Truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ...1 John 1-3
The blood of Jesus Christ his Son, cleanseth us from all sin...1 John 1-7
For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil..1 John 3-8
He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son...1 John 2-22
Whosoever denieth the Son the same hath not the Father...1 John 2-23
Ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father....1 John 2-24
And this is His commandment, that we should believe on the name of his Son, Jesus Christ...1 John 3-23
God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him....1 John 4-9
And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world...The apostle John.....1 John 4-14
Whosoever shall confess Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God...1 John 4-16
Who is he who overcometh the world, but he who believeth that Jesus is the Son of God..1 John
He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself; he that believeth not God hath made him a liar, because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son..I John 5-10
These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God, that you may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God...1 John 5-13
This is part 3 of a series of posts meant to encourage those who in truth and love worship the Son of God...
Wesley Jones
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Monday, December 19, 2011
Encouragement For Those Who Worship The Son Of God...Part 2
As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father..Jesus Christ....John 10-15
Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life...Jesus Christ....John 10-17
Say ye of him whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world , thou blasphemest; because I said I am the Son of God...Jesus Christ....John 10-36
This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the son of God might be glorified..Jesus Christ...John 11-4
She said unto Him, Yea Lord; I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, who should come into the world...John 11-27
And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, Father I thank thee thou hast heard me...Jesus Christ....John 11-41
For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father, who sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak....Jesus Christ...John 12-49
He that receiveth me receiveth Him that sent me...Jesus Christ...John 13-20
Let not your heart be troubled you believe in God believe also in me...Jesus Christ...John 14-1
I am the way, the truth, the life; no man cometh to the Father but by me...Jesus Christ...John 14-6
I go unto my Father...Jesus Christ...John 14-12
He that loveth me shall be loved of my Father....Jesus Christ....John 14-21
If a man love me, he will keep my words; and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him....Jesus Christ...John 14-23
The word you hear is not mine, but the Father's, who sent me...Jesus Christ..John 14-24
If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father; for my Father is greater than I....John 14-28
This is part 2 of a series of posts meant to encourage those who worship the Son of God, Jesus Christ....
Wesley Jones
Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life...Jesus Christ....John 10-17
Say ye of him whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world , thou blasphemest; because I said I am the Son of God...Jesus Christ....John 10-36
This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the son of God might be glorified..Jesus Christ...John 11-4
She said unto Him, Yea Lord; I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, who should come into the world...John 11-27
And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, Father I thank thee thou hast heard me...Jesus Christ....John 11-41
For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father, who sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak....Jesus Christ...John 12-49
He that receiveth me receiveth Him that sent me...Jesus Christ...John 13-20
Let not your heart be troubled you believe in God believe also in me...Jesus Christ...John 14-1
I am the way, the truth, the life; no man cometh to the Father but by me...Jesus Christ...John 14-6
I go unto my Father...Jesus Christ...John 14-12
He that loveth me shall be loved of my Father....Jesus Christ....John 14-21
If a man love me, he will keep my words; and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him....Jesus Christ...John 14-23
The word you hear is not mine, but the Father's, who sent me...Jesus Christ..John 14-24
If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father; for my Father is greater than I....John 14-28
This is part 2 of a series of posts meant to encourage those who worship the Son of God, Jesus Christ....
Wesley Jones
Sunday, December 18, 2011
I Am Not A Prophet ; But I Have A Hope And A Vision For My Country
The Bible tells us if someone prophesies in the name of God and what they predict does not come to pass, the people are not to fear them...I have thought I knew God's will many times and said so, only to be dead wrong..God's ways are far above and beyond my capabilities to comprehend..However the Bible also tells us without a hope and a vision the people perish..For there to be a hope for a better day, someone must possess a dream or a vision that things can be better and can move forward..Not only a vision is needed but there needs to be people who are willing to work and sacrifice to see that vision come to pass..
I believe the apostle Paul when he said; In Christ there is no Jew or gentile, bond nor free, male or female. We are all loved by and important to the God of the Bible. However, God knows the beginning from the end. He knows what nations, people and individuals will serve or reject him.. Nations and their leaders have been raised up and thrown down according to their obedience to the God of the Holy Bible..I believe the prosperity and freedom we enjoy in present day America is built upon our founders belief in, and obedience to the Biblical Christ..The Vision and aspirations I have for my people and my country are based rightly or wrongly on what is contained in the book of Romans chapters 10 and 11..
Not only is the Holy Bible a revelation of God and his Son, ( our Messiah ), it is the history of the Jewish people and the nation of Israel..God deals with other nations in the light of their relationship with the God of Israel..Not only in the past and present but also the future..The salvation of Gentile people and nations, according to the apostle Paul has as it's main objective to provoke Israel (both people and nation ) to jealousy that they might be saved and come to knowledge of their Messiah, Jesus Christ.
Moses in the Old Testament and the apostle Paul in the New Testament prophesied that God would not only raise up a people, but also a nation that He would bless in such a way that it would provoke the Jewish people to jealously and anger, and they would begin to seek the Christian Messiah...I believe the people Paul and Moses were referring to are Gentile Christians..As far as the nation they referred to...It is my hope and dream that my country the United States will fulfill that prophesy...
The apostle Paul went on to say in Romans 11:11 I say then has Israel stumbled that they should fall? God forbid; but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy....Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their salvation........In other words when Israel rejected Jesus as Messiah salvation and blessing came to the Gentiles...If their rejection of Christ became a blessing to the Gentile world..How much more blessing will come to the world when they accept Christ..The apostle Paul put it this way in verse 15 ...For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead..
I say all this to give some substance to my hopes and dreams for the United States...We can continue our drift into moral chaos or strive to become the nation so blessed by God it even provokes Israel to an angry jealousy..A revival so thorough and nation wide it would give God the latitude to bless and prosper us in unprecedented ways..If a revival here in the States could provoke one among the Jewish population and Israel, it would become a catalyst for world wide revival and a blessing to all nations...
We can give our country and the world over to evil with no hope of redemption. Or we can work towards something the Bible not only says is possible, but even desirable...
Wesley Jones
I believe the apostle Paul when he said; In Christ there is no Jew or gentile, bond nor free, male or female. We are all loved by and important to the God of the Bible. However, God knows the beginning from the end. He knows what nations, people and individuals will serve or reject him.. Nations and their leaders have been raised up and thrown down according to their obedience to the God of the Holy Bible..I believe the prosperity and freedom we enjoy in present day America is built upon our founders belief in, and obedience to the Biblical Christ..The Vision and aspirations I have for my people and my country are based rightly or wrongly on what is contained in the book of Romans chapters 10 and 11..
Not only is the Holy Bible a revelation of God and his Son, ( our Messiah ), it is the history of the Jewish people and the nation of Israel..God deals with other nations in the light of their relationship with the God of Israel..Not only in the past and present but also the future..The salvation of Gentile people and nations, according to the apostle Paul has as it's main objective to provoke Israel (both people and nation ) to jealousy that they might be saved and come to knowledge of their Messiah, Jesus Christ.
Moses in the Old Testament and the apostle Paul in the New Testament prophesied that God would not only raise up a people, but also a nation that He would bless in such a way that it would provoke the Jewish people to jealously and anger, and they would begin to seek the Christian Messiah...I believe the people Paul and Moses were referring to are Gentile Christians..As far as the nation they referred to...It is my hope and dream that my country the United States will fulfill that prophesy...
The apostle Paul went on to say in Romans 11:11 I say then has Israel stumbled that they should fall? God forbid; but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy....Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their salvation........In other words when Israel rejected Jesus as Messiah salvation and blessing came to the Gentiles...If their rejection of Christ became a blessing to the Gentile world..How much more blessing will come to the world when they accept Christ..The apostle Paul put it this way in verse 15 ...For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead..
I say all this to give some substance to my hopes and dreams for the United States...We can continue our drift into moral chaos or strive to become the nation so blessed by God it even provokes Israel to an angry jealousy..A revival so thorough and nation wide it would give God the latitude to bless and prosper us in unprecedented ways..If a revival here in the States could provoke one among the Jewish population and Israel, it would become a catalyst for world wide revival and a blessing to all nations...
We can give our country and the world over to evil with no hope of redemption. Or we can work towards something the Bible not only says is possible, but even desirable...
Wesley Jones
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Some Encouragement For Those Who Worship The Son Of God...
No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him...........John 1-18
I saw and bore witness that this is the Son of God ...John the Baptist...John 1-34
Nathanael answered, and said unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; the King of Israel....John 1-49
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son..For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved.....John 3-16, 17
The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things unto his hand...John 3-35
Verily, verily, I say unto you, the Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do.......For the Father loveth the Son and showeth him all things........John 5-19, 20
He who honoreth not the Son, honoreth not the father, who sent him... John 5-23
For as the Father hath life in himself, so he hath given to the Son, to have life in himself......John 5-26
I can of my own self do nothing , I seek not my own will, but the will of the Father who sent me...Jesus Christ....John 5-30
This is the work of God that you believe on him whom he hath sent...Jesus Christ..John 6-29
For I came down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him that sent me..John 6-38
Jesus answered them and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me..If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God or whether I speak of myself...He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory; but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, no unrighteousness is in him....John 7- 16 thru 18
For I am not alone, but I and the Father who sent me...John 8-16
I am one who bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me...Jesus Christ...John 8-18
I do nothing of myself ; but as my father hath taught me, I speak these things....And he that sent me is with me..The Father hath not left me alone; for I do always the things that please him...Jesus Christ...John 8-28,29
If God were your Father, ye would love me; for I proceed forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me...Jesus Christ...John 8-42
If I honor myself, my honor is nothing ; it is my Father that honoreth me, of whom you say , that he is your God...Jesus Christ...John 8-54
This is the end of part 1 of what I hope will be an on going series of scripture posts encouraging Christians to hold on to their belief and worship of, both the God of the Bible, and His Son Jesus Christ...
Wesley Jones
I saw and bore witness that this is the Son of God ...John the Baptist...John 1-34
Nathanael answered, and said unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; the King of Israel....John 1-49
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son..For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved.....John 3-16, 17
The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things unto his hand...John 3-35
Verily, verily, I say unto you, the Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do.......For the Father loveth the Son and showeth him all things........John 5-19, 20
He who honoreth not the Son, honoreth not the father, who sent him... John 5-23
For as the Father hath life in himself, so he hath given to the Son, to have life in himself......John 5-26
I can of my own self do nothing , I seek not my own will, but the will of the Father who sent me...Jesus Christ....John 5-30
This is the work of God that you believe on him whom he hath sent...Jesus Christ..John 6-29
For I came down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him that sent me..John 6-38
Jesus answered them and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me..If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God or whether I speak of myself...He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory; but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, no unrighteousness is in him....John 7- 16 thru 18
For I am not alone, but I and the Father who sent me...John 8-16
I am one who bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me...Jesus Christ...John 8-18
I do nothing of myself ; but as my father hath taught me, I speak these things....And he that sent me is with me..The Father hath not left me alone; for I do always the things that please him...Jesus Christ...John 8-28,29
If God were your Father, ye would love me; for I proceed forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me...Jesus Christ...John 8-42
If I honor myself, my honor is nothing ; it is my Father that honoreth me, of whom you say , that he is your God...Jesus Christ...John 8-54
This is the end of part 1 of what I hope will be an on going series of scripture posts encouraging Christians to hold on to their belief and worship of, both the God of the Bible, and His Son Jesus Christ...
Wesley Jones
Friday, December 9, 2011
A Native American Christmas Prayer In The Form Of A Poem
O Great Spirit, Grandfather, God of the Holy book.
Like the Hebrew children to Thee we pray, we look.
As a man I have troubles, my people many sorrows.
Sins of yesterday, have tainted even our tomorrows.
.
For a redeemer I pray, a great messiah our people need.
Send Him to my heart first, my soul desires to be freed.
Is the Christmas manger where the savior laid His head?
Is the child from Bethlehem He who rose from the dead?
Did God include the red man when His only Son He gave?
Can Jesus not only my soul heal, can He my people save?
I can find no other hope when I walk through a barren land.
So to this Christmas Jesus I will lift a trembling weary hand..
" Let not your heart be troubled you believe in God. Believe also in me"....Jesus Christ
Wesley Jones
Like the Hebrew children to Thee we pray, we look.
As a man I have troubles, my people many sorrows.
Sins of yesterday, have tainted even our tomorrows.
.
For a redeemer I pray, a great messiah our people need.
Send Him to my heart first, my soul desires to be freed.
Is the Christmas manger where the savior laid His head?
Is the child from Bethlehem He who rose from the dead?
Did God include the red man when His only Son He gave?
Can Jesus not only my soul heal, can He my people save?
I can find no other hope when I walk through a barren land.
So to this Christmas Jesus I will lift a trembling weary hand..
" Let not your heart be troubled you believe in God. Believe also in me"....Jesus Christ
Wesley Jones
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Why I Believe Bethlehem's Jesus Is The Only Begotten Son Of God
The first and foremost reason I believe the biblical Jesus is The Son of God is the Holy Bible states many times in many different ways; Jesus of Nazareth is indeed God's only begotten Son. The Bible tells us Jesus existed with God and had the same form as God prior to coming to earth in human flesh. He shared in God's glory. The very universe we inhabit the Bible tells us, God created for Jesus, and by Jesus Christ, His only Son..The God of the Bible twice with an audible voice proclaimed from Heaven in the presence of others that Jesus indeed was His beloved Son; at the baptism of Jesus and on the mount of transfiguration..
The Bible tells us Jesus was sinless. Only someone who had been with God for eternity could know God's perfect will and trust Him enough never to disobey Him...No one in History loved God, or man more than Jesus..Only the Son of God that was responsible for the creation of all of us could in His dying breath ask His Father to forgive those who's sins He was dying for..
The biblical apostles founded a church almost 2000 years ago that has grown to almost 2 billion members today..All of their writings declare Jesus as the divine Son of God..The apostle Peter who when asked by Jesus who he thought Jesus was answered, "Thou art the Christ the Son of the living God". Jesus then said to Peter that upon that declaration He would build His church and that the gates of hell could not prevail against it..For centuries man has tried to persecute those who believe Jesus to be the Son of God out of existence..Man has tried to make Jesus a liar, a myth, a madman or an ordinary man no more divine than any of the rest of us..
We are human because our parents are human..Jesus is divine because His Father is God Almighty. God has made His Son our Savior, and our mighty God. Jesus of Nazareth, the Jesus of the Bible came from God His father to earth. He was born of a virgin in Bethlehem Judea. Lived a perfect sinless life in obedience to God.He was crucified, died, rose from the dead, and now sits at the right hand of God Almighty making intercession for everyone who will repent and make Him the Lord of their lives..
Jesus promised us that if we would love and submit to Him, He and His Heavenly Father would come and make their abode within us..Another reason I believe Jesus is the only begotten Son of God..Jesus has reconciled me to my Heavenly Father..Now both Jesus and God live within my heart..I now have access to the throne of God because of what Jesus the Son of God did while He was on earth. My sins have been forgiven and I can rest in the arms God unashamed..I celebrate the birth of my Savior Jesus Christ this month...God's Son, Jesus the Messiah is my Everlasting Father, my Mighty God, The Prince of Peace and most of all my friend...
Wesley Jones
The Bible tells us Jesus was sinless. Only someone who had been with God for eternity could know God's perfect will and trust Him enough never to disobey Him...No one in History loved God, or man more than Jesus..Only the Son of God that was responsible for the creation of all of us could in His dying breath ask His Father to forgive those who's sins He was dying for..
The biblical apostles founded a church almost 2000 years ago that has grown to almost 2 billion members today..All of their writings declare Jesus as the divine Son of God..The apostle Peter who when asked by Jesus who he thought Jesus was answered, "Thou art the Christ the Son of the living God". Jesus then said to Peter that upon that declaration He would build His church and that the gates of hell could not prevail against it..For centuries man has tried to persecute those who believe Jesus to be the Son of God out of existence..Man has tried to make Jesus a liar, a myth, a madman or an ordinary man no more divine than any of the rest of us..
We are human because our parents are human..Jesus is divine because His Father is God Almighty. God has made His Son our Savior, and our mighty God. Jesus of Nazareth, the Jesus of the Bible came from God His father to earth. He was born of a virgin in Bethlehem Judea. Lived a perfect sinless life in obedience to God.He was crucified, died, rose from the dead, and now sits at the right hand of God Almighty making intercession for everyone who will repent and make Him the Lord of their lives..
Jesus promised us that if we would love and submit to Him, He and His Heavenly Father would come and make their abode within us..Another reason I believe Jesus is the only begotten Son of God..Jesus has reconciled me to my Heavenly Father..Now both Jesus and God live within my heart..I now have access to the throne of God because of what Jesus the Son of God did while He was on earth. My sins have been forgiven and I can rest in the arms God unashamed..I celebrate the birth of my Savior Jesus Christ this month...God's Son, Jesus the Messiah is my Everlasting Father, my Mighty God, The Prince of Peace and most of all my friend...
Wesley Jones
Thursday, November 24, 2011
The Selective Amnesia Of Socialism
Many in the occupy Wall Street movement are too young to remember the cold war and what life was like behind the bamboo and iron curtains..Many are calling for the overthrow of the free market in favor of a planned socialist economy..They naively have fallen for the socialist Utopian myth that brought so much human misery to the twentieth century..Not only would a serious study of economics help enlighten them, but just a rudimentary knowledge of the history of socialism and free market economies..Our current problems pale in comparison to the poverty socialism created in places like the former Soviet Union and eastern Europe..
Socialism brought to the last century a brutality and politically caused poverty and starvation such as had never been known to the world before..Socialism produced the Bolsheviks, Stalin, Hitler, Mao, Pol Pot, etc..Socialism where it was practiced in it's entirety brought one party totalitarianism. Along with the total loss of religious and economic freedom.. Countries who have gone the socialists route historically have created weak anemic economies unable to meet their populations basic needs. North Korea and Cuba have socialist economies...Unbelievably there are those in this country who know so little about economic history they would take us in the same direction..
There is nothing wrong with government trying to help the less fortunate among us..However historically the best way to produce the wealth to do so has been free and open markets..The mentality that if everyone can not succeed, no one should be allowed to succeed, is based upon envy not sound economics..Capitalism alone will not make our country free and prosperous. A moral common ground that in the past was supplied by Biblical Christianity is needed. Freedom can only be maintained by those who are morally capable of governing themselves..
Political, religious and economic liberty have historically produced free and prosperous nations..It is no accident those nations have had in the past a Biblical and Christian foundation..
Wesley Jones
Socialism brought to the last century a brutality and politically caused poverty and starvation such as had never been known to the world before..Socialism produced the Bolsheviks, Stalin, Hitler, Mao, Pol Pot, etc..Socialism where it was practiced in it's entirety brought one party totalitarianism. Along with the total loss of religious and economic freedom.. Countries who have gone the socialists route historically have created weak anemic economies unable to meet their populations basic needs. North Korea and Cuba have socialist economies...Unbelievably there are those in this country who know so little about economic history they would take us in the same direction..
There is nothing wrong with government trying to help the less fortunate among us..However historically the best way to produce the wealth to do so has been free and open markets..The mentality that if everyone can not succeed, no one should be allowed to succeed, is based upon envy not sound economics..Capitalism alone will not make our country free and prosperous. A moral common ground that in the past was supplied by Biblical Christianity is needed. Freedom can only be maintained by those who are morally capable of governing themselves..
Political, religious and economic liberty have historically produced free and prosperous nations..It is no accident those nations have had in the past a Biblical and Christian foundation..
Wesley Jones
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
When The Fear Of Being Made Fun Of Determines Your Beliefs..
In the early 1980s I began my inquiry into the evolution-creation debate..I quickly realized true science often took a back seat to the battle over public perception..When I began my inquiry evolution had been the entrenched dogma of academia for decades..Because the belief in evolution is not accompanied by any moral code, or any incentive to be fair and truthful about any evidence contradicting it. It could be defended without science, often through the courts and politics..
The evidence claimed as proof of evolution's scientific certainty used in text books in my childhood. I later learned was disputed or even proven to be a hoax.. There is no moral incentive to be honest and truthful about the short comings of evolutionary theory..It is seldom defended by scientific method. It is often used as a religious litmus test to exclude it's detractors...Evolution is based upon an amoral world view and is promoted couched in scientific terms..It is believed by millions with little or no scientific knowledge, simply because they are told not to believe it would be irrational..In the case of evolution the fear of being made fun of, far out weighs the scientific evidence..
I have many friends and acquaintances who are certain evolution is a valid scientific explanation for origins. When I ask them to defend their position scientifically they haven't the slightest idea where to even begin..They believe it because the social cost is too high not to believe it...Evolutionists have framed the debate not on science but in religious terms and the popularity of their beliefs...They have promoted the idea that all scientists in every field believe evolution to be true..When in fact thousands of accredited scientist in every discipline know that science has left Darwinian evolution in the dust..The fear of being considered old fashion. a religious fanatic, or not in the mainstream has led more people to believe in evolution than any of its scientific arguments..
Evolutionist's have made the social costs so high for anyone who contradicts them, belief in evolution is driven more by fear than science. For those who are truly interested in the scientific study of origins there are brave scientists who have risked their careers and published the scientific evidence against evolution on the internet..
Wesley Jones
The evidence claimed as proof of evolution's scientific certainty used in text books in my childhood. I later learned was disputed or even proven to be a hoax.. There is no moral incentive to be honest and truthful about the short comings of evolutionary theory..It is seldom defended by scientific method. It is often used as a religious litmus test to exclude it's detractors...Evolution is based upon an amoral world view and is promoted couched in scientific terms..It is believed by millions with little or no scientific knowledge, simply because they are told not to believe it would be irrational..In the case of evolution the fear of being made fun of, far out weighs the scientific evidence..
I have many friends and acquaintances who are certain evolution is a valid scientific explanation for origins. When I ask them to defend their position scientifically they haven't the slightest idea where to even begin..They believe it because the social cost is too high not to believe it...Evolutionists have framed the debate not on science but in religious terms and the popularity of their beliefs...They have promoted the idea that all scientists in every field believe evolution to be true..When in fact thousands of accredited scientist in every discipline know that science has left Darwinian evolution in the dust..The fear of being considered old fashion. a religious fanatic, or not in the mainstream has led more people to believe in evolution than any of its scientific arguments..
Evolutionist's have made the social costs so high for anyone who contradicts them, belief in evolution is driven more by fear than science. For those who are truly interested in the scientific study of origins there are brave scientists who have risked their careers and published the scientific evidence against evolution on the internet..
Wesley Jones
Monday, November 21, 2011
There Is No Such Thing As A Moral Vacuum
In the early part of the twentieth century " higher criticism" ( debunking the Bible ) was all the rage in the universities across the western world.. For centuries the Bible had been the under pinning of western civilization..It offered a moral code of conduct and a foundation for reason, politics and philosophy..There was no place more adept at creating doubt about the Biblical God than the top universities in pre-World War Two Germany...Because what one believes is morally acceptable governs all aspects of our lives, it is impossible to be devoid of moral opinions and still be able to function.
The Nazis and Marxists moved in quickly to fill the void in Europe. Richard Wurmbrand the founder of , The Voice Of The Martyrs said his communist captors often reminded him during torture; there is no God, no punishment for evil, no reward for good, we can do what we want. As Europe and the United States, (in a lesser degree), forget and unravel their Biblical foundations looking in vain for moral neutrality. Other world views such as Islam and militant socialism stand in the wings waiting to fill the void..
Many if not most of the criticisms of the Bible taught in the twentieth century have been answered by science and Biblical apologists..Historically the Bible still remains the only moral system of thought that has yet to build anything close to a free and just society. The sermon on the mount, the golden rule, the ten commandments were the foundations western society was built upon. As we in ignorance of history move further from our Biblical roots. I am afraid we are heading for the religious tyranny of Islam, or a pagan-atheist, socialist totalitarianism.
Christianity when not controlled by government and lived according to the Bible not only promotes a just society, but also a free one as well..
Wesley Jones
The Nazis and Marxists moved in quickly to fill the void in Europe. Richard Wurmbrand the founder of , The Voice Of The Martyrs said his communist captors often reminded him during torture; there is no God, no punishment for evil, no reward for good, we can do what we want. As Europe and the United States, (in a lesser degree), forget and unravel their Biblical foundations looking in vain for moral neutrality. Other world views such as Islam and militant socialism stand in the wings waiting to fill the void..
Many if not most of the criticisms of the Bible taught in the twentieth century have been answered by science and Biblical apologists..Historically the Bible still remains the only moral system of thought that has yet to build anything close to a free and just society. The sermon on the mount, the golden rule, the ten commandments were the foundations western society was built upon. As we in ignorance of history move further from our Biblical roots. I am afraid we are heading for the religious tyranny of Islam, or a pagan-atheist, socialist totalitarianism.
Christianity when not controlled by government and lived according to the Bible not only promotes a just society, but also a free one as well..
Wesley Jones
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Some Things The Occupy Wall Street Movement Might Want To Consider
Our constitution gives us all the right to peacefully assemble and petition our government. However, we do not have the right to shut down commerce without due process..We do not have the right to destroy public or private property as a form of protest..We have the right to use our public parks and streets to voice our political beliefs. We do not have the right to render public places unusable by the rest of society who pay for their upkeep..
I saw an interview with a protester who claimed to be a spokesman for BAMN ( by any means necessary). She believed that any form of protest no matter how violent and destructive is justified to bring about the destruction of capitalism and to usher in socialism.. I know it is a tired cliche, but anarchy really is the cruelest form of tyranny..No one has any rights or protection..The end justifies the means mentality made the last century the most violent and oppressive in human history..It ushered in the era of Hitler and Stalin..There is a difference between principled protest that can bring about productive change, and lawless revolution..
I, like many of the protesters believe there is too much outside lobbied monetary influence (corporate and otherwise). It corrupts the decisions many of our politicians make..I do not believe that tearing everything down and disregarding the property and civil rights of others is a wise or effective form of change..We need principled people who will use principled methods to bring about peaceful change..The ( by any means necessary) attitude will bring about only misery and poverty, violence and tyranny..
Wesley Jones
I saw an interview with a protester who claimed to be a spokesman for BAMN ( by any means necessary). She believed that any form of protest no matter how violent and destructive is justified to bring about the destruction of capitalism and to usher in socialism.. I know it is a tired cliche, but anarchy really is the cruelest form of tyranny..No one has any rights or protection..The end justifies the means mentality made the last century the most violent and oppressive in human history..It ushered in the era of Hitler and Stalin..There is a difference between principled protest that can bring about productive change, and lawless revolution..
I, like many of the protesters believe there is too much outside lobbied monetary influence (corporate and otherwise). It corrupts the decisions many of our politicians make..I do not believe that tearing everything down and disregarding the property and civil rights of others is a wise or effective form of change..We need principled people who will use principled methods to bring about peaceful change..The ( by any means necessary) attitude will bring about only misery and poverty, violence and tyranny..
Wesley Jones
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Why I Believe Evolution Is Antithetical To A Belief In A Just God
The evolution, creation debate goes to the very core of the argument about the nature of God . It addresses whether God is a loving all powerful God, or a passive indifferent observer..Did God create a world perfect and pain free, only to have it stained by a rebellious creatures? Or did He devise a world predicated on death, disease, suffering and violence? The God of the Holy Bible claims to have created a world in perfection and innocence. The god of evolution claims the world came into existence through violent, painful trial and error. I refuse to bow the knee to evolution's god..Even if evolution's god did exist it would lack the compassion and power to create a just after life..If God lacks the power and compassion to create the mature, perfect world explained in Genesis, who is to say He has the power, or even desire to create a better existence for us in the next life..
Evolution's god is the god of chance...It is ignorant and blind stumbling through time straining at perfection..It has no sense of justice, fair play nor any reward for good and punishment for evil..The God of the Bible has proven His creative genius in the book of Genesis..He created a universe without death, disease and suffering. He created beings with the ability to be noble and creative themselves, but also with a free and independent will..We are not bound by instinct and chance. We are created eternal beings made in the image of God..We can worship the God of the Bible who created us in perfection and placed us in the Garden of Eden..Or we can continue to rebel against Him and bring even more death and suffering into a world that was never meant to be a place of sorrow..
The god of evolution has never known perfection, only millions of years of death, violence, filth and disease..The only promise the god of evolution promises is that maybe in a few billion years through trial and error it might get it right.. The Biblical God of perfection promises us justice, mercy and eternal joy as soon as this life is over.. I would never worship a god who created innocent beings through death and suffering..The God of the Bible created our world without death and pain. Our sin and that of the fallen angels have marred His creation. But God did not leave us without remedy. He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ to restore our souls now, and a promise to restore our fallen world later. I choose to worship and trust the God of the Bible who has proven His perfection and compassion by creating the world without millions of years of suffering and death..
Wesley Jones
Evolution's god is the god of chance...It is ignorant and blind stumbling through time straining at perfection..It has no sense of justice, fair play nor any reward for good and punishment for evil..The God of the Bible has proven His creative genius in the book of Genesis..He created a universe without death, disease and suffering. He created beings with the ability to be noble and creative themselves, but also with a free and independent will..We are not bound by instinct and chance. We are created eternal beings made in the image of God..We can worship the God of the Bible who created us in perfection and placed us in the Garden of Eden..Or we can continue to rebel against Him and bring even more death and suffering into a world that was never meant to be a place of sorrow..
The god of evolution has never known perfection, only millions of years of death, violence, filth and disease..The only promise the god of evolution promises is that maybe in a few billion years through trial and error it might get it right.. The Biblical God of perfection promises us justice, mercy and eternal joy as soon as this life is over.. I would never worship a god who created innocent beings through death and suffering..The God of the Bible created our world without death and pain. Our sin and that of the fallen angels have marred His creation. But God did not leave us without remedy. He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ to restore our souls now, and a promise to restore our fallen world later. I choose to worship and trust the God of the Bible who has proven His perfection and compassion by creating the world without millions of years of suffering and death..
Wesley Jones
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Kingdom Come !
From the garden of Eden forward God's people have been looking to when God's promised Messiah would rule the earth as king in truth and justice. There has always been a spiritual representation of God's kingdom on earth..Those who did not deny God's existence and sought to know and please Him.. From the time of Seth, Adam's son, through to the time of John the Baptist, that kingdom was hid in the hearts of God's people..John began to preach that the promised Messiah and King had come to earth..The kingdom or ruler had come and was manifested to the world. Mankind then proceeded in squandering a unique once in a life time opportunity.
The prophet Malachi in the last two verses of the Old Testament warned us; " Behold I will send you Elijah, the prophet, before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the lord; And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse." Jesus told his disciples John the Baptist was the promised Elijah..The curse I believe was a time of wrath the Bible calls the "great tribulation". If John the Baptist's message had been heeded Christ would have set up His kingdom then and there. There would have been no need of a time of wrath and tribulation. But John was beheaded and our king and Christ was crucified. The curse lies before us...
There is still hope for those who have submitted to Christ and entered into His spiritual kingdom..We are promised we will be kept from that terrible time if we remain faithful until Jesus returns...The curse all of mankind could have avoided, if only they would have heeded the words of John the Baptist, has been set in stone and looms before us..For seven years a dreadful curse will afflict mankind, afterwards Jesus Christ will return with the people who made up His spiritual kingdom through the ages and we will rule and reign with Him forevermore..
Because Christ said that only His Father knows the hour of His return our duties as Christians are both short and long term.. Our job until Christ returns is to try and get as many people as we can into the spiritual kingdom of Jesus Christ..That is best achieved in societies based upon liberty and justice. The apostles taught that it is God's will that all of mankind come to the knowledge of truth..They also taught our duty is not limited to making life better for only Christians, but our duty while we wait for Christ is to make the world a better place for all of mankind in anyway possible..
Wesley Jones
The prophet Malachi in the last two verses of the Old Testament warned us; " Behold I will send you Elijah, the prophet, before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the lord; And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse." Jesus told his disciples John the Baptist was the promised Elijah..The curse I believe was a time of wrath the Bible calls the "great tribulation". If John the Baptist's message had been heeded Christ would have set up His kingdom then and there. There would have been no need of a time of wrath and tribulation. But John was beheaded and our king and Christ was crucified. The curse lies before us...
There is still hope for those who have submitted to Christ and entered into His spiritual kingdom..We are promised we will be kept from that terrible time if we remain faithful until Jesus returns...The curse all of mankind could have avoided, if only they would have heeded the words of John the Baptist, has been set in stone and looms before us..For seven years a dreadful curse will afflict mankind, afterwards Jesus Christ will return with the people who made up His spiritual kingdom through the ages and we will rule and reign with Him forevermore..
Because Christ said that only His Father knows the hour of His return our duties as Christians are both short and long term.. Our job until Christ returns is to try and get as many people as we can into the spiritual kingdom of Jesus Christ..That is best achieved in societies based upon liberty and justice. The apostles taught that it is God's will that all of mankind come to the knowledge of truth..They also taught our duty is not limited to making life better for only Christians, but our duty while we wait for Christ is to make the world a better place for all of mankind in anyway possible..
Wesley Jones
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Why I Am Certain Jesus Christ Is The Messiah
I have studied many if not most of the world's religions in some detail.. What sets Jesus Christ apart from the rest of humanity can be summed up in one word, Mercy! Not only does the Biblical Jesus offer mercy equally to all. He teaches his followers to be merciful as well ( not all who claim to be his followers live by this unfortunately). There is no other act more beneficial and comforting to the soul of man than receiving, or extending mercy..Nothing is so antithetical to our nature as forgiveness without reparation..The mercy taught and offered by Christ is beyond ordinary man's ability to construct or invent. It is of divine origin there is no other example of it in all of human history.
The number of Old Testament prophecies Jesus of Nazareth fulfilled is astounding. If one were to reject the New Testament account of Jesus as prejudicial. The amount of secular evidence we have regarding His life is beyond reasonable debate; Jesus is the Messiah prophesied hundreds of years before His appearance in the historical record..( Since the discovery of the Dead Sea scrolls the age of those prophesies and the time Jesus lived are no longer in doubt.) Isaiah Chapter 53 and the 22nd Psalm alone give a detailed account of the life, suffering and death of the historical Jesus..
I believe Jesus performed all the miracles attributed to Him in the New testament. But even if He had not done one of them His teachings are so profound and beyond human ability. I would still believe He is the promised Messiah..I also know from personal experience. There was a time I had nothing invested personally in Jesus Christ. I had only heard of Him. In a time of great trouble and anguish of soul I cried out for Him to forgive and save me. He heard me, forgave me, restored my soul and saved me out of all my troubles..This alone is more evidence than I need to believe that He indeed is all He and the Bible claim Him to be..Beyond any doubt whatsoever, I believe the Biblical Jesus Christ is God's Messiah, and the only begotten Son of the living God..
Wesley Jones
The number of Old Testament prophecies Jesus of Nazareth fulfilled is astounding. If one were to reject the New Testament account of Jesus as prejudicial. The amount of secular evidence we have regarding His life is beyond reasonable debate; Jesus is the Messiah prophesied hundreds of years before His appearance in the historical record..( Since the discovery of the Dead Sea scrolls the age of those prophesies and the time Jesus lived are no longer in doubt.) Isaiah Chapter 53 and the 22nd Psalm alone give a detailed account of the life, suffering and death of the historical Jesus..
I believe Jesus performed all the miracles attributed to Him in the New testament. But even if He had not done one of them His teachings are so profound and beyond human ability. I would still believe He is the promised Messiah..I also know from personal experience. There was a time I had nothing invested personally in Jesus Christ. I had only heard of Him. In a time of great trouble and anguish of soul I cried out for Him to forgive and save me. He heard me, forgave me, restored my soul and saved me out of all my troubles..This alone is more evidence than I need to believe that He indeed is all He and the Bible claim Him to be..Beyond any doubt whatsoever, I believe the Biblical Jesus Christ is God's Messiah, and the only begotten Son of the living God..
Wesley Jones
Monday, September 12, 2011
I Would Be Thy Friend.
If rhetoric were carefully weighed.
And reason heard above the din.
If hate human bonds not frayed.
Despite all, I would be thy friend.
My children laugh, cry, same as thine.
We love and toil for much the same end.
Thy heart aches at loss same as mine.
If you knew me, I would be thy friend.
Mad agendas, cruel words litter our path.
Lunatics proclaim, to love would be the end.
Blinded by the insanity of anger and wrath.
But given a choice, I would be thy friend...
Wesley Jones
.
And reason heard above the din.
If hate human bonds not frayed.
Despite all, I would be thy friend.
My children laugh, cry, same as thine.
We love and toil for much the same end.
Thy heart aches at loss same as mine.
If you knew me, I would be thy friend.
Mad agendas, cruel words litter our path.
Lunatics proclaim, to love would be the end.
Blinded by the insanity of anger and wrath.
But given a choice, I would be thy friend...
Wesley Jones
.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
The Holy Bible And Politics..This may surprise you !
The Bible does not give us a detailed political treatise on which we can govern ourselves.. It does however give us moral principles and God's view of government..It also gives us a few commands we are to obey when dealing with government..One of the most detailed references to our responsibility towards political leadership can be found in the book of 1st Timothy chapter 2, " I exhort, therefore, that first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men..For kings, and for all that are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty...For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God, our savior..Who will have all men to be saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth"...
There will never be a time; short of when Christ reigns on earth, when we will agree with everything those in authority promote or do.. We can constantly try to over throw authority that is not in 100% agreement with us, or we can work within the system and pray for those who hold power..God has promised us He is in control when He gave us this verse in Proverbs 21, " The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turneth it withersoever He will ".. Aberrations like the dictators Hitler and Stalin are a result of the people turning to their own devices to settle old scores and to throw off all restraint..
Our prayers for our leaders to make wise, honest and effective decisions are not only encouraged by God, but they carry a lot of weight with Him also..The alternative is unremitting political turmoil and civil war..When the electorate makes a poor decision and elects candidates unqualified; either intellectually or morally, it is because the populace is either in need of knowledge, or in defiance of God, and trying thwart His revealed will.. Both can bring about incredible human suffering..Either way once someone is in power it behooves us to pray that God enlightens and guides them whether they were our choice or not...
Those who have served in the military during, or lived through a civil war, will tell you the toll in human suffering and the injustices visited upon ordinary citizens are monstrous...I don't fear when my choice for a political office is defeated because I know God hears and considers my prayers for the winner..When politics become all about party, ethnic, and sectarian religious views, and not about sound governance, effective policy and moral principle..People become impatient and unreasonable.. Politics becomes about personality, style and charisma. The Bible teaches; My people perish for the lack of knowledge..Our job as citizens is to promote sound policy backed by moral principle..This takes hard work in acquiring knowledge and wisdom needed for discernment..
Policy and governance are intricate science..None of us are all knowing experts..Our politicians need our prayers because their job is crucial and full of repercussions..In a nation built around individual liberty none of us are going to always get our way politically..Everyone has the right to criticize politicians in any way they choose..I have found more often then not most issues are about ideas not individuals..It is far more effective to take on ideas rather than people. (It is also more work)..Every person who occupies an official position of political leadership has my sincere prayers..I pray they will stay the course when their cause is just, and will be flexible in areas of doubt..
If we were to become a nation of people who passionately prayed for our leaders, and our leaders sought to govern according to the moral principles found in the Holy Bible. Our nation would not only be more just and stable but also more prosperous and of greater help to other nations..Solutions to our political problems are not outside of God's purview or our ability to address in prayer.. Respect for God's Holy written word is needed by not only those doing the governing but also by the governed..Rather than trying to tear down individual politicians I try my best to pray for them and teach solid Biblical principles that I believe could help and heal my country..
Wesley Jones
There will never be a time; short of when Christ reigns on earth, when we will agree with everything those in authority promote or do.. We can constantly try to over throw authority that is not in 100% agreement with us, or we can work within the system and pray for those who hold power..God has promised us He is in control when He gave us this verse in Proverbs 21, " The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turneth it withersoever He will ".. Aberrations like the dictators Hitler and Stalin are a result of the people turning to their own devices to settle old scores and to throw off all restraint..
Our prayers for our leaders to make wise, honest and effective decisions are not only encouraged by God, but they carry a lot of weight with Him also..The alternative is unremitting political turmoil and civil war..When the electorate makes a poor decision and elects candidates unqualified; either intellectually or morally, it is because the populace is either in need of knowledge, or in defiance of God, and trying thwart His revealed will.. Both can bring about incredible human suffering..Either way once someone is in power it behooves us to pray that God enlightens and guides them whether they were our choice or not...
Those who have served in the military during, or lived through a civil war, will tell you the toll in human suffering and the injustices visited upon ordinary citizens are monstrous...I don't fear when my choice for a political office is defeated because I know God hears and considers my prayers for the winner..When politics become all about party, ethnic, and sectarian religious views, and not about sound governance, effective policy and moral principle..People become impatient and unreasonable.. Politics becomes about personality, style and charisma. The Bible teaches; My people perish for the lack of knowledge..Our job as citizens is to promote sound policy backed by moral principle..This takes hard work in acquiring knowledge and wisdom needed for discernment..
Policy and governance are intricate science..None of us are all knowing experts..Our politicians need our prayers because their job is crucial and full of repercussions..In a nation built around individual liberty none of us are going to always get our way politically..Everyone has the right to criticize politicians in any way they choose..I have found more often then not most issues are about ideas not individuals..It is far more effective to take on ideas rather than people. (It is also more work)..Every person who occupies an official position of political leadership has my sincere prayers..I pray they will stay the course when their cause is just, and will be flexible in areas of doubt..
If we were to become a nation of people who passionately prayed for our leaders, and our leaders sought to govern according to the moral principles found in the Holy Bible. Our nation would not only be more just and stable but also more prosperous and of greater help to other nations..Solutions to our political problems are not outside of God's purview or our ability to address in prayer.. Respect for God's Holy written word is needed by not only those doing the governing but also by the governed..Rather than trying to tear down individual politicians I try my best to pray for them and teach solid Biblical principles that I believe could help and heal my country..
Wesley Jones
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Lay Me gently At Heaven's Door
If my tears do no good, nor water a greater plan.
If my struggles benefit not me, nor my fellowman.
If my suffering helps no one in life's troubled span.
Wipe my mother's tears, and lay me gently at heavens door.
If love of God and friend hath no earthly pay.
If here faith hath no reward, in this dark day.
If wisdom sought, and hard work hath no sway.
All memory of me bury, and lay me gently at heaven's door.
Wesley Jones
If my struggles benefit not me, nor my fellowman.
If my suffering helps no one in life's troubled span.
Wipe my mother's tears, and lay me gently at heavens door.
If love of God and friend hath no earthly pay.
If here faith hath no reward, in this dark day.
If wisdom sought, and hard work hath no sway.
All memory of me bury, and lay me gently at heaven's door.
Wesley Jones
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Life, It Aint Easy
We wash our face straighten our clothes.
Smile, join the parade, ring the bell.
While we fool others heaven knows.
Life is hard, our sorrow we quell.
There is joy and some happiness.
Times of ease, occasional peace.
They are too few we must confess.
Cares and toils here seldom cease.
But alas Heaven knows.
and even cares.
Wesley Jones
Smile, join the parade, ring the bell.
While we fool others heaven knows.
Life is hard, our sorrow we quell.
There is joy and some happiness.
Times of ease, occasional peace.
They are too few we must confess.
Cares and toils here seldom cease.
But alas Heaven knows.
and even cares.
Wesley Jones
Friday, August 19, 2011
Why Is There So Much Division In Christianity ?
Where there is liberty there is variety. Not all people have the same tastes, background or level of knowledge. Many people view the diversity in Christianity as a flaw or an excuse to dismiss it. There are some divisions that are detrimental. The division between the churches who believe the Bible to be the word of God and those who believe to be just literature is a serious one.. I am a Biblical Christian. The Jesus I worship is the Jesus of the Bible. The rules and standards I govern my life by are the ones found in the scriptures. My first allegiance is to what I believe to be the word of God, The Holy Bible.
Because my knowledge of God and scripture is incomplete and limited I attend church to learn from others. Unlike many Christians I feel free to attend many different kind of churches..( I have found sinners and saints in all of them.). Some of the church services I have been in were awe inspiring. While others bordered on being dreadful and something to be endured. But I can honestly say I am a better person for attending each and every service I went to. Our churches and denominations are imperfect because we are imperfect.. Many (but not all ) of the divisions found in Christianity were fostered by noble attempts to offer something a parent church did not offer. Some enhanced the kingdom of God, some did not.
What I believe would go a long way in uniting Christianity is not a single denomination or any denomination for that matter. But for each individual church within an organization to strive to produce people who thoroughly search and study the scriptures for themselves. And seek God and His will for their lives on their own. Our ignorance of God and His word is what divides us..It also leaves us vulnerable to false teachers and those who would use us for monetary gain. Our collective and individual knowledge of the Bible unites us as a Christian people.Without coercion or loss of liberty. I believe it is the church leadership's job to produce free and educated Christians who are capable of governing themselves. I believe that is something we could all agree on.
Wesley Jones
Because my knowledge of God and scripture is incomplete and limited I attend church to learn from others. Unlike many Christians I feel free to attend many different kind of churches..( I have found sinners and saints in all of them.). Some of the church services I have been in were awe inspiring. While others bordered on being dreadful and something to be endured. But I can honestly say I am a better person for attending each and every service I went to. Our churches and denominations are imperfect because we are imperfect.. Many (but not all ) of the divisions found in Christianity were fostered by noble attempts to offer something a parent church did not offer. Some enhanced the kingdom of God, some did not.
What I believe would go a long way in uniting Christianity is not a single denomination or any denomination for that matter. But for each individual church within an organization to strive to produce people who thoroughly search and study the scriptures for themselves. And seek God and His will for their lives on their own. Our ignorance of God and His word is what divides us..It also leaves us vulnerable to false teachers and those who would use us for monetary gain. Our collective and individual knowledge of the Bible unites us as a Christian people.Without coercion or loss of liberty. I believe it is the church leadership's job to produce free and educated Christians who are capable of governing themselves. I believe that is something we could all agree on.
Wesley Jones
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Political Freedom : It Is The Proccess Not The Party
Politics have become so rancorous and partisan I believe many Americans have completely lost sight of the genius of the system. There are many who are so politically prejudice, if given the opportunity they would gladly give their party and candidate a total and permanent monopoly of the system..Instead of patiently waiting and working for the next election. Many would favor a one party system or a monarchy, rather than sharing power with someone they disagree. Having a political adversary is not a bad thing for a political candidate, or a political party..Nothing like an enemy to point out the inept, corruption or neglect on part of those in power.
We have a young president who was educated and groomed by the left of center..I am sure he is painfully aware by now they do not have all the answers. I also believe he would gladly retreat to the center if our current political climate allowed others to meet him there..We now have a right wing and a left wing media, along with the extremes within the parties. They command considerable power and sway with the electorate.The only thing worse to these partisan pundits than someone on the opposite side of the extreme fringe; is one of their own compromising with the enemy in the middle. A special wrath is unleashed on the turncoats of either party who are willing to compromise and attain only 50% of what they want rather than all or nothing.
The far right is determined to shrink all of government with little regard to what is necessary, as well as what is our moral duty in a just society..The far left is hell bent on punishing or ransacking the rich and successful, be they individuals or business, in order to pay for pet projects. Neither side is looking at our country as a whole or our government as the collective hand motivated by the collective the will of the people. In my opinion the only way this can be fixed; is a realistic knowledge on both sides of how things actually work.
First the left needs to realize true socialism is nothing more than a giant Ponzi scheme. Government does not create wealth ! Government collects, spends and distributes wealth . The collapse of the Soviet Union and eastern Europe is testament to this fact. A free market creates a prosperous economy which in turn creates the wealth that government can use for good or evil..It is in the interest of those who want to use government to address social ills, to maintain a healthy and free business climate. One that does not punish others for success.
The right needs to realize government for the people, by the people, and of the people is not necessarily evil, unjust, and most of all, it is not unnecessary. The ability of the poor to educate, feed and shelter their children at an minimal level is due to government. Free travel on roads and bridges is product of government. Our courts and the protection of our liberties are maintained by government. A free market without government involvement would return us to a feudal lord and serf economy..There is nothing evil about us as a collective people using our government to help others help themselves..
I have wrote about a flat universal tax before. One that goes up or down on all citizens alike, according to necessity..It would do away with the playing of one segment of our society against another. If taxes were all the same rate and went up or down equally for everyone anytime they were raised or lowered. We could determine what we wanted to pay for and adjust the universal tax rate accordingly..It would definitely help unite us and move us away from the all or nothing mentality that now rules our politics..
Wesley Jones
We have a young president who was educated and groomed by the left of center..I am sure he is painfully aware by now they do not have all the answers. I also believe he would gladly retreat to the center if our current political climate allowed others to meet him there..We now have a right wing and a left wing media, along with the extremes within the parties. They command considerable power and sway with the electorate.The only thing worse to these partisan pundits than someone on the opposite side of the extreme fringe; is one of their own compromising with the enemy in the middle. A special wrath is unleashed on the turncoats of either party who are willing to compromise and attain only 50% of what they want rather than all or nothing.
The far right is determined to shrink all of government with little regard to what is necessary, as well as what is our moral duty in a just society..The far left is hell bent on punishing or ransacking the rich and successful, be they individuals or business, in order to pay for pet projects. Neither side is looking at our country as a whole or our government as the collective hand motivated by the collective the will of the people. In my opinion the only way this can be fixed; is a realistic knowledge on both sides of how things actually work.
First the left needs to realize true socialism is nothing more than a giant Ponzi scheme. Government does not create wealth ! Government collects, spends and distributes wealth . The collapse of the Soviet Union and eastern Europe is testament to this fact. A free market creates a prosperous economy which in turn creates the wealth that government can use for good or evil..It is in the interest of those who want to use government to address social ills, to maintain a healthy and free business climate. One that does not punish others for success.
The right needs to realize government for the people, by the people, and of the people is not necessarily evil, unjust, and most of all, it is not unnecessary. The ability of the poor to educate, feed and shelter their children at an minimal level is due to government. Free travel on roads and bridges is product of government. Our courts and the protection of our liberties are maintained by government. A free market without government involvement would return us to a feudal lord and serf economy..There is nothing evil about us as a collective people using our government to help others help themselves..
I have wrote about a flat universal tax before. One that goes up or down on all citizens alike, according to necessity..It would do away with the playing of one segment of our society against another. If taxes were all the same rate and went up or down equally for everyone anytime they were raised or lowered. We could determine what we wanted to pay for and adjust the universal tax rate accordingly..It would definitely help unite us and move us away from the all or nothing mentality that now rules our politics..
Wesley Jones
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Keeper Of The Books
Seldom reward for right makes haste.
And penalty for wrongs seem delayed.
Time spent on virtue appears a waste.
The impatient fool is so easily swayed.
God sees nor cares not, live for today.
O ye fool there be a keeper of the books.
Mercy and indifference are not the same.
God is patient, in hope the foolish will see.
Nor does He forget right deeds or names.
Do right, as unprofitable as that might be.
A better day, more just times wait on thee.
Do ye right there be a keeper of the books.
Thy honor and virtue endeavor to keep.
For stolen pleasures always come due.
Elohim forgets not, nor does He sleep.
As this life be o'er, our day be through.
Thy deeds return and belong only to you.
A settler of old scores, this keeper of the books.
Wesley Jones
And penalty for wrongs seem delayed.
Time spent on virtue appears a waste.
The impatient fool is so easily swayed.
God sees nor cares not, live for today.
O ye fool there be a keeper of the books.
Mercy and indifference are not the same.
God is patient, in hope the foolish will see.
Nor does He forget right deeds or names.
Do right, as unprofitable as that might be.
A better day, more just times wait on thee.
Do ye right there be a keeper of the books.
Thy honor and virtue endeavor to keep.
For stolen pleasures always come due.
Elohim forgets not, nor does He sleep.
As this life be o'er, our day be through.
Thy deeds return and belong only to you.
A settler of old scores, this keeper of the books.
Wesley Jones
Friday, August 12, 2011
The Nature Of Liberty : Do All People Want Freedom ?
Unfortunately many people view liberty as a one way street. The government is to make everyone do what we would have them to do. While the government leaves us free to do as we please.There are people on the left and the right that want to use the government to make their fellow citizens fall into line with their moral philosophy. We often swing between the extremes of wanting to be anarchists or hyper-socialists..The left wants moral chaos and a social totalitarianism. The right wants to impose moral order and have laissez faire or social Darwinism in all other aspects..Both the left and right have their anarchists and their government conspiracy theorists.
The average citizen operates somewhere in the center between these extremes. However I am seeing a trend where the extreme left, and the extreme right are becoming different sides of the same coin..To maintain liberty a nation needs a moral center, or moral cornerstone on which to build. Liberty is based upon the personal responsibility and personal integrity of individual citizens. In the past whether one was building left or right of center, the cornerstone was personal integrity. Character was paramount. Things like honesty, mercy , kindness, altruism, self control and self sacrifice were held in high esteem. The main goal of religion and citizenship, was fostering impeccable character.. Individualism was defined by ones ability to provide for and morally govern ones self.
Individualism today means to be sexually bizarre, out of control, defiant towards authority, successful without regard for how the success was attained. Increasingly the religious right and the secular left are leaving the moral center and redefining what our personal and collective goals in life should be. They may have slight variations and methods in the attaining of those goals, but more often than not they are ending up in the same place. Personal wealth, success, perfect health, longest life possible with no set backs, only increasing prosperity have become our new national aspirations.. As our goals as citizens shift to the material from more noble things such as ; duty to our fellowman and striving for a free and just society as well as developing a sterling character and an honorable reputation. We are more and more willing to sacrifice our liberty to obtain the material goals.
Both the right and left now believe who ever lives the longest and dies with the most stuff wins. Both are antagonistic towards authority, just in different ways. However they are willing to sacrifice personal liberty to avoid making personal responsibility and personal liberty the cornerstone of their politics and religion... Rather than striving to produce citizens with character, integrity, and the ability to make their own decisions. Our focus is to use government as an equalizer and moral nanny..We want to live forever so we give government the power to say what we can eat and drink.We want to be prosperous so our politics are motivated by the money. We can not discern what is moral so we let the government decide for us.
Historically the Holy Bible has been the catalyst for producing citizens worthy of liberty. It united under common values the free people of the western world. It went beyond parochial political and religious interests. Whether one was externally religious or not, it produced character and responsibility from within the individual.The Holy Bible turned our focus from the material and temporal, to developing inner strength and moral dignity. A government of the people and by the people will only promote liberty as long as the people themselves want liberty. Persons of integrity want more than ease and prosperity..They need liberty. We all do if we are to attain to greater things than material wealth.
As the Bible, and it's focus on personal moral responsibility continues to fall out of favor among political and religious leaders. I wonder how long we will remain free..Those who do not live according to Biblical precept are living in freedom because there are those who through Biblical knowledge are able to govern themselves. As that number dwindles I am afraid our liberties will as well. I will end this post with 2 quotes from George Washington 1) " It is impossible to rightly govern a nation without God and the Bible." 2) "Let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle."
Wesley Jones
The average citizen operates somewhere in the center between these extremes. However I am seeing a trend where the extreme left, and the extreme right are becoming different sides of the same coin..To maintain liberty a nation needs a moral center, or moral cornerstone on which to build. Liberty is based upon the personal responsibility and personal integrity of individual citizens. In the past whether one was building left or right of center, the cornerstone was personal integrity. Character was paramount. Things like honesty, mercy , kindness, altruism, self control and self sacrifice were held in high esteem. The main goal of religion and citizenship, was fostering impeccable character.. Individualism was defined by ones ability to provide for and morally govern ones self.
Individualism today means to be sexually bizarre, out of control, defiant towards authority, successful without regard for how the success was attained. Increasingly the religious right and the secular left are leaving the moral center and redefining what our personal and collective goals in life should be. They may have slight variations and methods in the attaining of those goals, but more often than not they are ending up in the same place. Personal wealth, success, perfect health, longest life possible with no set backs, only increasing prosperity have become our new national aspirations.. As our goals as citizens shift to the material from more noble things such as ; duty to our fellowman and striving for a free and just society as well as developing a sterling character and an honorable reputation. We are more and more willing to sacrifice our liberty to obtain the material goals.
Both the right and left now believe who ever lives the longest and dies with the most stuff wins. Both are antagonistic towards authority, just in different ways. However they are willing to sacrifice personal liberty to avoid making personal responsibility and personal liberty the cornerstone of their politics and religion... Rather than striving to produce citizens with character, integrity, and the ability to make their own decisions. Our focus is to use government as an equalizer and moral nanny..We want to live forever so we give government the power to say what we can eat and drink.We want to be prosperous so our politics are motivated by the money. We can not discern what is moral so we let the government decide for us.
Historically the Holy Bible has been the catalyst for producing citizens worthy of liberty. It united under common values the free people of the western world. It went beyond parochial political and religious interests. Whether one was externally religious or not, it produced character and responsibility from within the individual.The Holy Bible turned our focus from the material and temporal, to developing inner strength and moral dignity. A government of the people and by the people will only promote liberty as long as the people themselves want liberty. Persons of integrity want more than ease and prosperity..They need liberty. We all do if we are to attain to greater things than material wealth.
As the Bible, and it's focus on personal moral responsibility continues to fall out of favor among political and religious leaders. I wonder how long we will remain free..Those who do not live according to Biblical precept are living in freedom because there are those who through Biblical knowledge are able to govern themselves. As that number dwindles I am afraid our liberties will as well. I will end this post with 2 quotes from George Washington 1) " It is impossible to rightly govern a nation without God and the Bible." 2) "Let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle."
Wesley Jones
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Dark Matter And Dark Energy, The Expansion Of The Universe.
It is generally believed that the universe is expanding, and at an ever increasing rate. It also speculated that dark energy is the force behind that expansion. It has been calculated that 70% of the universe is made up of dark energy, 25% is made up of dark matter and the remaining 5% is made up of normal matter that we can see, know and measure. So 95% of our universe is made up of a form of energy and matter we can not quantify and only speculate about. It is not known if dark energy is fixed ( cosmological constant) or varies ( quintessence). One thing that is agreed upon, dark matter and dark energy exist. We can measure their effect on astrophysical gravity.. What I would like to do is offer an explanation for this phenomenon using the the Biblical account of creation.
If our universe is made up of in large part a form of energy and matter we can not see. The space we used to consider as containing nothing is actually a fluid fabric. This coincides with Einstein's gravitational theory. Normal matter in sufficient mass creates ( for lack of a better word) a vortex which attracts or draws in other matter. In other words space that does not contain normal matter is like a sea of unseen dark matter and dark energy. Instead being 2 parts hydrogen and 1 part oxygen, space is 7 parts dark energy and 3 parts dark matter..
Genesis 1, verses 1 and 2 , "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters".....God created the matter that makes up the heavens ( cosmos ) and earth. He ordered it and spoke light into existence ( light is the product of energy.)...."And God said let there be light and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness"..... When God divided the light from darkness to produce a difference between night and day, may have very well been when He stretched and ordered the heavens (cosmos )...
Isaiah 42 : 5 "Thus saith God, the Lord, he who created the heavens and STRETCHED them out"...Jeremiah 51:15 " He hath made the earth by His power; he hath established the world by his wisdom and hath STRETCHED out the heavens by his understanding."....If God stretched out the cosmos after their creation it would explain the apparent expansion of the universe observed in astrophysics. As well as explaining dark energy's role in that expansion ( Dark energy would keep the universe from collapsing on itself again) while ( Dark matter would provide enough mass or gravity to keep it from flying apart)
Another possible explanation for the age of the universe is also available under the Biblical stretched cosmos scenario...If all light at one time was created at a closer proximity to earth. Then supernaturally stretched in all directions. There would be a constant source of light readily and immediately viewable from the furthest reaches of our universe..Our universe would only appear to be currently expanding, and would only appear to be 14 billion years old. When in fact it is only a few thousand years old. And we are only now viewing that expansion, which may be or may not be still happening..
One thing I am certain of is that the Biblical account of creation does not violate any known and proven laws of physics.. Those laws themselves are indeed a product of Biblical creation..There are theories that seek to exclude a creator but they are more scientifically problematic than the Biblical account itself..
Wesley Jones
If our universe is made up of in large part a form of energy and matter we can not see. The space we used to consider as containing nothing is actually a fluid fabric. This coincides with Einstein's gravitational theory. Normal matter in sufficient mass creates ( for lack of a better word) a vortex which attracts or draws in other matter. In other words space that does not contain normal matter is like a sea of unseen dark matter and dark energy. Instead being 2 parts hydrogen and 1 part oxygen, space is 7 parts dark energy and 3 parts dark matter..
Genesis 1, verses 1 and 2 , "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters".....God created the matter that makes up the heavens ( cosmos ) and earth. He ordered it and spoke light into existence ( light is the product of energy.)...."And God said let there be light and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness"..... When God divided the light from darkness to produce a difference between night and day, may have very well been when He stretched and ordered the heavens (cosmos )...
Isaiah 42 : 5 "Thus saith God, the Lord, he who created the heavens and STRETCHED them out"...Jeremiah 51:15 " He hath made the earth by His power; he hath established the world by his wisdom and hath STRETCHED out the heavens by his understanding."....If God stretched out the cosmos after their creation it would explain the apparent expansion of the universe observed in astrophysics. As well as explaining dark energy's role in that expansion ( Dark energy would keep the universe from collapsing on itself again) while ( Dark matter would provide enough mass or gravity to keep it from flying apart)
Another possible explanation for the age of the universe is also available under the Biblical stretched cosmos scenario...If all light at one time was created at a closer proximity to earth. Then supernaturally stretched in all directions. There would be a constant source of light readily and immediately viewable from the furthest reaches of our universe..Our universe would only appear to be currently expanding, and would only appear to be 14 billion years old. When in fact it is only a few thousand years old. And we are only now viewing that expansion, which may be or may not be still happening..
One thing I am certain of is that the Biblical account of creation does not violate any known and proven laws of physics.. Those laws themselves are indeed a product of Biblical creation..There are theories that seek to exclude a creator but they are more scientifically problematic than the Biblical account itself..
Wesley Jones
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Unacquainted Longings
For each quaint village this old highway passes through.
There is a sweet homesickness for a place I never knew.
I long to stop and chat with old friends in that tiny cafe.
When I walk in, hows the family, the waitress would say.
The old farmer at that table is more than likely some of my kin.
While the cop at the counter remembers my pa, way back when.
As I leave town I pass my little house grandpa built back in 32.
Homesick for a place I never lived, and for people I never knew.
I turn on the radio to remember the sweet sounds of big band.
I dream of a time when to be a soldier was thought to be grand
War news and FDR over the radio filled far more innocent air
Darling love me tonight, Europe calls, tomorrow I'll be there.
O those beautiful bygone days when the sun always seemed to shine
I never saw them, But remember the weather and women were sublime.
In my smart uniform in this quaint little village I drove my Nash around.
My dreams provide the pictures, Benny Goodman provides the sound.
There are no commercials playing on my Toyota's satellite radio.
I turn down the street to my high rise apartment. It's not far to go.
The big city is not so bad., except for the cold and driving rain.
I prefer my quaint village in uniform and in the 1940s to remain.
Wesley Jones
There is a sweet homesickness for a place I never knew.
I long to stop and chat with old friends in that tiny cafe.
When I walk in, hows the family, the waitress would say.
The old farmer at that table is more than likely some of my kin.
While the cop at the counter remembers my pa, way back when.
As I leave town I pass my little house grandpa built back in 32.
Homesick for a place I never lived, and for people I never knew.
I turn on the radio to remember the sweet sounds of big band.
I dream of a time when to be a soldier was thought to be grand
War news and FDR over the radio filled far more innocent air
Darling love me tonight, Europe calls, tomorrow I'll be there.
O those beautiful bygone days when the sun always seemed to shine
I never saw them, But remember the weather and women were sublime.
In my smart uniform in this quaint little village I drove my Nash around.
My dreams provide the pictures, Benny Goodman provides the sound.
There are no commercials playing on my Toyota's satellite radio.
I turn down the street to my high rise apartment. It's not far to go.
The big city is not so bad., except for the cold and driving rain.
I prefer my quaint village in uniform and in the 1940s to remain.
Wesley Jones
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Theoretical Worm Holes And Time Travel. Fanatsy Or Physics?
In theoretical astrophysics wormholes are tunnels connecting black holes ( a black hole is a mass so dense it's gravity keeps even light from escaping it's event horizon .. The center of our galaxy is believed to be one) It is speculated that wormhole structures are short cuts through space and time and contain anti-matter ( minus gravity ) and theoretically could allow time travel. Many believe Einstein's theory of relativity allowed for time travel. I don't believe so, and I will tell you why.
Who among us have not toyed with the idea of traveling back in time? If only to recapture some special moment of time in our lives. What an advantage we would have if we possessed current knowledge in a bygone era. We could return to correct mistakes in judgement, and alter choices, or even avert terrible tragedies. Before we get our hopes up, we need to consider there is a lot of known and proven science that says, the closest we can come to time travel is remembering.
Time is a measurement done by recording events within context of the frequency of cycles; ( revolutions around the sun, rotations on an axis, the frequency of a pendulum's swing etc). This is not unlike weight being the relative measure of mass. We can not traverse on or weigh the metric system ( we can however do so with the matter it measures.) Time like a unit of measurement used to determine and record weight, is an idea or system used to determine and record an event in relationship to another event... A metric meter is not the essence of the matter measured, only a consistent idea of how to measure and record it ..Time has no essence like matter or motion. It is an idea on how to uniformly track and record events by placing them in context with, and comparing them to known cyclical motion.
It is generally believed that the faster one travels the slower time passes ( in actuality what happens is the devices that record time slow down and there is a simple explanation.... General Relativity... .Just because increased motion or speed causes a time device to take longer to cycle, does not mean there is a change in the physical properties of the rest of the universe...) It is theorized, that once the the threshold of the speed of light is attained that time will retreat backwards. Even if a clock runs backwards the cyclical motion or events it is designed to measure progresses normally. If we could travel at the speed of light ( we can't and I will tell you why) all that would happen is we would be traveling in the dark because light would not have a chance to reflect..
Even in Hadron our largest particle collider we can not accelerate matter to the speed of light. The reason being, matter increases in weight the closer it gets to the speed of light..Energy added at a certain point needed to increase speed, only increases weight. This may be reason to examine Supersymmetry fermion and/or dark matter in more detail when considering particle velocity.
The most obvious reason for rejecting time travel is; if one where to return to the past, every particle and wave in the universe would have to be in the exact same place and in the same state and moving in the same direction at the same velocity as they were at the given time visited. This would have to be repeated for every moment spent in the past. Given that time ( place and circumstance) and chance influence the randomness of the human will, as well as all split second decisions ..All human actions would have to remain exactly the same as they were in the past for the duration of the visit. ...that is beyond probability maybe even an impossibility..If you were to return all matter to its state, lets say in June12th of 1945 you would have to use the matter we are currently existing in. There would be no matter to form a future to return to. The amount of matter in the universe is fixed. It would have to be squared for every moment you spent in the past. Time is simply how we quantify and order events that happened in the past.Not something that can be traversed or traveled..
The fact is we live in a world governed by fixed laws of nature. Our current reality is not a video that can be replayed, or visited when we want later. It is a good thing too. Can you imagine a world where your current neighbors great, great, great, grandson hates your great, great, great grandson and returns from the future to kill you so your great, great great grandson will have never existed. I am only kidding, but that is the kind of problems that would arise if God would have allowed time travel.Time is not a fabric like space. It is a system of measurement used to record motion and events played out on, or within the fabric of space. Sorry Doctor Who, you are all wet..
Wesley Jones
Who among us have not toyed with the idea of traveling back in time? If only to recapture some special moment of time in our lives. What an advantage we would have if we possessed current knowledge in a bygone era. We could return to correct mistakes in judgement, and alter choices, or even avert terrible tragedies. Before we get our hopes up, we need to consider there is a lot of known and proven science that says, the closest we can come to time travel is remembering.
Time is a measurement done by recording events within context of the frequency of cycles; ( revolutions around the sun, rotations on an axis, the frequency of a pendulum's swing etc). This is not unlike weight being the relative measure of mass. We can not traverse on or weigh the metric system ( we can however do so with the matter it measures.) Time like a unit of measurement used to determine and record weight, is an idea or system used to determine and record an event in relationship to another event... A metric meter is not the essence of the matter measured, only a consistent idea of how to measure and record it ..Time has no essence like matter or motion. It is an idea on how to uniformly track and record events by placing them in context with, and comparing them to known cyclical motion.
It is generally believed that the faster one travels the slower time passes ( in actuality what happens is the devices that record time slow down and there is a simple explanation.... General Relativity... .Just because increased motion or speed causes a time device to take longer to cycle, does not mean there is a change in the physical properties of the rest of the universe...) It is theorized, that once the the threshold of the speed of light is attained that time will retreat backwards. Even if a clock runs backwards the cyclical motion or events it is designed to measure progresses normally. If we could travel at the speed of light ( we can't and I will tell you why) all that would happen is we would be traveling in the dark because light would not have a chance to reflect..
Even in Hadron our largest particle collider we can not accelerate matter to the speed of light. The reason being, matter increases in weight the closer it gets to the speed of light..Energy added at a certain point needed to increase speed, only increases weight. This may be reason to examine Supersymmetry fermion and/or dark matter in more detail when considering particle velocity.
The most obvious reason for rejecting time travel is; if one where to return to the past, every particle and wave in the universe would have to be in the exact same place and in the same state and moving in the same direction at the same velocity as they were at the given time visited. This would have to be repeated for every moment spent in the past. Given that time ( place and circumstance) and chance influence the randomness of the human will, as well as all split second decisions ..All human actions would have to remain exactly the same as they were in the past for the duration of the visit. ...that is beyond probability maybe even an impossibility..If you were to return all matter to its state, lets say in June12th of 1945 you would have to use the matter we are currently existing in. There would be no matter to form a future to return to. The amount of matter in the universe is fixed. It would have to be squared for every moment you spent in the past. Time is simply how we quantify and order events that happened in the past.Not something that can be traversed or traveled..
The fact is we live in a world governed by fixed laws of nature. Our current reality is not a video that can be replayed, or visited when we want later. It is a good thing too. Can you imagine a world where your current neighbors great, great, great, grandson hates your great, great, great grandson and returns from the future to kill you so your great, great great grandson will have never existed. I am only kidding, but that is the kind of problems that would arise if God would have allowed time travel.Time is not a fabric like space. It is a system of measurement used to record motion and events played out on, or within the fabric of space. Sorry Doctor Who, you are all wet..
Wesley Jones
Monday, August 1, 2011
Jesus Of Nazareth And Theoretical Physics
Historically it has never been wise to hitch your theological or cosmological wagon to the latest scientific theory. However there are currently some very exciting theories being debated in physics. Things like string theory, branes, black holes, parallel universes and multiple dimensions etc.. These MAY (emphasis on MAY) go a long way in explaining a lot of the phenomenon mentioned in the Bible.
The Holy Bible has unbelievable depth. It is multi-layered and multi-faceted like no other book on earth. In it's wisdom books like Proverbs the seeds of moral truth are so profound they defy description. In the prophetic books it's prediction accuracy is amazing. The dozens of fulfilled prophecies about the Messiah that point to Jesus of Nazareth are just astounding..It's historical books are so accurate they are used as maps by archaeologists in the middle east.. Every archaeological dig there in the past 200 years has only confirmed the Bible's accuracy..The Bible's account of origins is becoming more and more plausible with each new scientific discovery. The Holy Bible's knowledge of our physical universe will amaze you when we take into account when it was written.. See the post in this blog : The Holy Bible First In Science.
The one theory I would like to deal with at least in part here is a branch of theoretical physics called string theory or (M theory as it is called since all 5 string theories have been unified). It has to do with particle physics, it claims to have found the lowest common denominator in physics, while reconciling , general relativity, and quantum mechanics (This is my own crude description ) It seeks a comprehensive mathematical explanation for how things work in the sub-atomic world as well as the rest of the universe. In other words string theory is aiming for the holy grail of physics,the title, The Theory Of Everything. What I am endeavoring to do is to compare what the Bible has to say about the origins of our universe, and what string theory has to offer in the way of explaining origins..I hope to do the same with other theories being debated in physics in subsequent articles posted in this blog.
The Bible teaches us that there was a void and only darkness in the space our universe now occupies.That implies there is a place where God exists outside of what we can physically know. Whether we call it a different dimension or a parallel universe or heaven it doesn't matter... God then spoke light into existence. To have light you must have energy to have energy you must have a source, matter. God did not have to go through the minutia he simply said "let there be light" so matter and energy appeared to produce light. This is why in the creation account there are 2 verses before God speaks light into existence dealing with matter.
The Bible also teaches in the first chapter of Genesis, God spoke the rest of the universe into existence as well as ordered it. What this has to do with string theory is this. In string theory scientists believe the strings vibrate not unlike how a voice produces vibrations that are not random but have significance and meaning . If the promoters of string theory are correct and these vibrating strings are not only irreducible; meaning there is no other thing smaller or more foundational in our universe, they also contain in their vibrations the information needed to build order and hold together everything else in the universe..Has science stumbled upon the voice of God in the smallest particle in the universe? Is this the cosmological equivalent to biological DNA?
String/ M, theory also claims 11 dimensions. That opens the door for an unseen spiritual world to dwell and operate in. This is conjecture on my part, but more and more of science is beginning to reinforce the claims of the Bible. String Theory is not a construct of theologians. It is viewed as at least a partial, yet very plausible explanation of origins by many of the top physicists in the world. As science progresses it has not made the Bible irrelevant. In fact the exact opposite is true. We are living in exciting times.
Wesley Jones
The Holy Bible has unbelievable depth. It is multi-layered and multi-faceted like no other book on earth. In it's wisdom books like Proverbs the seeds of moral truth are so profound they defy description. In the prophetic books it's prediction accuracy is amazing. The dozens of fulfilled prophecies about the Messiah that point to Jesus of Nazareth are just astounding..It's historical books are so accurate they are used as maps by archaeologists in the middle east.. Every archaeological dig there in the past 200 years has only confirmed the Bible's accuracy..The Bible's account of origins is becoming more and more plausible with each new scientific discovery. The Holy Bible's knowledge of our physical universe will amaze you when we take into account when it was written.. See the post in this blog : The Holy Bible First In Science.
The one theory I would like to deal with at least in part here is a branch of theoretical physics called string theory or (M theory as it is called since all 5 string theories have been unified). It has to do with particle physics, it claims to have found the lowest common denominator in physics, while reconciling , general relativity, and quantum mechanics (This is my own crude description ) It seeks a comprehensive mathematical explanation for how things work in the sub-atomic world as well as the rest of the universe. In other words string theory is aiming for the holy grail of physics,the title, The Theory Of Everything. What I am endeavoring to do is to compare what the Bible has to say about the origins of our universe, and what string theory has to offer in the way of explaining origins..I hope to do the same with other theories being debated in physics in subsequent articles posted in this blog.
The Bible teaches us that there was a void and only darkness in the space our universe now occupies.That implies there is a place where God exists outside of what we can physically know. Whether we call it a different dimension or a parallel universe or heaven it doesn't matter... God then spoke light into existence. To have light you must have energy to have energy you must have a source, matter. God did not have to go through the minutia he simply said "let there be light" so matter and energy appeared to produce light. This is why in the creation account there are 2 verses before God speaks light into existence dealing with matter.
The Bible also teaches in the first chapter of Genesis, God spoke the rest of the universe into existence as well as ordered it. What this has to do with string theory is this. In string theory scientists believe the strings vibrate not unlike how a voice produces vibrations that are not random but have significance and meaning . If the promoters of string theory are correct and these vibrating strings are not only irreducible; meaning there is no other thing smaller or more foundational in our universe, they also contain in their vibrations the information needed to build order and hold together everything else in the universe..Has science stumbled upon the voice of God in the smallest particle in the universe? Is this the cosmological equivalent to biological DNA?
String/ M, theory also claims 11 dimensions. That opens the door for an unseen spiritual world to dwell and operate in. This is conjecture on my part, but more and more of science is beginning to reinforce the claims of the Bible. String Theory is not a construct of theologians. It is viewed as at least a partial, yet very plausible explanation of origins by many of the top physicists in the world. As science progresses it has not made the Bible irrelevant. In fact the exact opposite is true. We are living in exciting times.
Wesley Jones
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Misplaced Loyalties Are A Recipe For Cruelty
A loyalty is a perceived moral obligation. It may be a misplaced sense of obligation, but people will be loyal to what they believe to be morally important. A street gang, a family, and a religious denomination are alike in the sense they have, even if unwritten, a list of moral obligations to the group. This moral sense of duty to a specific group can be heroic or demonic. History is full of examples of great sacrifice and heroism done for the benefit of one's group or people. On the other hand sectarian loyalties have led to unbelievable barbarism.
Slavery depended on sectarian loyalty. It was so obviously morally bankrupt it had to be defended by pitting white against black, north against south, states rights against the federal government, Democrat against Republican. The slave holders had to depend on the racial, regional and political prejudices to overcome the moral perverseness of their cause. If the Americans who lived then had their moral priorities (loyalties) in order there would have been no reason to fight the Civil War. Before we pass judgement on that generation however we have our own issues. Pro-abortion advocates use the same tactics on this generation. They pit male against female, Conservative against liberal, the religious against non-religious, Republican against Democrat. When an issue is made into a sectarian cause and the sectarian loyalty card is used the most awful practice can be defended by simply playing upon man kinds tribal instincts.
This is the very reason I believe my loyalties should be prioritized. There is a higher moral obligation that transcends any sectarian affiliation I have here on earth. Just because something happens to benefit my segment of society does not make it right. It is also true that something that may inconvenience me and mine is not necessarily wrong. There are moral truths that apply universally and are worth my loyalty to them. No matter what my country, community, church, party or family believe and practice, my first obligation is to the Biblical God.
The reason I use the term, "Biblical God." If I do not use a written revelation of God and His will, I can make my own god and conveniently apply to him any attributes or tenets I feel necessary to justify any behavior at any time. The Biblical God set parameters for our behavior and the Bible prioritizes our allegiances. It takes into account our desire to belong to a community and be affiliated with like minded individuals. Loyalty is an honorable trait that inspires great acts of courage and human sacrifice. But misplaced loyalties can be used to encourage and justify any action no matter how cruel and detrimental to others.
If our first priority is to an earthly sect be it racial, national, political or religious we become ripe for the use of those who play upon our differences to do mischief. Through the lens of sectarian unquestioned loyalties any war can be justified any injustice excused and any cruelty rationalized. Our God in His Holy Bible has left us the freedom to join and promote any cause we see fit. He lets us love and defend our nation and promote the beliefs of our favorite organizations. However He demands that our first loyalty be to Him and his will expressed in the Holy Bible. (At least in the western world) God has also given us the freedom to voluntarily submit to any religious organization and follow any religious leader we choose as long as we hold the organization and it's leaders to Biblical standards.There is no earthly entity secular or religious that deserves our loyalty or promotes our well being more than the God of the Bible.
With all the competing interests be they gender, racial, religious, tribal, or national the Holy God of the Bible, and His moral precepts when applied universally can be the final arbiter. When Jesus Christ came to earth He brought division as well as liberty. He gave each individual follower a moral compass and gave them the freedom to split from the pack when it became morally incongruous with the word of God. When we make the doctrine and interests of our particular sect our final moral authority we become a slave to faction. Jesus Christ offers us liberty from faction and sectarianism. He frees us to become free moral agents governed voluntarily by God and His Holy Word. When we make anyone other than the Biblical God the final authority on what is morally right we do a disservice to the group of any kind we belong to. We also leave ourselves and the causes and organizations we support vulnerable to tyranny..
Wesley Jones
Slavery depended on sectarian loyalty. It was so obviously morally bankrupt it had to be defended by pitting white against black, north against south, states rights against the federal government, Democrat against Republican. The slave holders had to depend on the racial, regional and political prejudices to overcome the moral perverseness of their cause. If the Americans who lived then had their moral priorities (loyalties) in order there would have been no reason to fight the Civil War. Before we pass judgement on that generation however we have our own issues. Pro-abortion advocates use the same tactics on this generation. They pit male against female, Conservative against liberal, the religious against non-religious, Republican against Democrat. When an issue is made into a sectarian cause and the sectarian loyalty card is used the most awful practice can be defended by simply playing upon man kinds tribal instincts.
This is the very reason I believe my loyalties should be prioritized. There is a higher moral obligation that transcends any sectarian affiliation I have here on earth. Just because something happens to benefit my segment of society does not make it right. It is also true that something that may inconvenience me and mine is not necessarily wrong. There are moral truths that apply universally and are worth my loyalty to them. No matter what my country, community, church, party or family believe and practice, my first obligation is to the Biblical God.
The reason I use the term, "Biblical God." If I do not use a written revelation of God and His will, I can make my own god and conveniently apply to him any attributes or tenets I feel necessary to justify any behavior at any time. The Biblical God set parameters for our behavior and the Bible prioritizes our allegiances. It takes into account our desire to belong to a community and be affiliated with like minded individuals. Loyalty is an honorable trait that inspires great acts of courage and human sacrifice. But misplaced loyalties can be used to encourage and justify any action no matter how cruel and detrimental to others.
If our first priority is to an earthly sect be it racial, national, political or religious we become ripe for the use of those who play upon our differences to do mischief. Through the lens of sectarian unquestioned loyalties any war can be justified any injustice excused and any cruelty rationalized. Our God in His Holy Bible has left us the freedom to join and promote any cause we see fit. He lets us love and defend our nation and promote the beliefs of our favorite organizations. However He demands that our first loyalty be to Him and his will expressed in the Holy Bible. (At least in the western world) God has also given us the freedom to voluntarily submit to any religious organization and follow any religious leader we choose as long as we hold the organization and it's leaders to Biblical standards.There is no earthly entity secular or religious that deserves our loyalty or promotes our well being more than the God of the Bible.
With all the competing interests be they gender, racial, religious, tribal, or national the Holy God of the Bible, and His moral precepts when applied universally can be the final arbiter. When Jesus Christ came to earth He brought division as well as liberty. He gave each individual follower a moral compass and gave them the freedom to split from the pack when it became morally incongruous with the word of God. When we make the doctrine and interests of our particular sect our final moral authority we become a slave to faction. Jesus Christ offers us liberty from faction and sectarianism. He frees us to become free moral agents governed voluntarily by God and His Holy Word. When we make anyone other than the Biblical God the final authority on what is morally right we do a disservice to the group of any kind we belong to. We also leave ourselves and the causes and organizations we support vulnerable to tyranny..
Wesley Jones
Saturday, July 30, 2011
What In The World Does God Want From Me?
In the Old Testament book of Micah the prophet Micah stood between God and the people of Israel. He became the spokesman for God to the people and the voice of the people to God. He ask of God for the people; "With what shall I come before the Lord and bow myself before the High God?" He asked if God wanted them to sacrifice their best and in great numbers, or did God want them to vow and give them their first born for the sin of their soul? God's answer was simple and direct. " He hath shown thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and love mercy, and walk humbly with thy God." In other words what God wants from us is simply to be humble, just, honest, and compassionate human beings.
In my journey through this world I have sought truth, peace and God's will for my life in many different places. I have attended hundreds of churches, dozens of denominations and heard thousands of sermons. A lot of what I saw was not good. Everything from believing God wants us to see how loud and wild we can be in a church service. To God wants us to be strict, prohibitive and austere as we can possibly be. I have heard it preached that what God wants is our money and only the most generous tithers please God. I have heard it taught that only the people who give up TV, radio, card playing, dance, short pants and short skirts, caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, fatty foods and cut their hair in a certain way can possibly please God.
Unfortunately I have witnessed too much emphasis put on the external while the matters of the heart were mostly ignored. I believe the animosity between Christian sects are not caused by the great Biblical truths taught in scripture. They are caused by the misunderstanding caused by a false notion of what God wants from us. King David in the book of Psalms chapter 15, asked God directly what He wanted from mankind. "Lord who shall abide with you and live with you forever?" God's answer to David was .. " He that lives honestly and does what is right and speaks what is right from their heart. He that does not slander or mistreat their fellowman. He who refutes the wicked and cruel while honoring the just and merciful."
In my almost 53 years of living ( 32 of them as a Christian ) I have found this one thing to be true. There is nothing more that God wants from us than for us to be kind, tenderhearted and honest human beings. Whatever rules and regulations we put upon ourselves or others are at best secondary to what lies within our hearts and minds. I can not speak for everyone else, but as for me the only remedy I have found in changing the foolishness and pettiness of my heart is in knowing God's Son , Jesus Christ and God's will revealed in the Holy Bible.
I am of the opinion that many people reject God because of the false notions about His will promoted by ignorant and disingenuous religious leaders. My advice to all seekers of truth is to not to rely on others to find God's will for your life. Seek God and His will for yourself. Both can be found in the person of Jesus Christ and the Holy Bible, but only by those who look for themselves..The alternative is to be ran in circles trying to live up to what everyone else believes is God's will for your life.
Wesley Jones
In my journey through this world I have sought truth, peace and God's will for my life in many different places. I have attended hundreds of churches, dozens of denominations and heard thousands of sermons. A lot of what I saw was not good. Everything from believing God wants us to see how loud and wild we can be in a church service. To God wants us to be strict, prohibitive and austere as we can possibly be. I have heard it preached that what God wants is our money and only the most generous tithers please God. I have heard it taught that only the people who give up TV, radio, card playing, dance, short pants and short skirts, caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, fatty foods and cut their hair in a certain way can possibly please God.
Unfortunately I have witnessed too much emphasis put on the external while the matters of the heart were mostly ignored. I believe the animosity between Christian sects are not caused by the great Biblical truths taught in scripture. They are caused by the misunderstanding caused by a false notion of what God wants from us. King David in the book of Psalms chapter 15, asked God directly what He wanted from mankind. "Lord who shall abide with you and live with you forever?" God's answer to David was .. " He that lives honestly and does what is right and speaks what is right from their heart. He that does not slander or mistreat their fellowman. He who refutes the wicked and cruel while honoring the just and merciful."
In my almost 53 years of living ( 32 of them as a Christian ) I have found this one thing to be true. There is nothing more that God wants from us than for us to be kind, tenderhearted and honest human beings. Whatever rules and regulations we put upon ourselves or others are at best secondary to what lies within our hearts and minds. I can not speak for everyone else, but as for me the only remedy I have found in changing the foolishness and pettiness of my heart is in knowing God's Son , Jesus Christ and God's will revealed in the Holy Bible.
I am of the opinion that many people reject God because of the false notions about His will promoted by ignorant and disingenuous religious leaders. My advice to all seekers of truth is to not to rely on others to find God's will for your life. Seek God and His will for yourself. Both can be found in the person of Jesus Christ and the Holy Bible, but only by those who look for themselves..The alternative is to be ran in circles trying to live up to what everyone else believes is God's will for your life.
Wesley Jones
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Somethings Are Worth Paying For: A Commonsense Solution To The debt Crisis
Our current budget problems can be reduced to; what programs are worth the government funding, and who has to pay for them. Most Americans have no problem with the idea of helping the destitute and disabled. Many programs that do this are worthy of the financial sacrifice made by the more fortunate citizens. Keeping food on everyone's table and a roof over their head and medicine in their cabinet is a worthwhile goal of government. The rub comes when we have to decide who pays for it. The easiest solution is to put it all upon the taxation of future generations by borrowing and spending now...That option is about to run out..
The desire to make taxes painless and politically palatable usually leads to going after business.Since a business can not vote it is the logical solution. However a business has employees and stock holders ( mostly the 401ks of middle class workers ). Most businesses greatest expenses are salaries and benefits of employees. When a business is taxed it adds another expense and the employees and stockholders pay the bill with lower wages and less benefits. The alternative is to pass the tax on to the consumer in the form of raising the price of the product or service. This often reduces market share and gives an advantage to competitors usually based over seas where there are less taxes and regulations.
The next attempt is always directed at the prosperous. The people who have succeeded in acquiring wealth. They prospered through hard work, sacrifice, wise investment, or just fortuitous enough to have parents that acquired wealth honestly themselves. The problem with putting an unfair burden on prosperity is it diminishes the reward for education , hard work and effort. It also stymies risk associated with investment, especially in cutting edge technology... All is not lost there is a fair and equitable solution in funding worthwhile government programs.
In the current political climate there are plenty of politicians who build their careers on pandering to business and the rich, or playing upon the envy and jealousy of people towards those who for whatever reason are more successful than others. What we need is a system of taxation that does not open the door for the politicians who play one segment of our society against the other, or give tax exemptions and subsidies to their financial supporters.
The most obvious and simplest form of fair taxation that does not punish success, or put the poor and middle class at a disadvantage is a universal flat tax. If we are going to tax business at all, it is best to tax them in a way they can not lobby for exemptions or subsidies. An example: Five percent of net (period) without exemptions.The parameters that determine net income should be universal, for the self employed, to the largest corporations. This approach would bring stability and certainty and encourage investment while adding to and stabilizing our tax revenues. It also would let the free market determine the value of the product and the viability of the company, not the politicians making sweetheart deals with business for tax exemptions and subsidies.
The same is true for individual taxation. If the only exemptions from a five percent taxing of individual gross income are the number of dependents, politicians could not pit one segment of society against the other. If taxes are to be raised or lowered, all but the destitute would share the burden or benefit.( there should be exemption from income taxes for those below a realistic poverty line) ...There will be those who claim a flat tax is not progressive enough, the rich should pay a higher percentage. Five percent of 200,000 dollars is 10,000 dollars. Five percent of 20,000 dollars 1,000 dollars. If you make ten times more than your neighbor you pay ten times more. Anymore or any less would be unfair.... After a 1,000 dollar dependent exemption the person making 20,000 dollars would pay zero.The person making 200,000 would pay 9,000 dollars...If that is not fair, the problem is not with fairness but one of envy.
The percent is not set in stone, but if it raised or lowered universally for all citizens and businesses alike it takes out a lot of the rancor and corruption out of politics.If taxes are raised they are raised on everyone including those who support you politically. If we also were to have a enforceable balanced budget amendment along with a flat tax none of our national wealth would be wasted on servicing an unnecessary debt. It would also keep politicians from buying votes by offering government programs, tax exemptions and subsidies without raising taxes on everyone but their supporters. Interest on debt and foreign energy costs are driving us to the edge of bankruptcy..We can have a solid, effective social safety net, along with a second to none infrastructure, but we all need to equally fund and pay for them.
Low and fair taxes, and a certain and simple tax system not only will help our economy and encourage investment. It will provide the funds to pay for worthwhile government programs to improve the quality of life for all of us. A balanced budget mandate would insure our taxes went for the benefit of our fellow citizens, rather than paying interest to foreigners who hold our debt. If we all have a say, and share the burden equally, instead of having politicians pitting different segments of society against each other, and/or giving their supporters tax exemptions and special subsidies and benefits. The world would marvel how generous and prosperous our government and economy could be.
Wesley Jones
The desire to make taxes painless and politically palatable usually leads to going after business.Since a business can not vote it is the logical solution. However a business has employees and stock holders ( mostly the 401ks of middle class workers ). Most businesses greatest expenses are salaries and benefits of employees. When a business is taxed it adds another expense and the employees and stockholders pay the bill with lower wages and less benefits. The alternative is to pass the tax on to the consumer in the form of raising the price of the product or service. This often reduces market share and gives an advantage to competitors usually based over seas where there are less taxes and regulations.
The next attempt is always directed at the prosperous. The people who have succeeded in acquiring wealth. They prospered through hard work, sacrifice, wise investment, or just fortuitous enough to have parents that acquired wealth honestly themselves. The problem with putting an unfair burden on prosperity is it diminishes the reward for education , hard work and effort. It also stymies risk associated with investment, especially in cutting edge technology... All is not lost there is a fair and equitable solution in funding worthwhile government programs.
In the current political climate there are plenty of politicians who build their careers on pandering to business and the rich, or playing upon the envy and jealousy of people towards those who for whatever reason are more successful than others. What we need is a system of taxation that does not open the door for the politicians who play one segment of our society against the other, or give tax exemptions and subsidies to their financial supporters.
The most obvious and simplest form of fair taxation that does not punish success, or put the poor and middle class at a disadvantage is a universal flat tax. If we are going to tax business at all, it is best to tax them in a way they can not lobby for exemptions or subsidies. An example: Five percent of net (period) without exemptions.The parameters that determine net income should be universal, for the self employed, to the largest corporations. This approach would bring stability and certainty and encourage investment while adding to and stabilizing our tax revenues. It also would let the free market determine the value of the product and the viability of the company, not the politicians making sweetheart deals with business for tax exemptions and subsidies.
The same is true for individual taxation. If the only exemptions from a five percent taxing of individual gross income are the number of dependents, politicians could not pit one segment of society against the other. If taxes are to be raised or lowered, all but the destitute would share the burden or benefit.( there should be exemption from income taxes for those below a realistic poverty line) ...There will be those who claim a flat tax is not progressive enough, the rich should pay a higher percentage. Five percent of 200,000 dollars is 10,000 dollars. Five percent of 20,000 dollars 1,000 dollars. If you make ten times more than your neighbor you pay ten times more. Anymore or any less would be unfair.... After a 1,000 dollar dependent exemption the person making 20,000 dollars would pay zero.The person making 200,000 would pay 9,000 dollars...If that is not fair, the problem is not with fairness but one of envy.
The percent is not set in stone, but if it raised or lowered universally for all citizens and businesses alike it takes out a lot of the rancor and corruption out of politics.If taxes are raised they are raised on everyone including those who support you politically. If we also were to have a enforceable balanced budget amendment along with a flat tax none of our national wealth would be wasted on servicing an unnecessary debt. It would also keep politicians from buying votes by offering government programs, tax exemptions and subsidies without raising taxes on everyone but their supporters. Interest on debt and foreign energy costs are driving us to the edge of bankruptcy..We can have a solid, effective social safety net, along with a second to none infrastructure, but we all need to equally fund and pay for them.
Low and fair taxes, and a certain and simple tax system not only will help our economy and encourage investment. It will provide the funds to pay for worthwhile government programs to improve the quality of life for all of us. A balanced budget mandate would insure our taxes went for the benefit of our fellow citizens, rather than paying interest to foreigners who hold our debt. If we all have a say, and share the burden equally, instead of having politicians pitting different segments of society against each other, and/or giving their supporters tax exemptions and special subsidies and benefits. The world would marvel how generous and prosperous our government and economy could be.
Wesley Jones
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Is It Time To Give Up ?
After an outbreak of severe weather, series of earthquakes, threat of war or even a major defeat of our particular political party and/or political cause, it is human nature to entertain apocalyptic thoughts. Things like ; man has gone too far to be redeemable, it is the day of reckoning, the end of the world is at hand, all is lost and things can only get worse.... Catastrophe or political calamity can be an excuse to quit and run to the extremes, or simply a time to roll up our sleeves and try to work even harder to make this planet a better place to be until God sees fit to change it Himself.. Often the doomsday prophets no matter their politics or affiliation have the exact opposite impact on society they intend to. They try to motivate the masses with hyperbole and worse case scenarios. This approach more often then not creates apathy and fear more than it does productive change.
I posted a previous article for this blog titled, How Our Eschatology Effects Our Politics. In it I addressed how an overly pessimistic, non-Biblical view of eschatology can cause discouragement and even doubt about us even having a future. It causes fear an suspicion and rampant speculation in some people. Probably worst of all it causes apathy and a, "whats the use in trying to change things", attitude in all of us. The evening news can be discouraging, but believe me things have been worse. Consider that at one time, Hitler Stalin, Mao, Mussolini and Franco were all alive and were in power or ascending to power. Japan was a military dictatorship killing thousands in Asia. Central and south America were ruled by dictators while under crushing poverty. Most of the world was in the midst of a great depression. All of this in a short span of less than 20 years. Our problems pale in comparison.
Life went on and we made it out of the twentieth century and unless God intervenes it will go on for us as well. I believe there is always hope we can build a better tomorrow. The alternative is to sit on a hill and wait for the end. Or worse we could all stop caring and begin to live only for today, "eat drink and be merry for tomorrow we die". The extremes that live on the lunatic fringes of political, religious and cultural reality thrive on ignorance, fear and apathy.
Not only does the world need knowledgeable people who still care and have a hope for tomorrow. The world needs a method to sort the wheat from the chaff. There is so much non-sense out there especially in the areas of politics and religion. There is also no shortage of the overly ambitious who want to be our messiah and/or dictator. Mankind does not have to be at their mercy without a resource to consistently discern truth. I found that resource around the age of 14.
I was an avid reader in high school, when I could find the time between sports and work. One thing I quickly learned; not all political or religious experts were offering the same thing, or taking the same path to get there. Most were at least in part well meaning. Many were out right demagogues. I needed a scale to weigh their arguments. I found it in the Holy Bible. I could use the Proverbs and Ecclesiastes to learn to recognize worthwhile knowledge and acquire wisdom. I used the Psalms to learn how to worship God. I used the words of Jesus to understand how to conduct myself and treat others ( I still made most of the foolish teenage mistakes) but I had found a solid method in sorting truth from foolishness. The writings of the apostles helped me recognize false religious doctrines and false teachers. knowing the prophetic books of the Bible made the false prophets easily identifiable.
We do not need anymore charismatic leaders to lead us from one extreme to the other. We need solid individuals with a firm foundation in reality, and an informed electorate that will not change course every time someone screams the sky is falling. The Bible was the arbiter of truth and the definer of terms when this nation was founded. I know it can be used to sort through the half baked and self promoting ideas that have led us to our current state of national confusion. If we as a people do not find both a common starting point and a common foundation on which to build we will continue to be jerked from the far left to the far right every few years. If a few disasters are mixed with a few demagogues we could end up with a 1940s style dictatorship of our own. Or even a nation of competing extreme religious cults.
Wesley Jones
I posted a previous article for this blog titled, How Our Eschatology Effects Our Politics. In it I addressed how an overly pessimistic, non-Biblical view of eschatology can cause discouragement and even doubt about us even having a future. It causes fear an suspicion and rampant speculation in some people. Probably worst of all it causes apathy and a, "whats the use in trying to change things", attitude in all of us. The evening news can be discouraging, but believe me things have been worse. Consider that at one time, Hitler Stalin, Mao, Mussolini and Franco were all alive and were in power or ascending to power. Japan was a military dictatorship killing thousands in Asia. Central and south America were ruled by dictators while under crushing poverty. Most of the world was in the midst of a great depression. All of this in a short span of less than 20 years. Our problems pale in comparison.
Life went on and we made it out of the twentieth century and unless God intervenes it will go on for us as well. I believe there is always hope we can build a better tomorrow. The alternative is to sit on a hill and wait for the end. Or worse we could all stop caring and begin to live only for today, "eat drink and be merry for tomorrow we die". The extremes that live on the lunatic fringes of political, religious and cultural reality thrive on ignorance, fear and apathy.
Not only does the world need knowledgeable people who still care and have a hope for tomorrow. The world needs a method to sort the wheat from the chaff. There is so much non-sense out there especially in the areas of politics and religion. There is also no shortage of the overly ambitious who want to be our messiah and/or dictator. Mankind does not have to be at their mercy without a resource to consistently discern truth. I found that resource around the age of 14.
I was an avid reader in high school, when I could find the time between sports and work. One thing I quickly learned; not all political or religious experts were offering the same thing, or taking the same path to get there. Most were at least in part well meaning. Many were out right demagogues. I needed a scale to weigh their arguments. I found it in the Holy Bible. I could use the Proverbs and Ecclesiastes to learn to recognize worthwhile knowledge and acquire wisdom. I used the Psalms to learn how to worship God. I used the words of Jesus to understand how to conduct myself and treat others ( I still made most of the foolish teenage mistakes) but I had found a solid method in sorting truth from foolishness. The writings of the apostles helped me recognize false religious doctrines and false teachers. knowing the prophetic books of the Bible made the false prophets easily identifiable.
We do not need anymore charismatic leaders to lead us from one extreme to the other. We need solid individuals with a firm foundation in reality, and an informed electorate that will not change course every time someone screams the sky is falling. The Bible was the arbiter of truth and the definer of terms when this nation was founded. I know it can be used to sort through the half baked and self promoting ideas that have led us to our current state of national confusion. If we as a people do not find both a common starting point and a common foundation on which to build we will continue to be jerked from the far left to the far right every few years. If a few disasters are mixed with a few demagogues we could end up with a 1940s style dictatorship of our own. Or even a nation of competing extreme religious cults.
Wesley Jones
Sunday, June 26, 2011
When An Equal Chance To Be Heard Is Not Enough
There is a general rule that applies to how we justify and defend our actions. When we are acting in accord with what we know to be true, and in line with Biblical teaching, there is a self satisfaction that doesn't need to prohibit or punish every view contrary to the one we hold to. Christianity works both privately and corporately because it seeks to win those in disagreement not destroy them. However if we hold an opinion that disregards Biblical scripture and is at odds with our God given moral sensibilities, the more we will find it necessary to censor or silence any opposing view.
If we are in power we will protect our error with the law and sword. If not we will protect it with slander and defamation of character. In my study of history I saw this pattern play out over and over in politics, in the struggle for religious liberty, in church, science, morality and social justice. The view that was furthest from Biblical truth was often the most violent, extreme and oppressive. I would like to mention a few historical examples in this post.
When Jesus Christ came upon the scene He was received gladly by the common people. He fulfilled dozens of Old Testament prophecies. Yet the Pagan secular and Jewish religious leaders of the day for reasons of envy as well as the fear of loss of prestige, money and position, mostly rejected Him. They tolerated all kinds of religious views and practices without persecuting them. However Jesus was different. His claims were backed by the Holy scriptures.Christ was eventually crucified His followers harassed and martyred for almost 400 years, and they still are in many parts of the world today. The fact is; Jesus Christ and His apostles, including Paul after his conversion, never had anyone arrested and/or spilled blood in any way while promoting their view of faith.
When promoting truth, liberty is your ally. When protecting error, freedom is an enemy..It is no accident that the freest and most advanced societies in history have been built on a Biblical and Christian foundation. Before the Bible was widely read and understood there were setbacks, but for the most part historically Biblical Christianity did not need to prohibit other views, it only needed liberty and a forum to promote the truth. On the other hand . Error can not thrive in the light of liberty. Neither can it prosper if truth is allowed to sit at the same table..
During the Scopes trial Clarence Darrow the lawyer for John Scopes, and the evolutionary position, made the argument " to not allow either creation or evolution a seat at the academic table would be a terrible blow to free speech." He was right. It was a smart defense because science had already, (especially in the area of genetics and biology), had proven macro-evolution a farce. The victory evolutionists eventually won ( although not at that trial ) was not enough. Because evolution is in error it can not allow truth at the same table.Since the 1970s cell biology, newer dating methods, discoveries in geology, archeology, and paleontology have drove nail after nail in evolution's coffin. Yet because no victory or concession is ever enough for those who promote this error, evolution's corpse sits alone at origin's table. No dissent allowed!
Prior to the French revolution atheists and the irreligious demanded a spot in French politics. When the revolution was under way they gained control. The result was the murder of thousands of French nobles and clerics, bishops and cardinals. The Communists in the twentieth century demanded a seat at the table. When they got it they seized control. Because their politics were based on envy and atheism, millions of innocent people died as a result.
Historically, causes that are antithetical to Biblical teaching are never satisfied with equal treatment. They must dominate and eradicate those who oppose or disagree with them. They are not satisfied with having an equal opportunity to bring their argument to the public square. Neither is rejection of their argument an option for everyone else. My advice to anyone thinking of promoting a cause or behavior that the Bible warns us about....Think and study long and hard... The precedents set by those who thought they knew more and better than the God of the Holy Bible are not good ones. They often led to misery and death for their fellowman.
Wesley Jones
If we are in power we will protect our error with the law and sword. If not we will protect it with slander and defamation of character. In my study of history I saw this pattern play out over and over in politics, in the struggle for religious liberty, in church, science, morality and social justice. The view that was furthest from Biblical truth was often the most violent, extreme and oppressive. I would like to mention a few historical examples in this post.
When Jesus Christ came upon the scene He was received gladly by the common people. He fulfilled dozens of Old Testament prophecies. Yet the Pagan secular and Jewish religious leaders of the day for reasons of envy as well as the fear of loss of prestige, money and position, mostly rejected Him. They tolerated all kinds of religious views and practices without persecuting them. However Jesus was different. His claims were backed by the Holy scriptures.Christ was eventually crucified His followers harassed and martyred for almost 400 years, and they still are in many parts of the world today. The fact is; Jesus Christ and His apostles, including Paul after his conversion, never had anyone arrested and/or spilled blood in any way while promoting their view of faith.
When promoting truth, liberty is your ally. When protecting error, freedom is an enemy..It is no accident that the freest and most advanced societies in history have been built on a Biblical and Christian foundation. Before the Bible was widely read and understood there were setbacks, but for the most part historically Biblical Christianity did not need to prohibit other views, it only needed liberty and a forum to promote the truth. On the other hand . Error can not thrive in the light of liberty. Neither can it prosper if truth is allowed to sit at the same table..
During the Scopes trial Clarence Darrow the lawyer for John Scopes, and the evolutionary position, made the argument " to not allow either creation or evolution a seat at the academic table would be a terrible blow to free speech." He was right. It was a smart defense because science had already, (especially in the area of genetics and biology), had proven macro-evolution a farce. The victory evolutionists eventually won ( although not at that trial ) was not enough. Because evolution is in error it can not allow truth at the same table.Since the 1970s cell biology, newer dating methods, discoveries in geology, archeology, and paleontology have drove nail after nail in evolution's coffin. Yet because no victory or concession is ever enough for those who promote this error, evolution's corpse sits alone at origin's table. No dissent allowed!
Prior to the French revolution atheists and the irreligious demanded a spot in French politics. When the revolution was under way they gained control. The result was the murder of thousands of French nobles and clerics, bishops and cardinals. The Communists in the twentieth century demanded a seat at the table. When they got it they seized control. Because their politics were based on envy and atheism, millions of innocent people died as a result.
Historically, causes that are antithetical to Biblical teaching are never satisfied with equal treatment. They must dominate and eradicate those who oppose or disagree with them. They are not satisfied with having an equal opportunity to bring their argument to the public square. Neither is rejection of their argument an option for everyone else. My advice to anyone thinking of promoting a cause or behavior that the Bible warns us about....Think and study long and hard... The precedents set by those who thought they knew more and better than the God of the Holy Bible are not good ones. They often led to misery and death for their fellowman.
Wesley Jones
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Marriage, Sacred Or Archaic ?
Whether we like it, or accept it, the statistics prove the institution of marriage is beneficial to both the male and female of our species. Males tend to be more violent, less responsible and have a propensity towards addictive and/or destructive behavior before marriage. Women to a lesser degree have the same tendencies. In cultures where society has broken down, or they do not honor marriage as something to be respected and nurtured, women and children are more likely to be victims of violence and sexual assault and used for corrupt financial gain. In places where the Biblical teaching of mutual respect, love and honor are taught, or at least mimicked, marriage is as beneficial to females as it is to males. Before we declare marriage to be out dated or attempt to alter it to something it has not been in the past. We need to look very hard at the alternatives and the historical benefits visited upon mankind by past generation's adherence to this sacred institution.
Political candidates that are being vetted by the American press are often asked about their stand on marriage and civil unions. There is a very real legal, moral and religious difference between the two. I am for allowing them both. The caveat being; without watering down the moral and religious connotations of marriage between one male and one female, while at the same time protecting the financial, property and religious liberty of those who live outside of a Biblical sanctioned relationship.
In a society that was founded upon a Biblical understanding of personal religious liberty we have a moral obligation to protect the right of all people to pursue life, liberty and happiness. Knowing that none of us have a perfect understanding of our God's Biblical will. We can only strive to give equal protection under the law as well as the liberty to grow and make mistakes to all our citizens no matter what their religious beliefs.
Having friends and family that live outside the Biblical understanding of marriage, it is my hope that our laws can reflect my desire for the protection of their property and financial well being, as well as of their personal liberties. Even if they choose to be involved in a " live in " relationship not sanctioned by scripture.... Civil unions address this problem while not asking society to sanction something that is not Biblical. Those living outside of our understanding of God's will have the right to function equally and openly in our society. They do not have the right to make the rest of a society agree with and sanction their religious choice. Majorities have religious liberties as well as minorities.
I am a Biblical Christian I believe our creator is the Biblical God. I also know we live in a fallen and imperfect world. Our chance for each couple to live as Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden is over. We all have our faults and make mistakes. None of us can demand perfection of others without being hypocritical ourselves. That being said there is truth and a way to live that is in our own best interest. We often do not do what we know is right. This is where religious liberty is our friend and protector. Not only for ourselves but for our fellow citizen.
Without compromising on Biblical instruction I can see the importance of letting homosexuals legally protect themselves and their wealth by allowing civil unions. I also can see the down side of not allowing them to serve openly and honestly in the military and in any other secular endeavor. They could be blackmailed and threatened with exposure. This would be detrimental in any capacity they served or job they were involved in.
However as a person that knows and understands history and the basis of personal and national liberty. I know we can not thumb our noses at the God of the Bible. He is the author of and protector of our liberties. The more we as a society, nation and people try to please and seek God the better off we all are. Liberty is the freedom to error, and the freedom not to be forced to agree with, or sanction what is wrong.
Wesley Jones
Political candidates that are being vetted by the American press are often asked about their stand on marriage and civil unions. There is a very real legal, moral and religious difference between the two. I am for allowing them both. The caveat being; without watering down the moral and religious connotations of marriage between one male and one female, while at the same time protecting the financial, property and religious liberty of those who live outside of a Biblical sanctioned relationship.
In a society that was founded upon a Biblical understanding of personal religious liberty we have a moral obligation to protect the right of all people to pursue life, liberty and happiness. Knowing that none of us have a perfect understanding of our God's Biblical will. We can only strive to give equal protection under the law as well as the liberty to grow and make mistakes to all our citizens no matter what their religious beliefs.
Having friends and family that live outside the Biblical understanding of marriage, it is my hope that our laws can reflect my desire for the protection of their property and financial well being, as well as of their personal liberties. Even if they choose to be involved in a " live in " relationship not sanctioned by scripture.... Civil unions address this problem while not asking society to sanction something that is not Biblical. Those living outside of our understanding of God's will have the right to function equally and openly in our society. They do not have the right to make the rest of a society agree with and sanction their religious choice. Majorities have religious liberties as well as minorities.
I am a Biblical Christian I believe our creator is the Biblical God. I also know we live in a fallen and imperfect world. Our chance for each couple to live as Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden is over. We all have our faults and make mistakes. None of us can demand perfection of others without being hypocritical ourselves. That being said there is truth and a way to live that is in our own best interest. We often do not do what we know is right. This is where religious liberty is our friend and protector. Not only for ourselves but for our fellow citizen.
Without compromising on Biblical instruction I can see the importance of letting homosexuals legally protect themselves and their wealth by allowing civil unions. I also can see the down side of not allowing them to serve openly and honestly in the military and in any other secular endeavor. They could be blackmailed and threatened with exposure. This would be detrimental in any capacity they served or job they were involved in.
However as a person that knows and understands history and the basis of personal and national liberty. I know we can not thumb our noses at the God of the Bible. He is the author of and protector of our liberties. The more we as a society, nation and people try to please and seek God the better off we all are. Liberty is the freedom to error, and the freedom not to be forced to agree with, or sanction what is wrong.
Wesley Jones
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Why I Believe Promoting Women's Rights is A Biblical Mandate.
In a previous post ( The Holy Bible First in Science ) I endeavored to show that the Bible is relevant, if not completely trustworthy when it comes to science. If the evidence given was not sufficient, or not enough to overcome presupposition and prejudice, I suggest, (Apologetics Press), is a good place to start if you are wanting to be factually convinced. I bring this up to make the point; if the critics of Biblical scripture are wrong about the scientific veracity of the Holy Bible, they could be just as wrong claiming Biblical Christianity is a detriment to the equality of women.
Before I make a Biblical case for gender equality I would like to state why the equality of women is one of the most pressing issues of our time, and a absolute necessity in a free and just society. It was often said in the 1960s; "a society can be judged by it's treatment of it's most disadvantaged citizens". Not only is the equality of women the great civil rights issue of our time, it has been in the past and will be until Jesus returns. The rights of children the elderly the poor and the handicapped are derivatives of women's rights. The political voice of women is essential to arrive at a just and fair foreign and domestic policy. Women and their children are the most adversely affected by war, poverty and the lack of justice.
Many of the problems in the Muslim world could be solved by simply granting women there the basic civil liberties enjoyed by men. Women's equality does not erode religious liberty. When a woman like a man is free to apply her faith to her public conduct, society reaps the benefit. There are vast differences of opinion among both male and females of all faiths on a woman's role in society, the home and the church. The only way to guarantee religious liberty ( which is the foundation of all liberties ) is to give all citizens male and female equal protection under the law and to not prohibit women in any way from participating in secular society, or violating her religious beliefs by being forced to behave in a way that does not recognize the differences in the way God created us.
As a former Protestant Pastor and a person who often attends Catholic services for the peace, beauty and tranquility I find there. I know the arguments claiming the Bible discriminates against women. As a pastor I allowed women to speak in my church and I grappled with the verses commanding men to take that initiative themselves. I was aware of the verses that differentiated the roles in society and worship of the genders. Many had cultural and historical caveats. Others were to address problems between married couples that did not need to be played out in church, and some were to provide order and structure just as is commanded in our duty to secular society.
I do not claim to have a perfect answer for every controversial verse that addresses the difference between male and female. However I know the Bible teaches God is no respecter of persons and the apostles taught that in Christianity there is no male or female, free or slave, Jew or Gentile. Only believers and unbelievers. The apostles also taught men to love and honor their wives. To respect, serve and sacrifice for the women around them. The Bible promotes liberty and justice and to treat all people the way we ourselves want to be treated and the fact is the Bible makes no distinction in this area when it comes to gender.
Historically where ever the Bible is read and revered the plight of women and others has vastly improved. I could give numerous verses and examples from scripture and history that prove Biblical Christianity promotes the equality and liberty of women. I would rather encourage both men and women to seek the God of the Bible and read for themselves how gracious Christ is and how much He cares about the liberty and well being of all people.
Wesley Jones
Before I make a Biblical case for gender equality I would like to state why the equality of women is one of the most pressing issues of our time, and a absolute necessity in a free and just society. It was often said in the 1960s; "a society can be judged by it's treatment of it's most disadvantaged citizens". Not only is the equality of women the great civil rights issue of our time, it has been in the past and will be until Jesus returns. The rights of children the elderly the poor and the handicapped are derivatives of women's rights. The political voice of women is essential to arrive at a just and fair foreign and domestic policy. Women and their children are the most adversely affected by war, poverty and the lack of justice.
Many of the problems in the Muslim world could be solved by simply granting women there the basic civil liberties enjoyed by men. Women's equality does not erode religious liberty. When a woman like a man is free to apply her faith to her public conduct, society reaps the benefit. There are vast differences of opinion among both male and females of all faiths on a woman's role in society, the home and the church. The only way to guarantee religious liberty ( which is the foundation of all liberties ) is to give all citizens male and female equal protection under the law and to not prohibit women in any way from participating in secular society, or violating her religious beliefs by being forced to behave in a way that does not recognize the differences in the way God created us.
As a former Protestant Pastor and a person who often attends Catholic services for the peace, beauty and tranquility I find there. I know the arguments claiming the Bible discriminates against women. As a pastor I allowed women to speak in my church and I grappled with the verses commanding men to take that initiative themselves. I was aware of the verses that differentiated the roles in society and worship of the genders. Many had cultural and historical caveats. Others were to address problems between married couples that did not need to be played out in church, and some were to provide order and structure just as is commanded in our duty to secular society.
I do not claim to have a perfect answer for every controversial verse that addresses the difference between male and female. However I know the Bible teaches God is no respecter of persons and the apostles taught that in Christianity there is no male or female, free or slave, Jew or Gentile. Only believers and unbelievers. The apostles also taught men to love and honor their wives. To respect, serve and sacrifice for the women around them. The Bible promotes liberty and justice and to treat all people the way we ourselves want to be treated and the fact is the Bible makes no distinction in this area when it comes to gender.
Historically where ever the Bible is read and revered the plight of women and others has vastly improved. I could give numerous verses and examples from scripture and history that prove Biblical Christianity promotes the equality and liberty of women. I would rather encourage both men and women to seek the God of the Bible and read for themselves how gracious Christ is and how much He cares about the liberty and well being of all people.
Wesley Jones
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