Wealththinkers Tips And Review

1 Corinthians 9 Gives Us Some Answers to Acts 21:26

2010-06-20T22:18:00.000-07:00

1 Corinthians 9 Gives Us Some Answers to Acts 21:26

St Paul participates in Purification Ceremony in The Temple @ Jerusalem

Acts 21:26 GNT

So Paul took the men and the next day performed the ceremony of purification with them. Then he went into the Temple and gave notice of how many days it would be until the end of the period of purification, when a sacrifice would be offered for each one of them.

Many Christians are criticizing St Paul just like the Pharisees and Sadducees did. They were upset that St Paul took company with the Gentiles. They wanted to deny St Paul his heritage as a Jew. As do many modern Christians deny the writings of Paul. Many say, “How could Paul who speaks so boldly against the Jewish Law, be will to participate in it?” Here we have St Paul participating in a purification ceremony. What could he possible be thinking?

Let's take a look at 1 Corinthians 9:19-27. This may give us some clues to the mindset of St Paul.

1 Cor 9:19-27

19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.

20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;
21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.
22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
23 And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.
24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:

27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

After looking at that passage we can see how determined St Paul was to reach out to both the Jews and the Gentiles. We can see that Paul considers himself all things to all men. Why? To save some. From what? Eternal Death. Paul wishes that all men to hear the message of the Gospel.

We can see how determined St Paul is. In the first part of 1 Cor 9 Paul writes about who he is as if to answer his accusers. He writes about the rewards and blessings he is entitled too but does not claim as his reward. He claims the reward in others hearing the Gospel and reaching salvation. And that he should be a participant in this reward as the oxen plows the field and should be able to eat some of the food., as stated in verse 9, “For it is written in the law of Moses, thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?”

Yet as hard as St Paul works and preaches the word he still fears that he may become an outcast. An outcast of what? The Kingdom of God, what else. He seeks the incorruptible crown as opposed to the corruptible crown made of laurels that are won in a race. By participating in the salvation of others he prays and hopes for his own salvation.

This episode of the purification ceremony takes the rest of the book of Acts to find the outcome. However, it was all in Gods plan to bring Paul to Rome and to clear his name. I we take the time to read what Paul says in defense of himself, you will find some pretty heavy answers. Just take a look.

Acts 24:14

But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:

Jesus never abolished the law or the words of the Prophets as stated in Matt 5:17, Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

Here we see an answer from St Paul to King Agrippa in in his own defense.

Acts 26:19-20

Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:

But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.

We see here that Paul certainly includes words for repentance and this is taken directly out of the King James Version of the Bible. So the Gentiles are not to be void of works, but are not bound by the works of the Law.

Again we see the commitment of St Paul to bring the Gospel to the Gentiles.

Acts 28:28

28Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.

Acts 14:2

Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

Here we see how St Paul thought it necessary that he undergo a tribulation or suffering process in order just to enter the Kingdom of God.

Philippians 2:11-13
Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

Here we see how we need to work on our salvation, we need to take this process seriously.

2 Thessalonians 1:5

Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:

Ephesians 5:5

For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

Galatians 5:21

Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

We see that many Protestants will say that works don't matter when it comes to Salvation, however, will point the finger at fellow Protestants and/or Catholics for works that are supposedly not in the Bible.

If works don't matter than why even be concerned with them? Protestants then explain this by stating the the Faith was not authentic in the first place and use the bad fruit as evidence. By even admitting this fact is a confirmation on the role works plays in salvation.

I Love my Protestant Brothers, but it apparent to me that Salvation by Faith Alone and the Once Saved Always Saved Doctrine in Man Made Tradition and not authentic Bible Teaching.

Jesus is very clear in the Gospels. As he said in John 5:28-29,” Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.”

This verse also indicate that Salvation is even possible after death. But I won't get into that right now as it is off subject.

Although we may disagree on the role Good Fruits plays in Salvation. Let's agree on two things. 1.That those of Good Faith will need to serve others and perform Good Works in order to save some. Just like St Paul, be All Things To All. 2. That through the Grace and Sacrifice of Jesus Christ all men are redeemed. Amen and God Bless You!

What About The Brothers Of Jesus?

2010-02-25T18:10:00.000-08:00

When referring to the brothers of Christ, many people read the ancient writings of the Bible with their modern minds of today. There are some key scriptures to be concerned about that point to the brothers of Jesus Christ. I will be using the King James Version for this article as it is well recognized translation.

Matthew 12:46 (KJV)

While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him.

Matthew 13:55 (KJV)

Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?

Mark 3:31(KJV)

There came then his brethren and his mother, and, standing without, sent unto him, calling him.

Mark 6:3 (KJV)

Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.

Luke 8:19-20 (KJV)

Then came to him his mother and his brethren, and could not come at him for the press.

And it was told him by certain which said, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee.

John 2:12 (KJV)

After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days.

John 7:3-10(KJV)

His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest.

For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world.

For neither did his brethren believe in him.

Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready.

The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.

Go ye up unto this feast: I go not up yet unto this feast: for my time is not yet full come.

When he had said these words unto them, he abode still in Galilee.

But when his brethren were gone up, then went he also up unto the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret.

Galatians 1:19(KJV)

But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother.

To an ordinary reader, or one that has only scripture as reference, it certainly appears that Jesus had brothers and even sisters. But when reading the Bible one has to take into consideration the ancient languages and customs of the ancient time. Families lived in larger units with many relations under one roof.

Many times cousins, uncles, nephews and even sons were referred to as brothers in Hebrew and Aramaic. Aramaic was the language that Jesus and his Apostles spoke fluently. As Greek became more popular, the old testament was translated into Greek, and many new manuscripts were written in Greek.

This is important due to the fact that the meaning of the Aramaic word for "brother" (aha) not only includes other meanings, but also includes other close relations, such as cousins.

The Old Testament was translated from Hebrew into Aramaic, and then finally into what we call the Septuagint. This translation included more books than the King James Version I am using for this article.

The original thoughts tend to be left in the dust with the translation process. In this case we are talking about an English Bible, KJV, that has been translated from Ancient Hebrew and Aramaic to Greek, and then to English. Certainly the idea of a large family and the closeness of relatives have been lost today in our current culture.

This is evident in just a casual examination of scripture and different translations. If the concept of brother truly referred to only blood brothers by birth, as it does today, then all translations would easily agree on the following verses.

Luke 6:13-16 (KJV)

And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;

Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew,

MatthTestementomas, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called Zelotes,

And Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor.

This is a list of the Apostles according to Luke. Notice that Judas is referred to as the brother of James in the KJV. Lets take a look at this verse in other well known translations.

Luke 6:16

King James Version (KJV)

And Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor.

Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition (DRA)

And Jude, the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, who was the traitor.

Good News Translation (GNT)

Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became the traitor.

New International Version (NIV)

Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.

New King James Version (NKJV)

Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot who also became a traitor.

And let's look at this verse as well.

Acts 1:13

King James Version (KJV)

And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.

Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition (DRA)

And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode Peter and John, James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James of Alpheus, and Simon Zelotes, and Jude the brother of James.

Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition (DRA)

Good News Translation (GNT)

They entered the city and went up to the room where they were staying: Peter, John, James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Patriot, and Judas son of James.

New International Version (NIV)

When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James.

New King James Version (NKJV)

And when they had entered, they went up into the upper room where they were staying: Peter, James, John, and Andrew; Philip and Thomas; Bartholomew and Matthew; James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot; and Judas the son of James.

Notice how some text refer to Judas as the son of James, and typically tend to be the more modern translations. Even when comparing the NKJV with KJV. Interesting that the KJV tends to agree with the DRA, in this example.

Here is a good explanation on a Baptist site called,”Learn the Bible”,

Now, I will say something that could be misunderstood but I believe it needs to be said: the Greek phrase can be honestly translated either way. You see, the Greek phrase that is translated either "Judas the brother of James" or "Judas the son of James" comes from only two words in the Greek. The first is Judas and second is James. The declension of the nouns clearly shows the phrase to mean, "Judas of James." That means that the relationship is a close one and that Judas is related to James in a close family kinship. Therefore, Judas is almost certainly either a brother of James or a son of James. However, the phrase in and of itself does not make that distinction. In fact, the King James Bible indicates this uncertainty by putting "brother of" in italics both in Luke 6:16 and in Acts 1:13. This means that there is no corresponding word in Greek to match the words "the brother." - David Reagan

This certainly explains the loss of meaning in the translations from one language to another. However, I feel that the misunderstanding goes deeper than that. In ancient times people were considered brothers even in extended families, as this would include cousins. Take a look at this:

Genesis 11:27 (KJV)

Now these are the generations of Terah: Terah begat Abram, Nahor, and Haran and Haran begat Lot.

Notice that Abram, Nahor, and Haran are brothers by birth. Haran then had a son name Lot. Lot by today's standards would be considered a nephew, and Abram would be Lots Uncle. Now lets take a look at the next verse.

Genesis 14:14-16(KJV)

And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan.

And he divided himself against them, he and his servants, by night, and smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus.

And he brought back all the goods, and also brought again his brother Lot, and his goods, and the women also, and the people.

Here is another example:

Genesis 29:10 (KJV)

And it came to pass, when Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban his mother's brother, and the sheep of Laban his mother's brother, that Jacob went near, and rolled the stone from the well's mouth, and watered the flock of Laban his mother's brother.

Genesis 29:15 (KJV)

And Laban said unto Jacob, Because thou art my brother, shouldest thou therefore serve me for nought? tell me, what shall thy wages be?

Clearly by today's standards Laban in not the brother of Jacob.

Clearly Lot is not Abram's brother, however, that is how brother is used in this example. Also, another frequently used form of brother, brothers, or brethren is to signify association. From these scriptures you can see that the term brother can not be used in the same manner as in modern English.

Acts 9:17( KJV )

And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.

2 Corinthians 2:13 (KJV)

I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia.

Ephesians 6:21(KJV)

But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:

Philippians 2:25 (KJV)

Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.

Colossians 4:9 (KJV)

With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.

1 Thessalonians 3:2 (KJV)

And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:

Philemon 1:1 ( KJV )

Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer,

Hebrews 13:23 (KJV)

Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty; with whom, if he come shortly, I will see you.

1 Peter 5:12 (KJV)

By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand.

2 Peter 3:15 (KJV)

And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;

Clearly, every time the word brother is used, it can not be interpreted as a blood brother by birth. You can draw you own conclusions by reading the above scriptures. It is self evident that brother may be used in this manor to show close association. One thing comes to mind here, either Paul the Apostle had a lot of blood brothers or the word brother signifies a different kind of close relationship.

Even Jesus refers to his followers as brothers or brethren.

John 20:17-18 (KJV)

Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.

Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the LORD, and that he had spoken these things unto her.

OK, lets go back to the real topic, Who are these brothers mentioned in Matt 13:55, and Mark 6:3? Well they are named for one, James, Joses, Simon, and Judas. One explanation that is simple is that they are his followers.

We know for a fact that his Mother Mary also followed Jesus as described in;

John 2:12,

“After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days. “

and in Luke 23:49 and 55 it says,

”And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things.”

And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid.

It is apparent that Mother Mary was a loyal follower of her son. So we could simply offer the explanation that this verse refers to Mother Mary and the disciples. I think that is somewhat true, however, it is clear by the surrounding context that the relationship is deeper than that of a follower and must be a close relative to our Lord. And I believe that the later is true here. So let's take a deeper look into who these brothers are.

Who is James? To find this out let's look at some more scripture;

Matthew 27:56 (KJV)

Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedees children.

Mark 15:40 (KJV)

There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome;

John 19:25 (KJV)

Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene

In Luke 23:49, we know that there were many women who stood from afar. Luke gives a better account of some of these women in a later verse. In the above verses, Mary Magdalene is in all three. According to John, Mother Mary stood by the cross, and her sister Mary.

Who was Mother Mary's sister? Well, for one she was the wife of Cleophas (Clopas), according to Matthew, she was the mother of James, and Joses, and according to Mark, she is the mother of James the less and Joses. Salome may also have been the mother of Zebedees children, James the Greater, and John The Apostle.

Then the obvious conclusion is that Mary the wife of Cleophas is the mother of James the less and Joses. Given the fact that she is Mother Mary's sister, that would make James the Less and Joses cousins of Jesus. Two of the names mentioned as the brethren of Christ in Matt 13:55.

James the Less was of course an Apostle, part of the original twelve. That would explain why Paul in his letter to the Galatians refers to James as,”Brother of Our Lord”. James was a close cousin to our Lord. That shows us that James The Just, James The Less, and the James in Matt 13:55 are one and the same.

What about Judas in Matt 13:55? We need to go to some other scripture here in order to discover who Judas is. Remember the name for Jude and Judas are the same.

Jude 1:1 (KJV)

Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called:

This explains Luke 6:16 and Acts 1:13 that we talked about earlier, that Judas (Jude) is the brother of James mentioned in Matt 13:55. Both Jude and James are of the original Twelve.

OK, there is one more, and we really don't know who Jose is?

Well Simon is linked to Cleophas the sister of Mother Mary. Well another name for Simon is Symeon and Symeon became a Bishop of Jerusalem in the early church. And according Eusebius of Caesarea in his Church History, after the destruction of Jerusalem in 70AD, Christians of Jerusalem, over 300 years before the inspiration of the Bible was even established.

"all with one consent pronounced Symeon, the son of Clopas, of whom the Gospel also makes mention; to be worthy of the episcopal throne of that parish. He was a cousin, as they say, of the Saviour. For Hegesippus records that Clopas was a brother of Joseph.”- Eusebius of Caesarea

Also it is known that Jesus and Mary traveled to Cana the town of Simon to attend the Wedding at Cana, where Jesus turned water into wine. These folks were obviously close relatives of Jesus, close enough whereby Mother Mary was able to order the servants to obey Jesus. Close enough whereby Mother Mary was concerned about the reputation of the host. Chances are they were close to Simon as well. And we know that the disciples were also invited to this wedding.

Mark 3:18

"Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Cananaean..."

There you have it, Simon is a Son of Clopas and related to our Lord Jesus Christ.

Now as for Joses, also same as Joseph, this harder to determine. It could very well have been Jesus step father Joseph. Because as we have already established from Luke 6:16 that the Greek for son or brother could be the same word. It's possible but I think there are better explanations.

Oh yes, there may be other explanations for Jose in Matt 13:55. One could be Barnabas? Barnabas real name was Joses. It seems strange that Barnabas comes out of nowhere in the Book of Acts.

We also know that Alphaeus whom we already established as the same person as Clopas, Father of James, Jude, and Simon. Clopas also was one of the disciples that met the Risen Jesus on the road to Emmaus.

Luke 24:18 (KJV)

18And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?

We know that Alphaeus also had another son mentioned in scripture. Could this be Barnabas who was a Levite? Whose name was Joses? Whom was also referred to as an Apostle by Paul the Apostle?

Acts 4:36 (KJV)

And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,

Acts 14:14 (KJV)

Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,

Mark 2:14 (KJV)

And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him.

In the "Clementine Recognitions" he is said to be preaching in Rome even during Jesus' lifetime, and Clement of Alexandria makes him one of the Seventy Disciples that are mentioned in the . Gospel of Luke

If Barnabas is not this Levi, son of Alphaeus, then there is another cousin running around somewhere that is not mentioned in Matt 13:55. There is not enough evidence to back up this theory and for that matter it is just a theory that has yet to be proven.

There is another conjecture that Joses is really another Disciple mentioned in the Book of Acts.

Acts 1:23
And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.

The name Joseph is the same as Joses. This Joses was surnamed Justus and was in consideration for the vacancy left by Judas Iscariot. They then drew lots as it was customary to choose a Hebrew Priest. Matthias won and became the 12^th Apostle. But what happened to Justus, (Joses)?

In the ,Legenda Aurea he is identified with Joses, one of the brothers of Jesus According to Church Tradition, Justus went on to become Bishop of Eleutheropolis, where he died a martyr and is venerated as Saint Justus of Eleutheropolis. This village was slain and enslaved in 68 AD by Titus Flavius Vespasianus, the Roman Emporer. Also over 300 years before the books of the Bible were authorized as scripture.

There is no real conclusion here as to who Joses was. We don't know what happened to him. Just that he was probably related to the other cousins who were also Apostles in Matt 13:55.

Interesting that there is another man named Judas with the last name Barsabas. Maybe this is the same person. Again there is not evidence to back it up.

Acts 15:22 (KJV)

Then pleased it the apostles and elders with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas and Silas, chief men among the brethren:

In Conclusion, it is apparent that the early Christians who were closest to the time of Jesus, some who knew Jesus well, as they were the original Apostles, or were followers of the original Twelve Apostles, that Jesus had no blood brothers by birth. The early Christians were more familiar with the language and knew the customs too well to jump to conclusions that brother meant blood brother. They knew that word brother, in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek had other implications such as cousin, relative, or another close bond.

One more point needs to be made here, in regard to scripture and how it relates to the story of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and his relations.

John 19 :26-27 KJV

When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!

Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.

Oh wait a minute, does this mean John was also a brother of Christ? Is Mary also the real mother of John the Apostle? Of Course not! But it does explain the lack of real blood brother whom under ancient custom would have taken on the responsibility to watch their Mother.

Jesus would not have given his Mother to the care of the Disciple he loved, John, if he had other brothers to intrust her with. He would have allowed James, Jude, Simon, or Joses to take care of Mother Mary. This would have been simple since James the Less, Jude the Apostle, and Simon the Apostle were all active followers. No, Jesus handed his Mother over to John. John took care of her as his own, in Ephesus until her death, her tomb is located in the Kidron Valley of Jerusalem at the Church of All Nations, where the Apostle Thomas witnessed her missing body and Assumption into Heaven.

I will leave you with a youtube video, very nicely done.

George Washington, Abraham Lincoln Truly Great Presidents!

2010-02-15T18:04:00.000-08:00

What I like most about Abraham Lincoln is his patience to do what is right against all odds. Although many claim that he didn't officially free the slaves with the emancipation proclamation. He started the process to free all men from slavery in the U.S. I also I like the fact that Lincoln thumbs his nose at the power banker elite by refusing to borrow money for the war. He does this by creating a debt free currency called the greenback, named after the color on the back of the money, “GREEN”. This may have been the main reason for his assassination, along with other reasons related to the southern dissatisfaction with the wars outcome.

Lincoln said in regard to this banking corruption, "I see in the near future a crisis approaching that unnerves me and causes me to tremble for the safety of my country; corporations have been enthroned, an era of corruption in High Places will follow, and the Money Power of the Country will endeavor to prolong its reign by working upon the prejudices of the People, until the wealth is aggregated in a few hands, and the Republic is destroyed. I feel at this moment more anxiety for the safety of my country than ever before, even in the midst of war" I also like the fact that Lincoln continued to support the Day Of Thanksgiving started by the first president George Washington.

George Washington was the first President and arguable the best. I like the fact that he was extremely patient as well. In order to be a great president the quality of patience is a must. Washington had tremendous patience as a general in waiting out his attack on the British. Is ability to wait for the right time was uncanny, even mysterious, even inspired by God. Because of George Washington, we became a nation. His refusal to become a king, and insist that the people shall rule this new nation, showed his humble selfless nature.

Here is what George Washington said in regard to paper money, "But if in the pursuit of the means we should unfortunately stumble again on unfunded paper money or any similar species of fraud, we shall assuredly give a fatal stab to our national credit in its infancy. Paper money will invariably operate in the body of politics as spirit liquors on the human body. They prey on the vitals and ultimately destroy them. Paper money has had the effect in your state that it will ever have, to ruin commerce, oppress the honest, and open the door to every species of fraud and injustice." -- George Washington in a letter to Jabez Bowen, Rhode Island, Jan. 9, 1787

While I am at it here is another great writing by Thomas Jefferson.

Crusades History Distorted And Mislabeled.

2010-02-14T13:56:00.000-08:00

Crusades History Distorted And Mislabeled.

The modern media through TV and movies, like, “The Kingdom of Heaven,” has and continues to grossly distort history against Christendom. Christens are made to look power hungry and greedy, while the Islamic Jihad are represented as simply defending themselves. In the movie,” Kingdom of Heaven,” Saladin is presented as just and fair. Saladin appears to allow all to go free and leave Jerusalem. The truth is that only those who where able to buy their freedom were allowed to go. Those whom could not were sold into slavery. This was contrasted to the Christens who did massacre people in Jerusalem when they conquered the city. However, nothing is mentioned about the ruthless atrocities of the Muslim invaders in the past in their crusade to claim all territory as their own. This series of Islamic Crusades is what let Christendom to finally defend itself. This article is to shed some light on the true reason for the Christen Crusades and to counteract the misleading media campaign directed against them.
*
Starting in about 630 AD. Muhammad implements an extortion tax for protection from Islamic attack, one tax if they convert to Islam and another if you refuse to convert to Islam. This tax was then continued by the Caliphs after the death of Muhammad.

632 – 634, the Islamic Crusades conquer territory of polytheist Arabia. They were all forced convert to Islam or die, Khalid AL-Walid, conquers territory along the Euphrates today know as part of Iraq. Khalid captures and beheads so many that a nearby canal, into which the blood flowed, was called Blood Canal.

635 Islam conquers Damascus.

636 Muslim invaders have decisive win in Battle of Yarmuk. Muslims also conquer the remainder
of Iraq at the Battle of al-Qadisiyyah

638 Islam Crusaders conquer Jerusalem, from the Byzantines.

638-650 Islam conquer Iran, except along Caspian Sea.
639-642 Islamic Crusaders conquer Egypt.
641 Muslim Jihad controls Syria and Palestine.
643-707 Muslim Crusaders conquer North Africa.
644-650 Islam Crusaders establish Islamic rule in Iran, Afghanistan, and Sind. And conquer Cyprus, Tripoli in North Africa,

673-678 Arabs besiege Constantinople, capital of Byzantine Empire committing all kinds atrocities to Christens.

710-713 Muslim Jihad conquers the lower Indus Valley. also Spain and impose the kingdom of Andalus

732 The Muslim Crusaders are stopped at the Battle of Poitiers; that is, Franks (France) halt Arab advance.

789 Rise of Idrisid emirs (Muslim Crusaders) in Morocco; foundation of Fez; Christoforos, a Muslim who converted to Christianity, is executed.

807 Caliph Harun al-Rashid orders the destruction of non-Muslim prayer houses and of the Church of Mary Magdalene in Jerusalem.

809 – 901 Aghlabids (Muslim Crusaders) conquer Sardinia, Italy. Christians in Palestine are attacked; many flee the country. Muslim Crusaders capture of Palermo, Italy; raids in Southern Italy. Caliph al-Matawakkil orders the destruction of non-Muslim houses of prayer. Revolt of the Christians of Hims (Syria) Aghlabids (Muslim Crusaders) conquer Sicily, raid Corsica, Italy, France.

909 Rise of the Fatimid Caliphate in Tunisia; these Muslim Crusaders occupy Sicily, Sardinia.
928-969 Byzantine military revival, they retake old territories, such as Cyprus (964) and Tarsus (969).
937 The Church of the Resurrection (known as Church of Holy Sepulcher in Latin West) is burned down by Muslims; more churches in Jerusalem are attacked .
960 Conversion of Qarakhanid Turks to Islam
966 Anti-Christian riots in Jerusalem
969 Fatimids (Muslim Crusaders) conquer Egypt and found Cairo.
973 Israel and southern Syria are again conquered by the Fatimids.
1003 First persecutions by al-Hakim; the Church of St. Mark in Fustat, Egypt, is destroyed.
1009 Destruction of the Church of the Resurrection by al-Hakim (see 937)
1012 Beginning of al-Hakim’s oppressive decrees against Jews and Christians
1048 Reconstruction of the Church of the Resurrection completed
1055 Seljuk Prince Tughrul enters Baghdad, consolidation of the Seljuk Sultanate.
1055 Confiscation of property of Church of the Resurrection
1071 Battle of Manzikert, Seljuk Turks (Muslim Crusaders) defeat Byzantines and occupy much of Anatolia.
1071 Turks (Muslim) invade Palestine.
1073 Conquest of Jerusalem by Turks (Muslim Crusaders)
1075 Seljuks (Muslim Crusaders) capture Nicea (Iznik) and make it their capital in Anatolia.
1076 Almoravids (Muslim Crusaders) conquer western Ghana.
1085 Toledo is taken back by Christian armies.
1086 Almoravids (Muslim Crusaders) send help to Andalus, Battle of Zallaca.
1090-1091 Almoravids (Muslim Crusaders) occupy all of Andalus except Saragossa and Balearic Islands.
1094 Byzantine Emperor Alexius Comnenus I asks western Christendom for help against Seljuk invasions of his territory; Seljuks are Muslim Turkish family of eastern origins.
1095 Pope Urban II preaches first Crusade; they capture Jerusalem in 1099 *

*Notice - The black is the Byzantine Empire, the rest of the shaded territory represent the lands taken in Muslim Conquest before the Christen Crusades Began. The small map shows the land that previously belonged to the Byzantine Empire.

Notice that Christendom, especially the Byzantine Empire, were dessimated by Islamic attack. Not only that but the Western Empires were also attacked by Muslim extremist. Spain was at one time totally in Muslim Control, but was retaken by the Franks. Italy and France were also under attack. It is quite surprising that the West put up with this for as long as it did. We are talking almost 500 years of Muslim aggression.
Given the current state of affairs, it is enlightening to know that Christians had justifiable reasons for defending themselves against Muslim aggression and conquest. And that the Christian Crusades was not based on an idea of power and greed, but was necessary to save Christendom from total annihilation.

You can get more information at these sites. *This one gave me most of my time-line information.
http://www.answering-islam.org/Authors/Arlandson/crusades_timeline.htm

http://www.islamfortoday.com/images/Spread_of_Islam_map.jpg

Here is a video from youtube with more information on how the Islamic Crusade continued and destroyed the Byzantine Empire.

We Can't Be Ignorant Or Apathetic On The First Amendment Any Longer!

2010-01-30T18:09:00.000-08:00

You know the old joke, One guy says to another, “I Feel people are too ignorant and apathetic to the state of affairs in our government. Don't you agree? The second guy replies, “I don't know and I don't care.”

It is only a matter of time that this attitude of the people, like an angry pit bull, will rise up and bite them in the buttocks. Here is a video that demonstrates how ignorant the general population is the Constitution and in particular to the First Amendment

So What is the First Amendment?

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

The First Amendment is part of the Bill of Rights. It is pretty simple to understand and that is why I find it strange that so many people have it wrong. Let me ask you, where does it say that there is to be a separation of church and state? It doesn't say that does it? In fact, the clause, “or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,” So where do we get the idea that prayer in public schools is not aloud? Where do we get the idea that Church and State should be separated? The truth is that the First Amendment protects the Church from the State, not the other way around.

Some other very important rights are in the amendment, the right of free speech, the right of the press, the right to peaceably assemble, and the right to petition the Government for redress of grievances.

Also the due process clause in the 14th Amendment is connected to the First Amendment as per ruling of the supreme court. This applies to the States and Local Government.

Let's See What the Founding Fathers said about he First Amendment.
On Religion -

"We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Avarice, ambition, revenge, or gallantry, would break the strongest cords of our Constitution as a whale goes through a net. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." --October 11, 1798 John Adams

The Law given from Sinai [The Ten Commandments] was a civil and municipal as well as a moral and religious code.

John Quincy Adams. Letters to his son. p. 61

Without morals a republic cannot subsist any length of time; they therefore who are decrying the Christian religion, whose morality is so sublime and pure...are undermining the solid foundation of morals, the best security for the duration of free governments." [Source: To James McHenry on November 4, 1800.] Charles Carroll - signer of the Declaration of Independence

God governs in the affairs of man. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid? We have been assured in the Sacred Writings that except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it. I firmly believe this. I also believe that, without His concurring aid, we shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of Babel –Constitutional Convention of 1787 | original manuscript of this speech

Benjamin Franklin: | Portrait of Ben Franklin

On right to Free Press -
I am... for freedom of the press, and against all violations of the Constitution to silence by force and not by reason the complaints or criticisms, just or unjust, of our citizens against the conduct of their agents. -- Thomas Jefferson to Elbridge Gerry, 1799. ME 10:78

On the right to assemble peaceably -

A pure democracy is a society consisting of a small number of citizens, who assemble and administer the government in person.

James Madison

Let's all make the extra effort to know the constitution, what is and what it isn't, what is written in it, and why it is written. Let's go back and read what the Founding Fathers wrote, so we can better understand what they intended. And better yet, understand the principles that make this country great.

Peace to You, Merry Christmas To Y'all, And Become Aware!

2009-12-24T10:38:00.001-08:00

Just wishing the best for you and your family this Blessed Holy Day of Christmas. I believe the future holds great things for you and your family. But one thing must happen to secure this future. It is a global awakening of what is going on. A knowledge of the worldly powers that are evil and want to run your life as a slave to a global government. The same powers that want to take Christ out of Christmas. We need to unite for freedom everywhere. If you live in the US, like I do, you must start to realize that both the Democrats and Republican have insiders who represent the global government.

I'm not going to get into this in depth, but do your homework. It certainly worth it. Slow down your life and listen to God and what is going on around you. Don't be so absorbed into yourselves. That's what happens as we get busy. The elite powers like this as it keeps us out of the way. Anyway, I really want to concentrate on Christmas.

It is interesting how the video asks that every child must be made aware, and that every child must be made to care, care enough for his fellow man. Give more Love! When I chose to use this video on my blog, I didn't know how well it ties into what I wrote above. But it does and I'm glad, and the Holy Spirit deserves the credit for that.

I want to share this video with you. I remember watching this video with my Dad in the recreation room of our house. My Dad is passed away over 30 years now and I miss him. It was at night and I have always been impressed with the video. How Christmas can bring together generations and people of all nations for the Glory of God. This includes my Dad and I , as we were so different during that time period. I respect him more now, appreciate him more through the years as he sacrificed much for his family. Love ya Dad! I honor you Dad. See you in Heaven if it be the will of God. Praise be Jesus!

In this video we see Bing Crosby and David Bowie perform the song “Little Drummer Boy”. You would think how did they get two people so different to perform a song together? Maybe it has to do about the Baby Jesus. All things are possible through Christ Jesus! That must be it. Right?

God Bless, Merry Christmas, and a prosperous New Year to Y'all.

Finally, You Need To Watch This Documentary.

2009-12-13T19:52:00.000-08:00

I would suggest you watch the full version of this movie. Excellent!!! 5 stars!

I hope you can sleep tonight. It's time to to spread the truth to all your friends and neighbors.

The Future Of Freedom In America And The World Uncertain. - part 5

2009-12-13T19:50:00.000-08:00

Alex Jones had a terrific show the other day. This guy really did his homework. He first interviews Congressman Ron Paul, who ran for the republican presidential nomination. Then Jones breaks down how the New World Order System Operates. And Finally interviews Bob Chapman. Bob has some great suggestions on how you can protect yourself.

The Future Of Freedom In America And The World Uncertain. - part 4

2009-12-13T19:44:00.000-08:00

Once this is all complete, the world government will bring in peace keeping troops to enforce all the new laws. Martial Law will be declared and Fema concentration camps will be fully operational. If you are on the enemies list, you will be exterminated. Followers of those exterminated will be re-educated and released to follow the new laws. Those that pose no threat will be allowed to continue as long as they follow the rules.

Don't believe it? Look at the evidence. I dare you to do the research.

The Future Of Freedom In America And The World Uncertain. - part 3

2009-12-13T19:40:00.000-08:00

They stage events that create fear so that people look to the government for the solution. Such as Swine Flu or Global Warming for example. They then break down and ignore our liberties, such as ignoring the Bill of Rights with presidential executive orders. Everything is done behind the public back. Many of the public are not aware that their rights are slowly being taken away.

Once all Freedoms are removed and nations are no longer sovereign they create a world currency and with a whole new system of government. In this case, making the IMF in charge of all nations. Controlling all nations with a common currency. This Government will be Fascist with no election, taxes without representation. Exactly what we revolted against England.

The Future Of Freedom In America And The World Uncertain. - part 2

2009-12-13T19:34:00.000-08:00

First, The elites took over the monies of the nation by creating fiat money. Money that is based on Interest and Debt. The borrower will always owe the lender and be under the control of the lender. Hence, the Federal Reserve is created.

go to youtube and watch in 22 parts.

Next, they take control of the media and use it as propaganda to influence the public's behavior. They educational system whereby they teach our kids what they want them to learn.

The Future Of Freedom In America And The World Uncertain. - part 1

2009-12-13T19:27:00.000-08:00

Listen, this is serious stuff. The future of the world is at stake. In America it is no longer about Republican or Democrat. It is no longer about right and left. However, it is about wright and wrong.

When I started this blog I did not intend to be writing about politics as much as I have done. However, the sense of urgency is greatly enhanced as it seems the globalist have increased their effort to control the world and create a global government.

How is this come about and why does it seem to be upon us all of a sudden? It's the “Frog in the Pot Principle”. Put a frog hot water and he jumps out right away. But put him in room temperature water in a pot. Then, gradually turn up the heat and slowly cook the frog. The frog doesn't realize that he is being cooked alive. We that is exactly what is happening to us in America and much of the world.

Whitney Houston Tops All Past Recordings With Her Best Song Ever. The World Needs To Look To You!

2009-12-08T19:48:00.000-08:00

I'm so glad to hear Whitney Houston come back. I really believe she has the best voice of all time. Maybe it would be a toss up between Whitney and Celine Dion. Celine did not run into the same obstacles as Whitney but, I think Whitney will come back even stronger as a result of her struggle.

This song not only cements her faith in God, but is what our country and the world really needs right now. In the face of a Global Government Takeover, and the loss of Freedom for all sovereign nations, such as the United States, we all over the world must pray for freedom. After you hear this song whether you be a Catholic or Protestant Christian, be sure to say an intense prayer for the world. We have 10 days of Freedom Left if the Copenhagen treaty is signed. Try to say a prayer for the next 10 days.

Here is a really logical and great recording.

Another good video.

Keep informed and Pray. Take Action Now!

Having Trouble Carving Your Turkey?

2009-11-15T23:02:00.000-08:00

Hey, Just wanted to share this old but useful technique for carving your turkey
this year. You will be proud to display a well carved turkey on your holiday
table. I sure hope you enjoy this video.

Well all kidding aside, here is the post I left last year with the Washington and Lincoln Thanksgiving Proclamation. This is really what our country use to believe, and lets bring it back again.

http://wealththinkers.blogspot.com/2008/12/thanksgiving-after-thoughts.html

Are There Any Good Men Available To Save The Republic?

2009-11-14T18:27:00.000-08:00

I just finished watching a favorite movie of mine, “Gladiator” starring Russel Crowe. Russel Plays Maximus, the courageous and favorite general of emporer Markus Aurelius, played by Richard Harris. The emporer asks his general to protect Rome by not letting his real son, Commodus, played by Joaquin Rafael Phoenix, become the emporer of Rome. The acting is just superb. It is a great movie.

Anyway, Commodus seizes power by killing his father, Markus, and manages to kill Maximus' Family, while Maximus barely excapes. The general becomes a slave, then a gladiator, and gets his revenge against Commodus. But more importantly, He single handedly saves the Roman Republic from the tierany of a madman. A madman who would abolish the roman senate and claim all power for himself.

That is the real story here. How one man can make a difference in the future by standing up for what is right. It reminds me about how much we need thousands of General Maximus Clones to save the future of the US of A. No, I don't mean, thousands of people that look like Russel Crowe running around chopping heads off and the like. I mean, strong peaceful men that know when their rights are being violated and when teirany threatens to re- enslave all Americans. We need people to get educated about what is happening and who is responsible. Because the founding fathers of this great nation, knew it would happen. They put protections in our Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, that would prevent such tierany from happening. The only thing they feared is that the public would not

be wise enough or have the guts to exercise their rights. Here are some quotes:

"Posterity - you will never know how much it has cost my generation to preserve your freedom. I hope you will make good use of it." - John Quincy Adams

"If ever time should come, when vain and aspiring men shall possess the seats in Government, our country will stand in need of its patriots to its ruin." - Samuel Adams (1780)

The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing. - Edmund Burke 1729-1797

"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." - Benjamin Franklin

Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism. - George Washington

All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent. - Thomas Jefferson.

We must now rise up and protect this nation against all enemies, domestic and foreign. Believe me when I say domestic and foreign, because the threat is that perverse.

This is the truth about the current House Bill just passed:

The most appalling effect of the Affordable Health Care for America Act is the extent of control which the federal government would exercise over individual health care decisions. The legislation requires you to purchase health insurance, whether you need it or want it, and dictates the parameters of your policy. What's more, failure to purchase insurance would result in a slew of fines and, as this letter from the Joint Committee on Taxation makes clear, failure to pay the fines would result in criminal penalties including "a fine of up to $250,000 and/or imprisonment of up to five years."

If you would like to batter against this tierany follow the link below.

FIGHT BACK! The next stop on the runaway train known as ObamaCare is the floor of the United States Senate. Help us derail Ms. Pelosi's health care legislation by writing your Senators. The American people deserve better than what's coming down the tracks and you can help put a stop to it. Click on the link below and send a letter to Congress telling them to JUST SAY NO to health care legislation.

Here is a Link to e-mail your Senator, Join the fignt to return control of this nation to it's rightful owners, the people.

Click Here

Love Ya and God Bless America, we really need it now! Because Commodus is still alive.

Someone Should Have Told Elvis Presley And Micheal Jackson....

2009-08-03T22:26:00.000-07:00

You know something like, “What goes up must come down.” or, “The bigger they are the harder they fall.” Sure possibly most of us would have like to live the lifestyle of the King Of Pop, or the King of Rock and Roll. But is it really a balanced life? I think Elvis left with a true faith in Christ Jesus, but I'm not sure about Micheal. Elvis' daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, reportedly said on her blog that Micheal felt he would die in almost the same manor as her father. And the parallels are certainly noticeable. Both were suffering from ailing careers and were looking to make a comeback. I think Elvis succeeded somewhat in that endeavor, but Micheal just barely got started.

Their lives were terrible unbalanced, yeah, they have fame and fortune. They lived in mansions and traveled the world. They were both celebrated by many of the world's people. It must feel great to be on the top of your game and on top of the entertainment world. It seems they felt lonely there. But something must happen when you reach the top and suddenly you are on your way down. It happens to us all as we age. We reach our physical peak and then start on a downward spiral with age. And some of us find it difficult to cope with it. Unless we learn to be humble and accept some new talents that only comes with age.

I think both these guys found it hard to accept their ailing careers. It may have led to the abuse of prescription drugs, in order to deal with the emotional and physical pains. We can all learn from the mistakes of these men. They certainly gave a lot to the world in music, but how much more they could have done by accepting the path that God put in front of them. We miss Elvis, and we will miss Micheal too. But most of all we should learn from their mistakes, be humble and be a servant to the Lord.

A beautiful Prayer and Song for the US and the World.

2009-07-17T23:24:00.000-07:00

As the US Government and the world moves further away from the principles of Judeo-Christian Heritage, and the founding fathers. Let's pray for a renewal of the moral fiber and character of this great nation and the world. Please take some time to say a prayer after reading this and watching the video. In the name of Christ Jesus we ask this of the Father, and may he send the Holy Spirit to change the hearts of our leaders. Amen!

Two Gun Crowley Story Reflected in the Movie,White Heat, with Jame Cagney

2009-05-01T23:20:00.000-07:00

Francis Two Gun Crowley, not only had bad people skill but he served as the inspiration for the movie "White Heat" starring James Cagney. Mr. Cagney plays the character Cody Jarret and this helped launch his career as an actor.

Here is what Mark Gado had to say.

This was the final heart-pounding scene of one of the most exciting and memorable gangster films ever made, White Heat (1949), directed by Raoul Walsh. Cagneys portrayal of a mother-fixated psychotic killer remains one of the screens most vivid roles and was frequently imitated in the decades to come. But though Cody Jarrett and the script in White Heat were fiction, not many people are aware that the story was partly based on a true incident.

In the spring of 1931, a furious gun battle took place on New York Citys Upper West Side. The incident involved hundreds of cops, dozens of machine guns, tear gas, grenades and a teenage killer who was consumed by an intense hatred of police. As many as 15,000 spectators watched the clash in which hundreds of bullets were fired into a fifth floor apartment while the barricaded suspect screamed out an open window: Youll never take me alive coppers! Come and get me! His name was Francis Two-Gun Crowley, and this stunning Wild West shootout became known as the Siege of 90th Street.

Francis Crowley

He infuriated the police when he repeatedly shot his way out of trouble, and many officers wanted to put a bullet in his head. Crowley was a pint-sized dynamo, standing just over 5 feet tall and weighing only 110 lbs. Warden Lewis Lawes of Sing Sing prison said in 1932 that Crowleys clear complexion and general appearance would have marked him as a choir boy. But like a runaway train, Crowley created havoc wherever he went. Beginning as a car thief, quickly graduating to bank robbery, cop-killing, murder and more, he bought a one-way ticket to hell during a furious crime spree that landed him in the electric chair at the age of 19.

This was written by By Mark Gado Taken from a piece on trutv
Live Fast, Die Young http://www.trutv.com/library/crime/notorious_murders/mass/francis_crowley/1.html

Here is the official Movie Trailer

I guess the moral of the story is if you have really bad people skilla, also called Parrot People Skills, then you could die really young and they will make a movie about you. Right? Or you could figure out how to get along with people.

The New Beast and Beauty Story, Miss USA 2009

2009-05-01T22:40:00.000-07:00

Quite Frankly I have listened to all involved in this story. One person represents love and peace, and the other represents hate and division. Here is a recent youtube video that tells the story. Listen and watch and then decide what you think. And then I will forward you to a commentary by Chuck Colson from the Breakpoint radio broadcast.

And now the comment by Chuck Colson.

http://www.breakpoint.org/commentaries/1838-choosing-the-better-crown

Isn't it great that we have free speech? Notice the reaction to her answer by the crowd.

More info on the 2nd American Revolution

2009-05-01T21:18:00.000-07:00

funbobbasso from youtube has produced another video, calling
for a march on Washington for July 4th.

See it Here:

Love, Forgiveness, Eggs, and The Easter Bunny

2009-04-14T19:39:00.000-07:00

Just want to get out this very important Easter Message.
The video speaks for itself. Enjoy!

Gangster Tongues Are Shooting Critical Bullets Everywhere!

2009-04-14T18:56:00.000-07:00

Taken From "How To Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie

May 7,1931,New York had the most sensational man hunt ever known. "Two gun" Crowley the gunman who didn't smoke or drink and was trapped in his girlfriends apartment on West End Avenue.
One hundred and fifty policemen laid siege to his apartment. They teargased him and mounted their machine guns to surrounding buildings. For one hour New York residential areas reverberated with the crack of pistol fire and machine guns. Crowley fired incessantly crouched behind an over-stuffed chair. When Crowley was captured it was told that he was one of the most dangerous criminals in the history of New York, and that he would kill at the drop of a hat.
But How Did "Two Gun" Crowley regard himself? It was during this frachard between Crowley and the police, that Crowley wrote a letter addressed
"To whom it may concern"

In this blood soaked letter Crowley wrote, "Under my coat is a weary heart, but a kind one, one that would do nobody any harm".
A short time before this Crowley was with his girlfriend on a country road, when a policeman walked up and asked him for his license, without a word Crowley drew his gun, and cut the policeman down.
Crowley jumped out of the car took the revolver from the policeman, and continued to shoot him dead.
Crowley was sentenced to death by electric chair,His last words were not
"This is what I get For Killing People"?
Rather He said "This is what I get for defending Myself"!
The Point Of The Story Is This: Crowley didn't blame himself for anything he had done!

Is that an Unusual Attitude among criminals? If you think so then listen to this...
I've spent the best years of my life giving people the lighter pleasures, helping them have a good time, and all I get is abuse, the existence of a hunted man.
Al Capone said that!

Americas most notorious public enemy. Capone didn't condemn himself, he regarded himself as a public benefactor, he was just unappreciated and misunderstood.

Now if Al Capone, and "Two gun"Crowley along with all those men and women behind prison walls don't blame themselves what about those we come in contact with.
I learnt fairly early in life that it is foolish to scold, you have enough problems overcoming your own troubles with out fretting over the fact that God has not seen fit to distribute evenly, the gift of intelligence.
That 99 times out of 100 people don't criticize themselves no matter how wrong it may be. Criticism is futile because it puts a person on the defensive and usuallymakes him strive to justify himself.
When your tempted to criticize someone, remember Al Capone and "Two Gun" Crowley, realize that criticisms are like homing pigeons, they always return home.
We must realize that the person we are going to correct and condemn will probably justify themselves and condemn us,all in the same breath.
Instead of condemning people, we need to try to understand them, figure out why they do what they do. It's alot more profitable and it breeds sympathy, tolerance and kindness.
To know all is to forgive all.
God himself does not propose to judge man until the end of his days.
Why Should You And I?
Principal #1. Don't Criticize, Condemn or Complain.

March 2000
Public Enemy Number One:
The Short Life And Violent Times Of Two Gun Crowley And Trigger Burnke
By John William Tuohy

John William Tuohy is a writer who lives in Washingon, D.C.

The poverty that hung over the Irish ghettos of New York continued to spew out a whole array of gunmen well into the 20th century including the sad case of Francis "Two gun" Crowley.
Crowley had been abandoned as a child and was raised in foster homes since infancy. At age 12, one of these foster families farmed him out to work as a day laborer and factory worker.
From that point on, Crowley, who may have been mildly retarded according to some Police sources, grew into a small time neighborhood thief and pickpocket.
A timid young man, he never drank nor smoked, unusual for a New York neighborhood wise guy.

Crowley broke into his short lived criminal career in his late teens as an armed robber and eventually hooked up with another small time crook named Rudolf Durunger.
One evening, Crowley and Durunger meet a dance hall hostess named Virginia Banner, whom the pair eventually kidnaped and raped her, afterwards Crowley shot the girl through the head.
Police ballistic experts matched the bullets from the young women's body from those Crowley had fired at recent stick up but left them without any clues as to who the gun belonged to.
They found out several months later when Police officers patrolling a lovers lane stumbled on to Crowley and his girl friend parked along the road.
At first the officers politely told the couple to move along, but Crowley decided to argue the point. When one of the officers demanded to see Crowley drivers license, Crowley pulled out a revolver and shot the cop dead on the spot.
The cops matches Crowley's bullets again, but this time they had his name and description. Police put out a shot to kill order on Crowley, who had managed to escape into the city with his new girlfriend, 16 year old Helen Walsh and Durrunger.
Tracked down to an apartment on West 90th street by an army of policeman, the area was roped off for two square blocks after an all out, day light gun battle erupted between Crowley and the cops who fired 700 shots in the general direction of the apartment where Crowley and company were shooting from, all the while with Crowley, a gun in each hand, screaming out the window "You ain't gonna take me alive coopers"

That probably would have been fine with the police, except by now the whole gun battle had taken on a circus atmosphere with hundreds of spectators leaning out apartment windows or on roof tops cheering Crowley on.
Police responded with tear gas, which Crowley quickly tossed back at them, to the wild cheers from crowds. Finally enough tear gas was used and a squad of policeman rushed the apartment to find Crowley, Walsh and Duringer hiding under a bed.
At the trial Walsh testified against Crowley, claiming to have been kidnaped and Duringer, who was facing a rape/murder charge, blamed every crime he had ever committed on Crowley as well.
It didn't matter, both young men were sentenced to death in the electric chair. They were executed in November of 1933.

James 3 : 2-5

For we all stumble in many ways If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well.
Now if we put the bits into the horses' mouths so that they will obey us, we direct their entire body as well.
Look at the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot desires.
So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire!

For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race.
But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison.
With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God;

Build People Up

“Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain but it takes character and self control to be understanding and forgiving……

“The ideas I stand for are not mine. I borrowed them from Socrates. I swiped them from Chesterfield. I stole them from Jesus. And I put them in a book. If you don't like their rules, whose would you use?”
~ Dale Carnegie

“Strangely enough, the people who accept people, and like them just as they are, have the most influence in changing the other person’s behavior for the better.”
– Les Giblin

Build people up by complimenting them. This is called edification. Don’t put people down. Love and Care for all. I highly recommend two books of wisdom in this area. The first is, “How to Win Friends and Influence People”, by Dale Carnegie. And the second, “How to Have Confidence and Power in Dealing with People.”, by Les Giblin. If everyone on this planet were to read these two books in order to graduate from Middle School. The entire world would be an awesome place. What it comes down to is two very basic laws of nature.

A)Don’t complain, criticize, or condemn – this creates division among people, no one likes to be criticized.

B)Do Accept, Approve, and Appreciate - People want to feel appreciated, they want to be liked. As Jesus Christ said, “Love thy neighbor as thy self.” Love conquers all. Love will always triumph. Don’t you agree?

More On Intelligent Design

2009-04-04T13:03:00.000-07:00

These two videos just amaze me. Man has constantly looked
to control and improve his environment. Yet The almighty
God has planned everything. Since the dawn of creation
God has been in control. Man just simply can't understand
the extent to how God is sovereign and in control.

Man is quite frankly insignificant. We think we can
control or change our environment by learning more about
science. When in fact, science is simply proof that what
Godly Men have known for Centuries, GOD IS IN CONTROL.

Listen to Chuck Colson on the exact science of Global Warming.

http://www.breakpoint.org/commentaries/13107-everyone-stop-breathing

Now that we know that man doesn't know let's start listening to God.

Proof that God is in control watch these two videos by Louie Giglio.

YouTube star summoned to White House?

2009-04-04T12:28:00.000-07:00

MEDIA MATTERS
YouTube star summoned to White House?
Promises radio talk show first interview afterwards
Posted: March 26, 2009
11:45 pm Eastern

© 2009 WorldNetDaily
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=92999

The man who created two phenomenally successful "We The People" YouTube videos urging Americans to stand up against Congress and reclaim their republic now – or perhaps lose it forever – reportedly has been summoned to the White House by President Obama to discuss the subject matter of the short films.

Bob Basso, who posts videos under the name funbobbasso on YouTube, has created videos in which he portrays Thomas Paine, author of the "Common Sense" pamphlet that made the case for independence during the American Revolution.

Basso, whose website offers his services as a motivational speaker, uses the YouTube presentations to condemn "non-representing representatives" and warns, "Only when they feel the almighty wrath of 'We The People' marching in the streets from California to New York shouting 'We're mad as hell and we want our country back' will they get the message they work for you."

He was scheduled this week to appear on the "Jerry Doyle Show" when he told the radio host that Obama had personally invited him to meet in the White House "to discuss the disturbing nature of the videos."

According to a spokesman for Doyle's show, at the time when Basso was supposed to be calling in for the show, he was unavailable. Basso reached the show several hours later, explaining he had been flooded by media calls and literally was unable to call out.

The result, the spokesman said, was that Basso promised to provide Doyle with the first exclusive interview after he meets with Obama, provided the invitation still stands after the meeting was leaked to the press.

The spokesman said information about the meeting has not been made public, and show producers are waiting to see what develops. A WND message left for Basso was not immediately returned.

The Doyle show reaches about 3 million listeners each week, according to Talkers Magazine, and is the fastest growing show in Talk Radio Network Enterprises' history with more than 240 stations.

In his second video, which has been seen more than 1.1 million times, Basso challenges people to let Congress know their displeasure by sending tea bags. It is embedded here:

He criticizes Congress for approving the "largest spending bill in history without reading it" and criticizes American citizens, because "you did nothing."

He raises the issue of billions of dollars for benefits for illegal aliens, the exportation of U.S. jobs overseas and others.

"If your self-serving Congress were a business they'd all be in jail now," he said.

"Wake up, America. While you were playing with the toys of your consumer wealth, you lost much more than your bloated economy of living beyond your means. You lost your representative democracy. Your servants have become your masters. Taxation without representation is tyranny," he said.

He's equally unhappy with Americans in the first video, embedded here:

In that piece he warns of the problem of supporting the rest of the world while America needs to be rebuilt.

Referring to "progressives," he said, "We had another word in 1776. We called them traitors."

Basso is the author of the best-selling book "This Job Should Be Fun" along with 10 other books, including "Lighten Up Corporate America!"

A former award winning news director for NBC TV and visiting professor at UCLA, Basso has a Ph.D in communications.

Doyle's distinctive repertoire includes former Wall Street insider, TV star and jet pilot. He has starred in many made-for-TV movies, but is best known as the character Michael Garibaldi on the Emmy winning Sci-fi television series "Babylon 5," which ran for five years.

A Pastor with Guts!

2009-03-30T20:48:00.000-07:00

My next door neighbor sent me this email and I thank him for it. I have heard this from other sources and never had the name or photo of the pastor. This is the first one that I have seen. It is very good and I hope you enjoy the post.

Thought you might enjoy this interesting
prayer given in Kansas at
the opening session of their Senate. It seems
prayer still upsets some
people.. When Minister Joe Wright was asked to open
the new session of the Kansas Senate, everyone was expecting the usual generalities, but this is

what they heard:

Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask
your forgiveness and to seek your direction and
guidance. We know Your Word says, 'Woe to those
who call evil good,' but that is exactly what we
have done.

We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed
our values.

We have exploited the poor and called it
the lottery.

We have rewarded laziness and called it
welfare.

We have killed our unborn and called it
choice.

We have shot abortionists and called it
justifiable.

We have neglected to discipline our
children and called it building self esteem..

We have abused power and called it
politics.

We have coveted our neighbor's possessions
and called it ambition

We have polluted the air with profanity and
pornography and called it freedom of expression.

We have ridiculed the time-honored values
of our forefathers and called it enlightenment.

Search us, Oh, God, and know our hearts
today; cleanse us from every sin and set us free.
Amen!

The response was immediate. A number of
legislators walked out during the prayer in
protest. In 6 short weeks, Central Christian
Church, where Rev. Wright is pastor, logged more than
5,000 phone calls with only 47 of those calls
responding negatively. The church is now receiving
international requests for copies of this prayer
from India , Africa and Korea .

Commentator Paul Harvey aired this prayer on
his radio program, 'The Rest of the Story,'and
received a larger response to this program than any
other he has ever aired.

With the Lord's help, may this prayer sweep
over our nation and wholeheartedly become our
desire so that we again can be called 'one nation
under God.'

If possible, please pass this prayer on to
your friends. 'If you don't stand for something,
you will fall for everything.'

Feel free to copy link and send to a friend.