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By Rich Vermillion, February 15, 2008 3:34 pm

I am extremely pleased to announce that my latest book, Angel Flight 44: A True Story, was listed today as a winner of the 2008 Silver Angel Award in print media.

Excellence in Media, the organization which sponsors the Angel Awards, is dedicated to promoting quality media with family-friendly content. As the “About” page of their website explains:

We introduce Excellence in Media (EIM) to you as an organization dedicated to the promotion of quality family oriented programming in all facets of communication. It has been described as “the greatest, unique and caring media outreach in the world today.”

Our activities are varied and include internships for communication majors at universities, working with various community groups to increase the public awareness of and desire for better programming and organizing and producing annually the International Angel Awards.

Many countries enter each year in television, art, books, radio, stage plays, motion pictures, magazine articles, videos and other creative forms of communication.

Entries arrived from such far away places as Russia, Israel, Japan, the West Indies and Great Britain….These productions were professional and had the highest “moral, ethical or social impact.” Together we are making a better world with programming for families and children of all ages!

Angel Flight 44 is the remarkable account of the miraculous humanitarian relief missions flown in 2005 in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. There are currently about 80,000 total copies of all editions in print, and now this revised edition of this adventure has won its first media award. I am truly blessed by all that the Lord has done… through the actual flight missions in 2005, and now through this book ever since.

The honor I feel as the writer of this book cannot be expressed in words. However, the following citation from the Angel Awards History page might shed a bit of light as to what an achievement this actually is:

Excellence in Media is a California-based 501C3 organization dedicated to the promotion of quality family oriented programming in all facets of communication by means of the Angel Awards and several other auxiliary programs…. The Awards are backed by a national network of volunteer judges from groups such as the American Women in Radio and Television, National Association of Broadcasters, Women in Film, The Philanthropic Educational Organization, The Greater Los Angeles Press Club, The National Association for Family and Community Education, Women in Film, Hollywood Women’s Press Club, Palm Springs Women Press Club, Pacific Pioneer Broadcasting and the America Association of University Women….

“Our aim is simple and straightforward,” says Mary Dorr, President of Excellence in Media and founder of the Angel Awards. “That aim is to encourage the media to turn out more real, positive and even objective messages that inspire and raise peoples awareness a few levels”. The media can reach millions–and not only here but also abroad and the time of cookie cutter or formula scripts are past its fascination period. “Our media is our showcase mirror. Excellence in Media stands for non-toxic entertainment–media for all ages, the kind that raises our spirits and contributes to the meaningful and enlightening examination of our lives.”…

The recipients of the Gold and Silver Angels are people in any form of the media who have successfully contributed to the advancement of quality in life without the unnecessary need for violence, profanity and sexual content to sell to their audience. Today, the highly visible Angel Awards–while not the only project of this organization–are, by far, the largest undertaking of EIM. Excellence in Media stresses that it is a non-profit, non-political, non-sectarian volunteer organization cutting across all demographic strata and all forms of media.

I want to especially thank two of my wonderful editors/proofers—Donna Vermillion and Linda Richardson—for their skilled efforts and support. Of course, Donna is my wife and her support transcends that of anyone else in this project Also, Kelly Majors certainly did an awesome job on that cover design!

Most of all, I have to praise my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who made everything possible: The original adventure that the book details, my connection with Glen, the interviews, the writing of this book (truly a labor of love), sales of all editions… and now this award. Thank you Lord! From the very start, this has always been your adventure… which you generously privileged us all to share.

-Rich

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By Rich Vermillion, January 17, 2008 4:38 pm

(Revised 1/18/2008) As the Ron Paul Revolution has continued to advance and grow, its opponents have redirected their focus. Unable to effectively counter the logic and facts of Ron Paul’s stated positions, they are now increasingly attacking his supporters in a blatant attempt to discredit their humble leader.

Labels such as mavericks, weirdos, freaks, trouble-makers, extremists, idiots, and/or zealots have been thrown at Ron Paul’s supporters… and usually with an obvious tone of hostility or disdain in their voice. Yet, as I look at the broad spectrum of Dr. Paul’s supporters, I see everything from highly educated people to quasi-educated, Liberal to Conservative, young to old, black to white, Christian to secular—Democrats, Republicans, Independents, business people, celebrities, media/authors/artists, other politicians, and even ministers. The diversity is both startling and wonderful.

Sure, there are some rather “fringe” elements in the mix. A few of them have even done some really stupid things. Perhaps that is what Dr. Paul’s opponents are trying to draw attention to, in a “judge a man’s character by those he associates with” type of approach. Nothing else is working for them, so I guess they might as well try this tactic.

Last night I pondered this issue, and thought beyond all the insults and the media’s silly attempts to marginalize Dr. Paul’s supporters. I began to see that there is something truly familiar looking about Ron Paul’s “revolutionaries…” something even biblical:

Ah! Here is one reason why the revolutionaries look so familiar. They look like the people who were attracted to the leadership of David, the son of Jesse… who eventually became the next king of Israel. A ridiculous and ‘motley’ group this must have appeared to those who wondered about this David ‘who would be king.’

Here is a man who was anointed to replace wicked Saul as king by the great prophet Samuel himself. Yet, he is hiding in caves with his relatives, and the many ‘rejects’ of that day’s society. These were people who where in various forms of distress due to the errant decisions made by the nation’s backslidden leader, King Saul. They were people who were in debt up to their eyeballs because of Israel’s struggling economy. These people were severely discontented with the direction their nation had gone as King Saul’s blatant nepotism and militarism threatened the nation’s future. (Does history repeat itself, or what?)

Yet, from among this ‘unlikely’ group arose a troop of “mighty men“—the likes of which the world had never before seen. Likewise, I expect there to arise in the mold of Ron Paul a new generation who will forge beyond even what their patriarch has done to date.

Oh yes, there is something very familiar about Ron Paul’s revolutionaries… something even Christ-like (with regard to the types of people Ron Paul sometimes attracts):

Jesus attracted people of all types during His Own ministry here on the earth—including the “sick” people of society. There were prostitutes, lepers, and even dreaded “tax collectors” among those attracted to His message of hope, salvation, and deliverance (However, I’m not too sure how many of this last group of people Ron Paul’s revolution might attract).

Some of the people Jesus attracted to Himself both alarmed and disgusted His critics. Nevertheless, Yeshua Ha-Meshiach ben David (Hebrew for Jesus Christ, the Son of David) announced to the Pharisees of His day, even as Ron Paul does to the Pharisees of today, “I did not come to simply ‘hang out’ with those you call ‘sinners’ but to cure them! Something you were never willing to do yourselves.”

(And NO, I am not saying Ron Paul is Jesus. But I am saying that there are similarities regarding the people they each attracted to themselves, and in their desire to relieve the distresses of those people.)

Moreover, the very thing that Ron Paul is offering today within the political and economic spectra to “whomsoever will” embrace his message has a few similarities to what Jesus still offers today spiritually. (Of course, Jesus offers the most important things: salvation, forgiveness, and deliverance to those who are ravaged by sin and all the curse produced by sin in one’s life.)

Ron Paul’s policies of free markets, a humble ‘Golden-rule‘ foreign policy, and personal liberty, are actually biblical principles applied within the political and economic realms. No wonder the ‘disenfranchised’ of society are drawn to Dr. Paul as they have been similarly drawn to Jesus for 2,000 years—and the Pharisees of today hate it just as much as their ancestors did while Jesus walked the earth. (And for more on the Gospel itself, let me refer you to my article The REAL Gospel.)

Oh my, yes! There is something so familiar with Ron Paul’s revolutionaries…even something so Pauline (pun intended):

The apostle Paul did not seem to be very complimentary to us Christians when he discussed our qualifications in the eyes of society. Sure, there are a few of us who might appear to today’s “elite” as if they had their act together. But, most of us look rather foolish in the eyes of the “wise guys” of this world. Yet, like Daniel did in his day, the Body of Christ has proven to be at least ten-times wiser overall than the world’s “magicians, astrologers, and wise men.”

Regardless of the many attempts by many governments to obliterate the Gospel (and those who preached it), it has spread farther and farther the more it has been attacked. As the ancient Christian leader, Tertullian, once said, “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.” These foolish, ignoble, weak, base, and despised ‘nothings’ managed to spread the Gospel throughout the world in the face of persecution. Today we number about two billion people.

So, the “wise guys”of the world could not stop us Christians, no matter how hard they tried. Similarly, I do not believe they will overcome the Ron Paul revolution—at least they cannot to the degree that it is also based in truth. Yes, there is something so familiar about Ron Paul’s revolutionaries.

So, Dr. Ron Paul… carry on sir! Continue to hold high the banner of liberty, freedom, and prosperity in the face of all opposition and criticism. You are in good company, following in the footsteps of Jesus Christ, King David, the apostle Paul, and Christ’s many martyrs before you.

And please do not fret when your fellow candidates fail to fully embrace your honest policies, and when they mock you at the debates. This is their ‘lot’ in political life, for their true masters and globalist backers demand that they dance only to the ‘tune’ they play for them. Remember the words of Jesus Himself as he explained:

Dr. Paul, nothing will please them…so don’t even try. You have truth, and a growing ‘army’ of peaceful revolutionaries on your side. So, carry on sir!

Revolutionaries, you carry on too! Ignore the abuse, berating, and insults of those opposed to these timeless ideals. The self-serving agendas of such people dictate that they must treat you this way.

Nevertheless, be of good courage! Many who are now “oppressed, distressed, in debt, and discontented” will wake up and join your cause. Moreover, some who formerly opposed you will also repent of their error and fall in among your ranks. Throughout history many have, and this time will not be any different. Truth is on your side…and time always favors truth.

Yes, there is something very familiar about the Ron Paul revolutionaries. We can see their ancestors following David in his journey toward his eventual coronation as king. We can see their predecessors following Jesus in His earthly ministry—hanging on His every word of freedom and deliverance—as He eventually became their Savior through His death on the cross and His subsequent resurrection. We can even see their forefathers in the early Christians, who braved the persecution of their day and proved themselves “more than conquerers through Him Who loved them“—eventually becoming two billion strong today. Yes, there is something so familiar about Ron Paul’s supporters…

Of course, again, there are many credible and esteemed men and women among the “revolutionary” ranks. One look at Ron Paul’s endorsement page quickly reveals a large number of highly respected people who have joined the cause. Even legendary Conservatives Barry Goldwater, Jr. and Richard Viguerie have wholeheartedly supported Ron Paul.

Thus, not all the members of the Ron Paul revolution are “riff raff” in the eyes of the world. But those who are despised in their eyes should wear it like a badge of honor. Hold your head up high! Because you have a powerful procession of heroes who have displayed similar courage before you.

Epilogue: As I pondered this message again this morning upon awaking, I considered how to write about it even as I refreshed myself at the sink. Suddenly, I realized another ‘missing piece’ regarding why Ron Paul’s supporters look so familiar to me. There, looking back at me in my bathroom mirror, was a Ron Paul supporter—a particularly handsome one, who kindly greets me every waking day.

Les Vies de Révolution!

-Rich

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Related articles: The REAL Gospel, The ‘Ron Paul Camp’ Marches On, True Character: Highlighting Mike Gravel and Ron Paul, Is Huckabee Honest?, Huckabee: Cozy with the One-World-Government Movement

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By Rich Vermillion, January 7, 2008 3:30 pm

As I have been searching today’s entire field of candidates, I have found two who have proven long-term track records that indicate they have bona fide integrity with regard to their stances on the issues: Senator Mike Gravel (D-AK), and Congressman Ron Paul (R-TX). Although it also looks like Duncan Hunter may also have a consistent record, I feel the longevity of the careers of these other two men qualifies them for additional examination since they are such fine examples of character within the context of politics. (And yes, I am listing them here alphabetically.)

Senator Mike Gravel is a bona fide national hero. What makes him unique is that his heroism was not demonstrated on some battlefield in a distant land, but in the battlefield of the U.S. Congress while attempting to END the Vietnam War raging overseas. At one point, he went four days with no sleep as he fought singlehandedly in the Senate to end that illegal war during his one-man filibuster. (Note: Let me define that references to an “illegal war” herein refers to a war/military conflict in which the United States participates, but which has NOT been properly authorized by Congress through declaring war as the U.S. Constitution requires. By the way, “authorizing military force” is NOT the same thing as declaring war.)

As Mike Gravel’s brief campaign biography rightly states:

In 1971, he waged a successful one-man filibuster for five months that forced the Nixon administration to cut a deal, effectively ending the draft in the United States. He is most prominently known for his release of the Pentagon Papers, the secret official study that revealed the lies and manipulations of successive U.S. administrations that misled the country into the Vietnam War….From the floor of the senate, Gravel (a junior senator at the time) insisted that his constituents had a right to know the truth behind the war and proceeded to read 4,100 pages of the 7,000 page document into the senate record.

Senator Gravel’s presence in the Democratic debates ensured that his fellow Democratic candidates had to address the hard issues of today. He also held them accountable to their records explaining, “Do not tell me you oppose the Iraq war and yet can do nothing to end it. I know different! I’ll even tell you how to do it!”

Although I would not say I agree with Senator Gravel on every issue, one thing I know for sure: He genuinely means what he says, and will follow it up with passionate action. He is a true example of character being displayed in a public official. I would vote for him even though I do not completely agree with him, simply because I know what I am getting.

Congressman Ron Paul is another man of tremendous consistency and integrity. He began studying Austrian Economics some fifty years ago, and has held strongly to those principles during his twenty years of service in the U.S. Congress. His voting record is so consistent with his beliefs, that he has been nicknamed “Dr. No” by his colleagues due to his propensity to vote against any bill that violated his beliefs in the U.S. Constitution, sound monetary policy, free markets, abolition of the personal income tax, accountability and reduction of the Federal government, and individual liberty.

The only “inconsistency” to date that any reporter has been able to try and pin on Ron Paul is with regard to spending earmarks which he has put on bills he later voted against. In fact, Tim Russert of NBC assailed him hard over this issue on Meet The Press, and barely gave the man time to answer his questions. However, when one actually listens to Congressman Paul’s explanation, he again proves to be consistent to his beliefs. To paraphrase his various public responses to this issue:

I am against the corrupt system in Washington, but I realize I have to work with what we currently have in order to protect the interests of my constituents back home. So, while I am working to change the system, I will also occasionally place earmarks on bills to get my precinct back some of their tax money and help their communities. I consider it no different to a tax credit for my constituents. For example, even though I want to eliminate the IRS, I will still take every tax credit I can get as long as I still have to pay taxes.

Nevertheless, I then vote against that same bill because I have NEVER voted for any bill that contained any earmarks. But until the system is changed—and I am trying to change it—I will also do my duty to get some of the money returned to my district so that it can help the people.

Some still try to argue this point against Congressman Paul, but still it is the only point of contention regarding Ron Paul’s consistency to principle (a much better record than can be said about anyone else). Also, his answer seems to make perfect sense to many, even some media pundits.

Then there is the U.S. Constitution. While virtually all politicians claim to want to uphold the U.S. Constitution (and they swear to do so on a Bible when elected to office), their voting records and conduct typically betray their true anti-Constitutional agendas. But Ron Paul has the consistent voting record necessary to be considered a true Constitutionalist. He can even quote many parts of the Constitution from memory; so he has obviously studied the document extensively in his ongoing quest to see it truly followed as the “Supreme Law of the Land.”

Like Mike Gravel on the Democratic side, Ron Paul has forced his fellow Republican candidates to address issues in economics, the Iraq War (which he alone opposes among the Republican candidates), taxes, and individual liberties, that they might not have otherwise even touched.

Mike Huckabee, in fact, has recently changed some of his economic/tax rhetoric towards something more akin to Ron Paul’s more popular approach. Nevertheless, only Ron Paul has been studying these issues for fifty years. And he has the twenty-year-long voting record to backup what he says he will endeavor to do.

Ron Paul advocates many biblical principles in his approach to the issues. He is a professing Christian. He is also pro-life, giving his experience as a obstetrician as one reason he knows a fetus is a human being with legal rights. He evenly said in the recent ABC/Facebook Debate that he wants to apply the “Golden Rule” to our national foreign policy by treating other nations as we would like them to treat us. In this respect, he is also pro-Israel in that he proposes cutting aid to ALL the Middle-Eastern nations (including Israel, but the Arabs currently get three times more than Israel) and removing the U.S. from Israel’s political and military affairs—thereby allowing them to operate as a truly sovereign nation. Not surprisingly, Ron Paul also has a growing following among Christians. ChristiansforRonPaul.com and the Christians4Paul blog are only two of the growing number of Christian networks supporting his candidacy.

Like I said regarding Senator Gravel, I cannot say that I agree with Ron Paul on every “jot and tittle” of his policy positions (but I have come to agree with him on most of them after studying his positions in detail). However, regardless of how much I agree with him, he also is a person I could vote for just because I KNOW what I am getting when I do.

Interestingly, Mike Gravel and Ron Paul also agree on many points, including immediately ending the illegal Iraqi war, many foreign policy issues, and doing away with the current tax system in some way. Both have strong Conservative and pro-liberty tendencies. Both show true moral fiber within their proven characters—and as a Christian minister myself, let me point out that these two men are better examples of integrity than many of today’s preachers here in the United States. (There are some good ministers, of course… but way too few in my opinion. We should all be examples of righteous living, as Paul admonished Timothy.)

Jesus said:

In the case of these two men, I can certainly see abundant good fruit in the categories of proven character and integrity. Again, we might not agree on every issue…but at least we know what we are getting if either of these two men are elected to the presidency.

Well, that is the way I see it. Digg it if you can.

Also, if any of you want to add to what I shared above, or have strong opinions about other candidates’ also qualifying as examples of true character demonstrated within the context of politics, let me know. The comment field is below.

-Rich

[digg=http://digg.com/2008_us_elections/True_Character_Highlighting_Mike_Gravel_and_Ron_Paul]

See also my related article post: Is Huckabee Honest?

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By Rich Vermillion, January 1, 2008 3:16 am

Apostle Paul stated that those who deviate from the true Gospel he preached will be damned. (Ouch!) Of course, some modern translations use the word “condemned” instead of “damned.” Nevertheless, regardless of the choice of words the effect is the same (and it isn’t fun). Thus, shouldn’t we want to know what that TRUE Gospel really is…and what it is NOT?

Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead…

I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned!

Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ. (Galatians 1:1, 6-10, NIV)

Wow! What a strong admonition from the esteemed apostle to the Gentiles. Paul warns the church at Galatia that there is a true Gospel message…and then there are perverted fakes. The word “gospel” is actually a Greek word transliterated (vs. translated), which simply means “good news.” Paul’s bold word to the Galatian church declared unequivocally that a “different” good news is not really good news at all. (And since it will even send the preacher himself to Hell, I can certainly see why it is NOT good news for the hearer either!)

One must assume that Paul must have been regularly running across perversions of the true Gospel message during his missionary journeys. Some were even preaching “a different Jesus” altogether (2 Corinthians 11:2-4)—much like the Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and other pseudo-Christian cults do today, who have both a “different Jesus” and a “different gospel” from that which Paul preached (but more on these, perhaps, in another blog article).

Others were may have thought they preached the “same Jesus,” but they twisted some of the key core elements of the Gospel message itself. Whatever the case, this former “destroyer of the church” who met Jesus Himself on the road to Damascus, had no small word of condemnation for gospel-perverts—even if they were once “on track” with the true Gospel message previously. (Did you notice that Paul even said, “if we or an angel” preaches “another” gospel, let him be eternally condemned? Nobody gets a “free pass” to change what God has already Himself established.)

So the simple question comes to mind: What is the Gospel Paul preached? If deviating from his message can bring damnation even to “any man or angel,” then shouldn’t we make sure that our Gospel message is pure? As a Christian minister myself, I am very keen on ensuring that my “Good News” message is acceptable in the Lord’s sight. (I really don’t like that “damnation” stuff. It does not make for a joyful eternity. Know what I mean?)

There are various issues we could discuss here, and many other Christian ministers have faithfully directed their attention to dissecting many of these. However, there is a VERY KEY element of Paul’s Gospel that it seems is often overlooked—yea, even ignored—in many Christian circles. Yet, it was not only an inseparable element in all of Paul’s salvation sermons as recorded in the book of Acts, it was also a distinct and prominent element in EVERY one of the apostle’s recorded sermons in that same book written by Luke. That element of the Gospel is summed up nicely by Paul’s discourse to King Agrippa in Acts chapter 26:

So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven. First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and to the Gentiles also, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds. (Acts 26:19-20, NIV)

Three key elements found in every one of the apostles’ sermons as recorded in Scripture:

1. Repent (i.e. Turn 180° around and do the opposite of what you were doing.)
2. Turn to God (i.e. Not to “religion”… and definitely not “pop psychology.” Run to the One Who bought you with His Own Blood through prayer and by studying His Word.)
3. Prove repentance by deeds (i.e. True repentance is evidenced by actual “good works” that confirm the Lord’s forgiving grace working in your life.)

Paul also confirmed that these three elements were KEY to his (and every) Gospel message in a few of the letters he wrote to the churches of his day. For example:

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:8-10, NIV, emphasis added)

(Note: Good works cannot save you. BUT, good works are one of the necessary elements that prove you are truly a Christian—and that you have actually repented.)

What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with that we should no longer be slaves to sin—because anyone who has died has been freed from sin….

In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace. (Romans 6:1-7, 11-14, NIV, emphasis added)

Paul seems to have gotten “really into” this repentance thing. However, it was not Paul that originated the message of repentance within the Gospel he preached, for Jesus Himself explained to His disciples after His resurrection:

Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And you are witnesses of these things. Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high. (Luke 24: 46-49, NKJV, emphasis added)

Notice the relationship in the passage above: Repentance and then remission (i.e. forgiveness) of sins. If there is no repentance, then there can be no forgiveness. Consequently, the person so fails to tell the sinner that he or she needs to repent of their sin, is not really preaching them the true Gospel as Paul did. The “feel good gospel” often preached today is perverted. Whenever someone only tells unbelievers that Jesus “loves them” and wants to “bless them” without also telling them their need to repent, all the Christian is doing is essentially inviting the unbeliever to “add” Jesus to their list of idols.

(Too Many gods, Too Little Grace)

I have talked with missionaries from around the world. One interesting thing they have noticed in places like India and elsewhere where bona fide pagan idolatry is practiced openly is that often they will come across someone who added a cross or crucifix among their idols. When asked about it, the idolater will typically answer, “Oh, a man came and told me about this Jesus who loved me and died for my sins…and who wants to bless me and heal me. I thought, ‘He is so nice. I’ll add Him to my collection of gods.’” In other words, whenever an idolater is not told he needs to repent of his idolatry, he or she simply adds Jesus to their “deity collection.” Do you think this ‘Kosher’ with God? Uh, NO!

(Can anybody remember the first of the Ten Commandments? “Thou shalt have no other gods besides me!“)

In today’s Western societies idolatry has taken on a more palatable appearance, of course, but is evident none the less. Paul wrote that “covetousness is idolatry” and nobody will argue that covetousness is not extremely prevalent in the West. Thus, even in the United States, the Americas, and the European nations, many of the people being “won to Christ” have never actually repented of their sins and idolatry. Thus, such people were never really saved—and the “fruit” of their lives from that point on typically reveals that fact. But, as we’ll see shortly, Paul never hesitated to tell the Gentile pagans that their gods were worthless idols, and that they needed to repent and turn to the only true and living God through Jesus. Likewise, we surely need to do so today too.

So… this “repentance” stuff is actually God’s idea…

(Where’s the Beef?)

Well, you may have noticed that this idea of repentance seems to be missing from many pulpits…and from just about ALL so-called “Christian” television programming. In this day where a minister can dump one spouse to pick up a newer model, and then appear the next day on television to “preach”…repentance seems to be long forgotten, and certainly not preached. (I would not want to be in that person’s shoes when the day comes to give an account. Remember that “damnation” stuff Paul talked about before?)

What about a case where a man is a member of a satanic cult, but claims also to be a Christian—and even an “apostle”—and then says that he is an active member of the cult just so he can “evangelize” the other members? Can such a one, who has not himself repented of the sin of satanism (which the Skull and Bones order Dan Stratton is a member of practices), then be expected that he preaches a true Gospel of repentance to his fellow “bonesman” members? (I think I have said this before…) Uh, NO!

Whatever Dan Stratton “preaches” to that group is certainly not in harmony with the message Paul preached. Such a man qualifies as a bona fide “false brother” and “false apostle.” He can certainly expect the damnation Paul warned about…unless he repents. (Note: If you haven’t heard about Stratton, see my blog Comments on “Bonesman” Stratton for more particulars.)

Or what about Joel Osteen, who diverges greatly from the sincere Gospel message preached by his own father (John Osteen). This man actually refused to steadfastly proclaim that Jesus Christ is “the way, the truth, and the life…nobody can come to the Father but by Him” on Larry King Live—even when the man asked him!

Sure, Joel did state “that’s what I believe,” but he also worked hard to avoid saying that other religions (including atheism) cannot gain access to Heaven for a person. Now, don’t take my word for it. Watch the clip:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPeYUXuuRUM&rel=1]

Now, at first glance, Joel’s position seems to be, non-judgmental, religiously polite—and certainly not very confrontative. But is this a presentation of the true Gospel? Are we supposed to try not to offend anyone? Let’s compare Joel Osteen’s words in the video above with those recorded of Paul when he confronted men of other religions in his day:

Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him when he saw that the city was given over to idols. Therefore he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and with the Gentile worshipers, and in the marketplace daily with those who happened to be there. Then certain Epicurean and Stoic philosophers encountered him. And some said, “What does this babbler want to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a proclaimer of foreign gods,” because he preached to them Jesus and the resurrection.

And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new doctrine is of which you speak? For you are bringing some strange things to our ears. Therefore we want to know what these things mean.” For all the Athenians and the foreigners who were there spent their time in nothing else but either to tell or to hear some new thing.

Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious; for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription:

TO THE UNKNOWN GOD.

Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you: God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. Nor is He worshiped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things. And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’ Therefore, since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man’s devising. Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.”

And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked, while others said, “We will hear you again on this matter.” So Paul departed from among them. However, some men joined him and believed, among them Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others with them. (Acts 17:16-34, NKJV, emphasis added)

Notice: Paul was “provoked” in his spirit when he saw the idolotry surrounding him in Athens. Therefore, he “reasoned daily” with the Jews in the Synagogue, and with the Gentile worshippers in the marketplaces.

What did he tell them, however? Did he speak like Joel Osteen and say, “Well, this is what I believe…and you all can believe what you want to. Who am I to judge a man’s heart? I don’t know which of you are going to Heaven or Hell…Gosh…I just don’t know…” Uh, NO! (I know…but that two-word phrase just seems to beg repeating here.)

Mark this point: Seeker-sensitive ministers and messages are pure heresy, for they certainly not in line with the Gospel Paul preached.

Paul KNEW Him in Whom He believed! Paul had conviction. Paul knew where those people were going (HELL!), and wanted to save them from eternal torment. He did not mince words, he did not sugar-coat the truth. He told them quite frankly, “Those gods you serve are worthless idols, and the One True God not only loves you and wants you to know Him… He has also commanded you to repent!” (Here is that “repentance” theme again…)

However, Joel Osteen (and those like him) is apparently very confused, and extremely ignorant of Bible truth. Many Bible-believing Christians consider it apparent that either Joel’s father (John, who was a true soul-winner) failed to properly teach his son, or the son failed to listen when he did—or that at some point Joel compromised his faith by embracing foreign spiritual influences such as Freemasonry or the Council on Foreign Relations. (Which, frankly, too many “big-name” ministers in the United States already have.)

Regardless, Joel Osteen seems to clearly be in contradiction to the “Gospel which Paul preached” (and the video above is not the only one on YouTube that proves it). Thus, he can apparently expect that “damnation” Paul warned about in our opening Scripture. (Hey, I did not write that! Blame Paul!) This qualifies Joel Osteen as a bona fide “apostate” (one who has departed from the truth). Again, biblical repentance is Joel’s only hope.

Let me be quite clear where I stand: God has chosen for Himself one and only “path” to come to Him… and it is the ONLY way that offers forgiveness of sins and satisfies the judgment our sins had coming due to us. His sinless Son, Jesus, died on the cross for the sins of the world, and was bodily raised again from the dead three days later. He shortly thereafter ascended to sit at the Right Hand of God in Heaven to await the Day when He would return, at His Father’s command, and establish His Kingdom physically upon the earth. It is this same Jesus (Yeshua, in Hebrew) who will judge “the quick and the dead” at His return. Yet, through the Gospel of repentance, anyone can turn away from their sins and old way of life, receive forgiveness, and become a “new creation” in Christ Jesus. Jesus is surely the ONLY way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father but by Him… and by Him alone! And repentance is a necessary element to receiving God’s forgiveness and saving grace.

Action Point: Abandon your ‘gods’ of self-will, covetousness, sin, and if applicable, pagan idolatry. Repent of your sins, and turn to God through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ (Yeshua, the Messiah). Ask Him to forgive you, wash you in His Blood, and give you a new life. Make Him your LORD (i.e. God, Top Boss, Commander-in-Chief, etc.), and give Him your full and undivided loyalty. Use your own words, right now, and pray to Him your own simple prayer from your heart. Then, through your repentance and turning to God, you will now be able to prove your repentance by good works through His own Spirit and empowering grace. Then, go and tell someone else how to do it too.

Blessings to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with a sincere faith.

-Rich

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By Rich Vermillion, December 20, 2007 8:51 pm

Hello everyone!

Just a quick post to say “Merry Christmas!” to all of you, and to speak a blessing into your New Year:

God’s richest and best be yours, as you pursue Him with all your heart through His Son, Jesus (in Hebrew, “Yeshua”) the promised Messiah of Scripture and soon-to-return King of Kings. May His Word and love flood your spirit and soul, and may He “satisfy your desire with good things, so that your youth is renewed as the eagle’s.” (Pslam 103)

Of course, my posts to RichVermillion.com will be somewhat sporadic during the holidays. Nevertheless, watch for some very interesting posts that are coming soon…including Part 2 of How Does Love Cover Sins?

Merry Christmas!

—Rich—

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By Rich Vermillion, November 7, 2007 5:37 pm

My children and I spend time together doing regular Bible studies. A few weeks ago, we were meditating together on the passage found in the book of James chapter one:

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. …” (The full passage was James 1:2-7, NIV)

However, as my seven-year-old son was reading the verse aloud, he inadvertently changed a single word…which had significant impact on the focus of the passage. He innocently said, ” Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kids…”

Almost immediately, a huge belly-laugh emanated from his delighted father. I could not help but also think of some friends of ours: One couple is a parent of five, and another a parent of seven (whew!). None of us actually consider our children a “trial” or burden, but rather a huge blessing from the LORD. (Actually, the older ones help with the younger ones…thus, it gets easier the more you add to your quiver. And regarding financial provision: The LORD always adds to that also as we become “fruitful and multiply” if we trust Him at His Word.)

Nevertheless, there can be times periodically when parents of multiple children can feel like they are “herding cats.” There can occasionally be a challenge…even though normally our children are all a delight and major blessing.

As I chuckled away, my son looked at me as if to say, “What?” (which only made it funnier). When I could regain my composure, I re-quoted his version of the Scripture back to him. Then we all shared a hearty laugh together.

As a side note: Take time to do regular Bible studies with your children. Not only will you be fulfilling the Scripture which exhorts, “Train up a child in the way they should go…” (Proverbs 22:6), but you will also find yourself edified from both the additional time in the Word and the time with your children. (And a few belly-laughs in delight of your children’s innocence will be good medicine for you too.)

Blessings to you and yours,

-Rich

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