Thursday, September 22, 2011

Philo: Defenders Theological Dictionary


PHILO was a Jewish philosopher and theologian that lived in Alexandria, Egypt in the first century. Although he came from a Jewish priestly family, he was highly influenced by Greek Platonic thought. He thought of the Logos as a mediator of God and the creator of the physical world. Philo is well known for making use of allegorical principles in the interpretation of the Hebrew Scriptures.

Thursday, September 01, 2011

The Godhead for English Teachers


By J. R. Ensey

Jesus made the shortest complete sentence in history: “I Am!”

English teachers tell us that when we speak of ourselves, it is in the first person. When we address a person with “you,” it is in the second person. When we speak of “he, she, they or them” it is in the third person. Some say God is a trinity and want to make three separate, distinct persons out of God. OK, let’s do it this way:

First person: Jesus said of Himself, “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty” (Revelation 1:8).

We speak to Him in the second person: “And Thomas answered and said unto him, [You are] My Lord and my God” (John 20:28).

We speak of Him in the third person: “The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower” (Psalm 18:1-3).

Come on, trinitarians, admit it. We can speak of Jesus in the first, second or third person, but they all say the same thing—He is God in flesh!

Thursday, January 13, 2011

January is Pro-Life month


January is Pro-Life month. Take this opportunity to create awareness in your local church by presenting a seminar on the subject. Alert your yound people to the holocaust of abortion.

You may also choose to participate in the battle against abortion by sending a special donation to organizations such as Tupelo Children's Mansion and New Beginnings, or your local Pro-Life charity.

To get better informed about the subject and be prepared when young ones come to you with questions get this amazing little book:

Why Pro-Life?


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Friday, September 03, 2010

New Podcasts: The oil spill and God, Proposition 8, etc.


Defenders of the Faith Podcast

"Global Warming," the oil spill and the "green" movement. Could man destroy God's creation? Is God's Earth so fragile?
To listen to the podcast click HERE.

Proposition 8,
the courts and the homosexual agenda. Refuting the Top Ten Reasons for same sex marriage.
Listen HERE.

Mormon missionaries
knock at your door to try to prove to you that unless you are a Mormon you belong to an apostate church. How do they handle it when the tables are turned? Why should we believe the Book of Mormon is from God in the first place?
To listen to the podcast click HERE.

Discerning the Endtime Culture. Standing against the culture of death and immorality in society should be a bold, Spirit-filled church.
Listen to this all-important message HERE.

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

DVD – The Antidote to the Infiltration ~ Philip Harrelson


Bilingual DVD Video (English/Spanish) "The Antidote to the Infiltration"

False doctrines have infiltrated the Apostolic church. Many, including whole congregations, are being led astray in these end times.

In this study, given at the Defenders of the Faith Conference on Apostolic Doctrine in Houston, Texas, Philip Harrelson, an expert on the expository preaching of the Word of God and a member of the Apostolic Theological Forum, shares the antidote to the infiltration of wolves in the sheepfold.


$12 plus $3.50 for shipping & handling.

Order this important resource by clicking on the button below:



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Friday, May 28, 2010

Podcast: Conversation with Mormon Missionaries


Some time ago we had a chance to talk to a couple of Mormon elders that came to our door. We talked about changes in the Book of Mormon (of which they were not aware), and they tried to tell me about changes in the Bible and supposed missing books. In the end, the conversation centered on the question: If the Bible already contains the fullness of the Gospel message, why would we need the Book of Mormon? To this, of course, they had no good response.

To listen to the podcast click on this link. To receive future podcasts automatically, please subscribe to the Defenders of the Faith podcast by clicking on the podcast button.

Thursday, May 27, 2010

The Acquittal


















In a faraway place and a different time
I killed my first child, a most heinous crime.

The state didn't come, and I didn't stand trial.
Judge Blackmun was calm when he said with a smile,
"Killing is legal, say we the High Court.
But we don't call it murder. Just call it 'abort.'"

The judge in my heart would not let the case rest.
I had no defense when once put to the test.
Found guilty I was by my heart's Supreme Court.
"You murdered your baby!" they screamed in retort.

With tears on my cheeks it was too late, I knew,
To bring back the life of the child I once slew.
The gavel slammed down, and it rang in my head,
"You are guilty as charged, and deserve to be dead."

"We now give you torment to pay for your sin,"
Was the sentence passed down from my own court within.
"You will never escape. You're branded. Don't hide.
Your just due is death. You should try suicide."

I was beaten in prison by daily attack.
I was paying a debt, so I never fought back.
No hope of escaping, and this I knew well.
I cried out to God from my own self-made hell.

That day I met Jesus; He smiled in my face.
He said, "I forgive you. Come and walk in my grace."
"Lord, I believe you forgive me and yet,
Blameless you are, can you pay for my debt?

"And Lord, please don't touch me for I am unclean.
I'm filthy with murder, a most wretched being."
I poured out my story. He showed no surprise.
I gazed up with awe at the love in his eyes.

He said, "I paid for your crime, yes, was nailed to a tree.
There's no condemnation if you'll trust in me.
I took on your blame, and your curse on my soul
So you may be free without judgment, and whole."

I sputtered, "Dear Lord, where's the justice in this?
I killed my first son, and you offer me bliss?"
Tears blurred my vision, yet there in his face
Were eyes of compassion, blue oceans of grace.

I thought to myself, "Now the past has been buried?
I'm free of the guilt that for years I have carried?"
He said to accept. It's a gift that is free.
This is atonement, not justice for me!

My judge was dismissed; my accusers, and jury.
The truth of his love made them leave in a fury.
He smiled, "Walk with me and come learn my way,"
And grasping his hand, I began a new day.


-- Karen Sullivan-Ables

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Thursday, May 20, 2010

Dictionary: Hermeneutics


Hermeneutics = The subdiscipline of theology concerned with the study of the general principles of proper interpretation of biblical texts.

Wednesday, May 05, 2010

T-shirt — Defenders of the Faith 2010




The Defenders of the Faith 2010 T-shirt, printed on both sides, is available for $15 plus only $3.50 for shipping & handling.
Important: Email us to faithdefenders(@)hotmail.com [without the parenthesis] to advise us on the T-shirt size you need.

Available sizes:

Youth: XS, S, M, L
Adult: S, M, L, XL, XXL

The FRONT shows the Shemá (Deuteronomy 6:4) transliterated from the Hebrew: Shemá Israel: YHWH Elohenu, YHWH echad.

The BACK shows the Defenders of the Faith 2010 shield in full color.

The T-shirt is available in 2 colors: Sport Gray and Stone Blue.

To order a SPORT GRAY shirt:





To order a STONE BLUE shirt:




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Friday, April 30, 2010

Book: Vow of the Nazarite by Roger Perkins


From the Back Cover:

Does Scripture actually address issues such as one's hair, apparel and jewelry? Can obedience to God's Word really be considered bondage? What is the true meaning of a legalist? Is it consistent theology to practice and loudly proclaim certain portions of the Bible and then willfully disregard others? Did God's people ever wear wedding rings or make-up in the Bible? If not, from where do these practices originate?

I can tell you before you even read the first page that unless you have the devoted heart of a Nazarite you'll discard this book about a quarter-ways through. However, if artificially and worldly materialism isn't for you, then take heart, because this books is!

--------------
If you're going to read only one book on holiness this year. Make it this one. Great gift for those who do not understand the Apostolic, biblical, doctrines of separation from the world.

Vow of the Nazarite.
ISBN: 0-9764881-0-8
92 pages
$US 10.00


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Thursday, April 22, 2010

Defenders of the Faith live video webcast


The Defenders of the Faith Conference on Apostolic Doctrine and Apologetics will be transmitted via webcast by Mundo Pentecostal Live!

(All scheduled times are based on Central Time. Transmission may begin at the scheduled time and not before.)

To watch the live webcast click here: Mundo Pentecostal LIVE!

[Infiltration = Sneaky penetration of a mistaken teaching into Christian doctrine. Surreptitious introduction into a church or organization in order to deceive and/or destroy. To gradually introduce ideas or doctrines into someone's mind with hostile or subversive intent.]


"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." (Matthew 7:15)

Friday, April 23rd, 2010 — 7:30pm

Subjects:
• Infiltration: Mixing the Holy with the Profane — G. Jorge Medina
• The Necromancy of the Church: An Egyptian Resurrection in the Church — Roger Perkins, Oneness Apologist and Debater

Saturday, April 24th, 2010 — 6:30pm

Subjects:
• Paganism in the Church: The New Spirituality — Dr. Jorge Mendizabal
• The Antidote to Infiltration — Phillip Harrelson, Apostolic Theological Forum member

Mundo Pentecostal Church

1008 S. Main St., Pasadena, Texas 77506

$10 per person / Under 15: Free!

Wednesday, April 07, 2010

DVD - Why I am no longer a Muslim



Can a Muslim come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ?

This bilingual (Spanish/English) study, part of the Defenders of the Faith Conference on Apostolic Doctrine explains the profound differences between Islam and Apostolic Christianity; between Mohammad and Jesus.

Having been raised as a Muslim, Brother Farhad knows firsthand the doctrines of Islam and the teachings of the Qur'an (Koran).

In this testimony of his conversion Brother Farhad compares scripture to scripture to demonstrate how Jesus is superior to Mohammad and how he came to believe that Jesus is the true God manifested in the flesh. The PowerPoint used is an invaluable tool to understand this religion.

$12 plus $3.50 for shipping and handling.

To order this DVD, please click in the button below.



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Monday, February 22, 2010

Reasons to avoid Planned Parenthood


Reason # 1 — Planned Parenthood = Abortion
Planned Parenthood of Houston and Southeast Texas reported performing 7,915 abortions in 2008. On a national level, Planned Parenthood Federation of America reported performing 305,310 abortions in 2007.

Reason # 2
— Planned Parenthood Hurts Women
Houston's 9-1-1 records show at least two recent cases of women physically injured by botched abortion procedures at the Houston Planned Parenthood affiliate. Don't assume this won't happen to you or someone you love.

Reason # 3 — Planned Parenthood Experiments on Women
As of June 2008, a study conducted at the University of Michigan and published in The Journal of Immunology has indicated that "off-label use" of the controversial abortion drugs collectively called RU-48, may be linked to the death of at least eight women.

The FDA issued new warnings about the use of the pill, and rather than stopping its use of the pill altogether, Planned Parenthood has stated that it will merely stop its unapproved vaginal use of it.

In addition to altering the suggested dosage, Planned Parenthood urges women to take one of the drugs at home, disregarding the FDA's warning that the second portion of the pill regime "should be done in a medical office to monitor women for complications."

Reason # 4 — The aborted fetuses are used for stem cell research
Stem cell research is used as one reason abortion should remain legal. That is barbarism. Innocent members of society should not be destroyed to provide raw material for research on how to extend the lives of other members of society.

Reason # 5 — Planned Parenthood Condoms Received "Dead Last" Ranking
According to Consumer Reports condoms typically have a 16% failure rate. Planned Parenthood's condoms were ranked dead last in a recent review, with "poor" ratings in both strength and reliability... using them is asking for trouble.

Reason # 6
— They continue to misrepresent their morning after abortion pill to women calling it "Emergency Contraception," while failing to inform many clients that the use of this drug could produce an actual early chemical ABORTION.

Reason # 7
— The 14-year-old in this video is told by a Planned Parenthood employee to lie to a judge about her "boyfriend's" age. Her parents nor the police would ever find out about this situation as long as Planned Parenthood cashes in: View Video.

Reason # 8 — They celebrate their racist roots
Margaret Sanger, founder of Planned Parenthood wrote, "We do not want the word to go out that we want to exterminate the Negro population," when describing her plans for The Negro Project. She also spoke for a woman's gathering of the Ku Klux Klan. Planned Parenthood gives an annual award in Margaret Sanger's honor.

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Saturday, February 13, 2010

To heaven without holiness?

Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:14)

There is no (idea) so pernicious as this—that persons not purified, not sanctified, not made holy in their life, should afterwards be taken into that state of blessedness which consists in the enjoyment of God. Neither can such persons enjoy God, nor would God be a reward to them. Holiness indeed is perfected in heaven: but the beginning of it is invariably confined to this world.*

How shall we ever be at home and happy in heaven, if we die unholy? Death works no change. The grave makes no alteration. Each will rise again with the same character in which he breathed his last. Where will our place be if we are strangers to holiness now?

Suppose for a moment that you were allowed to enter heaven without holiness. What would you do? What possible enjoyment could you feel there? To which of all the saints would you join yourself? Their pleasures are not your pleasures, their tastes not your tastes, their character not your character. How could you possibly be happy, if you ahd not been holy on earth?

Now perhaps you love the company of the light and the careless, the worldly-minded and the covetous, the reveler and the pleasure-seeker. There will be none such in heaven.

Think you that such an one would delight to meet David, and Paul, and John, after a life spent in doing the very things they spoke against?

People may say, in a vague way, "they hope to to to heaven;" but they do not consider what they say... Heaven is essentially a holy place; its inhabitants are all holy; its occupations are all holy. It is clear and plain that we must be somewhat trained and made ready for heaven while we are on earth.**


_______
* John Owen, Owen on the Holy Spirit, p. 575 (as quoted in Intoxicated with Babylon by Steve Gallagher).
** J.C. Ryle, Holiness, p. 56, 35. (as quoted in Intoxicated with Babylon by Steve Gallagher).

Monday, November 09, 2009

DVD: Refuting Atheism



A youth event that uses video of atheists themselves explaining their opposition to belief in God. Refutation of their points of view using science and logic.

See how the so-called "Horsemen of Atheism" fall from their pseudo-scientific horses and the existence of God is validated by sound argumentation.

This DVD is available for a special price of $10.00 plus $3.50 fo shipping and handling. Click on the button below to purchase.


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Debate: The Oneness of God vs The Trinity on DVD



Is the doctrine of the Trinity biblical?

Oneness apologist Roger Perkins debates well-known Trinitarian defender Matt Slick. A must theological resource for the study of the nature and true identity of God.



1 DVD $20.00
Shipping & Handling $3.50
Your total will show the shipping charges included ($23.50 dollars).

Water Baptism Debate on DVD


Is water baptism necessary for salvation?

Oneness apologist Roger Perkins debates well-known Trinitarian defender Matt Slick. A must theological resource for the study of the significance of Jesus' Name water baptism in God's plan of salvation.



1 DVD $20.00
Shipping & Handling $3.50
Your total will show the shipping charges included ($23.50 dollars).

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Perspectives Magazine Opinion Article on the Signs of the Second Coming


Perspectives Magazine, one of the better Apostolic magazines in production, asked us to participate in a survey they were conducting to be published in their Opinions page. Due to their space constraints, my full contribution could not be published and the editing left some important things out. Not their fault, just the nature of publishing.

We were honored to be included in their survey and are avid readers of the magazine. To subscribe to Perspectives click here.

I'm including their request, along with my response below.

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Theme: How our current economic crisis may play into end time prophecy.


1. Do you feel our current economic crisis could be a key part of end time prophecy? How? Explain what the scenario might be that this economic situation could bring about.
2. Do you personally feel that the World will recover from our current Recession or Depression? Is this THE ONE or will there be another that will usher in the AntiChrist?
3. If you were to guess, just how close to you think we are to the rapture? 5 years? 10 years? 20 years?
4. Do you feel the church will experience any tribulation from world conditions prior to the rapture?
5. Is there scriptural support for a great endtime revival (ingathering) prior to the rapture of the church? What scripture?


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My response:

As bad as our economy has gotten and as bad as it may get in the next few months, I am reluctant to attribute end-time significance to every event that seems to make life difficult for us on this earth. That would be a form of "newspaper eschatology." Seeing a "prophecy fulfillment" in every disaster or war reported in the newspaper does not help prepare the Church for the Lord's coming. On the contrary, you can cry, "wolf!" only so many times until those that have been in church for a greater part of their lives stop listening to the same old scare tactics, "The end is near, look at this microchip!", "the end is near, the US is at war!", "the end is near, the Jews signed a treaty!".

Do I believe the Lord is coming soon? Yes, definitely. I believe the Lord could come at any time, but we are not waiting for any specific prophetic fulfillment before that happens. Christ’s coming is imminent, and its only announcement will be the trump of God. How close are we to the Catching Away? To speculate of 7, 10 or 20 years is to miss the point. We are always only a blinking of an eye away from seeing Him in the clouds.

One of our movement’s greatest needs is for a responsible eschatology. We need to study Bible prophecy in a methodical, exegetical way, based on sound principles of hermeneutics, not on that day's newspaper, nor on some prophecy teacher’s speculations. Brethren, our only infallible guide is the Word of God. "Whether there be [human-given] prophecies, they shall fail..." but God’s Word remains forever!

G. Jorge Medina
Defenders of the Faith
www.defendersweb.com
Author and Compiler, Upholding Our Future Hope: An Apostolic Response to Preterism

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Tuesday, October 06, 2009

40 Days For Life Special Offer

SPECIAL OFFER FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER 2009




Why Pro-Life: Caring for the Unborn and their Mothers.
This is one of the easiest books to understand and apply in daily conversations on the subject of abortion. No issue is more divisive or troubling than abortion. Many believe that we have to choose between helping women and helping children. This books shows how critical it is that we help both. In a concise, nonabrasive fashion, Randy Alcorn offers compassionate, factual answers to the central issues of the abortion debate.

The back cover shows an award-winning photo of an operation on Sarah Marie Switzer, a twenty-four-week unborn child... born two months later.

This book should not be missing from any Christian family's library.

Regular Price: $8.00
NOW ONLY $5 plus $3.50 for shipping & handling.


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Friday, September 11, 2009

Why retreat will not bring peace with Islam


Eight years after the 9-11 attacks on America, more American voices call for a military retreat from foreign lands in the hopes we'll have peace with Islam. One thing we should never forget is that Islam's expansionist endeavors obey to their adherence to the teachings of their holy book. The Qur'an teaches that Muslims should fight until all unbelievers (non-Muslims) are subdued.

"Those who reject Islam must be killed. If they turn back (from Islam), take (hold of) them and kill them wherever you find them." (Surah 4:89)

"So, when you meet (in fight–Jihad in Allah's Causa) those who disbelieve, smite (their) necks till when you have killed and wounded many of them, then bind a bond firmly (on them, i.e. take them as captives)." (Surah 47:4)

Retreat will never bring peace.

"Let not the Unbelievers think that they can get the better (of the godly): they will never frustrate them. Against them make ready your strength to the utmost of your power, including steeds of war, to strike terror into (the hearts of) the enemies, of Allah and your enemies, and others besides, whom you may not know, but whom Allah knows."
(Surah 8:59-60, Ali translation).

For Islam to agree to back off from their holy calling would be a betrayal of Allah and taking the side of those that do not believe in him. No godly Muslim will ever be satisfied until the whole world, including America, is under total subjection to Islam.

Monday, August 10, 2009

Muslim's Sharia Law in the United States!

If you, by any stretch of the imagination, still think that there will be peace in the world with Islam... you are dreaming, and your dream will become a nightmare when you finally wake up!

This video was taken in the United States, at an Arab festival... imagine if the roles were reversed and the Muslims had been set-up, abused, and thrown out... every media channel would be broadcasting it and every organization condemning the actions of the Christian "intolerants." But it seems that America has changed, and if the Muslims have their way, even questioning Islam will become illegal. Imagine how much worse this is in Muslim countries!



Many things become clear as you watch the video. Among them, Muslims can not compete with Christianity on a level playing field. They are scared of the Truth and will lie, cheat and become violent to silence any voice of truth. Islam has never been and will never be a religion of peace. Just reading a biography of their greatest example, Muhammad, will show you that. Islam's worldwide expansion has always been by the sword, not by evangelism.

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Saturday, August 01, 2009

Obama camp member admits to Socialist agenda


This is a must-see video. This Socialist's slip of the tongue was very revealing...

Click here to watch video.

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Saturday, June 27, 2009

Prophecy book #4 in sales!


Upholding Our Future Hope: An Apostolic Response to Preterism, was printed in 2005. It is refreshing to see that it is still in high demand.

Recently a good friend emailed us letting us know our book was fourth in sales through www.pentecostalpublishing.com, the web page of the Pentecostal Publishing House.

The book, written by some of the best theologians of our day (David K. Bernard, J.R. Ensey, Ken Gurley, etc.) is part of the reading requirements for applicants to ministerial license with the United Pentecostal Church International.

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Sunday, May 17, 2009

Does God Exist?

** DVD now available in our Online Store **


This Friday, May 22nd, 2009 - 7:00 pm

Defenders of the Faith
presents

Theism (God exists)
vs
Atheism (God doesn't exist)

Is there any evidence for God's existence?

Are the so-called "Four Horsemen of Atheism" right in denying God is real?

What should a THINKING person believe?

Can a Christian be logical in accepting God's existence?

Have the atheists proved there is no God?

Don't miss this important youth-sponsored event!

Everyone welcome!



Mundo Pentecostal Sanctuary
1008 S. Main Street
Pasadena, Texas 77506
281-797-9594

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Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Planned Parenthood's Illegal Conspiracy

Planned Parenthood will stop at nothing to destroy the unborn. They don't even care that a minor may be involved in sexual relations with an older man, which is illegal!!! If a 14-year-old is engaged in sexual activities with an older person, they are victims of sexual abuse. Not to report it is to condone something illegal and dangerous. It is against the law. But abortion gives Planned Parenthood money. So much for their contention that they want to help young girls make the best decisions for their future.

The 14-year-old in this video is told by a Planned Parenthood employee to lie to a judge about her "boyfriend's" age. Her parents nor the police would ever find out about this situation as long as Planned Parenthood cashes in.

Watch the following video:

Thursday, December 18, 2008

The Nonsense of Global Warming

By Paul Johnson

www.Forbes.com October 6, 2008

"It's global warming, of course." That's the Green's [= global warming extremist's] stock response to anything weather-related. Too much sun? "Global warming." Too little sun? "Global warming." Drought? "Global warming." Floods? "Global warming." Freezing cold? "Global warming."

I wish the great philosopher Sir Karl Popper were alive to denounce the unscientific nature of global warming. He was a student when Albert Einstein's General Theory of Relativity was first published and then successfully tested. Einstein said that for his theory to be valid it would have to pass three tests. "if," Einstein wrote to British scientist Sir Arthur Eddington, "it were proved that this effect does not exist in nature, then the whole theory would have to be abandoned."

To Popper, this was a true scientific approach. "What impressed me most," he wrote, "was Einstein's own clear statement that he would regard his theory as untenable if it should fail in certain tests." In contrast, Popper pointed out, there were pseudo-scientists, such as Karl Marx and Sigmund Freud. Marx claimed to be constructing a theory of scientific materialism based on scientific history and economic science. "Science" and "scientific" were words Marx used constantly. Far from formulating his theory with a high degree of scientific content and encouraging empirical testing and refutation, Marx made it vague and general. When evidence turned up that appeared to refute his theory, the theory was modified to accommodate the new evidence [rather than abandoning it as false]. It's no wonder that when communist regimes applied Marxism it proved a costly failure.

Freud's theories were also nonspecific, and he, too, was willing to adjust them to take in new science. We now know that many of Freud's central ideas have no basis in biology. They were formulated before Mendel's Laws were widely known and accepted and before the chromosomal theory of inheritance, the recognition of inborn metabolic errors, the existence of hormones and the mechanism of nervous impulse were known. As the scientist Sir Peter Medawar put it, Freud's psychoanalysis is akin to mesmerism and phrenology; it contains isolated nuggets of truth, but the general theory as a whole is false.

The idea that human beings have changed and are changing the basic climate system of the Earth through their industrial activities and burning of fossil fuels—the essence of the Green's theory of global warming— has about as much basis in science as Marxism and Freudianism. Global warming, like Marxism, is a political theory of actions, demanding compliance with its rules.

Those who buy in to global warming wish to drastically curb human economic and industrial activities, regardless of the consequences for people, especially the poor. If the theory's conclusions are accepted and agreed upon, the destructive results will be felt most severely in those states that adhere to the rule of law and will observe restrictions most faithfully...

Thanks to heavy government subsidies, many farmers switched from growing food to biofuel crops—perhaps the most expensive form of energy ever devised. The result has been a world shortage of food, with near starvation in some places, and a rise in the cost of food for everyone...

Marxism, Freudianism, global warming. These are proof—of which history offers so many examples—that people can be suckers on a grand scale. To their fanatical followers they are a substitute for religion. Global warming, in particular, is a creed, a faith, a dogma that has little to do with science. If people are in need of religion, why don't they just turn to the genuine article?

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Friday, October 24, 2008

Why I will not vote for Barack Obama


Although many use pictures (some of them doctored - see above picture), cartoons, or slogans to alienate people from a candidate ("NObama," "Obama Sin Laden," "Obama/Biden/Laden"), we do not think those are acceptable. My reasons for not voting for Barack Obama have more depth, and yet are not complex.

Simply put, as a Christian I am devoted to God and His Word. God is pro-life, Obama takes very much the contrary position.

A very good article written by Robert P. George, who is the McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence and Director of the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions at Princeton University, states the following:

Barack Obama is the most extreme pro-abortion candidate ever to seek the office of President of the United States. He is the most extreme pro-abortion member of the United States Senate. Indeed, he is the most extreme pro-abortion legislator ever to serve in either house of the United States Congress.

The research done by Professor George uncovers things that no Christian would want to be associated with. You may want to read the complete article.* But here's some of the troublesome content:

"It gets worse. Obama, unlike even many "pro-choice" legislators, opposed the ban on partial-birth abortions when he served in the Illinois legislature and condemned the Supreme Court decision that upheld legislation banning this heinous practice. He has referred to a baby conceived inadvertently by a young woman as a "punishment" that she should not endure. He has stated that women's equality requires access to abortion on demand. Appallingly, he wishes to strip federal funding from pro-life crisis pregnancy centers that provide alternatives to abortion for pregnant women in need. There is certainly nothing "pro-choice" about that.

"But it gets even worse. Senator Obama, despite the urging of pro-life members of his own party, has not endorsed or offered support for the Pregnant Women Support Act, the signature bill of Democrats for Life, meant to reduce abortions by providing assistance for women facing crisis pregnancies. In fact, Obama has opposed key provisions of the Act, including providing coverage of unborn children in the State Children's Health Insurance Program (S-CHIP), and informed consent for women about the effects of abortion and the gestational age of their child. This legislation would not make a single abortion illegal. It simply seeks to make it easier for pregnant women to make the choice not to abort their babies. Here is a concrete test of whether Obama is "pro-choice" rather than pro-abortion. He flunked. Even Senator Edward Kennedy voted to include coverage of unborn children in S-CHIP. But Barack Obama stood resolutely with the most stalwart abortion advocates in opposing it.

"It gets worse yet. In an act of breathtaking injustice which the Obama campaign lied about until critics produced documentary proof of what he had done, as an Illinois state senator Obama opposed legislation to protect children who are born alive, either as a result of an abortionist's unsuccessful effort to kill them in the womb, or by the deliberate delivery of the baby prior to viability. This legislation would not have banned any abortions. Indeed, it included a specific provision ensuring that it did not affect abortion laws. (This is one of the points Obama and his campaign lied about until they were caught.) The federal version of the bill passed unanimously in the United States Senate, winning the support of such ardent advocates of legal abortion as John Kerry and Barbara Boxer. But Barack Obama opposed it and worked to defeat it. For him, a child marked for abortion gets no protection-even ordinary medical or comfort care-even if she is born alive and entirely separated from her mother. So Obama has favored protecting what is literally a form of infanticide.

"You may be thinking, it can't get worse than that. But it does.

"For several years, Americans have been debating the use for biomedical research of embryos produced by in vitro fertilization (originally for reproductive purposes) but now left in a frozen condition in cryopreservation units. President Bush has restricted the use of federal funds for stem-cell research of the type that makes use of these embryos and destroys them in the process. I support the President's restriction, but some legislators with excellent pro-life records, including John McCain, argue that the use of federal money should be permitted where the embryos are going to be discarded or die anyway as the result of the parents' decision. Senator Obama, too, wants to lift the restriction.

"But Obama would not stop there. He has co-sponsored a bill-strongly opposed by McCain-that would authorize the large-scale industrial production of human embryos for use in biomedical research in which they would be killed. In fact, the bill Obama co-sponsored would effectively require the killing of human beings in the embryonic stage that were produced by cloning. It would make it a federal crime for a woman to save an embryo by agreeing to have the tiny developing human being implanted in her womb so that he or she could be brought to term. This "clone and kill" bill would, if enacted, bring something to America that has heretofore existed only in China-the equivalent of legally mandated abortion. In an audacious act of deceit, Obama and his co-sponsors misleadingly call this an anti-cloning bill. But it is nothing of the kind. What it bans is not cloning, but allowing the embryonic children produced by cloning to survive.

"Can it get still worse? Yes.

"Decent people of every persuasion hold out the increasingly realistic hope of resolving the moral issue surrounding embryonic stem-cell research by developing methods to produce the exact equivalent of embryonic stem cells without using (or producing) embryos. But when a bill was introduced in the United States Senate to put a modest amount of federal money into research to develop these methods, Barack Obama was one of the few senators who opposed it. From any rational vantage point, this is unconscionable. Why would someone not wish to find a method of producing the pluripotent cells scientists want that all Americans could enthusiastically endorse? Why create and kill human embryos when there are alternatives that do not require the taking of nascent human lives? It is as if Obama is opposed to stem-cell research unless it involves killing human embryos."


As a Christian, I do not vote with my wallet in my mind, but rather, with the Bible in my hand.
I do not only look for what will profit me, but for a leader for the United States that will stand for justice. The rights of the unborn are trampled by Obama at every turn. I can not support a candidate that would do that. I know Jesus wouldn't.

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Please pass this information on to others who may be thinking of voting for Obama.

To see what abortion really does to an unborn baby, click here.


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* http://www.thepublicdiscourse.com/viewarticle.php?selectedarticle=2008.10.14_George_Robert_Obama%27s%20Abortion%20Extremism_.xml

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Science vs. Religion in Future Constitutional Conflicts


Debbs McKown wrote an essay in 1984 which was later published in F. D. White & S. J. Billings (Eds.), The Well-crafted Argument: A Guide and a Reader (pp. 587-591). New York: Houghton Mifflin. Professor of philosophy McKown’s main purpose is to warn about a future constitutional conflict between science and religion. As professor of philosophy, he marshals his philosophical training to try proving his premise. Since the Founding Fathers designed an “utterly secular Constitution,” (p. 586) he asserts, they did not provide enough safeguard for the free practice and advance of science. Furthermore, because science opposes Christianity’s religious myths, there is peril that technology “would, one day… be endangered by it” (p. 586). The author goes on to describe religion’s threat to science and chastises Stephen Jay Gould for believing that “science and religion, properly understood, do not conflict” (p. 587). Especially since American fundamentalism’s “blood is boiling at present” (p. 587). McKown also asserts that “creationism threatens biology” (p. 587) and that all major sciences would “be gutted,” “emasculated,” and “suffer substantially,” (p. 587) at the hands of creationists. The author goes on to assert that “Christianity is scientifically unsupported” (p.588). The author insists that speaking about God is philosophically pointless, and the claim to religious experience as validation for religion can render contradictory results that cannot be verified.

McKown then accuses Christianity of historical fraud, asserting that the Gospel stories are suspect because they were written to convince people to believe in Christ. He points to alleged Christian misuse of the Jewish Old Testament to prove Jesus as Messiah, and the “suspiciously different resurrection tales” (p. 589). He surprisingly concludes that the Christ of the New Testament “never had any existence” (p. 589).

McKown claims that if schools were to teach modern science then a wholesale adoption of rational empiricism would be necessary. McKown proposes a 7 step plan of action that includes “the possible use of professional sanctions, to help safeguard the integrity of science instruction in public schools” (p. 590). He also proposes education that would help wean Americans from religion.

After reviewing the article, we concluded that McKown has not effectively proved his claim. His stated title seems to require a more thorough treatment of the Constitution as it relates to the relationship of religion, science and education. One expects to see some treatment of current proposed amendments that may in the future bear on the author’s subject, but none are given. McKown’s claim that the Constitution is “utterly secular” (p. 586) may be contradicted by religious people, but he offers no evidence for his claim.

A surprising claim is the one that asserts that the “useful arts” in the form of “technology” are endangered by religious people (p. 586). This sounds like an unfounded exaggeration, especially considering the churches’ use of technology to disseminate their beliefs. This should have been clarified by the author. McKown sees American fundamentalism as a threat to science (p. 587), but does not define the term. This would have been useful; especially considering the range of meanings that “fundamentalism” has had since its inception into American religious life. He also asserts that creationism is an enemy to all sciences, but fails to comment on the fact that a great amount of modern science discoveries were pioneered by Bible believing scientists. No specific examples are given to show that his assertions are true. I found this trend one of the greatest weaknesses in McKown’s paper. Also, because the range of beliefs in American Christianity is so vast, defining the group that he is addressing would have helped to make his paper intelligible to a general audience.

McKown claims that real religion involves “scriptural literalism,” and because the scriptures are mistaken regarding the nature of the universe, the earth, life and other subjects, then a conflict with science is inevitable. Although by the end of the paper it is obvious that Christianity is the object of his attack, he nowhere declares so. He uses the term “religion” but seems to define it (in his own mind) quite narrowly. This makes the above claim about “scriptural literalism” meaningless, and even wrong, apart from a Christian (fundamentalist?) understanding, especially because many religions in America do not have holy scriptures in the manner Christianity has, and some religions that do actually do not interpret them literally (i.e. those of the Gnostic persuasion and others).

The author’s claim that “Christianity is scientifically unsupported” (p. 588) needed a lot more detail. Declaring in what way it is unsupported; explain what scientific, repeatable experiment had proven it to be so would have been helpful. Some of the gaps in his arguments are quite surprising given the fact that the author is a professor of philosophy. It seems to me that most Christians probably do not have anything against science per se but McKown’s entire paper seems to depend on that supposed fact. The author nowhere defines what he understands as “science,” and this, again, weakens his position. McKown quotes Ralph Alpher approvingly when he states that if there is a god “it will become evident to the scientist” (p. 588). But it seems that if God is defined as the all-powerful, all-knowing Designer and Creator of the universe, His knowledge would be so far above mankind’s that it would be easier for a “scientist ant” (if there was such a thing) to understand man’s science than for a human scientist to understand God’s. McKown contends that Freud had it right when he wrote that “biological research robbed man of his particular privilege of having been specially created, and relegated him to a descent from the animal world.” (p. 588) The author does not interact at all with modern scientific models like Intelligent Design and does not seem to be aware that unproven traditional evolutionism (a la Darwin) has been mostly rejected in favor of other theories like punctuated equilibrium. The author’s dogmatism does not take into account that evolution, far from being a law, is still a “theory” of origins.

The most powerful arguments were expected to be under the heading of “No Support from Philosophy,” but none are given. He asserts that “nowadays, philosophy is not a welcome place to land,” but does not provide a logical argument why that is so. He does not interact with the theories of current Christian philosophical scholars. Interestingly, one of the most publicized debates between atheist and Christian philosophers have rendered results that seem to contradict the author’s position. Prolific British atheist writer Antony Flew and Christian philosopher/historian Gary Habermas debated the subject of the historical fact of the resurrection of Christ and the scholars present, atheists among them, concluded that Habermas won the debate. Some years later Flew abandoned his atheism when the evidence of intelligent design pointed him to the existence of God.

When it comes to historical evidence, the author asserts that Christianity has massively misused the Jewish Old Testament, but again no proof is given. Christians could point out to Isaiah 53 which describes the life and death of Jesus in astonishing detail, even though it was written hundreds of years before he was born. McKown calls the resurrection a “tale” and incredibly decides that Jesus “never had existence” (p. 589), a point of view that had been quite popular in the eighteenth century but finds no modern support. Jewish historian Josephus wrote about Christ in the first century, and Roman historian Tacitus recognizes the existence of the followers of Christ around the same time. Furthermore, it would be interesting to find out what McKown would do to explain the empty tomb and the origin of the Christian church apart from Jesus’ real existence and resurrection. To assert that the Apostles invented Him would not explain their willingness to die as martyrs for their beliefs.

The author hopes for constitutional guarantees for scientific inquiry “equivalent to those enjoyed by religion” (p. 590) and shares his seven step plan to obtain better science education in American schools. One of them suggests “the possible use of professional sanctions, to help safeguard the integrity of science instruction in public schools and to shield science teachers against uninformed [Christian?] Public opinion” (p. 590). It seems to me that if enforced in the way the author envisions this, especially considering he would like some kind of constitutional amendment to guarantee similar results, it would cut off any and all divergent points of view. It would birth a totalitarian system where dissenters could end up losing their professional status and the opportunity to work for public schools unless willing to conform to the current “scientific” regime. Public (paternal?) opinion would not matter and children could be indoctrinated without any opposition. It seems to me that giving that much power to either side (religious or atheistic) would be a grave mistake. Openness to different points of view in the market place of ideas is a better way to guarantee a better science education.

The author ends his paper appealing to “a new and unique source of truth” that can be used to revise “ethical premises” (p. 591), but he does not clarify how and in what way could science, the science of empirical experimentation, provide a basis for an ethical system, when, by definition, ethical systems are not quantifiable in a laboratory. Is he suggesting that a test tube could be the foundation of morality?

Throughout his writing McKown assumes what he wants to (and should) prove. In the end, one is left wondering if the author did not provide evidence for his many assertions because his goal was to make an emotional appeal only, without a scientific basis, or perhaps because he is not informed enough to do so, or whether evidence for his point of view simply does not exist. In the end, his essay is not worthy to be included in an anthology such as The Well-crafted Argument, because there is a patent lack of any such argument in his biased writing.

G. Jorge Medina
Defenders of the Faith
www.defendersweb.com

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Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Report on the First Spanish Symposium on Apostolic Pentecostalism

First ever Spanish Symposium on Apostolic Pentecostalism held in the South Texas District of the United Pentecostal Church International.

At Mundo Pentecostal we consider it a privilege and an honor to have hosted the event, which had the participation of at least three Oneness organizations. The Symposium was scheduled to coincide with our V Defenders of the Faith Conference on Apostolic Doctrine, a Spanish event that has given much to talk about in the last few years by hosting a debate on the Oneness of God vs the Trinity in 2003, standing against the false teaching of the divine flesh of Jesus in 2004, and against Preterism in 2005 (the 2005 event lead to the publication of Upholding Our Future Hope: An Apostolic Response to Preterism, published by Word Aflame Press).

The Symposium papers were made available in attractive binders to all attendees, and soon they will be available on CD-Rom in PDF format to all interested ministers.

For our first Symposium we had five presenters, and the event was open to all licensed ministers.

The topics covered:

The Role of Women in the Church, at Home and in Society - Dr. Jorge Mendizabal

An Apostolic Hermeneutic of Matthew 28:19 - Alfonso Suarez

The Apostolic Church and the Use of Mass Media - Octavio Muñoz

Restoring the Ministry of Apostles - Dr. Daniel Gordon

Apostolic Foundations for True Holiness - G. Jorge Medina


The papers were read and then questions and answers were fielded by each speaker. Encouraging the expression of differences of opinion enriched the Symposium and some of the exchanges were lively but respectful. The pastors that attended expressed their gratefulness at the way the subjects were handled and the opportunity to interact with the speakers.

We are grateful to Pastor David K. Bernard, President of Urshan Graduate School of Theology and Pastor J.R. Ensey, former President of Texas Bible College and Chairman of the Apostolic Theological Forum for sending letters to the Conference wishing us success in our endeavors.

This year’s Symposium was an exciting beginning to deeper explorations of our beloved doctrine and our Apostolic heritage in Spanish ministries. Great things are in store in the years to come!


G. Jorge Medina
Founder & Director
Defenders of the Faith
www.defendersweb.com

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Video Feed of Defenders of the Faith



To view the Defenders of the Faith Conference through the internet make sure you log in Friday, April 25th at 7:30pm and on Saturday, 26th at 6:00pm (Houston, Texas time).

To visit Mundo Pentecostal's video page click here.

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Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Defenders of the Faith Conference 2008

Click to enlarge image


Mark your calendars for April 25 and 26, 2008

Our Defenders of the Faith Conference is not designed for the shallow Christian, but rather for the soldiers of the Cross that want to make an impact in their generation. Those that want to deepen their knowledge of the Word of God and become skilled in the use of the Sword of the Spirit are encouraged to attend.

Friday, April 25th, 2008 - 7:30pm



"Nobody Left Behind"

G. Jorge Medina
Founder & Director of the Defenders of the Faith Conference on Apostolic Doctrine
Authored and compiled the Word Aflame Press published prophecy book Upholding Our Future Hope: An Apostolic Response to Preterism

"How Close Are We To The End?"
Dannie Hood
Evangelist and Prophecy Teacher

A multimedia session outlining the accelerated fulfillment of Bible prophecy in the endtime.

Brother Hood, along with Brother Lee Stoneking, taught a prophecy conference in Houston's Astroarena the year 2000, ministering to thousands of Apostolic Pentecostals. Untold numbers received the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Saturday, April 26th, 2008 - 6:00pm

"Why I Left Islam"

Brother Farhad
Ex-Muslim converted to Oneness Pentecostalism

A multimedia session revealing Islam's secret agenda. Find out why this insider asked us not to use his last name.

And later on in the night...

"The Unstoppable Advance of the Oneness Message"


Trinitarian ministers are being baptized in Jesus' Name by the hundreds all over the world. Find out what God is doing and why so many are forsaking their Catholic and Protestant traditions for the revelation of the Name of Jesus.

DVDs, CDs and books on these subjects will be available at the conference.

Place: Mundo Pentecostal sanctuary, 1008 S. Main Street, Pasadena, Texas 77506

Cost: $10 per person

More info: faithdefenders@hotmail.com
or call Mary Mendizabal at 832-755-1775



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