Anyone else tired of watching the world go down hill?

I wish I knew what to do about it. I can post all day long about why it’s wrong, but God’s already done that. It’s called a conscience. So if man is able to ignore God, surely they are able to ignore me.

I know that in the end days evil will abound. But where is the Holy Spirit? Isn’t that supposed to be overflowing as well?

Perhaps I know why it hasn’t been overflowing in my life. Or this country. In my video, The Passion Promise, Paris Reidhead is quoted saying “…are you using God as an end or a means?” I, for one, have been using Him as a means to my own end. I’ve been so distant from Him, because He hasn’t been anything more to me than a way to fix my life or this country. Maybe a little more. But not enough.

Even writing this out, I noticed that I called the Holy Spirit an it. I don’t think He likes that.
I’ve even started to write sermons based upon what I think the people need, and not what God wants.

There are so many people in this world, myself included, who are capable of declaring war on sin, evil, and the flesh. But instead of using the immense power given to us by God we raise our white flags almost proudly declaring peace with a world that hates Christ. Not for God’s sake, obviously, but for our own selfish desires and ambition.

Who are we that we should even consider our own fate when there are thousands of souls, within and without the church, over whom the Lord weeps?  They will spend an eternity in Hell because I wont spend a minute in surrender sharing the gospel. Shame on me. I deserve a fate worse than theirs.

Who are we that we think we have the right to a comfortable life? We rub the name of Jesus Christ in the mud. He denied comfort and chose instead the most gruesome way to die after living a most humble lifestyle. There are 159,000 Christian slain every year, and I distance myself from them.

Who are we to call ourselves Christians? We use the word so flippantly. I don’t have the right to the word any more than I could call myself a U.S. Marine.

Perhaps nobody does. At least I see that now.

-Cullen Webb
Soldier in Training

Black and white. That is how the law starts out when it is written on our hearts (Romans 2:15.)

But God gave us a clever mind. A mind that is capable of reasoning away anything we wish to. We can convince ourselves that theft is okay, if you take only a little. Or that lying doesn’t matter, so long as nobody gets hurt.
Abortion is no exception to this list of exceptions.
I don’t care who you are. You could be the great grandchild of Adolf Hitler, but if you saw a small child about to be murdered, you would do everything you could to prevent it from happening.

Unless, of course, that child is in the womb.

Our culture has argued itself stupid with abortion, when in its simplest forms, we are killing babies.

They reason that they are not living, yet they feel pain.
They say that they are just extension of the mothers body, no more than a zit, yet it can have a completely different blood type.

I could go on with a list of reasons why I think abortion is wrong. But I’m going to let God do the talking.

The Value of Children (more…)

In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features except for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endless in either direction, had very different headings.

As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read “Brian Moore.” I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one.

And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was. This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn’t match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching.

A file named “Friends” was next to one marked “Friends I have betrayed.” The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird. “Books I Have Read,” “Lies I Have Told,” “Comfort I have Given,” “Jokes I Have Laughed at.” Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: “Things I’ve yelled at my brothers.” Others I couldn’t laugh at: “Things I Have Done in My Anger,” “Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents.”

I never ceased to be surprised by the contents. Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to write each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.

When I pulled out the file marked “Songs I have listened to,” I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn’t found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of music but more by the vast time I knew that file represented.

When I came to a file marked “Lustful Thoughts,” I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size, and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: “No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!”

In insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn’t matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it. Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh.

And then I saw it. The title bore “People I Have Shared the Gospel With.” The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand. And then the tears came. I began to weep.

Sobs so deep that they hurt. They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him. No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn’t bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one? Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn’t anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again.

He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn’t say a word. He just cried with me. Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card. “No!” I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was “No, no, ” as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn’t be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood.

He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards.

I don’t think I’ll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, “It is finished.” I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written.

-Written by Joshua Harris, 1995

You need to watch this. It’s short, but sharp. With a little bit of humor thrown in.

-Cullen Webb

I was given the privilege of speaking at a Revival in Indiana. The pastor is the man who got my dad interested in the Church of God, Indiana.

The meetings all went great, and the Spirit of God was undeniable. But I walked away with a new perspective on church, and realized just how many traditions I have come to accept without even realizing it. I just wrote a post a little while ago rebuking many traditions in the Catholic church, all the while being a hypocrite.

So here is a list of un-biblical things that our country knowingly or unknowingly accepts in the Church.

#1 – The Building

Is there something wrong with the body of Christ owning a building designated for worship? Nope. This isn’t about wrong or counter-biblical traditions, but simply UN-biblical traditions. Things we have that was never expected, mentioned or needed in the New Testament.

The Church used to be based in the homes of the congregation. Normally changing in location week to week. The Amish have kept this aspect of the early Church going to this day.

I don’t think it’d be a bad idea to go without a gym or fancy equipment that can distract. The idea of a home-based Church is almost attractive to me. But the impact and ministry of these things are phenomenal.

#2 – Pastors

Odd, eh?

But the Church of the early days did not have a designated leader per congregation. Each had a table of “elders” who would share the burden and take turns speaking and sharing.

Of course, we have a variety of boards and such today in the Church, but I think it is very easy to have too many people in leadership. Any pastor can attest to this, I am sure.

#3 – Multitudes

Jesus had only 12 in his “congregation” if you don’t mind me calling it that. And most of the spiritual meetings in the NT were only a dozen or so. Since then we have grown accustomed to hundreds if not thousands of members in our Churches.

Of course, it is POSSIBLE for those congregations to have peace and love amongst them, but it is no doubt much more difficult. Keeping a close relationship with a thousand other people every week doesn’t sound like a day of rest to me, personally.

#4 – Schedule

Step #1 – Have worship
Step #2 – Have offering
Step #3 – Listen to sermon
Step #4 – Worship more
Step #5 – Leave

Although structure is not a bad thing at all, and it is obvious that our God is a God of order, this wasn’t what the early Church did. They would meet with great enthusiasm as nobody knew what the Holy Spirit would do next.

#5 – Denominations

This is an obvious one.

Although I don’t give a wooden nickle about whether your are Church of God, Methodist, Baptist or any of that, a great many people do. I have heard stories about people “shunning” others simply because their label.

Something my dad often quotes (I don’t know the source) is:
“Labels either fall off on the way to Heaven or burn off on the way to Hell.”

God bless,
Cullen Webb

This is a hilarious video that I enjoyed very much.

The opening and ending are a little random, but everything else is worth watching!

And I forgot to mention earlier, I found this video reading from Living Journey.

I mean no disrespect to the Catholics who may end up reading this. But I simply cannot take your tradition seriously. I have examined scripture, and have found them to be both pointless and contradictory to the teachings of Jesus Christ.

For example, your near divination of Mary

Take a look at this verse in which Jesus rebukes a woman who praised Mary:

Luke 11:27-28
“And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed [is] the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked. But he said, Yea rather, blessed [are] they that hear the word of God, and keep it.“

Obviously Christ did not see any need to praise his Mother more than any other.

Sainthood

From what I understand, you must perform various miracles and be dead, among other things, to be considered a Saint among the Catholics.

Let us look at another scripture verse regarding Sainthood:

1 Corinthians 1:2
“Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called [to be] saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:”

They’re not dead and there are no miracles to speak of. Why are they regarded as Saints? Because they are sanctified in Jesus Christ.

If that’s not enough for you, here’s another one.

Ephesians 2:19
“Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;”

Ephesians has another troubling opposition to Catholics.

Jesus Christ is the mediator

I quoted Ephesians 2:19, but lets step back a little bit and read what else it has to offer:

Ephesians 2:18
“For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.”

Stop praying to the Saints! Jesus Christ is the only mediator between us and God. Don’t you remember when Saul tried to speak to the prophet Samuel after he had passed away? Was he not rebuked and met with a demon?

Confession

Ephesians 2:8
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.“

Catholics have tried to earn their salvation in a number of ways, including “hail Marys.” Salvation is not for your to earn, but for God to give. Only through his Son Jesus Christ can you be saved.

And no, you are not supposed to confess to a Priest. Look throughout scripture, you will find that the man of God convicts the sinner, and the sinner repents to God.

David for example. He did no apologize to the Prophet who revealed the sin in his life, but rather he fell before God almighty and begged forgiveness.

Here is an account of a dedicated Catholic during confession:

“He told me I was absolved of my sins, and to go in peace.

I stared at him for a moment. “That’s it? Don’t I have to say Hail Marys? Our Fathers? The Creed? The Rosary? Anything?”

He laughed at me and told me to go do a good deed or something.”

The Priest told Her to “do a good deed or something.” How can I take that seriously? How can they argue that as scriptural? The rest of the story can be read here: http://caity.nu/musings/he-laughed-at-my-sins

There are too many holes and contradiction in Catholicism for me to offer any respect.

A few days ago I had an experience so common that most of you have had it happen at least once. I opened my door to find 2 well dressed individuals with a pamphlet they wanted me to read. They were Jehovah’s Witnesses.

I want to take a look at their pamphlet and their most notorious doctrines, and compare them with scripture.

#1 – The divinity of Jesus Christ

This is the doctrine they are most known for. They believe that Jesus Christ is not in any way of divine origin. In fact, they believe that he is Michael the Arch Angel.

They teach that in the beginning, he ruled from Heaven as Michael. Later he was born of a virgin, fully and 100% man. He was not the Christ until after his baptism.

After his death, God destroyed his body and recreated him as Michael. Now fully angel, he will never be seen visibly on earth again. In fact, only 140,000 faithful Jehovah’s Witnesses will ever see him again. The rest will be ruled over by the 140,000.

The primary defense for his mortality, is that we are all “Children of God,” and therefore he was no different than we are.

However, we must look at some scripture.

John 1:14
“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”

Jesus Christ is again referred to as the ONLY begotten of the Father in verse 18:

“No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared [him].”

There we have a very clear description of Jesus Christ. It says he is of the bosom of the Father. This is a big thing when compared to our place in existence.

We must also realize that if Jesus Christ was indeed fully man, it would have been impossible for him to remain sinless. For we are all sinful by nature.

Genesis 8:21
“…for the imagination of man’s heart [is] evil from his youth…”

#2 – The Age of the Earth / Judgment “day”

Something that truly disturbed me was the irreverence for scripture. While reading their pamphlet I saw several references to the idea that scripture is inaccurate if we believe the time line literally. The day-age theory is deeply rooted in their teachings.

For example, it took many thousands of years for God to create the earth. And Judgment day is really thousands of years long.

Let us look at one of my favorite scripture verses:

Proverbs 30:6
“Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.”

Ouch. I don’t think God likes it when we accuse him of being incapable of telling time, or preserving his word.

#3 – The Cross

It is a well enforced belief that Jesus Christ did not die on a cross. But rather a pole. If fact, the cross is seen as a symbol worshiped by us “pagans.”

I cannot help but wonder, “who cares?” It has nothing to do with the wood that he hung on, or the metal that pierced him. It has everything to do with his blood.

I do not understand how people can serve a religion or cult that is so scriptural illiterate as this, yet consider themselves followers of Jesus Christ.

Thank you for reading. Be sure to add any of your thoughts in the comment section.

-Cullen Webb

This video was recently featured on tangle.
It will blow you out of the water as it reveals the aggressive increase in the Islamic population.

Growing up in a larger than normal family has revealed a lot about what people think about having more than 2 kids. I remember hearing a pastor preach at Brooklyn, who said there was an unwritten rule to having kids:
You can only have 2, unless they are both the same gender. Then you can try again.

This is ridiculous. Look at our history! Our Nation has always supported large families. Scripture reveals that it is Gods plan for a family. Referring to children as “arrows” in our quiver.

You will have a larger impact in this world through your children than you ever will preaching, evangelizing, working, or leading.

If you happen to be one of the many who believe that a family should be kept down to size, stop talking like that. Go ahead and live that way, but don’t expect anyone else to kill off our belief system and dwindle our numbers. Stop raising doubts about the financial possibility of a large family. As if God wouldn’t support them.

I better not talk about Abortion in this post. I’m saving that one.

-Cullen Webb

Imagine seeing that in your headlines.

No, it has not yet happened. But I was speaking today with my Grandmother about his declining health, and she brought up the fact that we have been losing a lot of good preachers recently.
Where will America go, once these spiritual leaders have passed. If we think things are bad now, what will happen when Billy is gone?

I think things will get better.

2 Kings 2:9
And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.

Elisha received a double portion of Gods anointing on Elijah. What do you think would be the effects of that? Let us look at the miracles preformed and experienced by both.

Elijah:

• Causing the rain the cease for 3 1/2 years (1 Kings 17:1)
• Being fed by the ravens (1 Kings 17:4)
• Miracle of the barrel of meal and cruse of oil (1 Kings 17:14)
• Resurrection of the widow’s son (1 Kings 17:22)
• Calling of fire from heaven on the altar (1 Kings 18:38)
• Causing it to rain (1 Kings 18:45)
• Prophecy that Ahab’s sons would all be destroyed (1 Kings 21:22)
• Prophecy that Jezebel would be eaten by dogs (1 Kings 21:23)
• Prophecy that Ahaziah would die of his illness (2 Kings 1:4)
• Calling fire from heaven upon the first 50 soldiers (2 Kings 2:10)
• Calling fire from heaven upon the second 50 soldiers (2 Kings 2:12)
• Parting of the Jordan (2 Kings 2:8)
• Prophecy that Elisha should have a double portion of his spirit (2 Kings 2:10)
• Being caught up to heaven in a whirlwind (2 Kings 2:11)

Elisha:

• Parting of the Jordan (2 Kings 2:14)
• Healing of the waters (2 Kings 2:21)
• Curse of the she bears (2 Kings 2:24)
• Filling of the valley with water (2 Kings 3:17)
• Deception of the Moabites with the valley of blood (2 Kings 3:22)
• Miracle of the vessels of oil (2 Kings 4:4)
• Prophecy that the Shunammite woman would have a son (2 Kings 4:16)
• Resurrection of the Shunammite’s son (2 Kings 4:34)
• Healing of the gourds (2 Kings 4:41) 
• Miracle of the bread (2 Kings 4:43)
• Healing of Naaman (2 Kings 5:14)
• Perception of Gehazi’s transgression (2 Kings 5:26)
• Cursing Gehazi with leprosy (2 Kings 5:27)
• Floating of the axe head (2 Kings 6:6)
• Prophecy of the Syrian battle plans (2 Kings 6:9)
• Vision of the chariots (2 Kings 6:17)
• Smiting the Syrian army with blindness (2 Kings 6:18)
• Restoring the sight of the Syrian army (2 Kings 6:20)
• Prophecy of the end of the great famine (2 Kings 7:1)
• Prophecy that the scoffing nobleman would see, but not partake of, the abundance (2 Kings 7:2)
• Deception of the Syrians with the sound of chariots (2 Kings 7:6)
• Prophecy of the seven-year famine (2 Kings 8:1)
• Prophecy of Benhadad’s untimely death (2 Kings 8:10)
• Prophecy of Hazael’s cruelty to Israel (2 Kings 8:12)
• Prophecy that Jehu would smite the house of Ahab (2 Kings 9:7)
• Prophecy that Joash would smite the Syrians at Aphek (2 Kings 13:17)
• Prophecy that Joash would smite Syria thrice but not consume it (2 Kings 13:19)
• Resurrection of the man touched by his bones (2 Kings 13:21)

Surrounding Elijah’s life was 14 miracles. Surrounding Elisha’s life, was 28 miracles. A perfect double.

Imagine that the day Graham passes away, an Evangelist or a humble Christian somewhere becomes anointed two-fold by God. Imagine it were so for every pastor, every evangelist, and every minister.

Scriptures reveal that in the end times, there will be an unprecedented outpouring of the holy spirit. Will this be why?
Good times are ahead of us.

-Cullen Webb