http://voices.yahoo.com/empty-boots-fields-stone-5292221.html?cat=10
Empty Boot's , Fields of Stone
Wilted Daisies
Empty boots, empty hearts, and lost souls.
Walking daily we pass the many, who have paid hard life toils.
Seeing a cardboard sign a man or woman standing in the intersection we turn away blind.
Looking away, we can't see the hopelessness, the soul that's hidden behind.
Steering clear of anyone whose trouble's seems to be massive in comparison to ours, we forget the coming Day.
Compassed with our own difficulties and struggles, for others we forget to pray.
Day, by day we look away.
Another soul soon grows cold and gray...
Empty boots fill our halls; empty souls fill our streets, silence echoes through the halls of the heart.
Running through a field of daisies soon our soul is to depart...
Cheerfully, and ignorantly we lived as though there'd be no price to pay.
Willfully and gallantly we pushed on towards Hell, grapping many along the way...
Tossing boots into a field planted in stone, we carve a name, lay a flower down.
Willfully, and gallantly travelling the broad and wide way, bowing to the deceitful clown.
Mockingly, we declared those on the narrow way to be ignorant, and of ill repute.
We did scoff, at the tears, the pleas, as we continued on our route.
Chasing a dollar, facing a crisis, we forgot to see...
For another's soul we did not plea.
Empty boots all around, panic enveloping those who played in the land of stones.
Daisy's dropping from the vases, seeing our hands covered in blood, an answer we must now own.
We stand before His throne, empty handed, and plead.
We see it was for us He did bleed.
Taking our security for granted, our free gift, we trembled at our many worldly trials
We forgot to trust Him through it all.
Good intentions we may have had.
Yet, it was on our "good intentions" unfulfilled that made Satan glad.
We stand covered in the redemptive blood, yet our hands have we covered in blood.
Having failed to lead another through the deceptive flood-
Faith a wavering, we turned to man; soon we were to be deceived.
A poor testimony we were, soon our words no soul believed.
Standing before the judgment seat we'll give an account, for each and every deed.
Battered down with life's trials, to God's word we failed to heed.
Saved for all eternity, based on our true professions of faith, we bring before His throne wilted daisies.
Our salvation secured, have we still yet to another soul's plight yielded our hearts empty.
Many workers are needed, as many fields of stones, hold empty boots, souls gone on to eternity.
Many a faithful martyr tried by fire.
Today, a "Comfortable Christian" forgets another's spiritual condition is ever so dire...
Soon the road we are all on will end.
Where my friends are you leading other's today? Are you really a true friend?
If Heaven bound, are you living today what you say you believe.
If bound for Hell and the Lake of Fire, are you sure this world you wish to leave?
My friend eternity it is real, ready or not we all have an appointment, we'll not miss.
We'll all taste the taste of this life's final kiss.
We all must die once. This it is true.
But my friend to die twice there is no hope, full rue.
Be warned be prepared, the night is coming when none may work. The fields are white.
The workers so few, empty boots lay in many a field, the night is coming fast, are you willing for another's soul to fight.
Monday, June 4, 2012
The Sedated Carnal Christian....a poem I wrote in January of 2010
A poem to take the Christian out of their comfort zone, intended to make the Christian think. This I wrote as a non-exclusive.
http://voices.yahoo.com/the-sedated-carnal-christian-5277039.html?cat=10
The Sedated Carnal Christian
Crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceilings so high-
Shiny brass fixtures, shine like gold as the masses die.
Plush cushioned seats, red carpeted floors.
Glass framed entry doors.
Faces pasted on pages, fine letters line the walls.
A chorus lines up in the hall.
A polished efficient pulpit for a well-heeled speaker to stand behind-
Three tiny replica's over a covered window, hiding a thought to mind.
An artificial pool soon obedience will be dipped.
A profession made, no conversion made, many words lipped.
Plastic flowers adorn the walls and tables too.
A piano's playing, beckoning for you...
Lofted and away, a sound system neatly hidden from view.
Attendance carefully posted, many members it's true.
Flags of Freedom stand beside the covered window hole.
One stands for the fleshly body, the other for the believer's soul.
Cold or hot it's no fault, the switch it's set at seventy-two.
Climate controlled, just especially for me, and you.
Kleenex on the altar, lest a tear is shed...
Many a soul walking in, walking out still dead-
Comforts we find, all around.
Were even our parking is paved ground.
Classes to the side,
Printed lessons to abide...
Ever learning, ears itching...
Teacher's slowly from the truth switching.
Indoor plumbing, private bathroom stalls.
Outhouses forgotten, private offices vacant line the halls.
A dinner hall made for friends.
A playground, a nursery, meeting all ends...
A covered porch, a covered walk, lest the rain does drip...
A handshake, a friendly grip, now, "please don't trip"
A bus parked near.
Trucks, vans and cars parked in the rear.
Hymnals placed at the ready, tithe envelopes beside.
Walls so white, reflecting the power the pride.
Bathrooms well-stocked
Hearts and minds well-locked-
Sunday best, suit and tie...
Shiny new shoes, the latest hairstyle, smiling at a comforting lie-
Chorus sings, an individual sings a stirring song.
Preaching, it's not going to be long.
Church members sitting in style, comfort all around.
Feel good sermon preached, no souls yielded ground.
Donations securely in the plate...
Soon looking at a watch, pointing to a clock...it's getting late.
Tithes envelopes filled.
Promises made, seeking help stilled.
Cash in hand.
United for missions, forgotten still another's need for a helping in hand.
An altar call, a raised hand, a promise made.
A profession made a soul found aid.
Discipleship gone by the way, a blind eye turned when a fleshly need.
Sending away, forgetting the flesh has many a need, not taking heed.
A declaration a profession made.
Turning around a new convert, see's no aid.
Faltering, stumbling along, a Bible is found.
Turning the pages, turning looking all around.
Searching for a steeple...
Striving to find like minded people-
Finding a friendly group, taking a seat...
Soon finding themselves safe and secure in a white walled tomb, fearing no heat...
Finding no conviction, hearing no witness, soon falling in to sin-
Godly fellowship broken, unaware even as the lights grow ever so dim, as through the glass doors we enter in.
Soon shaking hands, "saying how do you do"
Finding a secure cushioned pew...
A work it was done.
A soul it was won.
Isn't this a little fun?
Don't worry I'm not yet done...
Finding a familiar pew a seat it is taken.
A preacher is soon hoarse, standing all alone, a fold that will not waken.
Asleep, comforted and lulled in to a mindless fog.
Living high on the hog...blind to those lost in the fog.
The end, it is nigh, even at the door, screaming now a pastor yells.
Asleep on the pew the sheep hear no warning bells.
The Rapture, the rapture, it is coming go and tell, warn your fellow man.
Awake from your slumber, sit up straight, listen hard, prepare, go and tell all you can.
The wolves at the door, soon another behind the pulpit stands.
A smile, a wave laughing the wolf takes the sheep by the hands.
Soon another wolf is found.
No one's looking around, sitting on a pew, asleep, slumbering all around.
No one's noticed wolves in the mist.
Secure in security, forgetting another's soul is at risk.
Slumbering, and content, secure in security.
Forgetting many have not heard the way to spiritual liberty.
Soon a pastor too hoarse to speak, having preached often in vain-
Sitting on a bench, on a pew never seeing the lost and dying soul that will live in eternal pain...
Sitting on the side line, listening to those who've gone to harvest the fields...
Watching the slides, sitting content, a call, yet the heart has failed to yield.
Sitting content, blinded by many comforting shields.
Once again, rising singing a song, walking past classrooms, with many posters plastered on the walls.
A religious wolf, sits in the classes, leading a class, jesting and teasing fill the halls.
A new baby convert comes in.
Soon a leader and wolf covered in a fallen sheep's skin, leads the child into many a serious sin.
Forsaking to teach, forgetting to disciple, forsaking the assembling together, the sheep is led to the slaughter.
Once desiring the whole meat of the gospel now must be fed the infants milk.
Having not taken time to be diligent, having no time to spend with the Lord, working instead for finest silk.
Years and days pass.
Illness and ruin come, stirring the long sitting sheep, from his class.
Longing once again for youth, finding instead physical strength is gone.
Knowing now, they should have gone.
Seeing suddenly the many lost opportunities long gone away.
Seeing the error, knowing its long past the time to pray...
A carnal life, a bad testimony, turned a blind eye, as wolves filled the pews.
Seeing the folly, knowing it's long past time, to begin anew.
Safe and secure, salvation accepted, taken for granted.
Secure, in eternal security, finally knowing it was for many the blood was shed.
Asking forgiveness, seeking a renewal, making a vow, a promise this time to keep-
Soon to the last fields to go, a hand on the sickle, a hand on the play, knowing now why He did weep...
Seeing now the folly in buildings and pews and poster boards a plenty.
Seeing now the need was not a building to fill with many.
Desiring now to make up for the lost years, finally the heart yields.
Comfort all around, mistaken for a shield.
Knowing now the painted baptismal' was a vanity, a pride.
A show, a spectacle, a way for a false profession to hide-
At long last hearing the faded cry of the ones who warned, who preached a truth-
Turning seeing the wolves, knowing the wolves are going to raise the roof.
Devoting self to fasting and prayer, now asking for God's mercy, and grace...
Knowing time is short, the finish line already within sight, stretching now to win many to this race.
Believing God will renew, changing all priorities.
Gone now the life of ease...
Hurry, fast, now the candle is burning, the end is near, soon the light it will be gone.
Time wasted never regained moving forward now, knowing it won't be long.
http://voices.yahoo.com/the-sedated-carnal-christian-5277039.html?cat=10
The Sedated Carnal Christian
Crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceilings so high-
Shiny brass fixtures, shine like gold as the masses die.
Plush cushioned seats, red carpeted floors.
Glass framed entry doors.
Faces pasted on pages, fine letters line the walls.
A chorus lines up in the hall.
A polished efficient pulpit for a well-heeled speaker to stand behind-
Three tiny replica's over a covered window, hiding a thought to mind.
An artificial pool soon obedience will be dipped.
A profession made, no conversion made, many words lipped.
Plastic flowers adorn the walls and tables too.
A piano's playing, beckoning for you...
Lofted and away, a sound system neatly hidden from view.
Attendance carefully posted, many members it's true.
Flags of Freedom stand beside the covered window hole.
One stands for the fleshly body, the other for the believer's soul.
Cold or hot it's no fault, the switch it's set at seventy-two.
Climate controlled, just especially for me, and you.
Kleenex on the altar, lest a tear is shed...
Many a soul walking in, walking out still dead-
Comforts we find, all around.
Were even our parking is paved ground.
Classes to the side,
Printed lessons to abide...
Ever learning, ears itching...
Teacher's slowly from the truth switching.
Indoor plumbing, private bathroom stalls.
Outhouses forgotten, private offices vacant line the halls.
A dinner hall made for friends.
A playground, a nursery, meeting all ends...
A covered porch, a covered walk, lest the rain does drip...
A handshake, a friendly grip, now, "please don't trip"
A bus parked near.
Trucks, vans and cars parked in the rear.
Hymnals placed at the ready, tithe envelopes beside.
Walls so white, reflecting the power the pride.
Bathrooms well-stocked
Hearts and minds well-locked-
Sunday best, suit and tie...
Shiny new shoes, the latest hairstyle, smiling at a comforting lie-
Chorus sings, an individual sings a stirring song.
Preaching, it's not going to be long.
Church members sitting in style, comfort all around.
Feel good sermon preached, no souls yielded ground.
Donations securely in the plate...
Soon looking at a watch, pointing to a clock...it's getting late.
Tithes envelopes filled.
Promises made, seeking help stilled.
Cash in hand.
United for missions, forgotten still another's need for a helping in hand.
An altar call, a raised hand, a promise made.
A profession made a soul found aid.
Discipleship gone by the way, a blind eye turned when a fleshly need.
Sending away, forgetting the flesh has many a need, not taking heed.
A declaration a profession made.
Turning around a new convert, see's no aid.
Faltering, stumbling along, a Bible is found.
Turning the pages, turning looking all around.
Searching for a steeple...
Striving to find like minded people-
Finding a friendly group, taking a seat...
Soon finding themselves safe and secure in a white walled tomb, fearing no heat...
Finding no conviction, hearing no witness, soon falling in to sin-
Godly fellowship broken, unaware even as the lights grow ever so dim, as through the glass doors we enter in.
Soon shaking hands, "saying how do you do"
Finding a secure cushioned pew...
A work it was done.
A soul it was won.
Isn't this a little fun?
Don't worry I'm not yet done...
Finding a familiar pew a seat it is taken.
A preacher is soon hoarse, standing all alone, a fold that will not waken.
Asleep, comforted and lulled in to a mindless fog.
Living high on the hog...blind to those lost in the fog.
The end, it is nigh, even at the door, screaming now a pastor yells.
Asleep on the pew the sheep hear no warning bells.
The Rapture, the rapture, it is coming go and tell, warn your fellow man.
Awake from your slumber, sit up straight, listen hard, prepare, go and tell all you can.
The wolves at the door, soon another behind the pulpit stands.
A smile, a wave laughing the wolf takes the sheep by the hands.
Soon another wolf is found.
No one's looking around, sitting on a pew, asleep, slumbering all around.
No one's noticed wolves in the mist.
Secure in security, forgetting another's soul is at risk.
Slumbering, and content, secure in security.
Forgetting many have not heard the way to spiritual liberty.
Soon a pastor too hoarse to speak, having preached often in vain-
Sitting on a bench, on a pew never seeing the lost and dying soul that will live in eternal pain...
Sitting on the side line, listening to those who've gone to harvest the fields...
Watching the slides, sitting content, a call, yet the heart has failed to yield.
Sitting content, blinded by many comforting shields.
Once again, rising singing a song, walking past classrooms, with many posters plastered on the walls.
A religious wolf, sits in the classes, leading a class, jesting and teasing fill the halls.
A new baby convert comes in.
Soon a leader and wolf covered in a fallen sheep's skin, leads the child into many a serious sin.
Forsaking to teach, forgetting to disciple, forsaking the assembling together, the sheep is led to the slaughter.
Once desiring the whole meat of the gospel now must be fed the infants milk.
Having not taken time to be diligent, having no time to spend with the Lord, working instead for finest silk.
Years and days pass.
Illness and ruin come, stirring the long sitting sheep, from his class.
Longing once again for youth, finding instead physical strength is gone.
Knowing now, they should have gone.
Seeing suddenly the many lost opportunities long gone away.
Seeing the error, knowing its long past the time to pray...
A carnal life, a bad testimony, turned a blind eye, as wolves filled the pews.
Seeing the folly, knowing it's long past time, to begin anew.
Safe and secure, salvation accepted, taken for granted.
Secure, in eternal security, finally knowing it was for many the blood was shed.
Asking forgiveness, seeking a renewal, making a vow, a promise this time to keep-
Soon to the last fields to go, a hand on the sickle, a hand on the play, knowing now why He did weep...
Seeing now the folly in buildings and pews and poster boards a plenty.
Seeing now the need was not a building to fill with many.
Desiring now to make up for the lost years, finally the heart yields.
Comfort all around, mistaken for a shield.
Knowing now the painted baptismal' was a vanity, a pride.
A show, a spectacle, a way for a false profession to hide-
At long last hearing the faded cry of the ones who warned, who preached a truth-
Turning seeing the wolves, knowing the wolves are going to raise the roof.
Devoting self to fasting and prayer, now asking for God's mercy, and grace...
Knowing time is short, the finish line already within sight, stretching now to win many to this race.
Believing God will renew, changing all priorities.
Gone now the life of ease...
Hurry, fast, now the candle is burning, the end is near, soon the light it will be gone.
Time wasted never regained moving forward now, knowing it won't be long.
Paganism and Christianity Part Four...an article I wrote in January of 2010
For this article I was paid 2.78 upfront, it is a non-exclusive article.
http://voices.yahoo.com/paganism-christianity-part-four-5270467.html?cat=37
Paganism and Christianity Part Four
Sometimes it really takes a while to get a point across especially when you are also trying to make sure to not on purpose cause strife or hurt feelings. But sometimes hurt feelings just cannot be helped.
Because sometimes the truth hurts, sometimes quite a lot actually, this does not however change the facts of the matter, truth is truth, and error is error.
Now we can all sit around and say my truth is more truthful than yours, or you are in error. And you are in error because I say so.
Doing this is absolutely foolish and unprofitable for anyone. So we have to have a standard or way to communicate with each other.
God created us to be social creatures. All of us are social creatures; we are sort of like pack rats in a way. We like to be close to people, or near where people are some of us even like to go talk to other people a lot. Some just like to be by themselves, but not too far away from someone. *Distance is relative. Some people are happy only being in touch with another person once every few weeks, some need daily contact.
None the less people need people. Because how else would we manage to build all the things we do? Have you ever seriously given thought to how you would go buy a piece of land in some remote area, and then build yourself a 100 story skyscraper, complete with a basement, and many rooms on every floor, and also furnish and decorate each room, hall and floor. Doing all the work by yourself, does this even sound like a reasonable idea?
I mean just how do you plan to do each task involved? Think about it.
Now what does this have to do with the topic we've been discussing tonight? Well depends on your perspective.
If you are a Christian, probably not a lot, if you are Pagan maybe a little, maybe nothing at all, if you are Roman Catholic everything...
So let's see how much this has to do with you. First we will look at the Christian.
Now the Christian looks at this idea and sees it for what it is a foolish, unwise idea, and if serious about wanting to build a skyscraper, he will go find helpers, and lots of money to build it. As it is highly doubtful anyone builds something of this size without a good deal of help, and a lot of money.
Now let's look at this one other way, let's pretend that this skyscraper is a meant to be a gift, the plans all made, the builders hired, the land and supplies purchased, everything ready to go. All permits etc.
Now along comes the Christian, who wants this building and desires this building having heard of these architects designs for many years. Now this Christian is told all they have to do is accept this free gift, nothing else. But instead the Christian says I can't accept this I must work for it.
The Christian has now taken on the problem of the Roman Catholic. Now you may be thinking how we jumped from the Christian to the Roman Catholic, well it's simple really. What happened was this, instead of accepting this large free gift, "the Christian" decided that they must work for this large and expensive gift.
However, this gift is only designed to be given away for free; it cannot be repurchased by someone else, just because it is so expensive. This gift was designed, to be built and given away free to the recipients. Now the recipient may refuse this gift. Or the recipient may accept this gift, but the gift is not given based on merit or works so if the recipient decides they must work for the gift, it is no longer a gift, it becomes a burden.
A burden that will be theirs alone to carry, because to work for a "free gift" is to make the gift no gift at all, it will be the result of a wage.
Now we move on to the Pagan, the Pagan see's the builder's plans, and see's the intended gift, and is unpredictable mostly. But a couple of things the Pagan is likely to do, number one, say "thank you, what a lovely gift". Or something that denotes the same idea, or maybe the Pagan will say "umm no thanks, I don't believe I need such a gift as that at the moment". Or maybe the Pagan will say "ok, here let me help build". Or maybe even "ok, where's the camera". Believing someone is playing a joke.
Now the first response from the Pagan is appropriate and is what the giver intended. The second response s also appropriate as the Pagan may see no real point in owning such a large and expensive gift. Then the third response is the same as the Roman Catholic, who chooses not to accept the gift but to instead "work" for the gift, earning a wage instead of accepting a free gift.
Now all of these responses are similar but there is a difference. One is the Christian who accepts this gift, they are accepting with the full knowledge that they do not deserve this gift, and have done nothing to earn it, also that they are unable to ever work long enough or hard enough for it. So the Christian accepts it. Very similar to what happens when a person accepts the complete and finished work of Christ, as the only way in to Heaven.
No one will see Heaven lest they have accepted the gift that God purchased for them through His son. Not only that rejecting this gift will lead to move than just missed opportunity, it will lead to an eternity separated from God. In a horrible place called The Lake of Fire. Because that the only lifeboat out was rejected.
It's sort of like this if someone happens to be in a flooded area and they keep rejecting help that comes by. You remember the story I'm sure. The one about the man who was praying for help to come, but when the first several lifeboats came by he refused saying he was trusting God or waiting on God. I can't remember exactly now how that went. But anyway, many people came to get this man out of the flood zone but he rejected them all one right after the other. Finally a police helicopter came by, but still this man refused help. Finally he drowns, and next in the story we see him standing at Heaven's gate, asking God why he did not send him help, to which God replies "I sent many to your home to warn you of the coming flood, I sent men with boats to help you, I sent the police helicopter, why did you not accept my help? ". The man is left with no answer.
This will be the same result for all you reject or refuse the only way that God has made for us to go to Heaven.
You see God made one door, to go through, and it's narrow, he did not make many doors, or paths.
Gifts are intended to make someone happy as a general rule, or to be helpful. Generally a gift is not bought in order to cause stress, strife, or grief, it is instead bought because we care about someone, or even love someone.
And the gift that God purchased for us, came with a very heavy price, he loved us. And he loved us so much he was willing to die in order for us to have this gift. He did not intend for us to 'work" for this gift.
Nor did he intend for us to blindly accept this gift, instead he wanted us to know what the gift was. That gift is life.
Carelessly accepting a gift can often lead to problems. For example look back at this large skyscraper, why would someone just accept this without question? Would you not want to know something about it?
Well God does not give us the free gift of life without telling us about himself, and about who he is. Look at Genesis chapter one, he tells us he is the creator that he made us. That he made this world for us. He made it perfect and good, but then we took it upon ourselves to transgress and disobey. So we earned for ourselves death, and not only for ourselves, but also for all our descendants.
We had earned a wage that could only be repaid through death. We'd ransomed our souls for just a taste of a fruit on a tree that God said no. Do not eat.
So God in his mercy, made a way that we could be bought back, he went and paid the wage we had earned. There was no way we could do this.
But what did we do in return for this that God had done for us, well we followed after idols. We decided that we were wise, that the Bible was full of errors, we decided that we were our own gods. We continued in the sins of our earthly parents.
Full of hypocrisy we told others that they must work their way into heaven, we told some they need not worry that they would keep coming back until they had it right. *reincarnation* Other's we told never fear this is all there is, when you die there is nothing left. Still others we told pay your dues and we'll pray you out of purgatory, deceiving many, right into the deepest pits of Hell.
And then we not so long out of the Garden, chose to worship the things we could see that God had made, we worshipped rivers, and streams, birds and beast, tree's and weeds, and idols we made with our own hands. Our very own creations even.
Making up rules and dictates that God never said, changing what God did say to suit our own purposes, deceiving and being deceived, forgetting God turning to the worship of the things God had made, we became Pagans.
As Pagans, we rejected the truths of the Gospel of Christ, being Pagans we looked for our roots. Seeing many had lived lives apart from God we chose these things. Believing that we were of a "New Age' enlightened even, this was the pagan belief.
But desiring God, the soul is hungry for acceptance, even that soul of the vilest amongst us, the desire to be reunited or brought into fellowship with God remains. The fellowship man once had broken through willful sin.
Pagans do not as a whole believe sin exists, nor do they believe in Satan, or a literal Hell, yet many of them believe in a goat type creature, that they worship. With their minds believing that it is okay to cast spells, practice divinizations, necromancy, and many other things. Doing all of these things apart from the will of God.
Now the Pagan will say their "faith" or "religion" has been around longer than that of the Christian, and what they are saying is in a way true. Their disobedience to God began in the Garden that he created for them. Paganism began when man decided to willfully transgress against God.
Paganism is not new, and it has crossed over into many areas of our lives. Even into many churches, who have accepted Pagan practices little by little through the years.
Paganism is a deceitful lie promoted by Satan.
Satan has used churches to spread his deceit for a long time, the Roman Catholic Church, having a long history of accepting and adopting errors, was in my personal opinion one of the earliest churches that willfully turned to accepting pagan practices as a way to "fit in" with their neighbors.
But true Christianity is not the acceptance of everything, nor will it "fit in" with all your neighbors, more likely if you will find yourself at odds with a lot of people you come into contact with. This does not mean that you need to strive to pick fights with people, but it does mean you need to beware of how you act, and behave.
Remembering that even though you may be saved you also have Pagan roots, no one is immune to the inherited disorder of sin. It came from our first parents, who lived in a perfect world. Sin came in by choice. Acceptance of the full gospel of Christ is a matter of faith, it is also a choice.
...'So what's all the fuss?...an article I wrote in Janurary of 2010
http://voices.yahoo.com/paganism-christianity-so-whats-5269477.html?cat=9
Paganism, and Christianity - so What's All the Fuss?
Ok, since I need a little more space to continue this will be part three in my series tonight about some reasons there are so many conflicts between Christianity and Paganism.
Now in my last article I touched on just a few things concerning the Catholic Church. Now, I know I may very well have offended some, but that is not my intent to create strife. My intent is instead to point out what happens and did happen when a Christian church of any denomination accepts and or takes on pagan practices.
What happens is corruption comes in, first little by little, but later it comes in full force, until the members of the church are blinded. Having had their spiritual senses dulled by the watering down of and the perverting of the gospel of Christ.
Not only do you see perversion in the Catholic Churches, but you see perversions in every denomination. Denominations are ALL man-made organizations; there is nothing that can be gained by belonging to a particular denomination.
That being said, not every organization or group of people who get together and start a "church" are Christian in the truest sense of the word. Even some very popular churches today, are not by Biblical standards Christian. It could easily be said they were more of a Pagan organization in many ways, because they have the church, the steeple and the people BUT, they have left Christ setting by the way side.
Remember I mentioned that many Pagans claim that Christians have stolen their "days". Well this is in fact actually true. And this was largely done by the Roman Catholic Church. At one point in time, and possibly still in some areas of the world, the Catholic Church sought to "convert" people to Catholicism. Now did you "hear" what I said?
They were not seeking to convert people to Christ, but instead they sought to convert people to the "Church". And the Roman Catholic Church did indeed make many "converts" to the church. But few if any true conversions to Christ.
The reason I say this is because no one can be forced to believe that Jesus was born of a virgin, lived to die on a cross, so that he could rise again the third day, having paid for all of our sins. And truthfully to believe that Jesus Christ is who he says he is. It is a matter of faith, as many things are.
Think about this for instance what is it you truly believe? If you believe in God why do you believe? Who told you to believe? Were you forced to believe this by someone, and you agreed just to make the person cohering you go away and leave you alone? Or do you believe for some other reason? Such as having looked all around at the evidence for a creator God, or maybe you have decided within your own heart to believe that the scriptures are true, and believe in faith, that what you have heard is true?
Or perhaps you are an Atheist. Why? Have you looked all around and decided that no one, not even God could have created so many things? Have you settled it in your heart of hearts that there is no god? Are you prepared to suffer the consequences when you find too late you were wrong? Have you closed your heart, and mind to anything that could take you in the direction of God? Do you trust in your own wisdom? How has trusting in your own wisdom helped you through the difficult times in your life? How do you feel about death? If you are right and there is really no God, why are you ever concerned with what is right, what is wrong? Why?
These are serious questions that as an Atheist you must ask yourself. Because if you are really wrong, as I personally believe you are, then guess what? No matter how "good" you were or how "charitable" you were or how, "kind" you were. All of your "goodness" will not outweigh the debt that you owe.
You see all of mankind has inherited a debt. That debt was imputed to each individual due to one man's sin. Maybe this does not sound fair, but God created this world and God set the rules. I don't believe he asked for our help in defining what was and was not fair.
But God is a just God, and a fair God. He created mankind so that he could have company, or family, he created us in His image with our own individual freewill. Because he did not want a family of robots that could be programmed to say and do whatever he wanted them to do. I mean think about this, if you had the ability to create for yourself a robot that would do every single thing that you said to do, and do it exactly the way you wanted it to do it, but could never say anything or do anything that you had not programmed it to do, after awhile this would get old. Because it would be just a machine, there would be no love, no passion, and no compassion. Just an old machine that at times may even need to be rebuilt or fixed, granted God could have made unbreakable robots. But he didn't instead he created people in his image. He wanted us to share his likeness; he wanted us to be like him as much as possible. Not the same position of course, but he wanted us to be like him, just as many proud parents want their child to be like them, especially parents who have done important things in life, like became a doctor treating many illnesses, or any number of other professions, or trades. Most parents or grandparents take pride in their child or children when they do well, and are grieved when they do not do well.
So what has this got to do with Paganism? Well I want to ask you a question first. Let's say you are a very hard worker and you budget your money wisely, yet you are only able to save a very small amount of money if any. Now let's say you have a child whom you love very much, and you find something you would like to give your child for a gift. But due to the fact this gift is priced well out of your reach, you know there is no way that you can purchase this gift.
For sake of illustration I will use the example of a pull wagon as the gift item, but really it could be most anything. This is just the example I am going to use.
Now, you know that you can't buy this item for your child, But you have found that with the little bit of money you have saved, you will be able to buy the materials to make this item. Also for the purpose of illustration, we will say you have the needed skills, tools and space to make this item.
So you go and purchase the items you will need to make this beautiful gift for your child, perhaps a pull wagon, or a dollhouse, or a rocking horse, etc.
Now you take great care to make this item so it is made with excellent craftsmanship, it will be an item that will one day be a collectable. Many people will find value in it, because you will have made it so that it will not fall apart, it will not break, and you'll have built it to last. Not only will you have built it to last you will have taken care to decorate it, perhaps painting, or carving designs, maybe even a little of both.
The finished product finer than most anything that can be found in any store anywhere, you will have put your heart and soul into making this item.
Now comes the big day, to give your child this gift. And your child loves this gift. But instead of thanking you for it, your child bows down and thanks the gift!(gives thanks to the created item, the item you made). Gently you pull your child up and say, "I made this for you". Again your child hugs the item you made and thanks the item for the gift. (Thanks the item for giving itself.) Now I know this sounds confusing, and I meant it to be, for a reason.
What I want you to see is this, God put time and effort into creating for us a beautiful world to live in. He created for us lights in the sky (stars, moon and sun) so that we could see. He created mountains, valleys, oceans, streams and rivers, deserts, plains, and more, so we would have beautiful things to look at. Places for us to explore. He created for us plants, and trees, animals, of all kinds, so we'd have food, clothing and shelter. He created many different kinds of rocks, minerals and stones. So we could build things, and so we could be creative.
God gave us many gifts.
God even planted a garden for man. And brought to him the perfect wife, she was perfectly suited to him in every way. She had no sickness, no baggage from previous relationships, no in-laws, no gossips. No hidden secrets. She was exactly the wife that man needed.
Then God gave that man and his wife one rule, and only one. That was they were not to eat fruit from a particular tree. But at some point this first couple sinned against God. That is when sin entered this world. Sin first came from the man, not from the woman. Because the Bible says the woman was deceived, the man however ate of the fruit willingly and was not deceived.
Now I said all that to make this point, God is the one who created everything, nothing came into existence without God.
Yet, mankind chose to worship, rivers, streams, trees, etc. All things that God created, that God took time to make. This began not very long after Adam and Eve were made to leave their garden home due to disobedience to God.
Because of their willful sin, their children also sinned, their oldest Cain, becoming the world's first convicted murder.
Now when God created this world and all that is in it, and even us, he like the parent in the example above wanted to give us a gift that would free us from the wage we'd earned through sin.
God is a just God and faithful, and never changes, so when he'd made the price for sin death, that price could not be changed. Because to do so would mean God was changeable, that his word was not truthful. That he did not mean what he said. It would have made him a weak God.
So God decided that he would pay this debt for us. And he did.
We are able to love him, because he first loved us. He loved us so much that he died for us.
There is no animal, no river, no ocean, or tree, or idol, or any other thing that has the power to both love us, and pay the price of sin for us, and not only to pay the price for us, but to go and prepare a brand new home for us. A home that is absolutely perfect, where sin cannot enter in at all ever. A perfect home, no leaky roofs, no holes in the floor, no broken water heaters, and no repairs needed, ever.
Yet those who practice paganism want to make the son of God, (Jesus Christ) to be no more than a prophet or wise man. But Jesus is more than that he is God. He was the only one, in all of Heaven who was both willing and able to pay a debt for us that we could never ever pay.
As this is getting much too long I will need to continue this in another article. I will try to go into a little more detail with each article I write on this subject, taking care to be truthful, but also not hard hearted because I know that it is a difficult concept for many to believe that God loved us enough to pay the full price for all of us, all we have to do is accept that he has.
But if we choose instead to pay the price ourselves we will pay forever.
Anyone who goes to Hell does so by choice, because even the creation speaks to us of God. In other words you can see the hand of God in every thing. In the Heaven's, the mountains, the oceans, the rivers, everything, the hand of God is in every thing he has made.
Everyone who rejects God will find themselves standing before the God of Heaven without excuse. All who have rejected God, choosing instead to worship the "creation" will find themselves cast out.
Cast into the eternal Lake of Fire. Because God made only one way for all of us to be saved, not many.
The second largest error of the Pagan is believing that "all" roads eventually lead to Heaven or Paradise. This is speaking of the Pagans that believe in an afterlife, not all do. But for those believing they will go to Heaven by whatever path they find, they are in serious error, that will cost them a wage they will not want to pay.
Paganism...something I wrote in Jan 2010
For this article I was paid 3.03 upfront.
http://voices.yahoo.com/paganism-catholicism-christianity-5267123.html?cat=37
Paganism, Catholicism and Christianity - The Differences, the Similarities
Ok, so today the topic is some differences between Paganism and Christianity from a Christian perspective.
This will be part two, as I did not have enough space to write much with the word count limit on the first part. So with that I will indulge you with my limited exposure to Paganism. My exposure comes from extended family members and as everyone else, my exposure to popular culture.
First I want to begin with the Roman Catholic Church. For this reason this organization believes that they are the church that Jesus Christ founded. With Simon Peter given the position of chief apostle, the Church further believes in what is called apostolic succession.
For sake of space I will not present an argument today as to why I disagree. Instead what I was to do is show how paganism does affect many churches today. Also I want to agree with those who are practice paganism that they are correct when they say that the "Christians" have stolen their days' or ceremonies and feast days.
What I am going to say will not be popular with those who are or claim to be professing Christians, but none the less some things that are said by those who practice paganism is in fact true.
First let us look at December 25 *Christians call this day, Christmas, or the day that Christ was born. However it is unlikely that Christ was born on this day, although anything is possible, it is unlikely.
Given the time period when Mary and Joseph went to Bethlehem and the stated events that were told of the time of his birth. That is contained within the Bible. It is by some accounts more likely that Christ was born in September, although I recently heard someone say they believed he was born in March, due to the fact, this person was using today's calendar to date from Elizabeth's pregnancy which was based on the Hebrew calendar not the calendar we go by today.
So let's go back now to December 25. And what Pagan's were already celebrating Before Christians decided to also celebrate on this same day.
As I said December 25 is known as Christmas or Christ's birthday by Christians. However this day is also the same day that was celebrated in ancient Babylon. "The feast of the Son of Isis", this celebration included gift-giving, eating, drinking, and raucous partying.
Does this sound anything like many "Christmas Parties" of today? What about the gift giving?
Ok, so many celebrations are similar right? However it is in my opinion that it is a little odd that Christmas is celebrated on the same day as an ancient feast day, of pagan origin.
By the way before I go any further perhaps I need to mention something about the word "pagan".
The word "pagan" comes from Latin, it has several meanings. Of some interest may be the fact that these words are also associated with pagan, (civilian and country dweller).Perhaps we could even suggest that this is a state of mind considering the current topic.
More commonly today we associate the word "pagan" with a particular religious group. Or perhaps several different groups, but in essence these are all the one and the same, just different variations of a belief system that yields to the god of this world, that being Satan. And yes, Satan is currently the God of this world. I may go more into that further down. But at the moment we are looking at the definition of the word pagan.
The number one definition is (Heathen) especially a follower of a polytheistic religion.
Before I go on, I want to explain this word (polytheistic) in the off chance that some of you may have not stumbled across this word recently.
To make it easy for everyone I am going to quote one paragraph from an article I was reading a little while ago.
*I've provided a link to the website where I found this as a help for those who would like to read further into this topic. The link can be found below in the list of links I am providing as sources for this article.
"Polytheism - General Overview
Polytheism is the belief in and worship of many gods. Typically, these gods are distinguished by particular functions, and often take on human characteristics. This was particularly true in ancient Greece and Rome. In other polytheistic cultures such as ancient Egypt, gods take on the form and characteristics of objects found in nature, including trees, sacred herbs, cattle, animals and animal--human hybrids."
Ok, now we will move on as you can easily read the definition for polytheism for yourself.
Pagan or paganism can also mean someone who has little or no religion and delights in sensual pleasures, material items. (Things of no lasting value, really.)
Maybe this will be of help to some who are trying to get their mind around the idea that the day Christians generally celebrate Christmas is indeed a day that has very strong ties to Pagan practices and beliefs.
For instance when most people go shopping for Christmas are they seeking a material item that will bring some kind of pleasure to the sense of the one receiving the gift? Or are they instead searching for ways to promote the gospel of Christ even if it is unpopular in their area.
Now, don't get me wrong there is absolutely nothing wrong with shopping for gifts and with the intent of bring pleasure to the one who will receive the gift. There is also nothing wrong with finding pleasure in giving a gift or even lots of gifts.
What is wrong however is to put elevate the gift or the day to the same as God. What I mean by that, making it seem so a gift or a day is of more importance than God. God has even made a reference to this when in the book of( Deuteronomy 18:14 ) here God is speaking to the children of Israel, yes, but something to remember is when someone is "adopted" into the family of God, the same rules apply, just as when a married couple adopts a child. This "new adopted" child is to go by the same rules as any children who were born into a family in the natural way.
Deuteronomy 18:14 For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the LORD thy God hath not suffered thee so to do.
God tells us that there are certain things we should not do. Included in the things we are not to do is to worship other gods, or idols.
Most if not all people who practice paganism (as a religion) do not see anything wrong with the worship of many "gods", a single "god" a "god" and a "goddess" or even the worship of idols, or things from the creation that God has made. Because one of the main things about Paganism is the fact few if any absolutes are believed.
In other words instead of believing that something is always absolutely right, or absolutely wrong, it is ok to say "if it harm none, do as you will".
This is in my opinion a grave error because the greatest harm that can be done is to believe and hold on to a lie up to the point of death. Then to step out into eternity lost without Christ. Because when you do that, you have no second chances, and you will find yourself in the Lake of Fire for all of eternity.
Maybe the second most harmful thing that can be done is to promote a false hope, or doctrine. With this thought I want to turn to the Catholic Church. And look at some things that are commonly taught and believed to be true. That is contrary to the word of God, which is the Bible.
Before we go any further I'd like to mention while I am going to use the Roman Catholic Church as an example of corruption, any "man-made, religion" can be used as an example, of what happens when God is left out.
*God is not the author of confusion. Nor does He contradict himself at any time. Also God has not given any man power to forgive sins. The only one able to forgive sins is Jesus Christ, who is God.
Remember God even tells us in the book of Matthew that not everyone will go to Heaven, not even those who have done many good works, and even done things in His name.
Matthew 7:22
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works?
Now I want us to take a look at this verse. And what it says, this verse is talking about those who prophesy in the Lords name; notice what it does not say. It does not say according to the will of God. There is a difference, I'll let you think about that for now ok.
Now next this verse says "in thy name cast out devils", This would indicate that devils were being case out. I don't see any place where God says otherwise. I'm not going to deal with this part of this verse tonight either.
What I do want to deal with is the last part. "In thy name done many wonderful works". Ok, the key word here is "works". God doesn't correct them and say they did not do wonderful works. With that being said we will assume that God agrees they did many works. I won't say wonderful, though because any work outside the complete and finished work of God is falls far too short to complete a bridge or ladder to Heaven.
Now many people both saved and unsaved can and often do, many "good works". All good works are good, but no matter how good our works are if we do these "works" outside of the will of God or as an unsaved person, our works are in vain.
In Ephesians we are told that salvation comes through grace, by faith, not of works lest any should boast.
Ephesians 2:8
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God;
When anyone adds to the scriptures or takes away from them they are in error. The reason why is because God has preserved His word for us.
Now some of you will say we have the Bible thanks to the Roman Catholic Church, this may in fact be partly true, but not fully so.
You see I personally believe that the Roman Catholic Church may very well have been one of the earliest churches. That being said, I also believe that it was also one of the earliest churches to fall into error, false teachings, and man-made doctrine. Based on the warnings that Paul is giving to the different churches.
Do I believe all people who attend Catholic Mass, or churches or accept their traditions are bad or immoral people? No, in fact many of these people are very well educated and very moral people and very hard workers.
Do I believe they are in error? Yes, in fact I do, on several levels.
Number one is idol worship, and the worship of Mary the mother of Jesus. The Bible tells us Mary the mother of Jesus was blessed above all women, BUT at no point does the Bible tell us to worship Mary at all. Not ever, Neither does it say she had no other children, in fact it says the opposite, because Jesus had earthly brothers and sisters.
When we deny the deity of Christ, and when we purposely choose to worship the creation, or creatures God has made we are in fact trying to slap God in the face. We are being mockers, scoffers and are walking on dangerous ground.
I have included several sources that I suggest that you take time to read through these sources carefully, especially this first source. *I'll list it twice for everyone's help and benefit. As I am too tired to write on this topic any longer tonight.
http://www.ovrlnd.com/FalseDoctrine/Refuting_baptismal_Regen.html
I am sure many of you may disagree, but perhaps some of you will also consider some things I've said. And search into these matters.
Also before you disagree that the Christians have not accepted and even in fact taken on many pagan practices, you may want to think about that. And do a little research.
Also if you are of the mind that the current "New Age" movements are new, and various pagan beliefs etc, I would like you to consider this, the Garden that God created for mankind was perfect, but due to sin mankind was thrown out.
Witchcraft is in all forms the exact same thing that was committed way back in that Garden, that sin was rebellion. There is no difference between rebellion against God and witchcraft, as God has already stated this in His Holy word. And it is an Abomination to God, and leads directly to Hell. With a final destination being the Lake of Fire that burns forever.
The Roman Catholic Church may very well have been one of the first churches, but even so it was also one of the very first churches to allow corruption into the churches, by giving place to the devil.
When anyone gives place to the devil they end up with many lasting problems that can and often will affect many thousands of generations of people.
What makes the Roman Catholic Church worse than some in my opinion is the fact they have turned so far away from God that they believe that a "man" a Pope if you will, has more authority than God. They also promote many things God has already said not to do, such as idol worship, number one, they have went after another gospel.
Instead of accepting the finished work of Christ they have decided that they must build the bridge or ladder into heaven of their own accord.
It is a bridge that can by no means be built, because God has already said there is one way to heaven and only one way. There is no other name under heaven with the power to save.
God said it and I believe it, if you do not that is your free choice, but I sincerely hope that you are fully aware of the fact that without Christ, you will never see Heaven.
Heaven is real, and Hell's real and we are closer today than we ever were to the return of Christ.
Will you be ready?
Or will you blindly follow a man who teaches error and go the broad way that leads to destruction, pain and suffering, that leads to complete and full separation. In a literal burning Lake of Fire.
Whatever you're dealing with today is nothing to what Hell will be.
Finally, if you are trusting in a church, a denomination, a profession with no changed life, a tradition contrary to the word of God, or anything else besides the redemptive blood of Christ, then my friend you will one day lift your eyes up in Hell. One that day, there will be no more hope for you. You will spend eternity with the choice you've made.
Are you really willing to gamble your entire eternity, on a teaching contrary to the word of God?
The Bible says to search the scriptures, have you done this?
There is only one way, to Heaven, all other roads lead to Hell. Think about what you believe and why, also remember you can know whether or not you are saved. There is no such thing as someone not knowing if they are saved or not saved.
There are carnal Christians, as we see in the example given in Lot. Also there are also baby Christians, and then there are fake Christians. Those who were never saved to begin with, who are trusting in a false profession.
Eternity is a long time, so make sure that you have chosen the only one with the power to save you from the Lake of Fire.
Sources:
http://www.ovrlnd.com/FalseDoctrine/Refuting_baptismal_Regen.html
http://www.bbnradio.org/wcm4/bbnmedia/HowtogettoHeaven/Readtheanswer/tabid/639/Default.aspx
http://www.ovrlnd.com/
http://74.125.47.132/searchq=cache:xVT3vgsyJYsJ:www.westminsterreformedchurch.org/TenWords08-09/2nd.3b.Idolatry.HO.Discussion.pdf+http://www.westminsterreformedchurch.org/TenWords08-09/2nd.3b.Idolatry.HO.Discussion.pdf&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pagan
http://www.essortment.com/all/christmaspagan_rece.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church
http://www.polytheism.net/
http://voices.yahoo.com/paganism-catholicism-christianity-5267123.html?cat=37
Paganism, Catholicism and Christianity - The Differences, the Similarities
Ok, so today the topic is some differences between Paganism and Christianity from a Christian perspective.
This will be part two, as I did not have enough space to write much with the word count limit on the first part. So with that I will indulge you with my limited exposure to Paganism. My exposure comes from extended family members and as everyone else, my exposure to popular culture.
First I want to begin with the Roman Catholic Church. For this reason this organization believes that they are the church that Jesus Christ founded. With Simon Peter given the position of chief apostle, the Church further believes in what is called apostolic succession.
For sake of space I will not present an argument today as to why I disagree. Instead what I was to do is show how paganism does affect many churches today. Also I want to agree with those who are practice paganism that they are correct when they say that the "Christians" have stolen their days' or ceremonies and feast days.
What I am going to say will not be popular with those who are or claim to be professing Christians, but none the less some things that are said by those who practice paganism is in fact true.
First let us look at December 25 *Christians call this day, Christmas, or the day that Christ was born. However it is unlikely that Christ was born on this day, although anything is possible, it is unlikely.
Given the time period when Mary and Joseph went to Bethlehem and the stated events that were told of the time of his birth. That is contained within the Bible. It is by some accounts more likely that Christ was born in September, although I recently heard someone say they believed he was born in March, due to the fact, this person was using today's calendar to date from Elizabeth's pregnancy which was based on the Hebrew calendar not the calendar we go by today.
So let's go back now to December 25. And what Pagan's were already celebrating Before Christians decided to also celebrate on this same day.
As I said December 25 is known as Christmas or Christ's birthday by Christians. However this day is also the same day that was celebrated in ancient Babylon. "The feast of the Son of Isis", this celebration included gift-giving, eating, drinking, and raucous partying.
Does this sound anything like many "Christmas Parties" of today? What about the gift giving?
Ok, so many celebrations are similar right? However it is in my opinion that it is a little odd that Christmas is celebrated on the same day as an ancient feast day, of pagan origin.
By the way before I go any further perhaps I need to mention something about the word "pagan".
The word "pagan" comes from Latin, it has several meanings. Of some interest may be the fact that these words are also associated with pagan, (civilian and country dweller).Perhaps we could even suggest that this is a state of mind considering the current topic.
More commonly today we associate the word "pagan" with a particular religious group. Or perhaps several different groups, but in essence these are all the one and the same, just different variations of a belief system that yields to the god of this world, that being Satan. And yes, Satan is currently the God of this world. I may go more into that further down. But at the moment we are looking at the definition of the word pagan.
The number one definition is (Heathen) especially a follower of a polytheistic religion.
Before I go on, I want to explain this word (polytheistic) in the off chance that some of you may have not stumbled across this word recently.
To make it easy for everyone I am going to quote one paragraph from an article I was reading a little while ago.
*I've provided a link to the website where I found this as a help for those who would like to read further into this topic. The link can be found below in the list of links I am providing as sources for this article.
"Polytheism - General Overview
Polytheism is the belief in and worship of many gods. Typically, these gods are distinguished by particular functions, and often take on human characteristics. This was particularly true in ancient Greece and Rome. In other polytheistic cultures such as ancient Egypt, gods take on the form and characteristics of objects found in nature, including trees, sacred herbs, cattle, animals and animal--human hybrids."
Ok, now we will move on as you can easily read the definition for polytheism for yourself.
Pagan or paganism can also mean someone who has little or no religion and delights in sensual pleasures, material items. (Things of no lasting value, really.)
Maybe this will be of help to some who are trying to get their mind around the idea that the day Christians generally celebrate Christmas is indeed a day that has very strong ties to Pagan practices and beliefs.
For instance when most people go shopping for Christmas are they seeking a material item that will bring some kind of pleasure to the sense of the one receiving the gift? Or are they instead searching for ways to promote the gospel of Christ even if it is unpopular in their area.
Now, don't get me wrong there is absolutely nothing wrong with shopping for gifts and with the intent of bring pleasure to the one who will receive the gift. There is also nothing wrong with finding pleasure in giving a gift or even lots of gifts.
What is wrong however is to put elevate the gift or the day to the same as God. What I mean by that, making it seem so a gift or a day is of more importance than God. God has even made a reference to this when in the book of( Deuteronomy 18:14 ) here God is speaking to the children of Israel, yes, but something to remember is when someone is "adopted" into the family of God, the same rules apply, just as when a married couple adopts a child. This "new adopted" child is to go by the same rules as any children who were born into a family in the natural way.
Deuteronomy 18:14 For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the LORD thy God hath not suffered thee so to do.
God tells us that there are certain things we should not do. Included in the things we are not to do is to worship other gods, or idols.
Most if not all people who practice paganism (as a religion) do not see anything wrong with the worship of many "gods", a single "god" a "god" and a "goddess" or even the worship of idols, or things from the creation that God has made. Because one of the main things about Paganism is the fact few if any absolutes are believed.
In other words instead of believing that something is always absolutely right, or absolutely wrong, it is ok to say "if it harm none, do as you will".
This is in my opinion a grave error because the greatest harm that can be done is to believe and hold on to a lie up to the point of death. Then to step out into eternity lost without Christ. Because when you do that, you have no second chances, and you will find yourself in the Lake of Fire for all of eternity.
Maybe the second most harmful thing that can be done is to promote a false hope, or doctrine. With this thought I want to turn to the Catholic Church. And look at some things that are commonly taught and believed to be true. That is contrary to the word of God, which is the Bible.
Before we go any further I'd like to mention while I am going to use the Roman Catholic Church as an example of corruption, any "man-made, religion" can be used as an example, of what happens when God is left out.
*God is not the author of confusion. Nor does He contradict himself at any time. Also God has not given any man power to forgive sins. The only one able to forgive sins is Jesus Christ, who is God.
Remember God even tells us in the book of Matthew that not everyone will go to Heaven, not even those who have done many good works, and even done things in His name.
Matthew 7:22
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works?
Now I want us to take a look at this verse. And what it says, this verse is talking about those who prophesy in the Lords name; notice what it does not say. It does not say according to the will of God. There is a difference, I'll let you think about that for now ok.
Now next this verse says "in thy name cast out devils", This would indicate that devils were being case out. I don't see any place where God says otherwise. I'm not going to deal with this part of this verse tonight either.
What I do want to deal with is the last part. "In thy name done many wonderful works". Ok, the key word here is "works". God doesn't correct them and say they did not do wonderful works. With that being said we will assume that God agrees they did many works. I won't say wonderful, though because any work outside the complete and finished work of God is falls far too short to complete a bridge or ladder to Heaven.
Now many people both saved and unsaved can and often do, many "good works". All good works are good, but no matter how good our works are if we do these "works" outside of the will of God or as an unsaved person, our works are in vain.
In Ephesians we are told that salvation comes through grace, by faith, not of works lest any should boast.
Ephesians 2:8
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God;
When anyone adds to the scriptures or takes away from them they are in error. The reason why is because God has preserved His word for us.
Now some of you will say we have the Bible thanks to the Roman Catholic Church, this may in fact be partly true, but not fully so.
You see I personally believe that the Roman Catholic Church may very well have been one of the earliest churches. That being said, I also believe that it was also one of the earliest churches to fall into error, false teachings, and man-made doctrine. Based on the warnings that Paul is giving to the different churches.
Do I believe all people who attend Catholic Mass, or churches or accept their traditions are bad or immoral people? No, in fact many of these people are very well educated and very moral people and very hard workers.
Do I believe they are in error? Yes, in fact I do, on several levels.
Number one is idol worship, and the worship of Mary the mother of Jesus. The Bible tells us Mary the mother of Jesus was blessed above all women, BUT at no point does the Bible tell us to worship Mary at all. Not ever, Neither does it say she had no other children, in fact it says the opposite, because Jesus had earthly brothers and sisters.
When we deny the deity of Christ, and when we purposely choose to worship the creation, or creatures God has made we are in fact trying to slap God in the face. We are being mockers, scoffers and are walking on dangerous ground.
I have included several sources that I suggest that you take time to read through these sources carefully, especially this first source. *I'll list it twice for everyone's help and benefit. As I am too tired to write on this topic any longer tonight.
http://www.ovrlnd.com/FalseDoctrine/Refuting_baptismal_Regen.html
I am sure many of you may disagree, but perhaps some of you will also consider some things I've said. And search into these matters.
Also before you disagree that the Christians have not accepted and even in fact taken on many pagan practices, you may want to think about that. And do a little research.
Also if you are of the mind that the current "New Age" movements are new, and various pagan beliefs etc, I would like you to consider this, the Garden that God created for mankind was perfect, but due to sin mankind was thrown out.
Witchcraft is in all forms the exact same thing that was committed way back in that Garden, that sin was rebellion. There is no difference between rebellion against God and witchcraft, as God has already stated this in His Holy word. And it is an Abomination to God, and leads directly to Hell. With a final destination being the Lake of Fire that burns forever.
The Roman Catholic Church may very well have been one of the first churches, but even so it was also one of the very first churches to allow corruption into the churches, by giving place to the devil.
When anyone gives place to the devil they end up with many lasting problems that can and often will affect many thousands of generations of people.
What makes the Roman Catholic Church worse than some in my opinion is the fact they have turned so far away from God that they believe that a "man" a Pope if you will, has more authority than God. They also promote many things God has already said not to do, such as idol worship, number one, they have went after another gospel.
Instead of accepting the finished work of Christ they have decided that they must build the bridge or ladder into heaven of their own accord.
It is a bridge that can by no means be built, because God has already said there is one way to heaven and only one way. There is no other name under heaven with the power to save.
God said it and I believe it, if you do not that is your free choice, but I sincerely hope that you are fully aware of the fact that without Christ, you will never see Heaven.
Heaven is real, and Hell's real and we are closer today than we ever were to the return of Christ.
Will you be ready?
Or will you blindly follow a man who teaches error and go the broad way that leads to destruction, pain and suffering, that leads to complete and full separation. In a literal burning Lake of Fire.
Whatever you're dealing with today is nothing to what Hell will be.
Finally, if you are trusting in a church, a denomination, a profession with no changed life, a tradition contrary to the word of God, or anything else besides the redemptive blood of Christ, then my friend you will one day lift your eyes up in Hell. One that day, there will be no more hope for you. You will spend eternity with the choice you've made.
Are you really willing to gamble your entire eternity, on a teaching contrary to the word of God?
The Bible says to search the scriptures, have you done this?
There is only one way, to Heaven, all other roads lead to Hell. Think about what you believe and why, also remember you can know whether or not you are saved. There is no such thing as someone not knowing if they are saved or not saved.
There are carnal Christians, as we see in the example given in Lot. Also there are also baby Christians, and then there are fake Christians. Those who were never saved to begin with, who are trusting in a false profession.
Eternity is a long time, so make sure that you have chosen the only one with the power to save you from the Lake of Fire.
Sources:
http://www.ovrlnd.com/FalseDoctrine/Refuting_baptismal_Regen.html
http://www.bbnradio.org/wcm4/bbnmedia/HowtogettoHeaven/Readtheanswer/tabid/639/Default.aspx
http://www.ovrlnd.com/
http://74.125.47.132/searchq=cache:xVT3vgsyJYsJ:www.westminsterreformedchurch.org/TenWords08-09/2nd.3b.Idolatry.HO.Discussion.pdf+http://www.westminsterreformedchurch.org/TenWords08-09/2nd.3b.Idolatry.HO.Discussion.pdf&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pagan
http://www.essortment.com/all/christmaspagan_rece.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church
http://www.polytheism.net/
Paganism, and Christianity....an article I wrote in Jan of 2010
http://voices.yahoo.com/paganism-christianity-5265407.html?cat=9
Paganism, and Christianity
Why so Much Conflict?
The religion that entails paganism is really not a lot different than any other religious idea that excludes the living God of the Bible.
The largest difference between the Pagan and the Christian in my personal opinion is what is believed about the deity of Jesus Christ. Born of a virgin, dying on a cross, rising the third day, having paid for our sin debt.
Pagans as a whole do not believe in a sin debt, or even sin. If someone does not believe they are a lost sinner who is in danger of a literal Hell. It is hard for them to understand why someone would even go to the trouble of trying to win or convert them to Christianity. Because they don't see the very real danger their soul is in.
Evolution is accepted in many pagan circles, this is unacceptable because evolution leaves out the fact that God has stated through his word, "In the beginning God created..." Genesis 1:1
Nor does God give any evidence or credence to the idea that man has evolved. Even the fossil record does not bear witness for evolution. The evidence stands for creation. Adding more time to find changes in the fossil record has resulted in nothing more than mass confusion, and the pagan religion of humanistic theory that is commonly taught through our schools and media.
Many people who are pagan believe that it is ok to "pick and choose" what they want to believe from a great many different sources. This is a serious error, because if someone believes the gospel of Christ to in fact be true, there is no way that the two can be equal but different.
You are either fully saved or fully lost, in other words each individual soul that is alive today, is either fully on their way to Heaven or Hell. There is no in between place.
Many times I've heard pagans say things like "the Christians have stolen our days" referring to Easter, Christmas etc.
Well in one way this is true, but in another it is not true.
Many pagans worship God's creations, but not God, who created. This is in a way like thanking a building or machine for the benefits provided to you, while stating you do not believe the architect exists.
I'll need to continue this in a separate article as I need a more space.
Sources:
http://www.o-bible.com/kjv.html
http://creationproof.com/id24.html
http://creationproof.com/id21.html
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/410496/do_pagans_believe_in_jesus_and_celebrate.html?cat=34
http://www.gotquestions.org/definition-sin.html
http://www.gotquestions.org/Christmas-traditions.html
http://www.allaboutspirituality.org/paganism.htm
Death Will Soon Come to Collect...a poem from 2010
A poem about salvation, to remind you that time is shorter than you think.
http://voices.yahoo.com/death-will-soon-come-collect-5262177.html?cat=10
Death Will Soon Come to Collect
The Wage is Death
Starlight, star bright first star I see tonight.
Smoke held in a bottle soon will fly the final flight.
Death is knocking at your door, are you ready?
Mockingly you wavered through this life, mockingly steady.
Steeped in tradition you believe your soul to be safe.
Cathedrals stained glass and painted ceilings, Pharisee's and Scribe's holding forth the golden plate.
Leader's chanting in words of an ancient tribe.
Sheep stalled in pews awaiting the final bribe.
Following a deadly roaring lion, whose mane is flowing out full and wide reaching even to the ends...
Sent out to the world, yet so soon, wolves did enter in, pretending to be friends.
Corruption soon would entice and trap not a few.
Soon the blood stained door blocked from view
A veiled booth set to the side, a bottle of smoke soon perverting many a lost sheep.
An evil dragon cast down from Heaven sitting on a throne, soon many will weep.
Starlight, star bright, first star I see tonight.
How soon now the candle will be blown out, as soon is coming the night.
A fright it is soon to take hold.
Who is willing to take the truth to those who have a lie been told.
Fearful and trembling now, you may be.
But if you neglect to warn of the coming wrath, soon your tears will be as the sea.
The soul it is but a vapor, like smoke, it is housed within a bottle, a clay vessel that will one day break.
My friends look, and see. There is but one way, and only one way.
All those who reject the ransom that has been paid will forever in Hell the ransom pay.
The debt we owe could only be paid in full by one.
Choosing to accept that are ransom is paid in full we'll a race unwinnable for us, have won.
Rejecting the ransom that was paid, instead trusting in a seated wolf, the fate will be Hell.
Believing a bribe will deliver another from the debts of Hell, one will soon yell.
Soon wishing for a just one more opportunity to accept a charitable act, and act of grace.
But too soon, the end is seen, the final race.
Soon an evil dragon will be cast down.
Looking at loved ones and friends we forgot to tell, we'll see the bloody crown.
We were too busy to study, too busy to take a little time.
Thinking everyone would be ok, silence it is the crime.
Watching each day, saying nothing, as many run to a wolf in a sheep's skin...
Not comprehending the Lamb was slain for all sin.
Saying we believe, but looking the other way, as many from truth turn aside.
Soon tears will we cry, that only "The Good Shepherd" can dry.
Cathedrals stained glass windows, painted ceilings, dark paneling lining the halls, an evil serpents head-
So many lost so many dead...
Time is short, who will go and tell.
The fires blaze hot, the torment never ends, an ancient cult, leads many to the depts., of a burning Hell.
Believing works to be justifiable, mocking at those who try so hard to warn.
Soon, terror will come, like a child trapped as the yellow jackets sting, and swarm.
Too late, too late, our schedule so full, we never took the time...
Too soon, too soon, we'll reap our silence, an eternal crime...
Some scriptures to meditate on after you've read the above poem...
Psalm 119:83 For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; yet do I not forget thy statutes.
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
John 9:4
I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 9:10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
Romans 1:18
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
John 3:36
He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
Matthew 7:15
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
1 Peter 5:8
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
Galatians 2:4
And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:
Galatians 2:16
Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
Titus 3:5
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
Ephesians 2:8
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Matthew 23:13
But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.
Mattew 23:15
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.
Matthew 23:23
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
Romans 3:23
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God
Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
2Timothy 2:15
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
http://voices.yahoo.com/death-will-soon-come-collect-5262177.html?cat=10
Death Will Soon Come to Collect
The Wage is Death
Starlight, star bright first star I see tonight.
Smoke held in a bottle soon will fly the final flight.
Death is knocking at your door, are you ready?
Mockingly you wavered through this life, mockingly steady.
Steeped in tradition you believe your soul to be safe.
Cathedrals stained glass and painted ceilings, Pharisee's and Scribe's holding forth the golden plate.
Leader's chanting in words of an ancient tribe.
Sheep stalled in pews awaiting the final bribe.
Following a deadly roaring lion, whose mane is flowing out full and wide reaching even to the ends...
Sent out to the world, yet so soon, wolves did enter in, pretending to be friends.
Corruption soon would entice and trap not a few.
Soon the blood stained door blocked from view
A veiled booth set to the side, a bottle of smoke soon perverting many a lost sheep.
An evil dragon cast down from Heaven sitting on a throne, soon many will weep.
Starlight, star bright, first star I see tonight.
How soon now the candle will be blown out, as soon is coming the night.
A fright it is soon to take hold.
Who is willing to take the truth to those who have a lie been told.
Fearful and trembling now, you may be.
But if you neglect to warn of the coming wrath, soon your tears will be as the sea.
The soul it is but a vapor, like smoke, it is housed within a bottle, a clay vessel that will one day break.
My friends look, and see. There is but one way, and only one way.
All those who reject the ransom that has been paid will forever in Hell the ransom pay.
The debt we owe could only be paid in full by one.
Choosing to accept that are ransom is paid in full we'll a race unwinnable for us, have won.
Rejecting the ransom that was paid, instead trusting in a seated wolf, the fate will be Hell.
Believing a bribe will deliver another from the debts of Hell, one will soon yell.
Soon wishing for a just one more opportunity to accept a charitable act, and act of grace.
But too soon, the end is seen, the final race.
Soon an evil dragon will be cast down.
Looking at loved ones and friends we forgot to tell, we'll see the bloody crown.
We were too busy to study, too busy to take a little time.
Thinking everyone would be ok, silence it is the crime.
Watching each day, saying nothing, as many run to a wolf in a sheep's skin...
Not comprehending the Lamb was slain for all sin.
Saying we believe, but looking the other way, as many from truth turn aside.
Soon tears will we cry, that only "The Good Shepherd" can dry.
Cathedrals stained glass windows, painted ceilings, dark paneling lining the halls, an evil serpents head-
So many lost so many dead...
Time is short, who will go and tell.
The fires blaze hot, the torment never ends, an ancient cult, leads many to the depts., of a burning Hell.
Believing works to be justifiable, mocking at those who try so hard to warn.
Soon, terror will come, like a child trapped as the yellow jackets sting, and swarm.
Too late, too late, our schedule so full, we never took the time...
Too soon, too soon, we'll reap our silence, an eternal crime...
Some scriptures to meditate on after you've read the above poem...
Psalm 119:83 For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; yet do I not forget thy statutes.
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
John 9:4
I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 9:10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
Romans 1:18
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
John 3:36
He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
Matthew 7:15
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
1 Peter 5:8
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
Galatians 2:4
And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:
Galatians 2:16
Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
Titus 3:5
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
Ephesians 2:8
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Matthew 23:13
But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.
Mattew 23:15
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.
Matthew 23:23
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
Romans 3:23
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God
Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
2Timothy 2:15
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
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