tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53555100451915747822024-03-14T08:26:09.755-04:00But is it Biblical?Pastor Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507712116774200461noreply@blogger.comBlogger117125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5355510045191574782.post-60178001462018024872024-02-01T20:44:00.001-05:002024-02-08T12:08:57.443-05:00Women Pastors? Biblical or not?<p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi76_69laU6gt75_kA02xDccbPQn-Fd8GwqQfFsEAMzMyjSpRl3VT1M-Fikmc6apUuUxgqpzWUrW6W_Hd8WtqscXH0PxqCg-wM1-N_KrhM5abXsn74iwuIXo0NlIphzN_jFsyHbyrS8aWAEiQUEGp0L284zaUQ9G2YI5em4mslWrExvqMBwxAJBW3XLMSQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img data-original-height="406" data-original-width="230" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi76_69laU6gt75_kA02xDccbPQn-Fd8GwqQfFsEAMzMyjSpRl3VT1M-Fikmc6apUuUxgqpzWUrW6W_Hd8WtqscXH0PxqCg-wM1-N_KrhM5abXsn74iwuIXo0NlIphzN_jFsyHbyrS8aWAEiQUEGp0L284zaUQ9G2YI5em4mslWrExvqMBwxAJBW3XLMSQ" title="Women Pastors? Biblical or not?" width="136" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Greetings!<br />Yes, I know it's been a good minute, but I haven't had a GOOD thing to write about in a while.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">I know my long-time readers are always looking for something new, and while this certainly IS NOT something new, it is something I haven't written about here before...</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">So with that, we have today's question <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(modified for flow and anonymity)</span></i>:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Question:</b> <i>Pastor Keith, <span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">there was something I wanted to speak to you about; seeing you brought up your feelings about women and their place when it comes to Biblical instruction.</span></i></span></p><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">My husband and I were attending an Advent church, in MA while my ordination was coming about. Things were going well and my husband and I even began holding dinners, during the holiday; when folks had no one to eat with. Then, the pastor of this church heard I was going to be ordained and everything changed.</span></i></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">He basically shunned me. I was no longer worthy of doing the things I had done before. He was incredibly angry that my cousin and my friend wanted to have me do a special portion of their wedding ceremony (not marry them). My husband could not handle the way I was being treated, so he made the decision for us to leave the church and we did.</span></i></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">There are some lines of thought that feel no woman should be a pastor nor instruct the word of God, for they are a woman and must have the 'covering' of a man. However, there is the other line of thought that when Christ Jesus paid the price; He PAID the price and truly did make a New Covenant. And, His sacrifice is a woman's covering, for we are ALL meant to spread the Gospel. Spreading the Gospel is to teach and instruct.</span></i></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Holy Spirit leads me into ministry; where He sees there is a gap. This is where I step in. I am to lead by example. At least this is what the Holy Spirit is telling me. I have only had a few strong men in my life and 2 of them are left here on earth. I have learned my ways from them, not from women. I hope this will help you understand me a bit better :)</span></i></div><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Answer:</b> Sister, I don't expect you to like or even value my reply, but I hope that you can see past what you think of as "MY OPINIONS, MY VIEWS & MY FEELINGS", and instead see this as <b>WHAT THE OPINIONS, VIEWS & FEELINGS OF GOD ARE</b>. Because as far as I'm concerned, MY feelings are WORTHLESS when it comes to Gods Word. Amen?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">So, before I begin, <span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">please know in your heart that I mean no offense, no hostility and no ill-will of any kind. If there's anything I've written that you'd like more clarity on, I'm available to speak any time.</span></span></p><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>First things first:</b> NOBODY can claim to have a TRUE relationship with God unless they have 1 concept CLEARLY UNDERSTOOD.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Sola Scriptura:</b> is a Christian theological doctrine held by most Protestant Christian denominations that posits the Bible as the sole infallible source of authority for Christian faith and practice.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Without Sola Scriptura, ANYTHING that God has to say is flimsy and fallible. Without Sola Scriptura, God's Word is ANYTHING BUT INFALLIBLE.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">With that said, I have to answer the obvious question: What about the Holy Spirit? And you'd be RIGHT to ask that question, especially since you mentioned Him so much <i>(both in your question and to me on the phone)</i>. Sola Scriptura is the PRIMARY WAY that we should HEAR and KNOW God's Word. It's in stone and according to the book of Malachi, HE DOES NOT CHANGE.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Interruption:</b> After I finished writing my response, I realized that I forgot to tell you something.... You made something of a habit during our 3 phone calls of mentioning THE HOLY SPIRIT THIS and THE HOLY SPIRIT THAT. That was what led me to write the response that you have here. You may not realize it, but the arguments you use aren't that much different from what any other <b><i>religion</i></b> teaches. It's the same nonsense that keeps on producing new "prophets" and "apostles". -- Ok, back to my reply...</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Of course with that said, why bother speaking with the Holy Spirit at all? First of all, if you expect that God will give <b><u>YOU</u></b> a NEW or BETTER answer, then you're lost, far more lost than I would spend the time with. If you believe that God WILL ANSWER YOU or GIVE YOU GUIDANCE - <b>BASED ON WHAT HIS WORD ALREADY SAYS</b>, then I'd be in 100% agreement with you.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">With that said, I think the Pastor that kicked you to the curb is a jerk. There's plenty of them out there. Fred Phelps anyone? I think that God said it CLEARLY in 1 Timothy 2:8-15.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: small;"><b>1 Timothy 2:8-15 -</b> </span><i><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;">I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting; </span><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: small;">in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, </span><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: small;">but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works. </span><b><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: small;">Let a woman learn in silence with all submission.</span> <span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: small;"><u>And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence.</u> </span><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: small;">For Adam was formed first, then Eve. </span></b><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: small;"><b>And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression.</b> </span><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: small;">Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.</span></i></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Why did Paul write that a woman should learn in silence? Why did Paul write that a woman is not permitted to teach or have authority over a man? Because Paul was a misogynist? Unlikely. Because he didn't like women? Also unlikely. Perhaps he was practicing discrimination? No way! Could it be that because in the 1st century, women were uneducated? Nope, if it were so, the bible would tell us it's a matter of education. He goes on to explain in verse 14 that women are precluded from teaching or being in authority over men thanks to Eve. It was the woman who was deceived in the garden and caused BOTH her and her husband to fall into transgression.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><u>PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THAT THIS IS INSIDE OF THE NEW TESTAMENT</u></b>, therefore your supposition that it's all a part of the new covenant is incorrect on its face.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you think that the Bible somehow teaches ANOTHER ACCOUNT, then you have a most interesting version of the bible to work from. I can't find anything that shows that God speaks out of both sides of his mouth.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What about Priscilla and Phoebe in the new testament? Does the bible refer to them as Pastors??? I think the closest we get is "Deacon". A deacon is a servant, period. I know you didn't, but I hate when people make up things that aren't there, just to get their way.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And just as a quick aside, it is generally accepted that when Paul says that a woman is precluded from teaching or being in authority over a man, it is SOLELY meant AS IT IS RELEVANT TO GOD AND THE BIBLE. I'm pretty sure that God doesn't have any issues with women in secular management, mostly because the bible is SILENT on the matter. Also, if you're inclined to bring up Deborah from the book of Judges, I would remind you that Deborah is UNIQUE IN ALL OF SCRIPTURE. I was about to write a small book on the matter, but <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://gotquestions.org&source=gmail&ust=1706889753578000&usg=AOvVaw2jHYlDWHfIQo0_thgEvWC9" href="http://gotquestions.org/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">gotquestions.org</a> saved me the work and made it more concise, this is what most people I know understand and believe to be true:</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">From <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://gotquestions.org&source=gmail&ust=1706889753578000&usg=AOvVaw2jHYlDWHfIQo0_thgEvWC9" href="http://gotquestions.org/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">gotquestions.org</a>:</span></b></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Deborah was Israel’s <b>only</b> female judge. Some scholars have suggested that her position as judge was itself <b>a judgment on the weak-willed men of Israel</b>. Because Israel’s men were unfit to judge, <b>God chose a woman for the job, partly to shame the men who should have taken the leadership</b>. Other commentators believe that Deborah’s role as judge was a sign of God’s comforting presence in the midst of His oppressed and downtrodden people. </i><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">With all of that said, it comes down to a single question....</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="color: #222222;">You're free to believe whatever you want, but is it Biblical?</b><br clear="all" /></span><div><div class="gmail_signature" dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you tell me, it's what the Spirit laid upon your heart <i>(and doesn't match scripture)</i>, then it's not Biblical <i>(it's not even from God!)</i>.</span></div><div style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you tell me, that in the flesh it's how I feel, then I would agree with you 100 fold!</span></div><div style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But I'm never going to agree that what God INTENDED was OPPOSITE TO WHAT HE SAID.</span></div><div style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As for the new covenant, God clearly lays out IN SCRIPTURE what HIS NEW COVENANT IS. And even better, Jesus not only CONSTANTLY referred back to the Tanakh, but made absolutely certain that we understood that even HE was bound by what it says.</span></div><div style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #222222;"><b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">THE NEW COVENANT, IN GODS OWN WORDS:</span></u></b></div><div style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;"><b>Jeremiah 31:31-36 -</b> <i>Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah --- </i></span><i><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: small;">not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, though I was a husband to them, says the LORD. </span><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: small;">But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. </span><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: small;">No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more." </span><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: small;"> Thus says the LORD, Who gives the sun for a light by day, The ordinances of the moon and the stars for a light by night, Who disturbs the sea, And its waves roar (The LORD of hosts is His name): </span><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: small;"> " If those ordinances depart From before Me, says the LORD, Then the seed of Israel shall also cease From being a nation before Me forever."</span></i></span></div><div style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Where does it say ANYTHING about a woman's covering or being able to teach Godly things to men by women?</span></div><div style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For posterity, it wasn't me who told you my FEELINGS about women in Ministry, IT WAS GOD THAT TOLD YOU HIS.</span></div></div></div></div></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><p></p><hr /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p></p><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">I hope that whoever is reading this understands the importance and severity of this instruction from God in 1 Timothy. If you are a woman AND you believe that God is calling you into ministry work AND He's calling you to pastor and teach MEN, AND you've prayed about it AND you're 100% CERTAIN that the Holy Spirit is leading you to do this, THEN YOU ARE NOT IN FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD AT ALL. Because God ALREADY TOLD YOU TO REMAIN SILENT. God makes it SUPER CLEAR in Malachi 3:6, He says I DO NOT CHANGE.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">With all that said, I say that Christian women the world over SHOULD at some point in their walk feel LEAD BY THE SPIRIT to work in ministry in some capacity, whether it be a food ministry, an outreach ministry, an evangelical ministry, a </span>women's<span style="font-family: inherit;"> ministry or even a </span>children's<span style="font-family: inherit;"> ministry. If doing those things MAKES <u>YOU</u> FEEL lesser than a man, then I think we've found the issue. In God's eyes all men and women are equal <i>(when it comes to salvation)</i>, but please don't be fooled into thinking and believing that God somehow changed His mind when Jesus walked the Earth 2,000 years ago.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">And with that, if you enjoyed reading this today, please share it with a friend or a loved one. Who knows what it will take to help you break through the walls that Satan has </span>erected?</div>Pastor Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507712116774200461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5355510045191574782.post-58479528471674866702023-08-06T09:04:00.003-04:002023-08-06T09:04:27.047-04:00Pastor Keith - Missing in Action?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsZh_iqekXuKW_rQy6L9zPw0lRymrsUGNe808C1YJz9tBYWujuoqwB-hfiEB5aOX1XDuX7hDvAnFcu8haIiafkpm3xOEabyLak3O3QLNenyhRpeNikhXAVaOpxmuvKxbiPetV2OMadpF6PsNfgUozwGM56os-BaQ3JnaduON0X59tiTwax87LTB_tRUMg/s267/missing.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="189" data-original-width="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsZh_iqekXuKW_rQy6L9zPw0lRymrsUGNe808C1YJz9tBYWujuoqwB-hfiEB5aOX1XDuX7hDvAnFcu8haIiafkpm3xOEabyLak3O3QLNenyhRpeNikhXAVaOpxmuvKxbiPetV2OMadpF6PsNfgUozwGM56os-BaQ3JnaduON0X59tiTwax87LTB_tRUMg/s16000/missing.png" title="Missing" /></a></div><p>Happy Sunday!</p><p>No, Pastor Keith hasn't gone MIA. I have just been trying to recharge my battery since my surgery.</p><p>You can't imagine the toll a surgery like that can take on your entire body.</p><p>Please pray for me and as I continue to pray, I will continue to post on what moves me.</p><p>Thanks for all the emails and encouragement!</p>Pastor Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507712116774200461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5355510045191574782.post-60884208209243605692023-01-31T20:36:00.002-05:002023-02-01T17:04:23.298-05:00Florida Church FIRST to get it right PUBLICALLY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt6G25LU3VvW3Px1fATLpVs87vSQ6EVQEkH9YhmL2QR5XUBIn7WA6oye4DNn2Arq9upgxBKBeuQgf1HWqeWXnQB-LgFBGsimN8hNXBqrSF57T0SN3v0c-52g9bkoZVB2ek0M-uuhUckGKL6qsE_fRMFGiiHsvM9EMZA_GwoyDX4LC3SkC5M-xnSXkx/s900/star-clipart-transparent-background-11.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="900" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt6G25LU3VvW3Px1fATLpVs87vSQ6EVQEkH9YhmL2QR5XUBIn7WA6oye4DNn2Arq9upgxBKBeuQgf1HWqeWXnQB-LgFBGsimN8hNXBqrSF57T0SN3v0c-52g9bkoZVB2ek0M-uuhUckGKL6qsE_fRMFGiiHsvM9EMZA_GwoyDX4LC3SkC5M-xnSXkx/w200-h200/star-clipart-transparent-background-11.png" title="Florida Church FIRST to get it right PUBLICALLY" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p>Gold star goes out to <a href="https://fbcjax.com/sexualitystatement/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>THIS</b></a> Florida church for being the first one in the United States to GET IT RIGHT!<span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p>For far too many years churches all across this country have decided to buy into the PC Culture surrounding Sex, Gender and why they aren't the same thing and regardless of what your DNA says, you can decide for yourself what you are. <i>(shameful)</i></p><p>If you have decided that you can decide what gender you are or you have decided that it's ok for people to do so, please, Please, PLEASE read the following bible verses and realize it's <b><u>DIRECTED AT YOU SPECIFICALLY <i>(I mean PERSONALLY)</i></u></b>:</p><p><b>Romans 1:28-32 -</b> <i>And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; <b>who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same <u>but also approve of those who practice them</u>.</b></i></p><p>I've been writing about these things for a few years now, trying my level best to stop the insanity. God WILL NOT desire your attention or your prayers if you are ACTIVELY SINNING ON PURPOSE. Just because you don't think it's a problem, doesn't mean that God agrees with you. Fact is, He most certainly does NOT agree with you.</p><p><b>Proverbs 3:5-8 -</b> <i>Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And l<u>ean not on your own understanding</u>; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. <u>Do not be wise in your own eyes</u>; Fear the LORD and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones.</i></p><p>Feel free to read my posts in relation to this subject:</p><p><a href="https://keiththerev.blogspot.com/2022/12/discussion-topic-1-society-vs-bible.html">Society vs the Bible</a><br /><a href="https://keiththerev.blogspot.com/2022/03/how-far-does-gods-forgiveness-really-go.html">How far does God's forgiveness really go?</a><br /><a href="https://keiththerev.blogspot.com/2019/01/woe-to-those-who-call-evil-good-and.html">Woe to those who call evil good and good evil</a><br /><a href="https://keiththerev.blogspot.com/2022/06/due-to-popular-demand.html">Due to popular demand - List of bad churches</a><br /><a href="https://keiththerev.blogspot.com/2022/06/methodists-take-turn-at-turning.html">Methodists take turn at turning Christianity into a joke</a><br /><a href="https://keiththerev.blogspot.com/2021/09/and-its-all-over-for-lutheran-church.html">And it's all over for the Lutheran church</a><br /><a href="https://keiththerev.blogspot.com/2017/08/the-nashville-statement-coalition-for.html">The Nashville Statement - A Coalition for Biblical Sexuality</a><br /><a href="https://keiththerev.blogspot.com/2014/02/agendas-propaganda-and-lies-oh-my.html">Agendas Propaganda and Lies - Oh My!</a><br /><a href="https://keiththerev.blogspot.com/2014/02/is-gay-pride-oxy-moron.html">Is gay pride an oxymoron?</a><br /><a href="https://keiththerev.blogspot.com/2012/07/gay-marriage-whats-problem.html">Gay Marriage - What's the problem?</a><br /><a href="https://keiththerev.blogspot.com/2010/03/new-take-on-homosexuality-issue.html">A new take on Homosexuality</a><br /><a href="https://keiththerev.blogspot.com/2010/03/what-is-christian.html">What is a Christian?</a></p><p>You're entitled to your own feelings, but you're NOT entitled to tell people lies about how "god loves you just as you are". His love for you is unconditional - <i>IF YOU AREN'T LIVING AN UNREPENTANT LIFE</i>.</p><p>Thanks for reading, and as always, please share this site with your friends.<br />It may be the best advice they ever get...<br /><br />God Bless</p>Pastor Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507712116774200461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5355510045191574782.post-57266798122721168422022-12-15T17:28:00.003-05:002022-12-21T09:41:42.728-05:00Discussion Topic #1 - Society vs. The Bible<div><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5a4g0_FSQ3sITHooJK1rxOqIhJbpNiVOsna7RHOaJwcRIr-jEk9HDlZ32MsiUfV0aW6p0hNS2TEUSVBOudb0jDaKeLftpejVX5u2L47uRwUDlTShUT3hdzocjUkTxmxEbKiKS8BxRYaEIFOADUTORTc0o5GSXsF1a57kurWfL_BjmqD6-NgG8Ayl5/s563/question.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="495" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5a4g0_FSQ3sITHooJK1rxOqIhJbpNiVOsna7RHOaJwcRIr-jEk9HDlZ32MsiUfV0aW6p0hNS2TEUSVBOudb0jDaKeLftpejVX5u2L47uRwUDlTShUT3hdzocjUkTxmxEbKiKS8BxRYaEIFOADUTORTc0o5GSXsF1a57kurWfL_BjmqD6-NgG8Ayl5/w176-h200/question.jpg" title="Society vs The Bible" width="176" /></a></div><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Question:</b> Because it has become acceptable to society, does that mean it has therefore become biblical or correct?</span><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Examples would be things like:</b> Homosexuality, Gay Marriage, Recreational use of Illicit Drugs, Prostitution, Christmas Trees, Non-Observance of the Sabbath, Psychics, The Wise Men in the Manger Scene </span><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(I hate to break it to you, but they weren't there! See Matthew 2)</span></i><span style="font-size: large;">.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>I would love nothing more than to see how these questions get answered. Maybe you think some are and some aren't? Maybe you think they're all nonsense and unbiblical to begin with? Maybe you think the bible is an outdated piece of junk and anyone reading it is mentally deranged?</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>Please let me know in the comments!</span></div>Pastor Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507712116774200461noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5355510045191574782.post-72428499388921991862022-12-09T10:29:00.005-05:002022-12-09T12:00:33.596-05:00Under Spiritual Attack AGAIN<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCqZK5HAb2DWVzaO2PK13XTFIt8-gnJsTyJ3ZgF4nWpj9ZW2D4J2pIcebgElZw_HdU-jCOEDvaS6wrIJvuAgG9qMNkoiQfcX3XXhib9gT0RcRNaHbnHVDMHAa7tYbbQifizP5IFtXwM74Q6XQCx2O3tjRw-d0yaIhPyT5Oiv7Vi90me66gnge_b1QX/s400/underattack.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="388" data-original-width="400" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCqZK5HAb2DWVzaO2PK13XTFIt8-gnJsTyJ3ZgF4nWpj9ZW2D4J2pIcebgElZw_HdU-jCOEDvaS6wrIJvuAgG9qMNkoiQfcX3XXhib9gT0RcRNaHbnHVDMHAa7tYbbQifizP5IFtXwM74Q6XQCx2O3tjRw-d0yaIhPyT5Oiv7Vi90me66gnge_b1QX/w320-h310/underattack.png" title="Under Spiritual Attack" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>So here we are again. 10 some-odd years out and Satan or his minions are at it again - WITH ME.</div><div><br /></div><div>I really thought that <a href="https://keiththerev.blogspot.com/2012/05/are-demons-real-and-are-demons-here.html" target="_blank"><b>what I had gone through all those years ago</b></a> was a one-off, something that wouldn't happen again, knowing full-well that I wasn't going to succumb to his nonsense, but I guess one of his demons didn't get the message.</div><div><br /></div><div>Last night in at around 2am I got up with some awful indigestion. So I got out of bed, got some iced-tea and grabbed one of my little pills that makes the burning go away. I took the pill, finished the tea and then I reached down to feel the cross on my neck to see if the clasp was in the back (I do that once in a while) and found that my necklace was GONE. Except for the time that I was in the hospital for <a href="https://keiththerev.blogspot.com/2020/01/i-have-brain-tumor.html" target="_blank"><b>brain surgery</b></a>, that necklace has been on my neck since 2008! I don't take it off, I like having it on. Not as an "idol", but as a REMINDER. Every time I move from side to side quickly or turn around, or even bend over, I FEEL IT slightly bounce off of my body. And when it does, it REMINDS ME that The Holy Spirit isn't just with me while I'm praying, but ALWAYS. Do I need the reminder? Probably not, but I think it's a good idea for people to have small reminders such as this and encourage them to do it IF it fits into their life.</div><div><br /></div><div>So as it was dark in the house late AND everyone was asleep, I decided I'd try to find my necklace first thing in the morning. So I quickly fell back to sleep and when I woke up there were a couple of things that were a little bit odd. Nothing really by itself that would make you think, but altogether something that helped to create this blog entry today.</div><div><br /></div><div>The first thing I noticed, was my Echo device was RED. You know those AI things Amazon makes? I've got an Echo Show which is one of the ones with the screen and video camera. I keep the video camera disabled, but I love the convenience of having an Echo to help keep me organized. Anyway, the screen had a bright red bar at the bottom of it (never saw that before) and there was a bright red light lit at the top of it (which I had never seen either). As I've worked in just about every facet of IT for the past 42 years or so, I thought about it for a moment and realized that the MUTE feature was turned on. I have NEVER used this feature before. So I pressed the bright red button up top and the red bar went away too. No big deal right?</div><div><br /></div><div>Then I was going to reach over for my phone to turn it on and sitting right there on the very corner of my night table was MY NECKLACE. It wasn't just sitting there in a clump, it was all coiled up nicely with the cross sitting on top. This is when I knew something was afoot. First of all there is no way I could have removed this necklace in my sleep. Next, there is no way I could have re-fastened it IN MY SLEEP and coiled it up perfectly with the cross on top!</div><div><br /></div><div>So I grabbed my necklace, put it back on, then went in to where my wife was doing her morning bible reading and I said to her, "Morning, so where did you find my necklace?". She looked at me in confusion and said, "Honey, your necklace is around your neck.". And then I said "Very funny, I meant before you picked it up and put it on my night stand." And she says to me, "Honey, I have no idea what you're talking about. I haven't seen nor touched your necklace - at all - at any point." Of course, that lead me to tell her the story of getting up in pain, needing a pill, etc. As always, my wife rejoiced singing praises to Jesus.</div><div><br /></div><div>For those of you wondering, my necklace is nothing special. It's a stainless-steel ball-chain with a stainless-steel cross hanging from it. With all of the street-work I've done in Jesus name I would never wear a necklace with actual monetary value. I think the chain I'm wearing now cost me $8. If someone were to snatch it from my neck, I think I'd laugh OUT LOUD at the thought of the pawn-broker who looks at it and says, "That's a piece of stainless-steel. It doesn't really have any value, keep it!" Hey, It's my imagination! Let me have fun with it! :P</div><div><br /></div><div>So in conclusion, when Satan attacks, his main purpose is to divert your attention <b><u>AWAY FROM</u></b> <span style="color: #3d85c6;">God’s Word</span> and <b><u>OVER TO</u></b> <span style="color: #3d85c6;">your circumstances</span>. That’s why God said this in Proverbs:</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Proverbs 4:20-23 -</b> <i>My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; For they are life to those who find them, And health to all their flesh. Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Give your attention to the Word of God, it will give you much peace, guidance and wisdom in times of trial. I've heard it said before that the more attention you give to God’s Word, the easier the other steps will be in resisting Satan’s attacks.</div><div><br /></div><div>Amen?</div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, there's the lingering question - Did a demon remove the cross from my neck and just happen to leave it somewhere close by or did a demon remove it from my neck, dropped it somewhere I'd never see it and then God found it for me, coiled it up nicely and left it where I could easily find it and put it back on again? Hmmmm.... ;) Either way - I'm good!</div><div><br /></div><div>If you enjoyed reading this blog and maybe learned something today, please think about sharing either the link to this story of the link to this blog with someone you care about. It could make all the difference in how they deal with the issues we cover here.</div><div><br /></div><div>PS: The last time this happened to me <i>(being attacked in the spirit)</i>, all sorts of great things started to happen to me. God started using me like crazy and I pray that's His plan again this time!</div>Pastor Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507712116774200461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5355510045191574782.post-61068278270984195502022-10-09T14:35:00.004-04:002023-02-01T21:49:39.928-05:00Should Pastor Keith Run for Office?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtHj6EODIJSRWQMtyt9iVOMGr34iANy_e12KcD89uOZ5UVMmemmMvvDFsTwOgvvB2An1GiqjYp58rJ-RJd3e4hLK768MKyNXV99aiexHJOG9T_nXBIXBIpXTEBlZpjddtS625TxSekF3Lh6o54bfBbrYGB0fDwJANVWknWuMaqrW05hQ5Qk60ZttC4/s800/runforoffice.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="699" data-original-width="800" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtHj6EODIJSRWQMtyt9iVOMGr34iANy_e12KcD89uOZ5UVMmemmMvvDFsTwOgvvB2An1GiqjYp58rJ-RJd3e4hLK768MKyNXV99aiexHJOG9T_nXBIXBIpXTEBlZpjddtS625TxSekF3Lh6o54bfBbrYGB0fDwJANVWknWuMaqrW05hQ5Qk60ZttC4/w320-h280/runforoffice.jpg" title="Should Pastor Keith run for office?" width="320" /></a></div><br />So in 2014 I posted something about <a href="https://keiththerev.blogspot.com/2014/06/my-platform-for-presidency-of-united.html" target="_blank">what I would do if I were President</a>. Back then we were living under the constant tyranny of Obama and this country was moving further backwards by the day. But when I wrote that post, I touched upon something that actually got many people over the years to message me about the prospect of whether or not I'd ACTUALLY consider running for ANY office.<span><a name='more'></a>Truth is, I'd totally love to do that. I mean think about it...</span><p></p><p><span>Could you imagine if someone with the same values as you ran for office?<br />What about if they had the same morals?<br />How about the same ethics?<br />What if they didn't mind telling the truth?<br />What if they wanted the same things you wanted?<br />What if they valued things like life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness?<br />What if they thought the US Constitution was a thing of beauty?<br />What if they not only respected your right to free speech but your right to keep and bear arms?</span></p><p><span>Sounds like someone I'd want to vote for.<br />I wonder what you think about that?<br />Won't you break your silence and start a conversation about this?</span></p><p><span>If I thought I'd have a chance AND God lead me to do it, I'd totally do it!</span></p><p><span><b>1 Corinthians 10:31 -</b> <i>Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.</i></span></p><p><span>Please feel free to share this post with anyone you'd like, anywhere you can!</span></p>Pastor Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507712116774200461noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5355510045191574782.post-87662369963264809082022-07-03T12:43:00.005-04:002022-07-16T10:32:51.402-04:00Seems that Democrats / Progressives don't mind if 10 year old girls are raped<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1-m5haOzsZtlh82q1GvMmpdlRdEjquWg4qLfH5LIpnWqF-z9llOEJnDkveXddh-I2k4Hv1AVVpVaFpcTqNgMUKt1mQv74RCZDh-rx2NzrL8Njzf86vGIF1yecDg2pOyWVsmraxbWqcvDwwqw_o5Fp0gPN-zoOfohMxkYfYJCL3m_DqbuEVcEfdThK/s600/abortion.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="600" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1-m5haOzsZtlh82q1GvMmpdlRdEjquWg4qLfH5LIpnWqF-z9llOEJnDkveXddh-I2k4Hv1AVVpVaFpcTqNgMUKt1mQv74RCZDh-rx2NzrL8Njzf86vGIF1yecDg2pOyWVsmraxbWqcvDwwqw_o5Fp0gPN-zoOfohMxkYfYJCL3m_DqbuEVcEfdThK/w320-h227/abortion.png" title="Abortion" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>In <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2022/07/02/10-year-old-ohio-indiana-abortion-roe/7795409001/?dc_data=17816837_samsung-carnival-us-att&utm_source=taboola&utm_medium=taboola_news&ui=fb8f5d94-1c15-4bf8-89c8-19fec26788a5-tuct7725629" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">THIS</a> article dated 7/2/2022, the title indicates that a 10 year old girl was pregnant, crossed state lines and "thankfully" was able to get an abortion, because you know, it's a normal everyday thing for 10 year olds to get pregnant, right?<div><br /></div><div>What is going on in this country???<span><a name='more'></a></span></div><div><br /></div><div>The article is overwhelmingly concerned with "PREGNANT PEOPLE" needing abortions, now more than ever. Seriously? When did PEOPLE develop the mechanisms to GET PREGNANT? The funniest part of the article, there's a business by the name of "WOMEN'S MED" that's complaining the loudest about not being able to give PREGNANT PEOPLE abortions. Me thinks they need to rename the business to "PEOPLE'S MED", otherwise the left is going to have a fit!</div><div><br /></div><div>When I found out that the Supreme Court overturned Roe vs. Wade, I sincerely felt a sigh of relief. Not that abortion would become illegal within the United States, but that at least HALF of the country (if not more) would be saving MILLIONS OF BABIES FROM BEING MURDERED EVERY YEAR.</div><div><br /></div><div>God describes LIFE in the book of Leviticus:</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Leviticus 17:11 -</b> For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.</div><div><br /></div><div>He wasn't talking about bugs, puppies, trees and pineapples, He was talking about PEOPLE. You and I. He says that THE life of the flesh is IN THE BLOOD, and that He has given it to us so that we may USE IT for the ATONEMENT of our SOULS, that it is THE BLOOD that makes ATONEMENT for our souls.</div><div><br /></div><div>Gee, what does that remind me of? Hmmmmm.....</div><div><br /></div><div>OH! I remember now!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Revelation 7:14 -</b> ..."These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and <b><i><u>washed their robes and made them white in the blood</u></i></b> of the Lamb."</div><div><br /></div><div>All throughout the New Testament, if you're reading a quality translation of Scripture, you learn repeatedly about how important the SHEDDING OF THE BLOOD OF CHRIST WAS TO US. Just think about this for a moment... How in the world do you WASH your ROBES in BLOOD and make them WHITE? EASY! When we take all of our faith and all of our trust and put it in Christ ALONE, He will wash our SINS of BLACK in HIS BLOOD and our sins will be washed away and become PURE AND WHITE.</div><div><br /></div><div>At the end of the day, I'm not terribly concerned about the whole abortion issue. I can't afford to be. God tells us that all of this nonsense MUST HAPPEN before Jesus will return.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Matthew 24:34 -</b> Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place.</div><div><br /></div><div>Yes, it's a sad day that anyone murders an unborn child and yes, it's good to a certain degree that we try to minimize it, but in the end God will triumph over this wicked and sinful generation.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Matthew 12:45 -</b> Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first. So shall it also be with this wicked generation."</div><div><br /></div><div>The whole point of this post, was that liberals/democrats/progressives don't actually care about the fact that this poor 10 year old girl WAS RAPED, all they cared about was the fact that this girl couldn't get her government funded abortion. AND THAT is what upset me so much about that article. Feel free to read it for yourself.</div><div><br /></div><div>As always, please feel free to share this Blog post with someone.</div>Pastor Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507712116774200461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5355510045191574782.post-66532971699719870442022-06-26T09:01:00.003-04:002022-07-03T12:11:24.110-04:00Due to Popular Demand - List of Bad Churches<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu-16Q1-1utywzYxFgix0cExO04gh7vFwOMK5JGG-dTT4vG_gX5dabJ29j3XO9M5NZ1mrxe8WP9rBh7EcADOlEM5PDUwr7CT-14cAIuTKEK6Lv32vbrwwaRWT9qkaTbd3UnahAXjylpO7SSteloWJHVhUlLEyglsd8be88mXhizhes-a6qYSs-Engt/s1080/LGBTQ.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="860" data-original-width="1080" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu-16Q1-1utywzYxFgix0cExO04gh7vFwOMK5JGG-dTT4vG_gX5dabJ29j3XO9M5NZ1mrxe8WP9rBh7EcADOlEM5PDUwr7CT-14cAIuTKEK6Lv32vbrwwaRWT9qkaTbd3UnahAXjylpO7SSteloWJHVhUlLEyglsd8be88mXhizhes-a6qYSs-Engt/w320-h255/LGBTQ.jpg" title="Let's Get Biden to Quit" width="320" /></a></div><p>I'll tell you... You'd be hard-pressed to know it, but this site is amazingly busy. So much so, that my mailbox is usually overflowing.</p><p>One of the biggest requests I get from readers, is that I put up a simple to read and simple to understand list of which Christian Religions have completely lost their marbles and are either encouraging the whole LGBTQ-XYZ nonsense or are actually ordaining openly gay people.<span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p>So, instead of a blog-post, I've made an easy to access list available on the right-hand pane of every window on this site.</p><p>If you are aware of any MAINLINE religion that I've missed, please use the form at the bottom of that same right-hand pane to drop me a note and I'll check it out and add it if I can!</p><p>And even though I can't seem to get most people to visibly participate by posting messages, I'd still like to thank all of you who participate in secret.</p><p><b>Matthew 6:3-4 -</b> <i>But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.</i></p><p>As always, please feel free to share this blog with everyone you know. It may just be what they need to help them understand things that have always been mysteries to them.</p>Pastor Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507712116774200461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5355510045191574782.post-65587295806472931672022-06-06T12:10:00.004-04:002022-06-06T12:39:05.432-04:00Methodists take turn at turning Christianity into a joke<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnvpB_wQyQy286UeBB4tdoIn4Uf1nu6aT4qcsqS9hiGOr3cODF1mnd4PAovbzFBTwN94tJ5LANhM3wt7e6_1eU57x4SJizJ8kwEND3sU_hfLdrAyd4xFDLue7QN_xqjkYgHIeSbgJy8Dez5M126RSDVrt--1MC32suRvO-GvSejE8A7vaXSceKFQg-/s1034/methodist.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1034" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnvpB_wQyQy286UeBB4tdoIn4Uf1nu6aT4qcsqS9hiGOr3cODF1mnd4PAovbzFBTwN94tJ5LANhM3wt7e6_1eU57x4SJizJ8kwEND3sU_hfLdrAyd4xFDLue7QN_xqjkYgHIeSbgJy8Dez5M126RSDVrt--1MC32suRvO-GvSejE8A7vaXSceKFQg-/w248-h320/methodist.jpg" title="The Methodist Church" width="248" /></a></div><p>For years I've heard atheists make fun of Christians (the least of which is Bill Marr), and now we have to watch this nonsense unfold. <a href="https://theworldnews.net/us-news/dozens-of-georgia-churches-split-from-united-methodist-church-over-lgbtq-issues" target="_blank">Churches split over LGBTQ nonsense</a>.</p><p>First it was the Presbyterians, then it was the Lutherans and now the Methodists get to take the same walk of shame. I say shame, because that's what it is, it's a shame. It's a shame that they all think that they're smarter than God. It's a shame that they all think that they have better answers than God. It's a shame that they think what they believe is right is finally being treated as right, because the active-sinners have made their way into leadership.<span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p>And for those of you who feel like accusing me of being anti-anything or mean-spirited or whatever, know this.... The only country dealing with this LEVEL OF NONSENSE is the United States. Christians at large understand the simple information found in scripture to be quite comprehensive. No matter how much two LGBTQ-XYZ people "love" each other, it's still a sin. And there are still others who say that if Jesus never mentioned it, then He's obviously okay with homosexuality. Really? Jesus never mentioned anything about abortion or same-sex marriage or about child molestation, so I guess using their logic, Jesus would have approved of all of those things as well. Do you see the dangerous web that gets woven when you INTERPRET the bible? Why can't you just allow God to say what He meant and mean what He said?</p><p>For instance:</p><p><b>Genesis 19:1–11 -</b> Now the two angels came to Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gate of Sodom. When Lot saw them, he rose to meet them, and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground. And he said, "Here now, my lords, please turn in to your servant's house and spend the night, and wash your feet; then you may rise early and go on your way." And they said, "No, but we will spend the night in the open square." But he insisted strongly; so they turned in to him and entered his house. Then he made them a feast, and baked unleavened bread, and they ate. <b><i>Now before they lay down, the men of the city, the men of Sodom, both old and young, all the people from every quarter, surrounded the house. And they called to Lot and said to him, "Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us that we may know them carnally." So Lot went out to them through the doorway, shut the door behind him, and said, "Please, my brethren, do not do so wickedly! See now, I have two daughters who have not known a man; please, let me bring them out to you, and you may do to them as you wish; only do nothing to these men, since this is the reason they have come under the shadow of my roof." And they said, "Stand back!"</i></b> Then they said, "This one came in to stay here, and he keeps acting as a judge; now we will deal worse with you than with them." So they pressed hard against the man Lot, and came near to break down the door. But the men reached out their hands and pulled Lot into the house with them, and shut the door. And they struck the men who were at the doorway of the house with blindness, both small and great, so that they became weary trying to find the door.</p><p>Can you imagine? The father of two young daughters offers up his own children for these many men to rape and defile and yet they still wanted to rape the Angels that God sent! Unbelievable!</p><p><b>Leviticus 18:22-24 -</b> <b><i>You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination.</i></b> Nor shall you mate with any animal, to defile yourself with it. Nor shall any woman stand before an animal to mate with it. It is perversion. '<b><i>Do not defile yourselves with any of these things; f<u>or by all these the nations are defiled</u>, which I am casting out before you</i></b>.'</p><p>WOW. Not only does God mention that people are defiled, BUT WHOLE NATIONS!</p><p><b>Leviticus 20:13 -</b> <b><i>If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination. They shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon them.</i></b></p><p>Clarity at its' finest. If two people lie with another member of the same sex, they are not only considered an abomination <b><i>by God</i></b>, but God says they were to be <b><i>put to death</i></b>!</p><p><b>Mark 10:6-9 -</b> But from the beginning of the creation, <b><i>God 'made them male and female</i></b>.' 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'; so then they are no longer two, but one flesh. <b><i>Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate</i></b>."</p><p>This is the very simple language that anyone can read without interpretation to understand that God made humans male and female and THAT PARTICULAR COMBINATION is the one He intended.</p><p><b>Romans 1:18-32 -</b> For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man --- and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; <b style="font-style: italic;">who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them</b>.</p><p>You know, there's a whole lot I could write about the above passage, but it's the last sentence that gets me the angriest. God says that people <b><i><u>WHO KNOW BETTER</u></i></b> not only <b><i><u>DO THE SAME</u></i></b>, but they <b><i><u>APPROVE OF THOSE WHO PRACTICE THEM</u></i></b>.</p><p><b>1 Corinthians 6:9-11 -</b> Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. </p><p><b>1 Corinthians 6:17-20 -</b> But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him. Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.</p><p><b>1 Corinthians 7:2 -</b> Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband.</p><p><b>1 Timothy 1:8-11 -</b> But we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully, knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine, according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to my trust. </p><p><b>Jude 1:5-8 -</b> But I want to remind you, though you once knew this, that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe. And the angels who did not keep their proper domain, but left their own abode, He has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness for the judgment of the great day; as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them in a similar manner to these, having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. Likewise also these dreamers defile the flesh, reject authority, and speak evil of dignitaries.</p><hr /><p>And don't be fooled, it's not just the 3 religions I mentioned. There are many offshoots out there who welcome the alphabet-soup of "genders" into their congregations. As with all things, God demands you use discernment in all things.</p><p><b>Philippians 1:8-11 -</b> For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ. And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.</p><p>As always please share this with someone you know or love. Fact is, the knowledge of God, rather than the foolishness of men may actually save their lives.</p><p><b>Proverbs 27:22 -</b> Though you grind a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with crushed grain, Yet his foolishness will not depart from him.</p>Pastor Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507712116774200461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5355510045191574782.post-68607624984440880122022-03-24T11:32:00.005-04:002022-06-25T12:24:57.095-04:00How far does God's forgiveness really go?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnksYYK_0xpBPXT3eLAme8GvVod5iGfD8qsHdGul82HcOA4mnkPh0_gx4GFJty-Z6wVlT6uKT7i_p5bZnibl8MFwjOpqrP01gh1Wqhb0La3mttXK7NnRMTCv81_x8xBpfF-_yscN9mquvDZY9_1ijUB9USo0Z5p-v8IVoGgkTuuEN4N4pdvAzX5J7F/s247/forgiveness.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="247" data-original-width="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnksYYK_0xpBPXT3eLAme8GvVod5iGfD8qsHdGul82HcOA4mnkPh0_gx4GFJty-Z6wVlT6uKT7i_p5bZnibl8MFwjOpqrP01gh1Wqhb0La3mttXK7NnRMTCv81_x8xBpfF-_yscN9mquvDZY9_1ijUB9USo0Z5p-v8IVoGgkTuuEN4N4pdvAzX5J7F/s16000/forgiveness.jpg" title="Forgiveness" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>As I've said on a zillion occasions, every now and then I get these really great questions thrown in my direction and I really love to share them with you. Why? Well, I figure it like this... If ANYONE is asking the question, then ANYONE should have the answer available to them.</p><p>Today's question comes from an older woman who has been through a lot in her life and is nearing the end of her journey. But don't let her circumstances dictate how you "feel" about the answers. Fact is, how you feel about the answers doesn't change the fact that the answers <b>ARE WHAT THEY ARE</b>. Amen?<span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p><b><i>Question:</i></b> Pastor Keith, I've often been told that God can forgive anything. I'm getting older and probably have less days in front of me than I do behind me. I've done so many things in my lifetime, and there has been so much that I'm not proud of. I have horrible guilt and sometimes I'm plagued by terrifying nightmares. I'm so afraid that God isn't willing to forgive some or even all of my sins. Is there anything you can share with me to help me really understand this once and for all?</p><p><b><i>Answer:</i></b> Sister, you've come to the right place! Like many Pastors, I can tell you "what I think", but I think it's safe to say that <b><i><u>I don't think</u></i></b> that's what you really need. I'm betting you've heard enough of what people think and are finally ready to KNOW what God has to SAY on the matter.</p><p>So if you read through the bible, you'll actually find quite a lot about forgiveness. Some of it is simply understood about how God forgives sins and the rest is mostly made up of ways that WE should forgive others <u><b>SO THAT WE CAN <i>UNDERSTAND</i> HOW GOD FORGIVES US</b></u>.</p><p>Allow me to start with the most powerful evidence and I'll build from there.</p><p><b>Psalm 65:3 (NLT) - </b><i>Though we are overwhelmed by our sins, you forgive them all.</i></p><p>While I usually can't stand dynamic equivalence translations, that single verse from the New Living Translation happens to be the most eloquently worded way of putting it. God knows full well that sometimes the sheer number of sins in our past can be monumental. Just think about how many or HOW BIG our sins must be if we are "overwhelmed" by them.</p><p>Does God forgive homosexuality?<br />Does God forgive abortions?<br />Does God forgive accidental deaths?<br />Does God forgive giving up children for adoption?<br />Does God forgive putting down a sick or aged animal?<br />Does God forgive joining a cause that you later learned is bad/wrong?<br />Does God forgive killing people in war time?<br />Does God forgive giving out wrong information about HIM?<br />Does God forgive pulling the plug on a loved one?<br />Does God forgive not raising your children in a Godly way?<br />Does God forgive for selling my body for sex?<br />Does God forgive all of the drug and alcohol use?</p><p>God WILL <i>(and does)</i> forgive all of those things <i><u>AND MORE</u></i>!<br />How can you KNOW this? Keep reading!</p><p>The key to understanding how forgiveness works, is understanding ONE EXTREMELY IMPORTANT word. <b>REPENTANCE</b> is a word not often used in the English language, but something that God is pretty keen about. As with many words in the English language, this word comes from a language other than English. The word repent actually comes from the French language. To repent is to "turn from". If you were to repent of your sins, God would forgive them. In other words, if one day you realize the NEED of repentance in your relationship with God <i>(hopefully this happens sooner rather than later)</i>, all you need to do is LITERALLY turn away from your sin and go in a new direction. God has been telling men to do this since Old Testament times!</p><p><b>2 Kings 17:13 -</b> Yet the LORD testified against Israel and against Judah, by all of His prophets, every seer, saying, "<b><u>Turn from</u></b> your evil ways, and keep My commandments and My statutes, according to all the law which I commanded your fathers, and which I sent to you by My servants the prophets."</p><p><b>2 Chronicles 6:26-27 -</b> "When the heavens are shut up and there is no rain because they have sinned against You, when they pray toward this place and confess Your name, and <b><u>turn from</u></b> their sin because You afflict them, then hear in heaven, and forgive the sin of Your servants, Your people Israel, that You may teach them the good way in which they should walk; and send rain on Your land which You have given to Your people as an inheritance."</p><p><b>Jeremiah 26:1-7 -</b> In the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, this word came from the LORD, saying, "Thus says the LORD: 'Stand in the court of the LORD's house, and speak to all the cities of Judah, which come to worship in the LORD's house, all the words that I command you to speak to them. Do not diminish a word. Perhaps everyone will listen and <b><u>turn from</u></b> his evil way, that I may relent concerning the calamity which I purpose to bring on them because of the evil of their doings.' And you shall say to them, 'Thus says the LORD: "If you will not listen to Me, to walk in My law which I have set before you, to heed the words of My servants the prophets whom I sent to you, both rising up early and sending them (but you have not heeded), then I will make this house like Shiloh, and will make this city a curse to all the nations of the earth." '" So the priests and the prophets and all the people heard Jeremiah speaking these words in the house of the LORD.</p><p><b>Ezekiel 3:19 -</b> Yet, if you warn the wicked, and he does not <b>turn from</b> his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your soul.</p><p><b>Acts 14:15 -</b> ...and saying, "Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you, and preach to you that you should <b><u>turn from</u></b> these useless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them...</p><p>And of course there's plenty more where that came from.</p><p>Listen, if you're a practicing homosexual, it's <b><u><i>impossible</i></u></b> to be a Christian. How can you be repentant of something you're IN THE ACT OF DOING? If you're a prostitute, it's also <b><i><u>impossible</u></i></b> to be a Christian. How can you be repentant of something YOU ARE DOING ON PURPOSE? If you are unmarried and having sex with a man that isn't your husband and you get pregnant and get an abortion or otherwise give away your child, how in the world can you expect God to forgive you <u>WHILE</u> YOU ARE DOING WHATEVER YOU WANT TO DO?</p><p>If however one day long after you have sinned you realize that your sin IS SIN, at that point you can <i>(and should)</i> repent of what you've done. God also teaches us that when we sin against someone, we should go to that person and confess and pray for each other.</p><p><b>James 5:16 (KJV) -</b> Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.</p><p>God has so much written about sin and repentance that you could spend hours and hours just on that topic alone. Remember, God is holy and as such, we can't be IN RELATIONSHIP with Him WHILE we are in an UNCLEAN state. Repentance is our ticket to holiness.</p><p>In conclusion, if you don't repent of your sin, NEITHER WILL GOD FORGIVE YOU. How could He? That's like expecting someone to give you ANYTHING without asking first! Ask and God says it's already been given to you!</p><p><b>Mark 11:24 -</b> Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.</p><p>If God has already forgiven you, it's time to also forgive yourself. You will never receive any greater forgiveness than that which God has given to you already. If you continue to suffer from guilt, it's not God punishing you, <u>IT'S YOU PUNISHING YOURSELF</u>!</p><p>As always, I would ask that you share this teaching and indeed this blog with someone you care about or love. It could make all the difference between them "believing" in God or actually having a "relationship" with Him.</p>Pastor Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507712116774200461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5355510045191574782.post-11232372070762124222021-12-14T17:45:00.002-05:002022-06-06T12:39:38.520-04:00A "funny" Corona Virus Story... (And who are God's Chosen people?)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://clipart-library.com/newhp/107-1079437_virus-png-download-png-image-with-transparent-background.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="800" height="252" src="http://clipart-library.com/newhp/107-1079437_virus-png-download-png-image-with-transparent-background.png" title="A "funny" Corona Virus Story..." width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div>Just about 2 years ago, we were told to "give us 15 days to eliminate the virus" and here I sit at my desk laughing at the lies and nonsense we've all been fed.<span><a name='more'></a></span></div><div><br /></div><div>I literally know people who have studied this virus for close to 2 years, have gone and gotten all the inoculations too, but those same people haven't spent a single minute studying the religion that they practice. I know people who are mentally destroyed about the prospect that their parents are going to hell, primarily since they know with absolute certainty that their parents beliefs don't match what the bible says.</div><div><br /></div><div>In Deuteronomy 7, we learn for the very first time that God has chosen ISRAEL to be HIS CHOSEN PEOPLE. As a matter of fact, it's even better than that, here, read for yourself:</div><div><br /></div><div><div><b>Deuteronomy 7:6 -</b> <i>"For you are a holy people to the LORD your God; the LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth."</i></div></div><div><br /></div><div>"A special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth", wow. I could only wish that someone would think of me in that way!</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, here we are a few thousand years later and now there are Christians running around telling people that, "Jews <i><b><u>were</u></b></i> God's chosen people, but now both the Jews and the Christians are His chosen people". Say what? Where does it say that? That's "Replacement Theology"! Maybe if they had read their bibles, they would have read this:</div><div><br /></div><div><div><b>Malachi 3:6 -</b> <i>"For I am the LORD, I do not change"</i></div></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>In other words, when God says something, you don't get to just change it whenever you feel like it should be changed. If we can't trust what God has to say on a matter, why bother with Him to begin with? Seriously. If you can't trust something that someone says, then what kind of relationship do you have with them? A bad one.</div><div><br /></div><div>Some of you might ask "Chosen for what?", and that's a fair question. For starters, God says that Israel is a holy people to the Lord and a special treasure. And look at what God has done with them. From the beginning of time, God knew that He Himself would need to be born into the human race and sacrifice Himself for our transgressions. He's made sure that the Messiah comes out of Israel. And just think, in Romans 11 we learn that Christians have been grafted into the tree of Israel. Not to become or replace God's chosen people, but to be as younger half-siblings. Not born into the promise, but BORN AGAIN into the promise.</div><div><br /></div><div>So what do the Corona Virus and God's Chosen people have to do with each other? LOL, I'm not sure they have anything to do with each other, but hopefully someone out there will find this a useful piece of information to share with their stubborn family member.</div><div><br /></div><div>As always, please be sure to share this blog and the radio show with those you care about!</div><div>God's Blessings</div>Pastor Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507712116774200461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5355510045191574782.post-90448373808509735362021-09-12T14:28:00.007-04:002021-09-12T14:29:09.679-04:00And it's all over for the Lutheran church....<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ajcvRHdXqcIDNbnoHsxupbfCnO_E-DWWG8nnp8SsJ9JHX0fqTRF2MqTj4b7rGSGXozywcTcUM10b2PqLug1Q_hg9OlgFOfpNxcnzg5vWdy3PLwOv5J73UlS2ULyFHBHw3FEIoaidkxc/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="409" data-original-width="231" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ajcvRHdXqcIDNbnoHsxupbfCnO_E-DWWG8nnp8SsJ9JHX0fqTRF2MqTj4b7rGSGXozywcTcUM10b2PqLug1Q_hg9OlgFOfpNxcnzg5vWdy3PLwOv5J73UlS2ULyFHBHw3FEIoaidkxc/" title="It's a man" width="136" /></a></div><p></p><p>So <a href="https://keiththerev.blogspot.com/2017/10/presbyterians-leave-now-before-its-too.html" target="_blank">3 years ago</a>, the Presbyterians decided that there was more than one way to get to Heaven. This of course is patently untrue.</p><p><b>John 14:6 -</b> <i>Jesus said to him, <span style="color: red;">"I am the way, the truth, and the life. <b>No one comes to the Father except through Me.</b>"</span></i></p><div><a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-california-san-francisco-3442c30f6ab2cc4269630535d6e5fc4b" target="_blank">Today</a>, the Lutherans have also fallen away from God by "installing" their first transgender bishop. This man is not gay, not bi, not confused in any way, but clearly God made HIM in the wrong body. </div><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a>If you read the article, apparently the Lutheran church SILENTLY allowed the ordination of the whole LGBTQ-Nonsense back in 2010.<p></p><p>The only LGBTQ I want in my life right now is:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.imgflip.com/5a0bk7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="527" data-original-width="500" height="200" src="https://i.imgflip.com/5a0bk7.jpg" title="Let's Get Biden To Quit" width="190" /></a></div><p>It's bad enough that this man who could not possibly have been rightly elected is our "president". Now we have to add yet another MAINSTREAM religion to the list of religions to AVOID AT ALL COSTS.</p><p>I've recently been helping someone to discover whether a particular church they're interested in joining is worth joining or not. Today their Senior Pastor announced <i>(after 40 minutes of verbal diarrhea, trying desperately to explain himself),</i> that we should ACCEPT the whole alphabet soup of nonsense "Gender Identities". And he did it all while quoting Genesis 2:20-25, as SOMEHOW that explained why it was now, after 2,000 years, suddenly alright for us to PURPOSELY put the wolves and the sheep in the same pen.</p><p><b>Genesis 2:20-25 -</b> <i>So Adam gave names to all cattle, to the birds of the air, and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper comparable to him. And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. Then the rib which the LORD God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man. And Adam said: " This is now bone of my bones And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man." Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.</i></p><p>So were you able to discern how to take the above scripture and make it mean what he made it mean? I make no claims at "expertise" in this field, <i><b><u>BUT I CAN READ</u></b></i>. God tells us to "COME OUT FROM AMONG THEM AND BE SEPARATE".</p><p><b>2 Corinthians 6:17-18 -</b> <i>Therefore "Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you." " I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the LORD Almighty."</i></p><p>Just who was the THEM that God was talking about? Well, let's reason this out...</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>This IS the book of 2 Corinthians...</li><li>In verse 11 Paul is CRYING OUT to those of Corinth!</li><li>LOL, in verse 12 Paul is saying, "Hey, you're not being restricted by us, you're being restricted by your own affections!"</li><li>Between verses 14-16 Paul is trying to tell them to AVOID PEOPLE WHO HAVE OPPOSITE VALUES! Don't think so? Read it for yourself:</li></ul><p></p><p><b>2 Corinthians 6:14-16 -</b> <i><u>Do not be unequally yoked</u> together with unbelievers. For <u>what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness</u>? And <u>what communion has light with darkness</u>? And <u>what accord has Christ with Belial</u>? Or <u>what part has a believer with an unbeliever</u>? And <u>what agreement has the temple of God with idols</u>?</i></p><p>I would just as easily add, "And what part has a Christian with a homosexual? And what communion do people who wish to cut off their body parts and change their pronouns have with those who believe in a family with a REAL WOMAN who was BORN that way as a MOTHER and a REAL MAN who was born that way as a FATHER?</p><p>Regardless, I'm not surprised in the least that these things are happening. It's all part of the great falling away that we're warned about in 2 Thessalonians 2:</p><p><b>2 Thessalonians 2:1-5 -</b> <i>Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things?</i></p><p>Add The Lutherans to the ever growing and ever expanding list and surely I remind you to LOOK UP!</p><p><b>Luke 21:28 -</b> <i><span style="color: red;">"Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near."</span></i></p><p>As always, please share this post with anyone you think could use it. If there are any questions, I of course always remain available. Just remember to keep it clean!</p>Pastor Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507712116774200461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5355510045191574782.post-11405964903520433852021-08-25T13:10:00.007-04:002022-04-13T22:58:25.366-04:00Tongues, tongues, always FALSE tongues....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEidz6NYH7rs01rXlXsQXfaBzl_gzLJ-UD0QIsJWaxyOdg1STmV-dD_8jdbYQFsFgBzhApw6ao8klRAcJdPGSchTWBrzdGBl3A2oaOcQ4Ctsp-E5s8zke1VL2vbL1dixadqHcJjRqnKSDAN29oa22ge7jb1G4udh5qLdWSUJYIGnvlGrdk1e-mxcMtCU=s2120" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1307" data-original-width="2120" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEidz6NYH7rs01rXlXsQXfaBzl_gzLJ-UD0QIsJWaxyOdg1STmV-dD_8jdbYQFsFgBzhApw6ao8klRAcJdPGSchTWBrzdGBl3A2oaOcQ4Ctsp-E5s8zke1VL2vbL1dixadqHcJjRqnKSDAN29oa22ge7jb1G4udh5qLdWSUJYIGnvlGrdk1e-mxcMtCU=w320-h197" title="False Tongue Speaking" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>The single biggest question I get throughout EVERY year is always the same, here's the latest from a sister in Africa, who's desperately trying to wade through the nonsense she's being taught:</span></div><p><b style="font-style: italic;">Question:</b> Pastor Keith, allow me ask you, can a born again christian be filled with the holy spirit but cannot speak in tongues?<span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p><b><i>Answer:</i></b> LOL, of course! Speaking in tongues was merely ONE of the spiritual gifts. God gives those gifts as HE CHOOSES, not as our corrupt churches say. 1 Corinthians 12:11 is clear evidence of this. Besides, the way that "tongue speaking" is taught today is a total and complete LIE. If you read the verses in Acts regarding this matter, you will CLEARLY SEE that EACH ONE HEARD HIS OWN LANGUAGE, not some "heavenly dialect of angels" or whatever such nonsense. Thanks for your question.</p><p><b>1 Corinthians 12:11 -</b> But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually <i><u>as He wills</u></i>. </p><p><b><i>Her reply:</i></b> Thank you for taking your time to answer my question, truly you have shed light and some insight too that I needed,the church teachings today are confusing and somewhat twisted to somewhat go well with their beliefs. Bible references you quoted said it all so clearly. Again, thank you for your answer. God bless and keep you!</p><p>Please hear me, tongue speaking is just ONE GIFT of many. To falsely believe that every TRUE Christian must PROVE they're a Christian by speaking nonsense-sounds is INSANE. God gives out the gifts as HE WILLS, period.</p><p>If there's one post you should share this year, <b>THIS</b> just might be the one!</p><p>Thanks for reading, God Bless and be well!</p>Pastor Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507712116774200461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5355510045191574782.post-82631403298208088732021-07-01T09:44:00.001-04:002022-03-22T16:11:12.413-04:00Is being a Catholic the SAME as being a Christian?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhu6y23pYv0byVdF4UoN-FmzIbmyyQkiSNe6klxK-3UthS7GJeI_UHPUY0ax-lvDlZH4NZCNDQJQ4U3X5CwlmnE3349Aiwc_aQpCL4BhIVtTOln_ErO5vf8voNdalYY-Qh-HtrZ73rGL4/s267/catholicism.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhu6y23pYv0byVdF4UoN-FmzIbmyyQkiSNe6klxK-3UthS7GJeI_UHPUY0ax-lvDlZH4NZCNDQJQ4U3X5CwlmnE3349Aiwc_aQpCL4BhIVtTOln_ErO5vf8voNdalYY-Qh-HtrZ73rGL4/s16000/catholicism.jpg" title="Catholicism" /></a></div><p>"All people bleed, but not all people are bleeding."<br />"Everything for sale in the toy store is a toy, but not all things in the toy store are toys."</p><p>Those are just two things that I can think of off the top of my head to confuse you.<br />If you weren't confused, good, because they're only sensible.</p><p>But there are people out there who are NOT sensible.<br /></p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>From the Webster Dictionary:<br /><b>Sensible -</b> Having, containing, or indicative of good sense or reason : RATIONAL, REASONABLE</p><p>Much like the examples I gave you above, Catholics will have you believe the following is true:</p><p>"All Catholics are Christian, but not all Christians are Catholic."</p><p>While that statement has the APPEARANCE of truthfulness, it is an OUTRIGHT LIE.</p><p>It's like asking you "When did you stop beating your wife?". What if you had never beat your wife, how do you answer that question? It's what's called "a non-starter". You can't say something, assert that it's true and correct and then expect people to accept it and live by it. If what was said is WRONG, then it needs to be held up as WRONG and DISCARDED.</p><p>For posterity, the bible only mentions the word "Christian" a maximum of 3 times <i>(depending on the translation you're using - sometimes it's only 2 times)</i>. Every time it's used, it's used to denote suffering. It is neither a badge of honor or something to brag about at all. The concept of "Catholicism" is a complicated one. It's complicated because it's built on a pile of lies that could reach the clouds! But of course, people accept these lies gleefully, because it's not nice to make light of other people's religions. I'm not <u>making light</u>, I AM <u><b>SHINING A LIGHT</b></u> ON RELIGION TO EXPOSE THE LIES.</p><p>Catholics are no more Christians than practicing homosexuals are Christians. Catholics are no more Christians than Mormons are Christians. Catholics are no more Christians than Jehovah's Witnesses are Christians. If you're a Catholic, THEN THAT IS WHAT YOU ARE. 99% of Catholics have never cracked open a Bible. 99% of Catholics have no testimony, because they never BECAME a Christian, they were "made" a Catholic when they received their infant baptism <i>(which isn't Biblical anyway)</i>.</p><p>To those who are new to my blog, this is what I do. I teach AGAINST false teachings. Why? Think for a moment that someone calls you on the phone and says, "If you invest $1,000 in my new and exclusive opportunity, you'll make $1,000,000 in 3 months!" If you're stupid, you'll give the person your money. If you're smart, you'll talk to someone who has expertise in investments and find out that the person making this offer to you is a scammer and you should report them to the police!</p><p>I function as a Discipleship Pastor. As such, it's my job to teach Discipleship. Part of that is separating the TRUTH from the NONSENSE. Did you know that Jesus and Satan were brothers? No? <b>Good, because they're not!</b> But the Mormons will try to convince you that they are. Did you know that if you receive communion <i>(the wafer)</i> at a Catholic mass, that as soon as it hits your tongue it LITERALLY becomes the SKIN AND FLESH of Christ <i>(through a process they call "Transubstantiation")</i>? No? <b>Good, because that's nonsense!</b> It's just a small piece of bread! No amount of praying over a piece of food will ever make it become something it isn't <i>(well, if you pray over it long enough it will eventually turn moldy and become garbage!)</i>.</p><p>Over the years I have dropped small posts regarding false teachings and even did a whole Episode about them! If you have a few minutes, why not take a listen to <a href="https://keiththerev.blogspot.com/p/ep04-but-is-it-biblical-unbiblical.html" target="_blank">Episode 4 - Unbiblical Christianity</a>. Believe me, this won't be the last time you hear me teach about some of the nonsense and false teachings that are going on in the world <b><u>UNDER THE GUISE OF CHRISTIANITY</u></b>.</p><p>And with that, please remember to like, share, comment & subscribe!</p>Pastor Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507712116774200461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5355510045191574782.post-39340634271949892422021-06-16T20:20:00.004-04:002021-06-16T20:20:31.968-04:00Site Update Notification - 6/16/2021<p>So a lot of changes are in the works....</p><p>The most significant of which is that I'm protecting this blog and indeed ALL of my materials from "the powers that be". There are too many crazy people working in Tech <i>(and government)</i> these days, and I don't trust anyone to stand up for my right to freedom of speech OR religion <i>(or anything else for that matter)</i>. So I'm pulling the entire site and recreating it <u>ON MY OWN PLATFORM</u>. Google can't touch me, Microsoft can't touch me, Amazon can't touch me, nobody can touch me. Yes, I realize that I sound a little "tin foil hat-ey", but I've seen what's been done to silence some other Pastors, so I'm doing what little I can to defend against it.</p><p>So the good news, is:</p><p>a) The site will be moved OFF of Google servers<br />b) I'll be creating a user FORUM so we can have REAL conversations<br />c) I'll be saving money!</p><p>Honestly, just a) is worth the entire move.</p><p>In other news, thousands have read the previous blog entry and still there is no movement. That's ok, I know who's in charge. When the time is right, I know this site is going to explode with life. I just wish it'd happen today!</p>Pastor Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507712116774200461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5355510045191574782.post-7998085106729172902021-05-08T19:17:00.004-04:002021-07-01T09:47:49.300-04:00Let your YES be YES and your NO be NO<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://clipart-library.com/image_gallery/299054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="346" height="200" src="http://clipart-library.com/image_gallery/299054.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><p>So Matthew is one of those books that newish Christians love to quote. Somehow it gives them the warm and fuzzies. Personally I think the warm and fuzzies are highly over-rated. I prefer to see scripture the way that Jesus does. </p><p><b>John 5:39 -</b> <i><span style="color: red;">You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and <b><u>these are they which testify of Me</u></b>.</span></i></p><div><span><a name='more'></a></span>Anyway, long story short, over the past few months I've had no less than *6* people falsely promise to do things to help me. 6, not 1 or 2, 6. These are Christians mind you. People that are supposed to be more concerned with God than their own selfish desires. I had one person offer me all sorts of money. I never believed they had it so I said "Sure, I could use it right now". It wasn't a lie, but at the same time I knew it wouldn't happen. So they vanished for 3 weeks, not returning a single message, email or phone call. When they finally turned up, they gave me some AWFUL STORY about how they had to earn the money first. People, don't offer to give anyone anything that you do not have in your possession. Not now, not ever. I told them to keep the money and spend it on their family. And then I had someone promise to make this blog go viral. So I said "Sure, could you start right away?" And then they vanished. 2 weeks later I messaged them and I got GHOSTED. It's now been 4 months. Just for clarity, I didn't "need" anything from anyone. Sure, it would have been nice if what they promised had been true, but I wasn't banking on any of it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Listen, this blog entry is a "rap on the knuckles" for everyone. Don't promise ANYTHING to ANYONE <u style="font-weight: bold;">ESPECIALLY GOD</u> and then not DO THE THING YOU PROMISED. Even Jesus was pretty annoyed in Matthew 5:31-47. I like when Jesus takes off the gloves and just lets people "have it". Please READ the below scripture - REMEMBER IT - THEN DO IT. Thank you.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Matthew 5:33-37 -</b> <i><span style="color: red;">"Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord.' But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God's throne; nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black. But <b><u>let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No.'</u> </b>For whatever is more than these is from the evil one."</span></i></div><div><br /></div><div>With that said, I'm going to drastically cut back on posting.</div><div>I'm tired of all the lies and people not doing anything they promise.</div><div><br /></div><div>Yes, I'm venting, but I'm serious.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you would like me to keep writing <i>(I've got loads of stuff to write about)</i>, then please don't promise me anything, just DO SOMETHING. I literally can't understand how this site is so busy with repeat readers, but I can't get anyone to refer a single story to anyone.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hopefully God will hear my prayers for a greater readership.</div><div>I will not be approving any comments to this post.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>NOTE:</b> If some miracle takes place and we start getting lots of new visitors, I will know and likewise let you know too.</div>Pastor Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507712116774200461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5355510045191574782.post-9787556844336803702021-02-22T10:40:00.011-05:002021-02-23T07:43:28.249-05:00The Rush Limbaugh of Christianity<p>So as most of you know, I get all sorts of messages from all sorts of people from groups all over the world. There was a point where I was meeting with groups of men from Pakistan <i>(thru Skype)</i> on an almost daily basis in order to teach the concept of Discipleship as Jesus taught it. But I digress.</p><p><span></span></p>Today's post is not so much a question as it is a comment I received from a rather enthusiastic reader of mine. I'm re-posting it with their permission.<span><a name='more'></a></span><p></p><p><i>Pastor Keith,</i></p><p><i>I just want to take a moment to do 2 things. First, I would like to thank you for what you're doing both here on this blog and in your radio show. As you probably know <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rush_Limbaugh" target="_blank">Rush Limbaugh</a> died a couple of days ago. Don't ask me how, but while I was reading your blog post today about "<a href="https://keiththerev.blogspot.com/2021/01/what-happens-when-christian-dies.html" target="_blank">What Happens When a Christian Dies?</a>" I couldn't help but think that you're like the Rush Limbaugh of Christianity. You're not afraid to tell the truth, you won't hesitate to call out liars, you jump at the chance to correct false teachings, you are indeed A ROCK in a sea of flotsam and jetsam. While the majority of other Christian pastors change their minds and their positions with the wind, you stand strong in God's Word and will stand behind it no matter the cost! So with that, as you would say, thank you very, Very, VERY much for doing what you do and I pray that you're around to do it for a long time to come! God Bless you!</i></p><p style="text-align: right;"><i>Doug G., Herndon, VA.</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Doug, YOU sir are amazing! Thank you so much for your kind words.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQD2glhH1WhQUzQqWBUb1Mc_absaTo8jmu4ljnlFx3fHSRn096bLXQrynX7PBvPyCFvnqz1kA__725CRfrtikylbXwiZfrTDyb3ABe5F_NgvTYKZlJ2nFFXM_0_pYe5bMLiar4Uv8hp9E/s640/RushandWife.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQD2glhH1WhQUzQqWBUb1Mc_absaTo8jmu4ljnlFx3fHSRn096bLXQrynX7PBvPyCFvnqz1kA__725CRfrtikylbXwiZfrTDyb3ABe5F_NgvTYKZlJ2nFFXM_0_pYe5bMLiar4Uv8hp9E/w320-h180/RushandWife.jpg" title="Rush Limbaugh and his wife Kathryn" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">Also, I know you didn't ask me, but I feel compelled to mention a couple of quick things about Rush.</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>For those of you who don't know, Rush Limbaugh was in FACT a Christian. As a matter of fact, on one of his final broadcasts, he had this to say about it:<br /><br /><i>"I have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It is of immense value, strength, confidence and that's why I'm able to remain fully committed to the idea that what is supposed to happen will happen when it's meant to," he said during one of his final programs. - <a href="https://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/politics/2021/february/rush-limbaugh-dies-pointing-to-his-personal-relationship-with-jesus-christ-in-the-end" target="_blank">Taken from CBN</a></i><br /><br /></li><li>He spent the majority of his career speaking out against liberalism and the progressive agenda. He knew full well that anything that the left brings into the conversation, the US inevitably adopts as normal and makes a part of the country. <i>(homosexuality, gay marriage, transsexualism, etc)</i><br /><br /></li><li>I actually listened to Rush's show when it first went on the air. I liked his show, but to say that I was a conservative all those years ago wouldn't be true. I actually called into his show and spoke to him for a few minutes. I don't remember what I called about, but I remember that he not only sounded like he cared, but was engaging and thoughtful in the way he replied to me. In other words, he made me feel special, something I hope that I always do when someone contacts me. If you've ever contacted me and I didn't make you feel special, please let me know!<br /><br /></li><li>Rush was actually a member of a very famous family in the United States dating back to 1800. There's been Judges, Attorneys, Musicians and Leaders of every stripe. Here's a short <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limbaugh_family" target="_blank">Wikipedia article</a> that shows some of his family history.<br /><br /></li></ol><div>So while I'm sure there are 1,000's of factoids about Rush Limbaugh, those are just a couple of things I felt like sharing with you. I was very sad to find out that he had received a diagnosis of Stage 4 Lung Cancer just days before my <a href="https://keiththerev.blogspot.com/2020/01/i-have-brain-tumor.html" target="_blank">Brain Surgery</a> and only days after <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neil_Peart" target="_blank">Neil Peart</a> had <a href="https://www.iheart.com/content/2021-01-08-how-neil-peart-told-geddy-lee-alex-lifeson-about-brain-cancer-diagnosis/" target="_blank">passed away from Brain Cancer</a>. To think that God spared me while taking the lives of 2 men that I loved and felt were far more valuable to the world than me makes me cry. It makes me cry firstly, because I feel loved and secondly, because I miss both Rush and Neil. LOL, Neil was the drummer for the Rock group <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rush_(band)" target="_blank">Rush</a>, coincidence, I don't think so! :P Now I miss Rush, Neil & Rush the band!</div><div><br /></div><div>So Doug, thanks for making me feel loved today!</div><div>I needed it!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>And to respond to you directly:</b> IF ONLY I COULD GET THE CHANCE! :P</div><div><br /></div><div>And with that, please remember to like, share, comment & subscribe!</div><p></p>Pastor Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507712116774200461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5355510045191574782.post-67809267173843008142021-02-05T14:23:00.003-05:002021-02-05T16:32:10.550-05:001st Annual Push for Sharing this Site with Someone!<p>So after 10 years of being online <i>(go ahead and look, I'll wait)</i>, and with close to a year spent offline due to a desperate need to recover <i>(still desperately recovering)</i>, I find myself dealing with the same issue I was dealing with 10 years ago.</p><p>This blog has 100,000+ visits every year, 99% of them are repeat visits. I don't care who you are, or what kind of site you have, those are good numbers for a new site, but not a 10 year old site.</p><p>I put in a serious amount of work on these blog entries that I make. I don't ask for money, I don't ask for you to buy my "72 steps to a more christian you" series <i>(which is make believe!)</i>, I'm not asking you to sell your land and give it to me. In all actuality, some of you might want to throw something at me for saying it, but in this <i><u>1 small regard</u></i>, I think Jesus and I have something in common. He did all he did FOR YOU, without even asking you first. He did what He did out of love and in that regard He and I <i>(his lowly servant)</i> have <u>something</u> in common.</p><p>So with all of that said, here is HOW to SHARE THIS SITE:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="271" data-original-width="538" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtqKD_5Jy-c5625mZavJAhyWtQe9hd8FzTDvHJrGSCE-VDE6B6aF5tWpgJ68P8K4UWexfIyz2JEBdbsuLsznt2KERKFKsq_aJ_Qy_HWPKcgfScBe4W0oWztCzWWe4mU1fe1ZFDma-o6MQ/w640-h322/BloggerLinks.jpg" width="640" /></div>Just for posterity, I made the image above for you to more easily understand what some of the buttons on this page do. If you look below ANY post, you will see all of those buttons next to the "how many comments" area. As a matter of fact, for your convenience, I have those buttons at the bottom of every single post on this site. So if you see a post you like, that made you laugh, that made you go "A-ha!", or even made you scratch your head, why don't you do me a solid and SHARE the post with a friend, loved one, enemy, teacher, coach, bible-study partner, etc.<div><br /></div><div>I've really started to think it must have something to do with how I'm asking or WHAT I'm asking people to do. As many people seem to really like this site, some days it really breaks my heart that it's not getting shared. And I am NOT too proud to beg! :P</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3s0TkufXA38" width="320" youtube-src-id="3s0TkufXA38"></iframe></div><div><p>Boy, they don't write music like that any more huh?</p><p>So come on, I danced a little <i>(<a href="https://keiththerev.blogspot.com/2018/06/men-women-equality-conversation-ends-now.html" target="_blank">like a monkey</a>)</i>, gave you some music to listen to and got down on both knees AND elbows, won't you PLEASE send just one story <i>(or 50)</i> to someone for me? Pretty please?</p><p>Let's hope there isn't a 2nd Annual Push!<br />I'll let you know how it works out!<br />Thank you!!! :)<br />God Bless you all!</p></div>Pastor Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507712116774200461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5355510045191574782.post-9883425874932901572021-01-22T11:10:00.009-05:002021-03-13T21:07:54.335-05:00Bible Nuggets 5 - Exactly HOW narrow is the way?<p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="547" data-original-width="480" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhspGdxgJj1stxdvQNFIsbOPwVgKgZ3hqkxrYAK6EWHfpqgiPtqD8DyGfpSEdCXYU9RDsx2BV6eDtKZNlae6m6TaO7M4KU_n2OlHsML2xxmdnnP80SmBwaKfjHxgaNMQVZIDFEDd2G8jec/w176-h200/bible-clip-art-holy-bible3.jpg" title="The Bible" width="176" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Luke 13:24 -</b> <i><span style="color: red;">"Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able."</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Jesus was talking about HEAVEN, and the MANY who will STRIVE to enter, but will fail miserably. They're going to fail, because they DID NOT READ what God said.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>If you read the companion verses in Matthew:</p><p><b>Matthew 7:13-14 -</b> <i><span style="color: red;">"Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it."</span></i></p><p>The gate that leads to destruction <i>(the road to HELL)</i> is BROAD AND WIDE <i>(easy to get to).</i> So easy, Jesus says that MANY go in by it <i>(or in the case of this teaching, MOST)</i>.</p><p>I believe that the <b><i><u>primary reason</u></i></b> that "few find it", is because THEY DO NOT READ THEIR BIBLE. In my forthcoming book "But is it Biblical?", one of the things I point out, is "How to Pray". Now I know that may sound a little crazy to you, but if you actually READ your bible, ALL OF IT, not just the parts that make you feel happy, you'll quickly realize that you're not praying right. And if you're not praying right, guess what? God SAYS He WILL NOT HEAR YOU.</p><p><b>James 4:3 -</b> <i>You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.</i></p><p>Now I say "primary reason" above, because of course, I'm certain that God makes a way for the blind or the deaf or the retarded to enter through the narrow gate as well. Why wouldn't He? If God withheld someone from having their sight, certainly He wouldn't have added insult to injury and prevented them from finding His face in the dark?</p><p>So if you're not reading your bible like you should be, PLEASE begin TODAY! I recommend the NKJV Bible that is published by Thomas Nelson. As a matter of fact, if you have an extra $40, I would recommend that you go out and buy their <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Study-Premium-Bonded-Leather-Comfort/dp/0785220488" target="_blank"><b>Study Bible</b></a>. Other bibles you can read that are also OK would be the NASB & the ESV. I don't "recommend" either of them, but they are significantly more useful than something like the NIV or "The Message" bible are. And yes, for those of you who TRULY UNDERSTAND that the KJV has errors in it AND you can REALLY understand how to read 17th Century English, then I say go for it. (<b><a href="https://www.angelfire.com/hi2/graphic1designer/errors.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Partial list of KJV errors</a>)</b> Regardless, you can pickup a cheap NKJV just about anywhere for cheap! And if you are actually blind, you can head on over to <a href="https://www.audible.com/pd/Voice-Only-Audio-Bible-New-King-James-Version-NKJV-Narrated-by-Bob-Souer-Complete-Bible-Audiobook/B002V02ENI"><b>audible.com</b></a>, because they've got the ENTIRE NKJV bible available for FREE. You can LISTEN TO YOUR HEARTS CONTENT! Just for completeness, I don't earn a penny for recommending these things to you, I'm just giving you links to help you find the things I write about. Just like I give you scripture. It's not that you can't open up your bible and read it, it's just to speed you along. You of course can take your time and read everything at your own pace, it's just that I try to offer a helping hand when I can.</p><p>And that reminds me, I just wrote a HUGE blog post about what happens to a Christian when they die. If you've ever wondered, now's your chance to have the facts presented to you in a way that you'll understand clearly. Don't believe everything you've heard, there's a LOT missing! It's a great read, I highly recommend you read it. As a matter of fact, I also recommend you read the article I wrote about HOW to understand the bible BEFORE you read the one about what happens when a Christian dies. I'll link them both below for your convenience.</p><p><a href="https://keiththerev.blogspot.com/2021/01/what-happens-when-christian-dies.html"><b>What happens when a Christian dies?</b></a><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/5355510045191574782/4430116255101488083"><b>Sola Scriptura</b></a></p><p>As always, thanks again to all of you who comment.<br />Thanks to all of you who subscribe.<br />Thanks to all who will share my teachings.<br />I love each of you and wish you every Blessing of God for today and the days ahead!</p>Pastor Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507712116774200461noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5355510045191574782.post-58524438612147821402021-01-17T09:41:00.007-05:002021-02-20T10:15:19.793-05:00Committing the sin of cutting in line! - Sermon Series #1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="640" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYadQyNx4cZ6di4bxrSx4of7JpJ78J6suQiBI7uMpZXOmYQoMyCyDkzeKyQGH3JNHTuWN_dfB45Hn_tu0mKKBbjLWCrUO_s8JE7iHiD-wui2Iu3f-Y1Q2LdnvbR1gHUAYXO2p-VxqcVYQ/w200-h151/angrygirl.jpg" title="Angry Girl" width="200" /></div><div><br /></div>So anyone who is familiar with me and the teachings that I do, knows full-well that I do NOT consider myself a "preacher" in the traditional sense of the word. I'm not the kinda guy to get up before a congregation of people and bore them to sleep for an hour! :P I'm a Discipleship Pastor, as such, I spend the majority of my time teaching Discipleship and correcting false teachings.<div><br /></div><div>But this morning I woke up thinking to myself, "You should do a short sermon on what happened to you yesterday". So here I am, I prayed on it, got the green light and here goes nothing! :)</div><div><br /><span><a name='more'></a></span></div><div><br /></div><div>So yesterday was laundry day. For those of you who don't know, I do laundry at a laundromat. Everything went fine, but I had purchased a "Downy Ball" for my wash, so that fabric softener can be released into the wash automatically. Unfortunately this particular ball is defective, so I'm going to have to go visit Wal-Mart later to see if they'll let me replace it without my receipt <i>(who goes to the laundromat with their receipts!?)</i>.</div><div><br /></div><div>So I finish up folding my laundry and drive over to Wal-Mart. I get in the ridiculously long "Covid line" <i>(that's a line, but because of Covid, instead of the line being 5-6 feet long, due to social distancing it's now 30-45 feet long!)</i>, and patiently wait my turn to be helped by the *1* customer service person working.</div><div><br /></div><div>So it's finally my turn, she calls me forward, I wish her a good morning and then I genuinely tell her that I hope she'll be kind to me, as I came to the store KNOWINGLY without my receipt and was hoping she'd allow me to replace a defective product without the receipt in my hand. Without even a thought, she asked me how I paid for it. I told her I used my credit card. She said great, go and get a replacement and come back to the register and i'll check you right out, no waiting in line.</div><div><br /></div><div>So I had a few things I needed to get <i>(since I was there)</i>, I picked them up and then went to get a replacement ball. I got the ball, went to pay for the new things I picked up, then went back to customer service to finish the whole reason for my visit to begin with.</div><div><br /></div><div>When I got to the customer service desk, the line was now closer to 60 feet long <i>(whew)</i> and the customer service person wasn't even there! So I waited a few minutes and she popped up from somewhere, came over to me, saw that I had the replacement in my hand and brought me back over to the customer service desk.</div><div><br /></div><div>No sooner do I step in front of the desk, the first person in line began FUMING. She said to me in a not particularly kind voice, "EXCUSE ME, I DON'T KNOW IF YOU REALIZED IT OR NOT, BUT YOU JUST CUT IN FRONT OF EVERYONE IN LINE HERE. I DON'T KNOW WHO YOU THINK YOU ARE?" Well let me tell you, not only was I shocked at her attitude, I was really STUNNED by the fact that THE FIRST thing she could think to do was start YELLING AT ME. As if I was a wayward child.</div><div><br /></div><div>My friend who was with me leaned in to me, smiled, giggled and said, "Dude, she's black, I think she's mad at you for using your white privilege!". Now before anyone jumps out of their seat or begins thinking things that aren't true, my friend is also black, and more importantly, HE WAS BEING SARCASTIC! If there's one thing he can't stand in a person, it's IGNORANCE - No matter what color your skin is. Ignorance in every way. The very idea that I cut in front of her wasn't even a thought in my mind, AS I WAS INVITED TO COME BACK WITHOUT WAITING IN LINE. The idea that she was black didn't even register, because I'm not going to lie, I didn't even notice her until she started yelling at me. And as for having privilege because of my skin color, anyone who knows me, also knows that I think this whole "Social Justice" thing is UTTER NONSENSE. The best part about that, is 100% of my INTELLIGENT friends agree with me, REGARDLESS of the color of their skin.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, I whipped my head around, looked her in the eyes, smiled <i>(somehow)</i> and said to her, "Oh, excuse me, I didn't see you there. I know it might seem as if I've done the unthinkable and cut in front of the line, but I can assure you that I've been here for close to 45 minutes and am returning to the line as instructed by the customer service worker". To which the customer service person turned to her and said, "It's true, I sent him to go and get what he needed and he's just coming back into the line so I can quickly send him on his way". To which the girl in line looked down, inspected her nails and said, "I really don't care".</div><div><br /></div><div>Well that was disappointing, I would like to think that in the face of getting the facts and the truth about the situation, that any reasonable person would willingly acquiesce and maybe even apologize for jumping to the wrong conclusion. I suppose she just wasn't a reasonable person. Anyway, after another moment or so, I turned back to the woman behind me <i>(who was still fuming)</i>, and very kindly said to her, "You know, you've made me feel quite bad with the way you started screaming at me and were totally unwilling to hear both the customer service worker and myself". To which she again looked down, inspected her nails and said, "I really just don't care".</div><div><br /></div><div>So I turned back to finish up my situation, thanked the girl who helped me with my exchange, wished her a great and very Blessed rest of her day and again turned to the woman behind me and said to her LOUD ENOUGH for her to hear me, "I also wish you a very Blessed and great rest of your day too!"</div><div><br /></div><div>The funny part, is as soon as I finished saying that, I could see her brow UNFURROW and the entire disposition of her very twisted face somehow turned into what I can only call "GUILT". I walked away smiling and happy, and the looks on the faces of all the people behind her were priceless. Everyone I laid eyes on was either smiling, laughing, giving me a thumbs-up or otherwise shaking their head at the foolishness of this woman.</div><div><br /></div><div>I know that everyone doesn't do this, but I am a firm believer in trying to treat others like I want to be treated. I always listen, I'm usually always VERY fair minded and reasonable too. And while it's true that I didn't KNOW this person, I naturally assumed that people who wish to get along in a civilized society should all prescribe to a SIMILAR SET OF VALUES in order to get along with others.</div><div><br /></div><div>I know that the stresses of life can sometimes get in the way, I know that I have no idea what was truly going on in the mind of that woman behind me. She could have just gotten a traffic ticket, she could have just lost a loved one, she could have just broken one of those nails she was staring at! <i>(LOL)</i> My attempts at trying to be polite, kind and reasonable all seemed to fail, but that doesn't mean I shouldn't try. We're all familiar with the teaching of "turn the other cheek" and we usually take that to literally mean, "when you get slapped". But what about being "verbally slapped"? Believe me, as loud as she was yelling, if her tongue had a hand, it would have slapped me! But I digress, just because someone you know or don't know may treat you poorly, there's no excuse for you to ALSO treat them poorly. We should all seek to have and maintain peace!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Matthew 5:9 -</b> <i>Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.</i></div><div><br /></div><div>I'm not going to lie, I was really upset by the way she treated me, but I kept my cool, immediately brought my thoughts to God, and without missing a beat gave her a nice big smile and tried to reason with her. Anyway, the worst part of the entire encounter was this pernicious "I don't care" theme of hers. This was no child, she was in her 30's. I don't expect to hear a grown man or woman act like that.</div><div><br /></div><div>All I could really think of after this happened was this:</div><div><br /></div><div><div><b>Deuteronomy 28:58-59 -</b> <i>"<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">If you do not care</span></b>fully observe all the words of this law that are written in this book, that you may fear this glorious and awesome name, THE LORD YOUR GOD, then the LORD will bring upon you and your descendants extraordinary plagues --- great and prolonged plagues --- and serious and prolonged sicknesses."</i></div></div><div><br /></div><div>LOL, I thought it in jest of course, simply because "She didn't care". The best part of the encounter was watching her face get completely untwisted at wishing her a great and blessed day. I think that somehow, just hearing that God was involved in my words and my attitude that it DISARMED her nuclear warheads. I can't be certain, but that's what I think happened. I wonder what you think? :)</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks again to all of you who comment.</div><div>Thanks to all of you who subscribe.</div><div>Thanks to all who will share my teachings.</div><div>I love each of you and wish you every Blessing of God for today and the days ahead!</div>Pastor Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507712116774200461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5355510045191574782.post-85701861662706190872021-01-02T08:57:00.010-05:002022-03-22T21:57:12.023-04:00What happens when a Christian dies?<p><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="556" data-original-width="480" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFHahssUueEIYBbcuGl84WBCJhhhYU4CIcGWCcybnGOJCEjx_vsE-xEoXQdpWmiiqQlxZPZZ6VlHsAKf9ZaCcZ4DU9VATESJBcIDL723SlNnIlOSX7Z0Tk9s_ZTX5kUw4UPzxo1K0W6z0/w173-h200/funeral.jpg" title="What happens when a Christian dies?" width="173" /></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="color: #333333;">NOTE:</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">I wrote the majority of this post back in November 2012. As I mentioned in my previous entry, I never put this online, because I couldn't PROVE that I was correct. Some of you have a hard enough time placing all of your faith and all of your trust in God, so the idea of asking you to "just trust me" was NOT going to be an option. After reading this YOU should have no doubts left as to "what happens next". To the "apologists" reading this, STOP. THINK. I'm not trying to convince you I'm right here. I'm going to give you the scriptures and then you make up your own mind. If you already made it up before reading, then I feel sorry for you. Making up your mind BEFORE being presented with the facts is INSANITY. I know what we have all been taught on this subject, but something inside of me always felt it was either wrong or incomplete somehow. Something about just repeating what I've been told always felt LAZY to me. When God gave me this information (99% in 2012, 1% in 2020), I knew with absolute certainty, beyond any shadow of any doubt that THIS was the correct information. If we can't trust God's Word to be correct, then we're all lost. To the rest of you, enjoy and feel free to ask any questions. Oh yeah, one more thing, like Paul said in Romans, "let God be true but every man a liar". I don't see any possible way that I'm wrong in what I'm posting today. With that said, please do your own homework! Simply quoting scripture out of context won't disprove me. You're going to have to have</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> </span><i style="color: #333333;"><b><u>proof</u></b></i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">that what I've given you is both Biblically and Factually incorrect. Good luck with that! ;)</span></span></p><p></p><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><span><span><span><a name='more'></a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px;">This evening <i>(October 2012)</i>, I received a most awesome question from someone who happens to be extremely knowledgeable. No matter how much we know, there's always </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><i>something</i></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"> that we can't put our finger on </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px;">(myself included)</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px;">.</span></span><br /></span><div size="13px" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div size="13px" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Question:</span></u></b></div><div size="13px" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div size="13px" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;"><i>O.K., I am working now in a Dialysis Center (with one foot still in the ER) and this week I have ran across two people who say they are not afraid of death, as they have died and 'nothing's there'. No lights, no music, no "flames", nothing. Now, you and I know this isn't true, but how do I explain to someone that what they experienced is not true? I can't just tell them they didn't really experience it. These two clinically died (or fully believe they did). I simply am stumped on this one....</i></span></div><div size="13px" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div size="13px" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;"><b><u>My Response:</u></b></span></div><div size="13px" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div size="13px" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;"><b>AMENDMENT:</b> What I am about to share with you, is what has been laid on my heart to share, but know this -- What you are about to read is in fact "Biblical", but it does not exactly match what either the early church fathers or the middle age church fathers believed. I would exhort all of my brothers and sisters to search the Scriptures daily to find out if what you believe is true, just as I do. So unless and until you can confirm these things for yourself, I would not recommend that anyone build doctrine on this, but perhaps use it to better understand the Word of God?</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">As the author of the soon to be released book "</span><i style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><b><a href="http://www.butisitbiblical.com/" style="color: #999999; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">But is it Biblical?</a></b></i><span style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">", I spend a great deal of time helping people to understand Scripture in relation to the rest of Scripture.</span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><span><span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br style="line-height: 16px;" /><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px;">What I can tell each of you reading this, is that 99% of Christians have no Biblically literate understanding of death, but hold a "belief" regarding it. Why choose to have your own individual beliefs when Scripture offers us <b><i>potential</i></b> answers?</span><br style="line-height: 16px;" /><br style="line-height: 16px;" /><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px;">I'll begin with explaining death and then I'll offer you a suggestion for your witnessing...</span><br style="line-height: 16px;" /><br style="line-height: 16px;" /><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px;">The first question we have to ask ourselves, is what happens when you die?</span><br style="line-height: 16px;" /><br style="line-height: 16px;" /><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px;">1. Do you <i><u>immediately</u></i> go to Heaven/Hell <i>(in the twinkling of an eye)</i>?</span><br style="line-height: 16px;" /><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px;">2. Do you lay in the ground and become bug food?</span><br style="line-height: 16px;" /><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px;">3. Do you <i><u>immediately</u></i> show up before Jesus at the Bema Seat?</span><br style="line-height: 16px;" /><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px;">4. Do you <i><u>immediately</u></i> show up before God at the Great White Throne Judgement?</span><br style="line-height: 16px;" /><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px;">5. Something else?</span><br style="line-height: 16px;" /><br style="line-height: 16px;" /><span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="color: #333333;">So let's see, we can immediately throw out 4, because the GWTJ comes AFTER the </span><span style="color: #333333;">Millennial</span><span style="color: #333333;"> Reign AND is reserved for Non-Christians. What if I told you that death is a combination of 1, 2 & 3 with a smattering of #5?</span></span><br style="line-height: 16px;" /><br style="line-height: 16px;" /><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px; text-decoration-line: underline;"><b>Step 1:</b></span><br style="line-height: 16px;" /><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px;">You die, get buried and become bug food</span></span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><span><span><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;"><i>(sorry, but you won't need that body anymore)</i>.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><span><span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: #333333;"><br style="line-height: 16px;" /></span><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px; text-decoration-line: underline;"><b>Step 2:</b></span><br style="line-height: 16px;" /><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px;">You will be Resurrected during the Rapture.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><span><span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: #333333;"><br style="line-height: 16px;" /></span><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px; text-decoration-line: underline;"><b>Step 3:</b></span><br style="line-height: 16px;" /><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px;">You will stand before Jesus at the Bema Seat.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: #333333;"><br style="line-height: 16px;" /></span><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px; text-decoration-line: underline;"><b>Step 4:</b></span><br style="line-height: 16px;" /><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px;">Marriage Supper / Heaven</span><br style="line-height: 16px;" /><br style="line-height: 16px;" /><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px;">How do I know this? We must all remember, that it's imperative that you </span><b style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px;">always</b><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"> take Scripture in context with the rest of Scripture. Failure to do so will create contradictions that you can't work your way out of. And besides, those 4 steps above are UNIVERSALLY agreed upon. Not by everyone, but what can you do with 38,000 denominations? Right?</span><br style="line-height: 16px;" /><br style="line-height: 16px;" /><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px;">Let's begin with laying out the Scriptures that prove what I have stated from a </span><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><b style="font-style: italic;">Biblical</b><b><i> </i></b></span><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px;">perspective:</span></span></span><br /><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br style="line-height: 16px;" /></span><span style="line-height: 16px;">2 Corinthians 5:8 </span><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">- </span><i style="line-height: 16px;">We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be <b>absent from the body and to be present with the Lord</b>.</i><span style="line-height: 16px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><i style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;">That single verse above from 2 Corinthians is 1 of the 2 sets of verses that "party-liners" stick to in order to prove that their "orthodoxy" is true and correct. While it is INDEED true, it's not exactly correct. I'll explain as we go...</span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><br style="line-height: 16px;" /></span><span>1 Thessalonians 4:13-15<span style="line-height: 16px;"> - </span><i style="line-height: 16px;"><b>But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep</b>, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that <b>we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord <span style="text-decoration-line: underline;">will by no means</span> precede those who are asleep</b>.</i></span><br /><span><br />What amazing words, God's telling us NOT to have sorrow at the passing of our loved ones, like we would at the loss of a favorite pet. With a pet, there is no hope, but those who sleep in Jesus - LIVE!<br /><br style="line-height: 16px;" /></span><span>1 Thessalonians 4:16<span style="line-height: 16px;"> - </span><i style="line-height: 16px;">For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And <b>the dead in Christ will rise first</b>.</i></span><br /><span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent;">Luke 14:12-14</span><span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 16px;"> - </span><i style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 16px;">Then He also said to him who invited Him, <span style="color: red;">"When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; <b>for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just</b>."</span></i></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Have you ever noticed that term before: "the resurrection of the just"? If not, you're not alone, it is widely misunderstood that during the "resurrection", that all men are resurrected at once, but the Bible doesn't say that, <b><i><u>ever</u></i></b>. As a matter of fact, there will be two resurrections for two classes of men. One will be raised to eternal life and immortality <i>(the resurrection of the just)</i>, while the other will be raised to condemnation and banishment from the presence of the Lord. Don't hate the messenger, just read John 5:28-29 and Acts 24:15 and <b><u>MOST NOTABLY</u></b> Revelation 20:4-5!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">This next set of verses is the 2nd set of verses that party-liners point out in order to prove that their incomplete understanding is both true and correct. Again, I'm not saying that they're "wrong", I'm just saying that they're not quite right.... <i><b><u>ENOUGH</u></b>.</i> But I digress, please keep reading, I'll explain...</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Luke 23:39-43 - </b><i>Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, "If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us." But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, "Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong." Then he said to Jesus, "Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom." And Jesus said to him, "<span style="color: red;">Assuredly, I say to you, <u><b>today</b></u> you will be with Me in Paradise.</span>"</i></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">And now for the smoking gun. The thing I didn't see ONCE in 8 years, that it finally had to be pointed out to me by God Himself!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">J</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">ohn 3:</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">13 - </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><i><u>No one has ascended to heaven</u></i></b><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven.</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><br style="line-height: 16px;" /></span><span style="line-height: 16px;">I've read John 1,000's of times.</span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;">How did I miss this?</span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;">Have you ever noticed it?</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">Do you see what I have laid out here?</span><br /><span><br style="line-height: 16px;" /></span><span><span style="line-height: 16px;">1. We know that "to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord". That verse by itself has been horribly misleading to many, because it gives the false impression that "death" is </span><i style="line-height: 16px;"><b>immediately</b></i><span style="line-height: 16px;"> </span><i style="line-height: 16px;">(temporally) </i><span style="line-height: 16px;">acc<wbr></wbr>ompanied by an audience with Jesus. This is just not Biblically sound as you'll see... While it's not temporally sound, it is however 100% accurate, if kept </span><b style="line-height: 16px;"><i>in context</i></b><span style="line-height: 16px;"> </span><i style="line-height: 16px;">(keep reading)</i><span style="line-height: 16px;">.</span></span><br /><span><br style="line-height: 16px;" /></span><span><span style="line-height: 16px;">2. "We who are alive will by no means precede those who are asleep". This should immediately indicate that it's </span><i style="line-height: 16px;"><b>impossible</b></i><span style="line-height: 16px;"> at Rapture time, for the living to be "caught up in the air" (</span>1 Thessalonians 4:17<span style="line-height: 16px;">) </span><i style="line-height: 16px;"><b>before</b></i><span style="line-height: 16px;"> those who are dead. </span><i style="line-height: 16px;">(asleep is a Biblical reference to bodily dead)</i><span style="line-height: 16px;"> If the living are technically "second" on Christ's "Rapture List", then the dead will be technically Raptured first! </span><i style="line-height: 16px;">(we're talking milliseconds here if we believe 1 Corinthians 15:52)</i></span><br /><span><br style="line-height: 16px;" /></span><span><span style="line-height: 16px;">3. As we just pointed out in #2, "The dead in Christ will rise first". With Scriptures like </span>1 Corinthians 15:52<span style="line-height: 16px;"> & </span>1 Thessalonians 4:13-17<span style="line-height: 16px;">, there can be no doubt as to WHEN the "Dead in Christ" will arrive in Heaven.</span></span><br /><span><br />4. As for John 3:13, can there be <b><u>ANY</u></b> doubt now? Did Jesus misspeak? Clearly not. Jesus tucks these gems into his discourse here and there, and when you come across one like this, it just blows your mind. Believe me, I read past this one 1000's of times before it actually registered.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>NO ONE = NOBODY = NOT ONCE = NEVER EVER ── ONLY HIM<br /><br /><span><span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">J</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">ohn 3:</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">13 - </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><u style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">No one has ascended to heaven</u>......</span><br /><br style="line-height: 16px;" /></span><span><span style="line-height: 16px;">5. For those of you not familiar with the Bema Seat Judgment, this is directly referenced in </span>Luke 14:14<span style="line-height: 16px;">. I highly recommend you do some research on this if you're not familiar with the concept. I only reference the BSJ, to help keep the </span><i style="line-height: 16px;"><b>temporal aspect</b></i><span style="line-height: 16px;"> in focus. This of course happens right before the "marriage supper" referenced in </span>Revelation 19:9<span style="line-height: 16px;"> & </span>Luke 14:24<span style="line-height: 16px;">.</span></span><br /><span><br />Oh and btw, if you are not familiar with the word "<a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/temporal" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">TEMPORAL</a>", please look it up. It's perhaps a word missing from your vocabulary that would make all the difference in understanding this entire teaching.<br /><br style="line-height: 16px;" /></span><span style="line-height: 16px;">So now that I've laid out enough Scripture to lay down the foundation for understanding what happens after "bodily death", allow me to reword all of the above into plain English for those of you who are still a little fuzzy.</span><br /><span><br style="line-height: 16px;" /></span><i style="line-height: 16px;"><span>When you die, your Soul/Spirit will SLEEP (again, Jesus used this word <b>PLENTY</b>, don't read into it, just let the word be) until the Rapture, at which time you will be CAUGHT UP in the air and will stand before Christ at the Bema Seat Judgment before the marriage supper of the Lamb. Because as Jesus said, NO ONE HAS <b><u>YET</u></b> ASCENDED TO HEAVEN.</span></i><br /><span><br style="line-height: 16px;" /></span><span><span style="line-height: 16px;">But wait! How can I say that when I have to keep </span>2 Corinthians 5:8 <span style="line-height: 16px;">in focus? There's a few groups out there </span><i style="line-height: 16px;">(Jehovah's Witnesses & Seventh Day Adventists, <span style="text-decoration-line: underline;">which I am neither</span>)</i><span style="line-height: 16px;"> who believe in what's called "The Doctrine of Soul Sleep" and have a whole teaching built around it. While I do NOT agree with their teachings, the SDA's are <b><i><u>sort of</u> </i></b>right, but as usual, it's not for the reasons that they believe. I will not cover this here, but I encourage you to Google "Doctrine of Soul Sleep" for yourselves.</span></span><br /><span><br style="line-height: 16px;" /></span><span><span style="line-height: 16px;">So here's the missing piece... </span><span style="line-height: 16px; text-decoration-line: underline;"><i><b>OMNIPRESENCE!</b></i></span></span><br /><span><br style="line-height: 16px;" /></span><span><span style="line-height: 16px;">We know that one of the many things that is UNIQUE to God, is His ability to be "everywhere" at once. Well, where exactly is "everywhere"? Well, that depends on your </span><i style="line-height: 16px;"><b>perception of reality</b></i><span style="line-height: 16px;">, doesn't it? If you were a 1-dimensional being, everywhere would be anywhere in a straight line! If you were a 2-dimensional being, everywhere would be anywhere </span><span style="line-height: 16px;"><b style="font-style: italic; text-decoration-line: underline;">directly</b> </span><span style="line-height: 16px;">above or below you AND </span><span style="line-height: 16px; text-decoration-line: underline;"><i><b>directly</b></i></span><span style="line-height: 16px;"> left or right of you. For a 3-dimensional being, anywhere would be anywhere above, below, left, right, forward or behind you at any z-axis.</span></span><br /><span><br style="line-height: 16px;" /></span><span><span style="line-height: 16px;">Now, at the risk of losing some of you </span><i style="line-height: 16px;">(but praying that I don't)</i><span style="line-height: 16px;">, there are some Scientists who claim that <b>IF</b> God exists <i>(Hey, that's a lot for a scientist to admit)</i>, He would be a 10 or 11-dimensional being </span><i style="line-height: 16px;">(This can get muddy, so I'll suggest that you cautiously Google "String Theory")</i><span style="line-height: 16px;">. But let's just jump up one more dimension... If you are a 4-dimensional being </span><i style="line-height: 16px;">(if God exists within 10 or 11, then He certainly can perceive the 4th)</i><span style="line-height: 16px;">, then you would be able to <b><u><i>perceive</i></u></b> TIME. As 3-dimensional beings, we can only <b>EXPERIENCE</b> time in the <u><b>PRESENT</b></u>. We can not EXPERIENCE our past, nor our future IN THE PRESENT. <b>BUT GOD CAN</b>, right? Does God not know the ending from the beginning? </span><i style="line-height: 16px;">(See Isaiah 46:9-10 and go ahead and re-read Psalm 139:7-10 for an understanding of God's Omnipresence too)</i><span style="line-height: 16px;"> This is why it is commonly said that "God exists OUTSIDE OF TIME", meaning He experiences ALL OF TIME SIMULTANEOUSLY! <i>Woah</i>, right?</span></span><br /><span><br style="line-height: 16px;" /></span><span><span style="line-height: 16px;">When we read Scripture having to do with TEMPORAL ISSUES, it's critical that we <b><i><u>look at it from God's Perspective</u></i></b> and not our own! (</span>Isaiah 55:8<span style="line-height: 16px;">, </span>Psalm 128:1<span style="line-height: 16px;">, </span>Isaiah 64:5<span style="line-height: 16px;">, </span>Ezekiel 18:24-30<span style="line-height: 16px;">, </span>Psalm 81:11-14<span style="line-height: 16px;">, </span>Psalm 95:9<span style="line-height: 16px;">, </span>Psalm 25:1-5<span style="line-height: 16px;"> & </span>Proverbs 3:5-7<span style="line-height: 16px;"> + more) If God can be </span><i style="line-height: 16px;">(and most certainly IS) </i><span style="line-height: 16px;">present everywhere at once, if you are dead </span><i style="line-height: 16px;">(or asleep)</i><span style="line-height: 16px;"> when you are Raptured, <b><i><u>you will not have been <span style="color: #2b00fe;">aware</span> of any passing of time</u></i></b>. It will <span style="color: #2b00fe;">seem</span> as if you died and were immediately present with the Lord, which is EXACTLY what it says in </span>2 Corinthians 5:8<span style="line-height: 16px;">.</span></span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;">Tongue in cheek, I think the reason I was able to put this together so easily, is because of my fascination with Science Fiction and the various theories of TIME TRAVEL. I know people whose minds go into complete knots, even dealing with the simplest of time travel related situations. While I don't expect any of you to go out and digest everything there is no know about it, I believe that the majority of the commentators who have weighed in on this subject are not doing this subject justice. I think they're more concerned with looking bright and smart by towing the company line and that they're more interested in debunking the JW's and SDA's. I also think that they don't completely comprehend the TEMPORAL aspects necessary to adequately wrap your brain around this subject. I get the 2nd & 3rd parts, but sucking-up just to get more dollars pushed in your direction is a real crime against God. Just think, if you were God and you were speaking to us, MAYBE sometimes you'd speak of things from YOUR perspective and not ours.</span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span style="line-height: 16px;">Just repeat this a few times to yourself: </span></span><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><i><u>No one has ascended to heaven</u></i></b></span></div><div><span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span style="line-height: 16px;">I happen to believe that the way that God navigates time answers a whole multitude of issues, but those are best saved for a serious bible study.</span></span><br /><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br style="line-height: 16px;" /><span style="line-height: 16px; text-decoration-line: underline;"><i><b>What I would say if presented with this scenario:</b></i></span><br style="line-height: 16px;" /><br style="line-height: 16px;" /><i style="line-height: 16px;">Oh, so the Doctor said you were dead. Ok, which machine did he use to test whether or not your Soul left your body? According to God, had you <span style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><b>actually been "dead-dead"</b></span>, you would have been standing at the foot of God on Judgment Day. Since that didn't happen, isn't it safer to say that God has given you another chance to embrace Him? Isn't it safer to say that God has bestowed the most miraculous of gifts upon you, to be able to seek His face and to actually learn about who He is and not who you <span style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><b>believe</b></span> He is? Haven't you heard that it's God's wish that "None should perish"? Isn't it amazing to you that God has placed me right here and right now with you, in order to help you figure this all out? We'll I'll tell you what, I don't believe in coincidences my friend.... Do you <b>really</b> think you're a good person? (-- You know where to go from here)</i><br style="line-height: 16px;" /><br style="line-height: 16px;" /><span style="line-height: 16px;">For those of you who think I've lost my mind, yes, I'm available for birthday parties, corporate events and even Bar Mitzvahs! I truly believe that this information is the 2nd greatest gift that God has ever given me, for the first please read Romans 5:12-21!</span><br style="line-height: 16px;" /><br /><span style="color: #38761d;">To those of you who have been checking in 5-10 times a day for the past couple of weeks, I apologize for the delay in posting this entry. I've written, re-written, changed, modified, nudged and otherwise touched-up this post close to 1,000 times over the past 2 weeks. I just wanted to be sure that I made this teaching as clear as possible. As always, I beg you to PLEASE <b><i>post </i></b>a question if you are left with questions.</span><br /><br style="line-height: 16px;" /><span style="line-height: 16px;">As always, I remind you to not take my word for anything I have written here today. Please, be like a Berean and search the Scriptures to find out whether or not the things I tell you are true! (</span>Acts 17:10-11 NKJV<span style="line-height: 16px;">)</span></span></span></div><div><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">PLEASE</span></b> SHARE THIS BLOG WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND RELATIVES.</span></span></div><div><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;">I'M HOPING TO ONE DAY USE MY BLOG TO HELP PAY FOR ITSELF.</span></span></div><div><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;">THANK YOU</span></span></div></div>Pastor Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507712116774200461noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5355510045191574782.post-44301162551014880832020-12-07T13:31:00.009-05:002021-02-20T09:59:52.027-05:00Sola Scriptura<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="639" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJV9agIhLRPt8-be0f6vzzvXt8seOM4yDMi6xZkUdm32Mr618AsfquROnU62rhDvmgij8W0VCH_Pq2kaJzgrUTsAjxBBBQG5G1alCURGFS-6ydos1guMX6ERcEuoVbION-2cJ9yPUVcWQ/w200-h150/bible-clipart-2.jpg" title="Sola Scriptura" width="200" /></div><p>I don't spend a lot of time discussing or going over deep theological concepts here on my blog, but I suppose sometimes I need to. Case in point... <i>(You can't read my <a href="http://keiththerev.blogspot.com/2021/01/what-happens-when-christian-dies.html">next post</a> without reading this <u style="font-weight: bold;">first</u>.)</i></p><p><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sola_scriptura" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">From Wikipedia</a></i><b><br />Sola scriptura</b> <i>(by scripture alone in English)</i> is a theological doctrine held by some Protestant Christian denominations that the Christian scriptures are the sole infallible source of authority for Christian faith and practice.</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>So here's MY definition:</p><p><b>Sola Scriptura</b> <i>(Latin for "by scripture alone")</i> is an essential theological concept and doctrine held by any worthwhile <i>(and some not so much)</i> Christian denominations, that the Bible <i>(both OT and NT)</i> are the ONLY INFALLIBLE SOURCES OF AUTHORITY for the Christian faith and practice. The Bible declares <b><i>itself</i></b> to be God-breathed, inerrant, and authoritative. We also know that God does not change His mind and never contradicts Himself. "Only infallible source of authority" does not mean the KJV, it does not mean what your Pastor told you at church, it does not mean what your sainted grandma taught you when you were a kid, it does not mean what the Pope said, it does not mean what the Catholic church said <i>(even though they'd prefer that it did)</i>, it does not mean what you read on this blog either! It means THE ORIGINAL LANGUAGE TEXTS in Hebrew, Greek & Aramaic. No translations fall into this category. PERIOD.</p><p>Yes, I know my definition is a bit on the wordy side, but I'm more concerned that you REALLY understand something, otherwise why waste both of our time, right?</p><p>Also, there is plenty <b><i>in scripture</i></b>, to confirm this is the <b><u>ONLY</u></b> valid practice, here's the best and easiest example for you to also know this:</p><p><b>1 Corinthians 4:6 -</b> <i>Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us <b><u>not to think beyond what is written</u></b>, that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other.</i></p><p>But what about "Private Revelations"? A private revelation is something <u><i>you believe</i></u> God shared with you PERSONALLY. Have you ever had one of these? I've had 2. The first one was back in 2008 and to this day it annoys me. LOL, why would I be annoyed that God decided to share something with me PERSONALLY? You see, that's the problem. What <i><u>I believe</u></i> God shared with me on that day is SO UNIQUE that there is nothing in Scripture to VERIFY that the information did indeed come from God. So what can I do with this information? Hmmm.... I think about it from time to time. Sometimes when I'm reading I look for ways I can extract proof to support this information. But that's about it. I'll never share it with you or my personal friends or acquaintances, because, WHAT IF?! What if that information didn't come from God? You know old boy Satan right? One of his many names is "The Deceiver". If you don't think Satan can <i><b>trick you</b></i> into thinking God wants you to do something, look no further than the garden! Amen?</p><p>The second private revelation I received, happened in 2012 right around the time I was finishing up the writing of my STILL unreleased book <b><i>But is it Biblical?</i></b>. Just days before this revelation, someone came to me with a story of what happened to him recently. While I listened to this story a question materialized. The question, was "what should he have said to the person that made him ask this question?" Anyway, what God privately and very quietly shared with me on that day was different. I jumped out of bed, ran over to my computer and started writing at a feverish pace. When I was done I saved my work as a draft and went about my day. Several hours later I came back to proof-read what I wrote <i>(hey, you're worth it!)</i>, and I came upon the very obvious realization that even though I had made a case to try to <u><i>prove</i></u> to you what I was about to share with you was true - I in essence FAILED. I gave a bunch of facts and did a pretty good job at explaining things <i>(if I don't say so myself, LOL)</i>, but I knew with 100% certainty that I failed in the most miserable way possible. Know what that was? SOLA SCRIPTURA - If it's not in the Bible, it didn't happen! FULL STOP!</p><p><b>2 Corinthians 10:4-6 -</b> <i>For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, <b><u>bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ</u></b>, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.</i></p><p><b>1 John 4:1 -</b> <i>Beloved, <b>do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God</b>; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.</i></p><p>And that's what I did. I saved my writing as a draft and walked away from it for EXACTLY 8 years <i>(I had originally written "NEARLY", but I just went back and looked at the date on it, and sure enough, it was TO THE DATE!)</i> Sure, from time to time I would go back and read what I wrote, only to feel a fresh round of defeat, as no arguing in the world can beat SOLA SCRIPTURA. Either I believed in this doctrine or I didn't. And I DO!</p><p>With that said, get ready.</p><p>My next post is going to blow your mind.</p><p>It's a topic older than old.</p><p>To date, there are only RELIGIOUS teachings on this topic. Remember, religion is for losers. Ahem, I mean with 38,000 Christian denominations in the world, how can they all be right? Fact is, when it comes to denominations <i>(each it's own religion)</i>, they're ALL wrong!</p><p>And with that said (drum roll).....</p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: right;">.........To be continued in my next post!</p>Pastor Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507712116774200461noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5355510045191574782.post-4453724586531541052020-11-29T11:11:00.003-05:002021-02-20T09:53:08.609-05:00He Lives!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuSgzYgTx-TL8hyklELPY47HYJ6kpinhzyO0wZzzDh8SYq1ebcSGJUi5b7a4gfCwMyEmZGtQFQ-lbQ3CgDgJIGkNXNmwtC5trV35znijRDEgnDQp8fPOE8DxK8k0Uf4z6NevNJK1LwwyE/w200-h200/exclamation.jpg" title="He Lives!" width="200" /></div><p>First of all, I want to thank every person who took the time to tell me that they were wishing me well or praying for my recovery.</p><p>Next, I want to let you know personally, that if you didn't, couldn't or wouldn't take the time to show me the barest of compassion in my time of need, that you need not bother with me anymore. 11 months was more than enough time for you to pray on it and rightly choose to contact me.</p><p>Most importantly, here is where I am right now....</p><p>Surgery took greater than 12 hours.<br />I was in the hospital for nearly 3 months.<br />I have been undergoing therapy for many months.<br />I am "better", but I am not 100% me.<br />The surgery got 100% of the tumor AND it was NOT malignant.<br />However, the tumor was pressing up against my brain stem.<br />So as a result, I'm left with some "Vestibular" problems.<br />I am spending far more time than I'd like recuperating.</p><p>With that said, I continue to be excited whenever I get a message from one of you. I continue to get excited when new people come and discover what I'm teaching here. I continue to put together my teachings and continue to write blog posts. As a matter of fact, I started writing a VERY COMPELLING blog post back in November of 2012 and only TODAY was I able to put the whipped cream and cherry on top. Be on notice, my next Blog post may be my most MIND BLOWING teaching to date. It took me 8 years to be able to find the smoking gun, the one thing that makes the teaching not only mind blowing, but 100% irrefutable as well. Remember, if it's not Biblical, it's bologna! :P</p><p>If you've been waiting for me to come back and post, here I am. Please send me your well-wishes, they mean the world to me. All I can say, is God is indeed GOOD. I honestly didn't think I'd be here today, I really thought that God was done with me. All I can tell you, is I put it all in His hands and I told him that whatever His will was for me, was ok with me too. I never once prayed to live <i>(or die)</i>, I only prayed that He did with me what He needed to do. Some of you might think that's silly, but the rest of you will understand full well that it's HIS WILL that we wish to be done and not our own. Amen? :)</p><p>So get ready, what may be the single biggest post of my life is coming next!</p>Pastor Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507712116774200461noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5355510045191574782.post-74552714213608081032020-01-02T01:55:00.003-05:002021-02-20T09:48:01.973-05:00I Have a Brain Tumor<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Please excuse the lack of luster and perhaps spell checking as well.<br />
It's taken me several days to be able to gather this much strength to write.<br />
<br />
I was diagnosed with a Posterior Fossa tumor 10 days ago.<br />
I have multiple MRI / CT scans scheduled for the 7th & 8th of January.<br />
Pre-Op surgical testing scheduled for January 24th @ 10AM.<br />
Neurosurgery is scheduled for January 29th. It is a 6-8+ hour surgery.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>Images from first CT</u></div>
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<a href="https://i.imgur.com/nFEunsk.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="760" data-original-width="800" height="380" src="https://i.imgur.com/nFEunsk.jpg" title="Pink area shows Tumor from the back of my head (CT SCAN)" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://i.imgur.com/bEjNZDm.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="606" data-original-width="800" height="302" src="https://i.imgur.com/bEjNZDm.jpg" title="Pink area shows the Tumor from the side of my head (CT SCAN)" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<u>Images from MRI</u></div>
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<a href="https://i.imgur.com/HotPBlD.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="712" height="400" src="https://i.imgur.com/HotPBlD.jpg" title="Pink area shows the Tumor from the back of my head (MRI)" width="355" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://i.imgur.com/sSN8HNV.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="743" data-original-width="800" height="370" src="https://i.imgur.com/sSN8HNV.jpg" title="Pink area shows the Tumor from the side of my head (MRI)" width="400" /></a></div>
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With that said, the tumor continues to press upon my brain stem and I am in bad shape.<br />
(the lower image shows the Tumor pressing on the brain stem)<br />
(the other white areas are cerebral fluid channels)<br />
<br />
If you know me personally, you know how to reach me directly for more information.<br />
If you don't, there is an area on every page allowing you to email me directly.<br />
<br />
For anyone who would see this and desires to pray for me, thank you.<br />
Please pray that it's God's Will for me to recover or His Will for me to come home.<br />
Because those are what I'm praying for.<br />
<br />
If you pray for my family, pray for them in earnest.<br />
They have not the love of God, nor the Son, but only of things of the world.<br />
<br />
If I recover from this I am going to be moving in a new direction.<br />
There's another story intermingled among the story of divorce and staying with an unbeliever.<br />
I've been living that story for the past 12 years. Quietly. Silently. Prayerfully. Sadly.<br />
<br />
For those of you who know how to raise funds, my family will need help paying the bills.<br />
I have insurance, but a high deductable and a whole new year to start paying it again.<br />
Anyway, that's all I'll say about money. If you've known me for more than a minute, then you<br />
already know I've said more about money just now than I have in years.<br />
<br />
To those I know and have individually interacted with in this life:<br />
<br />
I love you each and individually.<br />
You have been important to me.<br />
Giving you my time was a pleasure.<br />
God knows that you were a blessing to me.<br />
<br />
ihs : swak</div>
Pastor Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507712116774200461noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5355510045191574782.post-72027631947153170262019-09-15T15:40:00.004-04:002021-02-26T08:29:23.591-05:00Suicide - Fast Track to God or One Way Ticket to Hell?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="434" data-original-width="480" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix8P644dQ3ottUv5SiT_zWUXsARDLN30Bsgef1WuR96nVImlhMbfb6aDpOPU3PjYW4X2P744WvMwZEHQZwU8uVJWcBJhTox7u2A8NoOQARVoSzguS9wXdUJEQcjcU96pdChwIm-aGvfyU/w200-h181/suicide.jpg" title="Suicide - Fast Track to God or One Way Ticket to Hell?" width="200" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
*** NOTICE: If you are easily saddened and prone to cry and can't emotionally deal with facts and the truth, please skip reading this. If however you are tired of people sugar-coating things and essentially lying to you, then please read on! ***<br />
<br />
<i><b>1 Corinthians 1:19,21,25 -</b> For it is written: " I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent." For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.</i></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So this week my inbox lit up like a Christmas tree.<br />
Usually this makes me happy, but the topic makes me shake my head in disgust.<br />
<br />
Allow me to paraphrase the abundance of the same question into one homogeneous question:<br />
<br />
<i><b>Question:</b> Pastor Keith, as I'm sure you've already heard, this week a Pastor out in California by the name of Jarrid Wilson killed himself. The media is writing this up as if he was the greatest person in the world, yet by his own admission he was <b><u>suffering</u></b> from severe depression for many years. So the 2 questions I would like answered are these:</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>1. Should a person suffering from severe mental illness <b><u>BE</u></b> a Pastor?</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>2. Should we as Christians learn from his example and all kill ourselves so that we can get the fast track to Heaven and leave this miserable existence behind?</i><br />
<br />
<b>Answer:</b> Whew...<br />
<br />
Now anyone who's been following me for a while knows that I don't shy away from the hard questions. As a matter of fact, I'm probably one of only very few who will actually ANSWER the really controversial questions. Fact is, I'm not here to make the majority of the secular world happy, my Ministry is to preach the word, regardless of the cost.<br />
<br />
Ok, so with that out of the way, let me start off with the 1st question.<br />
<br />
NO. Anyone "suffering" from mental health issues SHOULD NOT BE A PASTOR. PERIOD.<br />
<br />
NO. Suffering from a mental health issue DOES NOT and SHOULD NOT give you "street cred".<br />
<br />
If your pastor is dealing with mental health issues, <b><i>DO YOU REALLY WANT HIM COUNSELING YOU</i></b>? What about your lawyer? Pharmacist? Accountant? Babysitter?<br />
<br />
If ANY Pastor is dealing with mental health issues, THEY SHOULD QUIT, THEY ARE NOT QUALIFIED TO LEAD ANYONE. They are a DANGER to YOUR mental health and that of your children.<br />
<br />
<i><b>Luke 6:39 -</b> And He spoke a parable to them: <span style="color: red;">"<span>Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into the ditch?</span>"</span></i><br />
<br />
With that said, I would of course want them to get professional help, and perhaps one day if they feel lead by the Holy Spirit to do so, resume their ministry. Short of that, they do not belong in ANY WORKING CAPACITY within ANY church.<br />
<br />
So, onto the 2nd question. Is suicide really our Fast Track to Heaven and the reward?<br />
The fact that I have to answer this question makes my stomach hurt.<br />
<br />
I did read a few articles regarding this Pastor and him killing himself. To be honest, my heart aches for the wife and 2 beautiful children he's left behind. His wife Juli actually believes that Jarrid "went to go be with Jesus". Even his own Pastor says Jarrid went to "Go be with the Lord"<br />
<br />
So what does the bible say about killing yourself?<br />
First some commentary, then the bible verses.<br />
<br />
Suicide as a word has only been around for a couple of hundred years. Before it was given a "name", it was generally referred to as "self-killing" or "self-murder". How interesting, inasmuch as one of the 10 Commandments is "Thou shalt not kill". Ask just about anyone to list off the 10 Commandments and that's probably one of the very few that they know!<br />
<br />
Now, it may be difficult for you to wrap your mind around this, but suicide is an act of PRIDE.<br />
<br />
Consider for a moment some recent notable suicides:<br />
<br />
Robin Williams - Suffering from Lewy body dementia decided to hang himself in order to avoid the humiliation of becoming a public spectacle due to him losing the ability to control the debilitating effects of the disease.<br />
<br />
Jeffrey Epstein - Supposedly killed himself in jail, rather than be publicly humiliated by answering for the many decades of disgusting debauchery that he was finally going to be held accountable for. He supposedly hung himself.<br />
<br />
Ariel Castro - This man kidnapped and raped at least 3 women we know of and held them captive for years, raping them repeatedly and even getting one pregnant. Like Jeffrey Epstein, he killed himself, rather than deal with the humiliation of being locked up and dealing with the consequences of his actions. He also hung himself.<br />
<br />
So with that said, let's see what the bible shows us about suicide:<br />
<br />
<i><b>Judges 9:52-54 -</b> So Abimelech came as far as the tower and fought against it; and he drew near the door of the tower to burn it with fire. But a certain woman dropped an upper millstone on Abimelech's head and crushed his skull. Then he called quickly to the young man, his armorbearer, and said to him, "Draw your sword and kill me, lest men say of me, 'A woman killed him.' " So his young man thrust him through, and he died.</i><br />
<br />
Abimelech would have SURELY plunged his own sword into his chest had he not been mortally wounded by that woman. He had his armorbearer finish the job the woman started in order to avoid the HUMILIATION of being killed by a woman.<br />
<br />
<i><b>1 Samuel 31:3-4 -</b> The battle became fierce against Saul. The archers hit him, and he was severely wounded by the archers. Then Saul said to his armorbearer, "Draw your sword, and thrust me through with it, lest these uncircumcised men come and thrust me through and abuse me." But his armorbearer would not, for he was greatly afraid. Therefore Saul took a sword and fell on it.</i><br />
<br />
Saul killed himself with his own sword in order to avoid the humiliation of being taken prisoner and tortured by non-Jews.<br />
<br />
<i><b>1 Samuel 31:5 -</b> And when his armorbearer saw that Saul was dead, he also fell on his sword, and died with him.</i><br />
<br />
That was one tragic battle. After Saul lost all of his sons and then took his own life, I guess his armorbearer felt as if he had little to live for, knowing the humiliation he would face due to the overwhelming victory of the Philistines.<br />
<br />
<i><b>2 Samuel 17:23 -</b> Now when Ahithophel saw that his advice was not followed, he saddled a donkey, and arose and went home to his house, to his city. Then he put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died; and he was buried in his father's tomb.</i><br />
<br />
Ahithophel <i>(say that name 10 times fast)</i>, clearly felt humiliated and discredited over the fact that King David's son Absalom no longer valued his advice.<br />
<br />
<i><b>1 Kings 16:18-19 -</b> And it happened, when Zimri saw that the city was taken, that he went into the citadel of the king's house and burned the king's house down upon himself with fire, and died, because of the sins which he had committed in doing evil in the sight of the LORD, in walking in the way of Jeroboam, and in his sin which he had committed to make Israel sin.</i><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Here we go again, after Zimri's rebellion failed, he set the king's house on fire and died a very fiery death. Humiliation, <b><i><u>again</u></i></b>!<br />
<br />
<i><b>Matthew 27:3-5 -</b> Then Judas, His betrayer, seeing that He had been condemned, was remorseful and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, saying, "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood." And they said, "What is that to us? You see to it!" Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went and hanged himself.</i><br />
<br />
We can't forget Judas! So humiliated was he, that he betrayed what he finally understood to be "innocent blood", that he felt he had no choice but to kill himself by hanging.<br />
<br />
Are you seeing the pattern here?<br />
<br />
People kill themselves for a variety of reasons, but PRIDE is always the number one reason behind every suicide. EVERY - SUICIDE.<br />
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Ok, so do you go to heaven or hell after killing yourself?<br />
How about you tell me....<br />
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Let's say you were the best church-goer that your church has ever seen. You gave more than anyone, you volunteered more time than anyone, prayed more than anyone, fed more homeless than the Catholic church during the depression. And then you find out your wife cheated on you and you kill yourself to avoid the humiliation of dealing with reality. Do you find yourself in the warm embrace of an "all-loving, all-forgiving, all-understanding God", or do you wind up in the pit of Hell and get to hang out with the likes of Hitler, Jeffrey Dahmer and Aleister Crowley for the rest of eternity?<br />
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As I say repeatedly in my yet to be released book, "But is it Biblical?", we are called to place all of our faith and all of our trust in GOD ALONE. When? At all times! For how long? For as long as we live. If you live your life depending on your own goodness and your own strength, you will fail.<br />
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<i><b>Matthew 19:17 -</b> So He said to him, <span style="color: red;">"<span>Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God.</span>"</span></i><br />
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If you die in your sins, you will not inherit eternal life, you will however inherit the Judgement.<br />
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<i><b>Matthew 5:21 -</b> <span style="color: red;">"<span>You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.'</span>"</span></i><br />
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As Christians we should all recognize that our continued faith, our unwavering commitment, our unconditional acceptance of the blood of Christ as complete atonement for our sins & our undying love of God is what will GUARANTEE that we'll <b><i>AVOID THE JUDGEMENT</i></b>. The bible tells us that <b><u>IF</u></b> we have to stand before a Holy God on judgement day, we'll all be found guilty and receive our penalty. If however we place all of our faith and all of our trust in God alone, He promises us the FREE GIFT of eternal life in His presence.<br />
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If you self-murder, kill yourself or commit suicide, you will be committing the sin of murdering yourself, which by definition means that <i><b><u>you took something that belongs to God</u></b></i> and you decided your own fate. If you die in sin, there can never be ANY repentance. Dead is dead. Once your body stops drawing breath, you've given up any access to turn away from your sin <i>(repent)</i>.<br />
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<i><b>1 Corinthians 6:19 -</b> Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and <b><u>you are not your own</u></b>?</i><br />
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Believe me when I tell you that I know suicide and indeed ALL mental health issues are serious business. Sure, I recognize that this is an extremely sensitive subject, especially for anyone who has had to personally deal with the fallout of a loved one killing themselves.<br />
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If you or someone you know or love is dealing with depression or thoughts of suicide, please don't stand by and watch them die for nothing. Suggest that they get help. If they won't heed your prodding, talk to their family, other friends or even go to their church to try to get an intervention started and get them some help. At the very least give them the phone number to a suicide hotline. And most of all, PRAY FOR THEM. Pray furiously that it's God's will that they get help and LIVE!<br />
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If you've never read my blog before, it's important that you understand that the underlying intent is love. Not the fake love that's all smiles and lies, but the kind of love that will pull you out of the way of a speeding truck and then yell at you for not paying attention and being more careful!<br />
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As with all of my blog posts, I expect backlash from people who don't agree with me.<br />
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If you have something constructive you'd like to DISCUSS without vulgarity or hate, I welcome the opportunity to have a discussion. If you're filled with bile and venom, perhaps you need the Gospel message more than you can imagine.</div>
Pastor Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507712116774200461noreply@blogger.com0