THE HIEROPHANT CHRONICLE

The first assignment for this class was to list six cultural issues, which are in conflict with traditional Christianity. I listed the following issues, The Church, abortion, homosexuality, greed, divorce, marriage, and adultery. After listing theses, I wrote a little something about each one.

Church:  It is my belief that the Church is the people who are believers in Christ. I feel that the houses of worship are losing the traditional teachings of
Christianity. Conflicting beliefs is a major problem in our culture today. The issues that face the Church today are at the very core of our society. I feel that the traditional teachings of the Bible are mired, in interpretations that are widely debated. This places a complex burden on how to deal with the issues of today.

Abortion:
                Having first hand knowledge of this ill-fated practice has the Church divided over rights of human’s versus God’s gift of life. I now know to take a life in this manner is not our right. The discussion in class on this topic was very emotional and united against abortion.
           The biblical ethic upholds the dignity and worth of every human being, regardless of the state of development or physical dependency, from the moment of conception until natural death, the life-of-the-mother position is consistent with this position. The Christian community should endorse such a position both in personal practice and in public policy, and back it up with tangible spiritual, emotional, and financial help for women who are facing difficult pregnancies. (Evangelical Ethics)

Homosexuality;
                 This debate attacks the moral fiber of humanity I refer to Romans 1:24 which states. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves. (The Holy Bible KJV)
The research conversation, that homosexuality is not a medical condition, but perhaps a socially learned one, turned out to be a very lively debate in class. Our class discussion about various areas, of how homosexuality touches our lives was controversial.
The legal aspect of, homosexual’s granted civil rights under the law caused for some a rise in temperature. Even though this is a debate, the case for equality across the broad, for homosexuals will be faced.  
The denial of legal sanction and societal approval for homosexual behavior does not imply that Christians should condone to encourage the deliberate entrapment, harassment, or persecution of practicing homosexuals.
The homosexual, like every other citizen, has rights of due process, but these legitimate rights do not extend to the societal legitimation of any and every form of sexual behavior.
The role the Christians church should play is not to support confused notions of “civil rights” in this area. The Church needs to be bold and clear in teaching of the Bible and its wisdom confirmed by history. Sharing the message of hope and promise with homosexuals of a new life through Jesus Christ, and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit brings about change.  (Evangelical Ethics)

To follow the path of truth is understanding along the way the Love shared with us. Meaning an issue such as homosexuality, which is an abomination to God, can be     dealt with through the love of Jesus Christ. To love another as Jesus loves us is the key.
Greed:
          The root of all evil is present in every sector of culture today. Even in the houses of worship; building mega churches a symbol of money, power, for the purpose of glorifying God. My thought is if the money used to build these wondrous places of worship, where used to help those in need what better way to honor The Father.

Divorce and Marriage:
                               In today’s culture of what I call the disposal attitude, this is a direct assault on families. This is in danger and affects all areas of life. Western culture has a major influence on the world stage, our actions do matter. In class we had a discussion on divorce and remarriage. It was seen by a rising of hands in class, how divorce touches us all. Divorce in Gods eyes is wrong, however is forgiven if indeed the sins are repented. Christians seeking forgiveness and making restitution to those involved may remarry.
Adultery:
                            A problem that has crossed over in to the very core of the church, touching pulpits across the land. This was an issue that the majority of the class related to. The fact for me is our sinful nature that leads to the act of adultery. For if we knew “Love” the act of dishonoring the union of marriage would not be an option.
These are the issues I felt that conflicted with traditional Christianity, some we have discussed as noted. This class has been an eye opener for me as to what lies ahead for a Minster of God. Also a deeper understanding in my heart, mind and soul, love is a growing relationship with Christ Jesus, and I have a lifetime of growing to do.  There where two discussions that got under my skin as the saying goes. Crime and punishment and homosexuality; I understand to deal with these requires “God’s Love!” and is what I will focus on.
                                  
                                    Crime and Punishment   
As a father, with a daughter I recall having a conversation that provoked this response. “If a crime was committed against my daughter and I knew without a doubt who did it. On the way out the door, I would call the police and pray they got there before I did.” So still maintaining this attitude, I now know why I was bothered by the class discussion.   
The scriptural reading for capital punishment is found in Genesis 9: 6, Whoso sheddeth man‘s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man. (The Holy Bible KJV)  
As I have often heard if a man takes a life unjustly, then that man should forfeit his life. In a case where one is found guilty within our justice system, without a doubt his life should be taken. This is what I believed and stood by for a long time. I made a statement that one could forgive without love. There were several comments made which debated my statement, which led me to rethink what I had said.
 I have chosen to seek and speak God’s truth in my life and share it with others. So this was a subject that took a lot of praying, reading and soul searching. Can you truly forgive a person who has taken the life of a loved one?  Well before I could answer this question for myself I needed to understand forgiveness. Looking up forgive I found; to cease to feel resentment against, forgiveness; disposition or willingness to forgive (Dictionary)

It became clear to me that the statement I made was worldly. True forgiveness can only be given from those that love God.

When you enter a loving relationship with Jesus, you begin to see all people through His eyes.  He loved us all and gave his life for the forgiveness of our sins. So to forgive one who has harmed us is done through the love of Jesus. To forgive in the worldly state of mind is to hide resentment deep inside, a lie behind close doors if you will. From my point of view if one commit’s a crime of murder, and the death penalty is imposed so be it.
                                               Homosexuality
 The first reference to homosexuality in the Bible is found in Genesis 19: 1-11, where Lot entertained the two angels sent to Sodom to investigate the outcry against the sins of that city and Gomorrah. Lot received the angels into his house, and at evening the men of the city surrounded the house and demanded to see his visitors. “Where are the men who came to you tonight?” Bring them out to us, that we may know them.” (Evangelical Ethics)
Another story of homosexuality is found in Judges 19. A Levite traveling with his mistress spent the night in the town of Gibeah, accepting the hospitality of an elderly man, was in for the night. That evening the house was surrounded by men with evil intentions. They told the elderly man, “Bring out the man who came into your house, that we may know him.” (Judges 19:22 KJV)
For this cause God gave them upto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature. And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet. (Romans 1: 26-27 KJV)
The word to “know” is debated for its meaning in the context of the scriptures. D.S. Bailey argues that the demand to know the strangers was nothing more than wanting to get acquainted.  Where Christian and Jewish scholars agree it is a clear reference to homosexuality.(Evangelical Ethics)
 
In the 70’s, my late teens and early twenties were spent in California, specifically in the Bay Area.  I grew up sexually during that time following a saying “don’t knock it until you try it.”  The experience at that time was done in a worldly body, even though I knew the Lord. The sporadic homosexual encounters where committed under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and ended with a feeling of guilt. Having a strong heterosexual drive, and married to my wife going on twenty six years, I am thankful for a loving and forgiving God.
 
Homosexuality from my point of experience is a socially induced orientation. The saying “don’t knock it until you try it.” opened the door to a culture of gaiety without a care. For those that where looking for an identity of self, during the 70’s the gay community was open. Spending hours talking with groups and individuals I found, the entrapment of the homosexual lifestyle was daring to be different. I often wondered why I walked that path; truth is I had no direction, no care.
Sharing this experience of my youth, only with my wife, this class has allowed me to purge in words the deed of abomination against God. It has also helped to free the guilt of this action, by understanding what was locked away. The best part is accepting the forgiveness within. As I continue my walk of faith, I shed the old skin daily which opens doors of humility and thankfulness. I enjoyed the class as well as your instruction.
                                             
                                                References
Davis J.J. (2004). Evangelical Ethics. Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing,      
Company,  P.O. Box 817, Phillips burg, New Jersey 08865  
   The Holy Bible, King James Version, Thomas Nelson Bibles
The Random House College Dictionary

                                    Divorce and Remarriage

“So Bob it’s been awhile, how are you doing?” “Fine other than the fact I am getting a divorce.” “Man I’m sorry to hear that!” “No worry Dan, after things settle down I will marry the woman I met a couple of years ago, everything will be better then.”
According to (Divorce Magazine .com) 49% of marriage ends in divorce. The moral effect of divorce is a silent destruction of today’s society. It has a ripple effect within the family unit especially when children are involved. Children of divorce, grow up having a lot of issues dealing with a variety of problems. Like drugs, alcohol, and low self esteem and having a feeling’s of guilt because of the divorce.
It does not matter where you stand on the issue of divorce, God hate’s divorce (Malachi  2:16) say’s “I hate divorce,” says the Lord God of Israel, “and I hate man’s covering himself with violence as well as with his garment,” say’s The Lord Almighty. God intended for marriage to be a life time commitment, not an institution of disposal, ideas. Meaning if you or some one in marriage does not fit then a divorce is had. However God knowing or sinful nature gave some laws on divorce.
(Deuteronomy 34:1) When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favor in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness’ in her then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand and send her out of his house. We can read in the scripture God hates divorce, because of our nature God gave laws to protect the women in the earlier days of history.

                                                                                         
Then we have the issue of remarriage, this is a debated around what Jesus said recorded in (Matthew 5:31-32) “It has been said, ‘anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for martial unfaithfulness, causes to her to become an adulteress, and anyone who marries the divorced woman commits adultery.” 

The ‘martial unfaithfulness’ has been interpreted, to mean any form of sexual immorality. Thus Jesus saying possibly that divorce is permissible if sexual immorality is committed.
Therefore any braking of the marriage vows, by having sexual relations outside of marriage might be a permissible reason for divorce. Remarriage in some cases may be an option, though God would rather us change our hearts with reconciliation and forgiveness.
As the divorce and remarriage issue plays out in the debate arena, of today’s world, God’s word will stand for what He intended it to mean.

When does  one make a decision  to forward there independence to that of dependence? Does it happen when one realizes, that life of itself is more than what has been created by ones own hand?

 Or does it happen when the loneliness of self sets in? We are mighty in thought weak in spirit. The inner feeling that there has to be more to life, than to live or die burns inside each one us. There is more to life then what is understood in the vast knowledge of ones mind. We strive to make it through teen years seeking independence, to be our own person.

We make our mark big or small in the name of self freedom to do. Some reach the pinnacle of there desires. While others struggle to survive.  A game of choices and decisions made to what avail? 

 Good and evil are reality that confronts all and yet we do not see. Busy is the norm following this or that keeping up with the fads of the day missing what is real. Lost we are truly lost, unless we find the light.

The Light of Life is found when one searches for a true meaning. Without the hype or myth, that we are what is and no more. We are heirs to a life beyond this one, to find it is a realization that we are part of creation. Understanding this opens a door to a spiritual awaking, which is a choice to enter or not.

Making a choice to walk through that spiritual door brings the knowledge of our nature. Which brings forth the opportunity for salvation which is for all mankind These were words in a mind some may call it foolish I think somewhat interesting where do you stand?

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

There's a song which has dominated my attention for the past couple of weeks. From the first time I heard it, I began to play it so many times I've lost count. I think it's a beautiful song, of course, but there's so much more to it than that.

The song is titled "Captivate Us." It's on a CD by the group Watermark. It's a simple, quiet song with two voices and an acoustic guitar. I'm sharing the music with you here but I really want to suggest it not as a song, but as a prayer--a prayerful preparation for a conversation with our Heavenly Father. Not only have I listened to the song many times on the way to and from work but I've also used it to prepare my heart to commune with the Lord and to practice His presence as I begin to have conversation with Him.

For the purpose of prayer, you can change all of the us pronouns to me. As you become familiar with the words and are able to close your eyes as you speak them--out loud, preferably, I pray that He will, as the words say, draw you closer to Him.

"Your face is beautiful
And Your eyes are like the stars
Your gentle hands have healing
There inside the scars

Your loving arms they draw me near
And your smile it brings me peace
Draw me closer, oh my Lord
Draw me closer, Lord, to Thee

Captivate us, Lord Jesus
Set our eyes on You
Devastate us with Your presence
Falling down
And Rushing River draw us nearer
Holy Fountain consume us with You
Captivate us, Lord Jesus, with You

Your voice is powerful
And Your words are radiant bright
In Your breath and shadow
I will come close and abide

You whisper love and life divine
And Your fellowship is free
Draw me closer O my Lord
Draw me closer Lord to Thee

Captivate us, Lord Jesus
Set our eyes on You
Devastate us with Your presence
Falling down
And Rushing River draw us nearer
Holy Fountain consume us with You
Captivate us, Lord Jesus, with You

Let everything be lost in the shadows
Of the light of Your face
Let every chain be broken from me
As I'm bound in Your grace
For Your yoke is easy
Your burden is light
You're full of wisdom, power and might
And every eye will see You

Captivate us, Lord Jesus
Set our eyes on You
Devastate us with Your presence
Falling down
And Rushing River draw us nearer
Holy Fountain consume us with You
Captivate us, Lord Jesus, with You"


I am a lover of words--their meanings, colorations and shades. This song sent me to various dictionaries, as well as the Bible, to see all the meanings of some of the words and phrases used in this song. I wanted to see what God intended to say, what He wanted us to ask for, when He inspired the writers, Christy and Nathan Nockels.

First, look at the word captivate. It can mean: attract; fascinate; charm; enchant; cause to be enamored; beguile; entrance; hold the attention of someone by being extremely interesting, exciting, charming or attractive; subdue; overpower; capture; or enslave.

In praying "Captivate me, Lord", I'm see myself asking Him to do everything from attract me to enslave me.

What's that? I want Him to enslave me? But He told us through Paul:

"For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin - because anyone who has died has been freed from sin." (Romans 6:6-7)

Yes, freed from slavery to sin, but then divinely enslaved to Him:

“But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:22-23)

The lyrics make reference to Matthew 11:28-30: "Come to me all you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light."

For generating word-pictures in my mind, I love the references to the Lord as a Rushing River and Holy Fountain.

And we can read in Psalms:

"How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house; you give the drink from your river of delights. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light." (Psalm 36:7-9)

...And in Revelation:

"To all who are thirsty I will give the springs of the water of life without charge!" (Rev. 21:6b)

And directly from the mouth of Jesus:

"'If you are thirsty, come to me! If you believe in me, come and drink! For the Scriptures declare that rivers of living water will flow from within.'" (John 7:37b-38)

Another word which had an impact on me, but which surprised me, was devastate. I knew of its usage only in terms of laying waste to, or to ravage. But what a great word and a great request for me to make of God! It also means: arouse; elicit; kindle; evoke; fire; raise; provoke; overwhelm; overpower; sweep over; overcome; overtake; confound; stun.

I say "Lord, arouse me to You, and then proceed to overwhelm, sweep over, and all the rest. Just do it, Lord! And, Lord, while You're at it, go ahead and lay waste to and ravage everything You see in me that is not of You."

If you take the words as your own and pray them as you commune with our Heavenly Father, I'm sure He will lead you to other words which have the most meaning for you; which draw the clearest picture; which bring you into His presence the closest and prepare you for conversation with Him.

The sweetest times of concentrating on being in the Lord's presence are those when we come not to ask for anything--no matter how important and precious those requests are to Him--but those times when we say,

"Father, I don't come to You now to get anything. I've prayed about my needs and desires already and Your Word says they're met according to Your riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now, I just come to be with You. If you have anything You'd like to tell me, I'm ready to listen. I want You to know that whatever I see in Your Word or hear from You, I'll do."

Then sit or kneel in His presence and enjoy His company.

I pray the words of this song will be useful to you in your prayer time and that your time with Him will be more precious because of it.

Love,
Brother Bill

None of us can predict the future, but we can choose which paths that we take. What's the big deal with people expecting you to do what everyone else does? Mathew verses 7-14 says that there are two paths. One more traveled and one less traveled. You think people would be excited for you to do something different. Belief. So your a bum when you go your own way, but then suddenly your successful when you make something of yourself.

It's the dollar that talks so loudly these days. It's terribly distracting. Like you're trying to keep things low profile, but it's turning up the volume with "Black or White" on. Your parents want you to be quiet. And It's not like the knocking on the door stops either; With increased success comes increased responsibility. Apparently we're not running around the Fort Saskatchewan Mall with ripped Ninja Turtle sweat pants anymore. By that I mean kids. - and that's not a cheap stab at Michael.

We all, always, have something to say about everything. Opinion Why is it that some people are more stuck on theirs than others. Why do they feel like they have to push it on you? You've got life no further figured out than anyone else; However when most of us look at our lives we do think that we've got it all figured out. We all think that we are going to cross the finish line in first place. Amazing how most of us aren't even in the drivers seat. Nobody likes different, until different becomes good. What about being happy for others with where they are at? Money even talks at a time like this. Who said money couldn't buy happiness? Tell that to someone who is hungry. Is happiness having a full stomach? Riches.It's Human Nature: We exploit everything, until we either fall, or realize that it doesn't matter how much we have that it will never be enough. Pride. Sadly, that will keep alot of us going even after we come to that understanding.Do you remember the time when you looked in the mirror and saw yourself. I was told early in grade school that people are a reflection of each other. Expectation. Is that why are minds are full of what other people want from us? Why do we always measure ourself against the success and failures of others. What do you think we would look like if we were alone. Would Hair Gel have been invented? What about Nail Polish? Would people know who Louis Vuitton is? What about Versace? Actually I doubt it and I think Louis and Gianni would have to find new jobs.

Hello
It seems like it has been ages since I've taken time to do something I really enjoy. We get caught up in life events, we get overwhelmed with our responsibility's. I work full time, I'm going to school full time (at the age of 57 this is a challenge in it self) and work hard at spending time with my wife and son. Now that school has started, being there to support my son is hours sitting at a football field, and the driving too and from the games.

So I find very little time for self these days. Now would I change anything yes that would probably time spent at my full time job,which I really enjoy. Other than that no, I love the freedom to make my own choices to come and go to work to go school, which I have a 4.0 so far.

I love my country I spent time in the military to protect our freedom. That is why I am about to share with you information that is important. it was given to me and I went searching for answers. I was upset and vowed that I would do what I can to spread this. It is easy to say this would never happen but, as an American I feel this is your right and duty to find out and speak up!

What you are about to read is a lot of questions there are no answers but if you do any research on any of the questions you will find yourself wanting to know more the more the better prepared you will be. The more we know as a whole the louder we can speak. Take heed my friends this is not a joke this is are lives and the future of the our children and grandchildren that's in jeopardy. For you pray warriors pray for our guidance, share these questions with others

- Our unfunded liability for Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid is close to $100 trillion. Is there any way to pay for these programs without bankrupting America?

- We are in so much debt, why spend more borrowed money on cap-and-trade and healthcare programs before we stop the flow of red-ink?

- The stimulus package funneled billions of dollars to ACORN. How does giving billions of dollars to ACORN stimulate the economy?

- If it was so important for congress to pass the stimulus bill before they even had time to read it why has only a fraction of the stimulus money been spent 6 months later?

- Bush said he had to abandon free market principles in order to save them, how exactly does that work?

- Why won’t members of Congress read the bills before they vote on them?

- Why are citizens mocked and laughed at when they ask their congressman to read the bills before they vote on them?

- Was the cash-for-clunkers program meant to save the earth or the economy? Did it accomplish either?

- How did Van Jones, a self-proclaimed communist become a special advisor to the president?

- Did President Obama know of Van Jones’ radical political beliefs when he named him special advisor?

- The Apollo Alliance claimed credit for writing the stimulus bill—why was this group allowed to write any portion of this bill?

- If politicians aren’t writing the bills and aren’t reading the bills, do they have any idea what these 1000 page plus bills actually impose on the American people?

- If the ‘public option’ health care plan is so good why won’t politicians agree to have that as their plan?

- If town hall meetings are intended for the politicians to learn what’s on our mind—why do they spend so much time talking instead of listening?

- Politicians are refusing to attend town hall meetings complaining, without evidence, that they are scripted. Does that mean we shouldn’t come out and vote for you since every campaign stop, baby kiss and speech you give is scripted?

- Why would you want to overwhelm the system?

- Is using the economic crises to rush legislation through congress what Rahm Emanuel meant when he talked about "not letting a crises go to waste"?

- What are the czars paid? What is the budget for their staffs/offices?

- Who is "surrounding" the President in the White House?

- Do any of the President's advisers have criminal records?

- Are the President's advisers working to better the country or their own ideals?

- Who are the anti-capitalists in Washington?

- What roles do they have in crafting bills?

- What was "STORM"? What happened to the founders, where are they now?

- What qualifications must one have to be a Presidential adviser?

- What is the difference between a community organizer and a community activist?

- Do the czars have power?

- Should a communist have the ear of the President of the United States?

- What role did the Apollo Alliance play in crafting bills?

- Does the President know the co-founder of the Weather Underground is a board member of the Apollo Alliance?

- How many people in the administration are connected to the movement for a democratic society?

- What role does George Soros play... CONSTITUTIONALLY?

Why does the FCC have a diversity "czar"?

- Who is Mark Lloyd and how does he plan to "balance" the airwaves?

- Will he bring back the Fairness Doctrine or worse?

- Cass Sunstein once said he wants to balance the Internet; is that next?

- Will broadcasters who leave the airwaves be allowed to go to satellite or Internet without government regulation?

- Is there any place (that has a mass audience) where the government wont regulate free speech?

- Why does it seem every member of the Obama advisory team hates capitalism, unless those companies (like G.E.) are in bed with the administration?

If Lloyd has his way, stations who don't comply to the governments definition of the "public interest" will have to pay a massive fine — that helps support public broadcasting:

- What will be the definition of "public interest"?

- Who defines "public interest"?

- Why should it be balanced? Because it's public airwaves? (Well, there are public roads that go by my house and I don't count how many Republicans and Democrats are driving on them)

The answers to the questions are asking why should we as Americans allow such a radical change if we don't ask we may sorry we didn't

Be Informed Be a Blessing to Others

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Just as I am, without one plea,
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bidst me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

(Words by Charlotte Elliott, 1835. Music by William B. Bradbury, 1849)

So begins one of the most familiar old hymns--one which is most likely remembered because of its use as an "invitational song" at the close of many traditional church services and, most famously, in its use at the end of each service in the Billy Graham Crusades. Whether or not you know this hymn, you probably are not familiar with the history of its authorship and the story behind its writing. At least, I know I was not.

In his book My Life and the Story of the Gospel Hymns, Ira David Sankey writes, "Miss Charlotte Elliott was visiting some friends in the West End of London, and there met the eminent minister, César Malan. While seated at supper, the minister said he hoped that she was a Christian. She took offense at this, and replied that she would rather not discuss that question. Dr. Malan said that he was sorry if had offended her, that he always liked to speak a word for his Master, and that he hoped that the young lady would some day become a worker for Christ.

When they met again at the home of a mutual friend, three weeks later, Miss Elliott told the minister that ever since he had spoken to her she had been trying to find her Saviour, and that she now wished him to tell her how to come to Christ. "Just come to him as you are," Dr. Malan said. This she did, and went away rejoicing. Shortly afterward she wrote this hymn."

Just imagine! The author of this beloved hymn was herself saved after hearing the message "Just come to him as you are" and this led to the writing of the song which has spread that message to countless others who have come to a saving relationship with Jesus Christ in the same way--just as they were.

Charlotte Elliott wrote over 150 hymns during her lifetime but few of us would recognize any but this one. However, referring to this one song, Miss Elliott's brother said, "In the course of a long ministry, I hope I have been permitted to see some of the fruit of my labor, but I feel that far more has been done by a single hymn of my sister's."

There's no doubt in my mind that both Charlotte Elliott and this great hymn were anointed by God to bring the lost to a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. Let's look at the words of this old song to explore the power of its message.

"Just as I am, without one plea"

The word plea has a meaning both in the Law and in everyday life. Its various definitions include: an earnest request; an appeal: as in spoke out in a plea for greater tolerance. It also means an excuse; a pretext. In the Law, it can mean:

1. An allegation offered in pleading a case.
2. A defendant's answer to the declaration made by the plaintiff in a civil action.
3. The answer of the accused to a criminal charge or indictment: entered a plea of not guilty.
4. A special answer depending on or demonstrating one or more reasons why a suit should be delayed, dismissed, or barred in equity law.
5. An action or suit.

But we have no real plea to make in our own behalf when it comes to our salvation:

"Once you were dead, doomed forever because of your many sins. You used to live just like the rest of the world, full of sin, obeying Satan, the mighty prince of the power of the air. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passions and desires of our evil nature. We were born with an evil nature, and we were under God's anger just like everyone else." (Ephesians 2:1-3 NLT)

Guilty. Case closed; sentence delivered. But what's this? But that Thy blood was shed for me.

In the book of Hebrews it says, "In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness." (9:22 NIV)

And we read also, "He who believes in Him [who clings to, trusts in, relies on Him] is not judged [he who trusts in Him never comes up for judgment; for him there is no rejection, no condemnation--he incurs no damnation]; but he who does not believe (cleave to, rely on, trust in Him) is judged already [he has already been convicted and has already received his sentence] because he has not believed in and trusted in the name of the only begotten Son of God. [He is condemned for refusing to let his trust rest in Christ's name.]" (John 3:18 Amplified Bible).

Not guilty becomes the plea. In fact, it's more than that. There is no need for a plea because the case has been dismissed for lack of evidence. God says, "And I will forgive their wrongdoings, and I will never again remember their sins." (Hebrews 8:12 Amplified Bible)

We have no plea but the blood of Jesus. "If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:8-9 NIV)

And look at how 1 John 1:9 reads in the Amplified translation: "If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins [dismiss our lawlessness] and [continuously] cleanse us from all unrighteousness [everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action]."

God forgives our sin condition. Our sins of the past have been forgiven and He continually cleanses us as we confess our ongoing lack of ability to live a sin-free life on our own.

Then we hear the third line of the first stanza: "And that Thou bidst me come to Thee"

The word bidst is, of course, the old form of the word bade, the past tense for bid. The meaning here is to issue a command to; direct, also to invite to attend; summon, as well as to make an offer to pay or accept a specified price.

Do you see the significance of these definitions when it comes to our salvation? God is the shepherd seeking the lost sheep; the woman searching for the lost coin; the father running to embrace the prodigal son (Luke 15).

And we are the sheep, the coin and the son! God is not standing idly by waiting for us to find Him. He is actively inviting us, commanding us, and summoning us.

Not only that. He also offers a deal we can't refuse (or at least shouldn't)! He makes a bid for us, making an offer to pay or accept a specified price: the death of His Son on the cross as payment in full for our sin.

Before we began to seek Him, He was seeking us:

"For God sent Jesus to take the punishment for our sins and to satisfy God's anger against us. We are made right with God when we believe that Jesus shed his blood, sacrificing his life for us. God was being entirely fair and just when he did not punish those who sinned in former times." (Romans 3:25 NLT)

"And then I will keep my covenant with them and take away their sins." (Romans 11:27 NLT)

"Therefore, it was necessary for Jesus to be in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. He then could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people." (Hebrews 2:17 NLT)

When we express faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and accept Him as Lord of our lives, God does it all.

"When people work, their wages are not a gift. Workers earn what they receive. But people are declared righteous because of their faith, not because of their work." (Romans 4:4-5 NLT)

“Just as I am and waiting not. Just as I am, though tossed about with many a conflict, many a doubt. Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind. Just as I am Thou wilt receive, wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve. O Lamb of God, I come!”

Jesus, the Lamb of God, has come to take our sin. John the Baptist announced it:

"The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, 'Look! There is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!'" (John 1:29 NLT)

If you are like Charlotte Elliott was, wanting to know how to come to Christ, just follow the advice of Dr. Malan and the words of the hymn they inspired: "Just come to Him as you are."

Love,
Brother Bill

You are a spiritual being. You recognize something in you that is greater than the experience you may be living. Trust that part of who you are.

Our difficulty in our society is due to all the conditioning we have had through education and culture that places so much emphasis on our mind and denying our emotions. You have not been properly taught about your true spiritual nature and that the mind, body, and emotions are tools to serve you.

These concepts can be quite challenging to accept, particularly if your family history and life experience is steeped in religion. Yet, all religions, in some way or another, do not contradict what is being said, nor are they contradictory to what science has discovered at the quantum level and beyond. All that is required is the ability to recognize the time period of religious origins, the knowledge and understanding of the day, and that the scriptures conveyed a message in the best possible way that could be understood at that time.

Even in areas where no organized religion exists spirituality is an integral strand in the fabric of society. From bush people to native americans, Australian aboriginals, prehistoric caveman at some point in time, have all had those within their ranks that had a deeper sensitivity to something beyond the common experience. Shamans, medicine men and women, and whatever other titles they were given, all had a relationship with the divine, were more sensitive to the mystical, and had a capacity to understand mankind's relationship to Creation in the best possible context given the knowledge available to them in that time.

You came into this world for a purpose. Your spiritual self is that part of you that inspires you to action. The soul cries out at the pain of living small, rather than your potential. The soul also carries the pain of the trespasses against the spirit on many other levels; transgressions of mankind against spirit. Remember? Spirit is love and you treat others the way you wish to be treated. These tales and expressions fit the model. Spirit to spirit you and I are the same, are one, and in loving you, I love myself. In violating you, I violate myself. The soul cries in anguish. Live to your spiritual potential, or experience the pain and anguish of the souls experience as it remembers the physical experience of being human.

The body, mind, and emotions experience the manifestation of the reality you create. Through socializing and conditioning, particularly between the ages of 10 to 13 years old, as we discover our own reasoning abilities, most will experience some traumatic events in school, family, or life at large. Without the adequate social supports, healthy family dynamics, etc., the child is left to fizzle in the confusing array of contradictory social and spiritual realities that are at odds with each other in their daily experience. Imagine the confusion, particularly in a society that is so bereft of proper spiritual, body, mind, and emotion education.

There is a lot more to us than what we are taught. We are energy, we are spirit, and we are all those aspects we have been taught as well; physical, mental, sexual, and emotional. We are complex and yet, from the energetic spiritual level, everything can be made easier to understand and manage. You then begin to enjoy the experience of being human, of being alive, and learning the meaning and various facets of the physical body:

The mind and its thoughts;
The emotions and the values they represent;
The body and its requirements for safety and security.
We are complex and yet, so simple.

In order to understand the basis of this energetic spirit, it is important that one understand the origins of the universe. All matter is not really matter, it is energy. The science of today has made major discoveries beyond our previous understanding that clearly demonstrates that all matter is made from bands, or strings, of energy. In fact, for a time it was called String Theory. As the anomolies and discrepancies in the theory were resolved, it was renamed M-Theory and clearly shows that we live in a reality that includes 11 dimensions.

For a good basic understanding of the theories and how it all works, visit and watch  PBS NOVA Series - The Elegant Universe viewable online. I also recommend watching the movie What the Bleep Do We Know!? which is now available in video stores for rent or purchase. And if you haven't seen it yet, check out The Official Dr. Wayne Dyer Website  across North America. As you absorb all of this new information, watch for the common threads that link it all together, including the great teachings of the worlds religious texts. Science can help make better sense of religion.

One thing I have in addition to what I'm viewing and reading about these discoveries is something more. Where many scientists may now think they fully understand the beginning and end of the universe and its origins, I'm further challenged by the fact that all of this energy came from somewhere. God still exists in this model. Science has always had the means to help us make more sense of the world, the universe, of creation, of God and of God's instructions.

Why is spiritual truth so elusive? Why is it that matters of spiritual significance are so hard to verify and validate?

I have been pondering hard on this subject for quite sometime. And these are my conclusions.

Spiritual truth is so elusive possibly because of several factors. They are as listed below:

1. Many seekers are using the wrong modes of seeking. What do I mean by this? Firstly we try to relate and uncover spiritual truth and reality with our own thinking faculty. This will lead us to nowhere because spiritual reality is what is encapsulating our limited thinking faculty. Spiritual reality is in a way 'beyond' the normal thinking mode assigned by a personality/self. No offence, but most people are doing this precisely. As such believers can ONLY believe and NOT experience divine spiritual reality.

My first experiences of Divine Consciousness were during meditation sessions. Very significantly, during these meditations, thoughts and thinking were much reduced. In a state of no thought (Yes and I mean not a single thought!), we will experience ourselves clearly as an all-pervading Presence. It is during these moments that one discover that the world and ourselves is not what it appears to be. And we suddenly understand what the ancients Sages from various traditions were talking about.

2. Being conditioned by societies' beliefs. Our upbringing very much demarcated what should be real and what's not. And this is supported by a very convincing structure based on scientific proving and visual/experiential validation.

Let me illustrate this point further... Since childhood, education and adults have been telling us what is correct and what is not. We all have been brainwashed to think like one another. As such our sense of identity has been influenced by our fed information and beliefs. Do you know that prior to any acquired learning, a child relates to the world very differently? Much of how we perceive the world is learnt... and is fundamentally different from our natural way of referencing. However, learnt ways are certainly not negative; it is just that modern societal influences tend to suppress and discourage certain in-born cognitive abilities such as intuitive clairvoyance. And intuitiveness is a necessary ingredient for efficient spiritual navigation.

3. We think we know it all. When we think we know it all. The thought of 'I know it all' will block us from knowing anything deeply. Why this that so? Because a 'know-it-all' will not seek to know deeply and therefore will not go deep enough...


Well, in a nutshell, you must make your own findings.

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