The WHO and WHY of the Perilous Times in Which we Live

Sitting in church yesterday, my mind began to wonder as I read through 2 Timothy chapter three again. I must have read that passage a hundred times, but I usually focused on WHAT will happen in the last days. But I don’t ever remember reading in the context of WHO the people are who are doing those things. Thus, for the first time I actually read through the passage and made the application to the people I see around me today (in the last days), and I was shocked by what I found. The Bible perfectly describes your modern day atheists, liberals, progressives, democrats, luciferians/Satanists, and homosexuals. They all have the very same characteristics mentioned in this passage! It’s uncanny how the Bible shows who they really are!

Let's read the passage, and then look at it in more detail, and then you tell me if you don't agree.

2 Timothy 3:1-13

1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,

7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.

9 But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.

10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,

11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.

12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

In the first verse we find Paul telling us something we should “know.” We should know that perilous or “dangerous” times shall come in the last days. Clearly, we KNOW we are in the last days. For without a doubt, times are now perilous with shootings, wars, mob beatings, thefts, etc., growing by leaps and bounds on a world-wide scale. Buy why is this happening? The answer is given in the rest of the text, for it is there we find that it is nothing more than the outward manifestation of the inward thoughts of modern godless man.

Verses 2 – 13 list a plethora of immoral people who exist in the world today and contrasts them with what a Christian should be. As we read the list, we find these same exact distinctives within the all modern anti-Biblical movements. Let’s look at them. Below I give what I wrote next to each one in the margin of my Bible.

Lovers of their own selves = Selfish

Covetous = Lustful, Desiring more, insatiable

Boasters = Braggers

Proud = Prideful

Blasphemous = Take God’s name in vain

Disobedient = Rebellious

Unthankful = Ungrateful

Unholy = Dirty (dirty minded)

Without Natural Affection = No love, or twisted love.

Trucebreakers = Promise breakers

False Accusers = Liars

Incontinent = Without Self Control

Fierce = Angry

Despisers of … good = Haters

Traitors = Treasonous

Heady = Reckless

High-minded = They think they are smart/right and everyone else is stupid and beneath them

Lovers of Pleasure = Lew, loose morals

Deniers of Godly Power = Athiest

Doesn’t this sound like the majority of depraved people today? I love the word the Bible uses of this group in verse 6. It calls them this “sort.” In other words, this “sort” of people are the cause of the perilous times we now live in. But it doesn’t stop there. The Bible goes further in describing this “sort” of hoodlum’s ultimate goal. It says in verse 7 that their aspiration is to enslave people or “lead” them “captive.” They are authoritarians, who want others to be exactly like them, and if not, to subject them to their wrath. We see this by reading verses 11 and 12, in which Paul mentions being “persecuted” by such people. These “perilous” people with “perilous” methods seek to “persecute” others who don’t follow them and their dogmas. They hate good, and love evil. We know this, because verse 13 calls them ‘evil men” who we are told will “wax worse and worse.” If they were ever good, they are no longer, and they will never change for the better, but continue becoming worse and worse.

Verse 8 further sheds light on these filthy people. It says they are ‘reprobate.” That means they are so far gone, they can’t even control themselves.

It further mentions that they “resist the truth.” They don’t want what’s right nor do they care about what is true. They want what’s “fun” and benefits them, and because of this resisting or rejecting of the truth, they are “deceived.” Verse 13 clearly shows this by saying of them that they are “deceiving, and being deceived.” Their sin has twisted them into becoming monsters.

Not only does the Bible tell us the cause of the current “peril” we live in, but it also tells us something more about these wicked people behind it. For in verses 25-26 of 2 Timothy chapter 2 (remember when the Bible was written there were no verse numbers, that means that the thought from the last chapter continues with the next chapter) we read of WHO it was who deceived these people and caused them to turn into “reprobates.” We read:

25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

Notice that before Paul tells us about what’s inside those people who cause the peril in the last days, he mentions that they have been “taken captive” by the Devil, and are “ensnared” by him. That is they are all followers of Satan. And they take pleasure in “instructing” others in the ways of their false god -- Lucifer.

In other words, they are Luciferians in their actions and ideals. Their mantra is the Satanic adage of “whatever feels good, do it!”

After studying all this, it is amazing to me to see how many in the world today are like those mentioned in the passage. Why are they like that? Because they chose to follow Satan, rather than God; and evil, rather than good.

Just look at the world today and what you find is a global teaching which produces such reprobate people. From childhood children are taught Evolution, and God is ridiculed and despised. As they grow up in the public schools, they are further taught “sex education” and encouraged to begin experimenting with fornication, homosexuality, and even beastiality. In college, they are indoctrinated to disbelieve the Bible, and a steady diet of communism is pushed down their throats. If they study for politics, they are taught the methods of Saul Alinsky, from his book, “Rules for Radicals” which teaches them to ridicule, attack, and persecute those who don’t go along with their anti-biblical agendas. (By they way, Saul Alinsky dedicated that book to LUCIFER!) As they work, they often find that they can gain more power and influence by joining organizations like the Masons, a LUCIFIERIAN society. So, they succeed by joining with others who live like they do and believe like them. And, as they grow older, they continue to deny the truth and believe a lie, even enjoying the lie(s) they have propagated.

Sounds like anyone you know today? If so, now you know WHO they are and WHO they serve, WHY they are that way, WHAT they are like, and HOW they’ve gotten into power.

The end of 2 Tim. chapter 3 speaks of the alternative of such people. Paul states:

14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;

15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

This is so short, but so powerful! This is all that’s needed to end the “perilous” times. You need to know the Bible is given by God (vs16) and “learn” (vs14) it. Then you need to get saved (15), and then be a “man of God” rather than a “servant of Satan,” and live right and do good works (17). Reprove evil and instruct others in righteousness (vs16), and the “perilous” times will turn to peace.

The Two Main Contrasting Teachings in the World Today

We live in a day and age of two very distinct and opposite religious teachings. One is the teaching that there is a Deity who is the Creator of all things, and he set up the entire universe His way. The other propagates the idea that all things came from nothing in a huge explosion (what some call "the big bang") and everything "evolved" its own way. These two theories are called Creationism and the Evolution Theory. One of these teaches that things were made in an orderly fashion, while the other seeks to demonstrate that all things came from complete disorder. That is, one belief teaches things were made right from the very beginning, but because of sin, they now deteriorate; while the other belief teaches that things began wrong, and therefore they must evolve into a new order. (The theory of Evolution is therefore the teaching that order comes from chaos). These two theories have absolutely nothing in common. And they both lead their followers to very different outcomes, for one is a doctrine of love, while the other is a dogma of hate. The main difference between the two is that Creationism teaches that GOD made all things for a specific purpose, (and the Bible teaches that purpose was to please Him), while Evolution teaches that man came from NOTHING, and therefore means very little, so he should strive only to please himself, for nothing really matters in the long run. (Which by the way is the teaching of the Church of SATAN. Thus, one of these is a teaching from God, while the other is a teaching of the Devil!) Creationism is the basis for Christianity, while Evolution is the perfect complement to Satanism, or Luciferianism. Christianity teaches sacrifice for others. That is its most basic theme. One cares for others because of love. Because God loved us, we should love others. Yet, Satanism teaches self-gratification and personal enjoyment. It does not stress serving others, rather devouring them, like the Evolution teaching of “survival of the fittest.” The easiest way to explain the difference between these two teachings is in the following terms: In Christianity man needs God, while in Satanism and Evolution, man is his own god (note the little “g.”) As we look at both of these teachings, one of which is God's and the other the Devil's, we find that both lead to very different societies, especially when it comes to the rule of law. For one is respectful of law, while the other is rebellious towards it. In Christianity, God is the Creator. That is, he made the entire universe. And, he set up certain laws in that universe that cannot be broken. For example, we have what the scientific community call the 1st and 2nd laws of Thermodynamics. We also have the law of gravity. Who created these laws? Someone must have, for they could not have come from nothing. These laws did not evolve over time. They must have been given by a law-giver. This Creator, who made things according to certain laws, also gave man some laws to follow in the Bible. It was not to be changed. It was to be followed to the letter. It was what God said, with many “Thou shalt nots…” scattered throughout. God then called Himself out a people to follow His law, and when they did, they were great. But when they disobeyed, they were punished. Punishment, therefore, is part of law. Law dictates what man must do, and when he doesn’t, the law dictates what chastisement a man should receive. When a society is lawful, it is good. When it deviates from following law, it is bad. Now let’s look at this from the eyes of the Evolutionist/Luciferian. They already hate God (even though some don’t believe in Him), therefore they already have a personal bias against Him and His law. They are rebellious from the start, rebelling against the Law-Giver, and desiring to usurp His authority. This is why most who adhere to the teachings of Luciferianism and Evolution don’t believe in following God’s law. They are not altogether lawless, however. They are happy to set up their own laws for themselves, and often do. But their law is not the same as God’s law. And because they believe in “evolving” they believe that laws should evolve as well as times change. Therefore, something that once was “wrong” (according to God and the Bible) they think should now be right, and vice versa. So they change laws as their morals change. Fornication used to be unlawful. (In fact, that’s where the word F-U-C-K comes from. It stands for “Fornication Under Carnal Knowledge, and in the middle ages it was unlawful to engage in such practice.) But now, fornication it is accepted as natural “promiscuous sex” that young people engage in as they “experiment” with each other. Adultery used to be wrong and unlawful, now it’s just a “mischievous behavior.” Homosexuality under God’s law is a sin, but under man’s law is now acceptable, and Evolutionists/Luciferians believe that laws should be passed to grant them rights to marry. Abortion under God’s law is murder, but under man’s law it is protected for the mother to carry out at her choosing. On and on the list goes. And it is interesting as one studies it to see just how often the laws passed by the Evolutionists and Luciferians go directly against the laws of God. Could there be a conspiracy? Could it be there’s something “spiritual” to all this? Could it be that in fact, Creationism is the teaching of GOD while Evolution is the dogma of the DEVIL? In a society lead by God’s laws verses a society led by man’s own “evolutionary laws” we see enormous contrast. Those who follow God’s laws have a peaceful society with good moral values and upstanding citizens. People help one another, and individuals desire to live a pure holy life. But in contrast, those who set up their own evolutionary laws in direct contrast to God’s law have a society full of immorality, crime, corruption, sexual perversion and diseases, and much instability within the minds of people themselves. Evolutionary theory produces a society full of rebels who do as they please with little regard to authority, and who often harm themselves and others. Under which of these two systems would you like to live? Well, history tells us that the United States of America was founded in a period of time in which most people were Bible readers, and thus God’s law permeated the land, and yea, even the entire world! Probably the most moral the world has ever been was during the Victorian period in which people prided themselves upon how moral they were and how strictly they adhered to moral values. What a great time in which to live, and what a peaceful and safe environment. But my how times have changed! We now live in what the Bible calls the “last days” in which it is a “perilous” time to live. And all around us we see much open rebellion, and people who pride themselves not upon their morality, but upon their immorality. Today, it’s common to hear men and women alike brag upon how many others they have fornicated and/or adulterated with. Many women proudly boast of their right to abort their babies, and encourage others to partake in that vile murderous practice. Homosexuals march in the streets in their “Gay Pride” parades. And on and on. But society is not safe. We read on a daily basis of things happening world-wide like: mass shootings, gang murders, genocides, political upheavals, rapes, muggings, kidnappings, wars and more. Society is full of violence and anger. Where does this come from? From the Evolution theory that teaches we are all just animals. And, if someone truly believes that, then it makes sense that they would live like an animal themselves. Clearly there are two teachings about where man comes from: Creation and Evolution. One desires to help man by encouraging him to live a clean life and to help his fellow man. The other persuades people to throw caution to the wind and give in to their most weak and basest desires with no restrains. But which is right? One rewards good behavior while the other rewards vile behavior. Does that sound right to you? The question then for all men is which teaching do you desire to follow? Do you want to follow God and be a decent, upstanding person and contribute to a peaceful, moral society? Or do you desire to follow Satan’s Evil-ution Theory and contribute to the delinquency of the world today. The choice is yours!

Why Society is Falling Apart

A moral government breeds moral citizens, while an imoral government births corruption and immorality among its populace.  This is the problem with the United States of America.  As a whole it has become an immoral country.  Why?  Because it's immoral leaders have condoned much immorality.   

But this wasn't always the case.  In fact, America used to be known as a "Christian" nation.  That is, it was founded on the principles of the Bible by moral men who chose to live righteous and holy, not because they were forced to, but because they wanted to.  They wanted to follow the principles set forth in the Bible, as it was to them the key to a moral society.  Even George Washington, the first president of the United States said, "It's impossible to govern the world without God and the Bible."

To have a moral society is to have a safe and peaceful society.  For moral people seek to do good and not harm to others.  

Compare this to our world today, which is full of violence.  The recent shooting in Newtown, Connecticut hovers in the minds of the nation, a reminder that our society is so far gone, that at any time, any moment, any place, an armed gunman can come in and slaughter innocent people for no reason what so ever.

But it wasn't like this in the early America, at the founding of the nation.  Sure, the founding fathers used violence in propogating a Revolution and founding this nation.  However, they viewed their actions as SELF DEFENSE rather than as an act of agression, as the British crown was engaged in plundering its citizens and stealing their wealth while trying to enslave the populace.  The monarchy of Britain was immoral and it sought to abuse the American people.  For this, the founding fathers excercised their faith, picked up their arms and fought in the Revolution, and rightly so.  It was to be FREE!  But that freedom wasn't so they could set up a system of government in which the citizens were free to do evil, rather free to do good.

Freedom from tyranny, corruption, and enslavement was their goal.  But that freedom was based upon God and the Bible.  They looked at a free society as a moral society, and they knew that morals came from the word of God.  They followed God's laws, and desired others to do the same, for doing so harms no one.  While disregarding the word of God and engaging in immoral practices destroys the lives of others. 

This is why immediately after creating the Declaration of Independence, the Continental Congress of America voted to purchase and import 20,000 copies of the Bible for the people of this nation.  They wanted people to know God, for knowing God is knowing peace.  (I'm sure you've seen the church signs along the Highway with the catchy phrase: "Know God, Know Peace. No God, no peace!"  This is very true!)

The famous statesman Patrick Henry, (who is remembered for saying: "Give me liberty or give me death!"), said: "It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often, that this great Nation was founded not by religionists, but by CHRISTIANS; not on religions, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  For that reason alone, people of other faiths have been afforded FREEDOM of worship here."

Freedom, therefore, according to the founding fathers and the history of our nation, comes from two things: Ownership of Guns and a strong belief in God.

Perhaps this is why Patric Henry also stated, "An appeal to ARMS and the GOD OF HOSTS is all that is left us.  Be we shall not fight our battle alone.  There is a just God that presides over the destines of nations.  The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone.  Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery?  Forbid it Almighty God.  I know not what course others may take, but as for me, GIVE ME LIBERTY, or GIVE ME DEATH!"

He, like the founding fathers would rather DIE than LIVE a life enslaved to immoral men who force others to sin against God and their own conscience.  They wanted freedom, but they wanted that freedom to be freedom in Jesus Christ.  Thus, President Adams said on July 4, 1821, "The highest glory of the American Revolution was this: It connected in one the indissoluble bond the PRINCIPLES OF CIVIL GOVERNMENT with the PRINCIPLES OF CHRISTIANITY."

James Madison, one of the primary authors of the Constitution said, "We have staked the whole future of all our politial constitutions upon the capacity of each of ourselves to govern ourselves according to the MORAL PRINCIPLES of the TEN COMMANDMENTS."

Even Calvin Coolidge, the 30th President of the United States affirmed that God and the Bible are a must for a moral society, when he stated, "The foundations of our society and our government rest so much on THE TEACHING OF THE BIBLE, that it would be difficult to support them if faith in these teachings should cease to be practically universal in our country."

Notice, however, how different our current society is.  It's no longer based upon the Bible.  It is a society which is very much against God and his laws.  In Universities across our land, God and the Bible are ridiculed by college professors and mocked.  Many organizations exist today whose main thrust is attacking God and the Bible.  They despise Christmas and Easter and seek diligently to abolish them.  Through their constant bickering and fighting, the Ten Commandments have already been taken out of the Schools, courts, and governmental institutions.   And today, many people not only hate God, but are actively hostile towards any mention of Him and His holy word.  No wonder wicked and vile people are shooting our children in our schools!  Society has become blatantly immoral.  And it's all because they willfully ignore God and the Bible.  They, therefore, condone immorality, rather than endorse a moral lifestyle.

Now, the big push in America is against guns, as though they were the problem.  But guns don't kill people.  People kill people. Immoral people attack and slaughter the innocent. 

No, the problem isn't guns, the problem is a lack of moral fiber, and a lack of people trusting in God.  The problem is a godless society where everyone cares very little for others, and only care about themselves. 

The problem isn't God or Guns, the problem is not teaching morality to others.  God and the Bible have been cast aside, and because of this, immorality fills the vacuum. 

Benjamin Franklin gave us the answer, when he said, "I think...that nothing is of more importance for the public welfare, than to form and train youth in wisdom and virtue.  Wise and good men are the strength of a state far more than riches or arms."

A truer statement quite possibly has never been penned by human hand.  Children should be nurtured in the word of God, taught basic ethics and moral principles.  They should be full of virture and be wise.  For if they are, then they wouldn't go out and shoot the innocent. 

But our children are not taught the basic principles of morality.  Rather they are taught that even though there are some rules, that a child can decide for himself what's right and wrong, and as long as he doesn't get caught, then it's alright.  This is the modern teaching in our land.  It's: "Don't do what you know you should.  Do what you can get away with!"
Our children should not be taught by a godless society which offers them nothing but "self-esteem" and "self-gratification."  (The modern secular Gospel is not "self-sacrifice" and "do good to others," rather it's: "If it feels good do it, and don't worry about the consequences!"  Such an immoral teaching will only lead to a baser, more wicked, more violent, more perilous, and more harmful society.)
Our children should be taught like our fore-fathers were, that more moral you are, the better you are, and the more you are to be trusted. 

So we've established that there is a problem.  The problem is immorality which stems from the demonization of Christianity and expelling it from politics, higher education, and american culture.  Because of this, society as a whole is ungodly, hateful, and hurtful.  (Not only harmful to themselves, but also to others.) 

Yet, what is modern society's answer to the problem?  Do they desire to return to God and Bible?  Most certianly not!  Rather, they want to fix their problem their own way.  They want to run to those who caused the problem and beg them to fix it. 

Society today sees it is without hope so it wants to change the very government itself, which once was founded on guns, God, and religion. 

Many wish to move towards socialism and they want this new government to take away people's guns, thinking such a move would make them safer.  (Even Benjamin Franklin knew this wouldn't work, and that's why he said, "They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.")  This is why our current president has been heard to speak so harsly against those in our country who desire to follow the constitution, and ridiculed them by saying they are "clinging onto their guns and their religion."  They, the moral ones, are viewed by society as the problem, when the real problem are those immoral ones who have kicked God out!

Socialism always leads to a Communistic form of Government.  And Communism always does two main things to enslave its populace.  One, it kicks out God and substitutes government in His place, and two, it takes away arms from its citizens so they can't defend themselves against an immoral government.  Thus, a Communistic/Socialistic form of government is of itself immoral!  It takes away God and the Bible and also takes away a person's basic right to defend himself.  

The problem then is never given a solution.  Rather, it only becomes worse, and a vicious cycle of immorality perpetuates itself.  

Communistic governments are known world-wide as the most immoral forms of governments, often times slaughtering its own citizenry by the millions, and empoverishing its own people.  It also encourages fornication, drinking liquor, adultery, and many other immoral practices.  Socialism, Communism, Facism, etc, are not the answer to the problem. 

Substituting Government for God will only make things worse.  For God is moral, while government is run by men who aren't.  

God is not the problem, nor is the Bible.  They are the solution.  They teach morality.  And, as we've already seen, a moral society is a free society.  

Thus, it stands to reason that an immoral society will always lead to the enslaving of its populace under an immoral government, a government which wants to play God and take away the citizens right to bear arms in order to keep them from defending themselves from its immoral practices.

 

IN SUMMARY

 

Our modern day society is no longer moral.  Because of this, danger lurks at every corner.  Danger from our governing body, danger from our fellow citizens, danger from lunatics who shoot innocent children for no apparent reason.  In an immoral society, danger is everywhere!  And in our world today, we see immorality rampant the whole world over.  It's not jut in the ole U.S. of A.  It's everywhere over the entire planet.  2 Timothy 3:1-4 was correct when it prophecied of these last days:

 

1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despirse of those that are good,

4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.

We live in a godless society today.  And the only answer is Jesus Christ.  God and the Bible made America great and kept it safe for many years.  And, they can do it again, if only people will repent and come back to God and the Bible.

Guns are not the problem.  Guns do not kill people.  (Even Seneca the Younger around the time of Christ said, "A sword never kills anybody, it's a tool in the killer's hand.")  The problem is immoral men who use guns to slaugher unarmed and defenseless individuals. Right now these are individuals, but if you study history, you find that even immoral governments do the same.  So the more immoral the populace, the more immoral the government, which inevitably leads to mass slaughter of disarmed citizens.   

Guns, therefore, are the solution, especially if they are the hands of moral citizens.  Imagine if you will how many lives could have been saved at that terrible tragic shooting in Newtown, CT, had someone been there who was armed to DEFEND the innocent against the immoral gunman.

Guns don't cause evil, rather than keep it in check.  George Washington said it best with: "The very atmosphere of firearms anywhere and everywhere restrains evil interference - they deserve a place of honor with all that's good." 

Children shouldn't be taught that guns are bad.  Rather, they should be taught a healthy respect of guns as a true tool of liberty, so that when they get older, they can carry them themselves to protect against the immoral and the wicked who would do them harm. 

Thomas Jefferson, in writing to his teenage nephew wrote something that is so true, especially today in our immoral society.  He stated: "As to the species of exercise, I advise the gun. While this gives [only] moderate exercise to the body, it gives boldness, enterprise, and independence to the mind. Games played with the ball and others of that nature, are too violent for the body and stamp no character on the mind. Let your gun, therefore, be the constant companion to your walks."

Notice, he tells that learning to use and respect guns is not only exercise to the body, but also to the mind.  He then speaks of how violent ball games are which appeal only to the flesh and not the mind.  For these make people want to be the more violent.

Freedom is taught and it usually comes only when one has fought.  We in America have a government that was once the greatest on earth.  Why?  Because MORAL men with GUNS and a faith in GOD fought to secure it for us.  However, unless children are taught the importance of living a moral life while learning how to defend themselves, rather than hoping the government will do it for them, then all is lost. 

Will you be truly free, or will you be enslaved?  Spiritual freedom is found only in Jesus Christ.  Physical freedom comes by having the right to defend yourself, and this entails the right to bear arms, something our constitution assured us should never be infringed upon.  Yet this is a threat to immoral men who seek to take away our freedoms and spit in the face of God.  They seek to become God themselves and rule over men as the most depolorable, immoral, and intolerant tyrants and dictators.  And, we are told in the Scriptures, such a man will inevitably come to power over the whole entire world.  This man the Bible calls "The Anti-Christ."  We are told he will come in the last days.  How does he come to power?  He convinces immoral men that they need him as their Saviour, and that only he can solve their problems.

Be careful of any one, who says you must trust them and them alone for your liberty, safety, security, and well-being.  Beware of anyone who seeks to convince you that you will be safer if you give up your guns.  Beware of anyone who says they rather than God is the answer to all your problems.   

The only one whom you can truly trust is God.  And you can trust His holy word, the King James Bible. 

I'll close with the words of Oliver Cromwell, who said, "Put your faith in God, but keep your powder dry!"

 

 

The Truth About Islam

Islam claims to be a religion, but yet it appears to be more than anything else a Political System, which attemps to push itself on others through what is called Sharia Law.  And, as you study out that philosophical/political teaching, you'll find things that will greatly surprise you (or maybe even sicken you a little).

Islam means "submission."  And the overall goal of Islam is to make the entire world submit to it's teachings.  But what does it teach?  Where does it come from?  What is it all about?  And should we even be concerned?

If you listen to the daily news sources, you'll often hear that Islam is a "peaceful" or "peace-loving" religion.  But is this so?  Are they truly peaceful, especially when we so often hear about them engaging in "terrorist acts?"

If you study the truth about Islam you'll find out that the facts prove that Islam is not "peaceful."  Rather, you will find that Islam is a very hurtful and oppressive system.  One that not only hurts the body of it's followers but also their very souls!

Let's begin by looking at who exactly the "god" of Islam really is.  Islamists claim their god is named "Allah" and many say he's nothing more than the same God of Christianity.  But is this so?   If you read Chick Tracts, then you might have read "The Prophet," which tells of how Allah is really an ancient idol, a representation of the "Moon god" of the pagans of old. 

But further examination tells us that Allah is more than this.  By careful study we find he is an entity that's very old indeed.  In fact, if you will read the following, you will find that Allah is the god of VIOLENCE and  REVOLUTION!

 http://www.wnd.com/2012/09/1700-b-c-alla-god-of-violence-and-revolution/
 

This article does well to tell who Allah really is, and one can't help but think as they read this article of an entity named Lucifer otherwise known as Satan, who chose to use violence to try to start a revolution against the one and true God! 

Is Allah the Devil?  I'll let you decide that for yourself, but this is an interesting article that helps make that correlation.  And, as we shall see, the fruit of Allah isn't peace, but much evil, which makes one wonder if it isn't Satanic in origin.

Now that we've seen the oldest historical reference to "Allah," let's now turn our attention to what Islam (which worships Allah) really believes. 

So what does Islam teach?  To find out, you need to go to the "Koran" which they call their "holy book."  And as you read that book, you find some very startling things.  Time and again Islam condones murder, homosexuality, beating of women, prostitution, and more. 

If you don't believe me, watch the following video of a woman who reads DIRECTLY FROM THE KORAN, showing exactly what their book says...

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MS9g8NXtUWM

 

The readings from the Islamic "holy" book shows that it isn't very holy at all!   Rather, it is full of hatred, anti-women ideals, pro-homosexual tendencies, child molestation, sex perversion, and much more. 

If you chose to disagree with this analysis, (even though she's done nothing more than just READ from that book itself), then help yourself.  But don't be critical and try to judge what others say about the Koran, unless you first read the Koran for yourself. For if you simply read the text, you can't help but see the blatant, in your face, anti-civilized, anti-Christian, teachings!  Many of which are things permitted by the Koran which are completely FORBIDDEN in the Bible. 

But if it's not enough for you to look at the "god" of Islam and judge it based upon its own "holy book," then let's look at the actual fruit of Islam itself.  What is it?  Is it peace, joy, happiness, love, purity?  Nope!  As you look at the fruits of Islam you see the exact opposite.  In fact, you find much agony, pain, perversion, even going so far as nothing more than MUTILATION of people's bodies!!!  (I refer to the Muslim practice of CIRCUMCISING WOMEN, which is cutting out their genital parts that give them sexual feeling and sewing up their private parts so they will not enjoy sex!) 

For a complete detail of this, I recommend you go to Youtube and watch Ann Barnhardt's videos about Islam, and their practices.  There are four parts.  They are as follows:

 

Video 1 on Islam and Sex Perversion: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCfbYkXtHuA&list=UUHMJsns2MeqLv6m7S30AgVw&index=9&feature=plcp

 

 

Video 2 on Islam and Sex Perversion:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mZPIbz-n_c&list=UUHMJsns2MeqLv6m7S30AgVw&index=8&feature=plcp

 

Video 3 on Islam and Sex Perversion: (WARNING:  THIS PART IS VERY GRAPHIC, BUT ALSO VERY IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO SEE EXACTLY WHAT ISLAM DOES TO WOMEN'S BODIES!)

 http://www.youtube.com/verify_age?next_url=/watch%3Fv%3DFEKAuJewbXg%26list%3DUUHMJsns2MeqLv6m7S30AgVw%26index%3D7%26feature%3Dplcp

 

Video 4 on Islam and Sex Perversion:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfqNPJVWzpw&list=UUHMJsns2MeqLv6m7S30AgVw&index=6&feature=plcp

 

It's hard to watch these videos without crying, especially part three which deals with FEMALE CIRCUMCISION (better stated female mutilation).

 What you find, as you study Islam, is a system full of child molestation, bodily mutilation, pedophile actions, abuse of women, homosexual acts, and much, much more.  And, that barely scratches the surface!

Yet, you are constantly bombarded with propaganda telling you that Islam is a "peaceful religion" (as Ms. Barnhardt rightly states, it's neither peaceful or a religion!).  But if you get the facts, the TRUTH shows otherwise!

 This is why it's so important to educate yourself!  Study it out for yourself and come to your own conclusion! This is what I have done, and after careful study, I personally can't deny that much of what's done in Islam is very wicked and oppressive.  For lack of a better word, it's: SATANIC! 

There is no freedom in Islam to do as you wish, rather you have to submit to evil and wicked men who desire to abuse you!  How wants to live like this?

With all this stated, I simply ask you, "Have you done your homework about Islam?"  Have you studied out for yourself what Islam really is?  For if you do, you'll find the TRUTH ABOUT ISLAM is quite ugly!  And, it's most certainly not something that any free society should embrace or endorse.

It allows men to engage in the most outrageous atrocities, and then justify what they've done, claiming that god (Allah) permited them to do so.

My question then, is this to all those who read this and watch and read all the links given above: "Do you think Islam is a peaceful religion?"

I'd love to hear from you on my comments box.  Also, got any more links which show Islam as it truly is?  Please list them in the comments box!

World Wide Road Rage!

Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?   -  Psalm 2:1

It seems like people everywhere today are angry and they are showing forth their anger with violence.

We see it everywhere we look.  It's all over the news, in all corners of the globe.  People are outraged, and ready to fight.  Their tempers are flaring, and they are looking for any excuse to act upon that anger.  Just look at the Middle East, where tensions are rising.  Turn your eyes on the Muslim world as it's in revolt, overthrowing its leaders and picketing globally with signs like, "Behead all those who speak against our prophet." Take a peak at Europe where economic downfall is certain and people know it and are rioting.  Open your window and look outside in almost any big city in the United States and you'll no doubt see an angry mob of people pillaging and looting.  You'll also see the Occupy movement screaming and chanting while defacating on police cars.  Take a gander over at the Pacific and you'll find that tensions are rising between Japan and China about some islands in the Pacific, and they talking about going to war over it. Hatred, anger, and indignation are everywhere.  Their hearts are filled with violence and they long to indulge in hurting one another!

 

We are living in a time unlike any other in history, in which the whole world is becoming more and more outraged over something.  They no longer are "peaceful" nor "tolerant."  Rather they are angry as Hell, and don't care if others know it.  They are so upset, they are about to burst, wanting desperately to take out their pent-up anger on others.  It's like they are just looking for an excuse (any excuse) to channel that anger on someone else.  It's almost like there is world-wide "Road Rage."  Why is this?

 

As usual, the Bible has the answer.  And it's only there that we see not only the reason why things are the way they are, but the root of the problem itself, the dirty heart of man, and his hatred towards God. 

 

In the book of 2 Timothy, we are told of the "peril" that would come in these, the last days.  And it's there we read the following:

 

 2 Timothy 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 Timothy 3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
2 Timothy 3:3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
2 Timothy 3:4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

Is this not exactly what we are seeing today?  Everywhere there are proud, self-conceited, boastful, blasphemers, who are rebellious and ungodly.  Their root problem is they are unthankful, and because of this they don't care about themselves or others.  They no affection for others (no love, only hate), and they are fierce in their ways.  Why?  Because they don't love God!

 

Jesus said it best in Matthew 24:12... "...because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold." 

 

This is the world we live in.  No love for others, only love for one's self.  And this love for one's self denegrates into absolute hatred for everyone else.  Hence, the "road rage" mentality of "I hate you! Get out of my way! Me first, you next, maybe!"

 

So this answers the WHY there is so much world-wide Road Rage.  It also answers the WHEN, as we are clearly in the last days.  But one thing is lacking.  That is, WHERE does this come from?

 

I've briefly alluded to this already.  Clearly it comes from the iniquity of the human heart.  Men are Sinners, and because of this, they sin.  Hate comes from a dirty heart.  Anger comes from a selfish heart.  Violence comes from a degenerate heart that knows no self-restraint.

 

But it's more than just this.  As we read the scriptures, we know that there is a "prince and power of the air."  His name is Satan, and he desires to rule the world.  And, as we read the Bible, we find that he's busy trying to build his own kingdom, his own "New World Order." 

 

And as we read more verses, we find that this rage isn't just man against man, (although that's part of it), but this rage is against God himself.

 

In 2 Kings 19:27, we read, "But I know thy abode, and thy going out, and thy coming in, and thy RAGE against me."

 

Here God in context is speaking to Israel, and he says that they rage against him.  They were backslidden and wanted nothing of God.  Thus, they were angry, as they looked at God as someone who was trying to spoil their fun, and just wanted to tell them they were doing wrong all the time.  They wanted no restraints.  They desired to do whatever they wanted, whenever they wanted, with no one to tell them they were wrong!  (Sound like those today?  You bet it does!)

 

This world-wide rage we see today is deeper than just man against man, gender against gender, race against race, country against country, religion against religion.  It is in all actuality man raging against God!

Why?  Because men are of their father the devil, and because Satan hates God, his seed does as well.

Proverbs 6:34 sheds some light on the real reason for man's rage.  It says, "For JEALOUSY is the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance."

 

Most men are angry, hateful, and outright haughty because they are JEALOUS of others.  This is why they rage.  They want what others have!  It's greed, plain and simple.

 

When we study Satan in the scriptures we find that this is what he wanted.  He wanted to overthrow God and he tried to do it, but he was cast out.  He raged against God because he was jealous of him, wanting his power, his authority, his throne.  Because he didn't get it, he still rages today, loving death, destruction, and war.  In his rage he begats others like himself and delights in their rage against others.  This is the reason there is so much "rage" in the world today.  It's satanic!

 

Rage comes from being evil.  The more evil one is, the more he rages!  Proverbs 14:16 makes this very clear:  "A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident."

 

Evil is what makes men rage.  The more they rage, the more evil they must be!  It's that simple.  So, this world-wide "road rage" is nothing short of showing the world-wide epidemic of an influx of sinfulness.

 

Even though we see world-wide rage today increasing, man's rage won't go on too much longer.  It will have to end soon.  According to the Bible, God will allow Satan to gain the entire world and lead it into a path of even more world-wide rage.  Yet, God said that this was all part of his plan.  He's allowing all this to happen for one reason and one reason alone.  It's so that he might get them together so that he might take HIS RAGE out on the sinful at the battle of Armageddon. 

 

God said in Isaidh 37:28, "But I know thy abode, and thy going out, and thy coming in, and thy rage against me." 

 

God knows who the heathen are, why they are made, and where their rage will take them.  And he will be ready for them.  For we read in Zephaniah 3:8: "Therefore wait ye upon me, saith the LORD, until the day that I rise up to the prey: for my determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them mine indignation, even all my fierce anger: for all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of my jealousy."

Those who know the Bible know that man's rage will eventually lead to man's downfall!  They rage against God, against righteousness, and against God's chosen people, the Jews.  This will lead them to battle at Armageddon, a predetermined place, in which when they all arrive, God will be the one who's jealous and angry!  And he will be justified in taking his indignation out one sin, sinners, and Satan. 

 

So for all the evil, anger, hate, and rage we see in the world today, I'm not discouraged.  I'm encouraged.  It means we are in the last days.  Jesus is coming soon, and when he comes, he'll be the Victor!  He will destroy his enemies, and then will come the time of 1000 years of world peace, of which the book of Revelation prophecies.  Won't that be nice?

 

Even so, come Lord Jesus!

 

I close with the words of King David in the Psalms, in which he prays...

 

"Arise, O LORD, in thine anger, lift up thyself because of the rage of mine enemies: and awake for me to the judgment that thou hast commanded."    

- Psalms 7:6

 

The "Ministry"

There is a word that many Christians use today without thinking.  That word is "ministry."  Often it's used by preachers, pastors, evangelists, and missionaries, who use it in reference to what they do for Jesus.  They claim to be in "The Ministry."  But what do they mean by it?  And is what they practice "in the ministry"  really what the Bible says about it?

Before examining this possibility, let's first define the word "ministry."  According to the 1828 Webster's Dictionary, it means: 

1.  The office, duties or functions of a subordinate agent of any kind.

2.  Agency; service; aid; interposition; instrumentality.

3.  Ecclesiastical function; agency or service of a minister of the gospel or clergyman in the modern church, or of priests, apostles and evangelists in the action.

4.  Time of ministration; duration of the office of a minister, civil or ecclesiastical.

5.  Persons who compose the executive government or the council of a supreme magistrate; the body of ministers of state.

6.  Business, employment.

Notice that even though there might be different offices and functions, the defining element of the "ministry" is that of "SERVING" others.  And that service can be either secular or religious.

 

As we look at the term "minister" we find the following definition:

1.  To attend and serve; to perform service in any office, sacred or secular.

2.  To afford supplies; to give things needful; to supply the means of relief; to relieve.

3.  To give medicines.

Again notice the idea of "SERVING" others.  It's "helping" their needs whether they be spiritual or physical.

Why is this important?  The answer is that modern day "ministers" who brag about being in the "ministry" have seemed to forgotten this.  For many of them don't serve others, rather they use their offices and positions of power to serve themselves!  They are nothing short of modern day pharisees, who seek to enslave their congregations or their constituents to their own will, in order to prey upon them and enrich themselves.

This is a sad accusation, but it is exactly what's happening today in many denominations, churches, assemblies, governments, and medical systems.

Often "ministers" look at themselves as "ABOVE" the people, and worthy of praise, honor, glory, riches, and worship.  But this goes entirely against the very definition of the word which they use to try to identify themselves.  It's almost like they are the EXACT OPPOSITE of what they claim to be.  And, there is a word for such people.  It's a Bible word.  And, it's a word that Jesus used quite frequently to expose such people. That word is: "HYPOCRITE!"

As an ordained minister of the gospel myself, I've had to struggle with such things.  When I started my "ministry" I wanted people to know who I was, and I wanted to make a name for myself like most other Missionaries do who travel and preach in many different places.  It's hard not to desire fame and a good pat on the back from other preachers.  But I soon found out that that is NOT what the ministry is about.  And I rejected all that, and focused on truly "ministering" to others.

The ministry is not about putting people down, abusing them, using them, browbeating them, and/or milking money out of them.  (Which many a modern day "Minister," and I use the term lightly, does on a regular basis.)  Rather, true ministering is getting to know the people, fellowshipping with them, praying with them and for them, loving them, and going out of your way to do anything for them.  And anyone who does this is a true Minister.

Sadly, we live in a day of religious men who are Ministers in name only.  I've met them, and I'm sure so have you.  These are men who don't know their congregations, don't want to be bothered by them, and don't want to met their spiritual and/or physical needs.  Instead, these are pulpit fillers who take positions in the church just for the money or the fame.  They aren't hard to spot.  In fact, it's easy to tell who such people are, for they continually preach only on "tithing" and the reason they do so is because they want more money for themselves, not for God and his work.

Such men don't understand the early church.  For as you read the scriptures, you find the Apostle Paul wasn't taking up offerings for himself, rather for the "poor saints."  It used to be the "Minister" would try to help those within his congregation who were struggling and in need, as true Christians help each other, and MINISTER to each other.  But today, a class system has arisen in which you have those in positions of authorithy and under them the "laymen," who are looked at as the do-nothings, who are unimportant to the plan of the Pastor, who usually lives only to build his own little "kingdom" rather than making sure those who are saved and part of the Kingdom of God are ministered unto within his own congregation.

I've seen it with Missionaries too.  They travel to many churches and gain much support and then they go to a field somewhere and rather than getting down to the level of those they are trying to reach, they build themselves a big mansion, and immediately separate themselves from those they desire to reach.  They aren't interested in "ministering" to the lost, rather in building their own little kingdom as well.  And because they have so much they live the good life, while people around them suffer in poverty.  How can a "minister" minister the gospel to others who look at them as rich hypocrites who don't care about them?

I'm not advocating giving away money to the lost.  No, ministering in the Bible is to the saints.  But what's wrong with reaching the lost by giving them Bibles, and inviting them over to your home to eat with you while you become their friends and give them the Gospel?  The sad truth is that many Missionaries look down upon those they are going to, and they would never invite them over to their own homes (better stated, "mansions").  I've seen this type of religious racism time and again.  I've even seen and heard Missionaries say things like, "Don't let those people in my house, they will tear the place up!"  These type of "ministers" (so called) only about themselves, and not about the people they are supposed to be "ministering" to.

In secular politics the elected officials are supposed to be subordinate to those who put them in office.  But my how seldom is this the case.  Politicians usually weld their power and use it to their advantage to make literally millions of dollars (either legally or illegally) and abuse their power for political gain.  Rather than helping their constituents, they usually rob them blind.  They are poor ministers.

And in the medical world, we find Doctors with their "Hypocritical Oath" (Did I spell that wrong?  Oh, sorry.  It's supposed to be the "Hypocratic Oath.") Using their positions only for financial gain.  They don't truly care about their patients, rather they only care about the money that either their patients or their insurance companies can pay them.  They are poor ministers, often times receiving kickbacks from Pharmecutical companies for perscribing their drugs to their patients.  (Drugs which oftentimes are years later found to be HARMFUL rather than HELPFUL).

Yes, anyway you look at it, those today who are supposed to be "ministering" to others seem to have become corrupted and have found they can use their position as a "minster" for themselves.  They are corrupt.  They are "apostasized" if you will.  And who suffers?  Those they claim to be ministering unto.

Would to God there were some true MINISTERS left in this country and in this world.  For truly there is very little real "ministering" going on in this world, either in the physical or spiritual realm. 

As for me, I desire to be a true minister.  For me, this entails giving people the truth, and spending time with them, listening to them, and getting to know them.  If they are Christians, then even helping them and exhorting them, encouraging them to live right and do right.  Sadly, there are very few ministers of the Gospel today who do this.  Rather, many are only focused on fighting amongst themselves.  And they often with words of anger, bitterly attack one another.  Thinking this is part of "The Ministry."  But where is this in the Bible?  Sadly, there are many today who truly think that their "ministry" is to attack, ridicule, and name call others.  And they do it on a regular basis.  Even sadder, there are those who follow them who think they are spiritual because they do so, and they follow in their footsteps, doing the same to others.  But this is not "The Ministry."  In fact, this isn't even found in the Bible.  Rather, we are commanded to "edify" on another, not "attempt to bring one another down."

Ephesians 4:29 clearly teaches, "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers."

And this, I find, is my focus.  I truly desire to "minister" in the "Ministry."  I want to minister GRACE to others, not HATE, ANGER, or RIDICULE, as so many others do today, while weakly trying to call themselves "Ministers." 

The Spirit of the Pharisee

I've been reading through the gospels a lot lately, and I'm seeing something that's very interesting as I look at the Pharisees. They were supposed to be the Spiritual leaders of their day, but they were corrupt, deceitful, and dirty in both heart and mind. The practiced tradition rather than what the Bible taught and they did everything for their own self-agrandizement and political gain. It was obvious they didn't care about the people they were supposed to be ministering to. In short, they had a form of godliness, but they denied the power thereof.

This is why when Jesus showed up they hated him. It's because he would not be corrupted as they were. We was not political nor was he interested in exalting them and their elistist group mentality. He viewed them as a bunch of great big PHONIES, SINNERS, and HYPOCRITES. It's because he pegged them for what they really were.

Is it no wonder then that we read the following in John 7 :1, "After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him."

Because of who they were and what they wanted to do to Jesus, he had to separate himself form them. That is to say, the Pharisees were so wicked and vile in their hearts (and remember their sins were INWARD, for they often made it a point to appear sinless in the eyes of men OUTWARDLY) that they wanted to CRUCIFY Jesus. They wanted Him DEAD! Why? Because he pricked their hearts. His standing against them made them so angry they wanted to completely give in to the basest desires of their flesh and KILL Jesus rather than endure him and his constant ignoring them and not giving them the worship they so badly desired.

They prided themselves on what they did for God. Yet they never dealth with the fact that didn't know God, didn't serve God of a pure heart, and belonged to a group that consistenly chose fame, fortune, and fellowship with man over a close relationship with God.

They were religious people who were carnal and its because of them being so they wanted to MURDER those who wouldn't recognize them as they wished to be viewed.

As I thought on this, it wasn't hard for me to make a correlation to the modern Church and it's religious leaders. The Church today is FULL of modern day Pharisees. I've seen them time and again. Haven't you?

They are easy to spot. They all have the same spirit. And it's not the Spirit of Christ.

So what is the spirit of a Pharisee? Let's look at some defining factors of the Pharisees to find out.

THE CARNAL vs. THE SPIRITUAL NATURE OF THE PHARISEE

The first thing we notice about the Pharisees of Jesus' day is they are all lost. They've never been regenerated. They might be claiming to be leaders of God, but they didn't know God. They were not saved. Thus, they were still in their old carnal, sinful nature. Is it then no wonder Jesus said to Nicodemus, "Ye must be born again!" Jesus could see their hearts and he saw a group who didn't care about truth, they only cared about control. They did not serve God out of conviction but rather out of convience. And they were not converted. They were still in their old fallen nature, desiring as little tyrants to rule over the people rather than to truly minister to them.

Jesus said of this crowd that they were then blind spiritually. And this love of their position in which they held lead to them not wanting to humble themselves to the will of God. The were prideful.

This is important. For pride is what damned the Devil. He thought he was better than God so he should just take God's place. The Pharisees felt the same, for when Jesus showed up -- God manifest in the flesh -- they wanted him dead, cause they thought they could do a better job at governing than he could. They were self-righteous and for this reason they did not submit themselves to the righteousness of God.

The Pharisees of today often have this exact same spirit. I'm not saying that all religious leaders of today are lost. Some might very well be born again, but it's interesting to look at these men and see that same self-righteous attitude in them, that same spirit of I'm a leader and I'm above reproach cause I'm of God! Yet, in the flesh they continually brag only upon themselves and their group, and they are quick to crucify anyone who doesn't go along with them and their traditions. Truly, they are carnal and quick to allow their flesh to rule them, even ridiculing others who don't do things they same way they do. I often wonder if Jesus would have come in our day instead of in the times of the Jews, if the modern Pharisees would not have crucified Jesus as well. For they seem to have the same spirit.

THE PHARISEES WOULD NOT LISTEN TO EXHORTATION

When Jesus spoke, the Bible says he spake as one having authority and not as the scribes (Mark 1:22). In other words, his speech was different than theirs. Why is this? It's because he spake the TRUTH while they were busy speaking lies.

The Pharisees didn't like to hear the truth. They wanted to be the ones who were right and try to claim that everyone else was wrong. So when Jesus showed up on the scene and exposed them for what they were, religious hypocrites who preached for vain glory, he warned the people about them. He further told them what they really were, going so far as to say they were a "generation of vipers."

Jesus wasn't the only one to tell the Pharisees the truth. Peter did as well. And so did Stephen. And in Acts 7:57 we find that the Pharisees, "Stopped their ears." That is they put their fingers in their ears like a bunch of little school children, rather than sit and listen to the truth when it pointed out their sins. And what did they do? They MURDERED Stephen in cold blood. They couldn't handle the truth. They would rather shut some one up rather than let him tell the truth about them.

In Jesus' day the same is true. They wanted to KILL him for no other crime than his telling them the TRUTH. Why was this? Because the truth exposed them as wrong. It further showed they were what the people really knew they were while they were trying so hard to pretend to be something different.

And, Jesus' preaching of the truth angered them greatly because it made them look bad. (Notice Pharisees only care about themselves and their group and anything that exposes them for what they truly are makes them want to murder others).

In Matthew 15:12 we read: "Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?"

Notice the Pharisees are also easily offended. We see this same spirit in the Pharisees of today. They are easily offended by truth. They cannot receive criticism. They cannot receive instruction. They will not even examine themselves and what they believe in light of the Scriptures to see if what they teach is true. They must immediately denounce their critics and in the flesh seek to destroy them. Why? Because this is the first instinct of the flesh and a flesh-driven person. Just like their great-great-great-great, etc. grandfather Cain, who was of that wicked one, their hearts are full of hatred and malice, and they want to KILL anyone who simply questions them, their works, or their beliefs. Their hearts are full of murder. And although modern day Pharisees might not literally kill someone they don't agree with, they are quick to crucify them with words and attack them mercilessly. That leads us to my next point.

THE PHARISEES LIVE ONLY TO ATTACK OTHERS THEY DEEM A THREAT TO THEM AND THEIR GROUP

The spirit of the Pharisees is a spirit of contention. And though the Bible teaches that we should earnestly contend for the faith, we find no where in the Scriptures that we are supposed to be contending just for the fun of contending. Nor do we find that our contending should be in the flesh. Neither are we to contend with others just to exalt ourselves. Biblical contention is to contend for doctrine not to contend just to exalt a man who calls himself a doctor. In other words, it's to defend God's truth rather than man's truth. And in scriptures, we find that there is a right way and a wrong way to do it. The scriptures tell us to "speak the truth in love" (Eph. 4:15) and in a "kind and tenderhearted" manner (Eph. 4:32). Why is this? It because we are supposed to exercise "brotherly love" and perfer others in "honor" (Rom. 12:10) as we "esteem others" better than ourselves" (Phil. 2:3). Yet, this is exactly what the Pharisees will not do. It's because they think only of themselves and because they are so self-righteous, they believe they are right and everyone else is wrong. It's because of this, they love to argue, ridicule, and belittle others. It makes them feel good about themselves. They love to put others down because it lifts them up. Because they are in the flesh, they want so badly to appeal to the flesh of others and in the flesh make their enemies appear to be inferior to them. This is why they toil endlessly in trying to discredit others. They want people to only follow them. They want to be viewed as the authority and anyone who doesn't exalt them and their group must be eradicated.

In Jesus' day we read time and again that the Pharisees came to Jesus over and over with the intention of trying to tempt him. They further tried to provoke a rise out of him, hoping he too would sink to their level so he would attack them in return. They further sought to push him so hard that it would get him to say something they could use against him. This way they could attack him even the more and claim his word and doctrine was heresy. They wanted so badly to use his own words against him to try to sway the people in thier favor.

Now apply this to the modern day Pharisees. You know anyone like this? I do. Pulpits are filled with men who claim to be Pastors of flocks and Ministers who rather than exhort others spend their days attacking, oftentimes resorting to the childish practice of name-calling towards their enemies in an attempt to mock them and make them look stupid. But where are the fruits of the Spirit in this? They aren't there. That's a FLESHLY practice that is a true sign of a Pharisee.

In the Bible we are instructed how to deal with others. And if someone be overtaken in a "fault" or in "false doctrine" we are not supposed to cuss at them and call them names. Rather, we are to encourage such people to do right, and "restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted" (Gal. 6:1).

Pharisees never do this. They don't consider themselves or do they have the spirit of meekness. Theirs is a critical spirit in which they look at themselves and their group as right and everyone else is wrong. And, rather than take the scriptures to show unto others the truth, they only appeal to the flesh in giving into their basest desires in attacking those with whom they don't agree. Where is the Spirit of Christ in this?

THE PHARISEES FIND STRENGTH IN NUMBERS

An interesting thing about the Pharisees is they are almost always found together. They like to be in a group. Not only do they live of the flesh and by the flesh, but they enjoy the company of other flesh. They are men worshippers. They worship themselves, and they worship men within their ranks whom they themselves deem worthy of special estimation. And because there is so much man worshipping man, man becomes the measure of all things. And the group quickly becomes a movement that devotes its time to exalting those within its group rather than exalting God.

Oh, they might say they are of God, but when you actually examine the group, you find that they follow each other more often than following God. They even stick up for one another and even cover one another's sins. Just look at the story of Jesus in John chapter 8. Some Pharisees came to Jesus with some stones in their hands and brought a woman taken in adultery (always thinking about killing, they were). They wanted to kill that woman, but Jesus wrote something on the ground that made them run off with their tails between their legs. What did he write? We might never know, but some theorize he simply wrote the verse which they tried to quote in allowing them to stone an adulterer. If that be the case, the verse says that both the MAN and the WOMAN under the law were to be stoned. Where was the man who committed adultery with that woman? Was it one of the Pharisees? We might never know. But Jesus' written note to them was so strong it convicted their hearts and made them drop their rocks and walk away. Some think it was because THEY were the adulterers. Who knows. But at any rate, they were protecting the man who adulterated by not bringing him as well. Pharisees will always do this. They will always protect their own. They have a mentality of "us first!" Their fellowship and society is not unlike Satan's many different "secret societies" in which men enter and defend their group no matter the cost. Yet they don't realize their membership cost them their soul.

We find that Pharisees often will never go against the status quo of their own camp. That is, they have a collectivism mentality. They do what's best for the group, and anything that isn't good for the group must be forbidden. This leads to much intimidation within their ranks, in which people who join them often find themselves in bondage to their system. They must conform or die. Or at least face ridicule for not following everyone else's way of doing things.

This leads to a very damnable society, one in which it makes it very hard to leave. Especially, if the whole becomes corrupt. For the more corrupt it becomes, the more devious its followers will be and the more malicious they will behave themselves towards those who of their own accord desire to leave their ranks in order to follow the truth, rather than corruption.

A good example of this is Nicodemus. The Bible tells us in John chapter 3 that he went by night all by himself to speak with Jesus. Why did he do this? I'm sure he feared ridicule by his peers for speaking with someone that they all viewed as the enemy. So in order to speak with Jesus, he went alone, in a time when he hoped no one would see him.

Notice how Phariseeism leads to fear. And as the Bible says, "The fear of man bringeth a snare" (Prov. 29:25).

The spirit of the Pharisee, then, is the spirit of "Convert to us and our group or die!" And this is ultimately what all Pharisees and their Phariseeical groups become--religious systems in which people must obey the laws of the group upon threat of ridicule, excommunication, and even death. See the Catholic Church and the Spanish Inquisition, the Masonic Lodge, The Illuminati, etc.

Sadly, modern day Christianity has become very Phariseeical and we are seeing the same spirit of those Pharisees of old running rampant today in modern Christian circles, denominations, and Churches. Even in my denomination, Independent Baptist, do we find this spirit of the Pharisees. And many of my peers are in a sad type of spiritual bondage in which they are afraid to come out and face the truth. For even questioning some of the things they have been taught could lead to loss of friends, support, fellowship, etc. Further, it could open one's self up to attack from others who portray this spirit of the Pharisees. For this reason they stay quiet and don't want to look at the corruption within their ranks.

As for me, I don't want anything to do with Pharisees. As I read the Bible, I'm faced with the same theme over and over again. It goes like this. A man starts out with God, but then he gets some followers. Eventually, they build a movement, but then it becomes a huge mass which eventually apostasies and falls headlong into corruption. God then sends a man to preach against it, and he then gets some followers and starts a movement that eventually apostasizes the bigger it gets and it becomes a corrupt Phariseeical organization, so then God has to send another man to come along and preach against that and the whole cycle begins anew.

But one thing I've noticed. God can do so much with just one man who's completly sold out to him, while a huge group who has the spirit of the Pharisee, although they might appear in the eyes of others to be doing a mighty work for God, is really not doing much but building a movement which eventually and consistently turns against God.

That's why it appears to me that the best thing to do in order to not have the spirit of a Pharisee is to separate yourself from men and their Phariseeical groups and just walk in the Spirit of God, serving him of a pure heart.

Are their Pharisees alive and well today? YOU BET YOUR LIFE THERE ARE! And they are everywhere! But at least now you know how to spot them. They are easy to find. For they are the ones who continually brag about themselves and what they do, exalting and magnifying men and their group rather than Jesus. They are continually in the flesh, and it shows as they have no charity whatsoever, and are quick to get offended. They also love to attack others and in the flesh ridicule and mock them, even calling them dirty and hateful names. And finally, they are those who faced with the truth would rather KILL you then hear what you have to say.

What's needed is someone to preach against them, their sin(s), and their apostate practices. Who is that man? In the Old Testament, it was many different prophets. What did they get for their service to God in preaching against corruption? Stoned, ridiculed, mocked, imprisioned, and even killed. But then Jesus showed up. What did he do? He preached against the Pharisees. What did they do? They crucified him!

So we see that it's not easy to go against the Pharisees and corruption. Yet, if you truly love God, then shouldn't you choose the Spirit of Christ rather than the spirit of the Pharisee?