Erik's New Creation – Blog

Dear Bill

Dear Bill,

I write this to you as your Brother in Christ and a dear friend. I know your world is dark. I know when you wake up in the morning the pain is real and it never subsides. I know your situation feels utterly hopeless. I know every bone in you tells you to walk away from your marriage. I know it’s easier to leave behind the past and turn your head and leave the mess in your life. Divorce is not the answer. I beg of you to reach out to God in your heart and mind. Read these words and let them penetrate.

Do you remember the feelings inside when you first kissed your wife? When you first touched her? When you first smelled her perfume? When you first looked into her eyes with love? Do you remember the feeling when your beautiful boys came into this world? Remember it all. Let it mould you and penetrate into your heart. Remember and know that it’s not lost. All these memories can be restored. All these memories can continue.

The world will tell you to let go. The world will give you justification and the reasons to act and respond selfishly with your marriage.

Deep down under all the trash in the trash can, there is a seed of love that you once had with your wife. It’s still there. The seed may be the tiniest thing and almost impossible to find around all the trash.

It’s my prayer that you will dig through all the trash around you. It’s my prayer that you will fight to find that seed again. It may take several more years to find it. Yes, you made mistakes and brought this darkness upon yourself. You have committed great sins and you are now reaping the ramifications of these sins. Divorce does not wash these wrongs away. Divorce is not the answer. Through the bleakness and hopelessness, you need to stand tall in Jesus Christ. Wake up each morning and start your day off with a prayer to God for help. Focus on His word. Read the bible. Surround yourself around other Christians in church as mush as possible every week. Set yourself right with God by obeying Him.

Why? God calls on you and I to be like Him. God loves you. You have two beautiful young boys that deserve a family and two parents. Yes, your wife doesn’t love you today. She is gone more and more each day with another man. She may say the meanest things or may ignore all of you. There is no more love. Its a loveless relationship. And yes you have tried in the past years to repair the damage. But never listen to the world that teaches us to give up and move on. Divorce does not wash away your past but leaves a dark hole that will live with you and your kids forever. Divorce offers no solution. I promise you there are still feelings deep deep down in her heart for you. They may be buried in the deepest hole, but they are there for you Bill.

Focus on yourself and stop trying to fix something that only God can repair. Right yourself with God and build a Christian home with your two boys with or without your wife present. Send emails of love to her. Invite her on a date, and if she’s chooses to ignore all your invites go by yourself and spend this time alone with God. Stand up on these ocean waves and journey with God through this storm. Send flowers to her. Share your feelings with her. Treat her in a loving and caring way as if nothing was wrong and fight, Bill. Fight! Rise above this occasion and be an example to your boys. Put your ring back on. Teach your boys that no matter how hopeless a situation may be, we as Christians give it to God and rise above it. Yes, it will be hard. Yes, it will be torture. It will feel like a waste of time. But at least you know you did it right before God. Don’t correct your sins with more opportunities to sin. It’s a broad road that will only lead to more destruction and you will never find the peace you once had when you were first married. Divorce is not the answer.

You’ve said that you’ve already tried for years. Try harder, but this time around give it all to God. Not a little bit, but all. Do it with God. Put God literally first in everything. Walk with God more than you have ever attempted in your life. Before you can fix a marriage you need to fix yourself. I told you that you can’t neglect your family and have a relationship with God at the same time. There’s no way. But you say “you never neglected your family.” I understand. Would God agree with you? The world says to you “job well done; now move on.” Don’t move onto divorce.

The Israelites wondered for forty years. It took Noah 120 years to build the ark. Jesus wondered in the wilderness for forty days. How many years was Joseph imprisoned before he became a Ruler over Egypt? Story after story, Bill, years pass before God answered prayers and shined His glory. You know His plan is not ours. We are so blessed to have a patient God. The plan He has for you may take several more years. Don’t get off this road. God has a plan for you. Pray earnestly for God to reveal His plan for you. And pray for confirmation.

Your wife does not know it, but she does need you (and you need her).

Bill, ignore all the world around you and set your eyes on God. Live in your house as a real Christian not compromising anything between you and God. Raise your boys, and set biblical standards. Pray together as a family. I promise you there is a better and happier life waiting too be restored by God. Ignore the calendar and just focus one day at a time. And what if she chooses to divorce and proceeds with another relationship? Know that you at least you did it right before God. You did it right, Bill, and you can walk with a clear conscious that you never gave up, nor gave in to the world. This, itself, will be a sign of confirmation from God. But lets not think too far ahead. Lets not try so hard to figure out God’s plan. No longer trust in yourself, but lean on God.

Remember the fruits of the Spirit: “But the fruit pif the spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Galations 5:22

I know your angry at her and upset at the whole situation. It’s not fair! “Why should I suffer?” “It’s time to move on.” So easily as men we become critical and hateful for how the wife conducts herself. It’s so easy to provoke an argument, because there is so much hatred and spite toward the past. She continues to throw rocks at you, and you respond with your own rocks. Bill, close your eyes, close your mouth, focus on the Holy Spirit to quiet you. Turn the cheek, Bill, and focus on responding with the fruits of the Spirit, and never stop. Eventually, the spouse will stop provoking and throwing rocks (verbal words) when she see’s her own actions is beating you down emotionally and physically. Her heart will change, Bill.

Where are you spiritually today? How close are you to God today? How obedient are you to our Lord? How faithful are you? How much do you compromise with God? How often do you pray? And how honest are you with these questions?

Live your life 100% for God and he will take you out of this wilderness.

There is nothing greater than God, and this He can fix, Bill. Be patient and be diligent in righting yourself with God. Show your boys no matter how long it takes, you never walk away. Never abandon ship when it’s still floating and upright. The boat may be sinking and there is a ton of water in the boat, but its still visible and upright.

Biblically, you’re allowed to divorce if the other spouse has been unfaithful? Yes. But this question also applies to you, as well. Would you turn your back on someone drowning in the water? Of course not. But I see both of you drowning together, and the stronger one (you) needs to reach out and fight with all your strength to save each other. Is God leading you to divorce? No. Have you truly extended every spiritual muscle to walk with this confirmation? Not. Stay away from your feelings, because the devil uses your feelings to mislead you. Stand on biblical principals. Don’t leave your wife as she is drowning too.

You and I only have a few years left on this planet as we grow older. Our lives are short. Lets live it right before God and give it all to God, because the short time on this planet does not compare to the eternity that we can inherit if we live for God.

Divorce is not the solution, Bill. I pray God speaks to you. Pray, Bill. Ask God for his hand upon you, and be patient. Don’t empty the trash. If you choose to, you’ll fill it up again with new trash.

Lastly, remove yourself from the temptations around you. Walk away from the world that tempted you to sin to begin with. Shake the dust off your feet and walk away. By your own freewill, choose to remain strong and focus on the Holy Spirit inside you, and God will lead you on a new path with your wife and two sons.

Your in my prayers and never hesitate to call on me for help. I’m always there for you.

Good morning.

In Christ,
Erik

Are you going to heaven?

Everyone is wishing each other a Happy New Year to welcome in 2013, but I have something else on my mind that I would like to offer in a question: If your heart stops beating today will you go to heaven? “Mind your own business Erik and stop showing off. Leave everyone alone with your preaching about heaven and God.” I can still see the eyes rolling and vividly hear the words being shouted in my face. I remember the night when I was a young teenager living at the house in La Mirada with my parents, when my father stormed in my bedroom one night after a discussion about salvation and heaven at the dinner table, and ripped off my bed blanket and screamed in my face, “I don’t need God. My hard work is my salvation!” I’ll never forget that long sleepless night and those words from my father that still ring in my ears. It was a difficult time in my life as a young Christian sharing and witnessing to my mother and father in the home about Jesus Christ, salvation, God and heaven.

Throughout this year, I have met many people that claim to be a Christian going to heaven, but after discussions, conversations, questions and answers, I discover their Christian claim has no more value than a bumper sticker on a car. How do I know? Because I always get around eventually asking a few questions:

Are you a Christian?
What makes you a Christian?
Do you believe in hell?
Do you believe the bible is perfect without error?
How do we get to heaven?
Where do you go to church?

It astonishes me both Christians and non-Christians get offended by these questions so easily, because they immediately assume I’m judging them. I recently joined a Christian community on Google+ and I asked the same questions. Within a few minutes I was kicked out and blocked from the group. These are important questions people, because you may very well be among the walking dead, and yet you proclaim to be a Christian going to heaven. Why are they uncomfortable with these questions? My new friend Patrick from this particular online community told me he didn’t want “conflict.” As Christians, we are called to hold each other accountable with grace. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 12 that we are all of the same body in Christ, needing and belonging to each other. So forgive me for my questions. If I see someone drowning in the sea, I’m not going to turn and walk away, but rather rush and reach out with help.

Jesus made it clear and simple in Matthew 11:25-26:
“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

If you believe in Jesus, you will listen to Him, obey His instructions, and serve Him. Why? Because you love Him. (Read this again… and again… and again… And think, think, think.)

You claim to be a Christian, but you choose not to believe in hell.
You claim to be a Christian, but you believe the Bible is not perfect with errors.
You claim to be a Christian, but your not involved with any church.
You claim to be a Christian, but you continue to sin without conviction or a conscious.
You claim to be a Christian, but you don’t seek God in prayer.
You claim to be a Christian, but you do nothing to serve God.
You claim to be a Christian, and you mislead others from God by intention or omission.
You claim to be a Christian, but your more interested in yourself.
You claim to be a Christian, but you don’t seek a relationship with Jesus..

So you say you believe in Jesus, but you continue to live with Jesus absent in your life. I say to you out of love and friendship, I’m sorry but you’re not a Christian and as a result you will not live in the Kingdom of Heaven but rather live in hell for eternity. “How dare you insult and judge me, Erik!” Being a good person that donates to charities, nice to people, and attends church during the holidays don’t make you a Christian. Going to church alone doesn’t make you a Christian. How many times have you prayed to God in 2012? How many times have you opened your bible to learn about your God? How many times did you make a decision trusting fully in God and not yourself? People! If you believe in something, then you follow it, obey it, and live by it. I remember the words of Pastor Carmen from the Men of Valor Bible Study I attend on Tuesday nights at Harvest Orange County, “the evidence of you being a Christian is your obedience.” Thank you Pastor Carmen.

A woman in Maricopa, Arizona earlier this year responded to my blog post about hell, and she told me we’re all saved by God’s grace no matter what we believe or not believe is correct in the bible. I have a serious problem with this statement. How can you claim your a Christian and doubt, question, or change the very book He gave us? A Christian believes the Bible, both Old and New Testaments from Genesis to Revelation, is the inspired Word of God that is perfect without error, and serves as the only written document and instructional manual in the world for gaining wisdom, knowledge, and understanding of God and Heaven, the salvation of sinners through His Son Jesus Christ, and His Holy Spirit. I suggest to the Maricopa woman to look up at the stars at night and tell God He’s not perfect. How can you say God is God, and question and neglect His own words? This is a serious contradiction.

Paul’s letter to Timothy states: All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 2 Timothy 3:16

When you choose bits and parts of the bible and believe in the things that “feels” right to you, you are personalizing your own God. You’re creating a God that fits you. Stay away from your feelings and focus on the facts straight from the bible. And remember the devil loves it when you rely on your own feelings. Feelings are very dangerous and can easily lead you in the wrong direction away from God. Don’t rely on your feelings, but seek and depend on the written scripture from God. Stop relying on what feels right to you.

You claim to have faith in Jesus Christ, but you do nothing to show your love for Him. Faith is a verb and not an adjective nor a noun. Faith requires action. When you love something, you show your love for it with obedience. Erik, are you saying we need to earn our way into heaven by doing good deeds? Absolutely not. The good deeds are the result of your faith. It’s that simple. Pastor Greg Laurie said it best at Harvest Church in his Thursday night study, “Faith without works is dead.”

Erik, are you saying we can loose our salvation, as well? Absolutely not. You cannot loose your salvation, but I seriously question if you were ever saved to begin with. When Paul wrote to the church of Corinth, he explained salvation through Jesus Christ clearly: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17. You say you’re a Christian, but your still living the same life of sin as before with no action and no change. Jesus said it clearly in His parable of the four seeds that fell to the ground. Only 1 out 4 will become a Christian to enter into the Kingdom of God.

You have the freewill to choose – choose to love and obey Jesus Christ.

How about religious traditions? You may be Catholic or belong to another denomination, and are strict in the rituals and routines. Be careful! What you practice repeatedly could easily replace the Christian relationship required with Jesus Christ to be saved. I can assure you Jesus is not interested in stats like how many times you recite a prayer, sing the same hymn over and over, light a candle, or walk into a booth or sanctuary. Jesus wants a direct and personal relationship with you, usually at a time in a day when you least want to give it.

As Christian’s, we are called to proclaim Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. We are called to repent (change), leaving behind the old life and living as a new creation by our own freewill. We are called to follow Him. How do we follow? Turn away from sin, talk to Jesus through prayer, seek His help and wisdom, obey His instructions, read and study the bible, and help others to do the same. You call yourself a Christian, but you fail to fully surrender yourself to God.

Erik, what’s the big deal about repenting? So many people forget about this word or choose to stay away from it, because it makes them uncomfortable. Repent means CHANGE. Change from what? The life you were living before you became a Christian. As a Christian, turn away from your sinful past. You see there is a before and after when you are reborn as a Christian. When you become a Christian, God’s Holy Spirit enters inside your body, which serves as a temple (tent or dwelling) for the Holy Spirit. As a Christian in human flesh, you need to take action, make an effort, strive, and pursue a relationship with Jesus Christ with obedience. Am I saying you need to be perfect? Of course not. You are still a sinner that may continue to make the same mistakes, but a Christian will at the same time pray and reach out to Jesus for help to live a life that serves and honors our Lord. You choose to do this by your own freewill. I can assure you Jesus will work abundantly and wonders throughout your life, but you need to show your faith in Him by listening and following His instruction. If you claim to be a Christian but never repented from various habitual sins, nor never chose to seek a relationship with Christ, were you ever a Christian to start? Repentance and faith go together.

Jesus said it Himself, From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17

There are several verses in both the Old and New Testament of the bible that address the meaning and purpose of repentance. Check out this verse in 2nd Peter: The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9

I always want to remind myself that I cannot earn my way into heaven. The only way into heaven is believing in Jesus Christ by pure and unconditional faith. As a new creation, I will seek and strive for His wisdom, knowledge and understanding to live righteously in this world and help others find the same salvation. The blood of Jesus Christ washes away my past, present, and future sins. Trust me when I am say I’m far from perfect. I struggle just like everyone else, but I know inside myself I’m not alone, someone is helping me. I know my last breadth on this planet will be my first breadth in Heaven, which is very reassuring in my life. Amen.

I write this blog to all my friends and family members that are not Christians and those that are uncertain if they are truly saved through Jesus Christ. If you want to become a Christian or want to renew your walk in Jesus Christ, please bow your head, close your eyes, focus your heart and mind on God, and pray these words out to God now:

Father in Heaven.
I come to you as a sinner.
I’m powerless and weak without you.
I want to be with you in Heaven when I die.
I believe in you by faith alone.
I believe in your Son, Jesus Christ, who was crucified on a cross for my sins,
and then rose from the grave.
I choose to follow you.
Please come into my heart.
I accept you as my Lord and Savior.
Thank you for loving me.
Thank you for sacrificing your life for me.
Be my friend.
Be my Savior.
I commit my life to you from this day forth in Jesus’s holy name.
Amen.

If you spoke these words and meant it, welcome to the family of God. The Holy Spirit is now living inside you. Please email me or call me at (714) 988-3745 so that I may personally welcome you to the family of God and give you a bible and reading guides to help remain strong in your Christian walk.

Remember the words you have spoken: want, believe, accept, and commit are words of action, words of change, words of a new beginning. The devil and his demons will do everything in their power to make you feel uncomfortable, weak, and lazy, lead you away with the world’s pleasures, and confuse you. Pray for strength through the Holy Spirit who is now living inside you. Remember your seed is now growing and can easily be snatched, withered, or choked by this world. Be on guard and alert, trust in God in everything, pray for direction and confirmation in your life on this planet, and please find a Christian church and friends to share your decision and new beginning. Living alone in Christ makes you more vulnerable to world influences, and a greater risk of idling with no interest in building an ongoing relationship with Jesus Christ. It’s true. Pastor Greg Laurie said in church, “When your spiritually lethargic, your more vulnerable to leaving Jesus.” I speak from experience. You need Christian friends to help and hold you accountable, and more importantly pray with you.

Does your life get easier now? Probably not. God will direct you and make the necessary changes to get you on a narrow path He wants you walking in your new life. Study God and pray He will reveal and confirm to you the direction you need to walk as a Christian. Get ready and always know God is in control. I promise you the life of a Christian is so much more fulfilling and fun than a non-Christian.

If you’re still not convinced on the path to salvation, allow me to say one last thing. All of us have one thing in common: our bodies will die. God knows when each of our hearts will stop beating and it will be too late to accept and live for Jesus. I was once counseled by Coach Edwards at Heritage High School, and he said it best and I still remember his words to this day, “Erik, you’re playing with fire.” We are blessed to have a patient God, but be careful on your timing to come around. It may be too late.

I write this today not to discourage, judge or condemn you, but rather help open your eyes to the Truth. Consider it a “faith check” in your life and a GPS map of the path your presently walking and your destination after you depart from this world. If anything, pray and ask God to speak to your heart about your salvation. Show me God! Don’t respond and act out of compulsion, but search with sincerity and conviction to be right with Our Lord and Savior, because he is coming back soon. Soon! I recently learned there are 260 chapters in the New Testament, and 318 times Jesus’s return is mentioned. No doubt about it! We need to be ready.

So if your heart stops beating today, are you certain, based on biblical text and not on feelings nor world theology, you’re going to heaven? I hope and pray your answer will be a resounding “YES!!”

Happy new year and God bless you.

Ahmadinejad’s White Horseman

On September 26, 2012, the Iranian President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, addressed a world audience at the United Nations with a prophetic speech that clearly paved the way for the anti-christ’s arrival as foretold in the Bible. As I watched Ahmadinejad speak before the UN General Assembly, I imagined seeing Satan, himself, standing with Ahmadinejad at the podium with his arm around Ahmadinejad’s shoulder, holding the written speech and turning the pages as he spoke in the microphone. Like a host at a concert event, Ahmadinejad took center stage to announce the show is about to start. Please take your seats.

Ahmadinejad, a Shiite Muslim, said their will be a “new world order” with the return of their messiah, the Mahdi: “God has promised us a man of kindness… a man who loves people and loves absolute justice, a man who is a perfect human being and is named Imam al-Mahdi, a man who will come in the company of Jesus Christ and the righteous” and “using the inherent potential of all the worthy men and women of all nations” will lead “humanity into achieving its glorious and eternal ideals.” The Iranian leader continued to say, “The arrival of the ultimate savior will mark a new beginning, a rebirth and a resurrection… It will be the beginning of peace, lasting security and genuine life. His arrival will be the end of oppression, immorality, poverty, discrimination and the beginning of justice, love and empathy.” And the Mahdi will “bless humanity with a spring that puts an end to our winter of ignorance, poverty and war with the tidings of a season of blooming… Now we can sense the sweet scent and the soulful breeze of the spring, a spring that has just begun and doesn’t belong to a specific race, ethnicity, nation or a region, a spring that will soon reach all the territories in Asia, Europe, Africa and the U.S.” As Ahmadinejad approached the end of his speech, he indicated the return of the Mahdi is coming soon, engaging “spring” is upon us with the recent revolutions across the Middle East.

It’s very interesting to note Ahmadinejad neglected to explain in his speech the Shiite Muslims believe in the doctrines of Twelver Shiʻism where there will be a global apocalypse marking Mahdi’s return, leading to the annihilation of all non-believers, Christians, Jews and Sunni Muslims around the world.

Also, the news media reported UN representatives and delegates of several countries including the United States walked out or did not attend the UN to hear Ahmadinejad’s speech. Thinking in retrospect, a part of me wishes they all stayed to listen, because Ahmadinejad shared the truth of the false messiah, the anti-christ, coming to the world.

As a bible-believing Christian, I am so grateful for God opening my eyes to the One True Gospel – so grateful. To see all of the events unfolding before my very eyes and to understand these events is truly remarkable and a blessing. Billions of people will be deceived by Ahmadinejad’s speech, but I am not one of them. I believe the “messiah” Ahmadinejad is referring may actually be the rider on the “white horse” as written in the Book of Revelation, Chapter 6, and who is the first of four horsemen of the apocalypse. With the three other horsemen bringing war, destruction, and death, the anti-christ (white horseman) will imitate our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, bringing a false, temporary peace and stability to the Middle East and the world, leading billions away from God with a false “intertwined religion” – a one world order. This “messiah” Ahmadinejad is referring to may very well be alive and growing now on this planet, being prepared by Satan for the coming tribulation events.

To read the Gospel and understand these events is amazing, but moreover to see them come to reality before our very eyes is just breathtaking. Even more amazing is knowing the Lord will take us away (snatch us up) before these events occur and we don’t have to experience the suffering, persecution, and death of this tribulation. It saddens me to think of all those around me that may be left behind. All of this reminds me and convicts me of the privilege I have and responsibility I carry as a Christian to share and spread the Gospel and the eternal Salvation through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

The United States of Islam

I remember in school studying the history of the Separatists and Dissenters from England who wanted their religious freedom from the Church of England, which eventually lead to approximately 132 of these people to join together on the Mayflower ship and voyage across the Atlantic to the Americas. Motivated by religious beliefs and freedom, this particular pilgrimage eventually lead to the United States of America – my home country. When you study the foundation of any country, you will eventually discover and find it’s seeds or beginnings from a pilgrimage of a person or a group of driven people, the majority of which all share a common chord of motivation: religious freedom.

Today, I truly believe we are seeing the evolution of a new country before our very eyes on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. Born from a religious pilgrimage and battle for unity. Islam is creating a new geographical body on the map: The United States of Islam (USI). Just like our own American pilgrim’s, the muslims are seeking to come together with independence, forming a unified fortress that will oust their “redcoats,” which reminds me of us (the Americans) sending the “Brits” back home to England during our Revolution (without the presence of any foreign embassy’s).  It’s interesting to note the United States we know today changed borders at least seven times. The original thirteen states eventually grew into fifty states.

According to a 2010 research study, Islam has 1.62 billion followers, making up over 23% of the world population, and this number is exponentially growing at a rapid rate. The current population in the United States is 311,591,917. What would happen if the Islamic states would ever unify as one country? And lets not forget where the majority of the oil supply is coming from today. Established in 1969, the OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation) is an organization that attempts to be the collective voice of muslims around the world. It’s current member count of islamic states is 57, which is a bit more than us in the US. I find it interesting the OIC is the largest inter-governmental organization second to the United Nations. The first line of it’s charter reads, “In the name of Allah, the most Compassionate, the most Merciful , We the Member States of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation…” I thought it’s interesting to look and blog the size of this Islamic pilgrimage. Open your eyes and see the size of this map. The size is remarkable when you compare it to the size of the United States of America.

As a Christian of the One True Gospel, I already know the smallest state in the middle of this huge map, the State of Israel, will overcome every opposing force and find victory with the very soon return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The islamic map may be big and impressive to the world, but my God is far bigger beyond the universes and galaxies. Amen.

2000 Lives Saved From A Hole

On May 25, 1961, President John F Kennedy addressed the nation with an amazing speech about landing a man on the Moon and returning him safely to the Earth. The “Space Race” had begun, and millions of people around the world would witness the historical human achievements among the stars in Space. Surprisingly, the world did not know there was another race happening at the same time: who could drill the deepest man-made hole on earth.

In the mid 1960′s, a group of Russian scientists wanted to drill as far as possible into the Earth. The project was huge and caught very little media attention, if any. The project was called Kola Superdeep Borehole (Russian: Кольская сверхглубокая скважина). The Russian goal was to dig a hole at least 49,000 feet deep into the earth’s moho layer in the far northwestern corner of the country in Siberia just a few kilometers from the Norwegian border. The project represented, as one historian has described it, the earth sciences’ answer to the Space Program. If successful, this intraterrestrial exploration would provide invaluable information on the earth’s age, makeup, and internal processes. The United States also made it’s attempt off the Baja Coast, but the project never made more than a few hundred feet below the ocean floor before funding ran out. Everybody had their eye’s on Space.

On May 24, 1970, the Russians began drilling their hole.

After nineteen years of drilling the Russians were at 44,300 feet expecting to reach their goal of 49,000 feet by 1993. However, due to higher than expected temperatures at this depth and location, 180 °C (356 °F), drilling deeper was deemed unfeasible and the drilling was stopped in 1992.  The hole was roughly seven miles deep, making it by far the deepest hole ever drilled by humankind. Basically, the temperature got so hot in the earth’s crust the drilling equipment melted and became ineffective. The Russians tried everything to keep their borehole alive and worked on finding new technologies by refrigerating the drilling mud before pumping it down to the bottom of the hole. The project was closed down in late 2005 due to lack of funding. All the drilling and research equipment was scrapped and the site has been abandoned since 2008. The depth the Russians achieved is amazing and their discoveries will continue to be studied and used for science research.

The work and achievements at the Kola Superdeep Borehole would probably be obscured and unknown to most of the population if it wasn’t for a story that began circulating in the late 80′s. During the drilling operation on a particular day in 1989, the drill bit section broke through into a cavity or open pocket which was common, requiring further research with sound and temperature monitoring. It was common for the scientists to listen to the earth’s tectonic plate movements with lowered sound and temperature sensors into the hole, and this cavity was of no surprise to the scientists and engineers. But all that changed when the microphone and sensor equipment was dropped into this cavity. The scientists made an amazing discovery: the temperature rose to 1,100°C (about 2,000°F) and a high pitched sound was recorded that is truly hell shocking. The scientists only got approximately 17 seconds of audio before the sound sensors melted.

The story was first published by a Finnish newspaper named ‘Etela Soumen’ that stated the following: ‘A geological group who drilled a hole about 14.4 kilometers deep in the crust of the earth are saying that they heard human screams. Screams have been heard from the condemned souls from earth’s deepest hole. “Terrified scientists are afraid they have let loose the evil powers of hell up to the earth’s surface. The information we are gathering is so surprising, that we are sincerely afraid of what we might find down there…. The last discovery was nevertheless the most shocking to our ears, so much so that the scientists are afraid to continue the project. We tried to listen to the earth’s movements at certain intervals with supersensitive microphones, which were let down through the hole. What we heard turned those logically thinking scientists into trembling ruins. It was sometimes a weak, but high pitched sound, which we thought was coming from our own equipment,” explained Dr Azzacov.’

The Finnish newspaper story eventually spread and found its way to an evangelist in Texas, R.W. Schambach, who was a frequent guest on the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), which is located a few minutes from me off the 405 Freeway in Costa Mesa, California. Once the story was introduced to TBN, they went public and aired the story in 1989 with their television shows along with their print newsletter, entitling it “Scientists Discover Hell”. Shortly thereafter, they ran an expanded version of the story that included a newly reported detail of a devilish apparition coming up out of the borehole. Other Christian newsletters picked up the story, including Praise the Lord in February of 1990, and Midnight Cry in April of 1990. Since then the controversy and debate has been saturated and continues to circulate around the world. Lets not forget the internet at the time of this story was in it’s early stages ready to explode, and as the legend or myth of this story grew so did a large number of audio fabrications, written contradictions, reported claims, and embellishments on the web.

Today there are scientists that claim they are working on new microphone technology that can withstand the high earth’s crust heat and return to the Kola Superdeep Borehole to research and document this phenomenon. Until then, the hellish scream sounds from the Kola Superdeep Borehole has been looked upon as nothing more than a Christian “urban legend” without any basis of reality.

The following is the audio that was recorded at the Kola Superdeep Borehole between 7 to 9 miles deep in 1989.  I need to warn you the audio can be alarming, and I recommend not to have children in the room when listening:

In this blog post, I am not taking any position in believing or dis-crediting the sounds. Furthermore, my purpose of sharing this story is not to scare nor embellish it’s mystery. When I first heard the sounds, I admit I became unnerved and a chill went through me, reminding me the incomprehensible depth and torture of hell. It’s a place I do not want to visit nor see. The audio was thought provoking and a reminder. I wanted to blog about it.

Today I continue to see and hear of many people in person, on Facebook, email, and other parts in the country that do not want to believe in hell, and still they claim to be a Christian. I have a hard time with that, because Jesus Christ, Himself, spoke more about hell than any one else in the Bible. He warned us, because he knew of it’s hellish environment and eternal torture that awaits for anyone that does not acknowledge nor follow Him by faith. How can you claim to be a Christian and believe in Jesus as your Lord & Savior, but not believe His very own words spoken to us through the Bible?

People want to believe what fits them best, only believing what brings comfort to their world. Doing this, you’re creating your own personal God. This is wrong and sinful. To be a Christian and believe in Heaven you must also believe in the reality of hell as spoken by Jesus Christ. As a reminder, the Bible teaches us hell is a place down in the earth that was not intended for man, but was created by God for Lucifer and 1/3 of the angels that went with him (demons) when they were casted out of Heaven:

How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations!  You said in your heart, “I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of Mount Zaphon. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.” But you are brought down to the realm of the dead, to the depths of the pit. Isaiah 14:12-15

Jesus said, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven” Luke 10:18

And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great, fiery red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and seven diadems on his heads. His tail drew a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. And the dragon stood who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron. And her Child was caught up to God and His throne. Then the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, that they should feed her there one thousand two hundred and sixty days. Revelation 12:3-9

I find it truly interesting Lucifer’s downfall sin was Pride.

I recently came across a post on my friend’s Facebook wall that said, “Agree. Richness is not about winning the lottery, it’s about family, friends, good health and being content, anything else is a bonus.” So many of us believe contentment lies with what we build and set for ourselves. This is the world’s view, or better yet Satan’s message. As a Christian, contentment needs to come from having an active relationship with Jesus Christ and living a life that honors God. Being content in the world without living for God is dangerous. We have the freewill to choose to live by the world’s standards or by God’s standards. Choosing to be content in the world without Jesus Christ will only lead you to hell. You say that’s a little extreme, Erik? Read your Bible.

And remember, when you die you either go to hell for eternity or Heaven for eternity. Heaven is not an automatic for everyone. We are not pre-destined for Heaven. We know we are pre-chosen by God, because He already chose and adopted us in this world as His children and as sinners. In return, we now need to choose Him through Salvation, accepting by faith His Son, Jesus Christ, as our Lord and Savior, and repenting of our sins. We also learn in the Bible those in hell will still have all five senses: touch, smell, hear, sight, and taste. That’s probably why there is so much screaming and torture.  Listening to the audio, the thought occurred to me hell must be a very crowded place. I talk more about hell and it’s foundation in the Bible in an earlier blog post I wrote: Do you believe in Hell?

I don’t think anyone can comprehend the true reality of hell other than rely upon what the Bible teaches us about the place, it’s tenants, and membership. Still, listening to those screams is provoking and convicting. Maybe that’s why TBN aired the story and printed it in their newsletters. They claimed “2000 PEOPLE HAVE FOUND CHRIST!” as a result of their story. Praise God. And who knows how many others may have been lead to Christ whether this story is false or true.

If you died today, do you know for sure you will go to Heaven? Contrary to what the person on Facebook wrote, contentment for a Christian is knowing you have a place in Heaven through Salvation by faith, repentance, and God’s Grace, and there is no greater feeling than knowing this for the rest of your life. Nothing in this world can replace it nor take it away. Don’t let your own Pride in this world or religion blind you from finding it.

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 would love to give you a Bible, as well. I also have a blog post on becoming a Christian: Excuse me, I’m drowning. Thank you for visiting and reading my blog.

I think my next blog will be on Winnie the Poo.

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.