“I Am God”

Sometimes when evangelizing, I meet individuals who have the audacity to claim they are God Almighty. This morning during a prayer walk, I stopped to witness to a man smoking a cigar and carrying a skateboard. While handing him a gospel tract, I noticed a cross around his neck and made reference to that. A couple of times he called me an angel. I replied that I’m simply a minister. The rest of the conversation went something like this…

Me: ”Do you know for sure you’re going to heaven when your life ends?”

Him: “I’m in heaven right now.”

Me: “Why do you say that?”

Him: “I see angels all around me.”

Me: “Do you see demons also?”

Him: “Yes.”

Me: “What do you know about Jesus Christ?”

Him: “I am.”

Me: “What do you mean, ‘I am’?”

Him: “I am God.”

Me: “The Bible says the hairs on our head are numbered. So if you’re God, will you please tell me the exact number of hairs on my head?

After pausing a few seconds, he answered: “1,200” (I later read the average human head has about 100,000 hair follicles). 

Me: “What if you're wrong?”

Him: “Sometimes I’m wrong.”

Me: “Then you can’t be God. He is always right.”

Not in the mood to continue this strange dialogue, I said “Have a nice day” and then walked away even though he uttered a few more words. Whether he’s delusional or simply playing with me, it’s best not to waste time with people who aren’t open to the truth.

“But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness.” 

- 2 Timothy 2:16

The Name of the Lord

In Matthew 1:21, the angel Gabriel told Joseph (regarding his wife Mary), “And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.” The Amplified Bible further states that Jesus is the Greek form of the Hebrew name for Joshua (“Yeshua”), which means Savior.

Occasionally I meet people who prefer to call the Son of God by alternative names. A few years ago while in New York City, I visited a church where the Lord was usually referred to as Yeshua. If I'm witnessing to a Jewish person, I'll use the name Yeshua. Otherwise, I call Him Jesus.

Isaiah 9:6 says, “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” I believe the Lord doesn't mind His people calling Him by different names if done reverently. Married people refer to their spouses by a variety of names: “Honey”, “Sweetheart”, “Dear”, “Darling” and possibly some other nickname in addition to their actual first name.  

When it comes to receiving salvation, it’s important to call on the one name that makes this possible. Some people told me they will only pray to God and not mention Jesus at all. That’s like trying to drive a vehicle without any fuel in the tank. Acts 4:12 says, “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Later in verse 18 of this same chapter, religious authorities commanded Peter and John “…not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.”

In today’s politically correct society, military and police chaplains have been pressured not to pray in the name of Jesus. Again that short-circuits the power of God from flowing in a person’s life. Their prayers simply won’t work. Look at what Jesus said in John 14…

  

12 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. 

13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 

14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.”

Strangely enough, I’ve met individuals who object to the name of Jesus simply because the letter “J” didn’t come into existence until about 500 years ago. But regardless of what language a person speaks, there is power when the name of the Lord is spoken with boldness. One morning I was lying in my bed when I suddenly heard a voice speaking in my left ear. Initially, the voice repeated the word “attention.” Then it uttered all kinds of profanity at me. After putting up with it for about five seconds, I hollered, “Satan, I rebuke you in the name of Jesus!” Then the demonic voice stopped.

Another time while evangelizing on the streets of Minneapolis, I approached two girls who told me they worshiped Satan. When I started sharing the gospel with them and mentioned the name of Jesus, one of the girls ran away screaming!  

Never let anyone try to discourage you from using the name of Jesus. It’s one of many weapons God has given us to maintain victory over the enemy.

“that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” - Philippians 2:10-11

Answering Blasphemers

Throughout my lifetime (and especially when I was a kid), I've heard numerous wisecracks involving my last name. People have called me “Post Office”, “Post Toasties”, “Post Raisin Bran”, and “Post Nasal Drip.” A few years ago while ending a phone conversation with my mother, I told her I would keep her “posted.” She sarcastically replied, “Don’t take our name in vain.” 

On a more serious note, punishment awaits sinners who break the third commandment. Both Exodus 20:7 and Deuteronomy 5:11 says, “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.” Even though I frequently used profanity before becoming a Christian, I still had a fear of God to where I avoided blaspheming. 

People wouldn't think of using their mother’s name as a swear word. I've yet to hear anyone holler “Buddha” or the name of some other religious figure if they hit their thumb with a hammer, stubbed their toe or got upset about something. Yet many Hollywood actors habitually say the name of Jesus irreverently. Can you imagine the resulting uproar from Muslims if Mohammed’s name was blasphemed on TV or the silver screen? 

A popular acronym used nowadays for online chatting and texting is “omg”, which often stands for “Oh My God” (although some people claim it also stands for “Oh my goodness” or “Oh my gosh”). Do you use this phrase without sincerely calling upon the Lord? Regardless of what you call Him, irreverence to God’s name has serious consequences unless one repents. 

One friend told me when she hears someone utter “g-ddamn”; she fires back, “God’s last name is not damn!” Whenever I hear someone blaspheme, I prefer to respond in a way that gives the offender an opportunity to get right with God. One time when I boarded a train for a trip to North Dakota, a woman sitting next to me blurted out, “Jesus Christ!” I turned to her and said, “Oh...you know the Lord, too?” She gave me a strange look and didn't say much after that. I’m sure it gave her something to think about. Another friend of mine heard a great reply she sometimes uses when hearing Jesus’ name taken in vain: "Yep! That's the one who saved me!" 

Regardless of Satan’s efforts to discredit the Lord’s name, he still has to bow down whenever a Christian speaks the name of Jesus with boldness. One popular worship song features these lyrics… 

One day every tongue will confess you are God 
One day every knee will bow 
Still the greatest treasure remains for those who gladly choose you now 

How do you respond when you hear the Lord’s name? 

 "that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” - Philippians 2:10-11

Swearing to God

Last week I glanced through a photo album one of my Facebook friends posted and was surprised to see this drawing with the caption “Big F***ing Diamond” (I purposely blotted out three of the letters).  Immediately, I thought of Ephesians 4:29, “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.”

Since my friend is an “on fire for God” believer, I sent her an email asking why she posted this pic. In her response, she apologized if it affected me negatively but then went on to explain this drawing (which she found at an art gallery) represented how she felt “…as an awesome princess and bride of Christ and that I am married to the King of Bling!” I don’t doubt the sincerity of my friend’s love for the Lord. What I question is how some Christians think using profanity glorifies Jesus.

It’s one thing if an unbeliever uses foul language. That’s part of the nature of fallen man. Yet there have been times when I ministered to unsaved people who apologized if a curse word slipped out of their mouths. They were obviously feeling conviction by the Holy Spirit.

Vulgar language should have no part in a believer’s vocabulary. Ephesians 5:4 in the Amplified Bible says, “Let there be no filthiness (obscenity, indecency) nor foolish and sinful (silly and corrupt) talk, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting or becoming; but instead voice your thankfulness [to God].”

Sadly, some Christians get really defensive when asked to watch their mouths. I was once married to a woman who regularly uttered the s-word for feces. When I politely asked her not to use that word around me, she always snapped back, “It’s in the Bible.” 2 Kings 6:25 does mention “dove droppings.” Ezekiel 4:15 makes reference to “cow dung” and “human waste.” Other translations of this verse use the words “manure” or “excrement.” But I’m not aware of any English translation that has the word “s**t.”

I’ve even heard Christians justify casual usage of the word “hell” because it’s in the Bible. In the New King James Version, “hell” is used 32 times but never as an interjection. Over the years, Satan has influenced individuals to use it as a swear word to minimize the reality of that awful place non-believers will spend eternity unless they become born again.

Here are a few more Scriptures to consider...

“But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.” - Matthew 12:36

“But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.” - Colossians 3:8

“In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you." - Titus 2:7-8

God holds His people to a higher standard when it comes to the use of our words.

“Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man.” - Matthew 15:11

Mocking God

It’s often been said that you cannot please all the people all the time. That’s certainly true when it comes to preaching God’s word, especially on YouTube. Religious critics who see things in my videos they consider “unbiblical” will email remarks that at times are quite rude. 1 Corinthians 13 says that love “does not behave rudely” and “is ever ready to believe the best of every person.” The Lord is more pleased when we seek to unify the Body of Christ rather than faultfinding each other.

Whenever I receive a nasty email that makes no attempt to reason together, I usually just delete the writer’s comments. However, I’ve decided to respond to one particular email I received a couple weeks ago. Notice that the writer (who’s from the UK) doesn’t specify the things in my videos he doesn’t like…

“You are making a mockery of Jesus! What you have is not from God. But it is from the Devil. I would hate to be in your shoes. The research we have carried out over many years has exposed this as Voodoo.”

What exactly in my videos is “voodoo”? If this writer took the time to read my statement of faith (found on my website), he will clearly see that I’m a Bible-believing Christian. The dictionary defines voodoo as “a black religious cult practiced in the Caribbean and the southern U.S., combining elements of Roman Catholic ritual with traditional African magical and religious rites.” In case you haven’t noticed, I’m not black, I don’t come from the South, and I’ve never been Catholic. Therefore, I don’t believe this man’s comments are from God.

Let’s specifically address the accusation of mockery. The dictionary defines mock as “to treat somebody or something with scorn or contempt.” Every sincere Christian will not intentionally mock God. As Galatians 6:7 says, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” Deuteronomy 28:37 talks about how His people will become an object of mockery if they don’t obey His commandments.

The Bible mentions other things we should avoid mocking…

“Fools mock at sin, but among the upright there is favor.’’ - Proverbs 14:9

“He who mocks the poor reproaches his Maker; He who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished.” - Proverbs 17:5

“The eye that mocks his father, and scorns obedience to his mother, the ravens of the valley will pick it out, and the young eagles will eat it.” - Proverbs 30:17


Christians should avoid drinking alcoholic beverages for Proverbs 20:1
 says, “Wine is a mocker.” Alcohol is simply a counterfeit to something better that God has...the new wine of the Holy Spirit.

Ministers should always seek the Lord before taking on a building project that they initially don’t have enough money to complete. Luke 14:28-30 reads, “For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it— lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish?’”

If there’s anything Christians should mock, it’s false religion. Elijah taunted the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18:27; “And so it was, at noon, that Elijah mocked them and said, ‘Cry aloud, for he is a god; either he is meditating, or he is busy, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he is sleeping and must be awakened.’”

Elijah’s protégé Elisha experienced mockery himself after his mentor was taken up to heaven in a chariot of fire. 2 Kings 2:23-24 reads, “Then he {Elijah] went up from there to Bethel; and as he was going up the road, some youths came from the city and mocked him, and said to him, 'Go up, you baldhead! Go up, you baldhead!' So he turned around and looked at them, and pronounced a curse on them in the name of the LORD. And two female bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the youths."

Jesus was frequently accused by the religious watchdogs of his day, the Pharisees. For example in Luke 11:15, Jesus drove a demon out of a mute boy and was criticized for doing the works of Satan. Jesus faced more mockery as He went to the cross…

“Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole garrison around Him. And they stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him. When they had twisted a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand. And they bowed the knee before Him and mocked Him, saying, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!’ Then they spat on Him, and took the reed and struck Him on the head. And when they had mocked Him, they took the robe off Him, put His own clothes on Him, and led Him away to be crucified.” - Matthew 27:27-30

“Then Herod, with his men of war, treated Him with contempt and mocked Him, arrayed Him in a gorgeous robe, and sent Him back to Pilate.” - Luke 23:11

“The soldiers also mocked Him, coming and offering Him sour wine, and saying, ‘If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself.’” – Luke 23:36-37

Believers who first experienced the baptism of the Holy Spirit were also mocked…

“So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, ‘Whatever could this mean?’ Others mocking said, ‘They are full of new wine.’” - Acts 2:12-13

As you share the gospel with others, you may on occasion face mockery like the Apostle Paul did at the Areopagus, “And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked, while others said, ‘We will hear you again on this matter.’” (Acts 17:32) Whenever somebody mocks your faith, rejoice! The Lord calls you blessed.

“What blessings await you when people hate you and exclude you and mock you and curse you as evil because you follow the Son of Man.” – Luke 6:22 (NLT)