Blog | Reproach of Men

What happened to America?

When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the LORD thy God for the good land which he hath given thee. Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day: Lest when thou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses, and dwelt therein; And when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied; Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the LORD thy God, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage; Who led thee through that great and terrible wilderness, wherein were fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where there was no water; who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint; Who fed thee in the wilderness with manna, which thy fathers knew not, that he might humble thee, and that he might prove thee, to do thee good at thy latter end; And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth. But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day. And it shall be, if thou do at all forget the LORD thy God, and walk after other gods, and serve them, and worship them, I testify against you this day that ye shall surely perish. As the nations which the LORD destroyeth before your face, so shall ye perish; because ye would not be obedient unto the voice of the LORD your God.(Deuteronomy 8:10-20)

In America, we have forgotten from whence we came. We no longer read the Declaration of Independence and understand the import of its words. No, they are the words of a fairy tale to us, without much meaning at all. The phrases and sentences carry no weight, though they should, as the words declare the heart and intent of a people who understood from whence all blessings flow.

“When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, . . .”

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

“We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by the Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, . . .”

“And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.”

The words are plain, and the meaning clear. For the first time in a very long time, a people appealed to the LORD God of Heaven and earth for their liberty. Make us a free nation.

Like the first generation to enter the land of Canaan, early America appreciated what the LORD had done for them. For a time they were the wonder of the world. When France tried to emulate the American revolution, absent the LORD, their revolution failed to produce the same blessings. It should have been a lesson for future generations.

However it wasn’t, and like the children of Israel, a people arose that knew not the LORD:

And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel. And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim: And they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed other gods, of the gods of the people that were round about them, and bowed themselves unto them, and provoked the LORD to anger. (Judges 2:10-12)

And so, like Israel, we too have provoked the LORD to anger.

Now, I know that there are those who say that we have nothing in common with ancient Israel, and what applied then, does not apply today. However, there could not be a greater error made than to assume this to be the case. The following passages of Scripture, which were first preached to Israel in the Wilderness, applied to those nations Israel was about to dispossess by the commandment of God. The message given to Israel was to inform them that they were not possessing the land due to their goodness, but due to the utter wickedness of the Amorites, which the LORD detailed.

When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee. Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God. 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. (Deuteronomy 18:9-14)

Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination. Neither shalt thou lie with any beast to defile thyself therewith: neither shall any woman stand before a beast to lie down thereto: it is confusion. Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you: And the land is defiled: therefore I do visit the iniquity thereof upon it, and the land itself vomiteth out her inhabitants. Ye shall therefore keep my statutes and my judgments, and shall not commit any of these abominations; neither any of your own nation, nor any stranger that sojourneth among you: (For all these abominations have the men of the land done, which were before you, and the land is defiled;) That the land spue not you out also, when ye defile it, as it spued out the nations that were before you. (Leviticus 18:22-28)

The listing of sins is far more extensive than this. It is simply that these are the most egregious of the things done by the nations in the land of Canaan. However, if you have read the above passages, which of these has America not done? Which of these has America not condoned under the guise of “personal liberty?” It is sad, for the Founders of this nation would blanch at the thought of the government condoning any of the above listed sins. It is not that they didn’t occur in this country during the time of the Founders, they did. However, these things were condemned and frowned upon, and the practitioners of such driven out. The Founders would have never conceived of condoning the killing of an innocent unborn child simply because the mother and/or father find the child to be “inconvenient” to their lifestyle. Thus, we added yet another abomination to the long list of things the LORD will not pardon.

Yes, this last one — abortion, is particularly egregious to the LORD God. When we allow the killing of the innocent for the convenience of the guilty, we justify the wicked and condemn the just. The Lord Jesus Christ made it very plain that little children hold a special place in the sight of God:

Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 18:10)

It was this particular sin, the killing of their children, that finally provoked the LORD God to remove Israel out of His sight and send them into captivity for 70 years.

In his days Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up, and Jehoiakim became his servant three years: then he turned and rebelled against him. And the LORD sent against him bands of the Chaldees, and bands of the Syrians, and bands of the Moabites, and bands of the children of Ammon, and sent them against Judah to destroy it, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by his servants the prophets. Surely at the commandment of the LORD came this upon Judah, to remove them out of his sight, for the sins of Manasseh, according to all that he did; And also for the innocent blood that he shed: for he filled Jerusalem with innocent blood; which the LORD would not pardon. (II Kings 24:1-4)

Now, if the LORD did that to His chosen people, what do you think He is going to do to us? After all, its not like we don’t have all history to review and see the consequences for condoning wickedness as a nation.

America, you have forgotten the LORD that formed you.

When We Can’t Read

This is not about “won’t read,” but about “can’t read.”

Today, AFP reported the following from the Middle East:

“Nearly one in three people in the Arab world is illiterate, including nearly half of all women in the region, the Tunis-based Arab League Educational Cultural and Scientific Organisation said Monday.”

It is impossible to state how distressing this report is. Why? Because it highlights the real problem with the Arab world – ignorance. Moreover, without the ability to read, one cannot actually sit down with the Scripture and see what it states for themselves. They cannot honestly compare texts such as the Koran and the Bible and see the inconsistencies between the two. Though the Muslim claims that they must believe the Bible, and that they accept the Bible, there are glaring inconsistencies between the two. Only when one can read, can actual comparison be made, and the Scriptural command to “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” (I Thessalonians 5:21) be followed.

Instead, those who cannot read are left at the mercy of those who would “teach” them. One of the most precious things the LORD God has given us is the ability to read and understand what we read. He did this for us because our LORD is a LORD of words and desires to communicate the truth to us through His written word. But without the ability to read, this becomes impossible. One is trapped in a prison of ignorance, unable to learn the truth for themselves and become free.

The LORD God has much to say in His word about the fact that He desires that we know for sure who He is and what He has done for us. So much so, that he insured the following passages were carefully set in His word:

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. (Isaiah 1:18)

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. (Isaiah 55:8-11)

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)

Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. They answered him, We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. (John 8:31-36)

I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. (John 12:46-48)

I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name. (Psalm 138:2)

Why does the LORD state these things in His word? Because he wants us to know Him and what He requires of us. Moreover, He wants us to be able to determine the truth for ourselves. The LORD is ever desirous that we are able to read His word, then ask Him for understanding. He will honor the one who asks truly wanting to know and understand.

It is no accident that there is such a parallel between the word of God (the Scripture) and the Word of God (the Lord Jesus Christ). Though the Lord Jesus Christ does not walk among men today, we have His word whereby we can assuredly know Him and all He has done. After all, the LORD God moved Jeremiah to write the following passage to give us the assurance that we can personally know Him through His word:

Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD. (Jeremiah 9:23-24)

But how can you if you can’t read?

Whatever Happened to Simply Believing the Bible?

I read the news, not generally from the newspapers, though that occasionally does happen, but on the internet. Most every link in my Bookmarks is to some news source, technical or religious site. The problem with reading the news is that the bias of the reporters must be accounted for, and the truth of the matter has to be carefully discerned. I wish it were the case with the following.

On Thursday, August 23, MSNBC ran a story of a megachurch in Tampa, Florida that is having some trouble. Specifically, the church’s pastors are divorcing. Now, I know this is not something new to modern day America. But it does highlight a very real problem — one of claiming to follow God, all the while being totally disobedient to His word. It does not take the proverbial “rocket scientist” to see the very clear differences between what the pastors of this church were doing, and what the Bible plainly states.

In looking at the problem, let’s begin at the obvious: the fact that the church’s pastors are divorcing. In Scripture there are specific instructions given for pastors, including the requirements to be a pastor. . . more

Engaging in the Light and Trivial

FriendshipBC_1 (85K)

I think the most troubling thing about the above picture is the fact that “Baptist Church” is part of the name. Why? Because there was a time when Baptists were the standard for following the Scripture. Now, I am not blind, and neither are you, so it is easily noted the letters “SBC” in the lower left corner of the top part of the sign. Plainly, this is a Southern Baptist Church.

I am not a Southern Baptist, although I grew up attending a Southern Baptist church off and on until I left home to enter the Air Force. After that, I never really attended any church at all, until I came to Mission Boulevard Baptist Church, an Independent Baptist church.

Just to be certain, this is really not about any of that, other than to set a stage for examining the marquee of the sign in light of the Scripture. I learned at Mission Boulevard that the Scripture was, and is the rule for life, period. This is especially true for one who has been born again in Christ. I also learned that it is of utmost seriousness how we present Christ and His Gospel to the world around us.

In the Scripture, in addressing the believer’s walk with the Lord and the war against the flesh, the following is given that addresses witness and testimony:

For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. (Ephesians 5:8-10)

And again in Romans:

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:2)

Thus, the real crux of the issue is what we prove about the will of God. All that the born again believer says and does, proves something in the minds of men about the will of God and what God will (and thus will not) accept. Since this is the case, we ought to consider what the marquee above states about what is acceptable to God. After all, is not the church composed of born again believers? Certainly by the Scripture it is, or it is supposed to be. Moreover, everyone who drives by knows that this a church, and a Baptist church at that. And, that it is full of people who profess to believe and follow Christ.

So then, what does this really state about what is acceptable to God? Isn’t this marquee just a bit commercial? After all, it reads very much like a cell phone advertisement. I have to wonder: Do you think the Lord Jesus Christ approves of being placed on the same level as a common cell phone advertisement? That the fact that one can come to Christ at any time, is like having a cell phone contract? Is the ability to pray to God reduced to that level of understanding in this church? Moreover, what if we asked about other Southern Baptist churches? What would we find?

I think that the saddest part of this sign is what is not stated. You know, about the discernment of the individuals involved in dreaming up this oh-so original cliche. Apparently those involved have no understanding of what constitutes the trivial and meaningless. Moreover, they must believe that the LORD God approves of such trivialities.

Somehow I don’t think the Lord does approve, and I think the following statement from Scripture is express about this particular association:

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. (I John 2:15-16)

Why They Hate the Second Amendment
or
What the Second Amendment Declares About Us

Of all the amendments to the Constitution of the United States, none is more reviled and controversial than the Second Amendment. One has to wonder why, seeing that it is just a few words that simply declare an individual has the right to keep and bear arms, without infringement. Moreover, that this basic right would guarantee we always have the means of forming militias is short order in case of invasion.

What place does this particular issue have on a fundamental, unaffiliated, KJV-only, Baptist’s blog? If you are familiar with the scripture, and what the scripture repeatedly declares about man, then you will have no problem discerning where this short article will go. If you are not, then be prepared to learn just how evil and wicked we really are, and why we need to protect ourselves from both our fellow man and our own selves.

Now, in case you disagree with the above statement, you need to seriously consider that your argument is not with me, but with both the Founding Fathers, and with the LORD God. After all, I simply, whole-heartedly agree with the LORD God, and with the insight the Founders had in recognizing the true state of man, and formulating a nation’s response to that depraved state. However, if you still wish to be angry with me, go right ahead. After all, I don’t have to answer to the LORD God for your anger over having the truth put before you – you do.

The Second Amendment states plainly:

A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.

We should ask ourselves certain questions in relation to the above statement, such as:

1. If man is basically good, why did the Founders deem this amendment necessary?

2. If it is generally true that men follow the law, why was it necessary to add this amendment (with others) to a document that all the Founders plainly professed was a positive law document that functions very much like Power of Attorney?

3. If it is true that arms are implements of violence, why did the Founders determine that it was necessary for individuals to not only keep arms, but carry them openly; and that such possession and open transport upon one’s person should never be hindered?

Interestingly enough, the Founders of this nation were not silent about why they determined the Second Amendment to be utterly necessary. In the Federalist 51, James Madison and Alexander Hamilton gave the reason in as clear and plain a statement one could ever hope for:

“If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary. In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself.” ((Federalist 51))

Now, I know that the question begs to be asked: How can you know that this is the reason behind the Second Amendment?

It is because they were familiar with the following statements from scripture which speak to this very issue:

And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man’s sake; for the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done. (Genesis 8:21)

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? (Jeremiah 17:9)

Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. (Hebrews 2:14)

These three statements from scripture speak plainly that the nature of man is evil and wicked, and that men fear death. Now, how would Hamilton and Madison know this? The testimonies of both men are plain in demonstrating that they knew the Bible and believed what it stated. However, more than the personal testimony of either one of the men, the fact is that they penned the above statement in the Federalist 51, which is entirely contrary to the way men always view themselves.

Indeed, it has always been the case that men think more highly of themselves than is actually true. That is why people get offended when it is demonstrated to them that they are evil and wicked, and sinners by nature. But, if it were true that men are basically good, then there would be no need of government to control the excesses of individuals in society, and there would be no need of controlling the government.

The answer the Founders had to the dilemma presented in the Federalist 51 is amply demonstrated in the Second Amendment, as it places a check upon both the government, and upon the individuals in society at large. Why? In short, when everyone is armed, everyone tends to politeness and respect – else there exists a significant likelihood that one may not live beyond the moment they violate the rights of those around them. Moreover, when the population in general is armed, those who are supposed to serve in public office are made ever mindful of the fact that their lives could be forfeit if they decide to violate the rights of their fellow citizens who put them in office.

Thus, even though men are evil, they also fear death. Moreover, they fear where they will go when they die. For this simple reason alone, the Second Amendment secures the rest of the rights that the LORD God gave us. It is only when men do not see any prospect of dying that they become bold in their wickedness, and their willingness to harm their fellow man. This is also the reason the death penalty is effective in deterring crime as well.

The problem today is that we in America are a society in which the vast majority of individuals believe that they are inherently good, and that only a few “bad apples” cause the problems we have. This kind of thinking is not scriptural, rather it comes straight out of humanist doctrine and teaching. In fact, the idea that man can become good by his own efforts is a central part of the philosophy of Communism and the striving to create the “new communist man.”

The outworking of this kind of thinking is the belief that we can somehow create a utopian society if only we can get rid of the implements of violence. Thus, the blame is laid upon “the gun” when guns are used in the commission of a crime, instead of upon the person who wilfully chose to commit the crime. (After all, that would be to tacitly admit that we are all inherently given to evil.) It is also the driving force behind the idea that individuals in government are somehow better than the “common man” and that they are more enlightened and would never oppress their fellow citizens. After all, aren’t they elevated above the rest of us?

Thus, there is a drive to destroy the Second Amendment because of what it declares about our nature: we are wicked, evil, sinful creatures who think only about our own selfish interests, and couldn’t give a rip about anyone else, unless it nets us what we want – and the last thing we want is to die getting what we want.

The Founding Fathers knew this, and they knew that the only way to maintain order in society, and have a government that obeys its own laws, is to have everyone armed. The only other option is for this world to be ruled over by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, in which case the government will be righteous, even if the people are not.

The Government We Deserve

There is a perception in this country that we somehow do not deserve the government we have. Now I know that this will be hard to take for some people, particularly those who think that they are not at all evil or wicked, and they do not do anything wrong. There are others that will not like what is written here because they believe that God ought to bless us — no matter what we do. Somehow they have gotten the idea that we are God’s chosen, and we ought to be blessed — regardless of all the evidence that we have grossly violated the will of God.

However, we should understand by the Scripture that it doesn’t matter what nation it is, whether Israel (God’s chosen) or any other nation, the LORD God will not stand for a nation violating His express commandments. He warned Israel about this very thing before they entered into the promised land.

Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you: And the land is defiled: therefore I do visit the iniquity thereof upon it, and the land itself vomiteth out her inhabitants. Ye shall therefore keep my statutes and my judgments, and shall not commit any of these abominations; neither any of your own nation, nor any stranger that sojourneth among you: (For all these abominations have the men of the land done, which were before you, and the land is defiled;) That the land spue not you out also, when ye defile it, as it spued out the nations that were before you. For whosoever shall commit any of these abominations, even the souls that commit them shall be cut off from among their people. Therefore shall ye keep mine ordinance, that ye commit not any one of these abominable customs, which were committed before you, and that ye defile not yourselves therein: I am the LORD your God. (Leviticus 18:24-30)

Of course, if you have read the Bible, you should know full well what happened to Israel when they did these exact things – they also were spued out of the land. We should also know that the Lord gave Israel wicked rulers that matched the hearts of the vast majority of the people.

So there is no misunderstanding, I don’t like the situation in this country at all, and I don’t like it that our government acts unlawfully the vast majority of the time. Nonetheless, I know of a surety the reason for this is that we, as a people, are also unlawful, wicked and evil. The LORD God has given this nation the government it has earned. If the people of this country (particularly those who call themselves Christians) would actually repent and turn back to following the Bible as written and not as they interpret it, then the Lord could actually bless us and we would have a right government again. But, as long as the people of this country want to play games with God like apostate Israel did, we cannot expect to have a righteous and good government. Moreover, the longer Americans, and Christians in particular deny it and resist what the Lord is plainly showing this nation, the worse it is going to get — until America either repents, or is destroyed.

Honestly, at this point I really don’t care if people get mad or don’t like what I say, I know it is the truth and it is fully in accordance with the word of God. I know full well it makes people incredibly uncomfortable to even entertain the thought that we have the Government we have because we are the way we are. However, all that those who rant and rave and refuse to acknowledge their culpability in this mess are doing is condemning themselves. If they would actually read the Bible they would find Romans 13:1-7, which was written during the reign of Nero, one of the most corrupt rulers of all time.

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. (Romans 13:1-7)

The above passage is quite clear — our rulers, our leaders are ordained of God, just like God raised up Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, Cyrus, and every other ruler, king and president from the time the nations began, He has raised up those who rule over us to put it in our face what we are like as a people. Thus, for those who have a problem with the way our government behaves, they need to look in the mirror. If they truly want to know the reason our government is the way it is they first need to examine themselves in light of the word of God, and be honest about what they find. I think the vast majority of them would find that they need to repent and actually obey the gospel.