Paradigms, Habits, Discipline and Change
Vision, Goals and Roles
Establishing and Preserving Society
Human Kingdoms versus Christ’s
Organized Religion versus Christ and HIS Bible
World Views at War with Christ
Beware of Men
Appendix: Preserving Resources for Long Range Sustainment
Selected Authors & References
Preface:
A short, polemical treatise written as my final words of “wisdom” and guidance for my beloved wife and son, here is my heart’s message of what GOD taught me after HE saved me.
In October, 1992, GOD suddenly crushed my pride, gave me tears of repentance, and opened my eyes to see and my ears to ear. Slowly, HE taught me about my sin, its effects on me and my family, showing my selfishness, arrogance and rebellion against HIS loving kind ways. One of the first things HE gave was thirst for HIS Word written. Then, HE taught me awesome things about marriage and children, forgiveness, and what I had not done rightly toward others at work life and in my daily living. By HIS grace alone, HE led our family out of the wind, fire and deluge of life’s storms, and to the springs of Living Water. By stark terror (Benjamin’s sudden death), HE gradually restored our souls and led us by the still waters.
It started as a searching question, “What has happened to America?” After years of research, the plain fact was I was ignorant of what thousands of mature believers already understood. After generations of “playing church,” and coincidental with the rise of the false church, America was in rapid spiritual freefall - moral, economical and political decline. What was the root cause? To paraphrase Spurgeon, “As the pulpit goes, so goes the family. As the family goes, so goes the church, thence the community, thus the nation.” Other gospels – semi-Pelagian in origin - supplanted the one, true and ever-lasting gospel. Messages appealing to felt needs and “works-grace” replaced sermons on sin, GOD’s amazing grace, GOD’s glory in HIS exclusive love for HIS people. Just as the camel’s snout peeked under the tent before moving inside, Humanism, in religious garb, eased into the church and overwhelmed it. The modern church is barely, if at all, biblically distinctive from the unbelieving world around it. By GOD’s Sovereign Will, has the Holy Spirit been withdrawn from America’s churches?
By one count, there are over 300,000 churches in America. How can America be so wicked and divided? Has the church lost it’s spiritual high ground, it’s role as salt and light, or is something much more sinister underway? Americans played at church, embraced other gospels, and welcomed in the unbelieving world. Many pulpiteers and their worldly wives, eager to make a good living, funded by other people’s hard-earned money, are teaching unbiblical, soul damning doctrines. Secular humanism correlated comfortably with many of these wolves in sheep’s cloth, who wittingly cooperate with an anti-Christian government, thus undermining the fabric of the righteous and just society. Sadly, the Bible reveals a parallel in ancient Israel.
For the believing remnant, as GOD promised, HE has not abandoned HIS people. Faithful and true, HE continues to provide comfort by HIS Holy Spirit, the Bible, an oasis in the desert, other believers for fellowship, many useful old books written before this age of apostasy. HIS promises being real, true peace, joy and contentment are for HIS people as they watch and pray over America’s collapse.
Paradigms, Habits, Discipline and ChangeI have observed there are many religious time wasters and false zealots who spend time seeking to present or project their private interpretations of scripture, espouse universal doctrines of what and how to approach various subjects, e.g., church polity, rituals, freedom of action under Christ’s rule, discerning the causes of the ills of today’s society and culture, dealing with other sinners, evils of our time. All are simply symptoms of inherent unbelief. The bottom line is, at the end, all this is irrelevant to daily habits that lead to incremental progress to free and independent living. What and where is the gate that leads one to grow in grace, knowledge, wisdom, joy and peace? Ignore the distracting and non-essential fluff. Be forewarned about smart, attractive, alluring, enticing false christs for the world is now full of them.
At the end, only one thing is essential – Christ’s redemptive sacrifice and HIS effectual calling. Learning to lead one’s own life in Christ is the prime directive. Learning to live with one’s own sinfulness is the struggle. (Other sinners, especially my beloved, have taught me most about me and my sin problem. By grace and HIS word written, GOD reveals to me daily my problem and HIS will – and of HIS great love for me.) With very few and minor exceptions, church going was a relatively small benefit. The modern effeminate church is utterly confused, mostly a social improvement enterprise, unwittingly teaching morality, subjectivism, subtly reinforcing a works and merit based path to righteousness. However, given a world awash with religious affections, associating with like-minded Bible believers does have mutually shared benefits. But there is a grave and great danger to one’s soul (temporal and eternal consequences) in this setting, the key difference being whether the leaders are mature in Christ, babes in Christ, or another false disciple wholly outside of Christ. A blend of these types is the most troublesome instance of organized religion, i.e., the local church. HIS church is pure (Christ of the Bible centric) then peaceable (humble obedient servants who protect the flock from wolves in sheep’s clothing, i.e., false christs).
Therefore, first establishing a daily, biblical worship practice sets the correct habit. Trust HIS promise to guide in truth by HIS Holy Spirit through HIS word written. Then rest in knowing HE will furnish discernment and complete that which HE started. For certain, HE does sometimes correct, test, rebuke, even punish or hurt even the most faithful disciple. “Though HE slay me, yet will I trust in HIM.” Job 13:15. We seem for a season to get our hopes, desires for life our way. Then, HE reminds us of our idols and pride, and strips all away. At other times, also to show HIS great love, HE seems to rain blessings, even miracles, upon HIS people. Be grateful and praise HIM for such mercy. But ultimately, all worldly charms and desires fade away as HE prepares us for glory.
Overcome counter productive behaviors and assumptions: Focus on positive sustainable life styles, and balance, e.g., avoiding wasted mental habits and negative thoughts, misuse of scarce resources and counter-productive activities. Measuring life in units of time, e.g., using the most limited resource, time, as a daily unit, is a measure whether one is realistic in goal seeking and shared vision, gaining ground in a self-reinforcing, disciplined thought life discerning truth: Reality vs. desired world vs. dreams and fantasy. Ineffective habits, short-term thinking are gradually replaced through prayer, searching wisdom literature, capturing truth, screening out spiritual junk food, extreme care in associations, shedding emotional baggage, helping the truly needy, wise use of one’s brief and fleeting life. Discipline in learning to balance these matters is the urgent and important task, for as creatures of habit, it is not easy. Real work here sets a life-long pattern. In the mid-life years, a written record (a simple life management tool) is most helpful.
Vision, Goals and Roles
Life literally flies by. Time truly shrinks with age particularly as one is occupied with responsibilities and commitments, e.g., job, work, schedules, deadlines, paying the bills, duties to others, compartmentalizing routines (i.e., live for the weekend). Modernism developed in this way.
For the last 100 years or so, America and the developed nations were so prosperous, that basic survival needs were met without much of a struggle. Technological advances and analytical economic schemes led to the era of mass production, thus labor specialization. Market conditions developed whereby people sought out corporations and organizations whereby employment provided the employee’s material needs. This led to daily and weekly cycles of earning one’s bread and satisfying the debt for improvements necessary for making a “comfortable living.” Six-day workweeks morphed into 5-day workweeks. Thank GOD that Sabbath keeping tendencies continued. Then benefits were added as incentives to retain skilled workers. Time off for personal activities is now the norm for those who still think about work and life as weekly buckets. New markets grew to meet the needs of industrialized societies. Mobility, grocery stores and government run schools were normalized and accepted as “progress.”
Unfortunately, the basic unit of society, the family, suffered without the breadwinner’s presence and his active leadership in rearing the children. Learning became centered on pragmatism at the expense of wisdom. Thus, independent thinking was overcome by the exhausting pace of this system. The common man’s strength and capability were consumed by this consumer age. The desires of one’s heart in providing for one’s beloved became subservient to materialism, the organization and to the government’s ever expanding tax appetite. Religious organizations stole the Sabbath Day by falsely convincing the faithful they were obligated in serving Christ to take on more responsibilities and lead “programs.” Blue laws that honored the Sabbath were quickly abandoned circa 1980. Television, and its hedonistic message of self-pleasure, became the central altar in most all homes. Sports and recreation readily displaced ministries of mercy. Then, evil men decided unwanted babies and the aged were expendable, thus new markets emerged to manage these troublesome responsibilities. In this generation, it is painfully obvious that the negative trend - the age of irresponsibility, e.g., hedonism - is accelerating. The secular, heathen organizations, particularly the false church, elitist-run government, and worldly corporations, are now almost totally anti-Christian. True believers recognize these facts as indicators of the anti-Christ, knowing the collapse is inevitable. Yet, Christ promised that a remnant would survive and rejoice in Christ and HIS finished work. The church militant and the church triumphant are victorious in, by and through Christ. That is the Christian man’s vision – to hear the words, “Well done MY good and faithful servant; enter into MY eternal joy!”
In the long war against GOD, Christ’s soldiers will not become weary for HIS yoke is easy and the burden light. At war with the world, the flesh and the Devil, the true believer does in fact overwhelmingly conquer through HIM WHO first loved us. The order of battle is simple: worship, prayer, family, service to others. The Christian will thus, by HIS grace, learn to balance life in these areas. Learning to lead one’s family in worship and prayer, teaching and applying the principles of GOD and HIS ways to one’s family, serving their needs in their battle against sin, serving others’ spiritual needs, and responding to HIS calling in one’s work. This is the biblical model for living the abundant life. The goals of life are first analyzed by roles. Serious prayer leads to fulfillment in discovering roles, then prioritizing activities within each role to first establish, then sustain balance. The urgent priority is learning the role of leading one’s own life, i.e., learning what it means to follow Christ, to deny self, and obey HIS calling, then learning how to graciously say “No” to those who would distract or hinder one’s vision and goals. Plus, as GOD ordained, to realize with fear and trembling, the Christian man, by grace, must learn to be the spiritual leader of the Christian home.
Establishing and Preserving Society
As a man thinketh, so is he. HE brings about whatsoever comes to pass.
“As the pulpit goes, so goes the family. As the family goes, so goes the church. As the church goes, so goes the community. As the communities go, so goes the nation.” (paraphrasing Spurgeon)
Christian men and women, under GOD, and by HIS Holy Spirit through HIS Word written, have dominion over HIS creation. Amazingly, the acts of wicked sinners are meant for evil, but HE means them for good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save and nourish much people alive, and apart from fear, rejoicing to see the end of days, and the Day of the Lord. Gen 50:19-20; 1 Thess 5.
If these things be true, and they are, thus, the explanation of the current state of affairs among men. By decree, the Triune GOD has withdrawn, or at least minimized, HIS imposition of righteousness among sinful creatures, hardened their hearts, and let them go in their own way. Rom 1 and 9.
By HIS ordered plan, both the fall and the procreation mandate are the means whereby HE establishes HIS sovereign good pleasure. In HIS plan to sustain the human race, GOD has designed men and women with incredibly strong biological and emotional attractions. Next, within each heart is the rebellious spirit and its wickedness. Thus, the universal need for the Savior. HIS righteousness and loving kindness alone brings salvation to specific individuals, thus generating the Christian family, and the ensuing sanctification that leads to purity, peace, safety and security in both famine and prosperity. Apart from HIM, we do nothing; in HIM, all things are possible.
It is the new creature in Christ, with his helper, by their union, who unite to proclaim HIS omnipotent power over evil and wicked men, and establish an orderly and just society. The corollary effects of HIS love permit the GOD fearing and obedient couple to experience abundant life. HIS loving model for the remnant includes: joyful life, never-ending life, the calling (vocation) and the hearth (wife, home, security, sustenance). HIS seed are blessed with children. In this brief and fleeting life, by grace alone, the greatest joy the believing father and mother will ever experience is seeing their beloved children come to true, saving knowledge of the truth in Christ’s finished work. The battle and victory having been won, HE ushers each through the valley of sin, sorrow, suffering, finally through death, to HIS unspeakable gift of HIS presence, i.e., the beatific vision.
For the redeemed in Christ, filled with HIS strength, joy and peace, the Christian home is the ultimate satisfaction in this sin-cursed world. By faithful work in building the Christian home, the Christian man and woman, proclaim to all who come in contact with it, and to the world,“Victory!”. Evangelism is centered on the home where the seeds of the ever-lasting Gospel of peace are spread to the church, the community, to the nation, and to the unbelieving world. Loving discipline and disciplined love, measured in faithful application of the Scriptures, are types of the Triune GOD and HIS redemptive power on earth.
Thus, the best and surest hope for a righteous and just society is the Christian home.
Human Kingdoms versus Christ’s
“Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand…This people draweth nigh unto ME with their mouth, and honoureth ME with their lips, but their heart is far from ME. But in vain they do worship ME, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men…If any man will come after ME, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow ME… For whosoever will save his life shall loose it and whosoever will lose his life for MY sake shall find it…what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?…And Jesus called a little child in front of HIM and said, ‘Except you be converted and become as little children you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Who so shall receive one such child in MY name, receiveth ME but who so shall offend one these little ones which believe in ME, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged around his neck and he were drowned in the depth of the sea….it is not the will of MY Father in Heaven that one of these little ones should perish.’ …Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto ME for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Matt 12:25; 15:8-9; 16:24-26; 18:3-14; 19:14.
Over 1,600 verses in the Bible concern the child. Many relate to education and training e.g., “Teach them [the Bible] diligently to thy children… Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it…Children, obey your parents in the Lord for this is right.” Deut 6:7; Prov 22:6, Eph 6:1. Why the division and turmoil in the nation? The “Humanist Manifesto” reveals the battlespace Christians face. Warning! There can be no education apart from Christ. (Machen)
Until the mid-20th century, the American schools encouraged biblicalism, e.g., teaching morality. Washington, the Adams, Hancock, Henry, Jay, Story, Webster, Mason, et al, asserted that true religion, virtue and morality were essential to sustain a free republic. Even Franklin and Jefferson understood, the latter requiring the Bible be taught in D.C. schools. Congress and the Courts stated it was good public policy. In 1892, in Holy Trinity, the Supreme Court wrote “this is a religious people…this is a Christian nation.” Not until the federalization of the states did the federal courts assert dominance over state courts in religious matters. (Barton, Original Intent, 49-85.)
In 1947, in Everson, perverting the 1st and 14th amendments, humanist jurists introduced the ‘church and state’ metaphor not found in the Constitution. By 1962, in Engle and Abington Township, secularism became the state’s religious preference. Unbelief in modern garb appeared as revisionist historians, positivists, progressive modernism (e.g., macroevolution, pragmatism, humanism, elitism) quickly overwhelmed 170 years of Christian education in the American public. Religious freedom, voluntary prayer and private Bible study, chapel services were expelled while the doctrines of secular humanist atheism filled the void. The results: libertine immorality, no fault divorce, legalized murder of the unborn, drugs, pornography, homosexuality, state-sponsored gambling coincided with the rise of the welfare state, illegal immigration, global wars, terrorism, the melt down of financial empires; 40 cents of every dollar spent is borrowed, $13 Trillion in debt, America is no longer affordable.
Realizing the goals of the humanists, particularly to separate the youthful next generation from their parents’ religious beliefs, leaders in the faithful churches rushed to establish ‘Christian schools” and the home school movement expanded. Sadly, many so-called ‘Christian schools’ follow modern secular methods, ‘Christian Classical schools’ being the exception. “Safer” than government-ruined schools, ‘Christian schools’ are costly, overstrained, limited in providing discipline and reinforcing each child’s individual academic and unique special needs. Without proactive parental supervision and leadership, ‘Christian schools’ approach a form of “day care.” Neither the state nor the church can be entrusted with this solemn obligation. As gifts from GOD, co-steward Christian parents know and accept responsibility for educating their children. In HIS Kingdom, parents gladly accept their crucial role in preparing, protecting and nurturing the child. The best hope for the next generation, with few exceptions for the truly blessed, is the Christ-centered home schooler. Arguments against abound, but the outcomes are well documented. Thankful, young adults report, “It was the best thing in my life.”
Organized Religion versus Christ and HIS Bible
Creation and history proves the religious nature of man – the mind seeking a higher power. From superstitious animism (worship of the creature, nature, myths), authoritarian enlightenment (clerical and state tyranny), empirical rationalism (natural experience-based worship), atheistic hedonism (worship of self and one’s intellect). The common discriminating factor is works, zeal for goodness to appease the gods or as each mind subjectively with autonomy defines what good is.
Only one religion stands apart from human works-centered belief – Christianity, the supernaturally revealed religion of grace. The dangerous heresy is ‘works-grace,’ a blend of some truth about grace, subtlety and falsely mixed with the necessity of ‘good works.’ An objective standard, the Bible is a supernatural and special revelation of the nature of the Triune GOD, creation, sinful creatures and redemption. Nothing compares to the Bible’s internal harmony, consistency among authors and transcribers, preservation across eons of time, the breadth and scope of human experience, history, purpose, meaning, origins and last things – the Bible stands majestically distinct from all other objects, as does the Christ of the Bible. GOD spoke, provided and preserved both HIS Word written and the Living Word for HIS chosen people, all for HIS Glory alone.
A central theme of the Bible is how GOD intervened directly with specific individuals, e.g., Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Joseph, etc., revealing both HIMSELF and HIS omnipotent will in each life and within each of their families. Two other themes are the holiness of GOD and the sinful rebellion of the human race, thence sin’s effect on all of creation. The ultimate theme is GOD’s SELF-sacrifice to redeem many individuals from bondage to sin, draw each one individually unto HIMSELF, set each apart for HIS Glory alone. The Bible also clearly explains why the world is a mess – sin manifested in five modes: unbelief, rebellion, doubt, deceit and ignorance. Only those effectually called out of the world can comprehend these matters, thus the world hates the Bible and it’s AUTHOR, and those who love the Bible and desire to live by it.
The Bible also reveals the progression of organized religion, beginning with interpersonal contact, the altar, tabernacle, temple, finally the church. Starting with Adam and Cain, however, GOD condemns false worship, particularly man-centered, merit and works-based, ritualistic forms of outward religion, i.e., sacrifices, Babel, golden calf, strange fire, icons, high places, the monolithic church-state, and the modern, international humanistic church council.
Studying the Bible, and church history since the first century, like-minded men associated together to establish religious orders, rituals, forms and systems. The Reformation re-established the Bible as the sole authority for universal truth, salvation by grace alone through faith alone by Christ alone, public worship content and practice. But coupled with the Enlightenment, modernism in the church incrementally dissolved the ancient and simple Biblical faith, replacing it with a multiplicity of seminary trained preachers using worldly methods, storytelling, false gospels (e.g., social, liberation, syncretistic globalism, liberal unbelief, self and church-saving regeneration), religious sects, denominationalism, and many heretical cults fostering the doctrines of mere men and women. A plethora of books, information, consultants, etc., attempted to deal with the religious schizophrenia. Large money continues to be made in the modern, organized, religious enterprises.
Each generation must earnestly contend for the faith. In this generation, many critically aware and sensitive Bible believers, but sadly not all, gradually realized that something was amiss. The need was to return to the old ways, back to the Bible alone, small groups, the home church, individual Bible study, with discerning caution in selecting sources, books and teachers, i.e., who one trusts to guide and instruct, those apart from the modernism that corrupted the gospel and the Bible.
World Views at War with Christ
Two Muslim encounters revealed much about the carnal mind of man set in search of meaningfulness, religious traditions, truth and logic. Samir, from the Middle East, whose home was Detroit, was struggling to master course material in a Defense Department acquisition management school. Later, he was expelled, the first time that had been done. A smart man, his career was over; the school cooperated with his organization’s desire to dismiss him. A mild mannered but ostracized man, I reached out to him, took him to lunch once, tried to help him calm down. His mind, steeped in his religious world view, was filled with guilt and paranoia. As we drove to lunch, he noted an Army helicopter flying overhead and said, “They’re looking for me.” I tried to counsel him using a world view model of organizing, in most important order, the words truth, facts, faith and feelings. I wrote down the words in mixed order on a sheet of paper and asked him which was the most important. Not surprisingly, his illogical mind exactly reversed the order, stating feelings were paramount. Faith seemed to him a phantom. Not comprehending that facts are a subset of truth, I was only barely able to witness to him concerning “the way, the truth and the life” as proven in Christ Jesus.
The other Muslim and I met standing in a line to acquire subway tickets. I don’t remember his name. I struck up some conversation as we waited, and quickly moved to a worldview and logical framework for dialogue. He wanted to know about America, what made it so unusual and so great, particularly its religion. Then, we sat down for two hours discussing Christianity, and religion in America. Keenly aware and highly sensitive to spiritual matters, he seemed genuine in his interest. At the end, the bottom line was that he faced two ultimate questions, who is Christ, and a choice of who he would follow, Mohammed or Christ. Aware of the risk he was taking, I asked if he would like to receive the New Testament. He said “Yes, I want to read it.” I also offered radio and TV resources that were Bible-centered. We never met again.
One way to confront unbelief is by asking people the simple question, “Do you know why there are no WalMarts in Baghdad?” The person usually thinks it’s a joke and respond “No, I don’t know.” Then, I ask, “Well, who started WalMart?” Often, they respond, “Sam Walton,” or I tell them his name. Then, I ask, “Well, why are there no Sam Walton’s in Baghdad?” Usually, there is no response, or a “I don’t know” reaction. I then answer my own query with, “There never was a George Washington in Baghdad.” The two points being how much has been lost in this modern age concerning the unique, spiritual miracle in the founding of America, and how much the modern American mind takes its freedom and prosperity for granted. People are in ignorant bliss, blind, unaware having a “could care less” attitude, as long as one’s physical, material needs are being met. Obviously, the modern, government-ruined schools are at fault, but the root cause is parents who were never taught the truth by their parents, let alone an appreciation of it. As previously stated, worldly pulpiteers never make the connection about GOD’s truth and the blessings America has received since the founding era.
The desire of the Humanist is to separate people from their history and from their Christian roots. And the anti-Christian government and its schools are now in full cooperation with the secular humanist. Therefore, each Christian is obligated to come to realize this sad state of affairs and recapture the true history. Knowing first that the world hates the Christ of the Bible, and is constantly at war with HIM and HIS truth, forewarns the believer to be cautious in accepting humans and their writings. There are more good books and resources, but beware of the author’s worldview; it is critical to getting to the full truth. Either they are real Christian scholars, or they are not. Reading original sources is absolutely crucial as the revisionist perverts history with their anti-Christian bias. Even nominally Christian authors often miss the key theological distinctives, thus mislead the reader. Theology matters; ideas have consequences.
Beware of Men
Speaking about the mainline religion of HIS day, Jesus said, “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves…Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” Concerning evangelism, HE said, “But beware of men for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues.” Matt 7:15, 17; 10:17
By their ordeals, Jesus and HIS Apostles demonstrated the truth about organized religion and the depraved hard hearts of men at war with GOD and HIS Bible. Paul’s bloody struggle with unbelief explained one reason: “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his [Satan’s] ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness whose end shall be according to their works.” 2 Cor 11:14-15.
Satan’s ministers are now here, cloaked as angels of light, deceiving many with lies, signs and wonders. “For the mystery of iniquity doth already work only who letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. And then shall the wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of HIS mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of HIS coming even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause GOD shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. But we are bound to give thanks always to GOD for you, brethren beloved of the lord, because GOD hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth whereunto HE called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ….stand fast…Now our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and GOD, even our FATHER, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation an good hope through grace, comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work. Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, … as it is with you and that we may delivered from unreasonable and wicked men for all men have not faith. But the Lord is faithful, Who shall stablish you, and you from evil. …And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of GOD and into the patient waiting for Christ.” 2 Thes 2:6 – 3:5.
Just prior to HIS death and sacrifice for HIS people, Jesus prays to HIS FATHER in Heaven for HIS people, “..And now come I to THEE and these things I speak in the world, that they might have MY joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them THY word and the world hath hated them because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that THOU should take them out of the world, but that THOU shouldest keep them from evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through THY truth: THY word is truth.” John 17:13-17.
Thus, for the true believer, in the world but not of it, the joy and peace of Jesus are found in the truth of GOD within HIS word written, the Bible. The Holy Spirit protects the true believer from the wolves in sheep’s clothing – the false pulpiteers - and from the Devil and his angels of light. Many will fall away and be deceived by lies and the false gospels. Why? Because they received not the love of the truth, preferred lies, unrighteousness and their sin, and worshipped self and creatures. Many church going, good self-righteous people who trusted mere men, even now the women, who tickle their ears, will perish. The unrepentant, unregenerate and the reprobate – unbelievers – are all damned by GOD’s strong delusion. Beware! Men, and women, who hate the truth, are known by their fruity pleasures.
Appendix: Preserving Resources for Long Range Sustainment
Goals & Benefits:
Cost savings allowing for other investments
Improved health by better nutrition during an age of industrialized food production
Less dependence on uncertain and unstable sources
Improved security and confidence for self, family and neighbors
Focus producing positive family outcomes to offset fear and dread during an age of chaos
Resources:
Spiritual, Mental, Emotional and Physical Health
Intellectual Knowledge and Abilities
Freedom to pursue life and GOD’s calling
Sustain family, trusted associations in trade, transportation, shelter & clothes, water, food, energy, security, communication.
Develop & Select Strategies:
Family: Bible, hymnbooks, music, bible resources, writing materials, children, baby care, education materials & toys, books that build and encourage faith, sustainment, relevant subjects, e.g., first aid, medical, gardening, non-revisionist history, etc.
Transportation & Trade: Bicycles, highly efficient vehicle and repair parts, manuals, e.g., small motorcycle. Trusted partnerships and association, e.g., church, family, neighbors.
Shelter & clothes: location and remote access; design for low energy and maintenance requirements (e.g., insulation, forced attic ventilation, passive & active solar, geothermal); alternative design for light, heat & cooling, hot water, cooking (sky lights, multipurpose furnace, propane grill, candles, hand-generated light); comfortable and sustainable clothing, shoes and protection from sun, storm, flood, cold temperature, and wind. Primary and contingency waste treatment technologies, anaerobic bacteria, i.e., RidX. Fresh air turnover.
Fresh Water: cistern, well, spring, stream, reservoirs, storage bactericides (H2O2, Cl- ), pump, filtration, deionization, recycling, testing. Discover advanced dry-region and naval marine technologies, e.g., swimming pool, cooling tower, fuel cells, reverse osmosis.
Food and Nutrition: Land, grow, preserve, store seasonal products: plan garden, seeds, fruit & nut trees, fertilizer, tools; access to bulk nutrients, e.g., fiber, minerals & vitamins, coffee, tea, probiotics, medicine. Animals: herd dog, cow, sheep, goat, chicken, hog, fish pond, horse/donkey/sheep/goats/lama, wild game. Emergency cooking methods: fuel supply, safe and efficient: wood, charcoal, propane, coal stove, kerosene.
Energy: Bulk fuel supply: wood, coal, kerosene, propane, geothermal heat pump. 8-12KW alternative electricity source: safe, low maintenance, sustainable, affordable, e.g., active solar, generator for critical machines, e.g., drinking water, food freezer, security sensors. Bulk batteries.
Physical & Information Security: training to a new defensive mind-set; layers, zones and perimeter protection; sensors, controls, codes, alarms “night vision” (e.g., remotely operated spot lights, passive IR display). Neighborhood “community watch”. Communication protocols, e.g., meeting places that do not reveal sensitive security information, not allowing strangers to learn about location and security plan, am/fm/CB/SW/HF radio transmission, radio receivers, minimize all traffic and messages.
Selected Authors & References
Reformed Study Bible, Summaries & Hymnal:
New Geneva Study Bible
(now the Reformation Study Bible, New Kings James Version), Thomas Nelson, Nashville.A New Systematic Theology of the Christian Faith, Robert L. Reymond, Thomas Nelson, Nashville, 1998.
Foundations of the Christian Faith, James M. Boice, Intervarsity, 1986; Romans, Baker Books, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2000.
Trinity Hymnal,
Great Commission Publications, Suwanee, Georgia.Church History:
Sketches of Church History, S. Houghton, The Banner of Truth Trust, Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
The History of Protestantism, Wylie (circa 1870). After the first century A.D., Wylie traced the Bible people from Albigenes to Augustine, through the Reformation in Germany, England, Switzerland (Wycliffe, Hus, Luther, Tyndale, Calvin, Zwingli, and the martyrs for Christ).
The Reformation in England, J.H. Merle d’Aubigne (1853), The Banner of Truth Trust (1994), Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
Christ and Civilization, John W. Robbins, Trinity Foundation, Unicoi, Tennessee, 2003.
Theology & Confessional Standards:
The Confessions of Saint Augustine (5th Century A.D.); Whitaker House, New Kensington,
Pennsylvania, 1996; The City of God.
Freedom of the Will, Martin Luther (c. 1530).
The Westminster Standards (Confession of Faith, Larger and Shorter Catechism) (1646), Great Commision Publications, Suwanee, Georgia;The Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689,Grace Baptist Church, Carlisle, Pennsylvania; The Canons of Dordt (1619), New Covenant Presbyterian Church, Abingdon, Maryland; Thirty-nine Articles (1547).
What Every Christian Needs to Know (about temptation & sin), John Owen, Grace Publications Trust, London.
The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment, Jeremiah Burroughs (1648), The Banner of Truth Trust (2000), Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
All of Grace, Charles H. Spurgeon (c. 1860), Whitaker House (1983), New Kensington, Pennsylvania.
The Everlasting Righteousness, Horatius Bonar (1874), The Trinity Foundation (1994), Unicoi, Tennessee.
HE is there and HE is not silent, Francis A. Schaeffer (1972), Tyndale House, Wheaton, Illinois.
A Christian View of Men and Things, Gordon H. Clark (1952); The Trinity (1985); The Clark – Van Til Controversy, Herman Hoeksema (essays c. 1940’s The Standard Bearer), The Trinity Foundation, Unicoi, Tennessee, 2005, 2010.
Systematic Theology, Morton H. Smith, Greenville Seminary Press, Greenville, South Carolina, 1994
America, Freedom & Political Economics:
The Light and the Glory (1977), From Sea to Shining Sea (1986), Peter Marshall, David Manuel, Fleming Revell and Baker House, Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Original Intent, David Barton, Wall Builders, Aledo, Texas, 1997. A very useful resource covering the founders, the Constitution, Congress and the Courts.
A Theological Interpretation of American History, Greg Singer, A Press, (Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary) Greenville, SC. Dr. Singer documents how the unbelieving false church and the naïve ignorant Christian cooperated with progressive government’s social justice agenda to usher in this rebellious and irresponsible age.
The Rebirth of America, DeMoss, Keener, Flood, The Arthur S. DeMoss Foundation, 1986. We the People, Halverson, 1986.
Freedom and Captitalism, John W. Robbins, The Trinity Foundation, Unicoi, Tennessee, 2006.
This Independent Republic, Rousas Rushdoony, Thoburn Press, Fairfax, Virginia, 1964.
Christianity and Liberalism, J.Gresham Machen, Eerdmans, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1923.
The Arrogance of the Modern, David W. Hall, The Calvin Institute, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, 1997.
What They Believed, The Faith of Washington, Jefferson and Lincoln, D. James Kennedy, Coral Ridge Ministries, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Short pamphlet.
Notable Biographies:
Here I Stand, A Life of Martin Luther, Roland Bainton, Abingdon Press, 1978, Nashville, Tennessee.
Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners, John Bunyan (c. 1684), Whitaker House, New Kensington, Pennsylvania, 1981; The Pilgrim’s Progress.
George Whitefield, Arnold Dallimore, The Banner of Truth Trust, Carlisle, Pennsylvania. In two-volumes, the story of evangelist George Whitefield whose amazing ministry changed England and America in the mid-18th century.
The Life and Campaigns of Lt Gen Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson, Robert L. Dabney (1866), Reprinted, 1977, Sprinkle Publications, Harrisonburg, Virginia; and Dabney’s Virginia; and True Courage, A Memorial Service for Jackson, New Hope Publications, Fairfax City, Virginia, 1997.
School Textbooks Battle: The late Mel Gablers, examples of how effective only one couple were in leading the fight to re-establish school book standards without the heavy-handed revisionism that has misled millions of young minds, and the government school teachers, with the humanist’s lies.