As I was browsing Drudge this evening I came across this article that caught my gaze and I decided to quickly browse what it said and search for any decent information.

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0110/31839.html

I found it quite entertaining that the shocked Democrats, after losing a seat held by one of their own for 46 years, are done biting their tongues and have announced that they are finished blindly and aimlessly going along with this administration's ideals and goals.

I remember when the Health Care Bill first passed through the house, it seemed like nothing could stop it from reaching the President's desk.  True, there were many other difficulties that still had not been worked out, but it appeared that this would be a breeze for push and shove method of Obama's White House.  As any other citizen who has any idea what this country was founded on and has any comprehension of what freedom means, I was very concerned with what this bill might have in store for America, not to mention what it may lay the foundation for.  However, I did take solace in the fact that we have a Sovereign God who has passed through the heavens.  I knew from Scripture that nothing has ever happened that God has not ordained.  Therefore, I also knew that God had complete and total control over what was to happen to this bill.  However I DID not know why God would bring such a thing to pass, but once again I took solace in the words of Deuteronomy 29:29:

29 "The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.

ESV

Whatever God's reason for bringing this bill into existence, it was obviously not for me to know.

But after reading this article and seeing the anger that burns against Obama's administration, not only from Conservative America BUT ALSO FROM HIS OWN PARTY!  I am hoping that the reason God brought this bill before us is to show America the stupidity of those we have elected as well as to point us in the direction that we should go, which is of course a return to His word.

The Lord has begun the mock our elected officials by turning their so called "accomplishments" into a living nightmare for them.

I have no idea what God has planned, but I do know that it's to wonderful for me to imagine.  Therefore, I will continue to trust in Him, for as it was written:

4 He who sits in the heavens laughs;

the Lord holds them in derision.

5 Then he will speak to them in his wrath,

and terrify them in his fury, saying,

6 "As for me, I have set my King

on Zion, my holy hill."

Ps. 2:4-6 ESV

Soli Deo Gloria

In Christ,

Andrew

Well after not posting on my very neglected Blog for over a year, I think it's probably high time I at least put a little effort once again in attempting to write something worth while.

This evening, the Covenanting heads of households of Coram Deo Fellowship met in our family's basement to begin a mens Bible Study that will eventually cover the rich and profound texts of Romans.  Unfortunately, due to the business of life not all could be present, but for those of us who were able to attend we enjoyed a very blessed time of studying the very foremost part of Romans.

First off we covered the Who, What, When, Where, Why and How of Romans.  We discussed the Author, Paul, and how he wrote the inspired book of Romans through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit as an Apostle of Christ.  We also covered the affect that the book has had throughout the past and how it has transformed the lives of many important Theologians and Scholars as well as laymen.  We discussed the date and the era that Romans was written so that we could put in perspective what troubles the church may have been going through when Paul was writing this Epistle.

After this brief introduction, we preceded to start reading Romans verse by verse and to discuss what these verses mean in the context of what we had discussed earlier and also how it fits in and brings together the rest of Scripture.

We enjoyed a lot of great conversation, but most notably we discussed the meaning of the word Servant in verse one of chapter one.

 ¹Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God

Romans 1:1 ESV

My Father pointed out that some versions use the words "bond servant" in place of servant.  We then began to search the Scriptures in order to find out exactly what a bond servant was, which we found in the reading of the law in the Old Testament. 

¹"Now these are the rules that you shall set before them. ² When you buy a Hebrew slave, he shall serve six years, and in the seventh he shall go out free, for nothing. ³If he comes in single, he shall go out single; if he comes in married, then his wife shall go out with him. ⁴If his master gives him a wife and she bears him sons or daughters, the wife and her children shall be her master’s, and he shall go out alone. ⁵But if the slave plainly says, 'I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free,' ⁶then his master shall bring him to God, and he shall bring him to the door or the doorpost. And his master shall bore his ear through with an awl, and he shall be his slave forever.

Exodus 21:1-6 ESV

We see through the context of the Old Testament law, that a bond servant is one that chooses to serve his master for the rest of his/her earthly life.  It then follows that Paul, after being chosen by God as a member of His elect, has chosen to be a bond servant to God forever.  Serving Him by guarding Christ's church and teaching and preaching the word of God to His elect.

In light of this we also talked about how the terms "servant" or "slave" can be so offensive to people in the Postmodern era, especially in America where we so proudly flaunt our "freedom."  But we also realize that the slavery or servant hood of the Old Testament times (at least in the land of Israel) was more of an employer/employee relationship.  Obviously there are vast differences, but it is a much better picture than that of a beaten, abused and overly used human who is forced to labor at the commands of a demanding and violent master.  Obviously, God would not condone humans to be treated that way. 

This is just a very simple overview of what was discussed this evening, I am very much looking forward to our future studies and drinking deeply from the beautifully layed out and inspired book of Romans.

In Christ,

Andrew 

18For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 19For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. ESV

This is one of those sections of Scripture that when I read it causes the hair on the back of my neck to stand on end. 2nd Timothy 3:16 says "All Scripture is breathed out by God" which should be enough to cause us to tremble at the hearing of His Word. I'm going to take a few minutes and share a few comments on this particular passage in Scripture.

Verse 18 says: 18For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.

Pretty scary verse, but what does it mean when it says "the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness?" As Dr. D. James Kennedy says "All does not mean all, all of the time," is this one of those moments when all only means a certain amount or a select few? Lets read it in that context: "For the wrath of God is revealed from Heaven against a select few of the ungodliness and unrighteousness of men." It seems to me that this interpretation contradicts God's character as a just God who always punishes sin and always maintains His Holy Name. From what we see of God from His word, He is not the type to "Turn His Head" or to "Look the other way" at what we might call a few minor sins. God cannot tolerate sin, from that viewpoint it is easy to see that NO sin is a minor sin to Him. But God has mercy on whom He will have mercy, and his love is never ending toward His elect. Even so God never lets sin go unpunished. Something that should strike terror into our hearts, and at the same time cause us to be thankful for His ever abounding mercy.

Verse 19: 19For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them.

"God has shown it to them," what is the antecedent of "them"? I think if we go back to verse 18 we find it's "men." Now another question arises, to who exactly does "men refer?" I am open to correction on this but from what I understand "men" refers to all mankind. So from what I see, Paul is saying that the evidence of God has been shown to all mankind and "plain to them." How has it been made plain to them? Lets look at the next verse.

Verse 20: 20For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.

It has been made plain by the things that He has made. By his attributes, and Paul goes on to share a few of the many. God's creation is such an overwhelming and complex system that it clearly demonstrates God's existence. The alternate ideas, which the flesh has invented with are so ridiculous that "they are without excuse." Dr. Richard Dawkins of Oxford University, what would he say to God at the end of time answered "Why did you take such pains to hide yourself." This answer is unacceptable, when Dawkins says this he is suppressing the truth and is "without excuse." I am reminded of the words of Romans 3: 19: 19Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. Romans 3:19. My guess is that Mr. Dawkins will not ask God that question.

Questions or Comments? Please feel free to contact me at andrew32693@yahoo.com

Up to this point we have looked at the five points that provide the base of Arminian and Calvinistic Theology. I have attempted to show my belief on these points and I hope it will be used for God’s glory. This is just a quick short sum up post about what we have discussed.

Arminian Theology

First off man really isn’t that badly hurt by the fall and he can really make it on his own. Also man chooses his salvation thus bringing glory to man. God cannot penetrate man’s free will which gives man power over God. God is forced to let everyone have a chance to be saved, why? Because man says if it were different it would not be fair. God’s grace is not irresistible and if God calls someone they can resist Him. Last off, it is up to man to keep His salvation and also watch out because he can loose it showing that God has no ability to keep Christians on the straight and narrow path.

Calvinistic Theology

We see that God is entirely and completely sovereign and that man has absolutely no power over his Creator. Number one, man is in a completely fallen state and has a nature that only continually seeks sin and is at enmity with God. Man has no ability to choose God because of his nature and only God can bring about the salvation of a man bringing full glory to Himself. God’s call is irresistible and no man can resist it, if it is God’s will that someone will be saved that person will be saved no matter what. If a man is saved then he can never loose his salvation showing God to be a God of His word and promise!

Which Theology sounds like the one preached in Scripture? It comes down to one question in my mind, who is Sovereign? Is Man Sovereign, or is God? Who deserves to be glorified, the creation, or the Creator.

Ok I won’t rant anymore on this post. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas Season! God Bless! Andrew

We have now come to the last of the “five points” of the Calvinistic faith, “Perseverance of the Saints.” The Arminians have an opposing view, which is called “Falling from Grace”. It appears that all Arminian doctrines glorify man and diminish God. Is “falling from grace” different? Perhaps this Arminian doctrine will finally give glory to God? However, the opposite is true – man is again glorified while keeping his salvation. As I have said before, you can sum up the Arminian faith in four simple words; “Man first, God Second.” Here are the definitions of these two doctrines, taken from http://www.the-highway.com/compare.html:

Calvinistic View

Perseverance of the Saints

All who are chosen by God, redeemed by Christ, and given faith by the Spirit are eternally saved. They are kept in faith by the power of Almighty God and thus persevere to the end.

Arminian View

Falling from Grace

Those who believe and are truly saved can lose their salvation by failing to keep up their faith, etc. All Arminians have not been agreed on this point; some have held that believers are eternally secure in Christ - that once a sinner is regenerated, he can never be lost.

Again, we go back to the very same point, how do these doctrines fulfill man’s primary purpose, which is to “Glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” Let’s look at the Calvinistic view; God makes His elect to persevere through their whole Christian walk and thus brings glory to himself by showing His faithfulness to the elect. Look at John 10:27-29:

27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. –John 10:27-29

Now let’s look at how the Arminian doctrine “supposedly” brings glory to God. The some-what powerful God, who is forced to submit to His creations choice, cannot assure anyone that he or she will always have the salvation that they have accepted. He can only tell them that they better sit up straight and follow His laws or else they will lose their salvation. If man makes it through life, and still has faith in Christ, then he should be praised that he made it on his own without falling away. So, show me where God receives glory in that? It’s basically God, leaving it all up to man, hoping, just hoping that they will remain on the narrow path or otherwise He can’t take them to heaven with Him. It also shows that God isn’t powerful enough to bring them all the way home like He promises. Why? Perhaps, because His power is limited by man’s power (Free Will)? I believe this is absurd!

Also, how do you know when you have become “un-saved?” Where is the yardstick which tells us when we are no longer one of God’s children? I can’t find it anywhere in Scripture. Where is it? And what about Hebrews 10:10, which says:

10And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. –Heb 10:10

We see here that Christ died once for all. So what about the backslider who loses his salvation? Does he get to receive God’s salvation over and over again? It seems to me here that Christ died once for all the elect, and so how can one receive the gift again if he has already thrown it away? Arminians contradict their view and try to draw these backsliders to Christ, even though to remain consistent with their view every one should only get one chance at the Christian Walk because Christ died for everybody once.

Some Arminians believe that the doctrine of Perseverance of the Saints “spells” disaster. They believe that this doctrine opens up the idea “Once saved always saved.” This statement is true, even though it’s not the statement I would choose to represent this doctrine with. It gives the impression that once you’re saved you can do whatever you want because once you’re saved you’re always saved. This is the ground on which Arminians attack perseverance of the saints. Of course, if God changes someone’s heart then that person will have a heart that wants to please God. This is because whatever God does, He does well and therefore none of the people He changes will still have a nature that craves after sin. Those who profess faith, but do not live according to His statutes and laws however were never saved. Look at Matt 7:21-23:

“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.” –Matthew 7:21-23

Notice God says “I never knew you.” Not “I knew you and then because you failed to keep my law I ceased to know you.”

Finally here are some Scripture verses supporting this doctrine:

“‘He will guard the feet of his faithful ones, but the wicked shall be cut off in darkness, for not by might shall a man prevail.’” -1 Samuel 2:9

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” –Psalm 23:6

“But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel , your Savior. I give Egypt as your ransom, Cush and Seba in exchange for you.” –Isaiah 43:1-3

“‘For the mountains may depart, and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,’ says the LORD, who has compassion on you.” –Isaiah 54:10

“And they shall be my people, and I will be their God. I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear me forever, for their own good and the good of their children after them. I will make with them an everlasting covenant, that I will not turn away from doing good to them. And I will put the fear of me in their hearts, that they may not turn from me. I will rejoice in doing them good, and I will plant them in this land in faithfulness, with all my heart and all my soul.” - Jeremiah 32:38-41

“And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away.” -Luke 8:13

In the next post I will give a sum up over-view of both Reformed Theology, and Arminian Theology.

If you have any questions or objections you can contact me at andrew32693@yahoo.com. God Bless!

This was too bad =(. Posted from http://www.stevenspointjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071127/SPJ0101/71127043

Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor died early Tuesday, a day after the Pro Bowl player was shot at home by what police say was an intruder. He was 24.Family friend Richard Sharpstein said Taylor’s father told him the news around 5:30 a.m.“His father called and said he was with Christ and he cried and thanked me,” said Sharpstein, Taylor’s former lawyer. “It’s a tremendously sad and unnecessary event. He was a wonderful, humble, talented young man, and had a huge life in front of him. Obviously God had other plans.”Taylor died at Jackson Memorial Hospital, where he had been airlifted after the shooting early Monday, Sharpstein said.Two carloads of mourners, including the athlete’s father, arrived at the house Tuesday morning. They remained inside and did not speak to reporters. A single bouquet of flowers was left by a palm tree just outside a front gate. Beside the mailbox, an untouched newspaper lay with news of Taylor’s shooting.Doctors had been encouraged late Monday when Taylor squeezed a nurse’s hand, according to Vinny Cerrato, the Redskins’ vice president of football operations. But Sharpstein said he was told Taylor never regained consciousness after being transported to the hospital and that he wasn’t sure how he had squeezed the nurse’s hand.“Maybe he was trying to say goodbye or something,” Sharpstein said.Taylor, the fifth overall pick in the 2004 NFL draft following an All-American season at the University of Miami, was shot early Monday in the upper leg, damaging the key femoral artery and causing significant blood loss.“According to a preliminary investigation, it appears that the victim was shot inside the home by an intruder,” Miami-Dade County police said in a statement. “We do not have a subject description at this time.”But police were still investigating the attack, which came just eight days after an intruder was reported at Taylor’s home. Officers were sent to the home about 1:45 a.m. Monday after Taylor’s girlfriend called 911.Sharpstein said Taylor’s girlfriend told him the couple was awakened by loud noises, and Taylor grabbed a machete he keeps in the bedroom for protection. Someone then broke through the bedroom door and fired two shots, one missing and one hitting Taylor, Sharpstein said. Taylor’s 1-year-old daughter, Jackie, was also in the house, but neither she nor Taylor’s girlfriend were injured.Police found signs of forced entry, but have not determined if they were caused Monday, or the previous burglary.The shooting happened in the pale yellow house he bought two years ago. Eight days before the attack someone pried open a front window, rifled through drawers and left a kitchen knife on a bed at Taylor’s home, according to police.“They’re really sifting through that incident and today’s incident,” Miami-Dade Detective Mario Rachid said, “to see if there’s any correlation.”Taylor’s death comes nearly a year after Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams was killed in a drive-by shooting following an argument at a Denver nightclub on Jan. 1. University of Miami defensive lineman Bryan Pata was shot to death in November 2006 several miles from Taylor’s home in an unsolved killing.Taylor starred as a running back and defensive back at Gulliver Prep in Miami. His father, Pedro Taylor, is police chief of Florida City.

The more I read and learn about Irresistible Grace, the more I see its a question of Sovereignty. Is man Sovereign? Does he have the power to resist the Spirits call? Or does the Creator have power to do what He wants with what is His? I think its very clearly said in Isaiah:

8"Remember this and stand firm, recall it to mind, you transgressors, 9 remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me,10 declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done,saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,'11 calling a bird of prey from the east, the man of my counsel from a far country. I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; I have purposed, and I will do it. - Is. 46:8-11

Here is the two views on this doctrine:

Calvinistic View

The Efficacious Call of the Spirit or Irresistible Grace

In addition to the outward general call to salvation which is made to everyone who hears the gospel, the Holy Spirit extends to the elect a special inward call that inevitably brings them to salvation. The internal call (which is made only to the elect) cannot be rejected; it always results in conversion. By means of this special call the Spirit irresistibly draws sinners to Christ. He is not limited in His work of applying salvation by man's will, nor is He dependent upon man's cooperation for success. The Spirit graciously causes the elect sinner to cooperate, to believe, to repent, to come freely and willingly to Christ. God's grace, therefore, is invincible; it never fails to result in the salvation of those to whom it is extended.

Arminian View

The Holy Spirit Can Be Effectually Resisted

The Spirit calls inwardly all those who are called outwardly by the gospel invitation; He does all that He can to bring every sinner to salvation. But inasmuch as man is free, he can successfully resist the Spirit's call. The Spirit cannot regenerate the sinner until he believes; faith (which is man's contribution) proceeds and makes possible the new birth. Thus, man's free will limits the Spirit in the application of Christ's saving work. The Holy Spirit can only draw to Christ those who allow Him to have His way with them. Until the sinner responds, the Spirit cannot give life. God's grace, therefore, is not invincible; it can be, and often is, resisted and thwarted by man.

As Stephen Mansfield once said (This isn't word for word but its pretty close) "The thing that I find funny in our culture today is that God is this lonely old man with beard up in Heaven hoping, just hoping someone will accept Him. Jesus is knocking on the door, hoping, just hoping someone will open it. In reality God goes after His elect." First thing I see in resistible grace is this, making man feel good, giving him the glory, and most importantly making sure man has a say in his salvation. Absolutely crazy, not crazy heretical!

Lets talk about the outward call and the inward call. The definition of the outward call is this: The call that humans themselves provide when they preach the good news, this call never results in salvation though. The definition of the inward call is this: The process where the Holy Spirit enters into one who has been predestined before the foundation of the world and saves him/her. The first call is only the work of corrupt man, it can't penetrate man's total depravity. The second call is done by the in-corruptible God, and can penetrate anything! So man can plant the seed, but its the work of God to nurture it, water it, and provide the light! Isn't that amazing, we get to help God gather His elect! Does God need our help? Of-course not! He could very well do it by Himself, but He allows us to plant the seed!

The main problem I see when I look at the Arminian view is that God's sovereignty is challenged. Again as I have pointed out before, God, having to stoop to obey man's decisions! That is the whole concept of the Arminian faith, Man first, God second. They would of-course deny that, I mean its blasphemous. But that is what it confirms in every single doctrine of their faith. I will comment on this more later. Here the words of R.J. Rushdoony:

The debate on irresistible grace, was not between some law intermingled with a doctrine of chance miss-called freedom, on the one hand, and the doctrines of rigid Calvinism on the other, but simply between God and chance. If an iota of chance is allowed into the universe then God's Sovereignty is denied, and God is not God. -R.J. Rushdoony

Last but definitely not least, I will add Scripture to back this doctrine.

Deuteronomy 30:6, 8 “And the LORD your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your offspring, so that you will love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live…And you shall again obey the voice of the LORD and keep all his commandments that I command you today.”

Deuteronomy 29:4 “But to this day the LORD has not given you a heart to understand or eyes to see or ears to hear.”

Job 31:4 “Does not He see my ways and number all my steps?”

Job 42:2 “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.”

Proverbs 16:9 “The heart of a man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.”

Isaiah 55:10-11 “For as the rain and snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.”

Matthew 16:15-17 “He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Simon Peter replied, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’ And Jesus answered him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.’”

These are just the very few that support not only Irresistible Grace, but also God's Sovereignty!! I don't know how you could argue against these doctrines, its so blatantly set forth in Scripture! Well if you have any questions or objections contact me at andrew32693@yahoo.com . God bless!

Ahhhh yes, its Thanksgiving again! I've always loved the good food, the wonderful time with the family and the old Esping thanksgiving tradition, shooting blue-rock. But the question I ask myself now is, am I thankful enough for all the blessings God has bestowed on me? I am faced with the obvious answer, no. I don't appreciate all the things God has given me, most of the time I take them for granite! God's Word says that we need to be thankful at all times, and I always fall short of that. Look at what the Bible says on this matter:

15And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. -Col 3:15

17I will give to the LORD the thanks due to his righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the LORD, the Most High. -Ps. 7:17

1I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. -Ps, 9:1

20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, - Eph 5:20

These are just a very few that tell us to give thanks to God. I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving. And don't forget to give thanks to our Savior for all the blessings He gives us!

I got this from my Aunt in her last e-mail, it makes me just sick! May God have mercey on us corrupt humans. Thus article posted from
http://www.onenewsnow.com/2007/10/perspectives_does_the_golden_c.php

It all started with a phone call I received several months ago. A concerned mother called to tell me about The Golden Compass, an upcoming film from New Line Cinema. Several more phone calls followed the first one as did a plethora of emails expressing disgust over this movie -- and rightly so.
I plan to review the movie, but I haven't had the opportunity to see it yet. So, in the meantime, here is some information that will help you understand why the film has the potential to be extremely dark and dangerous.
According to CNSNews.com, leading atheist writers and intellectuals are engaged in a "scientific" quest to ultimately destroy organized religion, particularly Christianity. Oxford professor Richard Dawkins, author Sam Harris and journalist Christopher Hitchens are some of the big names leading this "new atheism" initiative. Evidence of their agenda is seen in efforts such as the Out Campaign and the Blasphemy Challenge.
CNSNews.com defines the Out Campaign as "a movement started by Dawkins to encourage Americans to proudly display their atheism." ABC News describes the Blasphemy Challenge as a way "to challenge people to make videos of themselves denying, denouncing or blaspheming the Holy Spirit, and then post them on YouTube." ABC News also calls it "the cutting edge of a new and emboldened wave of atheism."
The Blasphemy Challenge targets teens while an upcoming movie that may have a similar agenda is likely to appeal to families, especially children.
The Golden Compass is a film from New Line Cinema based on the first book of a series, His Dark Materials, written by English atheist Philip Pullman. It is set to release December 7 in theaters nationwide. From watching the trailer, it's easy to see that the film has a C. S. Lewis/Narnia feel to it, but don't be deceived.
Pullman's book trilogy is the story of "a battle against the church and a fight to overthrow God," BBC News reported. The Guardian, a British newspaper, goes even further to describe the books as "metaphysical fantasies encompassing parallel worlds, the death of God and the fall of man ...."
"I don't know whether there's a God or not. Nobody does, no matter what they say," Pullman said in an interview posted on his website.
Therefore, without yet seeing the film, at least one pro-family group -- the American Family Association -- is alerting Christians to the potential dangers of The Golden Compass. Because of Pullman's clearly articulated anti-Christian motives, AFA is warning all viewers to run from the film.
The Golden Compass is set in an alternative world with a sinister Magisterium. It is about a girl named Lyra who sets out to rescue her friend Roger who has been kidnapped by an organization known as the Gobblers. Roger's rescue turns into an epic quest to save two different worlds -- one in which people's souls manifest themselves as animals. These manifestations are known as "daemons," and Pullman says they help a person grow toward wisdom.
In addition, the movie website allows visitors to answer a set of questions and create their own daemons that journey alongside them in life.
"One of the [book] series' main themes -- the rejection of organized religion and in particular the abuse of power within the Catholic Church -- is to be watered down," according to the Telegraph, a newspaper in the U.K. "But when the film is released in December the Magisterium will be shown as a critique of all dogmatic organizations, thereby avoiding a religious backlash."
Although the film has supposedly been stripped of the books' key denunciation of religion to prevent offending Catholic audiences, that doesn't appease the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights. The Catholic League still views The Golden Compass as bait for Pullman's books, which the group says are representative of the author's two-fold agenda "to promote atheism and denigrate Christianity. To kids."

Here is probably one of the most hated doctrines by Arminians today, Limited Atonement. Have you ever heard the phrase Four point Calvinist? Obviously one who denies one of the five points of Calvinism, usually the denied doctrine is Limited Atonement. Sometimes they refer to themselves as Christmas Calvinists since NOEL as in No L in T.U.L.I.P. My Father refers to them like this "A four point Calvinist is just another word for an Arminian." Reason being that all five points work together and if even one is missing then they don't add up with Scripture. OK I'm rambling, back to Limited Atonement.

Calvinistic View

Particular Redemption or Limited Atonement
Christ's redeeming work was intended to save the elect only and actually secured salvation for them. His death was substitutionary endurance of the penalty of sin in the place of certain specified sinners. In addition to putting away the sins of His people, Christ's redemption secured everything necessary for their salvation, including faith which unites them to Him. The gift of faith is infallibly applied by the Spirit to all for whom Christ died, therefore guaranteeing their salvation.

Arminian View

The Holy Spirit Can Be Effectually Resisted
The Spirit calls inwardly all those who are called outwardly by the gospel invitation; He does all that He can to bring every sinner to salvation. But inasmuch as man is free, he can successfully resist the Spirit's call. The Spirit cannot regenerate the sinner until he believes; faith (which is man's contribution) proceeds and makes possible the new birth. Thus, man's free will limits the Spirit in the application of Christ's saving work. The Holy Spirit can only draw to Christ those who allow Him to have His way with them. Until the sinner responds, the Spirit cannot give life. God's grace, therefore, is not invincible; it can be, and often is, resisted and thwarted by man.

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OK, first thing I notice when I read the the Arminian doctrine is this, "The all powerful God is limited in power and forced to submit to the wishes of His creation and cannot interfere with them in the matter of redemption." Please forgive the sarcasm, but it kind of makes me frustrated. I mean man limiting God on what God can do with the SALVATION WHICH HE GAVE US! Look at the Scripture I used in the Unconditional Election post Romans 9:17-23. It seems very clear to me that God does what He wants with His creation. But the response to such a statement is usually this, "It wouldn't be fair for God it interfere in humans lives, He should let them make their own decision." *Blinks* Umm.. OK, where in Scripture does it say that? If you find it I would really like to see it. Also, who are you oh man to say what God should do? Number one, if God just set salvation in front of us so that we would accept it, we would not. We have no ability to do so. When our Representative Adam sinned the Original sin we were all made unclean and unable to seek for the things of God, slaves to sin. Number Two, not fair, really, you know what fair could have been? Fair is sending every single human in existence to suffer the penalty of sin for eternity in hell, that would have been fair. Which also would be what would happen if God had left salvation up to us. Number Three, like I said before, this idea takes away some of God's glory! God provides, man chooses a fifty fifty deal. But our existence is to only bring Glory to God, nothing else. So basically we are taking the glory due God and giving it to us! I have heard some say that "If God where to choose whom would be saved and Whom would not then that would interfere with Man's free will." First off, man does have a free will, not human ability. We have the free will to choose what we will wear, what we will eat and so on and so on, which of course all happens under God's Sovereignty. But we do not have human ability, that is the human ability to choose God. We lost that in the fall, and now only are able to choose one thing, sin. You see in the fall our nature changed, from a Godly nature, to a sinful nature. We cannot change our sinful nature, if we could then we could say that we are going to stop sinning and actually be able to do it! That just shows you how impossible it is for us to change our nature. God can change our nature however, and He changes those of whom He has chosen.

Lets look at this from a different view, God has three choices.

1. Save absolutely no one and let everyone receive their just punishment. This would be fair and just.

2. Save everyone by His grace and compassion. This also would be fair and just.

3. Save some by His grace and compassion and let some receive their just reward. This is just and fair.

So, which one can you find fault with? I can't find anything wrong with any of them. To quote R.C. Sproul in his teaching series "What is Reformed Theology" he says "I don't know why God doesn't save everybody, I don't know why He saves anybody!" Personally though I'm not going to try to figure it out either. I'm sure mostly all Christians (including me) wish God would save everybody. It seems right to our depraved human minds. But we are humans and do not have the same reasoning as God, not even close.

Lets look at the word "can" and "may" for a second. The Arminian doctrine is stated as this "Any human, of his own ability, CAN choose Christ and save himself." The Calvinistic doctrine says this, "Any human, of his own ability, MAY choose Christ and save himself." Can you tell the difference? Can has to do with ability, may has to do with permission. So basically we may choose Christ, but we can't choose Christ. God gave us permission to choose Him, but we do not have the ability to choose Him.

One more fact before I close. There is a question that remains un-answered in the Arminian theology. If Jesus died for every one's sins and payed the penalty for every human being how can God justly sentence anyone to hell? He can't, if Jesus died for every one's sins then everyone is pure and clean in God's eyes, so no one can go to hell, their sins are all payed for. But Scripture plainly tells us that some will go to hell, take Luke 16 for instance. A contradiction is plainly set forth, it doesn't add up. Whenever I debate Limited Atonement my opponents have never been able to give me a straight answer on this question. Why? Because there is none. Its simple, Jesus did not die for everyone, or everyone would be saved.

In closing I would like to share some Scripture supporting my belief:

John 5:21 “For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom he will.”

John 17:1-2 “When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, ‘Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him.’”

John 17:9, 20 “I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours…I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word.”

Romans 8:32-34 “He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things. Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.”

Ephesians 5:25-27 “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.”

Hebrews 2:14-17 “Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham . Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.”

Hebrews 9:15 “Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.”

Hebrews 10:14 “For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.”

1 Peter 1:1-2 “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you.”

1 Peter 1:20-21 “He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for your sake, who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.”

If you have any questions or objections feel free to contact me at andrew32693@yahoo.com. God bless you