CHAPTER 6

About 600 Years Later – Formation of Islam

In the movement of “Christianity” a general by the name of Charlemagne, told his men “if they will not convert to “Christianity, kill them”. He was talking about the Saxons. That is exactly what Mohammed said. You know, the one that started the Muslims about 600 years A.D.? Yes. In Surrah Al Tamah, in the Koran, Chapter 9, vs. 5, he says the same thing. Only he’s talking about converting to Islam of course.

Per various internet searches Islam doesn’t mean peace. Islam means surrender/submission. Surrender to whom? Allah, of course, and everything that goes with Islam, including Sharia Law. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muhammad.

Also: http://answering-islam.org/Silas/swordverse.htm; http://www.answering-islam.org/

At the time of Mohammed, 600 years A.D., there were around 200 to 400 gods, which was about average for the world. Check at: http://ancienthistory.about.com/

According to: http://www.biblebelievers.org.au/moongod.htm, (http://biblebelievers.com/) Allilah was the Moon god, and per various writings (easily found on the internet), Mohammed apparently needed two more tribes of thousands of good fighters to make up his army, so he could conquer the world and make it all Islam. But the two chiefs of these two tribes said the Moon god had three daughters. The Arabic word for God is “hah” and the Moon-God became synonymous with “al-ilah”, meaning “the God”.

Pagan Arabs believed the Moon God was the greatest of all gods, and it is believed this is where the phrase we Americans hear said so much by Islamists comes from: “Allahu Akbar” translates “Allah is greater”.

Mohammed apparently decided to call god Allah, which would include the three daughters, (but not to mention them) and instead of the whole full moon, there would just be a crescent for the banner.

According to: http://islam.about.com/od/history/a/crescent_moon.htm, this is how the moon god was represented. The symbol of the crescent moon is representative throughout history of the moon god.

Earlier in this writing we discussed how Satan and less than a third of the angels were forced to live in the earthly sphere as spirit beings.

(Satan then was a supernatural spirit being -i.e. invisible on earth, UNLESS (See 2Co 11:14 ) “ And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.”

Satan failed miserably with the crucifixion of Jesus the Christ. But he never stops. He know his time is short. So for a while he tried having all the “Christians” killed. When that plan failed, he came up with a whole new political ideology. Illiterate humans took it further and called it Islam. A considerable number of “Christians” believe Satan came to a man in the sixth century named Mohammed. Satan as the Father of lies (per Jesus the Messiah), said he was Gabriel and wanted to dictate to Mohammed. History reveals Mohammed had Grand Mal seizures at night during the dictation and wrote he felt these were coming from demons. It is generally understood that having being dictated to from Satan could easily produce an invasion of demonic personages into one’s body. Mohammed wanted to make a religion out of Satan’s dictation, so he along with two chiefs noted above, did. Writer’s of the time, close to Mohammed, dismissed the seizures as irrelevant. Others go into depth in articles such as the following: http://www.answering-islam.org/Silas/satan.htm

In any case an agreement was reached and Mohammed’s army set off to conquer the world. And they conquered a lot of territory.

But supply lines eventually ended and they never made it. Supposedly, they were finally stopped by the Knights of Malta (a Roman Catholic group). If you are interested in this, look for a map of the Islam controlled nations of that time at http://islam.about.com/od/history/a/crescent_moon.htmwww.ccat.sas.upenn.edu/~bvon/pages/maps.htlm

Walid Shoebat (http://shoebat.com/) gives much more detail in his books.

Walid Shoebat, a former Muslim – now a “Christian”, asks you in his book referencing The Quaran, Surah Al Tamah, Chapter 9:5, “What part of kill don’t you understand”? Also see: http://www.answering-islam.org/authors/silas.html: There is a single punishment for anyone who leaves the Muslim faith: Death. The average American must understand the concept of duty. It is the Muslim’s “duty” to kill those who are not Muslim.

Once a certain percentage of Muslim’s are reached in a nation, the bloodshed begins. The average American must understand “radical” Muslim is a misnomer. There are no known” moderate” Muslim’s per Brigitte Gabriel, (former news anchor) displaced from Lebanon by Muslims who wish to kill her, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brigitte_Gabriel

Author John Hagee, (head of CUFI-Christians United for Israel), mentions that Muslims believe the messiah will conquer Israel, or the opposite of what Christians” and Jews believe. Other than that, Islam teaches that Jesus did not die on the cross, that Jesus was created from the dust, like Adam, that Allah is impersonal, that God is neither plural nor triune, and that Allah is removed from his creation; he relates to them through his will and law. The exact opposite of Jesus teachings in Islam are present. http://www.amazon.com/Jerusalem-Countdown-Revised-John-Hagee/dp/1599790890/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1387833031&sr=8-1&keywords=Jerusalem+Countdown%2C+John+Hagee

John Hagee, in his book “In Defense of Israel”, (http://www.amazon.com/In-Defense-Israel-Revised-Edition/dp/1599792109/ref=pd_sim_b_2) lists all the ways that Muslims differ in their beliefs as compared to “Christians” and Jews on pages 63 and 64. The last two differences state that Muslims believe that the messiah will be a descendent of Muhammad while “Christians” and Jews believe the Messiah will be a descendant of King David.

Messianic Gentile/Jewish “Christians” believe that Jesus already came as God in the flesh, but that He came first as a Lamb to redeem mankind and the earth. But He did reveal Himself as the Second Coming Messiah: Joh 4:25 The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.”

26 Then Jesus declared, “I who speak to you am he.” If this woman repeated these words, if it highly unlikely anyone believed her.

Also see: Matt 23:10. The word “Christ” is also interpreted as Messiah. Christ means “Anointed One” as does the word Messiah or the Hebrew Meshiah.

Franklin Graham, (Billy Graham’s son) said on a national TV show (Larry King) that Islam was “evil”. There are multiple historical listings of Franklin Graham on Larry King). This statement is voiced on numerous occasions. Here is one: http://www.politico.com/blogs/politicolive/1010/Rev_Franklin_Graham_Islam_evil.html.

Joel Osteen, who has a mega church, was on the same show in that same time slot on one occasion. When asked the question of whether Jews and Muslims would get into heaven, Osteen said he is very careful when dealing with that question. He later apologized to “Christians”, but “Christians” felt the damage was already done.

Some writer’s, however, feel Islam is not a religion at all: http://www.newenglishreview.org/custpage.cfm/frm/100100/sec_id/100100

The politician Geert Wilders feels the same: http://rt.com/news/geert-wilders-koran-islam/

Here is a Muslim who feels Islam is not a religion: http://www.jihadwatch.org/2014/02/kuwaiti-moderate-islamist-islam-is-not-a-religion-its-a-way-of-life?utm_source=Jihad+Watch+Daily+Digest&utm_campaign=c4a2fd0758-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_ffcbf57bbb-c4a2fd0758-123365593

Based on historical data, (as only one example) see: magnitude of Muslim atrocities at: http://www.hindunet.org/hindu_history/modern/moghal_atro.html.

From these reports, it would appear Muslims want to burn your farm, or your town, and your cities, or just to conquer you. They apparently want to make slaves of your children. If the children are too small they will simply be killed by taking their feet and slamming their heads against something hard. All women will be raped. Child bearing capable women will be kept as sex slaves.

Militant Muslims want everyone in the world to pray to God in the same way they do, with the same words they use, (asking Allah to curse Jews and “Christians”, and for your land to be a province of their Empire. If a Muslim disavows portions of the Koran, such as Chapter 9:5, he is not considered a Muslim, rather he is an Infidel.

Other reading on Islam might be considered such as:

http://shariaunveiled.wordpress.com/2014/01/08/islams-path-of-destruction/

http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Peace/2014/11/25/They-Even-Cut-the-Throats-of-the-Babies-Yazidi-Survivors-Share-How-They-Lost-Their-Families-to-ISIS

Interestingly, Mohammed once wrote that “every word Jesus spoke was true”. (See: http://christiananswers.net/q-eden/quran-jesus.html). Mohammed also wrote that anything new he wrote superseded and overwrote anything he wrote before.

Muslims have a word for a treaty/agreement with a non-Muslim. It is called a “Hudna”. Hudna, in Islam means; “to gain concessions from the enemy, or to regain strength”. So any agreement Israel or other Non-Muslim nations make with Islam is a Hudna. http://www.amazon.com/Jerusalem-Countdown-Revised-John-Hagee. These can be broken at any time with complete honor to the Muslim. According to Hagee, Hudna’s are why Islam has broken every agreement/covenant it has ever made.

So, where do these Muslims come from? Saudi Arabia, Syria, Iraq, Iran (formerly called Persia), Egypt, Lebanon, and all nations surrounding little Israel.

Per Hagee, Iran has nuclear facilities in the following cities starting at the top: Tabriz, Bonab, Chalus, Mo’allem Kalaych, Neka, Karaj, Tehran, Arak, Natanz, Saghand, Tabas, Isfahan, Yazd, Darkhovin, Busheir, Fasa. Some of these names have been changed, but Hagee’s point is that the nuclear facilities are widespread and cannot be monitored.

Muslim infiltration into America is widespread and involves all states including even the top states such as Minnesota, although Minneapolis/St. Paul, are often referred to as liberal modern day Sodom and Gomorrah, as is Los Angeles and San Francisco, Calif. http://www.barenakedislam.com/2014/11/24/minnesotastan-sharia-compliant-amendment-would-change-an-existing-minneapolis-ordinance-in-order-to-allow-businesses-to-cater-to-the-muslim-community-during-ramadan/

More: https://creepingsharia.wordpress.com/2014/12/02/minnesota-muslim-kept-jihad-plans-secret/

Additional Muslim infiltration into America is seen in the following articles:

http://pamelageller.com/2014/12/minnesota-imam-refuses-to-denounce-the-islamic-state-isis.html/

https://creepingsharia.wordpress.com/2014/12/28/syrian-muslims-headed-to-north-dakota-nebraska-and-kentucky/

http://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2014/12/allah_in_our_schools.html

The influx of Islamists, who appear to immediately partake of welfare programs in order to organize terror related acts against the providers of this welfare have virtually taken over other countries. The United Kingdom, formerly the British Empire, formerly Great Britain, is a good example: http://www.barenakedislam.com/2014/11/29/well-why-wouldnt-the-quran-be-read-at-prince-charles-coronation-as-king-england-is-likely-to-become-an-islamic-state-within-a-few-years/

http://shariaunveiled.wordpress.com/2014/12/28/latest-demographic-projections-conclude-britain-will-be-an-islamic-nation-within-20-years-2035/

http://www.barenakedislam.com/2014/11/28/chilling-the-growing-muslim-threat-to-switzerland-yes-even-switzerland/

Rape of all ages appears to be a requirement for Islamists/Muslims: http://sheikyermami.com/uk-muslim-sex-groomer-says-raping-little-girls-is-a-religious-requirement/

Considering the information on Islam at this time, readers are urged to keep in mind the documentation of Jesus the Christ walking on water, commanding a storm to be quiet, (with instant positive results), healing the sick, giving sight to the blind, raising the dead, feeding four thousand and five thousand people with a few fish and a little bread, driving demons out of people, and essentially changing the World (See the four Gospels). The fact of Mohammed coming in the sixth century after the death and resurrection of Jesus raises numerous questions.

What about the Book of Mormon? In perusing this book, this writer recalls many battles and much killing.

Have you, the writer of this epublication ever read the Mormon publication, “A Different Gospel”?

No. As a follower of the Holy Bible “Way” it seems forbidden or a desertion of the true Gospel per the Holy Bible: 2Co 11:4 “For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough.

Ga 1:6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel–”

However, this writer did attend Mormon services on Wednesday nights to avoid KP duty, and did have excellent chicken dinners in Mormon homes.

Ellen White in her book, The Great Controversy, (A Seventh Day Adventist publication) (Copyright 1990 by Better Living Publications-Revised 2002) http://www.amazon.com/Great-Controversy-Ellen-G-White wrote “the image of the beast represents that form of apostate Protestantism which will be developed when the Protestant churches shall seek the aid of the civil power for the enforcement of their dogmas”. Ellen White is considered to have prophesied in error fifty times. However, the book noted above contains an excellent condensation of historical data regarding the “Church”, over an extensive period of time.

CHAPTER 7

The Bad Times

During the Dark Ages, Crusaders were sent from Rome. They killed Jews, Muslims, who disagreed with the Roman Catholic concept of “Christianity”, and whoever was in front of them. There were seven total Crusades. On the first one, the Jews in Jerusalem all fled to the synagogue, (men, women and children), and they were burned alive there. The Crusaders (who had obtained advance absolution in Rome from the Pope (at that time) for any sins they might commit) marched around the synagogue and sang, “Christ, we adore Thee”, while 969 Jews screamed and burned. For further reading on this see: http://www.amazon.com/Jerusalem-Countdown-Revised-John-Hagee/dp/1599790890/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1387853485&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=Jerusalem+Countdown%E2%80%9D%2C+John+Hagee, and/or http://www.amazon.com/In-Defense-Israel-Revised-Edition/dp/1599792109/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1387853622&sr=8-1fkmr0&keywords=In+Defense+of+Israel%E2%80%9D%2C+John+Hagee%2C

After the next six Crusades came the Inquisition, which included the elimination of Jews in Spain and other countries “over there”, plus the elimination of anyone who did not agree with Rome including Gentiles. This Inquisition came from the Pope in Rome who at the time was named Pope Sixtus IV.

323,362 Jewish people were burned alive. This does not take into account those who were tortured with “the rack”, having water forced down throats, or other tortures to force confessions of being a Jew or “Christian” who did not believe in the papacy.

Over time several million “simple” “Christians” who disagreed with the Papacy were killed – usually by burning. At the time of this writing, it is estimated the Roman Catholic religion has killed about fifty million to one hundred million “Christians”. (See Daniel 7:20-25).

Above 700,000 “Christians” have fairly recently been slaughtered in the Sudan by Muslims, but this is not noted in the media because these people are “Christians” and because they are black, and because the media is liberal (meaning Anti-God). Muslims are known to cut off women’s breasts and send them away. If they live, fine, but they still can’t nourish a newborn.

The reader (especially if the reader is a “Protestant”) must understand the above occurred prior to any reforms and all Roman Catholics were also simply called “Christians”. Or, all “Christians” were Roman Catholic unless they disagreed with Rome, in which case they were killed. Therefore “Christians” committed these atrocities. It is not this writer’s intent to disparage Roman Catholics. The Apostles Creed stands as a witness between all “Christians” as one statement they can all agree upon. A “True Christian” as noted under “Labels” in this blog displays the necessities for salvation. Any writings/beliefs other than those found in the Holy Bible are simply man made and quite unnecessary for salvation.

Reform Time

Then came Martin Luther and the Reformation. Martin Luther did a lot of good things for the Church. Many sincere Roman Catholics agreed with him. Martin Luther had many people in other nations who were also influenced to “Protest” against Rome and it becomes apparent the Holy Spirit of God was working around the world. (Use “Reformers” as a code name in a search engine on the WEB, if you have a computer.)

For many, many generations, most households had only two books. The Holy Bible and Foxe’s Book of Martyr’s. Foxe, (John Foxe’s Book of Martyrs, Spire edition published 1998, Twelfth printing, May 2007) http://www.booksofthebible.com/p1077.html?gclid=CMX2lsXux7sCFYlDMgodzAYASA

August 10, 1520 was the date that Martin Luther said, “We here are of the conviction that the papacy is the seat of the true and real Antichrist”.

Fulfilled Prophecy? You Decide

Actually all the Reformers, before and after Martin Luther, felt the papacy was the Antichrist.

So, did Martin Luther fulfill prophecy? Generally, at the time, everyone agreed Luther through the “sword of the Word”, inflicted, due to the printing press, a “fatal” wound to the Papacy which fulfilled Revelations 13: Re 13:1 And the dragon stood on the shore of the sea. And I saw a beast coming out of the sea. He had ten horns and seven heads, with ten crowns on his horns, and on each head a blasphemous name.

Da 7:2,7; Re 12:3; 17:3,9,12

2 The beast I saw resembled a leopard, but had feet like those of a bear and a mouth like that of a lion. The dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority. Da 7:4-6; Re 12:4,9; 16:10

NOTE——/////////!!!!!!!(NOTE—–) 3 One of the heads of the beast seemed to have had a fatal wound, but the fatal wound had been healed. The whole world was astonished and followed the beast.

Re 13:12,14; 17:8

4 Men worshiped the dragon because he had given authority to the beast, and they also worshiped the beast and asked, “Who is like the beast? Who can make war against him?” Re 18:18

5 The beast was given a mouth to utter proud words and blasphemies and to exercise his authority for forty-two months. Da 7:8,11,25; 11:36; Re 11:2; 12:6

6 He opened his mouth to blaspheme God, and to slander his name and his dwelling place and those who live in heaven. Joh 1:14; Col 2:9

7 He was given power to make war against the saints and to conquer them. And he was given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation.

In this year of 2014, there is considerable disagreement in theological circles as to the meaning of “fatal wound had been healed”, although there is certainly a belief of the Roman Catholic Church coming back into power as though there had never been a Reformation. This will be addressed later on in this writing.

 

CHAPTER 8

Major “Christian” Theological Disagreements

The “perfection” of Jesus the Christ

Jesus is considered “perfect” because He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and His mother was a virgin. Mary was not perfect. The Roman Catholic’s have a celebration called “The Immaculate Conception”, but this does not refer to Jesus. It refers to Mary. It is not in the Holy Bible.

The Roman Catholics believe there is the Bible and then there is Tradition, the latter conceived by mankind. Roman Catholics also have a celebration of Mary’s Assumption. This means she ascended just as Jesus did. Again, not in the Holy Bible.

This is what Paul was talking about in 2nd Thessalonians 2:3 – when the simplicity of the Good News of Jesus being our Redeemer would be taken away and this “falling away” is due to man-made traditions, false theories and unbiblical practices. The “son of perdition” and that “mystery of lawlessness” he talks about in 2nd Thessalonians 2:3, 4, 7 and 1 Cor. 3:16, is quite possibly both about the Papacy and the lawlessness of End Time America, which Americans are seeing in its POTUS, DOJ, and generally all of its hierarchy/government at the present time.

The “restrainer” in Paul’s time was the Roman Empire and Paul couldn’t put it in writing because it would have brought the Roman Empire down on the new followers of Christ. He did remind them, however, that he had told them it was the Caesar’s in the Roman Empire when he was there personally.

However, please take note. I do not mean to imply the Holy Spirit God is not restraining evil in the world today or at that time. It is that the Scriptures in this particular instance do not refer to Holy Spirit God as restrainer.

A concept of a perfect Mary would mean that Jesus was not sent directly from God to save mankind and this earth. How so? Well if Mary was perfect then Jesus would not have taken on our “flesh” as Heb. 2:14 states. Instead, He would have been born of perfect Mary. Is that important? Well, to God it is!

There are considerably more Biblical references referring to the flesh, but 1 Tim. 3:16 seems clear in stating that “God was manifested in the flesh”. Well, what’s so important about that? Answer: The flesh is bad. Romans 7:18 “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells.”

Historicist Vs Futurist Doctrine

Historicist equals “Now” believers–including all Reformers and Tyndale, the latter – writer of the first English Bible – KJV.

Futurist equals interpretations of Scripture Prophecy for the – Future– first conceived, as ordered by Rome, by one of the first Jesuit Priests – Francisco Ribera.

Some of “Christianity’s” most illustrious scholars were of the Historicist opinion. They are:

John Wycliffe, William Tyndale, Martin Luther, Philip Melanchthon, Ulrich Zwingli, Robert Barnes, Nicholas Ridley, Hugh Latimer, Joseph Mede, Sir Isaac Newton John Wesley, George Whitefield, Jonathan Edwards, James Aitken Wyle, Merle D’Abigne, John Foxe, Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, John Bunyan, Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Henry Grattan Guinness, Richard Campbell, Dr. Marion Lloyd-Jones, Richard Bennett, Michael de Semlyen, Timothy Kauffman, Jim Dodson, Reg Barrow, Richard Bacon, Robert J. Nicholson, Dr. Bill Jackson, Rob Mays, Dr. John Robbins, Bill Kalivas, Dr. Val Finnell, Dwight Nelson, Dr. Charles Roberts, Dr. Francis Nigel Lee, Doug Batchelor, Robert Caringola, Mark Finley, Dr. Ian Paisel, etc.

All of the above and many others believed in the fulfillment of prophecy at their current time, and were of the opinion of Eph 2:8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith– and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God–.

Further insights can be gained by going to www.historicism.net or www.historicist.com.

To see all three methods of interpretation go to: www.armageddonbooks.com.

Keep in mind the Preterist interpretation was also inspired by one of the first Jesuits at the Council of Trent, Luis de Alcasar. As an interpretation it states all Biblical Prophecy has been fulfilled. As an opinion, it has been generally totally disregarded by the majority of believers.

All Jesuits were expelled from Portugal, France, Spain, Naples, and Russia in the 1700’s. They were described as “wickedly political” operating under a so-called spiritual base.

So Martin Luther did a lot of good? Yes, but he figured after straightening out the church, the Jews would come flocking. But they said, “Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – sounds like Polytheism to us”.

This seemed to anger Martin Luther severely. He wrote a book called, “Concerning the Jews and their lies”, which Hitler really liked. Hitler had a large number of those books and passed them out to whomever wanted one. He gave them out for Confirmation kids – both Roman Catholic and Lutheran. Hitler had some Jewish blood in him and was a Roman Catholic. He had a Concordat-Agreement with the pope in Rome, as did Mussolini. (Rome is in Italy but for some reason, this location is seldom mentioned.)

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/08/25/hitler-jewish-dna-tests-s_n_693568.html

Here is a little bit of what Martin Luther wrote in this book:

“Let me give you my honest advice.

First, their synagogues’ or churches should be set on fire. And whatever does not burn up should be covered or spread over with dirt, so that no one may ever be able to see a cinder or stone of it. And this ought to be done for the honor of God and of “Christianity” in order that God may see that we are “Christians”…

Secondly, their homes should be broken down and destroyed.

Thirdly, they should be deprived of their prayer books…..

Fourthly, their rabbis must be forbidden to speak…..

Fifthly, passport and traveling privileges should be absolutely forbidden to Jews….

Sixthly, they ought to be stopped for usury……

Seventhly, let the young and strong Jews and Jewesses be given the flail, the axe, the hoe, the spade, the distaff, and spindle, and let them earn their bread by the sweat of their noses……

We ought to drive the lazy bones out of our system. “

Then, Luther talks about how if we are afraid of them; we ought to get rid of them, as did the nations of France, Spain, Bohemia and so on. (See http://www.amazon.com/In-Defense-Israel-Revised-Edition/dp/1599792109/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1388260059&sr=8-1&keywords=in+defense+of+israel+john+hagee In Defense of Israel”, John Hagee, Front Line Publishing, A Division of Strang Publishing, 2007.)

The Jewishness of Jesus The Christ seems to have been completely forgotten by the “Church”. The “church” issued rules conflicting with the command of Jesus the Christ in calling someone other than an early father, “Father”: Mt 23:9 And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven.

Daniel 7:25 – Time, Times, and half a Time

Portions of the following come directly from: http://www.amazon.com/End-Time-Delusions-Steve-Wohlberg-ebook

By Napoleon’s orders, the papacy was completely eliminated in 1798, by one of his generals named Berthier. This writer believes this was a fulfillment of prophecy from Daniel 7:25 that stated there would be 3.5 years, 42 months or 1,260 days/years – of literal papal rule. This time began in 476 A.D. with a decree of the emperor Justinian establishing the Bishop of Rome as head of all Churches. This decree went into effect in 538 A.D.

538 A.D. is the beginning of the literal Papal rule. The elimination of the papacy in 1798, declaring Rome to be a Republic of France, was exactly 1,260 years. 1798, This then, was the end of the “time, times and half a time” as predicted by Daniel. (End: http://www.amazon.com/End-Time-Delusions-Steve-Wohlberg-ebook/)

This time of the Papal rule included the crusades, the inquisition and so on – i.e. the “persecution of the saints.”

This writer is unaware of anyone agreeing with this interpretation. Still, the reader is urged to just think about it. Is it common sense?

Comments on Revelation 9

Historicist’s see Islam in the 5th and 6th trumpets of Revelation 9.

Historicists consistently apply the locust prophecy of Revelation 9 to Muslim armies swarming out of the Arabian Desert.

In regard to Matthew 24:24 – Jesus warning of false prophets – Historicists interpret this as Mohammed, the false desert prophet.

John wrote in 1 John 2:22 that an antichrist denies Jesus as the Christ.

Mohammed denies Jesus as the Christ in the Quran, stating that Allah is only one God – “far be it from His glory that He should have a son”.

In so doing, according to 2 John 7, Mohammed is a false prophet, a deceiver and an antichrist.

The word antichrist is only found as follows in the NIV version, more in other versions, but all in 1st and 2nd John ONLY:

1Jo 2:18 Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour.

1Jo 2:22 Who is the liar? It is the man who denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a man is the antichrist– he denies the Father and the Son.

1Jo 4:3 but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.

2Jo 1:7 Many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist

Historicists and Revelation 12

Historicist’s see the Revelation 12,:6, 13-14 woman who fled in the wilderness for 1,260 days, as applying to Christ’s Church in the wilderness, which were persecuted during the 1,260 years by the Roman Catholic church – the harlot-usurper. In so speaking – Historicists say the Roman Catholic Church was “drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus (Revelation 17:6). In full context, however, this is Protestantism – true historicism. The fact of John’s being “surprised” by what he saw is of note. He was surprised because he never conceived the “Church” of becoming so filled with evil.

Futurism leaves nothing between the resurrection and the rapture, (the taking of the followers of Jesus The Messiah to Paradise).

Does that make sense?

Futurism leaps over Rome’s demise, the Inquisition, the Reformation, and so on. http://www.amazon.com/End-Time-Delusions-Steve-Wohlberg-ebook/

Where is common sense in this?

Some of the following consists of possibly boring facts of how the Ribera Futurist doctrine spread to Protestants. Yet absolutely necessary to know in making decisions.

The Futurist – 7 year tribulation – doctrine was confined to the Roman Catholic Church for three hundred years. Then in the nineteenth century it latched on to Protestants of the Established Church of England in the following manner according to Steve Wohlberg : http://www.amazon.com/End-Time-Delusions-Rapture-Antichrist. He writes:

“Dr. Samuel Maitland, a British lawyer and Bible scholar, discovered Ribera’s comments in the library of the Archbishop of Canterbury at Lambent, where he was working as a librarian. In 1826 he published a widely read book attacking the Reformation and supporting the Jesuit idea of a future Mr. Antichrist. For ten years, in tract after tract, he continued his anti-Reformation ideas.”

“After Dr. Maitland, came James H. Todd, professor of Hebrew at the University of Dublin. Giving credit to Maitland, – Todd published his own “futuristic” pamphlets and books.”

“Next – or third – John Newman, a member of the Church of England wrote a letter called “letter of Anglican Difficulties”, in which he openly said, his goal was to bring the Protestant Church back to Roman Catholicism. Of course, he discredited the Historicist opinion. Newman eventually became a Cardinal in the Roman Catholic Church.”

Kohlberg continues: “Then came the fourth and most deadly individual. His name was Edward Irving, and he was a Scottish Presbyterian minister, who pastured a large Chalcedonean Chapel in London. Irving eventually accepted the one-man Futurist doctrine, after reading the three people preceding him, as mentioned above. However, Irving went a step further. He felt there was a two-phase return of Christ – the first phase being a “secret rapture” before the rise of an antichrist. He taught this. There have been incredible amounts of time spent in attempting to figure out where he got this idea. Eventually, it was thought he snatched it from a young Scottish girl named Margaret MacDonald who first “saw” it during ecstatic “revelation”. http://www.amazon.com/End-Time-Delusions-Rapture-Antichrist/.

An individual by the name of Calvin came up with the ideation of Cessationalism. He was called a “man of God”, and the Presbyterians came in his wake. He lived in France, was a Protestant, which means he did not believe in the infallibility of the Roman Catholic Pope, i.e. that what the Pope said from a doctrinal perspective was the same as coming from God. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papal_infallibility

Many of his writings seem very good, but somehow, he got the idea that all the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, such as those mentioned in 1st Cor. 12 and Romans 12, and some in Ephesians 4, had ceased. So if you are a Cessationalist, tear those chapters out of your Bible.

In the midst of this growing anti-Protestant climate in England, came John Darby who was a brilliant lawyer, pastor, and theologian. He wrote more than 53 books on Bible subjects. Darby was called “The Father of Dispensationalism”. Dispensationalism in itself is a library. However, one item excerpted from it concerns the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, which are listed in Roman 12 and 1 Cor. 12, along with Eph. 4. Darby felt these ended with the Apostles except of course, for those of Eph. 4 consisting of Pastor, Evangelist and Teacher. So, same thing as with Calvin, if you believe the latter– tear out certain chapters of your Bible.

One of his ideas was that we live in dispensations/periods from God, (which is generally accepted throughout the “Christian” community.

Darby’s idea of Dispensations seems to agree with an understanding in the “Christian” Church that we are in the seventh dispensation per the letters Jesus wrote in the Book Revelations to His Church.

This would make the Church at this time the Laodecian, or lukewarm Church. It’s interesting that Laodicea got its hot water by pipelines and often by the time the hot water reached them it was lukewarm. The problem is that God can work with Coldness and Hotness. But He can’t work with lukewarmness.

Darby moved the “Rapture” of the church and placed it at the beginning of the Tribulation, rather than at the end. The end of time was the common belief then, by a lot of people, including the Reformers, as noted above in a paragraph consisting solely of names. Keep in mind that Darby had already caught the Futurist virus as conceived by the Jesuit, Ribera. http://www.amazon.com/End-Time-Delusions-Rapture-Antichrist/.

Darby seemed to catch on well with others, such as a man named Scofield who was a lawyer in Kansas. He published the Scofield Reference Bible, which is the Bible recommended for all Baptists. He put his beliefs in Dispensationalism in the margins, so a Baptist will tell you that the Gifts of the Holy Spirit are not for today and say “it’s in the Bible”. If you ask them to show you, they will point with a triumphant finger to the margin of the Bible, not the Biblical text itself. BSF or Bible Study Fellowship, which is a Baptist oriented bible study, is a good Bible study group to go with, especially if you are a fairly new believer in Christ. However, if you believe or practice any of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, (such as those found in 1st Cor. 12 or to a degree in Romans 12), you cannot speak about them and you cannot lead a class.

This then is the path – Futurism was introduced to the End Time teaching.

Following Scofield, Hal Lindsey, picked this doctrine up and it is reflected in his book “The Late, Great Planet Earth”. It was then disseminated widely. Since then Hal Lindsey has gone on to a televised prophetic program with countless updates to this belief.

Joseph Tanner, wrote in 1898 in a book on Daniel and Revelation as follows:

“I will emphasize a fundamental truth once more; the Futurist school of Bible prophecy was created for one reason and one reason only; to counter the Protestant Reformation”. http://books.google.com/books/about/Daniel_and_the_Revelation.html?id=X-7imAEACAAJ

Books obtainable from local “Christian” Book Stores that explain these facts much more clearly and with multiple references are:

Hunt, Dave, “A Woman Rides the Beast”, Harvest House Publishers, 1994. http://www.barnesandnoble.com/

And as referenced above:

http://www.amazon.com/End-Time-Delusions-WOHLBERG-STEVE/

Water Baptism

Jesus said: Joh 3:3 In reply Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again”. By tradition, this has always been followed by water baptism. We read about Jesus the Christ God being Baptized in the river Jordon, by His cousin, John – who was called John the Baptist. Many denominational, non-denominational, and Messianic groups feel total “immersion” is the “kosher” way to Baptize.

On the other hand, St. Paul baptized the household (family) of Stephanas (1Cor. 1:16) He likewise baptized Lydia and her household, Acts 16:l5. Again, he baptized the keeper of the prison at Philippi, and all his household (Acts 16:33).

Peter baptized Cornelius (because Cornelius and the other Gentiles around him began speaking in tongues when he told them about Jesus as the Messiah, (i.e. signifying the presence of the Holy Spirit) and all who with him heard and believed the divine Word in his house (Acts 10:48). Whoa! God seemed a little out of order – we humans demand order and it must be as usual. This was almost scandalous.

Households commonly include children, – the burden of proof to the contrary rests with those who deny the validity of infant Baptism. Also it was custom of the day that when a father turned to the Jewish religion, he was circumcised with all the males in his household.

When “Christianity” spread and circumcision was abolished, the apostles baptized all members in a household, when there was a conversion, not only males but also females since per Paul there is neither male nor female in Christ. Also see Col. 2:11,12.

Babies belong to “all nations” of whom Christ spoke of in the great Commission – go ye, etc. When a government commands that a census should be taken of all nations, that certainly includes children- even the smallest ones. Original sin: Romans 3:23. Rom. 5:12. John 3:6. Gen. 8:21.Eph.2:3. Gal. 3:26-27.

Babies can believe. Jesus said in Matt. 18:6 – whoso shall offend one of these little ones, etc. In Matt. 21:16 – Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings, Thou hast perfected praise- Jesus is using Ps. 8:2. Also Jesus said, in Mark 10-13-16: that he was upset with the Disciples when they wouldn’t let the little ones come to him. Origen born in 185 said that the Baptism of infants was an “apostolic tradition”. Augustine, born in 354, wrote learned books against the heretics who disapproved of infant and child baptism. From the apostolic age to the 16th century, infant baptism was undisputed.

This writer knows an individual who was Baptized as an infant with sprinkling, and after reading the last chapter of Mark. at the age of ten years spoke in a different language (tongues), which is listed as a Holy Spirit God Gift in 1st Cor. 12. How could that happen without the Holy Spirit coming in with the water sprinkling? Did somebody lay hands on him like in Acts? No. Did somebody hold him and mumble something and then dunked him in the lake? No.

A man of God named Larry Christenson has written several books and one small book called “What about Infant Baptism” available at the website: www.lutheranrenewal.org. This individual has a gift for taking such issues apart very carefully. He feels there is a danger of pride in people saying “I made a decision”. In his research he came across a book written by a 19th century German theologian who said: “The question of whether infants may be baptized can naturally be decided by God alone” (Karl Boehom, Lights and Shadows in the Present Condition of the Church – London: Thomas Bosworth, 1874, pp. 102-103.)”

“Baptism had become a “custom” which impelled Boehom to write. He felt the question was not what man does, but rather what God does in baptism.

Larry Christenson writes that “while baptism may be the occasion for a public testimony of one’s faith, it is clear that this is a secondary factor. The primary emphasis of Scriptures is upon what God does in baptism. He (God) uses baptism as a means to help accomplish his saving work”.

He quotes Edmund Schlink, professor of theology at Heidelberg, “On the basis of the New Testament, Infant Baptism can neither be excluded nor proved”. He states “to say a child can’t believe” is not scriptural” and quotes the scriptures of Psalm 22:9, and Luke 18:17.” He then goes on to mention the trend of most churches of either/or – full immersion or sprinkling.

He states that one cannot be re-baptized, but certainly can be immersed if desired or re-sprinkled if desired for spiritual reasons.

This writer feels either/or is fine, but would tend to go with full immersion only because Jesus the Christ went with full immersion. Nevertheless, this writer would not feel full immersion (post sprinkling) was a baptism or a rebaptism, but rather a spiritual action taken for a spiritual reason, with man or theology having nothing to do with the act itself. I know good men and women of God who receive full immersion at least once a year. Did the man on the cross next to Jesus the Christ God receive sprinkling or full immersion in water? Lu 23:43 Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Other Conflicts in the “Christian” Communities

Cessationalism and Dispensationalism

Baptists are a growing number. Why? Probably because they believe in the “Born Again” experience of a person. (See “labels” above.) This Born Again experience is scriptural, of course, and appears to be “blessed” by God. “Joh 3:3 In reply Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again”

That’s the equivalent of believing in Jesus Christ as the Son of God, believing that he paid the full price for your mistakes, being sorry for those mistakes, asking Jesus Christ to come into your heart. In other words repent. (Repent means “turn completely around and head the other way) and thus beginning the process called Sanctification. So if you did that and died right then, would you go to Heaven? Yes. That’s called positional sanctification and then there’s ongoing sanctification.

Well, the Old Cowboy said it best. He was late, as usual, for the visiting teacher’s presentation, and this tended to enrage the teacher. So the Old Cowboy stomped in on the wood floor, about 45 minutes late, and the teacher walks up to him and says, “Well, Old Cowboy, I just spent 45 minutes teaching on positional and ongoing sanctification. Can you explain it”? And the Old Cowboy thought for awhile and then he said, “Well, I ain’t what I wanna be, and I ain’t what I’m gonna be, but thank God, I ain’t what I used to be”. Anyway it’s all Adiaphora, right?

I thought it was possibly prophetic that a Southern Baptist sang Ave Maria to Pope Benedict when he came to America. The doctrine of Futurism seems to be taking hold with the Baptists, as well as most of the Pentecostals and other groups concerned about the End Times and prophecy. However, I heard later, the singer was young and had just gotten off a singing television production called “American Idol”. This title (of a Television production), would, of course, dispute the Second Commandment as noted in the beginning of this writing.

The Baptism of the Holy Spirit

Mt 3:11 “I baptize you with (Or in)- (the Greek word is either/or) water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

Lu 11:13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

Joh 1:33 I would not have known him, except that the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’

Joh 14:26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

Joh 20:22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”

Charismatic’s and Pentecostals

Harold Vinson Synan, is an historian and author within the Pentecostal movement. Synan has published a total of sixteen books, fifteen of which are related to Pentecostal and Charismatic history. A search on the Web would be rewarding concerning this individual.

The Baptism of the Holy Spirit has a history going back to the Book of Acts. Although Jesus the Christ breathed on his disciples and said “Receive the Holy Spirit”, it is not specified that He did this with the 70 followers He sent out, who had great success to the point of Jesus saying “

Lu 10:18 — “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.”

So in Acts we read about all the miracles people did AFTER they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. What happened?

It died out!

The Roman Catholic Bishop’s came out and used to pray for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, when the children got Confirmed, but that died out too. Well, we had the Dark Ages, the Crusades and the Inquisition. The Holy Bible was forbidden to the “masses of people” by the Roman Catholic Church in some regional areas. Anyone who had a Bible was killed.

When people get Baptized in the Holy Spirit now, like the 120 did at something called Pentecost, ( Pente =Greek =meaning fifty, i.e. fifty days after Passover), after Jesus went back to see the Father God, then these people are a threat too.

So they come under attack. And they say “We are under attack”! Well, duh. What do they expect? James, the brother of Jesus, wrote a letter – it’s in the Bible in a letter called “James” and said in Chapter five, verse 13 that when we are “afflicted”, we ought to pray. Does that mean we can’t get a group of people, who believe in prayer like we do, to pray for us. Not at all. But the gist of James 5:13 is that we really need to pray ourselves, for ourselves. James 5:14-15 is different. This is for if we are really sick physically.

Affliction is really not such a bad thing. KJV: “Ps 34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all”. Manasseh was probably one of the wickedest Kings in Israel’s history. So God sent great affliction on him through the Assyrians. Then we read: “2Ch 33:12 And when he was in affliction, he besought the LORD his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers,”. And he was then blessed.

Also King David wrote: Ps 119:67 “ Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.”

Remember Job? Satan can do nothing unless permitted by God. We need to seek the Lord during these times and ask Him what He is wanting us to learn from this trial we are going through.

That number 120 is really interesting.

Moses lived to be 120?

There were 120 lines holding up the Tent of Meeting that Bezalel put together, after being especially gifted to do so by Holy Spirit God. (Exodus 31) The outside line was called “Word” and the inside one was called “Spirit”. Let the reader understand,-the area is all sand.

When Solomon built the Temple he had 120 trumpeter’s blowing the trumpet at the same time in “unity”? Here they had sacrificed so many animals they lost count. But God didn’t show up. Then the 120 people blew their horns in “unity” and then God showed up and the priests couldn’t move around because the power of God was present.

If we read the Scriptures, after Jesus Ascended back to Heaven so the Holy Spirit could come, there were 120 people waiting for the Holy Spirit,

The Bible says they were in “unity”. And then Holy Spirit God showed up.

Makes a person wonder about what unity can do in the Church or even for a single church, doesn’t it?

As the “Church” gathered a type of order, the practice of the laying on of hands, and asking for this Baptism of the Holy Spirit slowly died out of mainstream “Christianity”. Studies show historically, however, the practice continuing behind the scenes for centuries.

Around 1900, people were Baptized in the Holy Spirit spontaneously in Topeka, Kansas. Somehow, (probably through the physical movement of these people), this spread to Los Angeles and caused a revival there called the Azuza Street revival. Please see http://www.religion-online.org/showarticle.asp?title=3321 for a more detailed report.

In brief, On April 9, 1906, at a prayer meeting in a modest home on Bonnie Brae Street in Los Angeles, a few men and women spoke in tongues. They had been meeting to pray for “an outpouring” of the Holy Spirit. The tongues speech convinced them that they had “broken through.”

News of the event spread rapidly among blacks, Latinos and whites, the prosperous and the poor, immigrants and natives. Those who yearned for revival, as well as the curious, thronged the house. The need for space prompted a move to an abandoned Methodist church on, you guessed it, Azusa Street.

For the next two years, waves of religious enthusiasm waxed and waned at Azusa Street, attracting visitors from across the nation and missionaries from around the globe. The faithful announced that this was a reenactment of the New Testament Day of Pentecost: “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages as the Spirit gave them ability” (Acts 2:4). God was restoring New Testament experiences of the Holy Spirit — or, as devotees of the movement put it, “restoring the apostolic faith”.

At Azusa Street, one could see and hear the “utterance gifts” listed in 1st Corinthians 12:8-10. “Seekers spent hours praying to be baptized with the Holy Spirit, an experience they expected would be attested by speaking in tongues. People interpreted tongues and prophesied — phenomena with which few “Christians” had any direct experience. The sick came for healing. There was a black man involved and a white man. Eventually they disagreed, and from the black man came the Church of God in Christ. From the white man came the Assembly of God. Well, they were mixed up racially at first, but that’s how is eventually came out, and this move of Holy Spirit God spawned all the Pentecostal groups too.

A man by the name of Dr. Cho wrote the following for clarification. Dr. Cho has written many books and articles: http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&field-author=Paul/

The following comes from the above hyperlink:

A Biblical Look at the Difference between Regeneration and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit

“Regeneration is what Jesus referred to when He told Nicodemus- “Ye must be born again.(John 3:7). Nicodemus was a ruler of the Pharisees. a group of Jews who kept the strict law and religious rites. Not finding truth and satisfaction in his religion, he came to Jesus at night. In response to a statement by Nicodemus, Jesus made a disturbing declaration: “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3).

Nicodemus had tried to be admitted to the kingdom of God by keeping the law and religious rites, by cultivating virtue through self-improvement and effort. All his hard work seemed to crumble in a moment. So Nicodemus asked hastily. “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?” (John 3:4). Jesus answered that question by explaining clearly the law of rebirth: “Verily verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again” (vv.5-7).

Here Jesus taught that salvation could not be achieved by a person’s own effort, self-improvement or religious celebration. Rather it takes place when God brings about rebirth at the center of a person’s being.

Something new must happen. Think of it this way: However well a monkey imitates man, it cannot become a human being because monkeys are fundamentally different from humans in the level of their existence.

John I: 13 declares that to become children of God we must be born of God: “Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” Therefore salvation means that a man of flesh is born again through the Holy Spirit by the grace of God and essentially becomes a spiritual being. It is what God does for man. Salvation is possible only by the gift of God.

By that gift we become “partakers of the divine nature” (2 Pet. 1 :4) through the grace of God and have the eternal life of God.

What then does it mean that God enables sinners to be born again by water and the Holy Spirit? Some people insist that “born of water” here means the physical baptism of water. But the Bible attaches greater importance to the meaning of this phrase. Of course I do not say that water baptism is a light or unnecessary act. Can it be true that God commands an unnecessary thing? The meaning of water here is, above all, “washing “ The. Bible elsewhere teaches that we are washed by the Word of God. Jesus said to His disciples, “Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you” (John 15:3): and Paul wrote, “That he might sanctify and cleanse it [the church] with the washing of water by the word” (Eph.5:26). When Jesus says we must be “born of water and of the Spirit,” He is referring to the Word of God and the Holy Spirit. Who could be the Word of God but Jesus Himself (see John 1:1,2,14)? Further on in His conversation with doubting Nicodemus, Jesus referred to Himself: “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:14).

Only the precious blood of Jesus, who is the living Word, can make us clean-and that blood is the very word which cleanses us. But Jesus said we are born again “of water” and the Word-”and the Spirit.” Then what does the Holy Spirit do? Ezekiel 36:26 describes beautifully how sinners are changed into new creatures by the Spirit of God: “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh” (see also Ezek.11:19).

Today our Savior Jesus Christ can neither be understood nor explained except through the Holy Spirit, the author of miracles of salvation. He is the administrative agent of God’s salvation, reproving us of our sin through the Word and revealing Christ who becomes our righteousness and declares the judgment to Satan. “And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment” (John 16:8). In John 16:14. Jesus showed that He revealed Himself only through the vessel of the Holy Spirit: “He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.” The Holy Spirit carries out the new creative work that transforms a person by leading him to receive eternal life, and the nature of God. But the Holy Spirit goes a step beyond regeneration, and that’s what the baptism of the Holy Spirit is all about.

Regeneration is not the same experience as the baptism of (or with) the Holy Spirit. Of course, both regeneration and the baptism of the Holy Spirit can happen at the same time. But in other cases there is an interval of time between the two experiences.

In the Bible there is clear mention of born-again believers who had not received the baptism with the Holy Spirit. Before Jesus’ death His disciples had already received eternal life, for Jesus called them in person and they obeyed Him, believing that He was the Son of God. Jesus said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life” (John 5:24). Jesus also testified in John 13:10 that His disciples were all clean except Judas Iscariot.

And when the 70 disciples returned from preaching and told Jesus how the devils were subject to them, Jesus admitted that the 70 disciples had already received everlasting life. “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: And nothing shall by any means hurt you. notwithstanding in this rejoice not that the spirits are subject unto you: but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10: 19-20).

But Jesus did not say that they had received the full baptism of the Holy Spirit from the moment they believed (as some theologians today claim). It’s quite clear that they hadn’t yet received the fullness of the Spirit. Before He ascended into heaven, Jesus told His disciples that they should not depart from Jerusalem yet: “Wait for the promise of the Father, which ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water: but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence” (Acts 1:4,5) Some people agree that the believing disciples needed the baptism of the Holy Spirit, but they say that was only because they were believers before Pentecost. The argument goes that any believer since that Pentecost when the church was born and the Holy Spirit descended receives the baptism of the Holy Spirit at the time of conversion. But New Testament accounts show such a theory to be wrong.

Acts 8:5-13 describes the scene of deacon Philip preaching the gospel in Samaria. The people there “with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spoke, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.” As a result, “unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. And there was great joy in that city”. The account goes on to say that a great number of men and women believed the gospel and were baptized. But the next passage says that though they believed and were baptized, they were by no means baptized with the Holy Spirit: “Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost” (Acts 8:14-17).

This indicates that to believe and to be born again is distinctly different from receiving the Holy Spirit. Acts 9:5-17 tells a vivid account of Paul’s conversion and experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit which didn’t happen simultaneously. With a letter of authority from the high priests, Saul and his friends journeyed toward Damascus, to persecute those who believed Jesus and bring them into prison. But when he and his followers were near Damascus, “suddenly there shone round about him a light from heaven which blinded him.” Having heard the voice of the Lord Jesus, Saul fell to the earth and confessed that Jesus was Lord. He went into Damascus a different man, obeying God.

Saul fasted and prayed for three days. From this we see that he became a new creature in Christ. Ananias was then sent by Holy Spirit God to put his hands on Saul, praying that he be filled with the Spirit, which he was.

Another example is the church in Ephesus which has been established through the eloquent preaching of Appolos. But when Paul visited that church he found it struggling and weak. The first question Paul asked was, “Have ye received the Holy Ghost when ye believed?” (Acts 19:2). Paul knew that if they had received the Holy Spirit they wouldn’t have been so powerless and feeble with only twelve or so members.

If Christians always received the Holy Spirit when they believed, would Paul have deliberately asked this unnecessary question? “Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?” Faith does not mean that one automatically receives the fullness of the Holy Spirit. It is something a believer should pray and ask for. In fact, first century Spirit filled believers thought that Christians who weren’t Spirit-filled lacked a necessary qualification for service. Because of this, new believers as a rule prayed earnestly to receive the Holy Spirit. Before the believers at Ephesus received the Holy Spirit, the church was miserably weak and sick. But after people received the fullness of the Holy Spirit through Paul’s ministry, a wonderful vitality and power of faith exploded in their midst. After a while it became a famous church that filed all of Asia Minor with the Word of God.

When we take all these accounts into consideration, we can see that regeneration and the baptism with the Holy Spirit are two distinctly different experiences.

Regeneration is the experience of receiving the gift of the Lord by being grafted into the body of Christ through the Holy Spirit and the Scriptures.

The baptism of the Holy Spirit is the experience in which Jesus fills the believer with the power of God for ministry, service and victorious living.

Regeneration grants a person everlasting life, while the baptism of the Holy Spirit grants regenerate believers the power of God to preach Christ.

Christians today are not powerless, sick and spiritless because they are not born again, but because they have not received the fullness of the Holy Spirit, the tremendous power of God for service.

Without the baptism of the Holy Spirit the church today can never display God’s power as did the early church – a combative, challenging and victorious power to evangelize a generation. For this reason, we should renounce the foolish, weak, and lethargic excuse that all believers immediately receive the Holy Spirit when they believe. Rather we should pray to receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit. “

(End of Dr. Cho’s remarks).

Dr. Paul Yonggi Cho is pastor of the world’s largest church, Yoido Full Gospel Church, Seoul, South Korea, which now has possibly a million members. Excerpted from The Holy Spirit, My Senior Partner, by Paul Yonggi Cho, published by Creation House. Adapted by CHARISMA & CHRISTIAN LIFE. February 1990.

The Charismatic Renewal

Next came what’s called the Charismatic Renewal. This started in Michigan, (about 1959), with both Roman Catholics and Lutherans, and spread around all the denominations (the mainline ones). Some Episcopalians were exceedingly consumed by it and the first “main-line” publication on the Baptism in the Holy Spirit came from Dennis Bennett, an Episcopalian Pastor. http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/dennis-bennett

From the Lutheran concept the standout book appears to be “The Charismatic Renewal Among Lutherans, by Larry Christenson, published 1976 -revised 1985, by International Lutheran Renewal Center, Arden Hills, Minnesota. http://www.lutheranrenewal.org/. One point Larry Christenson wrote struck this writer. He was speaking of a parishioner who came up to him and said, “We are concerned and frightened because this stuff is supernatural”. Larry Christenson also wrote pretty much the same book for Pentecostal/Assembly of God organizations and simply called it “They speak in other tongues”. Other denominational publishers regarding the Charismatic Renewal, including Roman Catholic, can easily be found on line on the Web.

A few Pope’s encouraged it but the mainline Roman Catholics really disliked it. And the former mainline protestant churches that rejected it continue to die out.

This writer knew a man who became involved in this movement, (the Charismatic Renewal). and wanted to research it. He attended this so called “Spirit-filled” service and during the singing felt this hot air on his head. So he looked for the hot air vents with jets, that he figured had to be up there someplace. He had done numerous Bible studies and knew his Bible thoroughly, reading it all the way through at least once a year. Therefore, he was well aware of the Book of Acts and those “tongues of fire”.

He continued to go back and felt that heat on his head, but confessed he never could find those vents. Eventually, some people prayed for him to receive this “Baptism in the Holy Spirit”, and he related hearing the voice of Jesus Christ. What did he say? “Go to the Altar”, which eventually he found out meant to Repent. So he repented for about six months. And then he finally turned his life over to Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

Following this and as part of his investigation he went to class every Thursday night and on Sunday nights, He prayed for people at the altar for this and that – for healing primarily and did this for 3.5 years, for about 3.5 hrs per evening, and he described it as a really good education. It was a learning experience that just doesn’t happen overnight. The experience itself he explained is supernatural, but the “gifts” of the Holy Spirit God do not come into being without experimentation and training. This explains why so many so called “Spirit filled” churches do little more than the denominational church next door. There simply is no training.

Lack of teaching in the “church” on this is astounding, which is most likely why the “church” overall is dying. Praying for people for ailments or psychological problems is reserved for the “ordained” leaders which is severely discouraging to the parishioners, who come to believe that one must be “ordained” to be effective in praying whereas it is entirely possible the reverse is correct.

This writer once knew of a small church who were told, “people will come here and will not be able to move because of the power of God”. That church died because all they did was wait.

It is true however, that new people are coming into the Kingdom of God, that is the Three in One God, all the time. As mentioned above, Baptists are growing, (except for the last few years) even though they are “Futurists”. The only other growing areas/denominations/people, are those called Pentecostals or Charismatic’s.

Both Charismatic’s and Pentecostals believe in a Born Again experience as well as a Baptized in the Holy Spirit experience.

A Charismatic is a person who has been baptized in the Holy Spirit, but feels led by that Holy Spirit to stay in the denomination where he/she is. Sometimes though you will find a congregation that is non-denominational and calls itself Charismatic.

Leaving out several hundred books on the subject, finally came what is called “The Third Wave”, referring once again to Holy Spirit God. The remaining denominations and non-denomination organizations received this outpouring.

All the smaller Protestant denominations were part of this outpouring, but many of them have never taken it very far, primarily to distance themselves from Pentecostals and Assembly of God denominations, which they consider to be somewhat “fanatical”.

The Evangelical Free Church accepts Charismatic/Pentecostals, but does not encourage the “gifts”. However, these people have something very good called AWANA (Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed), which provides a “Christian” education and children are taught to memorize Scripture.

Peter Wagner, who is a Professor at Fuller Theological Seminary put out a book called, “Know Your Spiritual Gifts – you can help your church grow”, and together with a man named Dr. Kent Hunter (also called “The Church Doctor”), made up a good survey or questionnaire that is excellent. Dr. Hunter also has his own study on the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, which I have used in the past. Another excellent study is “Experiencing the Holy Spirit” by Larry Keefauver, Thompson Publishing, because this author catches the Gift of Craftsmanship as in Bezalel, as in Exodus, as mentioned above.

Known Gifts of the Holy Spirit

HELPS – 1 Cor. 12: 28, Rom. 16:1-2, Gal 6:2, other

INTERCESSION – Rom. 12:12, 1 Tim 2:1, Rom. 8:26-27, John 17:1-26

FAITH – 1 Cor. 12:9, 4, 11, Eph. 2:8, Heb. 11:1, 7, 8, 29, other.

PROPHECY- Rom 12:6, 1 Cor. 12:28-29, Eph. 4:11

VOLUNTARY POVERTY – 1 Cor. 13:3

KNOWLEDGE – 1 Cor. 12:8

HOSPITALITY – 1 Peter 4:9-10, 1 Tim 3:2, Titus 1:8, Luke 14:14

TONGUES – 1 Cor 12:10, 28, 1 Cor. 14:39b

APOSTLE – 1 Cor 12:28, Eph. 4:11

CRAFTSMANSHIP – Exodus 31

CELIBACY – 1 Cor. 7:7-8

ADMINISTRATION – 1 Cor. 12:28

EXORCISM / DELIVERANCE – Matt. 10:1, Luke 9:1, Acts 16:16-18

PASTORING – Eph. 4:11

HEALING (GIFTS OF HEALINGS) – 1 Cor. 12:9

EXHORTATION – Romans 12:8

MERCY – Romans 12:8

MARTYRDOM – 1 Cor. 13: 1-3

INTERPRETATION OF TONGUES – 1 Cor. 12:10

EVANGELIST – Eph. 4:11

SERVICE – Romans 12:7

MIRACLES – 1 Cor. 12:10, 28

TEACHING – Romans 12:7

DISCERNMENT – 1 Cor. 12:10

GIVING – Romans 12:8

WISDOM – 1 Cor 12:8

MISSIONARY – Eph. 3:6-8

LEADERSHIP – Romans 12:8

As noted above a Pentecostal is someone, who has been baptized in the Holy Spirit and probably is not part of a denomination. All the other churches/denominations are called the “former main-line churches”. That name “former” came about because they are all dying. This includes Missouri Synod Lutherans, ELCA Lutherans, Methodists, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, and you name it. Why are they dying? For two reasons:

First, because they bought into the Cessationist/Dispensationalist theology which takes chapters out of the Bible, and the power of Holy Spirit God.

Second, (except for the Missouri Synod Lutherans) because they, (well, the hierarchy at least), advance the agenda of the homosexual and they are into the killing of babies, (called the Pro-Choice movement). This also takes verses, and sometimes entire chapters, out of the Bible. The Episcopalians have lost over 50% of their members, and it is estimated the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church of America) will lose about the same percentage since they became pro-death of unborn babies and approving of homosexuality.

When a vote was taken by the ELCA to approve homosexuality, a tornado spawned and took off the Cross over the Church building in which the ELCA was meeting. It then moved into the northern part of Minneapolis, Minnesota and caused much damage. This was the first tornado to occur in Minneapolis in known history.

Homosexuality

For people who want just a few New Testament references to homosexuality, Romans 1:20-32 is appropriate and 1st Cor. 6:9-11 tells just who will not enter the Kingdom of God. Is homosexuality outlined or something? No, it seems to be just thrown in with the others as people who will not be allowed into the Kingdom of Heaven– that includes “the wicked, sexually immoral, idolaters, adulterers, male prostitutes, thieves, the greedy, drunkards, slanderers, swindlers, and so on. It may need to be emphasized that homosexuality is not outlined by Elohim as a “sin” worse than any other sin.

What about fornicators? What’s that mean? That word is used in other translations (see KJV version Galatians 5:19-21) – Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: —, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God,

Fornication means sex without marriage. The old KJV uses the word “fornication” a lot. So people who just go out and have sex won’t get to heaven? Or maybe they just sleep together for a few years pre-marriage.

Well, God doesn’t change – Right?

Mal 3:6 For I am the LORD, I change not; … (KJV).

Of course, there’s always repentance.

So, why did Jesus never say anything about homosexuality? Jesus is considered “God in the flesh”. As human beings we can only assume answers, or make assumptions. First probable reason: The percentage of homosexuality at that time was less than the 1-3% now considered apparent. Homosexuality is documented historically to become much more prevalent as a nation dies.

Secondly, when Jesus the Christ died on the Cross, the Veil in the Temple, (which was hand-woven and three inches thick- some writers say 18 inches), was completely torn apart.

This meant that living people who are in the Kingdom of God can now talk to our Father God in His Holy of Holies, and there is approval, as long as we come to Him via the Blood of Jesus. It’s a God thing – there has to be a shedding of blood. (This may go back to when Elohim had to kill (shed blood) of animals to provide clothing for Adam and Eve.)

Per studies and testimonies, this writer has seen, there is a need for the homosexual to have a male approval. The Father God is, of course, the best choice.

Homosexual activists say that the sin at Sodom and Gomorrah was lack of hospitality. Really? Genesis 19 states that the men of the town wanted to sodomize the two angels who appeared as men, and came to save Lot and his family as a favor to Abraham from God Himself.

Are there other passages that forbid homosexuality? Yes, but you won’t find them by doing a search for homosexuality. There’s some in the Old Testament too. If you look in a King James concordance, look for the word “abomination”.

If I am attracted to the same sex, does that mean the Three-In-One God does not love me anymore? Of course not. The love does not change. He (God) created you. He says he knew you in your mother’s womb: Jer 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew —-you”.

This writer worked with psychiatrists’ and neurologists. I still have the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual) for Psychiatrists’ published in 1987. It lists homosexuality as a psychiatric disorder. But what I heard happened, from a psychiatrist who was there, was that homosexual activists went to a meeting of the American Psychiatric Association and told them they could not leave unless they took homosexuality out of the DSM. This greatly frightened the psychiatrists, so they took it out.

A highly respected psychologist, Dr. Sigmund Freud, said that homosexuals had an “oral/anal fixation at about three years of age”. This was not considered a good thing for the homosexual community. So eventually they discredited Freud by saying he was an opium addict. And I guess he did smoke a pipe of opium now and then, as was the common practice at the time – I don’t know how often though.

So does the writer know any homosexuals. Oh, sure. Some that have become followers of Christ and left that lifestyle and some that have not. They are nice people. Both kinds. Well, not Activists – they are “pushy”.

Am I a homophobe based on “politically correct Anti-God criteria”? Probably not as the creator of that word feels, (based on the fact I treat homosexual people just as a heterosexual person. However God, per His Word, states very clearly His creating of mankind as Man and Woman! Homosexuality is never approved by God in His Word and per His Word, noted above, heterosexuality is completely approved. And I try to follow what He says! Should they be treated differently? Of course not, unless the treatment is counter to the Word of God. The Holy Bible states: Joh 5:27 And he has given Him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man.

Joh 5:30 By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.

Joh 8:15 You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one.

Joh 8:16 But if I do judge, my decisions are right, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me.

Joh 8:50 I am not seeking glory for myself; but there is one who seeks it, and he is the judge.

Joh 12:47 “As for the person who hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge him. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save it.

Joh 12:48 There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; that very word which I spoke will condemn him at the last day.

As Katherine Kersten said in the Minneapolis Star Tribune, (which this writer researched) http://www.startribune.com/ Thurs. June 2, 2005, “Minnesotans believe that gays and lesbians have a right to live as they please. But they don’t believe that gays and lesbians have the right to redefine the institution of marriage for everyone else”.

Katherine Kersten was the only conservative writer the Star Tribune had and is known to receive much “hate” mail from the liberal (Anti-God) left. This writer has not followed Kersten for several years or more and is not aware if any changes in employment have taken place.

I was at a church once, where the Dad’s got upset. The coaches had scheduled practice for different things on Sunday morning. So the Dad’s got together and went to the coaches and said, “Look, we want our kids in church on Sunday”. So the coaches said, “Fine. Have them come later after church is over”. Sometimes, it just means you have to open your mouth, I guess. http://olivetreeviews.org/component/k2/item/5237-the-new-american-religion-the-rise-of-sports-and-the-decline-of-the-church-albert-mohler-february-4

The Sixth Commandment: You Shall Not Murder

Pro-Life – 10 Arguments Against Abortion:

http://womensissues.about.com/od/reproductiverights/a/AbortionArgumen.htm

1. Since life begins at conception, abortion is akin to murder as it is the act of taking human life. Abortion is in direct defiance of the commonly accepted idea of the sanctity of human life

2. No civilized society permits one human to intentionally harm or take the life of another human without punishment, and abortion is no different.

3. Adoption is a viable alternative to abortion and accomplishes the same result. And with 1.5 million American families wanting to adopt a child, there is no such thing as an unwanted child.

4. An abortion can result in medical complications later in life; the risk of ectopic pregnancies doubles, and the chance of a miscarriage and pelvic inflammatory disease also increases.

5. In the instance of rape and incest, proper medical care can ensure that a woman will not get pregnant. Abortion punishes the unborn child who committed no crime; instead, it is the perpetrator who should be punished.

6. Abortion should not be used as another form of contraception.

7. For women who demand complete control of their body, control should include preventing the risk of unwanted pregnancy through the responsible use of contraception or, if that is not possible, through abstinence.

8. Many Americans who pay taxes are opposed to abortion, therefore it’s morally wrong to use tax dollars to fund abortion.

9. Those who choose abortions are often minors or young women with insufficient life experience to understand fully what they are doing. Many have lifelong regrets afterwards.

10. Abortion frequently causes intense psychological pain and stress.

There are, of course, ten arguments for killing babies. This issue has been severely debated in American since the Supreme Court decision called “Roe versus Wade”. Although the initial plaintiff has since become a follower of the Three-In-One God, and publicly stated she has changed her mind and wishes abortion to end, it has not.

Books have been written from both death and life perspectives. Space precludes further writing on this subject.

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