~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.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Sunday, August 1, 2010
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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
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.
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