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Moses Code Blasphemy

Drew Kerr

The Moses Code is scheduled to be released on April 5th.  This is being billed as the next stage to The Secret.  The Moses Code is being pushed as a “3,500 year-old technology that has been banned since the time of Moses.  You can view the trailer here.  The release of the film will be followed by a “vigil”.  According to the Moses Code website:

When people see THE MOSES CODE movie, they’ll learn the technology and how to activate it at 12PM (EST) that Sunday. The Code is based upon the name of God that was given to Moses at the burning bush. We will be putting the chant online on Saturday, April 5th, along with several possible applications.

So, why am I making you wait till then to read the details? Simply because the movie has been designed to take you through the process step by step, and the gatherings to learn the Code are meant to foster a sense of community, drawing people together for the vigil. If you are interested in the details and want to learn more before April, you can always order THE MOSES CODE book which is already available. Our goal is to not only teach this miraculous technology but to draw people together in a revolutionary new way.

Can we send a healing current to the Middle East that will help that region turn the corner toward lasting peace? I’m sure Moses thought it was impossible to secure the release of the Israelite slaves from Egypt, but the Code enabled him to achieve the impossible. I believe that we have the same opportunity today, and April 6th will be the day we claim it.

Certain rumblings of the internet say that the prayer vigil will likely be related to people going through various “I AM” statements and praying that all the people of the world will realize that they are God as well. 

Ingrid Schlueter of VCY America is putting together a group of prayer warriors here that will be praying to our Almighty God the same time as the New Agers are holding their prayer vigils.

10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, (Ephesians 6:10-18)

Faith Defenders has two products that may help to strengthen the body of Christ as the Moses Code rears its’ ugly head.  You can download the booklet on Bible Numerics or you can purchase the CD set entitled Cracking the Bible Codes.

105 Comments, Comment or Ping

  1. Espiridion "Speedy" Camez

    Turn up the heat on these foolish false teachers Drew!!!!!

  2. Yikes! Is this like the prayer of Jabez.. If you pray enough time God will hear you and you will be blessed indeed? A BRAND NEW CAR!!!!!? No?

  3. Reformed Rich

    Don’t recite the code to much or your hair might spontaneously combust like the burning bush.

  4. Derek

    Isn’t this a book written by one of Oprah’s New Age gurus?

    Does it rival this little piece of New Age stupidity by Wayne Dyer?

    http://youtube.com/watch?v=35OE05-d_t4

  5. If you are so sure this is blasphemy, then why do the Jewish people never envoke the name YHWH? They don’t even know how to pronounce it! It is so holy, when they write the name of God, they spell it G-d–why is that? Why are you guys the only ones who are not blasphemes? Has God only imparted wisdom to YOU? I am not endorsing this movie because I don’t know enough about it yet, however I do know about the Bible and am familiar with some of your teachings. With that said I am more apt to trust the writers of this movie than I am to trust you!
    Have an awesome day in G-d!!

  6. Travis

    BOC

    This really shows your ignorance of truth, you would rather trust an unbeliever in matters of scripture than a christian trying to uphold scripture, even if you disagree with him.

    What teachings are you familiar with?

    What blasphemes are you accusing us of?

    May God continue to sanctify.

  7. I am not ignorant of truth, I just question what I am taught from the pulpit. And a whole bunch of it is B.S.! Christian teachings stem from Gentile interpretations from Jewish men. Constantine separated the church from it’s Jewish roots and we’ve been powerless and full of nonsense since. One of your teachings I question is what Dr. Moray has to say about John 3:16 in his “Does God Love Everyone?” video. He says that “God so loved the world” is an argument he hears frequently. He claims it is taken out of context and the word “world” means the elect. Well, if it does mean the elect, who was Jesus talking about? The church? How could that possibly be when the church wasn’t even formed at that time? Was he speaking prophetically? Or does the elect mean the Jewish people, since He Himself said he had come for “the lost sheep of Israel” (Matthew 15:24). Who then, is ignorant of the truth, Travis? Who blindly follows what man teaches him rather than what God says? I would like to go further into your teachings because I am sure you have truth in them, just like there is truth in “The Moses Code” Oh, wait, it’s all lies, isn’t it? Well I vividly remember the trailer saying how God talked to Moses at the burning bush. Last time I read Exodus, that was in there! Quite frankly, Dr Moray’s pompous attitude turned me off of anything good he might have to say. If he is a reflection of Jesus, then Jesus was the biggest, arrogant, jerk that ever walked the face of the earth.

    I am glad Jesus isn’t like the good Dr.!!!

  8. Travis

    BOC,

    I would encourage you to listen to Dr. Moreys sermon on the CHURCH, it answers this question, and quite well. I think you, being in support of Isreal would appreciate it. He states the Ecclesia has been around since Adam and Eve, do a study on the word, and read Hebrews 11 So when you say “when the church wasn’t even formed at that time” i will disagree.

    As far as Jesus and Dr. Bob go, they are both rough sometimes because they need to be, Jesus was perfect in his “pompous attitude” Dr. Bob is following his lead, Dr. Bob isnt perfect and would never claim to be.

    Also

    Harold has a good post on John 3:16 about the structure of the greek syntax.

    Here it is

    “As for the idea that only “few” will be saved, that is explicitly stated numerous times in Scripture, especially by Jesus. How can such an explicit statement of detail be so often overlooked or discarded?”

    Harold, would you mind citing the references you speak of? Perhaps we can address them in turn.

    ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

    Chad, here are a few that explicitly state that the final number of those saved will be “few.” I take few to mean “few compared to all,” not as in a small number. Scripture reveals that the elect are like the sands on a shore, meaning very many in number. Verses are from the ESV. If there are complaints with the ESV’s rendering of certain words or phrases, I have the Greek text of the NT (NA27) as well as the Intertestamental literature where much of the context is found.

    Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. – Matt. 7:13-14

    Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness. – Matt. 7:21-23

    But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment. And he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot and cast him into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ For many are called, but few are chosen. – Matt. 22:11-14

    And someone said to him, “Lord, will those who are saved be few?” And he said to them, “Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.” – Luke 13:23-24

    ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

    Chad, I need your fax number. The memo was sent quite some time ago…

    >>>>>With regards to John 3, are you suggesting that the Reformed position has won the day when it comes to a clear understanding of what “world” means? (if so I must have missed that memo

    Actually, the argument is now being taken from another angle. Rather than focusing on kosmos, the grammatical argument is based on the adverb “houtos” and how it should be rendered when joined with the coordinating conjunction “gar.” This changes the perspective when rendered according to the modern “vernacular” - “For in this way” or “For this is how God loved the world.” It is impossible to derive a universal atonement from the grammar/syntax; at the very least, the atonement is limited to “the believing ones” only as a conditional clause. “Whosoever” is somewhat spurious because it no longer carries the meaning that it did in the 17th century (1611 - hint hint), and today implies something else.

    I am satisfied with this translation: “For this is how God loved the world, He gave his unique Son, so that the believing ones wouldn’t perish but have life everlasting!”

    1. It doesn’t imply that God unconditionally loves all people of all time in all places with an identical redemptive love.

    2. It avoids Arianism’s claim that to be begotten implies a beginning (monogenes huios - one of a king/unique).

    3. It points to the “way” in which God loved the world, thus “For this is how, or for in this way God loved…”

    4. It avoids all of the spurious interpretations based on English texts that read “whosoever” which is not in the Greek.

    And many more including the implications of “life everlasting” (something you and Jeff, and most Emergents will love - more on that later), avoiding the popular novel idea that salvation only concerns the soul being rescued from the flames of hell - and nothing else!

    More later - wife and I going to dinner!

    ou[twj ga.r hvga,phsen o` qeo.j to.n ko,smon( w[ste to.n ui`o.n to.n monogenh/ e;dwken( i[na pa/j o` pisteu,wn eivj auvto.n mh. avpo,lhtai avllV e;ch| zwh.n aivw,nionÅ

    (testing to see if Greek fonts display on this blog)

  9. The word “church” in Greek is “ekklesia” which means assembly of people. The word used in John 3:16 is not ekklesia, it is “kosmos” which encompasses the entire universe. Syntax and grammar have nothing to do with the meaning of the words. If the ekklesia has been around since Adam and Eve, the why did Jesus tell Peter “on this rock I WILL BUILD (future tense) my church”? It only goes to show that people try to use their knowledge of language to twist scripture into what they want it to mean.
    As far as Matthew 7, it is convenient to quote scripture and not read it in context with the chapter it sits in. How does that chapter begin? “Do not judge or you too will be judged” Look at verse 7 leading into your quoted scripture–”Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. 9 “Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
    12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. 13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”
    So if I being a fallen individual ask God for the bread of life, he gives me a stone that plummets me to the pits of hell just because he predestined it that way? What about the “ask and you shall receive?” Is there no unconditional “agape” there?

    Matthew 22– look at verse 9 “Go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find.” I am not saying all people will be saved, but what I am saying, as does scripture ALL have the opportunity because God so loved the world! Many are called, few are chosen. Abraham was chosen, Isaac and Jacob were chosen. Moses was chosen. The Jewish people are chosen. WE the church are called. There is a big difference between the two words.

    And by the way, you never answered my questions in my first post about God’s name of YHWH!

  10. Travis

    BOC,

    Did you even read my post?

    You said “which encompasses the entire universe”

    So let me get this right, God has loved everyone and everything since the beggining of creation? Can you show me where Gods love is for Esau? Or are you going to do what you told me I cant do? With “kosmos” by saying “hate doesnt mean hate” I guess this would be a good a good time to understand the greek.

    Does Kosmos always mean “entire universe?” Have you done a word search?

    I didnt answer your question because I dont understand what your getting at. I see scripture talking about God all the time, David, Isaiah, Moses etc say his name.

  11. Q: If the ekklesia has been around since Adam and Eve, the why did Jesus tell Peter “on this rock I WILL BUILD (future tense) my church”?

    A: The New Covenant is the final form of the ekklesia.

    Q: So if I being a fallen individual ask God for the bread of life, he gives me a stone that plummets me to the pits of hell just because he predestined it that way?

    A: You wouldn’t have asked God had you not been regenerated. You would not have been regenerated had you not been elect. You would have not been elected had God the Father not given you grace.

  12. To Travis-
    You said “I see scripture talking about God all the time, David, Isaiah, Moses etc say his name.”
    Not the name YHWH. The only time that name is used is in Exodus and with Moses. If you study Judaism (which is where Christianity stems from) you would know that Jews don’t use that name for God because they were never told how to pronounce it. Out of all the names for God YHWH is the only one they never use because it is so holy. My point is maybe there is some validity to “The Moses Code”. We pronounce it Yahweh, which is blasphemes to the Jews. We don’t even know how to pronounce it correctly.
    You also said-”So let me get this right, God has loved everyone and everything since the beggining of creation? Can you show me where Gods love is for Esau? ”
    Sure I’ll show God’s love for Esau–by the fact he didn’t turn his butt to ashes the minute he sold his birthright! Genesis 33:9 “But Esau said, “I already have plenty, my brother. Keep what you have for yourself.” Where did his plenty come from? The devil? Or was it God? Why would God do such a thing for someone he hated so much? Did he hate Esau or did He hate what he did. We wrestle not against flesh and blood, bro so why would God hate his own creation, knowing He created it that way?? If he hates individuals, why not just change His little plans for predestination and make it right? Because God doesn’t go against His word, right? God has the right to change His mind, doesn’t he? Genesis 6:6 “The Lord was grieved that he had made man on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain. 7 So the Lord said, “I will wipe mankind, whom I have created, from the face of the earth–men and animals, and creatures that move along the ground, and birds of the air–for I am grieved that I have made them.” Why would He be grieved if He predestined it all anyway? Another point–does the bible mention where Esau is right now?

    To Stephen
    “The New Covenant is the final form of the ekklesia.”
    Where and how has it been in existence since Adam and Eve?

    “You wouldn’t have asked God had you not been regenerated. You would not have been regenerated had you not been elect. You would have not been elected had God the Father not given you grace.”
    Joel 2:28 “And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. 29 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days. 30 I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and billows of smoke. 31 The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. 32 And EVERYONE WHO CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED; for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be deliverance, as the Lord has said, among the survivors whom the Lord calls.

    Grace is available to everyone!

    You guys give me a headache! Good night!

  13. Travis

    Well I can say I havnt done a search on the name Yaheah in a long time, so I dont recall, but i dont understan how it matters, I can say Yahweah, Jehova, God, creator, Jesus with ease. I dont find it ever, that they were tought not to say his name, but like I said Im not to sure.

    You said
    “Did he hate Esau or did He hate what he did.” Im glad you ask this becuase Esau was hated even before he did anything. So yes God hated Esau, in the womb.

    You said
    bro so why would God hate his own creation, knowing He created it that way?? This is one thing I wonder also, but scripture is clear that God hates some people. I cant just not believe something because “its not fair” or “hard to understand” Im thankful that he doesnt hate me, and Im command to go and preach the gospel to all men, so that his children will be saved.

    You said/Bible says
    “EVERYONE WHO CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED”

    you use one verse and create a doctrine out of it, I know for me and all those on this site that are believers, we have called on the name of the Lord. How can a dead man call on the name of the Lord? How am I lead to repentence? Is it by my faith? What do you do with all th other verses that deal with God planning/knowing all things, or God giving people to the son, or Romans Chapter 9?

    I also have a question of you BOC! Can you explain to me your interpretation of Gods omniscience in salvation! Or lack there of.

    Im glad you have a headach, I struggled through headachs when I was coming to realize the truth of scripture, that dispensationalism is wrong, and reading scripture in its historical, grammatical context is correct. Its hard to be wrong, i still have things that I am battling in my understanding of Gods word, because I see through a murkey glass. Predestination and its full extent is one of them, but to deny it is to deny scripture, to place mans will over Gods, is something I cant do anymore.

  14. Travis

    And can you show me where Grace is available to everyone? he verse you quoted is only for thase that call, so it cant be for everyone.

  15. Travis

    Rom 9:10 And not only so, but also when Rebecca had conceived children by one man, our forefather Isaac,

    Rom 9:11 though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God’s purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of his call—

    Rom 9:12 she was told, “The older will serve the younger.”

    Rom 9:13 As it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”

    Rom 9:14 What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God’s part? By no means!

    Rom 9:15 For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.”

    Rom 9:16 So then it depends not on human will or exertion,[fn2] but on God, who has mercy.

  16. Travis-
    Just to let you know I am not ignoring you. I had a real tiring day at work and need some rest!

    My response is coming!!

  17. Travis

    No worries I toatally understand.

  18. Travis said “you use one verse and create a doctrine out of it”.

    My point exactly! It’s been happening for centuries and continues until we realize where we have strayed. And the straying came when the temple was destroyed in 70 A.D. and the Gentile church ran to the hills and left the Jews to fight the Romans. The Gentiles started their own religion and called it “Christianity”. Oh, that didn’t happen, you say? Why do we not celebrate Passover and The Feast of Tabernacles and Rosh Hashanna and others when these celebrations are commanded of God–Exodus 12:14 “This is a day you are to commemorate; for the generations to come you shall celebrate it as a festival to the Lord–a lasting ordinance.”(speaking of Passover in this verse). You have to realize we were Jewish before we were Christian and there is supposed to be no difference between the two. It is what Jesus taught and it is what I live.
    The church is so far separated from it’s roots it is pathetic. And the task is hard to unlearn these silly doctrines that have sprouted up in the meantime, some of which your good Dr. Bob teaches here.

    On Gods omniscience in salvation. Can you see in front of you when you are driving on the interstate? You are looking at the future. It is temporal. What you have to realize is God sees from eternity which is something we cannot comprehend in this earthly body. To to explain that from a mind of flesh would only be introducing some new ridiculous take on predestination and there is enough foolish out there on the subject already. It is our choice in salvation, not God’s. Look in Genesis 2 for the first instance of free will, commanded be God Himself–16 And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden;” “Free to eat from any tree” implies he had a choice. Deut 30:19 This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.”
    We will never understand the the mind of God and I will not try to explain Him. Eternity is incomprehensible. John caught a glimpse of it and even he couldn’t explain it! I know what He has spoken to my heart and that is what my message is all about!
    Gotta get my kids in bed!!
    Later—

  19. Travis

    Quick note for now

    I dont disagree with the free will of Adam and Eve in the garden, before the fall.

    Lets look at context and original language of Deut. 30:19 (this may take some time because im not a scholar) for now I can point to men that have talked about this verse, that have the same understanding as do.

    be back later.

  20. paul nipperess

    :)

    Hi folks,

    Recently took in the Moses Code presentation, at a suburban RC church,
    here in Oz … it presented some disturbing assumptions and promoted
    some rituals, akin to the RC “Mother Mary, Mother-of-God” chants.

    For most Christian scholars, it really is a non-event, as proving their
    claims on the origins of the chant would be nigh on, impossible …..
    ….. making it the ideal vehicle for another cult to emerge !~!

    —–

    Which brings us to Morey’s pdf file on Bible Numerics … while much
    of what he writes may make sense (and some of it may even be true),
    there is very little hard proof (ie examination of known FACTS) in his
    presentation ….. certainly not enough to discount all numerics and
    numerals, found in the Bible … ie Daniel 12:11-12.

    Since Morey denounces the literalists KJV, then his own interpretations, using a more dynamic version should clearly
    spell out, where he is coming from … he can’t have it both
    ways, saying that the Bible should be read literally without
    man-made interpretation (including numerics), on one hand
    … yet saying, that a more dynamic interpretation (NIV) is
    more desirable, on the other hand.

    “Take heed that no man deceive you.” (Matthew 24:4) Morey
    quoted this verse … and he should take heed, that it cuts
    both ways, as it is assumed that he is just a mortal man.

    Morey states:
    “Cabalism was one of the fruits of the rediscovery of the works of
    the ancient Greek philosophers, particularly Pythagoras, who believed
    that ultimate reality was composed of numbers.”

    What Morey fails to convey is the fact, that the Septuagint or LXX
    was translated by Pythagorean Jews in Alexandria … now, if they
    had their own agenda, like withholding “mathematical secrets” from
    their persecutors and ensuring those details were passed down to
    succeeding generations, then what Morey says about the Pentateuch
    (in Hebrew) may be true, but that does not necessarily ring true
    in the Greek version, especially if the translators did have such an
    agenda … !~!

    “Did the biblical authors ever use the letters of the Hebrew alphabet
    to represent numbers?” Probably not, but if the TRANSLATORS had their own agenda, then the Pythagorean codes may well have been
    used in the Greek translation, at that time.

    In fact, here’s Morey’s quote from Zondervan, with which presumably
    he does agree:

    “This sort of magical nonsense arose during the Hellenistic age ….. ”

    ….. at least, he was targeting the right era … !~!

    —–

    “He had to accept their validity by a leap of pure faith.” This is an
    amazing statement, coming from any Christian … let’s face it, to
    believe in a guy, who ran around Gallilee some 2000 years performing
    miracles (that cannot be done by anybody, today) is surely the
    biggest leap of pure faith … !~!

    When Morey can perform miracles, then he will have every right to
    denounce others’ beliefs in Bible numerics …..

    … his blanket approach towards denouncing all numerical values in
    the Bible is nothing short of un-Christian … !~!

    Definitely NOT worth the money we paid for the download.

    blessings

    paul

    :)

  21. To Stephen who also never answers questions–
    You said “You would have not been elected had God the Father not given you grace.”

    Paul says in Ephesians 2:8-9 ” For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this not from yourselves, it is the GIFT of God– not by works, so that no one can boast.”
    What is a gift? Can a gift be refused? Who is the gift available to? I wwill answer after I see what you have to say, Mr. Pre-destiny!

  22. Jean Cauvin

    Hi B.O.C.

    I thought I would intelligently answer your questions since you asked them. You seem somewhat emotional though and may refuse to understand (emotional feelings fog up rational reality).

    You asked a while back about the world in john 3:16 being the elect via Morey. Well, Morey is right. Here’s a very fast way to help you understand.

    1) John’s use of the word World (cosmos) is different via context
    2) John 1:10 has world used 3 times. Each world is different.
    3) Revelation 12:9 (also by John) uses world for non-elect. Reversal of John 3:16
    4) John 2:1-2 is via the whole community of the elect (see col 4:16).

    You can’t pour 21st century meaning into 1st century terminology. That would be like saying when Paul talks about running the race he actually means NASCAR. This is just as absurd as saying word means 1 thing only because my emotions and experiences want it to. This is humanism.

    Jean Cauvin

  23. Jean-
    You said “You can’t pour 21st century meaning into 1st century terminology.” Likewise, you can’t interpret scripture written by Jewish men through a Gentile mind. Which is what the church, including yourself, has been doing for centuries. Don’t feed me any more religious babble, I’ve had enough. Until you can see scripture through a Jewish mind, leave your two cents in you tithes and offerings.

  24. Travis

    im not going to have a lot of time here anymore just brief comments and questions, im starting school, and fighting a war, kinda cool how the internet is used.

    BOC you accuse Jean with not reading scripture in Jewish eyes, can you then explain these usages of the word kosmos? and How we can explain scripture in your terms, with out the origiinal text since (from what I understand) the scripture we have is written years after the original Jewish writes lived. Mabey you can enlighten us on how you interpret scripture, with the mind of a Jew. Start with the scripture listed.

    1) John’s use of the word World (cosmos) is different via context
    2) John 1:10 has world used 3 times. Each world is different.
    3) Revelation 12:9 (also by John) uses world for non-elect. Reversal of John 3:16
    4) John 2:1-2 is via the whole community of the elect (see col 4:16).

  25. Travis-
    1. How does a Jew view the world?
    Quoted from Jeff Jacoby on aish.com-
    “Let me suggest at least a small part of the answer: Judaism matters to the whole world because it is a system for making human beings decent. For turning men into menschen. The timeless mission of the Jews is to make the world better by making people better. We do so by standing for the proposition that there is one God Who created and rules this world and Who cares profoundly about the way people act.”
    Jews are more concerned with how you live the life God has given you. Christians are more concerned where you will spend eternity.
    If you believe cosmos means “the elect” in the context you say, then the elect are the Jews because that is who Jesus came for.
    2. Each world is different? It is the the same Greek word used all three times!
    3.The word in question here means the earth, not the universe. It’s origin comes from “dwelling”. The serpent was not given dominion over te entire universe, only the earth. Cosmos encompasses all–so I guess if there were life on other planets, grace and salvation would be available them as well.
    4. Are you referring to verse as prophecy? I don’t consider this verse prophetic. What it shows me is Jesus was human also and celebrated the life that the Father gave him! He partied with his friends and his mom–how awesome is that???

    Are you in the military?

  26. Travis

    Maybe Jean could pick up the rest

    I dont understand what you meen, you said it is the same everywhere, which it meens earth, but salvation encompasses all the universe.

    Of course his partying was awsome, the fact that he, being the God/Man could dwell with us is great, but not just dwell, die in our spot, for our sins.

    awsome!!

    yeah Im in the military

  27. Reformed Mama

    Travis…we will miss not hearing from you as often.

    In our home we pray regularly for our brave…such as you. THANK YOU…from a grateful Reformed family…Overcommitad is mine…we appreciate your sacrafice!!!!

    God’s grace my friend…Rom 8:26-27

  28. Thank you, Travis, for your commitment and sacrifice for our country! Let all your buds know how much we appreciate what you all are doing for us! I Spent 8 years in the Navy and my 13 years in the Air Force. I am with you, bro!!!

  29. Jean Cauvin

    B.O.C.

    In stead of dealing with the issues at hand you use ad adhominum argruments thus commiting a logical fallacy. This is due to your emotional temperment. You can’t simply have a temper tandrum and say that I’m not interpreting it as a Jew. You need to show me via context, nouns and verbs.

    So if you have an intelligent, non-emotional response to counter the exegetical points mentioned, so be it. If you want to continue to act immature, then via the laws of logic I do not need to respond anymore because your temper tantrums are logically invalid (Invalidity does not require a response).

    You may wear your kippot if you’d like while you answer. I have extra ones if you need to borrow one.

    My lack of response will mean that you invalidity is thick.

    Jean Cauvin
    Jean Cauvin

  30. Travis

    Thanks everyone for your support, we shall kill all the terrorist we can and allow them to meet their creator.

  31. MCUMC

    I wonder if we’d reflect more of the heart of Jesus if we prayed with and for the terrorists rather than “kill them all.” Somehow I have trouble picturing Jesus with an AK47.

    War should never be something we exalt in.

  32. Travis

    MCUMC,

    well you keep praying, as will I, while I sit over here praying, im keeping my M4 and 9mm locked and loaded, so i dont die, why dont you say that sitting in a bunker or driving down a a road full of IEDs or as you watch your men go into buildings loaded with exposives, weapons cache, and insane people ready to kill you and everyone they can.

    Who is exalting war? im just trying to stay alive, in that process we are AT WAR and I will kill every terrorist I can to keep YOUR MOUTH FROM BEING SHUT, unless you would rather have people die on our soil, because they are going TO KILL EVERY INFIDEL THEY CAN, IE. YOU ME AND EVERYONE HERE ON THIS BLOG.

  33. Travis

    You need to learn what scripture says about war and when its right to fight.

  34. Reformed Mama

    Shame on you MCUMC!!

  35. MCUMC

    Travis,
    I am speaking as a veteran and one who served in the Middle East for nearly 5 years.

    As to your comments, about war and when it is right to fight, what did Jesus say to his accusers and those who taunted him saying he should fight if he is the Son of God?

    I don’t believe there is a “right time to fight.” I used to, but have repented of that way of thinking because I don’t believe it is line with Jesus Christ.

    There are worse things than dying, my friend. While I appreciate your sacrifice and your duty, I will never applaud war or killing others, even if they are “enemies.”

  36. Travis

    This brings up a question, how should we evangelize terrorists?

    I have heard great stories of chinees/korean terrorist being converted.

    I want these men, women and children to know our Lord also, I ask how you expect me to tell them, becuae I will, if it were not against the law for me to talk to terrorists.

    I think you should have the evangelists at your church (men and women) come to Afghanistan, I know a few locations they can evangelize terrorists, I hope you dont mind if they dont come home though. Im not saying evangelism is easy it will cause death sometimes, and at the same time the spirit of God can move and I pray that the Spirit will, are you MCUMC willing to come out here and do the work of an evangelist.

  37. Travis

    Are you saying I need to repent for being over here? [REMOVED BY MODERATOR - LANGUAGE]

    MCUMC said
    don’t believe there is a “right time to fight.” I would hate to be your daughter getting raped. Or your family that is being tortured, while my Dad or husband says, “I dont believe there is a right time to fight”

  38. Kat

    So MCUMC if a man comes to your house and wants to shoot you are you just going to let him or if he wants to shoot your family are you going to just not going to do anything?
    Luke 22:36 says
    “And He said to them, ‘But now, whoever has a money belt is to take it along, likewise also a bag, and whoever has no sword is to sell his coat and buy one.’”
    Even the Lord Jesus knows that sometimes killing to protect ourselves and/or others is unavoidable. Its called self-defense.

  39. Travis

    Thanks Kat I appreciate your comments, they lift my spirit here.

  40. MCUMC

    Kat,
    The passage you quote is Jesus using metaphor, which the disciples, as usual, take literally.

    He also said, those who live by the sword, die by the sword.

    Let me reverse your hypothetical and make it a real life scenario:

    Suppose a group of armed guards come to you in the middle of the night. One of the one among them comes and kisses your cheek. They seize you, and as they do one of your friends pulls out a sword and cuts off an ear of one of the guards. Knowing you could lead your followers into a sure fight and knowing that you even have an ace up your sleeve (all the angels of heaven), you rebuke your friend and choose the way of peace. Even when asked later to defend yourself, you remain silent, choosing to be beaten and flogged and then killed rather than defend yourself.

    To answer your hypothetical question: I don’t know that I am even an ounce as strong as I would hope to be in that situation, and so yeah, I may do the weaker thing and choose to strike back. But that is not to say that that is the right move to make. I would pray that God would give me the strength to say “I forgive you” even as they pulled the trigger. Dang if being a Christian doesn’t completely take the “I” out of your game. The world and it’s ways tell us “self defense” is perfectly OK. This is why the Kingdom of God is so counter-culture, Kat.

  41. MCUMC

    Travis said: “[REMOVED BY MODERATOR - LANGUAGE]”

    That’s nice. Where did I tell you to “repent” Travis? If you feel your conscious being pricked by my sharing my own testimony then maybe you need to tell God to screw off, not me.

    Can I ask you something? You seem like someone who has been on this site for awhile and know everybody. Of the numerous times I have heard your friends calling others heretics and telling them they are bound for hell if they don’t repent what would you have said to such a person who responded with, “screw you”? How is it you all come off so self-righteous and get to damn whoever you don’t like and yet when I, who didn’t even judge you or question your relationship with God you tell me to screw off?

  42. Travis

    Does it even matter that Jesus just prayed to the father that his will be done, knowing he had to go to the Cross to suffer and die? Knowing they had to take him at that exact moment. (This is not a rebuttle to your comment) just a question.

    I wonder what Jesus was thinking when he whipped people out of the temple? This isnt war, but thats pretty mean, he could have killed some one doing that, im sure we could make the assumption that people got hurt.

  43. Kat

    MCUMC
    wow! as Travis said, I would hate to be your daughter being rapped. Because you believe that God is pleased if you don’t do anything to protect your family rather than kill that person who wants to pull the trigger. could you please explain to me more in dept on how that this passage is a metaphor and what is this “metaphor” implying?

  44. Travis

    Im not damning you to hell for saying I need to repent, I cant damn you to hell! For all I know you are my brother, i dont know much about you, but if you believe in the Catholic form of Salvation, you believe in the wrong christ, so i would say you are no my brother, but I will not damn you to hell, but I will say you need to repent or you will end up in hell.

    If you notice i said, ARE YOU? my response to you if YOU WERE telling me to repent, is SCREW YOU.

    Did you not say that you repented of it, and are you not the one saying it is wrong to fight. The only thing I can do is you are telling me to repent, on the grounds of your repenting and your acusation that scripture says we should not fight, or kill.

    As far as the rest of the guys and gals go here, they wouldd only say someone is on there way to hell, or is an apostate or a heritic if SCRIPTURE warrents it. Would you not agree that some people are heretics and apostates and some or on there way to hell?

  45. MCUMC

    Travis,
    First, he didn’t “whip people out of the temple.” John 2:13ff tells the story. Verse 15 reads, “Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle.” Who did he drive out of the temple with a whip? The sheep and the cattle. Then he turned over the tables of the money changers and he told them to stop turning his Father’s house into a marketplace.

    But whatever you want to say about this scene, Jesus is showing righteous anger. It is anger over the way people are abusing the system for their own gain and they are doing it inside the Temple of all places. If anything it should make those people who are working in the church and those who are pastors stop and question how they use their authority to abuse and manipulate others.

    Also, I would much rather fashion my theology about how I should act as a disciple of Christ around the cross rather than over one story about a temple clearing. Wouldn’t you?

  46. Kat

    MCUMC
    I know and completely understand that we must forgive. If someone murdered my mom, I must forgive them because it is an act of love which we as believers must have toward everyone. However it isn’t a matter of forgiveness.I’m talking about protecting yourself and others (like your children). Killing out of rage is wrong but doing for the sake of protection is not. You’re just going to let them kill your children or rape them or torture them without doing anything? If you can avoid killing them then do it but if the only way to stop them is to kill them then that is unavoidable.

  47. MCUMC

    Kat,
    The way of Jesus is not a cake walk. Jesus said we are to pick up our cross and follow him. Did he not? What do you think that means? You think it means you might have someone someday on a blog disagree with you? Please.

    Judging from your reply to me you didn’t fully digest my comments. I said if faced in that horrible ordeal I would probably do the weaker thing and defend myself and my family. Sadly, I do not have the spiritual fortitude that my Lord had. Not many do. Ever hear of Matin Luther King? Ghandi?

    Just because you and I might be too weak to lay down our lives without hurting another doesn’t mean it is the right thing to do.

  48. Kat

    I understood completely. I understand that you might do something to protect your family but the thing is you said that that’s the weak thing to do and I totally disagree with you on that one. Oh and please clarify to me more in dept on how that passage is a metaphor and what is this “metaphor” implying?

  49. MCUMC,

    Your error is that you approach Scripture with the preconceived assumption that it is a fact that Jesus was a pacifist. This naturally gives you a biased interpretation.

    Because you prove in your conclusion what you have already assumed in your premise, you have ended up arguing in a circle.

    This, combined with (I’m guessing) reading liberal and emergent authors that are guilty of the same logical fallacy, only makes matters worse for you in receiving what is revealed in Scripture about Jesus the Christ because of the assumptions about Him brought to the Gospels, thus producing a distortion of the Revealed Jesus - bordering on, if not already, idolatry.

    I truly believe this is your error. Would you agree?

  50. Travis

    MCUMC said

    Also, I would much rather fashion my theology about how I should act as a disciple of Christ around the cross rather than over one story about a temple clearing. Wouldn’t you? Yes and No, I like to look at the Cross and the entire life death and resurection of Christ, if you just look at the Cross you miss everything Jesus talked about on the road to emmaus, or in the temple, or sitting on a boat going accross the sea. I want to immulate the life of Christ.

    But, it seems you do what you said not to do. By stating this

    They seize you, and as they do one of your friends pulls out a sword and cuts off an ear of one of the guards. Knowing you could lead your followers into a sure fight and knowing that you even have an ace up your sleeve (all the angels of heaven), you rebuke your friend and choose the way of peace. Even when asked later to defend yourself, you remain silent, choosing to be beaten and flogged and then killed rather than defend yourself.

    You use this example of not fighting to make a doctrine about how it is wrong, but I use both the temple example and Kats example and your example to HELP complete the understand that Christ did both, he was kind and obedient but he was also angry and obedient, he fought for his fathers temple and didnt fight the Romans. We cant isolate scripture the way we want we have to see all of Christ, his Love, his correction, his commands, his healing.

  51. MCUMC

    Stephen:
    No, I completely disagree.

    Furthermore, the same argument can be turned on you.

  52. Travis

    MCUMC
    Just because you and I might be too weak to lay down our lives without hurting another doesn’t mean it is the right thing to do,

    If your are going to hold to this I would be glad to have some of your church members come to afghanistan and Pakistan and evangelize the terrorist here. Here is whats going to happen. you will be captured (which isnt a bad thing, because you will be able to preach the gospel, which I am for) then you will be killed, weather by beheading (which is fine because you are preaching the gospel, and death happens) then the US will get involved, and we will send our special forces in (not all believe in Christ) some may die and go to hell because of your actions (this shouldnt stop us from preaching the gospel just giving a scenario), Now tax payers are paying for your evangelizem experience and you may or may not get a chance to actually spread the gospel, because you will most likely be killed before you get there.

    In saying this I really am asking how we evangelize terrorists. (its not about life or death, im just curious how to do it)

    I think a good movie to watch would be the new Rambo, perfect example of what would happen and happens a lot, to Christians.

  53. Kat

    MCUMC,
    you asked me “Jesus said we are to pick up our cross and follow him. Did he not? What do you think that means? You think it means you might have someone someday on a blog disagree with you? ”
    First of all I believe that picking up your cross up daily and following Him means that we are to live in complete obedience to Christ and die to ourselves daily. We are not to care about what others think about us if we follow Christ. We are not to care if the world hates us for the sake of Christ. We are not to desire the things of the flesh (in fact we are to hate our sin). We are to desire to please God only.
    So when you said “You think it means you might have someone someday on a blog disagree with you? ” I just wonder, where did you get that idea?

  54. Travis, watch the language. I know you’re a good brother, but we can’t allow that language here. It wasn’t so much the words but the spirit in which the words were used. You should apologize to MCUMC and ask his forgiveness. I’m sure this won’t be an ongoing problem with you, but I need you (and all) to know that BT can’t condone that.

    Thanks Travis.

  55. Travis

    I understand, I do apologize for letting my emotions flair with lack of self control, to MCUMC and the rest here on the blog.

    It really pissed me off, everything that we are doing over here, a former vet would say he had to repent for protecting the people of his country.

    I just have a couple questions,

    how do we evangelize terrorist? and how is it scripturaly wrong to protect your family and country? Does scripture warrent Christians to serve in the government, or military knowing they will have to kill?

  56. Travis, first of all, thank you.

    Scripture does indeed warrant Christians to serve in the military.

    Jesus dealt with Jewish and Roman soldiers and never once commanded them (or even hinted at) to leave the military. Scripture reveals that Jesus was never one to overlook sin, in fact, He immediately rebuked it. If it were morally wrong for Christians to be in the military and engage in wars, He would have rebuked it like He did every other sin in whomever He saw it.

    He also said that wars would remain as a normal part of the human experience until the end of the age (Matt. 24:6-7). He had the perfect opportunity to condemn all wars, but did not do so.

    He also never condemned the just use of force as taught in Scripture. He spent much time in correcting wrong views of the (now looking back) Old Testament era (such as the Law, etc.) but never once denounced the principle of just use of force by way of war (national).

    Dr. Morey’s book “When is it Right to Fight” has an excellent chapter (2) titled “Jesus and the Gospels” where although he admits at the start that only the most probable answers can be logically inferred, it is wrong to assume any one position simply because we want it to be so. He gives about twenty logical arguments that, to this day, have not been refuted - nor has anyone even come close!

  57. agogley

    I’d like to add to Stephen’s earlier response (if Stephen will allow my humble addition).

    Firstly, Stephen already noted that we see no example in the historical narratives (the first five books of the NT) of Jesus or the apostles even hinting at the notion of leaving the military. Secondly, the theological and application books of the NT do not tell us to leave or avoid military service. Lastly, the OT is full of examples in which God commanded his people to take military action or to punish persons for evil via legal provisions. Many Christian pacifists ignore the relationship between the OT and NT in coming to the conclusion that Jesus ushered in a new covenant of turning the other cheek. But even looking at the NT alone, such a conclusion seems contradictory to the Jesus revealed in the Apocalypse of John.

    MCUMC makes a major error in concluding from Christ’s persecution and death that Christ taught a doctrine of pacifism. In Matthew 26:52, Jesus does say: “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.” But he goes on to say “Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?” So I ask, is Jesus’ primary concern to be an example of pacificism or is it because “Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?”

    Furthermore, also in Matthew 26:52, Jesus tells Peter to put his sword away. Notice that Jesus doesn’t tell him to get rid of it. Isn’t is also interesting that in Luke 22:38, we see

    “the disciples said, “See, Lord, here are two swords.” “That is enough,” he replied.”

    Odd that there was no conversation about some previous objection against the use of swords. Is it possible, as Grotius suggested, that when Jesus said that those that take the sword were those officers who came to take Jesus by the sword? “Peter, thou needest not draw they sword to punish them. God will certainly, shortly, and severely, reckon with them.”???

    I’ll close with Henry’s commentary on the subject: “Not that the law of Christ overthrows either the law of nature of the law of nations, as far as those warrant subjects to stand up in defence of their civil rights and liberties, and their religion, when it is incorporated with them; but it provides for the preservation of public peace and order, by forbidding private persons, qua tales - as such, to resist the powers that are”

  58. Lots of dialogue since I last logged on, but not my battle fight.

    Jean-
    If you want to impress me with your knowledge of Latin, please learn to spell the words correctly!
    I don’t need to show you anything other than the Bible was given by God, to Jewish men in the Hebrew language. The New Testament was canonized by who? Gentiles! When Paul penned it, was he aware it would become the Bible or was he simply writing a course of instruction based on the Torah for Gentile churches? I believe the latter. Because I carry a message you don’t agree with I am throwing a temper tantrum? You, my friend should study your Jewish roots, let God speak to your heart and you’ll realize that Christianity is a bastardized religion–illegitimate. No matter what I say you will disagree. Why? Because your mind is clouded with lies while the truth is in your Jewish roots. Don’t blame me that our Savior is Jewish, practiced Judaism, lived the culture and kept the Law. Are we not supposed to be like Him? The church is nothing like Jesus!
    Don’t worry, I am not expecting a response from you because you have no answers for my questions other than religious babble!

  59. Travis

    BOC

    Are we Jews? Has it not always been by faith or through faith we are saved?

  60. BOC, how do you explain Peter’s view of Paul’s writings as Scripture?

  61. MCUMC

    Who is that best reveals to us the Father? Is it Gideon? Joshua? Jesus? Jesus said why look for the Father? If you see me, you see the Father.

    “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile….you have heard that it is said, “You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven…for if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others?” (Matt. 5:38ff)

    Pretty cut and dry. A few comments. Pray for those who persecute you? What about kill them? No. Defend yourself? No. Call them names? Nope. Pray for them, Jesus says.

    Do not resist an evildoer? Can’t I kill them? No. Make fun of them? No. Don’t resist them, Jesus says.

    Turn the other cheek? What if they hit me first? Turn the cheek.

    Don’t greet only your brothers and sisters. What? You mean I should be kind to those who are different than me? Those who think different? Those who I might not even call “Brother and sister?”

    Jesus sums all this up with: Therefore, be perfect as your Father in heaven is perfect.

    I am not perfect, nor are any of us. Yet we do have a standard - a very high one, that we are to strive towars as disciples of Jesus. I recognize that I am not perfect and when I say that should I resist and kill someone in self-defense it is not because I am living out the gospel but because I am living out of my own sinful desire to value my own desires over that of God’s. At the very least I should recognize that in this act I am differentiating myself from the one whom I call “Lord.”

    You can make all the arguments you want to the contrary yet none of them can refute the very words of Christ and the example he led himself. What did Paul say? “Imitate Christ.” (1 Cor. 11:1).

    You can even bring in the OT examples some of you have mentioned but none of that works for ALL of it must be filtered through the words of Christ who came to not abolish the Law but fulfill it. Besides that, you have a serious consistency problem if you want to elevate OT holy war regulations to support your view of war and use of violence when you at the same time throw away probably 80% of the OT laws in every other area of Christian life. How many of you keep a Jewish Sabbath, for instance? How many of you bathe in a mikvah pool before Temple? How many of you observe kosher? etc., etc. Before you go talking about the OT and how it supports your view you better be prepared to confess that you observe every jot and tittle of the Law in other areas as well.

    And don’t confuse pacifism with being a wimp. By the way, I never called Jesus a pacifist - you guys put those words in my mouth. But in any event, pacifism does not negate righteous anger or judgment (for you who brought up Revelation. I find it odd that a Calvinist would try to fashion an argument based on what God will ultimately do in the end with regards to judgment to say that this means they too can use violence. Aren’t you the same people that says just because God hates some people doesn’t mean we can hate our enemies because God is God and can do as He will but we have been commanded otherwise?). The strongest move in the history of our world is the Cross. It is foolishness to the world, but it is power to those that can see.

  62. Stephen-
    Where does it say Peter refers to Paul’s writings as scripture. The only reference close to what you say that I can find is 1 Peter 3:15 “Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him.”
    Did God give Dr. Bob wisdom? Absolutely! Are his writings scripture? NO!! Show me the reference where Peter calls the writings scripture!

  63. MCUMC

    B.O.C.,

    If you haven’t figured it out yet, getting a straight answer from people around here is nearly impossible. One thing is for sure though: If you are right, and continue to be so, they will start attacking your character and then finally censor you :)

  64. Travis-
    Spiritually we are Jews. We have been grafted in to the root of the Jewish people. We can just as easily be removed. Read Romans 11, and then ask a Messianic Jew to interpret that chapter for you! Do not ask a Replacement Theologian, which there are plenty of around here! Check out these websites-
    http://www.icnministries.org
    http://www.dickreuben.org
    http://www.messianic.com/

    Question-
    Do you realize Passover is this week? Do you realize that this week is the anniversary of our Savior’s death and rezurrection and that it wasn’t on the pagan holiday that the church has replaced it with, adding further to my point of the church separating itself from it’s Jewish roots??

  65. MCUMC-
    Thanks for the heads up!
    Been through it before in other places. Gotta keep it clean, though and let God’s word to convicting!! Eventually every knee shall bow and every tongue confess, it is what the bible says!!!

  66. MCUMC

    Amen. Very true.

  67. THE B.O.C. said: “Where does it say Peter refers to Paul’s writings as scripture. The only reference close to what you say that I can find is 1 Peter 3:15 “Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him.”
    Did God give Dr. Bob wisdom? Absolutely! Are his writings scripture? NO!! Show me the reference where Peter calls the writings scripture!”

    1) The reference you cited is in 2 Peter, not 1 Peter, a simple mistake to make.

    2) The entire citation should have been: “…just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures.” (2 Pet. 3:15b-16 esv)

    Question answered, problem solved.

  68. MCUMC

    Agogley said:

    **MCUMC makes a major error in concluding from Christ’s persecution and death that Christ taught a doctrine of pacifism. In Matthew 26:52, Jesus does say: “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.” But he goes on to say “Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?” So I ask, is Jesus’ primary concern to be an example of pacificism or is it because “Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” **

    A few things to point out with this line of thought:

    1 - What, then, do you think IS being taught if not non-violence?

    2 - Agogley and others here make the mistake of thinking that they can pick and choose which things about Christ they would imitate. Your argument here rests on the uniqueness of Christ’s mission and if I hear you correcly you wish to argue that Christ went to the cross for a purpose and to fulfil his Father’s will and mission, but that is not for us to do, right?

    Here is the fallacy with that: What if I want to say that I don’t need to preach the good news because that was Christ’s job and mission? What if I say that I don’t want to “turn the other cheek” because that was for Jesus to do, not me? What if argue that it was Jesus’ mission, not mine, to minister to the sick and the poor and the hungry and the oppressed? See the point?

    You dont’ want to make the mistake of saying that Jesus’ path to the cross has nothing to do with how we should live today because he was on a unique mission or else you completely drain every other teaching and action of Jesus of any authority and relevance for today as well. Jesus did tell us to “pick up our cross and follow him” and he did say that we should turn the other cheek and pray for those who persecute us. What sort of “doctrine” is that if it is not one of non-violence? Care to redefine it for me?

  69. Travis

    MCUMC

    thinking that they can pick and choose which things about Christ they would imitate

    for saying Jesus is only non violent or non argumentative would not be in accordance with scripture, because Jesus didnt just show up on the scene one day he has been around since the beggining, so i would ask, if we are Jews than how would you interpret the Lord of the Old Testement is he the same as the New Testement, he doesnt seem to be passsive. So what do we conclude, either he wasnt the same in the OT or its a different Jesus, Or hes the same and he is revealing himself as (lack of better word) a complete God.

  70. agogley

    MCUMC: Before you go talking about the OT and how it supports your view you better be prepared to confess that you observe every jot and tittle of the Law in other areas as well.

    AGogley: Really? So we just throw out the OT as irrelevant? That’s what you are implying… But, of course, I didn’t mention the law, only that God not only allowed warfare but commanded it in the Old Testament. God commanded his people to use force. He would never commande something immoral or unjust in principle. God himself has always used force to overcome evil, this means it is in principle moral and just to use force. Nowhere in Scripture is the State told to disarm.

    MCUMC: What, then, do you think IS being taught if not non-violence?

    AGogley: I already answered that in length in my last post.

    MCUMC: Do not resist an evildoer? Can’t I kill them? No. Make fun of them? No. Don’t resist them, Jesus says.

    AGogley: So this means all evil all the time? Does a father tell his daughter to not resist the rapist? Father to daughter being raped: “Don’t resist the evil man, honey. Remember, Jesus said, ‘Love your enemy.’ If he wants you for one hour, stay with him two.”

    MCUMC: Here is the fallacy with that: What if I want to say that I don’t need to preach the good news because that was Christ’s job and mission? What if I say that I don’t want to “turn the other cheek” because that was for Jesus to do, not me? What if argue that it was Jesus’ mission, not mine, to minister to the sick and the poor and the hungry and the oppressed? See the point?

    AGogley: No, I just see you chasing your tail. You exhibit a lack of understanding of the structure of the Bible. It doesn’t matter what you “want to” do or what you want to argue. What matters is what is Scriptural and I have already provided a Scriptural basis for my position.

    MCUMC: You dont’ want to make the mistake of saying that Jesus’ path to the cross has nothing to do with how we should live today because he was on a unique mission or else you completely drain every other teaching and action of Jesus of any authority and relevance for today as well.

    AGogley: You’re assertion is ludicrous. You are using at least half of the “tricks of the trade” that Pacifists use to justify their position. The Sermon on the Mount (Mat. 5-7) does not lay down rules for governments but principles for an upright heart. The command to not avail oneself of “an-eye-for-an-eye” is not a strictly New Testament concept. Many falsely presume that this is a New Testament teaching which opposes Old Testament teachings. However, the command to avoid personal vengeance was just as applicable to Old Testament believers as to us. “Do not say, ‘I will do to him just as he has done to me; I will render to the man according to his work” (Prov. 24:29). Graciousness from the believer in his personal life is an enduring virtue and not a new concept. In this very sermon Jesus made the distinction between individuals and governments: “Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. Assuredly, I say to you, you will by no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny. Mat. 5:25-26 Jesus did not tell the judge or the officer to turn the other cheek or to void the law. God wants the governing authorities to uphold the law without mercy (Heb. 10:28; Rom. 13:3-4).

    MCUMC: What did Paul say? “Imitate Christ.” (1 Cor. 11:1).

    AGogley: I hope your Bible is still in good enough shape to read after all the violent ripping of verses from it. Verse 11:1 should be taken in context of the preceding chapter. Paul is not saying that we follow Christ in the sense of enduring agony and pain in Gethsemane at at Calvary. Rather we obediently walk in his footsteps by showing our love and thankfulness to him and by keeping his precepts.

  71. MCUMC

    Agogley,
    You have dodged the main issues of my post. Where did I say the OT is irrelevant? It is not in the least. It is Christian scritpure. You are making an argument for using violence based on OT holy war codes. I’m asking you if you are consistent in your use of the OT. You didn’t answer a single question: Do you observe every jot and tittle or not? Why not?

    You say: The Sermon on the Mount (Mat. 5-7) does not lay down rules for governments but principles for an upright heart.

    Oh yes, lets “spiritualize” everything so that we don’t have to actually follow anything, right? Its people like you that suck the gospel dry of any real earthly value and claim it’s not our duty to be socially responsible because the only thing that matters is the “heart.”

    And I have no idea why you switched from individual to government. When did I ever assert that the gov’t. was to be pacifists? I don’t care what the gov.’t does - they will do what they do because they are not bowing to the Lordship of Christ.

    I am talking about our individual responsibility as Christians. We should think long and hard about how we talk about killing others and thinking that we have carte blanche to just live how we want and defend what we want even if it means killing others for it. That is not the way of Christ.

    **Paul is not saying that we follow Christ in the sense of enduring agony and pain in Gethsemane at at Calvary. Rather we obediently walk in his footsteps by showing our love and thankfulness to him and by keeping his precepts.**

    No? So you are one of those that thinks giving your life to Jesus is a bed of roses here on out,huh? Are you a health and wealth kind of guy? Are we talking about the same Paul? The one who counted it all joy to share in the sufferings of Christ? The one who was being poured out like a drink offering? The one who was whipped and jailed and shipwrecked and beaten and eventually martyred? Him? Oh, but we don’t imitate him as he imitates Christ as 1 Cor. 11:1 says, huh? We just “show our love and thankfulness to him by keeping his precepts.” That’s nice that you worked it out for yourself that way.

    What does Jesus mean by “take up your cross and follow me?” I guess that is just “spiritual” talk too, huh?

  72. Stephen-
    Scripture, according to Strongs-
    Graphe-1. a writing, thing written
    2. the Scripture, used to denote either the book itself, or its contents
    3. a certain portion or section of the Holy Scripture
    The original King James does not capitalize the word, there making the meaning either from the 1st or 2nd definition rather than the 3rd. The 3rd is referring to a specific part of Scripture. The only word the Jewish people considered scripture was the Torah and the rest of the Old Testament. For Peter to even equate Paul’s writings to the Torah and the other books of the O.T. would be blasphemes. And according to what I read, the meaning of the word, the context and by whom it was written, you have answered the question wrongly and have twisted it to match your anti semitic views.

    NOW the problem is solved!!

  73. Did no one read this???

    Do you realize Passover started at sundown today (Saturday, April 19)? Do you realize that this week is the anniversary of our Savior’s death and rezurrection and that it wasn’t on the pagan holiday that the church has replaced it with, adding further to my point of the church separating itself from it’s Jewish roots??

  74. B.O.C…..are the letters Paul the Apostle wrote, Scripture?

  75. Travis

    let me ask since we are not told to celebrate Easter or Christmas on a certain day why does it matter, I try to remember the passover and the birth of my savior every day

  76. Mario-
    According to the men who canonized the writings, yes. Paul has a lot of opinions in his writings, and he states them as such yet we hold his these opinions as the word of God. That is like calling Dr. Bob’s writings scripture. The Torah, however, was given to Moses by God and not through inspiration. God spoke directly to the O.T. prophets. Funny thing is, Mario, is Paul quotes the O.T. a lot, too. Ever wonder why? If you have a red letter bible, everything in red ink can be found in the O.T.–hmm, interesting! Along with the Holy Scripture, the Jews have a book that is called “The Talmud”, which interprets the Bible. It is not the Bible, however religious Jews hold it more sacred than the Bible. It is the rules and regulations set in this book that Jesus fought against and was eventually killed for. Not the laws of the Torah, but the Talmud (the man made rules). The religious Christians hold Paul’s writings and teachings above everyone else and sometimes makes Paul to be the Savior and not Jesus.
    So with that said, in MY opinion, Paul’ s writing are instructions for a Gentile people to learn the ways of the chosen people of God in order that they may sustain a life grafted in to the root of Israel. The only Books in the N.T. should be the Gospels, Acts, and Revelation and they should be added to the O.T. because it is one Bible, not two!

    Let’s hear how wrong I am, Mario!

  77. Travis-
    Please consider and research what I am saying before you get to far in to the false teachings of these biblical scholars out here. search this out, and don’t ask people out here–find a Messianic congragation to find the truth–
    Are you a Jew, Travis? Either by faith or by election you are. You are grafted in. Then with that said and the following commanded (for all time, I might add) of God, why do we not heed His command–
    Exodus 12:14
    “This is a day you are to commemorate; for the generations to come you shall celebrate it as a festival to the Lord–a lasting ordinance.

    Numbers 9:13
    But if a man who is ceremonially clean and not on a journey fails to celebrate the Passover, that person must be cut off from his people because he did not present the Lord’s offering at the appointed time. That man will bear the consequences of his sin.
    And then Numbers 14
    “‘An alien living among you who wants to celebrate the Lord’s Passover must do so in accordance with its rules and regulations. You must have the same regulations for the alien and the native-born.’”

    Jesus DID NOT do away with this ordinance. He in fact celebrated it and it WAS the last supper.
    The church did away with it to separate itself further from it’s Jewishness. I’ll be glad to point out more to you, including my previous post to Mario.
    The teachings of John Calvin are more precious than the teaching of Jesus on these blogs–hey, but guess what???

    JOHN CALVIN’S DEAD!!!!!!!
    JESUS IS ALIVE AND WELL!!!!

  78. Dr. Morey

    To All,
    I reviewed this string and concluded it has become a waste of time because ignorance and prejudice spoiled what could have been a good discussion.
    1. Some bloggers went to the mud pits and called me names. They could not aswer my arguments, so they attacked my character and motives! Ad hominem attacks are unacceptable.
    2. Statements go by without anyone pointing them out. For example, “the Septuagint or LXX was translated by Pythagorean Jews in Alexandria.” This truth claim assumes
    (a.) the myth of one LXX
    (b.) translated by Jews in Alexandria,
    (3.) who were philosophically Pythagorans.
    Where is the evidence for any of these things? Nowhere.
    The comments wandered from rabbit hole to rabbit hole with people chasing each other down the holes!
    Is there anyone out there who can sustain an intelligent conversation without ad hominem or nonsense?

  79. MCUMC

    “Is there anyone out there who can sustain an intelligent conversation without ad hominem or nonsense?”

    I haven’t found any on this website as of yet, but I am hopeful.

  80. Dr. Bob–
    Check out what Jean said about me–
    “So if you have an intelligent, non-emotional response to counter the exegetical points mentioned, so be it. If you want to continue to act immature, then via the laws of logic I do not need to respond anymore because your temper tantrums are logically invalid (Invalidity does not require a response).

    You may wear your kippot if you’d like while you answer. I have extra ones if you need to borrow one.

    My lack of response will mean that you invalidity is thick.”

    She inciting that I am an “invalid”, not mention her sarcastic, anti semitic remarks about wearing a kippot.
    I am not whining about it, although I do question why she can get away with such condescending remarks, yet others “attack your character”. Heads up, bro–you have to have character in order to be attacked in that area.

    I’ve sown the seeds I have–
    enjoy your rest of your predestined lives! You can contact me on my website if you have any comments–just click my name to reach me or my email address
    steve40d@yahoo.com

    Peace out!

  81. Travis

    This site attracts all sorts of new doctrines, its very interesting.

  82. Reformed Mama

    Umm…the BOC…Jean is a man…it’s French I believe…lol

  83. Reformed Mama-
    Where I am from (the United States) Jean is a woman’s name. John would be the correct spelling in America.

  84. Seems like names are deceiving on this website just like the teaching!!

    Shalom!

  85. Reformed Mama

    Another clue that Jean is a male would be the reference to the kippot…

  86. Travis

    Stephen you should add a bunch of emotiocons like on myspace, maybe it would help, I dont know what do you think.

  87. Reformed Mama-
    The reference to the kippot shows me he/she is anti semitic, not male. Any true male with any type of character would not make mock of God’s Holy people!
    The pridefulness on this website is a stench in God’s nostrils and makes me want to puke! You guys think your skubala doesn’t stink. All your knowledge will go by the wayside standing before a Holy God. I pray He predestined you to deal with it and repent before you stand before Him!
    Shalom!

  88. Travis

    Gods Holy People!! Can I make fun of you, since you are not of the “holy People” you are just an off shoot. Or are we, being the off shoot the royal priesthood now the Holy people with the believign Jews? Or is that verse not apart of the inspired text.

    From what I see here the ultimate problems with Chad and BOC are their hermanutics, there is no specific way to interpret scripture, we can take from it what we want, but yet thats what we are accused with.

    So, either one of us is right, or none of us are right, there is no other options. And from what understand from Chad, since We here at BT dont reject Christ we are alright even if we are Jerks, God will just give us small crowns and that will be that.

  89. MCUMC

    Travis,
    I’m sorry, but you fail to understand. It is not OK to be jerks. Don’t confuse God’s love and compassion and his mercy with his justice and his judgment. Because you HAVE heard the news and because you claim to follow Christ as his disciple you will be held accountable for how well you reflect the image of Christ. You cannot serve two master. John tells us that “they will know us by our love.” If you are a jerk, will people know you belong to Jesus Christ, the humble servant who died for the sins of the world? No, they will not. You run the risk of Jesus one day saying, “depart from me, I never knew you.”

  90. Travis

    I guess the entrance into heaven is all about how we define Love, and how we difine knowing God.

    I serve one God, humbely, so we better define our terms

    Love

    Humility

    Mercy

    Justice

    Judgement

    Image of Christ

    I will define my terms later if you want to you can start if not I understand

  91. MCUMC

    Travis,
    It’s subtle, but what you have done by doing that is made salvation all about works. It is now about HOW I define this or that. That’s not what this is about. Love is love, Travis. Do you want someone treating you like a jerk? Probably not, right? So then, if you say you can treat others like jerks then how are you living out the 2 greatest commandments and loving your neighbor as yourself? It’s simple: you aren’t.

    Being a Christian and being an arrogant jerk are not, IMO, compatible. When we have experience the grace of Jesus Christ than we cannot help but offer grace to others, even our enemies. Do you not agree?

  92. MCUMC

    Travis,
    I’m afraid I was not so clear in the above. What I mean is that salvation is not dependent upon how well you can mentally define something. Our discipleship and sanctification will differ based on definitions, but not God’s saving grace. God help us if we are only saved based on our knowledge.

    peace

  93. Travis

    Thats what im getting at, its by grace you have been saved, through faith. But in your asertions we differ in our terms, If I say God Loves the world, it means something totally differnt then when you say God loves the world. Again one of us are right or none of us are right, thats why we define our terms, not to make it a requirement for salvation but so we know what someone means when they say salvation. If I say I love hot dogs does that mean I love hot dogs the same way I love God?

    As far as being a jerk, i was using that as an example of what you think we are being. I do not want to be a jerk to anyone, BUT I do also want to show people there error and people get offended and think and say “WHO ARE YOU”

    I am a Christian, under your statement that Christ wouldnt except me because of my being a “Jerk” to certain people doesnt sound scriptural, Jesus was a Jerk to some people.

  94. MCUMC

    ++If I say God Loves the world, it means something totally differnt then when you say God loves the world.++

    Yes, in this case it does. You (like all Calvinists), allow your theology to dictate what the Bible clearly says, not the other way around. God loves the world. God desires that none should perish. God desires that we love others as ourselves. God calls everyone our neighbor, not just the elect (or chosen). God demands we pray for our enemies.
    I agree with you that you guys change the definitions to fit your theology.

    ++Again one of us are right or none of us a