Not Moved By What You See

I didn’t closely follow the Derek Chauvin trial but was a bit surprised with the outcome. The former Minneapolis police officer was convicted on all three counts for the death of George Floyd. I didn’t agree with Chauvin pressing his knee on Floyd’s neck for several minutes. However, fentanyl could have killed Floyd (similar to what happened to Prince five years ago). He had three times the lethal dosage in his system. The jurors may have rendered the guilty verdict fearing reprisals from protesters. 

Throughout history, innocent people have been imprisoned for crimes they didn’t commit. They were sometimes the victims of circumstantial evidence. One online dictionary defines that as “evidence not drawn from direct observation of a fact in issue.” An example could be someone running away from a murder scene with a weapon in hand. Unless witnesses saw him commit the murder, there’s a possibility the suspect wasn’t involved.

Hours before the Derek Chauvin verdict was delivered, I had an incident that reminded me how other situations can be misinterpreted. I went to the Apple Store because the power cord for my MacBook Pro stopped working the day before. Troubleshooting on my part convinced me the USB-C Charge Cable needed replacing. When an Apple Store employee tried a different cord, my laptop didn’t receive power from that. A closer examination revealed residue had accumulated on the Thunderbolt port. Cleaning that resulted in my cable working again.

Jesus warned in Matthew 24:24, “For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.” In this day and hour, we cannot make decisions strictly by what we see in the natural realm where Satan can manipulate things. We need to be led by the Holy Spirit regardless of what our five senses tell us. Even when our prayers appear to go unanswered, standing on the word of God will produce results. As Smith Wigglesworth famously said, “I am not moved by what I see. I am not moved by what I feel. I am moved only by what I believe.”

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” - 2 Corinthians 5:7

The Christian Thing to Do

Some people think being a Christian is defined by doing certain things. Two weeks ago, my hometown newspaper published an article about a former USDA employee who’s also the lay leader of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Phyllis Johnson claimed that addressing climate change is the “Christian thing to do.” I feel a need to respond to that exhortation.

Jesus said in John 14:15, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” That would include feeding the hungry and looking out for our neighbors as Johnson pointed out. I also agree we should be good stewards of this planet’s resources. However, the fear-mongering over climate change can be disputed both logically and biblically. 

Over 40 years ago there were news reports of a coming ice age. Then there were worries about global warming. Some environmentalists talk about rising sea levels. If the latter is happening, then why aren’t masses of people moving away from coastal cities like New York, Miami, Los Angeles, and Honolulu? God-fearing people who are sincerely concerned about this planet’s future should remind themselves of what Genesis 8:22 says, “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, and day and night shall not cease.” Climate change has been happening for centuries but not because of human activity. 

This same article also quoted an ELCA bishop. Rev. Terry Brandt not only expressed concerns about climate change but also food and water shortages. God provided the earth with plenty of natural resources. Psalm 65:9 says, “You visit the earth and water it, You greatly enrich it; The river of God is full of water; You provide their grain, for so You have prepared it.” An increasing population doesn’t mean less food for everybody. More people would be available to plant seeds and grow crops to produce more food.

As an evangelist, I’m concerned if Phyllis Johnson and Terry Brandt really are Christians. During my childhood, I also attended an ELCA church. Unfortunately, the pastors there never taught me I must be born again (John 3:3, 7). One can go to church all their lives and do many good deeds but won’t make it into heaven unless they know the Lord. 

Colossians 3:2 says, “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” The Christian thing to do is to get saved and then obey the Great Commission so that more people receive eternal life.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” - Matthew 28:19

Unplanned: A Review

As previously stated in this blog, I don’t go to many movies. Still, I want to be supportive of quality faith-based films being shown nationally. Pure Flix previously released a number of successful motion pictures including the “God’s Not Dead” series. Their latest production “Unplanned” came out last weekend and finished fourth at the box office. It grossed $6.1 million from only 1,059 theaters. I went to see it two days ago.

“Unplanned” is based on the memoir of Abby Johnson, a young Texas woman who worked at Planned Parenthood for eight years. During her tenure there, Abby went through a divorce and two abortions. Later after remarrying, Abby surprisingly found herself pregnant despite using birth control. Although her supervisor suggested otherwise, Abby went through with the pregnancy and gave birth to a daughter.

Often when Abby arrived at work, anti-abortion demonstrators had gathered outside her clinic's fence. A few of them made harassing remarks while holding “Abortion is Murder” signs. However, one woman reached out to Abby in friendship. Marilisa soon married a man named Shawn who became the leader of a ministry now known as 40 Days for Life. 

Through the persistent prayers of her parents and many of the demonstrators, Abby began to have second thoughts about her work. One day she found the file of one of her unborn children that was aborted at the clinic. The turning point came after watching a client’s abortion on ultrasound. Abby soon resigned from Planned Parenthood and has since helped others leave the abortion industry.

“Unplanned” is rated R for “disturbing bloody images” (reminiscent of what happened to “The Passion of the Christ” fifteen years ago). That shouldn’t stop anyone from seeing this movie. Looking at blood isn’t a pleasant sight but it shows the reality that abortion is the taking of innocent human life. Instead of calling abortion providers and their clients “baby killers” as one man did in the movie, pro-lifers wanting to make a difference need to reach out to them in love.

I know a few people who consider themselves “pro-choice.” Hopefully, they will take time to see “Unplanned” and be inspired to choose life. After all, their mothers did.

“If you are willing to advocate for abortion, but unwilling to actually see what you support, then you and your tiny bun really have no relevancy in this conversation.” 

-  Abby Johnson

“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

What I Believe

Recently while walking through Ashland, Virginia, I saw this sign posted in front of somebody’s yard. It reminded me of another sign (with the same phrases but stylized differently) seen days before outside the entrance of a Universalist church near Washington, DC. Many churches have a statement of faith. Unfortunately, some of them promote beliefs contrary to Scripture.

To anyone reading this who believes in the tenets of “Here We Believe”, I offer this response to each one…

“Love is Love” - What does that prove? That’s like saying “blue is blue” or “4=4.” Often what people call love is really lust. What would you say if a 40-year-old wants to “love” your underage child?

“No Human is Illegal” - Every human is precious in God’s sight. However, individuals get in trouble with the law if they choose to do illegal things such as sneaking into a country without going through customs or overstaying their visas.

“Black Lives Matter” - I agree…but so do the lives of whites, Asians, Latinos, and Native Americans. It would be more accurate to say “All Lives Matter.”

“Science is Real” - Scientific discoveries can improve our lives but will never solve moral problems. Evil results when man does not have God’s goodness inside his heart. It's like the cold that results when there is no heat or darkness comes when there is no light. 

“Woman’s Rights are Human Rights” - Both men and woman have basic human rights. One so-called right I don’t agree with is a pregnant woman killing her unborn child. That fetus has a right to live. How would you feel had your mother aborted you?

“Water is Life” - I thank God for clean water but I’m also thankful for oil drilling that provides fuel needed for our vehicles and homes. One should be more concerned with receiving “living water.” (John 7:38) 

“Kindness is Everything” - This is a faulty equation like “Love is Love.” Turn it around and you would probably agree “Everything is Kindness” doesn’t make sense. Yes, we should be kind to each other. It’s a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). Sadly, people who refuse to hear spiritual truths often react unkindly.

Now let me tell you what I believe…

I believe the Holy Bible is God’s divinely inspired written word - complete and without error in its original Hebrew and Greek texts. (Jeremiah 1:12 NASB, John 1:1, 2 Timothy 3:16) 

I believe there is only one true God who exists as a three-part being: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Exodus 20:3, Isaiah 46:9, Matthew 28:19) 

I believe man was created in the image and likeness of God, but became separated from Him because of sin. (Genesis 1:26, Genesis 3:22-23, Romans 6:23) 

I believe Jesus Christ came to Earth as a sinless human being to redeem mankind through His crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. Only His blood can wash away our sins. (John 14:6, Romans 5:9, 1 Corinthians 5:21) 

I believe man cannot save himself through good works. Salvation only comes by believing that Jesus is the Christ and making Him Lord and Savior of our lives. (John 3:3, Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 10:9) 

I believe water baptism and the Lord’s Supper (communion) are ordinances to be observed by every Christian as a reminder of our redemption. However, these things in themselves do not provide salvation. (Acts 8:36-38, 1 Corinthians 11:23-25, Titus 3:5) 

I believe every Christian should be actively involved in fulfilling the Great Commission. (Mark 16:15, Matthew 10:32-33, Romans 1:16 NIV)

I believe Jesus Christ will return to Earth during the battle of Armageddon and set up His millennial kingdom. At the Great White Throne Judgment, those who do not know the Lord will suffer eternal punishment in the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:15) 

I believe you are reading this for a reason. What do you choose to believe?

“He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” - John 3:18

God is Still Speaking

Sometimes I’ve witnessed to individuals online by countering unscriptural comments posted on Facebook and in response to YouTube videos. One person wrote back to me claiming, “God doesn’t speak to men. Any man that tells you he hears God’s words is either a liar or delusional.”

“God doesn’t speak to men?” What about Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Joshua, David, and all the other prophets? Jesus Himself talked with the Father while He was on the earth. The Apostle Paul’s conversion resulted from a conversation with the Lord on the Damascus Road. Why wouldn’t God speak to us today? Did He suddenly become mute?

On the other hand, there are ministers and religious organizations claiming to be God’s mouthpiece but really aren’t. One denomination has been using the advertising slogan “God is still speaking.” My question for them is, “Which god are you listening to?” It must be “the god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4) because their website states the following…

“No matter who – no matter what – no matter where we are on life's journey – notwithstanding race, gender, sexual orientation, class or creed – we all belong to God and to one worldwide community of faith. All persons baptized – past, present and future – are connected to each other and to God through the sacrament of baptism.”

Aside from the fact that God’s word forbids homosexuality, Jesus said in John 3:3, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Baptism does not save anybody.

I agree God is still speaking. Contrary to what Joy Behar recently stated on ABC’s “The View”, Christians hear His voice not because of having a mental illness. Everyone who wants to know the Lord can learn to recognize His voice if they follow what He has already said in His word (John 10:27). One of the things they should be willing to hear from Him is “Go and sin no more.”

"There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.”- 1 Corinthians 14:10 (KJV)

The Circle of the Earth

Those of us who grew up in the United States learned about the Italian-born explorer Christopher Columbus. Back in 1492, the purpose of Columbus’ voyage across the Atlantic Ocean was to find a shorter route from Spain to Asia but ended up discovering the Americas. I was also taught Columbus wanted to prove the earth is round (though that truth was already widely believed).

Over 500 years later, it surprises me how some people still believe in a flat earth despite photos from space proving otherwise. Many travelers have embarked on round-the-world trips. The recent solar eclipse should be additional evidence of a round earth. Still, flat earthers have resorted to spreading lies such as Donald Trump supposedly being one of them.

There are even Christians promoting a flat earth gospel. This past summer, I talked with one at a friend’s machine shop. I pointed out Isaiah 40:22 says, “It is He who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers” This man replied the earth is really a flat circle like a pancake. By using an online concordance, I learned the Hebrew word for circle is chûwg, which can mean a sphere or ball-shaped body. That same Hebrew word is used in Proverbs 8:27, “When He prepared the heavens, I was there, when He drew a circle on the face of the deep.” Job 26:10 says, “He drew a circular horizon on the face of the waters, at the boundary of light and darkness.” If flat earthers want to dispute these Scriptures, how about going to the edge of the earth and take some pictures as proof?

I’ve declined friend requests from Christian flat earthers who proudly promote their religion in their Facebook profile photos. A person’s belief regarding the shape of the earth doesn’t determine their eternal destiny. True science confirms what the Bible has already stated regarding creation, which points to evidence of a Creator.

“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” - Romans 1:20

A Conversation with the Church of Almighty God

A recent surge of friend requests I received on Facebook included members representing the Church of Almighty God, an organization I hadn’t heard of before. Their graphics accompanying their posts reminded me of those used by Jehovah’s Witnesses. Therefore, I suspected this group is a cult. To find out more about this “church”, I watched a BBC documentary about them that looked rather disturbing. Then I logged onto their website. Immediately, a chat window opened up. I decided to respond to the other person online. Here’s how the conversation went (my comments are in bold)…

Hello, and welcome to the Gospel of the Descent of Kingdom. Think back on the “Your kingdom come” prayer that we have often made in the past. Now, God's kingdom has already descended, and God has returned in the flesh to express the truth and carry out the work of judgment in order for us to be able to come face to face with God and listen to His voice with our own ears! Do you want to understand the details of God's work? You are welcome to get in contact with us.

What do you mean “carry out the work of judgment?” I thought we are to “go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15)

It means God has already carried the judgment work on earth.

How?

For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God (1 Peter 4:17). In the last days, God has already comes into flesh and expressed a lot of truth to judge our corruption, He uses all aspects of truth to reveal our corruption, that is God's end-time judgment work.

How has "God has already come into flesh"? I thought that's supposed to happen at Armageddon. 

(My question got deleted and the first paragraph from them was repeated)

This sounds like a cult. Revelation 19 says Jesus will come back on a white horse with the armies of heaven. The Lord warned of deceivers prior to His return. 

“Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.” (Matthew 24:23-24) Yes. there are may false christ will happened before Jesus return. But I think How to Distinguish Between the True Christ and False Christs that's a big thing for each of us.

So who is Jesus Christ to you?

The creator. Can I share with you a video about How to Distinguish Between the True Christ and False Christs? I think you are a devote [sic] Christian. About Jesus return is a big thing for us 

(This was followed by links to two YouTube videos, which I didn’t bother to watch)

Are you born again? If so, I’d like to know how you came to know Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Sure. Why not. But it's a long story. Shall i add you on Fb or Skype?

How about sharing it here? Just a paragraph or two would be fine.

I couldn't express by very simple words.

I want to make sure you follow the real Jesus Christ…so please answer this question. How can someone know that if he (or she) dies before His return, he will go to heaven instead of hell?

How do i know if He is God. I know God form [sic[ His words. John 1:1-4  Today Jesus has returned in flesh and express truth in a new book. Revelation 3:20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. God comes back let us recognize Him through His voice (words).

I cannot agree with your claim that “Jesus has returned in flesh” Revelation 1:7 says, “Behold, He is coming with clouds, and EVERY EYE WILL SEE HIM…” There are other things that must happen before the Lord’s return such as the rapture of His Church and enforcement of the mark of the beast system in Revelation 13.

Yes. What is the real rapture only when Jesus come back and open the mystery of it. But the Bible also mentioned that “… I come as a thief” (Revelation 16:15). “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. (Matthew 24:36)

“… for in such an hour as you think not the Son of man comes” (Matthew 24:44). Luke 17:24-25. “For as the lightning, that lightens out of the one part under heaven, shines to the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day. But first must he suffer many things, and again be rejected of this generation.”

I have another question. What if someone came to one of your meetings and had a demon. What would you do?

What do you wanna to know?

I saw a news report about your group killing a woman because she had a demon. 

We welcome those who wanna seek the truth. who welcome the lord return. Do you believe the media?

Usually not.

Friend In my opinion We have to know the fact ourselves and master the principle of discernment, only in this way can we not repeat what others say. When Jesus performed His ministry in Judea. Many people resist Jesus. John 7:12 said :”Among the crowds there was widespread whispering about him. Some said, "He is a good man." Others replied, "No, he deceives the people.” Matthew 12:24 said :”But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, "It is only by Beelzebub, the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons.” Mark 3:21-22 When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, "He is out of his mind." And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, "He is possessed by Beelzebub! By the prince of demons he is driving

I’m an evangelist that shares the gospel mostly on the streets of various cities. The priority of every born-again Bible-believing Christian should be getting people saved instead of trying to get them to join a particular church or group. Many people are in hell right now because they were taught false ideas such as doing good works or simply believing there is a God will get them into heaven. Even the demons believe there is a God and tremble.

Yes. You are right. Friend I would like share the truth about the report (another YouTube link was sent). Have you ever read more about Almighty God's words.

Now you sound like a Mormon

Almighty God's said "God seeks those who long for Him to appear. He seeks those who are able to hear His words, those who have not forgotten His commission and offer up their heart and body to Him. He seeks those who are as obedient as babes before Him, and do not resist Him.”

"Those who are not cautious when they encounter the new work of the Holy Spirit, who run their mouths off, are quick to judge, who give free rein to their natural instinct to deny the rightness of the Holy Spirit’s work, and also insult and blaspheme it—are such disrespectful people not ignorant of the Holy Spirit’s work? Are they not, furthermore, the ones of arrogance, inherently proud and ungovernable? Even if a day comes when such people accept the new work of the Holy Spirit, still God will not tolerate of them. Not only do they look down upon those who work for God, but also blaspheme against God Himself. Such foolhardy people will not be forgiven, either in this age or the age to come and they shall forever perish in hell!”

Mat 12:31-32 Why I say to you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven to men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven to men. And whoever speaks a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whoever speaks against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.

Let me clarify by saying I’m not trying to stir up doctrinal debates but find out the truth about the Church of Almighty God since I’ve seen Facebook posts by other members of your group that looked suspicious. My concern is that you are not following a cult leader or counterfeit deity. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 2:2, “For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.”

Thank You. can I have you name plz?

It's Todd. I will be leaving my house soon and need to log off when my roommate is ready to leave.

Okay. Would you like to know more detail about our Church? I would like to seek the truth with you.

I need to go now. Have a nice day. Jesus is Lord!

(end of chat session)

The Church of Almighty God claims Jesus has already come back to earth in China. If that's true, then why don’t they post videos and photos of the Lord Himself? Obviously the real Jesus Christ hasn’t returned yet. Let’s continue proclaiming the true gospel until He does.

“For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it!” - 2 Corinthians 11:4 

Women's Rights?

44 years ago today, the U. S. Supreme Court issued the infamous Roe vs. Wade decision that legalized abortion in this country. Since then, over 55 million unborn Americans have been killed. Fortunately, we have a new president who is pro-life and plans to appoint conservative judges. Other politicians have campaigned to defund Planned Parenthood, an organization that uses taxpayer funds to terminate pregnancies.

Nevertheless, abortion advocates continue raising their voices. Yesterday in our nation’s capital, the Women’s March took place. Thousands of women protested in Washington and other cities for their “right to choose.” Prior to this march, a group called New Wave Feminists was removed as an official sponsor because of their pro-life stance. 

Much misinformation is spread by women’s rights groups. Many of them claim “the pro-life movement is anti-women.” A 2010 Rasmussen poll revealed that 58 percent of women believe abortion is morally wrong in most cases while 49 percent of men agree with the same statement. In other words, women are less supportive of abortion than men.

If you’re one who considers yourself “pro-choice”, then I recommend making better choices than fighting for the right to kill babies. First, I urge you to invite Jesus Christ to become your Lord and Savior. That will hopefully result in you receiving the revelation that all children (born and unborn) are precious to God. Jeremiah 1:5 says, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you.” It wasn’t until after becoming a Christian that I recognized abortions as morally wrong.

Secondly, choose not to have sex outside of marriage as the Bible clearly forbids fornication. I rarely hear of married women having abortions. Still, if you find yourself facing an unplanned pregnancy, prayerfully consider contacting an adoption agency. Many childless couples have been on waiting lists hoping to adopt one. You could be a great blessing to prospective parents…and your child.

“I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live” - Deuteronomy 30:19