Would You Still Be A Christian if Jesus Were...Black?

Acts 17:26
24 "The  God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord  of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands; 25 nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things; 26 and He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation,27 that they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; 28 for in Him we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said, `For we also are His children.

Adam and Eve aren't white, or European for that matter. Neither was Noah. And, his sons were not three separate and different nationalities. I can believe the Bible and its explanations about who we are and where we come from, but I can't abide the socially accepted nonsense that usually follows it. 

Hypocritical Eurocentrism in the Church

While looking for material to teach my children about creation and Bible stories I became more and more frustrated. Why did all the books have all European people? It hadn't really occurred to me until I had to look at it objectively to help my children understand. In the interest of authenticity I began searching for answers and people who claimed to belong to God who were promoting the truth. Frighteningly, I couldn't find it. Why would a book written primarily in Africa and the Middle East have a bunch of European people in it? If the beginning of time were true to form, Europeans wouldn't have existed yet. After all, the Bible itself admits that God didn't make a whole bunch of Adams and Eves and then at some point they found out about each other. As Acts 17:26 states we all come from Adam.

Obviously, if we take the Bible at face value then we have to know that Adam and Eve would had to have been of African descent. Why? Civilization began in Africa. There's scientific proof of that. Perhaps this is why so many evangelicals say that science is in conflict with the Bible. I think they compliment each other. It makes so much sense when you're not trying to apply color or ethnicity.

The Fall of Man and Noah's Kids

So, then what about Noah? Is it possible that he and his European wife had three sons of three different ethnic backgrounds? That's ridiculous to think, even with miracles and all. I mean, life itself is the miracle. Why would the God of the universe deliberately create division in one family based on something as trivial  and meaningless as skin color? Anyway, how do you take someone who looks like Ward and June and produce someone who looks like Theo? You don't. Skin color, by scientific examination is an adaptation humans use to adjust to their environment. We all started off Black, so Noah may have been of European descent, but his wife wasn't, or vice versa. The story has to make more sense than it has so far. Something has to give there.

The reason I know this is science bears the truth and its teeming through our veins. If we were to check everyone's DNA, all 7 billion of us would find we're all brothers and sisters. We could have our DNA analyzed and we will find the ancient DNA pattern of our oldest ancestor written within our own. Their fossils were found where...in Africa. Both of the oldest male's and female's remains were discovered in Africa and an analysis of their DNA proves them to be of African descent. That doesn't bother me at all, but it seems to be quite difficult for some "Christians" to deal with and understand.

Why is that? Ask yourself, is it a form of idolatry to allow societal norms rather than biblical norms lead us? The "American" way of being white and right has clouded judgement so profoundly that many can't seem to lay down American ideology and follow the one true God. How shocked would everyone be if when Jesus descended back to Earth he looked a lot like Denzel, or the original MJ? The Bible readily admits that the road is narrow and all those who rejected Him, perhaps not the white Him, but the Black Him, would be completely out of luck. While God is a spirit who has no form, Jesus came to us in flesh. That flesh had a color. Which, for all intensive purposes could have meant something entirely different during the first century than it means now. Original paintings of Him before Constantine got a hold of them depicted Him as an olive-skinned, stocky man with short, curly, dark hair. How many white American Christians will be able to stand before Him and with a clean and pure heart say they never rejected Him?

What's a more cerebral question? With all of the self-loathing and hatred that Blacks have for themselves and each other, will they be able say it?

Feminism In Christ

The Plight of Feminist Philosophy

How is it that when women leave their jobs for their husbands they're setting back societal advancements, but if they leave work to spend more time with their children or to pursue a different dream it's more acceptable? Feminism is a stinky fish wrapped in silver and bows and we swallow it hook line and sinker. Women want to bring home the bacon, fry it up in the pan, clean the pan, and ensure everyone has had enough. Meanwhile, men are bringing home bacon, or not. They're frying it up when they want, or not. They're not cleaning it up, and don't have to bother too much with whether or not anyone has had their fill except him. There's a remarkable imbalance and women are tipping the scales to be lopsided against their favor. How peculiar. Are feminists on acid or what? Actually, what is considered feminism is really just a dogmatic approach to human survival, pushing symbiosis of the male / female species into a tailspin and its out of control.

Biblical Standard

Let's go back to the garden. Depending on how we view it, the story of Eden is told twice in two different ways. In the first narrative God makes male and female on the sixth day and doesn't mince words about the order or how it's done or anything like that. He just makes them. In the second account Eve is actually taken from Adam's rib after God recognizes that Adam needs a mate because he is lonely. Okay, let me confess that I like the first narrative better. The idea that men and women were created with equal status in the eyes of God brings joy to my heart. I like to believe the God of the universe was not unclear on the notion that if Adam had been alone in the earth there would be no one else, ever. Maybe that was the intent at first, but I don't think so. In the second narrative God is still not demeaning Eve, or womankind at all. He takes her from the rib of the man so that she can be his partner with equal footing and purpose. Perhaps there would be different purposes, but neither purpose would be less important than the other.

Proverbs 31

If we explore the Bible text more we can see that western ideas about how women should interact with the world around them do not match the biblical standard. I know it's socially acceptable in Christian circles for women to stay home and take care of the house and children, but Old Testament tradition contradicts this ideology. For example, Abraham's servant found Isaac's Rebecca doing work, Jacob found Rachel at work, Boaz noticed Ruth while she was working. In all of these instances the Bible never mentions that the work ever stopped. In fact, the Proverbs 31 woman is so misunderstood because in western culture it's biblical not to work, but this woman is a workaholic. The woman is in real estate, farming, she cooks and cleans, makes her clothes and her children's clothes. She volunteers to help the needy, brings in a second income, and is constantly meeting her husband's needs, whatever they may be. She's kind and has a good reputation everywhere. She owns her own clothing line, keeps an optimistic outlook, and never has idle hands. My goodness, I get tired just reading it. If all women were like her how would earth be? She's amazing, but she's not only a stay home mom. She's also not only a working mom. She does it all.

The Real Problem

Is this the heart of the "feminist" movement? Are women really begging to be Proverbs 31 women while men rail against it asking them to just get in the background and do nothing except please them and keep house? Why would that make men feel better? The answers to that are another blog, but in this context I would contend that the reason there is a feminist movement is that men have deliberately kept women from fully excelling in their God-given gifts and strengths. This requires that women fight to be the partners they were created to be. Men are getting trampled in the fight as women take roles in everything. Jobs and roles that have traditionally been attributed to men are being filled by women. While men are taking jobs and roles that have traditionally been filled by women. The question must be, does that matter? Have we missed the point of God's creation of male and female? The point was to compliment each other. Men and women are supposed to work in tandem to accomplish life's goals of continuing human existence. Fighting for the right to do that is a hinderance to God's original plan. And, it's unnecessary. What man in his right mind would say to his life partner, "No, I don't want you to help me." What woman in her right mind would say to her life partner, "No, I don't want to walk in my gifts and fulfill any calling." The fight is mostly about acknowledgement and relevance.

Perfect Symbiosis

As men and women we must be focused and diligent about letting our partners know how valuable their efforts are to us. Whatever the couple does to accomplish the goal of continuing humanity and maintaining its success in the universe, they should show overwhelming appreciation to one another as they work together to reach it. How do couples do this? Sit together and assess each other's strengths honestly. Look at the ways you compliment one another. Begin to consider these your own attributes. Remember, the biblical standard is that you have become one. If your spouse owns a strength so do you. On the other hand, if they own a weakness so do you. Your strengths blot out their weaknesses and therefore together your are as solid as a rock. Celebrate this by working together. Whatever your life's goals have been up to this point, try to disregard them. Instead, make your "couple goal" sustaining the viability of humanity. Go about centering your life around this purpose peacefully.

Adjust The Goal

Of course, money and materialism have become the goal. In fact, in our eyes if someone has lots of stuff; big, expensive stuff, we think they are successful. We've been conditioned to think this way because if we're not engaging in this process, our economy, and therefore society, would come apart at its seams. But, in keeping our eyes on that ball we've allowed the other to drop. So, humanity is a mess while money gets as much attention as possible. We need to take a step back and re-evaluate our work. Men and women need to work together, not war against each other, to correct societal ills, realign our mission, and put humanity back on track.

Things That Make You Go God

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things.

Today my husband, who has become my muse for spiritual thought, and I exchanged ideas about the trappings of this life and their direct contradiction to biblical standards. We weren't discussing the obvious things like cheating or sleeping around or drinking or any other well-known vice that keeps us from knowing and communing with a holy God. We were actually talking about things that fly under the radar, like secular music, trashy television, preoccupation with appearances, otherwise known as vanity, and overeating. 

Initially it stemmed from my sorority. We read some interesting info about its connection to the occult and the implications of still being associated with an org that asks for allegiance to itself. Mind you, I haven't been an active member for 15 years. Still, once you're in, you're in, even if inactive. It occurred to me that when I pledged I was a believer in Jesus Christ, but I was mostly just religious. With that being said, I knew the induction ceremony had crossed a line. Not only was I confessing another god, but I was participating in a strange rite that I couldn't begin to understand the true meaning of. From the time I was inducted I struggled with this aspect of sorority life. I had bonded with my line and some of the older sisters so strongly that I bounced back and forth between wanting to disassociate from the organization to believing I never would since I cared for them so much. My heart would remain torn throughout my undergraduate years until the organization became an accessory that defined me like wearing my hair in a ponytail or singing in a gospel choir.

In any case, our conversation regarded how well-meaning, God loving people join these orgs every year without suspecting any demonic cruelty or devilish intent. So many say they started drinking and sleeping around once they joined. That wasn't my story. In fact, at the same time I became active in the sorority I became active in Campus Crusade for Christ, which I think may have saved me the drama of getting too far away from God and too deep into defining myself by what the sorority was. I was no angel, mind you, but I didn't get too far away from the light because of the group. Any straying was of my own volition. We talked about this and how every day the world presents us with many different ways to cope with the negative thoughts and emotions that life presents. There's food, TV, movies, music, alcohol, drugs, fashion, sports, jobs, sex, relationships, sororities, fraternities, and the list goes on and on of the many things we can use to entertain ourselves or soothe our anxieties. These are all things that in moderation can be harmless, but in the spirit realm they are designed to lead us away from the cross and away from true peace of mind.

The direct contrast to this is the many churches and religious groups that dig in their heels and defy "the world" by obeying a bunch of rules to find God. Some rules; don't watch TV, don't listen to music, don't wear swimsuits, don't eat with sinners, don't wear makeup, don't go to movies, don't go bowling, don't celebrate Christmas, don't celebrate anything, don't dance...at all, and the list goes on depending on what group you're talking about. This goes above and beyond the ten commandments. And, I contend that many of these ideas could probably work. But, it's the heart that matters. If one is refraining from these activities in an attempt to show God they are good it will not work. It will probably lead to a lack of fulfillment and a desperate cry for something more meaningful. It's unhealthy for most and can be quite tragic. What extremely religious groups don't understand is that by making a host of rules the focal point of their worship they have picked up a vice of the enemy that can also be used to distract them from the main purpose. These organizations can be the most dangerous because they think they have almighty God's permission to be calculating and manipulative.On the other hand, if one is refraining from vice and corrupt activity in order to purify oneself so the unadulterated message of who God is and what He wants from you can be well-filtered, then by all means, go for it. This usually stems from a deep desire to be closer to God and to live for Him, not from wanting to belong to a group of humans.  Knowing God and communing in peace with Him is the ultimate goal. He gives us guidelines to allow us to lead fruitful, happy lives, restoring Eden to those who accept and love Him. 

So, no matter what satan uses to distract or tear us away, we must be consciously willing to not use those vices, but to go to God. Praying, reading the Bible, watching God's work in our lives and acknowledging His work in the earth are all ways to strengthen our faith and relationship with Him. Guard your heart and mind. Guard your eyes as well. If this means that lustful songs have to be removed from your playlist, then remove them. If this means you've got to get rid of "skinemax" and other channels with lots of lust driven images, then get rid of them. At the very least, living for God saves you money! With due diligence, keep your heart, mind, and soul protected, and allow your spirit to work with the Holy Spirit as your guide. 

Is God Jewish?

If religion is a blockbuster movie then Christianity is the sequel to Judaism. Jesus was Jewish and so were the disciples and most of the early church. The canon we read is really the Jewish sacred texts with some testaments from disciples and apostles added. By definition Jewish people are descendants of the ancient Hebrew group whose story is delineated as fact throughout the Bible. In fact, it is the most widespread, universally acknowledged narrative of their history. While it isn't always counted as accurate, it is understood to be the text that gives us insight into the heritage from which this particular people group descended.

The Bible speaks largely of the God of the universe communing with the progeny of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Then, at the turn of the century, Jesus comes and sees that their leaders aren't accepting the message of grace. So, it is Jesus who opens the door of Heaven to everyone else. That strikes me as odd now. Don't misunderstand, I don't know where I would be had I not been pointed in His direction by the Bible. It's difficult to imagine life without Him and even more difficult to envision life without the profound wisdom found in the Bible. Still, did He seek to alienate all other people groups throughout the earth when He chose Abraham and those of his bloodline to know Him for centuries and even millenia?

I would contend that the answer to that is no. In Acts, the only historic book in the New Testament, the apostle Paul, who is Jewish, makes it clear that there is one Creator for all mankind and that this one Creator produced a way for all of us to come and commune with Him through Jesus's sacrifice, the Holy Spirit, prayer, and good living. So, what about Revelation and Isaiah when it points directly to the Israelite nation being the center of activity for end time phenomena? How does that connect with what Jesus and Paul said about all believers being Jews? And, if there is still an obligation to respect or protect the Israelite people, calling them the chosen ones, where does that leave Christians? So many of the Israelite people did not and still do not accept that Jesus was Messiah, but in the Christian faith that is exactly what you need to do to be approved by God. While the Bible makes it clear that His "chosen" people of the twelve tribes are blind to the truth, it also makes it clear that someday He will allow some to see clearly and be saved as a result. That's great, but still mysterious.

Did He favor a group and leave all the others on earth to flounder, chasing after Him to fill the spot He created in us to seek Him, only to fail at finding Him? Since the beginning of time people have searched for Him and found a kajillion substitutes that don't really make the grade. Was this His purpose? It couldn't be.

So, the questions endure. The wisest thing is to hold out faith and seek His true message for us, to pray, meditate, and pause to consider who He is. We should see evidence of an all knowing, all powerful, lovingly kind, generous God manifesting Himself in those who hold Him in their hearts. It's not by name or religious rules, but by our lives that we will be able to reflect Him, thereby leading more of us to Him. Our integrity, character, and faith point directly to Him.

God isn't Catholic

Religions are so confusing. While I appreciate their sacred value to the participants, it seems they are holding most of us back from the sacred.

I read the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John just to remember Jesus. So often the image is distorted by propaganda and promotion through religious leadership. I try to read and ask myself if Jesus would have been an elder with the Jehovah's Witness group. Would Jesus serve with any Mormon bishops? How many hail Mary's would Jesus be willing to say? Would Jesus go to a priest to confess sin? Wait, he knew no sin, but died for ours.

Hmm...Matthew, Mark, and Luke all confirm that the veil of the temple was torn from top to bottom at the moment Jesus died. Whether you're in the camp who says they meant it literally or those who say they meant it symbolically, the argument can be made that the significance is the same; it solidified believers' authority to enter into contact with the Father without a mediator.

So why and how do religious tenets consistently contend that they are the final authority and in order to get to Him you must go through them. How strange for the God of the universe to come down to Earth in the flesh and condemn religious leaders for their utter hypocrisy, tell everyone they're welcome to commune with Him now through the sacrifice He was going to make,  and offer them the gift of His Holy Spirit for guidance and comfort only to return to His spirit form to tell a bunch of different individuals with spurious backgrounds to make new rules to follow to get to Him.

Curious. It's also peculiar to see images of Jesus before Catholicism became the standard Christian expression of discipleship. He's got shorter, curlier hair, a beard, and his skin is copper-tone. So, the false image of Jesus that's been handed down for generations is itself calculating, preying on the human mind's perception of things to create a reality that does not now, nor ever did exist. The worst part is that doing this limits our connection to the truth of who God really is. If we were to see beyond religion to the heart of who we are, why we're here, and God's perfect design for us it would end senseless suffering all over the earth. But, religion holds us back. I look forward to the day when we free our minds and become what God always intended.

Is it the Church or the Goers?

The Christian right has made quite a spectacle of itself as of late. While its positions are noble, its delivery is not, and so many are being turned away from "church" by its people. Why is this? How can we find such significant discrepancies and hypocrisies in church?

As a churchgoer for my entire life, it's clear that people say what they will at church and raise their hands in agreement with the virtues and morals put forth in the Bible. But, when they are not there, or when the rubber meets the road and they have to display the character of Jesus, an entirely different message sets up. I'm guilty of it myself. I lose my temper over small stuff. I don't exercise patience in certain situations, and I judge celebrities and politicians like there'll be no time to do it tomorrow.

So, what of it? What about the church and its followers and its rules? Recently, everyone has been upset about the healthcare mandate that requires businesses to pay for birth control regardless of whether or not the owners believe in it. I can understand the unrest in the interest of liberty. Businesses really shouldn't be forced by the government to do anything except pay the appropriate taxes for operating in the country. I can't see it being a religious freedom question, but a life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness issue. I say this because long ago it was determined that when these businesses hire individuals they must not hire based on religious affiliation. So, if the person who works for the business does not hold the same set of beliefs and everyone in the Nation is receiving this benefit from their employer, then this employer should follow suit and allow the worker to make the final decision about their birth control. This infringes on the workers' freedom.

Also, the photographers and bakers and wedding venues who keep turning away homosexual couples are showing a great deal of hypocrisy. Clearly, homosexuality in any form is listed as sin. Go to 1 Corinthians 6:9 and it will be listed there along with drunkenness, partying, fornication, adultery, idolatry, conning people out of money, theft, and wishing you had what someone else owns. It's funny how people walk into these places of business everyday to order cakes or photography, but are never questioned about whether there will be drinking at the party / wedding. Will there be dancing and revelry at the reception? No one asks if it's their first or second marriage, in which case they are committing adultery. Jesus himself says so. The couple to wed is not asked whether they are living together and fornicating. No one asks the bride where she found her dress...in a magazine on another woman, after looking at which she said, "I've gotta' have that one." If so, she was covetous and by these business owners' standards they cannot provide services for her. I mean, it's strange.  Why this sin? Why is this the hill the religious right is dying on? If the owners of these businesses had been holding up the banner all along, it would not be a story or a shock to anyone if they turned people away in this case as well. If you're going to stand, stand for the truth all the time, not just when it's socially acceptable.

That's the Christian church's problem today. It's not the message, it's the hypocrisy of the messengers. And until the church wakes up there will always be a cloud of ungodliness cast on it.

Conspiracy, Cults, and the Case for Christ

Well, nowadays it's conspiracy after conspiracy, on top of conspiracy. Just this week my husband and I tossed around conspiracies in a sort of trivial pursuit, challenging each other on who knew more about which conspiracy theory. He started by querying me about the Bohemian Grove conspiracy. I pretended to know everything about it, boasting, "That's common knowledge." Honestly, I had only just learned about it after reading the synopsis for a new documentary / fictional account called "The Conspiracy". I mentioned the Bilderberg Group, a group associated with a conspiracy theory surrounding the business and political elite and their bid to take over the world. As an ordinary American citizen I have no idea really but we continued tossing the conspiracies out. He leveraged his knowledge of the evil - laden Skull and Bones secret society, as if he knew, against my first-hand account of pledging two different organizations as a freshman in college. He lectured me about my own collusion with the enemy. I pledged a sorority and he never stops letting me know how worldly and sadistically satanic it is. Truthfully, I liked being a part of it and didn't see it as any more evil than anything else humans do. I made some tremendous friends and did a wealth of community service. But, looking back I would have gladly skipped the induction ceremony. It is full of weirdness I don't really remember, except that it occurred to me that it wasn't a Christian rite in any way, shape, or form. In fact, it was paying homage to the organization as if it were a deity. It was a strange undertaking, but somehow I didn't feel that I was participating in satanic worship of a pagan deity. It didn't seem worthy of conspiracy status. I explained it didn't feel quite as sinister as he was making it out to be, but he continued to denounce all secret societies and rail against my lack of understanding the trappings of its evils. Another conspiracy unveiled.

Then I expounded on the 9/11 conspiracy...which, incidentally, I believe might actually have some merit considering a government that spends hundreds of billions of dollars on defense wasn't able to take down some commercial planes. I once listened to Susan Lindauer and was amazed and afraid. Many agree as this group has quite a cult following.

He countered with the endless intrigue of the Illuminati cult, or rather occult. It's this group of uber rich people coming together to eventually enslave all of humanity for the sake of more power. Urban lore has it they go behind closed doors and worship the devil to get more and more power over the rest of us. According to conspiracy theorists they are working with the rulers of darkness mentioned in Ephesians 6:10 to bring about the New World Order that causes the second coming of Christ. The conspiracy is in all of pop culture, media, music, politics, and movies. Even the so-called stars are in on the secret. Somehow it's difficult to imagine some of these people participating in these evil rituals, but since ritual and ceremony are well-embedded in the culture, maybe it's not that strange. According to the Washington Post, Vanity Fair, and Alex Jones' infowars.com, extreme right-wing conservative Republicans who claim born-again status participate in these rites, as seen here:

Truth has a way of walking up and slapping you in the face when you're just going about your business doing your own thing. Who would believe these men who stand in public arenas declaring moral superiority and biblical family values go out to the forest to engage in undeniably pagan rituals? Speaking of public figures, we never got started on the conspiracies surrounding Barak Obama. It would've taken more time than anyone has to hash all of them out. To name some: Conspiracy 1 - he's really a Muslim who gave the oath on the Koran instead of the Bible and secretly prays to the east 5 times a day in the oval office. Conspiracy 2 - he's ex-CIA and so was his mom...that's the only way he was able to get the job and lead us into the New World Order. Conspiracy 3 - he's not an American citizen...somehow he was really born in Kenya. Conspiracy 4 - he's not really part Kenyan. His dad was actually a card carrying communist (aka civil rights activist in the 60's) named Frank Marshall Davis. Conspiracy 5 - he's really homosexual and that's why he's promoting their agenda. Conspiracy 6 - he's the antichrist and is set to usher in the Great Tribulation. Oh, and no conspiracy catalog would be complete without membership in the "Illuminati". I'm leaving some out, but any or all of these conspiracies contradict one another. It's become too silly to take seriously.

Another mode of research aside from our drills are my visits to culteducation.com to learn about groups that use philosophy or belief in a lifestyle or higher power to wield control over others. The Jonestown cult is one of great interest to me. These staunch believers in Jesus Christ rallying alongside professing atheists mixed into a melee of socialist propaganda dressed up as Christo-pagan ideology. And at its core a manifestation of drug induced mania causing them to lose power over their very lives. This is a much sensationalized cult, but there are countless others. There are people walking around claiming to be Jesus Christ's second coming and they have followers. In fact, you name it and someone out there believes it. From being granted your own planet when you die to annunaki alien giant race creators, there are a plethora of cult philosophies to follow. And there are millions of opportunists just waiting to use them to satisfy their need for worship, domination, money, and sexual pursuit. 

If conspiracies seek to expose the evil being wielded by leaders, then cults exist to exploit the followers. They ebb and flow against each other, and yet somehow there never ceases to be an endless supply of either. 

While a conspiracy is a conspiracy because of its contradictions to what we can see in plain sight, the only conclusion to draw is that people will believe anything. So, where does Jesus Christ fall into place in all of these philosophies?  Any number of cult leaders use Him and His name to become puppet masters. There are conspiracies floating in the Christian church right now about itself. Lately the target has been mega-churches and their leaders. The conspiracies surrounding them involve their perceived greed and lack of sincerity of belief as they empty the pockets of working class congregations, in turn reaping a fortune. The apostles and disciples didn't ask the early church for money so they could buy the best camels or build themselves tremendous tents. So, when prosperity teachers who find themselves in financial straits or who own multiple homes, cars, boats, and planes are scrutinized it isn't surprising. As long as there are starving people or even people sitting in the pews of your church who are unemployed and can't make ends meet and you are paying $25,000 a pop to fly to your next speaking engagement, it's going to be controversial and seem to fly in the face of Christian sensibility. But, these contexts for exploitation are more obvious. It's the cults that spout a seemingly deep philosophical idea heralded by a forcefully convincing leader that have the potential to deconstruct lives. It's the groups steeped in their own seemingly flawless ideology that become harmful. It begins as an organization that is eventually haunted by its leadership, creating zombies of its followers through sleep deprivation, isolation, obsequiousness, and group think strategies. No matter the cult group, the mind control tactics are the same. 

How does one find their way in this web of mystery? My husband and I debate and passionately argue the details and merit of it all, never coming to a conclusion. Then the questions inevitably rise to the top of the debate. Since Christianity is accepted in mainstream American culture, isn't it by its very nature a conspiracy? Is it just another philosophy among many? Why should belief in Jesus Christ be treated any differently? If there is a conspiracy by the powers that be to rule the lower classes through religion, then is Christianity another form of puppetry? Isn't Chrisitanity just a western cult? I've grappled with these questions since we began looking into conspiracies and cults. It's par for the course when you're connecting dots. It can be postulated by intellectuals looking to arrive at this outcome that the answer to all these questions is yes. 

But, in quiet reflection, I think of all the times He's answered my prayers. When I consider all the times His mercy has reigned in spite of my disobedience, I can see Him. Sober minded after intoxicating searches and studies in intellectual debate, sitting there in solitude what I find staring at me is faith. I was not astonished by my faith in Christ that had always been there. I was surprised that it takes faith to see the world without God. I can explain away the wealthy one percent sacrificing to Moloch in the forest and then dropping atomic bombs as evil men doing evil. I can pretend that it makes sense for 50 year old executives in board rooms to figure out how to market sexually charged, immoral messages in song to 12 year olds. Maybe I can dismiss the blood and gore of video games and their relationship to children gunning each other down in the streets. But, taken all together the environment is too sick to dismiss as unfounded conspiracy. I have to handle the shock that bits and pieces of this are real and see that there truly is a spiritual wickedness that cradles the underbelly of our society. There is no conspiracy. Evil has always been evil since the beginning of time. The Bible is truth hidden in plain sight, revealing that satan is the prince of this world and that he's seeking to steal, kill, and destroy us at will. Conspiracy uncovered, millennia ago.

Could it be that we've developed technologies and sciences beyond our ancestors' imagination only to conclude that the ancients were right all along? King Solomon has been credited with writing, "there's nothing new under the sun." And so it is even now, nothing new. The simplicity of the answer is even more staggering. It's salvation in Jesus Christ. If one reads the Bible themselves and does not take religion's word for it, they will find answer after answer to life's mysteries. Amazing really, how it manifests itself and opens our eyes to what's really happening in front of us. Accepting Jesus Christ gives us the Holy Spirit who counters the evil and gives us the power to do what is right. We simply trust in God and display that trust by not hurting each other with fornication, adultery, lies, theft, greed, idolatry, selfishness, lasciviousness, murder, gossip, etc. We just turn away from evil and do good to and for each other and He heals the earth. We pray, evil stops first individually, then collectively. I believe after much debate, study, and thought, that it really is that simple. Then when it's all said and done and we get to the end of our journey, it really is all about faith.

Work, Deeds, Rewards, and Heaven

There's work and there's work. For God's people this word takes on a whole new level of meaning.

Matthew 16:27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of His Father with His angels; and then He shall reward every man according to his works.

In a world where there are people who know God and hold their citizenship in Heaven we must understand that time here on earth is simply for a season. Knowing that the time will come when citizens of Heaven completely immigrate to their heavenly home, they are living in anticipation of that day. This includes work. In this economic environment we are discussing work a lot. Jobs and work are at the forefront of public discourse, as so many are without formal work. Understand, I don't have a "job" that requires me to leave my home, go to a building somewhere, and answer to a boss. I don't even have a formal business in which the buying public is my boss. But, I am at work constantly. Not only as a stay at home mom, but as a wife, a homeschooler, a sister, a mother, etc. We work all the time. Unless we're in a rest position with our minds sleeping, our consciousness escaping, we are at work. Some may ponder, "What about when I'm just playing a video game or watching TV?" This is still work, but in the form of deeds. The meaning is interchangeable in its connotation.

When Jesus speaks of works throughout the gospels the translators interchanged this word with the word deeds often. It has become an unspoken understanding that our deeds; what we do after making decisions, and our work; tasks we perform to accomplish a goal, can be one in the same when we're dealing with character. In the Bible the word work is used repeatedly to give instruction in performance, as well as to instruct in character qualities. As heavenly citizens God is concerned with both.

The work we do is not who we are, rather the way we do our work is who we are. One could be a doctor, a scientist, a teacher, a fireman, or a pastor. They are really all the same work to the heavenese because it is the way we do it, not that we have or do it. For instance, some doctors have private practices in which they cut corners and prescribe unnecessary medication to get kickbacks from pharmaceutical companies. There are teachers who use the same lesson plans every year regardless of curriculum changes and who don't really show up to teach, but to be a warm body until the bell rings. This is hardly heavenly work. In fact, it won't produce any viable outcomes that matter but it will earn money and allow the workers to store up earthly treasures.

On the other hand there are grocery store cashiers who consistently multitask, keeping their registers moving and clean, insuring each customer's needs are met, greeting everyone with a smile, and being completely knowledgeable of what's on sale and how their customers can get the best deals. There are librarians who think of innovative ways to restock children's shelves in a 21st century format to help them find books easier, who know the regulars and have suggestions for them when they come in. They spot new visitors and help guide them through the resources available, always helpful and alert. This is excellent work. And while their rates are hourly and they may not see a monetary reward for going above and beyond in their work, they are storing up treasure in their permanent home.

There are also our deeds. These are the things we commit to doing all day long, whether physically at work or not. This is how we communicate with our family, co-workers, and friends, how we spend our free time, even when no one is looking, and generally how we go about our day. This is hugely important because it's the difference between making an impact for the kingdom of Heaven or doing damage to its viability. When we mind our character and act with integrity at all times, no matter who is watching or what is involved, we set ourselves up for big rewards in Heaven.

My sister told me a while ago that she and her husband had invested in property in another country. They often go there for vacation and hope to retire there someday. I thought, I don't want to live too far away from my friends and family when I'm older, but I do understand the concept of investing in my retirement from earth itself. Our works are just that. We'll spend much more time in our eternity than we do here. It's important to use our time investing for it wisely. We need to do everything to the glory of the Father, just as Jesus did. This way we are bound to get a return on that investment in Heaven once we leave earth.

WTWT Depression Part 3

While there are many ways to overcome depression before it sets in, we must be aware that for some the conversation is way overdue. Depression has set in and not only does it produce a hopelessness, it breeds debilitation. One who is suffering is less likely to have a mind to actively pull themselves out of it.

This level of depression is not to be taken lightly. The depths of despair are dark and hopeless for those who get there. This post seeks to be helpful, based on truths God has put in my heart, but if you are in a rough place and find you cannot come out, please seek help from a Bible teaching (and believing) professional who can walk you through the truth carefully.

In Part 2 of this series on depression I walked through the inevitable steps that lead to being depressed. Many people who are actually depressed are far beyond step 1, which is already far enough. The things we must do to shake ourselves loose and overcome depression at this point are more internal and spiritual.

They are internal because if you are deeply depressed you've already allowed it to define you and shape your perceptions of who you are. And they are spiritual because you have opened yourself up to dark spirits by agreeing with them and not the Father about the circumstances of your life. Now imps and demons are actually tormenting you with lies, deceptions, and gross exaggerations of what is really happening. That's really what depression is. What you do now must push them out, as well as restore you to the truth of what God has to say about all of it.

Begin with the spiritual. You have to cut these false, negative thoughts and suggestions off. You've been dwelling on them for so long, you may not know where to start. A rule of thumb is start small. Stop allowing even your fleeting thoughts to depress you. When your mind suggests a lie, a negative outcome, respond with a truth from God's word. Try Philippians 1:6 say out loud, No, He who has begun a good work in me will complete it until the day of His coming. When you hear the thoughts that tell you even more sinister lies, respond with the Word of truth. Speak out loud, (Jeremiah 29:11) God says, I know the thoughts I have toward you, to prosper you, not to harm you...to give you hope and a future. Continue to combat these evil thoughts and lies with God's truth as much as you can. Speak His words of truth into your life circumstances.

This should produce some hope, giving you more ambition to come out of the depression. After this, go to a quiet place to pray. When you pray you want to stay away from re-introducing the lies you just squashed. Do not pray your circumstances. I'll say it again, DO NOT PRAY YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES. God sees you and knows you and cares for you. It is redundant to tell Him your situation. Instead, thank Him for what He's doing to solve the problem. Worship and adore Him for stepping in to change things and turn them around for you. Now repent. I know, depression is illness and it hurts and you feel like a victim, but you got there by listening to satan's lies, which means you turned your back on the truth. Simply repent. Tell God you are sorry for listening to the enemy's lies and allowing them to affect you. Ask for forgiveness. Then go to work on those spirits by suspending their activity, binding them, and casting them out. Let them know they are no longer welcome and have no power or authority and that by the blood of the Lamb you are casting them out of your life, mind, and situation. Strike at them and drive at them in the Spirit. Then thank God again for His intervention and for helping you. Thank Him for His intervening angels who are working on your behalf in the heavenlies at that moment. Rejoice that He is working and doing what He says He'll do. This is practicing deliverance and every Christian believer has the authority to do it. For more information about it go to doersoftheword.org.

Now focus on the internal. You've allowed yourself to think and believe some ugly lies about who you are. You must discontinue this by seeing the truth. If you have made some bad choices that make you feel like you are a bad person, this is wrong. Everyone has good and bad in them. Your bad choices do not define you. Repent for them. Accept God's forgiveness and encourage yourself in Him by looking forward to the good choices He'll give you to make as time goes on.

Hopefully this restores you. Now you have to maintain this. There is no end to the negativity and lies that exist in our world. You must pray, read your Bible, and speak and believe God's truths about you. Do not allow lies to be fed to you. Do not accept lies. Always repent when you have done something wrong. Always trust that God has faithfully forgiven you, as He said He would. Then walk His way. Shut out behaviors that produce negative outcomes (being deceitful, drinking too much, drugging, being promiscuous, being lazy, being gluttonous, angry, mean, etc.) and try to be helpful to someone else. Take the steps mentioned in Part 2 to remain free from the bondage of a plagued mind.

Of course, all this takes time. It's not easy to get out of depression, as it was not easy to get into depression. It's hard work, but you have to do it. God loves you and He wants you to overcome the enemy, to defeat Him and endure to the end. Stay focused on having your thoughts, words, and actions line up with each other so He can say to you when eternity begins for you, "Well done good and faithful servant."

WTWT Depression Part 2

Walking the Walk Through Depression is all about what to do for someone else if they are suffering. But, what about if it's you? What happens if you are the one who's smiling but who feels the stinging hurt of depression? As a person living an authentic life in Christ what do you do?

Depression, after all, seems ungrateful in our hearts. It makes us feel guilty to be depressed knowing that God has given us a new life. We're supposed to be enjoying it right? So, what of it? Why are we depressed? Why are our souls downcast? We're stuck in muck and mire and can't find a way out. Often we feel there's no help because we can't really discuss the depression due to embarrassment or not wanting to turn into someone's charity case. We also want to be soldiers in God's army. There's no depression allowed in that right? So, what do we do?

In a world where there are millions of distractions...including our own minds, I have to say the good, old-fashioned Word of God is the way out.

The dynamic of depression is this:

1.) Our minds get stuck on a thing we feel powerless to change.
2.) Instead of renewing it with the Word, we allow it to fester so the attitude spreads around to other topics that represent discomfort in our minds.
3.) Since no one's life is perfect it grows into every area of our lives, even the ones that may be going quite well, and continues to erode our perceptions of what's really happening.
4.) Soon evil thoughts have consumed our thought processes to the point that we can't see the way out or find any positive aspects at all.
5.) Hopelessness begets hopelessness and we're on the verge of shutting down.

How do we prevent this cycle? I know the world uses medication. However, that has proven to be controversial in and of itself. Psychotropic / psychiatric / antidepressant drugs have actually caused people to commit homicides and suicides, as well as sink deeper into depression. They also cause a number of side effects that threaten our physical health. Is it safe for Christians to take these drugs? Is it safe for anyone? Well, someone who follows acceptable church norms would probably say no. But, people have to make this decision for themselves. Be sure to count up the cost and pray about it if it's a route you're thinking of taking.

Now, this method aside, we have a different hope. Our hope is more profound and spirit - based. The God of our salvation is compassionate, remember? Time and again He commands us to give our concerns, worries, and cares to Him and trust Him to handle it all. So, if you are prone to attacks of depression be diligent over your mind.

At step 1.) when you get stuck on an issue, first you need to recognize how your feelings of helplessness are false. The word yasha is translated help in the King James Bible, but profoundly enough it actually means save, savior, and delivered. When you sense you are powerless to change something stop, go into your prayer closet, and pray something like this:

Heavenly Father, thank you for your sovereignty and grace. I know You are who You say. I trust in every word. Now I receive your help in the area of _________________ . I know you are coming to the rescue to help me solve this problem and I want to say thank you for that. I am so grateful for Your kindness and compassion. I praise you always. In Jesus' name, amen.

Now angels have been put to work in your situation because you've taken hold of the help God promised you. Now stop worrying.

Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Switch your focus to helping someone else. Go to a shelter, an orphanage, or a nursing home and offer to help in some way. Go to a family member who's having trouble keeping things organized if that's your gift and offer to help. Call someone who's in need of your talents and just offer them up with no strings attached. No viable transportation? Offer a neighbor some support with babysitting or gardening. Invest in someone else. When you are being used in a gratifying way you stop obsessing over what's wrong with you and shift to what's the right thing to do. You feel better because you're exercising your strengths.

Now that you've prayed a biblical prayer and taken your mind off of the negative things you feel, it's time to renew your mind. When you get home from your helps, go ahead and spend some time in the Word. Ward off any depressing thoughts. Get a big glass of lemonade or a milkshake or some milk and cookies, or whatever you like. Get settled, crack open your Bible, and brush up on His promises. I suggest the gospel of John where Jesus prays for us for hours in the garden of Gethsemane. It's eye opening to see how He had hope for us even then. Also, take time to explore Romans chapter 8. Next, try Psalm 121. It's so sweet to hide His promises in our hearts.

Do this until your mind has been renewed and you know He's on your side. Trust Him, He cares so deeply for you, more than anyone else ever can. Then, make this a part of your life. Live this way so that you can consistently stay on track.

Now, if you're in the pit of depression already and far beyond step 1 of the depression cycle, it'll take even more to come out of it. I'll share some biblical, Christian techniques for overcoming this deeper depression in Part 3. By the way, our prayers can be more effective if we pray in a biblically sound way. To learn more about this go to doersoftheword.org and look into church service archives to find more information about this, as well as deliverance.

Walking the Walk Through Depression

It's tough in the Christian world to know the real implications, causes, and effects of depression. There's a stigma attached. Most of us believe there is more to this life than what we can see. There is an afterlife. Our spirit matter will continue to exist even beyond our physical experience here on Earth. For this reason it's important to get things right while we're here. Heaven is where we want to be, so committing an act of sin that could land us someplace else is not only defeating the purpose, but blatantly contradicting it altogether. Still, headlines are full of accounts of people who sit in pews and go to church regularly committing the unthinkable and taking their own lives largely due to overwhelming depression. Instead of recognizing it as sickness that needs to be delivered like any other, we see it as taboo and stay away from allowing anyone to feel or discuss it.

So, we pretend a lot. Every week we are with the same groups of families sitting by us, worshiping with us, praying with us, even reaching out and serving with us, and we never know whether or not they're hurting inside. Sunday is all about smiles and joy...on the surface, but I wonder how many in various congregations across the country really feel it...depression.

This is not the melancholy, woe is me for now sadness, but real, debilitating, painful hurt. Depression convinces you that everything is all wrong and that nothing can ever turn out right again. It tells you that the silver lining in the cloud is only there to give you some type of disease and that you should be worried about tomorrow because it will not take care of itself, it will be awful and so will every day beyond that. It makes it seem unnecessary to get out of bed, to engage friends and family, to reach out, to do anything since you feel so worthless and unimaginably useless. Depression is not a joke or something to shout, "Get over it!" It is a painful, hurtful illness that destroys and takes lives around us every day.

It's just a silent killer. No one wants to admit to it and if they do, they are often ostracized, especially in the church. This is when biblical truth and expectations clash with societal acceptance and norms. God's word tells us several things about this hurt.

1.) Jesus felt this type of hurt himself:

Matthew 26:36 Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to His disciples, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." 37 And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and distressed.  38 Then He said to them, "My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death; remain here and keep watch with Me."  39 And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will."  40 And He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, "So, you men could not keep watch with Me for one hour?  41"Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."  42 He went away again a second time and prayed, saying, "My Father, if this cannot pass away unless I drink it, Your will be done."  43 Again He came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy.  44 And He left them again, and went away and prayed a third time, saying the same thing once more.  45 Then He came to the disciples and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners.  46"Get up, let us be going; behold, the one who betrays Me is at hand!"

If the God of the universe came here in the flesh and experienced this pain, we of all people should be understanding and compassionate about this frame of mind. In His example, the horror and anguish he must've known is unimaginable. He got through it by finding hope in His purpose and praying.

2.) Up to 92 verses in the Bible demonstrate God showing compassion or moving hearts to act with compassion, many times in response to deep sorrow. His response to our hurt is showing compassion. He responded with action. He rescued, He delivered, He healed, He fed, He taught. He did something. As His people we should be His disciples and react the same way. I've been a part of one church or another throughout my life and I can't count the number of times I've heard the "get over it" sermon. I challenge teachers and leaders to stop and consider this. It is appropriate in cases where someone is simply sad, but hugely out of place when a heart is desperately hurting with depression.

This is only a small illustration of how kingdom minded people who are not simply religious, but want to live an authentic life in Christ, can turn away from societal norms and embrace biblical standards. The next time you sense that someone is depressed and needs you, reach out to them. If a teenager is being harassed help them. If a single mom, or just any mom for that matter, appears to be overwhelmed or frustrated, offer to help. When you see someone hurting, don't let them stay that way without your compassion. Your hugs, your words of encouragement, your prayers can go a long way to helping them recover.

Releasing Others From Your Anger...Before Sin

Mark 11:15 - Then they came to Jerusalem. And He entered the temple and began to drive out those who were buying and selling in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who were selling doves; 

This scripture has often been misused to justify angry behavior in God's people. Whenever Christians become angry and act out the justification goes something like this: 

"Well, what do you think was happening with Jesus when he turned over the tables of the money changers?" 

Rather than repent of the sin the person moves forward in the same attitude. The truth is this is a gross misuse of scripture. Most times when we get angry it's because someone has done something to us that was hurtful. They've said something, or done something, or even omitted something, that was an offense to us. We move forward in anger against them, holding onto whatever they did and feeling righteous in our anger and hurt, as if they deserve our anger for what they did. 

Yet, we don't comprehend God's anger in the Old Testament when His people consistently defied His word and continually sinned against His creation. Enter Jesus, the sacrifice. He took the sins of the world and allowed that sin to be applied to himself. He was punished severely for our sins so that we wouldn't have to suffer the ultimate punishment of separation from God. So, now as born again people we are card carrying citizens of Heaven, free from punishment of sin. Still, when someone sins and hurts us, we react in anger and want to punish, even after God forgives us for so much and delivers us from the wages of sin.

What does His word say about anger? Jesus says things like, "If your brother hits you on the cheek, turn the other one and offer it to him also." He consistently chides us not to respond to offense in anger, but in love. Still, we latch on to how this person has done us wrong. Not moved with any compassion or sorrow, just intent that they need to get what's coming to them. But we gave up our right to be angry with all people for offending us when we accepted Jesus and what He did for us at the cross. Not only was He pierced for my sins, but for all who accept His sacrifice. I forfeit my forgiveness when I don't rush to forgive others. (Matthew 6:15)

So, why the table? Was that sin? No, Jesus responded to the offense of the kingdom. The spectacle of people buying and selling for profit in the Father's house was not acceptable. When we get angry, which we will, it should not be for our own sake, but for the sake of the kingdom. Get angry with the dark spirit realm that seeks to take us out, kill us, destroy us. But, not with each other. This life is short and we are but a vapor while eternity is so long it's beyond comprehension. When evil threatens to destroy the kingdom, or take away God's promises we need to strike back in the spirit with deliverance driving out satanic forces in prayer. 

We are inundated with satan's response to offense. Random road rage, angry people of all ages posting punches and fights and tirades on Youtube, which the media picks up and then we see it again on TV, newsprint, and various websites. Anger is everywhere, but according to Pew research 78% of us claim Jesus as our Savior!

Serious disconnect. Let's try living this out. The next time we get angry, instead of punching or hitting or cursing or, for us passive aggressives, hurting them in an inconspicuous way, we'll get on our knees. A prayer could go something like this:

Heavenly Father, thank you for the grace and mercy of the cross. Thank you for Jesus' sacrifice and for giving me authority to bind and loose evil spirits, to cast out demons in Jesus name, and to heal sickness and disease. I repent of my anger towards (insert name). I love them and I know you do too. Please forgive me for my behavior or my attitude of unforgiveness. I forgive them with my whole heart. Now I bind the spirit of (name the function of it) in Jesus name. I bind it and suspend all of its activity in the heavenly realm. Spirit of (name the function of it) I cast you out now, I strike and drive at you to your destruction in the name of Jesus. Thank you Father for your love and protection over Your people. Thank you for sending angels to fight. I receive the release now in Jesus' name. 

(You can find more info about deliverance at this link: doersoftheword.org )

Then, let it go. Remember that God loves who you're angry with as much as He loves you. He's not on "your side". He's waiting for you to be obedient to Him so He can restore you. Repent so you can shut down those evil forces.