Where There is Light, Darkness Cannot Be

By:  Brandon James Scott Scholl 

The bible says in 1 John 1:5 that where there is light, darkness cannot be.  Within that paragraph where that verse, it explains that in the instance of light and darkness, it's talking about Christ and Satan.

   With that thought of Christ being light and Satan being darkness, this got me thinking about two things in particular.  The first, and the smaller of the two thoughts, is without light, darkness is abundant, which I'll explain in a moment.  The other thought is, if you're possessed or were possessed and then later in life went to church and went through being saved, does the fact you were possessed previously mean that you won't end up in Heaven?  That I'll go into more detail next to explain what I mean.

   Now, it isn't like darkness is a complete entity like light is.  Darkness is a primary thing unless there's a light in place, turning darkness away and light taking over that particular place.  In this case, that would have to do with Christ being within the heart of a man or woman who are saved and born again.  Now, with that, it makes me think back to the Fall in the Garden of Eden.  Adam and Eve eat the fruit off the tree of knowledge, and God casts them out of the Garden.  That's when God curses both Man and Woman and man's inherently sinful nature starts throughout the Human race.  With following this thought a little further, it would show that when the bible talks about Christ being the light and Satan and sin being the opposite of what Christ stands for, it would be confirmed that regardless of age or lifestyle, that darkness dwells in you unless you're saved as a Christian.

   This thought may make people uncomfortable if they open their mind up to the complete list of scenarios that this would be applied to.  Whether you're talking about a grandparent that was the best grandparent in all of history and led a life full of giving and charity, then dying.  If there was no light within that person's heart or soul as a result of accepting Christ, that would mean they wouldn't be going to heaven.  Or, the other end of the spectrum, and I know this is the type of thought that people get up in arms about and don't ever want to even think about, but the same would go for a baby that was born and died within it's infancy.  Babies are innocent and may not have even had a chance to choose between making a right or wrong decision.  However, that doesn't change the Word of God simply to make us feel better to sleep at night.

   Think about it.  As a child grows, you don't have to teach them how to steal, cheat, or be violent.  That's all part of human nature.  In fact, you have to teach them the opposite and stop that behavior from being primary.  That's an example of darkness being the state of the soul due to not having the light that is Christ within it.

I went and listened to a guest speaker one night at Northwest Nazarene University here in Idaho.  My girlfriend is now a senior there and she had to listen to the speaker for one of her classes at the time.  While the speaker was talking, he told the audience about what it's like coming from a native american background and becoming saved and fighting with the side of himself that was raised around sweat lodges, and praying to various gods and sacrifices of various sorts.  As he continued, he explained about how he wanted to be educated and no more about the Bible and then go and teach young Native Americans that were in a situation like his and were saved or even simply curious about his beliefs.  He went on about how, when reading the Bible, we shouldn't be reading it within a scope or parameters of what we THINK it should say or mean, but have the Bible and God's Word itself tell us in it's completeness how to live and believe.  RIGHT after he said that, he said that he believes that when an infant or child dies, they automatically go to heaven.  He didn't have a reason as to why this was a correct belief and said they were 100% sure that they would eventually find the scriptures to back up their belief on that.

This is the type of people out there nowadays that believe what they want and take only parts of the Bible that THEY decide, and simply ignore the parts they don't agree with or feel uncomfortable with and simply blame it on the Bible being translated so many times or that it was so long ago that it can't be confirmed that something was ever said or done contrary to their beliefs.

Honestly, there are things I read in the Bible that I wish I didn't even know existed or that I have come across while reading.  But, that doesn't change the fact the Bible says what it does and supports itself by saying that it's God breathed and His words don't come back void.  So, the next time you read something in the Bible that makes you uncomfortable or you don't want to be true, do your research on the matter and see what other scriptures say.  Don't put a set of parameters on the Bible when you read it, but let it put parameters on how you're to live your life and conduct yourself as a man or woman of God.

Supernatural or a Lack of Understanding?

By: Brandon James Scott Scholl

If you have read some of my posts on this blog, you may have noticed that I like to research and question things. Well, this one isn't any different.

I was having a conversation with my mother a few days ago and we were talking about Schizophrenics. To be more specific, we were talking about people with multiple personality disorder. I've heard of situations where someone with multiple personality disorder can have a personality manifest that changes the outward appearance of an individual so much that it actually changes things like eye color or even different health diagnosis such as asthma.

As the conversation continued, my mom told me she believed that it must be people who are possessed. Honestly, I have heard this explanation for not only this topic, but other disorders such as paranoia and people who are bi-polar. Many Christians that I've talked to told me that this is the reason why there are bi-polar people and schizophrenics in the world. It's simply a result from the Fall in the Garden of Eden. But, I'm not convinced.

See, I don't disagree that there are, in fact, situations where people can be possessed and the side effects can mimic multiple personality disorders. But, I think there's more to why people automatically jump to the conclusion of possession with these medical and mental diagnoses. I, personally, believe that possession is something that still happens today. The volume of it happening, however, I"m not exactly sure. I wouldn't claim it's on the rise or it's a high number.

Now, I think the reason why so many Christians jump to the explanation of possession in these situations is because of a lack of understanding of something that is considered unknown. I would relate it to how people used to view fire or other technological advancements as magic or wizardry. I'm sure if you were to take something like a cell phone or perhaps a motorized vehicle back a couple centuries, people would consider you to be casting spells. I relate this situation to the immediate response of possession to multiple personalities and other disorders that we just simply don't understand.

The brain is something that is so powerful and little is known about it. It releases chemicals in certain situations, makes us brilliant or not so intelligent, controls our breathing, makes different parts of our bodies move at different times such as walking or me currently typing this on the computer. I heard of a man who was diagnosed with cancer. He had always heard that laughter was the best medicine so he locked himself in a room and watched all the Three Stooges movies. After doing this, he had cured himself. My question is, how in the world does that work? Obviously there's also a chemical composition involved that the brain released to do this, but what in the brain causes this response in this situation?

So, perhaps the next time you consider something to simply have a supernatural answer because you don't understand it, consider it may be the result of something you simply don't understand. I'm not saying that most things can be explained away because they seem supernatural but aren't. I strongly believe in miracles, possessions, situations, cures, even things that aren't physically or in any way possible to be supernatural. However, I don't think that ALL things that we can't wrap our head around is a supernatural situation. Just something to think about.

Personal Convictions

By: Brandon James Scott Scholl

I had a conversation the other day with a friend of mine about drinking alcohol. Now, as of this moment, he and I are both underage and haven't drank before. However, I won't mind having a drink when I"m older just not with the intent to ever get drunk. He, however, prefers to stay away from most forms of alcohol. Perhaps maybe a glass of wine every blue moon when he's married, but nothing really beyond that. His reason? Because he's crazy and weird enough that he doesn't need anything to alter him.

Now, I don't disagree with him on this at all. In fact, it's a different reason than what I'm used to. This friend of mine wasn't raised as to be afraid of alcohol either. As we continued talking about all of this though, it changed the subject to people and their personal convictions.

A personal conviction, in my own words, is something that perhaps God has or is working on you in your walk of life. An example of this would be something like the type of music that you might listen to. Some people may not have a problem listening to all genres of music while someone else may feel convicted that listening to rap music isn't in their best interest or it simply is just something they shouldn't be around.

In different situations I've dealt with, there are people who believe that a personal conviction that God may be working on within themselves should be preached and pushed on other people as a universal conviction. An example of this is when the person who feels convicted listening to any form of rap music tells all the people they are around that rap music is, let's say, the work of Satan. I have actually worked with people who have told me Rap music as well as loud Rock music has a negative force and undertone in it that is a spiritual attack and we, as Christians, shouldn't take part and listen to it. Perhaps I may consider myself to be a rebel, but I don't see things in this way or even agree with this claim.

See, one of the MANY problems I've seen Christianity start to run into is the belief that we should be the police for every other person that claims to be a Christian. Granted, we are supposed to be able to hold other Brothers and Sisters accountable. However, that doesn't mean that every aspect of our person Christian walk should be explained and applied to everyone. In my experiences, I have been told from numerous people things like "Rock and Rap music are the tools of the Devil", "Psychology and Sociology are wrong because it takes God out of the equation of life", or my personal favorite "Debating about Doctrine and Theology is unbiblical, wrong, and that's what the Enemy simply wants us to do. Instead, we should just simply love and embrace each other because that's what Jesus wants us to do."

To be fair, there are some beliefs that are universal. Things such as,

“You shall have no other gods before Me." ~Exodus 20:3

"You shall not murder." ~Exodus 20:13

It scares me how close minded some Christians can be to these things simply because they can't understand the difference between personal and universal Biblical convictions. It actually is quite sad that it has turned into this type of lifestyle. I mean, people used to do their research and not take people's word on things that they believed. Not because they didn't necessarily trust Pastor So and so, but because they made a point to read their Bible and learn how to apply these doctrines to their life.

So, when you're talking to a Brother or Sister in Christ, or maybe you're talking with friends who perhaps aren't Christians, think about what you're talking about with them. Is what you're talking about a personal or a universal Biblical conviction?

Update

So, due to the high volume of life's consistent amount of drama, paying bills, and attempting to find work, I have been unable to write articles and make videos. However, I have the ability to get back on the article writing and video making paths. Expect more videos than articles but, nonethelss, there will be activity again with Confessions of a Scattered Mind.

See you soon.

~Brandon James Scott Scholl

What is Confessions of a Scattered Mind?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFw8437pIYE

New Videos

New YouTube channel set up. I'll be doing more videos on topics than writing for a while because it's easier to watch than to read necessarily. Leave comments and tell me what you think.

http://www.youtube.com/user/COSM5000

Mormons and Hot Liquids

By: Brandon James Scott Scholl

The other day I had my local Mormon missionaries over for dinner and a discussion.

I finally asked what the whole deal was about not having coffee. So, they directed me to Doctrines and Covenants 89. What is interesting to me is the only thing that has anything to do with Hot drink is verse 9.

"And again, hot drinks are not for the body or the belly"

D&C 89:9

Now, the context of this verse is saying that alcohol and tobacco are not to be used because it's not healthy for the body. The verse that mentions hot drinks is just thrown in there as a side not in a way. When I asked about the history of this verse, they gave me an interesting back story.

At the time, all the men were chewing and spitting tobacco and it was disgusting. So, Smith's wife asked him to ask God about it. So, Joseph Smith got the revelation for this chapter. Now, that's all fine such, but I don't believe in the purity of Joseph Smith in any way, shape or form.

One of the missionaries that was talking to me about this has chronic migraines like I do, and he also takes caffeine as well as I do. So, things like coffee aren't bad because of the caffeine in it at all. However, with the caffeine, what is coffee? Black water?

There's another story I've heard, and although I can't prove it, I like to think of it as quite a plausible theory. It says that Smith's wife asked him to have a revelation to get rid of the tobacco, so he had a revelation. Well, as retaliation, the women in the area stopped inviting Mrs. Smith to their tea parties. So, again, Mrs. Smith asked her husband to have a revelation getting rid of hot liquids.

Something to think about.

The Bible is Reality

By: Brandon James Scott Scholl

Something to think about. If you think about the Bible as truth, you must accept it as a reality. It's not something with a plot you can pick apart. It's a very literal history book. Something that is hard to even put into perspective with that though is Creation. It talks about nothing being around and God hovering. Then, as it goes on explaining creation, these amazing things happen. I mean, we read about land and water coming out of nothingness. Then, we have animals come out of nowhere.

Take it one step further. Between the four Gospels we get an in-depth explanation of the Crucifixion and the ressurection. The simple thought of someone resurrecting and ascending into the air is simply inconceivable. But, when you realize that the Bible is a historical document, even the parts of faith are truth.

Here's the best part, some of it hasn't happened yet. Revelations and the Book of Isaiah talks about the future and the 7 year tribulation with the Anti-Christ. Something along those lines would only be seen in an apocalyptic movie. But, those movies only scrath the surface of what the tribulation and end-times will be like.

So, here's the question that you really want to mull over: Do you really believe what you believe to be real?

Homosexuality, Bi-Sexuality, Trans-Gender Vs. The Bible, Christianity

~Brandon James Scott Scholl

This is going to be quite a touchy subject because homosexuality, bi-sexuality, and trans-gender are becoming more and more abundant in today's society. One of the places in particular that now scares me is within areas of the Christian church or other religious organizations that once claimed to be against such things. So, let's look at it.

Homosexuality, also known as Sodomy in the Bible (Genesis 19), is being attracted to or being sexual with a member of the same gender. Now, Bi-Sexuality is along the same lines. However, a Bi-Sexual is attracted to both their gender as well as the opposite gender. Basically, a Homosexual as well.

So, let's see what the Bible says about it.

"You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination."

~Leviticus 18:22 NASB

"Or do you now know that the unrighteous will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Do not be decieved; neither fornicators, nor idolitars, nor adulterers, nor effeminates, nor homosexuals."

~ 1 Corinthians 6:9 NASB

So, both the Old Testament and the New Testament explain that it's not only an abomination, but also keeps you from inheriting the Kingdom of God. In fact, Leviticus 20:13 says that if someone is caught in homosexuality, they were to be punished by death.

This same basic thought goes for Bi-Sexuals as well. They may be attracted to the opposite gender, but claiming to be Bi-Sexual also means that you're attracted to the same gender. To put it basic, that's homosexuality as well.

Now, what about Trans-Genders? Is it wrong to have your gender changed? Maybe you believe that you were even born in the wrong body. So, the real question you have to ask then is whether or not God makes mistakes. The only way you were born in the wrong body is simply by God screwing up creating you. Let's see if that works or not.

"Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned."

~Romans 5:12

Now, I only posted one scripture here because I believe that Trans-Gender people fall under the same category as Homosexuals. See, when Sin came into the world through Adam, it cut us off. Being confused about whether or not we're the correct gender is the equivalent of slapping God in the face. Like a mug telling the potter that they screwed them up and don't know what they're doing.

Another thing to consider is that when people generally change their gender, they believe it's okay to take on that role. Men who believe they're supposed to be woman will wear wigs, makeup, and clothing to look female. I believe that's called Cross-Dressing last time I checked.

"A woman shall not wear man's clothing, nor shall a man up on a woman's clothing; for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord your God."

Deuteronomy 22:5 NASB

The problem we run into now is that culture and society has bombarded and attacked the Christian community simply because we want to hold onto what we believe in. So, we're retaliated on. The truly sad part of all that is when the Christian churches and groups decide to conform to the view that Homosexuality, Bi-Sexuality, and Trans-gender is okay.

BUT, are we supposed to persecute them? Are we supposed to be evil or mean to them? Absolutely not. We're supposed to love them and witness to them regardless. But, we shouldn't agree with them or tell them it's okay that they are the way they are. Real love is firm as well as comforting.

Bottom line, it's wrong and unbiblical, but we should still love them like Christ loves them, firmly and passionately. This isn't just simply MY view and opinion, but the Bible's view.

Do we have Free Will?

~Brandon James Scott Scholl

So, I've thought over this idea time and time again. Do humans have free will?

Now, I'm not going to right out say yes and no. Mainly because if I do, then people are going to go nuts OR they'll even perhaps stop doing things like witnessing and such as the Great Commission commands us.

Now, before I get into my explanation, let's look at some scripture real quick.

"If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."

~Joshua 24:15 NASB

"Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."

Acts 2:38 NASB

Now, let's break it down for a second.

The first scripture even specifically says "choose for yourselves today whom you will serve." So, we have the ability to decide our salvation, right? The second verse, as with many other verses, say that if we just simply repent, then we'll be saved. So, if we do XYZ, then ABC will happen. We have the ability to choose then, right?

Now, let's look at two scriptures from the other side of the fence.

"Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him In love."

~Ephesians 1:4 NASB

"For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified."

~Ephesians 8:29-31 NASB

So, the first scripture is saying that before the Earth was created, God had chosen the ones that would be seen as perfect. The second explains that those He chose were justified, sanctified, and so on.

So, we've got two sides. One says that we are the ones who claim we make our own decisions also including our salvation. The other claims that we don't have a choice and God is the one who decides who will follow Him and who will turn away from Him.

Now, here's the way I see it. The Bible can't contradict itself. So, one of these sides must explain both of them.

First, if we're the ones that repent and choose to become saved, then why did Christ die on the cross? He was the one that unlocked the ability for us to be saved because Christ was the atoning work. If we didn't need to have something to cover our sins, then Christ was an action that was unnecessary.

Secondly, we can't see past every decision we make. We don't know if tomorrow we'll get in our cars and we'll have a serious accident, save someone's life, or nothing happen at all. From our perspective, we have the ability to choose whatever we want. We may have an idea of the long term either by having goals for ourselves or other various reasons, but that doesn't mean we're mindless robots.

One last thing I wanted to point out. The defense I've heard from everything being predestined is "We'd be mindless robots because we wouldn't have the ability to choose to love God. So, we wouldn't really love him in the first place." My response is simple. When I met my girlfriend, Heather, she already had strong feelings for me. When I told her I loved her for the first time, she knew I was serious about it and honest. However, I also do things and get things for her as another way to express how much I love her. Not because I have to, but because I want to. Through my actions, words, and lifestyle, I show her how much I love her and she falls in love with me more and more. So, am I "making" her love me? Yes. Does that make her a mindless robot with no choice? Nope.

What do you think?

The Pope Vs. Matthew 16:18

~Brandon James Scott Scholl

Matthew 16:18 is one of the most highly debated scriptures about Roman Catholicism. I’ve heard people time and time again claim that it’s the scripture that proves that all popes are successors of the apostle Peter. However, I’ve done my own research and study and I believe I understand it.

First, let’s look at a few scriptures before verse 18 and then the one after it.

“13(Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He was asking His disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" 14And they said, "Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets." 15He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" 16Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."17And Jesus said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18"I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. 19"I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven." ~Matthew 16:13-19 NASB

Okay, now let’s see if we can break this down a little bit.

So, Jesus is talking to the disciples and asking them questions about who people think the Messiah is. All of them explained that people thought all sorts of different people were the Messiah. Then, Christ asked them who they thought it was and Simon Peter explained that He was the Christ. At which point He explained that it wasn’t man that showed Peter this truth, but it was God.

That gives us enough context to now dive into a bit of controversy.

One of the biggest things, as I mentioned before, is the Catholic church believing that this scripture says that Christ’s church will be built upon Peter. This, to them, means that the church will be built upon the leader of all the believers and they believe that to be the pope. However, that’s not what is supported as we dig deeper into this scripture.

Now, some people would start getting upset about now because of how I differentiated “petra” and “Petros”. However, here’s an interesting fact, the same rock that Christ says He’ll build His church on is mentioned the exact same Greek word “Petra” in a few other scriptures that might help you understand what rock He was exactly referring to.

”The Rock! (Petra) His work is perfect, for all His ways are just; A God of faithfulness and without injustice, Righteous and upright is He.” ~Deuteronomy 32:4 NASB


”Do not tremble and do not be afraid;
Have I not long since announced it to you and declared it?
And you are My witnesses
Is there any God besides Me,
Or is there any other Rock? (Petra)
I know of none.” ~Isaiah 44:8 NASB

There are other scriptures that are the same way. 2 Samuel 22:2-3, Psalms 18:31, Romans 9:33. When Rock is mentioned in all of these scriptures, it’s referring to God. Meaning that God is the foundation of what Jesus’ church is built on.

Now, let’s debunk a quick little response from the Catholic Church. Numerous websites that I looked over and the different things that I read from other Catholics explain that the Gospels were actually written in Aramaic originally. They claim that in the Aramaic it can be proven that Peter was meant to be the first pope and start that line. However, to this day, there was never a copy of the Gospels recovered in Aramaic. The farthest back it’s been found is Greek.

Bottom line, the scripture doesn’t support the Catholic church having a pope or using them as a leader of the church that makes decisions. The Catholic church hasn’t used proper exegesis on this section to understand what it says. So, they aren’t listening to what God is telling them to do within their church, they’re listening to a man. When that’s the setup, it’s not Christian or anything like it. And, if my memory serves me right about the Ten Commandments, we aren’t to have idols or anything else before God. If the Catholic church is using the pope as the lead, I believe that would be someone replacing God.

The Christian life & Who's in Charge?

~Brandon James Scott Scholl.

"I didn't say it was going to be easy, I said it was going to be worth it."

That's a quote from a picture that hung in my dad's office with Jesus on it. Of course Jesus never said it but I used to sit and just stare at it and wonder what that meant. At the time I was about 7 and had no idea what it was even referring to. Now, however, I completely understand what it means.

" And you will be hated by all men because of my name: but he who is strong to the end will have salvation."
~Matthew 10:22 BBE

That scripture could not be any truer. When you follow Christ through your calling, life certainly isn't going to be easy. The enemy does whatever he can to destroy us and there are many times that we do get beat down. Yet, thank God for His grace.

For myself, I'm currently going through a rather painful but humbling experience. Since June of 2009 I've had severe muscle spasms and pain in my lower back. After numerous tests I was diagnosed with a bi-lateral broad-based disk bulge between L5-S1 (lower back) that December. After a little while, the pain was manageable and I walked with a cane because of the nerves affecting my left leg. I was prescribed a strong dose of Norco to deal with the pain if necessary. Ever since, my pain is usually a 7 out of 10. This has affected my education, my job, and all other areas of my life.

Earlier this year, I was hit in the lower back and ever since, I have been using a cane again and the Norco is a nightly thing. I went back to my neurosurgeon recently and had an MRI done. The results were that I not only inherited her quite high opiate tolerance, but I also back degeneration for the rest of my life.

A surgery was scheduled for November 15 and I was preparing to handle four months of recover with two months of physical therapy. Earlier this week, however, I received a letter from my insurance saying that my surgery was denied because it was seen as "medically unnecessary".

As of right now we are appealing their decision and resubmitting everything. When I first got that letter and read it, my family was asleep and it was three in the morning. After reading it, the first thing I did was walk around the house and grasp what it meant. More pain, more problems, and the one thing that is the most important through all of this, more time and focus on God.

This morning in church my pastor talked about how sometimes the only way God can get our attention and we run to Him is by simply putting us through trials.

" For the Lord sends punishment on his loved ones; everyone whom he takes as his son has experience of his rod.
It is for your training that you undergo these things; God is acting to you as a father does to his sons; for what son does not have punishment from his father?"
Hebrews 12:6-7 BBE

How else do we learn things except to go through the hard stuff? On the Sunday following September 11, there were hoards of people that went to church because of how devastating the attacks on the World Trade Centers were. Yet, now we want to take God out of EVERYTHING.

When parents have a child hanging in between life and death, you can bet they’re praying. Something big happens in our lives and that’s when we want to think religiously.

God is in control of everything. He’s the one that created everything. The reason why we go through things isn’t simply just because the enemy is always attacking us and we’re having to defend ourselves or ask God for His help. If you look at the story of Job, it wasn’t that the enemy was attacking him because he was doing something he was supposed to, it was because God allowed the enemy to do it. Through the trials and attacks that Job went through, he realized things as well.

What we have to remember is that things aren’t going to be easy when we’re Christians. Life is going to be tough and it’s going to be quite bumpy. Whether it’s problems with friends and family or your surgery was denied by your insurance, God is on the throne and in charge. When you are saved, you don’t get a life that’s going to be simple or become easier just, you get a big bullseye on your back. But even though it’s there, nothing’s going after it unless God allows it. He never gives us more than we can handle, even if the circumstances or events seem otherwise.

Knowing Your Bible and Using It.

~Brandon James Scott Scholl

There's something that I've thought of repeatedly over the last several months and it's been itching at me. For a long time I've had people about my age explain to me that religion or having a world view isn't important right now. What's also rather disturbing to me is that even teens who claim to be Christian say the same thing. I'm not saying all of them but it's becoming more and more frequent. Another worry of mine are the ones who think it is in fact important to have a Christian world view but when you ask them about it, they only mention things you'd learn in Sunday school. There isn't any meat in what they say or how they explain it.

There are several scriptures that address this issue. The first one that comes to mind is 1 Peter 3:15. This scripture is one that ALL Christians should be aware of, regardless of age.

"15 But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence."
~1 Peter 3:15 NASB

Whether you're talking to a friend, co-worker, or even some random Mormon missionary in your neighborhood knocking on your door, you should be able to adequately explain and defend your views to these people.

Now, that's just with ALL Christians in general. I want to focus more on the teens. In Titus, there's a scripture that explains how young people should react and live with being a Christian in a questioning world of today.

"6 Likewise urge the young men to be sensible;
7 in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified,
8 sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us."
~Titus 2:6-8 NASB


Basically, to sum it up, if you claim to be a Christian, you better know your Christian doctrine. This is something that you may not normally hear in a youth group or church today. You may here something mentioned here or there but things have been watered down so much when fed to the younger generations that there is no push or encouragement to learn Christian doctrine.

The standards and lifestyle of Christian teens has been allowed to slack so much, that they biblically can't even consider themselves or call themselves Christians. If a Christian is to give a defense, how are they supposed to do that when they know nothing?

However, I can't say this as a general statement. Back in June of this year I went to Manti, Utah to witness to the Mormons at the Mormon Pageant that they hold there every year. While I was there having discussions with Mormons, I noticed a large group of teens. I'm not talking ages of 18 or 19, more like 15-17. Not only were these teenagers aggressive about getting in there and telling the truth, they were well armed. They had Books of Mormon along with Doctrines & Covenants totally highlighted and marked for any topic brought up. I was really impressed with how well these teens did too. That was a great example of how we should be. We don't have to go out and street witness to Mormons but we should at least know basic Bible.

Now, I'll be specific with this. I'm not saying it's the pastor's fault necessarily, I'm not saying it's the church's fault necessarily either. Both should be attempting to teach their teens this information some way. However, what it ultimately comes down to is the parents.

The Bible says that parents are supposed to raise up godly children. That only works if you teach your children what the Bible says. Sending them somewhere else isn't always going to cut it. There isn't really an excuse you could come up with either. Even if you wanted to say you didn't know much about that stuff, it's a good time for you to start. If you're a Christian parent you should know or be learning basic Christian beliefs.

Just something to consider and think about.

Welcome

~Brandon James Scott Scholl

Okay, so this is a page for a blog I've been writing since November of 2009. In the earliest posts there are things that are completely random and such. That is the reason why this blog is called "Confessions of a Scattered Mind". This blog is meant to challenge you, equip you, and make you think as a Christian and stretch what you think and believe in. Feel free to comment and email us with any questions at scattered.mind@hotmail.com that you would be interested to have answered. Thanks for taking the time to look at the blog articles and enjoy.

Limited Atonement

~Brandon James Scott Scholl

Okay, for those of you who don’t know what Limited Atonement is, let me break it down and explain it to you real quick before we jump into this.

Limited Atonement is one of the 5 points of a theological system that was created by John Calvin in the 1500s. Limited Atonement is the belief that the sins that were atoned for on the cross were the ones of the elect or chosen. Now, if you’re reading this and you’re either fidgeting in your seat or don’t agree, read what I have to say and perhaps even do your own research before making a decision.

Now, if Christ was able to choose His elect but still die for EVERY last human being that had, is, and will ever live, what would be the point of sin? If Christ did in fact die for EVERY single sin ever done by a human being, shouldn’t we all be going to heaven then? That would mean that every man was just given a free ticket to heaven. That kind of thinking would automatically void the bible ever mentioning to follow the commandments or something because we can do whatever we want simply based on we’re covered.

Now, there are several scriptures that use the word “All” that is referring to a multitude of people. However, it doesn’t mean that every individual on the earth is included in this all. However, based on what’s been said in here, let’s look to see if the way we think the word “All” is used, can work.

“And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” ~Mark 13:13. Now, how would this scripture work and how would there be people who were saved if we will be hated by all? What’s been said in Mark 13:13 and the explanation of “all” don’t work together.

“Nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything.” ~Acts 17:25 Now, this scripture does use the word “All” in reference to every human being.

“Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned.” ~Romans 5:12. This explains that “all Men” will die. That doesn’t mesh with scripture either because Elijah (2 Kings 2:11) and Enoch (Genesis 5:21-24) both never died.

Now, because the use of the word all doesn’t mesh with this definition, we have to use a different style of exegesis.

Now, the word “All” can mean many instead of every single individual on the planet. I can have a group of people at my house and say that all went to pizza hut. By that very statement, that doesn’t mean that every person on the earth went to pizza hut. Instead, we see by the context that I’m saying that many people, from the human race, went to pizza hut. More specifically, people that were with me at the time. So, in the context of scriptures that say the word “All” in relation to saved and such, it’s referring to the elect, which is a point of Calvinism.

When God says that He sent His only begotten Son to pay for our sins and then later in the bible He explains that there is an elect or chosen group of individuals for salvation, He means it. If we believe the bible is contradicting itself, we need to check our exegesis of the scripture that seems to contradict. “So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” ~Isaiah 55:11. That scripture is God talking about His word. If He says that He sent Christ to pay for sins and be the atonement and then later says that it was only for his chosen elect that He predestined, then that’s what He means.

Another thing to look at is John 3:16. It’s a very well known scripture but verses 17-18 are interesting. See, God sent His only son but it also says that if you don’t believe, you’re going to perish. Now, how would that be possible if everyone’s sins are simply already paid for in the first place? There would simply be no reason to believe in God or that Christ died for your sins because even though it’s a sin to not believe in Him, we’re still covered so it’s still that free ticket to heaven based on saying that it was for every single human being.

I also want to point out when/if 2 Peter 3:9 is brought up. God would love for every single man to repent and follow Him. However, that’s not how it works. He also knows that if He just simply snapped His fingers and made every single person believe, He wouldn’t be showing His full nature. God is not only merciful and loving but He is also condemning and just. How would it that someone who is just simply gives everyone a free way out of eternal damnation? The best way to show His complete character and nature is to be impartial and send/condemn people to Hell.

Coexist Movement Vs. The Bible

~Brandon James Scott Scholl

For some time now I’ve seen numerous things from bumper stickers to t-shirts with the “Coexist” logo across it. They have the star of David, the cross, the Ying Yang, and the Islamic crescent mood. It’s a foundation and now a movement that is sweeping through America to create complete peace and tolerance between the Jews, Christians, and Muslims. This is a foundation with a goal of not only making sure the public are being educated on the traditions, beliefs, and practices of each religion, but also to create absolute harmony between the these three religions. Basically, what they're promoting is tolerance between these religions as well as everyone else to tolerate them as well.

Now, I will admit this does sound nice and means well but there's an issue with this: It's not biblical.

See, what they want is complete peace and tolerance so that there isn't any fighting. That we are all on the same page as far as understanding each other's religious practices and such and minding our own and staying out of anyone else's. The problem with Christians agreeing to this is the bible tells us otherwise.
In Mark 16:14-20, God commissions for his disciples to go out and preach the Gospel. If we’re to be quite and tolerate other religions practicing their religions, then we would have to simply get rid of the great commission from the Bible.
Next thing you should look at when seeing this is Matthew 7:13-14. When the bible is talking about the two different gates, it’s referring to going to the truth or going to lies. The wide path and the wide gate is the one that is going to have more people travel through it. That’s why it says that the end of that path is destruction and that many will enter through it. The small gate is what leads to life. That’s the one with the truth and the way to Christ.

A third scripture and a support for Matthew 7:14 is John 14:6. This scripture is Christ explaining that the only way to God is through Him. Guess what, God’s in heaven. That would mean that to be getting to heaven, you have to go through Christ. In other words, you’re going to have to go through that small gate that not many choose to be eternally saved from damnation. Hate to make is sound like Hellfire and Brimstone but that’s the best way to explain it.
John 8:24 is another instance of what happens to you if you don’t follow and believe in Christ. Unless you go through Christ, you will die in your sins. That’s pretty clear.

The thing is, there can’t be the type of coexistence that this foundation is attempting to create. These three religions are diverse and have different backgrounds, teachings, and beliefs on salvation. I’m not saying that you shouldn’t be respectful to these types of people because we are to speak in love to them, not hate. That’s what it means in Matthew 5:44.

I, personally, get angry when I see those bumper stickers, shirts, signs, because the people that have those don’t know what they’re truly promoting them. What else is just as scary is that Christians are now jumping on board with this idea of coexistence and absolute tolerance. Just goes to show the level of education that Christians are receiving and giving themselves. The Bible says in 2 Timothy 3:16 that it is the source of what we’re supposed to be learning, teaching, and following.

Mormon Accessories

~Brandon James Scott Scholl

So, I thought I would show you what I found out today. There’s a Mormon family that has decided to create…Mormon CTR (Choose The Right) belt buckles. Don’t believe me? http://www.mormonbuckles.com/ I have to admit, people who don’t know what CTR or what the Mormons believe are going to be interested in this. I mean, I like belt buckles that mean something. I wear a silver superman belt buckle. So, it’s definitely going to grab the attention of some people.

D&C 132:19-20

~Brandon James Scott Scholl

Over the last few weeks I’ve been studying a lot of different things within the religion of Mormonism. In fact, I spent five days in Manti and Salt Lake City, Utah for the Mormon Miracle Pageant. It reminds me of a saying I’ve heard from friends, “So much heresy, so little time.” There were a few things that stuck out to me and some contradictions within the Mormon claims of doctrine now and what their books really say.

A good example is Doctrines and Covenants 132. This chapter talks about marriage and becoming a god. It starts out with the usual, “Thus saith the Lord unto you my servant Joseph Smith…” for about the first 13 verses of this chapter. However, when it finally gets to the interesting part, things get contradictory. This chapter talks about being married in the temple because that means that it’s bound both in the natural as well as the spiritual. It says that if you’re married and not bound in a temple, then you will not be married together in eternity and you will simply be an angel. In fact, it says that if you are married in the world, you won’t be married after the resurrection. What I noticed, however, is that in at the bottom of the page where the references are, there isn’t a scripture mentioned to back up this claim that you’ll be married for all eternity. But, that I’ll write about another time.

The thing I want to focus on the most is Doctrines & Covenants 132:19-20. At the beginning of verse 19, it explains what the requirements are to be married correctly to their standards. Then, it says that they will be given all sorts of things from powers to thrones and so on. What I have a problem with the most is at the end of 19 and most of 20. ”…and they shall pass by the angels, and the gods, which are set there, to their exaltation and glory in all things, as hath been sealed upon their heads, which glory shall be a fulness and a continuation of the seeds forever and ever. 20 Then shall they be gods, because they have no end; therefore shall they be from everlasting to everlasting, because they continue; then shall they be above all, because all things are subject unto them. Then shall they be gods, because they have all power, and the angels are subject unto them.”

Okay, now when you read this, I’m hoping something sticks out to you. If it hasn’t let me give you a hint, it says there are other gods! Now, I don’t know about you but there’s only ONE God. The problem is that D&C is wrong in what it’s teaching. Actually, I believe the correct term is heresy. The bible says that there is only one God (1 Corinthians 8:4, 1 Timothy 6:16). Not only that, but even the demons know that there is only one God. (James 2:19).

Bottom line is this. Doctrines & Covenants is a Mormon book that is used to teach and indoctrinate. It’s to be used with the Bible from what the Mormons say. However, the book contradicts the Bible. How do you follow a religion that is based on something that is not only unbiblical, but also contradictory to God’s Word?

Sowing and Reaping

~Brandon James Scott Scholl

There is a common thing that is written throughout scripture called sowing and reaping. What is it? What does it do exactly? And how does it apply to our lives?

Sowing and reaping is just like a farm’s definition. You put the seeds in the ground and you reap the harvest when they’ve grown, matured.

This idea works throughout our lives in all ways. Whether it be through tithing 10% or even your attitude towards people. For example, if you’re a constantly uplifting when talking to people, that attitude will be given back to you because of the seed you have planted in that
individual about you. However, if you’re a constant downer and angry person, that’s what will return to you.

“Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.” ~Galations 6:7 (ESV)

A personal example of mine is when I use to have Mormon Missionaries over to my home. They were the local guys who would go door to door and talk to people in my area. So I’d have these two guys over about once a week for dinner and have some amazing discussions with them. I got to know them quite personally and respected them quite a bit. During one evening I was talking to them about the trinity as well as baptism for the dead. Near the end of the conversation, they told me they would look into it, do some research, and let me know what they found. True to their word, they brought some scriptures to me to back up their view. I realized that since we had talked about it they never disagreed with me and we would go through scripture and I’d support myself. I saw God give me the ability to plant that seed and I started to watch it grow. Recently, both missionaries have moved on and my house was put on the blacklist with them. I will never see the blooming of that seed but I know it’ll happen.

I may not see the harvest but I will reap the rewards in heaven. The thing that is hard as humans is we look for things here on this earth. But, we have to realize that we build treasures in heaven that surpass anything possible here and won’t wither away.
Another example is when God talks about drawing to you if you draw near to Him. We will reap the reward of that seed that we sowed look and searching for Him.
James 4:8 “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.”

Now, the best way to get your mind a little better around this would be Karma. In a way, sowing and reaping is the same way.

Where Do I Go?

~Royalynne Rose Miller

I have just graduated from high school as of last Saturday, and even though it’s good to have it done with I’ve been in a huge state of confusion since then. I’m sure there are a lot of you out there that can identify with me.

When reading through one of the devotional books I got for graduation I came across this verse:
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way to go; walk in it.” ~Isaiah 30:21 (NIV)

That was a HUGE comfort for me. God’s always going to be there, whispering in my ear, telling me which way to go.

An example of this is College - I honestly had no idea where I was going to go for college this fall until about December of last year. But when I visited Corban University…that voice was there! “This is the way you should go.” I know without a doubt that Corban is where I should be. That is so exciting to me and when you learn to rely on that… there’s so much stress that is just blown away.

Trust in God and that He will lead you. There is so much confusion you can avoid if you just follow Him :)