Wednesday, January 07, 2015

THE NATO PROPHECY? [plus- New Things for a New Year- this year WILL BE A YEAR OF CHANGE FOR YOU!- and some Socrates at the end.]

https://ccoutreach87.files.wordpress.com/2015/01/1-6-15-draw-me-a-picture-gods-set-time-socrates-too.zip
https://ccoutreach87.files.wordpress.com/2015/01/albert-on-his-guitar.zip
Last week in the video I noted [Don’t know why to be honest- just ‘came up’] That Russia has a reason to fear NATO- and the U.S. pushed Putin to the edge by our trying to get Ukraine into NATO.

I even said that NATO- in reality- is Russia’s number one threat [because NATO has become a sort of puppet/excuse for the U.S. to invade countries- under the guise of NATO- the media do not report it- but when you see any Western action in countries we invade- the media makes it sound like there is a ‘NATO coalition’ doing it- 99% of the time- it is us].

So- after the post/video- I noticed my blog got a lot of hits from Russia-
 why?

This week Russia released a new military doctrine- and for the first time- ever- they declared NATO as their number one threat.

Now- obviously it wasn’t because I posted it- first.

But I’m sure they were working on this paper for a while- and maybe they wondered how some Christian blogger ‘figured’ it out before they released it- who knows- I just found it interesting.

I also mentioned how I think we are closer to a ‘real’ war- than ever before- the threat being China and Russia- not the other hot spots- I even said you never know if Putin would use Nuke’s.

In the release of their new Doctrine- Russia did indeed say [changed policy] that they lowered their standard for the use of Nuclear weapons- very interesting indeed.

Ok- this week I hope to shoot the video by Bob Hall Pier- off the Gulf of Mexico.

I started the year [2014]- coming back from one of my New Jersey trips- at this spot.
I held one of our first meetings at this spot- committing to God that I would finally do some home groups- this year- which I did.

It was sort of a Vow I felt I needed to keep- and did keep it.

So- as we start the new year- I wanted to simply encourage my on-line friends to seek God for what he would have you to do in this New Year.

Often times we have lots of goals in life- financial- family- etc.
Those of you who have followed my site for a while see that Christ calls us to ‘higher’ things-

I’m not saying these other things don’t matter- but I’m saying that they should not take precedence over the Kingdom of God.
Jesus tells us if we want to be followers of him- we must take up our cross daily- die to our own desires- and seek first the Kingdom.

In scripture- he often challenged rich people to ‘sell it all- give it to the poor- come- follow me- you will have true riches’.

For some of you- it might mean leaving a former lifestyle- yes- actually ‘decreasing’ your wealth potential- for ‘greater wealth’.

The bible says Moses forsook the ‘riches of Egypt’ for a better calling. Hebrews 11:24 by faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;
Hebrews 11:25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
Hebrews 11:26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.


For others- it might be time to leave former sins in the past- Ephesians 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
Ephesians 2:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
Romans 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
Romans 6:2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
Romans 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
Romans 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Romans 6:5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
Romans 6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
Romans 6:7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.
Romans 6:8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:
Romans 6:9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.
Romans 6:10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.
Romans 6:11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 6:12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
Romans 6:13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
Romans 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
Romans 6:15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.
Romans 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
Romans 6:17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
Romans 6:18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
Romans 6:19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.
Romans 6:20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.
Romans 6:21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.
Romans 6:22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.



This year I spoke openly about the sins of the flesh- many Christians struggle- for a lifetime- with stuff.

Some have made a sort of ‘agreement’ with these things- trusting that God will forgive them [of course he will] but then accepting the reality that they will never be free from these things.

That’s not God’s desire for you- he wants you to walk away from that stuff- and be free from bondage.

As we start the new year- I believe our country is heading for trouble- I talked about some of these things in the videos this year- and I don’t mean to alarm people.

But the bible clearly teaches us that everything that can be shaken- will.
  25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh . For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven: 26 Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised , saying , Yet once more I shake not the earth only,but also heaven. 27 And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken , as of things that are made , that those things which cannot be shaken may remain . 28Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: 29 For our God is a consuming fire.

Many American Christians – I fear- have been lulled into a state of false security- they trust too much in the ‘systems’ of the world-

When these systems are shaken to the core- if they are not prepared- they too will be ‘shaken to the core’.

John the Apostle wrote ‘come out of Babylon- so you won’t be partakers of the judgments that are coming upon her’.
1 And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. 2 And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying ,Babylon the great is fallen , is fallen , and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. 3 For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. 4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying , Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. 5 For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities. 

Babylon is not just one country- in my view- but can refer to any world system that believers have too much of a stake in- regardless of where you live.

[Side note- today I’m at Half Price books, they also have a little coffee area with Wi-Fi

For many years the bookstores were a favorite spot for me- I have been an avid reader/book buyer- and have tried to read university level stuff- as opposed to the Pop Culture Christian stuff.

The level you read at- will affect all you do- so- over the years I got rid of a few personal shelves of books- and invested a lot in good stuff- I also ‘ravished’ my public library for many years.

But- the last few years I haven’t read anything new- I have a few unfinished books at the house [Philosophy- etc.] yet- they sit.

So- before I sat down to work- I perused the shelves here at Half Price books [old habits die hard].

I saw one by Gorge Wiegel- a Catholic author I’m familiar with- I read the pre-face- looked good [in the old days I would normally leave the store with a pile of books- this would be one].
Of course I saw the very popular ‘End Times’ stuff- down the road we will get into this- and trust me- this book would not have been in my bag on the way out.

I looked at a few more- and just browsing thru the shelves- you could see the state of American Evangelicalism- and how problematic it [we?] is-

Ok- just wanted to add this note].

This is not in keeping with the actual post for the week [die to your old life- yes- you can overcome sin- and in the end- you must].

But I have been reading thru the book of revelation ‘on the side’ [meaning- I have a regular- daily schedule of reading thru the bible in a consistent way- so when the years go by- yes- I have read every page/book- this is a habit I started many years ago- and as simple as it sounds- it will ground you. Many good Christians get sidetracked because they do not read/see the bible in context [talked about this a bit in last week’s post]- so- daily bible reading- and prayer- are the foundation. Now- I mentioned above that the last few years I have not read [other books] like I did in the past. Warning! Don’t take that to mean ‘all you need is the bible’-

‘John- the bible is the best book out there!’

I agree- but the Church has a 2 thousand year heritage- and I advise reading the great minds that have come from the church- as well as other fields.
The bible tells us to be ‘children’ in faith- meaning we approach God with a teachable spirit- but it also says ‘in understanding be men’.
 Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.

So- just wanted to clarify- I did my homework over the years- that’s why I can take a year- or 2- off [from the deep reading] but I already did the work.]

And down the road I will teach the book of Revelation- but so much of it deals with the faith journey we are on right now-
Many of the symbols are referring to God’s wrath on sin- and how all humanity is in a process of God purging sin from us.
The Great Winepress of the wrath of God- a type of judgment [present and future] that purges us.

The New City [the church] that no one can enter who lives in active sin [thus- repent].

Those who overcome the Beast and his image- they are ‘marked’ on their foreheads- or on their hands- until the process is finished of God redeeming [fully] the purchased possession [us].
Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.- Ephesians

Sin- is also called iniquity- which means sinful lifestyles leave a ‘mark’ on our minds- and actions.

Jesus ‘slays’ the Beast- his great victory removes the Mark of the Beast- from us!

I could go on- at the end of the book we see ALL THINGS NEW- And a promise that those who overcome [yes- you can stop living in active sin] will sit with Christ on his throne- as he sits with the Father.
If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.
Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin , because he is born of God.
For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.- John the Apostle.

The book is really about the great victory of Jesus- and how we too can enter into that victory- in the end- we must.
And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying , Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him? [many feel no one can really ‘war’ with this beast- and those in active sin do indeed ‘worship’ the beast- many feel they can’t function- unless they engage in addictive habits- they ‘love’ it]
And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak , and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed .
And that no man might buy or sell , save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
 And the third angel followed them, saying with aloud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, 10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: 11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name
[note in these verses- the wrath of God is both a present- and future reality- so when we read in the Revelation about the wrath of God- it’s not only future judgment [Hell] but also a present judgment that comes on those who are in sin- [ For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;  Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind;and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,- Paul the Apostle].
And the first went , and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image.
 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast,
And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel ? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast
These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.
And the beast was taken , and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.
And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.

And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image , neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
Now- I do not ‘spiritualize’ everything in the book of Revelation- and over time I might teach the various views on the book [historic- future- a mix of both- etc.]

But what I want you to see in this post is the primary ‘enemy’ that Christ wars against- is Satan’s tactic to deceive man- thru sin- and the way sin effects the mind.
I read a book on addiction a few years ago [read a few] - and one of them was quite interesting.

It was a book on addiction recovery- from those who left AA.
The new program they started [and have good results] was based solely on recognizing the ‘addictive voice’.

Over time- thru many personal stories- they learned that sin/addiction starts in the mind- many testified to the fact that before they sinned- they actually found themselves ‘mouthing’ words like ‘I can’t believe I’m going to do this’

They taught- at that point- reject [rebuke] the voice.
[ that the image of the beast should both speak ,]

Many spoke about images of sin in their ‘mind’s eye’- Jesus warned against sin- saying ‘if your eye is evil- your whole body will be full of darkness’.
As you read these references I posted from revelation- you see an aspect of this

‘Those who worship the beast- and his image’ ‘those MARKED in their minds/hands’.

At the end of the book we read of those who overcame the beast- they ‘stood on a sea of glass- mingled with fire’.

Those who come up out of the waters of baptism [our identification with Christ] ‘stand on a sea’ in a sense-

Yet- it was fire too- I taught this year on the Baptism of Fire

So- the great victory over the beast and his image- is thru the work of the Cross- Jesus- thru his Word- kills this beast.

We are then raised to walk in newness of life- and have authority in the kingdom with him [sit on the throne too- this is actually not the teaching for the week- but I just wanted to give you a flavor of what’s to come].

To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame , and am set down with my Father in his throne.
[1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind;and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved ;) 6 And hath raised us up together , and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:  Ephesians- Note ‘the spirit that now works IN THE CHILDREN of disobedience’- the primary spiritual warfare takes place inside people- Jesus ‘wars’ against the sinful nature of man- the ‘spirit’ working in sinful/lost man].
 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them [Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? Corinthians]: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image , neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands;
To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame , and am set down with my Father in his throne.
1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away ; and there was no more sea. 2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband [This is us- THE CHURCH- THE BRIDE]. 3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying , Behold , the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow,nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away [Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away ; behold , all things are become new. Corinthians] . 5 And he that sat upon the throne said , Behold , I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write : for these words are true and faithful. 6 And he said unto me, It is done . I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 7He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. 8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable , and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers,and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone:which is the second death.
Ephesians 5:1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
Ephesians 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour.
Ephesians 5:3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
Ephesians 5:4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
Ephesians 5:5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
Ephesians 5:6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
Ephesians 5:7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
Ephesians 5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
Galatians 2:17 But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.
Galatians 2:18 For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.
Galatians 2:19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.
Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: neverthless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Galatians 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.


I pulled this next section up from my Philosophy teaching I did last year- figured the quote ‘the unexamined life is not worth living’ would fit with this post- as we begin the new year [2015] it’s good for us to take a look at where we are at- and seek God for changes that need to be made- remember what I taught on ‘Christian recovery from addiction’? Any habit that you stop- for about 30 days- begins a change in the mind- and once you make the first 30 days- have faith that the rest of the year will be ‘new’- this applies to any thing- not just substance abuse [as a side note- on Jan 3- I made 2 years without a single drink- or Zanax- or any meds at all- I add this because I have many friends who count their clean date from the last time they drank- but abuse all types of meds- so- a true clean date- in my mind- is being free from all substances- and sexual sin- which many in recovery do not even recognize as sin/bondage]

Socrates was born around 469-470 BCE.
He is famous for introducing a way of learning that engaged the students in a dialogue- the question would be put on the table- and thru rigorous debate- you would come to an understanding thru the process of questioning.

This is referred to as the Socratic Method.
Socrates came on the scene during the famous Spartan wars.

The other day I watched the movie 300- which depicts the battle between the city state of Athens against the city/state of Sparta.
As you know- the Athenians suffered a great defeat at the hands of the Spartans.
The Spartans were outmanned by the Athenians- but their motto was ‘come back with your shields- or on them’.

They were a true warrior nation- trained to fight from their youth- and this defeat sent the people of Athens into a time of disillusionment.

They questioned the power of their gods- and a sort of malaise fell over Athens after the defeat.

This was when Socrates entered the fray- when the people had many questions about life.

He was called the Gadfly of Athens- a title that would also be given to the 19th century Danish father of existentialism- Soren Kierkegaard.

They were called Gadfly’s- because they were like flies that would pester you- and elicit a response.

The leadership of Athens saw Socrates as one that was stirring up the youth of his day- and creating discontent among the populace.

He rejected the many god’s of the day- but did have a belief in a single deity- he- like the Christians 4 centuries later- would be accused of atheism- because of his rejection of multiple god’s.

He was sentenced to death in 399 BCE- and his form of execution was drinking Hemlock.

His most famous student- Plato- spoke with him before his death.

Many were surprised at how willingly Socrates faced his demise- and this willingness had a great impact on those who witnessed it.

Socrates never wrote anything- but most of what we do know about him comes from the writing of others- most notably from Plato’s Dialogues.
Plato wrote down what Socrates taught- In his writings we see Socrates engaging in this method with various people- thus the name of Plato’s works- Dialogues.

There is a debate about how much of what was written about him was actually true- Plato did add his own ideas into these debates- and the controversy about this is so strong that we actually have a name for it- the ‘Socratic Problem’.
During the time of the disillusionment of the Athenians- there were a group of philosophers known as the Sophists.

The word comes from Sophia- meaning wisdom.

Philosophy itself means The Love of Wisdom.
In our day the words Sophomore- Sophistry and Sophisticated are derived from this root word.

The Sophists were the original Pragmatists.

Pragmatism is a form of belief that says ‘do what works- regardless of the ethical implications’.
We will get to Pragmatism at the end of this whole series on Philosophy.

But for now- we see the division between what Socrates taught- and the Sophists.

Socrates did indeed teach a form of Ethics- which contrasted with the Sophists.
He said that the pursuit of virtue was better than the pursuit of wealth- much like the words of Jesus ‘what does it profit a man if he gain the world- and lose his soul’.

His most famous saying is ‘The unexamined life is not worth living’.

He emphasized the importance of mind over body- which inspired Plato’s philosophy of dividing reality into 2 separate realms- the world of senses and the world of ideas.

Socrates actually challenged the Democratic process- he believed it better for the wise men- the Philosopher Kings- to run the show.
Athens did have a form of Democracy at the time- and because of the rise of the Sophists- and the itinerant teachers- you had sort of an election process- much like in our day- where those who would attain office were those who spoke the best- and made the best public argument.

We elect judges and stuff in our day- and even presidents- not because they are the most capable- but because they ran the best campaign.

So- in a way I agree with Socrates- at times I think we need a better process of electing those to higher office- then the one we have now.

It’s important to note that even though we started this study with Thales- and in the study of Western philosophy it’s commonly understood to have started with Thales.

Yet- Socrates seems to be the Father of philosophy in many ways.
He probably has had the most influence in the field philosophy- and the 2 great philosophers that we’ll get to next come right out from the heels of Socrates [Plato and Aristotle].

Why is this important to note?
As we progress in this study- and get closer to the 19th/20th century philosophers- we will see a trend- away from the idea that there are actually any ethical values- moral virtues- or ‘right or wrong’.

These philosophers dabbled with the idea that values themselves are the cause of man’s problems [Freud].

So- keep in mind- one of the main streams of thought in the early stages of philosophy was that values were indeed the main thing- Socrates challenged the Sophists of his day- he said that moral virtue was very important- that to live life with the values of courage- honesty- self-denial- these were the things that made men good- noble.

The bible says ‘the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom’ ‘those that seek the Lord understand all things’.

Christian tradition would agree with Socrates in many ways- Jesus showed us that the virtue of service to others- to love your fellow man- to honor God- that these were indeed the heart of the matter.

Socrates feared the loss of virtue in society- that if we simply lived for the present time- with no higher values [a form of hedonism] then the foundations of society will erode.
He also believed that it was good to question things- not to simply believe a thing for the sake of believing.

Over time- thru debate and the discourse of other people- he believed you would get to the truth.

The bible says ‘in the multitude of counselors there is safety’.

Yeah- as people have a conversation- as they dialogue- often times they themselves come up with the answer to the question.

The apostle Paul penned the letter to young Timothy- he said ‘preach the word- in doing this you will save yourself- and those that hear you’.

Yeah- when you engage- and even try and teach others- this will have an effect on you too- the actual act of engaging- of teaching- often brings more insight to the one doing the communicating- then the ones who hear.

Yeah- I like Socrates- he believed in what he taught- he drank the Hemlock- knowing full well that his life would pass- but he had belief- faith- that after death man would pass over into another realm- a much better one.

No- he was not ‘Christian’ in the traditional sense of the word- but he was about as close as you could get- for his time.








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