Next-Gen

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Reasons Why God's People Should Not Abuse Drugs

I. Drug Abuse Is Illegal

All of these drugs are illegal without a doctor's prescription. Most cannot be obtained even with a prescription.

Use for social purposes, personal pleasure, to get a high, to escape reality, etc., is illegal.
Specifically, marijuana is illegal to sell, give away, or even possess. Possession of less than an ounce might lead to a year in prison, and possession of over an ounce can lead to several years in prison (per Ft. Wayne, Indiana, police department).

To disobey civil law is to sin against God.

Romans 13:1-5 - God ordained governing authorities. To resist them is to resist God's ordinance. Those who disobey may be punished by the authorities, but they also have harmed their conscience toward God.

1 Peter 2:13,14 - Submit to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake. [Tit. 3:1]

This ought to settle the matter for every true believer. Drug abuse, including marijuana use, is illegal and therefore sinful.
Some people favor legalization of marijuana. But even if it is legalized, there are reasons Christians should not use it.

II. Drug Abuse Constitutes Intoxication

"Intoxication" is defined: "to affect temporarily with diminished control over the physical and mental powers, by means of alcoholic liquor, a drug, or other substance..." (Random House College Dictionary). Note that, if mental or physical powers are diminished, whether by alcohol or a drug, that is intoxication.

All drugs we have described alter the user's state of mind so as to cause intoxication.

Our discussion of drug effects showed that all of them produce an artificial "high," a sense of "euphoria," a false sense of well-being, or similar change in brain function.
Consider some other quotes confirming this.
"One marijuana cigarette causes a 41% decrease in driving skills. Two cigarettes cause a 63% decrease" - "The Facts about Marijuana," Dr. Harold Voth (via Focus on the Family Newsletter, 9/81).
"Driving while stoned is as dangerous as driving while drunk, maybe more so. This fact has been proven many times over..." - Marijuana: Time for a Closer Look, Curtis Janeczek, pp. 88,89.
The First Report of the National Commission on Marihuana and Drug Abuse (1972) said regarding marijuana: "At low, usual 'social' doses, the intoxicated individual may experience an increased sense of well-being..." (via "Marijuana - It's Far from a Harmless High!," Plain Truth, 1/80, p. 28).
Note that marijuana causes intoxication even at "low, usual 'social' doses."
"The intake of 5 to 10 milligrams of delta-9-THC into the bloodstream is held to be sufficient to induce cannabis intoxication ... one can readily see that a single marijuana cigarette of the drug type is sufficient to induce a marijuana 'high'" - Marihuana Today, Russell, p. 6.
So even a single marijuana cigarette produces intoxication. And this is the mildest drug we are studying. All the others produce even greater degrees of intoxication.

The Bible clearly rebukes intoxication.

Like our English word, the Greek word for "drunk" refers to "intoxication, drunkenness ... to get drunk, become intoxicated..." (Thayer).

Romans 13:12-14 - Cast off the works of darkness, walk properly, not in drunkenness. Make no provision to fulfill the lusts of the flesh.

Galatians 5:19-21; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 - People who are guilty of drunkenness, will not inherit the kingdom of God.

1 Corinthians 5:11 - If a church member commits drunkenness and refuses to repent, he should be disciplined so we don't keep company with him.

Hence, whether caused by alcohol or by other drugs, intoxication violates God's word. But use of any drug we are studying, including just one marijuana cigarette, causes intoxication.

[Matt. 24:45-51; Luke 12:45; Eph. 5:18; 1 Thess. 5:6-8]

III. Drug Abuse Is a Lack Of Sobriety and Self-Control

One of the main reasons why God condemns intoxication is that, as Christians we face many serious temptations. In order to distinguish right from wrong and then have the will power to resist evil, our minds must think clearly and control our bodies. The Bible calls this sobriety and self-control.

Mind-altering drugs weaken the mind's ability to think clearly, distinguish right from wrong, and exercise will power.

This is true of all the drugs we have studied. Consider:
"...in a typical LSD trance ... a person's inhibitions tend to disappear. This breaks down a person's will to resist" - "Drug Addiction"/"Narcotics," D.C. Parks, p. 18.
In testimony to a U.S. Senate subcommittee, Dr. Hardin Jones said regarding marijuana users: "They are easily induced into risky, impetuous and foolish behavior, such as acceptance of heroin, LSD, and other dangerous drugs, and homosexual experience, which are later regretted" - Russell, p. 28.

Dr. Walter X. Lehmann, M.D., said: "Anyone who says 'pot' is harmless will get an argument from me. It hasn't been harmless for any of the nearly 3000 young people I've worked with as a specialist in adolescent medicine. Virtually all who became addicted to hard drugs started with marijuana, which distorted their judgment and put them into the drug scene" - "Marijuana Alert ... Enemy of Youth," Reader's Digest, 12/79 (reprint, p. 6).

"...hundreds of psychiatrists ... report these personality problems common to many chronic [marijuana] users: poor memory, loss of willpower and motivation..." - Janeczek, pp. 88,89.

Dr. Franz Winkler: "An early effect of marijuana and hashish use is a progressive loss of will power, already noticeable to the trained observer after about six weeks of moderate use. This loss of will power weakens the ability to resist coercion, so that marijuana users too often fall victim to hard drug pushers, extortionists, and deviates" - Russell, p. 33.

Note that this refers to loss of will power, not just when one is "high" or intoxicated, but between highs. This effect becomes progressively worse with continued use.

The Bible forbids participating, for the sake of personal pleasure, in practices that hinder our moral judgment or weaken our self-control.

1 Thessalonians 5:6-8 - Being sober is the opposite of being drunk and is associated with being alert and watchful.
1 Peter 1:13-17 - Be sober, gird up the loins of your mind so you can avoid lusts and be obedient and holy. This requires being alert.
1 Peter 5:8,9 - Be sober so we can be on guard for the devil, resist him, and not be devoured by him. Realizing how dangerous Satan is, we should keep our minds clear so we can recognize his deceit and resist his temptations.
1 Corinthians 9:25-27 - Bring our bodies into subjection to our minds, exercising temperance (self-control) like athletes in training, so our bodies will be properly guided by our minds.
Proverbs 4:23 - Keep your heart (mind) with all diligence because it must decide the issues of life.
Struggling against evil is difficult and dangerous at best, even with the clearest of faculties. That is why God has forbidden intoxication. There are other ways to violate these principles, but drug abuse is surely one way.
[2 Tim. 1:7; 1 Pet. 4:1-7; Tit. 2:2,4,6,12; Acts 24:25; Gal. 5:23; 2 Pet. 1:6]

IV. Drug Abuse Tempts People to Fall Farther and Deeper into Sin.

A. The Bible Warns Us to Avoid Temptations and Evil Influences

We should not participate, to please ourselves or other people, in activities that tempt us to sin or that endanger our service to God.
Proverbs 22:3 - A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and are punished. Instead of walking into spiritually dangerous situations, we should hide from them.
1 Corinthians 15:33 - Do not be deceived: "Evil company corrupts good habits."
Matthew 6:13 - We should pray for God to deliver us from evil and temptation. How can we sincerely pray this and then knowingly do things that tempt or encourage us to do evil?
Matthew 18:8,9 - We should cut off our hand or foot or eye or anything that tempts us to sin. While this is not literal, it teaches that entering eternal life and avoiding hell are so important that we should do whatever it takes to avoid sin.
Proverbs 23:17,20,21 - Specifically this principle of avoiding temptation should be applied to people who practice intoxication (drunkenness). If we want to avoid their destiny, we should not envy them or mix with them.
[Prov. 13:20; 4:14,15; 24:1,2; 1 Cor. 5:6,7; 2 Cor. 6:14-17; Heb. 12:15. Matt. 26:41; 1 Pet. 4:3,4; James 4:4; Psalm 26:5; 119:63]

B. Applications of This Principle to Drug Abuse

Use of drugs is wrong from the very beginning because all involvement tempts to greater drug use.

The person who uses drugs generally starts because of peer pressure - he gives in to temptation from others. The more involved he becomes, the greater the temptations become and the weaker his will to resist.
"...research shows peer pressure (wanting to be part of the crowd) is the most likely reason people start using grass" - Janeczek, p. 14.
"Virtually all who became addicted to hard drugs started with marijuana, which distorted their judgment and put them into the drug scene" - Lehmann (quoted previously).
"90% of those using hard drugs such as heroin started with marijuana" - Voth.
"An early effect of marijuana and hashish use is a progressive loss of will power, ... so that marijuana users too often fall victim to hard drug pushers, extortionists, and deviates" - Dr. Franz Winkler (quoted previously).

"Although marijuana serves as the major 'gateway drug' into the use of illegal drugs, the major gateway drugs into marijuana use are two legal drugs - tobacco and alcohol ... A child's decision to begin smoking cigarettes is one of the most important indicators that s/he will try marijuana ... In 1976, Dr. Robert L. DuPont, then Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, pointed out that various surveys clearly demonstrated that 'marijuana is the gateway into illicit drug use in America today. If people do not use marijuana, they simply do not use other illicit substances.' [He reported:] Marijuana use is a precursor for those who go on to other drugs. Among users of stimulants and sedatives ... 97 percent report previously using marijuana; 100 percent of hallucinogen users report using marijuana; and 100 percent of cocaine users reported using marijuana..." - Parents, Peers, and Pot, Monatt, pp. 50-53.

So alcohol and cigarettes are the first step toward marijuana use. To use them is to take drugs for pleasure, so why not move on to greater "pleasure"? Users are told marijuana is harmless, friends encourage them, so they try it. They enjoy the "high" and want it more often. Then they start having problems at school, on the job, and at home, so they use it more and more to escape reality.
Then they want a bigger high. They are already using an illegal drug that drug weakens their judgment and inhibition, so they have removed the barriers against stronger drugs. Soon they become another drug addict statistic.
And why did it happen? Because they were not obeying God's instructions to avoid tempting situations and tempting people.

Drug use is wrong because it tempts those who are involved to participate in other sins as well.

Drug users run with other drug users. They begin because of the influence of others. They attend parties where drugs are abused. They must obtain their drugs from drug pushers or friends who use drugs.
So they become companions of people who enjoy illegal activities and who rebel against parents and authority. But this kind of people will practice other sins too. So drug users are soon tempted to all kinds of sins, including:
* Lying to cover up drug use from parents, teachers, police, and other authorities. See Rev. 21:8; 1 Tim. 1:10,11; etc.
* Disobedience to parents - Most people start drug abuse while still subject to their parents' authority, knowing that their parents object. See Eph. 6:1-3; Rom. 1:30; etc. [2 Tim. 3:2]
* Failure to do ones job or schoolwork - Drug users lose interest or ability to do work or schoolwork. They become negligent, are often absent, make careless mistakes, etc. See Ecc. 9:10; Eph. 6:5-8; etc. [Tit. 2:9,10; 2 Thess. 3:10; 1 Thess. 4:11,12; Col. 3:22-24; 1 Pet. 2:18].
* Stealing - Many drug users steal to pay for their habit, especially when they cannot get a good job because they have neglected their schoolwork or their job, etc. See 1 Cor. 6:9-11; Rom. 13:8-10; etc. [Matt. 15:19,20]
* Neglect of Bible study, prayer, worship, church work, etc. People involved in drug abuse lose interest in spiritual things because they feel guilty and because they are more interested in getting high. See 1 Cor. 15:58; Matt. 6:33; etc. [Rom. 12:1,2; Heb. 10:25; Acts 17:11; Psa. 1; 1 Thess. 5:17; Matt. 16:24]
Our point is that drug abuse is wrong even before people actually begin to practice these sins, because from the beginning it tempts people toward these things. Drug abuse is a failure to avoid temptation.

C. Some Examples Showing How Drug Use Leads to Greater Involvement in Sin

Dr. Walter Lehmann describes a typical example of the young people he treats who are on marijuana:

Dynamic, self-possessed, he confided to me that he himself had been smoking pot, cautiously but regularly two to five times a week, enjoyed getting moderately high and had suffered no untoward effects. He felt fine, his grades remained well above average, he was captain of the soccer team and had been accepted at an Ivy League college.
: How often we hear of such overachieving easy riders among our middle-class friends nowadays. I tried to warn him about the gradual, long-term changes I had seen in other outstanding young people, but nothing would dissuade him from continuing his "moderate" marijuana use. I saw him again late that summer, just before he left for college. He was slovenly, unkempt, apathetic, slow. He admitted that he had been smoking pot heavily during summer vacation. I pleaded with him to get off it, but he ignored my advice.; He was home by December, having been asked to leave college. By then, he was a typical heavy user. He didn't care about anything except getting high every day. His parents brought him back to me. Eventually he began to perceive what marijuana had done to him and decided he had to kick the habit.
: It wasn't easy - it rarely is. I used to think that marijuana created only a psychological dependence, without physical addiction. But now I am persuaded otherwise. I have seen too many youngsters suffer the terrible anxiety, the sleeplessness, sweating, the lack of appetite, the nausea and the general malaise of withdrawal. Fortunately, my patient had enough fortitude left in him to do it.
: He's back in college now, doing okay. His academic performance is acceptable, if mediocre - it's the best he can do, but it isn't close to the promise he once showed. He has not regained that sharp edge, that quality of drive, spirit and capability that once made him a standout. I am not optimistic that he will ever regain it. From what I have seen, there is no question that marijuana wreaks a havoc in the body, brain and psyche that can't be entirely undone - Lehmann, pp. 6,7.

Letter from Jenny.

I started getting high to be "in," to go along with my friends. I immediately went down in school. Pot disrupts the memory banks in your brain ... And pot DOES lead to the use of other drugs. People who get stoned get to where they don't care about anything but getting high. And after a while pot just doesn't get you high enough. I got kicked out of cheerleading and eventually kicked out of school completely 'cause I was always skipping out to get high. Finally I got kicked out of my parents' house (after getting put in jail several times) because I became moody, restless, incommunicative and because I was out all hours of the day and night partying with my friends. I've been living on the streets supporting myself for a year. I've done every drug you can think of. I with through h--- getting off speed. Messed up my nose terribly on coke (and my arms) and three times I almost OD's on Acid. I'd been doing drugs for 3 years and I finally quit cold turkey a few months ago. I got some friends to talk to and I got a steady job. For the first time in 3 years I can think clearly and I'm really free. Drugs are a trap. Once you're gone you can never come back. I've seen plenty of people die of overdoses. And I've seen several people murdered over dope deals. All of them, including me, started out just smoking an occasional joint on weekends "to go along with our friends." I know I ruined my life. I once had a pretty bright future with a lot of opportunities. Now I work all day to stay alive. I'm 16 ... - Young Once, March, 1980 (reprinted in Powerline, Vol. V, #9).

This is where marijuana use can lead. And the end result follows because people fail to heed God's warning to avoid temptation and evil influence.
Proverbs 6:27,28 - Can a man take fire to his bosom and not be burned? The sensible person, who wants to please God, will avoid playing with fire.

V. Drug Abuse Harms the Body

A. All Mind-Altering Drugs, Including Marijuana, Harm the Body.

This is true for all drugs we have discussed, when used for "recreational and social purposes." We earlier cited specific diseases, infections, and even permanent damage to the brain, heart, lungs, etc. Drugs often lead to accidents or other dangerous or even violent behavior. Many people die or are seriously injured due to overdoses. And many suffer torment from withdrawal.
Consider some further evidence, especially about marijuana:
"Marijuana smoke clearly can damage the lungs. The most recent information indicates it is more harmful than tobacco smoke ... Daily [use] ... increases a woman's risk of losing her child before birth" - Janeczek, pp. 88,89.
"...CELLS DON'T LIKE POT! Period! This is probably the best known scientific fact known about the stuff ... Marijuana is poison to cells! ... That goes for lung cells, blood cells, sperm cells, brain cells..." - Janeczek, p. 23.
"Five marijuana cigarettes a week have the same cancer causing capacity as 112 conventional cigarettes" - Voth.

Dr. Hardin B. Jones, professor of Medical Physics and Physiology at Univ. of California in Berkeley, testified to U.S. Senate subcommittee: "As an expert in human radiation effects, ... chromosome damage ... even in those who use ... (marijuana) moderately, is roughly the same type and degree of damage as in persons surviving atom bombing with a heavy level of radiation exposure ... The implications are the same" - "In Loving Memory of Larry."

Yet the people who protest nuclear energy, even for peaceful uses, are often the same people who use marijuana and want it to be legalized!

Testimony to the Internal Security Subcommittee of the U.S. Senate in May, 1974: "...Marijuana, even when used in moderate amounts, causes massive damage to the entire cellular process ... there is a growing body of evidence that marijuana inflicts irreversible damage on the brain, ... when used in a chronic manner for several years ... Chronic cannabis smoking can produce ... bronchitis, emphysema, and other respiratory difficulties in a year or less, as opposed to ten or twenty years of cigarette smoking to produce comparable complications ... Cannabis smoke, or cannabis smoke mixed with cigarette smoke, is far more damaging to lung tissues than tobacco smoke alone. The damage done is described as 'precancerous'..." - Russell, p. 8.
: The Federal government began allowing experimentation on marijuana in 1969. "These six years of research have provided strong indications that the drug in its various forms is far more hazardous than was originally suspected. In fact, eminent scientists from around the world agree that, based on recent findings, marijuana must be considered a very dangerous drug. Several of these scientists have gone so far as to state that they consider cannabis the most dangerous drug on the market today" - Russell, p. 7.

Finally, if a person moves on to the stronger drugs and becomes dependent, notice this description of withdrawal, by Henry L. Giordano, Commissioner of the Bureau of Narcotics:

When he cannot get the drug, he becomes very uneasy after a little time, later he becomes restless and irritable. His eyes water as though he had hay fever. He yawns and mucus runs from his nose. Still later his muscles start to twitch violently and his back, arms and legs ache severely. He has violent pains in the stomach, vomits, has diarrhea, kicks his legs and jerks his arms. He curls up in bed or on the floor and puts on as many blankets as he can find, even in the hottest weather. His feet twitch continually. If he sleeps at all, he is extremely restless. Finally sleep becomes impossible. Because he cannot retain food or liquid in his stomach, he loses weight rapidly, as much as ten pounds within twenty-four hours. About the third day without the drug, he is in the very depths of torment. He is unkempt, disheveled, dirty, neglecting all thought of personal hygiene and decency. He is utterly wretched - via "Drug Addiction," D.C. Parks, p. 3.

B. The Bible Teaches that Christians Should Care for their Bodies and Use Them to Serve God.

It is wrong - simply to please self or others - to do things that can reasonably be expected to harm our health and lives.
Romans 12:1,2; 1 Corinthians 6:19,20 - Your body and life belong to God and are entrusted to you to use to accomplish His will. This is a stewardship. We are responsible to care for property that belongs to someone else but has been entrusted to us for a purpose. We must use that property for the purpose of the owner, not destroy it for selfish purposes. We will give account to the owner for how we used his property - Luke 12:42ff; 1 Peter 4:10; 1 Cor. 4:2.
3 John 2 - We pray for good health. Is it fair to ask God to protect our health and cure us of diseases, then turn around and selfishly practice things we know harm our health? [James 5:13; 2 Kings 20:1-7; 2 Cor. 12:7-10; 2 Sam. 12:13-23]
Matthew 25:35,36,43 - Christians should have compassion on the sick and care for them. People who knowingly harm their health for self-pleasure, are working contrary to Christian goals. Should we knowingly harm our health and then expect other Christians to have compassion on us when our habits destroy our health?
When simply for the sake of pleasing himself or his friends, a Christian participates in activities that are known to harm his health, that person has abused his stewardship and misused his God-given health. Yet this is exactly what happens when people abuse drugs.

VI. Drug Abuse Sets a Bad Example and Constitutes Fellowship with Sin.

A. Many Passages Teach Christians to Set a Good Example and Avoid Fellowship with Sinful Conduct.

1 Timothy 4:12 - Even in our youth, our manner of life, purity, etc., should be a good example to others.
Matthew 18:6,7 - Woe to people whose example leads other people to sin.
Matthew 5:13-16 - Our lives should be such that they lead others to give glory to God.
Ephesians 5:11 - Don't fellowship the works of darkness, but reprove them.
[1 Pet. 2:15,16; 3:16; 1 Tim. 5:22; Tit. 2:7,8; Rom. 1:32; Prov. 28:10]

B. Drug Abusers Violate These Passages by Setting a Bad Example and Having Fellowship with Sin.

Consider the drug user's influence and fellowship with the following people:

Fellowship with drug dealers

All people realize that dealing drugs is evil. It is definitely illegal. It promotes and encourages sin, causing harm and grief to many people. When you buy drugs, you share in the dealers' sin and you support him financially when you should be rebuking them. You are having direct fellowship in his sin. Note 2 John 9-11.

Influence on drug users or potential drug users

People almost never begin using drugs alone. They begin because they want to go along with the crowd, please others, be a part of the group, etc. Several earlier quotations establish this.
If your example encourages others to begin or to continue using drugs, you are violating the passages about influence. You are having fellowship with sin, not reproving it. You encourage people to enter sin and stay in sin, when you should be urging them to leave it.
Specifically, reformed drug addicts must completely abstain from drugs. Their first use of drugs will addict them again. If your example encourages them to return to drugs, you share in the guilt.

Influence on people who need to become Christians

Christians should help sinners learn the gospel, leave their sins, and serve Christ. We should never do anything to hinder their salvation.
But a drug abuser generally doesn't care about the salvation of the lost. If he did try to teach others, his own example would turn people off so they would not listen. And if he claims to be a Christian, his example would hinder the efforts of other Christians to save lost sinners.
Instead of fulfilling God's command to be a good example and save souls, the drug abuser is a barrier to the salvation of the lost.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Lady Gaga's "Judas" and the Age of Horus

Lady Gaga’s “Judas” and the Age of Horus

By VC | June 2nd, 2011 | Category: Music Business | 623 comments
Lady Gaga’s “Judas” video is a modern retelling of biblical stories, where Jesus and his disciples are portrayed as a biker gang. But don’t mistake the video for a Bible lesson as it twists and turns important scenes to give them a very different meaning. In fact, it can be argued that the video symbolically describes an important aspect of Gaga’s work and of society in general: a rejection of Christianity in order to make way to what has been called the Age of Horus. This article will look at the origins and the symbols found in Lady Gaga’s “Judas”.

When I first watched Judas, I immediately told myself: “There is no use to write about this, it is simply too obvious”. I mean Gaga is in love with Judas … and Judas betrayed Jesus. It is a direct continuation of Gaga’s anti-Christian and pro-Illuminati theme through symbols, as described in previous articles. What can I add to it that hasn’t been said? So I ignored the video … until I began receiving e-mails. Tons of them. Many people did not understand the message of the video, some did not get the Biblical references and the way they were twisted to communicate a new message; other simply did not know who Judas was. As it is symbolic on many levels, I realized that decoding this video could help many readers — who I call my “Little Vigis” (No.). The video doesn’t only summarize the underlying spiritual message found in Gaga’s work, but it describes an important phenomenon happening in society in general – a phenomenon that is part of the Illuminati agenda: the “de-holyfication” of traditional religions.
In her recent interviews, Gaga has given several interpretations of the song. In an interview with E! Online she said that it was not meant as an attack of Christianity:

“I don’t view the video as a religious statement, I view it as social statement. I view it as a cultural statement.”

On Amp Radio Gaga explained that:

“It’s about falling in love with the wrong man over and over again.”

In another interview with Google, Gaga went deeper into the philosophical theme of the song, which is in accordance with the teachings of some occult schools we’ll describe later.

“The song is about honoring your darkness in order to bring yourself into the light. You have to look into what’s haunting you and need to learn to forgive yourself in order to move on.”

The videos for Gaga’s songs Alejandro (analyzed here) and Born This Way (analyzed here) communicated specific spiritual messages through meanings and symbols. Traditional religious symbols are stripped of their “holy aura” while other symbols, inspired by those of the Illuminati, are introduced and glorified to her young viewers. Of course, this phenomenon does not happen only in Gaga’s works, but is a trend in mass media in general. Aleister Crowley, an occultist who remains an incredibly influential figure in the entertainment industry, claimed the Age of Horus, a new stage in human history, would be defined by the abandonment of traditional religions in order to embrace a new kind of spirituality (read the full article on Crowley here). The same vision for a “new Aeon” is shared by the world elite, where its plans for a New World Order heavily rely on the existence of a single world religion, based on a specific set of values that are compatible with is Agenda. Mass media plays an important role in this paradigm shift – and the results are astonishing. In less than a century, the Western World has witnessed a drastic decline in religious faith, especially Christian. Never such a profound societal change happened in such a short period of time. Of course, Gaga herself is not responsible for this drastic shift, but Judas, in its meaning and symbolism, perfectly describes the transitional period we are going through, as society is taken to, in Crowley’s words, the Age of Horus.
It is therefore in this social and religious context that Judas was released. First seen riding with Jesus, Gaga goes into a transition and falls for Judas, the man who ultimately caused the death of Jesus. Gaga’s conversion is symbolic of society in general, where the altruistic tenets of Christianity have been replaced by a more “self-celebrating” philosophy – embodied in the video by the character of Judas. In short, the story symbolizes the passage towards Crowley’s Age of Horus, and Gaga’s “Eye of Horus” makeup effectively seems to emphasize this point. As seen in previous articles, Gaga is no stranger to Crowley’ philosophy (her Manifesto at the beginning of Born This Way is heavily inspired by his Thelema). This philosophy is, in turn, the basis of the new kind of spirituality that is sold to the masses through media.
To explain Judas, I need to “get Biblical” because the song and the video are heavily inspired by Biblical verses. So, before we get into it, let’s start by understanding the main character: Judas.

Who was Judas?

Judas Iscariot was one of Jesus’ twelve disciples. Due to his money-management skills, he was put in charge of the group’s money box. Despite having chosen him to become his follower, Jesus knew from the start that Judas would eventually betray him. At one point he even refers to him as “the devil”.

70 Jesus replied, “Didn’t I choose you, the twelve, and yet one of you is the devil?” 71 (Now he said this about Judas son of Simon Iscariot, for Judas, one of the twelve, was going to betray him.)
- John 6:70-71

During his time as a disciple, Judas had some “issues” with Jesus, causing him to stir up trouble within the group. An important event involving Judas happened during the washing of Jesus’ feet by Mary Magdalene using expensive ointments. Offended by what he called a waste of money, Judas protested and even caused other disciples complain. This is one of the Biblical passages that was recreated (with a significant twist) in Gaga’s video:

12:1 Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom he had raised from the dead. 2 So they prepared a dinner for Jesus there. Martha was serving, and Lazarus was among those present at the table with him. 3 Then Mary took three quarters of a pound of expensive aromatic oil from pure nard and anointed the feet of Jesus. She then wiped his feet dry with her hair. (Now the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfumed oil.) 4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was going to betray him) said, 5 “Why wasn’t this oil sold for three hundred silver coins and the money given to the poor?” 6 (Now Judas said this not because he was concerned about the poor, but because he was a thief. As keeper of the money box, he used to steal what was put into it.) 7 So Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She has kept it for the day of my burial. 8 For you will always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me!”
- John 12:1-8

Shortly after this incident, Judas meets with the chief priests of Israel – the ones who were trying to “bring down” Jesus – and strikes a deal. He would betray and hand over Jesus to the Pharisees and the police force in exchange for thirty silver coins:

26:14 Then one of the twelve, the one named Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 15 and said, “What will you give me to betray him into your hands?” So they set out thirty silver coins for him.
- Matthew 26:14-15

During the Last Supper, Jesus tells his disciples that one of them would betray him and reveals it would be Judas:

13:21 When he had said these things, Jesus was greatly distressed in spirit, and testified, “I tell you the solemn truth, one of you will betray me.” 22 The disciples began to look at one another, worried and perplexed to know which of them he was talking about. 23 One of his disciples, the one Jesus loved, was at the table to the right of Jesus in a place of honor. 24 So Simon Peter gestured to this disciple to ask Jesus who it was he was referring to. 25 Then the disciple whom Jesus loved leaned back against Jesus’ chest and asked him, “Lord, who is it?” 26 Jesus replied, “It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread after I have dipped it in the dish.” Then he dipped the piece of bread in the dish and gave it to Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son.
- John 13:21-26

At this moment, it is said that Satan possessed Judas:

13:27 And after Judas took the piece of bread, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, “What you are about to do, do quickly.”
- John 13:27

Judas then leads the chief priests and the police to Jesus, identifying him with a kiss:

14:43 Right away, while Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived. With him came a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent by the chief priests and experts in the law and elders. 44 (Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I kiss is the man. Arrest him and lead him away under guard.”) 45 When Judas arrived, he went up to Jesus immediately and said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. 46 Then they took hold of him and arrested him.
- Mark 14:43-46

After Jesus’ condemnation, Judas regretted his betrayal and sought to reverse his actions by returning the money, but it was too late and he commits suicide:

27:3 Now when Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus had been condemned, he regretted what he had done and returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and the elders, 4 saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood!” But they said, “What is that to us? You take care of it yourself!” 5 So Judas threw the silver coins into the temple and left. Then he went out and hanged himself.
- Matthew 27:3-5

Most of the passages described above are recreated in the video, but they are given a twist, where roles and symbols are reversed, effectively changing the fundamental meaning of the Biblical stories. As a result, the video ends with a very different “moral of the story”.

Gaga as Mary Magdalene

The video portrays Jesus and his disciples as a biker gang riding around with skull-and-bone insignias on their backs (nice touch). Gaga is riding with Jesus, playing the role of Mary Magdalene.
Although it is not clearly specified in the Bible, Mary Magdalene is said to be the prostitute who was about to get stoned to death by an angry mob until Jesus came along and said: “Y’all country-ass, donkey-riding peasants better drop them rocks and go on home before things get REAL ugly up in here”. Wait, that’s what Samuel L. Jackson would have said. Jesus actually said: “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone”.
At the very end of Judas, Gaga is seen stoned to death, insinuating that Jesus was not there to save her.

So Gaga plays the role of Mary Magdalene where Magdalene is not only the friend and disciple of Jesus, but his lover. This portrayal of Mary Magdalene as Jesus’ mate became popular in the past few decades with books such as The Jesus Scroll (1972), Holy Blood, Holy Grail (1982), The Gospel According to Jesus Christ (1991), The Da Vinci Code (2003), The Two Marys: The Hidden History of the Mother and Wife of Jesus (2007); and by films like Bloodline (2008). These alternative accounts on Jesus Christ’s life originate from modern interpretations of Gnostic and apocryphal texts (mainly the Nag Hammadi) where Magdalene is described as Jesus’ “favorite disciple” and “companion”. An interpretation of the apocryphal Gospel of Philip even alludes to Jesus “often kissing Mary Magdalene on the lips”.

Some occult circles believe that Jesus lived well beyond the age of 33 (a number they believed was selected for symbolic reasons). Some claim that Jesus married Mary Magdalene with whom he had a daughter named Sarah. Some even claimed that they moved to Southern France, where they started the fabled Merovingian Bloodline.

Judas therefore portrays Mary Magdalene from this angle, where Gaga is the wife of Jesus. However, she only has eyes for Judas.

The Video

The video begins with Gaga riding with Jesus, yelling in his ear “Judas Juda-ah-as”, almost as if it was an incantation. Usually, when your girl yells the name of some other dude right in your ear, it means something’s up.
From a spiritual point of view, Gaga was “riding with Jesus” – representing the embrace of Christianity – until she fell in love with Judas – a force that is opposed to it. But what kind of force are we referring to? Is it the elite’s peculiar brand of occultism, mainly represented by the symbol of the Eye of Horus?

In the video, Jesus is shown doing good deeds and healing people while Judas is pretty much a douche bag, getting drunk and grabbing women all over the place. Yet Gaga is in love with him. The character of Judas is an embodiment of Crowley’s saying “Do What Thou Wilt” – or Lavey’s Church of Satan concept of hyper-egoism, where the fulfillment of one’s desires is seen as a basic requirement to true enlightenment. Gaga is seduced by and identifies with the values embodied by Judas’ and is therefore in love with him. By doing so, she turns her back on Jesus’ altruism and selflessness.

One scene recreates Mary Magdalene’s washing of Jesus feet which, as seen above, made Judas angry and jealous. In the video’s version of the story, Judas is however right there with Jesus, his naked feet next to his, apparently also ready to get this treatment reserved for great people. Judas is therefore not simply a disciple of Jesus, but his equal. Afterwards, Judas, being the self-centered jerk that he is, spills his beer on Gaga … but Gaga loves him that way. The first lyrics of the song describe this reversal from the Biblical story, where Judas is the one getting washed by Gaga.

When he calls to me, I am ready
I’ll wash his feet with my hair if he needs
Forgive him when his tongue lies through his brain
Even after three times, he betrays me

Later in the video, there appears to be some kind of showdown between Jesus and Judas. Gaga – who is still Jesus’ lover – goes to Judas holding a golden gun, apparently to kill the one who would betray her spouse. Instead of a bullet, the gun “shoots out” lipstick. Gaga puts it on Judas’ mouth as if saying “go ahead and kiss Jesus, you have my blessing”.

The song also describes Gaga’s participation in “bringing Jesus down”:

I’ll bring him down, bring him down, down
A king with no crown, king with no crown

The “king with no crown” is more than likely Jesus, who is wearing during the entire video the Crown of Thorns. In Biblical accounts, that painful crown was put on his head by soldiers before his crucifixion in order to humiliate the one who claimed to be the “King of the Jews”.
Right after Gaga’s “official” taking sides with Judas, she is shown in a symbolic “cleansing” or “baptizing” scene.

So, despite Jesus’ virtuous deeds, Gaga is attracted to Judas. The Betrayer is portrayed as a rowdy, egoistical and devious being, which is not surprising since it is stated that Judas was possessed by Satan at the time he betrayed Jesus. Judas personifies the antithesis of Jesus’ selfless ways and represents the self-centered philosophy described by modern occultists such as Aleister Crowley whose philosophical tenets, describes the self as “the center of the universe”. Anton Lavey’s Satanic Bible describes the need for a “new religion” based on man’s earthly needs.

Past religions have always represented the spiritual nature of man, with little or no concern for his carnal or mundane needs. They have considered this life but transitory, and the flesh merely a shell; physical pleasure trivial, and pain a worthwhile preparation for the “Kingdom of God”. How well the utter hypocrisy comes forth when the “righteous” make a change in their religion to keep up with man’s natural change! The only way that Christianity can ever completely serve the needs of man is to become as Satanism is NOW.
It has become necessary for a NEW religion, based on man’s natural instincts, to come forth. THEY have named it. It is called Satanism.
- Anton Lavey, The Satanic Bible

Gaga, playing Mary Magdalene, is attracted to Judas’ ways. She not only “converts” to his side but also effectively brings Jesus down. This attraction to the “dark side” is summed up in these simple words:

I wanna love you,
But something’s pulling me away from you
Jesus is my virtue,
Judas is the demon I cling to

In Conclusion

Going beyond simple shots at Christianity for pure shock value, Judas summarizes the underlying spiritual messages found in Lady Gaga’s works which are, in turn, a reflection of the elite’s philosophy that needs to be taught to the masses. Whether it is intentional or not, Judas symbolizes the spiritual shift of humanity as it enters what is “the Age of Horus”. Crowley considered the last two thousand years to be the Age of Osiris, ruled by Christianity’s “emphasis on death, suffering, sorrow and the denial of the body”. He however considered this era to be necessary to give birth to the Age of Horus, whose Aeon would lead humanity to a new kind of spirituality. Other esoteric schools describe this shift in different words. Some describe it as the Age of Aquarius taking the place of the Age of Pisces, which was dominated by Christianity (they say Jesus was associated with the symbol of the fish because he ruled the Age of Pisces). Is this the reason Gaga’s words refer to the “future of culture”?

In the most Biblical sense,
I am beyond repentance
Fame, hooker, prostitute wench vomits her mind
But in the cultural sense
I just speak in future tense

Whether the general population subscribes to these esoteric predictions or not, it certainly is “following the script” that was laid out. The same way Lady Gaga was eyeing Judas while riding with Jesus, society as a whole has let go of the core tenets of Christianity to embrace a philosophy that is compatible with Crowley’s Thelema. Even if most people do not even know what is the Thelema, they live by it on a daily basis. That being said, organized religions and the elite are not necessarily opposite forces. Religions and religious sects have often been used as tools of the political elite to divide-and-conquer countries and to oppress and to manipulate the masses. Times have however changed and, today, the Illuminati is looking to unite the world under a single world government and a single world religion. This religion’s values are based on egoism, materialism and the sexualization of pretty much everything. Most music videos, movies and TV shows subtly celebrate these values. In other words, they want you to be in love with Judas.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Sermon Outlines

Paul wrote, "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God...it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe" (I Cor. 1: 18, 21). To the erudite Gentile, the gospel was foolishness, but preaching is the means God has chosen to save men. "Preach the word," Paul enjoins on Timothy, "be instant in season, out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine" (2 Tim. 4: 2). Early on, I learned to maximize my work. In this case, the fuller or expanded version of these outlines are found in the Archives of Bible Truths as articles.

There are different types of sermons, however, preaching must be intelligible to the audience. One of the best ways to make preaching understandable is to have the sermon itself organized; hence, the sermon outline. The sermon outlines contained herein are of the topical type (for Christian and non-Christian). There is a place for all types, the expository and inferential can certainly have advantages over the topical approach, depending on the circumstances and need. However, the topical lends itself to a broad assimilation and presentation of a given subject. Since the topical is not restricted to a given text, the topical can be abused and used to teach error with perhaps greater ease than some of the other sermon types. However, this danger does not negate the practicality of the topical sermon outline.

It is ideal that you employ visual aids in your presentations. Though most of the outlines you will encounter herein were originally preached with visual aids, I have elected not to include them alone with the outlines. I would, though, encourage you to create your own. The overhead projector is a good visual aid. You can use your imagination in creating transparencies, be they produced by Power Point or what ever source to enhance these sermons. (I am pleased to announce that I have now published to Bible Truths a PowerPoint sermon section. These PowerPoint sermons attempt to first be scriptural and then visually practical. Look through the many below outlines and then be sure to check out the PowerPoint sermons addition. To visit this section, simply click on PowerPoint Sermons. The PowerPoint Sermons addition is being consistently increased as to the number of presentations).

These sermons outlines and PowerPoint sermons have come from a number of sources. Many of them are original. Some that I may consider original were, no doubt, influenced by external sources I can not even recall. The graphics in the PowerPoint sermons are either original, from a public domain, or used with permission.

These outlines and PowerPoint sermons are not meant to spare the preacher from his work. They are only designed to assist and augment. There are two basic types of outlines found in this sermon collection (below). The first part consists of full and detailed outlines. These can also serve as a commentary. The second part are more skeletal in nature (there is a divider below). This second part might be what you would want for a short lesson or an outline that allows you more input and development. In fact, I have left some areas of the outlines incomplete and inferential, so as not to inhibit your own style and thinking. I shall maintain as simple formatting as possible. You will probably want to copy and paste the outline to your word processor to print out. In this setting, you can make any changes in font, style, or outline structure you desire.

Do not ever under estimate the power of preaching. A few years ago I had a preacher approach me whom I did not recall having met. He reminded me of a meeting I had held many years before. He said he was a member (young man at the time) and that that meeting (preaching) was the reason he was preaching. We often do not realize how the word is influencing people's hearts and lives. Take preaching seriously because it is the most serious and important work a man can do. Be sure, also, to live what you preach (Rom. 2: 1-3). If you would like to study more about preachers and preaching, go to the Site Map page and click on "Archives and Index" in the table, when on the Archives page, click on "The Clergy" located in the Subject Index box on the Archives page. Let me know if this material is of help to you. If there are requests, I shall publish many more. (Email Don Martin)

Index of sermon outlines

(New material is being added)

"John 3: 16, A Great Statement" (This sermon outline is basically an exegesis of John 3: 16. This material is a more serious look at the verse than is usually the case).

"The Modern Family" (This sermon presents to the audience some sobering and sad facts about the modern family. It also teaches what the Bible says about the family).

"The Six Days of Creation" (This outline examines the six days of creation from the standpoint of determining if they were twenty-four hour solar days or if each day represented an age or period of time. The day-age view is becoming more popular, even in the Lord's church. Could each day stand for age?)

"From Here to There" (This material addresses how people can progress and regress as well, both positive and negative examples, material for two sermons.)

"Abortion, the Scourge of America" (This outline does not "pull any pouches," but plainly addresses the shameful practice of legalized murder in America. There are also external and internal links located in the addendum regarding abortion that contain a wealth of information to assist you in your presentation of this material).

"The Battle of Armageddon" (In light of the problems in the Middle East, many now believe the physical blood bath they call Armageddon is now at hand. This material considers the biblical battle of Armageddon.)

"How about the Community Church Movement?" (One of the fastest growing religious movements today is the Community Church Movement. This sermon takes a look at the movement and compares it to the scriptures).

"The Justification of Man" (One of the greatest Bible subjects is that of man's justification. This outline presents the Bible's teaching on this basic and necessary subject).

"A Study of Islam" (Beginning with the terrorist attack September 11, 2001, there has been growing interest regarding Islam, especially relative to the official Islamic position pertaining to holy wars. This material can be used in a series of sermons that stress Bible authority, the supremacy of Jesus, and the potential dangers of Islam).

"The Historicity of Jesus" (This sermons attempts to prove from secular history that there was such a man as Jesus who lived. This sermon is important because of the growing "mythical Jesus" Movement).

"The Animals and Noah's Ark" (There are attacks on the Bible today such as I have never seen. Skeptics endeavor to find something whereby they can offer to suggest the Bible is inaccurate. This sermon takes a more serious look at the Ark, from the standpoint of the animals. The material disproves the charge the Bible is untrustworthy because all the animals of the world could not have been placed in the Ark).

"An In-depth Study of 'Church'" (This is material for two sermons pertaining to the conceptual idea of "church" as seen in the scriptures).

"A Look into the Occult" (This sermon seeks to simply but definitively show what the occult is and that the Bible condemns the world of the occult).

"Directing Prayer to Jesus" (There is a growing movement within churches of Christ to advocate and practice prayer to Jesus. This material, a series, examines the biblical teaching of prayer).

"The Role of Women in the Church" (There are drastic changes underway in religion relative to the role of women in the church. This material looks at the teaching of the Bible, both regarding women and the collectivity and pertaining to the distributive use of "church").

"Agents Involved in Man's Justification" (This study attempts to analyze and illustrate the great subject of justification by establishing some agents that are instrumental in effecting man's acquittal).

"'Radical Restoration,' a Review" (This sermon consists of a review of F. LaGard Smith's book, "Radical Restoration." As hard to believed as it is, Smith's Radical Restoration is already dividing some churches of Christ.)

"Point in Time" (A study of the emphasis the Bible places on time and how man errs grievously on occasion because he does not recognize Bible time. The material deals with death, life, salvation, and the inception of the Kingdom).

"Cohabitation" (Many are justifiably concerned about the growing trend in America regarding couples living together out of wedlock. This sermon explores this concern and considers the biblical teaching).

"The Flesh" (This is a simple and yet profound study of the flesh, sarx. This material seeks to accurately present the truth and expose Calvinism as well as some views in the church of Christ. There is material for at least two sermons).

"Is 'church of Christ' Scriptural?" (All who are cognizant of movements know that there is a Community Church Movement underway that is now affecting churches of Christ. This outline examines one often subtle nuance of this movement: doing away with the designation "church of Christ).

"A Study of the Kingship of Jesus" (Jesus is the centrality of Christianity. This sermon endeavors to emphasize the present regality and majesty of Jesus by presenting what the scriptures teach relative to Jesus' kingship).

"Happiness" (Many are attempting to find happiness today but without success. This study points people to true happiness and explains how it is secured).

"Justification, Paul and James" (Many view Paul and James' teaching on justification as contradictory, Rom. 4; Jas. 2. This study explains and harmonizes the teaching of Paul and James).

"The Earth" (There is presently a lot of interest regarding the earth. We even have a day officially set aside for the earth, "Earth Day." This sermon addresses the earth, biblically).

"God's Providence and Joseph" (This is a detailed study of providence, as seen in the life of Joseph. This outline is really designed to be a series of presentations).

"An Exegesis of I Corinthians Chapter Seven" (I Corinthians chapter seven has become the strong hold for a number of false doctrines regarding divorce and remarriage. This outline leads the audience in an exegesis of the actual teaching of the chapter. Such verses as 11, 15, 24, and 28 are viewed in their contextual setting for a better understanding. It is recommended that the material be used in a series of sermons).

"The Matter of Profanity" (This material looks at the growing trend in America regarding profanity and compares such with the teaching of the scriptures).

"Why Does Man Sin?" (Since the price of sin is so great, why really does man sin? This outline provides reasons for sin).

"How People View 'Church'" (This sermon considers the appeals of a successful church marketing magazine to determine how many view "church" in America today. It also contrasts these appeals with the scriptures and offers a scriptural appeal).

"Science Reveals God" (This material addresses the scientific branches of biogenesis, paleontology, thermodynamics, and the law of genetics. The sermon emphasizes how true science and the Bible are congruous).

"Hermeneutics" (This is both a common sense and scientific approach to the matter of serious Bible study. The material also addresses the so called "new hermeneutic").

"Where do the Gospels Belong?" (This study attempts to decide the placement of the Gospels, Law of Moses or Law of Christ. This is a detailed study that should involve at least two presentations. The material also looks at the real issue in the doctrine that "the Gospels are simply the Law of Moses," the real issue being the teaching of Jesus on marriage, divorce, and remarriage).

"A Study of 'Doctrine of Christ' in 2 John 9-11" (There is a strong movement underway to limit "doctrine of Christ" in Second John 9 to simply and only the belief that Jesus came in the flesh. This sermon analytically examines the phrase "doctrine of Christ" in its full setting to ascertain the meaning and consequent application. There is material for several sermons or just one abbreviated presentation).

"The Bible and Great Men" (This study disproves the statement that "great men of science and genius do not believe the Bible and that there is a God." The sermon is elemental in that it seeks to establish basic confidence in the Bible).

"How about Gambling?" (Many Americans have accepted the white-wash job the gambling "industry" has performed. Not only is gambling now accepted in society, gambling has become a major source of income for a number of States. This sermon biblically addresses gambling).

"Lessons from the Seven Churches" (This is a study of the seven churches mentioned in Revelation chapters two and three. Such a study should strengthen the local church. There will probably be material enough for two sermons or more).

"God is no Respecter of Persons" (This material first establishes the biblical doctrine of no respect of persons with God and then examines basic and cardinal doctrines of the New Testament to determine consistency and harmony).

"Upon this Rock" (This sermon examines and illustrates Matthew 16: 18. Jesus' deity is strongly accented).

"Is there no Protestantism Today?" (The term "Protestant" originally pertained to protesting the perversions of the Catholic Church. This sermon explores areas in which there should be protesting today).

"Predestination, God Versus Man" (This outline presents the teaching of the Bible regarding predestination in contrast to predestination as advocated by Augustine and John Calvin.)

"Creation, Genesis One and Two" (This is a detailed presentation not only of the creation account but also a harmony of Genesis chapters one and two. The material without any deletion requires two pages front and back, using a twelve point font).

"Strong Drink, a Major Cause of Grief" (This presentation consists of an exegesis of Proverbs 23: 29-35. There is also material in the addendum relative to Hebrew and Greek words that are translated "wine" and pertinent information).

"Capital Punishment" (There is no small amount of confusion today regarding what the Bible teaches regarding capital punishment).

"Baptism in the Name of Jesus" (Is baptism in the name of Jesus simply a formula that is to be said at the time of baptism or is there more involved?).

"Ancient Christianity" (This sermon takes the audience all the way back, past contemporary denominationalism, the Reformation, and Catholicism, to the Christianity of the First Century).

"The Spirit of Doubt" (The material attempts to motivate the audience into being confident, based on the certainty of the scriptures. The primary impetus of the sermon is Luke 1: 4, "Know with certainty...").

"Covering Sin" (This outline explores both the positive and negative use of "cover sin" as found in the Bible. The study illustrates our futile man's efforts to hide his sins are and how wonderfully God covers man's sins).

"Scriptural Fellowship" (It would be difficult to find a biblical subject that has been more distorted by man. This sermon outline presents the plain and simple truth about scriptural fellowship).

"Fellowship Matters and Questions" (This sermon practically approaches the fellowship matter and attempts to offer some probative questions both for the individual desirous of placing membership and the receiving church to ask).

"Acts 2: 38 and 3: 19, a Comparison" (This is a first principle sermon that explores, in some detail, the comparative teaching of Acts 2: 38 and 3: 19).

"Baptism, How, Who, Why, and When" (This sermon addresses and answers the essential questions pertaining to water baptism).

"Church Membership" (In this sermon, the matter of the importance and nature of being a member of a faithful local church is explored).

"The Bible and the Ice and Stone Ages" (Since the Bible does not mention the Ice and Stone Ages, as such, some have concluded the Bible precludes these "periods" and any results caused by such conditions. This sermon presents some biblical teaching some have not considered).

"Book, Chapter, and Verse Preaching" (Preaching is vital to the stability and direction of God's people. This sermon explores the trend to move away from book, chapter, and verse preaching. It also examines the type preaching characteristic of the First Century).

"Possibilities Regarding Truth" (Truth is just as essential to Christianity as love. This sermon presents from the scriptures some of the most common positions and postures people assume relative to truth).

"A Study of the Society System" (This is a mature study of the local church and societies. It goes beyond the issue of church funded societies and addresses individually funded societies that are doing the work of the local church. This is an area of little study and an even less amount of preaching).

"The Holy Spirit" (The Spirit is a being, He has specific work assigned to Him, He empowered many in the early church, and the indwelling are matters of focus in this sermon outline).

"Accomplishments of Jesus" (One can not preach too many sermons that emphasize the greatness of Jesus. This material stresses Jesus' greatness through his unique accomplishments).

"Jesus' Lordship" (Jesus is usually thought of in terms of Savior. However, Jesus is also Lord. This sermon presents the Lordship of Jesus with all of its requisites).

"What is Biblical Love?" (There is no small amount of misunderstanding about biblical love and this sermon addresses this matter and presents biblical love).

"Forgiveness of Sin" (This outline involves an in-depth study of forgiveness. Particularly addressed are God's forgiveness of man's sins; man's forgiveness of man's sins in general; and man's forgiveness in cases of personal offence).

"Have Miracles Ceased?" (This outline is full and detailed. It is designed to provide a complete study of miracles, their duration).

"Rules for the Family" (A study of six basic rules that are essential to a well functioning spiritual family).

"Romans Chapter 14" (When there is an apostasy, Romans 14 is an especially critical study. This outline explores the chapter and results in certain necessary conclusions).

"The Particulars of Romans 14" (Some are attempting to place just about every imaginable particular into the climate of Romans 14 and then demand that they be tolerated in the name of peace. This sermon examines some of the criteria for considering an item).

"Paul's Platform for Unity" (This sermon shows how true unity can be obtained and maintained. Ephesians 4: 4-6 is the focused on passage).

"The Life of the Christian" (This material obviously teaches how the Christian is to live).

"The Miraculous Gifts of the Spirit" (This outline leads the audience in a detailed study of the nine gifts of the Spirit that were enjoyed by many Christians in the First Century. It also addresses the nature, design, and duration of these gifts).

"Is Hell Simply Annihilation?" (Many today are denying the plain teaching of the Bible regarding hell. This sermon presents the Bible's teaching on this basic subject).

"Sin" (What is sin and what can be done about sin? This sermon answers these basic questions and many others).

"The Apostles" (No serious study of Christianity is complete without a detailed study of the apostles).

"The Bible, the Light Source" (This sermon is basic but essential to arriving at truth).

"The Kingdom" (The outline presents the truth about God's Kingdom and challenges some of the extant errors).

"The Local Church, its Autonomy" (One obvious feature of the early local church was its autonomy. This material addresses the church and its autonomy).

"The Devil" (To be successful in overcoming an enemy, one must understand the enemy. This sermon outline helps you tell others about the devil in an organized and complete manner).

"The Truth about Angels" (This sermon takes a look at the relevant basics concerning angels: their origin, organization, and function today. Matters such as the "guardian angel" position and other considerations are examined).

"The Bible and Homosexuality" (This sermon outline contains a plain and cogent presentation of biblical truths that relate to homosexuality).

"The Party Spirit" (There is a condition that many do not want to discuss. Some even deny it exists. I am referring to parties and factions within the body of Christ).

"The Covering" (This outline presents an organized study of I Corinthians 11: 3-16. It attempts to answer such questions as, "must the woman be veiled in public worship today?")

"The Way Flourished" (The gospel of the First Century experienced phenomenal growth, such as has never since been duplicated. In what conditions was this growth realized? This sermon addresses the circumstances and draws relevant conclusions and applications to God's people today).

"The Worship of God" (God is certainly deserving of man's worship, but what is worship and what kind of worship does God desire?).

"A Look at the Herald of Truth" (The Herald of Truth is well known among many churches of Christ. In fact, the Herald of Truth is in the budget of thousands of local churches. This sermon presents factual information about the Herald of Truth and compares its existence, nature, and operation with the scriptures).

"A Study of Institutionalism and Church Supported Orphanages" (This is a detailed study of the development of institutionalism within churches of Christ).

"What Prayer Will and Will Not Do" (Prayer is one of the greatest privileges the Christian has. However, we must understand the design of prayer in order to benefit from it).

"The Inspiration of the Scriptures" (In view of the advancement of modernism, much emphasis needs to be placed on the inspiration and reliability of the scriptures. This sermon outline and the immediately following pertain to the Bible and its reliability).

"The Use of Religious Titles" (This sermon addresses the matter of the common religious titles used by "the clergy").

"The Development of the Bible" (This material explores and reveals how the Bible came to be).

"A Study of the text of the Bible" (In this study, we take a more serious look at the original texts comprising the Bible).

"The Translating of the Bible" (This sermon outline takes a more detailed look at the work of translating the scriptures).

"The Bible, Cain, and Mrs. Cain" (Man is forever asking where did Cain find his wife. This outline focuses on this repeated question. It also attempts to show how man is often prejudice and draws premature conclusions when it come to the Bible).

"Man, His Origin, Fall, and Redemption" (A serious look at man from a biblical perspective).

"How about Baptism by Proxy?" (This is a study of I Corinthians 15: 29. Baptism by proxy is shown to not be an allowed understanding of I Corinthians 15: 29 and some plausible views are offered).

"The Bible and Theistic Evolution" (The more subtle version of evolution is theistic evolution. More, even in the church, are subscribing to theistic evolution. This sermon challenges theistic evolution).

"Jesus' Church" (This sermon shows how to identify the Lord's church out of all the thousand extant religions. It also stresses the importance of Jesus' church. There can be material for a series, depending on your needs).

"The Miracles of Jesus" (This sermon presents a detailed presentation of Jesus' miracles. There is material for at least two sermons. This outline can be also used in concert with "Have Miracles Ceased?").

"God's Wonderful Grace" (This sermon presents the good news of God's marvelous grace, without which no man could be saved).

"The Age of the Earth" (Do we really know the age of the earth? This outline attempts to answer this question).

"The Kind of Unity Jesus Practiced and Taught" (The unity often mentioned today often does not even resemble the unity that Jesus taught and practiced. This sermon takes a serious look at Jesus' direct teaching on the matter of unity.)

"Jesus' Teaching Regarding Division" (This outline stresses some aspects of division that are not often included in a study of this nature).

"God's Love for Man" (The material in this sermon addresses one of the most profound subjects in the Bible, God's love).

"Jesus' Second Coming" (This outline discusses the certainty, manner, time and purpose of Jesus' coming).

"Seven Bible Crowns" (This material offers an opportunity for a simple study that is motivational in nature).

"Evolution, an Empty Philosophy" (Darwinian evolution cannot intelligently and with any hope discuss man's origin, purpose, and destiny. This study exploits the basic weakness of evolution and offers hope through the gospel and man's Creator and sustainer.)

"Modern Forms of False Christianity" (This outline illustrates some of the more popular forms of false Christianity. It is simple; yet, effective in teaching a number of first principle truths.)

"Some Designations Applied to the Holy Spirit" (There is no small amount confusion relative to the Holy Spirit, his nature and work. This study seeks to biblically present the Holy Spirit based on designations that are applied to Him.)

"The Blood of Christ" (This material establishes some of the accomplishments of Christ's precious blood. It also shows how we contact or access Jesus' blood.)

The following outlines are simpler and more skeletal in nature. They lend themselves well to shorter lessons or to change and development:

"What Happens After Death?" (This is a question everyone should ask. If Jesus does not return first, all men shall die, Heb. 9: 27).

"Acts 2, Analyzed" (This outline is a succinct look at Acts 2, including a breakdown of the sermon recorded in verses 14-40).

"What Does the Holy Spirit Do Today?" (There are basically two extremes extant regarding the work of the Holy Spirit. One view has the Spirit performing acts that are not taught in the word; the other extreme has the Spirit totally inactive today. This material presents the actual work of the Spirit today).

"Why does God Allow Trials?" (This outline addresses this often asked question and endeavors to provide biblical answers to the question).

"The Truth about Fear" (This is a study about a common human emotion, fear. The study is designed to cause the audience to think about fear and use this emotion has God intended).

"The Church Sacraments" (We hear about the Seven Church Sacraments, but what are they and what does the Bible actually teach about "Church Sacraments"?)

"God and Abomination" (A short study of how "abomination" is used in the Bible. The outline stresses that these sins (said to be an abomination) are especially repulsive to God).

"Women in the Assembly" (This material engages in an exegesis of I Corinthians 14: 34 to determine the scope of the teaching of the verse regarding women in the assembly).

"Jesus' Atoning Blood" (Without Jesus' blood all men would be hopelessly lost. This study briefly examines what the scriptures teach relative to the blood of Jesus).

"The Bible and Grudges" (This study deals with a common problem: those who have been sinned against and their attitude toward the sinning brethren).

"What Does the Bible Say About Peter?" (Was Peter the first Pope or was he rather a man whom God used, long with others, as one of the apostles for the early church?).

"An Examination of Galatians" (The six chapters of the book of Galatians are replete with rich teaching, especially concerning the Law of Moses. This outline presents Galatians and stresses the applicability of the epistle to present day applications).

"A Look at the Modern Dance" (Pulpit preaching is often leaving out sermons regarding the modern dance. Be assured, the dance continues to be a temptation for our young people, especially in view of peer pressure).

"The Bible and Motherhood" (Motherhood as experienced in a biblically oriented marriage is the primarily fulfillment of the very basic design of woman. This sermon addresses the matter of motherhood).

"The Bible and Fatherhood" (Out of all the roles a man may fulfill in the course of his life, fatherhood is the most cherished. This study attempts to stress both the joy and the responsibility of fatherhood).

"The Christian and Tobacco" (Ignoring the many health warnings that have been issued, many continue to use tobacco. Smoking among some groups has actually increased! This skeletal outline succinctly presents a biblical perspective relative to such tobacco use among Christians).

"How to Overcome Procrastination" (Procrastination or putting things off is one of the biggest problems facing many. This sermon addresses this problem and provides some solutions).

"The Sponsoring Church Arrangement" (This material addresses a growing denominational practice among some churches of Christ of appointing a single local church with its elders to oversee the work of numerous local churches).

"Religion and Civil Government" (We hear a lot today about religion and government. This study briefly looks at what the Bible says about civil government).

"An Examination of Perseverance" (It is obvious to the Bible student that there is great emphasis placed on steadfastness in the Bible. This outline examines the teaching regarding perseverance).

"How about Tithing?" (Many religions today teach and bind tithing. This outline looks at what the New Testament teaches about giving).

"The Book of James" (This outline examines the Book of James, especially from the standpoint of the claim that the book is not inspired. The study emphasizes the rich and practical teaching found in the short but cogent Epistle of James).

"The Gospel and Eating Disorders" (This gospel not only addresses such extremes as anorexia and gluttony, but emphasizes the scope of the gospel).

"What is Biblical Peace?" (Man seeks peace, but often the wrong kind and in the wrong places. This simple sermon offers biblical peace, the only real peace).

"Is the Bible for Man Today?" (This outline asks and answers a question that many have today).

"The Book of Ecclesiastes" (The book of wisdom are essential for the impartation and acquisition of practical knowledge. This study introduces Ecclesiastes).

"Were Mary and Joseph Married?" (More people today are attempting to present Mary and Joseph as not married when Jesus was born. This study addresses the marital status of Mary and Joseph and mentions the growing problem of people just living together outside of marriage).

"The Great Commission" (The Great Commission is actually the beginning of Christianity. An understanding of the Great Commission is essential to understanding Christianity).

"The Christian is not to be Unequally Yoked" (Failure to apply 2 Corinthians 6: 14 and when applied, to apply it in a way Paul did not intend is common. This outline attempts to establish the intended application).

"Christ and the Law of Moses" (There is no small amount of confusion regarding Christ and the Law of Moses. This sermon addresses the matter and answers many questions).

"An Examination of Earrings and Body Piercing" (Many styles have been introduced into our society. Earrings on males and body piercing on male and female is becoming common. What should the Christian think regarding these styles?)

"The Bible and Entertainment" (This presentation endeavors to help the Christian decide about the kind of entertainment in should elect).

"Envy, a too Common Motivator" (Envy is very common and often serves as the prompting for many different actions. This study attempts to define, illustrate, and challenge envy).

"God's Calling" (This outline covers the fact of God's calling, to what are men and women called, and the nature of this calling).

"A Brief Overview of Church History" (This outlines succinctly presents the beginning, falling away, and restoration of the Lord's church).

"Does the Bible Teach Eternal Security?" (This material seeks to balance out the issue of eternal security and avoid extreme views).

"The Bible and Anger" (Anger is often a misunderstood emotion. This study presents the truth regarding anger, both from the positive and the negative).

"Messianic Prophecies" (There are many prophecies regarding Jesus' birth, his life, and his death. This sermon briefly leads the audience in an exploration of these).

"Some Obligations to Truth" (This presentation attempts to emphasize the value of the truth and man's obligations to the truth).

"The Matter of Temperance" (Temperance is noticeably lacking today regarding many. This study encourages the acquiring of temperance).

"The Bible and Friendship" (Many problems are experienced because of "friendships." This study briefly examines what the Bible says about friendship, including the greatest friendship of all: Jesus Christ).

"Church Benevolence" (What role and responsibility the local church has in the area of benevolence is a neglected study. This outline presents the teaching of the scriptures regarding this particular facet of the functioning of the local church).

"What does the Bible Teach about Dating?" (This outline addresses a needed look at dating in America).

"The Perfect Will of God" (Paul affirmed that the will of God is perfect, Rom. 12: 2. This study seeks to illustrate the perfect will of God).

"Did Jesus Practice Tolerance?" (Too often only a shallow consideration is given to such a question. This outlines briefly answers the question and endeavors to make present day application).

"Why is the Latter End Worse?" (This sermon briefly explores Peter's statement in 2 Peter 2: 20 about the latter state of the apostate being worse than before he became a Christian. The study attempts to offer motivation for growth and the avoidance of falling away from Christ).

"The Matter of Blood Transfusions" (This outline explores biblical teaching and principles to ascertain if blood transfusions are necessarily wrong.)

"The Baptism of the Holy Spirit" (Many believe that the baptism of the Holy Spirit was a common occurrence in the First Century. In fact, many religionists teach that the baptism of the Spirit was involved in every case of salvation. This study considers these matters).

"Apollos" (Most people enjoy character studies. In fact, such a study can often be informative and motivational. Apollos had many admirable traits, as this sermon reveals).

"Religious Fasting" (Some contend that fasting is required of the child of God. Others maintain the Bible does not teach fasting in any sense. This outline briefly explores the subject of fasting from a biblical perspective).

"Discipleship" (What is real discipleship and what does discipleship involve? These question are answered in the outline).

"Why was the Prophet Killed?" (The emphasis of this outline is to stress implicit obedience to God, regardless of circumstances).

"Two Inescapable Appointments" (We should all be appointment conscious. This sermon presents two appointments that we shall keep).

"The Conscience" (While the conscience is intangible, the Bible does teach regarding man's conscience).

"If Jesus had not Died" (This sermon approaches the accomplishments of Jesus' death from the negative).

"The Age of Accountability" (Since sin is not inherited, when does a young person become responsible to God? This outline attempts to offer some guidelines to determine the age of accountability in given cases).

"Cornelius and Prayer" (Many believe God hears and answers in general all prayer. This study examines the scriptures regarding those whom God hears. It also attempts to qualify and offer some needed explanation).

"Is 'Church of Christ' Scriptural?" (This study is especially germane in view of the movement within some churches of Christ to abandoned the designation "church of Christ").

"Jesus' Biography" (This outline presents the greatest biography that there has ever been.)

"The Bible and Drugs" (Are "recreational drugs spiritually and morally indifferent or does the Bible condemn them?).

"What is Fornication?" (This material seeks to carefully document the meaning of fornication as taught in the Bible).

"How about Suicide?" (This sermon biblically explores one of the major causes of the unnatural ending of human life. It also offers hope to the despairing.)

"Why are Christians so Militant?" (Just a cursory examination of First Century Christians reveals the fact they were militant. The question answered in this outline is why were they so aggressive when it came to the gospel.)

"Why Bring Jesus Back to Earth?" (This outline was adapted from God's Prophetic Word, pg. 193 and addresses the very heart of Premillennial teaching.)

"The Matter of Zeal" (The Christian must have the impetus to carry out God's commands. This outline emphasizes the eagerness and fervor that must characterize the Christian.)

"The Gospel and Dignity" (This study explores the basic nature of the gospel. It challenges the too often denominational climate of frivolity.)

"What are some Lessons in Revelation?" (This inferential outline seeks to show there are many practical truths found in the book of Revelation. It also issues a warning regarding the symbolic language found in Revelation and how it can be abused.)

"Astrology, a False Hope" (Many are serious believers in modern Astrology. This sermon presents several succinct biblical truths that refute the claims and hopes of Astrology and places the emphasis on trust in God and his providence.)

"The Bible and Numbers" (There is much fascination today with numbers. Some have developed a controlling religion by the abuse of certain numbers mentioned in the Bible. This material takes a look at some recurring numbers).

"What Does 'Not Under Bondage' Mean?" (This outline presents an exegesis of I Corinthians 7: 15. It also states the popular views regarding the verse).

"What is the Remedy for Discontentment?" (Many Americans have more material things they than ever had; yet, discontentment is almost a pandemic in this country. What is the answer? The outline provides the answer.

Sermon Outlines

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Reasons Why God's People Should Not Abuse Drugs

Reasons Why God's People Should Not Abuse Drugs

I. Drug Abuse Is Illegal

All of these drugs are illegal without a doctor's prescription. Most cannot be obtained even with a prescription.

To disobey civil law is to sin against God.

II. Drug Abuse Constitutes Intoxication

All drugs we have described alter the user's state of mind so as to cause intoxication.

The Bible clearly rebukes intoxication.

III. Drug Abuse Is a Lack Of Sobriety and Self-Control

Mind-altering drugs weaken the mind's ability to think clearly, distinguish right from wrong, and exercise will power.

The Bible forbids participating, for the sake of personal pleasure, in practices that hinder our moral judgment or weaken our self-control.

IV. Drug Abuse Tempts People to Fall Farther and Deeper into Sin.

A. The Bible Warns Us to Avoid Temptations and Evil Influences

B. Applications of This Principle to Drug Abuse

Use of drugs is wrong from the very beginning because all involvement tempts to greater drug use.

Drug use is wrong because it tempts those who are involved to participate in other sins as well.

C. Some Examples Showing How Drug Use Leads to Greater Involvement in Sin

Dr. Walter Lehmann describes a typical example of the young people he treats who are on marijuana:

Letter from Jenny.

V. Drug Abuse Harms the Body

A. All Mind-Altering Drugs, Including Marijuana, Harm the Body.

B. The Bible Teaches that Christians Should Care for their Bodies and Use Them to Serve God.

VI. Drug Abuse Sets a Bad Example and Constitutes Fellowship with Sin.

A. Many Passages Teach Christians to Set a Good Example and Avoid Fellowship with Sinful Conduct.

B. Drug Abusers Violate These Passages by Setting a Bad Example and Having Fellowship with Sin.

Fellowship with drug dealers

Influence on drug users or potential drug users

Influence on people who need to become Christians

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Lady Gaga's "Judas" and the Age of Horus

Judas giving Jesus the kiss of death.

Gaga as Mary Magdalene

Gaga as Mary Magdalene stoned to death. In Judas, Jesus has failed to save Gaga. Also, does this scene portray Gaga being persecuted by people who are offended by her music?

The Video

Yes, as stated in previous articles, hiding one eye refers to the Eye of Horus. I don’t see how Gaga can make this clearer for you.

The recreation of Mary Magdalene washing of Jesus feet…with the addition of Judas drinking a beer with a non-approving look.

“I’m on your side Judas, you’re the best”.

Gaga does not simply reject Jesus, she is an active agent in his bringing down. One of her eye is hidden, confirming that this is part of the Illuminati agenda (bringing down religions).

Judas giving Jesus the kiss of death.

Is this a reference to the great whore of Babylon who is said to “sit on many waters”? There is another reference to the Great Whore in the video.

Other Details in the Video

Why does this purple garb particularly stand out? Is this a reference to the Whore of Babylon who is said to be “clothed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls”? Crowley was also fascinated with the Great Whore, naming his scarlet women “Babalon”.

Why is the weapon randomly shown in the video? Is it because it is called a Morning Star, a name attributed to Jesus and…Lucifer?

While Gaga is singing “I’m in love with Judas” one of the dancers is wearing a shirt bearing an inverted pentacle surrounded by Hebrew script. This symbol is used the Sigil of Baphomet, the symbol identifying Lavey’s Church of Satan.

In Conclusion

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Sermon Outlines

Cohabitation

Decoding the 2025 Tech & Crypto Convergence: A Nairobi Perspective on Global Innovation