Posts filed under ‘salvation’
Who Knew Data Centers are Actually Good??
In the article, Erickson further notes that data centers bring in tons of jobs to the local economy. Electricians, plumbers, construction workers and the rest are all needed to build the data centers. He also downplays the noise (or constant humming drone) of a completed and working data center, as though they really don’t have annoying noise that keeps people awake at night.
One other huge thing I noticed is that he provides absolutely no linked facts for any of his statements. He simply presents what really is his opinion on data centers. He does so with authority as though he presents tremendous facts and linkable data to back up his claims. He doesn’t.
Two Roads Every Christian Faces
Some argue that we are able to be saved because God grants us something called “prevenient grace.” This is the belief that God grants us the ability to believe Him prior to our coming to Him for salvation and without this prevenient grace, no one could be saved at all. The truth of the matter for me, is that all people have the ability to believe what they read or hear from any source. Those who come to God in faith believing that He exists and has made salvation available to us do so because of their decision to believe Him. This is exactly what the thief on the cross experienced, while his counterpart a few feet away did not. It was solely a difference in belief regarding Jesus.
Third Chapter Coincidence?
Just as Genesis 3 actually occurred, we can know that Revelation 20 will also actually occur. They are connected. They both point to God’s favor, His mercy and His love for His Creation. While Genesis 3 introduced sin into the entirety of His Creation, Revelation 20 is the start of eliminating all of it in practical terms.
Covenants vs Dispensationalism
It seems to me the very plain teaching of Scripture includes a physical return of Jesus, where every eye will see Him of those living at the time (Daniel 7:13; Matthew 26:64; Mark 14:62; Revelation 1:7; Revelation 14:14). Seeing Jesus is not in the mind’s eye or somehow spiritually. It is a literal event when He physically returns so that the entirety of the world will finally understand that God is in control. That much is clear and obvious. To attempt to turn this obvious meaning into a spiritual return is repugnant to me.
Secular Progressivism
Please notice that Paul considered himself a prisoner of Jesus. Yes, he was physically incarcerated at the time he wrote to the Ephesians, but he still considered himself a prisoner of the Lord, not of Rome. Because of this, and even in spite of his incarceration, he believed he had the responsibility of walking worthy of his calling in Christ Jesus. What does that look like? Well, we don’t have to guess because Paul tells us. We should walk with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love and endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit.
Is This Normal?
I can easily see now why the Antichrist will be so well accepted throughout the world when he finally does appear on the world’s stage. Everything that has happened up to now has been a dress rehearsal for what’s coming. But I would caution readers about becoming fearful. Thought I believe the Rapture will occur prior to the start of the Tribulation and the appearance of the rider on the white horse (Revelation 6), however even if the Rapture does not occur prior to the start of that seven year period, I firmly believe God will take care of all who exercise trust in Him during those difficult days ahead. We do not need to be fearful about what is here now or what is coming. When we give into fear, we are failing to trust Him, aren’t we? It’s as simple as that. Which do you choose, trust or fear?
We Are Not in Control
We have two choices in life. One, we can continue to try to do things our way, mistakenly believing that we control our own destiny and the things that happen in life. Two, we can come to the true realization that we are not in control at all and that everything that happens to us happens because of God’s plan. If we try to live the first option, we can quickly grow conceited in the belief that we have it going on; that our decisions are what matters and above all things, we walk in a path that we have developed for ourselves. If we live with option number two, we will more quickly come to the end of ourselves, realizing that the very breath we breathe is on loan from God Himself.
Nefarious, Speak of the Devil
It is also amazing the way the demon Nefarious questions James, the psychologist. James is an atheist and proudly proclaims that to Nefarious, who laughs in his face asking if he (James) really believes his atheism will protect him from the truth and that hell is filled with atheists who now understand the reality of what they continually denied while alive.
The dialogue in Nefarious is first rate and carries viewers from one scene to the next. At one point, Dr. James Martin brags about how well he thinks humanity is doing: racism is being fought against, humanity is freer than ever, hate speech is a thing of the past, etc. Nefarious again laughs and sets Martin right about what he clearly cannot see because of his political delusions. Nefarious also states regarding hate speech that this was something “they” didn’t even have to create for humanity. Humanity did it all by themselves and that surprised even the demons. He further states that evil has become the norm and no one even notices it anymore.
Putting Off and Putting On
I believe it is the put off/put on principle that truly transforms the life of the Christian. While many choose not to put in the effort to create new habits and patterns (and some want to but aren’t clear on how), it is incumbent upon us to understand that this is absolutely part of our sanctification process. We must take it seriously and while we do not do this to “earn” our salvation (since salvation cannot be earned, but it is a completely free gift), this process is a must in order to grow in Christ our Redeemer.
Satan’s Strategy and the Role of Self
In the book, The Gospel for Disordered Lives, the authors expose the way Satan works to defeat the believer. In chapter 8 titled, Battling Satan and His Demons, they discuss biblical counseling and how it involves spiritual warfare against evil forces that hate us and who are stronger than the folks counselors counsel. This actually applies to all Christians, whether it is recognized by them or not.
StudyGrowKnow 