Our Life and Times : Biblical Reasoning for a Modern Age

BLOGGER Β· THEOLOGIAN Β· APOLOGIST

Norman Harold Patterson Jr.

Church, Christianity, Faith, COVID-19, Masks, Current Events, Meditations, Bible Norman Patterson Church, Christianity, Faith, COVID-19, Masks, Current Events, Meditations, Bible Norman Patterson

A Reminder to the Remnant

Working to change individual and corporate sin without first addressing the root problem of original sin is like trying to purify the ocean by pouring fresh water into it. This is why the work and mission of the Church are absolutely vital. It is only through faith in the atonement of Jesus Christ that the human heart is transformed from being β€œdesperately wicked” (Jeremiah 17:9) to being β€œa pure heart” (Psalm 51:1). This is why the work of the Church π˜ͺ𝘴 𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘡π˜ͺ𝘒𝘭 for our nation to be changed. It is through worship and the preaching of the gospel (Romans 10:17) that hearts will be transformed.

The Kingdom of God is not an abstract concept. His Kingdom comes and His will is done as individuals and then nations submit themselves to the Kingship of Jesus our Lord. Calling individuals and nations to this is the essential work of the Church.

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Government, Socialism, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, Politics, Current Events, Economics Norman Patterson Government, Socialism, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, Politics, Current Events, Economics Norman Patterson

On Socialism by Someone Who Knows

A quote on Socialism from someone who knows from first-hand experience.

From a man who saw the reality and application of socialism from the inside of the Soviet Gulag... where it wasn't a comfortable theory discussed over a glass of wine...

π‘†π‘œπ‘π‘–π‘Žπ‘™π‘–π‘ π‘š

𝐼𝑑 𝑖𝑠 π‘Žπ‘™π‘šπ‘œπ‘ π‘‘ π‘’π‘›π‘–π‘£π‘’π‘Ÿπ‘ π‘Žπ‘™π‘™π‘¦ π‘Ÿπ‘’π‘π‘œπ‘”π‘›π‘–π‘§π‘’π‘‘ π‘‘β„Žπ‘Žπ‘‘ π‘‘β„Žπ‘’ π‘Šπ‘’π‘ π‘‘ π‘ β„Žπ‘œπ‘€π‘  π‘Žπ‘™π‘™ π‘‘β„Žπ‘’ π‘€π‘œπ‘Ÿπ‘™π‘‘ π‘Ž π‘€π‘Žπ‘¦ π‘‘π‘œ 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑐𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑓𝑒𝑙 π‘’π‘π‘œπ‘›π‘œπ‘šπ‘–π‘ π‘‘π‘’π‘£π‘’π‘™π‘œπ‘π‘šπ‘’π‘›π‘‘, 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑛 π‘‘β„Žπ‘œπ‘’π‘”β„Ž 𝑖𝑛 π‘‘β„Žπ‘’ π‘π‘Žπ‘ π‘‘ π‘¦π‘’π‘Žπ‘Ÿπ‘  𝑖𝑑 β„Žπ‘Žπ‘  𝑏𝑒𝑒𝑛 π‘ π‘‘π‘Ÿπ‘œπ‘›π‘”π‘™π‘¦ π‘‘π‘–π‘ π‘‘π‘’π‘Ÿπ‘π‘’π‘‘ 𝑏𝑦 π‘β„Žπ‘Žπ‘œπ‘‘π‘–π‘ π‘–π‘›π‘“π‘™π‘Žπ‘‘π‘–π‘œπ‘›. π»π‘œπ‘€π‘’π‘£π‘’π‘Ÿ, π‘šπ‘Žπ‘›π‘¦ π‘π‘’π‘œπ‘π‘™π‘’ 𝑙𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑖𝑛 π‘‘β„Žπ‘’ π‘Šπ‘’π‘ π‘‘ π‘Žπ‘Ÿπ‘’ π‘‘π‘–π‘ π‘ π‘Žπ‘‘π‘–π‘ π‘“π‘–π‘’π‘‘ π‘€π‘–π‘‘β„Ž π‘‘β„Žπ‘’π‘–π‘Ÿ π‘œπ‘€π‘› π‘ π‘œπ‘π‘–π‘’π‘‘π‘¦. π‘‡β„Žπ‘’π‘¦ 𝑑𝑒𝑠𝑝𝑖𝑠𝑒 𝑖𝑑 π‘œπ‘Ÿ π‘Žπ‘π‘π‘’π‘ π‘’ 𝑖𝑑 π‘œπ‘“ π‘›π‘œπ‘‘ 𝑏𝑒𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑒𝑝 π‘‘π‘œ π‘‘β„Žπ‘’ 𝑙𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑙 π‘œπ‘“ π‘šπ‘Žπ‘‘π‘’π‘Ÿπ‘–π‘‘π‘¦ π‘Žπ‘‘π‘‘π‘Žπ‘–π‘›π‘’π‘‘ 𝑏𝑦 π‘šπ‘Žπ‘›π‘˜π‘–π‘›π‘‘. 𝐴 π‘›π‘’π‘šπ‘π‘’π‘Ÿ π‘œπ‘“ π‘ π‘’π‘β„Ž π‘π‘Ÿπ‘–π‘‘π‘–π‘π‘  π‘‘π‘’π‘Ÿπ‘› π‘‘π‘œ π‘ π‘œπ‘π‘–π‘Žπ‘™π‘–π‘ π‘š, π‘€β„Žπ‘–π‘β„Ž 𝑖𝑠 π‘Ž π‘“π‘Žπ‘™π‘ π‘’ π‘Žπ‘›π‘‘ π‘‘π‘Žπ‘›π‘”π‘’π‘Ÿπ‘œπ‘’π‘  π‘π‘’π‘Ÿπ‘Ÿπ‘’π‘›π‘‘.

𝐼 β„Žπ‘œπ‘π‘’ π‘‘β„Žπ‘Žπ‘‘ π‘›π‘œ π‘œπ‘›π‘’ π‘π‘Ÿπ‘’π‘ π‘’π‘›π‘‘ 𝑀𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑠𝑒𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑑 π‘šπ‘’ π‘œπ‘“ π‘œπ‘“π‘“π‘’π‘Ÿπ‘–π‘›π‘” π‘šπ‘¦ π‘π‘’π‘Ÿπ‘ π‘œπ‘›π‘Žπ‘™ π‘π‘Ÿπ‘–π‘‘π‘–π‘π‘–π‘ π‘š π‘œπ‘“ π‘‘β„Žπ‘’ π‘Šπ‘’π‘ π‘‘π‘’π‘Ÿπ‘› π‘ π‘¦π‘ π‘‘π‘’π‘š π‘‘π‘œ π‘π‘Ÿπ‘’π‘ π‘’π‘›π‘‘ π‘ π‘œπ‘π‘–π‘Žπ‘™π‘–π‘ π‘š π‘Žπ‘  π‘Žπ‘› π‘Žπ‘™π‘‘π‘’π‘Ÿπ‘›π‘Žπ‘‘π‘–π‘£π‘’. π»π‘Žπ‘£π‘–π‘›π‘” 𝑒π‘₯π‘π‘’π‘Ÿπ‘–π‘’π‘›π‘π‘’π‘‘ π‘Žπ‘π‘π‘™π‘–π‘’π‘‘ π‘ π‘œπ‘π‘–π‘Žπ‘™π‘–π‘ π‘š 𝑖𝑛 π‘Ž π‘π‘œπ‘’π‘›π‘‘π‘Ÿπ‘¦ π‘€β„Žπ‘’π‘Ÿπ‘’ π‘‘β„Žπ‘’ π‘Žπ‘™π‘‘π‘’π‘Ÿπ‘›π‘Žπ‘‘π‘–π‘£π‘’ β„Žπ‘Žπ‘  𝑏𝑒𝑒𝑛 π‘Ÿπ‘’π‘Žπ‘™π‘–π‘§π‘’π‘‘, 𝐼 π‘π‘’π‘Ÿπ‘‘π‘Žπ‘–π‘›π‘™π‘¦ 𝑀𝑖𝑙𝑙 π‘›π‘œπ‘‘ π‘ π‘π‘’π‘Žπ‘˜ π‘“π‘œπ‘Ÿ 𝑖𝑑. π‘‡β„Žπ‘’ 𝑀𝑒𝑙𝑙-π‘˜π‘›π‘œπ‘€π‘› π‘†π‘œπ‘£π‘–π‘’π‘‘ π‘šπ‘Žπ‘‘β„Žπ‘’π‘šπ‘Žπ‘‘π‘–π‘π‘–π‘Žπ‘› π‘†β„Žπ‘Žπ‘“π‘Žπ‘Ÿπ‘’π‘£π‘–π‘β„Ž, π‘Ž π‘šπ‘’π‘šπ‘π‘’π‘Ÿ π‘œπ‘“ π‘‘β„Žπ‘’ π‘†π‘œπ‘£π‘–π‘’π‘‘ π΄π‘π‘Žπ‘‘π‘’π‘šπ‘¦ π‘œπ‘“ 𝑆𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒, β„Žπ‘Žπ‘  π‘€π‘Ÿπ‘–π‘‘π‘‘π‘’π‘› π‘Ž π‘π‘Ÿπ‘–π‘™π‘™π‘–π‘Žπ‘›π‘‘ π‘π‘œπ‘œπ‘˜ π‘’π‘›π‘‘π‘’π‘Ÿ π‘‘β„Žπ‘’ 𝑑𝑖𝑑𝑙𝑒 π‘†π‘œπ‘π‘–π‘Žπ‘™π‘–π‘ π‘š; 𝑖𝑑 𝑖𝑠 π‘Ž π‘π‘Ÿπ‘œπ‘“π‘œπ‘’π‘›π‘‘ π‘Žπ‘›π‘Žπ‘™π‘¦π‘ π‘–π‘  π‘ β„Žπ‘œπ‘€π‘–π‘›π‘” π‘‘β„Žπ‘Žπ‘‘ π‘ π‘œπ‘π‘–π‘Žπ‘™π‘–π‘ π‘š π‘œπ‘“ π‘Žπ‘›π‘¦ 𝑑𝑦𝑝𝑒 π‘Žπ‘›π‘‘ π‘ β„Žπ‘Žπ‘‘π‘’ π‘™π‘’π‘Žπ‘‘π‘  π‘‘π‘œ π‘Ž π‘‘π‘œπ‘‘π‘Žπ‘™ π‘‘π‘’π‘ π‘‘π‘Ÿπ‘’π‘π‘‘π‘–π‘œπ‘› π‘œπ‘“ π‘‘β„Žπ‘’ β„Žπ‘’π‘šπ‘Žπ‘› π‘ π‘π‘–π‘Ÿπ‘–π‘‘ π‘Žπ‘›π‘‘ π‘‘π‘œ π‘Ž 𝑙𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔 π‘œπ‘“ π‘šπ‘Žπ‘›π‘˜π‘–π‘›π‘‘ π‘–π‘›π‘‘π‘œ π‘‘π‘’π‘Žπ‘‘β„Ž. π‘†β„Žπ‘Žπ‘“π‘Žπ‘Ÿπ‘’π‘£π‘–π‘β„Ž'𝑠 π‘π‘œπ‘œπ‘˜ π‘€π‘Žπ‘  π‘π‘’π‘π‘™π‘–π‘ β„Žπ‘’π‘‘ 𝑖𝑛 πΉπ‘Ÿπ‘Žπ‘›π‘π‘’ π‘Žπ‘™π‘šπ‘œπ‘ π‘‘ π‘‘π‘€π‘œ π‘¦π‘’π‘Žπ‘Ÿπ‘  π‘Žπ‘”π‘œ π‘Žπ‘›π‘‘ π‘ π‘œ π‘“π‘Žπ‘Ÿ π‘›π‘œ π‘œπ‘›π‘’ β„Žπ‘Žπ‘  𝑏𝑒𝑒𝑛 π‘“π‘œπ‘’π‘›π‘‘ π‘‘π‘œ π‘Ÿπ‘’π‘“π‘’π‘‘π‘’ 𝑖𝑑. 𝐼𝑑 𝑀𝑖𝑙𝑙 π‘ β„Žπ‘œπ‘Ÿπ‘‘π‘™π‘¦ 𝑏𝑒 π‘π‘’π‘π‘™π‘–π‘ β„Žπ‘’π‘‘ 𝑖𝑛 πΈπ‘›π‘”π‘™π‘–π‘ β„Ž 𝑖𝑛 π‘‘β„Žπ‘’ π‘ˆπ‘›π‘–π‘‘π‘’π‘‘ π‘†π‘‘π‘Žπ‘‘π‘’π‘ .

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Divorce, Meditations, Bible Study Norman Patterson Divorce, Meditations, Bible Study Norman Patterson

June 2nd: A Meditation on Loss, Divorce, Restoration, and Forgiveness

June 2nd used to be my favorite day of the year. Since getting divorced, this day brings feelings of sadness and regret. You see, it was on this day that I was first married back in 1984 and remained married for over thirty-one and a half years.

Don't get me wrong, I am happily married to Kelly. She is a beautiful, kind, loving, and supportive wife. She stood by me through the darkest days of my life, and I will forever be grateful to God for restoring me and giving me such a wonderful wife. She is God's blessing to me now, and I thank Him for her.

However, it isn't right to ignore the reality of a marriage that lasted over thirty-one years. It was a union that blessed me with four beautiful children and two lovely grandsons, a marriage that saw me through more than twenty-eight years of ministry, a marriage that was blessed. Because I was happy, the pain of its demise almost destroyed me. Those who know the harsh reality of the pain of loss, be it divorce, death, or whatever, know what I am talking about and will not judge me for the foolish things I did to escape this pain. "He who is without sin…"

Everything fell apart during what I see now as The Perfect Storm. And, just like the movie, three colossal forces collided with devastating effects. The first was our children were growing and leaving home. We dedicated our lives to them. They were all homeschooled from kindergarten through high school. As each of them grew and left home, it left a hole in me the size of the Grand Canyon.

The next storm developed when we brought my Aunt down from Vermont and ultimately moved her into the renovated garage attached to our home. While the rest of my family wanted to put her in a nursing home, we decided to take her in. My Aunt begged me to help her, and so we did. I am proud of how my family stepped up and sacrificed so that my Aunt could enjoy the remaining years of her life surrounded by loved ones.

The last storm came as an accusation that we stole from my Aunt. The Probate Court is a corrupt system run by incompetent elected officials who can destroy lives indiscriminately. I could write a book, and perhaps someday I will, about the ordeal we went through. It would have been better to be accused of a crime than be dragged through the Probate system. At least in criminal court, you benefit from being presumed innocent, having an appointed impartial judge, and having a trial by a jury of your peers. Of course, we weren’t accused of a crime because none was committed. Instead, we were dragged through the ridiculous and corrupt buffoonery of a Probate court, a kangaroo court that made a decision against us based on conjecture, prejudice, and hearsay. Worst of all, the judge ignored my Aunt's wishes and denied her rights. My Aunt stood by our side during that terrible time and was deeply grieved by the false accusations of misguided relatives.

I didn't do so well during the Storm. I made foolish decisions to medicate the pain. I take responsibility for my actions and repent for the bad choices I made. He sought me out and found me as He talks about in Luke 15 in the parable of the 100th sheep.

For those of you who know and love me, I want you to know I am doing well and know that my life is right with Him. He is restoring to me the years the locusts have eaten. I have asked and received forgiveness from those I hurt. In His infinite kindness and steadfast love, my ex-wife and I have forgiven one another and remain friends to this day. She even continues to work for me at the YellowJacket Expert and does an excellent job for which I pay her well.

So, instead of grieving this day, I will celebrate the past blessing God gave me and the new ones He is bestowing upon me now. I choose to give thanks for the thirty-one and a half successful years and leave the rest in His loving hands. To God be the Glory.

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Politics, Covenant Theology, Current Events Norman Patterson Politics, Covenant Theology, Current Events Norman Patterson

The Constitutional Covenant

Remember this document? Government officials of all levels swear to uphold and protect it when they take office. It's the contract/covenant between the governed and those that govern. No one has the right or authority to violate the Constitution, both Federal and State. When they do, they are breaking the Law and the faith of the American People. And remember, the Federal government can only do what the Constitution allows them to do. Anything more is treason against the People.

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501c3, Incorporation of Churches, Politics, Current Events, Bible Study Norman Patterson 501c3, Incorporation of Churches, Politics, Current Events, Bible Study Norman Patterson

The Consequences. of Taxing 501(c)3 β€œChurches”

Most "churches" in the USA destroyed the separation between Church and State by voluntarily filing with the State to become corporations created by the State. Because of the separation of Church and State, the Church is already non-taxable. Once a Church becomes a corporation, it now is a taxable entity created by the State. This newly formed taxable corporation then needs to apply for not-for-profit status under the 501(c)3 code of the IRS. And, yes, these not-for-profit corporations adopt a business model of operation offering their "services" in exchange for money. By the way, if you argue these not-for-profit corporations should pay taxes (essentially eliminating the 501(c)3 tax exemption line in the tax code), then you need to argue that all not-for-profit corporations should pay taxes as well.

As a side note, a β€œchurch” that registers with the State to become a corporation and later receives 501(c)3 status under the tax code is, by the nature of being a 501(c)3 corporation, limited to do only the certain functions listed in their By-laws. As 501(c)3 corporations, they also are forbidden from contributing to political campaigns, officially influence elections or legislation, and may only do a limited amount of lobbying. Finally, 501(c)3 corporations are open to public scrutiny, which the public can obtain copies of any non-for-profit’s tax returns, and can find out salaries and other expenditures.

So, if you argue for the taxation of these β€œchurches”, you are saying you want these β€œchurches” to do whatever they want for profit, have the ability, not only to contribute to political campaigns and speak about legislation, but have the right to do extensive lobbying, and have the right to be secretive about their finances, financial activities, salaries, and expenditures.

I’m not sure too many people are comfortable with β€œchurches” having this much power, particularly in the political realm.

Personally, I believe pastors and churches compromise their true calling to be the Body of Christ and destroy the separation of Church and State when they sought legitimacy from the State by becoming a Corporation with not-for-profit status. I pastored a church for over 12 years that did not register with the State and maintained separation of Church and State. I hope someday "churches" will stop acting like business and start acting like the Church.

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COVID-19, Masks, Current Events, Politics, Critical Thinking, Philosophy Norman Patterson COVID-19, Masks, Current Events, Politics, Critical Thinking, Philosophy Norman Patterson

A Critical Thinker’s Guide to COVID-19 Fallacies

There is a LOT of lousy reasoning going on these days. I highly recommend taking the time to study, review, and sharpen your critical thinking skills; otherwise, you can easily fall prey to propaganda, bad arguments, and weak reasoning.

I offer this general Guide to help you hone your critical thinking skills. The following list isn't meant to be definitive. Knowing the names of the fallacies is not essential. What is vital is to sharpen your skills to recognize flawed arguments when you encounter them and not make them yourself.

A fallacy is an error in thinking and reasoning. It happens when we draw conclusions based upon false information, an unsound argument, or faulty premises. Never forget that everyone is trying to convince you of something, be it this post, the news, a conspiracy theory, a link, a YouTube video, a government official, the CDC, or those near and dear to you. There is something within us that wants to bring others around to our point of view. We are all, everyone, evangelists and proselytizers.

I'll try to focus on the primary fallacies I am encountering consistently during this time. There are more fallacies than are listed here, but they all share one common trait - lazy thinking. For fun, I'm going to make up my own names based upon current affairs.

So here goes:

#1. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 "𝑰 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 π’“π’†π’‡π’–π’•π’‚π’•π’Šπ’π’ 𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 π’Šπ’π’•π’†π’“π’˜π’†π’ƒπ’”" π’‡π’‚π’π’π’‚π’„π’š:

"You shouldn't watch or read XYZ because it has been debunked. I know it's been debunked because I have 15 links to websites and YouTube videos that prove it is propaganda. You do not need to check out the evidence for yourself because the length of my links proves its refutation."

Truth: You have a right to examine information for yourself and make your own determination whether XYZ is garbage or not.

#2. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 "π’”π’‰π’‚π’Žπ’Šπ’π’ˆ" 𝒐𝒓 "π’ƒπ’–π’π’π’šπ’Šπ’π’ˆ" π’‡π’‚π’π’π’‚π’„π’š:

"Shame on you for watching or reading or believing XYZ!" "Only stupid people believe that." "How could you be so gullible?" "I don't want to associate with you because you posted/believed/promoted XYZ."

Truth: Don't let people shame or bully you into closing your mind. Just because you are curious about XYZ and watch or read it, doesn't make you a bad person or mean you are going to believe it.

#3. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 "𝑰𝒕'𝒔 𝒂 π’„π’π’π’”π’‘π’Šπ’“π’‚π’„π’š π’•π’‰π’†π’π’“π’š 𝒔𝒐 π’Šπ’• π’Žπ’–π’”π’• 𝒃𝒆 𝒇𝒂𝒍𝒔𝒆" π’‡π’‚π’π’π’‚π’„π’š:

This one is becoming more and more popular. There is something about this fallacy that has bite. It's a form of the shaming/bullying fallacy. No one wants to be thought of as stupid or gullible. The pressure to dismiss something or someone that has the label "conspiracy theory" is potent.

Truth: A theory is an attempt to explain all the facts. A theory is solid if it makes sense. If the facts do not support the idea, it is likely, the theory is not valid.

A conspiracy means "to breath together." It happens when two or more people make secret plans to do something harmful, unlawful, or illegal.

A conspiracy theory is an explanation of how a secret but influential organization is responsible for a circumstance or event.

A conspiracy theory can be conspiratorial and yet still be true. If it accounts for all or most of the facts, it might actually be true. Don’t let people convince you something is false because it has been categorized as a conspiracy theory.

#4. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 "𝑰𝒕'𝒔 𝒂 π’„π’π’π’”π’‘π’Šπ’“π’‚π’„π’š π’•π’‰π’†π’π’“π’š 𝒔𝒐 π’Šπ’• π’Žπ’–π’”π’• 𝒃𝒆 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒆" π’‡π’‚π’π’π’‚π’„π’š:

This is equally dangerous. For some, the more off-center something is, the more likely it is true.

Truth: Those of us who do not believe the mainstream narrative must be aware of our tendency to gravitate toward a theory just because it is not the official narrative.

#5. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 "𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒐𝒕 π’’π’–π’†π’”π’•π’Šπ’π’ 𝒕𝒉𝒆 π’‚π’–π’•π’‰π’π’“π’Šπ’•π’Šπ’†π’”" π’‡π’‚π’π’π’‚π’„π’š:

"You are not an expert so be quiet. Your job is to listen, obey, and be quiet.”

Truth: You have the right to question authorities even if they have a "Dr." before their name or a "Ph.D. after. You should not just doubt authority automatically. There is good reason to believe an authority on any given subject, but they still could be wrong. It’s okay to be skeptical of the experts especially if they have something to gain such as political power, prestige, or money. It is wise to be aware of authorities, especially governmental officials, who may have a conflict of interest such as ownership in a Pharmaceutical company that stands to profit on COVID-19.

#6. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 "π’Šπ’π’”π’†π’„π’–π’“π’Šπ’•π’š" π’‡π’‚π’π’π’‚π’„π’š:

I've heard people say they unfriend anyone who even mentions a conspiracy theory. It reminds me of when I was a child. When someone was saying something we didn't like we would cover our ears and yell "ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh" so we couldn't hear them. Are people so afraid of a controversial point of view that even hearing it will somehow contaminate them? My experience is that secure people are not afraid or intimidated by opposing points of view.

Truth: Keep an open mind. If someone advances an idea that rubs you the wrong way, investigate it for yourself. Even argue against it. Perhaps you might change someone's mind or change your mind. Narrow and close-mindedness accomplishes nothing.

#7. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 "𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒓𝒆 π’“π’†π’”π’‘π’π’π’”π’Šπ’ƒπ’π’† 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 π’‚π’„π’•π’Šπ’π’π’” 𝒐𝒇 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒔 π’˜π’‰π’†π’ π’šπ’π’– 𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒅 '𝑿𝒀𝒁'" π’‡π’‚π’π’π’‚π’„π’š:

This one scares me. I see a growing paranoia, even hostility against those who think differently. It is a form of "guilt by association" fallacy. I've been tacitly blamed for harassment of health care workers because I do not accept the official narrative. Some hint that because I ask questions or criticize, I am responsible for others getting sick. Some believe the blood of a COVID-19 victim is on your head if you disagree or question the status quo.

There are wackos out there. I doubt a Facebook post or several of them tips the scales of instability toward immoral behavior.

Truth: Each individual is responsible for his or her actions.

#8. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 "𝑰 𝒇𝒂𝒄𝒕-π’„π’‰π’†π’„π’Œπ’†π’… π’Šπ’•, 𝑰 π’ƒπ’†π’π’Šπ’†π’—π’† π’Šπ’•, 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒔𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆𝒔 π’Šπ’•" π’‡π’‚π’π’π’‚π’„π’š:

Be careful of fact-checking websites. Several I've been on lately do not impress me. Not only does the analysis appear biased, the articles often use links to other websites as "supporting evidence." I did find some helpful source documents, but that was about it.

Truth: Just because it is on a fact-checking site, does not make it true or definitively refute XYZ.

#9. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 "π‘΅π’‚π’Žπ’†-π’„π’‚π’π’π’Šπ’π’ˆ" π’‡π’‚π’π’π’‚π’„π’š:

This one is an oldie but goodie. It is a variation of the "shaming/bullying" fallacy and the "it's a conspiracy theory, it's wrong" fallacy. It's one of the easiest to recognize, but I'm amazed by how influential it is. As soon as someone resorts to name-calling, you can be sure there is a fallacy.

Truth: I think of the quote from Socrates whenever someone starts calling me names, "When the debate is lost, slander becomes the tool of the loser."

#10. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 "π‘«π’Šπ’”π’•π’π’“π’• 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓'𝒔 π’‚π’“π’ˆπ’–π’Žπ’†π’π’•," π’‡π’‚π’π’π’‚π’„π’š:

Can anyone say, straw man? This fallacy happens when someone rewords what you are saying into something you did not say. You say, "I question whether shutting businesses down is the best way to handle this epidemic," and they criticize you as saying, "You don't care about anyone but yourself and you don't care if people die." Don't let people get away with this.

Truth: Do unto others… don’t distort someone’s argument just to make someone else look foolish. But also be aware when this is being done to you.

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COVID-19, Masks, Incorporation of Churches, Politics, Meditations, Bible Study Norman Patterson COVID-19, Masks, Incorporation of Churches, Politics, Meditations, Bible Study Norman Patterson

Non-Essential Business or The Church Victorious?

I just learned that Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker proclaimed Illinois churches will be closed for a year, or longer. How impressive, church and governmental leaders have accomplished in a few weeks of COVID-19, what the Caesars, Communists, Fascists, Tyrants, and haters of Christianity have been trying to do for millennia - shut down the Church.

How quickly church leaders have acquiesced and even admitted, through passivity, the verdict of the State of just how irrelevant they really are. In direct violation of the Scripture’s command to not neglect meeting together (Hebrews 10:25), pastors have shown just how β€œnon-essential” the American Church is by closing their doors for who knows how long. We can go to Walmart, Cosco, Homedepot, but heaven (or should I say "hell") forbid people to gather for worship.

β€œBut we fear COVID-19”, you say. Can anyone point me to a Bible verse that proclaims that we are supposed to live in fear of anything? Where does it say that God will protect us except against COVID-19? Even more, where does it say that we should fear anything but God?

I would argue that it is times of crisis like this that the Church, Christians, and especially pastors are the most relevant to society. I poked fun at pastors by rewriting the mandate given in James 5:14

𝐼𝑠 π‘Žπ‘›π‘¦π‘œπ‘›π‘’ π‘Žπ‘šπ‘œπ‘›π‘” π‘¦π‘œπ‘’ π‘ π‘–π‘π‘˜? 𝐿𝑒𝑑 β„Žπ‘–π‘š π‘π‘Žπ‘™π‘™, 𝑑𝑒π‘₯𝑑, π‘œπ‘Ÿ π‘’π‘šπ‘Žπ‘–π‘™ π‘‘β„Žπ‘’ π‘’π‘™π‘‘π‘’π‘Ÿπ‘  π‘œπ‘“ π‘‘β„Žπ‘’ πΆβ„Žπ‘’π‘Ÿπ‘β„Ž, π‘Žπ‘›π‘‘ 𝑙𝑒𝑑 π‘‘β„Žπ‘’π‘š π‘π‘Ÿπ‘Žπ‘¦ π‘Ÿπ‘’π‘šπ‘œπ‘‘π‘’π‘™π‘¦ π‘“π‘œπ‘Ÿ β„Žπ‘–π‘š π‘Žπ‘  β„Žπ‘’ π‘Žπ‘›π‘œπ‘–π‘›π‘‘π‘  β„Žπ‘–π‘šπ‘ π‘’π‘™π‘“ π‘€π‘–π‘‘β„Ž π‘ π‘Žπ‘›π‘–π‘‘π‘–π‘§π‘’π‘Ÿ 𝑖𝑛 π‘‘β„Žπ‘’ π‘›π‘Žπ‘šπ‘’ π‘œπ‘“ π‘‘β„Žπ‘’ πΏπ‘œπ‘Ÿπ‘‘.

The actual verse says,

𝐼𝑠 π‘Žπ‘›π‘¦π‘œπ‘›π‘’ π‘Žπ‘šπ‘œπ‘›π‘” π‘¦π‘œπ‘’ π‘ π‘–π‘π‘˜? 𝐿𝑒𝑑 β„Žπ‘–π‘š π‘π‘Žπ‘™π‘™ π‘“π‘œπ‘Ÿ π‘‘β„Žπ‘’ π‘’π‘™π‘‘π‘’π‘Ÿπ‘  π‘œπ‘“ π‘‘β„Žπ‘’ πΆβ„Žπ‘’π‘Ÿπ‘β„Ž π‘Žπ‘›π‘‘ 𝑙𝑒𝑑 π‘‘β„Žπ‘’π‘š π‘π‘Ÿπ‘Žπ‘¦ π‘œπ‘£π‘’π‘Ÿ β„Žπ‘–π‘š, π‘Žπ‘›π‘œπ‘–π‘›π‘‘π‘–π‘›π‘” β„Žπ‘–π‘š π‘€π‘–π‘‘β„Ž π‘œπ‘–π‘™ 𝑖𝑛 π‘‘β„Žπ‘’ π‘›π‘Žπ‘šπ‘’ π‘œπ‘“ π‘‘β„Žπ‘’ πΏπ‘œπ‘Ÿπ‘‘.

It is a command for elders to be present with a sick person to pray for them in person, even touching them to anoint them with oil. I wonder how many people lay ill or dying alone during this crisis that needs or needed this kind of pastor and this kind of prayer.

Are you a non-essential pastor? Are you an irrelevant Christian? Does it matter to you whether your Church is closed or not? You have to answer that question for yourself.

There is no service, no group, or no individual more essential than the Body of Christ. Tell me, what is of greater importance than:

Salvation
Prayer
Anointing with Oil
Baptism
Communion
Corporate Worship
The Preaching of the Word
The Teaching of God’s Word
Marrying People in the Lord
Burying People in the Lord?

We are coming to a time when Christians may have to decide what we really believe. Are we vital or β€œnon-essential”? Each one must decide for him or her self.

I am not pastoring a church at this time in my life. I know that if I were or if God called me back into pastoral ministry, I would defy any governmental mandates commanding me not to do what God has called the Church to do. I wouldn’t command you to come. That’s between you and God, but I would be prepared to lead worship, preach the word, pray, and administer the sacraments.

If the government continues to mandate the closing of churches, would you stand and say like Peter in Acts 5:29, β€œπ‘Šπ‘’ π‘šπ‘’π‘ π‘‘ π‘œπ‘π‘’π‘¦ πΊπ‘œπ‘‘ π‘Ÿπ‘Žπ‘‘β„Žπ‘’π‘Ÿ π‘‘β„Žπ‘Žπ‘› π‘šπ‘’π‘›.”? There may come a time, no, there will come a time when Christians will, once again, be put to the test. If you cannot answer that question with a resounding β€œyes and amen”, then you have just become part of a non-essential business.

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NOD (Norman's Orthodox Dictionary), COVID-19, Masks Norman Patterson NOD (Norman's Orthodox Dictionary), COVID-19, Masks Norman Patterson

Cognitive Dissonance: From the NOD (Norman’s Orthodox Dictionary)

Cognitive Dissonance - the state of having inconsistent thoughts, beliefs, or attitudes.

Example:

COVID-19
Protecting the vulnerable is more important than protecting personal liberty.

ABORTION
Protecting personal liberty is more important than protecting the vulnerable.

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NOD (Norman's Orthodox Dictionary), Current Events, Critical Thinking Norman Patterson NOD (Norman's Orthodox Dictionary), Current Events, Critical Thinking Norman Patterson

Conspiracy Theory: From the NOD (Norman's Orthodox Dictionary)

Definition:

Conspiracy Theory -

1. An ad hominem applied to anyone a person wants to discredit without having to give a reason why

2. Any opinion that is contrary to what a person already believes to be true

3. What people call something they haven’t researched for themselves

4. Applied to all opinions contrary to what the government says during the COVID-19 crisis

5. For Liberals: everything reported on FOX

6. For Conservatives: everything reported on CNN

7. A justification given for governmental or societal censorship

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COVID-19, Masks, Current Events, Politics Norman Patterson COVID-19, Masks, Current Events, Politics Norman Patterson

I’m Going with My Gut

β€œπ‘‡β„Žπ‘–π‘  β€˜π‘”π‘’π‘‘ 𝑓𝑒𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔’ 𝑖𝑠 π‘Žπ‘› π‘–π‘›π‘ π‘‘π‘–π‘›π‘π‘‘π‘’π‘Žπ‘™ π‘Ÿπ‘’π‘ π‘π‘œπ‘›π‘ π‘’ π‘“π‘Ÿπ‘œπ‘š π‘¦π‘œπ‘’π‘Ÿ π‘π‘Ÿπ‘Žπ‘–π‘› π‘‘π‘œ π‘π‘Ÿπ‘œπ‘‘π‘’π‘π‘‘ π‘¦π‘œπ‘’ π‘“π‘Ÿπ‘œπ‘š π‘šπ‘Žπ‘˜π‘–π‘›π‘” π‘€β„Žπ‘Žπ‘‘ 𝑖𝑑 π‘π‘’π‘Ÿπ‘π‘’π‘–π‘£π‘’π‘  π‘‘π‘œ 𝑏𝑒 π‘‘β„Žπ‘’ π‘€π‘Ÿπ‘œπ‘›π‘” π‘‘π‘’π‘π‘–π‘ π‘–π‘œπ‘›. π‘Œπ‘œπ‘’π‘Ÿ π‘π‘Ÿπ‘Žπ‘–π‘› π‘π‘Ÿπ‘’π‘Žπ‘‘π‘’π‘  π‘Ž π‘šπ‘’π‘›π‘‘π‘Žπ‘™ π‘šπ‘Žπ‘ π‘π‘Žπ‘ π‘’π‘‘ π‘œπ‘› π‘’π‘£π‘’π‘Ÿπ‘¦ 𝑒π‘₯π‘π‘’π‘Ÿπ‘–π‘’π‘›π‘π‘’ π‘‘β„Žπ‘Žπ‘‘ π‘¦π‘œπ‘’β€™π‘£π‘’ π‘’π‘£π‘’π‘Ÿ β„Žπ‘Žπ‘‘ π‘Žπ‘›π‘‘ π‘’π‘£π‘’π‘Ÿπ‘¦π‘‘β„Žπ‘–π‘›π‘” π‘¦π‘œπ‘’ β„Žπ‘Žπ‘£π‘’ π‘’π‘£π‘’π‘Ÿ π‘™π‘’π‘Žπ‘Ÿπ‘›π‘’π‘‘ π‘‘π‘œ π‘π‘Ÿπ‘’π‘Žπ‘‘π‘’ π‘‘β„Žπ‘’ π‘“π‘œπ‘’π‘›π‘‘π‘Žπ‘‘π‘–π‘œπ‘› π‘“π‘œπ‘Ÿ π‘€β„Žπ‘–π‘β„Ž π‘¦π‘œπ‘’π‘Ÿ π‘π‘Ÿπ‘Žπ‘–π‘› π‘šπ‘Žπ‘˜π‘’π‘  π‘‘π‘’π‘π‘–π‘ π‘–π‘œπ‘›π‘ .” π·π‘Ÿ. π΅π‘Ÿπ‘Žπ‘‘π‘¦ π‘†π‘Žπ‘™π‘π‘–π‘‘π‘œ

Have you ever had the feeling that something is wrong? I have that feeling right now in my gut. I even feel it in my bones. Am I the only one?

I am told by everybody; the government, the experts, the media, friends and neighbors, and even those close to me, that I’m wrong, that I am overreacting, that I see conspiracies where there are none. But try as I may, I can’t shake this feeling that there’s a whole lot of bullshit going on.

I learned to trust my intuition long ago. I regret every time I ignored it. And I see how it was spot on in the past, even when everyone around me told me I was wrong. I don’t doubt there is a virus, but try as I may, I just can't swallow the official narrative.

Is it just me or does this feel a lot like 911? I remember watching the Twin Towers fall. I was just as horrified as the next guy. But when that other building collapsed that wasn’t struck by any commercial airliner, my bullshit detector went nuts.

From that day forward, a series of events took place that deeply disturbed me. Besides the countless inconsistencies in the official 911 narrative that event became a justification to go to war with Afganistan and Iraq. It prompted a xenophobic hatred of Muslims, the justification of the TSA, the genesis of the Patriot Act, justified torture, the enforcement of β€œfree speech zones” and a host of other erosions of our liberty, all in the name of keeping us safe. If you haven't noticed, the United States is vastly different after 911 and, I fear, it will be even worse after this mess if we aren’t vigilant.

Yes, to me, what is happening right now feels disturbingly similar to 911, except it is happening on a worldwide scale. Just like 911, we are now at war, but the enemy isn’t a radical terrorist, it is an invisible virus. And this virus can unknowingly turn me into a potentially lethal weapon. Or it can turn you into that weapon. Or perhaps that person over there is an enemy carrier. It's creepy how people interact with one another nowadays. I watch people react to one another as if everyone, including themselves, is a potential sex offender.

One thing is clear, we are at war, so governments tell us! And if it is true that β€œwar is the health of the state” as Randolf Bourne once wrote, then one terrifying side effect of the virus is that governments all over the world, including our own, are becoming very healthy.

I’m sorry, but if you do not fear powerful government, then I doubt we will agree on anything that is happening right now. My faith in Christ is giving me great comfort because I know that my citizenship is in the kingdom of heaven with Christ as my King. I wouldn't give a wooden nickel for what the US government has devolved into and I don't trust them as far as I can throw them.

Perhaps some will think my appeal to intuition is lame, but I’m sticking by it. Something is seriously amiss.

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Bible, Presuppositional Apologetics, Evangelism, Theology Norman Patterson Bible, Presuppositional Apologetics, Evangelism, Theology Norman Patterson

Para Carlos

Mi amigo Carlos Unda me hizo una pregunta:

"Una pregunta y es seria. Porque la Biblia fue escrita hace cientos de aΓ±os en un lugar que ni conosco en una lengua que ni entiendo y porque necesito que otros seres humanos me la traduzcan, me la expliquen y me la interpreten, seria mas fΓ‘cil para dios mandarnos la biblia ya traducida y en forma directa sin intermediarios? Bueno eso es lo que yo pienso con todo respeto."

Es una pregunta justa y excelente. Gracias por preguntarme. TodavΓ­a estoy aprendiendo espaΓ±ol, asΓ­ que perdone mis errores gramaticales.

De hecho la Biblia fue escrita hace miles de aΓ±os y muchos lugares no conocemos. Es muy difΓ­cil entender las linguas de la Biblia original pero no es imposible. Podemos comunicar en espaΓ±ol porque me tomΓ© el tiempo para aprenderlo. He aprendido y estudiado Hebreo y Griego para entender la Biblia mejor. Pero hay muchas herramientas disponible para estudiar la Biblia con ti mismo. Puedes comprobar las traducciones por ti mismo para ver si son precisas o no si quieres. TambiΓ©n puedes comparar muchas traducciones en espaΓ±ol para tener una idea del significado original Ambos es trabajo pero es posible pero vale la pena.

Pero en mi opinion no es necesario tener otros para te la interpreten. AquΓ­ estΓ‘ la principal diferencia entre los protestantes y los catΓ³licos. Hay un dicho para los protestantes, Solo Scriptura. En otras palabras no necesitamos la Papa o la tradiciΓ³n de la iglesia para leer, entender o interpretar la Biblia. Otros pueden ayudarnos pero tenemos la derecha conocer la Biblia sin intermediarios.

AdemΓ‘s, en muchas denominaciones protestantes la gente puede cuestionar a sus pastores y destituirlos de sus cargos si el pastor enseΓ±a doctrinas que no son bΓ­blicas y que son obviamente un error. Es muy parecido con el gobierno civil. Tenemos el derecho de remover a los tiranos de sus cargos e incluso derrocar al gobierno si es necesario.

No sΓ© exactamente por quΓ© Dios escribiΓ³ la biblia de la manera en que lo hizo pero tengo ideas de mi mismo. En esencia la Biblia es una historia de amor. En ΓΊltima instancia es un relato de cΓ³mo Dios hizo un camino para salvar a la humanidad perdida convirtiΓ©ndose Γ©l mismo en un ser humano en Jesucristo y tomando nuestro pecado sobre sΓ­ mismo para que podamos convertirnos en los hijos e hijas de Dios. Es una historia de un Hombre inocente siendo castigado en lugar de personas culpables.

Tel vez la pregunta real es no serΓ­a mΓ‘s fΓ‘cil para Dios revelarse directamente a todos las personas todo el tiempo? Por quΓ© usar un libro?

En mi opiniΓ³n, eso nos quitarΓ­a la capacidad y el derecho a elegir. ΒΏQuiΓ©n quiere ser forzado a creer en Dios? Hay suficiente evidencia de Dios, pero tambiΓ©n estΓ‘ oculta. Se necesita fe. Dios se revelarΓ‘ a cualquiera que lo busque, pero se mostrarΓ‘ en formas que aΓΊn tienen fe. ΒΏSΓ© que Dios existe al 100% y que la Biblia es verdadera? Lo sΓ© porque si el Dios Trino de la Biblia no existe, nada tiene sentido. Quitar el Dios como se revelΓ³ en la Biblia y no hay base para la ciencia, la razΓ³n o la moral.

Con respeto, esa es mi respuesta.

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Politics, Government, COVID-19, Masks, Humanism Norman Patterson Politics, Government, COVID-19, Masks, Humanism Norman Patterson

The Heart and Nature of Human Government apart from God, a quote from George Orwell's 1984 (3.3.14, O'Brien)

"The Party seeks power entirely for its own sake. We are not interested in the good of others; we are interested solely in power. Not wealth or luxury or long life or happiness: only power, pure power. What pure power means you will understand presently. We are different from all the oligarchies of the past, in that we know what we are doing. All the others, even those who resembled ourselves, were- cowards and hypocrites. The German Nazis and the Russian Communists came very close to us in their methods, but they never had the courage to recognize their own motives. They pretended, perhaps they even believed, that they had seized power unwillingly and for a limited time, and that just round the corner there lay a paradise where human beings would be free and equal. We are not like that. We know that no one ever seizes power with the intention of relinquishing it. Power is not a means, it is an end. One does not establish a dictatorship in order to safeguard a revolution; one makes the revolution in order to establish the dictatorship. The object of persecution is persecution. The object of torture is torture. The object of power is power. Now do you begin to understand me?”

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Meditations, Bible Study, God's Law, God's Judgment, Government, Current Events, Politics Norman Patterson Meditations, Bible Study, God's Law, God's Judgment, Government, Current Events, Politics Norman Patterson

Sword, Famine, and Pestilence

The way I see it, we have three main fears circulating in the United States and throughout the entire world right now; the fear of tyranny, the fear of a collapsed economy, and the fear of COVID-19. For many people, these fears overlap one another.

Generally speaking, I think the heart of most disagreements lies in emphasis. Those who fear tyranny are more likely to downplay the seriousness of the virus. Those who fear the illness support more government control and are willing to put off economic worries, at least for now. And those who’s businesses are going under or are feeling real hunger pains are ready to take more health risks to stay alive. Who is right? I think each of these concerns has validity.

What bothers me is how Christians are responding to this present crisis. I’m writing this as a Christian to Christians. If you do not share my faith, you might as well stop reading. It will have little value to you unless you are curious about the present-day failure of modern Christians and the Church. If you are a Christian, I implore you to set your pride aside and heed what follows.

Whether it’s tyranny, the destruction of the economy, or COVID-19, it all adds up to one thing - God is trying to get our attention. When you read the Bible, you discover time after time, God acting in and through disasters. In fact, God even says He is the Author of calamity. He says in Isaiah 45:7:

𝐼 π‘“π‘œπ‘Ÿπ‘š π‘™π‘–π‘”β„Žπ‘‘ π‘Žπ‘›π‘‘ π‘π‘Ÿπ‘’π‘Žπ‘‘π‘’ π‘‘π‘Žπ‘Ÿπ‘˜π‘›π‘’π‘ π‘ ; 𝐼 π‘šπ‘Žπ‘˜π‘’ 𝑀𝑒𝑙𝑙-𝑏𝑒𝑖𝑛𝑔 π‘Žπ‘›π‘‘ π‘π‘Ÿπ‘’π‘Žπ‘‘π‘’ π‘π‘Žπ‘™π‘Žπ‘šπ‘–π‘‘π‘¦; 𝐼 π‘Žπ‘š π‘‘β„Žπ‘’ πΏπ‘œπ‘Ÿπ‘‘, π‘€β„Žπ‘œ π‘‘π‘œπ‘’π‘  π‘Žπ‘™π‘™ π‘‘β„Žπ‘’π‘ π‘’ π‘‘β„Žπ‘–π‘›π‘”π‘ .

You can’t read the Bible long before you see, there is more behind disasters and difficulties than just random natural acts. God uses things to call sinful people back to Him.

Jeremiah 14:12 speaks specifically about God using tyranny, a collapsed economy, and COVID-19. He said to His people:

π‘‡β„Žπ‘œπ‘’π‘”β„Ž π‘‘β„Žπ‘’π‘¦ π‘“π‘Žπ‘ π‘‘, 𝐼 𝑀𝑖𝑙𝑙 π‘›π‘œπ‘‘ β„Žπ‘’π‘Žπ‘Ÿ π‘‘β„Žπ‘’π‘–π‘Ÿ π‘π‘Ÿπ‘¦, π‘Žπ‘›π‘‘ π‘‘β„Žπ‘œπ‘’π‘”β„Ž π‘‘β„Žπ‘’π‘¦ π‘œπ‘“π‘“π‘’π‘Ÿ π‘π‘’π‘Ÿπ‘›π‘‘ π‘œπ‘“π‘“π‘’π‘Ÿπ‘–π‘›π‘” π‘Žπ‘›π‘‘ π‘”π‘Ÿπ‘Žπ‘–π‘› π‘œπ‘“π‘“π‘’π‘Ÿπ‘–π‘›π‘”, 𝐼 𝑀𝑖𝑙𝑙 π‘›π‘œπ‘‘ π‘Žπ‘π‘π‘’π‘π‘‘ π‘‘β„Žπ‘’π‘š. 𝐡𝑒𝑑 𝐼 𝑀𝑖𝑙𝑙 π‘π‘œπ‘›π‘ π‘’π‘šπ‘’ π‘‘β„Žπ‘’π‘š 𝑏𝑦 π‘‘β„Žπ‘’ π‘ π‘€π‘œπ‘Ÿπ‘‘, 𝑏𝑦 π‘“π‘Žπ‘šπ‘–π‘›π‘’, π‘Žπ‘›π‘‘ 𝑏𝑦 𝑝𝑒𝑠𝑑𝑖𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒.”

The sword is tyranny. Famine is the sign of economic collapse, and pestilence is a fatal epidemic disease such as COVID-19. The context is about Christians in the Old Testament who paid lip service to God, but their hearts were far from Him. They participated in the sins of the culture with no fear of God or His retribution.

If this verse isn’t a wake-up call, I don’t know what is. I implore my brothers and sisters in Christ to take these words seriously. Let’s stop arguing and use our time and energy for something far more profitable - prayer and preaching the gospel. The world is in crisis, and we are fighting about who is right and who is wrong? About whether Donald Trump is the Messiah or the Devil? Whether we should wear a mask or not?

A while ago, I put out a plea for Christians to pray. I even made a simple outline on how to pray during this time. I don’t know why, but I got more responses about memes on tyranny than on my call to prayer. I admit, I get distracted too, but isn’t it time we put our pride away and get serious? It doesn’t matter if a call to prayer comes from someone you don’t like or someone you disagree with. Let’s put away our differences and unite in Christ. Let’s call our nation and our world to Jesus Christ. Let’s use our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to proclaim the only Way that will save this lost and dying world. That Way is faith in Jesus Christ and obedience to His Law.

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Current Events, Home Schooling, Government, COVID-19, Masks, Meditations Norman Patterson Current Events, Home Schooling, Government, COVID-19, Masks, Meditations Norman Patterson

We Are All Homeschoolers Now

April 24, 2020

I have been ranting against unprecedented government intrusion into our lives for some time now. I just realized this morning that there is an unexpected blessing that is happening because of this epidemic. We now have a nation, perhaps even a whole world, of homeschoolers!

We homeschooled our four children right from the start and saw them through to high school graduation. Those who know little about homeschooling think that the kids are only taught by mom and dad. This simply isn’t true. Most homeschoolers utilize a variety of means to educate their children. Homeschoolers use online courses, tutors, and even participate in cooperative learning events for teaching academic disciplines. Much like what is happening right now for students who used to go to school.

Wise homeschooling parents think beyond the β€œdesk”. Besides reading, writing, and arithmetic, homeschoolers utilize every opportunity to not only educate but prepare children for life. Something as simple as going to the grocery store becomes a lesson in economics and nutrition. Car repair can be a class in auto mechanics. And what better chemistry lab is there than baking? I hope parents stuck at home with the family utilize the wisdom of the homeschool world.

How ironic homeschooling is now the mandated form of education over nationalized public education!

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Jesus Christ, Meditations, Bible Study, Philosophy Norman Patterson Jesus Christ, Meditations, Bible Study, Philosophy Norman Patterson

Jesus is The Truth

The main difference between Biblical Christianity and every other religion and philosophy is we do not believe truth is a concept, Form, proposition, algorithm, syllogism, or formula. Truth isn’t something proved through semantics, logic or mathematics. Truth IS the Person of Jesus Christ. In His own words, β€œI am... the Truth…” (John 14:6)

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Churchianity, Church, Government, Politics, COVID-19, Masks, Incorporation of Churches Norman Patterson Churchianity, Church, Government, Politics, COVID-19, Masks, Incorporation of Churches Norman Patterson

The Civil Magistrate and the Closing of Church

Does the Government have the authority to forcibly close Churches in a time of crisis, and should Christians comply?

It’s a good question. It seems easy to answer, but there is more to the subject than meets the eye. During this time, taking time apart to stop the spread of a potentially deadly disease is a wise thing to do. Many pastors are adapting quickly to continue providing spiritual leadership online. Good for them!

But back to the question, however. Does the Government have the right and authority to close the Church forcibly, and should Christians comply? Furthermore, how much control does the Government have over the Church in the USA? The answer may surprise you.

Many do not realize that most churches in America agreed to be controlled by the Government. This agreement started when someone, usually the pastor, voluntarily signed their Church up to become a State corporation. When churches incorporate, they agree to make the State their sovereign head and, in many states, give the State a wide-ranging regulatory authority over them.

What is a corporation? It is a fictitious legal β€œPerson” created by the State. Most churches incorporate for the advantages and protections of the corporate legal structure, believing this is the only way to receive tax-deductible contributions. However, the Church is β€œnon-taxable,” and all donations are automatically tax-deductible. The only reason an incorporated church needs to apply for 501(c)3 exemption is that it gives over its legal status of being part of the Church and becomes a State corporation, it becomes taxable because it is now a State created fictitious β€œperson.” Now that it is taxable, it must apply for 501(c)3 tax-exemption. Some incorporate because they want liability protection. Given the fact that the corporate veil can be pierced reveals this is not a good reason to incorporate.

The incorporation of churches nullifies the line that once existed between Church and State once a church incorporates.

Why is it that American pastors rush to the State to become incorporated while, at the same time, the underground church is growing by leaps and bounds in oppressed countries? Many Christians don’t realize there are plenty of churches in tyrannical nations such as China. But Chinese officials are careful to monitor them to be sure they continue to comply. They have to be State licensed churches to stay open.

We’ve seen the State oppress the Church all throughout history. Brave men and women such as Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand of Romania refused to submit to communist oppression by being imprisoned and even tortured for Christ instead of becoming stooges for the State church. Instead of selling out to the State, Richard and Sabina suffered unimaginable atrocities for the cause of Christ and the Underground Church.

Compare that to the American Church, who, far too often, has adopted a business model of operation. Is it any wonder it seeks legitimacy through incorporation. Too many have become program-personality-entertainment-centered churches doing whatever it takes to survive. How different is that mentality from the New Testament Church that thrived in the hostile Roman Empire competing against countless religions, including the worship of the emperor as a symbol of the State?

So, if and when you hear Christians lamenting and bemoaning the supposed oppression of their church, remind them their church signed up for it when they signed their incorporation papers.

Jesus Christ said, β€œNo one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” (Matthew 6:24) It’s time for the American Church to get out of bed with the Government through incorporation and become the Glorious Body of Christ once again. There may come a time when we will be required to defy the Government and gather for worship. (Acts 5:29) That time may even come during times of an epidemic where sick people need love, care, and hands-on prayer. (James 5:14+15)

Does the Government have the right and authority to close the Church forcibly, and should Christians comply? My answer is β€œYes” and β€œNo.”

Yes, the Government has the right and authority to close the 501(c)3 State Corporation church. Yes, members of incorporated churches should comply.

And

No, the Government does not have the authority to forcibly close the true Church. No, members of the true Church should not comply. For goodness sake, stay home for safety safe, but don't do it because the Government closed the Church through force or threat of force.

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We find the Dominion Mandate for Bible-believing Christians in Genesis 1:26-28:

Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth."

For Christians, this means that God has given us the responsibility to take dominion over the entire world. We have God's approval and authority to "fill the earth and subdue it." Add to this Christ's call in Matthew 28:19+20 to:

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

And 2 Corinthians 10:3-6:

For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.

While God called Christians to be separate from the world in holiness, He doesn't give us the option to isolate ourselves from the world physically. As Jesus said:

I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. John 17:14-15

Because of false piety and a lack of understanding of these and other Dominion affirming Biblical texts, Christians far too often vacate the world, leaving an "influence vacuum." As the old saying goes, "nature abhors a vacuum." Because of this, instead of taking Dominion over the arts, sciences, court systems, political offices, universities, and so on, Christians withdraw into isolated communities only to leave the world unoccupied.

As a result, anti-Christ people and philosophies have readily taken over virtually every facet of life. The greatest antithesis to Biblical Christianity has understood and intentionally implemented the Dominion Mandate for their own sinister ends.

The most dangerous of all are those espousing Cultural Marxism. Briefly, Cultural Marxism is an expansion of Classical Marxism, which focuses primarily on the economic philosophy of Karl Marx. Cultural Marxism is much more all-encompassing than Classical Marxism. 

Ultimately, Cultural Marxism is about liberating humanity from the moral constraints of Biblical Christianity. The Bible prohibits same-sex intimacy, adultery in all forms, polygamy, bigamy, bestiality, pedophilia, and so on. God created man and woman in His image and commanded them to be fruitful and multiply; the Dominion Mandate!

The method Cultural Marxism employs to propagate its insidious agenda is through applying the Biblical Mandate. The plan has been and continues to be for those who oppose Biblical Christianity to infiltrate and dominate every known sphere of influence. As Voddie Bachem pointed out, their strategy is to take over the "robes" of society; professors, pastors, and judges, for example.

R.J. Rushdoony and the Christian Reconstructionists proposed the same tactic, taking over the "robes" of society. However, instead of a great "Amen" from the rest of the Church, Christian Reconstructionism has been vilified as patriarchal, extreme, and misguided. 

In the meantime, Cultural Marxism is dominating the universities, media, churches, courts, arts, etc. They are putting Christians and Christianity to shame by their ardent intentionality to dominate the world for Self.

As the degeneration of our culture continues, so will the hostility toward Biblical Christianity. And just as Marxism tried to destroy Biblical Christianity through the reign of terror in anti-Christ regimes like the Soviet Union and Communist China, modern Marxists will not rest until Biblical Christianity is destroyed.

The good news, however, is the promise of Jesus Christ. He said that the "gates of hell" will not prevail against the Church. (Matthew 16:18) The image Christ was giving was not a Church that was cowering in the corner, battening down the hatches until the storm of hell subsided. Just the opposite. Hell is under attack, and its filthy gates are no match for the power and glory of the Risen Christ and His Bride.

Christians can no longer cower in corners. It is time for us to take up the battle cry and assault Cultural Marxism and any other "high place" (2 Corinthians 10:3-6) that dares to raise itself against the knowledge of God. Our weapons are not of the flesh (Ephesians 6), but they are weapons nonetheless and are worthless if left unused. 

It is time for Christians to take back our country, our world for Christ. We must do it according to the means and methods of Jesus Christ and His Kingdom, which means we must take Dominion and occupy all walks of life for the glory of the crown rights of Jesus Christ.

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