Christian RE-Education 101

Spiritual but not religious Uhm.. 3/14/2011 - Richard Graves | Internet Radio | Blog Talk Radio

djblackadam@yahoo.com (Richard Graves) — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 20:48:00 -0500

Spiritual but not religious Uhm.. 3/14/2011 - Richard Graves | Internet Radio | Blog Talk Radio

Great show tonight, if you missed it, check out the podcast. Thanks for all of your support, and thanks for all your great questions and comments thatg keep me thinking!

CHRIST the END of the LAW 2/6/2011 - Richard Graves | Internet Radio | Blog Talk Radio

djblackadam@yahoo.com (Richard Graves) — Sun, 6 Feb 2011 23:28:00 -0600

CHRIST the END of the LAW 2/6/2011 - Richard Graves | Internet Radio | Blog Talk Radio

Enjoy the podcast of this teaching, looking forward to any comments or questions.

JESUS Worthy of PRAISE!

djblackadam@yahoo.com (Richard Graves) — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 20:51:00 -0500

Now THAT was a interesting teaching! For those of you who missed it, please check out the podcast. JESUS WORTHY OF PRAISE!!!!

JESUS Worthy of PRAISE!

From the Servants of God to the CHILDREN of GOD!!

djblackadam@yahoo.com (Richard Graves) — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 16:30:00 -0500

Join us tonight, 8pm CST as Kingdom of God programing tonight, as we discuss the actuality of our redemption and reconciliation from the curse of Eden to becoming the CHILDREN of God. Call in (347) 855-8971 or Listen in online!

From the Servants of God to the CHILDREN of GOD!!

"Living under the grace of God, and not under the curse"

djblackadam@yahoo.com (Richard Graves) — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 16:35:00 -0500

Join us tonight at 8pm CST as we discuss the principles of accepting our reconciled position with God as His children, living under his Grace and not the curse. Call (347) 855-8971 in or listen in!

"Living under the grace of God, and not under the curse"

Malachi and the Principle of TITHING and OFFERINGS

djblackadam@yahoo.com (Richard Graves) — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 09:47:00 -0500

Join us this afternoon at 12:30 PM CST as we discuss Malachi. Are we to Tithe 10%? If so WHY? Is Malachi speaking to the Church Body today? What principle is REALLY being communicated? Listen in or Call in to participate at (347) 855-8971.

Malachi and the Principle of TITHING and OFFERINGS

Understanding the GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD

djblackadam@yahoo.com (Richard Graves) — Thu, 8 Jul 2010 22:52:00 -0500

Check out the archive of this great teaching! There is a few moment pause in the show due to a disconect, but it comes back on, share your thoughts!

Understanding the GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD

The Law and the Prophets were until John: "SINCE THAT TIME..."

djblackadam@yahoo.com (Richard Graves) — Wed, 2 Jun 2010 12:32:00 -0500

The Law and the Prophets were until John: "SINCE THAT TIME..."

Join us TONIGHT on Blogtalk radio, call in 347-855-8971, As we discuss what the SCRIPTURES say in regard to the Law? What is supposed to be our focus as Believers in Jesus? This is for Believers, "Christians, Messianics, Hebrews" etc.this will be a blessing to all.

Politics / Religion: Is it good for Christians to pray Psalm 109. 8-10 regarding President Obama"?

djblackadam@yahoo.com (Richard Graves) — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 19:25:00 -0500

You got Right wing Evangelical Christians praying for the death of the President of the United States (albeit in a very legalistic so they can act like they weren't way). When religion and faith are used as a pretext to people's politics. Check out the podcast:

Politics / Religion: Is it good for Christians to pray Psalm 109. 8-10 regarding President Obama"?

Is Socialism any more demonic than Capitalism?

djblackadam@yahoo.com (Richard Graves) — Thu, 1 Apr 2010 21:31:00 -0500

Is Socialism any more demonic than Capitalism?

Check out the podcast of this thought provoking and challenging topic!

Demonstration of the Gospel of the Kingdom: What is the Christian Call to Charity?"

djblackadam@yahoo.com (Richard Graves) — Thu, 4 Feb 2010 19:48:00 -0600

Join us this evening for a study on Christian charity and demonstration of the Gospel of the Kingdom of God! Call-in Number: (347) 855-8971 or listen in 8pm CST!

Demonstration of the Gospel of the Kingdom: What is the Christian Call to Charity?"

For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat

djblackadam@yahoo.com (Richard Graves) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 19:44:00 -0600

In light of comments I received regarding my criticism of the GOP behind Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer of SC. Tonight we will discuss what is the KINGDOM principle that should guide our attitude and actions regarding the poor and oppressed. Join us tonight at 8:00pm, Call-in Number: (347) 855-8971 , listen in or call. Looking forward to the discussion.

For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat

POLITICS and RELIGION vs. The GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM, Part 1: PAT ROBERTSON

djblackadam@yahoo.com (Richard Graves) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 18:20:00 -0600

Haiti is no more or less demonic that any other place on earth INCLUDING and SPECIFICALLY the United States. I am tired of folks like Pat Robertson acting like everywhere but HERE is under the devils dominion

Pat Robertson seems to believe that every natural disaster is God's judgment, and more importantly that the United States is somehow "God's country", being fair he's not the only one! Tonight we talk about these issues in relation to the Gospel of the Kingdom of God! Tune in or call in TONIGHT at 8pm CST (347) 855-8971...

POLITICS and RELIGION vs. The GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM, Part 1: PAT ROBERTSON

Part II: Our FATHER...exploring KINGDOM Relationship with the Most High God

djblackadam@yahoo.com (Richard Graves) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 17:36:00 -0600

"Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets." Amos 3.7...Come Join us this evening for a great discussion regarding the Gospel of the Kingdom of God! 8:00pm CST, call in 347-855-8971 or just listen! Thanks for your support.

Part II: Our FATHER...exploring KINGDOM Relationship with the Most High God

Spiritual Milk to Spiritual Meat...

djblackadam@yahoo.com (Richard Graves) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:04:00 -0600

Tonight's show we will talk about Spiritual growth, Christians going from Babes to Maturity in Christ! Please join us you can call in tonight at 8pm CST (347) 855-8971, or tune in and listen along! Looking forward to you all this evening!

Spiritual Milk to Spiritual Meat...

What is Original Sin?

djblackadam@yahoo.com (Richard Graves) — Mon, 2 Nov 2009 22:04:00 -0600

Original Sin. The Christian theological doctrine defines “Original Sin” as the state humans are in because of the Fall of Man (the actions of Adam and Eve in the Book of Genesis). The term “original sin” itself is not used in the Old or the New Testaments, yet both the New and the Old Testaments speak of the sinful nature of human beings.

Basically, the doctrine states that all humans fall short of God's standard of righteousness no matter how “good” they think they are, that they are born with a “sinful” nature and require something outside of themselves to make them righteous and / or acceptable before God.

Many people have a fundamental problem with accepting the premise that they are “sinful” in nature. Some people will say that they are “good” people and often cite this as the reason that they cannot or will not accept Jesus and / or the Christian faith. This is partly because many people make the fundamental flaw of confusing “Sin” which is breaking God's Laws with “Crime” which is breaking the laws of man.

Sin as defined in the Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance, Strong's Number: 266, the word “Hamartia” meaning: offence, sin(-ful).

Sin, wrong doing, usually any act CONTRARY TO THE WILL and law of God I don't believe anyone who is honest with themselves and claims to believe in God (The Father of Jesus) can say that they have not done or or does not do anything that is contrary to the Will and / or Law of God.

It is the epitome of pride for a person to deny what is or should be a very self evident fact. Again, some people mistake “Sin” for “Crime” and by their willful or unintentional lack of making such a distinction, they are unable to see themselves in proper context.

Many “crimes” are “sins”, many “sins” are crimes, yet there are many “crimes” that are not “sins” and many “sins” that are not “crimes”. For example, most people in our Western society at least agree that “murder” is a sin and a crime, yet not helping the poor or widow and the orphan, which is a serious sin, is often not considered a “crime”. In that light, people who don't kill people will believe that because of not doing these big obvious sins / crimes they are at base “good” people. This may be the case when “good” is defined as being an obedient and productive citizen in our society. However, what is good in as in making the standard that is set by God is a different mater entirely.

Jesus made it pretty clear here in Mathew 19.16-17 (KJV) “And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments”

Before we go any further let me clarify that JESUS was good, because HE and the Father are One, therefore Jesus' He has the Righteousness of His Father (John 14.10).

In the reference scripture Jesus is giving Glory to God for “His” goodness, making it plain that it was not of Himself, but because He was and is in relationship with His Father. This outlines the problem, when people, Christians in particular believe that outside of God in Christ that they are good, they are basically are calling Jesus a liar.

Jesus is stressing that through Him, all who accept Him on His terms, can have through Him this same abiding / relationship with the Father that He has and demontsrated, by accepting His righteousness in place of our own.

This by understanding that within ourselves and without God we cannot truly be “Good”. The Strong's Exhaustive Concordance defines the Greek word for “Good” used in the reference scripture as “Kalos” meaning: “Virtuous”.

I believe that this very definition of Good is what lead the people to choose Jesus to be executed in place of the murderer Barrabas. You see, people were not that different at that time then we are now, let me explain how.

Back then, as it is today, religion and politics were bedfellows. Jesus was neither political or religious, therefore the religious (Pharisees) and the political (The Roman Government) didn't have much use for Jesus. Primarily because Jesus threatened both of their worldly systems. However, it wasn't these people alone who killed Jesus, the masses, yes the same people that Jesus healed, feed and ministered to were also a party to His execution.

When the masses had the choice to either have executed a man that was a known murderer or a man who was a known healer of mind, body and spirit, the people chose Jesus to be executed. The view that people had and that many of us today have of being “good” was a factor that was utilized to push these people towards that decision. Jesus showed the Father in all of His actions (John 8.25), yet he was doing this walking around amongst the masses. Being kind and compassionate to those he came across, and this made the people hate him that much more. Why? Because he showed them their shortcomings, not by His words, but by His actions. He showed them that they were NOT truly good, that their good was like a filthy rag when looked at in the pure light that he radiated. Therefore, the people wanted Him gone.

They would rather have the murderer amongst them, because they could always point at the murderer as someone THEY FELT THEY WERE BETTER THAN. They felt good in comparison to Barrabas the murderer. History teaches us this lesson, as the easiest way to get killed, is to show light in this dark world by bringing truth into a dishonest world. When light is shown in dark place people are shown their frailties and shortcomings, this occurs because people will always compare themselves to someone who strives for a higher standard in their actions, and either consciously or subconsciously, people will compare themselves and be reminded that they do not measure up to the standard that is being demonstrated right in front of them.

In a Christian world view, as defined by Christ and not “church doctrine or dogma”, to be truly good, we must strive to meet Christ standard by being in relationship with our Father through Him. By acknowledging that our GOOD cannot be and will never be GOOD ENOUGH.

I'm just saying...

Sodom and Gommorah-Destroyed because of "homosexuality"? Not exactly...

djblackadam@yahoo.com (Richard Graves) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:51:00 -0500

Last week's discussion brought up some political / sociological issues as well as theological ones. This evening we will begin a series that discusses our politics in context with our Biblical based faith and ask WWJ "REALLY" DO in regard to some modern political / social actualities we deal with. Gen. 18:20-21 and 19:24-28 will be discussed.

Sodom and Gommorah-Destroyed because of "homosexuality"? Not exactly...

The BURGER KING Jesus part II, people who want to have Jesus "their" way...

djblackadam@yahoo.com (Richard Graves) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:29:00 -0500

The BURGER KING JESUS part II...Many people have a "version" of Jesus they follow, we will discuss the "Burger King have it your way Jesus" that many have and the BIBLICAL Jesus revealed to us by Scripture and the Holy Spirit. Please join us this evening at 8:00pm CST, feel free to call in or just listen along! Call-in Number: (347) 855-8971

The BURGER KING Jesus part II, people who want to have Jesus "their" way...

Jesus: "The Word of the Lord", poetic words or a spiritual actuality?

djblackadam@yahoo.com (Richard Graves) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:34:00 -0500

The BURGER KING JESUS...Many people have a "version" of Jesus they follow, we will discuss the "Burger King have it your way Jesus" that many have and the BIBLICAL Jesus revealed to us by Scripture and the Holy Spirit. Please join us this evening at 8:00pm CST, feel free to call in or just listen along! Call-in Number: (347) 855-8971

Jesus: "The Word of the Lord", poetic words or a spiritual actuality?

Shared via AddThis

What is the difference?

djblackadam@yahoo.com (Richard Graves) — Tue, 6 Oct 2009 10:27:00 -0500

Please join us for tonight's biblical discussion title: "What's the difference?". What is being born again? What is the Gospel of the Kingdom of God? What is being Led by God's Spirit? These are questions that have come up in some of the feedback I have recieved regarding our last discussion, questions we will touch upon this evening. We begin at 8:00pm CST and the call in number is (347) 855-8971. Scriptures we will cover today is John 3.1-7 and further from 2 Corinthians chapter 2. You are welcome to listen even if you choose not to call in! Looking forward to this evening!

What is the difference?

Shared via AddThis

What is the difference?

djblackadam@yahoo.com (Richard Graves) — Mon, 5 Oct 2009 09:58:00 -0500

Well folks, we had a great (and a bit long) discussion regarding The LAW (Torah), the Prophets (Nevi'im) and their fulfillment in the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and what that means. We then began to discuss the Holy Spirit and its work in the lives of believers and how we can be Led by Him. We will continue discussing HOW to be Led by the Spirit of God and how to be KINGDOM PEOPLE this week, please join us!

What is the difference?

Shared via AddThis

Part II: SEPARATING Religion, Ritual, Routine from Relationship with God through Christ

djblackadam@yahoo.com (Richard Graves) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:02:00 -0500

Today's online study will deal with the various degrees of bondage people try to keep Christians under trying to force the New Wine of the GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD into to Old Wine Skin of the Mosaic Law, we will also talk about what it means to be Led by the Spirit of God! Please listen and feel free to call in tonight at 8:00pm CST. E-mail me at richardgraves@live.com for an outline of the study.

Part II: SEPARATING Religion, Ritual, Routine from Relationship with God through Christ

Shared via AddThis

Online Bible Study tonight!

djblackadam@yahoo.com (Richard Graves) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:28:00 -0500

Online Bible Study tonight. The link provided will allow you to listen to our conversation; you can listen and / or call in and participate. Our discussion this evening will center on how we as Christians can value the gifts that God has given us through Jesus and how we can really walk in relationship with Christ and not be side tracked by “religion”. The call in number is (347) 855-8971, study starts tonight 09/22/2009 at 8:00pm CST

Here is the link: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Richard-Graves/2009/09/23/Seperating-Religion-Ritual-Routine-from-Relationship-with-God-through-Christ

looking forward to the study!

Online Bible Study

djblackadam@yahoo.com (Richard Graves) — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 17:50:00 -0500

A few of the Facebook, Blog and internet Christian friends and I are going to have an online call in Bible "class" on Tuesday evenings from 7:30-8:30pm (CST) starting Sep 22nd. It will cover some of the subjects in my book "Unbelieving Believers", anybody else interested let me know and I'll e-mail you details. Also, if you don't have my book yet, you can purchase it directly from me for $15.00 (s/h included) by PayPal at richardgraves@live.com

The Gospel of the Kingdom in contrast to "philosophy"....

djblackadam@yahoo.com (Richard Graves) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 20:52:00 -0500

“But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 1st Corinthians 2:14. This scripture often comes to mind when I consider the question of faith and “reason”. In today’s world, there is a clash between “faith” and “reason”, albeit in the observation of this writer the clash is really a false dichotomy. People like Bill Maher and Richard Dawkins posit that if one has faith one cannot be “reasonable”, surprisingly this isn’t a new concept.

Back in the winter of 1619-1620 a philosopher from France by the name of Rene’ Descartes’ developed a new formula for “rationalism” stating in its first principle “Cogito ergo sum” (I think therefore I am) (Dowley 485).

Some Christians, such as Magistar Archbishop William Temple, considered this philosophical movement to be “the most disastrous moment in European history”. This primarily because Descartes started from a presupposition of doubt, whereas the believer starts at a presupposition that God is an actuality that we accept as our starting point (485). These positions are diametrically opposed, however; one does not necessarily exclude the other. It can be expected that the unbeliever is coming from a position of doubt and may want God “proven” to them in a way that they can measure and or accept. In Descartes case his initial presupposition was: “I entirely abandoned the study of letters. Resolving to seek no knowledge other than that of which could be found in myself or else in the great book of the world, I spent the rest of my youth traveling, visiting courts and armies, mixing with people of diverse temperaments and ranks, gathering various experiences, testing myself in the situations which fortune offered me, and at all times reflecting upon whatever came my way so as to derive some profit from it.” (Descartes, Discourse on the Method). This statement reminds me of another popular Latin phrase: “eventus stultorum magister” as events are often the teachers of fools. Not that Mr. Descarte was a fool, however with that statement he had done what others in the rationality of their atheism do even to this day, that is make themselves their own measure in the subjective perceptions, in essence their own god. This Temple found problematic, yet ironically Temple saw the reformation under Luther as problematic as well as Luther bucked the system which was another form of indivualism as far as Temple was concerned (485).

The problem with Temple’s logic was that unlike Descartes, who was his own god, or who was dependent upon his own subjective apprehension of the temporal and spatial world, Luther was subject to the scriptures, which it appears that Temple was unaware or unwilling to acknowledge that the church was not always in line with what scripture was presenting.

We see these two worlds collide in the person of Blaise Pascal (1623-62). He was one of the greatest thinkers the West has given us as he was a “mathematician, physicist, inventor, writer and religious thinker.”. This is something that would be best pointed out in this current world we live in where people like Bill Maher and Richard Dawkins continue to present that rationality (science) and Faith (religion) are “mutually exclusive”. This man made incredible contributions to geometry and the calculus and worked out the theory of probability. “In physics ‘Pascal’s law’ stated the principle which makes possible all modern hydraulic operations” (488). Because this great thinker became a Christian as the result of a mystical vision in 1654.

“Pascal wrote that God can be known through Jesus Christ by an act of faith, itself given by God.”, this mirrors Christ own statements, in particular: “All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.” Matthew 11.27. This scientist posited that ours need for God is made clear by our misery because of our separation from Him. Though this great thinker posited that “God may only be known by faith”, he was also clear to acknowledge that there is ample evidence to hold up belief: “fulfilled prophecies, miracles, the witness of history, the self–authentication of Scripture, ‘The heart has its reasons, which the reason does not know,’ wrote Pascal (488).

That is what really it comes down to, and as we see from this bit of history, the more things change the more they stay the same.

Bibliography:

Dowley, Tim ; Briggs, J. H. Y. ; Linder, Robert Dean ; Wright, David F.: Introduction to the History of Christianity. Minneapolis : Fortress Press, 2002