Of Ungodly Government and Bullies

Ungodly Governments are bullies, plain and simple. They cannot tolerate any challenge to their power, and cannot admit when they are wrong. This would make them feel weak in their own eyes.

They will use every means available to crush anyone who disagrees with them. They will lie, distort, intimate, and even kill anyone who stands against them. And, like the cowards they are, they will play the victim when the opposition is successful.

I predict, and I hope I am wrong, that those in government will come down hard on those opposing them. History is on my side on this point. It is them, and not We the People, who will force a confrontation. It will be those in power who will use as much force as they deem necessary to crush any opposition. They would rather kill anyone who stands in their way rather than admit they are wrong, or beg forgiveness for the harm they have done and continue to do. Repenting before God Almighty, the Judge of the living and the dead, and asking forgiveness from those they have hurt is the only way out. But bullies are not known for doing this, are they?

And those who support bullying by not speaking out or actively standing against it are just as guilty as the spineless despots trembling in fear in their self-made prison.

Keep on trucking!

Oh Death, Where is Thy Sting?

The one great equalizer and sobering fact we all must face is the reality of death, both our own and of those we love. Death confronts us in our daily lives in small ways such as seeing a dead tree or a dead animal that didn’t make it to the other side of the road. 

Other times, death stings us with a venom far more potent than any hornet ever can, especially when someone we love “passes on”. We try to soften the blow with euphemistic comfort, but using gente words to describe this brutal reality does little to neutralize the sting.

The one and only self-existing Trinitarian God has revealed in His self-attesting Bible the only true comfort in the face of death. God the Son became man to take the sting out of death by suffering both its physical and spiritual reality. 

His brutal physical death gives us courage that we too can and will experience death for ourselves. His substitutional spiritual death gives us hope that His innocent righteousness can and will be transferred to us as we trust in Him alone for our salvation.

Because He was both physically and spiritually raised from the dead, we need not fear death. If there is one thing the Bible is absolutely clear about is that someday we will all stand before Him and give an account of our lives. For those who have faith in Jesus Christ, we will be openly acknowledged and acquitted and welcomed into eternity not just spiritually but physically as well. 

On that day, not a single person will be able to say to God that He was not fair, and that He did not give us ample opportunity to repent while we still had time. Those sent to an eternity in hell will not be able to say that they do not deserve this eternal death. Those who enter into eternal life, will however, have a profound sense of unworthiness and worship God for His infinite grace and mercy for giving what we most certainly do not deserve.

If you have read this far, my dear reader, it is perhaps because the Holy Spirit of God has prompted you to receive His offer of salvation by faith alone through Christ alone. There is no other answer in any other religion or philosophy that gives us real hope in the face of the reality of death. That hope is found in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Now, make your peace with God by putting your faith in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen 

Face to Face and Fist to Fist

I remember being in 4th grade at Wetmore School. I attended there for kindergarten but had a blissful interlude going to first and second grade at Burrville School with the neighborhood kids, and Mrs. Tino and Mrs. Minnery our first and second grade teachers respectively.

Instead of taking a bus, we hiked over half a mile to school in the morning, then back home for lunch, and back to school after lunch, only to walk home at the end of the day. It wasn't uphill both ways, but at no time were we accompanied by parents or any adults. And yes, we did walk in the rain, sunshine, and snow.

To me, Wetmore School was very different than Burrville. Now we rode a half-hour on a crowded bus to get there and back again. Instead of walking home for lunch, we had to cross the street to the Vogel School cafeteria. Vogel was formerly Torrington High School where my mom and dad went to school.

Back in Burrville, lunch consisted of eating grilled cheese sandwiches and Campbell's Manhandler soup in the safety of my own home. Now, I had to eat cafetaria food with kids I didn't know. One day during lunch, I bragged to Charlie Williams, a fellow 4th grader, that I bet I could take him in a fight. I'm not sure why I made this boast, but it wasn't with any conscious animosity towards him personally.

I didn't realize how my words would impact him. Immediately, he was angry. Then, with tears streaming down his face, he challenged me to meet him on the playground after lunch. I never was in a playground fight before. I'm not sure why, especially because I went to Burrville School with some of the toughest kids in the world.

Once on the playground, I tried to avoid the fight by pretending to be an "airplane" with my friends, stretching my arms wide soaring above the world. Before I knew it, I was surrounded by the bigger sixth graders. Nothing was more thrilling on a playground than to hear dozens of boys chanting "Fight, Fight, FIGHT, FIGHT!."

By the way, I mention only schoolboys because, back in the day, there were no girls on our side of the playground. They had their own section and were not allowed to come on our side. This policy was strictly enforced.

Before I knew it, I was face to face with Charlie, ready to beat one another to a bloody pulp. We waited to see who would throw the first punch or emerge victoriously. There we stood, as if frozen in time, face to face and fist to fist, child pugilists, leaving our innocents behind; our introduction to the world of men.

But a circle of bellicose schoolboys chanting "Fight, Fight, FIGHT, FIGHT!" is bound to attract attention, and so it did. Male teachers patrolled the boys' playground like guards in a prison.

The fight was over before it barely started, which, I suppose in retrospect, was a good thing. While this was my first fight, it certainly was not my last. I learned difficult lessons the hard way. I realized that I can make an enemy by careless words, and things can become volatile at a moment's notice. I learned how to make a fist and fight another human being if need be. Throughout my school years, I got into many fights. I won some, and I lost some as well. And I learned that after a battle, most of the time, one time enemies could now become friends.

After that, Charlie and I became friends and never stood fist to fist again. I haven't seen Charlie since high school, though I see hints of him on social media. I hope he's doing well, and I wonder if he remembers this as well.

The Self-Attesting Bible vs. Everything Else

Biblical Christianity is the only religion that has, at its core, a Book that makes the claims that the Bible makes. I welcome anyone reading this to show me any other sacred writings from any other religion that makes the central claims made in the Bible or by Jesus Christ of Himself.

I challenge my reader to check out the Seven Valleys and the Four Valleys of Bahá’ism, the Tipitaka of Buddhism, the Vedas and the Upanishads of Hinduism, the Quran and the Hadiths of Islam, the Agamas of Jainism, or the Tanakh And The Talmud of Judaism. No other writings make the self-authenticating claims of Biblical Christianity.

Furthermore, it is self-defeating to think that human beings, independent of the one and only self-existing Trinitarian God who has revealed Himself in His self-attesting Bible, can come to Ultimate conclusions about Reality. You cannot validate reason with reason or science with science or logic with logic or any combination of the three. In other words, you cannot validate human claims to Knowledge by looking to humanity itself. It is nothing but question-begging at its worst.

All claims to Ultimate Truth are either self-defeating or self-authenticating. All forms of humanism and other religions are self-defeating, while only the Bible is self-authenticating. This is why the Bible does not beg the question, and everything else is. The Bible claims Ultimate Truth through Divine revelation, not through humanity itself.

The Bifurcation of the Political from the Spiritual

Someone wrote concerning the failure of pastors throughout the “pandemic”:

This is political, not spiritual. While I support it, it needs to be said that this has nothing to do with the Gospel or spiritual matters.

My reply:

I respectfully disagree. The essence of the political is force, and the ability to use this force upon others. The primary function of the political is to enforce law and apply it to our current situation. The fundamental question that the political seeks to answer is what is right and what is wrong. To separate the political from the spiritual is to delude yourself into thinking that something other than God is or can be the source of this law.

This means that when humanity rejects the revelation of the one and only self-existing Trinitarian God in His self-authenticating Bible, human beings replace this with their own humanistic law.

In the end, those who have the most political force determine what is right and wrong according to what best serves their agenda.

To determine what is right and wrong is the sole function of God not man, and when man usurps God, he seeks to be god. This is the essence of religion but the religion is Statism which is the worship of humankind through the State I.e. the political. In the end the motto of this god is “might makes right.”

We have seen this all throughout history in regimes such as Soviet Russia, Communist China, and Nazi Germany.

We are seeing this religion manifesting itself right now in our country and throughout the world.

To deny the God of the Bible is to replace Him with another god. And the Bible tells us in Romans 1, for example what happens when we replace God with anything else.

Our country, no, the entire world is under delusion right now and the reason is because you cannot bifurcate the political from the spiritual.

The only answer to the mess we are in is the gospel of Jesus Christ and the proclamation of the whole counsel of God’s word and establishing law upon the Ten Commandments and not arbitrary law based upon the whims of despots, dictators, the CDC, Anthony Fauci, or whatever Antichrist person or system that seeks to replace God with man.

Mask and Vaxx and the Teachings of Christ

In a previous post, someone responded,

"I wonder, that if by wearing a mask and getting the vaccine to protect others from a potentially fatal virus, we are actually upholding the teachings of Christ to care for others before ourselves?"

It is a good question, and one Christians need to take seriously. I thought I would answer her question in this post to not draw attention to her in particular while, at the same time, addressing the question with questions of my own. Here goes.

You appear to believe in the official narrative. Perhaps you can help me understand a few things. If wearing a mask protects others, why do you have to get the vaccine? If getting the vaccine protects others, why do you have to wear a mask? If doing either protects others from a potentially fatal virus, why require both? If they don't work, why let people go out at all? Wouldn't the "Christ-like" thing to do be total and complete lockdowns? Wouldn't loving others before ourselves mean that we don't go out in public at all? Wouldn't it mean that we don't EVER take our masks off in public? Why do people feel safe taking off their masks while sitting in a restaurant if it's so deadly?

If loving our neighbor upholds Christ's teachings in the face of a potentially fatal virus, then why are we not demanding compliance with the myriad of deadly diseases, even actions people participate in? I mean, isn't driving a car potentially fatal to our neighbor? Why do we allow smoking, which has been scientifically proven to cause cancer and shorten people's lives? Why stop at demanding Christians to uphold the teachings of Christ to care for others before ourselves in regards to a potentially fatal virus? Why not phrase your question like this, "I wonder if by doing "x" and getting "y" to protect others from a potentially fatal "z," we are actually upholding the teachings of Christ to care for others before ourselves? Why are we not practicing "x" and "y" across the board to prevent "z" in all areas of life?

Since the government is involved in mandating masks and vaxs, why not call for complete and total governmental control (totalitarianism) over every area of our lives to prevent not just a potentially fatal virus but anything potentially fatal? Whatever happened to personal responsibility rather than social responsibility? Does loving our neighbor in a Christ-like way now mean that the individual lives for the good of the collective? I would be more than happy if someone would answer each one of these questions!

I think loving my neighbor in a Christ-like fashion is to speak the truth in love. But, unfortunately, those in big government have found a way to implement totalitarian control over our lives. For the first time in history, totalitarianism is not just limited to regimes like Nazi Germany, the Soviet Union, or Communist China. Have you seen what's happening in Austria and Australia? How about what's happening to Christians like Pastor Artur Pawlowski in Canada?

Those in big pharma, who, by the way are people who are in big government, have found a way to maximize profit at the expense of the health and well-being of the populace. Have you had your "vaccine"? How about your booster? How about the next booster? How many boosters will you get to uphold the teachings of Christ? How many masks are you going to wear? For how long?

And do you trust those in government and the pharmaceutical industry to tell you the truth? What's the track record on that? I can point to many examples of how the US government and the pharmaceutical industry have lied to the American people to gain more control and make a profit. So why do you think both suddenly become choir boys? Have you read Robert Kennedy's book, The Real Anthony Fauci? Or are you participating in the unchristian behavior of not giving a hearing of an opposing view? As it says in Proverbs 18:17, ESV, "The one who states his case first seems right until the other comes and examines him."

What do you think about vaccines that have been developed, researched, and implemented based upon aborted babies? How is putting a substance into your body that is founded upon "innocent blood" Christian? How is that loving the babies who were sacrificed on the altar of "public health"? How is that different from what the Mayans and Aztecs did in their human sacrifice rituals? How is that Christian?

I know I am coming on strong here. I also know that few who disagree will read through what I wrote, let alone change their minds. But I also know that to be silent in the face of great deception is to hate my neighbor and not obey Christ's command to love him.

An Open Rebuke to “Alexander”

Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. 2 Timothy 4:14

Dear “Alexander,”

You did me great harm, more than you can ever know. I am responsible for the sinful behavior I committed in the past, and I have sincerely repented and trusted in Christ for my full pardon. However, the sins of which I speak are not the sins you accused me of, nor are they of the wrong I am accused of now. You have chosen to believe lies about me, and you continue to live in deception by aiding and abetting the one who is speaking pernicious lies about me in the present.

You have an opportunity to bring peace, love, and healing, yet, like Wormtongue, you speak more lies in the ears of another who has turned against me. Both of you know the accusations against me are false and come from the pit of hell.

As it says in 2 Timothy 4:14, “the Lord will repay you for your deeds.” You have time to repent of your sin, but your time is growing short. You are seeking peace in false religions, but these gods cannot and will not save you on that day when you stand “naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” (Hebrews 4:13)

You cursed me in the past, but unless you repent, your curse will turn back on you. And what “you meant for evil against me," you will see, "God meant for good.” (Genesis 50:20)

I speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), and my wounds are faithful (Proverbs 27:6), not like your deceitful “kisses.” Our only hope is in the shed blood of Jesus Christ and no other. “Alexander,” I call upon you to heed this warning, repent, and turn to Christ. Become an agent of true blessing and healing before it’s too late.

In Christ,

“Paul”

A Homily from a Pulpitless Pastor: I Wonder…

I wonder…

What would happen if the name of Christ were mentioned as much as covid?

If people feared the Alpha and Omega more than they fear delta and omicron?

If people took as much time caring for their souls as they do their bodies?

If people inoculated themselves against sin and boosted themselves with prayer and Bible study?

If, instead of masking their mouths, they openly proclaimed the gospel of Jesus Christ wherever they went?

If instead of feeling free to rebuke the unmasked and unvaxxed, they rebuked those practicing blatant sin?

If instead of trusting in the CDC, they put their trust in J.C.?

If they practiced sanctification more than sanitization?

If instead of villainizing people of differing opinions and practices, we gathered in the love and unity of the Spirit of Christ?

If pastors were more concerned with the state of the souls of their parishioners than their vaccination status?

If social media censored porn, smut, and filth, rather than differing opinions?

If we heard godly preachers more than godless politicians?

If we distributed free food rather than free test kits?

If we saw the smiles on the faces of happy carefree children, happily enjoying playing and breathing fresh clean air?

What would happen?

I wonder….

My Religious Exemption to Masks

"I, Norman H. Patterson Jr, will not comply with present mask mandates. Because of my faith in Jesus Christ and the revelation of the one and only self-existing Trinitarian God who has revealed Himself in His self-attesting Bible, I will not and cannot conform to wearing a mask. I base my assertion upon a profound and sincere belief in God and His holy word contained in the Bible. I believe complying to mask mandates violates His revealed Law, and my liberty ensconced in the Bible and the Constitution of the United States of America. So help me, God."

The Purpose of a Religious Exemption

The purpose of a religious exemption is not to gain the approval or acceptance of your exemption from others. It is also not an attempt to convince others as to the merit or reasonableness of why you refuse to comply with a social norm, mandate, executive order, or even a law that has passed through all the proper legal channels. To be a true "Law," it must comport and conform to God's Law. Therefore, any law that contradicts God's Law is not binding and must be actively resisted by all, especially Christians.

I am asserting my religious conviction concerning mask mandates. I could give ample evidence that wearing masks in public does little to prevent the spread of a virus or how long-term wearing a mask is physically and psychologically harmful to human beings. However, I have found that any attempt to do so does not convince those who believe differently than me. I am not seeking the approval of those who disagree with me concerning mask mandates. I am making the proclamation that I will not wear a mask because of my faith and commitment to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Be that as it may, I will express my Biblical reasons for my exemption concerning public mask mandates.

Mask Mandates Violate The First Commandment

The first commandment states: "Thou shalt have no other gods before me." (Exodus 20:3) I believe that the State is seeking to play God. He commands personal hygiene, such as in Leviticus 11. In chapter 13 of that same book, we see examples of how we are to handle pandemics. Never does it call for public masking nor the quarantining of the healthy.

The first act of God's grace to mankind was to breathe His breath of life into man's nostrils. No other creature in all creation began life from God's breathe. Breathing is nothing less than the majestic act of God's grace toward humanity. Is it any wonder that we demonstrate this divine breath of life by blowing out a candle upon the completion of another year of life. I think it is a significant symbolic gesture celebrating the breath of God. The act of breathing has been passed to every human being since the birth of Cain and Abel.

The public wearing of masks is a direct assault upon God Himself as it denies the divine drawing of healthy, clean air for life. God's design was for mankind to breathe unhindered and unfettered and not put something over our nose and mouth. It is demonic to require a person, especially children, to inhale their bodily wastes accumulating inside a mask.

The Sixth Commandment

The only time I will wear a mask is when I am working with dangerous materials, such as in an attic with fiberglass insulation contaminated with rodent feces that could potentially harm my lungs. This use of the mask is consistent with the sixth commandment that states, "Thou shalt not kill." (Exodus 20:13) The positive statement of this commandment is "thou shalt preserve life." More importantly, it is my personal decision, not something required by an outside authority.

The present public mask mandates do not "preserve life." On the contrary, they break the sixth commandment by the consistent and continual inhalation of bodily waste, which is much more harmful than any virus threat.

Bearing False Witness

Another Biblical reason why I will not comply with the present mask mandates is that they violate the ninth commandment, "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor." (Exodus 20:16) To participate in mask mandates is to "bear false witness against thy neighbor." This is where science is relevant for me.

Mask mandates promote strange rituals that have nothing to do with protection from a virus. To wear a mask to walk to a table in a restaurant for 20 seconds, only to take off the mask for more than an hour, is to "bear false witness." To wear a mask outside is to "bear false witness." To require masks in one venue and not all venues is to "bear false witness." To exempt children two years and younger, but require everyone older to wear a mask, is to "bear false witness." This list can be long and extensive and has nothing to do with public health. It has to do with public control.

Mandates are Unnecessary

Imagine being in a locked room with gas masks available, and suddenly the room begins to fill with deadly gas. People would put on their gas masks immediately. Instead, our duplicitous society is "bearing false witness" because no one truly believes the virus is deadly. If they did, they would not need a mandate to tell them to protect themselves.

I observe, a multitude of times per day, people with cloth masks, masks that fit loosely around their mouth and nose, masks that cannot keep out a virus, masks over their mouth but not their nose, and so on. In short, to wear a mask is to "bear false witness," and I will not participate.

Some people are attempting to wear "proper masks." They wear double masks that fit tightly over their mouth and nose. I watch them struggle to breathe as the masks draw in toward their face when they breathe in and puff out when they breathe out. Their bodies are stressed from the lack of oxygen. Their ability to communicate, verbally and nonverbally, is greatly hindered. I cannot understand what someone says when they seek to communicate wearing a mask over their mouth. I do not have any audible or visual cues to ascertain what they are trying to say while talking.

Some put forth the argument that wearing a mask is a form of "loving your neighbor as yourself." This is another form of deception. Conforming to mass formation rituals is the furthest thing from “love.” To love is to speak the truth. So I am speaking the truth to my neighbor. I pray you heed my love.

God vs. Government

There are many more Biblical reasons for the assertion of my religious exemption to wearing a mask. The last, however, that I will put forth is the gross overreach of government. Romans 13:1-7. The only power God gives to the civil magistrate is the punishment of evildoers. Evil must be defined by God and not man. In fact, in 1 John 3:4, we learn that God defines sin as the transgression of His Holy Law. From the local to the federal, those in government do not have the authority to dismiss or rewrite God's Law. Mask mandates defy God by usurping God's Law with man's.

For these and other reasons, I will not comply with mask mandates. To do so would go against my sincerely held faith in Jesus Christ. So help me, God.

Wanna Be Woke?

So, do you want a shot of what Biblical “wokeness” really looks like? It ain’t some repackaged Marxist ideology dressed up in Christian garb, I assure you on that. Want to be Biblically “woke”?

Read it an weep…

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Ephesians 5:1-14 (Emphasis mine)

Begin With This End In Mind…

Stephen R. Covey wrote The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. The second habit impressed me the most, “Begin with the end in mind.” He illustrates it with an exercise picturing your own funeral. Who will be there and what will they be saying about you? For Covey, starting with this in mind will guide you in a successful life.

I find that exercise too shallow. The exercise I use on a daily basis is found in Hebrews 4:13:

“And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”

I continually keep in mind the end that someday I will stand naked before the one and only self-existing Trinitarian God who revealed Himself in His self-attesting Bible. I’d rather die alone, despised and derided by man, than displease God.

The funeral exercise makes us mindful of other’s opinion of ourselves. Knowing we will stand naked and exposed to God Almighty puts an eternal and sobering perspective on “beginning with the end in mind.”

Enlightened By Darkness

Many Christians get confused when they see their beloved faith being distorted by people claiming to be Christians promoting or endorsing falsities.

Just because someone appeals to the Bible or refers to Jesus or a Biblical passage or personage does not mean they are talking about Biblical Christianity. Much of the time, deviations, even in our day, are manifestations of an ancient heresy known as “Gnostism,” which imposes a preconceived philosophy upon the Bible through which it must be interpreted. Those “in the know” hold the keys to help initiates become enlightened as to the “true” meaning of Scripture. It happens all the time in many modern seminaries, and not a few mainline and other popular churches.

In our day, we see manifestations of ancient forms of Gnosticism such as in Freemasonry. New adaptations of Gnosticism are now seen in “woke” Christianity, liberal theology, the call for churches to embrace and endorse immoral sexuality as holy, teaching that God has changed His mind concerning behavior that the Bible clearly says is sin, accusations of patriarchal oppression when pastors authoritatively preach what the Bible clearly says, or suggestions that the Bible must adapt to the times because past evil pastors distorted the Bible to justify corporate sin. 

The only defense against Gnosticism, in whatever form it takes, is to take the Bible at its own word, that it is the infallible and inerrant self-attesting revelation of the one and only self-existing Trinitarian God who clearly communicated His will through the written word. 

The only final authority is the Bible itself and is not found in a person, movement, philosophy, or behavior. This is the essence of Reformed theology, which is founded upon the Bible’s self-testimony: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path!” Psalm 119:105, KJV

A Challenge to My Silent Brethren

Many Christians have bought into the lie that they should not use social media as a platform to express their faith in Christ for whatever reason. For them, their faith is a highly private matter that should not be expressed publicly. 

I want to challenge these Christians to stop hiding your faith and ask you where are you publicly proclaiming Christ? If your hundreds of “friends” or social media contacts have no clue that you are even a believer, then perhaps you are ashamed of Christ. 

Maybe you prefer a personal approach. Then I ask, when was the last time you shared the gospel of Jesus Christ with a friend, a loved one, an acquaintance, or a stranger for that matter? If you do regularly, good for you! You are doing your duty. If not, why not?

Biblical Christianity is not a “private” religion. Your faith in Christ should be so clear that if you were put on trial for your faith, and the penalty was imprisonment, torture, or even death, there should be ample evidence, and witnesses to prove you guilty beyond a shadow of a doubt. Is there enough evidence in your life to even be charged, let alone convicted if Biblical Christianity were outlawed?

The world, the flesh, and the devil are perfectly content with private Christianity or a faith that is only expressed in “church” but that is not the faith revealed all throughout Scripture.

Biblical Christianity, as revealed in Scripture and culminating in Jesus Christ, is the only faith that has and will overcome every nation, empire, regime, or dictatorship throughout human history. This is true 4,000 years ago, 2,000 years ago, 50 years ago and continues to be true this day and into the future until Christ comes again.

But our faith will make no difference in the lives of those we touch if you continue to hide your faith for whatever reason. Someone once said, “the saddest words those who know you could say is, ‘I didn’t know you were a Christian.’”

My 2021 Study List of Books, Sermons, Teachings, and Bible Studies

I am aware that I am boasting when I publish what I’ve studied in the last year. However, God says in Jeremiah 9:24, ESV, “but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me…” He also says in Matthew 5:16, ESV, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in Heaven.” 

In the light and spirit of boasting in the Lord and shining my light to give glory to my Father who is in Heaven, here is the essence of what I’ve read, studied, listened to, learned, and memorized in 2021:

Books, Sermons, Audio Books, Re-reads, and More:

• The Entire Bible re-read, ESV by the One and Only Trinitarian God; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit inspiring human authors.

• The Real Anthony Fauci: Bill Gates, Big Pharma, and the Global War on Democracy and Public Health by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Bruce Wagner, et al.

• Summary Of The Real Anthony Fauci By Robert F. Kennedy Jr.: Bill Gates, Big Pharma, and the Global War on Democracy and Public Health (Children’s Health Defense) by Daniel Tracy

• Torahism: Are Christians Required to Keep the Law of Moses? by R.L. Solberg

• Fault Lines: The Social Justice Movement and Evangelicalism's Looming Catastrophe by Voddie Baucham

• Why I Believe in God by Cornelius Van Til

• My Credo by Cornelius Van Til (read over 200 times)

• The Other Worldview: Exposing Christianity's Greatest Threat by Peter Jones

• On Global Wizardry: Techniques of Pagan Spirituality and a Christian Response by Peter Jones (Editor),  John M. Frame (Foreword)

• Gospel Truth, Pagan Lies: Can You Tell the Difference? by Peter Jones

• Inspired Imperfection: How the Bible's Problems Enhance Its Divine Authority by Gregory A. Boyd (horrible book by the way)

• Victory in Jesus: The Bright Hope of Postmillennialism by Robert Booth (Editor)

• God's Plan for Victory: The Meaning of Post Millennialism By: R. J. Rushdoony

• By What Standard? by Rousas John Rushdoony

• Van Til and the Limits of Reason by Rousas John Rushdoony

• The Ten Commandments of Progressive Christianity (Cruciform Quick) Michael J. Kruger

• Assassin: High Ground Novels, Book 3 By: Doug Casey, John Hunt

• Endgame: Bobby Fischer’s Remarkable Rise and Fall—from America’s Brightest Prodigy to the Edge of Madness By: Frank Brady

• George Whitefield: God’s Anointed Servant in the Great Revival of the Eighteenth Century By: Arnold A. Dallimore

• The Forgotten Trinity: Recovering the Heart of Christian Belief By: James R. White

YouTube Lectures and Debates:

• What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality? Sean McDowell and Matthew Vines in Conversation

• William Lane Craig vs James White - Calvinism vs Molinism on the Problem of Evil

• French Calvinist Philosopher Responds to Critics

• The Romans Nine Debate

• Jeff Durbin and James White debate Greg Clark and Dan Ellis

• Debate Teacher Reacts: Sam Harris vs. Jordan Peterson

• Debate Teacher Reacts to Abortion Arguments | Feat. Ben Shapiro & Steven Crowder

• Debate Teacher Reacts: Trent Horn vs. Matt Dillahunty

• Debate Teacher Reacts: Jeff Durbin & James White vs Greg Clark and Dan Ellis

• Gay Marriage Debate | Doug Wilson & Andrew Sullivan

• Does God Affirm Homosexuality?

• The Predestination Debate - White vs Brown

Audio Teaching:

• Bible Study on the Book of Revelation, 63 hours by Dr. Greg Bahnsen

• Course in Modern Philosophy, 37 hours by Dr. Greg Bahnsen

• Bible Study on the Book of Galatians, 28 hours by Dr. Greg Bahsen

• Law and Grace Study, 3 hours by Dr. Greg Bahnsen

• Dr. Greg Bahsen’s Final Sermon and Memorial Service, 3 hours

• Why I am Postmillennial, 3 hours by Dr. Greg Bahnsen

• Sola Scriptura, 3 hours by Dr. Greg Bahsen

Scriptures Memorized:

Psalm 103:1-5 ESV

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Proverbs 3:5-8 KJV

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.

Jeremiah 9:23-24 ESV

Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.”

Romans 8:28 ESV

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

Hebrews 4:12+13 ESV

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ESV

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

Isaiah 53:4-6 ESV

Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Philippians 1:6 ESV

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

1 Timothy 3:16 ESV

Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Psalm 19:7-11 ESV

The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

Colossians 2:13-15 ESV

And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.

Matthew 28:19-20 ESV

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in 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.

Joshua 1:8+9 ESV

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Romans 6:12-13 ESV

Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness.

Luke 9:23-26 ESV

And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.

Romans 5:6-9 ESV

For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.

2 Corinthians 5:21 ESV

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Galatians 5:22-23 ESV

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Matthew 5:16 ESV

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in Heaven. 

Psalm 1:1-6 KJV

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

Proverbs 26:4+5 ESV

Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes.

Isaiah 26:3 ESV

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.

Isaiah 40:31 ESV

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Isaiah 55:8 ESV

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.

Micah 6:8 ESV

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

Romans 10:17 ESV

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

Psalm 23 KJV

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Memorized from the Westminster Confession Shorter Catechism:

Q.1. What is the chief end of man?

A. Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever. 

Q. 2. What rule hath God given to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him?

A. The Word of God, which is contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him.

Q. 3. What do the Scriptures principally teach?

A. The Scriptures principally teach, what man is to believe concerning God, and what duty God requires of man.

Q.4. What is God?

A. God is a Spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable, in his being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth.

Q. 5. Are there more Gods than one?

A. There is but one only, the living and true God.

Q. 6. How many persons are there in the Godhead?

A. There are three persons in the Godhead: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; and these three are one God, the same in substance, equal in power and glory.

Q. 7. What are the decrees of God?

A. The decrees of God are, his eternal purpose, according to the counsel of his will, whereby, for his own glory, he hath foreordained whatsoever comes to pass.

Q. 8. How doth God execute his decrees?

A. God executeth his decrees in the works of creation and providence.

Q. 9. What is the work of creation?

A. The work of creation is, God’s making all things of nothing, by the word of his power, in the space of six days, and all very good.

Q. 10. How did God create man?

A. God created man male and female, after his own image, in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness,  with dominion over the creatures.

Q. 11. What are God’s works of providence?

A. God’s works of providence are, his most holy, wise, and powerful preserving and governing all his creatures, and all their actions.

Q. 12. What special act of providence did God exercise towards man in the estate wherein he was created?

A. When God had created man, he entered into a covenant of life with him, upon condition of perfect obedience; forbidding him to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, upon pain of death.

Q. 13. Did our first parents continue in the estate wherein they were created?

A. Our first parents, being left to the freedom of their own will, fell from the estate wherein they were created, by sinning against God.

Q. 14. What is sin?

A. Sin is any want of conformity unto, or transgression of, the law of God.

Q. 15. What was the sin whereby our first parents fell from the estate wherein they were created?

A. The sin whereby our first parents fell from the estate wherein they were created, was their eating the forbidden fruit.

Q. 16. Did all mankind fall in Adam’s first transgression?

A. The covenant being made with Adam, not only for himself, but for his posterity; all mankind, descending from him by ordinary generation, sinned in him, and fell with him, in his first transgression.

Q. 17. Into what estate did the fall bring mankind?

A. The fall brought mankind into an estate of sin and misery.

Q. 18. Wherein consists the sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell?

A. The sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell, consists in the guilt of Adam’s first sin, the want of original righteousness, and the corruption of his whole nature, which is commonly called original sin; together with all actual transgressions which proceed from it.

Q. 19. What is the misery of that estate whereinto man fell?

A. All mankind by their fall lost communion with God, are under his wrath and curse, and so made liable to all the miseries of this life, to death itself, and to the pains of hell forever.

Q. 20. Did God leave all mankind to perish in the estate of sin and misery?

A. God, having out of his mere good pleasure, from all eternity, elected some to everlasting life, did enter into a covenant of grace to deliver them out of the estate of sin and misery, and to bring them into an estate of salvation by a Redeemer.

Q. 21. Who is the redeemer of God's elect?

A. The only redeemer of God's elect is the Lord Jesus Christ, who, being the eternal Son of God, became man, and so was, and continueth to be, God and man in two distinct natures, and one person, forever.

Q. 22. How did Christ, being the Son of God, become man?

A. Christ, the Son of God, became man, by taking to himself a true body and a reasonable soul, being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost in the womb of the virgin Mary, and born of her, yet without sin.

Q. 23. What offices doth Christ execute as our redeemer?

A. Christ, as our redeemer, executeth the offices of a prophet, of a priest, and of a king, both in his estate of humiliation and exaltation.

Q. 24. How doth Christ execute the office of a prophet?

A. Christ executeth the office of a prophet, in revealing to us, by his word and Spirit, the will of God for our salvation.

Q. 25. How doth Christ execute the office of a priest?

A. Christ executeth the office of a priest, in his once offering up of himself a sacrifice to satisfy divine justice, and reconcile us to God; and in making continual intercession for us.

Q. 26. How doth Christ execute the office of a king?

A. Christ executeth the office of a king, in subduing us to himself, in ruling and defending us, and in restraining and conquering all his and our enemies.

Q. 27. Wherein did Christ's humiliation consist?

A. Christ's humiliation consisted in his being born, and that in a low condition, made under the law, undergoing the miseries of this life, the wrath of God, and the cursed death of the cross; in being buried, and continuing under the power of death for a time.

Q. 28. Wherein consisteth Christ's exaltation?

A. Christ's exaltation consisteth in his rising again from the dead on the third day, in ascending up into heaven, in sitting at the right hand of God the Father, and in coming to judge the world at the last day.

Q. 29. How are we made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ?

A. We are made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ, by the effectual application of it to us by his Holy Spirit.

Q. 30. How doth the Spirit apply to us the redemption purchased by Christ?

A. The Spirit applieth to us the redemption purchased by Christ, by working faith in us, and thereby uniting us to Christ in our effectual calling.

Q. 31. What is effectual calling?

A. Effectual calling is the work of God's Spirit, whereby, convincing us of our sin and misery, enlightening our minds in the knowledge of Christ, and renewing our wills, he doth persuade and enable us to embrace Jesus Christ, freely offered to us in the gospel.

Q. 32. What benefits do they that are effectually called partake of in this life?

A. They that are effectually called do in this life partake of justification, adoption and sanctification, and the several benefits which in this life do either accompany or flow from them.

Q. 33. What is justification?

A. Justification is an act of God's free grace, wherein he pardoneth all our sins, and accepteth us as righteous in his sight, only for the righteousness of Christ imputed to us, and received by faith alone.

Q. 34. What is adoption?

A. Adoption is an act of God's free grace, whereby we are received into the number, and have a right to all the privileges of, the sons of God.

Q. 35. What is sanctification?

A. Sanctification is the work of God's free grace, whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God, and are enabled more and more to die unto sin, and live unto righteousness.

Porn and the Worship of Satan

The truth is that few things are destroying our culture, even our world, more than high-speed internet pornography. The reality few Christians want to admit and rarely talk about is that many Christians, including pastors, are seriously addicted to porn. 

According to the Bible, any participation in pornography is Satan worship. Even an occasional “innocent” “stumbling” is akin to the ancient practice of once in a while entering into a Satanic pagan temple to “worship.”  There is nothing innocent about anyone, let alone Christians, let alone pastors, participating in pornography in any way, shape, or form. 

The American Church will remain pathetic and anemic, even somewhat destructive to our culture, unless and until it specifically repents of and repudiates the practice of pornography. 

Jesus Christ was very clear that no one can serve two masters. If pornography is part of your life, Satan, not Christ, is your god.

The Scourge of The Professional American Pastor: Part 1 - Mainline

I doubt that anything has hurt the American Church more than the development of the professional pastor. I should know because that is precisely what I was for many years.

I received my professional degree from an accredited seminary that told me and everyone else; that I mastered God.

I was ordained in a branded not-for-profit corporation which gave me exclusive rights to run my own local franchise complete with logos, corporate support, and franchise fees called “apportionments.”

These fees go to pay the salaries of religious administrators who are as helpful and relevant as their secular political counterparts. They are super-professional pastors, so to speak. Their theology is so radical and out of touch with the people of the pew that the only thing that can be done with them is to put them in high positions of ecclesiastical power where they can do less actual damage than when they were pastoring a local franchise.

They promised me upward mobility, a guaranteed salary complete with a house, insurance, and a healthy pension. If I behaved myself and grew my local franchise, they promised me bigger and better franchises along with the higher salary and prestige they afford.

And if I was really successful, I had the possibility of becoming a CEO of sorts, overseeing several franchise holders at once, maybe even receiving the highest honor by being elected into an exclusive club and given the title of “bishop.”

If I had persisted, I would easily have had a several million in my pension account by now.

When I die, they would have eulogized me and placed my picture in the gallery, and used me as an example for all future aspiring professional pastors still wet behind the ears but with great dreams of climbing the 501c3 corporate ladder just like me.

Now wouldn’t that have been grand? All that this would have cost me was my soul. Professional pastors consider this a bargain.

Welcome to the world of the mainline American professional pastor and the demise of the American Church.

Of Hypocrites and Fallen Patriarchs

The fact that the Bible, all throughout, reports that the patriarchs of prominence sinned in every way imaginable does not undermine the veracity of Scripture. In fact, it enhances it.

What other sacred writing plainly exposes the sins of its most venerated religious leaders? Aside from the sinless Son of God, every man is outed as the lairs, cheaters, adulterers, murders, abusers, and charlatans that we are.

I have no choice to include myself among this motley crew. While I haven’t committed all the sins of these patriarchs, I have secretly and blatantly engaged in my fair share. This revelation does not surprise anyone who knows me well, and for that I am deeply ashamed.

However, the good news for all sinful men, past and present, is that God does not leave us in our estate of sin and misery. The only way out is brutal honesty before God and those we have hurt by our sin.

The story of the gospel is God taking us hypocrites and turning us into repentant and forgiven men of God through Jesus Christ, who makes out utmost desire to serve Him with all our hearts.

Open For Debates….

Defending Biblical Christianity

I am open to formal and informal debates, discussions, or public speaking. If any group, organization, religion, or church would like to generate interest or gain understanding through debate with someone from a Reformed Biblical Christian position, please contact me at 860-601-3782 or email me at nhpatterson1962@gmail.com.

Need a Speaker/Preacher?

I am also available to speak/preach at Conferences, Retreats, Groups, Churches, Pulpit supply, lead Bible Studies, Christian Apologetics, Pastoring or Interim Pastoring, and so on.

Qualifications

I have been a Christian for over 45 years and a pastor for over 32 years. Holding a BA in Philosophy from CCSU and an M.Div from Asbury Theological Seminary, I was ordained in the United Methodist Church and the Covenant Presbyterian Church. I have also pastored several local churches, successfully planted a Reformed Presbyterian Church of over 12 years, and acted as chaplain in residence at the Master’s School. In addition, I am pastor/director of The 100th Sheep Ministries and The Religious Society for the Separation of Church and State. My blog can be found at www.NormanPatterson.com. These are not all my qualifications, but they show my background, training, and experience. You can see a full CV here.

Possible Subjects

Possible debate topics could be, but is not limited to:

The sin of 501(c)3 Church Incorporation

The Christian and Civil Government

LTGBQ and Christianity

Christianity and Civil Disobedience

Religious Exemption Issues

Matters related to Calvinism

Presuppositionalism vs. Evidentialism

Biblical Patriarchy

Christianity vs. Atheism

Etc

The Two Word Secret to a Successful Marriage: A Meditation on My Parent’s 62nd Anniversary

Norman and Kathleen Patterson - November 14, 1959

Today is November 14, 2021. For most of you reading this, today isn’t any more special than any other day. However, for Norman and Kathleen Patterson, my beloved Mom and Dad, it is their 62 anniversary. As I write this in my office, I know what’s going on in their home. Dad is letting the dog out, probably getting the paper. Mom is making some coffee and preparing breakfast. They are getting ready to go to church, something that they always did, even before I was born.

Engagement Picture 1959. My Mom was 17.

My Dad will take the stair elevator that someone so generously gave them. His hip is bothering him, and it’s getting harder to walk. In spite of this, he always walks me out to my car when I leave from a visit. My Mom has a “turban” covering her chemo-affected lack of hair. My Dad comments how beautiful she looks with it on, and I believe he means it. 

Norman and Kathleen Patterson with first-born son, Edward Patterson

As my Mother shows the signs of the battle, her eyes grow brighter, more full of Life. Someday, her body and the body of my Dad will no longer be able to contain the power of their Life. They will be absent from the body, at least for a time, until Christ restores everything in this broken and fallen world to the point that their bodies will, once again, be able to contain the fullness that grew and matured over a lifetime of joy and sorrow in Christ.

Kathleen and Norman with Colleen Mary and Edward

Sometime this morning, they are going to do something that they do every day as of late, to share communion together. They will worship, fellowship, and pray for their whole family. It’s just what they do - they pray.

The family with the addition of Yours Truly Norman Junior, or just Jr. for short.

They will pray for their family; their children, their marriages, their grandchildren, and their respective marriages. I know they will pray for me, which I greatly appreciate. My Mom and Dad saved my life as I suffered the tearing asunder of what God forbade. I’m not the only one of the broken they have ministered to. There are hundreds, perhaps thousands, that have been touched by this holy union in the Lord.

Norman and Kathleen with Edward, Colleen, Jr. and Randall John

I know their sorrow over loved ones who choose not to have a relationship with them. When my Mom told me she had cancer, the first thing she talked about was whether they would even care. But the pain doesn’t turn into bitterness in either of them. I have personally witnessed their sorrow and watched their tears run down their faces. Those tears, like the woman who was forgiven much, wash the feet of Jesus. They flow from the broken alabaster hearts of my Mom and Dad. It is why I have hope for the prodigals. 

Edward Patterson

It wasn’t always so with Norman and Kathleen. I know because I remember the fights, the arguing, and the nights filled with pain and despair. But all that changed, and they will be the first to tell you because God intervened in a marriage and two people hell-bound. It was first my Mom who was conquered by the Love and Power of Jesus Christ. My Dad came in second, kicking and screaming like a newborn baby. And here they are decades later, two beautifully transformed people, feeding by faith upon Christ, renewing their love, vows, and souls, even as their bodies go the way of all mankind in this fallen and broken world.

Colleen Mary Patterson Renzullo

I will have breakfast with Mom and Dad in a little while. They will be glad to see me. We’ll chat, tell some stories, wax philosophical and theological on the problems of the world, maybe even share some difficulties we are having, and, before I leave, I will inevitably hear those words, “Let’s pray.”

Officially, the most beautiful baby to have ever been born, me - Jr.

How did they make it 62 years? Why are so many marriages failing? They will tell you that it comes down to those two words - Let’s Pray. They will be the first to tell you that the secret to their marriage is contained in the daily practice of those two simple words. I know that if I had practiced them in my first marriage of 31+ years, things would not have broken down. I also understand that the success of my present marriage is bound up in their practice. I wish I could say I am as faithful as they are to practice them, but I am trying.

Randall John Patterson

Mom and Dad, I can’t tell you how proud I am of you. I am honored to be one of your children. You bless me more than I can say, and I pray God’s blessing to be upon you both today as you celebrate your 62nd anniversary. I pray you can celebrate this side of eternity many more times!

Norman and Kathleen - November 14, 2021

Love you guys lots!

When The World Goes Mad

Mass deception has reached the point where nothing but the gospel of Jesus Christ will prevail. Logic and critical thinking is nonexistent. Science, that time tested empirical methodology, has been replaced with mass hysteria. The medical community has turned their backs on the Hippocratic oath, and the media has opted for Orwellian information manipulation rather than Walter Cronkrite-like  integrity. 

As public schools cover the mouths of children while filling their hearts with fear and their minds with a religion that would make Molech and Dionysus proud, parents line them up like little gineapigs for the pharmaceutical profits approved by past proven corrupt FDA unnecessary jabs. 

The typical 501(c)3 corporate State “church” has joined the madness with preachers promoting religious persecution of wayward sheep who dare to claim religious exemption and preach vaccination conformity while selling branded muzzle masks donning their church’s branded logo for only $2.00. 

And behind it all are the rich globalist who, from past profits, have purchased political power so they can impose their agenda disguised as “law.”

It is in times like these, the only hope, the only response is in the gospel of the one and only self-existing Trinitarian God who has revealed His plan of salvation through Jesus Christ in His self-attesting Bible. 

As our country, yes, the whole world, is plunging into demonic darkness, the only meaningful and effective act Biblical Christians can do is preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. No amount of reason, evidence, or persuasion will work because minds are darkened and hearts have grown hard. The only thing that can and will change this world is a supernatural outpouring of the Holy Spirit of God. 

And so I encourage, no demand any real Christian reading this to get on your face before God and pray for His divine intervention then get up off your face and stop trying to reason other’s way out of spiritual deception, and proclaim, in the best way you know how, the gospel of Christ