The Bible Explained, part 34/40: Groups and Labels

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THE BIBLE EXPLAINED

A Guide to the Holy Bible
for Parents and Teenagers

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Where did you come from?
What is your purpose?
What happens when you die?

These questions--and more--are answered in 'The
Bible Explained', which is based on the teachings
of the Holy Bible. The Holy Bible is a collection
of ancient books which claim to be the word of the
one and only God. This one and only God claims to
be the sole creator, owner, and sustainer of all
things; he further claims to hold the one and only
key to eternal life. Are these claims true? Get
the facts and then decide for yourself.

This document is meant to be understood by everyone,
and is therefore written in plain, simple language,
avoiding complex religious jargon.

Understand the Bible like never before.

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Introduction
Quest for Truth
The Holy Bible
Origin and Destiny
The Big Picture: Good and Evil
The Story of Man
The Purpose of the Earth
The Standard and the Test
Work: The Key to Success and Life
Pyramid Society
Failure of Man
Male and Female
Family Relationships
Marriage and Family
Sexual Immorality
The Value of Life
Multiplication and Overpopulation
Racism
Creation and Evolution
Government
Politics
Justice
Words, Speech, and Censorship
Church Matters
Monotheism, Jews, and Christians
Temptation
The Nature of Evil
Life and Death of Satan
Reincarnation
The Rapture
The End Times
The Near Future
Preparing for the Future
Groups and Labels
Understanding Judgement
Preparing for Death
Conclusion
Appendix A: Questions and Answers
Appendix B: The Ten Commandments
Appendix C: Marriage

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Groups and Labels

Humans tend to form groups for various reasons, mainly to do evil; to right perceived wrongs; to promote their ideas of fairness, justice, equity, etc. Insecure people tend to join groups in order to gain an illusory sense of belonging and purpose. Each group desires that everyone else should be as they are, think as they do, act as they do -- in essence, yield up their individuality to a supposed greater cause. All groups are founded, ultimately, on some fundamental belief, meaning they are all religious at their core. In the theological sphere, there are three major divisions: theism, atheism, and agnosticism.

Religion Defined: Everyone makes decisions; and those decisions are based on some ultimate belief: therefore, everyone has a religion. Religion is a belief-based system which dictates our actions and reactions. Theism, atheism, and agnosticism are all belief-based systems: theism is based on the belief of a creator; atheism is based on the belief of no creator; and agnosticism is based on the belief that nothing can be known for certain. Thus, we all base our life on some ultimate belief: hence, we are all religious.

Fundamental Assumption: Theists, atheists, and agnostics make one fundamental assumption: absolutes exist. The theist and atheist believe in the existence of truth, which is absolute, since truth cannot change from time to time or from place to place: thus, truth is timeless (immortal) and everywhere (omnipresent). Agnostics believe that nothing can be known for certain, which is an absolute assertion; in other words, the statement 'nothing can be known for certain' is inherently absolute. Therefore, theists, atheists, and agnostics all believe in absolutes; however, they may not all believe in the same source of absolutes. The Bible believer accepts the Bible as the source of truth: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." [Proverbs 9:10] Notice that wisdom, knowledge, and understanding begin with God -- the only absolute. Without an absolute foundation, nothing can be known for certain. Another popular foundation is Charles Darwin -- the author of 'On the Origin of Species', which expounds the theory of Evolution, which many believe to be absolute truth.

Belief and Consequence: Humans tend to question the beliefs of others -- but not their own. Each man benefits from his own beliefs; one man cannot benefit from the beliefs of another man. Since one's beliefs may prove to be a matter of life and death, it behooves us all to carefully examine our own beliefs -- rather than the beliefs of others. Do you possess the courage to question your fundamental belief -- even to its very foundation, assuming it has one?

Modern Religions: In addition to the traditional religions, there are two major modern religions, both of which are based on paganism (the worship of nature): Evolutionism and Environmentalism.

Evolutionism: Evolutionism is based on Charles Darwin's theory of Evolution, which is based on the belief that "complex" life-forms developed from "simpler" ones over time, which has been proven false by the science of genetics: If a single-
celled organism is to evolve into a man, new genetic information will have to be generated along the way -- information for eyes, ears, lungs, etc. However, over successive generations, genetic information is being lost or corrupted -- but never increased: everything is devolving (getting worse); nothing is evolving (getting better). As you can see, Evolution is genetically impossible, since genes -- the instructions which tell an organism how to develop -- simply do not operate in a manner conducive to Evolution.

Environmentalism: Environmentalism is based on the notion that the earth's resources are finite and can therefore support only a certain amount of life: thus, in order to maintain the delicate balance of the earth's ecosystem, nature must be carefully controlled -- in particular, human population and activities must be restricted in favour of preserving natural resources and animals. One of the major tenets of environmentalism is the belief that man can tame and control nature, which has been proven false by history. Humans cannot control nature because God does. If man is to control nature, he must first tame his spirit, since God has designed nature to react to man's spirit: "For the land is defiled (by sins); therefore I (God) visit the punishment of its iniquity upon it, and the land vomits out its inhabitants." [Leviticus 18:25] God has made the physical realm subservient to the spirit realm: the earth reflects the spirit of man. If man's spirit is good, the earth will be fertile; if man's spirit is evil, the earth will be hostile. Therefore, if you want to tame nature, you must first tame your spirit. If you want nature to serve you, keep God's commandments. In the final analysis, environmentalism is nothing more than a modern form of paganism -- the worship of the creation rather than the creator. If you worship the creation, both you and it will come to an end. If you worship the creator, he is immortal and possesses the power to grant you life eternal.

Materialism: Materialism is "the opinion that nothing exists but matter." [Oxford Dictionary] Matter is defined as "physical substance in general, as distinct from mind and spirit; that which has mass and occupies space." [Oxford Dictionary] If you consider yourself a materialist, you ought to ask yourself some probing questions: Do laws exist? If so, what are they made of? If laws exist but are not made of material substance, should they be present in a material universe? For example, does gravity exist? If so, what is it made of? If the universe were wholly material, it would, by necessity, be solid. If it is not entirely solid, what constitutes the part that is not physical matter?

Hedonism: "Hedonism is the belief in pleasure as the highest good and mankind's proper aim." [Oxford Dictionary] Note that the stated definition of 'hedonism' is ambiguous: it assumes the existence of 'good', but does not identify its source or offer a definition of it; also, it assumes that mankind has a 'proper aim' -- a purpose, which is to indulge in pleasure, but does not define 'pleasure'. If a man finds pleasure in rape and murder, are these things 'good' and his 'proper aim'? If not, why not? (Remember: the only legitimate authority over a thing is the owner of said thing; if no one created man, then no one owns him; if no one owns him, then no one has authority over him -- to decree rights and wrongs or good and evil.) How does a hedonist define 'pleasure' and 'good'? Why are his definitions valid? As you can see, hedonism is based on selfishness and lust, meaning it lacks an absolute standard. Without an absolute standard (which requires an absolute source), hedonism inevitably descends into lawlessness, which leads to chaos, which ends in death.

Relativism: Relativism is "the doctrine that knowledge, truth, morality, etc., are relative and not absolute." [Oxford Dictionary] If God is truth, and truth is the only absolute, then relativism is a rejection of God. Thus, the relativist seeks to take the place of God as the ultimate arbiter of truth and lies, right and wrong, moral and immoral, etc. In the relativist worldview, is it wrong to commit murder? If so, is it wrong in all places, at all times, and under all circumstances? There are terrorists who believe that murder is acceptable under certain circumstances or to achieve certain goals. Are the terrorists wrong? If so, why? Because you say so? Because a particular committee says so? Human decrees change from time to time and from place to place. Thus, without an absolute authority, one person's opinion is just as valid as another person's, which makes a mockery of justice. In fact, relativism makes a mockery of everything it touches, since there is no ultimate authority, since there are no absolutes. Therefore, relativism can never solve any significant problem, since it produces only divisiveness and anarchy. Satan uses relativism to lead people away from the path of life -- the absolute word of God.

Rationalism: Rationalism is defined as "the theory that reason is the foundation of certainty in knowledge." [Oxford Dictionary] Hence, rationalism is a quest for certainty in knowledge based on reason. To reason is to "form or try to reach conclusions by connected thought." [Oxford Dictionary] As you can see, reason requires the ability to think -- to form thoughts, which raises some questions: Are thoughts the result of random chemical reactions in our brain? If so, who made the laws of chemistry? Are laws products of chance? If so, should you trust them as a mechanism for forming coherent thoughts? Reason requires intelligence, which raises more questions: Does intelligence exist? If so, what is it made of? What is its source? Is intelligence the product of chance and randomness? If so, should you trust it as a mechanism for drawing reliable conclusions? In essence, is man's ability to think the product of chance or intelligence? Is it possible to be rational in a universe based on chance and randomness?

Realism: 'Realism' is commonly defined as "an inclination toward literal truth and pragmatism." Realism requires the existence of truth, which raises some interesting questions: Does truth exist? If so, what is it? What is it made of? What is its source? Is truth absolute or relative? If absolute, then it must come from an absolute source. What is that source? Realism assumes the existence of reality, which raises some fundamental questions: Does reality exist? If so, how do you know? Because you can observe it with your senses? Are your senses products of chance or intelligence? If chance, should you trust them?

Humanism: Humanism is "an outlook or system of thought concerned with human rather than divine or supernatural matters." [Oxford Dictionary] If one denies the supernatural, then he also denies God, since God is spirit. Without God, one is left without direction or purpose. When one denies God, then that void must be filled with something else. Thus, humanists seek to take the place of God as the ultimate arbiter of truth and lies, good and evil, right and wrong, etc. Humanists seek to supplant God because, perhaps subconsciously, they naturally desire to be like their creator: like father, like son. While it is understandable that humanists desire to be like their creator, there is a particular path which must be followed: "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber." [John 10:1] The 'door' is the Ten Commandments: "But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments." [Matthew 19:17]

Atheism: "Atheism is the belief that God does not exist." [Oxford Dictionary] If God does not exist, why do atheists attack him and his word? If the Bible is a book of fables, why do atheists not attack other fables, such as The Wizard of Oz, Snow White, Cinderella, etc.? Without a creator, there is no owner of anything; without an owner, there is no legitimate authority over anything; without a legitimate authority, no one is qualified to assign meaning to anything. Because the atheistic worldview lacks a creator, everything is ultimately meaningless: So why should an atheist concern himself with anything? What motivates an atheist? Why would an atheist attack the Bible? Could it be that atheists are provoked by an unseen spirit being -- God's adversary -- into doing his bidding?

Atheism Mimics Religion: A Bible preacher travels the world, teaching about life eternal in an everlasting kingdom. An atheist travels the world, teaching about the futility of life and everlasting death at its end. The atheist equates the preacher's teachings with brainwashing and even abuse, apparently failing to realize that he himself is engaged in the same practice which he condemns -- the expounding of a particular worldview in an effort to win converts. The preacher is motivated by a command from his creator: "And He said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.'" [Mark 16:15] But what motivates the atheist, considering he has no creator to command him?

Fighting Phantoms: There is a man who spends his precious time and finite energy fighting God, whom he believes does not exist: This is curious behaviour. The atheist may argue: 'I am serving my fellow man by debunking the word of God, which is nothing more than a fairy tale designed to enslave and control the masses.' A noble endeavour, but why bother? After all, what harm is there in keeping the fabled Ten Commandments as a way of life? Indeed, those who keep the mythical Ten Commandments are completely harmless. Furthermore, how can one man suffer from the beliefs of another man? If some choose to believe a fairy tale, how are you the worse for their belief? If you know the Bible is a fable, why attack it? Why not be calmly content in your superior knowledge and eat, drink, and be merry -- knowing that tomorrow you will die and rest in peace forever? The atheist may claim: 'Religious fanatics are going to destroy the world.' If the world is destroyed, what does it matter to atheists? After all, everything in the atheistic worldview is pointless, meaningless, and motiveless: life and death are equally meaningless and inconsequential, so why should an atheist be concerned with either one? The consistent atheist should not be concerned with anything, since all things are meaningless in the atheistic worldview.

The Logical Explanation: There is only one logical explanation for atheists' perpetual attack upon the things of God: there is a real God who has a real adversary -- Satan the devil -- who deceives and manipulates his followers into doing his work of attacking (testing) the things of God. Ironically, atheists perform a great service to God by keeping him in the public eye. Thus, God uses even his professed enemies to promote himself, suggesting that God has a sense of humour: "He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; the Lord shall hold them in derision." [Psalm 2:4]

Atheism Without God: Without God, there would be no atheists: thus, atheists should be thankful for God, since he gives purpose to their lives -- he gives them something to do: "What profit has the worker from that in which he labours? I have seen the God-given task with which the sons of men are to be occupied." [Ecclesiastes 3:9-10]

The Omniscient Atheist: In order to claim there is no creator, one must have, by necessity, looked everywhere simultaneously. In other words, one must be both omnipresent and omniscient for at least a moment of time. Omnipresence and omniscience are attributes normally associated with the omnipotent creator of all things. It is not surprising that atheists consider themselves to be in possession of these traits, since atheists -- like everyone else -- are made in the image of God their father, and therefore possess a natural desire to be like him: like father, like son. However, there is an appointed time when God's nature will be imparted to those who are found worthy of receiving it. Therefore, we must not desire the things of God before the due time, but we should strive to pass the test God has set before us. In the case of the atheist, he must exchange his pride for humility, so that God may lift him up: "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble." [James 4:6] "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up." [James 4:10]

Lazy Atheists: Lazy atheists, not sincerely desiring to know God, stand on the sidelines, mockingly shouting at the seekers and finders of God: 'Show us your God!' However, being creatures of freewill, it is incumbent upon each man to take the initiative, for the word of God clearly teaches that one cannot find a thing without first seeking it: "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened." [Matthew 7:7-8] One man, having discovered God, cannot prove his existence to another man, since the discovery of God is a personal journey -- a journey we either choose to take or choose not to take. "And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart." [Jeremiah 29:13]

The Obstacle: The atheist's greatest obstacle to God is pride -- pride in his own intellect and understanding, whereas the word of God says: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." [Proverbs 3:5-6] Why does God want man to trust him rather than his intellect? Because man's intellect is in a fallen state and therefore unreliable, whereas God is perfect and has man's best interests at heart. When a man trusts his intellect over the word of God, he makes an idol of his intellect and puts it in the place of God as the ultimate arbiter of truth, thereby violating the first two of the Ten Commandments.

Emotionalism: Your emotions are your greatest weakness; and it is far easier to stir the emotions than rouse the intellect. Therefore, be wary of anyone who appeals to your emotions rather than to your intellect. Atheism is based on emotion rather than on science and logic: In the atheistic worldview, the universe is the product of chance -- not intelligence. Therefore, anything can happen at any time, since all things are at the mercy of chance. Will the sun rise in the morning? The atheist cannot answer this question with any certainty, whereas the Bible-believer's answer is 'yes'. Why? Because the creator said so: "Then God said, 'Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years." [Genesis 1:4] God's arrangements hold true because his word is always fulfilled: "So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it." [Isaiah 55:11] Since law and order must spring from intelligence, such things cannot exist in a universe founded on chance and randomness. Therefore, to promote his beliefs, the atheist must appeal to emotions rather than to intellect, since his worldview cannot withstand scientific scrutiny. Additionally, as a diversionary tactic, atheists will attack the beliefs of others in order to avoid engaging in critical analysis of their own beliefs.

Logic or Emotion: Our greatest obstacle to truth is our emotions, since emotions prevent us from seeing reality. If an atheist could put aside his emotion and engage in logical and scientific thought, he would arrive at the following conclusions: The universe exists; law and order exist; intelligence exists; design exists; chance and randomness cannot produce law and order: therefore, chance and randomness do not exist. Thus, the foundation of atheism -- chance and randomness -- does not exist. Therefore, atheism is not reality.

Atheism and Emotion: Emotion is the enemy of logic and science. Without emotion, there would be no atheists, since everyone would realize the obvious: the universe exists, therefore a creator exists; laws exist, therefore a lawgiver exists; design exists, therefore a designer exists; information exists, therefore a source of information exists; intelligence exists, therefore a source of intelligence exists: since immaterial things, such as information and intelligence, exist, an immaterial source of these things must also exist -- an immaterial creator.

Creator of God: One of the most popular arguments against God is: If God created all things, who created God? In order to answer this question, we must first know what God is: "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life.'" [John 14:6] God is truth. Truth is the only thing which has always been, will always be, and never changes; truth is truth everywhere and at all times; truth is the only absolute; truth is the only immortal. Since truth is immortal, it needs no creator.

The Creation of Evil: A popular argument for the non-existence of a benevolent creator is: If God is good, why did he create evil? God did not create evil, however, he did create a world in which evil was possible. Why? God desires an everlasting creation. If such a creation is to be, it must contain nothing destructive. Evil is destructive; good is harmless. If a creation is to endure forever, it must be built on good and contain no evil or potential for evil. God placed us in a world of good and evil so that we may learn the ways of both. Good leads to life eternal; evil leads to death eternal. God wants us to enter into life eternal by accepting good and rejecting evil. However, if we are to accept good, we must first know what it is. Likewise, if we are to reject evil, we must first know what it is. Therefore, God permits evil so that we may gain knowledge of it -- so that we may know what we are rejecting. Not only must we reject evil in this world, we must reject it for all eternity; not only must we accept good in this world, we must accept it for all eternity. Thus, God permits both good and evil so that we may know what we are accepting and rejecting.

Agnosticism: "An agnostic is a person who believes that nothing is known, or can be known, of the existence or nature of God or of anything beyond material phenomena; a person who is uncertain or non-committal about a certain thing." [Oxford Dictionary] Thus, an ideal agnostic is a person who possesses an open mind which holds neutral thoughts. Since humans filter all information through a pre-existing belief system, it is doubtful that a sentient agnostic has ever lived. Ideally, an agnostic holds neutral positions on all matters of spirituality, claiming: 'Agnosticism is the default position until objective evidence is presented.' Except for God, everyone holds biases, meaning objective evidence will never be presented -- except by God. Of course, an agnostic cannot accept God as objective and yet remain agnostic. Thus, an agnostic spends his entire life sitting on the fence which divides life from death; then, when he dies, he falls into the default side of death eternal. In my opinion, agnostics choose neutrality for fear of appearing foolish in the presence of men -- fearing men more than God. The man who chooses to believe in God makes himself a fool in the eyes of men, for he knows he cannot prove the existence of God, since the discovery of God requires a personal encounter with him.

The Lazy Agnostic: We are all swimming in the sea of the knowledge of good and evil -- of God and the Devil, yet the lazy agnostic exclaims: 'I went for a swim in the sea, but I did not get wet!' The existence of good and evil is plain to see -- all you have to do is open your eyes. It is the duty of each man to discover God for himself. But the lazy agnostic calls upon others to prove to him the existence of God. Why? Does the agnostic not possess the same faculties as other men? Thus, there is no excuse for ignorance of God, as it is written: "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard. Their line has gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world." [Psalm 19:1-4] "For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse." [Romans 1:20] The fact that man can understand things -- and that there are things to be understood -- should suggest the universe and man are products of intelligence.

Skepticism: "A skeptic is a person inclined to doubt all accepted opinions." [Oxford Dictionary] A true skeptic will never admit to beliefs, lest he should appear a fool in the eyes of men, whom he fears more than God. The skeptic is terrified that, should he take a position, he would be unable to defend it, so he spends his entire life mocking the beliefs of others -- in a bid to appear superior. Personally, I've never seen a true skeptic -- someone who doubts everything; all the skeptics I've seen do hold beliefs -- usually naturalism: the belief that natural phenomena exist.

Mockers: A mocker is someone who treats something with contempt -- usually something he does not understand. You may have heard mockers pose apparently profound questions about God; however, closer examination reveals these questions to be illogical. Here is an example of a mocking question: 'Why would an all-forgiving God not forgive Satan?' The assumption is made that God is all-forgiving, however, scripture tells us he is not: "And anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but to him who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven." [Luke 12:10] "But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." [Matthew 6:15] Since God is not all-forgiving, the question is invalid. Here is another example of a mocking question: 'Can God create a stone so heavy that he cannot carry it?' The assumption is made that God is subject to his creation, however, scripture tells us that he is not: "Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain You." [1 Kings 8:27] Since God is not bound by his creation, the question is invalid. Learn to recognize the questions of mockers: A mocker asks a question, not because he desires an answer, but because he wants to be a part of the larger crowd of mockers, which makes him feel clever and sophisticated -- a cover for his insecurity. Since mockers don't want answers, it is best to avoid them: "Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces." [Matthew 7:6] If you are to have a meaningful exchange with a mocker, you must first wait for the mocker to be humbled by Satan: "Deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus." [1 Corinthians 5:5] In summary, don't cast you pearls before swine; let Satan deal with them: "Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you." [Proverbs 9:8]

Averting Disaster: Everyone can see that the world is headed towards annihilation; and everyone desires peace. However, various groups differ on the method by which to avert disaster: Feminists, atheists, theists, environmentalists, etc., all believe they can solve the world's problems through some kind of change:

Feminist Solution: Feminists believe the world can be saved if women -- rather than men -- were in control, apparently failing to realize that the woman (Eve) was deceived by Satan, indicating that women are more susceptible to deception than men are, since women are more emotional than men -- emotion being our greatest weakness.

Atheist Solution: Atheists believe that religion is the greatest threat to mankind's survival. Therefore, if all religions were eliminated, there would be peace. The atheist apparently fails to realize that atheism itself is also a religion, since it is based, ultimately, on belief -- as all religions are. Therefore, if all religions are to be eliminated, atheism must also be eliminated. Furthermore, agnosticism must also be eliminated, since it is based, ultimately, on belief -- the belief that nothing can be known for certain. As you can see, one can never destroy religion; one can only replace one religion with another, since all human knowledge is based, ultimately, on some fundamental belief. Ironically, in the atheistic worldview, life and death are equally meaningless, so why should an atheist be concerned with the preservation of mankind?

Theist Solution: Some theists believe their religion is the one and only path to peace; therefore, if everyone else converted to their religion, there would be peace. The problem is: Theistic religions hold differing and contradictory tenets. Therefore, if one religion is to prevail against all others, it would have to resort to fear, intimidation, and violence -- which would cause it to lose all credibility as the one and only path to peace. Such a religion would not unite people, but would rather create fear and loathing in non-adherents.

True and False Religions: In the past, many evil deeds have been committed in the name of God, thereby casting a foul stench upon the character of the true God, particularly in the eyes of non-
believers. How do you know if your religion serves the true God or a false god? If your religion is based on fear, then your religion is not from the true God: "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." [2 Timothy 1:7] If your religion condones violence, then your religion is not from the true God: "They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service. And these things they will do to you because they have not known the Father nor Me (Jesus)." [John 16:2-3] If your religion is built on fear and violence, then your religion is not from the true God but is from the false god -- Satan the devil, who is God's adversary.

Environmentalist Solution: Environmentalists believe the world can be saved through tightly controlling human populations and activities, so that humans can continue to exist in harmony with nature and not overwhelm it. If environmentalists are to save the world, they must become more concerned with the spiritual realm and less concerned with the natural realm, since the spirit is master of the flesh: wherever the spirit leads, the flesh will follow. All environmentalists' efforts will be spent in vain if they fail to acknowledge and address the spiritual component of man: Why spend time and energy trying to save the natural world if it will inevitably be destroyed by a diseased spirit? If man's behaviour is to change, it must be done on the spiritual plane. One of environmentalism's greatest weaknesses is its reliance on propaganda and force -- via government legislation -- to coerce people into believing and acting a certain way.

Survivalism and Purpose: If environmentalism -- or any other sect -- is to save the human race from destruction, it must not only provide humans with a means to avert disaster, but it must also supply them with a reason to choose life over death by providing answers to the three basic questions regarding humans: What is our origin? What is our purpose? What happens when we die? After all, why should humans be concerned about their survival? Why should they choose life over death? What is their motivation? What is their ultimate purpose?

Imitation Without Reflection: Each person is created a unique individual -- and will be judged as such in the Day of Judgement. Therefore, do not become a counterfeit of someone else, but learn to think for yourself and make your own decisions: "You shall not follow a crowd to do evil; nor shall you testify in a dispute so as to turn aside after many to pervert justice." [Exodus 23:2] Do not blindly follow a group of people, but rather consider your own individual destiny and be prepared to make your own path. "If the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch." [Matthew 15:14] I have seen a great evil on the earth: large groups of people will elevate a man as if he were God, holding the cures for all their ills, yet God says: "Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart departs from the LORD." [Jeremiah 17:5]

Groups, Labels, and Judgement: Insecure humans tend to gather together into groups, feeling stronger in numbers. However, in the Day of Judgement, God will judge individuals -- not groups: "The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works." [Revelation 20:13] In the Day of Judgement, each person must stand alone before the judgement seat of God and give an account of his own life. The label you choose to put upon yourself and/or the group(s) you choose to belong to will be useless in that Day.

Escaping Judgement: Since God always judges sin, and since God is greater than man, it is impossible for men to escape God's judgement upon sin: "'Your fierceness has deceived you, the pride of your heart, O you who dwell in the clefts of the rock, who hold the height of the hill! Though you make your nest as high as the eagle, I will bring you down from there,' says the LORD." [Jeremiah 49:16] "'Though you ascend as high as the eagle, and though you set your nest among the stars, from there I will bring you down,' says the LORD." [Obadiah 1:4] The only way to escape God's judgement is to be righteous by keeping his commandments, so that he will be your shield: "For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous; with favour You will surround him as with a shield." [Psalm 5:12]

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TITLE: "The Bible Explained"
AUTHOR: "Arrant Knave"
ISBN-10: "1468197061"
ISBN-13: "9781468197068"

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http://www.amazon.com/The-Bible-Explained-Parents-Teenagers/dp/1468197061

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The above excerpt from 'The Bible Explained' is copyright
2010 by Arrant Knave. All rights reserved. No part of this
document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system
or transmitted in any form or by any means without the
prior written permission of the publisher, except by a
reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review to be
printed in a newspaper, magazine, or journal.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are
taken from the New King James Version (R). Copyright (C)
1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights
reserved.

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