I speak the truth in Christ—I am not lying, my conscience confirms it in the Holy Spirit— I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, those of my own race, 4the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption as sons; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises. Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of Christ, who is God over all, forever praised! Amen.
It is not as though God's word had failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel. Nor because they are his descendants are they all Abraham's children. On the contrary, "It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned."In other words, it is not the natural children who are God's children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham's offspring. 9For this was how the promise was stated: "At the appointed time I will return, and Sarah will have a son."
Not only that, but Rebekah's children had one and the same father, our father Isaac. Yet, before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad—in order that God's purpose in election might stand: not by works but by him who calls—she was told, "The older will serve the younger." Just as it is written: "Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated."
What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all! For he says to Moses,
"I will have mercy on whom I have mercy,
and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion."
It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy. For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: "I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth." Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden.
One of you will say to me: "Then why does God still blame us? For who resists his will?" But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? "Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, 'Why did you make me like this?' "Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use?
What if God, choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath—prepared for destruction? What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory— even us, whom he also called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles?
As he says in Hosea:
"I will call them 'my people' who are not my people;
and I will call her 'my loved one' who is not my loved one," and,
"It will happen that in the very place where it was said to them,
'You are not my people,'
they will be called 'sons of the living God.' "
Isaiah cries out concerning Israel:
"Though the number of the Israelites be like the sand by the sea,
only the remnant will be saved.
For the Lord will carry out
his sentence on earth with speed and finality."
It is just as Isaiah said previously:
"Unless the Lord Almighty
had left us descendants,
we would have become like Sodom,
we would have been like Gomorrah."
Israel's Unbelief
What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; but Israel, who pursued a law of righteousness, has not attained it. Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the "stumbling stone." As it is written:
"See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes men to stumble
and a rock that makes them fall,
and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame."
Most of the people that read this blog probably agree with my sentiment about the "Palestinians'" culture of murder and genocide is a cancer that prevents safety and security for Israelis. However, I got a far different reaction in my inbox and by a particular comment on my Facebook page when I posted the item below. So, for those that do not read the site often, I am going to make more clear my statement about why Israel is now within it's rights to raze Gaza. Here was my explanation for the post to the friend on Facebook that thought I found some link to hateful and criminal (?) speech:
It might appear extremist because people on our blog know that I often interject my Christian/biblical perspective with my critique of current events (like my description of the Arab motivations for the destruction of Israel as being satanic; I believe that antisemitism is a form of satanism and I cannot apologize for that belief). So I can see why that interspersed with the political language might seem extremist.
However, removing the biblical aspects of the post, my political point is threefold:
1. The entire "Palestinian" movement as one of Arabs is a historical fraud. That is established. Hell, even Wikipedia says so. The people in the Gaza and West Bank areas were forced their by their Egyptian and Transjordanian governments with the promise they could settle the "land" once Egypt and (now) Jordan and Syria drove the Jews into the sea. They were nomads in their respective countries and not particularly wanted there either (which is why both nations refuse to acknowledge them as their citizens). When their attempt at a second holocaust failed and the Jews rebuffed their attacks not once, but twice, Egypt and Jordan chose to leave the people there in tents and use them as political props.
2. When you start a war and lose, you also lose land and claims to it. Egypt and Jordan lost, so they lost land. Do not forget that Israel also won the Sinai peninsula which it gave away (who knows why) back to Egypt. The people responsible for the Arabs who claim to be "Palestinians" are the governments that abandoned them.
3. Enough is enough. This world is at a tipping point with the balance of power tipping towards the unaligned nations and away from Western civilization (which include things like freedom) because apologists are siding with the people that want to kill them (Mumia reference). I mean, Palestinians EXECUTE their gays by beheading them or stoning them in the street. They take children and strap them with bombs to kill other children. They advocate genocide and cheer and dance in the streets when innocent people are slaughtered. Blacks in this country who were oppressed NEVER acted with such inhumanity (and I am part black - you didn't see my father's side of the family blowing up cafe's).
I oppose genocide and those that support it and my patience just ran out with giving people benefits of the doubt. Israel needs to simply state the land is theirs because it was won militarily. The people may stay as Israeli citizens or they can return home. Those that refuse to do either peacefully will be destroyed. There can be no tolerance for genocide.
Not all Germans hated Jews or were Nazis, but to liberate France and the rest of Europe, we (Canadians, British and Americans) had to raze the country and kill just about everyone. Its the nature of the human condition. The problem we face in western society is that the doubt bread through internationalism that some we are not right and they are wrong - that we are both right in our own ways.
Hitler would need to be "understood" and get an annual plugging at the UN in todays world.
But too the point, again, the "Palestinians" have been given ample opportunity to choose peace and life. instead choose genocide and murder. And at some point, humanity (the life and freedom loving kind) needs to show them the door.
Sometimes blogging in anger is not the best route (like blogging drunk), but t happens. But my thesis has not changed.
It's simply time to destroy the Arab "Palestinians." They are a fictitious people. They are also barbarians, motivated by evil and bloodlust as their demonic activities seek to wipe Jews from the world before the Messiah's return. Antisemitism is racist, evil, demonic and a hatred inspired by satan so that Israel cannot receive the final blessings promised in the Abrahamic covenant (which is contract law and an escrow account about a 1000 year older than any Muslim claim).
A gunman entered the library of a rabbinical seminary and opened fire on a crowded nighttime study session Thursday, killing eight people and wounding nine before he was slain, police and rescue workers said. It was the first major militant attack in Jerusalem in more than four years.
Earlier reports said there were two gunmen and quoted a death toll of at least 10.
Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip praised the operation in a statement, and thousands of Palestinians took to the streets of Gaza to celebrate.
Egyptian and Jordanian Arabs that were the equivalent of our illegal immigrant problem here. After Jews bought the land (with Deed) from the Sultan of Turkey, the jobless Arabs came for work and the Jews paid them for their work. Then Jordan and Egypt did exactly what Mexico is doing to us now: forcing their people down our throats demanding rights and privileges.
Palestinian comes from the Hebrew word Peleset which is what they called the sea-faring Mycenean Greeks that established 5 city-states along the coast of the Mediterranean The "Palestinians" were not Arabs. Therefore, these Arabs demanding a Palestinian state are not real. So, send them back to imagination land where they can spend time with the African/Black Jesus or the Black Cleopatra (other fictions).
But Barry! Christians Don’t Pray to Jesus - Ask Your Jew-hating, Racist Pastor
We all know that Obama is not some stealth Muslim. I think he could be a black Zionist, or belong to a segregationist church...but that's all beside the point.
"I am a devout Christian," he told voters in this key state.
"I pray to Jesus every night and try to go to church as much as I can."
Two aspects of this statement, from a doctrinal perspective, are very incorrect and diminish Obama's Christian maturity and the teachings of his Jew-hating, racist pastor.
First: Church attendance has nothing - zero, zilch, nada - with how "Christian" a person is. I could go to Church every day (many Catholics do this), but its the amount of doctrine you learn from the bible under the ministry of the Holy Spirit that determines your spiritual maturity. But Christianity itself is not measurable on a scale. You've either accepted Christ as your savior or not. All the rest deals with your spiritual maturity based on your inculcation and application of the Word.
Second: Many Christians DO pray to Jesus (and Joseph and Mary and other saints if you're Catholic), but this is wrong and contrary to the bible. Prayer has a format that is demonstrated to Christians by precedent set by Jesus Christ during the Hypostatic Union (33 years of Christs time on earth).
Prayer should go something like this; WE ARE TO:
1. pray to the God the Father (Matthew 6:6, Ephesians 5:20)
2. pray in the power/filling of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 6:18)
3. cite our known sins committed since the last time we prayed and acknowledge sins we committed that we forgot and ones we committed that we didn't know were sins (1 John 1:9)
4. pray with an attitude of thanksgiving (Colossians 4:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, 1 Timothy 4:4-5)
5. pray for intercession by God for others - like heal their illness - which is usually the point of the prayer (Ephesians 6:18-19)
6. petition for our own needs LAST - always LAST; and specificity knowing that God will not do what you ask just because you ask for it; e.g. God will never answer a prayer that involves sinning or coercion of others
7. pray in the name of the Son (John 14:13-14)
It's actually not that complicated when you break it down. You call on God the Father, say I've done these things (x, y and z sins), thank Him for all the blessings you want to discuss or see around you at that time, ask for help for someone else, ask for help for yourself, all in Christs' name.
So that's your bible lesson for the day! Painless, right?
I think its disgusting that Barack needs to defend his Christianity to anyone - but he needs to defend the "extra-curricular" teachings of his pastor and explain why he attends a black segregationist church that is also antisemitic. The antisemitism is the WORST thing and something that should disqualify him immediately for president.
" 'Because they lead my people astray, saying, "Peace," when there is no peace, and because, when a flimsy wall is built, they cover it with whitewash, therefore tell those who cover it with whitewash that it is going to fall. Rain will come in torrents, and I will send hailstones hurtling down, and violent winds will burst forth. When the wall collapses, will people not ask you, "Where is the whitewash you covered it with?"
" 'Therefore this is what the Sovereign LORD says: In my wrath I will unleash a violent wind, and in my anger hailstones and torrents of rain will fall with destructive fury. I will tear down the wall you have covered with whitewash and will level it to the ground so that its foundation will be laid bare. When it falls, you will be destroyed in it; and you will know that I am the LORD. So I will spend my wrath against the wall and against those who covered it with whitewash. I will say to you, "The wall is gone and so are those who whitewashed it, those prophets of Israel who prophesied to Jerusalem and saw visions of peace for her when there was no peace, declares the Sovereign LORD." '
Could someone in Congress please offer a resolution to make every politician and State Department employee have this written on the reverse side of the ID badges and that they must recite it on demand? Man, Condi would rock if she went in blazing like this.
It Does Not Matter Who Wins the Election…(in the end)
Jeremiah 6:13-19
"From the least to the greatest,
all are greedy for gain;
prophets and priests alike,
all practice deceit.
They dress the wound of my people
as though it were not serious.
'Peace, peace,' they say,
when there is no peace.
Are they ashamed of their loathsome conduct?
No, they have no shame at all;
they do not even know how to blush.
So they will fall among the fallen;
they will be brought down when I punish them,"
says the LORD.
This is what the LORD says:
"Stand at the crossroads and look;
ask for the ancient paths,
ask where the good way is, and walk in it,
and you will find rest for your souls.
But you said, 'We will not walk in it.'
I appointed watchmen over you and said,
'Listen to the sound of the trumpet!'
But you said, 'We will not listen.'
Therefore hear, O nations;
observe, O witnesses,
what will happen to them.
Hear, O earth:
I am bringing disaster on this people,
the fruit of their schemes,
because they have not listened to my words
and have rejected my law.
I've mentioned before that I believe Mormonism is a cult and that I would have issues voting for a Mormon; even though there is no religious test for elected office in the United States, each person can vote according to whatever criteria s/he wishes.
However, after the last month of bible class and the historical perspectives I've learned how God uses believers and unbelievers alike to accomplish great things, I believe that Mitt Romney could be the agent for wonderful changes. So tonight I pray that whomever is the most qualified and best option for our nation wins the caucus in Iowa tomorrow. And I will support Mitt Romney in the primaries if Fred Thompson drops out.
And in the same spirit, I will never support Huckabee for our nomination. He can hide behind the cross all he wants but his legalism and arrogance towards the "lesser Christians" is plain as day - and places Huckabee (with his shallowness) as the John Edwards of the Republican party.
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Matthew 1:18-22
This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"-which means, "God with us."
When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.
Luke 2:41-50
Every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. When he was twelve years old, they went up to the Feast, according to the custom. After the Feast was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you."
"Why were you searching for me?" he asked. "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?" But they did not understand what he was saying to them.
Below, learn why Christmas is celebrated on December 25 and from where the first Christmas tree - and how all of this helped George Washington win this nation's independence! Wonderful tale and fascinating history lesson that encapsulates Rome, Christ, Germany, Thor and Oden, an Oak tree, an evergreen tree, General George Washington and America's founding!!!
Every ad, from every other Republican and Democratic candidate was about himself. Huckabee's disgraceful ad was meant to remind everyone that he's a Christian - so you should vote for him because you're a Christian. Even the very touching ad by John McCain (who's warming on me again), focused on his time as a POW to show that he is a war hero (a very legitimate one, unlike 2004).
The only ad that focuses on others so completely is Fred Thompson. He is the man with the humility needed to hold the office of president:
I’ve been tagged with the CHRISTmas* spirit by PatrickP (lets not get into how we gays "tag" each other...).
Here we go:
1. Wrapping or gift bags?
Gift bags for everything accept books, CDs, DVDs or shoes.
2. Real or artificial tree?
I am a real tree guy (balsom firs please!). I want me and my man to go chop one down at a tree farm (when I get one - a man, not the tree). Otherwise, its Boy Scouts of America real trees. My parents have since bought a fake tree since my brother and I left home; fake trees that have 1000s of lights pre-installed are gorgeous and should not be scoffed at flippantly.
3. When do you put up the tree?
One week before Christmas.
4. When do you take the tree down?
It used to be when it died - but usually the second week in January.
5. Do you like eggnog?
I can stand a cup during the holidays; when I used to drink, I would mix it with Wild Turkey 101 whiskey (yumm!).
6. Favorite gift received as a child?
Original Nintendo
7. Do you have a nativity scene?
Not big on nativity scenes - they seem like idol worshipping (placing emphasis on Mary in particular) so I'll leave that to the Catholics...
8. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?
Crystal Meth (good then, bad now)
9. Mail or email Christmas cards?
I send cards to people who send me cards. I send them about 3 days before Christmas. I'll post a blog post to the rest!
10. Wrapping or gift bags?
Magnolia (made it a family tradition the year I saw it)
11. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
When I get word of my mother spending all day at the mall; never a black Friday fan. I like shopping the week AFTER Christmas.
12. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
Mom's crab dip (Eve) and the fresh, lumpy with four sticks of butter mashed potatoes (Day)
13. Clear lights or colored on the tree?
All white to shine all night. A tree's lighting should not be for decoration. When turned on, people should feel awe at the brilliance of all the lights.
14. Favorite Christmas song?
O Holy Night (or Hark the Herald Angels Sing - all stanzas!)
Here are the rules:
1. Link to the person that tagged you, and post the rules on your blog.
2. Share Christmas facts about yourself.
3. Tag random people at the end of your post, and include links to their blogs.
4. Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
Merry Christmas, everyone...thanks for the tag, Patrick.
What are you and Kevin getting me for CHRISTmas? I can only offer services as a houseboy right now because I am broke.
*When the day nears I start to cap CHRIST in CHRISTmas as my protest to people who use X-mas or "Holidays." You can use Holidays before Chanukah, but after there is only ONE Holy Day so it makes no sense. It's CHRISTmas.
I cannot remember when I last clarified my stance on abortion. Since it is a hot political topic, I believe that I should share my view on abortion.
As a Christian, my views are based on the bible which is the Word of God and that:
The Word of God is alive and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a critic of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” - Hebrews 4:12
The bible discusses the origin of human life often and in detail; and every passage in the Hebrew Old Testament and the Greek New Testament explicitly state that human life begins at birth.
There is no human life in the womb.
There is biological life, however.
A human being is a biological body infused with a soul that God creates at birth; therefore, I do not consider abortion murder.
No person who believes the bible says what it means and means what it says cannot conclude that there is human life in the womb or that abortion is murder [if anyone would like to challenge that or learn what the bible says about life, I can do a post on that later].
I do still consider it wrong and I believe that the constitution should view life as it is scientifically defined and a fetus is certainly alive biologically and should have the same right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness promised to all Americans in the Declaration of Independence.
It's simply time to destroy the Arab "Palestinians." They are a 
First: Church attendance has nothing - zero, zilch, nada - with how "Christian" a person is. I could go to Church every day (many Catholics do this), but its the amount of doctrine you learn from the bible under the ministry of the Holy Spirit that determines your spiritual maturity. But Christianity itself is not measurable on a scale. You've either accepted Christ as your savior or not. All the rest deals with your spiritual maturity based on your inculcation and application of the Word.
Here we go:
