Who else will revolutionize Christmas?


Christmastime is here! Happiness and cheer? Fun for all ... even us adults? A day *our children* call their favorite time of year. Would you personally say that it's your favorite time of year? Would you say that it's the average person's favorite? The majority, of course, would say yes. Our own family would say it's our favorite. However, have you seen the look on peoples' faces as they're out and about, preparing for Christmas? Doesn't look like they're having too much fun. Have you ever been on the roads when it's crunchtime and Christmas is the following day? Watch out! How about when you're interacting with others and having small talk, have you ever heard the following words, with a hint of stress behind them?: "It's almost here and I haven't even started (shopping)." ... have you said those words? This author has. And what about Christmas at its very worst, when a security guard is tragically trampled to death at a Walmart on a day people call "Black Friday?"

Folks, what are we really celebrating? Are we meant to live this way at any point in the year, with such stress? Is it about racking up credit card debt and fulfilling our to-do lists? What have we made of this holiday? I mean seriously. For the most part, Christmas these days has nothing to do with the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Yes, we sing songs about Him ... sometimes, even songs that are full of biblical truth, but we are not really celebrating Him. Let's just be straightforward about it. Christ-mas has become Consumer-mas, substituting consumption for Christ. The Advent, Jesus' coming, the true and living God manifesting Himself in the flesh, the miracle of the incarnation, bringing glory to the newborn King, use to be the center of celebrating this holiday in a developed Christian tradition. (The pagan celebration of December 25th before the developed tradition is another subject entirely.) More and more, however, that is not the case.

Here is a definition of Christmas, found in the American Heritage New Dictionary (Even the secular sources agree.):

Christmas - A festival commemorating the birth of Jesus, traditionally celebrated on December 25 by most Western Christian churches. Although dating to probably as early as a.d. 200, the feast of Christmas did not become widespread until the Middle Ages. Today, Christmas is largely secularized and dominated by gifts, decorated trees, and a jolly Santa Claus. (The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition)

Why are these things being shared? Because there needs to be a change in perspective in our culture, even in the Church. SouthValley Baptist, we are Christians, followers of the One this holiday is supposedly about. Each one of us can play a part in bringing about some change. How do we bring it? It's simple, by doing what the Bible says. In the power that God has given us through His Spirit, we can make godly choices in our lives. As Christians, our focus can always be upon Jesus Christ this holiday and every single day. When He is our sole focus, our response towards fellow believers and unbelievers can do something we were created for, and that is bring glory to God. Who else will revolutionize Christmas? We can show the world what Christmas is and what it isn't.

Christmas is a day that celebrates the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Christmas is not a day that celebrates what we can get out of a day. Christmas is one day of the year that we celebrate how God showed His everlasting love to mankind, by sending His only begotten Son into the world, but His love is shown all throughout the year. Christmas is not one day above another, in which His love is shown more than any other day. Christmas is about why the Son of God came into the world, and that brings us to the Gospel: Jesus Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, He was buried, and three days later He rose again. Christmas is not just about the manger scene. Christmas is about an Eternal God with an eternal plan, and how He offers mankind the gift of eternal life. Christmas is not about the stressful hustle and bustle of the here and now or about giving into the culture's hunger for consumerism. Christmas is about "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." Christmas is not about what we have made it into, a heavy weight to bear.

We can truly revolutionize Christmas by pointing people back to their Creator, the One who made a grand appearance in history, the Lord Jesus Christ. We can revolutionize Christmas by obeying the command of loving our neighbors as we love ourselves *every* day of the year ... not just on a particular holiday. With the Church living these things out, there would be a change in perspective in our culture. As the song says, "Oh that we could always see such spirit through the year!" Let's show the world who Jesus is.


Merry Christmas!

One Clay Soldier among many

The just shall live by his faith (Update from an older post)

Saints, if someone were to ask each of you what the Gospel is, how would you respond? Would you be able to give a solid Biblical response? Alongside that, and just as important, would you be able to share the impact of the Gospel in your own life? Basically, what is your testimony? Not just referring to how the Lord saved you, but how He is working in and through your life right now … today. Is the Gospel such a reality in your life, that your devotion to the One Who is central to the Gospel, Jesus Christ, evident? Does your life point to His?

A simple Biblical response, if someone asked you what the Gospel is, can be found in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4: “I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.” Jesus Christ, Who is the true and living God, and His finished work, is the Gospel. Fallen man can be saved from sin, death, and hell, by this Gospel. The message is very simple.

When it comes to our personal response to the Gospel, it is just as simple … it is by faith. This is what Paul testified to the Jews and Gentiles alike, “…repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Acts 20:21) So how do we, sinful mankind, approach a Holy God? Repentance and faith. Without faith it is impossible to please God. (Hebrews 11:6) What is a good illustration on how sinful man should approach a Holy God? Read Luke 15:11-32 concerning the Prodigal Son, specifically on how the son returned to his Father. What did he bring with him in returning to his Father? Nothing. Did he have good works to boast of in order to be received by his Father? No. By what righteousness was he accepted by his Father? Not his own. The son simply came to him in humility, and the Father showed him abundant grace and mercy.

Let the word of God speak for itself concerning how we are accepted by our Father in Heaven, how we are justified in His sight:

“…the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God [which is] by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth [to be] a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, [I say], at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Where [is] boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.” (Romans 3:21-28)

God’s word declares, “The just shall live by faith.” (Romans 1:17) However, there are certain religious traditions in the world that declare otherwise, “The just shall live by faith AND works.” The cults major in this heresy. Basically, it is the mindset of “I must do…” in order to please God. This is not the Gospel in any sense. What is sad is that there are some professing Christians that have given in to this heresy (it can come in very subtly) and are living in a life of bondage. This really should not be! A Christian life, the Gospel life, is one of freedom. Another gospel, as warned about in Galatians 1:8-9, is being preached from various streams in the world, and has brought many people into a bondage we call “Legalism.” Individually, we need to take a close look at our own lives, and we also need to warn others of this damnable heresy. If any man depends upon himself or some system in order to be justified before a Holy God, in the end they have absolutely no hope.

Two examples …

The gospel according to Rome

“If anyone saith, that by faith alone the impious is justified; in such wise as to mean, that nothing else is required to co-operate in order to obtaining the grace of justification, and that it is not in any way necessary, that he be prepared and disposed by the movement of his own will; let him be anathema” (Council of Trent, Canons on Justification, Canon 9).

“If anyone saith that the sacraments of the New Law [ie., the seven sacraments of the Roman Catholic Church] are not necessary for salvation…and that without them…men obtain from God through faith alone the grace of justification…let him be anathema…”

“We can therefore hope in the glory of heaven promised by God to those who love him and do his will. In every circumstance, each one of us should hope, with the grace of God, to persevere ‘to the end’ and to obtain the joy of heaven, as God’s eternal reward for the good works accomplished with the grace of Christ” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 1821).

The gospel according to Joseph Smith

“The gospel is our Heavenly Father's plan of happiness. The central doctrine of the gospel is the Atonement of Jesus Christ. The Prophet Joseph Smith said, "The first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost" (Articles of Faith 1:4). In its fulness, the gospel includes all the doctrines, principles, laws, ordinances, and covenants necessary for us to be exalted in the celestial kingdom. The Savior has promised that if we endure to the end, faithfully living the gospel, He will hold us guiltless before the Father at the Final Judgment (see 3 Nephi 27:16).” (www.lds.org, Gospel Library, Gospel Topics)

Are these Biblical definitions of the Gospel?

What is wrong with teaching that we must co-operate with our works alongside our faith in Christ in order to be justified? What is wrong with saying that faith in Jesus Christ is only the first step?

When we say that we must do our part in order to be justified before a Just and Holy God, what are we doing in reality?

1 – We are denying the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross for our justification.

“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.” (John 19:30)

“For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:” (1 Peter 3:18)

2 – We are denying the efficacy of Christ’s blood to justify us and save us from God’s wrath.

“…God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.” (Romans 5:8-9)

3 – We are denying the power of Christ’s resurrection to bring our justification.

“Who (Jesus) was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.” (Romans 4:25)

4 – We are denying the power of the Gospel to bring our justification.

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16)

5 – We are denying the Lord Himself, who is the Justifier of those who simply believe.

“To declare, [I say], at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.” (Romans 3:26)

6 – We are denying the fact that justification is free by God’s grace.

“Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:” (Romans 3:24)

7 – We are denying the fact that justification will never come by works.

“Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law [is] the knowledge of sin.” (Romans 3:20)

“Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.” (Galatians 2:16)

8 – We are denying a man the true liberty he could have in Jesus Christ.

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.” (Galatians 5:1-5)

9 – We are denying a man the true peace he could have with God through Jesus Christ.

“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” (Romans 5:1-2)

10 – We are denying the fact that the righteousness of only One, Jesus Christ, brings our justification.

“Therefore as by the offence of one [judgment came] upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one [the free gift came] upon all men unto justification of life.”(Romans 5:18)


“The just shall live by his faith.” (Habakkuk 2:4) We are not to have faith in ourselves in any sense. The focus of our faith must always be the Lord Jesus Christ. Our Christian walk begins with faith in Him, continues with faith in Him, and it ends with faith in Him. When we live in full dependence upon His Spirit by faith, His life is evident through ours.

The Lord is Who we want people to see.


Preach the Gospel, Live the Gospel,

One Clay Soldier among many

Challenges members of the LDS Church will most likely pose ...

1 - Where does your church get its authority? (The proclamation of the LDS church is that they alone hold God’s priesthood authority upon the earth.) What does the Bible say? Matthew 28:18-20, Matthew 16:16-19 (The word “power” - Greek: exousia - is “authority.” God’s word declares that Jesus Christ has ALL authority in heaven and in earth. *He* is the Head of His Church. God’s word refers to His Church as “the body of Christ,” which is made up of born again believers all across the world. His promise to the Church, which He Himself built, is that He would be with it forever, even unto the end of the world.) Hebrews 7 (Only Jesus Christ is High Priest FOREVER after the order of Melchisidec. LDS members claim to hold this specific priesthood. Read the entire chapter of Hebrews 7 and it is evident that no one can meet the qualifications except Jesus.) John 5:39 (*The Scriptures*, His word, point to Him. They are authoritative.) Psalm 138:2 (He has magnified His word above all His name.)

2 - Does your church have a modern day prophet and apostles? (The LDS church does have a professing prophet and professing apostles as their leadership, unlike other churches in the world. The proclamation of the LDS church, therefore, is that they alone stand upon a true foundation, and that it is through their prophet and apostles that God is represented and is able to communicate to mankind. Members of the LDS church listen to and put their full confidence in what their leaders give them as “from the Lord.” A common passage they share is out of Ephesians 2:20 … built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner [stone]; and also out of Ephesians 3:5.) What does the Bible say? Ephesians 4:8-13, Deuteronomy 18:18-19, Hebrews 1:1-2 (God gives gifts unto His people; apostles and prophets are among the gifts mentioned in chapter 4 of Ephesians. In Ephesians 2 it speaks of the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with the Chief Cornerstone being Jesus Christ (of the Bible). There is no mention, however, of men being The Authority of the Church, the body of Christ. Ultimately, we are to listen to and put our full confidence in Jesus Christ. Anything that pretends to be from God and does not point to Him and/or points people away from Him, we are to reject.) 1 Thessalonians 5:21 (Some may claim to represent God and speak for him, but we are told by the Lord to “Prove all things; hold fast to that which is good.”) Deuteronomy 13:1-2, 18:18-22 (Is the prophet of the LDS church a true prophet? Test him. That is what the Bible instructs.) 2 Corinthians 11:1-4, 13-15 (Beware of false apostles. Beware of those who teach about another Jesus, another gospel, another spirit.)

3. The LDS church has modern day revelation. Don’t you believe that God can speak today? (Members of the LDS church listen to and put their full confidence in what their prophet gives them as being directly from the Lord, as mentioned above.) What does the Bible say? Deuteronomy 18:18-19 (Once again, we are to listen to and put our full confidence in The Prophet. Jesus Christ is that Prophet - Acts 3:22, 7:37.) Hebrews 1:1-2 (We do believe that God speaks today. It says that in times past God spoke to the people through the prophets, but then it goes on to say that in these last days He has spoken to us through His Son.) Hebrews 4:12 (Our God is a living God. He does speak today. His word is *living* and powerful.)

4. Why are there so many Christian denominations? (The argument is that there is disunity between Evangelical churches, but there is no disunity in the LDS church.) What does the Bible say? Romans 12:4-5, 1 Corinthians 12:12-20 (There are many unique members with different functions, but one body of Christ.) John 3:3-5 (The main thing is that *individuals* must be born again in order to enter into God‘s Kingdom. Born again Christians are all across the world, with different denominational backgrounds; and yet they agree on the essentials of the faith, especially on what the Gospel is - 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. There is unity in the body of Christ, on what really matters. Yes, there are issues in professing Christians churches. Why? Because people are sinful and imperfect. There will always be that element, until the Lord returns. Side note: Has the LDS church maintained a perfect unity with members since it was established? If you do an open and honest study, you will find that there are multiple churches outside of the mainstream LDS church that make claim to following the teachings of the prophet Joseph Smith. Often this is not considered when the accusation is made.)

5. James 2 says that “faith without works is dead…” (The argument is that salvation is received by faith and good works.) What does the Bible say? Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 3:20, Galatians 2:16 (The entirety of the Bible needs to be considered, not just one passage. We are only saved by the grace of God alone through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone, not by works in any sense. Consider also these passages: Galatians 2:21, Romans 11:6, Romans 3:24-28, Romans 10:3-4. It is true that faith without works is dead. Read the entire context of the chapter though. There is no mention of faith in Christ AND our own good works saving our souls. *Jesus is the only One Who saves*. In this chapter there is simply a contrast given between someone who only gives lip service and someone who has a genuine faith, a faith which produces good works. Good works are a byproduct of abiding in Jesus Christ - John 15:5. Without Him we could do nothing.)

6 - Jesus commanded water baptism. Do you believe it is necessary to be born again? (One passage they’ll refer you to is out of chapter 3 in John: “Except a man be born of water and [of] the Spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God.” The LDS church’s claim is that they are the only true church on earth that administers this baptism.) John 3:6 (First, it does not say baptism. Second, read the surrounding context. There is a physical birth (born of water, born of the flesh), but there is a need to be born again (born of the Spirit) in order to enter into God’s Kingdom. Water baptism is in obedience to the Lord, but it is not what saves us. (1 Peter 3:20-21) What about the thief on the cross? You cannot get passed him. He was not water baptized, and yet Jesus promised him that he would be with Him in paradise after his death.)

7 - Have you read the Book of Mormon? Have you prayed about it? (Members will often refer you to a passage out of Moroni 10:4. The passage "exhorts" you to pray about the Book of Mormon. Basically, pray to find out that it is the truth. If you pray and find out otherwise, then you did not pray “with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ.”) What does the Bible say? John 17:17 (Jesus said, “Thy word is truth.” God’s word, the Bible, is as true as God is true. Is it necessary for people to pray about whether or not God is true? No, He already is the truth. Whether or not people accept Him is another matter.) Acts 17:11 (Test all things by searching God’s word.) When LDS members share their main doctrines, they should be willing to have them tested by the Bible (what God has already revealed). That will be the best test on whether or not it is true. Prayer is not what determines truth. James 1 speaks of asking God for wisdom (LDS members quote from this chapter). First of all, it does not say to ask God for truth. Second, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. If an unregenerate soul comes to the Lord in prayer (with no fear of Him), He will not answer his prayer.

8 - How could a 14 yr. old boy make up the Book of Mormon and start an entire religion? (The argument is that it has to be by God’s power and inspiration; there is no other way.) What does the Bible say? 1 John 4:1 (“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” His age doesn’t matter. We are to “try the spirits” of any religion to find out “whether they are of God.” Why? “Because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” Joseph Smith could be a false prophet. That needs to be considered. He needs to be tested.) 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 (The power and inspiration could be coming from “the angel of light” described in this passage.)

9 - The Bible has contradictions. (“We believe the Bible, as far as it is translated correctly.” They often say that the Bible has been mistranslated and has many contradictions. The Book of Mormon, however, is described as being the “most correct book on earth.”) Matthew 24:35, Psalm 12:6-7, Isaiah 40:8, 1 Peter 1:23-25 (God’s word is perfect and endures forever. The devil has been trying to attack the word of the Lord since the very beginning: he questions God‘s word - “Hath God said…?”, he lies about God‘s word - “Ye shall not surely die”, and he creates his own doctrine - “Ye shall be as gods…”)

10 - After … sharing a passage from their scriptures or giving a lesson or bearing their testimony or showing one of their inspirational movies, they’ll ask you what it made you feel. (In other words, did it give you good feelings? They describe the feelings as coming from God, the fruit of the Spirit - Galatians 5:22-23. Side note: Hollywood can bring good feelings, but that does not determine truth.) What does the Bible say? Jeremiah 17:9, Proverbs 28:26 (We cannot trust our own feelings; it’s foolish to do so. Our hearts are described in God’s word as being deceitful above all things, and even as being desperately wicked.)


God instructs His people to earnestly contend for the faith,

One Clay Soldier among many

What is your perspective?

When you turn on your TV or pick up the local newspaper, it is almost certain that you will find something about the current global crisis. One newsflash will offer a very grim report on what is currently going on, another will offer a supposed word of hope ... “This crisis will not last forever!” Honestly, a lot of what comes from the mainstream media can be confusing. One reporter will say one thing and another will say something that is a total contradiction to the words of the first reporter! Whose voice do we listen to really? Can we fully trust, with 100% confidence, what is being brought to us by the media? Wouldn’t you agree that much of what we are being fed has some kind of bias to it?

It can be frustrating sometimes. And in all honesty, what is seen on TV and/or read in the newspaper can actually be downright discouraging, depressing, and even frightening. Where is the hope?! … the assurance in this world?! However (and that‘s a BIG however), isn’t it all a matter of having the proper perspective? Perspective is definitely key. Doesn’t it come down to what we are ultimately leaning upon, when trying to determine our assurance here and in the world to come? What this author is referring to is absolute and knowable truth, which comes directly from our God. This is our hope! … our assurance! Sadly to say, however, “truth” is becoming all too unpopular in this post-modern generation in which we are currently in. When you make claim to knowing the truth, and especially when you make definitive statements, such as, “There is only one true and living God, His Son Jesus Christ is the Truth, His Spirit leads His people into all truth, and the Bible is God’s voice of truth,” you are waging war against a large majority that proclaims “truth is only relative!”

In spite of anything, we need to remember that we are Christians in this world, with a proper perspective … an eternal perspective! This temporary dwelling place is in the midst of kingdoms which will one day have an end. The Kingdom in which we belong to is far different, high above all kingdoms, a Kingdom which is without end. As Christians we are never to place our hope in any kingdom other than the Lord’s, and we are not to put our confidence in any man other than the Lord who became man. Who do we listen to concerning this crisis then, or any crisis? Of course, our Lord … His voice. Our blessed assurance is found in His words. They are more sure and certain than anyone’s. Pick up the Bible … God‘s voice of truth. It will give you the answers you need.

But let’s say that somehow the mainstream media became honest in all of its reporting, without any contradictions! Wow! On top of that, what if all of the major kingdoms of the world started joining hand-in-hand and singing some pretty song in one accord. What then? These things, or anything mankind can muster, should not change our perspective. God’s word is clear, “[It is] better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.” (Psalms 118:8) Our affection is to be set on things above, our perspective is to always remain on God’s Kingdom. Paul put it this way:

“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, [who is] our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.”
(Colossians 3:1-4)

Whatever crisis you face in life, perhaps even at this moment, be comforted by the Lord Himself. His words were written for our comfort, you know? “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” (Romans 15:4) The old nature may desire to get downright discouraged, depressed, or frightened in different circumstances. Don’t let things in this present world move you, Christian! What is your perspective? Remember your King, remember His Kingdom, and always listen to and lean upon what Jesus has said. (Our Father said, “This is my beloved Son: hear him.”) This is the safest place you will ever be.

Our God is our Refuge,

One Clay Soldier among many

There will be a test

What lies ahead for our United States of America? Tremendous change! There is no doubt about it. Will it be change for the better or for the worse? Well, this author personally sees our beautiful country going in a wrong direction (which has been going on for some time now) and firmly believes that one day our precious freedoms will be either taken away or, at the very least, suppressed to some degree. On the other hand, the future is not in any way under our control, and our Lord made it very clear that we are not to worry about it. It is true that we are to be alert at all times, watchful, prayerful, and wise to plan for what lies ahead. Worrying, however, about what lies ahead, is something else. Each day, as our has Lord said, has its own troubles which need to be dealt with.

With everything going on in our country, and the rest of the world, it is becoming more and more evident that for every single Christian there will be a test. 1 Peter 1:1-7 speaks of the testing of our Christian faith. Perhaps your faith is being tested at this very moment in your life. Jesus told us before that we will have tribulation in this world. Are you facing tribulation in your life right now? It is one of His promises. What is radical about His promise is the other part of it, He has already overcome the world! We can rejoice and be of good cheer in spite of anything we may face! (John 16:33) Our Lord warned us about facing immense suffering, persecution, and possibly even death for His sake and for the Gospel’s. Once again, we can be of good cheer because He has promised us a blessing in all of this. (Matthew 5, The Beattitudes.)

One of the main reasons why this country is going in a wrong direction is because the true and living God and His Gospel are being rejected at a broader scale, in comparison to not too long ago. For example, recently the “Hate-Crimes Bill” has been passed by the House of Representatives and is on its way to the Senate. It is that much closer to becoming effective as Law! Do you know what that means for those of us who stand and speak for the truth of the Bible? Reader, are you ready to stand for the truth, even when the opposition becomes more bold and combative? Are you ready to give an answer (apologia: "verbal defense, a speech in defense") for the hope that lies within you? (1 Peter 3:15) There will be a test, Christian. How will you respond to what lies ahead? These things are not to scare you, but to prepare you.

Why such a hard message? The intention is not to be all gloom and doom. Christian, there is something that each one of us needs to fully realize as believers in this present world: What you believe in is in total opposition to the main message of the secular and religious world (apart from Jesus Christ). It is in total opposition! What we believe in concerning who the true and living God is and what His message of the Gospel is, goes entirely against everything the world and its god (the devil) has to offer. So, what is the message of the secular and religious world (apart from the Lord)? If you sum it up, the world and its god offers the deification of man and his enjoyment in the world‘s pleasures, the complete denial of the true and living God, and the all-out rejection of His Gospel.

Read the words of the humanist, the atheist, the satanist, and it is evident: (The serpent’s teaching from Genesis 3 is still being taught today. See also 1 John 2:15-17.)


The humanist

- “Religious Humanism considers the complete realization of human personality to be the end of man's life and seeks its development and fulfillment in the here and now. This is the explanation of the humanist's social passion.” (Humanist Manifesto I #8, Roy Wood Sellars and Raymond Bragg, 1933, allaboutGod.com.)

- "No deity will save us; we must save ourselves,"
- "We are responsible for what we are and for what we will be,"
- “…the battle for humankind's future must be waged and won in the public school classroom by teachers who correctly perceive their role as the proselytizers of a new faith: a religion of humanity that recognizes and respects the spark of what theologians call divinity in every human being."
- " Utilizing a classroom instead of a pulpit to convey humanist values in whatever subject they teach, regardless of the educational level - preschool day care or large state university." (Humanist Manifesto II, Paul Kurtz and Edwin H. Wilson, 1973, Wikipedia.org.)

The atheist

- “Do whatever you will, but first be such as are able to will (able to live your own will and no one else‘s).” Friedrich Nietzsche

- “The word "Christianity" is already a misunderstanding - in reality there has been only one Christian, and he died on the Cross.” Friedrich Nietzsche

- “There cannot be a God because if there were one, I could not believe that I was not He.” Friedrich Nietzsche

- “God is dead. God remains dead. And we have killed him. How shall we comfort ourselves, the murderers of all murderers? What was holiest and mightiest of all that the world has yet owned has bled to death under our knives: who will wipe this blood off us? What water is there for us to clean ourselves? What festivals of atonement, what sacred games shall we have to invent? Is not the greatness of this deed too great for us? Must we ourselves not become gods simply to appear worthy of it?” Friedrich Nietzsche


The satanist

- "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law." (The Book of the Law, Aleister Crowley, 1904, Wikipedia.org.)

- “1. Life is the great indulgence - death, the great abstinence. Therefore, make the most of
life - HERE AND NOW!”
- “2. There is no heaven of glory bright, and no hell where sinners roast. Here and now is
our day of torment! Here and now is our day of joy! Here and now is our opportunity!
Choose ye this day, this hour, for no redeemer liveth!”
- “3. Say unto thine own heart, "I am mine own redeemer." (The Satanic Bible, The Book of Satan IV, Anton LaVey, 1969.)


These are some of the most blatant and the boldest statements of blasphemy I have ever read outside of what was revealed about the devil himself in the Bible. What is alarming is that these things were written within our own generation! Are we indeed in the last of the last days that are spoken of in the Scriptures? What lies ahead for our country? God knows, and His response to the way our country has chosen will be full of justice and truth. “For the nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish; yea, [those] nations shall be utterly wasted.” (Isaiah 60:12) “Blessed [is] the nation whose God [is] the LORD; [and] the people [whom] he hath chosen for his own inheritance.” (Psalms 33:12) Proverbs also tells us that righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach (or disgrace) to any people.

Our part, while we are here in this dark world, is to be salt and light. Know your God, know His will, know the Bible, be in prayer, fellowship, share the Gospel. Live out 1 Peter 3:15! The enemy of righteousness is very real (you have read from his messengers) and he desires to steal, kill, and destroy as many souls as he can while he still has time. Always be on guard, for your adversary is not always so blatant and so bold. Remember that the serpent is also very subtle.

But be encouraged, Christian, for the enemy’s days are truly numbered. God has already lived out Genesis 3:15 … at the cross!


The trying of our faith is more precious than that which perishes,

One Clay Soldier among many

How is Christianity any different?

Is it not true that there are many different religions in the world, but most of them basically teach the same thing? Yes. Why do I say this? Well, what is the core teaching of the major world religions that is similar between almost every single one of them? At the very core, is it not the necessity of man to try and live a morally pure life to the greatest of his ability, that he may be rewarded in this life and possibly in the life to come?

But is there any religion in the world that is far different from this, unique, one that stands out from the rest? There is, and that is of the Christian faith. But how exactly is Christianity any different from other religions in the world?

First of all, there is only one religion in the world that is pure and undefiled before God (James 1:26-27). What religion is that? If you are a Christian, you may have heard these words said before (maybe you have said them yourself): "I'm not in a religion, I have a reliationship (with God)." The word "religion" seems to have been given a negative connotation to it within the realm of Christianity. According to Vines Expository Dictionary religion is simply "careful of the externals of divine service..." From a Christian perspective, pure and undefiled religion is a living faith that produces godly outward actions, unlike dead religion that produces nothing except bad fruit. (James 2)

What major holiday is being celebrated today? Easter. What is its significance? Of course, the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is the most important difference between the various religions in the world and the Christian faith. We believe in what the living word of God has declared about the true and living God and His Son who was crucified, buried, and then rose again the third day.

We follow a Risen Savior. He is alive today! Jesus promised to always be with His church since he built it 2,000 years ago and that He would continually intercede for His church until the end comes. Can any other religion say the same? No.

As Christians, it is an absolute necessity for us to continually draw near to the Risen Savior by faith ("The just shall live by faith), in full dependence upon Him. Without Him, we do not have the ability to live out a religion that is pure and undefiled before God. And when it comes to our reward, it will be God Himself, worshipping Him in the glory of His presence.

He is risen indeed,

This is our hope, He is our hope,

One Clay Soldier among many

It is truly an American trajedy!

On January 22, 1973, over 36 years ago, the Supreme Court found the right to personal privacy to include abortion. Roe vs. Wade was a tragic mistake for our nation. Why? Since that ruling, more than 45 million unborn babies have been "legally" murdered, and that is just within our United States! Who knows how other nations have been impacted by this decision.

Listen, one more time, more than 45 million unborn babies have been "legally" murdered! This is so wrong! But why is it that many do not see this as being morally wrong? It seems like people these days are more concerned with their pockets. When it comes to the issue of life, it seems like it's more popular to defend the rights of animals than the rights of the unborn. Campaigns on saving our planet are even far more prevalent and given a lot more media coverage than campaigns on holding up the sanctity of life.

The true and living God has a word on this, "Thou shalt not kill." It is His sixth commandment. He has made it very clear. God sees this as being morally wrong; it is against His Law! Our problem is that we have rejected the true and living God and given ourselves over to gods that we have created in our own hearts. In truth, this nation needs to repent of its sin. Judgment will come, and it will come very hard, especially against those who promote the wicked act of abortion (ie. Planned Parenthood). We need to acknowledge our sin and cry out for God's mercy, before it's too late.

Standing for the unborn,

One Clay Soldier among many