Reverend ‘Stache and the Smoking Holy Books

I’m returning from my Holy-Spirit induced hiatus (just for a moment) to briefly offer my sage wisdom (or snarky observations, if you prefer) about one of the hottest topics floating around Christiandom these days…Rev. Weird Mustache (known by his formal “government name”: Terry Jones) and his attempt at 21st century “evangelism” – burning Qurans (or Korans…or Muslim “holy books”…or whatever).

We can go on and on about how the Quran preaches hate against all non-Muslims (as mentioned more recently in a detailed article posted by the Christian Apologetics Research Ministry), and how “tolerant” most Americans (including the mainstream media) are concerning Islamic matters versus Christian matters. In fact, someone on Twitter recently commented that it’s safer to be a Quran in America than an unborn child (ouch!).

Also, I know my own declarations against the Cult of Muhammad, the Cult of Mary, and other religions that deify anyone other than God through Jesus Christ alone don’t make me the posterchild for religious tolerance. My protestations, however, appeal to the core of the Christian faith: that salvation and reconnection to God our Father can only come through salvation through His Son – and the shed Blood that served as propitiation for our sins.

Which leads me back to Rev. Strange ‘Stache and the case of the (potentially) smoking holy books:

Is this guy glorifying God?

Is he declaring that Christ is the only door to salvation and right relationship with God?

Is he presenting the simple (yet profound) truths of the bible in clear-minded contrast to what the Quran teaches?

Of course not – this nut is simply drawing attention to himself by holding the mainstream media  in limbo with his “will I/won’t I” publicity stunt. This guy is barely above the seeker-sensitive “Jesus is my homeboy” crowd (except he has a ratty rental truck with a cheap sign…and a book of matches).

If you’re going to be near Gatorland this weekend, please tell (or remind) Rev. ‘Stache of how we are supposed to draw attention to Christ – and not ourselves – in proclaiming His Word to the world:

1 Peter 3:15-16 (New American Standard Bible)

¹⁵but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;  ¹⁶and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame.

Now I know I’m not the most “gentle” and “reverent” defender of the faith here in the blogosphere (or on the street, for that matter), but intentionally seeking to stir controversy by burning books isn’t the best way to draw attention to Christ…unless Rev. ‘Stache is more interested in drawing attention to his small band of “believers” instead.

Hmmm…

Give Obama A Break (this time, at least)!

OK – you regular readers already know that I am no fan of Barack Obama. So, here’s an early warning: you may want to sit down, brace yourselves – and put down any glassware or sharp objects.

I agree with those who think this “Obama Indoctrination Speech” controversy is devoid of worth for serious discussion.

There, I said it. And I’d say it again. This isn’t a political blog – and my vast disagreements with Obama are primarily grounded in my religious convictions. But I’m man enough to stand up when I disagree with him, and I’m man enough to defend him when I think the criticism is a bit far-fetched.

It’s a stupid “non-issue” issue that makes great political theater, but unfortunately overshadows the intent of the speech (to inspire kids to do better) and more pressing issues (the risk of full-scale government healthcare being ram-rodded down the throats of taxpayers).

Here’s a link to the full text of the speech that was given today, and here’s a link to the “suggested resources” that are available as well. Here are a few highlights of the speech:

I’m here because I want to talk with you about your education and what’s expected of all of you in this new school year.

Now, I’ve given a lot of speeches about education. And I’ve talked about responsibility a lot.

I’ve talked about teachers’ responsibility for inspiring students and pushing you to learn.

I’ve talked about your parents’ responsibility for making sure you stay on track, and you get your homework done, and don’t spend every waking hour in front of the TV or with the Xbox.

I’ve talked a lot about your government’s responsibility for setting high standards, and supporting teachers and principals, and turning around schools that aren’t working, where students aren’t getting the opportunities that they deserve.

But at the end of the day, we can have the most dedicated teachers, the most supportive parents, the best schools in the world — and none of it will make a difference, none of it will matter unless all of you fulfill your responsibilities, unless you show up to those schools, unless you pay attention to those teachers, unless you listen to your parents and grandparents and other adults and put in the hard work it takes to succeed. That’s what I want to focus on today: the responsibility each of you has for your education.

What an inglorious bastard!

You mean, the President has the unmitigated gall to strongly suggest that (gulp) students are responsible for actively participating in their own education?

COMMUNIST! FASCIST! MUSLIM!

Bill Cosby has been giving his version of this same speech (plus a bit more on not having babies out-of-wedlock and more) for the past few years. Would Obama had been more embraced if he gave the speech in a brightly colored sweater and eating Jell-O at the same time?

For those who argue that the “resource materials” were a form of government indoctrination because the President asked kids to document how they would commit to staying in school, I still believe that’s a stretch, but I’ll give you that one.

For those who pulled their kids out of school – and protested in tears – because they thought the kids ears would bleed while listening to a positive message, I ask: Aren’t your kids ALREADY in government school? What do you do when they bring home condoms that they got in gym class, or “Heather Has Two Mommies” books?

I am the Chief Role Model in the lives of my children. I set the tone for what they are to expect when they encounter adults inside and outside of our home. As such, my children are highly intelligent critical thinkers. If they heard something off-base in Obama’s speech, then they would ask me for clarification (as they do when they hear about same-sex marriage, abortion, and other controversial topics).  

If Obama could get my kids to sign up for his “youth brigade” after one speech, then I’m a horrible parent with no ability to influence their decisions at a young age. If he’s that persuasive, then maybe he should also tell my children to make their beds, pick their clothes up off the floor – and flush the toilet!

I VIGOROUSLY disagree with Obama on abortion, gay marriage, school vouchers, government-run health insurance (beyond Medicare), support of teachers unions, and a myriad of other things. And I will continue to be a vocal critic as the Lord wills - yet I have to give him a thumbs up for using the bully pulpit of the presidency to advocate for self-responsibility.

C’mon – Nixon gave speeches to school kids before. Even Bill Clinton (the Horndog in Chief) is still revered as a role-model. For goodness sake – doesn’t the Office of the Presidency give the POTUS the right to give an innocuous speech to the nations children?

Alright – I’ll stop before pigs start flying and locusts and frogs rain from the sky.

Evangelism Essentials

Gotquestions.org recently published two excellent articles that reiterate some essential basics for evangelism and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

First, biblical evangelism should proclaim the good news of the Gospel, the Holiness of God, and salvation through Christ alone:

“What is the biblical method of evangelism?”

When trying to decide how to share Christ with someone, the starting point should be the same as that of John the Baptist and Jesus Himself. Matthew 3:2 tells us that John began his ministry with the words “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” Repentance refers to a “change of mind,” which implies sorrow for past offences (2 Corinthians 7:10), a deep sense of the evil of sin as committed against God (Psalm 51:4), and a conscious decision to turn from sin to God. The first words Jesus spoke when He began His public ministry were identical to John’s (Matthew 4:17). (read more)

Next, we should be careful when engaging Jehovah’s Witnesses, Muslims, and other cult’s – particularly because of the cunning nature of their deception (and the fact that you’ll likely not change their minds):

“Should we allow false teachers into our home?”

The short letter of 2 John is written in part to warn believers against the influence of false teachers. John identifies them as those “who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh” and describes them as deceivers and antichrists (2 John 7). He goes on to prohibit receiving them into our homes or wishing them well. The question is whether this prohibition refers to those who knock on our doors today, such as Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses. Are we to deny members of these sects access to our homes?

[...] The Holy Spirit testifies to the true nature of Christ, while Satan and his demonic host deny that true nature. That is why John identifies anyone who denies the deity of Christ—which both the Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses do—as deceivers and antichrists.

What should be our response, then, when cultists come knocking at the door? John, writing by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, gives a clear answer: we are not to receive them into our homes. (read more)

Of course, the Lord wills whom He will save – and who will accept the message of His Son and salvation through Him alone. We should not be afraid to approach others and engage in productive dialogue with non-believers. At the same time, we must understand that not everyone will embrace the message, so the Lord’s will be done.

Related Posts:

• Are “Altar Calls” Biblical?
• Is Salvation A “Free Will Choice”?
• “You Did Not Choose Me, But I Chose You…”
• The Narrow Gate Vs. The Narrow Path

Ah, C’mon…Another One? ***UPDATE***

***UPDATED 7/1/09***

It appears as though angry members of the Cult of Muhammad are using the death of Michael Jackson as a reason to attempt to leave vile and vulgar comments on this article. You praise Allah with those same mouths? Good grief.

The comment section of this article is now closed – you’re welcome to leave a comment on another blog sensitive and supportive of your cult.

***ORIGINAL STORY BELOW***

Sorry Watchtower Cult.

Although you winked and nodded while Michael Jackson had his fill with “Jesus juice”, plastic surgery, and little boys (allegedly), the Cult of Muhammad was his true love (well, not really – but he’s got to find a way to pay back all of those sheiks for their “help money”):

MICHAEL JACKSON has become a Muslim — and changed his name to MIKAEEL.

The skint superstar, 50, donned Islamic garb to pledge allegiance to the Koran in a ceremony at a pal’s mansion in Los Angeles, The Sun can reveal.

Jacko sat on the floor wearing a tiny hat after an Imam was summoned to officiate — days before the singer is due to appear at London’s High Court where he is being sued by an Arab sheik.

A source told last night how Jacko, brought up as a Jehovah’s Witness, decided to convert as he used a studio at the home of his chum to record a new album.

…

“An Imam was summoned from the mosque and Michael went through the shahada, which is the Muslim declaration of belief.” Mikaeel is the name of one of Allah’s angels.

“Jacko rejected an alternative name, Mustafa — meaning “the chosen one”.

Don’t fret, Watchtower Cult, at least you’ve still got this dude knocking on doors for you…

You Don’t Need A Huge Building To Teach Heresy

Well folks, here’s more proof that some people will actually flee the heresy and apostasy of a pulpit pimp, putting a dent in their wallets:

Bishop Paulk’s megachurch for sale

The church campus in south DeKalb County started by Bishop Earl Paulk, who built a megachurch but was plagued by sexual scandal for more than 40 years, is on the market for $24.5 million.

…Today, the church is called Cathedral at Chapel Hill and is run by the Rev. D.E. Paulk, who grew up thinking he was Earl Paulk’s nephew but later learned he is his son.

Church membership dwindled from more than 10,000 two decades ago to about 1,000 today because of sexual misconduct allegations against Earl Paulk and other ministers.

So Earl “The Abomination” Paulk and his neph-son Donnie Earl are trying to sell their church building so that neph-son Donnie can spread his message from a smaller building. What message? Well, remember that Donnie Earl has thrown his arms around Carlton “The Heretic” Pearson and his wicked “gospel of inclusion” lie, and New Age Warlock Ekhart Tolle and his garbage as well. Rather than admit that he and his Unc-dad have driven tens of thousands of people away with their sexual and false gospel demons, Neph-son Donnie spins this rebuke by saying “Big building? We don’t need no stinkin’ big building!”:

“As the message and expression of our ministry has transitioned to become more open and radically inclusive of all people, we realize the ministry can be facilitated in a smaller and more urban location,” he said.

Paulk, who describes himself as a “radically inclusive minister,” also is the founder of the Pro-Love Organization, whose mission is to unite people of different faiths, cultures and backgrounds.

Just for giggles, pay a visit to Donnie Earl’s “Pro-Love” group to see how “radically inclusive” this nutjob really is:

Pro-Love is an inclusive initiative purposed to bring people of all faiths, cultures and backgrounds together. The Pro-Love Organization hosts a yearly march in the city of Atlanta that unites: Jew and Muslim, Gay and Straight, Atheist and Christian, and all others…We believe the Pro-Love Movement is part of the continuation of Dr. King’s dream.

Maybe all of these “inclusive people” will keep the lights on in Donnie Earl’s new place, while still denying the TRUE Gospel of Jesus Christ – and Christ ALONE!:

Galatians 1:6-9 (New American Standard)

6 I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting ^(A)Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a ^(B)different gospel;

7 which is really not another; only there are some who are ^(C)disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.

8 But even if we, or ^(D)an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be ^(E)accursed!

9 As we ^(F)have said before, so I say again now, ^(G)if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be ^(H)accursed!

Barack “Jesus” Obama Is Courting “Believers”

***hat tip to Independent Conservative for the CNN tip***

“Believers of what”, you might ask?

Obama campaign rolls out new ‘faith merchandise’

(CNN) –The Obama campaign is preparing rolling out a new line of “faith merchandise” – the latest move in an ambitious effort to win over religious voters.

“Check out the Believers for Barack, Pro-Family Pro-Obama, and Catholics for Obama buttons, bumper stickers and signs….” says Obama Deputy Director of Religious Affairs Paul Monteiro in an e-mail obtained by the Beliefnet Web site.

“Believers for Barack rally signs and bumper stickers, along with all Pro-Family Pro-Obama merchandise, are appropriate for people of all faith backgrounds. We’ll soon be rolling out merchandise for other religious groups and denominations, but I wanted to get this out to you without delay,” he adds.

So come on, America! Now that your new “jesus” is aligning the heavens for his ascension to the presidency, you can pick up a few trinkets to show that you’re on board the Messiah-train!

• Are you a depraved homosexual that refuses to repent for your sins and have instead embraced your “alternative lifestyle” while demanding equal rights?

Don’t worry, Barack new “jesus” will fight for you! (see your pink tee in the graphic above)

• Have you pledged allegiance to the apostate Roman Catholic Church and the antichrist pope, vowing to submit to the “holy father”, various dead saints, and the “mother church” in Rome?

Well what are you waiting for? Barack new “jesus” (and “devout Catholic” Joe Biden) is your team! (your bumper sticker is in the graphic above)

• Are you a “believer” in God, Jesus (the real One), Muhammad, Krishna, The Dali Lama, Wiccen, Agnostic, Jewish, and (insert applicable religious off-shoot here)?

Then glory to (insert applicable deity here), because Barack new “jesus” is your man! He’s ecumenical! One day he’s Jewish (why would a “Christ-believing Christian” pray at a monument revered by non-Christ believing Jews?), the next day he’s Hindu Indian and Muslim, later he’s a “committed Christian”…(see your placard above, believers).

Don’t worry abortionists, Barack new “jesus” wants you to ride the train with him all the way to Washington too! He doesn’t care about your spiritual development or your restoration after having made a bad decision to kill a child - he just doesn’t want you to be “punished with a baby”.

Some come on, “believers”…keep praying for God to give you a king (1 Samuel 8)!

I’m sure the True and Living God and His Son Jesus Christ don’t mind sharing their glory with Barack new “jesus”, right?

Right?

Earl Paulk’s Neph-Son Donnie Earl – Making The Family Proud!

I didn’t mistype the title above.

Pastor Donnie Earl (D.E.) Paulk is “Archbishop” Earl Paulk’s nephew (because D.E.’s mom is Earl’s sister-in-law) AND Earl’s son (because Earl slept with his brothers wife).

I don’t have the time (or the stomach, frankly) to recount all manner of abominations, sin, etc. that emanates from the Paulk family, so feel free to see Independent Conservative’s archives of Earl “The Abomination” Paulk – and MSNBC’s take on D.E.’s paternity.

D.E. took over his Unc-dad’s church (The Cathedral at Chapel Hill) a few summers ago – long after tens of thousands of former worshipers fled the place in horror. The church is a shell of it’s former self, can barely cover their expenses with the few that remain, and has become a joke – even among the other heretics and apostates that inhabit the metro-Atlanta area.

So, how do you infuse more “life” (and cash) into a failing ministry? Well, you adopt the heresy of inclusion! That way, you can throw the doors of the church open to every unrepentant homosexual, atheist, and “christians” who believe that Jesus isn’t the only way to Heaven.

Let me be clear – if you “come to God” yet refuse to let go of every sin that weighs you down, then you are not a Christian. If you keep company with those who don’t believe that Jesus Christ is the propitiation of our sin debt, and without Him we can’t have a relationship with God the Father, then you are aiding and abetting in heresy.

Anyway, D.E. is also the head of a group he calls “Pro Love”, and their website says (my emphasis in bold):

Pro-Love is an inclusive initiative purposed to bring people of all faiths, cultures and backgrounds together. The Pro-Love Organization hosts a yearly march in the city of Atlanta that unites: Jew and Muslim, Gay and Straight, Atheist and Christian, and all others…We believe the Pro-Love Movement is part of the continuation of Dr. King’s dream.

“Inclusive” is a code word for compromise. The inclusive movement is designed to make everyone feel “comfortable” about the path they choose, and that God (or the Universe, or any other ethereal name you want to ascribe) loves no matter what, and that we’ll all end up in Heaven.

The inclusive/ecumenical crowd is happy to include anybody – unless you claim that the Lord Jesus Christ is THE ONLY WAY of salvation (John 14:6).

D.E. is also running around with Carlton Pearson, the affirmed heretic who claims that you’ll go to Heaven if you’re a good person - you don’t need to believe all of that “Jesus is the only way” stuff. Heretic Carlton is going to be at D.E.’s church July 13th and August 10th to help ensure that they slide further into irrelevance.

And the final “nail in the coffin” is D.E.’s endorsement of the wicked teacher Ekhart Tolle. D.E. is teaching a 10-part sermon on Tolle’s garbage – and he even links from the church’s website to Oprah’s site so members can sign up for the classes!

Whew! I guess we shouldn’t be surprised at old D.E.’s slide – he is a Paulk, right?

This is even more reason to avoid being preached to by any Paulk, and to sound the alarm to the few folks left in that God-forsaken place. Paul reminds us to avoid any gospel that is contrary to the Gospel of Jesus Christ:

6I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting ^(A)Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a ^(B)different gospel;

 7which is really not another; only there are some who are ^(C)disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.

 8But even if we, or ^(D)an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be ^(E)accursed!

 9As we ^(F)have said before, so I say again now, ^(G)if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be ^(H)accursed!

 10For am I now ^(I)seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a ^(J)bond-servant of Christ. (Galatians 1:6-10)

D.E. better stop going along with this inclusion heresy and latching on to those who profess to be “enlightened teachers of the day” – or he may end up on the other side of Paul’s pronouncement…

Could That Happen Here?

I came across an interesting article in today’s Atlanta Journal-Constitution:

Bardot on trial for allegedly inciting anti-Muslim hatred

PARIS —Brigitte Bardot is back on trial in France, facing charges of fanning discrimination and racial hatred against Muslims.

In a Paris court hearing Tuesday, prosecutors said they are seeking a two-month suspended prison sentence and a $23,900 fine against the former screen siren and animal rights campaigner. (click here to read the full story)

The article states that Bardot (an animal rights activist) complained several times in the past about the Muslim feast of Eid al Adha.

Because I’m not a scholar of Islamic tradition, I did some research and discovered what probably made Bardot complain to the French government in the first place (my emphasis in bold):

Men, women, and children are expected to dress in their finest clothing to perform Eid prayer (Salatu’l-`id) in any mosque. Muslims who can afford to do so sacrifice their best domestic animals (usually sheep, but also camels, cows, and goats) as a symbol of Ibrahim’s (Abraham’s) sacrifice.

As Christians, we understand that animal sacrifice was rendered unnecessary and obsolete because Jesus became the Sacrificial Lamb, thereby paying the debt of sin for everyone who believes in Him.

I don’t know any more details of this case, or of the previous instances where Bardot has been accused of “Muslim racism”. I will point out, however, that she is being prosecuted by the government for complaining about a religious “tradition”.

In an age where embracing universalism and “world love and unity” is accepted (and encouraged) while we who claim the Name of Jesus Christ are deemed fanatics and kooks – can this kind of government persecution happen here?

“…And the people said nothing”.

There is a war going on – a conflict between radical Islam vs. everyone else.

I’m not speaking exclusively about the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. I’m specifically speaking of the REAL war on Christianity that is being waged in countries around the globe.

While the pimps here in America are being used by the devil to distract us into “naming and claiming”, “sowing a seed to reap a harvest”, and “submitting to their spiritual fatherhood”, this is what’s happening in China – the home of the 2008 Olympic Games:

CHINA: CHRISTIAN MISTREATED IN PRISON FOR ‘INSULTING’ MUSLIMS

Guards, Islamic inmates bullying Liu Huiwen for distributing gospel leaflet.

Liu Huiwen

BANGKOK, March 18 (Compass Direct News) – Liu Huiwen, a Chinese Christian sentenced to 18 months imprisonment last November for distributing a gospel leaflet to Muslims in Gansu province, is suffering mistreatment in a Muslim-majority prison, local sources told Compass.

After a recent prison visit (allowed only twice a month), Liu’s wife Miao Hui Lian said that he was limping badly and looked very thin. Liu, unable to speak openly, told his wife that the prison was a “very bad place” and that he was being “bullied constantly.”

When Liu’s wife attempted to travel to Beijing to report the suspected abuse, police warned her to stay at home and make no complaint.

She is under heavy police surveillance, a Compass source confirmed.

After his wife’s recent prison visit, a local source told Compass that, “We have reason to believe the guards or inmates are punishing him for what he did and trying to cast terror into his heart.”

They also claimed prison guards had withheld food and other items taken into the prison for Liu.

Liu, 39, was arrested on April 28, 2007 after distributing a leaflet entitled “A Letter To Our Muslim Friends” during a funeral in Manping Groupin Ketuo village, part of the Dongxiang Autonomous Region, a Muslim-majority ethnic area in Gansu province. (read the rest here)

We’re too busy worshiping Baal and running behind his false prophets (or “profits”, if you will) to make the decision to do the Lord’s work across the globe.

May God have mercy on us all…

21Elijah came near to all the people and said, “^(A)How long will you hesitate between two opinions? ^(B)If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” But the people did not answer him a word. (2 Kings 18:21)