Truth is not always popular

[ThePilgrim]

I will start this post with a couple of quotes from History writers that lived in the Roman Empire:

The first is from Sallust, a contemporary of Julius Caesar:

“To those who had easily endured toils, dangers, and doubtful and difficult circumstances, ease and wealth, the objects of desire to others, became a burden and a trouble. At first the love of money, and then that of power, began to prevail, and these became, as it were, the sources of every evil. For avarice subverted honesty, integrity, and other honorable principles, and, in their stead, inculcated pride, inhumanity, contempt of religion, and general venality. Ambition prompted many to become deceitful; to keep one thing concealed in the breast, and another ready on the tongue; to estimate friendships and enmities, not by their worth, but according to interest; and to carry rather a specious countenance than an honest heart. These vices at first advanced but slowly, and were sometimes restrained by correction; but afterwards, when their infection had spread like a pestilence, the state was entirely changed, and the government, from being the most equitable and praiseworthy, became rapacious and insupportable.” 

The second is from Tacitus, a contemporary of the emperor Vespasian:

“It is no use trying to escape their arrogance by submission or good behavior. Robbers of the world, having by universal plunder exhausted the land, their drive is greed. If the enemy be rich, they are rapacious; if poor, they lust for domination. Neither rule of the East nor West can satisfy them. Alone among men, they crave with equal eagerness poverty and riches. To plunder, slaughter, seize with false pretenses, they give the lying name ‘empire.’ And where nothing remains but a desert, they call that ‘peace.’ ”

Now a quote from the Prophet Jeremiah, who was considered a traitor by many in Israel: 

Jer 5:23-31
23 But this people hath a revolting and a rebellious heart; they are revolted and gone.
24 Neither say they in their heart, Let us now fear the Lord our God, that giveth rain, both the former and the latter, in his season: he reserveth unto us the appointed weeks of the harvest.
25 Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withholden good things from you.
26 For among my people are found wicked men: they lay wait, as he that setteth snares; they set a trap, they catch men.
27 As a cage is full of birds, so are their houses full of deceit: therefore they are become great, and waxen rich.
28 They are waxen fat, they shine: yea, they overpass the deeds of the wicked: they judge not the cause, the cause of the fatherless, yet they prosper; and the right of the needy do they not judge.
29 Shall I not visit for these things? saith the Lord: shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this?
30 A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land;
31 The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?
KJV

 

At the risk of being called anti-American and a hater of my homeland, I follow these quotes with the latest column by Paul Craig Roberts:

http://www.paulcraigroberts.org/2015/05/11/war-threat-rises-economy-declines-paul-craig-roberts/

[Ukulelemike]

Good article, except for the continued use of the term "neocon", as if to lay it firly at the feet of conservatives. in fact, the liberals (neolibs?) have continued the mess unabated for the last 6 years under Obama, and have in fact expanded it. It is very clear that the two are, as has often been said, two sides of the same coin.  Its always been a fact that war is a great money-maker-just not for the common man-just for the industries that play both sides.

America is, no doubt, a mess. Nothing unamerican about telling the truth-if the truth is not told, there is no chance to fix the mess. It just won't get fixed with any of the players on the field now.

[John81]

I'm reading through Jeremiah in my morning readings and I've been thinking about these matters. From the looks of things, those sounding the warnings are being ignored and attacked even as Jeremiah was. Likely as not, just as those Jeremiah warned failed to repent and get right with God (and thus avoid destruction), those in America seem intent upon refusing to repent and get right with God too.

Meanwhile, Dem and Repub alike do that which is bad for America and still they get voted into office. America is being destroyed from within. At the same time, on the world stage American leaders create unnecessary enemies while refusing to rightly deal with actual enemies. This has produced a huge mess in the Middle East and the pushing of Russia and China into an alliance that can only be bad for America.

[Ukulelemike]

Unfortunately, we have a lot of 'right wing' radio types who will spend all day talking about how terrible the republicans are nowadays, and in the next breath declare that no third party candidate will ever have a chance of being elected. And so many listen to them, that in effect, they are the reason it won't happen. Rush like to talk about how his liteners are thinkers and self-motivators, and yet, he DOES have a vast influence on them. If Rush and Hannity and Savage and Pags and Ingrahm and LaVine would insist that a thrid-party candidate CAN be elected, and maybe got behind one, people would stop believing a lie and we might see an actual change. But the status quo MUST be held to.

[John81]

Unfortunately, we have a lot of 'right wing' radio types who will spend all day talking about how terrible the republicans are nowadays, and in the next breath declare that no third party candidate will ever have a chance of being elected. And so many listen to them, that in effect, they are the reason it won't happen. Rush like to talk about how his liteners are thinkers and self-motivators, and yet, he DOES have a vast influence on them. If Rush and Hannity and Savage and Pags and Ingrahm and LaVine would insist that a thrid-party candidate CAN be elected, and maybe got behind one, people would stop believing a lie and we might see an actual change. But the status quo MUST be held to.

​Good points. Keep telling folks a third party has no chance  and that's what most will believe.

The only reason folks like Rush claim their audience is made up of thinkers is because their audience agrees with them. The typical ditto-head isn't anymore free thinking than the next person, they just happen to think like el-rushbo.

There are exceedingly few true conservatives left anymore, and even few who know what a true conservative is (or was). Those closest to being true conservatives are attacked by those pretending to be conservatives today. The neo-con takeover of the Republican Party has helped push their rather liberal-lite worldview while casting traditional conservatives into the shadows of those with screws loose.

Rush isn't anywhere near as conservative as he pretends, or even as he was when he first started out. He's proven this time and again by his total commitment to the Republican Party and his unwillingness to support traditional conservatives even as he does support proven liberal leaning and bad for America Republican candidates instead.

It's interesting to look back just 50 or 60 years ago and compare what conservatives stood for then (and even where liberals stood) and to see how much the "conservatives" have moved towards liberalism while the liberals have moved to a more radical liberalism.

[Potatochip]

Where it all went down was the judges that were appointed.  People put a lot of effort into that.  We didn't get what we paid for lol.  So to speak.  Judge Bork was kind of a tipping point.  I guess I could review that.  Media does appear to have a bias.  Can make it look like the whole country is coming at you.  If your against what they think is right.  Shame you for going after victims that they have designated as victims.  In abortion.  Women were the victims.  Which was very, very clever.  They took the issue of the pre-born.  Not showing anything of the violence of abortion.  Ever at any point on television.  In a way you don't expect that.  

Because television deals in sin.  Its not propaganda in my opinion. Its not brainwashing.  It just sin eroding away righteousness and all the good things you have.  You can get mad at sinners I guess for doing what they do.  The TV is just chock full of every sin.  Violence etc.  Just name it.  Its the world. Its on there. Hey, things are reasonable on TV just let me get a peek.  Its always been that way with TV.  There were no good ole days.  Just worse and worse r.   Its getting worse r even still.

I guess some wonder why some of us like these street preachers.  Young people that come out and condemn sin in public.  Its just good to see young men that are strong in the Lord.  Youtube is very interesting when it comes to being able to choose your own content.  I can listen to some of those preachers for hours.  When I get the chance.  Of course there is the mystical, conspiratorial and just plain nonsense too. Then again there are some really good programs.  My opinion.   

One thing that is sorely lacking.  I mean nothing of.  Is addressing the subject of the poor.  You can assume its there.  But I see none of it.  It's become the tipping point in many cases.  Those without outnumber those with.  That's usually the case.  Poor Christians are rich in faith.  I could go on and on.  The poor are fairly easy to rob.  lol.  Doesn't take much.  Its like the SBC using every justification on earth for slavery.  Back when. They twisted scripture until you couldn't even recognize it was a book.   People hunger for good and moral things.  The poor are a moral subject.   God hears their cry.  You have to wonder why Atlanta got burned to the ground back when.   I know a lot of people don't really consider things like that.  Your not supposed to favor one over the other in judgement. However if one is stealing from the other.  By holding back.  Then God may just even the score.  This world loves trouncing the poor Jesus even said it.  Like I say be careful who you run with. Someone just may be getting hurt by the company you keep.   Choose none of the ways of the oppressor.  True that oppressor may be the Devil.  However that's what he does and that's who he uses. 

I would rather listen to pee wee Herman's advice on employment and working.  Than listen to the SBC's advice.  They need to flush some of their ways.  I many people quoting things like "well its what you agreed to" and masonry they need to dump that before I listen to any of what they have to say.  

It's not about paying enough.  It's not about what cause you support.  It's not even what you give.  Its about holding back on your labor.  They need that.  God said it.  Its in the Bible.  I believe the Bible.  I'm not going to try and please the world to get a little richer. Preach the whole council of God to the Congregation. That's all.   Then again that's not in some peoples best interest.  I understand.  Been there done that.  

You want moral issues public, abortion, porn, sodomite rights, etc. etc.  Bring out the whole watermelon.  There are poor in this country.  Believe it or not.  Its not of trickery or manipulation.  Simply preach the Word of God.  I mean would I treat people of means in the congregation as benefactors,? no way.  You rebuke sin.  You don't dance with it.  lol.  Love everyone in the congregation.  Tell the truth.  Holding back is hating someone.  

Edited May 12, 2015 by Potatochip

[John81]

As the saying goes, power corrupts, so it's really little wonder the power politicians in both Parties are corrupt to one extent or another. Look how quickly they change their positions for the sake of public image and votes. Look how easily they reject the stances of their predecessors which they claim to follow. Look at the sin they willingly support, compromise with and even promote. Then consider the fact most are lost and therefore lost in sin and servants of the devil. Even of the few who may be saved, their actions indicate they are immature Christians at best.

I appreciate street preachers who go forth preaching in accord with Scripture, but those who go forth seeking confrontation, yelling in anger, name calling and showing what is (or at the least appears to be) hate for sinners rather than love, do far more harm than good. It does little good, for instance, to stand in front of a bar and scream at the drunkards, telling them they are vile sinners doomed to hell if they don't give up the booze. That's not the Gospel. Too many street preachers want to demand sinners give up a particular sin and then come to Christ. Yelling at a bunch of drunks isn't the way to spread the Gospel.

Then there are those street preachers who love to get into debates with the lost over issues of evolution or some other matter. Rather than presenting the Gospel they spend their time in side arguments, often arguing in the same manner as the lost.

Scripture tells us even if we do something right, if we aren't doing so in love, it counts for nothing. How much worse off are we if are doing something wrong, claiming it's right, and also doing it with a lack of love?

It's difficult to keep our flesh under control, and something we can't do without surrendering to Christ and doing things His way. It seems especially easy to let our emotions, pride, personal beliefs and such matters rile us up and dominate our words and actions when we are young. Unfortunately, some keep on in this way and fail to mature in this even when they are older.

I've met some good street preachers. Their work in an area helps other Christians to share the Gospel, to have meaningful conversations with the lost there, to open some lost ears. This is a blessing that the screaming, critical, attacking street preachers don't bring to an area.

With several "Christians" running for president already it's interesting to read the many comments online regarding the individual candidates and how potential voters view their Christianity. Some are willing to accept any politicians claim to be a Christian, others are quick to attack their Christianity, some take the time to go over candidates views in comparison with Scripture.

One thing is clear, most Christian candidates today take political positions which Christian candidates of previous generations would have had nothing to do with.

Political events can be a place to share the Gospel, pass out tracts and such. Unfortunately, the ground in these places doesn't seem to be very fertile since most already have their minds made up, most seem to already consider themselves to be Christians (even tho most are secular, not biblical Christians) so they pay little heed to the Gospel.

We can share the Gospel when we can and we should always be living in a way which allows others to see Christ in us.

[Potatochip]

Well you have to understand what they are trying to do.  A loud noise sounding like a gunshot gets everyone's attention.   If no one runs its a backfire.  If everyone runs its gunfire.  lol.   They just have their own way.  Its not my way.  But I understand it.  I have my way lol.  It bothers some to a degree sometimes.  Some are practiced at apologetic's and use that to a large degree.  There is no "choir" out there.  A lot of sinners.  Those are young guys in many cases preaching.  They are very strong in the Lord.  My opinion.  Some "Christians" think its swell also to be scantly clad.  Half naked on a beach.  Drinking beer.  Going to hear devil filled music.  Even going to sodomite parades.  Some people go to "churchs"  that are nothing but harlots.  If they don't understand scripture.  Think that sinning is swell.  Do you think they are really saved?  

True some seem to go overboard.  I don't insult lol.  I don't want confrontation.  I don't have time for it.  I don't think its right.  However they do things like that for a reason. To me in a way these guys are refreshing.  In a even worse time.

On the lighter side.  Some of the Street preachers have a really bad attitude towards sin.  lol.  They are going to find you out quick too.  lol.  That includes doctrine.   Put you right-side up and try to straighten you out.  They really mean it they don't want you to go to hell.  Some of them can be surly.  Best get out of their way and let them get to business lol.  Its a lot like the compulsion Paul had to preach the Gospel.  My opinion.  They really aren't pastors.  Taking care of a flock.  Which to me is way different.  I guess pastoring tedious sometimes lol.  Your not going to get that from them. That's not what they do

Steve Anderson would make a great street preacher.  For those of you who watch his stuff.  He's a very good soulwinner his church also.  I don't agree with some of what he says.  I really don't.  But I guess he's a pastor.  So.  

Edited May 12, 2015 by Potatochip

[John81]

Repulsing or antagonizing the lost isn't the way to present the Gospel or save souls. Preaching in the flesh, whether on the street or from a pulpit isn't the right way.

I may have good reason to burn a Koran I found in a box of books from a yard sale, but will it advance the cause of Christ to take the Koran to a gathering of Muslims, yell at them that they are all going to hell and then set that Koran on fire in front of them?

Our job is to share the Gospel. It's the work of the Holy Ghost to convict the lost, to draw the lost to Christ.

Preaching or "soul winning" in a way contrary to Scripture isn't right and it serves the enemy.

[Potatochip]

lol.  I agree.  I'm not going to rip up the Koran in front of a bunch of Muslims.  lol.  That gets people way to riled.  So.  I guess they like telling sodomites they are all going to hell too.  I won't do that for health reasons lol.  I'm not going near that.  However I do understand their method.  I won't do it.  

Preaching in the flesh.  These guys aren't sinners.  More like way to the other side.   It's not door to door soulwinning either.  Many people are afraid of big cities.  lol. Many people in big cities are afraid of going outside of  them.  Sinners in many cases are offended by the Gospel.  That happens a lot.  Its not a fistfight.  Its just hard preaching at sinners. The places these guys go to are filled with sodomite rights people, drunks, prostitutes, sodomite churches, drugs, people on drugs, adulterers, gangs etc.  Jesse in his university preaching draws very large crowds.  That gather to listen.   I dunno.  Never mind lol.  Paul was rude in speech he even said so.  I can get really short if you try and debate me while I am working.  A lot of these guys don't care about anyone's opinion.  That includes mine.  Usually they don't have time for chit chat.  I'm not offended.  They have a great compulsion for the Gospel.  All they care about is salvation for sinners.  Its hard to explain.  

Edited May 12, 2015 by Potatochip