Raising Hell, The new book by Julie Ferwerda

Have you ever been lied to?  Sure you have…

I am not talking about a little white lie where no one gets hurt.

The lie that I am referring to has been so persistent and so widespread that it somehow became the truth to most Christians. In Christianity, the orthodox position is what the majority believes. The orthodox Christian views of today are radically different from the views of the Christians in the first two hundred years after Christ. Let us look at a few facts:

1. The early Greek speaking church fathers all believed that all of God’s creation would be eventually restored. This belief is now known as Universal Restoration and it was orthodox at that time.

2. The early church fathers spoke Greek and knew that aion (noun) and aionios (adjective) did not and could not mean forever, forever and ever or eternal. Those words referred to an age or a period of time that had a beginning and an end.

The Passing of a Saint

    On May 14, 2012, Ruth Alice Carter departed from her life on earth. To those who knew her, She was a ray of light, a beacon, one who could always be counted on. She was gentle and kind but always honest with Her assessment. She never said no to a friend or a neighbor who was in need. She gave selflessly her entire life. She ran her race and finished in a spectacular fashion. She will stand at the dais of Christ to receive her reward and will undoubtedly go on to lead thousands upon thousands in Christ's Army. She had learned what so many Saints fail to grasp, forgive all trespasses and love others the way God loves us. She understood the meaning of Grace.

   As she reposes at Mount Olive, God continues to perfect His plan while Lord Jesus assembles the Saints who will reign with Him for a thousand years. Her very next conscious moment will be one of such joy and happiness. She will be raised incorruptible. She will be perfect. She will reign with Her Lord and Savior until all enemies have been defeated.

1 Corinthians 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. (KJV)

Is Satan a Fallen Angel? Part 2 - Popular Objections

   Modern religionists have a problem with my assertion that God created Satan to be the Adversary. Somehow they feel the need to protect God. They actually believe that if God had created Satan to be evil, to be the adversary that he is, somehow God would be a liar because after the creation event God said His creation was "good". If you missed part 1, read it here.

 

   How is it that they can ignore many very plain scriptures that say Satan was a sinner and a murderer from the beginning? This of course is proof against Satan having been a perfect angel in the beginning. They ignore the simple facts but bring up several very questionable assertions to try to make their case. The religionists usually claim "types and shadows" to explain their smoke and mirrors. Let's take a look at their objections and dig into the scriptures for the answers.

What is Sin?

  Orthodox Christianity teaches that man has fallen, that we are totally depraved. They say that we sin because Adam sinned and his nature is passed onto his descendants. While it is true that Adam sinned and the human race is fallen, it is not for the reason that orthodoxy teaches. It was not Adam's sin that was passed on to us; it was his death sentence that was imputed to us. Let's pluck another petal off of the Calvin TULIP doctrine, we are not totally depraved, we are totally mortal; born into the dying process. We fail to hit the mark because we are weak and dying!

  We will look at Adam's disobedience and it's affect on the human race and we will look at several biblical definitions of sin. As always, let us not guess or stumble on religious tradition, let's jump right into the scriptures!

Limited Atonement - Pruning the TULIP

  Orthodoxy teaches that Christ provided "Limited Atonement". They say that it was limited to the "elect". That only the elect are the beneficiaries of His atonement. Those who teach and believe this are the ones who follow the teaching and doctrines of Calvin. As such, it is a Doctrine of man. Orthodoxy will say the doctrine is in the bible, the bible teaches it. I contend that much of what is taught is man-made and has no business being foisted upon believers who seek the truth.

  This limited atonement is the "L" in Calvin's TULIP doctrine. I want to take a closer look at this doctrine of "Limited Atonement". We will answer the following questions: 1. What does the word atonement mean and should it be in our English translation of the Greek Scriptures (New Testament)? 2. Did Christ Atone for our sins?  3. Was the action limited? As always let us turn to the scriptures for the answers!

What is Satan's name?

  Orthodoxy has long thought Lucifer was Satan's proper name. They would not and will not accept the truth if it hit them between the eyes. Why? Well, myths and traditions are established easily but getting past them is almost impossible, even when the light of truth shines through to illuminate the false notion and bad translation.

  I suspect we will need to go beyond the early English translations and go straight to the source. Why are so many who are dispensing the word today hesitant if not absolutely resistant to drink from the fountain head? I suspect that they are used to the popish Latin traditions and interpretations. We might find in this case that the Septuagint (Greek Translation of the Hebrew Scriptures) is the root cause of this dilemma. As always, let's get into the Word!

The Sin Debt

  Orthodox Christianity teaches that Christ died for our sins. That He paid the penalty on the cross. They teach that God the Father forsook His son and sacrificed Him for us that terrible day. And this is true. The scriptures say that for our sakes, He was scourged, beaten and mocked. At the place of the skull, He was humiliated; had nails driven through Him and He hung on the cross until death. He gave up His spirit to the Father and a soldier thrust a spear into His side to make sure He was dead. He suffered unimaginable physical pain and mental anguish. God, in the form of a man; was made to be sin on our behalf.

  Does Orthodox Christianity really believe that Christ paid the price? No, they do not. Orthodoxy believes that someone who does not accept Christ as their personal savior will suffer everlasting torment in the lake of fire; burning forever and forever. With that logic, Christ did not pay the price. He has not suffered eternal damnation in the lake of fire burning forever and forever.

Does God Require Christian's to Tithe?

  As a lifelong Baptist, I have heard many sermons on tithing. As a young man I was a Southern Baptist. I later joined an Independent Fundamental Baptist church. Today, I am happy to say that I no longer belong to any denomination created by man. We should worship in spirit and in truth. (John 4:23) In this short blog I hope to provide you with facts, illustrations, and resources so that you can carry out your own study of the matter.

  First, let me say that I am not opposed to financially supporting a body of believers and I am all for giving to support the old and the poor. I also believe that we should support the glorious message of Christ's gospel. This does not mean that we should be subjected to the law! We must keep in mind that we are living during the administration of Grace! As gentiles, we have never been under the law. Therefore, I am opposed to requiring believers to give a tenth of their income, and so is the Word of God!

Make a Difference in 2012

  I suspect many people will head into 2012 with New Year resolutions. Some people will want to study more, save more money, eat healthier, some may even embark on a vigorous exercise program in order to lose some weight or to get more fit. Our resolutions are usually about us. We normally do things, start programs, and make plans to improve ourselves. I would like to encourage you to consider a resolution that will improve the lives of those less fortunate than you.

  There are thousands of worthwhile charitable organizations who work to feed, clothe and provide shelter for the poor. Some are operated by non-profit organizations and some are funded and operated by religious organizations. These organizations such as food banks or pantries can be found in the local communities. Perhaps this year your resolution will include providing food, clothing, and shelter to someone in need? The scriptures should always have a say in our thoughts, actions and plans. Let's take a look at the topic of charity and love.