Marsha West
America's all-out spiritual battle, part 3
By Marsha West
WHAT DOES SATAN HAVE HIS CLAWS INTO NOW?
The enemy's strategy is to nudge. In the name of tolerance, diversity and unity we've been nudged into normalizing sodomy. In some states, public school children are actually being taught how to become homosexual or bisexual. They're being taught that cross-dressing's okay, too. Society is being forced into accepting controversial sexual lifestyles to include same-sex "marriage." More and more "gender confused" individuals are opting for "sex reassignment surgery" which is doublespeak for what was once called a "sex-change operation." Mixed-up men and women have the surgery to change their genital organs from one gender to another. Worse yet, some supposedly "gender confused" children are wondering if they should be surgically altered! What's next?
Polyamory.
"Terisa Greenan and her boyfriend, Matt, are enjoying a rare day of Seattle sun, sharing a beet carpaccio on the patio of a local restaurant. Matt holds Terisa's hand, as his 6-year-old son squeezes in between the couple to give Terisa a kiss. His mother, Vera, looks over and smiles; she's there with her boyfriend, Larry. Suddenly it starts to rain, and the group must move inside. In the process, they rearrange themselves: Matt's hand touches Vera's leg. Terisa gives Larry a kiss. The child, seemingly unconcerned, puts his arms around his mother and digs into his meal." (Newsweek http://www.newsweek.com/id/209164)
It seems more and more people are opting for "multiple-partner families." And the traditionalist had better get used to it. You ask, "Isn't multi-partner relationships confusing to youngsters?" Who cares?! We'll test the waters and see the effects on children a few years down the road. Meanwhile it's important for parents (supposed adults) to be fulfilled. In our self-actualized culture, individuals feel they should enjoy themselves without regret or apology. People should live the present moment to the fullest...right? Sadly, many men and women are way more concerned with what makes "me" happy than with what is best for their children.
Here's something folks may not be aware of. Americans must now protect those who struggle with "gender identity" issues. "More than a dozen states and over 90 localities have passed employment non-discrimination laws that allow gender-confused men to use ladies' restrooms." And by the way, this discussion has now moved into our public schools. Gender identity is:
"a term generally used to cover 'transgendered' persons (an umbrella term which covers transvestites, transsexuals, cross-dressers and others who seek to identify themselves with their non-birth gender). ... That means that transgenders in these states who are residents and/or public employees may enter any restroom. But what about men (predators) who might pretend to be transgendered in order to exploit the vulnerability of women and children?
"Everyday places where men/boys could be allowed in ladies' restrooms are: schools (all grade levels), churches (unless there is a religious exemption in the law), daycares, fitting rooms, drug stores, libraries, swimming facilities, fitness clubs, child game stores, and shopping malls.
In other words — any public restroom in any public place is covered by this law." (http://www.cwfa.org/articles/18570/FIELD/family/index.htm)
Last one. Ever heard of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act? (ENDA) This soon to be legislation (H.R. 3017 & S. 1584) that the Obama administration is quietly rushing through will force every public school in America to hire transgendered teachers. "Under ENDA, federal, state and local governments, as well as businesses with 15 or more employees, will be forced to employ and affirm men who wear dresses — including school teachers," warns Andrea Lafferty of the Traditional Values Coalition. (http://onenewsnow.com/Perspectives/Default.aspx?id=972624)
Individuals who question any of this, or voice his/her opinion that certain behaviors and unconventional lifestyles are unseemly, even wrong, or question whether we will be able to maintain a healthy society if we go down this road, are demonized by liberals. "Get used to it!" they shriek.
Who are they to demand that people of faith get used to moral depravity and every illicit behavior known to man?
"And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" (Joshua 24:15).
No one has a corner on truth, say the leftists secular socialists moral relativists. Yet fifty years ago most Americans believed that ultimate or transcendent truth was found in the Bible. Thirty years ago very few Americans would have approved of a grown man getting decked out in women's clothing unless the guy was going to a costume party! Men who donned woman's sexy under garments and slapped on make-up were thought of as "touched in the head." Male teachers wearing dresses and high heals in the classroom is utter madness! My advice to parents: Pull your children out of public indoctrination centers and homeschool them.
THE "EDGY" NUDGER
Christian apologist Peter Jones points out that "Truth is framed by the social and religious Left as cutting-edge, late-breaking, progressive thinking for 'freedom' and 'equality.' Biblical notions are dismissed as 'repressive,' 'backward-looking,' 'old-school.'" (http://www.truthxchange.com/article/65-the-origin-of-a-conference/)
Satan himself is behind America's paradigm shift...to the left. Consider this: Those that don't tow the PC line and dare voice their disagreement, especially if they happen to be followers of Jesus Christ, are smeared and demeaned. They're branded right-wing evangelical bigots. In many instances dissenters who appear on public platforms are shouted down. Some conservatives have had pies and garbage thrown at them.
A little nudge here, a little nudge there.
What about those of us who don't accept evolution as fact and reject the idea that human beings are cousins of chimpanzees? Atheist and Darwinian evolutionist Richard Dawkins weighed in on this. He remarked, "that person is ignorant, stupid, insane, or wicked."
Wow. Sounds like he really has it in for those who don't think like he thinks.
What would Satan have us believe about human creation? (A) Human beings evolved from primates; (B) Human beings were created in the image of God?
The "liar and the father of lies" has many people believing A. Yet there is no defensible argument for this assertion. The problem with Christians believing in Darwinian evolution is that this theory rejects theism. Moreover, it is the basis for a secular worldview that promotes moral relativism. (Read "Do Real Scientists Believe In Creation?" http://www.christiananswers.net/q-eden/edn-scientists.html)
So there you have it. Anyone who opposes the progressive's social agenda for America is said to be a bigot, a racist, a homophobe, hateful, etc. And if you don't happen to see eye to eye with atheists/evolutionists Richard Dawkins? You're insane.
As I said in part 1, liberal elites truly believe they are the enlightened ones. Anyone who doesn't share their Utopian vision for the world is unenlightened. Meaning, we're troglodytes.
SUSTAINABLE LIBERALS
The big question on every liberal's mind is: "Can we enjoy peace, stability and a sustainable planet while maintaining materialistic consumption and comforts?" For them the answer is a resounding no! Americans need to stop consuming, say radical environmentalists. And for crying out loud, quit worrying about comfort grumble the Greenies. I mean, who needs A/C when it's a blistering 120 outside? Buy a fan.
But wait! Fans waste electricity. So now what? I guess we can use a hand-held fan...unless it's made of plastic. For all the radical environmentalists care, CO2 breathing humans (gasp) can melt into the pavement!
Some Greenies have gone all-out to save the Delta smelt. Local farmers do not share their enthusiasm. "California has a new endangered species on its hands in the San Joaquin Valley — farmers. Thanks to environmental regulations designed to protect the likes of the three-inch long delta smelt, one of America's premier agricultural regions is suffering in a drought made worse by federal regulations." http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204731804574384731898375624.html
Evidently Greenies are more concerned about fish and polar icecaps than people.
I hate to be the ant at the picnic but the notion that Earth is our mother and animals are people too comes from the Nudger. He and his demonic forces are behind the global warming "crisis" that never was. A large number of gullible individuals are convinced that the very existence of the planet is threatened because of...you guessed it. Evil humans.
Are human beings truly evil, as radical environmentalists seem to believe? Let's see what the Bible says. Genesis 1:27 tells us that a loving God fashioned human beings in His own image. (This includes evil consumers.) We are also created for His glory. (Isaiah 43:7). He has great love for humans. "But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." (Eph 2: 4-10 NKJ). Jesus said of us, "the very hairs of your head are all numbered" (Mat. 10:30).
The feathers of a spotted owl are also numbered but God's people are of more value than fish and foul. "Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows" (Mat. 10:31). Again, the words of Jesus.
The fact is, God values human beings so much that He sent His Son to Earth to die for our sins. As Albert Mohler said on one of his radio broadcasts (paraphrased):
"The lord was pleased to crush His Son. In what sense was God pleased? He was pleased by the redemption Christ purchased. He was pleased that sin was blotted out. He made Him who knew no sin to be sin so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God...He is just. He must punish sin. He can't simply absolve sinners from their guilt. God's righteousness is such that He demands the most severe penalty for every single sin. Romans 6:23 says 'the wages of sin is death.' The death of Christ satisfied God's righteous hatred of sin (Isaiah 53:11). That's propitiation. It means satisfaction. His anger was appeased, his wrath was turned away. Not a popular idea these days. Even sound evangelicals have turned against this doctrine. If you take away this doctrine you have no gospel at all. The gospel is an offense. It's a stumbling block to people. "
Who's behind distorting the true gospel?
Here's a hint: He wears red tights, has pointy ears, carries a pitchfork and has a deep evil laugh that's strikingly similar to Count Dracula's!
But I digress.
Nowhere in the Bible does it say that Jesus Christ sacrificed his life for polar bears. He died on the cross to redeem the human race! When it was finished, the forces of evil were defeated once and for all. Satan may prowl around like a roaring lion, as Peter put it, but his teeth were knocked out when Jesus died on the cross!
Listen to John 12:28-35:
"Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him. Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes. Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. This he said, signifying what death he should die."
The death Jesus died was crucifixion. Satan and his evil forces were defeated the moment He breathed his last breath. Halleluiah! But they still have fight left in them. And they're objective is to see human souls separated from God. As I pointed out in part 1, God will send Satan and his demons, and all those who reject His Son, spiraling into the abyss. There they will be separated from the Trinity for all eternity. (To find out the details read the book of Revelation)
There's so much more to say on this subject but I'm out of space. The question people of faith need to ask themselves is this: What if Marsha West is right. What if there really is an all-out spiritual battle going on? Well then, Christians had better covered from head to toe in the armor of God.
I'll close with this reminder:
"Jesus replied, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me. 'Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!'" (John 12:23-28).
Recommended reading/listening:
The Old Serpent and the Slacker — An allegory on the spiritual armor of God — By Marsha West
http://emailbrigade.com/322.html
Many Americans believe in reincarnation, ghosts, astrology — By Ed Stoddard, Reuters
http://www.canada.com/life/Many+Americans+believe+reincaration+ghosts+astrology/2325409/story.html
The blood of martyrs — By Sinclair Ferguson
http://www.ligonier.org/media_player.php?tabID=0&id=627
Pastor Ray Stedman's sermons on Ephesians 6:1-20
http://www.pbc.org/search?search=ephesians+6%3A1-20
Part 1
Part 2
The Old Serpent and the Slacker
© Marsha West
April 20, 2010
WHAT DOES SATAN HAVE HIS CLAWS INTO NOW?
The enemy's strategy is to nudge. In the name of tolerance, diversity and unity we've been nudged into normalizing sodomy. In some states, public school children are actually being taught how to become homosexual or bisexual. They're being taught that cross-dressing's okay, too. Society is being forced into accepting controversial sexual lifestyles to include same-sex "marriage." More and more "gender confused" individuals are opting for "sex reassignment surgery" which is doublespeak for what was once called a "sex-change operation." Mixed-up men and women have the surgery to change their genital organs from one gender to another. Worse yet, some supposedly "gender confused" children are wondering if they should be surgically altered! What's next?
Polyamory.
"Terisa Greenan and her boyfriend, Matt, are enjoying a rare day of Seattle sun, sharing a beet carpaccio on the patio of a local restaurant. Matt holds Terisa's hand, as his 6-year-old son squeezes in between the couple to give Terisa a kiss. His mother, Vera, looks over and smiles; she's there with her boyfriend, Larry. Suddenly it starts to rain, and the group must move inside. In the process, they rearrange themselves: Matt's hand touches Vera's leg. Terisa gives Larry a kiss. The child, seemingly unconcerned, puts his arms around his mother and digs into his meal." (Newsweek http://www.newsweek.com/id/209164)
It seems more and more people are opting for "multiple-partner families." And the traditionalist had better get used to it. You ask, "Isn't multi-partner relationships confusing to youngsters?" Who cares?! We'll test the waters and see the effects on children a few years down the road. Meanwhile it's important for parents (supposed adults) to be fulfilled. In our self-actualized culture, individuals feel they should enjoy themselves without regret or apology. People should live the present moment to the fullest...right? Sadly, many men and women are way more concerned with what makes "me" happy than with what is best for their children.
Here's something folks may not be aware of. Americans must now protect those who struggle with "gender identity" issues. "More than a dozen states and over 90 localities have passed employment non-discrimination laws that allow gender-confused men to use ladies' restrooms." And by the way, this discussion has now moved into our public schools. Gender identity is:
"a term generally used to cover 'transgendered' persons (an umbrella term which covers transvestites, transsexuals, cross-dressers and others who seek to identify themselves with their non-birth gender). ... That means that transgenders in these states who are residents and/or public employees may enter any restroom. But what about men (predators) who might pretend to be transgendered in order to exploit the vulnerability of women and children?
"Everyday places where men/boys could be allowed in ladies' restrooms are: schools (all grade levels), churches (unless there is a religious exemption in the law), daycares, fitting rooms, drug stores, libraries, swimming facilities, fitness clubs, child game stores, and shopping malls.
In other words — any public restroom in any public place is covered by this law." (http://www.cwfa.org/articles/18570/FIELD/family/index.htm)
Last one. Ever heard of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act? (ENDA) This soon to be legislation (H.R. 3017 & S. 1584) that the Obama administration is quietly rushing through will force every public school in America to hire transgendered teachers. "Under ENDA, federal, state and local governments, as well as businesses with 15 or more employees, will be forced to employ and affirm men who wear dresses — including school teachers," warns Andrea Lafferty of the Traditional Values Coalition. (http://onenewsnow.com/Perspectives/Default.aspx?id=972624)
Individuals who question any of this, or voice his/her opinion that certain behaviors and unconventional lifestyles are unseemly, even wrong, or question whether we will be able to maintain a healthy society if we go down this road, are demonized by liberals. "Get used to it!" they shriek.
Who are they to demand that people of faith get used to moral depravity and every illicit behavior known to man?
"And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" (Joshua 24:15).
No one has a corner on truth, say the leftists secular socialists moral relativists. Yet fifty years ago most Americans believed that ultimate or transcendent truth was found in the Bible. Thirty years ago very few Americans would have approved of a grown man getting decked out in women's clothing unless the guy was going to a costume party! Men who donned woman's sexy under garments and slapped on make-up were thought of as "touched in the head." Male teachers wearing dresses and high heals in the classroom is utter madness! My advice to parents: Pull your children out of public indoctrination centers and homeschool them.
THE "EDGY" NUDGER
Christian apologist Peter Jones points out that "Truth is framed by the social and religious Left as cutting-edge, late-breaking, progressive thinking for 'freedom' and 'equality.' Biblical notions are dismissed as 'repressive,' 'backward-looking,' 'old-school.'" (http://www.truthxchange.com/article/65-the-origin-of-a-conference/)
Satan himself is behind America's paradigm shift...to the left. Consider this: Those that don't tow the PC line and dare voice their disagreement, especially if they happen to be followers of Jesus Christ, are smeared and demeaned. They're branded right-wing evangelical bigots. In many instances dissenters who appear on public platforms are shouted down. Some conservatives have had pies and garbage thrown at them.
A little nudge here, a little nudge there.
What about those of us who don't accept evolution as fact and reject the idea that human beings are cousins of chimpanzees? Atheist and Darwinian evolutionist Richard Dawkins weighed in on this. He remarked, "that person is ignorant, stupid, insane, or wicked."
Wow. Sounds like he really has it in for those who don't think like he thinks.
What would Satan have us believe about human creation? (A) Human beings evolved from primates; (B) Human beings were created in the image of God?
The "liar and the father of lies" has many people believing A. Yet there is no defensible argument for this assertion. The problem with Christians believing in Darwinian evolution is that this theory rejects theism. Moreover, it is the basis for a secular worldview that promotes moral relativism. (Read "Do Real Scientists Believe In Creation?" http://www.christiananswers.net/q-eden/edn-scientists.html)
So there you have it. Anyone who opposes the progressive's social agenda for America is said to be a bigot, a racist, a homophobe, hateful, etc. And if you don't happen to see eye to eye with atheists/evolutionists Richard Dawkins? You're insane.
As I said in part 1, liberal elites truly believe they are the enlightened ones. Anyone who doesn't share their Utopian vision for the world is unenlightened. Meaning, we're troglodytes.
SUSTAINABLE LIBERALS
The big question on every liberal's mind is: "Can we enjoy peace, stability and a sustainable planet while maintaining materialistic consumption and comforts?" For them the answer is a resounding no! Americans need to stop consuming, say radical environmentalists. And for crying out loud, quit worrying about comfort grumble the Greenies. I mean, who needs A/C when it's a blistering 120 outside? Buy a fan.
But wait! Fans waste electricity. So now what? I guess we can use a hand-held fan...unless it's made of plastic. For all the radical environmentalists care, CO2 breathing humans (gasp) can melt into the pavement!
Some Greenies have gone all-out to save the Delta smelt. Local farmers do not share their enthusiasm. "California has a new endangered species on its hands in the San Joaquin Valley — farmers. Thanks to environmental regulations designed to protect the likes of the three-inch long delta smelt, one of America's premier agricultural regions is suffering in a drought made worse by federal regulations." http://online.wsj.com/article/
Evidently Greenies are more concerned about fish and polar icecaps than people.
I hate to be the ant at the picnic but the notion that Earth is our mother and animals are people too comes from the Nudger. He and his demonic forces are behind the global warming "crisis" that never was. A large number of gullible individuals are convinced that the very existence of the planet is threatened because of...you guessed it. Evil humans.
Are human beings truly evil, as radical environmentalists seem to believe? Let's see what the Bible says. Genesis 1:27 tells us that a loving God fashioned human beings in His own image. (This includes evil consumers.) We are also created for His glory. (Isaiah 43:7). He has great love for humans. "But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." (Eph 2: 4-10 NKJ). Jesus said of us, "the very hairs of your head are all numbered" (Mat. 10:30).
The feathers of a spotted owl are also numbered but God's people are of more value than fish and foul. "Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows" (Mat. 10:31). Again, the words of Jesus.
The fact is, God values human beings so much that He sent His Son to Earth to die for our sins. As Albert Mohler said on one of his radio broadcasts (paraphrased):
"The lord was pleased to crush His Son. In what sense was God pleased? He was pleased by the redemption Christ purchased. He was pleased that sin was blotted out. He made Him who knew no sin to be sin so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God...He is just. He must punish sin. He can't simply absolve sinners from their guilt. God's righteousness is such that He demands the most severe penalty for every single sin. Romans 6:23 says 'the wages of sin is death.' The death of Christ satisfied God's righteous hatred of sin (Isaiah 53:11). That's propitiation. It means satisfaction. His anger was appeased, his wrath was turned away. Not a popular idea these days. Even sound evangelicals have turned against this doctrine. If you take away this doctrine you have no gospel at all. The gospel is an offense. It's a stumbling block to people. "
Who's behind distorting the true gospel?
Here's a hint: He wears red tights, has pointy ears, carries a pitchfork and has a deep evil laugh that's strikingly similar to Count Dracula's!
But I digress.
Nowhere in the Bible does it say that Jesus Christ sacrificed his life for polar bears. He died on the cross to redeem the human race! When it was finished, the forces of evil were defeated once and for all. Satan may prowl around like a roaring lion, as Peter put it, but his teeth were knocked out when Jesus died on the cross!
Listen to John 12:28-35:
"Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him. Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes. Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. This he said, signifying what death he should die."
The death Jesus died was crucifixion. Satan and his evil forces were defeated the moment He breathed his last breath. Halleluiah! But they still have fight left in them. And they're objective is to see human souls separated from God. As I pointed out in part 1, God will send Satan and his demons, and all those who reject His Son, spiraling into the abyss. There they will be separated from the Trinity for all eternity. (To find out the details read the book of Revelation)
There's so much more to say on this subject but I'm out of space. The question people of faith need to ask themselves is this: What if Marsha West is right. What if there really is an all-out spiritual battle going on? Well then, Christians had better covered from head to toe in the armor of God.
I'll close with this reminder:
"Jesus replied, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me. 'Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!'" (John 12:23-28).
Recommended reading/listening:
The Old Serpent and the Slacker — An allegory on the spiritual armor of God — By Marsha West
http://emailbrigade.com/322.html
Many Americans believe in reincarnation, ghosts, astrology — By Ed Stoddard, Reuters
http://www.canada.com/life/
The blood of martyrs — By Sinclair Ferguson
http://www.ligonier.org/media_player.php?tabID=0&id=627
Pastor Ray Stedman's sermons on Ephesians 6:1-20
http://www.pbc.org/search?search=ephesians+6%3A1-20
Part 1
Part 2
The Old Serpent and the Slacker
© Marsha West
The views expressed by RenewAmerica columnists are their own and do not necessarily reflect the position of RenewAmerica or its affiliates.
(See RenewAmerica's publishing standards.)
