Tom's Journal. http://tomschuckmanjournal.blogspot.com/ tschuckman@aol.com

I struggle with my diet, and only have 2 pieces of toast for breakfast every day.  Now I am going to give up ice cream too, and see what else I can do.  I need to drink lots of water, but soda pop tastes better and the caffeine keeps me awake.  I do not drink coffee or tea.

Terri left a note that she is off to the store to buy more stuff for her projects [per her written note], so I will just try to get motivated by myself.

Redeeming the Time --- is about PRIORITIES, in my mind, and what percentage of time do we give to the Lord and do His business, instead of ours.  On the premise that the Rapture could come now AT ANY TIME, what ought we be doing??  I suppose that IF I didn't have bad sore legs, 'bionic' steel knees, or arthritis, I could do so much more -- but then I could also get into trouble more too, like break my neck again in another motorcycle accident....   I think I learn from my tragic mistakes and sins, and I don't want a repeat.   When my memory is too short God uses a bigger stick to correct me, so it seems.

I just looked at something that reminded me that I lost two of the most important people in my life, my past wife and only son, Andy, last year in 2011, and it brought tears to my eyes instantly.  Guess I still have not healed.  I am waiting for God to wipe the tears from  my eyes.  I love the Lord big time.

Good Read.

Tom Schuckman

Redeeming The Time

Q. Not too long ago I sat under some teaching about the Bema Seat judgment. The teacher said that if we weren’t “redeeming the time” we won’t lose our salvation, but we would not receive any rewards. He said that according to Hebrews 10:31, it was a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God and that is exactly what we will be doing if we aren’t redeeming the time. He also said that the Lord won’t wipe every tear from our eyes until after the 1,000 year reign of Christ. So until then we will feel sorrow for lost loved ones and friends we fell short on preaching the gospel to. That is our punishment for not redeeming the time like we should have. Is this teaching true?

A. This interpretation really plays into people’s fears, but a study of the relevant verses shows there’s no Biblical support for it. It is true that some of our “works” will be burned up in the fire at the Bema Judgment (1 Cor. 3:10-15) but the Bema Judgment is where winners receive their rewards (1 Cor. 4:5), not where losers receive their punishment.
The works that will qualify for rewards are the things we’ve done at the Lord’s direction and in His strength. In John 15:5 He told us that apart from Him we can do nothing. The works we do on our own initiative and in our own strength are like the branches that are pruned and thrown in the fire (John 15:6). So the basis for the judgment will be the motives of our heart, not the outcome of our actions.
The phrase “redeeming the time” comes from the King James translation of Ephesians 5:15-16. The idea is if we just continue living our life the way we always have, the time we spend on Earth as believers will be wasted. But if we’re careful how we live and make the most of every opportunity we’ll be redeeming time that would otherwise be wasted. In Ephes. 5:18-20 Paul gave some examples of how to do this, and they’re all about expressing the gratitude we feel for being saved.
Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
In Hebrews 10:31 the writer was referring to people who “trample the Son of God under foot, who treat as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctifies us, and insult the Spirit of Grace” (Hebr. 10:29). As is true through out the Book of Hebrews, this verse is meant as a warning to people who think they have to add their own effort to the Lord’s death in order to earn or maintain their salvation, and has nothing to do with rewards.
The setting for Rev. 21:4, where John said the Lord will wipe every tear from our eyes, is at the beginning of the Millennium, not the end, and is a promise to the Church that the old order of things has passed away.

More tweaking and fine tuning.

Tom's Journal. http://tomschuckmanjournal.blogspot.com/ tschuckman@aol.com


Hi Friends,
I have been doing a lot of soul searching again, and doubled down hard on my Bible studies, plus asking advice from a  trusted, smart Pastor, Kevin S.  I found out that I had a few things wrong and felt the need to correct myself and former blog posts a few days ago, concerning Predestination, the "Elect", and also the Rapture.  This is heavy, important stuff to me -- and part of it is my 'sole reason for living !'  The Apostle Paul said in Philippians... 'that he considered all his worldly possessions to be nothing more than a dung heap -- but for finding the Lord.'  [Paraphrased].  I intend to explain all this stuff in the near future -- if we have one... LOL. 

But, for one thing, I used to think that the Rapture would most likely come shortly after the coming war between Israel and Iran, Syria, etc.   And now I believe that there is NOTHING more to wait for [except God's command], and the RAPTURE could come anytime!! ANYTIME, NOW!!    Well, that could be either tomorrow, next month or next year!  But my pastor [good, respected friend]  thinks that it is VERY CLOSE AND NEAR!  All the more reason to hunker down, study, read, pray, and share the bible and message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to every one we meet.  Well, folks, this new tweaking and fine tuning of knowledge will certainly add another demension to my battle plan-- and sort of advance/ speed up my reasoning....  I don't think I will be goofing around with my hobbies too much anymore... when I now have bigger fish to fry.    I tried to reason with my dear wife today... that if she knew that she only had a month.. or maybe one year to live, with not too much money, what would be her "bucket list?"    Seems to me that if I were in those deathly shoes, I would want to prepare myself to meet my Maker and get my affairs in order SOON!  And I suppose that everyone else might have their own version of what they would do too, in that circumstance.  Now, this doesn't mean that we don't brush our teeth and take a shower, and keep our homes in good repair, etc.  But we ought to have some priorities in life, ME THINKS.  That's all, folks.  What do you think??  Comments..

And I do NOT accept the "Predestination" thing that is working it's way back into the Church either.  I do NOT accept Calvinism!  Every human being has a shot at Salvation thru the blood of Jesus Christ IF they accept him in their heart!  And yes,  Satan is so busy infiltrating the Church these days, trying old tricks and new ones too.   So how do we know what to believe and what not??  Study the Word!  My kind and gentle pastor, a big man and strong inside and out, will give me NOTHING except the pure Bible in his answers.  And he takes the time to reason with me so I can truly understand things.  I am blessed.  And if we don't understand something the first time, pray harder, and study harder!  Sometimes I, personally, have to re-read something many times to get it to 'sink into my beat up brain box!'     My friends and peers tell me that I am smart and educated, but I feel 'ganged up on' and 'brain hiccups' [some would use the term:  brain farts...   sorry],  these days, with intrusive thoughts, even combat PTSD to deal with.

I am honestly working on 'self improvement', Scripture memorization, making all church meetings, gaining more real friends that I can talk to and help, and my own relationship with my wife.  Some women think that a man is weak when he suddenly becomes more gentle, kinder, polite, generous, etc, having more 'fruits of the Spirit.'  I figure that I will do what ever it takes to get my sinful body off this earth and into heaven -- just as the Bible says.   So, if that means cutting off some old relationships that only drag me down, constantly criticize and assassinate my good name and character, so be it!  I can and will sever a tie just as easy as changing my shirt.  "NO BODY'S GONNA BREAK-A-  MY STRIDE.."   Like that 'choo choo train' named "Thomas".. LOL, in the musical video.  This life now is more than a game or spectacle.   It is a life and death struggle, for ALL the marbles, and eternity is a long time to make the supreme mistake!  I will forsake family, love, spouse and friends if I have to choose between them -- and Jesus Christ.  I figure that if my past life has been a living hell, filled with PAIN and MISERY, why would I want a repeat.   That would be like voting for an illegal alien [ a 2nd time]  who got elected to a high office, only to destroy our country, hurt our dear friends, and embrace our enemies who want to kill us-- giving them tons of money that we had to borrow from another enemy -- China!! 

Friends,  when someone prooves to me that I am wrong -- with the Bible, I always admit my mistake and try hard to remedy the problem.  Best to be humble for the Lord, as we make mistakes and sin every day.  I am trying now to memorize the whole Psalm One... 130 words, for a special class that I meet with on Saturday nights... and learning good things! But it's work.

More details next time....

Tom 

Tom's Journal. http://tomschuckmanjournal.blogspot.com/ tschuckman@aol.com


I am very happy today!  Things are going better for me ever since I joined that special group at church on Saturday nights @ 6:30 PM, and I am meeting with different people who are all looking for ways to improve themselves.  Part of the work we do is to MEMORIZE the Scriptures, and have a "Challenge Leader" sign off on them after we recite them.  It's good for everyone and we also learn more about the Lord, and how merciful, kind and instructive He is!!  We also lend ourselves to 'help one another' and share our skills, and [can also confess some of our problems, and give testimonials, help each other with our input, our own battles, challenges and victories/ successes! 


I, personally think that we all need to learn more humility -- and this is just where we need to be [although more of us are men, we have a few ladies there too.  It's kind of private where we don't talk about others' problems and challenges outside the group...  but my wife like to hear how things are going, and sees a marked difference in my since my entry there.  I suppose that many seek guidance and shepherding there from the pastor and deacon -- but we all end up learning more about the LOVE OF CHRIST for us, and His supreme sacrifice -- that allows US to be Saved and gain entrance to heaven, sooner or later!!  There at church on Saturday evenings, we get more 'one on one' counseling with older folks [like me] who have "been around the block a few times" -- been there, done that, fallen and smashed our knees plenty....   Having been through so many things in time -- we are more or less driven to bow knee to Jesus Christ now, and become Soldier and Believers in His mighty Army!

     Yes..  some of us were CHOOSEN -- but all of us at least had ONE SHOT of the Gospel -- 'to get on board the  SAVED Ship of Mercy -- going to heaven.  God IS so merciful and Great!!  I still can hardly believe how much I've been Blessed !!  PTL.

Praise the Lord!

Warm Regards,
Tom Schuckman

Below is a fascinating short talk:  "DOES GOD CALL EVERYONE?"
     It's one of the best all around proofs about God's CHOOSING US long before we were born!!    This good sermon/ talk/ message helped ME big time to finally get things straight in MY mind... after all these years.  Please let me know if  you enjoyed and learned from it, too.

Does God Call Everyone?

This Week’s Feature Article by Jack Kelley
Recently I’ve received several variations of the question in the title of this study, so I assume it’s on the minds of many more. Here’s a representative question and my response.

Q. In a recent article you said, “Romans 8:29-30 tells us that God foreknew every person from throughout the age of man who would choose to accept Him as their Savior. He predestined all of them to have a place in His kingdom. And at the appropriate time in their life He calls each of them, and when they respond He justifies them.”
It sounds like you’re saying He only calls those who in His foreknowledge He knew would respond, and doesn’t call those He knew would not. I’ve always thought that God calls everyone, and some respond while others don’t. And Matthew 22:14 says many are called but few are chosen. How do you explain this?
A. In beginning, let’s review Romans 8:29-30 because the language is critical to our understanding. In the original version of the NIV, which is the one I usually quote from, it reads like this.
For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
This is consistent with the Greek text, which the KJV translates as follows;
For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
The Greek word translated foreknew means to have prior knowledge, or to know beforehand, and the one translated predestined means to appoint. The word translated call comes from a root that means to command, order, or urge. Justified means to render righteous, and to glorify means to praise, extol, magnify or celebrate, to make glorious.
In simple terms Paul was saying that God had prior knowledge of all who would choose Him and appointed us a place in His kingdom at that time. You might say He made a reservation for us in advance. At the appropriate time in our life He urged us to make the choice He already knew we would make, and when we did He applied the payment he had already made for our sins, wiping the slate clean and making us as righteous as He is. At the rapture / resurrection He will make us glorious forever. So far so good.
Now let’s look at what Paul didn’t say. He didn’t mention any loss between any of the five steps. The ones God foreknew are the ones He predestined. The ones He predestined are the ones He called. The ones He called are the ones He justified, and the ones He justified are the ones He glorified. No one falls through the cracks and no one enters the process midway. He knew everyone before He began and He doesn’t lose anyone along the way.
John 6:37-40 confirms this in no uncertain terms.
“All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.”
So how do we reconcile this with Matt. 7:7-8, which says,
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.”
Or John 3:16 which tells us,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Or Romans 10:13,
“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

It’s About Time

The answer lies in our understanding of time. As physical beings we’re governed by the laws of time. These laws restrict us in two very important ways. We can only look back and we can only move forward. We can see the past, but we can’t go back to change it. We’re constantly moving into the future but we can’t see what the future holds for us.
But God has no such limitations. He can see the end from the beginning, and knew everything that would happen in His creation before any of it came to be (Isaiah 46:10). However, knowing everything that will happen is not the same as controlling everything that happens. Within the context of time, we make our own decisions and are responsible for our own actions.
We demonstrate this in a very simple way when we watch a video of a sporting event that has already taken place. When the video was made the players and their coaches were all trying their best to win, employing certain strategies during the game that they believed would help them do so, and changing those strategies when the situation called for it.
When we’re watching the video we’re not controlling the players’ behavior but we already know the result their behavior will produce. So while they were doing everything they could think of to make the outcome favorable to them, we knew the outcome before we started watching the video.
Life is infinitely more complex but the principle is the same. Like the players in the game, we make our own decisions about how to live our life, but God knows what the outcome of those decisions will be, and He knew it before our life even began.
Here’s a big difference between God and us. While we watch the video, we’re limited to being passive observers. We can’t do anything to influence the behavior of the players. But God is not content to be a passive observer. He wants everyone to be saved, and continually works to influence our behavior.
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). God our Savior wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth (1 Tim. 2:3-4).
He only calls those He already knows will answer, but He is determined that everyone will have every possible chance to respond. No one will be able to say God didn’t pursue them to the very end. He put such clear evidence of His existence in the Creation that no one could fail to see it (Romans 1:20). He loves all of us so much He sent His one and only Son to die for our sins so that whoever believes will not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16). He sent His disciples into all nations to teach us about Him (Matt. 28:18-20) and promised the end will not come until the Gospel has been preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations (Matt. 24:14).
Even though He already knows most of mankind will reject Him, He doesn’t give up on any of us until we take our last breath. It’s almost as if He’s hoping to be surprised by someone He hadn’t planned for.
This explains the “many are called but few are chosen” phrase in Matt. 22:14. The Greek word translated called in the King James version of Matt. 22:14 is not the word Paul used in Romans 8:29-30. Matthew used a word that really means invited, like the NIV renders it, whereas Paul used a word that’s more like a command. But you don’t have to understand the Greek language to see this. Remember, Matt. 22:1-14 tells the parable of a wedding banquet, and people are invited to a wedding. They are not commanded to attend. This is a good example of why it’s so important to consider the context in which a word or phrase appears when trying to interpret it.
God “invites” many but He only “commands” those He knows will come. (Personally I believe everyone gets at least one bonafide invitation during his or her lifetime. Otherwise He couldn’t condemn those who don’t choose Him. )

Creation And Procreation

Some have asked, “If God Knew from the creation of the world who would choose Him and who wouldn’t, why does He allow those who won’t choose Him to even be born?”
After the creation God delegated the production of offspring to man (Genesis 1:24). We call it procreation. In my opinion that means He no longer controls who will be born and who will not. We do. But He does know us from the time we’re conceived (Psalm 139:13) and He insists that everyone who is conceived has both the right to be born and the opportunity to decide whether to live eternally with Him. This is consistent with His character. Being a just God, He couldn’t hold us responsible for our choices without giving us the opportunity to make them.
So although He knows in advance who will choose Him and only calls those who do, He doesn’t make the choice for us. We do that. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved, but God already knows everyone who will call on His name and has prepared a place in His kingdom for all of us.

Ironside’s Door

H. A. Ironside (1876-1951) was a popular pastor and teacher who authored more than 60 books on various Bible topics. In doing so he gave us an illustration of this point that became popularly known as Ironside’s Door.
As we walk into a large building we come to a door with a sign posted just outside. It says, “Whosoever will may enter.” We open the door and step into a banquet hall that stretches as far as the eye can see, beautifully prepared for an enormous celebration. Walking along the rows of tables covered in fine linen and adorned with endless settings of china, silver and crystal, we’re astonished to see a reservation card with our name on it at one of the places. Looking back at the door we just walked through we see another sign posted posted on the inside. This one says, “Fore ordained from the foundation of the world.”
Anyone can choose to enter the Kingdom of God, but when we do we discover He’s had a place reserved for us since the beginning of time. Selah 09-22-12

Tags: Salvation

Related Posts:

• Signs That God Is Calling Us. Follow Up
• Ordained For Eternal Life
• Reviewing Romans 8:28-30
• What If He Had Lived Longer?
• Who Does The Father Draw?

This entry was posted on Saturday, September 22nd, 2012 at 5:00 pm and is filed under Selah, Tough Questions Answered.

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Support the Man who best serves Democracy and Freedom.- Mitt

Tom's Journal. http://tomschuckmanjournal.blogspot.com/ tschuckman@aol.com

I really enjoyed this article that made all sorts of biblical sense and logic!!  I especially learned and was thrilled about the part of the 2nd Amendment, and the corresponding Scriptural proof of:  Luke 22:36 and verse 38,  "Then said he unto them, But now, he [Jesus] that hath a purse, let  him take it, and likewise his scrip:  and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.  [38].  And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords.  Ad he [Jesus] said unto them, It is enough."   So now days, it's not that far a stretch of the mind to say that modern day firearms are needed to protect heart and home... although I have 2 fine swords in the house where I live, and am also an instructor of 'edged weapons.'  However, the sword that I am best skilled with, is the KJV BIBLE!  See:  2nd Timothy 3:16. 

Please share at this year's most momentous event --BEFORE election day in America.... although God's Plan is firmly set in place.

Tom Schuckman

Thursday, September 20, 2012

How An Evangelical Christian Can Support a Mormon for President

By Dr. Andy Woods Sugar Land Bible Church



I am a theology professor at a Bible College and a pastor. I am also a political conservative. I frequently write posts and articles promoting political conservatism. Recently, some of my students have politely inquired how I could publically criticize Mormon theology in the classroom and from behind the pulpit and yet privately promote the Presidential candidacy of Mitt Romney, who is a professing Mormon. Here is my basic response:
The last time I checked, Jesus is not on the 2012 presidential ballot. Therefore, I have to vote for which of the two existing candidates, I believe better reflects biblical values. Keep in mind that a president is not in power to promote theology. That is what pastors and theologians are for. Rather, a president is elected to politically and economically govern our country. Therefore, I pick a president not based on his personal theology but rather upon his philosophy of government. When you compare Romney's philosophy of government to Obama's philosophy of government, which philosophy better mirrors biblical values? This is a question that all Christians need to ask in this upcoming election. For me, the answer is a no-brainer. Romney's philosophy of government, while not perfect, is much closer to Scripture than Obama's.
Here are some issues that I look at to discern the biblical orientation of the governing philosophy of any politician. With each issue I have included some Bible verse references in order to demonstrate to the reader that these preferences are not uniquely mine but rather are derived from the pages of God's Word. These issues can be categorized under the following headings: economic issues, social issues, and foreign affairs matters.

Economic Matters

Because of biblical prohibitions against stealing and covetousness (Exod. 20:15, 17) as well as the scriptural promotion of economic self-sufficiency through labor (Gen. 3:17-19; 2 Thess. 3:10), I typically inquire whether the candidate will use the power of the state to take the income of the earner and redistribute it to the non-earner? Due to the fact that the Bible teaches differing God-given abilities among human beings (Matt. 25:15), will the candidate use the force of government to guarantee equality of opportunity for all and leave equality of result to individual initiative, drive, work ethic, and talent?
Because God has given the role of charity to the church (Jas. 1:27; 5:14) rather than the state (Gen. 9:6; Rom. 13:1-7), will the candidate ignore this boundary by imposing upon the state ever increasing charitable obligations thereby marginalizing the church's God-ordained role in this critical area?
Also, the Bible views the family as the essential building block towards a healthy society (Eph. 5:22–6:4). Since today's families are under tremendous stress, will the candidate increase this pressure through the added burden of further taxation? Will he advocate excessive government regulation, which has the net effect of spiking consumer prices? Will he place employers under greater taxation and burdensome regulation leading to inevitable downsizing, layoffs, and the re-location of factories beyond America's borders? All of these repercussions increase financial stress upon the family unit.
Moreover, because the Scripture advocates leaving one's wealth to one's descendants (Prov. 13:22; 1 Tim. 5:8), I am always curious about whether the candidate will hamper generational wealth transfer through onerous inheritance taxes, which force the deceased's relatives to visit the undertaker and the IRS agent on the same day.
Also, does the candidate understand that the earth experiences cyclical heating and cooling (Gen. 8:22)? For example, global warming transpired during the time of the Vikings, long before the advent of SUVs and modern industry. Does he instead attribute such cycles exclusively to human activity? If the latter, he will likely favor increased government control over economic behavior, which can cripple an economy and yet simultaneously have a negligible impact upon either global warming or cooling.
In addition, does the candidate through rejection of true worship of God instead embrace earth worship (Rom. 1:22-23), otherwise known as the Gaia Hypothesis? In other words, has common sense environmental stewardship given way to pantheism and environmental extremism? If so, he will likely impede domestic fossil fuel and oil production. Such domestic drilling has the benefit of reducing America's dependence upon foreign sources of oil that are often controlled by governments that do not have our nation's best interests at heart.
Furthermore, because the Bible warns against the bondage associated with excessive debt (Prov. 22:7) and also categorizes unpaid debts as theft (Ps. 37:21), will the candidate continue to add to our runaway national deficits and debt? Increasing our national debt not only steals from future generations, but it also compromises America's economic well-being.
In a similar vein, because respect for America's founding documents are the best insulation against runaway government spending and concentration of power into too few hands, will the candidate favor appointing individuals to the judicial branch of government who actually care about the original intent of our Constitution? If not, he may allow judges onto our courts who see our Constitution as merely a "living and breathing" amorphous document. Virtually anything can be read into such a meaningless document in order to socialize our country.

Social Matters

Since Scripture makes no distinction between the born and the unborn (Ps. 139:13; Jer. 1:5), does the candidate favor legal protection for the unborn?
Also, because God has established heterosexual monogamy as the pattern for marriage (Gen. 1:26-28; 2:18-25; Rom. 1:26-27), will the candidate promote this divine standard as the societal norm, or will he instead reduce this time-honored standard to simply one among many lifestyle alternatives?
Moreover, because God has given to the state the power to execute criminals in instances of murder (Gen. 9:6; Rom. 13:4), will the candidate seek to abolish or promote capital punishment?
In addition, because the Scripture routinely warns of the dangers of abusing alcohol (Lev. 10:9; Prov. 31:4-5; 1 Tim. 3:3), pornography (Matt. 5:27-28), and gambling (Prov. 13:11), will the candidate support the legal right of communities to restrict such deleterious influences and establishments from their neighborhoods, schools, children, homes, and churches?
Furthermore, because God has entrusted the task of rearing and teaching children to parents as opposed to government bureaucrats (Deut. 6:6-7; Josh. 4:20-23; Prov. 22:6; Eph. 6:4), does the educational philosophy of the candidate empower the parents or the government teachers' unions? The former can be empowered through educational choice, vouchers for private or parochial schools, and opt out alternatives for public school courses and presentations deemed offensive and harmful by parents.
Also, in view of the fact that the Scripture commands believers to preach the Gospel to every creature (Matt. 28:18-20; Mark 16:15), will the candidate use the force of government to restrict public expressions of Christianity in public places and schools as well as over the airwaves and on the internet? Interestingly, in Luke 22:36, as Christ was sending out His disciples into the hostile world from the Upper Room, He said, "and whoever has no sword is to sell his coat and buy one" (Luke 22:36). In so doing, Christ provided not only for the self defense of His disciples but also their right to defend themselves from aggression. Therefore, a good question for any candidate is whether he believes that individual and private citizens have a right to keep and bear arms? In other words, does he believe that the Second Amendment to the Constitution guarantees an individual right to bear arms or does he instead believe that the Second Amendment is some sort of nebulous collective right that has nothing to do with personal freedom to retain a firearm? Does the candidate instead support endless regulations and licensing requirements upon firearms thus paving the way toward their ultimate and total governmental confiscation?
Because the Bible teaches that all people have equal dignity and worth (Gen. 1:26-27; Gal. 3:28), will the candidate enforce all of our laws equally and fairly among all people regardless of gender, ethnicity, and socio-economic status (Deut 25:16; Prov. 20:23)? Discrimination against racial minorities should no more be tolerated than reverse discrimination against whites through quotas, timetables and set asides. White aggression against racial minorities should be punished to the full extent of the law and so should Black Panther voter intimidation against whites.

Foreign Affairs Matters

Because the concept of the individual nation state originated with God (Gen. 10:32; 11:1-9; Deut. 32:8; Acts 17:26), will the candidate favor submitting the political sovereignty of national governments to unaccountable trans-national political organizations all in the name of global governance? A related issue involves national borders. Since God has established national entities and their existing borders, will the candidate enforce our borders or will he leave America vulnerable to terrorist attacks through a porous border policy?
In addition, God has promised to bless the world through national Israel (Gen. 12:3b; Isa. 42:6; 49:6). Consequently, He promises to bless those who bless Israel and conversely vows to curse those who curse her (Gen. 12:3a; Joel 3:2b). Therefore, another important question entails whether the candidate favors reducing Israel's existing borders in exchange for the illusory promise of peace. Such a process makes Israel more vulnerable to aggression and attack by her surrounding hostile neighbors. After all, it is Satan's ambition to eradicate the Jewish people and state (Rev. 12:1, 13-17; Gen. 37:9-10). Thus, a candidate's view on Israel largely tells me whether He is cooperating with God's agenda or the devil's.
Moreover, due to the fact that many evil rulers and terrorists abroad will only be deterred from violent behavior through the counter threat of force (Gen. 8:21; Jer. 17:9), will the candidate pursue a foreign policy of peace through military strength? Without this perspective, the danger is that the candidate will naively and ineffectively seek to deter evil in the world through American military reduction and unpreparedness. Such a policy of appeasement will in turn lead to endless dialogue, treaty and peace agreements not too dissimilar from the pattern espoused by Neville Chamberlain, apology tours, and financial subsidies given to America's sworn enemies, thus endangering our own national security.

Conclusion

For me, the whole issue in selecting a political leader relates to his philosophy of government as opposed to his personal theology. As the old adage goes, "I would rather be governed by a competent Turk than an incompetent Christian." Jimmy Carter serves as a perfect example. While professing faith in Christ, he had a non-biblical philosophy of government. Consequently, he has gone down in history as one of our worst presidents. Besides, if we are going to vote based on a candidate's personal theology rather than his philosophy of government, I hardly see how Obama is much of an improvement over Romney. Obama attended a church for over 20 years that taught the non-biblical doctrine of Liberation Theology.
When all of the evidence is considered, Obama also seems quite sympathetic to the non-biblical Islamic religion. While I disagree with both men on personal theological issues, I will take Romney's philosophy of government over Obama's any day of the week. When it comes to governing philosophy, which is what really counts in a President, Romney is far closer to my understanding of scriptural truth than Obama.

Related Links

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• The Bible and Economics: Will There Be Inequality in Heaven? • BPB (R.J. Moeller)
• Evangelical supporters of Romney gather at summit • Washington Times
• Which Party Holds Extreme Views on Abortion? • BPB (Denny Burk)
• Private Sin Impacts Society • Probe Ministries (Kerby Anderson)
• Does God expect Christians to vote? • GotQuestions.org
• Are you registered to Vote? • Christian Coalition of America

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The Coming Leader.

Tom's Journal. http://tomschuckmanjournal.blogspot.com/ tschuckman@aol.com

Hi Friends,
It's true, stimulating articles like this one that stirs my blood, and takes my breath away!!  And as real bible loving Christian who read and study the Scriptures every day -- all the odds and ends are becoming more clear, more logical, so that the man [woman and child] of God can sound them down in their hearts of fire and SHARE these truths with all they come in contact with -- before the End. 

I feel so blessed to have finally found the Truth of my Dreams, and the fulfillment of my life long pondering and struggles.  There is a great camp of Believers that have assembled on the Web, via consortium's, blogs, groups, that still cling to their Bibles, and I love and respect them all, who really have the Truth firmly in their hands, hearts and mind!! 

For US [all Believers/ Christians] no matter what circumstances we had right now -- we still have the Joy, Comfort, and the 9 points that the Holy Spirit bestows upon us, mentioned @ Galatians 5:22.....  even though we must live in a hostile, murderous, unclean, world of hatred and pressure!  Better to be poor now -- and be joyful with plenty in Heaven later.  PTL. 
      My little world/ life is far from perfect, even with a pretty, find, new wife --Terri-- with me now.  The cost of living is shooting up to the sky and WE KNOW THAT THINGS WILL GET MUCH WORSE, although no matter who wins the election in November -- our real hope and trust lie with Jesus, the perfecter of our Faith and Love.  He alone Saves.  Period.
    So this means that we CAN and ought to be HAPPY and content -- with a little piece of Paradise right now, in the Church [that means the:   Congregation of real Christians world wide].  And our Faith in Christ is not just a mental exercise, but real love of each other means getting the most out of the book of James --'Doing the physical work and sharing what we have with other Christians who have slipped through the cracks into abstract poverty --through no fault of their own, and the pastors should know the congregation best to determine who is honestly needy to a serious way, who needs a ride to church, who needs special counseling, advice, help, encouragement, a fruit basket when they are sick and lonely, etc.  I try to help me friend too, buy my own family comes first, of course.  God knows our hearts.

It is getting very chilly U.P. here in Iron Mtn., MI., but these folks are very hearty and hard work keeps them warm, plus hugs and kisses!! 

Warm Regards,
Tom
     >>>  Tom's Tomahawks >>>

Note from Jan: Prophecy teacher Jack Kelley writes about a man who may be waiting in the wings: The Antichrist. The world longs for a leader. The world thought they had it in Barack Obama in 2008. Now they wonder again. As we see evil arise in a shocking manner in these "days of Noah," be encouraged that it is leading to a day when there will be a shout and the sound of a trumpet. And in the twinkling of an eye, we will leave this throbbing planet. I can almost hear the hoof beats of the four horsemen of the apocalypse. Look over a ridge and you will see them on the way.
The Coming Leader

by Jack Kelley

September 19, 2012

www.olivetreeviews.org

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The Bible has a lot to say about the person we call the antichrist.

When he first comes on the scene he'll quickly garner the world's attention. More than just being likable, he'll be seen as a man with a brilliant future ahead of him, a charismatic personality who will immediately attract and hold every one's interest. And when he takes center stage after the Battle of Ezekiel 38, many will believe he has the solution to all their problems. In a world reeling under the twin disasters of the mysterious disappearance of millions of Christians and the outbreak of nuclear war in the Middle East, he'll be a voice of calmness and reassurance. If it seems to them like he has an almost supernatural ability to get control of things and lead the way to peace, it will be because he does. He's Satan's man, masquerading as the savior of the world.

In an early success, he'll broker a treaty in the Middle East that will astound everyone (Daniel 9:27), causing the recently defeated Muslim nations to agree to the building of a Temple in Israel. Using Ezekiel 48 as his authority, he'll show everyone involved that the new Temple doesn't belong on the current Temple mount, but slightly more than 20 miles to the north in Shiloh. Sharing a space with the Dome of the Rock and the al Aksa mosque will not be required. After thousands of years of strife, it will appear that peace has finally come to that war torn part of the world.

Not everyone will immediately be convinced to line up behind him, and for those who aren't, conquest will be the answer. He'll justify the need for war by convincing them that a lasting peace depends on everyone submitting to the authority of a single government. Those who don't come willingly will have to be persuaded.

In the process there will be an assassination attempt that will leave him blinded in one eye and crippled in one arm (Rev. 13:3, Zech. 11:17). But once again he will astonish the world. They will have thought him to be dead, but suddenly he'll be, alive again. As a result, His power and influence will grow exponentially. And soon, although it will have required much bloodshed, the world will be forced to accept him as their leader and wear his mark as a sign of loyalty.

Because his goal is not to be just a world leader, but to be worshiped as their god, he will stand in the temple he helped to build and declare that he alone is God. Using Satan's power to deceive and the supernatural assistance of an apparition who calls herself Mary, he'll bring Islam, the Eastern religions, New Age paganism, and what will be left of Christianity together into one world wide religion with the sole purpose of worshiping him.

In Rev. 12:9 the dragon was identified as the ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, and yet just one chapter later we learn that the people of Earth will worship him. How could the one who has traditionally been known as the very personification of evil suddenly become an object of worship? The answer comes in two parts.

Part One. The Luciferian Doctrine

Lucifer is a Latin word that means light bearer. It comes to us by way of the Hebrew phrase, heylel ben shachar, found in the Hebrew version of Isaiah 14:12, where it refers to Satan. Heylel means shining one, and was translated into Latin as Lucifer. Ben shachar means son of the dawn.

In 2 Cor. 11:14 Paul said that Satan masquerades as an angel of light. This tells us that in appearing as Lucifer, Satan is not revealing his true nature, but merely the counterfeit facade he uses to deceive mankind.

Experts say the Luciferian doctrine is a radical revaluation of humanity's ageless adversary, Satan, and have called it the ultimate inversion of good and evil. There are many variations of this doctrine, but they all boil down to the claim that Lucifer is actually the champion of mankind, desperately trying to bring mankind through his final phase of evolution, the spiritual one. This is when humans will become as gods, like the Serpent promised Adam and Eve, and will finally be able to live in peace and harmony in the utopian environment mankind has dreamed of since the fall.

But first man will have to win his freedom from the evil Adonai (Hebrew for Lord) who has been holding him back, and that's really what the end of the age is all about. Mankind is finally ready for an all out effort to defeat Adonai and wipe out His followers, and under Lucifer's direction and control, success is assured. In other words, it's not Jesus who came to be the Savior of mankind, it's Lucifer.

This is not a new idea. As we saw, it was first presented in the Garden. It's also the motivating force behind Psalm 2:1-3, which we've looked at before.

According to experts, the essence of the Luciferian Doctrine can be found in every religious system except Judaism and Christianity, and that's why both have to be destroyed. Even the anti-religions of Darwinian evolution, secular humanism, trans-humanism and others can be linked to the Luciferian Doctrine. This shared core belief is what will make it possible for all the religions of the world to unite behind the antichrist and worship Satan, while thinking they're in the right for doing so.

Part Two. The Powerful Delusion

When the Church leaves, the Age of Grace will end and those who have refused to believe the truth will be deceived by the miracles, signs, and wonders that Satan will display on Earth. These include the many appearances of the Marian apparition with her call to religious unity, often accompanied by supernatural healing and signs in the heavens, and the apparent, although imperfect, resurrection of the antichrist.

By the way 2 Thess. 2:10 is one of the Bible's strongest statements in support of our freedom to choose whether or not to allow the Lord's death to pay for our sins. How could Paul say unbelievers will perish because they refused to love the truth and be saved unless they could have chosen to accept it?

God has always allowed, and even helped mankind to take our desires to their ultimate conclusion. This is a great blessing for those who desire to spend eternity with Him, but a curse for those who want to be rid of Him for good. Never will this be more obvious than in the time of and just following the Rapture.

We who want more than anything to dwell in His presence forever will receive our heart's desire when in the twinkling of an eye we'll be whisked off the planet to begin our adventure in Eternity. But God will send those who have rejected His offer of pardon a powerful delusion that will make them certain that they made the right choice. This delusion will cause them to believe Satan's deceptions with such conviction that they'll follow him to an eternity of torment in the Lake of Fire.

Please note that I don't believe this delusion will apply to those who won't have made a firm decision either for or against God at the time of the rapture. According to Rev. 7:9 untold numbers of people from all over the world will come to faith following the seal judgments of Rev. 6 and be martyred for doing so. I think the Rapture will have been the final sign they needed to make up their minds and give their hearts to Jesus. They won't be part of the Church, but they will have avoided eternal punishment and will be with the Lord forever.

Throughout Daniel's 70th Week , even after numerous judgments that are obviously from God, most of the people of Earth will continue to reject Him. These examples tell the sad story.

They'll curse God and refuse to repent because their belief in Luciferian Doctrine will result in the greatest paradigm shift in the history of the world. Evil will be seen as good. Wrong will be seen as right. Darkness will be seen as light. One of the most telling signs of the End of the Age is the extent to which this is already happening in the world. But what we're seeing today is nothing compared to the way it will be when God causes His powerful delusion to descend upon the left behind people of Earth. It will elevate the Luciferian Doctrine to a fervently-held religious belief, with Satan as the object of their worship.

Psychiatrists define a delusion as a fixed false belief that is resistant to reason or confrontation with actual fact. We can't imagine anyone thinking they could defeat God, but this will quickly become the mindset of the world after the Church is gone. The delusion God sends will help the unbelieving world to take their desire to be rid of Him to its ultimate conclusion. It will allow them to believe they're justified in uniting against Him, and that they actually have the ability to defeat Him.

It's strange, isn't it, how the world thinks we're the odd ones? But while they're lining up like a bunch of lemmings ready to march off the cliff to their doom, we'll just be getting started on our adventures in Eternity. No longer conforming to the pattern of this world we've been made new in the attitude of our mind and have put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness (Eph. 4:24). Because we're in Christ we're a new creation. The old has gone, the new has come (2 Cor. 5:17). And where our eternal destiny is concerned, that makes all the difference.

You can almost hear the footsteps of the Messiah.

(Here's the unedited version of this article.)

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