Showing posts with label Joel Osteen. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Joel Osteen. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

"Eternal Life Does Not Depend On Works"

8/4/2009, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania~ George Sodini, a 48 year old white male, walks into an LA Fitness Center and opens fire. Witnesses stated the man did not say a word before he began shooting what would end up being 52 shots, in all. The deadly rampage ended when the assailant took his own life. The result was 4 dead, 9 injured.

It has been reported one of the injured was an ex-girlfriend, although, on a blog Sodini kept in the form of an online diary, he states he had not had a girlfriend since the 1980's. Sodini also kept a fairly detailed description of his intentions online. He stated he attempted to pull off this assault twice before, in January and May, but, "Chickened out."

A large portion of the American population believes our penal system is too harsh on criminals, and oppose the death penalty. For a few decades now, there has been a push from the "Time out" believers to have empathy for perpetrators. Many books have been sold and people convinced that any type of corporal punishment is wrong. They advise we should take into account what kind of past or childhood the aggressor had. None of this is biblical. I am compelled to think of what kind of future their victims have, if any.

In this case, Sodini had gone on written rants for the better part of a year, with one fatal error in his thinking. In one of his final entries, he makes it clear he believes he is going to Heaven after he carries out his deadly plans. On August 3, he wrote:
"Maybe soon I will see God and Jesus, at least that's what I've been told. Eternal life does not depend on works, or we'd all be in hell."

The whole reason I do what I do, whether successful or not, is the ridiculous number of people misled by bad evangelism, or watered down Gospel. I believe Mr Sodini is responsible for his own actions, regardless what kind of childhood or bad preaching he received. By the same token, however, Every Pastor or evangelist out there soothing the conscience of their subjects are just as responsible.

I do not yet know which, if any, preacher or evangelist Mr Sodini ever listened to. He may have received a feeble attempt by an acquaintance to deliver the Gospel. He may have read a message from an evangelistic website, or attended just one sermon as he accompanied someone to a service once. It does not matter... EVERY PREACHER AND EVANGELIST delivering watered down or warm and fuzzy sermons is responsible to a GREAT degree, for what Sodini carried out. They spread the deception of the enemy, we don't have to be righteous.

Most people want to believe all human beings are basically good. Really?!! By whose standards? Who sets those standards? By our creator's standards, we are filthy, and that is all should matter. The Gospel Jesus gave his life to deliver was not intended to make us feel all warm and fuzzy. The Gospel was not intended to relieve us of our conscience getting in our way of success and prosperity. "The Seed" in the Bible is not a monetary denomination Jesus set up for false prophets to line their pockets.

Good works, ALONE, as it is explained all throughout the Gospel, will not get you to Heaven. The old "fire and brimstone" preachers were not afraid to tell there flock like it was. You sin, you go to hell, regardless what you believe. That was then. Now, we have evangelists by the thousands preaching we are forgiven for everything past, present, and FUTURE.

The evangelists will tell you it doesn't matter what kind of sin you commit, Jesus died on that cross so you can give it all to Him and not feel guilty. As of late, the common belief is that if you try to not sin and be righteous, that is sin, in and of itself, as you are attempting "Good works." I know there are many who will read this and accuse me of having it wrong. No, you are wrong. There are many people out there who actually follow this kind of doctrine. They call themselves Christians, and tragically they will go to hell. God hates sin! There is much more to being saved than saying a short prayer.

Don't fret, the evangelists which think they are holy men or women of God preaching these sermons will be with you in Hades to discuss with you where it all went wrong. The 'preachers' claiming God speaks to them and said if you give them $1000.00 you will see numerous blessings open up in your life, will soon be accountable.

Mat 7:21, "Not all who say to me 'Lord, Lord', shall enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but, those who do the will of my Father who is in Heaven."

The outcome of these warm and fuzzy, self motivational sermons is this: Statistics show divorce rate is no different among those whom profess Christianity than it is in the secular community. Abortion and adultery, also just as prevalent among 'Christians' as with non-believers. Through the psyche illuminated from these misguided 'Gospel messages' we have confusion and surmounting conflict in the church. The confusion is strictly the fault of the Pastor that walks the fence, and doesn't wish to offend anyone.

To recruit a 'new believer' many evangelists make the sinner believe it is so easy to accept a life of Christ, they wonder why they put it off for so long. The evangelist feels good as he can chalk up another (soul saved?). The new 'believer' feels good as they can now go on with their iniquity and not feel guilty in knowing they were 'putting it off'. Nothing has changed in the 'new believer's' life, except they now walk in the 'world' believing they are saved, and call themselves Christian.

Gal 2:20, "It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me, and this life I must live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."

At this time, I don't know what Sodini's range of belief was, or whether he had ever actually accepted Christ as his Saviour. It doesn't matter one iota. We do know he believed that Jesus exists in Heaven, as he was expecting to see him. There is no difference whatsoever in Sodini's rationale, wherever it came from, and most 'believers' in the world.

I know of many people who live in adultery, hate, greed, sexual perversions, and even support killing babies, but, everyday say, "Praise the Lord," and "I am so Blessed, God is good." I have people (Christians?) constantly attack and insult me vulgarly, as I dare to disrupt their way of thinking. I assure you I do not do what I do out of bitterness, or hate, as I've been so often accused.

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Free To Believe


The other day I was on the "Prayer" group page of facebook when I ran across a more than interesting entry. The page is basically intended for members to either submit prayers, or make prayer requests. The entry to which I am referring, however, was neither. The submitter was looking for controversy by posting an excerpt from a post on his page, by one of his friends. A woman was making an observation regarding the growing "Christian" presence on "facebook".
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Commenting on all the references she has observed pertaining to God, the woman was trying to make the point of "Throwing around God's name does not make us Christians". She went on to explain how she has observed so many whom practice leaving inspirational notes and godly remarks, were also just as involved in ungodly behavior. She pointed out Mat 7:21, "Not everyone who says to me 'Lord, Lord', shall enter the Kingdom of Heaven". She concluded with the advise "Maybe they should get off facebook, and pick up a Bible".
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The gentleman submitting the comment, was asking for people's "thoughts", as it was apparent he had been offended by the observation. All the times I've visited the Prayer page, I have never seen so many responses to an entry, even when people were requesting prayer for dyer situations. The remarks mounted quickly, in a cruel and vicious assault against the woman, questioning her Christianity. One stood out to me, especially, stating "we" are supposed to be spreading "his" name.
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Any whom have read the majority of my articles, are fully aware where I stand. I was compelled as never before to add my two cents. I wrote, "What she says is biblical truth. If it raises so much emotion and controversy, perhaps we need to analyze ourselves, rather than the messenger", which did not 'go over' too well.
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As it is quite true, we are, as Christians, expected and commanded to speak of God to others. What I have oftentimes observed is that too many spread His name for their own glory and vanity, rather than for His Glory. Advertising that they are Christian takes priority in their heart. Some do it out of ignorance, while many do it intentionally. In either case, they face certain doom for their calamity.
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I cannot think of a more perfect example than someone I've known personally. As of late, I have come across several instances where they have made note on various Internet pages, including facebook, that they are a "Devoted Christian", and proclaiming the "Goodness of God". I know, just as well, they harbour hate and bitterness in their heart. They live a constant lie. This person is far from being a victim, as they portray to unsuspecting ears. They are equally to blame (Mat 7:1-6) for the conflicts they leave behind, but, accept no responsibility or accountability. Instead, they take vindictive actions against people, and refuse to forgive (Mat 18:23-35). Their style of life encourages and empowers the enemy in all lives around them.
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The huge misconception by many, and a tool for argument by atheists, is that because we are Christian we are not supposed to sin. How ridiculous! Every human sins, but, as Christians we have put away sin, or iniquity, and pledge to follow the Heart of Jesus, and the Word of God. God knows we will slip, He expects it. As soon as we slip, our heart is convicted by the Holy Spirit, we repent, and by God's promise, as believers, we are forgiven. In particular cases, however, the sin is premeditated, and without conscience. They neither seek, nor give, forgiveness (Mat 6:15-15). They are under the mistaken impression that, even though they are still involved in the sin, God automatically forgives them, and they claim they are blessed by God.
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These people are confusing God's Blessing with Satan's enabling. As we cherish the desire to control and manipulate others, Satan is in his delight, as he knows this draws us away from God's Will. All demonic influences and principalities will join forces to create the delusion that "God must be making this happen", as it comes so easily and seemingly effortless. Demons can even take on the appearance of an angel visiting us, or speaking to us, to coax us into rationalizing and justifying our ungodly actions.
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God's inerrant Word never relays it is alright to attack another human for personal gain, or inflict suffering, for revenge. There is only one truth and that is the Word of God. The Holy Bible, or the Believers Instructions Before Leaving Earth, is not God's "Suggestion" book. Rather, it is His command for how all are to live. Whether or not, we choose to believe that, is irrelevant.
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Now, more than ever, all should be vigilant to the time of the rapture of the church. We are ever so close to the time in which the Antichrist will be revealed, immediately following the rapture. The campaign of the enemy to eliminate the Bible and sway even believers to corruption has intensified, in preparation. Just as many professed Christians, as non-believers, take part in and/or support abortion, divorce, fornication, adultery, and the list goes on.
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The Lord will only rapture His faithful (Rev 3:10). Many pastors and evangelists will not be spared the Tribulation (Mat 7:22). "Then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; go away from me you evil doers'," (Mat 7:23).
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Many so called preachers (wolves in sheep's clothing, Mat 7:15) are more interested in recruiting numbers than preaching the true Gospel of Jesus Christ. They will throw God's name into their WARM AND FUZZY SERMONS once in awhile, but, promote personal reliance and motivation to escape any guilt for our sin. They portray adhering to God's commandments as "Good works" and suggest its not only unnecessary, but, a sin, in and of itself. There are many, but, Joel Osteen is a perfect example. In this interview with Larry King, he once again side steps and walks the fence in order to not upset any potential customers.
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In the same perspective of self-promotion Oprah Winfrey, a professed Christian, not only promotes demonic, anti-Christian books such as "Laws of Attraction", and "The Secret", but, proclaims we can believe whatever we want, and there are many ways to get to Heaven.
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More and more people whom profess Christianity are abandoning the truth of the Gospel, in favor of a massive rationalization which supports their transgressions. Don't submit to God's word, worship idols, and still go to Heaven? This is what millions are swearing to, but, profess Christ, only because they said a short prayer sometime ago.
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This is Jesus' spoken word, in the Sermon on the Mount: "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven (Mat 7:21).
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Those whom proclaim God is good, but, think they can live in iniquity, will also learn God is JUST !