In the 1980s, I read a book by a Swiss Theologian/Psychiatrist entitled "Looking for a Place". The whole thrust and theme of this book was the revelation that people of all tribes, tongues and kindreds are continually searching for a place of rest, fulfillment, significance, achievement and peace. In other words, people long for a dwelling place they can call home.
Of course this search runs much deeper than just a physical address or geographical location, though this is part of the equation. Many people are continually doing a "Geographical" to coin a term. This is a hope that in a new job, home, state, or country they will find the elusive "place" of destiny , love and significance.
It is described well by the saying "The grass is greener on the other side".
One commentator remarked that " The grass may or may not be greener, but one thing is certain, you will still have to mow it when you get there."
How true this is, we are often deluded into chasing pipe dreams or pots of gold at the end of the rainbow. Often, when we arrive at the imagined location of our, new place, we realize our perceptions are more often a disappointing mirage.
In the Bible-- Abraham, the old Jewish Patriarch and Father of Faith went out looking for " A City whose builder and maker is God". Of course in this case he was not deluded or on a wild goose chase, he was genuinely called by God to leave his home country and find the promised land.
Today people still want to find the "Promised Land" where God Himself is manifested to bless, lead and guide. The only problem is it can not be received on a natural,sensory level. We may be able to settle in a lovely area with good friends and neighbors and have the support of loving family
members but this, while important and wonderful, can never meet the deepest heartcry and yearning of the human spirit.
The Bible teaches that we are created by God and for God. People and things are not enough, we need to dwell in the "Secret Place" of Gods Presence.
Th old Hymn "Great is Thy Faithfulness" has a verse that describes it well.
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
The book I read called "Looking for a Place" came to the conclusion that man will never find a perfect location here on earth, there will always be a sense of lack and longing here. Its only when we actually arrive in Heaven will we perfectly find what the human heart craves. This is true in the ultimate sense-- but God has made great provision while we live in this world. The Good News is that, we can enter into the very Throne of God by prayer and faith. We can experience the Eternal Blessings of Heaven even in this world of sadness and pain. We can have His Peace in the cruelest of lifes storms.
2 Corinthians16-18 (Message version)
So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There's far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
There is only One Hiding Place.
Today people try to hide from lifes storms in many and varied ways.
Some of the more obvious places include, drug and alcohol abuse, promiscuous sexual addictions, gaming, gambling and pornography lusts.
It is easy to understand why many folks turn to these powerful experiences, the short lived "high" of these various pursuits does give a temporary sense of relief from lifes problems and sufferings.
The big problem though is that when the "high' is over, there is the corresponding let down or crash. During this crash phase of any addictive cycle people can become suicidally depressed about their lives and their futures. On the other hand, during the mountaintop or "rush" phase of the experience, many people suffer from delusions of grandeur. They have the sense of being "bulletproof idols" and believe they can easily achieve the fulfillment of delusional dreams or goals that have been unrealistically set.
Of course this only causes the crash phase to be even worse and even more disillusioning the next time around. In the cold light of reality the dream evaporates and with it the euphoria of grandiose delusions.
There are many other so called "Hiding Places" besides the more decadent variety that we have just mentioned.
Today there is a proliferation of extreme risk taking athletes, who get the ultimate adrenaline rush from life threatening exploits, in fields of sport and outdoor activities.
One branch that comes to mind are the "Wingsuit Basejumpers" who outrageously risk life and limb and even live homeless vagabond lifestyles, eating junk and discarded food in order to have finances sufficient to mount expeditions to exotic clifftop locations where they don their wingsuits and parachutes. Then they jump into the unknown, missing rocky outcrops at speeds of up to 150MPH, by inches, in order to briefly explode with adrenaline for the buzz.
One group of these amazing people were interviewed by a TV crew, there were 5 of them. One man had a photo of the group from a few years earlier, in this shot their were 10 basejumpers. One of them explained that the other 5 had died in basejump crashes since the last photo.
One girl had survived hitting the ground at 100kmh and her body from the hips down was shattered to pieces. It took a lot of metal fixation work/physical therapy and 5 years before she could walk properly but she said it was all worth the thrill and would gladly do it all again for the experience.
On a more subtle level we all succumb to turning to experiences, sports, work or other exploits to distract us from the turmoil or weariness of our daily lives. Of course, there is nothing wrong with enjoying what life has to offer in a balanced and temperate way. In fact the Bible says that "God has given us all things to richly enjoy" (1 Tim 6:17)
One man said, "God likes us having money, things, and experiences as long as all these things dont have us" Think about that statement!
In the final analysis, the only true "Hiding Place" that really produces peace and rest in the long term is the "Secret Place of the Most High God".
Another term the Scripture uses is "Under the Shelter of His Wings". Also, "In the Shadow of the Almighty" One old Hymn says " Rock of Ages , Cleft for me, let me hide myself in thee"
These are all phrases to describe the place of unspeakable Peace, Love, Joy, Kindness, Light and Strength that is available to those who yield their lives to Jesus Christ. These develop a relationship with Him that allows them to cling to, cleave to and rely upon Him for their Spiritual sustenance and inspiration.
Jesus is the Bread of Life and Living Water, He feeds and and satisfies us us in the innermost recesses of our whole being. He will bring the Ultimate and Eternal Fulfillment thats makes an Eternal Hiding Place for us to dwell in, secure from all that is not Love.
As one songwriter in the 60s sang "Why dont you look into Jesus, He is the the answer"
Jesus Prays (In John 17)
20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message,
21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.
22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—
23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
24 “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world
Some of the more obvious places include, drug and alcohol abuse, promiscuous sexual addictions, gaming, gambling and pornography lusts.
It is easy to understand why many folks turn to these powerful experiences, the short lived "high" of these various pursuits does give a temporary sense of relief from lifes problems and sufferings.
The big problem though is that when the "high' is over, there is the corresponding let down or crash. During this crash phase of any addictive cycle people can become suicidally depressed about their lives and their futures. On the other hand, during the mountaintop or "rush" phase of the experience, many people suffer from delusions of grandeur. They have the sense of being "bulletproof idols" and believe they can easily achieve the fulfillment of delusional dreams or goals that have been unrealistically set.
Of course this only causes the crash phase to be even worse and even more disillusioning the next time around. In the cold light of reality the dream evaporates and with it the euphoria of grandiose delusions.
There are many other so called "Hiding Places" besides the more decadent variety that we have just mentioned.
Today there is a proliferation of extreme risk taking athletes, who get the ultimate adrenaline rush from life threatening exploits, in fields of sport and outdoor activities.
One branch that comes to mind are the "Wingsuit Basejumpers" who outrageously risk life and limb and even live homeless vagabond lifestyles, eating junk and discarded food in order to have finances sufficient to mount expeditions to exotic clifftop locations where they don their wingsuits and parachutes. Then they jump into the unknown, missing rocky outcrops at speeds of up to 150MPH, by inches, in order to briefly explode with adrenaline for the buzz.
One group of these amazing people were interviewed by a TV crew, there were 5 of them. One man had a photo of the group from a few years earlier, in this shot their were 10 basejumpers. One of them explained that the other 5 had died in basejump crashes since the last photo.
One girl had survived hitting the ground at 100kmh and her body from the hips down was shattered to pieces. It took a lot of metal fixation work/physical therapy and 5 years before she could walk properly but she said it was all worth the thrill and would gladly do it all again for the experience.
On a more subtle level we all succumb to turning to experiences, sports, work or other exploits to distract us from the turmoil or weariness of our daily lives. Of course, there is nothing wrong with enjoying what life has to offer in a balanced and temperate way. In fact the Bible says that "God has given us all things to richly enjoy" (1 Tim 6:17)
One man said, "God likes us having money, things, and experiences as long as all these things dont have us" Think about that statement!
In the final analysis, the only true "Hiding Place" that really produces peace and rest in the long term is the "Secret Place of the Most High God".
Another term the Scripture uses is "Under the Shelter of His Wings". Also, "In the Shadow of the Almighty" One old Hymn says " Rock of Ages , Cleft for me, let me hide myself in thee"
These are all phrases to describe the place of unspeakable Peace, Love, Joy, Kindness, Light and Strength that is available to those who yield their lives to Jesus Christ. These develop a relationship with Him that allows them to cling to, cleave to and rely upon Him for their Spiritual sustenance and inspiration.
Jesus is the Bread of Life and Living Water, He feeds and and satisfies us us in the innermost recesses of our whole being. He will bring the Ultimate and Eternal Fulfillment thats makes an Eternal Hiding Place for us to dwell in, secure from all that is not Love.
As one songwriter in the 60s sang "Why dont you look into Jesus, He is the the answer"
Jesus Prays (In John 17)
20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message,
21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.
22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—
23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
24 “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world
Monday, November 7, 2011
No satisfaction in sensuality
The Rolling Stones once sang, " I cant get no satisfaction" This is a condition discovered by all those who seek to satiate the carnal nature of man with endless and relentless sensual experiences.
Jesus once said. "I am the Bread of Life, if you eat this bread you will never hunger again, I am the Living Water, drink of Me and you shall never thirst again" (paraphrase)
Some turn to hard drugs and alcohol, others to promiscuity, some to gambling but they soon discover it is a bottomless pit of gnawing cravings that cannot be satisfied by natural, sensual pleasures.
Jesus Christ offered an answer to the sad truth of "No Satisfaction". Jesus came as the Supreme Being of the Universe and he was also born of Mary as a human being. This meant He was all Man and all God.
He has the Power to fill the heart of man with Satisfaction, Peace, Joy beyond our comprehension.
Jesus Christ when He is yielded to will break the most powerful chains of addiction, depression, lust and even that modern condition of boredom.
A great Christian named Arthur Blessitt once said, "There is more Joy in serving Jesus for 5 minutes than all the carnal pleasures of a lifetime". I agree, that is an extravagant claim, but I have discovered its absolutely true, I once saturated myself in sensual pleasures in the 1970s, but it left me emptier than ever. I thought that Christianity would be the most boring experience in the world but it turned out to be the most exciting, joyful and motivating thing ever.
Jesus IS the Ultimate Incentive for being alive.
Find out for yourself---Paul
Jesus once said. "I am the Bread of Life, if you eat this bread you will never hunger again, I am the Living Water, drink of Me and you shall never thirst again" (paraphrase)
Some turn to hard drugs and alcohol, others to promiscuity, some to gambling but they soon discover it is a bottomless pit of gnawing cravings that cannot be satisfied by natural, sensual pleasures.
Jesus Christ offered an answer to the sad truth of "No Satisfaction". Jesus came as the Supreme Being of the Universe and he was also born of Mary as a human being. This meant He was all Man and all God.
He has the Power to fill the heart of man with Satisfaction, Peace, Joy beyond our comprehension.
Jesus Christ when He is yielded to will break the most powerful chains of addiction, depression, lust and even that modern condition of boredom.
A great Christian named Arthur Blessitt once said, "There is more Joy in serving Jesus for 5 minutes than all the carnal pleasures of a lifetime". I agree, that is an extravagant claim, but I have discovered its absolutely true, I once saturated myself in sensual pleasures in the 1970s, but it left me emptier than ever. I thought that Christianity would be the most boring experience in the world but it turned out to be the most exciting, joyful and motivating thing ever.
Jesus IS the Ultimate Incentive for being alive.
Find out for yourself---Paul
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Today it all begins anew
Welcome to the first day of the rest of your life. Today is a New day where Gods mercies are always available to whoever wants them.
Lamentations 3: 19-27
It's a Good Thing to Hope for Help from God
19-21I'll never forget the trouble, the utter lostness,
the taste of ashes, the poison I've swallowed.
I remember it all—oh, how well I remember—
the feeling of hitting the bottom.
But there's one other thing I remember,
and remembering, I keep a grip on hope:
22-24God's loyal love couldn't have run out,
his merciful love couldn't have dried up.
They're created new every morning.
How great your faithfulness!
I'm sticking with God (I say it over and over).
He's all I've got left.
25-27God proves to be good to the man who passionately waits,
to the woman who diligently seeks.
As a Christian believer, I totally accept that God is a totally good God and the devil is an absolutely bad devil.
One of the bad dudes favorite ploys, is to tell us that we are too far gone, that God couldnt forgive us, maybe he can forgive Bill or Jane down the street but you, your a special case that cant be helped. He will put a thought in our minds, that goes something like this.
"My case is so contorted, convoluted and complex that even God couldnt understand or help me. I am a cosmic write off", we even imagine God sweeping us into His "TOO HARD BASKET" if we listen to this lie too long.
These kind of thoughts are absolute lies that have been the downfall of many wonderful men and womens lives. The Good News is that we can be forgiven of any sins, even the biggest and nastiest ones, if we come to the Lord in sincere contrition and repentance. (the only sin that is a problem to God, is unbelief, this is because faith and belief are a prerequisite to forgiveness).
If you say that you have a debt of half a million you cant pay and I put a million in your account, now you are in a great position to pay your debt. On the other hand, if you say to yourself, that guy is a liar, he didnt really give me a million, its just a scam, I also think the bank statement is wrong, so I will not write a check to pay my debt.
You would now be in a situation that causes the money in your account to be useless, as you are refusing to believe that you have the ability to send a check to the debtor.
Many people like to think also that God can only forgive baby sins, or little stuff. The reality is that Jesus defeated death, hell and the grave when he died and rose again. The Bible teaches that the Blood of Christ remits all of sins guilty stains when it is applied to the human condition in faith and trust.
Isaiah 1:18
New Living Translation (NLT)
18 “Come now, let’s settle this,”
says the Lord.
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
I will make them as white as snow.
Though they are red like crimson,
I will make them as white as wool.
We must all remember that Jesus is the Friend of Sinners, not just the mate or buddy of saints. Jesus got into all kinds of hot water with the "pious in their own eyes" pharisees. (Jesus loves all men and women regardless of what they do or have done) The Pharisees reasoned that if He was the Messiah he wouldnt associate with dirtbags like the prostitutes and riff raff he loved to be with. When a known "woman of the night" wept tears on and kissed Jesus feet and wiped them with her hair the pharisees were disgusted, they thought he must be some kind of pervert to allow her to do such a thing. They didnt realize that her true love for Jesus was very pure and passionate in acts of worship to honour Him..
Its good to remember that the pharisaical attitude is in every world religion and sadly also in Christian circles. Jesus was tougher on the pharisees than any other kind of sinner. Its good also to remember that Jesus was a Jew and so were all the early disciples, so the twisted teaching that says Christians hate the jews, is pure trash. (sadly many churchy types in history have been antisemitic but this is totally AntiChrist in behaviour)
If Jesus hated the jews then that means he hated Himself, the Apostles and the whole church at Jerusalem who were believing jews. Yes there was a small group of legalistic jews who were opposed to Him but these were just a handful compared to the multitudes that followed Him. Many dont realize that up until the time of the mention of Cornelius in the Book of Acts, the entire Body of Christ was comprised of Jewish Messianic believers in Jesus or in Hebrew Yeshua. Peter was shocked that God was calling non jews as believers and God had to give Peter a vision from Heaven to convince him that gentiles could be included in the Church.
Jesus was only tough on the jews who had the pharasaical spirit. (He still hates the pharisaical spirit in whatever religion it rears its head)
In fact, Jesus said His top priority in His ministry was the house of Israel. Without the Jews we wouldnt even have a Bible or Christianity. Jesus loves them equally along with all people including Arabic people but in an extra way also because they make up His natural earthly family and heritage. God still has special prophetic promises for Israel that are being fulfilled today.
Some modern Christians and Jews think Jesus is a blonde haired blue eyed christian and they are shocked to hear that He is a Jew (derived from the word Judea or Judah) and has an amazing Heritage and Culture of Judaism He still celebrates and honours. Jesus Biblical Hebrew title is the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. The Ultimate King and Potentate of Israel, the worlds nations and also the whole Universe.
One old Jesus Revolution Rock singer sang:-
" If there is life on other planets, then He has been there once already and has died to save their souls"
That may sound trite to some but there is a lot of accuracy in it I think.
LUKE 7:36-47 (Message)
36-39One of the Pharisees asked him over for a meal. He went to the Pharisee's house and sat down at the dinner table. Just then a woman of the village, the town harlot, having learned that Jesus was a guest in the home of the Pharisee, came with a bottle of very expensive perfume and stood at his feet, weeping, raining tears on his feet. Letting down her hair, she dried his feet, kissed them, and anointed them with the perfume. When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man was the prophet I thought he was, he would have known what kind of woman this is who is falling all over him."
40Jesus said to him, "Simon, I have something to tell you."
"Oh? Tell me."
41-42"Two men were in debt to a banker. One owed five hundred silver pieces, the other fifty. Neither of them could pay up, and so the banker canceled both debts. Which of the two would be more grateful?"
43-47Simon answered, "I suppose the one who was forgiven the most."
"That's right," said Jesus. Then turning to the woman, but speaking to Simon, he said, "Do you see this woman? I came to your home; you provided no water for my feet, but she rained tears on my feet and dried them with her hair. You gave me no greeting, but from the time I arrived she hasn't quit kissing my feet. You provided nothing for freshening up, but she has soothed my feet with perfume. Impressive, isn't it? She was forgiven many, many sins, and so she is very, very grateful. If the forgiveness is minimal, the gratitude is minimal."
ACCEPT AND REJOICE IN YOUR FORGIVENESS, THE BILL HAS BEEN PAID--THE ONLY THING LEFT TO DO IS BELIEVE IT AND RECEIVE IT.
Lamentations 3: 19-27
It's a Good Thing to Hope for Help from God
19-21I'll never forget the trouble, the utter lostness,
the taste of ashes, the poison I've swallowed.
I remember it all—oh, how well I remember—
the feeling of hitting the bottom.
But there's one other thing I remember,
and remembering, I keep a grip on hope:
22-24God's loyal love couldn't have run out,
his merciful love couldn't have dried up.
They're created new every morning.
How great your faithfulness!
I'm sticking with God (I say it over and over).
He's all I've got left.
25-27God proves to be good to the man who passionately waits,
to the woman who diligently seeks.
As a Christian believer, I totally accept that God is a totally good God and the devil is an absolutely bad devil.
One of the bad dudes favorite ploys, is to tell us that we are too far gone, that God couldnt forgive us, maybe he can forgive Bill or Jane down the street but you, your a special case that cant be helped. He will put a thought in our minds, that goes something like this.
"My case is so contorted, convoluted and complex that even God couldnt understand or help me. I am a cosmic write off", we even imagine God sweeping us into His "TOO HARD BASKET" if we listen to this lie too long.
These kind of thoughts are absolute lies that have been the downfall of many wonderful men and womens lives. The Good News is that we can be forgiven of any sins, even the biggest and nastiest ones, if we come to the Lord in sincere contrition and repentance. (the only sin that is a problem to God, is unbelief, this is because faith and belief are a prerequisite to forgiveness).
If you say that you have a debt of half a million you cant pay and I put a million in your account, now you are in a great position to pay your debt. On the other hand, if you say to yourself, that guy is a liar, he didnt really give me a million, its just a scam, I also think the bank statement is wrong, so I will not write a check to pay my debt.
You would now be in a situation that causes the money in your account to be useless, as you are refusing to believe that you have the ability to send a check to the debtor.
Many people like to think also that God can only forgive baby sins, or little stuff. The reality is that Jesus defeated death, hell and the grave when he died and rose again. The Bible teaches that the Blood of Christ remits all of sins guilty stains when it is applied to the human condition in faith and trust.
Isaiah 1:18
New Living Translation (NLT)
18 “Come now, let’s settle this,”
says the Lord.
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
I will make them as white as snow.
Though they are red like crimson,
I will make them as white as wool.
We must all remember that Jesus is the Friend of Sinners, not just the mate or buddy of saints. Jesus got into all kinds of hot water with the "pious in their own eyes" pharisees. (Jesus loves all men and women regardless of what they do or have done) The Pharisees reasoned that if He was the Messiah he wouldnt associate with dirtbags like the prostitutes and riff raff he loved to be with. When a known "woman of the night" wept tears on and kissed Jesus feet and wiped them with her hair the pharisees were disgusted, they thought he must be some kind of pervert to allow her to do such a thing. They didnt realize that her true love for Jesus was very pure and passionate in acts of worship to honour Him..
Its good to remember that the pharisaical attitude is in every world religion and sadly also in Christian circles. Jesus was tougher on the pharisees than any other kind of sinner. Its good also to remember that Jesus was a Jew and so were all the early disciples, so the twisted teaching that says Christians hate the jews, is pure trash. (sadly many churchy types in history have been antisemitic but this is totally AntiChrist in behaviour)
If Jesus hated the jews then that means he hated Himself, the Apostles and the whole church at Jerusalem who were believing jews. Yes there was a small group of legalistic jews who were opposed to Him but these were just a handful compared to the multitudes that followed Him. Many dont realize that up until the time of the mention of Cornelius in the Book of Acts, the entire Body of Christ was comprised of Jewish Messianic believers in Jesus or in Hebrew Yeshua. Peter was shocked that God was calling non jews as believers and God had to give Peter a vision from Heaven to convince him that gentiles could be included in the Church.
Jesus was only tough on the jews who had the pharasaical spirit. (He still hates the pharisaical spirit in whatever religion it rears its head)
In fact, Jesus said His top priority in His ministry was the house of Israel. Without the Jews we wouldnt even have a Bible or Christianity. Jesus loves them equally along with all people including Arabic people but in an extra way also because they make up His natural earthly family and heritage. God still has special prophetic promises for Israel that are being fulfilled today.
Some modern Christians and Jews think Jesus is a blonde haired blue eyed christian and they are shocked to hear that He is a Jew (derived from the word Judea or Judah) and has an amazing Heritage and Culture of Judaism He still celebrates and honours. Jesus Biblical Hebrew title is the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. The Ultimate King and Potentate of Israel, the worlds nations and also the whole Universe.
One old Jesus Revolution Rock singer sang:-
" If there is life on other planets, then He has been there once already and has died to save their souls"
That may sound trite to some but there is a lot of accuracy in it I think.
LUKE 7:36-47 (Message)
36-39One of the Pharisees asked him over for a meal. He went to the Pharisee's house and sat down at the dinner table. Just then a woman of the village, the town harlot, having learned that Jesus was a guest in the home of the Pharisee, came with a bottle of very expensive perfume and stood at his feet, weeping, raining tears on his feet. Letting down her hair, she dried his feet, kissed them, and anointed them with the perfume. When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man was the prophet I thought he was, he would have known what kind of woman this is who is falling all over him."
40Jesus said to him, "Simon, I have something to tell you."
"Oh? Tell me."
41-42"Two men were in debt to a banker. One owed five hundred silver pieces, the other fifty. Neither of them could pay up, and so the banker canceled both debts. Which of the two would be more grateful?"
43-47Simon answered, "I suppose the one who was forgiven the most."
"That's right," said Jesus. Then turning to the woman, but speaking to Simon, he said, "Do you see this woman? I came to your home; you provided no water for my feet, but she rained tears on my feet and dried them with her hair. You gave me no greeting, but from the time I arrived she hasn't quit kissing my feet. You provided nothing for freshening up, but she has soothed my feet with perfume. Impressive, isn't it? She was forgiven many, many sins, and so she is very, very grateful. If the forgiveness is minimal, the gratitude is minimal."
ACCEPT AND REJOICE IN YOUR FORGIVENESS, THE BILL HAS BEEN PAID--THE ONLY THING LEFT TO DO IS BELIEVE IT AND RECEIVE IT.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
RELIGIOUS SALAD BAR
We live in a world where all sorts of religious theories and propositions, are continually being expounded in media of all sorts but especially in the electronic media of our day.
Today in many religious circles "image management" seems to be trumping "character development". Many modern religious/spiritual orators seem more intent on being seen as some kind of famous religious thespians than in truly living and speaking from the heart of God and presenting the genuine message of Gods Love, Grace and Mercy.
Of course , I am not intimating that preaching should not be interesting and powerfully or even eloquently presented. True Gospel proclamation is Gods method to impart the Power of God to the hearers. St Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians elaborates on this below.
The Message (MSG)
1 Corinthians 2
1-2You'll remember, friends, that when I first came to you to let you in on God's master stroke, I didn't try to impress you with polished speeches and the latest philosophy. I deliberately kept it plain and simple: first Jesus and who he is; then Jesus and what he did—Jesus crucified.
3-5I was unsure of how to go about this, and felt totally inadequate—I was scared to death, if you want the truth of it—and so nothing I said could have impressed you or anyone else. But the Message came through anyway. God's Spirit and God's power did it, which made it clear that your life of faith is a response to God's power, not to some fancy mental or emotional footwork by me or anyone else.
6-10We, of course, have plenty of wisdom to pass on to you once you get your feet on firm spiritual ground, but it's not popular wisdom, the fashionable wisdom of high-priced experts that will be out-of-date in a year or so.
We can see from the Scriptures above that the Gospel message is unlike any other kind or oratory or rhetoric, it cannot be compared to Shakespeare or great poetry or philoshophical writings. Of course, I love Shakepeare and great poetry but it is in a different realm entirely to Scripture and Gospel preaching.
Today, there are a multitude of experts and talk show hosts who claim to have the answer to the problems of 21st century living. There are countless motivational speakers who claim to have the keys to success. Not to mention the gurus and teachers of all stripes. Many who identify themselves as Christian preachers also subscribe to the motivational and new age concepts that are so prevalent and popular. Todays spirituality is like a salad bar that one can pick and choose from at will.
The reality though is that the Word of God has not changed to suit our belief systems. God desires that we conform to His Word, not that we try to make His word conform to our beliefs and lifestyles.
Even in Biblical times St Paul wrote of a class of self exalting so called ministers that preyed on the early church, he warned the people of those he termed wolves.
1 corinthians 11 (The Messsage) St Paul translated in modern english.
4-6It seems that if someone shows up preaching quite another Jesus than we preached—different spirit, different message—you put up with him quite nicely. But if you put up with these big-shot "apostles," why can't you put up with simple me? I'm as good as they are. It's true that I don't have their voice, haven't mastered that smooth eloquence that impresses you so much. But when I do open my mouth, I at least know what I'm talking about.
The Message (MSG) St Paul again.
Acts 20:29-31"I know that as soon as I'm gone, vicious wolves are going to show up and rip into this flock, men from your very own ranks twisting words so as to seduce disciples into following them instead of Jesus. So stay awake and keep up your guard. Remember those three years I kept at it with you, never letting up, pouring my heart out with you, one after another.
Again, there is nothing wrong with the arts, music and even philosophy in its correct priority and understanding. In fact all these things are gifts of God to enjoy and be helped by.
The problem is when any man made concept, music or artform is exalted to the level of ultimate truth, God Himself reserves this job for Himself. Of course He gives us the privilege of being used as His instruments and mouthpieces but he always gets the credit as the source. The hose is the conduit through which the water flows but the hose can never claim the significance of the water itself.
Let us become true disciples of the Greatest Master in the Universe, His name is Jesus Christ of Nazareth.
John 8:31
The Message (MSG)Words of Jesus.
31-32Then Jesus turned to the Jews who had claimed to believe in him. "If you stick with this, living out what I tell you, you are my disciples for sure. Then you will experience for yourselves the truth, and the truth will free you."
Today in many religious circles "image management" seems to be trumping "character development". Many modern religious/spiritual orators seem more intent on being seen as some kind of famous religious thespians than in truly living and speaking from the heart of God and presenting the genuine message of Gods Love, Grace and Mercy.
Of course , I am not intimating that preaching should not be interesting and powerfully or even eloquently presented. True Gospel proclamation is Gods method to impart the Power of God to the hearers. St Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians elaborates on this below.
The Message (MSG)
1 Corinthians 2
1-2You'll remember, friends, that when I first came to you to let you in on God's master stroke, I didn't try to impress you with polished speeches and the latest philosophy. I deliberately kept it plain and simple: first Jesus and who he is; then Jesus and what he did—Jesus crucified.
3-5I was unsure of how to go about this, and felt totally inadequate—I was scared to death, if you want the truth of it—and so nothing I said could have impressed you or anyone else. But the Message came through anyway. God's Spirit and God's power did it, which made it clear that your life of faith is a response to God's power, not to some fancy mental or emotional footwork by me or anyone else.
6-10We, of course, have plenty of wisdom to pass on to you once you get your feet on firm spiritual ground, but it's not popular wisdom, the fashionable wisdom of high-priced experts that will be out-of-date in a year or so.
We can see from the Scriptures above that the Gospel message is unlike any other kind or oratory or rhetoric, it cannot be compared to Shakespeare or great poetry or philoshophical writings. Of course, I love Shakepeare and great poetry but it is in a different realm entirely to Scripture and Gospel preaching.
Today, there are a multitude of experts and talk show hosts who claim to have the answer to the problems of 21st century living. There are countless motivational speakers who claim to have the keys to success. Not to mention the gurus and teachers of all stripes. Many who identify themselves as Christian preachers also subscribe to the motivational and new age concepts that are so prevalent and popular. Todays spirituality is like a salad bar that one can pick and choose from at will.
The reality though is that the Word of God has not changed to suit our belief systems. God desires that we conform to His Word, not that we try to make His word conform to our beliefs and lifestyles.
Even in Biblical times St Paul wrote of a class of self exalting so called ministers that preyed on the early church, he warned the people of those he termed wolves.
1 corinthians 11 (The Messsage) St Paul translated in modern english.
4-6It seems that if someone shows up preaching quite another Jesus than we preached—different spirit, different message—you put up with him quite nicely. But if you put up with these big-shot "apostles," why can't you put up with simple me? I'm as good as they are. It's true that I don't have their voice, haven't mastered that smooth eloquence that impresses you so much. But when I do open my mouth, I at least know what I'm talking about.
The Message (MSG) St Paul again.
Acts 20:29-31"I know that as soon as I'm gone, vicious wolves are going to show up and rip into this flock, men from your very own ranks twisting words so as to seduce disciples into following them instead of Jesus. So stay awake and keep up your guard. Remember those three years I kept at it with you, never letting up, pouring my heart out with you, one after another.
Again, there is nothing wrong with the arts, music and even philosophy in its correct priority and understanding. In fact all these things are gifts of God to enjoy and be helped by.
The problem is when any man made concept, music or artform is exalted to the level of ultimate truth, God Himself reserves this job for Himself. Of course He gives us the privilege of being used as His instruments and mouthpieces but he always gets the credit as the source. The hose is the conduit through which the water flows but the hose can never claim the significance of the water itself.
Let us become true disciples of the Greatest Master in the Universe, His name is Jesus Christ of Nazareth.
John 8:31
The Message (MSG)Words of Jesus.
31-32Then Jesus turned to the Jews who had claimed to believe in him. "If you stick with this, living out what I tell you, you are my disciples for sure. Then you will experience for yourselves the truth, and the truth will free you."
Monday, September 19, 2011
Gods New Deal
Many people today associate Christianity with the concept of being religious, or as a religion. This is understandable, as Christianity is largely identified as a major world religion. In reality though, Jesus Christ did not found Christianity as a religious system. When Jesus founded the ecclesia or called out ones (Church) His vision was not of an organisation or religious group with a new and interesting cosmology.
Rather, Christianity was established as a Covenant Relationship with the Eternal Omnipotent Father of Love and Light. When we use the term covenant we must realize what this means in the Biblical sense.
When we talk about the Christian Covenant ratified by Jesus Christ with His Church, we are talking about the most powerful, contractual, relational interaction in the Universe. The New covenant that Jesus ratified at the Cross was a Blood Covenant. Most Native Tribes of the world, if not all, have something similar to this when they cut a covenant and become blood brothers with another individual or tribe.
When one Tribal Chief becomes a blood brother with another tribal chief, they make an incision in their arm or hands and clasp a certain handshake and mingle their blood in sworn agreement to share with, protect and defend each other and their tribes.
This signifies that what one tribe has, is jointly shared with the other tribe and vice versa. One tribe might be strong in warfare and defense, the other in agriculture and economic skills. They agree in blood brotherhood that each one is sworn to help each other in unconditional committment.
The marriage covenant is the most powerful example and depiction of this when entered into Biblically. When a man and woman entered into marriage (Spiritual, mental and physical union) in ancient cultures, there was great emphasis placed on the blood permeated evidence of the covenant on the wedding night bedsheet. Of course, in our modern culture, it is rare that both, or even one partner is a virgin at marriage but this was Gods original design and intention. (Even if there is no blood evidence at marriage union, it is still a blood covenant in Gods eyes)
Today, we dont realize the powerful significance of the blood covenant in marriage. In Gods eyes, the physical union of man and woman, is the final consummation and ratification of the marriage ceremony, it is the cutting and celebration of the covenant. This is why God places such a huge premium on and so carefully regulates sexual union. Sex is the ultimate declaration of committment in Gods eyes, not only to the partners involved but also to the resulting children born of the covenant relationship.
When Jesus Christ went to the Cross and shed His Blood to remit the sins of the world, it was the Ultimate Blood Brotherhood Relationship committment on Gods part to the human race. God was saying, I am willing to allow my only Son to empty His Precious Blood and die and take the rap or penalty for all of mans sins and failures.
Think of it, God offers us Blood Brotherhood with Himself.
This means we get everything He has and He gets everything we have. It doesnt take a rocket scientist to figure that we got the best end of the deal. He offers us an Eternal Home of Peace, Love and Security, Health, Forgiveness, Provisions beyond description. All we can offer Him is not much, He gets our sin, our failure, pain, our problems, our weakness. Of course, He says, because I love you unconditionally I will gladly exchange all of my Grace and Strength for your sorrow and weakness.
Read the old Jewish prophet Isaiahs prophecy about the Messiah Jesus below. This prophecy was given ages before Jesus was born.
Isaiah 53
The Message (MSG)
1 Who believes what we've heard and seen? Who would have thought God's saving power would look like this?
2-6The servant grew up before God—a scrawny seedling,
a scrubby plant in a parched field.
There was nothing attractive about him,
nothing to cause us to take a second look.
He was looked down on and passed over,
a man who suffered, who knew pain firsthand.
One look at him and people turned away.
We looked down on him, thought he was scum.
But the fact is, it was our pains he carried—
our disfigurements, all the things wrong with us.
We thought he brought it on himself,
that God was punishing him for his own failures.
But it was our sins that did that to him,
that ripped and tore and crushed him—our sins!
He took the punishment, and that made us whole.
Through his bruises we get healed.
We're all like sheep who've wandered off and gotten lost.
We've all done our own thing, gone our own way.
And God has piled all our sins, everything we've done wrong,
on him, on him.
7-9He was beaten, he was tortured,
but he didn't say a word.
Like a lamb taken to be slaughtered
and like a sheep being sheared,
he took it all in silence.
Justice miscarried, and he was led off—
and did anyone really know what was happening?
He died without a thought for his own welfare,
beaten bloody for the sins of my people.
They buried him with the wicked,
threw him in a grave with a rich man,
Even though he'd never hurt a soul
or said one word that wasn't true.
10Still, it's what God had in mind all along,
to crush him with pain.
The plan was that he give himself as an offering for sin
so that he'd see life come from it—life, life, and more life.
And God's plan will deeply prosper through him.
11-12Out of that terrible travail of soul,
he'll see that it's worth it and be glad he did it.
Through what he experienced, my righteous one, my servant,
will make many "righteous ones,"
as he himself carries the burden of their sins.
Therefore I'll reward him extravagantly—
the best of everything, the highest honors—
Because he looked death in the face and didn't flinch,
because he embraced the company of the lowest.
He took on his own shoulders the sin of the many,
he took up the cause of all the black sheep.
Rather, Christianity was established as a Covenant Relationship with the Eternal Omnipotent Father of Love and Light. When we use the term covenant we must realize what this means in the Biblical sense.
When we talk about the Christian Covenant ratified by Jesus Christ with His Church, we are talking about the most powerful, contractual, relational interaction in the Universe. The New covenant that Jesus ratified at the Cross was a Blood Covenant. Most Native Tribes of the world, if not all, have something similar to this when they cut a covenant and become blood brothers with another individual or tribe.
When one Tribal Chief becomes a blood brother with another tribal chief, they make an incision in their arm or hands and clasp a certain handshake and mingle their blood in sworn agreement to share with, protect and defend each other and their tribes.
This signifies that what one tribe has, is jointly shared with the other tribe and vice versa. One tribe might be strong in warfare and defense, the other in agriculture and economic skills. They agree in blood brotherhood that each one is sworn to help each other in unconditional committment.
The marriage covenant is the most powerful example and depiction of this when entered into Biblically. When a man and woman entered into marriage (Spiritual, mental and physical union) in ancient cultures, there was great emphasis placed on the blood permeated evidence of the covenant on the wedding night bedsheet. Of course, in our modern culture, it is rare that both, or even one partner is a virgin at marriage but this was Gods original design and intention. (Even if there is no blood evidence at marriage union, it is still a blood covenant in Gods eyes)
Today, we dont realize the powerful significance of the blood covenant in marriage. In Gods eyes, the physical union of man and woman, is the final consummation and ratification of the marriage ceremony, it is the cutting and celebration of the covenant. This is why God places such a huge premium on and so carefully regulates sexual union. Sex is the ultimate declaration of committment in Gods eyes, not only to the partners involved but also to the resulting children born of the covenant relationship.
When Jesus Christ went to the Cross and shed His Blood to remit the sins of the world, it was the Ultimate Blood Brotherhood Relationship committment on Gods part to the human race. God was saying, I am willing to allow my only Son to empty His Precious Blood and die and take the rap or penalty for all of mans sins and failures.
Think of it, God offers us Blood Brotherhood with Himself.
This means we get everything He has and He gets everything we have. It doesnt take a rocket scientist to figure that we got the best end of the deal. He offers us an Eternal Home of Peace, Love and Security, Health, Forgiveness, Provisions beyond description. All we can offer Him is not much, He gets our sin, our failure, pain, our problems, our weakness. Of course, He says, because I love you unconditionally I will gladly exchange all of my Grace and Strength for your sorrow and weakness.
Read the old Jewish prophet Isaiahs prophecy about the Messiah Jesus below. This prophecy was given ages before Jesus was born.
Isaiah 53
The Message (MSG)
1 Who believes what we've heard and seen? Who would have thought God's saving power would look like this?
2-6The servant grew up before God—a scrawny seedling,
a scrubby plant in a parched field.
There was nothing attractive about him,
nothing to cause us to take a second look.
He was looked down on and passed over,
a man who suffered, who knew pain firsthand.
One look at him and people turned away.
We looked down on him, thought he was scum.
But the fact is, it was our pains he carried—
our disfigurements, all the things wrong with us.
We thought he brought it on himself,
that God was punishing him for his own failures.
But it was our sins that did that to him,
that ripped and tore and crushed him—our sins!
He took the punishment, and that made us whole.
Through his bruises we get healed.
We're all like sheep who've wandered off and gotten lost.
We've all done our own thing, gone our own way.
And God has piled all our sins, everything we've done wrong,
on him, on him.
7-9He was beaten, he was tortured,
but he didn't say a word.
Like a lamb taken to be slaughtered
and like a sheep being sheared,
he took it all in silence.
Justice miscarried, and he was led off—
and did anyone really know what was happening?
He died without a thought for his own welfare,
beaten bloody for the sins of my people.
They buried him with the wicked,
threw him in a grave with a rich man,
Even though he'd never hurt a soul
or said one word that wasn't true.
10Still, it's what God had in mind all along,
to crush him with pain.
The plan was that he give himself as an offering for sin
so that he'd see life come from it—life, life, and more life.
And God's plan will deeply prosper through him.
11-12Out of that terrible travail of soul,
he'll see that it's worth it and be glad he did it.
Through what he experienced, my righteous one, my servant,
will make many "righteous ones,"
as he himself carries the burden of their sins.
Therefore I'll reward him extravagantly—
the best of everything, the highest honors—
Because he looked death in the face and didn't flinch,
because he embraced the company of the lowest.
He took on his own shoulders the sin of the many,
he took up the cause of all the black sheep.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
The River of His Pleasures
We live in a world of seemingly maniacal hedonistic pursuits. The deification of sensual pleasure is truly in great augmentation in todays world. Sadly, pleasure has taken priority over heart relationship with the Creator in many cases today. Let me give some background.
Man has always been a lover of sensual pleasure because God has created us to be able to enjoy the 5 senses.
Sensual pleasure in and of itself is a good gift from God, the body and the five physical senses, are not evil in the Christian world view. Its only when incorrect priorities cause pleasure to be exalted above obedience to Gods Word that pleasure becomes a problem to us.
The Bible clearly teaches that man and woman were made to complement or complete each other. God created marriage and sexual union as the deepest and most enriching form of human relationship. In fact, the New Testament teaches that the marriage relationship between a man and woman, is a symbol of Christ and His relationship to His Church.
The Scripture even calls the Church the Bride of Christ and Christ is depicted as the Heavenly Bridegroom. The deep spiritual, mental, emotional and physical intimacy experienced between a husband and wife is of a tremendously poignant and climactic nature. It is deeply fulfilling and enriching for both man and woman when entered into according the manufacturers (Gods) instructions.
Ephesians 5:31 Amplified
31For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.
32This mystery is very great, but I speak concerning [the relation of] Christ and the church
The deeply engaging worship of a true believer in a heart covenant with the God of the Universe, also, spiritually speaking, experiences a close spiritual parallel of the earthly marriage covenant.
A stupendous, scintillating, vibrant and relentlessly enriching Spiritual intercourse
takes place when a believer enters into true worship. God and man (His Bride) co mingle in an amazing Close Encounter of the Ultimate kind between Divinity and humanity. God gets close and personal in the Spiritual sense and allows us to have the paramount interactive intimacy in His Power, Love and Presence in a Glorious climactic anointing that brings release to our heart and soul.
The Christian covenant is a blood covenant between the Bridegroom (Christ) and His Bride (The Church.) Christ shed His Blood at the Cross guaranteeing the open door to Eternal Intimacy with Him (Heaven)
The Marriage covenant of sexual union is also a Blood Covenant that binds a man and woman in intimacy for life when done according to Gods instructions. The miracle of Christ is that even a husband and wife who have had a history of past sexual promiscuity with other partners can be restored to Spiritual virginity and experience the benefits of a blood covenant even if the womans hymen is no longer intact. God loves sinners , which includes all of us and He has found a way through The Cross to make us all brand new people when we come to Him through Jesus.
Many people today think that the Judeo Christian Most High God is anti sexual pleasure and is out to spoil peoples fun in this department. Nothing could be further from the truth. God created sexual intimacy for our joy fulfillment and pleasure as well as to propagate mankind. Sex is meant to be the celebration of the marriage covenant.
God is a Father and He is always desiring to bless His Children and give them a magnificent future. I heard someone say recently that except for the existence of sin in mans genetic code that God would never have had to be serious about anything.
God would have loved to just play and bless His kids ad infinitum but sin required serious and grave measures in order to create a great future for mankind if they will act on His Word.
Sex is the most powerful driving force in mans life next to emergency self preservation. It can be compared to fire or electricity or nuclear energy to power generators. Fire or electricity is very good and positive to warm and cook and produce light with when handled correctly according to safety codes.
We wouldnt dream of allowing bare live electric wires to dangle dangerously out of our walls. No, we insulate and handle power or fire with great care and obey government safety regulations as we know this is positive and good for all of us.
God has put regulations around sexual energy also for our own safety, not to rain on our parade as it were. We light fires in our house only in the designated fireplace, that is designed to safely handle fire. Marriage is like a fireplace, it is the place God has designed to handle the huge firelike power of human sexuality. We wouldnt dream of lighting a fire on the carpet in our living room, it would be madness. In God eyes, promiscuous sex is also damaging foolishness, as casual relationships are not up to His code requirements to handle the tremendous power of sexual relationships and often resulting children born from them.
So if we do it Gods way, not only will we have fun and pleasure, we will have safe homes to handle the power and children released from sexual union. (Not to menton the health benefits)
The safest, sexiest and most enjoyable place in the world is marriage and family.
The whole playboy rock and roll philosophy is a counterfeit that falls apart.
Man has always been a lover of sensual pleasure because God has created us to be able to enjoy the 5 senses.
Sensual pleasure in and of itself is a good gift from God, the body and the five physical senses, are not evil in the Christian world view. Its only when incorrect priorities cause pleasure to be exalted above obedience to Gods Word that pleasure becomes a problem to us.
The Bible clearly teaches that man and woman were made to complement or complete each other. God created marriage and sexual union as the deepest and most enriching form of human relationship. In fact, the New Testament teaches that the marriage relationship between a man and woman, is a symbol of Christ and His relationship to His Church.
The Scripture even calls the Church the Bride of Christ and Christ is depicted as the Heavenly Bridegroom. The deep spiritual, mental, emotional and physical intimacy experienced between a husband and wife is of a tremendously poignant and climactic nature. It is deeply fulfilling and enriching for both man and woman when entered into according the manufacturers (Gods) instructions.
Ephesians 5:31 Amplified
31For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.
32This mystery is very great, but I speak concerning [the relation of] Christ and the church
The deeply engaging worship of a true believer in a heart covenant with the God of the Universe, also, spiritually speaking, experiences a close spiritual parallel of the earthly marriage covenant.
A stupendous, scintillating, vibrant and relentlessly enriching Spiritual intercourse
takes place when a believer enters into true worship. God and man (His Bride) co mingle in an amazing Close Encounter of the Ultimate kind between Divinity and humanity. God gets close and personal in the Spiritual sense and allows us to have the paramount interactive intimacy in His Power, Love and Presence in a Glorious climactic anointing that brings release to our heart and soul.
The Christian covenant is a blood covenant between the Bridegroom (Christ) and His Bride (The Church.) Christ shed His Blood at the Cross guaranteeing the open door to Eternal Intimacy with Him (Heaven)
The Marriage covenant of sexual union is also a Blood Covenant that binds a man and woman in intimacy for life when done according to Gods instructions. The miracle of Christ is that even a husband and wife who have had a history of past sexual promiscuity with other partners can be restored to Spiritual virginity and experience the benefits of a blood covenant even if the womans hymen is no longer intact. God loves sinners , which includes all of us and He has found a way through The Cross to make us all brand new people when we come to Him through Jesus.
Many people today think that the Judeo Christian Most High God is anti sexual pleasure and is out to spoil peoples fun in this department. Nothing could be further from the truth. God created sexual intimacy for our joy fulfillment and pleasure as well as to propagate mankind. Sex is meant to be the celebration of the marriage covenant.
God is a Father and He is always desiring to bless His Children and give them a magnificent future. I heard someone say recently that except for the existence of sin in mans genetic code that God would never have had to be serious about anything.
God would have loved to just play and bless His kids ad infinitum but sin required serious and grave measures in order to create a great future for mankind if they will act on His Word.
Sex is the most powerful driving force in mans life next to emergency self preservation. It can be compared to fire or electricity or nuclear energy to power generators. Fire or electricity is very good and positive to warm and cook and produce light with when handled correctly according to safety codes.
We wouldnt dream of allowing bare live electric wires to dangle dangerously out of our walls. No, we insulate and handle power or fire with great care and obey government safety regulations as we know this is positive and good for all of us.
God has put regulations around sexual energy also for our own safety, not to rain on our parade as it were. We light fires in our house only in the designated fireplace, that is designed to safely handle fire. Marriage is like a fireplace, it is the place God has designed to handle the huge firelike power of human sexuality. We wouldnt dream of lighting a fire on the carpet in our living room, it would be madness. In God eyes, promiscuous sex is also damaging foolishness, as casual relationships are not up to His code requirements to handle the tremendous power of sexual relationships and often resulting children born from them.
So if we do it Gods way, not only will we have fun and pleasure, we will have safe homes to handle the power and children released from sexual union. (Not to menton the health benefits)
The safest, sexiest and most enjoyable place in the world is marriage and family.
The whole playboy rock and roll philosophy is a counterfeit that falls apart.
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