It Ain't in There...

Compared to It's In There, It Ain’t in There!  It’s called Communism/Humanism!

Judges 21:25 ESV In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.
Proverbs 14:12 ESV There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.
"My object in life is to dethrone God and destroy capitalism." Karl Marx
 “America is like a healthy body and its resistance is threefold: its patriotism, its morality and its spiritual life. If we can undermine these three areas, America will collapse from within.” – Joseph Stalin (whether he said it or not, it’s still true!)

Spheres of Government, Home, Church, State: The State is god, kill other two
Quotes from agenda outlined in the Naked Communist, 1958:
40. Discredit the family as an institution. Encourage promiscuity and easy divorce.
41. Emphasize the need to raise children away from the negative influence of parents. Attribute prejudices, mental blocks and retarding of children to suppressive influence of parents.

see below as well....

Life: Abortion on Demand
Quote from agenda outlined in the Naked Communist, 1958:
27. Infiltrate the churches and replace revealed religion with "social" religion. Discredit the Bible and emphasize the need for intellectual maturity, which does not need a "religious crutch."
25. Break down cultural standards of morality by promoting pornography and obscenity in books, magazines, motion pictures, radio, and TV.

Check any socialist, communist, or progressive website for their views on abortion.

Marriage: Any “loving couple”
Quote from agenda outlined in the Naked Communist, 1958:
26. Present homosexuality, degeneracy and promiscuity as "normal, natural, healthy."

Economics: Progressive Taxes, Abolish “Income Inequality,” etc.
The Communist Manifesto 10 Planks by Karl Marx and Frederich Engels:

  1. Abolition of Property in Land and Application of all Rents of Land to Public Purpose.
  2. A Heavy Progressive or Graduated Income Tax.
  3. Abolition of All Rights of Inheritance.
  4. Confiscation of the Property of All Emigrants and Rebels.
  5. Centralization of Credit in the Hands of the State, by Means of a National Bank with State Capital and an Exclusive Monopoly.
  6. Centralization of the Means of Communication and Transport in the Hands of the State.
  7. Extension of Factories and Instruments of Production Owned by the State, the Bringing Into Cultivation of Waste Lands, and the Improvement of the Soil Generally in Accordance with a Common Plan.
  8. Equal Liability of All to Labor. Establishment of Industrial Armies, Especially for Agriculture.
  9. Combination of Agriculture with Manufacturing Industries; Gradual Abolition of the Distinction Between Town and Country by a More Equable Distribution of the Population over the Country.
  10. Free Education for All Children in Public Schools. Abolition of Children's Factory Labor in it's Present Form. Combination of Education with Industrial Production.

Government Scope: Everything
Quotes from agenda outlined in the Naked Communist, 1958:
29. Discredit the American Constitution by calling it inadequate, old-fashioned, out of step with modern needs, a hindrance to cooperation between nations on a worldwide basis.
30. Discredit the American Founding Fathers. Present them as selfish aristocrats who had no concern for the "common man."
31. Belittle all forms of American culture and discourage the teaching of American history on the ground that it was only a minor part of the "big picture." Give more emphasis to Russian history since the Communists took over.
32. Support any socialist movement to give centralized control over any part of the culture--education, social agencies, welfare programs, mental health clinics, etc.

Care of the Poor: Social/Government
See the above.

Education: Free, Public, and Godless

"Education is the most powerful ally of Humanism, and every American public school is a school of Humanism. What can the theistic Sunday school, meeting for an hour once a week, and teaching only a fraction of the children, do to stem the tide of a five-day program of humanistic teaching?" - Charles F. Potter, Humanism: A New Religion 1930 p.128, signer of the Humanist Manifesto

Quote from agenda outlined in the Naked Communist, 1958:
28. Eliminate prayer or any phase of religious expression in the schools on the ground that it violates the principle of "separation of church and state."
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Dear friends, I'm REALLY not trying to be mean, divisive, or unloving.  It's just that so many CHRISTians believe and support these things without thinking them through biblically.  Humanism and socialism are inherently anti-Bible and anti-God, created and pushed foward by men and women who hated God from Plato through Marx, Stalin, Hitler, and many others in the 1800s/early 1900s.  That's why those who subscribe to them eventually end up trying to "get God out" of the picture in every way they can, or turning Him into a "social" god or a god that "wouldn't do that/wouldn't condemn who I am", etc.  It is no accident that communist/socialist countries persecute believers.

Yes, the Gospel is the answer.  But a pastor is also called to equip Christians.  Be equipped dear friends...don't fall for it.

In Christ's love,

Eph 5:6-11 ESV Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. (7) Therefore do not become partners with them; (8) for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (9) (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), (10) and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. (11) Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.

 

It's In There...

 

Rom 3:19 ESV Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God.

Spheres of Government, Home, Church, State: He owns it all!

  • Psa 24:1 ESV A Psalm of David. The earth is the LORD's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein,
  • Psa 89:11 ESV The heavens are yours; the earth also is yours; the world and all that is in it, you have founded them.
  • Col 1:16-18 ESV For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things were created through him and for him. (17) And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. (18) And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.

Life: He’s “Pro” :)

  • Jer 1:5 ESV "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations."
  • Isa 49:1 ESV Listen to me, O coastlands, and give attention, you peoples from afar. The LORD called me from the womb, from the body of my mother he named my name.
  • Lev 18:21 ESV You shall not give any of your children to offer them to Molech, and so profane the name of your God: I am the LORD.
  • Psa 106:37-39 ESV They sacrificed their sons and their daughters to the demons; (38) they poured out innocent blood, the blood of their sons and daughters, whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan, and the land was polluted with blood. (39) Thus they became unclean by their acts, and played the whore in their deeds.

Marriage: One Man, One Woman

  • Gen 2:24 ESV Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
  • Gen 1:27 ESV So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
  • Mat 19:4-5 ESV He answered, "Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, (5) and said, 'Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'?
  • Lev 18:22 ESV You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.
     

Economics: Equal rates/no favoritism or regarding anyone higher or lower; family inheritance, free exchange of goods, work

  • Exo 30:15 ESV The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less, than the half shekel, when you give the LORD's offering to make atonement for your lives.
  • Num 18:21 ESV "To the Levites I have given every tithe in Israel for an inheritance, in return for their service that they do, their service in the tent of meeting,
  • Exo 20:15 ESV "You shall not steal.
  • Lev 19:35-36 ESV "You shall do no wrong in judgment, in measures of length or weight or quantity. (36) You shall have just balances, just weights, a just ephah, and a just hin: I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt.
  • Pro 13:22 ESV A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, but the sinner's wealth is laid up for the righteous.
  • Deu 2:6 ESV You shall purchase food from them for money, that you may eat, and you shall also buy water of them for money, that you may drink.
  • 2Th 3:10-12 ESV For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. (11) For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. (12) Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.
     

Government Scope: Defense, Justice

  • Rom 13:3-4 ESV For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, (4) for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer.
  • 1Pe 2:13-14 ESV Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, (14) or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good.
  • Luk 12:58 ESV As you go with your accuser before the magistrate, make an effort to settle with him on the way, lest he drag you to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the officer, and the officer put you in prison.

Care of the Poor: Family & Church, and all voluntary

  • 1Ti 5:8 ESV But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
  • 1Ti 5:3-4 ESV Honor widows who are truly widows. (4) But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God.
  • 1Ti 5:9-12 ESV Let a widow be enrolled if she is not less than sixty years of age, having been the wife of one husband, (10) and having a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to every good work. (11) But refuse to enroll younger widows, for when their passions draw them away from Christ, they desire to marry (12) and so incur condemnation for having abandoned their former faith.
  • 1Ti 6:18 ESV They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share,
  • Lev 19:9-10 ESV "When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap your field right up to its edge, neither shall you gather the gleanings after your harvest. (10) And you shall not strip your vineyard bare, neither shall you gather the fallen grapes of your vineyard. You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner: I am the LORD your God.
  • Act 6:1-3 ESV Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. (2) And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, "It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. (3) Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty.
  • Act 4:34-35 ESV There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold (35) and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.
  • 2Co 9:7 ESV Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Education

  • Deu 6:6-7 ESV And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. (7) You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.
  • Col 2:8 ESV See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.
  • Pro 1:7 ESV The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.
  • 1Jn 4:3 ESV and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already.

 

The Program Problem

 

The Program Problem

Ok….major opportunity for misunderstanding here! Warning! LOL

We have too many programs.  Seriously.  Toooooooo many.  In fact, if a church is not laden with programs…many think that church needs to get with the program!

A program for youth.  A program for adults.  Twenty-somethings.  Singles with kids.  Singles without kids.  People who like cars.  People who like boats.  Zumba for Jesus!  Woodworking for Jesus!  Painting 101 for Jesus!  Toy-train sets for Jesus!!!!!  LOLOL

I’m kidding around.  Really.  But underneath the joking around there may be an issue: we can’t seem to solve life’s problems with just prayer, fellowship, the power of the Holy Spirit, the preached Word, and our bibles anymore. Simple faith and perseverance aren’t enough.  We need experts to coach us.  Every day.  All day.  Until the end of time.

In reality we are just copying culture and what we see in government: nothing can really be solved without a program.  It makes one wonder how the people of God survived until the 20th century!  Other than food distributions…there were no programs…or very few…in the majority history of the church.  There was prayer, family worship, personal bible study, personal evangelism, and the gathering of the saints on the Lord ’s Day for the Lord’s Word and the Lord’s Supper.  People had to actually talk to each other (face-to-face!) and walk with each other.  Christians who had been through a hard time had to read bible verses, trust them, pray, and keep living, discipling, and worshipping with the knowledge that their “on earth” healing wasn’t the issue: eternity was the issue!

And that mindset in and of itself helped reduce the self-focus.  With the rise of psychology in the 20th century, all that changed.  I’ve said this before: in many ways, our focus on self-help is counter-productive.  It keeps one SO focused on his or her problems that that itself becomes the problem.  Nobody is ever really healed because we keep them in programs focused on their healing! :)  The transforming power of the Holy Spirit that breaks yokes, renews, rebuilds hearts, imparts faith, explodes the power of the enemy, conforms our thoughts, enables forgiveness and gives us "move on" power from problems, and also assures us of our eternal sealing and healing?  Nah…we need a class!  Give us classes! (Again, a light-hearted joke...)

It really comes down to this: what God established for the growth of His people isn’t really sufficient for most of us: rigorous prayer and personal study, the preached Word and the counsel of elders, faith and perseverance, pouring your life out personally discipling and serving others, the blessing of Holy Communion, walking closely with family and Christian friends, and one of the most powerful mindsets of all...looking forward to being with Christ...an eternal perspective!  I suppose I could be wrong.... 

Oh well, as is obvious…I am rambling.  I guess I’m tired.  Shucks…I have one or two programs myself.  I’m a hypocrite.  Please forgive me!  But somewhere in these incoherent thoughts there might just be a shred of truth….maybe. ;)

(NOTE: For any of you who have been hurt by pastors/churches...please forgive us.  Some of this is surely caused by our failures.  We must do better.  And we will!)
 

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