In the political comedy "Dave," the president suffers a stroke and is in a vegetative state. Those who the president put into positions of power fear losing that power if the vice president took over. They find a look-a-like to pretend to be him. They make sure that the vice president is sent on good will tours of Africa. The vice president is sent away to get him out of the way. This brings us to Hilary Clinton.
Hilary Clinton appeared to be the heir apparent. She seemed to be the democratic nominee in waiting in 2008. Out of nowhere Barack Obama, capitalizing on those who wanted change from the Clinton years as well as the Bush years. Even though she lost the nomination, she still got a lot of votes. It was one of the closest primaries ever. Many thought that he would have to make her his VP. When he bypassed Hilary for VP, many thought he would have to put her in the cabinet.
When Obama won, many thought she'd be Secretary of State. Many thought that Obama would follow the old adage, "Keep your friends close, but keep your enemies closer." If she were a US senator, she'd be free to speak her mind and could be a nuisance to the president. As Secretary of State, she would not be free to voice opposition. And if she did, she would be replaced. Why would she take this post? She never wanted to be a US Senator. It was to get more visibility. It would appear she was burying the hatchet with Obama.
Remembering the movie Dave, I predicted that Hilary would be going on a lot of goodwill tours in Africa. I predicted that we would never see her. I could not have predicted how right I was. Hilary has been on several tours all around the world. Special envoys who are usually appointed by the Secretary of State have instead been appointed by the president. Most foreign policy decisions have come from the president. If she did not go on all these visits, she would probably have nothing to do.
There is a danger of this back-firing. In the movie, the look-a-like turned on the power brokers and he reigned in the corruption. Could Hilary challenge Obama for the nomination? Think it can't happen? In Indonesia, the foreign minister ran a against the incumbent and won. Obama's quest for control could be his undoing. I'm not saying she will run. This is a big risk. But her ratings are up. She is more popular than President Obama. She still has a strong support base with democrats and independents. President Obama should think twice about sidelining her too much.
Rating the Talk Show Host
Rush Limbaugh
The man who started it all. Rush never went to college and failed many things before making it big in talk radio. He became the voice of opposition in the Clinton administration. When George W. Bush took over, he found it difficult to be independent and still be liked by the administration and Republicans. He started off criticizing Bush when he disagreed with him but found it threatened his ratings so he stopped. He believes in a free market. He is pro life, but opposes single issue voters. He believes in the war on terror and is a supporter of the government industrial complex.
Savage Name
Hush Bimbo, or the Golfer
My Rating
He started off amazing, but he allowed the Bush machine to crush him and he became a mouth piece. He did start the talk radio trend, however.
Sean Hannity
He started off as a fill-in for Rush. He became a co-anchor of Hannity and Colmes and got his own syndicated talk show in 2002. He is very supportive of the free market and opposes all regulations on businesses. He opposes any changes to lifestyle to protect the environment. He was way too close to president Bush. He reflected many of Bushes talking points during his administration.
Savage Name
Wall Banger, Pawn Vannity
My Rating
Many times, he is not original, but regurgitates topics from Rush's show.
Michale Savage
He is an independent conservative. He has done it all. On his show, he talks about everything from politics to health, nutrition, science, religion, even spaghetti. He has equally criticized Clinton Bush, and Obama. He believes in God but also believes in evolution. He does value the Bible and reads it on air.
My Rating
He is my favorite of all the talk show hosts.
Laura Ingraham
Former clerk for Clarence Thomas, she was a host on MSNBC. In addition to her radio talk show, she is also a Fox News contributor. Like Hannity, she is very close to the Republican establishment. She has criticized Bush, especially on immigration.
My Rating
Pretty average.
Glenn Beck
Host of a radio show and just started a show on Fox News. He is a Mormon, but does not talk about it much. He was a republican, but has left the party. He was disgusted by the massive spending during the Bush administration. He has been known to cry on the air.He is trying to start an independent movement.
Savage Name
Hemorrhoid with Ears
My Rating
At times, he seems almost plastic. Savage accuses him of trying to be him. I do enjoy him however.
Rusty Humphries
Began as a Savage fill-in, he was once an independent conservative, but has become very close to the Republican party. His views have become very close to Hannity.
My Rating
I liked him much better when he was independent. Now he is way too close to the Republican establishment for my comfort.
Mike Gallagher
Gallagher is in the top ten of talk show hosts. He is kind of a run-of-the-mill talk show host. He is a republican and supports the republican party.
My Rating
Not great, not bad.
Niel Bortz
He is a member of the libertarian party. He will not discuss abortion. Once in a while he will, but when he does, he makes it clear that he supports abortion. He believes men who oppose abortion do so because they can't stand the thought of a woman controlling her own reproduction. He has made several disparaging comments about women over the air. He supports the fair tax as an alternative to the income tax.
My Rating
I usually support him, but don't like his libertarian views.
Mark Levin
The talk show host with a thick New York accent, which may or may not be real. He recently wrote the book Freedom and Tyranny, which Rush has called a modern day conservative manifesto. He is good friends with Sean Hannity. He often engages in bathroom humor. His styles and views are almost identical to Hannity.
My Rating
If you listen to Hannity, you don't really need to listen to Levin.
The man who started it all. Rush never went to college and failed many things before making it big in talk radio. He became the voice of opposition in the Clinton administration. When George W. Bush took over, he found it difficult to be independent and still be liked by the administration and Republicans. He started off criticizing Bush when he disagreed with him but found it threatened his ratings so he stopped. He believes in a free market. He is pro life, but opposes single issue voters. He believes in the war on terror and is a supporter of the government industrial complex.
Savage Name
Hush Bimbo, or the Golfer
My Rating
He started off amazing, but he allowed the Bush machine to crush him and he became a mouth piece. He did start the talk radio trend, however.
Sean Hannity
He started off as a fill-in for Rush. He became a co-anchor of Hannity and Colmes and got his own syndicated talk show in 2002. He is very supportive of the free market and opposes all regulations on businesses. He opposes any changes to lifestyle to protect the environment. He was way too close to president Bush. He reflected many of Bushes talking points during his administration.
Savage Name
Wall Banger, Pawn Vannity
My Rating
Many times, he is not original, but regurgitates topics from Rush's show.
Michale Savage
He is an independent conservative. He has done it all. On his show, he talks about everything from politics to health, nutrition, science, religion, even spaghetti. He has equally criticized Clinton Bush, and Obama. He believes in God but also believes in evolution. He does value the Bible and reads it on air.
My Rating
He is my favorite of all the talk show hosts.
Laura Ingraham
Former clerk for Clarence Thomas, she was a host on MSNBC. In addition to her radio talk show, she is also a Fox News contributor. Like Hannity, she is very close to the Republican establishment. She has criticized Bush, especially on immigration.
My Rating
Pretty average.
Glenn Beck
Host of a radio show and just started a show on Fox News. He is a Mormon, but does not talk about it much. He was a republican, but has left the party. He was disgusted by the massive spending during the Bush administration. He has been known to cry on the air.He is trying to start an independent movement.
Savage Name
Hemorrhoid with Ears
My Rating
At times, he seems almost plastic. Savage accuses him of trying to be him. I do enjoy him however.
Rusty Humphries
Began as a Savage fill-in, he was once an independent conservative, but has become very close to the Republican party. His views have become very close to Hannity.
My Rating
I liked him much better when he was independent. Now he is way too close to the Republican establishment for my comfort.
Mike Gallagher
Gallagher is in the top ten of talk show hosts. He is kind of a run-of-the-mill talk show host. He is a republican and supports the republican party.
My Rating
Not great, not bad.
Niel Bortz
He is a member of the libertarian party. He will not discuss abortion. Once in a while he will, but when he does, he makes it clear that he supports abortion. He believes men who oppose abortion do so because they can't stand the thought of a woman controlling her own reproduction. He has made several disparaging comments about women over the air. He supports the fair tax as an alternative to the income tax.
My Rating
I usually support him, but don't like his libertarian views.
Mark Levin
The talk show host with a thick New York accent, which may or may not be real. He recently wrote the book Freedom and Tyranny, which Rush has called a modern day conservative manifesto. He is good friends with Sean Hannity. He often engages in bathroom humor. His styles and views are almost identical to Hannity.
My Rating
If you listen to Hannity, you don't really need to listen to Levin.
Types of Political Parties and Philosophies
Republican Party
The republican party is a center right part. It is an alliance of conservatives (faith, family and constitution), evangelicals (faith voters), fiscal (social moderate), libertarians, neo-conservatives (pro business, pro American imperialism), and moderate to liberal.
A Brief History
They began as an anti-slavery party. From 1861 to 1912, they were the dominant party. They were a pro business party in the 1920s. They were an anti-war party in the 1940's. In the 1960's, they became a conservative party. In the 1980's they became an evangelical conservative party. In the 2000's their big issue was national defense.
Views
Mostly pro gun, pro life, pro family, pro strong defense, pro unfettered freedom for businesses, extreme capitalism, believe in US influence over the world, low taxes.
Democratic Party
Center left (heading towards extreme left), it is an alliance of liberal (government out of the bedroom), progressive (government is the answer to all of life's woes), blue dogs (fiscal conservatives), new democrats (center) and libertarians.
Brief history
This party dates back to Jefferson. The party was started to oppose the federal system. Jackson transformed it into the common man's party. Before the civil war, it was a southern pro slavery party. They were pacifists during the civil war. They were a progressive reform party from the 1800's until Wilson. It was a socialist party under FDR. During the Vietnam war, it morphed into an anti war party. Clinton modernized it as more centrist. Obama appears to be bringing it back to FDR.
Libertarian Party
The libertarian party believes less government is best government. They believe government stifles success. They have a live and let live philosophy. They believe in the Monroe doctrine of not being involved in European affairs. Wars should be authorized by declaration of war, not by use of force declarations by congress. They support legalization of drugs. There is no clear consensus on abortion.
Constitution Party
The third largest party by population, it is a Christian reconstructionist party (they want the ten commandments to rule the land). They believe freedom comes from God. Their views on war are similar to the libertarians.
The Green Party
They are the extreme left wing. They believe that government regulations are the only way to save the planet from global warming. They believe government must regulate consumer products to make sure they're safe. They believe in regulation of work environments as well. They oppose the World Trade Organization and NAFTA.
Philosophy
Conservative
Conservatives believe in following the constitution as the law of the land. They believe in traditional values. They do not believe that separation of church and state means that people of faith cannot participate in the political process. They believe in a strong national defense. They believe that the right to carry weapons guarantees freedom. They believe high taxes stifle prosperity.
Liberal
They believe government should be kept out of the bedroom. They believe anything goes. Morality cannot be legislated, so gays should not be discriminated against.
Progressives
They believe that government is the answer to every problem. They believe governments must right every wrong. Many progressives are anti-war.
Libertarian
They believe that people can do whatever they want unless it hurts someone else. They believe laws should only be passed to keep pother people form being hurt. They believe drugs, homosexuality and prostitution does not hurt others, so they should be decriminalized.
Social Conservative
They believe in faith, family and the constitution. Unlike evangelicals, they tend to be Catholic. Usually, they are united with the evangelicals, but they disagreed over Mike Huckabee.
The republican party is a center right part. It is an alliance of conservatives (faith, family and constitution), evangelicals (faith voters), fiscal (social moderate), libertarians, neo-conservatives (pro business, pro American imperialism), and moderate to liberal.
A Brief History
They began as an anti-slavery party. From 1861 to 1912, they were the dominant party. They were a pro business party in the 1920s. They were an anti-war party in the 1940's. In the 1960's, they became a conservative party. In the 1980's they became an evangelical conservative party. In the 2000's their big issue was national defense.
Views
Mostly pro gun, pro life, pro family, pro strong defense, pro unfettered freedom for businesses, extreme capitalism, believe in US influence over the world, low taxes.
Democratic Party
Center left (heading towards extreme left), it is an alliance of liberal (government out of the bedroom), progressive (government is the answer to all of life's woes), blue dogs (fiscal conservatives), new democrats (center) and libertarians.
Brief history
This party dates back to Jefferson. The party was started to oppose the federal system. Jackson transformed it into the common man's party. Before the civil war, it was a southern pro slavery party. They were pacifists during the civil war. They were a progressive reform party from the 1800's until Wilson. It was a socialist party under FDR. During the Vietnam war, it morphed into an anti war party. Clinton modernized it as more centrist. Obama appears to be bringing it back to FDR.
Libertarian Party
The libertarian party believes less government is best government. They believe government stifles success. They have a live and let live philosophy. They believe in the Monroe doctrine of not being involved in European affairs. Wars should be authorized by declaration of war, not by use of force declarations by congress. They support legalization of drugs. There is no clear consensus on abortion.
Constitution Party
The third largest party by population, it is a Christian reconstructionist party (they want the ten commandments to rule the land). They believe freedom comes from God. Their views on war are similar to the libertarians.
The Green Party
They are the extreme left wing. They believe that government regulations are the only way to save the planet from global warming. They believe government must regulate consumer products to make sure they're safe. They believe in regulation of work environments as well. They oppose the World Trade Organization and NAFTA.
Philosophy
Conservative
Conservatives believe in following the constitution as the law of the land. They believe in traditional values. They do not believe that separation of church and state means that people of faith cannot participate in the political process. They believe in a strong national defense. They believe that the right to carry weapons guarantees freedom. They believe high taxes stifle prosperity.
Liberal
They believe government should be kept out of the bedroom. They believe anything goes. Morality cannot be legislated, so gays should not be discriminated against.
Progressives
They believe that government is the answer to every problem. They believe governments must right every wrong. Many progressives are anti-war.
Libertarian
They believe that people can do whatever they want unless it hurts someone else. They believe laws should only be passed to keep pother people form being hurt. They believe drugs, homosexuality and prostitution does not hurt others, so they should be decriminalized.
Social Conservative
They believe in faith, family and the constitution. Unlike evangelicals, they tend to be Catholic. Usually, they are united with the evangelicals, but they disagreed over Mike Huckabee.
Lightning Round with Dan: My Views on Random Subjects
Sarah Pain
I was excited when John McCain asked her to be his running mate. I really liked her views. I became skeptical of her when she supported Miss California. It made me skeptical, but I did not stop supporting her. When she went after David Letterman, that took the cake. I felt like she made a mountain out of a mole hi. Her resignation as governor was the last straw. I will not support Sarah Palin if she seeks the Republican nomination.
Michael Steele
I think he's a very promising up and comer int he Republican party. I would love to see him run from president some day. I do not think he should have capitulated when Rush challenged him.
Out of State Support for Issues
I believe in states rights. I believe Mainers alone should decide whether or not to have gay marriage. I believe both the pro and anti marriage proponents are out of line and should stay out of it.
John MacArthur
Awesome preacher. I agree with him on many issues, including lordship salvation and election. I don't like his confrontation of people he sees as false prophets. I don't like some of the company he keeps.
Gun Rights
The second amendment is an individual right. Although it mentions a well-regulated militia, the constitution says it is the right of the people to keep and bear arms that shall not be infringed.
KJV
I'm a big supporter of the King James version. They believed in the supremacy of God's word. I am not King James only.
Captain Sullenburger
The whole story was overblown. It was a media driven story. I don't consider him a hero.
Star Trek vs. Star Wars
Star Trek is better. It has had much more influence on our culture and technology. It's story lines are better and it has a better fan base.
Environment
I do not support cap and trade. I don't believe in unfettered freedom of businesses. I do not support drilling in the United States. I believe we should pursue alternative technologies.
You Found Me" - The Fray
It is a very raw, in your face kind of song. Some may consider it offensive. I believe many who have experienced loss do feel this way. While many Christians may prefer "I Still Believe" by Jeremy Camp, or "It Is Well With My Soul", I believe that this sincerely shows how some people face loss.
The Star Trek '09 Movie
I loved it. It made me want more. I can't wait for the sequel. I would love to see a series set in the alternate reality.
Classic Rock
At my last job, classic rock played over the music system. The same CD every day. I hated it. But now I'm come to like Kansas, Journey, Queen, Aerosmith and Meatloaf.
Toby Mac
At first I was so sad that DC Talk had gone on an intermission that I did not want to like Toby Mac's solo work. Every time I hear on of his songs, I love almost every one. I do still want DC Talk to be reunited.
Linkin Park
Although they are left wing, and use foul language at times, their musinc is very thought provoking.
Eton John
Yes, he's gay, but he's got realy good music.
Who I want for president
I really would like to see Senator John Thune of South Dakota and Jim Demint of South Carolina, or vise versa.
I was excited when John McCain asked her to be his running mate. I really liked her views. I became skeptical of her when she supported Miss California. It made me skeptical, but I did not stop supporting her. When she went after David Letterman, that took the cake. I felt like she made a mountain out of a mole hi. Her resignation as governor was the last straw. I will not support Sarah Palin if she seeks the Republican nomination.
Michael Steele
I think he's a very promising up and comer int he Republican party. I would love to see him run from president some day. I do not think he should have capitulated when Rush challenged him.
Out of State Support for Issues
I believe in states rights. I believe Mainers alone should decide whether or not to have gay marriage. I believe both the pro and anti marriage proponents are out of line and should stay out of it.
John MacArthur
Awesome preacher. I agree with him on many issues, including lordship salvation and election. I don't like his confrontation of people he sees as false prophets. I don't like some of the company he keeps.
Gun Rights
The second amendment is an individual right. Although it mentions a well-regulated militia, the constitution says it is the right of the people to keep and bear arms that shall not be infringed.
KJV
I'm a big supporter of the King James version. They believed in the supremacy of God's word. I am not King James only.
Captain Sullenburger
The whole story was overblown. It was a media driven story. I don't consider him a hero.
Star Trek vs. Star Wars
Star Trek is better. It has had much more influence on our culture and technology. It's story lines are better and it has a better fan base.
Environment
I do not support cap and trade. I don't believe in unfettered freedom of businesses. I do not support drilling in the United States. I believe we should pursue alternative technologies.
You Found Me" - The Fray
It is a very raw, in your face kind of song. Some may consider it offensive. I believe many who have experienced loss do feel this way. While many Christians may prefer "I Still Believe" by Jeremy Camp, or "It Is Well With My Soul", I believe that this sincerely shows how some people face loss.
The Star Trek '09 Movie
I loved it. It made me want more. I can't wait for the sequel. I would love to see a series set in the alternate reality.
Classic Rock
At my last job, classic rock played over the music system. The same CD every day. I hated it. But now I'm come to like Kansas, Journey, Queen, Aerosmith and Meatloaf.
Toby Mac
At first I was so sad that DC Talk had gone on an intermission that I did not want to like Toby Mac's solo work. Every time I hear on of his songs, I love almost every one. I do still want DC Talk to be reunited.
Linkin Park
Although they are left wing, and use foul language at times, their musinc is very thought provoking.
Eton John
Yes, he's gay, but he's got realy good music.
Who I want for president
I really would like to see Senator John Thune of South Dakota and Jim Demint of South Carolina, or vise versa.
Types of Churches
Fundamentalists
The extreme right wing. They believe in the literal interpretation of the Bible. The believe ion the orthodox teachings of the faith. They are very traditional. Many of them use the King James Version of the Bible. And many of them would consider themselves KJV only. They do not like Christian rock, ecumenical ism, and other Bible versions. There are several schools who hold this view including Bob Jones University, Pensacola Christian college, and Hyles Andersen. They are politically conservative but are not very politically active. They vote but do not participate in the political process like the evangelicals do. A majority of fundamentalists are independent Baptists.
Evangelical
They are cent right. They were descendants of fundamentalists. They believe in the literal interpretation of the Bible but are not as traditional. Most evangelicals allow contemporary music and other Bible versions. They sup[port associating with other Bible believing verses but not Catholics. They are politically active and helped elect Reagan and George W. Bush. Evangelicals include Baptists, Southern Baptists, Pentecostals and Nazarenes.
Neo Evangelicals
Neo Evangelicals were heavily influenced by Billy Graham. It is very similar to Evangelicals, except they do associate with Catholics and some consider them kindred. These churches include the same as evangelicals.
Liturgical Churches
These churches have a rigid structure. Most of the service is printed in the bulletin. The service follows the printed order perfectly. These churches have a hierarchical leadership structure. These churches are either dead or liberal. Some have right doctrine but have not fruit. Others hold liberal, political and theological views. These groups include Methodists, Lutheran, Episcopalian, Presbyterian, Congregation UCC, American Baptist.
Liberal
Many of these churches are engaged in social gospel promoting social causes like feeding the poor. Many engage in left wing liberation theology and/or social justice. They question key doctrines like the supremacy of Christianity over other religions or the Bible as the only word of God. This includes, Methodist, Episcopalians, and Congregational UCC.
Word of Faith
The Word of Faith is a subsection of the Pentecostals. These people do associate with the evangelical and neo Evangelical. They believe in a prosperity gospel. They believe God wants his people to be prosperous. They believe that kingdom kids name it and claim it. This group includes non-denominational and subsections of Pentecostals.
Emergent Church
The newest group in CHristianity. Many profess to be evangelicals. They believe we need to modernize the faith. They say we need to make it relevant for today. Many want to get away from abortion and gay rights and focus on poverty and the environment. Many affirm the teaching of scriptures but do question the importance of absolute truth. There is also the emerging church that believes in the fundamentals of the faith but at the same time embraces casua dress and modern music. There are four lanes of the emerging church. There is a moderate wing, a reformed Cavinist wing, an evangelical and the emergent or liberal wing.
The extreme right wing. They believe in the literal interpretation of the Bible. The believe ion the orthodox teachings of the faith. They are very traditional. Many of them use the King James Version of the Bible. And many of them would consider themselves KJV only. They do not like Christian rock, ecumenical ism, and other Bible versions. There are several schools who hold this view including Bob Jones University, Pensacola Christian college, and Hyles Andersen. They are politically conservative but are not very politically active. They vote but do not participate in the political process like the evangelicals do. A majority of fundamentalists are independent Baptists.
Evangelical
They are cent right. They were descendants of fundamentalists. They believe in the literal interpretation of the Bible but are not as traditional. Most evangelicals allow contemporary music and other Bible versions. They sup[port associating with other Bible believing verses but not Catholics. They are politically active and helped elect Reagan and George W. Bush. Evangelicals include Baptists, Southern Baptists, Pentecostals and Nazarenes.
Neo Evangelicals
Neo Evangelicals were heavily influenced by Billy Graham. It is very similar to Evangelicals, except they do associate with Catholics and some consider them kindred. These churches include the same as evangelicals.
Liturgical Churches
These churches have a rigid structure. Most of the service is printed in the bulletin. The service follows the printed order perfectly. These churches have a hierarchical leadership structure. These churches are either dead or liberal. Some have right doctrine but have not fruit. Others hold liberal, political and theological views. These groups include Methodists, Lutheran, Episcopalian, Presbyterian, Congregation UCC, American Baptist.
Liberal
Many of these churches are engaged in social gospel promoting social causes like feeding the poor. Many engage in left wing liberation theology and/or social justice. They question key doctrines like the supremacy of Christianity over other religions or the Bible as the only word of God. This includes, Methodist, Episcopalians, and Congregational UCC.
Word of Faith
The Word of Faith is a subsection of the Pentecostals. These people do associate with the evangelical and neo Evangelical. They believe in a prosperity gospel. They believe God wants his people to be prosperous. They believe that kingdom kids name it and claim it. This group includes non-denominational and subsections of Pentecostals.
Emergent Church
The newest group in CHristianity. Many profess to be evangelicals. They believe we need to modernize the faith. They say we need to make it relevant for today. Many want to get away from abortion and gay rights and focus on poverty and the environment. Many affirm the teaching of scriptures but do question the importance of absolute truth. There is also the emerging church that believes in the fundamentals of the faith but at the same time embraces casua dress and modern music. There are four lanes of the emerging church. There is a moderate wing, a reformed Cavinist wing, an evangelical and the emergent or liberal wing.
The Top Ten Misapplied Verses
#10 Hebrews 13:5b
"for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."
It is not that it is misapplied, but the interpretation is incomplete. The passage is mainly dealing with coveting. The reason we don't have to covet is because we already have the greatest possession we could ever have: Christ's presence. The emphasis of this verse is lost by only focusing on the second section.
#9 Romans 8:1
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."
Many preachers teach that Christians don't have to fear failing because there is no condemnation. Because we have Christ's righteousness imputed on us, it does not matter that we aren't really righteous. I won't get into disagreements over texts. Even if you accept the NA27 rendering of this verse, it still does not teach a blanket no condemnation. Romans 8:4 says that the righteous requirements of the aw are filled by those who walk in the Spirit. Romans 6:1 commands Christians to reckon themselves dead to sin. While God does give grace to those who messes up, he does not just overlook it as some preachers teach.
#8 Romans 3:23
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God"
While most teachers get the immediate context right, the miss the point. This verse was not meant to be an island unto itself. It is the glue that holds 3:22 and 3:24 together. Romans 3:22 says "Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference." Why is there no difference? Because a have sinned and come short of God's glory. But because of the finished work of God through Christ we are "Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." When we just teach 3:23, we miss the context and a blessing.
#7 Proverbs 22:6
"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
Many parents fail to raise their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Instead of admitting their failure, they claim that this verse is genera truth, not absolute truth. It is not fair to impugn God's word just because of our own failure.
#6 Psalm 118:24
"This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."
We sing it. We pray it. We should be thankful every day we live, but that is not what this verse is taking about. If you look at the previous and following verses, you see it is about the Lord's return at the end of tribulation, and the beginning of the millennial kingdom. That day has been the day the Lord has been waiting for and all creation has been waiting for. The day Jesus our conquering king will finally set things right.
#5 Psalm 2:8
"Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession."
Missionaries claim this as their life verse. They say that God will save the heathen if they ask for it. But if you look at the context, that interpretation does not work. This chapter deals with nations revolting against God. In the previous verse, God the father says to God the son, "ask of me." The heathen are given for judgement not for salvation.
#4 Matthew 7:1
"Judge not, that ye be not judged."
Any time you comment on homosexuality, Catholicism, false doctrine, those who disagree with you quote this verse. Non Christians love this verse and hit us over the head with it every time. Later on this same chapter deals with how to spot false prophets. This verse is not condemning discernment, it is condemning hypocrisy. Verse three talks about how if you see someone with sawdust in your eye and you have a walking stick in your eye, you need to deal with your own eye before trying to take out the sawdust.
#3 2 Chronicles 7:14
"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
This is the mantra of the revivalists. This whole verse hinges on the words "my people" Christians believe it applies to them because we're God's people. This verse, however, was addressed specifically to the people of Israel. The verse talks about their land being healed. and is central to the Abrahamic covenant. It has nothing to do with the church.
#2 Matthew 18:19-20
"Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."
I have heard this verse prayed many times. The Bible does not teach that if we get two or three people together in a "prayer of agreement" God will do whatever we want. This section talks of discipline. It talks of how to deal with sin in the camp. When two or three come to Christ and bind or loose someone from discipline, God will honor it. Even when someone has to be cast out of God's redeemed assembly, God will be with them and bring healing during what is a difficult situation.
#1 Revelation 3:20
"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me."
Evangelists love to use this verse as an invitation verse. This verse is talking about Jesus standing outside of the apostate church begging to come in. Paul washer has said that he has challenged evangelists who use this verse as an invitation. They will acknowledge that it is out of context, but they say wit works so well as an invitation. The Bible is God's truth and we must not handle it lightly.
God's word is just that. It's God's word. God breathed it out to us. We should not turn it into a bite sized couplet that is not faithful to the original text. We must rightly divide the word of truth. Taking these verses out of context does not do that.
"for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."
It is not that it is misapplied, but the interpretation is incomplete. The passage is mainly dealing with coveting. The reason we don't have to covet is because we already have the greatest possession we could ever have: Christ's presence. The emphasis of this verse is lost by only focusing on the second section.
#9 Romans 8:1
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."
Many preachers teach that Christians don't have to fear failing because there is no condemnation. Because we have Christ's righteousness imputed on us, it does not matter that we aren't really righteous. I won't get into disagreements over texts. Even if you accept the NA27 rendering of this verse, it still does not teach a blanket no condemnation. Romans 8:4 says that the righteous requirements of the aw are filled by those who walk in the Spirit. Romans 6:1 commands Christians to reckon themselves dead to sin. While God does give grace to those who messes up, he does not just overlook it as some preachers teach.
#8 Romans 3:23
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God"
While most teachers get the immediate context right, the miss the point. This verse was not meant to be an island unto itself. It is the glue that holds 3:22 and 3:24 together. Romans 3:22 says "Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference." Why is there no difference? Because a have sinned and come short of God's glory. But because of the finished work of God through Christ we are "Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." When we just teach 3:23, we miss the context and a blessing.
#7 Proverbs 22:6
"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
Many parents fail to raise their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Instead of admitting their failure, they claim that this verse is genera truth, not absolute truth. It is not fair to impugn God's word just because of our own failure.
#6 Psalm 118:24
"This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."
We sing it. We pray it. We should be thankful every day we live, but that is not what this verse is taking about. If you look at the previous and following verses, you see it is about the Lord's return at the end of tribulation, and the beginning of the millennial kingdom. That day has been the day the Lord has been waiting for and all creation has been waiting for. The day Jesus our conquering king will finally set things right.
#5 Psalm 2:8
"Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession."
Missionaries claim this as their life verse. They say that God will save the heathen if they ask for it. But if you look at the context, that interpretation does not work. This chapter deals with nations revolting against God. In the previous verse, God the father says to God the son, "ask of me." The heathen are given for judgement not for salvation.
#4 Matthew 7:1
"Judge not, that ye be not judged."
Any time you comment on homosexuality, Catholicism, false doctrine, those who disagree with you quote this verse. Non Christians love this verse and hit us over the head with it every time. Later on this same chapter deals with how to spot false prophets. This verse is not condemning discernment, it is condemning hypocrisy. Verse three talks about how if you see someone with sawdust in your eye and you have a walking stick in your eye, you need to deal with your own eye before trying to take out the sawdust.
#3 2 Chronicles 7:14
"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
This is the mantra of the revivalists. This whole verse hinges on the words "my people" Christians believe it applies to them because we're God's people. This verse, however, was addressed specifically to the people of Israel. The verse talks about their land being healed. and is central to the Abrahamic covenant. It has nothing to do with the church.
#2 Matthew 18:19-20
"Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."
I have heard this verse prayed many times. The Bible does not teach that if we get two or three people together in a "prayer of agreement" God will do whatever we want. This section talks of discipline. It talks of how to deal with sin in the camp. When two or three come to Christ and bind or loose someone from discipline, God will honor it. Even when someone has to be cast out of God's redeemed assembly, God will be with them and bring healing during what is a difficult situation.
#1 Revelation 3:20
"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me."
Evangelists love to use this verse as an invitation verse. This verse is talking about Jesus standing outside of the apostate church begging to come in. Paul washer has said that he has challenged evangelists who use this verse as an invitation. They will acknowledge that it is out of context, but they say wit works so well as an invitation. The Bible is God's truth and we must not handle it lightly.
God's word is just that. It's God's word. God breathed it out to us. We should not turn it into a bite sized couplet that is not faithful to the original text. We must rightly divide the word of truth. Taking these verses out of context does not do that.
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