The title of this post is the opening line from a song by 'Smashing Pumpkins'. The artist goes on to say:
"The World is a Vampire, sent to drain. Secret destroyers, hold you up to the flames. And what do I get for my pain? Betrayed desires, and a piece of the game..."
There is so much wisdom in this verse. And to think it comes from one who is not a Christian. In fact, the last line of the song is "...and I still believe that I cannot be saved." How unfortunate it is that he believes that he can't be saved and yet he has an excellent insight of the true nature of the world around us.
This world is a vampire sent to drain us of our connection to Jesus Christ. The Bible says that the god of this world is Satan and we know that his sole mission is to drive us away from God. This world is filled with enticements designed to draw your attention away from Godly things. They fill you with desires that are spiritually unhealthy. Lust, greed, indulgence in food and drink; these are just a few. God's word speaks against all of these:
1 John 2:15 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.
I know that much of this post sounds negative but it is merely meant to be a warning. The things of this world are created to destroy us; whereas the things of God are meant for salvation and eternal life. Many times the Christian society comes across as very negative, as in "don't do this and you can't do that and you must stop everything you are doing to follow God". It is unfortunate that we come across this way, for we make many people want to have nothing to do with Jesus because He won't let them do anything. The truth is, however, that the things Jesus wants us to do are so much more fulfilling than the things of the world. Helping each other, fellowship, friendship, discussion of the word of God, helping those that we do not know, spreading the Gospel to others; these are some of the Do's in Christianity and they are wonderful when done from the heart and in the Name of Jesus.
When I became a Christian I was a partier and a heavy drug user. I did not have to quit any of that to become a Christian. However, once my heart was in the hands of God, He began to change me and mold me into what He wants me to be. One day I found myself without the desire to party or do drugs anymore. I found that being sober is more gratifying. The point is, we do not have to change to be saved. Mike Warnke (a Christian comedian that I grew up listening to) once said "You don't have to get cleaned up to take a bath".
One of my personal favorite pastimes is talking about God and Jesus and the Bible. I enjoy a good healthy discussion about what the Word of God says and how it applies to our lives today. I will talk to anyone about God but I sometimes have a hard time starting the conversation. But when someone opens the door such as the Jehovah's Witnesses that come to call or the Mormons I get excited and welcome the conversation. I encourage anyone to invite the JW's or the Mormons in but be cautious, they do know the bible and they know what they believe. They start out connecting with you through the similarities between your beliefs and theirs and then they slowly slip in what they consider the "truth". My advice is to hear what they have to say and then study the bible for yourself, by yourself to discover what it truly says.
During a one year period while my wife and I lived in a town in Oregon we were visited by the JW's for about 6 months followed by the Mormon's for the other 6 months. We learned more about the Bible during that time than any other time in our walk with God. While examining their beliefs we discovered some of the truths of the Bible. I do not, however, have all the answers (there is always more to learn from God's word) but I do know that neither JW's nor the Mormon's are correct. The Bible quite plainly contradicts their beliefs. As I said though, discussion with them is very educational because it forces you to get into the Word and find some answers.
In closing today, I encourage you to fellowship, get together with some brothers and sisters and talk. Above all, forget about politics because the government is of this world which is perishing and is going to do whatever it wants, open the Bible and discuss the Word this leads to an understanding of the Kingdom of Heaven, which is everlasting, and to salvation.
Saturday
Wednesday
"America's Next Top Model (citizen)"
Well ladies and gentlemen, Barrack O'Bama, the senator from Illinois is a few steps closer to becoming the President of the United States. Our chief representative, our "model citizen". With this office comes the control of the military, and the ability to appoint individuals to various offices that oversee things like homeland insecurity. The primaries are going well for O'Bama, he has drummed up quite a popularity; especially among the younger crowd. People have been rushing to the polls to cast their ballots and walk away proud of themselves. I suppose voting makes one feel good about oneself. Perhaps it makes you feel like you are important, like you have voiced your opinion and dog gone it someone heard you. You can leave the booth with a smile and feel like you exercised your right as an American to have a voice and be part of the governmental process. Ah, so edifying to one's self esteem.
I, on the other hand, have never in my life voted and I will tell you why. You, of course, don't have to listen but I will tell you just the same. I see the truth in our governmental election process. Democracy is DEAD my friends. And the fact that most citizens exercise their "right" to vote only shows how oblivious we are to reality. The vote you cast is merely a suggestion to those who actually run the country. There are organizations that decide who becomes president of this great country and you are likely not part of the "in" crowd. Just look at the Democratic Party's delegate system. They have pledge delegates, and super delegates whose votes are what really matter to the candidates. These individuals do not have to take your advise about who to vote for. The popular vote in a particular state could go to one individual while the delegates go to the candidate who paid the most money to "favorite charities" or made the right promises to the right people. They hope that by stirring up the people they can gain your support and that the majority will go their way but they really don't care how you feel and they will vote however they want. This system was developed for your protection, of course; I mean what if the popular vote went to say Jerry Springer or some comedian as a protest? Obviously, in that case the public would be mistaken and a "sensible" group of people would need to step in and dictate who was truly best for the job.
I hope you are beginning to see the truth in voting. But in case you aren't then let me continue. Our political system boasts two parties, Republicans, and Democrats. They decide who you get to vote for and, quite frankly, neither of their candidates is usually very suited for the job. But that is all you get to chose from. Once these candidates are chosen the "real" voting begins right? Or does it? Some more truth for you here, and if you took government in High School (assuming you paid attention) you know that the Electoral Votes elect the president. These come from the Electoral College which most of us are not alumni of. Once again, your vote here is merely a suggestion. The electoral college does not have to follow the popular vote. Isn't that sweet of our government to tell you that "every vote counts..." and "we need you to get out there and voice you opinion..." and then they hold the right to completely disregard your opinion and do whatever they want anyway. I will tell you what the polls are; they are a tool to determine if the facade is still working. The voter turnout tells them that you are still deceived and they can go about business as usual. Let's face it folks, if you really want your vote to count, watch "American Idol".
There is a principality in this world with an agenda for this country and the world and it will achieve that goal by any means necessary. Everything in our world is a tool that can be used to manipulate us and force us to bend to the will of... The media uses political commentators to get you fired up about certain "hot button" issues so you forget about the important issue. Gas prices go through the stratosphere to distract and cause chaos while proving how much control they have.
I know, I now sound like a raving conspiracy theorist who believes that they are out to get us. Well, that's partially true; they (and you know who they are) are out to get us . By us I mean Christians. The most important issue that you need to be thinking about is the condition of your relationship with Jesus Christ and what you are willing to go through for Him. I feel that the end is coming soon and we need to be ready for when the world turns on us and declares us "Terrorists". Then the Global War on Terror is going to come crashing home on us. Remember, however, as I have said in another post that the men of this world can only kill the physical body. Salvation comes either through death or perseverance. Matthew 24:13 "...He who endures to the end shall be saved..." Jesus is coming and I want to meet Him in the air dead or alive (we shall all be changed).
I, on the other hand, have never in my life voted and I will tell you why. You, of course, don't have to listen but I will tell you just the same. I see the truth in our governmental election process. Democracy is DEAD my friends. And the fact that most citizens exercise their "right" to vote only shows how oblivious we are to reality. The vote you cast is merely a suggestion to those who actually run the country. There are organizations that decide who becomes president of this great country and you are likely not part of the "in" crowd. Just look at the Democratic Party's delegate system. They have pledge delegates, and super delegates whose votes are what really matter to the candidates. These individuals do not have to take your advise about who to vote for. The popular vote in a particular state could go to one individual while the delegates go to the candidate who paid the most money to "favorite charities" or made the right promises to the right people. They hope that by stirring up the people they can gain your support and that the majority will go their way but they really don't care how you feel and they will vote however they want. This system was developed for your protection, of course; I mean what if the popular vote went to say Jerry Springer or some comedian as a protest? Obviously, in that case the public would be mistaken and a "sensible" group of people would need to step in and dictate who was truly best for the job.
I hope you are beginning to see the truth in voting. But in case you aren't then let me continue. Our political system boasts two parties, Republicans, and Democrats. They decide who you get to vote for and, quite frankly, neither of their candidates is usually very suited for the job. But that is all you get to chose from. Once these candidates are chosen the "real" voting begins right? Or does it? Some more truth for you here, and if you took government in High School (assuming you paid attention) you know that the Electoral Votes elect the president. These come from the Electoral College which most of us are not alumni of. Once again, your vote here is merely a suggestion. The electoral college does not have to follow the popular vote. Isn't that sweet of our government to tell you that "every vote counts..." and "we need you to get out there and voice you opinion..." and then they hold the right to completely disregard your opinion and do whatever they want anyway. I will tell you what the polls are; they are a tool to determine if the facade is still working. The voter turnout tells them that you are still deceived and they can go about business as usual. Let's face it folks, if you really want your vote to count, watch "American Idol".
There is a principality in this world with an agenda for this country and the world and it will achieve that goal by any means necessary. Everything in our world is a tool that can be used to manipulate us and force us to bend to the will of... The media uses political commentators to get you fired up about certain "hot button" issues so you forget about the important issue. Gas prices go through the stratosphere to distract and cause chaos while proving how much control they have.
I know, I now sound like a raving conspiracy theorist who believes that they are out to get us. Well, that's partially true; they (and you know who they are) are out to get us . By us I mean Christians. The most important issue that you need to be thinking about is the condition of your relationship with Jesus Christ and what you are willing to go through for Him. I feel that the end is coming soon and we need to be ready for when the world turns on us and declares us "Terrorists". Then the Global War on Terror is going to come crashing home on us. Remember, however, as I have said in another post that the men of this world can only kill the physical body. Salvation comes either through death or perseverance. Matthew 24:13 "...He who endures to the end shall be saved..." Jesus is coming and I want to meet Him in the air dead or alive (we shall all be changed).
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