Intelligent Design - The Six Days of Creation

[updated] I have struggled with Genesis down through the years because the evidence--as presented by the scientific elite--we have in the world around us suggests that the Earth is more than four billion years old, but the Bible tells us that in six days was the world made and all that was in it (reference source). If you go to the beginning of Genesis 1:1-5, you see a reference that it was "In the beginning" that God created the heavens and the earth and there seems to be some wiggle room there for those that want a 4.x billion year old Earth to have existed with all manner of life on it before it became "void and without form". The problem with that is God said, "Let there be light" after that and if there wasn't light the way we understand light then nothing could have existed that we would consider life because life needs light, even if it is the light that exists within the cells of a living thing in the form of electrons, etc. Some old earth creationists believe that when God said that, he meant that light broke through the swirling firmament that covered prehistoric earth and for the first time reached the ground. I don't know about you, but when some scientist has to explain the book to me it diminishes the usefulness of the book as a tool for searching out the wonder of God and his creation. According the the Bible, the book of Genesis was dictated to Moses by God and I think that God must have wanted his people to understand what He was saying, so He would use terms that plainly explained the history of the earth. Not code words that some super brain would need to decipher for future generations.

I know that, "scientifically" this is hard for folks to believe, because the time it takes light to travel from the most distant stars is so great that it would take more than 13 billion years for the images we have seen from the Hubble telescope to get to us, so logically they must be at least 13 billion years old. Generally speaking, anyone who tries to prove God's existence with science is scoffed at and lambasted for the attempt. So, here's the deal. You can believe the Bible or not believe it, that leap of faith is entirely within your own power to make. I believe that if you want to explain God with Science and you have the knowledge and understanding necessary to do this you will succeed. This is because God tells us in his word that if we seek Him we will find Him. It also tells us that we will find evidence of Him in His creation. Most scientists don't like to consider Intelligent Design because it challenges the status quo, but isn't this what theory is all about?

I believe that God created the Earth and the stars and the planets and the animals and the people within six 24 hour days, otherwise we are being misled by the authors of the Bible, and I do not believe that the Word given to me; handed down carefully to me though thousands of years, was ever intended to mislead me. I believe for the most part, it is an accurate translation that I study because I believe that God wanted me to understand what is in there, and not require that a scientist explain it to me.

Most people, including scientists will acknowledge that they don't really have a clue how things got started, the first cell, the big bang, etc., they just accept the "most likely" proposition as "gospel". The few scientists that are actually brave enough to consider general relativity as it relates to the creation story will say that it is possible for the concept of a White Hole--the opposite of a Black Hole--to be the beginning of the universe as we know it. That on the edge of this expanding wave of creation, time could stand still relative to the point of origin, the pin prick where the wave originated. This is because it is essentially a gravity wave of vast proportions and gravity will dramatically effect time. So when this wave was travelling away from the Earth, an observer on the Earth might see the edge of it being billions of years old, yet from the perspective of the wave edge it might be very young. It is possible for time to almost stand still from the perspective of the gravity wave. So we can say it is 13 billion years old and not be in conflict with the six days of creation--a few thousand years ago--if we consider the effects of general relativity on the event from the perspectives of both the edge of the universe and the starting point of the universe.

Regarding the dinosaurs, I believe they aren't as old as scientists think. This is borne out by the discovery of organic tissue intact on "70 million year old" dinosaur bones (based on the strata they were found in) is sufficient evidence to this fact. And the scientists that discovered it would rather say it was miraculous that it survived intact and not simply admit that the strata they found it in is probably not 70 million years old.

If science is willing to follow through with its mandate and follow the evidence where it leads rather than get stuck in the dogma of protecting the theory of evolution, what would we discover? Scientists need to be free to consider other possibilities without fear of reprisals from their superiors.

Did you know that some of the most resistant scientists in the world to the principle of Intelligent Design, actually admit that it is possible that another "intelligent" entity "designed" life and seeded it on earth? This is how they answer the question, "Where did the first cell come from?" (See Ben Stein's, Expelled movie) They are essentially saying they will only believe in Intelligent Design for the first cell if the designer that created it came from evolution. The Bible starts by telling us that in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. I don't know where God came from, but I do know that I would rather believe in Him than in the scientist that believes in aliens seeding the universe, because, at least with God I have a historical reference for His relationship with man. A documented period of time that demonstrates the interaction of man and God. These condescending scientists act like anyone who would believe what the Bible says about creation is an idiot and yet they get their information from a rock. The mind boggles. What do you believe?

Judge Not, Lest You Be Judged

When I came out of my coma back in June, I encountered some interesting responses to my condition. Most folks just wanted to hug my neck and thank God for the miracle of my recovery, but occasionally I encountered a different kind of response. I’m not the only person that deals with this, pretty much anyone that doesn’t fit a standard mold is gonna get some flack from the usual crowd.

If you go to church, you are going to be judged by others that go to church. You will eventually have a good reason to be offended, but resist that. I have been told that I am not in God’s will for the books I read, or the movies I see, or the music I listen too. Others I know have been told that it is their tattoos that offend God, or the piercings, or maybe it’s the way you wear your makeup or hair. Maybe it’s the telephone company you use, or the car you drive. Judgmental attitudes pop up for almost anything we can imagine. As a Christian, I have seen this for thirty years. Many people have left their church because of this type of persecution. Now there are things about all of us that we could change to help us focus more attention on the Father and His will for our lives, but who am I or you to determine what those things are for someone else?

It is arrogant for me to look at someone who is not like me for some reason and determine in my heart that they aren’t close to God because of that difference. I don’t know them that well. Only God can know what part that difference may play in their pursuit of His will for their lives. It may be absolutely critical for them to be an avid Harry Potter reader, simply because they may be able to connect with someone in a way that I can’t, and in so achieving that connection, be able to fulfill the great commission.

Furthermore, it is ridiculous for me to say, “I would never do that,” speaking down to them as if I’m better because I wouldn’t struggle with that thing which I have judged to be their sin. We build so many walls this way between family and friends because we have judged others as below our standard. How much better would it be if we simply led them to God by our example and not try to personally fix them. Pray for them, and ask God to use them and teach them to be what He wants them to be. That way you can continue to be an example to them and not their judge. Let them accept salvation for the free unconditional gift that it is, and then the Holy Spirit will deal with them about any issues that they need to resolve. How dare I try to change someone whom God may know is perfect for His purpose, exactly as they are.

There is an exception to this of course, and that is if you are someone’s mentor, and they truly desire for you to help them in their growth or you are their parent, and therefore have God’s mandate to sow this type of virtue and leadership into their life, then of course, this is what you must do. However, usually we aren’t operating from such a noble perspective. We simply judge others to be different from ourselves and therefore not qualified to have the same standing with God that we have. This is a terrible situation to find yourself in because it is written, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

Thoughts on the THEORY of evolution

Spend the next few minutes using your own brain and your common sense. Whatever you do don't rely on what others have taught you, just use the part of your brain that discerns truth.

Imagine that you are walking through the forest and you stumble upon an old television set. It is mostly buried so you dig it up and examine it. Taking it apart you discover the complexity of its construction, the detailed circuit boards, the resistors, capacitors, transistors, and integrated circuits. You decide that it is an important find so you haul it to your local university and find a professor who can help you determine the device's origin.

The professor looks at your discovery with interest, and you ask, "Did this device evolve from something simpler, or was it designed by an engineer?" He ponders the question then answers, "Without question, it was created by an engineer, someone designed and manufactured it."

You reach into your back pocket and present a screwdriver. "What about this?" you say.

He takes the tool, and turning it over in his hands he sees that it is made up of metal, plastic, and rubber, "This also has been engineered." he says with absolute certainty.

You go to his bookshelf and withdraw a book on human anatomy. You show him the detailed description of the human eye and then the brain, and then you both examine the inner workings of a single cell. The complexity of a single cell is far beyond the scope of the hundreds of pages contained within the book. You look him square in the eye and say, "I am far more complex than a screwdriver, and even the engineering contained in that television pales compared to the inner workings of a human being. Did I evolve from a simpler life form, or was I designed by an engineer?"

The professor doesn't hesitate, "You are a product of evolution."

This is what we are taught. Something as simple as a screwdriver could never evolve from the natural world, but the complex machine that is a human being is said to be a product of random chance and chaos. They say that given enough time anything is possible with evolution, but given enough time a screwdriver would never form from the rock, sand, and water. No amount of fiddling with these elements would ever create a screwdriver, even in a controlled laboratory environment, and any scientist that said it could would be laughed at by his peers, but the thought that you and I came from slime is given full credibility.

I have purposely not referenced anything from the Bible, or from the scientific community, or indeed from the Internet itself. This is just an exercise in common sense. Think for yourself and you may discover that not only is there a God, but it is impossible to deny His existence with anything less than pure blind faith. Evolution requires more faith than Intelligent Design. For the sake of your future, don't continue to deny God, He is waiting for you to seek Him and when you do He will reveal Himself to you.

Tom Roe
http://TomRoe.com/cpov/

LOS-T - An eNOVEL by TA Roe

LOS-T - An eNOVEL by TA Roe

The Lords Of Silica - Technis

Hello fellow bloggers :) I've had a wonderful response to my Christian Science Fiction novel - The Lords of Silica - and I just want to give thanks to God and all of you for that. Blessings to everyone. If you would like a copy of the paperback go to http://lordsofsilica.com/ and if you want to download the eBook go here Buy Now with SECURE PayPal and get an instant download link for a 260 page PDF file. God bless you all. I hope you had a fantastic Christmas.

THIS STORY IS DEEP- if you liked THE MATRIX...

• But didn't care for the way the story ended


• Wished that there wasn't so much profanity in the series


• Wished the brothers Wachowski hadn't gone down the pornographic road while telling their story


• Could have done without the whole thing being wrapped in eastern religion

THEN The Lords Of Silica IS YOUR NOVEL. I would rate this book PG to PG-13 depending on your point of view. My 9 year old daughter has read the complete Narnia series, and she is nearing the last few chapters of this book now, and she loves it. I also have a grandmother in her late eighties, and she thoroughly enjoyed this book too. So in spite of the fact that I present some fairly technical concepts here, it doesn't seem to detract from the enjoyment of the story for even the most technically novice reader. THIS IS A PAGE TURNER.

Everything is connected to GOD and HIS kingdom, though the book isn't preachy or in your face. IF YOU WANT TO REACH OUT TO A SCI-FI or FANTASY NOVEL FAN, This book can help open a door.

Do you wonder how Satan might take control of humanity in the last days, THIS IS ONE WAY IT COULD HAPPEN.

What will happen to CHINA, now that Communism has failed? THIS BOOK MAY HAVE THE ANSWER.

HOW WILL CLONING BE USED in the days ahead? You will see the end of the path we are already on.

WHO ARE THE LORDS OF SILICA?

WILL THEY decide your destiny, or WILL YOU Decide it?

WHERE will you go in this novel?

• You will journey with a modern marvel, a young man named Ben Roy, who invented a game in Florida that has taken the world by storm. He has everything he could ever want, but the emptiness of his life still overwhelms him. He decides to turn his back on the success of the world to seek a better relationship with God and family.


• You will see how God can alter your perspective through events both good and bad.


• You will see how one corporation can alter the destiny of mankind through subtle changes to the way we live, and how even that corporation can be hoodwinked by forces beyond their understanding into doing the will of the evil one.


• Most of all, you will have an adventure of a lifetime in a world filled with beauty and awe. The most subtle lure of the enemy yet.

HOW CAN YOU FREE YOURSELF IF YOU DON'T FEEL LIKE YOU ARE IN PRISON? Satan appears as an angel of light, and the things he offers us are pleasing to the senses indeed. This novel will reveal the most devious plot imaginable and show you how The Beast may gain control of humanity without a fight. Our apathy is his greatest weapon against us.

This novel helped me to understand why God has placed me in so many various industries over the last 20 years. ARMAMENTS Loader in USAF, AVIONICS MASTER TECHNICIAN in the Texas ANG, RADAR TECH for Loral Aerospace, GRAPHIC ARTIST for a TV station, 3D MODELER, ANIMATOR, VIDEO GAME DESIGNER, BIBLE PROPHECY student (since I was 13), WEB MASTER/DESIGNER.

Writing this book, has brought all of these areas of knowledge together and revealed a possible future, not many have foreseen. Everyone likes this book, most people love it. My ardent prayer is that God will bless this work financially so that I can continue the series and take care of my family while blessing God's People.

In the end, this is fiction, a possibility at most, but it does teach us how devious the enemy can be, and how different--and possibly devastating, our future will be if we simply march forward on any path that is laid before us.

Eternally in His Service,
Tom Roe

The Time of Man (Graphical Reference) by Tom Roe

As we study the Bible this year with a fresh outlook for the future, I hope to help those on my blog and mailing list in any way I can. I have just completed part of a study that presents graphically, the patriarchs from the first part of Genesis showing the first 2006 years after Adam's creation. I did this to get my head around some basic facts outlined in the first part of the Bible. I know that I'm not the first to do this, and I'm certain that there are some better guides out there, but the purpose of this is to gain perspective.

I'm sure some of you knew this, but it's worth repeating. If you look at the included chart, represented graphically above and downloadable as a PDF, which prints at 200 dpi (You should use photo quality paper for this, and you should definitely print this out -- it looks great! I say this humbly of course ); you will notice that God withheld the flood until ALL of the patriarchs of the family of man had died, except for Noah of course. As if, He didn't want to punish them for the sins of their progeny. He allowed them all to live out their lives. Then the very year that Methuselah dies, BAM! The flood rains down on humanity sparing only eight people. Noah is the last father of the first age of man, and those with him will loose the heritage of exceedingly long life upon this Earth. There is a rapid fall-off as our lifespan declines toward the 120 years proclaimed in Genesis 6:3.

This is profound. When I first completed the graphic above, the life of Methuselah was off by two years. It showed that he would have still been alive two years after the flood. This puzzled me, but then after going over the Biblical record at least three more times, I discovered that it was I (big surprise) that made a mistake, and the two years I was missing was right there in the text. Everything lined up perfectly, and scientifically I might add. Amazing considering how long ago this was written, and how it only tracks the ancestry of those that lived past the flood.

I have read through a couple of versions of the Bible, but each time, it is new again. Each time God shows me how wonderfully it was handed down to us. It is an unerring work of providence intended to lead each of us back to what we lost so very long ago -- A simple quiet walk in creation with my father God. It is so close now. When I close my eyes, I can see it. God is long-suffering so that none should perish, but it feels like that suffering is nearly ended. Do you sense it too?

Why do we speak in tongues?

Why do we speak in tongues and what does it mean?
Copyright ©2006 Tom Roe - February 20, 2006

Scripture References - Mark 16:17, Acts 2:3, Acts 8:14-17, Acts 19:6, Rom 10:9, 1 Cor 12:7-11, 1 Cor 13:1, 1 Cor 14:2

The Day of Pentecost described in the second chapter of Acts was a profound event. However, many seem to believe that since the tongues of fire seen above each of the apostles representing the anointing of the Holy Spirit, are not usually seen by anyone today, that this type of epiphany no longer occurs. Many of the same people believe that, today, salvation is the only transforming experience that occurs between God and our spirit.

I can assure you that the baptism of the Holy Spirit does occur, and I have personally experienced it, even though no tongues of flame appeared that I was aware of. I can't prove this to you, any more than I can prove that if "I confess with my mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in my heart that God raised Him from the dead, I will be saved." Rom 10:9--That also has happened to me, and other than a profound difference in the way that I look at my purpose on this planet, there may not be much physical evidence of any change at all.

I try very hard not to sin, I fail, I ask forgiveness, and I try very hard not to sin, etc., etc. My flesh is in constant turmoil as it is drawn between the desires of my God, and desires of my adversary. My salvation, described by many scriptures in the New Testament, assures me that my adversary will not prevail. My belief in what the Bible says is simple faith. If you don't have faith it what the Bible says, then you cannot be saved, and you certainly cannot receive the Holy Spirit.

Is the baptism of the Holy Spirit different from salvation itself? According to Acts 16:9 it is--The Bible tells me that I can be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ and not have received the Holy Spirit.

My personal statement of faith says, "If it is in the Bible, I can teach that it is the inspired word of God and trust in it, but if it is not in the Bible, I cannot."

The Bible tells me that when you receive the Holy Spirit you may speak with new tongues. If I analyze this prophesy spoken by Christ before his ascension in Mark chapter 16, I conclude that new tongues are languages that no one around me understands or it means a language that I don't personally understand.

In Acts chapter 2, I am told that many of the folks around the disciples heard them speak in languages that the disciples didn't necessarily understand [unknown], but those around them did understand that what they were saying, because it was heard as the language of their native land. The implication is that sometimes when I speak in an unknown language, someone nearby may understand what I am saying even though I do not. It also says that those around me may hear the very same words as if they were spoken in several languages simultaneously.

"Ah-ha!" you say, "but the Bible doesn't actually say that the language is unknown to everyone". Well, that's true--sort'a--Paul says, that he may speak with the tongues of angels (1 Cor 13), I don't know anyone that speaks native Angel, do you? But, I do believe there are beings that do--I just don't communicate with any of them right now--or do I?    ;)

So--I believe what the Bible says, when it tells me...
a) I can be saved, and
b) I can also be baptized with the Holy Spirit.

Furthermore, I believe that there may be evidence of this event in the form of unknown utterances. It can take other forms as well, seen in the gifts of the Spirit, 1 Cor 12.

Apparently, the believers of Paul's generation got out of hand with this (something, which happens even today). It is implied that their gatherings drifted (or ran headlong) into what was more chaotic babbling than fruits of the Spirit. In 1st Corinthians, we are given a wonderful lesson on the nature of the Holy Spirit, and in how the gifts are to be used. Edification and comfort are a repeated theme, and we must conclude that the "Comforter" sent by Christ upon his return to the Father's side, is someone who comforts... Imagine that?

Therefore, the gift of spiritual gab does exist, and it can be foreign when it occurs, but Paul also expresses a great desire that it not be left as ramblings without meaning. In the same book of the New Testament, we are told repeatedly how we should be careful with the gifts, and not abuse them. Always pray for a translation so that those within hearing will understand the words spoken by the Comforter. Then--wait for a translation.

This study could go on and on... volumes could be written on what Paul said to the Corinthians, and what we are meant to learn from those letters. But, instead of me giving you my point of view, which admittedly is based on a personal interpretation, why don't you seek God's wisdom yourself. The Word of God is meant for you to read. You must study it to fully comprehend how it can change your life.

It is not a sprint; it is a marathon, as my pastor, Mark Harrell, frequently reminds me. So pace yourself, and never stop learning about what God has done for you.


Copyright ©2006 Tom Roe
tom@tomroe.com
http://TomRoe.com

A Laborer is Worthy

A Laborer is Worthy of His or Her Wage - By Tom Roe

An open letter to the Christian community,

I accepted Christ as my savior at the age of ten in Virginia in 1974, and every since--have struggled to seek after God's will in my life every day. Some days, weeks, or months are easy, everything just lines up and it's easy to follow the perceived evidence of God's will in my life, other days, it's not so easy.
 
Please don't think I am upset, I'm just perplexed--and at 41 years of age have been reconsidering my chosen career path--I am not upset at all
 
I have been involved in media and technology since 1982 in my high school in London, Kentucky.
 
I recently gave up a media job of eight years because I wasn't seeing evidence of my personal ministry actually expanding the kingdom of God. Even though I worked for a Christian company--I spent most of that time trying to think of things to do, and, looking back--not really seeing much accomplished.
 
Now as an self-employed freelance artist, I see time and again, people not willing to commit a reasonable amount of money to developing the technical or media side of their project or business. They try to get everything on the cheap only being disappointed with the end-result. I've seen managers spend weeks of their valuable time trying to do something for free, that a competent technical person could do in a day, for a very reasonable fee.
 
Help me to understand this if you don't mind. I won't hold a grudge if you can't, it's not my way. However, as an observer of human nature and a writer, I like to hear other folk's opinions about these things
 
There is a company here in town that does complete corporate identity development, it costs around $14,000 to come out with all the stuff you need to set yourself apart as a company, letterhead, logo, business cards, etc. But, not everybody wants everything, so if you just want a logo, they can do that for you for $3,000 or so.
 
I'm an independent, freelance artist, so I can keep my cost low, I'm charging around $450 to do a logo, unless the client needs to expand it into 3d animation or video production. 
 
There is another company here that will charge you $400,000 to use their highly secured e-commerce server for your fortune 500 company, but I can give you a very secure e-commerce solution, completely customized to your needs, for $3,000 to $5,000.
 
A large production company would produce a 30 second commercial for you for $15,000 to $150,000 (sometimes even more), depending on your needs, and I'll do an excellent job (within the limits of my production suite, including 3d animation of your logo) for $3,000 to $6,000.
 
Some companies can give you a website, setup, for $40, but you're pretty much on your own to build it. I can set up a basic website for $450 (ten hours of labor), and you will have a customized website for your business or ministry.
 
I am so reasonable compared to the big companies, but I feel like I can't get anyone to commit to small things, like a $450 logo design. It does make me wonder why I've wasted so many years of my life getting good at this.
 
Try to remember that a laborer is worthy of his or her pay. Artists need to pay their bills too, so if you know someone who can do the job for you, give them a shot, and you may be blessed by more than you could have ever hoped to accomplish on your own.


Tom Roe - tom@tomroe.com
http://tomroe.com - http://botmedia.com

Sometimes you can tell you are on the right track by who disagrees with you

Sometimes you can tell you are on the right track by who disagrees with you.

I received a newsletter from Brian McCabe, President - Progress for America.  In that letter, he points out some interesting quotes regarding the nomination of Samuel Alito to the supreme court...

"His confirmation would radically transform the Supreme Court and create a direct threat to the health and safety of American women."
Planned Parenthood

"Alito's record suggests an activist judicial philosophy bent on rolling back the rights and freedoms that all Americans value."
Howard Dean

For that, I have a one-word response.  "YES!!!"

If I were President Bush, I would see this as confirmation that I am doing the right thing.

Also, today I checked out my Google custom RSS feed from Fox News and found the article titled, Chirac calls for calm in Paris suburbs – You can find it here... http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,174254,00.html

This is an example of what modern liberalism can bring to civilized society.  Gangs rampaging through the streets because they believe that they aren't being treated fairly.

I believe this stems from a desire for us to be taken care of.  We all have this desire, which begins when we are born, but many of us realize at some point that we can't wait on others to take care of us - we have to step up and take responsibility for our life and our family, and do the right thing.

In order to contribute to the society around us, we have to conform to whatever the workplace requires of us, so that we can be an acceptable employee.  That means we have to take on a servant spirit and be willing to do what is necessary to ensure someone else's success.  It is through our employer's success that we too can succeed.  Unless you are the type of person that can create jobs for other people, you will be working for someone else, or you will be living on whatever handouts you can get from the government.  Is there another choice here?

One of these options breeds contempt, the other creates a sense of satisfaction of a job well done.

The reason given for the riots in Paris, is the following (try to imagine a whiny teenager voice here)...

"It was really mean that police would be chasing those two boys and that the boys, in an effort to get away from those mean police, would be electrocuted while hiding in a power station."

The police deny that the minors were chased.  It doesn't matter though.  If the boys were being chased by the police they were EVADING the police, which is illegal.  They entered a government facility, illegally, and killed themselves.  So the response of the law abiding citizens is to riot, burn cars, and try to destroy as much property as possible.  Whether or not innocent people are harmed or killed in the wake of this action is irrelevant to them.

What is the moral here?  No matter how much you give, there are people who will want more.  The best way to get people to take responsibility for themselves, is to let them take responsibility for themselves.

How is the government of France dealing with this?  What can they do?  Nothing really.  They are in a position, created by decades of kowtowing to the many different whiny groups of liberals trying to make everyone happy.  By setting the standard so low that everyone can achieve it, they have reduced their nation to the lowest common denominator.  They have created an atmosphere of mediocrity.  I'm not speaking from a point of superiority here, but at least in the United States, there is still (barely) some semblance of reaching for excellence.  If the libs had their way here, we would be no better off, and they could take us down the road of many European countries within a few years.  For now though, Capitalism still sets the standard we live by, and we pay the cost of that precious ideal daily, keeping the wolves at bay so that those who will be excellent, still have an opportunity to benefit from that desire.

Copyright ©2005 - Tom Roe – http://tomroe.com/cpov

My Google quote of the day was from Oscar Wilde

Oscar said, "The only thing that sustains one through life is the consciousness of the immense inferiority of everybody else, and this is a feeling that I have always cultivated."

This person was diametrically opposed to everything I stand for, if this is something he truly believed.  Most famous people get caught up in self importance.  What Jesus Christ taught was that we should become the least, serving everyone -- that is how we become important.  

"Yet it [the traditional way of greatness] shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant.  And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be you slave – just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." Matthew 19:26-28

If you think about this for a moment, you will see that this way of thinking is so brilliant!  This is not surprising considering the source.  Someone who truly follows this advice with all of their heart will easily become the most famous person in their town.  They will be held in high esteem by Heaven, but likewise, cannot help but be lauded as great by their friends, family, and community.

A Christian thinks differently from the world.  We know what Oscar said, because those that think he was brilliant remind us of it.  However, what would have mattered more is not so much, what Oscar said, but what those that held him in high esteem said about him.  I have not heard much in that regard, so I guess his legacy is more about what he thought he was and less about what he actually was.

It's not easy to go to Hell in the United States

You have to fight, and claw your way past the constant bombardment providing the many opportunities to get into the grace of God.  If you will just read so-and-so's book, or listen to what's-his-name's tape, or just be somewhere at a specific time while they pray for you then everything will be ok.  You can also dwell in God's grace, if you will send in a small donation, or call in to pledge your support.  If you will only do as that TV guy says, then God will answer your prayers and give you the desires of your heart.

But then... maybe my premise is wrong.  Perhaps it's very easy to go to Hell in the United States.  I know it's the opposite, but sometimes thought works that way.  On second thought, or is this the third... perhaps it isn't thought at all, maybe it's the Holy Spirit helping me to understand things better, and that's why I'm debating my own conclusions.  Maybe it's the realization that Jesus already answered this question in the Bible, “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.  Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.”  Matthew 7:13-14

Ok, I've decided now, “It's easy to go to Hell in the United States”.  Many people here think, because their parents were Christians, and they went to church, or because they themselves are going to church, or will one day start going to church, or because they're basically good people, then they are not going to Hell, and therefore they have deluded themselves into thinking that Heaven is a no-brainer, requiring no thought.  After all, it's obvious that they (being a son or daughter of such a good mother of father who went to church), should not perish but have everlasting life.

If you think that way you are doomed.  In Romans, Paul explained the way to get into Heaven.

“That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9

End of discussion.

When it comes to securing your place in Heaven, it doesn't matter what kind of person you are -- It doesn't matter what kind of people your parents were -- It doesn't even matter that you believe that there is a God, and think He's a pretty cool being. Even Satan believes there is a God.  All that matters is that you understand the requirement written above for your salvation.

Of course, if you believe what Romans 10:9 says about salvation, then you will begin to let the Holy Spirit modify your nature, and suddenly all the things that didn't matter to acquire you salvation will matter as you share you salvation with others.  It will then matter what kind of person you are, it will then matter what you say about your parents, and it will then matter what you think about the kind of being God is.  When your relationship with God changes in that way, all of the other things that transform you into a new creature will begin to work in your life.

As if by some modification of physical law, the original premise suddenly becomes valid again.  It is hard to go to Hell in America.  Why?  Because -- those people you used to hold with a cynical gaze, aren't just trying to sell you stuff or get your money.  They are actually trying to spread the word of God.  They proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world in the only way they understand, and when you are a new creature, you begin to get it.  God uses them to touch people, maybe not you, but people that need to hear about God in the way they are explaining it.  They mean no harm with their heavy-handed sales pitches, they are just seeking after God with all of their hearts, just as you and I are suppose to.

They are doing it their way, and if you are a creature of light, then you will begin to understand why God has given you the specific gifts you have.  You will begin to see ways you can use those talents to reach the world the way Christ expects you to.

It is hard to go to Hell in the Unites States, because so many people are telling you about God, and His love.  You have simply chosen your own path, and decided you will get around to God some day, but now you want to do things your way.  It is hard, but some of you will do it any way.  According to Matthew 7, most of you will.

Don't be one of the many, be one of the few.

This Blog is where I will post candid thoughts about my Christian perspective of the world.