I was working at my desk in the morning. When I heard some banging and pounding, from below me.
The neighbors were fighting again. But, this was different. This was screaming.
It was the sound of punching through flesh. The sound of slapping skin That sound of hands raised in defense, while a fist plows through to break a nose.
Pounding, pounding, slap, slap, screaming, and a little girl crying.
“I’ll kill her!”
“No! Please! Run!”
The crashing of furniture. The tired breathing of the finally worn down.
“Give me my phone!”
“If you call the cops I’ll kill her!”
Slap, Slap, Slam, Break
“Run to the neighbors!”
“Get back in the bedroom!”
Screaming, fighting, dragging.
“Run!”
I call.
Telephone ringing. Buzz, Buzz, Buzz A never ending buzz. “911”
Why these women pick these guys who lie, cheat, beat, ruin them, and don’t provide I cannot imagine.
It’s a circle of pain, which little girls and boys live.
Over and over, generation after generation.
Drinking, cheating, lying, beating, doping, and destroying.
It never ends, even when someone dies, or ends up in the joint.
It just shifts to a new place, a new face, beat to a pulp, another stage to play out the dance.
And the cops come, and write down the story, to use in court.
And they lie. And they cry. While the little girl, sings a song.
Taken to jail, to be free soon.
To be forgiven, and return, to get her high, and make her ride, to beat her again, soon.
“911”
Bio: Chris Bunton is a writer, poet and blogger from Southern Illinois. He has published in several magazines, and has written a poetry eBook called “Against the Man” and an Addiction Recovery eBook called “Made Free: Overcoming Addiction“ His newest book is called “The Future is Coming” and is a collection of dystopian short stories.
We are justified in Christ There was only one law in the beginning. Just one. “But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.”–Gen. 2:17 People want to act like God is some eternal killjoy,…
Abide in the Lord We all face trouble in life. It is something we can all agree upon. No matter who you are, something bad will eventually come to cause you trouble. Something will break your heart. Something will break you down. Something will make you crazy, concerned or confused. When we look at the…
Satan’s Insanity If you’ve read the Bible, you know that we have a spiritual enemy. Satan fell sometime after creation. We do not know exactly when, but it was because he desired to be “like the most High”. (Isa. 14: 12-17) He wants to be God. This desire led to his fall and corruption. It…
Where the innocent suffers, And the good ones die.
Where hunger hurts, And the body aches.
Where sadness prevails, And fear takes control.
We crawl through this plane, Like a worm on a leaf.
Consuming more and more, And wasting away.
Till we sleep in darkness, A worthless death.
To awake one-day, Changed to new life.
Free to fly and float, From beauty to beauty
On wings of love With God in the wind.
Consuming blessings, In eternal bliss.
Our former selves, Never missed.
Bio: Chris Bunton is a writer, poet and blogger from Southern Illinois. He has published in several magazines, and has written a poetry eBook called “Against the Man” and an Addiction Recovery eBook called “Made Free: Overcoming Addiction“ His newest book is called “The Future is Coming” and is a collection of dystopian short stories.
When we are walking with the Lord. “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, ……… Wait for it Wait let it sink in for a few minutes Pay attention to how much it bothers you to just rest in Christ Hold Hold Hold Ok ……who walk not after the…
The Spirit battles against the flesh This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye…
He is faithful God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.—1 Cor. 1:9 How is trust built? With anyone, whether it’s parents or friends or enemies or government or neighbors, trust is built or destroyed by relationship, and experience. It is the same with God.…
Jesus said, “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.”—-John 10:9.
What does this mean?
Well it means that Jesus Christ and Him alone is the only way to enter into heaven. It means that once saved we receive freedom and blessing in Christ.
Let me explain.
Because of the fall of Adam, humans have become wicked. We have a corrupted nature which causes us to do terrible things. We cannot stop. We cannot get right. We don’t really even understand how bad we are. We are slaves to Sin and Satan.
So, God Himself came in the flesh. In the form of Jesus Christ to die and cleanse us of Sin. Then, rose from the dead for our Justification.
If we turn to Him, and ask Him He will save us, and wash us in His blood. It’s a sacrifice for us. Because without the spilling of blood, there is no remission of sins. (Heb. 9:22, Matt. 26:28)
But why?
Because we cannot enter heaven without being cleansed. Sin cannot be allowed to enter heaven, or else eternity would be as bad as this world is. Sin and our corrupted nature is like a plague, a spiritual virus or radiation. It kills us. It totally corrupts us and spreads. It is not just our actions, but it is something in us that makes us wicked.
Imagine that we are in a world where nuclear weapons went off and we must be decontaminated from radiation before we enter through the shelter door.
Jesus Christ is the door of that shelter.
He is the Blood of the Lamb on the Door. (Exodus Chapters 11 -12)
He is the Ark to save us from the destruction to come.
God offers complete Grace to anyone who turns to Him.
But, there’s a time limit. There’s a point in history when the end shall come, and that time is near.
Jesus said, “and this Gospel of the kingdom must first be preached in all the world, for a witness to all nations. And then the end shall come.” —Matthew 24:14.
There is a point where the Gospel ends. When God has turned from Savior, to Judge and King. A point when grace turns to judgement.
Jesus said, that His return will be as the days of Noah and Lot. (Luke 17.)
In both stories we see a door. (Gen. 6:16, Gen. 7:9-16, Gen 19:10-11)
In the story of Noah, God closes the door of the Ark, and no one else is getting in. Then, the Flood came.
In the story of Lot, The angels shut the door of the house, and the people outside were struck blind and could not find the door.
Jesus is the door.
In both cases the people behind the door are saved. They are protected through the destruction.
So, what does this all mean?
Well, it means that there will come a point when the chance to get on the Ark, will end.
There will come a point when the Gospel will end, and no one will get saved any more.
A point when anyone not saved will not be able to find the door. They will be blind to it.
That point will come when all nations have had the chance to hear. We do not know when or how or exactly what this means.
Then, Jesus will return and we who are saved, will be taken up to meet Him in the clouds. (1 Cor. 15:50-53, Matt. 24: 30-42)
Then comes Wrath.
I imagine that the ending of the Gospel, and His return will correspond with the final persecution of the church, and the great falling away.
I do not believe in the pre-trib rapture. In both stories, God’s people are made safe, just before the wrath. Just before the final stroke.
And no. The seven year tribulation is not God’s wrath. God’s wrath is poured out in one day. The Day of the Lord.
In the story of Lot and Noah. It didn’t take seven years to Flood the Earth. It did not take seven years for the fire to fall and destroy Sodom.
God’s Wrath is utter destruction poured out in one day, and then eternal hell and the Lake of Fire. Jesus promises us tribulation. But not wrath. (John 16:33, 1 Thess. 5:9)
Once the door is shut. There shall be time no more. That’s the end. Now comes wrath.
I suspect that when the Anti-Christ overcomes the saints, that will be the end of the restraining power and the end of the Gospel. (Rev. 13:7, 2 Thess. Chapter 2)
Paul says, “How shall they hear lest someone tells them.” (Romans 10:13-17)
The Holy Spirit in us, saves people and convicts them. But, if there’s no preachers, and no truth in the age of deception. If we are overcome, then the restraining power of the Holy Spirit and His Truth is gone.
The door will be shut.
The time draws near.
We need to turn to the Lord, and serve Him.
Bio: Chris Bunton is a writer, poet and blogger from Southern Illinois. He has published in several magazines, and has written a poetry eBook called “Against the Man” and an Addiction Recovery eBook called “Made Free: Overcoming Addiction“ His newest book is called “The Future is Coming” and is a collection of dystopian short stories.
It will happen in these last days “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day (The Day of The Lord) shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;”— 2 Thess. 2:3 (2 Thess 2:1-15) It seems that this event…
Have You Tested God? “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.”—Luke 6: 38 First, I wanna say that this verse and all…
He rewards those who seek him. And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. 10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. 11 If a son shall…
There’s a Christian concept that I have struggled with over the years.
It is the idea that believers are supposed to bow down to Authority. No matter how evil it is.
The concept comes from this verse,
“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.”—Romans 13:1-7
The idea being that God is all powerful, so He can choose who He wants to lead and has chosen this evil leader. So we as Christians must follow the leader. We must pay what we owe in taxes. We give them respect.
We continue to do good, because even an evil ruler would have a hard time punishing someone who is doing good.
The bottom line is that we are actually serving God, and answer to Him, not the evil ruler.
That’s the basic concept.
This doctrine has led to Christians following evil dictators, Nazis, and Communists and other wicked rulers. It has led to Christians allowing the most vile and evil things to occur, and even seem to endorse them. It has led to Christians supporting laws that are evil, such as slavery and genocide. All perfectly legal at the time. Even today Christians support laws that destroy peoples lives. All because it’s “The Law”.
This concept has led to Pastors, who betray church members and send them off to death camps. Right now, in countries like China, Pastors will report members who preach the true Gospel.
It has led to churches where Jesus Christ is only viewed as a good teacher, not as Lord. Because the leaders are snitches and the congregation is too afraid to speak out. They cannot get a license to be a church if they do not support the state sanctioned version of the church. This sort of thing is coming world wide.
According to the scriptures, there will be a last days persecution.
After or during the the time when the four horsemen are galloping around, Christians world wide will be blamed and killed. The Anti-Christ will rise up and make war with the Saints and kill them. (Revelation 6:1-11, Revelation 13:7, Daniel 7:25)
Terrible things have happened in history and will happen again.
So, it behooves a believer to understand some things about this doctrine.
You cannot base a doctrine on one verse, or one segment. But you must base doctrine on the entirety of scripture. Being led by the Holy Spirit to make wise loving decisions on things.
It’s my belief that God created the concept of authority. It’s from God. But, authority is supposed to rule with love and wisdom. Since it’s from God.
God gives them the chance to do good and succeed, but they fail to various degrees. Government is full of humans, and they sin. They fail, they get it it wrong. They have free will. They choose to do evil, despite the fact that God gave them power so they could do good. It proves that humans are fallen, and even when we have the power to do good, we choose to do evil. Evil rulers prove that we need God to rule. Whether it’s our own lives or the lives of others.
Realize, that oftentimes a people will get the leaders they deserve. You cannot get a good leader from an evil people. Because the leaders come from the people. Ever since the day the child was born, they have been influenced by the culture. They are tainted. It takes a great person (or God in them, or with them.) to overcome the culture and to do good despite the evil. Remember that evil becomes good and good becomes evil, in a fallen culture.
As believers we are in this world and are called to serve God in it. No matter how evil a ruler is, we are called to serve God, in love.
We can gain great spiritual blessings in persecutions from evil. Jesus said we are blessed. (Matt. 5:11-12)
But, how do we live under wicked rulers?
One of the verses I stand on is …… “Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, Saying The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.”—(Matthew 23:1-3)
When you are faced with evil rulers, we are called to obey them, but not to be evil like them. That means we reject the evil. We reject the lies and false. But, still obey their authority.
What does this mean? How does it work?
Well, you need to be Spirit led, and refuse to do anything that is evil. Even suffering punishment because of it.
This applies to all levels of authority.
History shows us that persecution actually comes from the people around us. Even our own Pastors and brethren. As stated before, the churches throughout history have been full of people who will snitch on you and have you killed.
Scriptures show that there are false brethren. (2 Cor. 11:23-28, Gal. 2:1-5)
People who claim to know Christ but do not.
Our churches are full of them. Persecution helps to weed them out. It’s hard to claim to know Jesus when they kill you for it. So false brethren, twist your church to where you can still be a part of it, but not really serve Christ. It’s happening more and more. A place of entertainment and good moral teaching… Like the state supported churches in China, while the real believers are underground and persecuted.
There will be false teachers. False prophets and preachers or pastors.
We are warned of this, in these last days.
Jesus said to beware the false teachings of the Pharisees.
The Pharisees and Sadducees were the leaders. Understand that nobody listens to the weird guy in the basement. False teaching and false doctrine comes from people in authority. …( Matthew 16:6-12)
He said, “By their fruits ye shall know them…”—(Matthew 7:15-20)
What fruits? What false teachings?
False teachings has two aspects. Either they are teaching a works based doctrine. Or reject the divinity of Christ. Or a mixture of both.
They teach good morals and the law. Or that Jesus Christ was just a good man, or teacher, or never really mention Him. They also reject the Holy Spirit or never speak of Him. Believers, have the Spirit, and are led by Him.
You are not saved by Works. Only Christ alone, and He is Lord. When we are saved we are filled with the Spirit and are changed by Him and led by Him.
The fruits, are the fruits of the Spirit…”But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”—(Gal. 5:22-23)
Fruits are not sin. All humans sin. But, not all humans, have the Holy Spirit, who brings those fruits out in us.
If they aren’t serving in love, joy and peace, you might want to question their fruits.
How do they treat you and others? Do they love you? Do they show it? Have they driven good people from your church?
We are called to forgive, but not to support evil.
Paul says there is no fellowship with demons or Belial. No agreement with the sons of deception. (2 Cor. 6:14-18)
So, when a leader, or false brethren or pastor has worked to destroy your life, their fruits reveal them. When people are driven from the church do you believe “They didn’t really love Jesus?” or do you believe that maybe the leadership didn’t love them? Both are possible.
We might need to obey them, because they hold authority, but we are not supposed to be like them. We are not to partake of their false doctrines. We are not to have fellowship with them. A little leaven leavens the whole lump.
If they have done us wrong. We should go to them if the Spirit leads. Then, take them to 2 or 3 others. Then before the church.–(Matt. 18:15-17)
Then if they don’t stop. Treat them as a heathen and publican.
Forgive them. Love them. Pray for them, but do not fellowship with them. Do not let them drag you into their evil.
We are not talking about sins. But, fruits. If you focus on sins, you will reject certain sins while ignoring others. You will drive out one sinner while accepting another. You will reject the person who got pregnant out of wedlock, while accepting the person so full of pride they cannot admit they are wrong. You will reject the divorced person, while loving the Gossip. You will reject the addict while loving the glutton, because they can cook great fried chicken. So focus on love, not sins. Love them, and help them to love you.
God has given us the Holy Spirit to help us and guide us into all truth. We have the Word, but the Spirit helps us to apply it in wisdom and love.
We are going to need to learn to listen to the Holy Spirit in these last days. As brother turns on brother and delivers them unto death. The deception will be so bad that only the Holy Spirit will be able to guide us through. Do you plan to obey the Anti-Christ because he is in authority? You best learn how to follow the Spirit today, or you will be full of confusion on that day.
The time draws near and believers need to draw closer to God. Our faith is grown the more we trust God. We need to make sure we have the oil of faith in our lamps.
He is coming. But, not when they tell you.
BIO: Chris Bunton is a writer, poet and blogger from Southern Illinois. He has published in several magazines, and has written a poetry eBook called “Against the Man” and an Addiction Recovery eBook called “Made Free: Overcoming Addiction“ His newest book is called “The Future is Coming” and is a collection of dystopian short stories.
So, we know the seasons. The Bible is 30% prophecy, as some have stated. But, when you consider that the whole thing is about Jesus Christ, and that all the stories and pictures speak of Him, His First Coming and Second Coming, I think its more like 100%. God has called all believers to be…
God works to build the Kingdom through us. James 2:14-26 In this passage. The apostle James, speaks of works being an aspect of our faith. It ends with the famous phrase “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” In the verses James shows that God commanded…
Why does God let us struggle? When we get saved, we might notice that there are things that change in us immediately. But, there are other things that do not. It’s like God saves us and removes some things but leaves other things in our lives for us to struggle with. I mean if God…
There are times in my walk with God, when I am just beat down.
Times when I feel like nobody hears what I’m saying. Times when nothing seems to work and everything is against me.
It’s during these times, that I just want to quit. Quit everything.
But, then God comes.
He shows up and speaks.
It might be a word of encouragement. A person who pops up out of the blue and says, “What you said, helped me.”
It might be a verse of scripture that comes to life in me.
It could be a blessing, or an answered prayer, like cool drink on a hot day.
Things that let me know I’m not wasting my time. That I’m where God wants me to be, and is using me.
And that’s God.
Paul said, …”that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?” (Romans 2:4)
And it is.
If God was a hateful, judging monster, nobody would turn to Him.
But, He is not.
He works with us in this corrupted world, and in our weakness and failures, to provide light and love, at the exact moment to help us go forward a little more.
He told Abraham, “come unto a place that I will show you.” (Gen. 12:1 )
And Abraham trusted God. He believed His Word, and he went. Not knowing exactly where.
But, I’m sure that God gave him blessings and encouragement and light. Just when Abraham needed it.
And it built faith.
We are saved by God’s Grace, through faith. And even our faith is grown by God.
There is no such thing as blind faith with God. He prepares us. He walks with us, and encourages us.
He appears and brings the sweet blessings of His presence into our lives. We know He is there. We can almost touch Him.
And that peace comes. The peace that defies all understanding.
“And we know that all things work together for those who love God and are called according to His purpose.”..(Romans 8:28)
If you know God, you were called. He desires to commune with you. He seeks to have a relationship with you.
He brings goodness into our lives, in the midst of the darkness and it’s at those times that real praise and real worship spring forth. Not because we desire it. But, because He creates it in us.
And it’s then. In His presence. and in the light of His goodness and love, that I see how wretched I am.
I see the awful things I’ve said. The mean things I’ve thought. The unkindness I’ve displayed.
And I see that I don’t deserve good things. I don’t deserve love.
But, God comes anyway.
He loves me anyway, and it makes me want to do better for Him. It makes me want to be like Him, and serve Him. It makes me want to love others and drive back the darkness of this world so others, can experience that love, joy, goodness and peace which comes from Him.
It’s not rules, and hell fire preaching, and accountability from men that drives me to God.
It is God Himself and His awesome goodness.
The One who came down to pull me from the pit of death.
Am I reflecting Him?
Am I a vessel for His goodness and love?
I fail.
But, in my failure and weakness He still comes and pours out His Grace.
Taste and see that the Lord is Good.
He is the greatest thing.
There is nothing to compare.
He calls you to know him.
Bio: Chris Bunton is a writer, poet and blogger from Southern Illinois. He has published in several magazines, and has written a poetry eBook called “Against the Man” and an Addiction Recovery eBook called “Made Free: Overcoming Addiction“ His newest book is called “The Future is Coming” and is a collection of dystopian short stories.
We are corrupt at the very core. What I am going to present to you today is something different. A different way to look at the world, and humanity. Something different than the legalism around us. As Christians we are taught and have come to understand a view of God, Scripture and the World based…
We are tempted to reject Him. When we get saved, we confess Jesus as our Lord, and believe in Him alone for salvation. We are called to Walk in the Spirit, and to abide in Him. We get great joy in the Lord. Prayers answered. Life changing experiences, and we see Him working to protect…
It’s hard sometimes This time of year, around Christmas is a very hard time of year for many people. It is not a joyful festive time, no matter how much we try to dress it up with religious zeal, and bright lights. This is the time of year we often miss those who have gone…
I’m a Christian and I believe that God told humans to take care of His creation. It’s one of the first things He told us to do.
Humans have failed. We have let greed and the love of money, along with fear and a desire for control, destroy the world. We have let global conquest destroy the creation.
I see posts on Facebook, where people argue that attempts to be more “Green” will never work. It costs too much. It creates pollution. It doesn’t put out enough energy.
These people never worried about such things when billionaires were destroying the planet. But, now all of a sudden when we try to save it, they are worried about government control and subsidies. They are worried about mandates. They are concerned about pollution.
It’s funny because they will attack electric cars, and talk about how they need a generator or electric power source ran by fossil fuels in order to operate. That the electric fuel stations still use fossil fuels.
Or if an electric care breaks down they bring out a gas generator to power it up so it can run. They call this hypocrisy.
This sort of rhetoric reminds me of stories about all the old men in the early 1900’s who made fun of the horseless carriage back in the day, saying “Look! it needs a team of horses to pull it from the mud!” “It’ll never work!” “It costs too much money!” “Horses are better, and this new fangled contraption will never catch on…”
It’s ridiculous.
Here’s what I believe on the matter.
Yes, large amounts of the green movement are nothing more than efforts to bring in global government and to get more control over people.
That needs to be stopped.
But, the fact is that we are destroying the world and need to do better. If we sit and wait for it to change it never will. So, we need to do things to fix it, and be ready to put the brakes on efforts that destroy liberty.
God gave humans instructions “to dress and keep” His creation. He told us to restore what we use, as we grow in population. He told us to subdue it and have dominion over it, in Love, Wisdom, Joy and Peace. Not in greed and love of money. (Gen. 1:28, Gen. 2:15)
Our feelings toward the natural world is a reflection of what is in our heart. If we cannot show love and kindness to the least of these in God’s creation, it shows that we are utterly depraved and in need of a savior to fix us. Jesus Christ is that savior.
What if God allows the weak things in the world to exist to show us we are fallen and need to turn to Him?
Something is wrong with humanity. It is obvious.
Our efforts to save the planet are needed. Even if we believe that the prophecies show this world will be destroyed, and that the Anti-Christ will use these things to take over. It doesn’t matter.
We have been instructed by God to take care of His creation.
It’s like saying we won’t help a starving man because he is going to die someday anyway, and he might possibly commit some sin in the future.
It’s ridiculous to not show love and wisdom because of some possible future events.
It is quite likely, that at some point very soon there will be a break through in Cold Fusion or some other power source and all these arguments about fossil fuels will become obsolete.
I would not be surprised if they don’t already have the key to it, but are trying to make sure they can control it, and charge us for it.
Like Nikolai Tesla, who wanted to give free energy to the world, but could not get any funding for it. International Bankers and those who control the world, will not release such things until they have a means of control, and a way to get rich off it.
So, what’s the point?
Well, the point is that Christian believers need to realize that God cares for His creation and they need to start “Dressing and Keeping It” as God commanded.
We do not have to support global agendas or the workings of the spirit of anti-christ. To care about clean water, and the protection of our world. We don’t have to throw out the baby with the bath water. We are supposed to be salt and light. We are called to hold back the darkness.
If we have a callous attitude toward the innocent things that God has put under our protection, what does that say about us? Does it cause people to want to listen to our view? Does it cause people to want to know the God we claim to represent?
We have let political parties and political agendas keep us from serving God in the way He has called us.
We have allowed ourselves to be divided and distracted.
As believers we have a job to to do.
To serve God and others.
To spread the Gospel, and Love.
God is our purpose. Nothing else.
Turn to God, and let Him guide you.
Bio: Chris Bunton is a writer, poet and blogger from Southern Illinois. He has published in several magazines, and has written a poetry eBook called “Against the Man” and an Addiction Recovery eBook called “Made Free: Overcoming Addiction“ His newest book is called “The Future is Coming” and is a collection of dystopian short stories.
A Look at Matthew 24 “Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive…
It’s important to understand. In order to resist temptation, we must understand what is going on. If we miss an aspect of it, we cannot really resist it. We just shift it around or suffer through. “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with…
What does that look like? It’s so simple anyone can do it. That is how God designed it. I’m going to avoid magical theological words and just give it straight. As we go through life things happen to us. Good things and bad. We have excitement over good things. We celebrate victories and enjoy time…
But, let me give you some examples so you can see the power and value. You can see how prevalent they are in our culture.
Appeal to Ridicule.
It is a fact that a large number of people get their political, social and spiritual knowledge from comedians.
A comedian will make a joke about God, a political figure, or an ideology.
This makes the idea or person seem ridiculous, and therefore should not be believed.
Just because you can make fun of a person or ridicule their ideas, does not mean the person or idea is wrong.
That’s the fallacy.
You can watch Saturday Night Live or other shows and see this fallacy all the time.
You can see this in the work place when discussing a subject. A person will pop off with some rant ridiculing the person or idea.
Ad Hominim.
Very similar to Appeal to Ridicule is ad Hominim. Which means, “against the man”.
Basically it’s where you attack the person, instead of proving them wrong. The minute you attack the person, you prove that you really have no argument to prove your case.
Some examples, from our current political culture would be to hear a person’s opinion. Then call them stupid. Or call them, libtard, communist, racist, hater, misogynist, homophobe, leftist, right winger, extremist, or any number of other attacks designed to shut down debate.
These are logical fallacies, because labeling a person or calling them names, does not prove their ideas wrong.
It’s lazy, and it creates enemies. If your goal is to get someone to see your side of the argument. Then, calling them names won’t do it.
It generates fear, which silences people. They fear being labeled as well. But, it doesn’t change their mind. It just creates an undercurrent of resentment and rebellion.
It’s a fallacy of reasoning.
Strawman.
Strawman is a popular fallacy. Basically, a person will be discussing a subject, like immigration. Then, they will use a completely different example and attack it.
They might say, “immigration is like your house. Would you just let anyone come and sit on your couch? We have doors and locks for a reason.”
This is a strawman. They created another concept, then attacked it, instead of sticking with the real subject.
Immigration is immigration. It is not your house. See? The discussion needs to remain focused on the actual subject. Not a strawman.
This is a fallacy or reasoning.
It’s also deceptive.
As you watch the news media you will see all kinds of fallacies used to control how people think.
Appeal to Authority.
This is a huge one.
You will see this in media a lot. “Studies have shown” or “Joe blow the expert says…” or “Julie the famous person says…”
Using a person’s perceived authority to make a case does not prove the case true or false.
Just wait , another study will come. Experts will disagree, and famous people are not experts.
Do not be deceived. Someones alleged authority does not mean they are right.
That’s the fallacy.
Appeal to Emotion
In this fallacy the idea is to use emotion to get a person to agree.
For example. Let’s say we want to build a fence around a pond, because a child drowned in the pond.
So we use the emotional argument in order to get our way. Not because of reasoning. But emotion. Gun control often uses emotion instead of reasoned arguments.
There are tons of examples. Our modern political landscape is full of emotional arguments.
If you start to feel like a monster when you make a case against an argument. Then, you are probably facing an appeal to emotion.
We often see this during The State of The Union address. When the President brings out a child, or widow, or injured person in order to make their case that we need change of some kind.
We don’t want to be hard hearted.
But, we cannot let emotions over throw our reasoning powers. We do not want to throw out the baby with the bath water, so to speak.
There are many more fallacies.
Do not be deceived by them or people who use them. Behave like an attorney. You need real evidence or proof.
Even if you trust the person speaking or writing.
It doesn’t matter. People often use fallacies and do not even realize they are doing it.
It’s not always intentional.
This is why it’s up to you to educate yourself, in order to see what is happening in public discourse.
But, understand also that just because a person uses fallacies, it doesn’t mean their view is wrong, or untrue. It just means that they are not making a valid argument.
Seek what’s true and provable.
Bio: Chris Bunton is a writer, poet and blogger from Southern Illinois. He has published in several magazines, and has written a poetry eBook called “Against the Man” and an Addiction Recovery eBook called “Made Free: Overcoming Addiction“ His newest book is called “The Future is Coming” and is a collection of dystopian short stories.
A Deeper Meaning “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”—1 Tim. 6:10 People often misquote it as “money” is the root of all evil. But it’s not. Money is a tool. Like a…
What is it? Let us rightly divide 2 Thessalonians 2, and come to some conclusions about the near future. This book was written by the Apostle Paul. He is speaking of the last days, which we are in. I’m using the KJV. “Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ,…
He is there and will answer. We live our lives in this world, where we seem to have no control. Where we look every where for answers. Everything seems hard and we have sorrow, working our selves to death. We seek answers from gods, idols and wisemen. We seek answers from deep within ourselves. We…
Jesus said. “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”—John 14:27 (John 14:1-31–in context)
When God calls us, and we turn to Him, confessing Jesus is the Lord, asking Him to save us and putting our faith in Him.
He saves us, and fills us with His Holy Spirit, washing us clean.
This brings us peace. Not our peace. But HIS peace. This must be understood. Because we do not nor cannot maintain this Peace ourselves. He does it as we continue to turn to Him and grow in Him, and know Him. The Word He gives us is Jesus. The Word He gives us are His Promises.
The second part of the verse is what I want to focus on.
“Not as the world giveth, give I unto you”
Because God doesn’t give as the world gives. (You’ve lived in this world long enough to know how this world and the people of it give. You’ve been lied to and beat down by this world enough. God is not like this world.)
When God gives, it’s free to you. He paid for it.
It’s a gift not a loan. There is no interest and it doesn’t have to be repaid.
He doesn’t take it away from us if we fail.
He doesn’t use it against us.
He doesn’t use it to guilt trip us.
He doesn’t hold it over our head.
He doesn’t give us something cheap and shoddy.
He doesn’t give us a hand me down.
He loves us. He understands us. He works with us. He knows us, if we choose to know Him.
He fixes us and helps to grow us. He doesn’t cast us aside.
He is with us always even till the end of the world.
And that’s why we have the peace that defies all understanding. (Phil. 4:6-7)
Praise Jesus.
So what do we do? We remind ourselves of his promises. We speak them aloud to hear them and drive the enemy away. We remind our selves of the great things God has done for us. We thank and praise Him for it. This brings peace as the Holy Spirit works in us.
Bio: Chris Bunton is a writer, poet and blogger from Southern Illinois. He has published in several magazines, and has written a poetry eBook called “Against the Man” and an Addiction Recovery eBook called “Made Free: Overcoming Addiction“ His newest book is called “The Future is Coming” and is a collection of dystopian short stories.
Who really rules? Let’s talk about some conspiracy and spiritual truth for a moment. Because you must understand that there is only ONE conspiracy. And that’s the spiritual battle behind the scenes, that we all can see parts of, and have a feeling about, but cannot completely prove. The people who rule this world are…
It is a demon. Cast it out. Jesus said, “Fear Not” (Matt. 10:31) He said it many times. Actually, it’s a theme throughout scripture. Fear at its most basic level, is a lack of trust in God and His promises. That is a harsh saying, especially when we are dealing with anxiety. Because, often times…
A picture of us all The thief on the cross, spoken of in the Gospels of our Lord Jesus, stands as an extreme view of salvation in the eyes of some. The man who did what appears to be absolutely nothing, yet Jesus himself saved him declaring, “Today you shall be with me in…
I haven’t drank alcohol since November 1, 2002. My life was destroyed. I cried out to God and He moved. With God, I’ve rebuilt my life. I am no longer tempted to drink or use.
But, let’s face it. This life is a battle. It’s tough for anyone, but for people who are trying to stay clean, there are a few extra struggles. One of those struggles is the bar scene.
It seems like everybody drinks or uses. It seems like there is nothing to do, that doesn’t involve alcohol or partying, or other addictions in some way. It’s a Friday and Saturday night battle to find something to do.
But, that is just a perception. There are tons of things to do, like church, spiritual pursuits, hobbies, movies, volunteering, camping, working out, shopping, just to name a few. I know it seems boring. And it’s not quite as exciting as getting drunk and going to jail. I know the struggle you might have with these things. I have struggled too, saying “Am I really going to waste my life on Netflix?” Course, then I say “I was wasting my life in bars, so why not on Netflix?” I normally go out to eat on Friday and Saturday night, or spend my time traveling.
Let’s be real though, alcohol, drugs, and partying is everywhere. There are bars on every corner, and going for a drink is so common it’s scary. How do all these people drink and not become a raging alcoholic like me is a mystery to me. I spent quite a bit of time asking myself that exact question. “Why can’t I be a normal drunk?” Well, I’m not. It’s that simple, and I deal with it.
So, if you are in Recovery, the odds are that you will face a dilemma at some point, about whether to join friends at the bar, or get high or not. You might be invited by family. My whole family was at the bar. If I needed a Cousin, or Uncle, they were drinking at the bar. I grew up there. You might be in a work environment where they always go to the bar after work, or conventions, or office parties. Alcohol might be all around your work life.
I had to get away from everything that tempted me by whatever means necessary. First, I avoided everything that involved alcohol. You might need to do the same. You know what tempts you, and what you can handle. But, don’t be deceived, you are not as strong as you think, or else you would not be here reading this or having trouble. Always lean toward avoiding the drugs and alcohol and the people who draw you in.
The first thing to do is Pray and watch God move. Be honest with yourself, and others. When you are faced with a situation that will bring you into contact with your temptation, just say no. I know it’s hard, but do it. When people ask you to join them in drinking, or partying or whatever the addiction is, tell them the truth. Tell them that you are quitting, and see what happens. They will probably not bother with you anymore. But, that’s actually a good thing because you need to avoid your addictions for as long as you can. This is not a quick battle. It’s a marathon for the long haul.
In my life, I avoided the heavy bar scene. When I first started, it was easy to avoid. But, now most good restaurants serve alcohol. It’s unavoidable, unless I refuse to go out to eat.
Think about it. If a football player gets injured, they are not really healed if they never play again. That’s not a healing, the goal is to be healed and get back in the game. Likewise, we addicts need time to heal. We need time to get away, but our goal is to get back into the game of life and have a normal existence. That’s not to say that we go back to our old ways, because we can’t. But, we forge better ways, and a new life. We have to be able to be around the temptation without falling. That is when we are healed. So, now I can go to restaurants that serve alcohol with no problem. It’s growth. It doesn’t bother me. I have gone to wineries, and listened to music. I’ve gone to bars, and listened to music. But, I still avoid the heavy bar scene.
You know what I mean. There are bars that are restaurants, and there are straight up bars. I avoid those, unless there is a compelling reason to be there, and I will never go when the juices are flowing, and the party is getting heavy after 9 pm.
And that’s our life. That’s the life of an addict. We must avoid certain things that can push our buttons. I have grown to hate certain things, and don’t mind avoiding them. For example, I hate babysitting drunks. I will help anyone in need and be a designated driver when needed, but I hate babysitting drunks. Doing it has shown me how bad and stupid I was. I also hate how alcohol is a part of everything. I understand it. But, I hate the temptation it has on people and how it destroys them, and gets them to do things that ruins them.
I want you to know that you are not alone. There are tons of us who are having that daily battle to change who we are. Not just addiction, but in every way.
The fact is that you must learn to hate it. Not the people or life, or to have hate in your heart. But, to hate what you have become and what has happened to you, and what it does to others. This will help you in your battle to avoid, and overcome the enemy that keeps pulling you down. Create alternate things to do that you love, and pray. Always pray. God is with you and listening.
Bio: Chris Bunton is a writer, poet and blogger from Southern Illinois. He has published in several magazines, and has written a poetry eBook called “Against the Man” and an Addiction Recovery eBook called “Made Free: Overcoming Addiction“ His newest book is called “The Future is Coming” and is a collection of dystopian short stories.
Make sure. What does it mean to follow the real Jesus? Well, let’s look and see. Jesus’s ministry was a ministry of healing. This should tell us something about what we believe in regards to the Gospel and how we are to serve God. Because we want to be like Him. That is real godliness.…
You are never too far gone. In the books of Luke, Mark, and Matthew we see the story of the Gadarene Demoniac. (Mark 5:1-20, Luke 8:26-39, Matt. 8:28-34) He had an unclean spirit, which called itself “Legion” because there were many of the demons inhabiting this man. He lived in the tombs, crying out and…
The saints will be overcome. The scriptures are clear that the Anti-Christ will make war with the saints and overcome them. (Dan. 7:25, Rev. 13:7) I want to point out how this is likely to occur and how it is already started. I am not giving a prophecy here. I’m just pointing out some things.…
What does it look like to be healed from addiction?
I tell people that I have been healed from alcoholism.
God healed me.
When I say this I typically get the same response. “Once an addict always an addict”
And this is true. But let me explain.
We say this because it’s a safety feature. The idea is that if we ever use again we will automatically be addicted again and right back where we started. And this is 100% true.
But this has nothing to do with being healed from Addiction. As a matter of fact. Realizing this truth is part of being healed.
Let’s look at this differently. Let’s say we are in the kitchen talking, and I accidentally put my hand on the hot burner and get a severe burn.
I am burned. I need to heal. It takes time. I have to be careful. I have trouble with things in my everyday life. I can’t use my hand.
But eventually it heals, And life returns to normal. I am healed.
BUT…if I stick my hand on a burner again when it’s hot. I will get burned. It’s a no brainer. Do we say “once a burn victim always a burn victim?”
No. Because we heal and move on with normal life.
And that’s what I mean. That’s what I pray for you and others. A normal boring life, because you’re healed.
We have all sorts of things we do to help us over come our addictions. They are good and we need them. We need them when we are triggered.
Those things a part of the process. They can be a bandage and a salve for the burned and broken life. It can help us when we need it.
But, there comes a time when we must say, “I am healed” and move on from there to live a normal life and help others.
If you are not healed, and you try to help others. You will be dragged back in.
Move toward being healed. Learn to hate the thing that dragged you down. Eradicate it from your life in all its forms. Do not let it have an opening.
Eventually, you’ll notice it doesn’t bother you any more.
I can be around alcohol with no problem. Course, I will not be involved with wild drunken parties, or baby sitting drunks. I hate it.
The same way, I would avoid sticking my hand on a hot burner.
It has no power over me, but I’m not dumb enough to go there.
I am healed. And you can embrace your healing also. Do not linger as a victim. Be wise. Be healthy and be healed.
Bio: Chris Bunton is a writer, poet and blogger from Southern Illinois. He has published in several magazines, and has written a poetry eBook called “Against the Man” and an Addiction Recovery eBook called “Made Free: Overcoming Addiction“ His newest book is called “The Future is Coming” and is a collection of dystopian short stories.
What is the truth? I want to start with the ultimate truth, then talk about the current times, and prophecy. If you want to know God’s will on any subject you can probably find it in the Garden at Creation. There was no evil or death present. Nothing killed anything else. The humans and animals…
God is with us “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” –Luke 12:32 “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”— 2 Tim. 1:7 “So that we may boldly say, The Lord is…
It’s important to know. Death on its most basic level means separation. It is not an end, as some suppose. The Bible teaches that we are triune, like God. We are made in His image. We have a body, a soul and a spirit. When God created everything He created it good. Evil was contained…
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