Answering Folly

In a previous post, my friend Joe from Oil For Your Lamp attempted to inform a commenter with the screen name of GMpilot, that what he spews against the evidence for Jesus Christ in the Scriptures (as well as what is shown through historical, extra-biblical sources) is a matter of a person being “irrational, delusional, and insane.”

Sounds harsh…right?  But after reading what the Bible (and Jesus Himself) says about such persons, we prove the points in Jeremiah 17:9-10.

For clarity, here is the comment written by Joe:

Black3Actual Says:

August 6, 2016 at 7:24 pm

CJW: GM’s response to you is why we should hold EVERYTHING he says suspect. He claims Josephus was born some 400 years after Christ Died, HOWEVER, even Wiki knows he lived 37-100 AD (they use CE, but same general thing). This means Josephus was alive and old enough to have had actual discussions with first-hand witnesses.

Furthermore, GM likes to argue that people do not respond to his points, or make spurious replies, yet he has just done the same thing. It does not matter about WHAT Josephus said, it matters that he acknowledged that Christ was a real figure in history, and that his life outside Scripture was generally acknowledged to have been the same as IN the Scriptures. To the intellectually honest, this is called corroborating evidence.

Furthermore, notice how he picks on one narrow aspect of this outside evidence, and only on that evidence which he believes he can ‘interpret’ to his favor. First, he has NO EVIDENCE that anything has been ‘corrupted,’ so — like Franklin — he admits he is only speculating according to his own biases. Second, he ignores the corroborating evidence which is stronger than the one he chose to dissect. ALL of this is fallacious (and if you know that while you are doing it, deceitful) argumentation.

There is MUCH outside evidence to testify that the Scriptures are accurate, and that Christ died and rose again. I bet GM does not even know that the global eclipse and a global earth quake were recorded by at least 3 extra-Biblical sources considered — in their times, anyway — to be “scholars.’ The interesting part of these records is they were recorded in distant geographical regions, and all of them agree — pinning Christ’s death to the year 32-33 AD! This is not only powerful support of the Scriptures but — if it were not connected to the claim that Christ IS God — it would be considered definitive proof. But because people do not want to face the ramifications of acknowledging Christ’s true identity, they deny what would otherwise be counted as FACT!

So, how does one argue with a person who — by their own admission — refuses to acknowledge fact? I mean, by definition, such people are not only irrational, but delusional, which is also defined as insane.

My response:

Joe, you and I both know that no matter what evidence is provided to GM, his purpose here is to ignore it and continue to spew his rhetoric – no matter how irrational, delusional and insane he makes himself appear to be.

I love how God’s Word is filled with answers regarding such people. Proverbs tells us to “answer a fool according to his folly.”

Pro 26:5

Answer a fool according to his folly,
Lest he be wise in his own eyes.

Yet, Proverbs also tells us to “not answer a fool according to his folly.”

Pro 26:4

Do not answer a fool according to his folly,
Lest you also be like him.

This is godly wisdom that informs us that there will come a time when “answering a fool” becomes too ridiculous to continue to do so. That is where you and I are… regarding GM.

You nailed it when you wrote:

But because people do not want to face the ramifications of acknowledging Christ’s true identity, they deny what would otherwise be counted as FACT!

So, how does one argue with a person who — by their own admission — refuses to acknowledge fact?

Unregenerate man is described in Jeremiah 17:9. Jeremiah 17:10 informs us what happens through the entire lifetime of a man or woman.

1. The LORD searches the heart.
2. He tests the mind.
3. He gives every man according to his ways.
4. According to the fruit of his doings.

If a man or woman’s heart rejects the salvation and regeneration of the heart afforded by Christ, then his/her heart remains deceitful and desperately wicked. Some would object to this because they believe that they are “good.” But the truth about the evil in man is revealed by Christ Himself! That link is only a portion of examples where Christ agrees with the fact that “the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; Who can know it?!”

Jer 17:9

“The heart is deceitful above all things,
And desperately wicked;
Who can know it?

Jer 17:10

I, the LORD, search the heart,
I test the mind,
Even to give every man according to his ways,
According to the fruit of his doings.

The Gospel of Christ solves our most deep and desperate need. Jesus said that we must be “born again” of the spirit. There is no other way! Christ IS THE WAY!

Every person’s heart is searched by the LORD. Every person’s mind is tested. Every man – according to his ways and according to the fruit of his doing – will result in reconciliation with God or separation from Him forever in eternity.

What we discuss here is vital! Though many choose to mock it, there will be some, perhaps a remnant, who will heed what is shared and as Jude informs us:

Jde 1:23

but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire,[fn] hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.

Jude 1:3-1:16 and 1:17-19 describes those with “deceitful and desperately wicked hearts.” It’s not a pretty picture!

However, the following beautiful verses from Jude instructs us and informs us of what believers in Jesus Christ recognize as being what is in store for us.   Jude’s words teach us what we are to do and  how we can endure what evildoers throw at us in this fallen world:

Jde 1:1

Jude, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James,
To those who are called, sanctified[fn] by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ:

Jde 1:2

Mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you.

Jde 1:3

Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.

Jde 1:20

But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,

Jde 1:21

keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

Jde 1:22

And on some have compassion, making a distinction;[fn]

Jde 1:23

but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire,[fn] hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.

Jde 1:24

Now to Him who is able to keep you[fn] from stumbling,
And to present you faultless
Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,

Jde 1:25

To God our Savior,[fn]
Who alone is wise,[fn]
Be glory and majesty,
Dominion and power,[fn]
Both now and forever.
Amen.

NKJV Footnotes

(1:1)

NU-Text reads beloved.

(1:4)

NU-Text omits God.

(1:12)

NU-Text and M-Text read along.

(1:22)

NU-Text reads who are doubting (or making distinctions).

(1:23)

NU-Text adds and on some have mercy with fear and omits with fear in first clause.

(1:24)

M-Text reads them.

(1:25)

NU-Text reads To the only God our Savior.

(1:25)

NU-Text omits Who . . . is wise and adds Through Jesus Christ our Lord.

(1:25)

NU-Text adds Before all time.

Liberal Hypocrisy: While Liberal “Entertainers” Try to Dictate What is “Morally Right” in NC, Muslims Prepare to Build an Islamic Museum on Ground Zero In NYC

This essay tells the truth about the liberal leftist hypocrisy and insanity that is being pushed upon America by B. Insane 0bama and his ilk. The terrible shame of the brain-dirting that has been done (especially to young people!) in this nation is so sadly evident in everything that Kingsjester’s blog discusses in this very important and informative post!

~ Christine

Kingsjester's Blog

Today’s Modern American Liberals, from President Barack Hussein Obama to the all-too-common Internet Troll, are continuing to fiddle around with “Gender Identity Rights”, while our nation, like Ancient Rome, burns.

CNSNews.com reports that

The pop group Maroon 5 on Friday joined the list of entertainers canceling appearances in North Carolina because of its law that denies anti-discrimination protections and dictates which restrooms transgender people can use.”This was a difficult decision for us to make as a band. We don’t want to penalize our fans in North Carolina by not performing for them, but in the end it comes down to what we feel is morally right,” the group said on its website.

The band led by Adam Levine, who doubles as a celebrity musician-coach on NBC’s “The Voice,” won’t appear Sept. 11 at Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte or Sept. 12 at PNC Arena in Raleigh.

A spokesman for…

View original post 1,382 more words

Correcting the Insanity of the Transgender Bathroom Ordinances

OK…it’s time to talk about the transgender bathroom ordinances and the subsequent and necessary bills that have been created in order to correct the insanity of such transgender bathroom regulations in several states.

First of all, I would not EVER want to be in a situation like the following:

H/T for graphic:  Kingsjester’s blog

In my case, it would be a visit to the lady’s room with my granddaughter.  She is now almost 5 months old, but if these stupid, liberal-leftist dangerous and crazy laws aren’t challenged and eliminated, then it would be something that she and I might have to face in the future.

I will share two great blogs that have posted on this issue.  They both make excellent points!

Kingsjester’s Blog: “Mommy, There’s a Man in the Bathroom!”: The Progressive War Against American Freedom of Thought

Excerpt:

The actions of North Carolina and Mississippi, goes against the unified thought process of Liberals. American Individual Freedom of Thought and Traditional Morality and Value System of America, instilled in the majority of Americans, by American Christianity.

Traditional American Morality and Values are a roadblock to Progressives’ Plans, as regards to the “Good of the State”.

So, when you see Liberals Musicians like Bruce Springsteen and Bryan Adams cancel concerts in North Carolina and Mississippi, and Corporations expressing their “concerns” of the passage of these laws, it is all a part of a concerted effort to get us “all in line”.

Unfortunately for those who espouse the “singularity of thought” of the Hive-mind, they will never win.

We are Americans. We cherish our Faith, our Families, and our Freedom of Thought.

We will not be assimilated.

 

Bruce Springsteen Ringo Starr et al driven by egos agenda not concern for NC citizens, Charlotte ordinance endangered women and children, HB2 protects all citizens, NC registered sex offenders list proves danger, LGBT status not the problem or issue.

Yes…that’s a long title! But the points he makes in the post cannot be denied!

This post is difficult to just excerpt. Here is a copy of most of the post:

There is an epidemic of stupid, irrational political position and entertainment culture in this country.

Just because you can sing, entertain, act, etc. does not mean you are intelligent, paying attention, rational, etc.

Two recent examples:

Bruce Springsteen and Ringo Starr as well as numerous companies.

Apparently they believe that they are smarter or better informed than the folks in NC.

THEY ARE NOT!

Many people are missing the point.

The danger inherent in the Charlotte ordinance and protected by NC HB2 is allowing anyone to use the public bathroom of choice.

This has little to do with LGBT status.

It has to do primarily with documented sexual predators like the man in Charlotte who was convicted of molesting underage male(s).

North Carolina has statistics on registered sexual offenders.

For example:

Mecklenburg County (Charlotte):  894.

Guilford (Greensboro): 807.

From the NC Department Of Public Safety Offender Statistics:

“Statistics reflected on this page have been extracted from information entered by North Carolina Sheriff’s Offices into the NC Sex Offender and Public Protection Registry database. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation serves as the collection and entry point for this information.

These statistics provide approximate numbers. The accuracy of these statistics may be impacted by certain limitations such as delays or errors in processing information or delay or errors in the system’s operation.

Not all offenders are included in this report because of different registration requirements. Offenders whose status is listed as pending are not included in this report.”

http://sexoffender.ncsbi.gov/stats.aspx

So, as you can plainly see, the Charlotte ordinance was a stupid irresponsible idea and NC HB2 protects women and children.

My suggestion for all of us, those who are rational and care, is to boycott Bruce Springsteen, Ringo Starr and others who are acting irresponsible and stupid.

If you had planned to see them in concert, use your time and money more responsibly.

Learn the facts.

Quit being part of our dumbed down entertain culture.

Perhaps most tellingly, Rep. Mark Meadows suggested that the whole thing is overblown. “Men need to use the men’s restroom. Women need to use the women’s restroom.” Meadows told The Daily Signal. “For over 200 years, we haven’t had a problem defining that.”

Over at National Review, David French looks at some of the issues that are prone to crop up when restrooms are not kept sex-specific:

“Transgender and unisex bathroom regulations empower terrible people. Sexual predators are diabolical, and the worst thing the law can do is to make access to women and girls in their most vulnerable and private moments easy for predators. It’s insane.”

Yes…it is insane!!!

What could possibly be worse than exposing women and girls to sexual predators via crazy “laws” like these bathroom ordinances?  It’s just insane and evil!  Why risk the lives of women and girls in this way?

 

Jesus had much condemnation about causing little ones who believe in Him to be offended, caused to stumble or caused to sin.

 

 

Mat 18:6

“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

Mar 9:42

“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea.

Luk 17:2

“It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.

Hat tips to all links.

Spiritual Lessons From the Headlines -theoyl.com

My blogging friend J over at The Oil For Your Lamp has an excellent post up entitled “SPIRITUAL LESSONS FROM THE HEADLINES: Reason Behind Bill Maher’s Fear of Cruz Very Revealing.”

The excerpt here will hopefully whet your appetite and encourage you to read it all!

I saw this story today, and when I read it, I found that I better understand some of the the more troublesome aspects of the Old testament.  Bill Maher is famous for attacking God’s actions in the Old Testament.  He called God a ‘Psychotic Mass Murderer.’  Now, to be totally honest, I have never found a satisfactory response to the sort of attacks that Maher levels against God.  I reject them, but I have never been able to find a way to explain why they are wrong — until now.  After reading this story, not only do I have a satisfactory answer, I have that answer in the very person of the person making the attack — Bill Maher!

Bill Maher Explains in Blunt Terms Why He Finds Ted Cruz ‘Scarier Than Trump’

Before I explain the answer I found in Bill Maher’s latest outbursts, let me draw your attention to two particular things Maher said.  First, why does Maher fear Cruz more than Trump?

Continue reading  HERE

*******

 

My comment there:

Wow!  Wonderful, wonderful post!
I didn’t watch the video (can’t stand Bill Maher!) but I do recall a Fox News reporter being released from his Islamic terrorist captors years ago – Steve Centani – who did exactly what Maher suggests and uttered those words in favor of the false and evil “god” of Islam.  The man sold his soul for his physical life, but if he never repents at the cross of Jesus Christ in this lifetime, then he will lose eternal life with God.

The words of Jesus in Matthew come to mind:

Mat 16:26

“For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

Mar 8:36

“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?

I’m participating in Bible Study Fellowship this year and we are in the book of Revelation.  We learn that the unrepentant would rather have rocks fall on them and crush them to death rather than repenting of their sin to be saved!  The resistance towards salvation for their souls becomes stronger and stronger when they refuse to admit their sins, confess and repent at the foot of the cross of Christ, and ask for forgiveness.

It is interesting to note that the term salvation in Greek means:

“victory, wholeness, well being, and deliverance!”

Therefore, people like Maher reject the very provision that would give him all of these gifts from God!  Instead, he urges others to bow to a false god in order to lose their souls!  So sad, ignorant, dangerous, stupid, childish, demonic, dumb, disrespectful and hateful!  Leading people to hell via the public forum that Maher has is truly disturbing.

In our study on Revelation 8 this past week, one question in our homework asked what we learned from the lecture.  This is what I wrote:

“Our (my) choice in this life on earth is to either be deceived by the cunning counterfeiter Satan, or guided in the Truth by our Shepherd King – Jesus Christ!”

I love 2 Corinthians 4!  The entirety of the chapter speaks to this issue about Maher, especially these verses:

2Co 4:3

But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing,

2Co 4:4

whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.

Atheists With Dead Souls vs. God’s Wisdom

Every year at Christmastime there seems to be a new take presented in the war against Christianity.  This time, the perps want to appear “edgy,” “a little funny” or “provocative.”  Well, the Bible describes it as something else! Mainly, the term foolishness comes to mind!

Psa 38:5

My wounds are foul and festering
Because of my foolishness.

Psa 69:5

O God, You know my foolishness;
And my sins are not hidden from You.

Pro 9:6

Forsake foolishness and live,
And go in the way of understanding.

o 14:24

The crown of the wise is their riches,
But the foolishness of fools is folly.

Pro 15:2

The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly,
But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.

Pro 15:14

The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge,
But the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.

Pro 19:3

The foolishness of a man twists his way,
And his heart frets against the LORD.

Pro 24:9

The devising of foolishness is sin,
And the scoffer is an abomination to men.

Ecc 7:25

I applied my heart to know,
To search and seek out wisdom and the reason of things,
To know the wickedness of folly,
Even of foolishness and madness.

Ecc 10:13

The words of his mouth begin with foolishness,
And the end of his talk is raving madness.

Isa 32:6

For the foolish person will speak foolishness,
And his heart will work iniquity:
To practice ungodliness,
To utter error against the LORD,
To keep the hungry unsatisfied,
And he will cause the drink of the thirsty to fail.

Mar 7:20

And He said, “What comes out of a man, that defiles a man.

Mar 7:21

“For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,

Mar 7:22

“thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness.

Mar 7:23

“All these evil things come from within and defile a man.”

1Co 2:14

But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

1Co 3:19

For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their own craftiness”; [fn]

1Co 3:20

and again, “The LORD knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.” [fn]

1Co 3:21

Therefore let no one boast in men. For all things are yours:

1Co 3:22

whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the world or life or death, or things present or things to come—all are yours.

1Co 3:23

And you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s.

That about covers it…