do not use this title because I see it as an opportunity to serve and not a designation of more holy stature.
The best way to show your love for God is to minister to the needs of His children.
Best always
Brother Ron
Religion and the War in Iraq
Dear Brother Ron
I've noticed that ever since the War in Iraq, most Christians target Muslims, saying that their faith is false. Why do most of them target Muslims, not other religions that don't believe in their God or another god? I kind of find it mean that some Christians pick on Muslims more than other people who don't believe in their God.
To those who say the Muslims use their faith as an excuse to kill America, please study the history of Christian crusades because Christians made that excuse too. And to those who believe that the Muslims are spies, in World War II, America thought that the Japanese living in America were spies! They rounded them up into the Arizona deserts. After the war, it was proven that NOT A SINGLE ONE WAS A SPY.
And didn't Jesus say to "love your enemy"?
Hope
Dear Hope
This is because certain Muslim groups have turned their religion into a political movement. They attempt to seize political power by using terrorist tactics. They kill innocent people and claim they are doing it in the name of God.
I think God has much too much class to get involved in politics. He wants willing servants, not hostages. In fact, I do not even believe these hoodlums are really Muslims. Every chapter of the Koran begins with the words "In the name of Allah, the benevolent, the merciful". I don't see a lot of benevolence or mercy from these thugs.
I wish the press and the politicians would stop referring to these creeps as Islamic. They are merely political assassins hiding their crimes behind God's back. Personally I would not want to be in their shoes when they are finally reunited with our Father.
Best always
Brother Ron
I've noticed that ever since the War in Iraq, most Christians target Muslims, saying that their faith is false. Why do most of them target Muslims, not other religions that don't believe in their God or another god? I kind of find it mean that some Christians pick on Muslims more than other people who don't believe in their God.
To those who say the Muslims use their faith as an excuse to kill America, please study the history of Christian crusades because Christians made that excuse too. And to those who believe that the Muslims are spies, in World War II, America thought that the Japanese living in America were spies! They rounded them up into the Arizona deserts. After the war, it was proven that NOT A SINGLE ONE WAS A SPY.
And didn't Jesus say to "love your enemy"?
Hope
Dear Hope
This is because certain Muslim groups have turned their religion into a political movement. They attempt to seize political power by using terrorist tactics. They kill innocent people and claim they are doing it in the name of God.
I think God has much too much class to get involved in politics. He wants willing servants, not hostages. In fact, I do not even believe these hoodlums are really Muslims. Every chapter of the Koran begins with the words "In the name of Allah, the benevolent, the merciful". I don't see a lot of benevolence or mercy from these thugs.
I wish the press and the politicians would stop referring to these creeps as Islamic. They are merely political assassins hiding their crimes behind God's back. Personally I would not want to be in their shoes when they are finally reunited with our Father.
Best always
Brother Ron
If You Were God
Dear Brother Ron
If you were god, would you want your creations to continuously praise you? Let's say you created the universe, would you also enjoy people to continuously praise you? In everything that happens to them, may it be your doing or not, they still praise you. Would you want them to kill others in your name? Would you enjoy being reminded of how perfect you are?
If you know how moron your creations are, would you give them unclear and debatable instructions on how to be saved? If you created them to be imperfect, would you punish them for their imperfections? Can you be a better god than any of this gods in the religions today?
Filipino
Dear Filipino
I base my concept of God on three premises:
1. God is not an idiot.
2. God is not a homicidal maniac.
3. God is not bound by the same laws of time and space as we humans are.
So in answer to your questions, God is not an egomaniac. He knows who He is and does not need my pitiful praise to remind Him. On the other hand, we humans need to set aside time to communicate with our Father to remind ourselves what He means to us and to call upon His power and wisdom.
Since God is not a homicidal maniac, He does not delight in the death of His children. If the voice inside your head is telling you to kill others, I suspect you have your spiritual radio tuned to the wrong station.
God does give you clear instructions for your life. You just have to learn how to listen. I spent many years as a professional musician. I can listen to a song and play it back for you perfectly within 30 minutes. There are many people who can not do this because they are tone deaf. Likewise, there are many people who are spiritually tone deaf. That's what the Bible means when it says "Let those who have ears to hear, hear".
One of the things I love about God is that He knows what an imperfect fool I am and He loves me anyway. Since He is not bound by our laws of space and time, He has already seen my future sins and has already forgiven me for them. Since He is not a homicidal maniac, He would not condemn me to eternal damnation for doing what He created me to do.
I am not better than God but I am smart enough not to be taken in by the marketing tactics used by many religious organizations.
Best always
Brother Ron
If you were god, would you want your creations to continuously praise you? Let's say you created the universe, would you also enjoy people to continuously praise you? In everything that happens to them, may it be your doing or not, they still praise you. Would you want them to kill others in your name? Would you enjoy being reminded of how perfect you are?
If you know how moron your creations are, would you give them unclear and debatable instructions on how to be saved? If you created them to be imperfect, would you punish them for their imperfections? Can you be a better god than any of this gods in the religions today?
Filipino
Dear Filipino
I base my concept of God on three premises:
1. God is not an idiot.
2. God is not a homicidal maniac.
3. God is not bound by the same laws of time and space as we humans are.
So in answer to your questions, God is not an egomaniac. He knows who He is and does not need my pitiful praise to remind Him. On the other hand, we humans need to set aside time to communicate with our Father to remind ourselves what He means to us and to call upon His power and wisdom.
Since God is not a homicidal maniac, He does not delight in the death of His children. If the voice inside your head is telling you to kill others, I suspect you have your spiritual radio tuned to the wrong station.
God does give you clear instructions for your life. You just have to learn how to listen. I spent many years as a professional musician. I can listen to a song and play it back for you perfectly within 30 minutes. There are many people who can not do this because they are tone deaf. Likewise, there are many people who are spiritually tone deaf. That's what the Bible means when it says "Let those who have ears to hear, hear".
One of the things I love about God is that He knows what an imperfect fool I am and He loves me anyway. Since He is not bound by our laws of space and time, He has already seen my future sins and has already forgiven me for them. Since He is not a homicidal maniac, He would not condemn me to eternal damnation for doing what He created me to do.
I am not better than God but I am smart enough not to be taken in by the marketing tactics used by many religious organizations.
Best always
Brother Ron
Friday, June 24, 2011
We Are All Going to Hell
Dear Brother Ron
According to some religions, you should belong to THAT religion otherwise you will go to hell. Since a person can only have ONE religion at a time then he is going to hell based on the other religions. So basically, we are all going to hell?
Haseo
Dear Haseo
If you want someone to buy your product, you must first convince him that only your product can meet his needs. This is what these religious organizations are doing. First they create the need-"You are a sinner and you will burn in hell because God can not stand sin". Then they offer a product to meet the need they have created-"If you will join our organization and accept our beliefs, God will forgive your sins and grant you eternal life in Paradise". Good marketing, lousy theology.
This line of thinking assumes God is waiting to see what you will do before He decides what He will do. This means that God has no clue what's going to happen until it happens. It means that God is bound by the same laws of time and space as we are. It also means that, since God bases His actions on my actions, I am controlling God.
I do not worship a clueless God. I do not worship a blind God. I do not worship a God who can be confined in the same cage of time and space as we humans. And I do not worship a God who would do something so foolish as to put an idiot like me in control.
So to answer your question, no you are not going to hell. God saw your sins before you committed them and forgave you before you were born. God has a plan and has already seen the successful completion of that plan. You are part of God's plan and your "salvation" was assured before the beginning of the world.
Don't worry. Be happy.
Best always
Brother Ron
According to some religions, you should belong to THAT religion otherwise you will go to hell. Since a person can only have ONE religion at a time then he is going to hell based on the other religions. So basically, we are all going to hell?
Haseo
Dear Haseo
If you want someone to buy your product, you must first convince him that only your product can meet his needs. This is what these religious organizations are doing. First they create the need-"You are a sinner and you will burn in hell because God can not stand sin". Then they offer a product to meet the need they have created-"If you will join our organization and accept our beliefs, God will forgive your sins and grant you eternal life in Paradise". Good marketing, lousy theology.
This line of thinking assumes God is waiting to see what you will do before He decides what He will do. This means that God has no clue what's going to happen until it happens. It means that God is bound by the same laws of time and space as we are. It also means that, since God bases His actions on my actions, I am controlling God.
I do not worship a clueless God. I do not worship a blind God. I do not worship a God who can be confined in the same cage of time and space as we humans. And I do not worship a God who would do something so foolish as to put an idiot like me in control.
So to answer your question, no you are not going to hell. God saw your sins before you committed them and forgave you before you were born. God has a plan and has already seen the successful completion of that plan. You are part of God's plan and your "salvation" was assured before the beginning of the world.
Don't worry. Be happy.
Best always
Brother Ron
Are All Baptisms Equally Authoritative?
Dear Brother Ron
Are all baptisms equally authoritative or are there two forms of authority? Some ministers claim the authority to baptize through priesthood endowments and ordination. Others claim that ministry and baptismal authority can only be endowed by the laying on of hands. Which priesthood authority is better?
Robert
Dear Robert
The physical act of baptism is merely a public display of an inner commitment to follow the will of God. It really doesn't matter how or by whom you are baptized. By the time the physical act has occurred, the inner commitment should already have occurred. If it has, then the physical baptism is a mere formality. If it hasn't, the physical act is irrelevant.
Best always
Brother Ron
Are all baptisms equally authoritative or are there two forms of authority? Some ministers claim the authority to baptize through priesthood endowments and ordination. Others claim that ministry and baptismal authority can only be endowed by the laying on of hands. Which priesthood authority is better?
Robert
Dear Robert
The physical act of baptism is merely a public display of an inner commitment to follow the will of God. It really doesn't matter how or by whom you are baptized. By the time the physical act has occurred, the inner commitment should already have occurred. If it has, then the physical baptism is a mere formality. If it hasn't, the physical act is irrelevant.
Best always
Brother Ron
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)