George Offerman
Over the past several days there have been some acts of violence that have stood out from the norm (whatever that means anymore). These are the two vicious attacks at McDonald’s and a stabbing of a teen at the National Zoo in front of hundreds of people. In all of these, only one elderly lady stepped forward to attempt to help the victim (the McDonald’s beating in Baltimore). In the other two incidences, people watched, ran away, hid or pretended it was not going on. It is becoming more distressing that in our society, very few are willing to get involved anymore and are not willing to inconvenience themselves, or maybe are not that concerned for their fellow man anymore.
We embrace in this society blatant slaughter of the most innocent in legalized child killing. We create more violent and bizarre movies, television series, video games, web sites and reading materials that glorify violence and then wonder why there is such a great deal of violence that seems to be getting worse with time. We even create language that apologizes to the perpetrators and blames the victim “He should have known better than to be on that side of town after dark”. We have become numb to our reality because we chosen to do so.
There were many commentaries from those who observed these atrocities, and nearly all of them reflected a shirking of any moral responsibility to intervene in the situation. Many openly lamented the fact that ‘no one did anything about it’ while not considering the absurdity that they themselves are ‘somebody’ and had the same responsibility as that ‘no one’ who did not show up. It is sad we allow the ever increasing violence in our society to go unchallenged and then have the nerve to blame inaction on ‘some one else’. This is what one would call spiritual quagmire. The inability to discern and lack of conviction to act on what we know to be right and true.
We are responsible for our behaviors and our own safety. We are also responsible and need to act when we see injustices done. Yes it is inconvenient and can be scary, but when a whole society, in general, takes a passive view of their reality, the base nature takes over, and all of the thugs, punks, sociopaths and human waste end up running the asylum. When we allow evil to flourish, we have no right to complain about our conditions and no right to expect ‘someone else’ to step in and save the day. I am not talking about lone women taking on thugs, but there ought to be enough men out there who are sick enough of this banal way of life to do something about it. It’s fair time the thugs, punks, sociopaths and human waste are very afraid to break the laws and harm innocent people.
How do we do this? By prayers and preparation. I carry pepper spray everywhere I go, and will soon have a concealed carry permit. There are personal defense courses one can take as well as joining neighborhood watches, and getting to know your neighbors. There is being vocal when injustices occur and becoming more comfortable with confronting evil and those who represent it. The most important thing is to not panic when an incident occurs, but to get into action mode and send a clear message to this scum that we will not take their ‘crap’ any more.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Friday, April 22, 2011
PONTIUS PILATE: ONE OF THE MOST MALIGNED CHARACTERS IN SCRIPTURE
George Offerman
For he perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered him up.
Mark 15:10
One may marvel at the title of this posting and wonder how anyone could look upon Pilate as anything but cruel and unjust. While the writings of antiquity prove beyond a shadow of a doubt Pilate was quick tempered, and over utilized force in quelling any uprising (ultimately it was an overreaction and gross misuse of force that had him dismissed as procurator), scripture paints a different picture of Pilate as he interacts with Jesus in the trial. I have often wondered about this man and how he must have interacted with Jesus, upon finally meeting a man he had heard many things about.
One must first take time in understanding the historical context in order to fully appreciate the differing dynamics at play during this time. Despite the Jews outright rejection of Jesus being the Christ, they were fully aware of the eschatological timeframe in which they lived. So, many ‘rabble rousers’ and thugs making claims they were the messiah was quite common, and unfortunately, these counterfeit christs were using force as a means of ‘bringing about the kingdom’ of God. Hence, there was a need to use overwhelming force to quell the trouble makers, and history shows, it was illegal for more than 50 Jewish men to band together in any place other than Temple.
Pilate was very aware of any uprising and any gathering, and without a doubt, would have had soldiers located in strategic places at all times. Pilate was very aware of Jesus feeding of 5,000 men on an open hill top very visible in Jerusalem and to Pilate. Because Jesus spoke of peace and practiced non violence, Pilate never interfered with Jesus’ gatherings and large crowds that would have been very obvious for anyone to know about. (Janet Napolitano and her ilk could learn a lot from Pilate). Because Pilate was a politician, and not a religious figure, he had no concern over the religious message preached, and had enough political savvy to leave well enough alone when it did not interfere with his goal of keeping the peace.
Pilate’s first introduction to Jesus is at Jesus’ trial, and it seems that all the Gospels seem to be consistent in that Pilate showed some deference to Jesus, unlike the Jewish Sanhedrin and the chief priest. Jesus responds to Pilate’s questions in a different manner than the Jews, and very differently than Herod, in which Jesus did not respond at all. In the dialogue, it seems that Pilate made an honest and forthright effort to understand the issues and charges brought before him, and Jesus, the King of Kings returned that respect shown him.
33 Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?”
34 “Is that your own idea,” Jesus asked, “or did others talk to you about me?”
35 “Am I a Jew?” Pilate replied. “Your own people and chief priests handed you over to me. What is it you have done?”
36 Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.”
37 “You are a king, then!” said Pilate.
Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”
38 “What is truth?” retorted Pilate. With this he went out again to the Jews gathered there and said, “I find no basis for a charge against him.
John 18:33-38
After initial questioning, Pilate boldly declared Jesus’ innocence, despite the fact the Jews made accusations that Jesus claimed to be a King. Pilate, who many historians claimed was paranoid, not only has a conversation in which he asks whether Jesus is a king, Jesus boldly tells the truth and states unequivocally that he is a king, he then attempts to set Jesus free. This would seem to be counterintuitive and went against the character that had been demonstrated by Pilate up to this point. However, if one takes in the whole context of this trial, one could make a solid case that Pilate was very aware this matter was very unlike any he had encountered before.
Upon learning Jesus was a Galilean, Pilate was more than pleased to be able to ‘punt’ this situation. However, despite Herod having horrible personal qualities, he neither found any wrongdoing with Jesus and had Him sent back to Pilate. Pilate was not at all pleased with this situation and now had to deal with the idea of political tight walking: do the right thing morally, and let an innocent man go, or do the right thing politically, and let the mob have their ‘pound of flesh’. In many ways, Pilate was on trial, and like many of us, denied Christ when the moment of truth presented itself.
Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers and the people, and said to them, ‘You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined him in your presence and have found no basis for your charges against him. Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us; as you can see, he has done nothing to deserve death. Therefore, I will punish him and then release him.’
Luke 23:13-17
It is also very interesting to note that in the dialogues, Pilate, a very secular ruler, happened to demonstrate more belief in Jesus and who he was, than did the Jews, who were the keepers of the faith, and were supposed to be the ones passing on matters of faith to a fallen world. Pilate, through knowing about the miracles and Jesus preaching of peace and non violence, knew Jesus had the credibility to claim this kingship. However, since Pilate was not religious, did not understand the nature of Jesus Kingship, as Pilate ultimately would not have condemned this innocent man to the brutal death that he did.
"While Pilate was sitting on the judge’s seat, his wife sent him this message: ‘Don’t have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him.’ But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed. ‘Which of the two do you want me to release to you?’ asked the governor. ‘Barabbas,’ they answered. ‘What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called Christ?’ Pilate asked. They all answered, ‘Crucify him!’ ‘Why? What crime has he committed?’ asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, ‘Crucify him!’ "
"When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. ‘I am innocent of this man’s blood,’ he said. ‘It is your responsibility!’ All the people answered, ‘Let his blood be on us and on our children!’ Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified."
(Matthew 27:15-26)
In these verses, we see Pilate going against what must have been so innate in his character: admitting someone else is the ruler of the Jews. We can also see Pilate’s attempts at removing himself from any responsibility of this atrocity. Pilate has Jesus scourged to attempt to appease this blood thirsty crowd.
"Once more Pilate came out and said to the Jews, ‘Look, I am bringing him out to you to let you know that I find no basis for a charge against him.’ When Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe, Pilate said to them, ‘Here is the man!’ As soon as the chief priests and their officials saw him, they shouted, ‘Crucify! Crucify!’ But Pilate answered, ‘You take him and crucify him. As for me, I find no basis for a charge against him.’ The Jews insisted, ‘We have a law, and according to that law he must die, because he claimed to be the Son of God.’ When Pilate heard this, he was even more afraid, and he went back inside the palace”
Where do you come from?’ he asked Jesus, but Jesus gave him no answer. ‘Do you refuse to speak to me?’ Pilate said. ‘Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?’ Jesus answered, ‘You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.’ "
Pilate condemns himself with the above verse, by admitting he HAS the authority to set Jesus free or condemn Him. Pilate however succumbs to cowardice and in the end does what cowards do. However, Pilate continues to demonstrate his belief that Jesus does have some sort of supernatural place, and is willing to acknowledge Jesus kingship over the Jews.
"From then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free, but the Jews kept shouting, ‘If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar.’ When Pilate heard this, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judge’s seat at a place known as the Stone Pavement (which in Aramaic is Gabbatha). It was the day of Preparation of Passover Week, about the sixth hour.
‘Here is your king,’ Pilate said to the Jews. But they shouted, ‘Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!’ ‘Shall I crucify your king?’ Pilate asked. ‘We have no king but Caesar,’ the chief priests answered. Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified. So the soldiers took charge of Jesus."
Pilate was on trial that fateful Friday, and found he was not prepared to defend an innocent man. Like today with many politicians and church leaders, Pilate used a gimmick; by washing his hands with water he believed he absolved himself from this grisly murder. Despite all of this, Pilate, a man known for his cruelty, seemed to be moved by his interaction with the King of Kings and at least understood the nature of these matters way better than the Jews of the time.
PROLOGUE
Pilate was abruptly removed from power a few years later when using excessive force on an uprising, and was called to Rome by Tiberius Caesar. However, Tiberius died prior to Pilate’s arrival, and the successor to Tiberius, Gaius, and relieved Pilate of his duties.
It has been reported in some historical books that the disenfranchised Pilate settled in the North Africa area. According to legends of the early Christian churches there, Pilate became a Christian, and advocated so heavily for Christianity that he is considered a saint. Unfortunately for Pilate, he ultimately took his own life penniless and alone.
For he perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered him up.
Mark 15:10
One may marvel at the title of this posting and wonder how anyone could look upon Pilate as anything but cruel and unjust. While the writings of antiquity prove beyond a shadow of a doubt Pilate was quick tempered, and over utilized force in quelling any uprising (ultimately it was an overreaction and gross misuse of force that had him dismissed as procurator), scripture paints a different picture of Pilate as he interacts with Jesus in the trial. I have often wondered about this man and how he must have interacted with Jesus, upon finally meeting a man he had heard many things about.
One must first take time in understanding the historical context in order to fully appreciate the differing dynamics at play during this time. Despite the Jews outright rejection of Jesus being the Christ, they were fully aware of the eschatological timeframe in which they lived. So, many ‘rabble rousers’ and thugs making claims they were the messiah was quite common, and unfortunately, these counterfeit christs were using force as a means of ‘bringing about the kingdom’ of God. Hence, there was a need to use overwhelming force to quell the trouble makers, and history shows, it was illegal for more than 50 Jewish men to band together in any place other than Temple.
Pilate was very aware of any uprising and any gathering, and without a doubt, would have had soldiers located in strategic places at all times. Pilate was very aware of Jesus feeding of 5,000 men on an open hill top very visible in Jerusalem and to Pilate. Because Jesus spoke of peace and practiced non violence, Pilate never interfered with Jesus’ gatherings and large crowds that would have been very obvious for anyone to know about. (Janet Napolitano and her ilk could learn a lot from Pilate). Because Pilate was a politician, and not a religious figure, he had no concern over the religious message preached, and had enough political savvy to leave well enough alone when it did not interfere with his goal of keeping the peace.
Pilate’s first introduction to Jesus is at Jesus’ trial, and it seems that all the Gospels seem to be consistent in that Pilate showed some deference to Jesus, unlike the Jewish Sanhedrin and the chief priest. Jesus responds to Pilate’s questions in a different manner than the Jews, and very differently than Herod, in which Jesus did not respond at all. In the dialogue, it seems that Pilate made an honest and forthright effort to understand the issues and charges brought before him, and Jesus, the King of Kings returned that respect shown him.
33 Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?”
34 “Is that your own idea,” Jesus asked, “or did others talk to you about me?”
35 “Am I a Jew?” Pilate replied. “Your own people and chief priests handed you over to me. What is it you have done?”
36 Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.”
37 “You are a king, then!” said Pilate.
Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”
38 “What is truth?” retorted Pilate. With this he went out again to the Jews gathered there and said, “I find no basis for a charge against him.
John 18:33-38
After initial questioning, Pilate boldly declared Jesus’ innocence, despite the fact the Jews made accusations that Jesus claimed to be a King. Pilate, who many historians claimed was paranoid, not only has a conversation in which he asks whether Jesus is a king, Jesus boldly tells the truth and states unequivocally that he is a king, he then attempts to set Jesus free. This would seem to be counterintuitive and went against the character that had been demonstrated by Pilate up to this point. However, if one takes in the whole context of this trial, one could make a solid case that Pilate was very aware this matter was very unlike any he had encountered before.
Upon learning Jesus was a Galilean, Pilate was more than pleased to be able to ‘punt’ this situation. However, despite Herod having horrible personal qualities, he neither found any wrongdoing with Jesus and had Him sent back to Pilate. Pilate was not at all pleased with this situation and now had to deal with the idea of political tight walking: do the right thing morally, and let an innocent man go, or do the right thing politically, and let the mob have their ‘pound of flesh’. In many ways, Pilate was on trial, and like many of us, denied Christ when the moment of truth presented itself.
Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers and the people, and said to them, ‘You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined him in your presence and have found no basis for your charges against him. Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us; as you can see, he has done nothing to deserve death. Therefore, I will punish him and then release him.’
Luke 23:13-17
It is also very interesting to note that in the dialogues, Pilate, a very secular ruler, happened to demonstrate more belief in Jesus and who he was, than did the Jews, who were the keepers of the faith, and were supposed to be the ones passing on matters of faith to a fallen world. Pilate, through knowing about the miracles and Jesus preaching of peace and non violence, knew Jesus had the credibility to claim this kingship. However, since Pilate was not religious, did not understand the nature of Jesus Kingship, as Pilate ultimately would not have condemned this innocent man to the brutal death that he did.
"While Pilate was sitting on the judge’s seat, his wife sent him this message: ‘Don’t have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him.’ But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed. ‘Which of the two do you want me to release to you?’ asked the governor. ‘Barabbas,’ they answered. ‘What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called Christ?’ Pilate asked. They all answered, ‘Crucify him!’ ‘Why? What crime has he committed?’ asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, ‘Crucify him!’ "
"When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. ‘I am innocent of this man’s blood,’ he said. ‘It is your responsibility!’ All the people answered, ‘Let his blood be on us and on our children!’ Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified."
(Matthew 27:15-26)
In these verses, we see Pilate going against what must have been so innate in his character: admitting someone else is the ruler of the Jews. We can also see Pilate’s attempts at removing himself from any responsibility of this atrocity. Pilate has Jesus scourged to attempt to appease this blood thirsty crowd.
"Once more Pilate came out and said to the Jews, ‘Look, I am bringing him out to you to let you know that I find no basis for a charge against him.’ When Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe, Pilate said to them, ‘Here is the man!’ As soon as the chief priests and their officials saw him, they shouted, ‘Crucify! Crucify!’ But Pilate answered, ‘You take him and crucify him. As for me, I find no basis for a charge against him.’ The Jews insisted, ‘We have a law, and according to that law he must die, because he claimed to be the Son of God.’ When Pilate heard this, he was even more afraid, and he went back inside the palace”
Where do you come from?’ he asked Jesus, but Jesus gave him no answer. ‘Do you refuse to speak to me?’ Pilate said. ‘Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?’ Jesus answered, ‘You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.’ "
Pilate condemns himself with the above verse, by admitting he HAS the authority to set Jesus free or condemn Him. Pilate however succumbs to cowardice and in the end does what cowards do. However, Pilate continues to demonstrate his belief that Jesus does have some sort of supernatural place, and is willing to acknowledge Jesus kingship over the Jews.
"From then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free, but the Jews kept shouting, ‘If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar.’ When Pilate heard this, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judge’s seat at a place known as the Stone Pavement (which in Aramaic is Gabbatha). It was the day of Preparation of Passover Week, about the sixth hour.
‘Here is your king,’ Pilate said to the Jews. But they shouted, ‘Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!’ ‘Shall I crucify your king?’ Pilate asked. ‘We have no king but Caesar,’ the chief priests answered. Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified. So the soldiers took charge of Jesus."
Pilate was on trial that fateful Friday, and found he was not prepared to defend an innocent man. Like today with many politicians and church leaders, Pilate used a gimmick; by washing his hands with water he believed he absolved himself from this grisly murder. Despite all of this, Pilate, a man known for his cruelty, seemed to be moved by his interaction with the King of Kings and at least understood the nature of these matters way better than the Jews of the time.
PROLOGUE
Pilate was abruptly removed from power a few years later when using excessive force on an uprising, and was called to Rome by Tiberius Caesar. However, Tiberius died prior to Pilate’s arrival, and the successor to Tiberius, Gaius, and relieved Pilate of his duties.
It has been reported in some historical books that the disenfranchised Pilate settled in the North Africa area. According to legends of the early Christian churches there, Pilate became a Christian, and advocated so heavily for Christianity that he is considered a saint. Unfortunately for Pilate, he ultimately took his own life penniless and alone.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
HERMENEUTICS 101: PROPHECY
George Offerman
Since there seems to be more urgency in getting this material out quicker, I am planning on skipping some of the material I initially planned on including. I may even work on the rest of the Revelation series, as I noticed I left off at the 6th trumpet over a year ago. I hope this series has been instructional for people reading it, and it has been a joy to write. We are in great need now of prayer and action from the faithful and it needs to begin now.
The topic of prophecy, in some matters is the most straight forward of all. To simply put it, prophecy is the future revealed to a particular people in a particular place with a particular message from God explaining CLEARLY what is going to happen and why it is going to happen. In the case of Revelation, prophecy includes all of mankind and will affect the whole world, and will mark the end of time. However, there are many facets of prophecy that concerns smaller ‘units’ such as countries, regions, communities, families and the individual.
The most straight forward prophecy is that contained in the Bible. Biblical prophecy is an exact accounting of future events written in advance for the specific reason of notifying humanity of God’s will and actions and allowing those who believe in the word to know what is happening and why it is happening. As we will be covering soon, the prophecies concerning the Messiah were fulfilled exactly as written and could have been fulfilled by only one man that has ever come into existence. The reason this is so is because many of the prophecies revolved around the conception and birth of the Christ, and as such, could not be counterfeited. When one studies the prophecies concerning the Christ, it will become self evident that NO ONE OTHER THAN JESUS would have qualified in fulfilling all of the messianic prophecies.
There is not much written concerning the future times other than Revelation, and it is the cause of much speculation concerning about modern times, as well as times since the Resurrection of Christ. However, history ahs demonstrated that many of the saints and other holy men and women of God have been raised up and given warnings to wayward peoples and nations, and have accurately predicted outcomes and judgments. What is covered in the Bible pertaining to prophecy is clear in that God does not judge arbitrarily and is longsuffering, but does send warnings to people and nations. God only acts suddenly whenever we ignore the warnings and continued existence only results in needless suffering.
Warnings come from those who are in the will of God and can take two forms: 1) direct revelation and 2) Biblical principles and conviction. A person who is a prophet must have impeccable character, daily communication with God and have a clear understanding of the message to be conveyed. The message also must be consistent with the Bible and Character of God and accurately point to a condition that needs to be changed. The message or prophecy can also come from the most unexpected sources and it is entirely plausible for God to warn all people in all situations about their future path if repentance is not made.
There are those who hold that judgments can occur without warning. If this claim is true, then there must be Biblical evidence to demonstrate this claim. The actual implementation of judgment can come with out warnings, but the general conditions of sin are accompanied by warnings. When warnings go unheeded, judgment then is sudden and unmerciful, and to the sinner, it looks as if it came without warning. Just because one does not listen or want to know what their sin is does not mean someone or some event did not occur to communicate God’s displeasure with them.
Too many people have testified that they have been warned by others or have had dreams concerning events in their lives, in which were prophetic, yet most don’t give them heed until events manifest themselves. We are warned constantly about matters, most likely by sources unexpected, and therefore, rejected. This occurs at every level: personal, communal, regional, national and world. Unfortunately, so many now are making claims of being prophets or seers, and are clouding the airwaves with so much drivel that the real message is being masked. Those who stay within the parameters of Biblical principles stand a much better chance of discerning the truth. But one must be clear: the increase in prophecy is demonstrating an increase in spiritual instability, and definitely points to challenging times ahead.
We need to be in constant prayer, and asking the Lord to reveal His will to us. In this manner, we know we will have the most accurate picture for ourselves and those closest to us. The prophetic winds tell us change is on its way. Whether or not it is the end will be revealed soon enough. When we take our last breath, we will be at our own end, and it is that moment that must take precedent over all of our other matters.
Since there seems to be more urgency in getting this material out quicker, I am planning on skipping some of the material I initially planned on including. I may even work on the rest of the Revelation series, as I noticed I left off at the 6th trumpet over a year ago. I hope this series has been instructional for people reading it, and it has been a joy to write. We are in great need now of prayer and action from the faithful and it needs to begin now.
The topic of prophecy, in some matters is the most straight forward of all. To simply put it, prophecy is the future revealed to a particular people in a particular place with a particular message from God explaining CLEARLY what is going to happen and why it is going to happen. In the case of Revelation, prophecy includes all of mankind and will affect the whole world, and will mark the end of time. However, there are many facets of prophecy that concerns smaller ‘units’ such as countries, regions, communities, families and the individual.
The most straight forward prophecy is that contained in the Bible. Biblical prophecy is an exact accounting of future events written in advance for the specific reason of notifying humanity of God’s will and actions and allowing those who believe in the word to know what is happening and why it is happening. As we will be covering soon, the prophecies concerning the Messiah were fulfilled exactly as written and could have been fulfilled by only one man that has ever come into existence. The reason this is so is because many of the prophecies revolved around the conception and birth of the Christ, and as such, could not be counterfeited. When one studies the prophecies concerning the Christ, it will become self evident that NO ONE OTHER THAN JESUS would have qualified in fulfilling all of the messianic prophecies.
There is not much written concerning the future times other than Revelation, and it is the cause of much speculation concerning about modern times, as well as times since the Resurrection of Christ. However, history ahs demonstrated that many of the saints and other holy men and women of God have been raised up and given warnings to wayward peoples and nations, and have accurately predicted outcomes and judgments. What is covered in the Bible pertaining to prophecy is clear in that God does not judge arbitrarily and is longsuffering, but does send warnings to people and nations. God only acts suddenly whenever we ignore the warnings and continued existence only results in needless suffering.
Warnings come from those who are in the will of God and can take two forms: 1) direct revelation and 2) Biblical principles and conviction. A person who is a prophet must have impeccable character, daily communication with God and have a clear understanding of the message to be conveyed. The message also must be consistent with the Bible and Character of God and accurately point to a condition that needs to be changed. The message or prophecy can also come from the most unexpected sources and it is entirely plausible for God to warn all people in all situations about their future path if repentance is not made.
There are those who hold that judgments can occur without warning. If this claim is true, then there must be Biblical evidence to demonstrate this claim. The actual implementation of judgment can come with out warnings, but the general conditions of sin are accompanied by warnings. When warnings go unheeded, judgment then is sudden and unmerciful, and to the sinner, it looks as if it came without warning. Just because one does not listen or want to know what their sin is does not mean someone or some event did not occur to communicate God’s displeasure with them.
Too many people have testified that they have been warned by others or have had dreams concerning events in their lives, in which were prophetic, yet most don’t give them heed until events manifest themselves. We are warned constantly about matters, most likely by sources unexpected, and therefore, rejected. This occurs at every level: personal, communal, regional, national and world. Unfortunately, so many now are making claims of being prophets or seers, and are clouding the airwaves with so much drivel that the real message is being masked. Those who stay within the parameters of Biblical principles stand a much better chance of discerning the truth. But one must be clear: the increase in prophecy is demonstrating an increase in spiritual instability, and definitely points to challenging times ahead.
We need to be in constant prayer, and asking the Lord to reveal His will to us. In this manner, we know we will have the most accurate picture for ourselves and those closest to us. The prophetic winds tell us change is on its way. Whether or not it is the end will be revealed soon enough. When we take our last breath, we will be at our own end, and it is that moment that must take precedent over all of our other matters.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
SURPRISE, SURPRISE GOMER
George Offerman
I wish it was true, but there is no way anyone can admit to being ‘surprised’ by Boehner’s ‘sell out’ of the cause to the Demovamps, and especially of the babies. This is what these guys do, because it’s what they have always done: ‘compromised’. The sad truth is, the Demovamps do not compromise, and they go after their agenda with great gusto. Boehner has had a history of this, and only those willing to drink the koolaid would really believe this guy would follow through with shutting down the government over PP.
Boehner hid behind the excuse ‘we are going to cut trillions, not billions’ in the next round of the fight. Well Speaker Boehner, you hold the purse strings and you are the Speaker. You didn’t get the job done as you promised, so your future promises will require more gonads of you than defunding PP and you know this will not happen. You know it, we know it, and you know we know it. I will not be surprised at all when you ‘fail’ at your promise to cut the budget that drastically. I may even be able to quote verbatim what your excuse(s) will be, and I can guarantee you will run on a platform of ‘success’ when in fact, you failed miserably.
I am more ticked off at the soft headed ‘pro life movement’ that put their faith in these bozos. They prematurely claimed ‘victory’ when legislation was proffered to defund pp. Due to the fact the new management of this ‘movement’ doesn’t know how to fight to win, it is not at all surprising they were duped by the likes of Boehner, and will readily accept his excuses and believe him when he fails at his supposed efforts at reigning in the budget, and putting an end to the evil crime syndicate known as planned parenthood. Boehner and the management of the pro life movement are peas in a pod: both talk a good game, but show little fruits when it comes to the real work.
It is so sad that these matters are predictable. It is so sad that there is so little character in both politics and matters of faith and that evil is proliferating so easily now. Even a person of modest faith is now seen as an extremist and fanatic, and so few are willing to put anything on the line. Truly, what is there left to save of this country? It is unrecognizeable from what it used to be just 30 years ago. Keeping one’s word means nothing anymore and when one’s word is no good, nothing else is good, as keeping one’s word is at the core of reality and is essential in keeping order. Lies can never be truth and lies are as shifting sands, in which nothing of lasting value can be built upon.
What we need at this hour in our nation are those with vision and the gonads to pursue this vision. This vision must include the protection of the most vulnerable and the ability and desire to follow through with this protection, no matter what the cost. We do not have this now, and it is not looking very good for it to occur anytime in the near or far future. But the management of the pro life movement better figure out it definitely is not Boehner or any of his other sell out ilk that will soon try to convince us we won when we got creamed. Cry for the babies.
I wish it was true, but there is no way anyone can admit to being ‘surprised’ by Boehner’s ‘sell out’ of the cause to the Demovamps, and especially of the babies. This is what these guys do, because it’s what they have always done: ‘compromised’. The sad truth is, the Demovamps do not compromise, and they go after their agenda with great gusto. Boehner has had a history of this, and only those willing to drink the koolaid would really believe this guy would follow through with shutting down the government over PP.
Boehner hid behind the excuse ‘we are going to cut trillions, not billions’ in the next round of the fight. Well Speaker Boehner, you hold the purse strings and you are the Speaker. You didn’t get the job done as you promised, so your future promises will require more gonads of you than defunding PP and you know this will not happen. You know it, we know it, and you know we know it. I will not be surprised at all when you ‘fail’ at your promise to cut the budget that drastically. I may even be able to quote verbatim what your excuse(s) will be, and I can guarantee you will run on a platform of ‘success’ when in fact, you failed miserably.
I am more ticked off at the soft headed ‘pro life movement’ that put their faith in these bozos. They prematurely claimed ‘victory’ when legislation was proffered to defund pp. Due to the fact the new management of this ‘movement’ doesn’t know how to fight to win, it is not at all surprising they were duped by the likes of Boehner, and will readily accept his excuses and believe him when he fails at his supposed efforts at reigning in the budget, and putting an end to the evil crime syndicate known as planned parenthood. Boehner and the management of the pro life movement are peas in a pod: both talk a good game, but show little fruits when it comes to the real work.
It is so sad that these matters are predictable. It is so sad that there is so little character in both politics and matters of faith and that evil is proliferating so easily now. Even a person of modest faith is now seen as an extremist and fanatic, and so few are willing to put anything on the line. Truly, what is there left to save of this country? It is unrecognizeable from what it used to be just 30 years ago. Keeping one’s word means nothing anymore and when one’s word is no good, nothing else is good, as keeping one’s word is at the core of reality and is essential in keeping order. Lies can never be truth and lies are as shifting sands, in which nothing of lasting value can be built upon.
What we need at this hour in our nation are those with vision and the gonads to pursue this vision. This vision must include the protection of the most vulnerable and the ability and desire to follow through with this protection, no matter what the cost. We do not have this now, and it is not looking very good for it to occur anytime in the near or far future. But the management of the pro life movement better figure out it definitely is not Boehner or any of his other sell out ilk that will soon try to convince us we won when we got creamed. Cry for the babies.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
WHAT'S COMING NEXT?
George Offerman
Any person out there paying any amount of attention would have to come to the conclusion that world matters are escalating at a pace not seen in our lifetimes. There has always been speculation about the end of times and when it would take place, so there may be some ‘end of the world’ fatigue experienced by many. This post is not about predicting or making a ‘pronouncement’ about this time being the end of times, but a challenge to people out there to contemplate what is going on around them, and to look at the evidence and assess whether the ‘happenings’ are related to our sinful way of life.
We have the very open worship of money as our modern god, as the majority sees money as the primary problem solver. When money is lacking, problems grow, and many seek, if not dream and scheme about how to get more. God is no longer in the equation and is not even considered by the majority as the source one can count on to solve problems. Because God is the creator and number one lover of free will in the universe, He is the prime mover in allowing us to have what we crave. He will allow us to wallow in our own slime and crap until we either figure it out and ask for repentance, or until we fill our cup of iniquity, and He steps in with Divine Judgment.
Since money is the greatest of the gods, it will be the first to go. As mentioned before, we are now in the midst of an economic collapse and it is here, right now. It is not an issue of whether one sees it or not, as it is still in the slower, initial phases, but soon enough it will be most evident to the dimmest of sheeple and it will be unmerciful. The economic collapse is judgment, not mercy, and will soon have our undivided attention. At that time, some will begin to ‘get it’ and will approach the Living God with humble and contrite hearts. The majority will not, and thus, more judgments will take place.
Comfort and convenience, two other gods of worship will be taken out and will follow quickly on the heels of the economic collapse. With the money system destroyed, it will make conditions very stressful, and accomplishing what used to be the simplest of tasks will now require great efforts and expenditures of time and energy. All of the insane regulations that governed modern life up until now will no longer apply, as the majority of people will be focused on survival as their primary task. What used to be presumed as status quo will disappear, and there will be great lamenting over how things have become and how this could have been avoided by simply following the time tested tried and true way of life.
There will be much anger directed towards those entities most responsible for what is befalling us. What is unknown is whether these entities will be able to deflect and distract the masses enough to make their escape. The truth will come out at some point, and the masses will find out they have been scammed by the money changers and their life’s labors have been ripped off. This will eventually lead to great social unrest and possibly upheaval. Very little mercy will be shown to those seen as the cause of the problems, and we will once again relive parts of world history that we now claim we are ‘too sophisticated’ to do ourselves.
My hope and prayers are that we successfully transition through these times of purification and come out a stronger and more humble people. Our way of life is coming to an end, and preparation on an individual basis ought to be top priority, or one will have no excuse when these events take off in earnest. We are to be children of the light, and as such, should not be taken off guard if we take any time to pray and see the signs of the times. It is now upon us, and the time to act is now.
Any person out there paying any amount of attention would have to come to the conclusion that world matters are escalating at a pace not seen in our lifetimes. There has always been speculation about the end of times and when it would take place, so there may be some ‘end of the world’ fatigue experienced by many. This post is not about predicting or making a ‘pronouncement’ about this time being the end of times, but a challenge to people out there to contemplate what is going on around them, and to look at the evidence and assess whether the ‘happenings’ are related to our sinful way of life.
We have the very open worship of money as our modern god, as the majority sees money as the primary problem solver. When money is lacking, problems grow, and many seek, if not dream and scheme about how to get more. God is no longer in the equation and is not even considered by the majority as the source one can count on to solve problems. Because God is the creator and number one lover of free will in the universe, He is the prime mover in allowing us to have what we crave. He will allow us to wallow in our own slime and crap until we either figure it out and ask for repentance, or until we fill our cup of iniquity, and He steps in with Divine Judgment.
Since money is the greatest of the gods, it will be the first to go. As mentioned before, we are now in the midst of an economic collapse and it is here, right now. It is not an issue of whether one sees it or not, as it is still in the slower, initial phases, but soon enough it will be most evident to the dimmest of sheeple and it will be unmerciful. The economic collapse is judgment, not mercy, and will soon have our undivided attention. At that time, some will begin to ‘get it’ and will approach the Living God with humble and contrite hearts. The majority will not, and thus, more judgments will take place.
Comfort and convenience, two other gods of worship will be taken out and will follow quickly on the heels of the economic collapse. With the money system destroyed, it will make conditions very stressful, and accomplishing what used to be the simplest of tasks will now require great efforts and expenditures of time and energy. All of the insane regulations that governed modern life up until now will no longer apply, as the majority of people will be focused on survival as their primary task. What used to be presumed as status quo will disappear, and there will be great lamenting over how things have become and how this could have been avoided by simply following the time tested tried and true way of life.
There will be much anger directed towards those entities most responsible for what is befalling us. What is unknown is whether these entities will be able to deflect and distract the masses enough to make their escape. The truth will come out at some point, and the masses will find out they have been scammed by the money changers and their life’s labors have been ripped off. This will eventually lead to great social unrest and possibly upheaval. Very little mercy will be shown to those seen as the cause of the problems, and we will once again relive parts of world history that we now claim we are ‘too sophisticated’ to do ourselves.
My hope and prayers are that we successfully transition through these times of purification and come out a stronger and more humble people. Our way of life is coming to an end, and preparation on an individual basis ought to be top priority, or one will have no excuse when these events take off in earnest. We are to be children of the light, and as such, should not be taken off guard if we take any time to pray and see the signs of the times. It is now upon us, and the time to act is now.
Monday, April 4, 2011
SHUT THE GOVERNMENT DOWN!
George Offerman
We are at a moment in history in which the next few moves by our politicians will have very large consequences. Depending upon what they end up doing will determine the course of things for decades (or maybe the future of this country’s existence). There are many good reasons to defund the government in general, an when we get to specifics, putting a knife into planned parenthood and the legalized child killing fields is more than good enough to do it. But it seems our nation is at stake, and we can no longer afford to continue with status quo and business as usual in this country.
It should be painfully aware to even the dimmest light bulb out there that we are at the end of the line concerning our finances. The way this government spends money would put the most immature adolescent to shame, and without taking a stand now, there will never be another chance to reign in the insanity. It seems these people have run out of lies to tell the populace, and the only real sane choice available is to set a precedent and cut massively, or just shut the whole stupid thing down now, and get it over with. If one looks at the role government has played over the past 2-3 decades, it will be noticed that it has taken on a more regulatory/controlling role, and has not benefited anyone other than those on the dole.
There are many on the pro life side that believes this is the ‘line in the sand’ that must be defended at all costs. If these guys believe life is sacred, there is not much choice in the matter and then need to vote to shut government down. It seems they are too afraid it will be a repeat of 1994, and the Republicants will be blamed for the show, and thus, bring on the wrath of the American people. If the Republicants are paying any attention, the majority of Americans most likely want government shutdown for a variety of reasons, and unlike what many believe, life will still go on, and probably much better than today.
Too many have bought into the idea government solves all problems, and we can no longer function without someone telling us what to do. Frankly, I like the idea of eating and drinking what I want, what kind of light bulb I want to have in my house, what my kids are exposed to in school, what I want to do to my own property and so forth. Less of their prying eyes and rules means more for me, and I tire of paying for ‘services’ that are impediments and control tactics by a bunch of bureaucrats that will never be able to spend my money on things I need better than what I can do with my own money. But I definitely resent having my taxes sent to organizations such as planned parenthood and other evil organizations that violate my religious beliefs.
Let’s send a message to these Bozos and let them know how important they really are in our lives: give them some needed unpaid time off and let them see how ‘essential’ they really are. It will most likely make our lives easier, and save us boatloads of money while we are at it. It’s about time they heard from those that pay for all of this. It’s about time these people are held accountable for the insanity of it all, and begin to feel the pain of so many out in the rest of the country. It is also time for the political class to understand they don’t have a right to run this country into the ground for their own political expedience. Its time to say enough is enough and get this ship of state headed in the right direction.
We are at a moment in history in which the next few moves by our politicians will have very large consequences. Depending upon what they end up doing will determine the course of things for decades (or maybe the future of this country’s existence). There are many good reasons to defund the government in general, an when we get to specifics, putting a knife into planned parenthood and the legalized child killing fields is more than good enough to do it. But it seems our nation is at stake, and we can no longer afford to continue with status quo and business as usual in this country.
It should be painfully aware to even the dimmest light bulb out there that we are at the end of the line concerning our finances. The way this government spends money would put the most immature adolescent to shame, and without taking a stand now, there will never be another chance to reign in the insanity. It seems these people have run out of lies to tell the populace, and the only real sane choice available is to set a precedent and cut massively, or just shut the whole stupid thing down now, and get it over with. If one looks at the role government has played over the past 2-3 decades, it will be noticed that it has taken on a more regulatory/controlling role, and has not benefited anyone other than those on the dole.
There are many on the pro life side that believes this is the ‘line in the sand’ that must be defended at all costs. If these guys believe life is sacred, there is not much choice in the matter and then need to vote to shut government down. It seems they are too afraid it will be a repeat of 1994, and the Republicants will be blamed for the show, and thus, bring on the wrath of the American people. If the Republicants are paying any attention, the majority of Americans most likely want government shutdown for a variety of reasons, and unlike what many believe, life will still go on, and probably much better than today.
Too many have bought into the idea government solves all problems, and we can no longer function without someone telling us what to do. Frankly, I like the idea of eating and drinking what I want, what kind of light bulb I want to have in my house, what my kids are exposed to in school, what I want to do to my own property and so forth. Less of their prying eyes and rules means more for me, and I tire of paying for ‘services’ that are impediments and control tactics by a bunch of bureaucrats that will never be able to spend my money on things I need better than what I can do with my own money. But I definitely resent having my taxes sent to organizations such as planned parenthood and other evil organizations that violate my religious beliefs.
Let’s send a message to these Bozos and let them know how important they really are in our lives: give them some needed unpaid time off and let them see how ‘essential’ they really are. It will most likely make our lives easier, and save us boatloads of money while we are at it. It’s about time they heard from those that pay for all of this. It’s about time these people are held accountable for the insanity of it all, and begin to feel the pain of so many out in the rest of the country. It is also time for the political class to understand they don’t have a right to run this country into the ground for their own political expedience. Its time to say enough is enough and get this ship of state headed in the right direction.
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