Why Does No One Care?

Well, now. Stew Peters and Dr. Bryan Ardis (chiropractor – he can’t prescribe meds) are suddenly at odds with each other. You know these two, right? The two gentlemen behind the *documentary* “Watch the Water”. “Watch the Water” is the video that recently made the rounds on social media claiming that Covid-19 is actually snake venom. I wrote about my concerns with this video in my last blog post.                        

Turns out Dr. Ardis (a little over a month after the video) is now frustrated with Peters because the plan to sell his vitamins and supplements was thwarted. Seems Dr. Ardis feels Stew exaggerated the narrative so much so that it scared people right out of waiting the two weeks it takes to order and receive the supplements promoted by Ardis. Instead, people are going to their local pharmacy to get the things listed at the end of the documentary. They are able to get them there quicker and cheaper. And why wouldn't they? You can’t make this stuff up.

Christian. We are being targeted with nonsense, because they think we believe nonsense. And it is all a distraction from what the real problem is….and the Solution.

They play on our fears. They use our gullible, trustworthy nature.

I wish someone would help me answer these questions.

• Why do Christians prefer to believe these dark stories? And ignore any light that might be shed on the fallacy. Even when presented with conflicting evidence that is indeed problematic?

• Why are no conservative media or new outlets not countering their theories, instead staying silent on either narrative? They seem like they do not want to “touch it with a ten foot pole”. If even someone with a respected platform would speak to this, it could put an end to the spread of these tall tales.

• Why is it always the same people at the root? People like Alex Jones of InfoWars and Mike Adams Natural News? Info Wars is one of the first entities, Ardis mentions in the “interview” with Peters.

• Why is it always the anti-vaxxers who are selling a product – vitamins and supplements? And no that isn’t a problem unless they are spreading lies or false narratives to sell that product.

• If someone mentions God or Satan, why do we automatically believe them without finding what doctrine they believe or with whom they are affiliated, or to which faith they may prescribe?

• Why do I seem to be the only Christian concerned with the scare tactics that are making the way through the Christian Church? Or am I the only one foolish enough to talk about it and thereby possibly help spread it?

• If we don’t talk about it, how do we stop it from spreading and deceiving even more people?

• Why does Ardis make time in his interview to  blame President Trump?

• Why is it the same people over and over, all aligned with other wild conspiracies?

• Why is it always a connection to anti-vaxxers?

• Why are good people connected to total nuts?

• Why does no one seem to care?

Of course Ardis is connected to Clay Clark and ThriveTime; Mikki Willis and Plandemic; Alex Jones and Info Wars; Simone Gold and the Frontline Doctors; People that are aligned with ReAwaken America Tour; and Scott McKay, and Leigh Dundas with Arise America Tour. Judy Mikovits who already had credibility issues? Why are they all connected, all with like events? What the heck is going on? And why does no one care?

When I saw the follow-up interview with Dr. Ardis complaining about Peters’ methods, I actually felt sorry for him. But then, I watched more. We should all be concerned with Peters and his agenda he seems to love to “stir the masses”.

I think so many Christians believe this stuff because they want to believe it. It supports, justifies, backs up something they already believe. Do we even care what faith Ardis follows? Are we just going to believe him without checking? He went to Brigham Young University. He is probably Mormon. He blames the Pope for all of this. We don’t care. He is anti-vax. Apparently that is all that matters. Or maybe it is that he is anti-government. Maybe that is why we should trust him. He makes us forget all about China and a scary World War.  We all know how easy it is to blame the United States government.

Well known churches are sharing this information. Even posting the movie Watch the Water to their websites.

It is the death of discernment. Who cares?

If we believe this, why would anyone believe us about anything else? The Gospel? Nah.

I hate to even include these links in fear of promoting the lies and deception. Do we really want to believe this stuff? This site doesn't seem to want these to be a hot link...maybe that is best. You will have to copy and paste.

• https://meaww.com/dr-bryan-ardis-qanon-theory-covid-19-venom-poisoning-water-supply 
• https://peopletopeople.tv/2022/04/12/100003529/
• https://forestviewclinic.health/blog/f/dr-bryan-ardis-is-a-fraud
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSlRFwA32Q4 

Polls, Statistcs, Facts and Thoughts

I came across a statistic the other day that astounded me. It was posted to a page that I follow on Facebook. It isn't a noted news source or anything of any notoriety, I don't believe. Still, it is a page I have followed for some time and have agreed with most of their posts, Though I haven't researched it thoroughly, I have found no misleading information there. But this claim bothered me. The little alarm immediately went off in my head.  You know, that hit your heart alarm that makes one realize that one must verify the information they have come across. I think we should all pay attention to that little buzzer and not take everything we read at face value.

The post stated:

"Are you in the top 10% ? - 'Current studies show that only 10% of Christians have a Biblical worldview; only 14% read the Bible on a daily basis, and only 2.8% of American pastors are willing to apply the Bible to current issues,'"

That information is shocking! I immediately posed a question on the page. "Whose statistics are these? Who took this poll?" I firmly believe we should know that information before haphazardly believing such an astonishing figure.

So not getting any answers there, I decided to do my own research. When I googled the question "What percentage of Christians have a Biblical world view?" Within the results many of the very same statistics came up. No wonder people so readily believe this. It appears it is a well disseminated statistic. But is it true?  I searched the results looking for well-known and well respected sources. Pew; Barna; Focus on the Family and Wallbuilders were sources I felt I could trust and were some of the sources attributed to this statistic.

I knew from my past studies, that around 80% of Americans still "identify" (sorry, I hate that word, now that it has been so overused in media) as Christians. To my relief, after hearing these negative statistics, I found that Barna and Pew are still reporting that 70+ percent of Americans consider themselves Christian. (Pew has it at 96% of those ages 50 to 64.) But do they have a Biblical world view?  I knew the answer to that question would be much lower than 70%, but I have a hard time believing it is only at 10%. Barna, in fact, has it at 17%, at least for the older generations.

 

Ugh! Still nothing to brag about.

Now, I have been warning of the dangers of the emergent church/social gospel for 20 years. I am well aware the church is and has been in danger for some time. I have devoted this blog to bring awareness to that fact. But I am unprepared to throw our faith to the chickens like chicken feed. I believe we need to question this statistic. There are those that are seeking to destroy our Christian faith.  It stands in the way of their politics. It stands in the way of a one world government. It stands in the way of Satan whom we know is at the root of all attacks on the Holy Bible. Could this statistic be coming from those that want to destroy our faith to make it seem irrelevant? I believe that is a fair question and worth researching.

So to begin, let's define "worldview".

Below is a simple explanation that everyone can understand from David Barton at Wallbuilders:

"I ski and there are times where I’ll use gray goggles or times when I’ll use yellow goggles because it causes the snow to have different looks. So that is your worldview. It’s the way you see the world. It is the lens through which you see the world and everybody’s got one. Everybody sees the world through some interpretation of their own understanding and their own beliefs. What they’ve been taught through their own beliefs in economics, the way they were raised in a family, if they go to church, what church they go to if they belong to a political party, and what party that is. Everything affects your worldview.

And for Christians the number one thing this should affect your worldview is, “What does God say about this?” And that’s what's called a Biblical worldview."

I like that. I think this is accurate. It doesn't matter what I think. The only thing that matters is what the Bible says. For a Christian, we should answer every question of life with "What does the Bible say?"

But within this poll using that definition, of a Biblical worldview, there is left an extremely large question. Whose Christianity do we negate by disseminating such a statistic? The statistic seems to be very narrow, yet ambiguous. Only 10% of Christians have a Biblical view? What does it truly mean? It seems it would have to mean that this is referring only to Christians who have a 100% complete understanding of Biblical principles. Now, we all wish every Christian did, but that does not mean every Christian has arrived at fullness of understanding. The Christian journey is one of learning -  a life long walk of experience and gaining understanding.

I won't be good at explaining this, but let me try. Barna posted some charts regarding some beliefs that resoundly do not agree with the Bible. I have shown them below. Now, after looking at the 10% statistic, I see hope in these charts. If only 28 to 32 % of those who call themselves Christian  believe in New Spirituality, than that means 72 to 68% of Christians do not. That's a good thing.

If only15 to 23 % of Christians believe in Postmodernism, than that means 85 to 77% do not.

Ok, so I get it. The more questions one is asked about Biblical principles the lower that number will get. The poll is looking for perfection of Biblical values. And that IS what we are to aspire to. But that is not what we will ever have on this earth. And my point is only this: It is my belief, to disseminate such a negative number because it relies on perfection, does more harm than good. It brings hopelessness. Who gains from that? Satan and those that want to negate Christianity all together, that's who. I don't want that to be misunderstood. I WANT perfection in my understanding and teaching of the Bible. But I don't want to discourage those that have not fully arrived, i.e. none of us. Who among us wants to believe we have digressed that far in our nation toward understanding and living the faith we were founded upon?

And so, I set out to prove this statistic isn't true. Probably not to demonstrate to the world as much as to prove to myself that this extremely low number cannot possibly be accurate. It is so very troubling. Now, as I have attempted to show, I can find other statistics that show our faith might not be in as much trouble as the original claim would have us believe. That's the problem with statistics. and clearly the problem with the internet. One can absolutely find anything one wants to promote and make it look legit. It takes a lot of work to delve for and discover truth.

For example the chart below from Pew Research Center shows 80% of Americans believe in God. And the chart to the right shows, over 50% of Americans believe God intervenes in their lives. That's a Biblical precept and that number should bring some encouragement to us, instead of making us feel like only 4% of Americans have any understanding of God at all -  which in my opinion the low statistics do! Whether or not that is their intent, is beside the point. That is what they point to - it just can't be healthy!

And yes, as I said, I did in fact find other statistics that would be more in line with where I thought the numbers should be. But those stats are of course, in regard to imperfect Christians. And that is that while 70 + percent of Americans who say they believe in God, only around 48% claim they have a Biblical worldview. That is exactly what I expected. But these studies delve further and upon questioning those Christians it has been revealed that only 10% actually do have a Biblical worldview.

"In other words, only 10% of Americans think and act according to the most basic biblical principles"

The problem is numbers can be skewed. There are so many variables to consider regarding the poll as these numbers are integrated into it. It is certainly no surprise that the younger generations have even lower numbers than the older generations. We have been on a slippery slope for years now. The younger generation will skew the poll. We have not taught our children well.  But it is also because in all truth, many of the younger generation have not really yet formulated their world view as they are still in the formative stages with so much of life to experience. They will not have the right answer to most questions. They are still baby Christians, in many ways. And yes, the poll did differentiate age groups, but when the ages are put together, we end up with revealing a mere 10% of Christians have a Biblical worldview.

 

Of course the Bible is our guideline and what we should always strive to use in our walk. But my concern is, does this statistic leave out those who have not entirely arrived at completion. Because in truth, that is ALL of us. Yes, it leaves those out who are still growing and makes Christianity seem like it has gone by the way side. That's my concern. We simply need to start standing up for false doctrines and worldly ideas, because in my view, we have the hearts.

 

Whether we like to admit it or not there are doctrinal differences within Christianity, that will affect the outcome of the poll. How were the questions worded? Did it stick to strictly foundational Christian beliefs or were doctrinal differences a part of it? There are things that Christians disagree on Scripturally, and there always has been since the beginning of time. It has always been my belief that God did that intentionally. Some things are left for us to work through, so that we will dig in for ourselves and really study the Bible. NOW, there is only ONE single, CORRECT interpretation; only one truth, but some things are left for us to study and discern; to take in the full counsel of the Word of God and put it ALL together. We can not cherry pick verses or take them out of context to fit what we believe.

Upon doing my research and reading from trusted sources, I grew weary. I felt unsure I was going to be able to prove my point, or even express my concern. I wanted to write to share a bit of my belief. That is why I blog. To clear my own thoughts, maybe to influence a few, just to get something down in tangible form that will allow discussion. Because I have always believed Christianity is in a world of hurt. And it has been my mission to expose that, to try to do something to bring about change. To work toward the spreading of the Gospel, but also to help formulate lives to live the best Christian life possible. It is my desire to help people understand that we have been under attack, and that our Christian faith is not the Christian faith of old in many ways. It needs to be protected and cared for. Of course God will never lose His church, but we are to be workers and not just sit idly by while the world has its way. We should never be silent in that regard, because it is my firm belief, silence is what got us into the mess we now find ourselves.

But anyway, as I researched, I didn't find my belief changing. I still do not believe the polls or these statistics, but it didn't become as important to try to disprove it. So what if I could? What would that do, bring the number up 20, or even 30 points, where I thought it would be? The number is still abysmal, which is right back to why I have always tried to expose the errors in the first place.

So I have changed my direction in this post back to my original quest for my blog. We are in a mess and we have done a terrible job of being good stewards of our faith. We must not be teaching our kids adequately and we are letting the world interfere far more than we should. We don't shame the media, we join them. We simply sit back and watch like the analogy of the frog in the boiling water. We didn't jump out at a boiling temperature, we stayed in the lukewarm temperatures slowly getting hotter and hotter, until we have all but been boiled alive.

Shame on us. I am actually pretty distraught over this, and I don't even know if I am making any sense. We are silent, instead of correcting false doctrine. Even when we, in fact, know we are Biblically mandated to correct and encourage our brothers and sisters in Christ. We have made every sin acceptable to us, if we just profess our love for Jesus loud enough. We have accepted the swearing pastor, the drinking pastor, and we have joined them. We wink at filthy jokes and rancor on television. We criticize other Christians for "being more about what we are against, than what we are for." We hold ourselves up and proudly state "we only want to stand for what we are for not against." We certainly don't want to admit that God is the one that has spoken about these things. Supposedly never understanding, (I wonder about that) when we do take this stance, we unwittingly support what the left supports in the degradation of our society. But again, maybe some do realize. Maybe, just maybe at the helm within some circles, there has been in infiltration of the church by those who seek to destroy it. And we just follow along, because it sounds so righteous. We accept sex outside of marriage and condone living with one another. We are silent regarding state-ordained, homosexual marriage, and the legalization of marijuana. We are nonchalant and give in to those things saying, "Oh well, it's going to happen eventually anyway." We don't expect any change in our lifestyle at all. We just LOVE Jesus. If we loved Him, wouldn't we obey His Commandments? Wouldn't we seek to become better than the world, rather than to become just like the world? Personally, I think the unbeliever expects that from us and actually wants to see a difference.

I will say it again, we have been poor stewards of our faith. We have all but thrown it to the wolves. In so doing, we have brought confusion to baby Christians, and to those of other faiths, and to the unsaved. Confusion reigns if these statistics are even partially accurate. And that is heartbreaking.

Now, I have turned this into a pretty depressing post. Who wants to read this? Can I end on such failure? Does this encourage anyone? Probably not. But it is still something that I needed to say. This is my witness. I feel like this is what I am to do. Others will do what they must.

I do like the way David Barton of Wallbuilders ended his interview with George Barna regarding this same subject. Allow me to try to gain back some dignity or honor, and end on a good note by quoting what George Barna author of one of the polls stated in that interview:

Well, really, there are a couple of things that keep me going. One is to recognize that we know we’re involved in a battle. So when you’re in the midst of a war you can’t really expect everything around you to look rosy.

Secondly, I know that through the power of the Holy Spirit that God has put within me because of my relationship with Christ I can do things for God that I just can’t do on my own power.

If I allow [H]im to use me for [H]is purposes. Great things can come out of it. And the other thing that keeps me going is as I study the [S]criptures I realize that when God transforms a culture [H]e never waits until [H]e has a majority of the people on [H]is side. He always uses what the [S]criptures call “a remnant” of individuals who are sold out to [H]im and to [H]is purposes.

So true and so well said. I simply added [H] -  just a little old fashioned correction. Forgive me, if that looks petty.

Onward!

Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood.
 - Acts 20:28

Bathroom Bullies

"Bathroom bullies"? Wow. I think the author of this article might be a bit confused! I point this out, because it is almost hidden within the text of the article and yet it says so much. Who are the "bathroom bullies"? Let's take a look. A little information about the author from Wikipedia - John Pavlovitz is an American Christian pastor and author, known for his social and political writings from a liberal Christian perspective. Wikipedia (emphasis in bold, mine)

Enough said. But I am going to share what I think, anyway. ;-) That's why I blog.

This article is a classic example of "Progressive Christianity".  I want to address it, because progressive Christianity is a danger to our faith and to our nation.

Clearly, this man has some confusion about what a Christian should be; OR this is an intentional attack on evangelical Christians of old and those who stand firm in their faith today. Some people have a need to believe and support this ideology because they don't like what God calls sin. (I don't think it's a sin to only want females in girls' bathrooms.) The loudest ones have a political agenda with attempts to destroy the church from within, before their politics can become effective. Others are simply, but dangerously deceived. I will not be one who remains silent about those who are purposefully deceiving others by "Progressive Christianity" and a possible paved path to Hell.

I know throwing a bunch of Scriptures at someone is no way to draw an unbeliever into our faith. But this is not to reach those who are unsaved. This is to reach those that might be finding themselves sucked into the dogma of what has come to be known as "Progressive Christianity".

Below are Pavlovitz points. Let me make a few comment on each of his points and apply Scripture to them. My points will be in blue for clarity. And in order to easily find the Chapter and Verse I have placed them in red. This is not, by any means, an exhaustive list of Scripture verses on the subjects. This is simply what I have committed to memory and why I know Pavlovitz must be refuted. The Bible tells us so. He states (Bullet points):

• I refuse to be a Christian who lives in fear of people who look or speak or worship differently than I do.

I know no Christian who lives in fear of other faiths. I do know faiths that are dangerously wrong. We are to guard against being exposed to that.

John 14:6  "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."        

And: John 14:15  "If ye love me, keep my commandments"

1 Peter 5:8  "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:"
Matthew 24:24 “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.”

• I refuse to be a Christian who believes that God blesses America more than God so loves the world. 

Sounds very profound. But God clearly says throughout Scripture there are those he will bless and those he shall curse. As one example, in Genesis 12:3, he says he will bless those who bless Israel. America does and always has supported and been a blessing to Israel:   "And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed."

And Romans: 9:18: Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.
John 12:40: "He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, so that they cannot see with their eyes, and understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them." Yeah, I don't like that one either. But we need the full counsel of the Word of God.

• I refuse to be a Christian who can’t find the beauty and truth in religious traditions other than my own.

There is no need to find beauty or truth in religious traditions of other faiths. Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism and any others are all false religions. There is Truth only in One. The others are a dangerous path to hell. Where is the love in that? We are a nation that accepts all faiths. But those citizens who are Christians have a command to share the Truth to those they come in contact. The Great Commission:

Matthew 28:16-20 ¹⁶ Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. ¹⁷ When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. ¹⁸ Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹ Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (emphasis in bold, mine)

Again, where is the beauty in a path to Hell?

• I refuse to be a Christian who uses the Bible to perpetuate individual or systemic bigotry, racism, or sexism.

Now what would be an example of this, in the author's mind? Not wanting to bake a cake for a homosexual wedding? (Leviticus 12:22, Leviticus 20:13 and Romans 1:26-27; and the Biblical definition of marriage in Matthew 19:3 -6 ) Or is it Christians who are bold enough to say there are only 2 genders that bothers him? (Genesis 5:2; Matthew 19:3 -6) Trying to "love someone in" to the Kingdom by caring enough to tell them truth? Is that the ones Pavlovitz is talking about? Standing up for white males, because they are now the PC person to attack, is that to whom he refers? Christians following Scripture? Does he consider that bigotry? Unfortunate that it doesn't fit the Progressive agenda? It is not ok to ignore the Bible in regard to homosexuality, and abortion and the fact that there is only one way to God.

One can be forgiven any sin, but one must not continue in that sin. This is what people who promote homosexual marriage do not understand. They love to point to all the other sins, like fornication or divorce that a Christian might be doing. But the difference is, to be truly born again they should no longer be actively participating in that sin. Not true of one in a homosexual marriage. They are continuing in sin. Not my words - God's.

John 8: 10 -11; "Go and sin no more." And John 5: 10-14 "...sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee."

• I refuse to be a Christian who treasures allegiance to a flag or a country or a political party, above emulating Jesus.

Really? This is simply another false accusation by this man. Progressives seem to love to point this finger at conservative Christians, while touting and demanding their own progressive narrative. I don't see emulation of Jesus in that. This is something the progressives love to accuse conservative Christians of, without regard to specifics. Who are they to say that anyone loves their nation more than their God? We are instructed to be good stewards of our nation. Most of us believe by being active politically in our nation, we are preserving our freedom to worship as we please. And thereby the ability to continue to spread the true Gospel. Do they believe they emulate Jesus better when they twist His word into things they want it to say? When they are the ones that end up casting judgment because they don't agree? I think there might be 4 fingers pointing back at them.

• I refuse to be a Christian who is reluctant to call-out the words of hateful preachers, venomous politicians, and mean-spirited pew sitters, in the name of keeping ceremonial Christian unity.

Who are these people he is accusing? Treading danger ground here. Instead, maybe he should heed these Scriptures:

Galatians' 1:10
For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.

Deuteronomy 4:2
You must not add to or subtract from what I command you, so that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God that I am giving you.
Deuteronomy 12:32
See that you do everything I command you; do not add to it or subtract from it.
Proverbs 30:6
Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you and prove you a liar.
Revelation 22:7
"Behold, I am coming quickly. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of prophecy in this book."

Revelation 22:18

For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book;

Matthew 6:24
No one can serve two masters: Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.
1 Thessalonians 2:4
Instead, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, not in order to please men but God, who examines our hearts.

Ok so I guess I got carried away with posting Scriptures on that one. You get the point.

• I refuse to be a Christian who tolerates a global Church where all people are not openly welcomed, fully celebrated, and equally cared for.

It was God who created the nations and the boundaries, for His purpose.

Acts 17:26 "And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;"

We probably shouldn't argue. And the verses regarding this are many, so I will list a few more:

Deuteronomy 32:8 "When the Most High gave the nations their inheritance, when He divided the sons of man, He set the boundaries of the peoples according to the number of the sons of God."
Job 12:23 "He makes nations great, and destroys them; He enlarges nations, and sends them away."
Psalm 74:17 "You set all the boundaries of the earth; You made the summer and winter."
Jeremiah 27:5 "By My great power and outstretched arm, I made the earth and the men and beasts on the face of it, and I give it to whom I please."

But also, in regard to his reckless comment about being "equally cared for", the truth is, rather, that we are instructed in Scripture to take care of our own first. There is nothing wrong with that. And is in fact, how we are better able to help others. Everyone knows one cannot do ones best when one is weak.

Galatians 6:10 "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith." That would also be those of our own nation, then, wouldn't it.

1 Timothy 5:8 ⁸ But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

And as well, Jesus told us the poor will always be among us.
Matthew 26:11 "For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always."

I am tired of Progressives using the Bible to promote their socialistic agenda. It simply isn't there. This is classic distortion. Socialism is simply a world experiment that has failed over and over. The Bible must be utilized in full context.

2 Thessalonians 3:10  For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.

• I refuse to be a Christian who speaks always with holy war rhetoric about an encroaching enemy horde that must be rallied against and defeated.

There are enemies that seek to destroy us. God doesn't expect us to sit idly by, but to take up our sword. We have the same enemy then as now.

Luke 22:36-38 "Then said he unto them, But now, he 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."

Deuteronomy 3:18 At that time I commanded you: "The LORD your God has given you this land to possess. All your warriors are to cross over, armed for battle, ahead of your brothers, the Israelites.

And Numbers 32:20 "Then Moses said to them: “If you do this thing, if you arm yourselves before the LORD for the war,"

Nehemiah 4:17-18 “Who were building on the wall. Those who carried burdens were loaded in such a way that each labored on the work with one hand and held his weapon with the other. And each of the builders had his sword strapped at his side while he built. The man who sounded the trumpet was beside me.”

I know progressives do not like to give the same respect to the Old Testament as to the New Testament, so I have bookended these verses with New Testament Scriptures ending in Matthew 10:34: "Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword."

• I refuse to be a Christian who is generous with damnation and stingy with Grace.

That's his opinion. In my opinion, one cannot be a loving Christian without warning of Hell and the sin that takes one there. What kind of love is that, if we don't? We are instructed to warn others and to correct brothers and sisters when in error.

Galatians 4:16 "Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth?"

And don't forget this, Mr. Pavolovitz:

Jude 1:4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. (emphasis in bold mine)

• I refuse to be a Christian who can’t see the image of God in people of every color, every religious tradition, every sexual orientation.

God is not in everything or everyone as the "new" (rather, age old) heresy of pantheism comes around again. The image of God is not in race or nationality, but in those who have accepted His love and forgiveness for their sin and with whom the Holy Spirit dwells. I have already listed Scripture regarding the sin of certain "sexual orientations" and of false religions. We can be accepting of neither, but that does not mean we do not have love for them and have concern for their error.

• I refuse to be a Christian who demands that others believe what I believe or live as I live or profess what I profess.

I see no Christians, in the negative light this man sees. These accusations are merely his opinion. We are expected to share God's truth, so that others will find Grace and enter His Kingdom. Contrary to this man's statement, Jesus called us to share His truth. Jesus sent the disciples out in twos and told them to shake the dust from their feet, if anyone did not receive their message.

Luke 10: 1-3" And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet."

And Matthew 10:14-15 "Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city."

 Mark 6:7 "And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;"

• I refuse to be a Christian who sees the world in a hopeless spiral downward and can only condemn it or withdraw from it.

We are not to love this world. It is not our home. Christians more than anyone, do not withdraw from this world to do nothing, as he implies. Rather, they are the most active in bringing about love in a tangible way. But they are also keenly aware they are not to love this world, but to be set apart from it.

1 John 2:15 "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him."

And Romans 12:2. "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
John 15:19 - If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

• I refuse to be a Christian devoid of the character of Jesus; his humility, his compassion, his smallness, his gentleness with people’s wounds, his attention to the poor and the forgotten and the marginalized, his intolerance for religious hypocrisy, his clear expression of the love of God.

I know no Christian's like this. This is not my view of my brothers and sisters in Christ. Truly a sad perception this Pavolvitz has of fellow Christians. Or maybe he just has an agenda. Maybe he has sin he wants to embrace. The truth is, Jesus turned tables. Jesus called some a "generation of vipers". Jesus said, "Go and sin no more". Jesus told us He came to fulfill the law, not replace it. ~Matthew 5:17

2 Corinthians 7:1 - Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Matthew 12:34-37  "O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh." A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

2 Corinthians 4:2 "But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God."

• I refuse to be a Christian unless it means I live as a person of hospitality, of healing, of redemption, of justice, of expectation-defying Grace, of counterintuitive love. These are non-negotiables.

James 1:27  Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. Emphasis in bold mine. This is the part of this passage that the proponents of Progressive Christianity always seem to miss. "...keep himself unspotted from the world." We probably should pay attention to that phrase, too. Seems these days it is sorely missed.

Yep some things are non-negotiable. Forgiveness requires repentance.

There is so much more I could say; so many more Bible verses to quote. But this is getting long and people don't have the time to delve into an article of such length. I think I have included a Bible verse with each of his points and that is enough. That is what I set out to do. If someone has more questions or wishes to discuss they can do so here in the comments. I will answer to the best of my ability. And I am always open to discussion. I believe that is how we all learn. But yes, let's put an end to "bathroom bullies". We might have different ideas of who they are.

I will simply end with a few more important verses.

1 John 5:11-14

¹¹ And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

¹² He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

¹³ These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

Colossians 2:8

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

Romans 16:17

"Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them."

1 Corinthians 10:33
just as I try to please everyone in all I do. For I am not seeking my own good, but the good of many, that they may be saved.

 

Feminine, Not Feminine - Part 2; Take Heed

From Where Does it Come?

When the heresy of a feminine Holy Spirit came to my attention, it wasn't too hard to understand this belief must have a notable source. No one jumps out publicly with heresy without strong back-up or a supporting source of belief.

It seems some are prone to heretical dogma. They are pulled away easily at every turn. There is Scripture warning of that, (Ephesian 4:14) so we should not be surprised. In recent, years there has been a turn among some groups back to mysticism and some Catholic rituals. A trend to follow the practices of Catholicism from which Protestants were once freed. They have been led astray by mingling in Catholicism and mysticism of the past with "new age" teaching of the present. Talk of following "ancient paths" instead of pointing to the Holy Bible is becoming more and more common and taking believers off track. I suspect the fallacy of a feminine Holy Spirit has some root here.

A quick Google search will reveal many connections. There are some names that may come up, that are obviously heretical, without a tremendous amount of influence. I won't spend time there. Jack Hyles, once a pastor of a Baptist mega-church may bare some responsibility. He claimed the Trinity is analogous to a family. His point was that in the family the woman would be the Holy Spirit. I suspect that may have been misconstrued (probably not his intent) and reversed - i.e. making the Holy Spirit female. I don't think he is important enough to spend time on here. I simply mention these sources as a warning for those who choose to do more research on their own. Also, there are Catholic sites that tell us the family is a reflection of the Trinity - apparently they need the Spirit to be female and a Mother to carry out this comparison. I suppose in their belief, it gives place for them to put Mother Mary within the Trinity. Just beware. But there are other more dangerous sources than this. The two following people that I want to mention are where I suspect most of the fallacy gained momentum within mainstream Protestant Christianity.

It didn't take too much time searching before I found that Monica Dennington, from "Tic Toc Ministries" is in part responsible for the dissemination of this lie. From the videos I listened to from Tic Toc, I suspect she was too busy preaching about "following the ancient path", rather than rightly dividing the Word of God. Once thought to be accurate in her teaching, she obviously has been led further and further astray. I do not know for fact she was ever accurate. I have read reviews from some who say she was. But personally I have not studied her teachings to that degree. I only have recently become aware of her, and that was through finding her distortion of the gender of the Holy Spirit. Every video I watched from her (and there were several) all contained inaccuracies/heresy. I do know that heretics often follow Scripture, sometimes even with the right heart; but then something causes them to become increasingly off track. Maybe by their own pride, or taking their eyes off Jesus, maybe getting sucked in by the world - I suppose there are many reasons.

Regardless, Monica Dennington now very clearly teaches that the Holy Spirit is feminine. She is also very clearly wrong. I also found a video of Monica Dennington criticizing Calvinism. So it seems everyone is at odds with everyone over different issues. There is Scripture for that too. Surprised, not surprised. Many who have bought into the female Holy Spirit are Calvinists. I suspect Dennington is on the other side of some issues from them to have had much influence on this group. Due to her warnings of Calvinism her influence is probably limited as Calvinism has increased exponentially among millennials and others. But still, she has obviously influenced many Christians, and most of them from the younger generation. In my opinion, Christianity is getting increasingly messy. And we have only ourselves to blame by allowing incorrect doctrine and not following Scripture's admonition to correct it when we find it. We are too kind (note sarcasm, probably more likely gullible) and politically correct for that.

I suspect the greatest source of this teaching, with the most likely degree of influence comes from R.P. Nettelhorst author of several books, two of the most popular being: A Year with God; and A Year with Jesus.  

Nettlehorst writes for Ridge Rider News and is a professor of Bible and Biblical languages (Hebrew; Greek; Aramaic) at Quartz Hill School of Theology in Southern California. He also writes for the liberal Jerusalem Post. His resume clearly demonstrates there is no reason for him to not understand the rule of "grammatical gender" within those languages that I wrote about in my previous post. Yet he chooses to ignore it; defining and leading others to define the Holy Spirit as feminine.

A list of credentials from his website:

"I’m married with three daughters. I live in southern California and I’m a deacon at Quartz Hill Community Church. I teach Bible, Theology, and languages such as Hebrew, Aramaic, and Syriac at the small church-based seminary Quartz Hill School of Theology. And I write books. I spent a couple of summers while I was in college working on a kibbutz in Israel. In 2004, I was a volunteer with the Ansari X-Prize at the winning launches of SpaceShipOne. I’m a member of the Society of Biblical Literature, the American Academy of Religion, and The Authors Guild."

Let that sink in. He writes for the liberal Jerusalem Post. He claims to be a scholar in Greek and Hebrew language. And he has spent time in Israel! He obviously understands the languages. He surely must know he is deceiving.

In an article for the Quartz Hill School of Theology he covers a feminine Holy Spirit in a segment entitled: Is There a Question About the Gender of the Holy Spirit. This is what he says (in part) regarding a feminine Holy Spirit. I will counter them after the quote.

• "A feminine Holy Spirit clarifies how women can also be said to be created in the "image of God". It has long been recognized that he Godhead must include some feminine aspects, since Genesis 1:26-27 explicitly states that both men and women were created in God's image.
• A feminine Holy Spirit explains the identity of the personified wisdom in Proverbs 8:12-31:
• The third benefit of recognizing the femininity of the Holy Spirit is that it explains the subservient role that the Spirit plays. The Bible seems to indicate that the Spirit does not speak for itself or about itself; rather the Spirit only speaks what it hears. The Spirit is said to have come into the world to glorify Christ (See John 16:13-14 and Acts 13:2). In contrast, it should be noted that the Scripture represents both the Father and Son speaking from and of themselves.
• Finally, a feminine Holy Spirit, with a Father and Son as the rest of the Trinity, may help explain why the family is the basic unit of human society."

Let me discuss/refute briefly each of these points.

• Genesis 1:26-27 isn't speaking of both men and women when the pronoun "our" is used. Rather it is speaking of the Trinity. This verse has long been used as proof that God is a Triune God. "Our Image" - the image of the Triune God. The other key is in the word "them". The verse means he would create male and female in the image of a Triune God; NOT man and woman as implied.
• No. The "grammatical gender" rule discussed in my previous post explains "personified wisdom" in Proverbs 8:12-31. Wisdom is a feminine noun, but it does not denote a feminine Holy Spirit or God.
• NO place in Scripture does it identify the Holy Spirit as subservient. Rather that the three are all equal in one. 1 John 5:7 - "For there are three that bear record in Heaven. And these three are one." And there are many more verses to support that: 2 Cor. 3:16-18; 1 Timothy 3:16; John 8:58; John 1:1; Eph. 4:4-6; Isaiah 48:16; Matthew 28:19; John 10:33, 36; and Acts 5:1-4. The role of the Spirit to point to Jesus is to prevent exactly what this author has done. ¹³ Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. ~ John 16:13 That is NOT subservience. That is unity of a 3 in 1 God. And that is what God intended.
• No where are we told the Triune God is to explain the family. That is from a Catholic belief system which I mentioned earlier.

While, Nettlehorst is careful not to say definitively that the Holy Spirit is feminine, (at least as far as I have studied thus far) he certainly is attempting to lead readers/students in this direction. Shame on him! And while Monica Dennington might be honestly deceived by not gaining proper knowledge, I absolutely cannot understand how R. P. Nettlehorst could be with the credentials he claims.

This is simply an old-fashioned "new age" heresy that is making the rounds once again. If one starts down the path of mysticism in any form, one will end up in heresy. Personally, I believe this is a part of the feminism political agenda, which has infiltrated the Church to lead Christians astray.

Heresy and Politics

The ironic thing is, when one finds heresy, one can usually find a liberal political bent. I mention it here as a warning. The Christian left loves to tell us not to be political, but yet they are.

Nettlehorst has political leanings even though he advocates against Christians being political. Simply by denial, or by saying that politics have no place within Christianity, he is political. I knew I would find it. If there is distortion of Scripture these days, or heresy, researching the source will almost always reveal a liberal bent. They all tell us not to be political, but then they are. Please prove me wrong, if you don't believe it. I would welcome it. It simply is a consistently consistent narrative I have observed.

From an article of Nettlehorst's at the Jerusalem Post:

"The obvious corruption, both morally and in every other way that is the nature of the political arena should have been the first clue to French or anyone else that the church has no business getting involved in such things.  The church’s purpose is something entirely different than politics."........" The church, and its so-called leaders, should just stay out of the political realm altogether."

That is a political statement. But they never end it there. They continue with liberal talking points that often include anti-gun; anti-American; as well as attacks on those who take a stand against gay rights, or anyone who argues against pro-choice activists. And I won't even get into some current world-wide missions where the social gospel is encouraged, but not the True Gospel. I have already done that several times in other posts.

With all that being said, I am left to believe and we should all stop to consider that our faith has been infiltrated from a deviant source. I just happen to believe some of it is political. It is all very definitely the enemy.

A Masculine God

All references to God in the entire Bible are masculine. He never uses the feminine gender to identify Himself. Yahweh, Elohim, Adonai, Kurios, Theos, Ekeinos, are all masculine gender.

In the New Testament, the majority of the translation of the word "God" comes from the Greek word Theos - masculine gender.

The Greek word "parakletos" translated “Counselor,” “Helper,” “Comforter”, “Advocate” in the New Testament is a masculine word. Thus masculine pronouns are correctly used. God wanted to be seen as a Male. We do NOT get to question that.

The Greek word "pneuma", translated “spirit”, also translated “wind” or “breath” in the New Testament is neuter or neutral; but when used with "grammatical gender", as well as the full counsel of the Word of God, it is correctly translated as the masculine gender.

From GotQuestions.org:

"Linguistically, it is clear that masculine theistic terminology dominates the Scriptures. Throughout both testaments, references to God use masculine pronouns. Specific names for God (e.g., Yahweh, Elohim, Adonai, Kurios, Theos, etc.) are all in the masculine gender. God is never given a feminine name, or referred to using feminine pronouns. The Holy Spirit is referred to in the masculine throughout the New Testament, although the word for "spirit" by itself (pneuma) is actually gender-neutral. The Hebrew word for "spirit" (ruach) is feminine in Genesis 1:2. But the gender of a word in Greek or Hebrew has nothing to do with gender identity."[1]

As explained in my first post the gender identity has to do with the rule of "grammatical gender" as well as correct usage of the full counsel of the Word of God. If we follow those two things, as God intended, we will arrive at the right translation and conclusion.

In Summary

One cannot do simple word studies as they do not teach the details or grammar of a language, thus ending in inaccurate translations.

There is almost always a political implication or agenda beneath the surface when one finds heresy.

People that support this false doctrine, in effect, deny the Trinity; they deny the Holy Spirit is a person; they deny HE is God. They will next be able to deny the Virgin Birth. They will even be able to deny Jesus is God, because if the Holy Spirit is not of a Triune God, then Jesus isn't God either because the Bible says that they both are God. Once you head down the wrong path, (new age, mysticism, ancient paths) there is no extremity to where it might end.

I'm sorry, not sorry, this cannot continue. Those spreading this false doctrine must be corrected and silenced. Titus 1:9-16:

9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. ¹⁰ For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: ¹¹ Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake. ¹² One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, the Cretians are always liars, evil beasts, slow bellies. ¹³ This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;* ¹⁴ Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth. ¹⁵ Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. ¹⁶ They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

Finally, let me say this. In Matthew 24 - the chapter where Jesus tells us what will happen at the end of the age - the very first warning is to not allow oneself to be deceived!

"And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? ⁴ And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you."

This was so important to Him that he said it at the very outset of His last major discourse and His most prophetic message about the end of the age. The entire chapter is one of warning to watch, to be mindful, what to expect. These warnings are being minimized within the church, in my opinion. They are too uncomfortable. It is for another time, people say. Many do not want to think about it. Which I guess is why we also need to hear 2 Peter 3: 2-3: 

Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, ⁴ And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation."

This verse isn't talking about unbelievers. It is talking about believers. The Bible is full of warnings. We simply cannot just pick and choose that which tickles our ears or what might seem like "the next big thing".  God is clear:

"Take heed that no man deceive you."

 

---

 

[1] https://www.gotquestions.org/Holy-Spirit-gender.html

 

*Emphasis in bold, mine.