Erik's New Creation – Blog

Nothing more than feelings…

It amazes me that whenever I’m in a conversation and I receive someone’s input on a particular topic or an issue especially with moral or immoral highlights, the response usually begins with “I feel” or “I think” or a statement is conveyed that represents the person’s opinion or even a guess sometimes. Why rely on a feeling, a hunch, a guess, or an opinion when the bible clearly has the answer? Did you know the bible has an answer for every question or topic, such as abortion, drinking, sex, divorce, natural disasters, war, Catholics, slander, slavery, religion, arguing and everything else in this world. Be careful with your feelings or what comes from the heart. The heart can deceive you. Unless your view is based on authentic biblical principles, you may be making your own standards and principles that are contrary and/or deviating from what the bible teaches us. Think about it. We all fall into this natural habit of sharing our feelings and opinions, especially me!, forgetting to make reference to what the Bible teaches.

Are feelings wrong? Of course not. But if you use your feelings to base an opinion or response that has no foundation on biblical instruction, your venturing out on your own. No where in the bible are we taught to trust in our own feelings for the correct answer. If you don’t believe in the correct answers that come from the bible, all I can say is get over it, change, and believe in the bible. Throughout it’s historical texts, poems, letters, and prophecies, the bible’s 66 books covers a span of about 1400 years and includes some 40 writers inspired by God, teaching us how to know God and how we are to live as sinners. It’s amazing. Why come up with your own answer when the correct answer is already given to us? This is why we need to read the bible and discover God’s word so we can always walk with the correct view that we know is sound and correct.

What’s your view on homosexuality?
What’s your view on abortion?
What’s your view on church?
What’s your view on Catholicism?
What’s your view on Heaven?
What’s your view on Hell?
What’s your view on other worlds in the universe?
What’s your view on capital punishment?
What’s your view on Jewish people?
What’s your view on same sex marriages?
What’s your view on the President?
What’s your view on divorce?
What’s your view on life after death?
What’s your view on smoking?
What’s your view on other religions?
What’s your view on loosing weight?
What’s your view on war?
What’s your view on death?
What’s your view on marriage?
What’s your view on Islam?
What’s your view on driving over the speed limit?
What’s your view on God?
What’s your view on cheating?
What’s your view on gambling?
What’s your view on taxes?
What’s your view on horoscopes?
What’s your view on prayer?
What’s your view on your enemy?
What’s your view on homeless people?
What’s your view on fast food?

And so much more….

I recently asked a question about the Holy Spirit in my Bible Study. I counted four “I think’s” and three “I feel’s” along with my own feelings. I truly respect and am grateful for everyone’s input and counsel from my Brothers in Christ, which I rely on so much, and I’m reminded we need to continually dive into God’s Word on a regular basis to gain wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. Amen! Our views should be based on what God teaches us and not on our own feelings or opinions. Satan knows how vulnerable we are in this world with our own feelings and opinions. Beware!

Try one question from above and research the Bible to learn the answer. Aren’t you curious to know how God looks at any particular topic? You’ll probably be surprised.

You don’t believe in the Bible? Well then I seriously question your Salvation through Jesus Christ, and I personally want to reach out to you in discussion and prayer. Maybe you only believe in certain parts of the Bible. Sorry, that doesn’t work either. There is no compromise in your commitment and faith to God. You say, “but I’m saved by God’s grace.” You’re right, but God’s grace doesn’t allow you to form or mold your own God – pick and choose based on what feels right to you! God’s grace is given to us as Christians through the New Covenant of His Son, Jesus Christ, that whosoever believes in Him shall have eternal life (John 3:15). There is no compromise in believing. You feel more comfortable believing in a God that fits your comfort level. You want a God on your own terms. This is a contradiction to believing in God’s grace.

You say the Bible is flawed with errors and contradictions? Be very careful… Satan wants you to believe the Bible is not reliable and is useless. Lets first understand the origin and purpose of the Bible:

“If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken…” John 10:35 (KJV)

“…Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?” Acts 4:24-25 (KJV)

“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: …Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” 1 Corinthians 2:9-13 (KJV)

“For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.” 1 Thessalonians 2:13 (KJV)

“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” 2 Timothy 3:16 (NLT)

“Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2 Peter 1:20-21 (KJV)

There are people that also analyze and interpret the Bible as a historical document using techniques of higher criticism, finding contradictions between verses. For example, Genesis 32:30 states, “…for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.” However, John 1:18 states, “No man hath seen God at any time…” They claim both statements cannot be true, because there is an error of fact or translation. WRONG! At first glance the verses seem to contradict one another, but when considered in their appropriate context within their Book and Chapter they do not, because they are not speaking of God being “seen” in the same sense. The “contradiction” is the result of the passages being taken out of the context in which they were written originally. They fail to read the entire book or chapter to understand how the verse is used to deliver the message. The Bible is internally consistent, and does not contradict itself.

A friend recently told me there are other well-known historical documents that do not coincide nor agree historically with the Bible. Who am I to choose and consider any secular books over the Bible? Are you smarter than God? Don’t be a fool! Don’t disgrace and invalidate the Word of God, influencing others to stumble, as well.  The Bible is the only book that provides accurate details of past, present, and future history, which is already being fulfilled before our very own eyes. Don’t focus on petty human stabs on false Biblical text errors. Rather, focus on God.

Ask God to open your eye’s to the Bible and read slowly the Books and Chapters to find the answers, and the next time you’re in a conversation responding to a particular topic, start off your response with “Well.. the Bible teaches us…”

God bless.

Erik

Happy Birthday, Elliot.

Dear Son,

Four years ago to this day the Lord delivered you into my world and since that early morning hour, your presence has changed me forever. I can still vividly remember the sound of your cry when you came from your mother’s womb, and the beauty of your tender face as you snuggled into your mother’s arms. Even before you were conceived, God, the Father, already knew who Elliot Rolf Peterson was and loved you from the beginnings of the universe. God already knew your name. He already knew the number of hairs on your little head, and every living thing about you. He also knows your future steps as you grow. God is your architect, son, and I praise him for the blessings He has poured out unto you. Thank you Elliot for your laughter, your smiles, your hugs, your kisses, your cries for help, your tender love, and, most of all, calling me daddy and always saying “I love you.”

This past year you learned for the first time how to go potty on your own. You also got your very first bed along with a bedroom. You’ve probably collected more Hotwheel cars than any other child in the world! You also learned more words to speak and share, along with the ABC’s. This 3rd year, you began to go to church on Sundays and play with other children. You also learned how to sing with your mother and sisters. And you even learned how to pray before a meal. There is so much more you have accomplished this year, and there is so much more to come.

Watching you grow is an honor and a gift from Heaven, and I will never take advantage nor take for granted this gift. I pray that God will give me the wisdom and strength to be the best father to you and live a Christian life that sets an example for you to follow. Thank you, Elliot, for your spirit reminds me and teaches me how fragile we are and vulnerable we are in this world. I pray that God will continue to protect you, grow you in strength, and give you the wisdom that builds you a solid rock foundation.

In my heart you will always be the little boy that cries out for a cookie, rides the trains with daddy and climbs the rocks on the beach. In my heart you will always be the little one that wants to play in the bath tub with daddy and wants to watch the big whales and Mickey Mouse. I never want you to stop waking me up in the morning with a knock on the head and saying good morning to me. In my heart you will always be Elliot who says “Oh my gosh!” I wish you could stay this age forever, son, always needing my help and calling me daddy. You will always be my little boy, and I will always be there to raise you up when in need and protect you from harm. Your mommy and daddy loves you sooooooo much.

Today is your birthday, and I am truly grateful for God bringing you into my life and being my son.

Happy birthday, Elliot.

With all my love,
Daddy

Mormon underwear

For the past month I have been battling with an understanding, explanation, and the truth about Mormonism, because this particular group has been highlighted in conversation and in the news with the current GOP campaign and elections of 2012. Surprisingly, the spark and nudging did not originate from the candidates, themselves, but rather by high profile Christian leaders that are going public with their own views on one particular candidate’s faith, Mitt Romney, who is a Mormon.

When I read the books, study the messages, and follow the Gospel spoken by great Christian leaders, I place my trust and confidence in these leaders to help me understand the Word of God and how we are to live as Christians in this present day. Are these Christian leaders perfect? Of course not. Are they always right? Of course not. They’re human in the flesh and sinners just like me that need Jesus Christ. But when a Christian leader chooses to go public in the mainstream media influencing millions with their own opinion or interpretation on Mormonism, I am appalled and confused.

Franklin Graham did an interview recently and said Mitt Romney’s Mormon faith “doesn’t bother me at all.” Joel Osteen was just interviewed on CBS primetime and was asked his opinion about Mitt’s Mormon faith, “What I see about Gov. Romney is that he says ‘I believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He’s raised from the dead and he’s my savior.’ I see him as being a believer in Christ like me.” In the Washington Times, Osteen is also quoted saying Mormons “are Christians,” although it may not be the “purest form of Christianity.”

As a bible-believing Christian most of my life, I have learned that we are not to compromise our belief and Faith in the Trinity: God, the Father, His Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit who dwells in us. To claim your a Christian and compromise on any of the three in the Trinity is NOT Christianity. I recently blogged about people who claim they believe in Jesus Christ and Heaven, but don’t believe in hell. It dosen’t work. You can’t discredit the Word of God nor the words spoken by Jesus Christ, and claim your Faith in Jesus Christ. It’s a contradiction.

Peter wrote in his Letter: “…there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words….” 2 Peter 2:1-3

Jesus, Himself, warned us in Matthew 24:11-12 “Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.” Mormonism is exactly this, a manifestation of a false prophet: Joseph Smith, who invented the Mormon religion on April 6, 1830 in Palmyra, New York. His black-n-white picture is shown above.

If I am a Mormon and believe in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, will I go to hell?

The “Jesus Christ” the Mormons believe in is not the same eternal Jesus Christ we, as Christians, are taught in the Bible. The differences and biblical deviations are huge. Any deviation from the true meaning of Salvation as given to us through the historical texts of the Old Testament and New Testament of the Bible is a grave error. Mormonism clearly rejects Christian orthodoxy (belief and tradition) as the very argument for its own existence and doctrine, and it clearly identifies historic Christianity as a false faith. I’m not expressing my opinion they are false; it is a documented fact they teach aberrant and unchristian theology.

I asked this same question on January 19, 2012 on the Radio show, Pastor’s Perspective on 107.9 FM, hosted by Pastor Chuck Smith of Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa and Don Stewart. Their answers were very interesting and helpful. Click play on the following audio soundbite:

Let’s take a look at a few false teachings of Mormonism that clearly contradicts the true meaning of Christianity:

If it had not been for Joseph Smith and the restoration, there would be no salvation. There is no salvation [the context is the full gospel including exaltation to Godhood] outside the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Mormon Doctrine, p. 670

There is no salvation without accepting Joseph Smith as a prophet of God
Doctrines of Salvation, vol. 1, p. 188

God used to be a man on another planet.
Mormon Doctrine, p. 321;
Joseph Smith Times and Seasons, vol. 5, p. 613-614;
Orson Pratt, Journal of Discourses, vol. 2, p. 345;
Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, vol. 7, p. 333;

The Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as mans…
D&C 130:22

There are many gods…
Mormon Doctrine, p. 163

“And they (the Gods) said: Let there be light: and there was light,”
(Book of Abraham 4:3).

After you become a good Mormon, you have the potential of becoming a god
Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 345-347, 354

There is a mother god
Articles of Faith, by James Talmage, p. 443

God is married to his goddess wife and has spirit children
Mormon Doctrine, p. 516

The trinity is three separate Gods: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. “That these three are separate individuals, physically distinct from each other, is demonstrated by the accepted records of divine dealings with man,”
Articles of Faith, by James Talmage, p. 35

Jesus’ sacrifice was not able to cleanse us from all our sins, (murder and repeated adultery are exceptions),
Journal of Discourses, vol. 3, 1856, p. 247

Jesus and Satan are spirit brothers and we were all born as siblings in heaven to them both,
Mormon Doctrine, p. 163

The Devil was born as a spirit after Jesus “in the morning of pre-existence,”
Mormon Doctrine, p. 192

“The birth of the Savior was as natural as are the births of our children; it was the result of natural action. He partook of flesh and blood – was begotten of his Father, as we were of our fathers,”
Journal of Discourses, vol. 8, p. 115

The Holy Ghost is a male personage
A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Le Grand Richards, Salt Lake City, 1956, p. 118;
Journal of Discources, vol. 5, p. 179

Good works are necessary for salvation
Articles of Faith, p. 92

“One of the most fallacious doctrines originated by Satan and propounded by man is that man is saved alone by the grace of God; that belief in Jesus Christ alone is all that is needed for salvation,”
Miracle of Forgiveness, by Spencer W. Kimball, p. 206

And there is much, much more….

Yes, Mormons have several other bizarre beliefs concerning tithing, drinking coffee, pre-existing spirits, prophets, the tribes of Lehi, multiple heavens, priesthood, and forgiveness. And yes… Mormons may also wear sacred underwear given by the temple that serves as a reminder of their promises to God. Still, the crux we need to focus upon is the Mormon distortion of God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit (the Trinity).

Can you be a Mormon and claim your a Christian? After reading the few claims and teachings above of the Mormon faith, the answer is clearly NO. When we address a few of these false teachings, such as God came from another planet, or that he has a goddess wife, or that you and I can become gods, Satan is Jesus’s brother, or Jesus’s sacrifice did not cleanse us from all our sins, we find no biblical inspired support for these beliefs. In fact, the Bible clearly contradicts all these teachings without any compromise. None of the Mormon beliefs above can be found in the bible. They’re all man made. Moreover, the Mormon Church says the Bible is not trustworthy, but rather the true faith was lost, and Joseph Smith restored the so-called “true” Christian faith.

Joel Osteen was dead wrong when he said Mormonism is not the “purest form of Christianity,” implying it is Christianity. Mormonism is NOT Christianity – period. To think and believe Mormonism is Christianity is a compromise and contradiction to the very of Word of God. There is no compromise in Christianity. I do not believe Jesus Christ is the brother to Satan, because no where in the bible is this found in scripture. Jesus is the only begotten Son of God. When you deviate from the truth of God’s Word, the Bible, and base your faith on distorted and false teachings, you have no foundation or roots in believing Jesus Christ, and any claim of Jesus as your Savior has no merit. As a Mormon, you have been deceived. What urks me more is when a “Christian” leader goes public endorsing Mormonism. Sorry Joel, but your “deceptive words” is blasphemy and I truly question your Faith and Salvation.

When Paul wrote his second Letter to the Church of Corinth, he clearly warned us there will be people that will “boast” the Gospel with conceit and vanity, which will lead to deceitfulness. Read 2 Corinthians 2:12-15 carefully:  “But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.”

As a result of these public boasting through the media, its sad to think of the millions of people that will be influenced to agree and compromise with Mormonism. As a Christian we need to be alert and ready to address any Mormon, helping them recognize the Bible text and pray God will open their eyes to the Truth.

To answer the question if Mormons will go to hell even if they declare Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior? If they live by their doctrines and beliefs with their form of Jesus that has been boasted to them, I’m very sorry to say without a doubt, YES. There is no compromise in the Word of God. It’s black and white with clear sound instruction and meaning.

If you would like to know more about becoming a Christian, lets get together and talk, (714) 988-3745 or email me at mail@erikrp.com. I also have a post on becoming a Christian: Excuse me, I’m drowning.

Do you believe in Hell?

When was the last time you had a discussion or any thoughts about going to Hell? Maybe it’s an awkward topic that makes you uncomfortable; pondering the thought of yourself in Hell. As a result, you keep your ideas, feelings, or theories to yourself. I am actually comfortable talking about Hell, because I know I’m not going there when I die. I’m concerned for many members of my family, friends and acquaintances that are destined for Hell unless they make a commitment to Jesus Christ. There are many false ideas and mis-conceptions about Hell floating around. I felt called to post what the Word of God says about Hell. I’m encountering more people today that don’t believe in Hell. If that’s you and you feel less compelled to make a commitment to Jesus Christ as a result, this blog post about hell is for you.

So you don’t believe in Hell. Or you don’t believe God will send you to Hell. You say there is no Hell. “If there is a Hell, I’m not going there because I’m a good person.” Maybe you believe God only sends murderers, criminals and thieves to Hell. In no way am I here to judge or throw rocks at anybody reading my post about Hell. Where you stand in your relationship with God is your private business. I only hope and pray I can shed some light on the topic, helping you understand the basics of Hell and how to avoid this terrible place when you die. Let’s look at a few questions:

Why did God create Hell?
God created Hell for Satan and his angels (demons). Jesus tells us in Matthew 25:41, “Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels.”

Why is God sending people to Hell?
God does not send people to Hell. Rather, God wants us to be in Heaven with Him. Paul writes to Peter in 2 Peter 3:9, “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is long suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”

Why do people go to Hell?
People go to Hell, because they choose by their own free will not to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and repent (confess) of their sins. God respects your decision to not accept Him, and has a place for you to go as a result. God never intended for people to go to Hell. By your own free will, you have two options to choose: (1) BELIEVE – accept by faith Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and repent of your sins or (2) DISBELIEVE or DOUBT – do not accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, placing your hope on own “feelings” or theories. People go to Hell and perish, because they choose to disbelieve or doubt God, the Father, or Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, which are One (the Trinity).

How do I know if Hell exists?
First, I believe by faith Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior, who was hung (crucified) on a tree to die for my sins, and three days later rose from the grave. Second, I believe by faith the Bible is the inspired Word of God and is infallible, passed from generation to generation. Third, I believe in the Holy Spirit that dwells in me and each of us, interceding on my behalf and leading me in my walk with Jesus Christ. Now with that said in abbreviation, the word “Hell” is mentioned over 65 times, which may vary based on bible translations. Jesus Christ, Himself, spoke more about Hell than anyone else in the Bible, teaching us about the place, it’s membership, describing it’s weather, warning us, and explaining how not to go there.

Can you be a Christian and not believe in Hell?
To deny there is a Hell is to deny the very words of Jesus Christ. Compromising the words of Jesus Christ is to invalidate and rebuff the red biblical text spoken by the Lord your Savior. There is no middle or grey area in having a relationship with Jesus Christ. The words “maybe,” “perhaps,” “possibly,” or “perchance” does not exists in Jesus Christ’s dictionary. Jesus is either all or none to you. We are saved by God’s grace, and I believe we are called to understand the Truth from the biblical text. If you claim you’re a Christian and choose not to believe in hell, I question the depth of your Faith in Jesus Christ.

Why does God send “good people” to Hell?
God does not send good (or bad) people to Hell. Hell is a destination by our own free will – a freedom of choice.

Will murderers, thieves, and other criminals go to Hell?
If they accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and confessed their sins to God, they will not go to Hell. That’s right. Remember, I said “If.” Hypothetically, if Adolf Hitler before his death asked Jesus Christ into his life and repented of his sins turning away from his evil committing himself to God, Adolf Hitler would be saved in the Kingdom of Heaven. Astonished? This is God’s amazing grace and love for each of us who sent down His own Son to be sacrificed for our own sins. There is nothing you and I can do to remove or makeup for our sins; there are no good works that will ever compare to the death and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. “Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can man be saved from sin’s penalty.”

Do “good people” go to Hell?
Yes. Unless a “good person” has accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, repenting their sins, no matter how many good things they did throughout their life they will not see Heaven when they die. Period. If a person helped the needy and always donated his/her time to helping orphans, victims, the homeless, or anybody in need, but has not accepted Jesus Christ, they are destined for Hell. Doing good things (good works) is not enough to get you into Heaven. Jesus tell us in Matthew 7:21-23, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’” Unless you are a Christian, your good deeds are empty to God’s eyes and carry no justification for your entry into Heaven. If a person reads the bible and claims they believe in Heaven, believe Jesus existed, but never repented their sins and confessed Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, this person will perish in Hell. In Romans 10:9 we are told,”Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Who will go to Hell?
People that are not saved through Jesus Christ. The Bible teaches us who will go to hell. Revelation 20:15 warns “And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” 2 Thessalonians 1:8b-9 also teaches us that those who die without believing in Christ will go to hell: “Them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of His power.”

Where is Hell?
I don’t know. I haven’t been there and I’m not planning on visiting.  But I will say that several references are made in the Bible about Hell being a descension or “down” and not up or around.  Here are a few verses:  ”And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades; for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.” Matthew 11:23  And…. “They do not lie with the mighty Who are fallen of the uncircumcised, Who have gone down to hell with their weapons of war; They have laid their swords under their heads, But their iniquities will be on their bones, Because of the terror of the mighty in the land of the living.” Ezekiel 32:27  And lastly… Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?“ Ephesians 4:9

Will you (or I) go to Hell?
Unless you have placed all your trust in God, accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, and repented your sins, you will perish into Hell when you die.

What will Hell be like if I go there?
I don’t think we can fully comprehend the pain and suffering in Hell. The Bible does tell us the “fire cannot be quenched” in Mark 9:48. In Matthew 25:30, Jesus tells there will be “weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Peter describes Hell in his Second Letter to Christians in Chapter 2 as a “pit of darkness” or “chains of darkness.” I suggest reading Luke 16:19-31 in your Bible, where Jesus tells us the story of Lazarus and the rich man. The rich man was in Hell and said, “send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.” Hell is like a “garbage dump” of darkness, where people are fully conscious of their torment and suffering for forever. You can’t escape.

Did Jesus Christ go to Hell?
Yes. After Jesus died on the Cross (Luke 23:46) He descended into the “prison” (Hell referred to as “Hades” or “Gehenna”) to proclaim the truth of His Atonement (the reconciliation of God and humanity through Jesus Christ). Three days later, He rose from the grave. During these three days Jesus led the people that were living in “Abraham’s Bosom” to dwell with God in Heaven, leaving behind the “unsaved” in Hades. Sounds crazy? Let’s go back in history approximately 4,500 years to Noah’s flood. When God removed every human on the planet during the Flood (Except Noah and his family), everyone thereafter upon their death went to the grave (“sheol” from the Old Testament), which was divided in two separated parts: “Abraham’s Bosom” (the good part) and Hades (Hell). Although the Bible dors not hives the exact location, many believe these two places are located in the center of the earth. Before Jesus’s death, when a man or woman died, he or she went either to Hades (in anticipation of eternal punishment) or to “Abraham’s Bosom.” Let’s read from Peter’s first letter to Christians in Chapter 3 starting at verse 18: “For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit; in which also He went and made proclamation to the spirits now in prison, who once were disobedient, when the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water.”

Has anyone else visited Hell and returned?
No. Jesus Christ is the only person that went to Hell and returned through His resurrection from the grave by the power of God, the Father. There is no other person according to biblical text. If you asked me about the many books, news stories, and recorded events where a person claimed they have visited Hell and return, I respectfully would say the Bible supports no other person other than Jesus Christ who travelled to Hell and came back – this I know. Thus, I would not bother with any other story. God has ordained only one person for the round trip to Hell, and this is Jesus Christ. I don’t need to concern myself with anyone else.

Is Hell and the Lake of Fire the same?
No. Hell is where the unsaved goes now until God’s Great White Throne Judgement, which the Bible teaches us in Revelation 20. The Lake of Fire is the final destination for everyone already living in Hell today. Revelation 20:14 clearly makes it easy to understand: “Then Death and Hades were cast into the Lake of Fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the Lake of Fire.”

Is Hell the final destination for the unsaved?
No. Hell is a temporary staging where the unsaved goes after their first physical death. Yes, there is a second death.

Will those in Hell die again a second death?
Yes. All those living in Hell today will be judged and thrown into the Lake of Fire along with Satan and his angels at the time of God’s Great White Throne Judgement. The unsaved will die twice. Let’s read about in the twentieth chapter of Revelation: “And I saw a great white throne and the one sitting on it. The earth and sky fled from his presence, but they found no place to hide. I saw the dead, both great and small, standing before God’s throne. And the books were opened, including the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to what they had done, as recorded in the books. The sea gave up its dead, and death and the grave gave up their dead. And all were judged according to their deeds. Then death and the grave were thrown into the lake of fire. This lake of fire is the second death. And anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire.”

Conclusion
I’ve discovered the number of people who do not believe in the reality of Hell is huge. My Pastor, Greg Laurie, recently stated 82% of people believe in Heaven and only 70% believe in Hell. For millions of people around the world, Hell is a mystery or a fictional place.

Not believing in Hell let’s you live a life without a fear of God. And without a fear of God, you find your comfort zone and freedom in believing what best fits you – freedom of choice. What’s more damaging is that your own opinion and disbelief of Hell influences others, leading them to think the same. If you believe in Heaven, why would you doubt or disbelieve Hell is a real place?

Hell is a very real place, and I for one will never question nor doubt the words of Jesus Christ nor the Bible concerning it’s reality. It’s simple: I want to be in Heaven when I die. Think about it… let the reality of Hell marinate in your brain for a minute. Think about a pain and suffering that is beyond your comprehension. Life is short my friend, and I can guarantee you will die eventually. The question is, do you choose life or death when you die? If you choose Life through Jesus Christ, your last breadth on earth will be your first breadth in Heaven. Amen! But if you choose to deny or doubt Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you will die the first physical death in Hell and second death in the Lake of Fire. And let me make this very clear to you: Salvation through Jesus Christ is not based on what you want to believe or feel is good or right. Salvation is 100% trust and 100% acceptance of Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, surrendering, praying, confessing your sins, and turning away from your past to live for Him who made you as “new creation.” Amen.

Remember, any road you choose will lead you to God; whether you’re an Atheist, Muslim, Catholic, Mormon, a “good person,” Buddhist, Lutheran, Jehova Witness, or belong to any other form of religious group, I guarantee you will see God. But only one road will get you past Him into Heaven, and that is a personal relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ.

The bad news is Hell is real for the unsaved, but the good news is Heaven is real for those born again (saved) in Jesus Christ who has cleared a path for us to eternal life. John 3:16 says “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” Why would anyone not want to go to Heaven? How hard of a decision is it after you compare the two options? Is your life today far more important than where you will live for eternity? Why is accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior so difficult for you? What is holding you back from making the right decision?

If you would like to know more about becoming a Christian, lets get together and talk, (714) 988-3745 or email me at mail@erikrp.com. I also have a post on becoming a Christian: Excuse me, I’m drowning.

20 Signs of “Last Days”

I came across a passage in 2 Timothy that reminds we’re very near the last days as it is unveiled to us in the Book of Revelation. In Paul’s letter to Timothy, we are reminded to watch for these signs of the last days. Check out this list of adjectives Paul uses to describe the people in the last days. How many adjectives or descriptives do you see in people around the world or in your own home?

It’s clear we’re getting closer to the last days on this planet. It’s exciting to see bible prophecy fulfilled, but it also reminds us to search, reach out, and help the unsaved find Jesus Christ.

It’s interesting to read the same passage from different bible translations. I like how the The Message Bible translates this passage. I formatted the text in a bullet list to make it easier to see the words.

2 Timothy 3:1-5

“Don’t be naive. There are difficult times ahead. As the end approaches, people are going to be:

01. Self-Absorbed
02. Money-Hungry
03. Self-Promoting
04. Stuck-Up
05. Profane
06. Contemptuous of Parents
07. Crude
08. Coarse
09. Dog-Eat-Dog
10. Unbending
11. Slanderers
12. Impulsively Wild
13. Savage
14. Cynical
15. Treacherous
16. Ruthless
17. Bloated Windbags
18. Addicted to Lust
19. and Allergic to God
20. They’ll make a show of religion, but behind the scenes they’re animals.

Stay clear of these people.”

Here is a translation of the same verses from my everyday bible I study, The New King James:

“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!” 2 Timothy 3:1-5

The next time you read the newspaper or watch the news jot down how many people descriptives or adjectives from this list you read or heard. We are living in the end times and I for one don’t want to be left behind, but be ready with my family and friends at any given moment.

My wife, Kimberly, read this “last days” post and thought I was talking about our own family. I would say our rabbit, Dash, is “Impulsively Wild” for starters.

Cellphones in Church

This past Sunday at Harvest Church in Irvine, I must have heard at least three cellphones ring during the church service. Moreover, when Levi Lusko, guest speaker from Fresh Life Church and Skull Church in Montana, was inviting anyone to come forward and accept Jesus Christ during the prayer at the end of the service, I heard a phone ring and answered far behind me with the speaker on. The auditorium was silent in prayer with total focus on God, and suddenly out of nowhere a voice on a speaker phone starts up. Not good.

Harvest does a great job with it’s pre-announcements on the big screens before the service, reminding everyone to silence their cell phones. Still, so many fail to “think, think, think” (from the words of Pooh) during the church service.

I have to laugh, because I can’t remember the last time I heard a cellphone in a movie theater go off. I’m sure all the moviegoers know this by memory: “Please silence your cellphones as a courtesy to others around you.”

What’s even more funny during a church service is to see a woman panic and rush for the cellphone in their purse as if their life depended on it. The devil will use anything in the world to cause a distraction and interruption, helping you loose focus on the pastor’s message – Jesus Christ.

“Think, think, think.”

Give to the thief.

A few days ago someone stole a bicycle from our home that was left outside overnight. It was a nice bike with a lot of memories from Ohio with the family. It hurts to know it was taken from us. This event reminded me of a particular scripture verse in the bible I had read recently on how we are to respond to a thief or anyone that hurts another person. Trying to find the scripture verses in my bible, I asked my friends from my Mens Bible Study for help and they were quick to direct me to the scripture passage in Chapter 6 of Luke.

So… what if someone took something from you that was precious and important to you? How would you feel? How would you respond? I bet your feelings could be described possibly as hurt, sadness, spite, or anger. The human reaction traditionally leads to an emotion of anger, which may give birth to vengeance and retribution. Whether the emotions are mild or an outrage, we ultimately judge the person with a box of rocks. Whether our response is thought inwardly our shown outwardly, the sin is the same. Yes.. sin. Moreover, various times in our lives we’ll share our box of rocks, influencing others to throw them, as well. The world teaches us “an eye for an eye” or “a tooth for a tooth” to give back hurt or pain for compensation. Sue the person! Take them to court! Curse! Hate! Make him or her hurt emotionally or physically. Clearly we lean toward judging and disliking the thief or anyone that causes us pain.

For most of my life as a Christian I have always carried my box of rocks to throw at a thief or anyone that had hurt me in some manner. I admit its hard to turn the other cheek, because the world makes it easy for us to appease and comfort our own feelings of hurt or pain with sin. I believe this is a sensitive topic to discuss, causing confusion, discontent, or disagreement. How we respond to the thief or instigator says everything about our spiritual walk as a Christian. So what should our response be to the thief? Where can we go or who can we rely upon for the correct instruction or best advice for responding to a thief? Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, Amen. In Luke, Chapter 6, Jesus teaches us in His own words how to respond to the thief or anyone that harms us in any manner. Lets start in verse 27:

“But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also. Give to anyone who asks; and when things are taken away from you, don’t try to get them back. Do to others as you would like them to do to you.” Luke 6:27-31

Are you willing to listen? This is true compassion. Give to the thief.

I remember when I first saw Les Miserables in Long Beach in the late nineties, a Broadway Musical on French history with various stories around the French Revolution. There is a scene toward the beginning that demonstrates this same compassion Jesus teaches us in Luke. A Bishop named Myriel gives shelter to Valjean for the night who was just released from prison and now homeless. Valjean steals the Bishop’s silverware in the middle of the night and runs off. The next day, Valjean is caught by the police and is brought back to Bishop Myriel. Rather than claiming the stolen goods, cursing him, and sending him away with the police back to prison, the Bishop informed the police Valjean rushed off too early and forgot the candlestick holders, which the Bishop handed to Valjean to place in the same bag with the stolen silverware in front of the police. This compassion shown by the Bishop pierced Valjean’s heart, changing, inspiring, and humbling him to be a better man forever as the story is told to us in Les Miserables. If you love French history or a story of love and compassion, I recommend watching the movie or see the musical. Here is a YouTube link to the three minute movie scene of Bishop Myriel and Valjean togther: Valjean, The Thief

This is the same true compassion taught to us by Jesus Christ. How many “Valjean’s” have you experienced in your life? And how did you respond to each one?

Yes, this fictional story of Valjean demonstrates compassion, but the greatest compassion on earth that we know is true comes from our Lord, Jesus Christ, who was hung on a tree to die. Jesus had the power to “send legends of Angels” to stop and remove Pontius Pilate, the church leaders and people who wanted to crucify Him. But instead, Jesus responded with compassion, sacrificing Himself as a ransom for the sins (rocks thrown!) of every human being in the world so that we won’t live in death (Hell).

Another way to describe this compassion: Picture yourself standing in the middle of the road and a big semi-truck was heading toward you to run over you. Just when you were going to be hit, Jesus ran out to push you away to stand in your place to take the death blow.

Jesus sacrificed Himself for you that you may live in Heaven with the Father for eternity. Moreover, Jesus was God’s son. Thus, the Father sacrificed His own Son for all of us sinners. On the third day after Jesus’s death, He rose from the grave, conquering death. In the words of Michael W. Smith, “death could not hold Him down.” We call this SALVATION. All you need to do to receive this salvation is confess and turn away from sin and ask Jesus to come into your life with true faith He is your Lord and Savior. You can read more about this in my blog: Excuse me, I’m drowning.

So… you still think we should keep for ourselves what is ours and take back what is stolen from us? I believe Christians have a problem to accept and demonstrate this compassion to others on the same level Jesus demonstrated it to us with His own sacrifice. Jesus ends His instruction plain and simple with verse 36 in Luke 6:

“You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.” Luke 6:36

Jesus went beyond offering “the other cheek” in His teaching in Luke by instructing us to give more to the thief to what was already taken. This act of giving to our enemy represents the same love and compassion Jesus showed on the Cross. It sets the example we need to follow as Christians, teaching us to do the opposite of our natural human instincts – not loving our enemy. Love breeds love. Hate breeds hate. Why become like the enemy? Strike the person with an unexpected act of kindness and see what happens to his or her heart. The act of giving back shapes compassion into a sword with grace and humility that can pierce the heart of any enemy.

Imagine how different your world would be if you stopped following your natural human instinct that feeds off this world filled with paganism. Think about one enemy or thief who you can show compassion to that least expects it. See what happens to both of you. I promise you won’t regret it. Holding and using this sword of compassion requires courage and faith in Jesus Christ.

Although I have failed miserably to offer compassion many times in my life, I admit I was wrong and selfish. I pray that I will remain steadfast and strong for the rest of my days on this planet in the Holy Spirit to always offer the same compassion Jesus showed you and I no matter the pain and suffering.

To the individual that stole my bicycle, I freely give it to you. I forgive you and ask the Lord to bless you so that your eyes may be open some day to Grace and Truth of Jesus Christ. I also have another bicycle with a baby seat in the garage if you choose to want it. You are always welcomed in my house.

A bicycle is easy to give up you say. When the loss is far worse and devastating, such as a car, a home, time, money saved for retirement, or a death of a loved one, you will argue its impossible to show compassion to the instigator or perpetrator. I know the pain is real, but you must remember Jesus – JESUS CHRIST. Remember He sacrificed His own life for you. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son” so that you can avoid Hell and live with God in the Kingdom of Heaven forever. Your last breath on Earth can be your first breath in Heaven. This is the only Hope we will ever need in this life. I know the pain is real, but the Hope we have in Christ is even greater, and knowing this gives me the courage and strength to give to the thieves of this world whatever they may take from me.

Thank you to my Brothers from the Men of Valor Bible Study at Harvest Church Irvine for reminding me of Jesus’s words in Luke 6. Lastly, thank you to the thief who stole the bicycle. You reminded me of God’s compassion.

God bless.

Charles got it all wrong.

I went to the movies recently and, as usual, I had to watch a ton of previews before the main attraction. In between previews a Levi’s commercial came up on the screen and I couldn’t believe my eyes and ears. For 60 seconds Levi’s tried to brain wash me, making me think I was in control of my life in a lost world where the only hope comes from within me, and the gods will delight in me if I beat death. This is a perfect example of the world decay we are living in and the pagan philosophy that is being delivered to our children through the media. To see and hear this on a large movie screen was eye striking.

Aside from the words, the video was astonishing and alarming. Early in the video, you see a women standing on a roof overlooking a city, facing the sun and stretching her arms out wearing a black feathered jacket that looks likes wings – black wings. All I could think about was the non-Christians sitting in the theater with me and how defenseless they were to believe and absorb this world religion. Here is a link to the video that is being aired in the movie theaters: Levis Go Forth Commercial

Check out the poem:

GO FORTH
your life is your life
don’t let it be clubbed into dank submission.
be on the watch.
there are ways out.
there is a light somewhere.
it may not be much light but
it beats the darkness.
be on the watch.
the gods will offer you chances.
know them.
take them.
you can’t beat death but
you can beat death in life, sometimes.
and the more often you learn to do it,
the more light there will be.
your life is your life.
know it while you have it.
you are marvelous
the gods wait to delight
in you.

The poem, itself, truly represents the world view toward a life that leads to death. “Your life is your life” is not true and is a direct contradiction to Christianity. Our lives were bought at a price by the blood of Jesus Christ who was hung on a tree to die for our sins so that we won’t see our own death, but rather live with God in Heaven. In I Corinthians 7:23, Paul makes it clear in his letter to the Corinthians: “You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men.” This poem is totally based on pagan deceptions and contradictions to the Bible. If I didn’t know the author, I would of thought Satan wrote it himself.

I was curious about this poem in the Levi’s commercial, and wanted to know more about the poet behind the words – Charles Bukowski (8/16/1920 – 3/9/1994). Charles produced a large portfolio of written work, much of which was used in short films aside from fictional literature and taboo fantasy novels. Was Charles a Christian? No. His work demonstrates a pagan view of self-indulgence, denying any reality of God and any relationship with Jesus Christ. He died in San Pedro as a victim to leukemia in 1994. His funeral was conducted by Buddhist Monks. Today, Charles is living in Hades (Hell) and probably now realizes he got it all wrong and wishes he never wrote his pieces for the public to read. Today, Satan continues to use his work in the media to reach out to the next generations around the world. This poem and video summarizes a world religion that blinds the human race from the Truth and Grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

It’s interesting and very sad to read the reviews and comments associated with this Levi’s video on YouTube - Levis Go Forth Commercial. People love it and are feed inspiration.  Satan’s work is strong as an angel of light for both the lost and the Saved. Here are a few comments:

“I Love this commercial-3 It’s leaves a positive impact and I feel completely inspired.”

“This is so inspirational….. Even though you’re going through tough times right now, there’s a way out…always a way out. There’s light somewhere, though it might not be much light but surely it beats the darkness. Keep watching, believe in yourself and fate (the gods) will offer you chances. Recognize and grab with both hands when you see them.The more often you learn to do this the more chances (light) there’ll be. Know this while you v your life cos 2morrow might be too late. Fate awaits U.”

“Great poem, very inspiring.”

“I’m sorry but i’m in love with this advert :’) made me happy and a be more care free in my life :’)”

“I watch this every time I forget. Every time I forget that life is beautiful and worth living and full of opportunities. Every time I forget that I am marvelous, that I can create the light, and that the gods wait to delight in me. I watch this when I’m doing homework at midnight and I feel so far from alive. And then I remember.”

“This commercial always uplifts me a little. I just wanna be where these people are at and doing what they’re doing.. Instead I’m stuck here where I am forced to do nothing with my life. One day I’ll leave this place and be free and live by the words of this commercial(:”

I am so happy and blessed I can sit in a theater and recognize the false message the media delivers, standing guard to my heart and mind in the Holy Spirit. I am blessed with the knowledge and wisdom of God. I pray for more, and I pray for the others to also GO FORTH as a Witness, a Steward, a Herald, and a Watchman for God. I will go forth in Jesus Christ. Amen.

If anyone reading this post wants to learn more about the meaning of becoming a Christian and understand eternal life through Jesus Christ, please email me at mail@erikrp.com, and I would be happy to help you. You can check out my blog post: Excuse me, I’m drowning

As a Christian living by faith, our last breath on earth will be our first breath in Heaven.

Sorry, Charles, you got it all wrong.

Elliot’s first day at school.

I can barely remember my first day at school. I can recall various times of playing in the play ground, taking naps, and always being the shyest in the class. I can remember being so scared to ride the small bus vans they would hold the bus just for me and get my mother on the telephone to assure me everything was alright, hearing her say “get on the bus Erik!” I can remember sitting on Santa Clause’s lap in pre-school and wetting my pants. I can remember having a crush on my Kindergarten Teacher. It’s amazing to look back and remember the images, feelings, and events I had experienced.

Today was my son’s first day of school in pre-school. It was a beautiful day in Irvine with clear blue skies, fall leaves, and a cool breeze. Here comes Elliot from spending a morning in the classroom. Unlike me, Elliot was strong and looking forward to playing with the other kids. He is so brave and I love his outgoing spirit. Elliot already shows amazing signs of strength. It’s the day before Thanksgiving and Elliot left the school with a Thanksgiving Card with a turkey pasted on the front. Using finger paint, Elliot was able to paint with his fingers the feathers on the turkey. It’s a card we’ll always keep safe. Walking out from the classroom, he carries his Spiderman backpack snugged to his shoulders.

At times Elliot can curl up like a ball and find security in his yellow blanket and other times he’s trying to climb the highest rock.  Elliot is discovering new sights, new feelings, new images, new people around him, and learning new things about himself. I find it amazing to watch Elliot grow, and I’m so blessed and thankful to have him as a son.

Elliot can bring light to any dark room and make another smile with his laughter and play. Elliot is truly a child of God with love, innocence, and tenderness. Vulnerable to a big world, I pray the Lord will protect him and keep him healthy in all his days, guiding him through the valleys with strength and wisdom. Proverbs 22:6 says “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” As a father, I pray the Lord will continue to give me the wisdom and courage to raise Elliot in a home of unconditional love, selflessness, and giving, teaching life’s basic lessons daily.

I love you, Elliot.

Daddy

A box of rocks.

Growing up as a kid I loved to throw my rocks in the water to see them skip across the surface or make the biggest splash. There were never enough rocks to throw. I remember collecting rocks whenever my parents took us camping in the High Desert or in the Sierras. I looked hard for the most interesting shapes and colors. But as I got older, my interest in rocks grew less and eventually all the rocks I collected were missing or tossed away. Looking back at family photos I can remanence my old rock collection in a box and remember the fun of holding onto something special.

Rocks have an endless form of shapes, sizes, colors, texture, and weight, covering the entire surface of the planet. Most of the time rocks usually get in the way and we move them aside with our feet, hands, or tools. And when picked up and thrown with a little force, a rock can do damage to anything it hits, such as a window, a wall, a car, and especially a human being. As far back to the ancient days of Jewish tradition, stoning was used as a form of capital punishment against those that broke the law. Throughout the Old and New Testament in the Bible, stoning was a common practice. Here are just a few verses:

And he that blasphemeth the name of the LORD, he shall surely be put to death, and all the congregation shall certainly stone him. Leviticus 24:16

If a damsel that is a virgin be betrothed unto an husband, and a man find her in the city, and lie with her; Then ye shall bring them both out unto the gate of that city, and ye shall stone them with stones that they die; the damsel, because she cried not, being in the city. Deuteronomy 22:23-24

They found a man that gathered sticks upon the sabbath day. … And the LORD said unto Moses, The man shall be surely put to death: all the congregation shall stone him with stones…. And all the congregation brought him without the camp, and stoned him with stones, and he died; as the LORD commanded Moses. Numbers 15:32-56

When we study John in Chapter 8 in the New Testament, we read about a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery and was brought to Jesus Christ by the Pharisees as a test to see if the Messiah was a liberal in matters of the Law of God. It’s an amazing story.

At dawn He appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

Jesus did not “condemn” or didn’t throw a rock, because He had no box of rocks to throw. Jesus was sinless, pure and holy.

When I think about the rocks people throw today, we, as sinners, need to be reminded of the Fruits of the Spirit. Paul’s letter to the Galatians in verses 5:22-23 teaches us nine biblical attributes of the Holy Spirit that we need to live by in our daily Christian walk:

(1) Love
(2) Joy
(3) Peace
(4) Patience
(5) Kindness
(6) Goodness
(7) Faith
(8) Meekness
(9) Self-Control

We call them Fruits, because they’re delicious and they feed the body with healthy nutrients and vitamins. Contrary to rocks, the fruits indwell in us through the Holy Spirit. In 1 Corinthians 3:16, Paul teaches us our body is a temple where the Holy Spirit dwells, “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?” The Fruits can only come from the Holy Spirit sent by God, Himself.

So why the rocks, Erik? When we comfort every day situations with other people in this world, we have a choice to make: choose a Fruit from the Holy Spirit to show or reach for a rock in your box to throw. Every rock in your box has a name, and when thrown they can hurt, irritate, or devastate on all levels. Here are some common rocks we may carry in our box:

(1) Envy
(2) Judge
(3) Deceive
(4) Curse
(5) Hate
(6) Harm
(7) Gossip
(8) Insult
(9) Condemn
(10) Extort
(11) Kill

A few days ago I was putting my three year old, Elliot, to bed. He was very tired and as he rolled into bed I could see his eyes drooping. While I was putting his pajamas on him, mom came inside his room and left the door open letting the light from the family room inside. I turned to Kimberly and asked her if she could close the door to keep the room dark for Elliot. Kimberly said “no, I need the light.” I asked a second time with a please and her response again was “no.” Not sure what just happened. I knew prior to her coming into the room she was diffusing a situation with our two daughters. I became upset and reached into my box of rocks and called her a “jerk” while changing Elliot. I knew my rock hurt her feelings. I was mad inside and hurt. I was wrong. I realized my mistake and later in the evening apologized to her.  Kimberly is an amazing wife that has a heart of grace and understanding.

Recently in my Mens of Valor Bible Study on Tuesday nights at Harvest, we studied the words spoken by Jesus Christ in Luke 6:27-31:

“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you.

In John 13:34-35, Jesus said “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Are you listening to Jesus, our Lord and Savior?

I believe everyone walking on this planet carries a box rocks wherever they go in their daily lives. The boxes range in size and the rocks come in all different shapes and sizes. At the end of the day some of the boxes are empty, some may have less rocks, or others may have gathered up more rocks. Boxes may accumulate rocks over years, and sometimes they show up in the box in an instant at anytime when you least expect it. No matter the size or quantity, we all carry a box of rocks.

As a Christian, its time for me to leave my box wherever I go in my daily walk. I don’t want to throw any more rocks, because I know these rocks reflect the world of sin and not of Jesus Christ. Instead, I need to carry my bag of fruits and show them to everyone I come across each day. A Fruit can bring so much harmony and peace to any given situation. Yes, it’s hard to stop reaching inside the box of rocks, but with prayer and focusing on the Holy Spirit the rocks will disappear and eventually be gone. Amen.

So… how many rocks did you throw today?

God bless.