Rev. Jeff Rader

Just look at those that you look down on, and those are the ones that if saved that in heaven will have the elevated statuses. This is in agreement with the biblical stance to not look too highly of oneself." We're all looking to be members of the Bride of Christ. 🌟 Whether the Rapture is going to happen isn't up for debate. The choices are either accept it or miss out. There are no third choices. No one gets to decide for Jesus that they are members of the elect, the chosen, the Bride of Christ. However, to make judgments on who is and isn't the Bride of Christ is to incur potential disqualification. May we repent who all have done this.

While Jesus called Himself the Bridegroom, He never spoke of the Bride outside of the Parable of the Wedding Feast. All Jesus spoke to was imparting salvation and thus eternal life. That parable isn't revisited until the book of Revelation as the explanation of the Parable, and in prophecy form, at that. We get all that "elect = chosen = Bride" stuff from the epistles. Man's doctrines and eisegesis have led many to ignore the Parable, especially in that many are called (drawn/invited) but few are chosen. Chosen for salvation? No. Chosen to be the Bride. All of the guests are saved, as is the Bride. But the guests and the Bride are not one in the same. The point is don't play gatekeeper.

If you don't believe in the Rapture, that's you. Preaching against the Rapture is fraught with risks. The #1 risk is that of being a false teacher. No human has the right to deny others salvation nor the Rapture. 📖

Guarding Our Children's Hearts in a Secular World 🛡️✝️

The sad child doesn't need to be told they're fine when they're clearly not, just because WE'RE uncomfortable with their sadness. The angry child doesn't need to be told to be "nice" -- even nice people get mad sometimes. What children DO need to hear is, "All of your feelings make sense." ~ Sarah R. Moore

I don't know anything else about the author, the quote is simply correct. It's like who doesn't get that things like threatening a crying child by telling him or her that you'll give them something to cry about only exasperates the reason for their crying? Actually, all negative emotional responses to children's behavior are quintessentially out of line with proper parenting.

This isn't about coddling. It's about intelligent parenting. Children cry, lash out, they get depressed and all, just like adults still do. Our rationality is no better than theirs (we're the ones being childish). We stub our toe and cuss, but when we catch a child doing it, we want to wash their mouths with soap. How is that justified? We send our kids to public school, only for them to come back indoctrinated by that environment, and we blame our kids for behaving just like their peers at school. They learn words and ideas that you want to wipe from their memories with a butt-whooping. They learn s*x ed, the way they teach it, which has always invited further exploration among the s*xually curious, and you get pi**ed off about teenage pregnancy.

Parenting is a full-time 24/7/365/18+ job. Yet, it's essential to understand that we've been wrong to let babies "cry it out," meaning letting them get it out of their systems as long as it takes. This practice causes the infant to experience the reality of abandonment and neglect, plus, it imprints those very behaviors onto the baby. It teaches the infant nothing appropriate. Our sentiment that we turned out OK from that kind of parenting and the fact is, NO WE DID NOT. We're the products of generational child abuse going all the way back into the recesses of history, having learned nothing of parenting from God's Word. It's perhaps more rather that we, like the world, think we know better than God.

For individuals dealing with attention deficits and other learning disabilities, the environment plays a crucial role. These neurological conditions, which affect concentration and focus, are not helped by adding more distractions, especially not worry, doubt, and fear. Emotional neglect and inconsistent support from caregivers can exacerbate these challenges, making it even harder for those affected to navigate their daily lives. It's not just about removing distractions but about fostering an environment of support and understanding that acknowledges their unique needs without adding to the emotional turmoil.

The seeds of mental health problems begin to be planted in childhood and become harder on the child (once they grow up), when planted in early childhood. The point here is that we risk making the lives of children born with attention deficit issues harder for them, especially regarding their school years. Actually, the point is that since we don't know ahead of time what challenges our kids face, the earlier the seeds of mental health challenges get planted, the worse off for the child on into adulthood. That's part of why we sequester children to confined environments. Once those seeds are planted, they can't be removed. Going forward, we must be finicky for the sake of our children about who is allowed to be in their lives, even if that hurts those people's feelings, snubs their sense of entitlement, or pi**es them off, since the child comes first. Yes, that goes against the current sensitivities of the geopolitical world, but so what. My point here is that the world, everything extended beyond the sequestered environment, is dangerous in the pandemic sense—not regarding viruses. But those dangerous seeds extend beyond mental health issues, encompassing undesirable (thus dangerous) ideologies, worldviews, geopolitical concerns, sins, unethical behaviors, immorality, criminality, rebellion, anarchy, and so forth. The world has no right to influence nor imprint itself on our kids.

That has been the argument all this time, and Christians are not standing their ground. The world learned from Hi**er's tactics regarding going after the children, effectively brainwashing them into Hi**er youth. We Christians force our children into all that kind/style of indoctrination and ask why they stopped going to church when they no longer have to. It's our fault that we're losing our children to the world, them coming home to have to practice as assignments the teachings of other religions, exploring cross-dressing or gender fluidity, sensitivity towards fringe elements (undesirables), and so forth.

Christian parents, by sending your kids to public school, you're undoing everything you've been teaching them from the Biblical and Christian perspectives. The world is saying we Christians have no rights to change the public school system and they are right. They may have the legal right to require our children to be educated. But the next step in this ongoing process is the institutionalized removal of children from Christian homes. It will be over our dead bodies, if that's what it takes.

The secularization of the American school system began in 1837 with Horace Mann, considered the father of American public education. That's when the secularization of our Christian world began in terms of our children, here in the US. The purpose was to take kids from farming families to indoctrinate them for work in factories, effectively turning out human drones, along with city kids. The idea was to turn all Americans into slaves of the system.

The acceleration of academic learning, particularly for neuro-diverse children, presents another complex layer. Such children might excel academically, often reaching milestones much earlier than their peers. However, this acceleration can overlook the equally critical aspects of their emotional, social, and sometimes even intellectual readiness. The historical move away from one-room schoolhouses, where children of various ages learned together, to grade-separated classrooms, might have contributed to this issue, pushing children into academic environments that do not fully cater to their developmental needs. These environments may propel them towards academic success but leave them unprepared for the emotional and social challenges that come with it, such as entering college at an early age without the requisite maturity.

Christian parents are required by Scripture to protect their children from unhealthy and unchristian influences. This means being vigilant and discerning about the environments we allow our children to be part of, the people we allow into their lives, and the ideologies to which they are exposed. Our primary duty is to ensure that our children grow up with a strong foundation in Christ, equipped to navigate and stand firm against the world's challenges. Guarding our children’s hearts is not just an act of love but a directive from Scripture, compelling us to raise them in a way that they can discern truth from falsehood, right from wrong, and stand firm in their faith amidst a secular world.

✝️ 🛡️ 🌎 📖 ❤️

Suck It Up 😤🛡️

I saw a meme today from a Christian page that embraced being dismissive and unkind towards Christians with differing beliefs, deeply troubling me. This conflict wasn't about Calvinism versus Arminianism. Instead, a "reformed" Arminian was mocking an Eastern Orthodox Christian for venerating icons, adopting a divisive "pick on them, not me" attitude.

Considering the nature of memes, I understand their role in social media culture and the general perception of them as merely tools for online engagement. However, the overlooked aspect is their potential to damage personal and, more importantly, Christ’s reputation. 😔 The trend of aspiring to appear "woke" in a Christian context while simultaneously exhibiting "snowflake" sensitivities conflicts with the essential Christian virtues.

Authentic Christian faith is measured by one's endurance through extensive hardships, a true marker of being among the elect. "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" (2 Timothy 4:7). 💪 This distinction separates the genuinely chosen from those still in preparation, the legitimate disciples from the not fully committed. The life of the elect is characterized by a series of trials and tribulations, akin to those faced by the Apostle Paul. "But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me" (2 Corinthians 12:9). 🌟 These challenges are not mere obstacles but are vital tests of faith, revealing whether one truly loves Christ enough to withstand trials without faltering, echoing the parable of the house built on rock versus the house on sand. "Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock" (Matthew 7:24).

Besides understanding Christ and Him crucified, the only other necessary thing to know is to be ready for the Rapture. This readiness is not just about anticipating an event; it's about living in a manner that reflects our readiness to meet Christ at any moment. ✨🕊️

The observation that the church is becoming increasingly apostate traces back to when Christianity first became legal and then the state religion of Rome. This historical turning point marked the beginning of a journey that would challenge the church's adherence to its doctrinal roots through the centuries. With each generation, there's a growing concern over the church moving further from its foundational beliefs. This highlights the urgent need for a revival of authentic Christianity, a process led by Jesus Himself to move the church away from apostasy. This endeavor did not conclude with the Great Reformation and has extended beyond the Charismatic Renewal, emphasizing that the pursuit of authentic faith is a continual effort guided by Christ. "Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved" (Matthew 24:12-13). 🔥

There are always those that would tell me to look in the mirror. I did and found that not just me but we're all wanting, especially those that call for me to look in the mirror. What needs to be known is that preaching doesn't preclude the preacher. A fact that is too often overlooked. 😇🔍

It is like the church is as asleep as the world, and everyone wants the person speaking up to just shut up and go back to sleep. Only that's not happening. Once you go back to sleep, effectively snubbing Jesus, there is no waking back up to Him as a friend. Those asleep are insulted by the very idea that they're asleep and that their claims to being Christians forgo nap time. 😳💤

No mature adult wants to hear that according to Scripture, they are still but an impetuous child to God. But that's exactly what Scripture is calling all of us and has been since Moses began writing the Torah. It's what the Prophets and the Apostles have told us, over and over. No one follows Christ because everyone follows what they've been taught is following Christ. It's a sign of the times we're in. 📚👶

No one wants to hear that. No one wants to hear that they've wasted their life believing what's false, having wasted all that time, energy, even finances on what amounts to be a pipe dream. Yet time after time, minister after minister come to Christ, finally, after their lives have moved on to the geriatric stage, for finally realizing that as saved as they were, they served man and themselves, not Jesus. 💔💡

The only external event that's going to wake the church up is the Rapture. Once that happens, then there won't be any excuses, nor "yeah, buts." Then it's largely either take the mark and be damned for eternity, or get martyred. For everyone else, it's survival of the fittest. 🌪️✝️

Embodying the Great Physician: A Call to Unconditional Aid and Compassion ✨🙏

In the realm of healthcare and social services, a stark contrast exists between commercial interests, symbolized by the Caduceus, and the genuine ethos of healing represented by the Rod of Asclepius. This divergence mirrors a deeper spiritual dialogue within Christianity, where Jesus Christ, known as the Great Physician, embodies the ultimate form of unconditional aid and compassion, akin to the healing symbolized by the Rod of Asclepius intertwined with the profound significance of the crucifix.

The societal practice of assessing an individual's financial standing before offering assistance reflects a departure from the values of the Rod of Asclepius and neglects the model of the Great Physician. This approach overlooks those suddenly bereft of their independence and support systems, akin to someone unexpectedly losing their sight and their means of securing care. This scenario highlights a broader failure to provide for those in dire need without a safety net, demanding a response inspired by compassion rather than profit.

The scarcity of true Good Samaritans—those who naturally extend help without solicitation, coercion, or expectation of any return, embodying the knowledge that their reward lies solely in the act of assisting others—underscores a failure to live up to the example set by Christ on the crucifix. His crucifixion, paralleling the healing act of Moses lifting the serpent on a pole, serves as a divine manifestation of the Rod of Asclepius. It symbolizes salvation, healing, and a divine mandate to serve others selflessly, drawing all people to Himself as the embodiment of ultimate sacrifice and unconditional love.

In this context, providing aid transforms from a transactional interaction to an act of profound faith and humanity, calling for a radical shift in how support is extended. Inspired by the crucifix and the Rod of Asclepius, and guided by the teachings of Jesus as the Great Physician, this call to action emphasizes support for those in need without precondition, reflecting the boundless compassion and sacrificial love Christ demonstrated.

Thus, the challenge of offering aid is not merely a matter of entitlement or commercial advantage but a profound dialogue on benevolence, empathy, and societal duty, inspired by the Great Physician. Our actions must transcend financial considerations, embodying the altruistic spirit of the Rod of Asclepius and the crucifix. This approach demands a commitment to providing care and support that mirrors the unconditional love and compassion at the heart of true healing and the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.

This spiritual imperative to care for one another, especially in moments of vulnerability, aligns with the essence of medical and humanitarian efforts and calls us to embody the example of the Great Physician in every act of aid. By doing so, we honor not only the symbols of healing and sacrifice but also the profound call to love and support each other unconditionally, as exemplified by Jesus, the ultimate model of the Good Samaritan and the Great Physician.

🕊️💖

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For you Jedi Masters:
# # # A Call for Reformation: Are You Truly Following Christ or Merely Clinging to Idols? 🤔💔

In the pursuit of spiritual growth and understanding, a pressing question confronts every believer: Are we genuinely following Christ ✝️, or are we inadvertently following our idols 🏺, hindered by them? This query probes the depths of our commitment and challenges us to examine the purity of our devotion. As the church strives to navigate the complex landscape of theological paradoxes and divisions, it is imperative to recognize that Jesus is actively moving His church back to its unblemished roots 🌱. These divisions and paradoxes can be seen as blemishes on the Bride of Christ—blemishes that must be removed. This cleansing process is not about awaiting His readiness but about our preparation to meet Him, ready and unblemished. The exploration of profound theological debates, such as the Trinitarian vs. Oneness perspectives, and the tracing of movements like the New Apostolic Reformation through historical reformations, renewals, and revivals, all serve a singular purpose: to unify the church and restore its Apostolic, biblical foundation.

The Christian faith, renowned for its theological depth and spiritual insight, confronts believers with profound paradoxes. These paradoxes challenge us to reconcile the rich traditions of the Apostolic church with the realities of today's diverse Christian community. Central to this endeavor is the theological debate encapsulating the nature of God, particularly illustrated in the Trinitarian vs. Oneness perspectives. This exploration, aiming to navigate these complexities, advocates for a unification within the church that respects historical foundations while engaging contemporary insights.

# # # # The Trinitarian vs. Oneness Debate 🔄

At the core of Christian theology lies the quest to articulate God's nature, yielding two significant viewpoints: Trinitarianism and Oneness theology. Trinitarianism posits God as one essence in three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, emphasizing relational aspects of God's nature. Oneness theology underscores God's singular existence, manifested in different modes. This debate is a microcosm of a larger theological effort to fathom divine mystery, calling for a nuanced approach that values the depth and complexity of God’s revelation.

# # # # Tracing the New Apostolic Reformation Through Historical Movements 🔍

The NAR, advocating for the restoration of apostolic governance and the five-fold ministry, reflects themes from several key movements in church history:

1. **From the Apostolic Church to the RCC** 🏛️
2. **The First Reformation** 📜
3. **Pietism and Methodist Revival** ❤️
4. **Holiness Movement** 🔥
5. **Pentecostalism** 🕊️
6. **Charismatic Renewal** 💫
7. **The NAR** 🌐
8. **Back to a Much More Informed Apostolic (Biblical) Church** 📚

# # # # Necessity of Unification in Foundational and Doctrinal Stance Paradoxes 🌉

Addressing the divide requires engaging with foundational paradoxes such as the Trinity vs. Oneness, Divine Sovereignty vs. Human Free Will, and the Incarnation, as well as doctrinal stance paradoxes like Calvinism vs. Arminianism, and Cessationism vs. Continuationism. This engagement is crucial for removing the divisions and blemishes that detract from the church's purity, ensuring we are ready for Christ's return.

# # # # Scriptural Foundations for Unity 📖

Biblical teachings such as 1 Corinthians 1:10, Ephesians 4:3-6, Romans 14, and Philippians 2:1-2 provide the foundation for unity and understanding. These scriptures advocate for a community that navigates differences with humility, rooted in a commitment to the core doctrines of the faith.

# # # # Toward a Unified Approach 🤝

As we address these paradoxes and divisions, we must remember that the goal is not simply to win theological debates but to prepare ourselves as a unified, unblemished Bride, ready for the return of Christ. This preparation involves a commitment to doctrinal unity, a willingness to embrace contemporary insights, and, most importantly, a steadfast focus on following Christ above all else.

# # # # Conclusion 🌟

The journey through the diverse and rich theological landscape of Christianity, marked by paradoxes and the pursuit of unity, is fundamentally about ensuring that we, as the Bride of Christ, are ready and unblemished for His return. By approaching these challenges with humility, commitment to unity, and a pure focus on Christ, we contribute to the restoration of the church's Apostolic, biblical foundation. This process not only enriches our spiritual lives but also strengthens our collective witness, making us a Bride ready for the Bridegroom.

🙏
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For you jedi knights and grown up padawan learners:

Alright, fellow seekers of truth, let's delve into some spiritual introspection. Today, we're pondering our steadfastness in the faith—are we truly walking the path of Christ, or are we unwittingly straying towards false idols? This contemplation challenges us to assess the sincerity of our commitment and urges us to purify our devotion. As we navigate the intricate terrain of theological discourse and denominational divisions, it's crucial to discern the guiding hand of Christ leading His church back to its authentic origins. These divisions can be likened to imperfections on the body of Christ, imperfections that must be addressed. This refining process isn't contingent upon Christ's timing but rather our readiness to meet Him, unblemished and prepared. Exploring profound theological debates such as the Trinitarian vs. Oneness perspectives, and tracing movements like the New Apostolic Reformation throughout church history, all converge towards a singular goal: the restoration and unification of the church upon its Apostolic, biblical foundation.

The Christian faith, renowned for its theological depth and spiritual insight, confronts adherents with profound paradoxes. These paradoxes compel us to reconcile the ancient traditions of the early church with the diverse realities of contemporary Christianity. Central to this endeavor is the theological dispute concerning the nature of God, notably manifested in the Trinitarian vs. Oneness perspectives. This pursuit, endeavoring to navigate these complexities, advocates for a harmonious convergence within the church that honors historical roots while engaging modern perspectives.

# # # # The Trinitarian vs. Oneness Debate

At the core of Christian theology lies the endeavor to articulate the nature of God, giving rise to two prominent viewpoints: Trinitarianism and Oneness theology. Trinitarianism conceives of God as one essence existing in three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, accentuating the relational aspects of God's nature. Oneness theology, in contrast, underscores God's singular existence, albeit manifested in various modes. This debate encapsulates a broader theological pursuit to comprehend divine mysteries, urging a nuanced approach that respects the depth and complexity of God’s revelation.

# # # # Tracing the New Apostolic Reformation Through Historical Movements

The New Apostolic Reformation, advocating for the restoration of apostolic governance and the five-fold ministry, echoes themes from several pivotal movements in church history:

1. From the Early Church to the Rise of the Roman Catholic Church
2. The Protestant Reformation
3. Pietism and the Methodist Revival
4. The Holiness Movement
5. Pentecostalism
6. The Charismatic Renewal
7. The New Apostolic Reformation
8. Reverting to a More Informed Apostolic (Biblical) Church

# # # # The Imperative of Unity in Foundational and Doctrinal Stance Paradoxes

Addressing these divisions necessitates engaging with foundational paradoxes such as the Trinity vs. Oneness, Divine Sovereignty vs. Human Free Will, and the Incarnation, as well as doctrinal stance paradoxes like Calvinism vs. Arminianism, and Cessationism vs. Continuationism. This engagement is critical for eradicating divisions and imperfections that detract from the church's integrity, ensuring our readiness for the imminent return of Christ.

# # # # Scriptural Foundations for Unity

Biblical teachings such as 1 Corinthians 1:10, Ephesians 4:3-6, Romans 14, and Philippians 2:1-2 serve as the bedrock for unity and mutual understanding. These scriptures advocate for a community that navigates differences with humility, grounded in a commitment to the core tenets of the faith.

# # # # Towards a Unified Approach

As we grapple with these paradoxes and divisions, it's vital to remember that our objective isn't merely to triumph in theological debates but to prepare ourselves as a unified and unblemished Body, awaiting the return of Christ. This preparation necessitates a dedication to doctrinal unity, a receptivity to contemporary insights, and, above all, an unwavering devotion to following Christ.

# # # # Conclusion

Our journey through the intricate theological landscape of Christianity, characterized by paradoxes and the pursuit of unity, is ultimately about ensuring that we, as the Body of Christ, are primed and unblemished for His return. By approaching these challenges with humility, a commitment to unity, and a singular focus on Christ, we contribute to the restoration of the church's Apostolic, biblical foundation. This endeavor not only enriches our spiritual lives but also fortifies our collective witness, rendering us a Body prepared for the Bridegroom.
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Or, For you younglings:
Yo fam, it's time to dive deep into some real talk about our faith journey. Are we truly rolling with Christ or getting sidetracked by all sorts of other stuff? It's like, are we staying true to the main vibe or getting caught up in chasing idols? 🤔💔

So, let's keep it a hundred. The church scene these days is kinda wild, with all these theological debates and divisions. But here's the deal: Jesus is out here trying to get us back to our roots, ya know? He's all about scrubbing away those blemishes and bringing us back to that pure, unfiltered faith. It's not about waiting for Him to get ready; it's about us getting our act together for when He rolls through.

First up, let's chat about the whole Trinitarian vs. Oneness thing. Like, what's the deal with God's nature, right? Trinitarians are all about the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit vibe, while Oneness peeps see God as just different modes. It's like trying to solve a puzzle with no edges, but we gotta respect both sides and find that middle ground.

And yo, peeping into history, we've seen movements like the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) popping up. They're all about bringing back that early church flavor, with apostolic leadership and all that jazz. From way back in the Apostolic Church to now, there's been this journey of rediscovering our roots and getting back to a more legit biblical church vibe.

Now, let's not front. We got some major paradoxes to deal with, like how we balance divine sovereignty with our free will, or how we wrap our heads around the Incarnation. And don't even get me started on Calvinism vs. Arminianism. But here's the deal: we gotta tackle these issues head-on if we wanna clean up the mess and get ready for Jesus' comeback.

And yo, the Bible's been dropping gems on unity since day one. Like, 1 Corinthians, Ephesians, Romans—those joints are all about coming together despite our differences. We gotta keep it real and stay rooted in the core beliefs, ya feel?

So, let's lock in on this journey towards unity, fam. It's not just about winning debates; it's about getting our hearts right for when Jesus pulls up. By staying humble, staying focused on Jesus, and keeping our eyes on the prize, we're setting ourselves up to be that unblemished crew ready to roll with the Bridegroom.

🙏