"What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives everything its value. It would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as freedom should not be highly rated.” Thomas Paine, American Crisis
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| Lt. Col. Matt Lohmeier |
Yesterday, Lt. Gen. Stephen Whiting, the head of Space Operations Command, relieved Lt. Col. Lohmeier of his command over "a loss of confidence in his ability to lead."
Miltary.com first reported the dismissal of Lt. Col. Matthew Lohmeier.
What was not stated by Lt. General Stephen Whiting was that Matthew Lohmeier's new book, published May 10, 2021, Irresistible Revolution: Marxism's Goal of Conquest and the Unmaking of the American Military, is the #1 best-seller on Amazon.com in its category.
Lt. Col. Lohmeier's book is "Temporarily Out of Stock." It is sold out of paperback. However, there are a few hardback copies and some used books that are available on Amazon.
Lt. Col. Lohmeir lived in Enid, Oklahoma, with his wife and children for many years while he trained as a United Air Force pilot. He then served as an Instructor Pilot (IP) and trained student pilots at Vance Air Force Base.
I spoke with his commander last night. He told me, "Matthew was one of those student pilots that when he walked in the room, you knew he was the smartest person in the room."
I want that guy protecting my family from interballistic missiles.
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| Matt, Sara, and the kids |
I've already been in contact with Lt. Col. Lohmeier. I'm asking him to come back to Enid to speak.
But, I am also doing something else for the first time ever.
I am starting a GoFundMe page for Commander Matthew Lohmeier and his wife Sara and their children. Patriots like Commander Lohmeier should be rewarded for their courage, not punished.
I am asking Patriots like yourself, people who are tired of people being oppressively silenced by the U.S. government, to stand up for our Space Commander who spoke the truth about Marxism's goal of world conquest and the unmaking of our American military.
72 comments:
RB,
I apologize for your comment being deleted (and my response to it). I'm back up now.
I would encourage you and others to listen to the Podcast in question. It is excellent. You will see how the Commander was extremely respectful of all military personnel and the administration, but was quite clear that Marxist principles are being allowed to infiltrate military training.
Lt. Col. Lohmeier took an oath to defend the Consitution against all enemies "both foreign and domestic."
I think after listening to the podcast, you'll have a deep appreciation for his intellectual acumen, American patriotism, and calm demeanor.
Click here to listen to Commander Lohmeier's podcast.
Hello WADE,
Has the military cut Lt.Col. Lohmeier off from his military income, or is he just being side-lined for a period of evaluation and review of his writings?
I did find that this man is not a stranger to controversy, but the context was within his own faith community, this:
https://www.mormonstories.org/podcast/matthew-lohmeier/
There is a lot of 'response' to his predicament in right-wing media; but not so much in the national news and other media. I'm still checking. Apparently, Lt.Col. Lohmeier has some disagreements with military policies and has willingly spoken out publicly which has led to this current controversy, as in the military, there is another ethos about how members are to handle themselves publicly. The military does not operate along the same lines as the civilian world does in public, so it is complicated.
Christiane,
Listen to the podcast. It's excellent.
Commander Lohmeier shows how Marxism has infiltrated the military. His book is extraordinary.
He is a sharp cookie and violated no laws.
He was removed for speaking the truth.
The GoFundMe is not to keep the Commander out of poverty. It's to enable the Commander to continue his work of speaking the truth to those who wish not to hear and seek to prevent it by punishing truth-tellers.
I'm not surprised you haven't heard about it in major media. It just happened yesterday.
You'll soon hear quite a bit about it.
I am almost afraid to read it.
Good idea to start padding retainer fees now IMO. I'm in.
Truth be known, Scott, Col. Lohmeier only points out the background for Critical Theory, including Critical Law and Critical Race theories from the Frankfurt School of Germany and its Marxist roots. He shows how the Marxists left Germany during Hitler's reign and came to Columbia University in America. These are the "scholars" who have created the materials that are being adopted for "diversity training" in universities and the military. They hold to an atheistic, materialistic philosophy and desire to de-construct the American Republic. He does a great job tracing the history of the problem and gives instruction on how to combat it.
Thanks for response, WADE
within this hour, the national news began opening up about what happened:
https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/15/politics/space-force-lohmeier-fired-after-comments/index.html
this article quotes some of what I heard in the podcast, but only some of it
It is interesting to me to see a young person sorting out for themselves what is meaningful from all the options that are 'out there', but sometimes that search gets 'cut off' when a reliance on 'labeling' takes over and the person reverts to 'code' language rather than to an exploration of what can be harvested by going out into the deeper waters of issues. Just my opinion.
For me, 'labeling' has become the modern shorthand of our world's inability to communicate. 'Labeling' is the 'language of the tribe', not the kind of productive human discourse that we know is possible as illustrated from ancient days to the present time. I am not a fan of 'labels' myself. :)
Christianne:
I'm becoming a big fan of "tribalism". Nationalism also not a dirty word IMO.
Looking forward to reading more.
Wade,
https://www.mormonstories.org/podcast/matthew-lohmeier/
“Lohmeier converted to the Mormon church at age 14.”
I thought of the many comments on this link, Todd’s long comment hit the nail on the head what he wrote on December 23, 2017.
"So I’m perfectly content to stay right here in the world where good things make sense and really exist right there in front of me every day. And I choose to reject doctrine and/or the enforcement of doctrine from whatever source that mystifies, confuses, divides, and is often weaponized."
(excerpt from comment by TODD, Dec. 23, 2017)
agreed,
REX RAY, there is more of refreshing common sense and 'good' in many of your original stories than in all the argumentative doctrines of men who can't agree and end up in anger towards one another
Which "doctrines"?
LtCol Lohmeier took a calculated risk when he published his book. He has now been punished for speaking "out of school", meaning, he publicized information that the US military did not want to be made known outside of the ranks.
This wouldn't have been an issue had CRT and neo-Marxism not already come under fire at the grass-roots level (for example, school districts like Loudoun County, VA that are coming under fire by parents for CRT curriculum).
Because LtCol Lohmeier is still on active duty, he will undergo an investigation to see whether what he has done constitutes "prohibited partisan activity" (Washington Examiner, May 15). If so, he may find himself facing a court martial and a dishonorable discharge. Again, he knew all of this going in, and he decided that the cost of remaining silent was worse than the price for speaking out.
If it had been one of the 120 retired generals rather than LtCol Lohmeier that authored the book, the outcome would be much different. We are now seeing what happens when an active military member dares to speak out against his organization. Free speech does not apply in the US military except among the company of trusted peers.
Should our military pick up the mantle of Marxism, it will not just defend our land against enemies foreign and domestic. It will have a new role as a hammer of the State to impose the policies of the government upon the people. Our military will carry out both offense and defense on the national playing field -- a very scary prospect.
Stewart and I are eager to get a copy of his book. I'm grateful also, that Emmanuel Enid streams its services for those of us that live too far away to attend.
I am wondering IF there is any connection(s) between the similarity of Matthew Lohmeier's desire to return to the original visions of Joseph Smith which were definitely different in specific ways from what is done today in the Mormon faith
and the similarity in the way Matthew Lohmeier is rejecting the specific ways in which certain social issues are now being addressed in the military?
?
I'm sure he must have felt very strongly to have got involved in both of those controversies, knowing that he would 'take a stand' and face consequences in both settings, church and military. So in reading about the changes in his stand on his faith, and in listening to his podcast, and it being obvious that he has very strong feelings in speaking out, it occurred to me that there may be some connection(s) in the reason(s) that motivated Matthew Lohmeier to choose his positions going forward in both his faith and also to do with his military service. (?) If there were, it would speak to a kind of integrity of thought that prompted his decisions in both settings.
CHRISTIANE,
Thanks for the good words. When there’s lightening, we have to shut the internet off. If lightening hits within a mile of us, it can damage a ‘gismo’ that has to be replaced. It’s happened a couple of times.
The forecast is lightening for seven days. I’ll sure miss Wade’s Post. Our church has started a men’s Bible class once a week. We’re discussing Acts. Today, our leader said, “When we get to chapter 15, I want you to lead.” (I give James a rough time.) 😊
REX RAY, your a 'natural' story teller. You've got the stories, and you've got the gift of telling them. Always glad to read 'em. :)
I can't wait to hear what grief you give St. James during your teaching of Acts, ch. 15.
I know one thing, it will be an INTERESTING class. :)
Sorry you've got storm and lightning forecasted, but at least I know why you won't be writing . . . unless the forecast changes, hopefully! The weather on Earth grows more extreme each year, but that is, I suppose, what is to be expected, all things considered.
CHRISTIANE,
Growing up, James didn’t believe Jesus was the Son of God:
“…Jesus’ brothers said to him, “leave here and go to Judea, where your followers can see your miracles! You can’t become famous if you hide like this! If you can do such wonderful things, show yourself to the world! For even his brothers didn’t believe in him.” (John 7:3-5 NLT)
I believe Jesus didn’t want James to go to hell, so after Calvary he appeared to him before all his apostles saw him:
“Then he was seen by James and later by all the apostles.” (1 Corinthians 15:7 NLT)
James missed 3 years of ‘college’ from Jesus, but trusted the LAW:
“…you will be judged by the law that sets you free. There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you.” (James 2:12-13 NLT)
Belle told me, “You talk too much about your brother.” James DIDN’T have that problem. His Book refers to God 61 times and to Jesus 5 times.
Now Acts 15…but I grow sleepy. 😊
Well, Rex Ray, it's difficult to say if James received special treatment from Jesus or not based upon Paul's portrayal of things. He says in the verses preceding verse 7 that the risen Jesus appeared to what amounts to a host of folks prior to meeting James and really there is no particular reason that Jesus had an exclusive meeting with James.
On the same day of the resurrection the two travelers to Emmaus returned to Jerusalem and met with the disciples and "those gathered with them" and when the two travelers shared their experience that they had met the risen Jesus that crowd told them they had also seen Him. Then in that 1 Corinthians 15 passage Paul says that sometime after James met Him. But it does not necessarily mean that James had a private meeting with Him.
Plus, Jesus had other brothers and sisters so maybe Jesus met them at home and that's when Jesus met James along with the others. Thing is, I'm not convinced that James got special treatment but perhaps he did. I guess anyone who met the risen Lord got special treatment, which brings me to the story of "Doy".
This is a true story, RR.
Doy worked with us for years as a helper at house in Thailand. She was a fantastic Buddhist lady who was a great wife and mother to her children as well as an awesome helper for my wife and I at our house. She was as reliable, honest, and stable emotionally and mentally as anyone I have ever known. I mention that to support this account of her testimony of the account of this event she had with the risen Lord.
My wife and I had been away on a conference for a couple of days. While away, Doy came to our house, fed the dogs, cleaned the house and did some ironing. When we returned and she first came to work in the morning she burst into the house and said, "Mr. Rick! You won't believe what happened when you were away! Jesus appeared in the room with me when I was ironing in the upstairs bedroom!! I had been ironing and sat on the floor for a rest and THERE HE WAS IN THE ROOM! I WAS NOT SLEEPING OR DREAMING, EITHER! HE was actually right there!"
I asked her, "Wow, Doy! That's amazing! What did He look like???"
"He was there in this bright light, but I could seem Him in the light!"
"How did you KNOW it was Jesus?", I asked.
"Because I had seen his picture on your computer when you had been preparing for teaching before and He looked just like that!"
"What did He say?", I asked her.
"He didn't say anything! He just stood there in the room!"
"What did YOU say to Him?"
"I didn't say ANYTHING! He was just there and then He was gone!"
(cont'd)
Now during those years Doy had worked for us we of course had witnessed to her many times and had many conversations about spiritual things. We had given Doy tracts and Bibles and had invited her to surrender to Him as Lord but always she had said that she was not ready for that and would think about it and then she continued doing her Buddhist visits to the temple and giving offerings, chanting and "making merit" (doing good deeds to gain credit for the next life). But we never pressured her or made her feel that she had to be a Christian to maintain our friendship.
Doy said that following her encounter with Jesus she went home and told her husband about it and she insisted to him that she was NOT sleeping or dreaming when she saw Him. He was actually, literally, in the room with her!
So I asked her, "Doy, Jesus has never appeared to me just like that." (although I have had a similar encounter, but that's another story).
"WHY do you believe He appeared to YOU?"
Doy thought about it and then answered, "I don't know."
"I think I know." I said. "I believe He appeared to you because you are special to Him. He loves you that much and He wants you to believe in Him and love Him as He loves you. Are you ready now to decide to give Him control of your life and follow Him?"
Doy thought seriously for awhile. Then, after a few moments she softly answered,
"I will think about it."
WHAT???!!!! I felt like slapping her into get her to wake up! But of course, we didn't and through the next several years we were there and with her she never did submit to Christ. We still pray that one day she will.
Don't let anybody give u grief over James Mr Rex.
Martin Luther himself called it a "right strawey epistle"😜
RB Kuter,
"How did you KNOW it was Jesus?", I asked. "Because I had seen his picture on your computer.”
I’ll bet your computer had the usual picture of Jesus showing a White looking man with long hair.
In the first place, Jesus looked like a Jew because Mary was a Jew. Jesus may not have had long hair as Paul wrote: “Isn’t it disgraceful for a man to have long hair?” (1 Corinthians 11:14 NLT)
On the other hand, fashions change. The son of David, Absalom’s hair was so long, it caught in some bushes and drug him off his mule. As he hung there, David’s General had him killed.
Scott Shaver,
Yes, Martin Luther believed the Book of James should be removed from the Bible.
Rex Ray, of course 1/2 of Jesus was ethnic Jew. What about the other 1/2?
The point of my giving "Doy's" account was that the resurrected Jesus appeared to many of those first generation believers and He continues to do so today.
Another lady, "Noi", I knew who was a children's worker in one of our small churches shared her testimony after I asked her what led her to leave her former Buddhist life.
Noi said she as a devout Buddhist but became disillusioned with that religion after doing everything she could to find peace through Buddhist practices and making offerings at the temple. Her home was filled with idols, altars, burning incense and she wore many charms and strings blessed by the monks to protect against bad spirits. Still, she remained in inner turmoil with guilt and fear in her heart and unable to find any source of peace and relief from her disturbed heart.
One day a person cloaked in brilliant, bright light appeared to her in her living room. It was a literal, physical, supernatural presence, the same as Doy had described and others who had shared similar testimonies with me. Noi, as was the case with most Thais, had no idea who "Jesus" was. But when she had this strange encounter she knew that she had to be rid of all of those other objects of worship and she gathered up ever idol, icon, altar, and image in her house along with every charm and string she had and threw them all away. This was a huge act of sincerity for any Thai Buddhist and sure to bring ridicule and disdain from others but she didn't care.
She didn't know immediate who it was that had suddenly appeared to her in her house and just as suddenly disappeared without a word, but she knew he was the one she must know and trust.
She encountered a Christian who invited her to come to a small Bible study in their home and she went. When she heard them reading about Jesus she immediately knew this was the man who had entered her house and appeared to her. From that moment on she totally devoted her life to following Jesus and never veered from that course.
Like Doy, Noi was a very sound-minded, stable, credible witness and her life bore witness to her sincere devotion to Christ.
MANY in the Muslim world also are having such encounters with the risen Christ. Many through dramatic, life-altering dreams, but many through direct, real, actual encounters. He is, after all, the risen, living Lord. Never changes.
That is exciting stuff RB.
Scott, what has been the most dramatic experience you have had as a follower?
RB Kuter,
“of course, 1/2 of Jesus was ethnic Jew. What about the other 1/2?”
Let’s rethink everything. Can God do what man can do? Did He change Jesus into a sperm, or did he change Jesus into a fertilized egg, and Mary was the first surrogate woman?
Some argue Jesus had to be part man or he couldn’t be tempted.
That falls apart because Jesus told the devil: “Jesus said unto him, it is written again, thy shall not tempt the Lord thy God.” (Matthew 4:7 KJ)
Jesus may not have had long hair as Paul wrote: “Isn’t it disgraceful for a man to have long hair?” (1 Corinthians 11:14 NLT)
Rex Ray,
We are misunderstanding the passages in 1 Cor. 11 because Paul would have known that long hair was the sign of a Nazarite vow.
Num 6:2 "Speak to the sons of Israel and say to them, 'When a man or woman makes a special vow, the vow of a Nazirite, to dedicate himself to the LORD,
Num 6:5 'All the days of his vow of separation no razor shall pass over his head. He shall be holy until the days are fulfilled for which he separated himself to the LORD; he shall let the locks of hair on his head grow long.
A lot of faithful people struggle with trying to comprehend how it was that:
" although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (from Philippians, chapter 2)
That Christ was both 'fully God and fully Man' is part of the great mystery of the Incarnation.
It helps to understand the nature of and the great power of the Kingdom of God; and in what profoundly humble circumstances this power was best seen to conquer over the power of evil.
The concept, sometimes called 'kenosis', helps us to understand how the fruit of the Holy Spirit is given for the use of those who deeply dwell in the mystery of Jesus Christ and Him Crucified. Such people live now both 'in the world' and also in the Kingdom of the Risen Lord. In these people, it is said, that even a single act of kindness can be of far greater power to combat all the forces of evil in the world that satan can summon against them.
The Orthodox (eastern Christians) teachings about 'humility' say that a humble servant of God can draw thousands to Christ.
Can't describe the experience in words except only to say "fire". An all-consuming fire and brilliant light.
Victorious,
Thanks so much. That’s why Foxes Book of Martyrs records that James (brother of Jesus): “The razor never touched his head. He was known as the “Just”.
Foxe's Book of Martyrs -- 2. THE EARLY PERSECUTION OF THE APOSTLES (exclassics.com)
“James the brother of our Lord took in hand to govern the church after the apostles, being counted of all men from the time of our Lord to be a just and perfect man…the razor never came up on his head…to him only was it lawful to enter into the holy place he only entered into the temple, falling upon his knees, asking remission for the people…
Pharisees, saying, It is dangerous, lest that all the people do look for this Jesus as for Christ…said to James, We beseech thee, restrain the people, for they believe in Jesus as though he were Christ; we pray thee, persuade them all which come unto the feast of the Passover of Jesus; for we are all obedient unto thee, and all the people do testify of thee that thou art just, neither that thou dost accept the person of any man; therefore persuade the people that they be not deceived in Jesus, and all the people and we will obey thee: therefore stand upon the pillar of the temple…
the forenamed scribes and Pharisees did set James upon the battlements of the church, and they cried unto him and said, Thou just man, whom all we ought to obey, because this people is led after Jesus, which is crucified, tell what is the gift of Jesus crucified.
And he answered with a great voice, what do you ask me of Jesus the Son of man, seeing that he sitteth on the right hand of God in heaven, and shall come in the clouds of the sky?...
Oh, oh, this just man also is seduced. Therefore, they went up to throw down the just man, and said among themselves, let us stone this just man James; and they took him to smite him with stones, for he was not yet dead when he was cast down.
But he turning, fell down upon his knees, saying, O Lord God, Father, I beseech thee to forgive them, for they know not what they do…And one of those which were present took a fuller's instrument, wherewith they did use to beat and purge cloth, and smote the just man on his head; and so, he finished his martyrdom.”
Hello WADE,
I've found a list of references for what the US Military is using for the kind of training that Lt. Col. Lohmeier is referring to, this:
(see the 'references' section)
https://diversity.defense.gov/Portals/51/Documents/Special%20Feature/MLDC_Final_Report.pdf
I am wondering specifically what parts of these references were problematic for him.
It might help to research deeper into those parts to understand more about the 'sources' those particular 'problematic' references may have used that concerned the Lt. Col. . . . . perhaps his book refers to them specifically?
If you can add something to clarify, it would help me and thanks.
CHRISTIANE,
We had a good discussion going; how dare you get back on topic. 😊
I’ll bet you haven’t read your link of over 140 pages. To my sorry, I hit PRINT without knowing.
Page 118: “This report began by comparing two previous committees dedicated to expanding diversity in the Armed Forces…the Secretary of Defense ignored the most important recommendations in a setback that stalled progress toward equal opportunity and led conflicts among servicemembers around the world.”
I thought the remarks below almost funny.
1.“I think…this office has been diluted, has been moved down in a food chain to a point where there is no punch. Taking away the Deputy Assistant Secretary position, burying it five dead letters down in an organization is not the answer. Michael Colins; remarks to the Commission, 2010.”
2. “Some consultants would encourage you to sweep these directives under the rug…but you can’t manage diversity if you haven’t first achieved diversity. In the words of Malcolm X, you have been had, took, bamboozled, and hoodwinked.” Claiborne Haughton, Jr.; remarks to the Commission, 2010.
3. “When I became an army officer; supposed to be qualified with tanks, I had never fired a tank or gone downrange in a tank. Yet I commanded an armor brigade with two tank battalions. When I went into combat in Vietnam, I had never been in a cavalry unit, yet I commanded an airborne cavalry unit. Lieutenant General Julius W. Becton. Jr.’ remarks to the Commission, 2011.
Our enemies sense weak presidents. By the time diversity and social "justice" grids change both the quality and character of our armed services, they will sense a weak military as well. It can happen.
Scott, it would be interesting and inspiring to hear THAT story.
I don't know if it was similar to yours, but my older brother, Doug, described an event that sounds somewhat like your few words but Doug did not attribute it to being a divine event, although perhaps it was.
He was a long-distance truck driver and had just come to the entry of his driveway at his house which was located in a very rural area. It was about 3:00 AM so completely dark.
He stopped at the top of the drive to get mail from the mailbox and when he was standing there next to the mailbox he said that all of a sudden "everything" was totally illuminated as though it was the middle of the day! He said he could easily see trees and the details of the surrounding woods and down the country road going by their house. He said it was not at all like lightning. There was no sound related to it, and it lasted for several seconds, longer than a lightning strike, and the area illuminated was a much greater space than that which would have been had it been a lighting strike. Then the light vanished and things returned back to the normal darkness of night.
However, I am guessing the experience you mentioned had more to do with an illumination of soul, perhaps, related to an experience more identified with Christ.
At any rate, I wonder why we hesitate to describe such fantastical, supernatural events which are undeniably related to God's intervention and works, as was Paul's in those first months following the ascension of Christ? I know Doug never talks about this experience, even though he may not relate it to a divine event.
I had such an event and I seldom mention it to folks and I sometimes ask myself, "Why not?" Given that it was indeed a divine encounter, why would I not be as bold as Paul in openly telling others about it as a means of testimony to the living, active, present, person of "The eternal Word of God" who has appeared to people in literal terms from the beginning of time and throughout antiquity?
Yesterday, we saw two ambulances going to our neighbor’s house that’s about three hundred yards from us. I went to see why.
Lara is an 83-year-old widow that lives alone. She can’t get up or walk. Recently, she’d been in a hospital from a heart attack. For a week, she had someone with her, but she fired them when she found out they were charging $25/hour. Without their help, another lady said she couldn’t lift her and called an ambulance. (Don’t know why two came.)
The lady wanted them to force her to go to a hospital, but after they checked her mental condition, they told the lady it would be against the law. Lara said, “If I’m going to die, I’ll die right here.”
Judy stayed with her last night, and someone else is tonight. Lara’s brother was contacted.
Lara's story is very sad, REX RAY. Will pray for her tonight in the way of my faith.
Very good of Judy to care for her last night. A great kindness. I hope Lara's brother will help her now.
RB:
An "illumination of the soul" is an apt description as any. Thanks.
As a struggling believer at 19 I sorta released everything I didn't understand to God including my lack of ability to
to live "like a Christian" as well as my inability to apprehend anything of God's real nature.
The only thing I had to offer was my sincere belief that Jesus Christ was God in the flesh and the cross represented an eternal debt accrued by me and no way to pay. I just begged in the name of Jesus to forgive and empower me in my own soul to understand.
Tbe "fire" experience occurred a few weeks latter while I was alone in a cabinet shop looking at prints and the members of my crew over in a warehouse pulling materials.
There for 10 or 15 mins, time was no more and whether in the body or out I still don't know. There was a brilliant presence like a rolling fire in my consciousness and it seemed, afterward and ever since that day, there is a presence which quickly helps me distinguish with the aid of Scripture between those things which have eternal value as well as those things which are ...temporal counterfeits?
That's about all I can say in way of explanation.
I can also say RB, that I have always believed strongly in the priesthood of THE believer (singular) and detest the 2000 BFM removal of Christ as "the criterion of biblical interpretation.
But that is an SBC beef we can chat up in another thread😜
What an awesome, powerful, testimony. I pray that you will boldly and openly share it with many people. It testifies as to the reality, truth, and living presence of The Christ we follow and that is what this poor world needs to hear more than anything. I know He gives us such experiences for the purpose of our sharing it with the world for the sake of expanding His Kingdom.
As I write that, it inspires me to do the same. It troubles me to go through any day with the knowledge that I have not shared this reality with a lost soul that I have passed by.
Thank you for sharing your personal encounter with Him and being transparent in its portrayal. Surely The Lord who impacts us so dramatically deserves to be praised and given the glory!
'. . . let the Fire of the Holy Spirit descend, that this being may be awakened in the world beyond the life of this Earth . . . . '
so begins a beautiful prayer of blessing and consolation among one tradition of those who believe in the doctrine of the Holy Trinity
I had a step grandfather on my mother's side named RB. I was closer to him than even my biological grandfathers.
Still miss him to this day.
I have had my disagreements with Southern Baptist polity over the years but find that the collective body continues to be the group that holds to the same principles as I along the lines of Scriptural interpretation and application. So I maintain my affiliation but have never been involved in the politics of it.
I believe that the concept of "corporate" participation has been waning over the years and the Convention has less relevance in the life of individual congregations and certainly its members than ever before. The concept of "corporate" participation requires an element of humility and minimal recognition for the individual congregation and its leaders and the significance of that element has certainly diminished and that has taken its toll on the "Convention's" significance. "Mega-churches" and "corporate participation" are not compatible.
In terms of the Baptist Faith and Message, I have always seen some benefit in striving to have a statement of the common consensus of what the institution's membership believes but it never has had much influence in my own life as a follower of Christ.
The exception was when I was a missionary with IMB and the Trustees would occasionally insist that the missionaries concur with first this position on things and then another. I felt obligated as one who was "supported financially and prayerfully" by Southern Baptists to strive to represent our church members as they would expect. However, there were those times when "the big dogs" at the upper level of the food chain tried to implement policies that I was not convinced my grassroots Southern Baptists would insist that I follow.
Such an occasion was when they insisted that only women could be pastors and instructed us field missionaries that we only count the number of national churches we worked with in our annual report which had "men" serving as senior pastors as being "a church". That was a joke because in Asia there are numerous, vibrant, growing churches that are very "Baptistic" and are led by amazing, Godly, women. This reality was such that the Board was forced to reverse that policy and it was never mentioned again.
There were other such attempts to force us to sign this statement or that regarding policies like on "Speaking in tongues" or "Interpreting those speaking in tongues", etc. At one time they were saying that only those who were baptized in a "Southern Baptist church" has a valid baptism and any new candidates to serve as missionary with IMB would have to be re-baptized if they were approved to go to the field as an IMB missionary. I'm not sure if that policy was ever actually enforced but such nonsense is certainly typical of some of the ridiculous attempts we saw to assert control of things.
My wife and I always took the position that whatever was going on in the upper offices of IMB or the SBC didn't matter one iota for us as we worked to expand the Kingdom in African and Asian villages. So even during the Convention Civil War in the 1980s and 90s we tried to distance ourselves from the entire fiasco. Some of our colleagues were not successful in doing that and got so caught up in the fervor of the politics that they resigned, not because it effected the way they did their work but because they were so emotionally invested in what was going on back in the States.
So, you and I just hold to those Biblical doctrines, "priesthood of THE believer",we know to be consistent with the teachings of Christ and whatever some committee or Convention celebrity says to the contrary is only like clanging cymbals in the distance.
Amen RB.
RB:
I think all the angst and aggravation over the women in ministry issue among Southern Baptists would disappear if SBC "leaders" really trusted that Christ alone is capable of leading local churches to lay hands on whomever they see fit regardless of SBC creedal statements.
This spirit of galloping creedalism in the SBC has been a real problem for the last twenty years and "soul competency" is never discussed or debated within the SBC over the last decade.
"20 years", "last decade" seem like a terms for an extended time but then I consider, "20 years" ago was only 2000 and a decade ago was only 2012. Seems like yesterday and these issues have been debated with an alluding consensus never being realized for the past 50 years.
Perhaps it is more of an issue in SBC life today but I don't think so. As I mentioned earlier, my personal impression is that these days few people care what the SBC structure says or does. It just doesn't seem to have the same significance that it had in the past. My impression is that few "SBC" churches are effected by what the SBC hierarchy does or what resolutions are passed or policies enacted. As a matter of fact, few "SBC" churches even identify as being such these days and tend to more apt to put space between themselves and their affiliation with that organization.
I could be wrong on that assessment and perhaps it is "my" distancing from SBC by my indifference to it that leads me to feel this way. I don't care for the trends being followed and the ideological priorities and shifts. For instance, my impression is that the SBC has gone totally over to a self-centered, internal focus rather than one that is selfless and "outward" in its basic motivation. I don't mean to say there is less of a Christ-centered focus, but that the perception of how to serve Christ as an organization has altered.
For instance, in our strategy for reaching the world, it is not acknowledged that there is a very strong and vibrant indigenous, international church at work which is probably growing and expanding faster and more effectively than those in the SBC. The SBC continues to function as though it is the remedy for lostness in the world and insists on being the primary player in strategies determined without inviting the involvement of those real power-players from the international church to sit at the table.
I found great weakness in this aspect when working at the IMB. I served at headquarters in Richmond for 3 years on special assignment and during that time I NEVER witness international church leaders being invited to actively participate in the strategy IMB had for reaching the world for Christ.
Perhaps that colors my view of the SBC but I see the SBC as being run by mostly celebrity insiders bent on operating in a manner that keeps them in control and which benefits those power mega churches from which the power players come.
Now even the international disaster relief organization of the former "IMB" which implemented an international stategy effort for disater relief that contributed to the growth of the Kingdom in other lands, has been taken over by the US domestic "Diaster Relief" organization! That NAMB organization has been trying to swallow up the international leg of disaster relief for decades and has finally achieve their goal in only the past couple of years.
Mark this date, as goes the "Diaster Relief" organization so goes the entire SBC "missions" structure and it will not be long at all before we have "one" Mission Board with no identifying, distinctive strategies between domestic and international organizations. Is this bad or wrong?
Who knows? Only God. My observations have led me to believe that the arrogance of the SBC hierarchy has resulted in God simply releasing it to play its games while He uses those churches in other lands to do the real work of winning the globe into The Kingdom. SBC has become much less relevant in God's strategy.
It is like the demise of our nation. I love it, and the SBC, and grieve over its being blown away with the wind, but celebrate in the recognition that God's Plan is not, and has never been, dependent upon either. You and I are in "God's Nation", and His commissioned force, so we continue to be victors!
CHRISTIANE,
Lara is now in a Rest home, about 5 miles from her house. Thanks for your prayers.
RB Kuter,
I think you have the wrong sex in this sentence: “Such an occasion was when they insisted that only women could be pastors…”
The 2000 BF&M states: “The officer of pastor is limited to Men as qualified by Scripture.”
Our church rejected the 2000 BF&M, and has stayed with the 1963 BF&M that supports women being pastors.
PROBLEM,
A person starts down my slide on a sled. The sled is on a table that is made of steel and welded in place. It has thick plywood for its top.
Last week the plywood cannot be found. Screws that fastened the plywood have small chunks of plywood. If the plywood had been blown sideways, the screws would be bent, but they are straight. That means a ‘force’ pulled the plywood up.
Also, a 12-foot section of the side (aluminum) at the top (40 feet high) was found 40 yards away.
Any ideas of the ‘force’ being something different than a tornado?
Any ideas how to put the side back on other than growing wings. 😊
Rex:
If the 1963 BFM does not support women in ministry, it at least supports the autonomy of local churches in making thwir own leadership decisions.
Christ didn't die for the SBC
Scott Shaver,
I believe Christ died for the whole world which would include the SBC as well as Hitler. No one in hell will be able to say, “I’m here because Jesus didn’t die for me.”
from the 4th century, A.D.
"what is not assumed is not healed"
(Gregory of Nazianzus)
Rex Ray:
I believe Christ died for people, both collectivly (his church) and individually (both believers and nonbelievers).
I do not believe Christ died on behalf of any parachurch organization or denomination.
Good insights RB. I have seen the same.
Gregory of Nazianus might have had a different tune were he alive in America in 2021.
Scott Shaver,
I think you may be splitting hairs. It’s true Christ died for Hitler, but not for his organization. He didn’t die for any organization, but for people in those organizations.
Example: Jesus didn’t die for the Muslim organization, but He did die for each person in that organization.
Can you agree with that?
Hey RB.
I must confess that your description of your brother's "bright light experience" has awakened me at 3:30 AM for the past several nights.
You would not find a bigger gnostic and skeptic with regard to "UFOs" than myself ....unti recently. Much more open-minded now😳
Since the subject of Wade's thread is under such unjustified friendly fire for telling the truth now, I wonder if we should even consider as friends asking him to elongate his heretofore demonstrated BRAVERY, by asking to give us a perspective on this.
Considering publicly released "Naval" footage.
Rex. Absolutely. We are saying the same thing, just from opposite ends of the mule.
Rex Ray, of course, you are right again. I wrote, "Such an occasion was when they insisted that only women could be pastors" when of course I meant to write, "only men". Thank you for noticing that.
I believe it's time I mailed our President my book, "The President's Bible-When I Am President".
Is that arrogant to think I could do a better job than the President?
Knowing me, probably so.
Rex Ray, that slide dismantling is one mystery I would really like to know the answer to. Any signs of damage to other things around it?
The plywood would be worth several hundred dollars new but it's not new. Easier to rob a construction site or something like that if it was done for the plywood.
But the even more puzzling part of this mystery is how that huge section of aluminum ended up 40 yard away. A really strong wind? But then, why nothing else damaged, unless there was other damage.
Scott, it would be interesting to hear Wade's thoughts on life on other planets/worlds/cosmic systems.
I'm not aware of any Scripture saying that this is not a possibility.
I guess if God did create intelligent life forms in other worlds that our commission to go and tell them the Gospel would be broadened, but then again, what if God made intelligent life forms on other planets that had no sin? Or, what if they had no souls?
Brother, my head is beginning to spin. Don't talk to a Mormon about it!
Maybe we better gather than serpent back into the sack!
RB
At my age, life on other material planets is of no interest. I just want to know who or what is in the driver's seat of "UFO"s should they be submarining off the coast of San Diego😂
I'm still trying to get my head around the idea of Biden reading anything outside of a script handed to him daily.
Scott Shaver,
I get your drift, but better said, ‘I’m still trying to get my head around the idea of Biden THINKING anything outside of a script handed to him daily.’
I heard (not sure if it is credible because it didn't come from "The Epoch Times") that Biden gets up at 9:30, has one event a day, and then goes to bed at 7:30!
Guess it's another way to counter the policies of Trump who slept 4-5 hours a day and had a relentless schedule ever day.
Scott, watched a young Billy Graham on an old "Johnny Carson" video the other day answering what he thought it would be like after he died. Johnny Carson asked him if he thought he would be lying around playing a harp, or something like that. Billy told him he thought he would be working and that he wouldn't be surprised to find that he would be working in other worlds other than this one.
As I was watching Navy pilot videos of UFOs and hearing their description ("no sign of heat from propulsion, go from 80,000 feet into the ocean in 4 seconds, erratic turns that defy gravity, shadow the Navy jets flight pattern, etc.) made me consider whether these could be heavenly hosts!!
Guess when we're all caught up into the clouds to meet our loved ones who have just received their new "heavenly" (?) bodies when our King Jesus returns that there will be a lot of reports of flying UFOs!
Speaking of our new President, it continues to amaze me of how silent our "leftist" friends are these days regarding the performance of the President!
“How shall a man judge what to do in such times?'
'As he has ever judged,' said Aragorn.
'Good and ill have not changed since yesteryear;
nor are they one thing among Elves and Dwarves and another among Men.
It is a man's part to discern them, as much in the Golden Wood as in his own house.”
(J.R.R. Tolkien)
Because the left is far more interested in platitudes than performance.
I was one way and now I am completely different. And the thing that happened in between, was Him.' If you have seen 'The Chosen,' you understand this. When I divorced several years ago, I was broken and knew right away that I was to stand! But my life was broken. I had lived for years with my husband as my god and my marriage as my idol. I was going through the motions waiting for restoration. Last year I saw so many testimonies about Dr Prince Idialu the great spell caster how he has restored so many marriages and i pick up his contact and explain everything to him just as it happens and he told me not to worried anymore my happiness has finally come he ask me to provide some information to proceed to the work just after Dr prince idialu "marriage restoration spell things change just after 2 days after the spell has be cast my divorce husband came back home with tears begging for forgiveness which i have be praying for, without wasting more time i quickly accept him back and forgive him and now we are together again after years of separation once again i appreciate Dr Prince Idilau for his help for help contact him via": princeidialu@outlook.com or call or WhatsApp +1(504)603-3666 He said no marriage problem is impossible for him to fix ...
Uh...sure. Will get right on that.
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Wade, what can we do to kick this into high gear?
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