If people are encouraged to believe that their fellowmen owe them something and that Government will organize to give them such resources, then what might we expect if Government is slow in delivering? Unfulfilled expectations and weariness of waiting will lead the less scrupulous among us to take the resources from those who they perceive to be better off, without regard to any question of how those persons obtained their resources. Further, if they are resisted in making their demands they will kill, as the Bible says: “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy” (John 10:10).

In a society that is being racked by crime and violence the universal solution in the minds of leaders and populace alike seem to be simply to apply harsher penalties. Threats of harsher penalties mean nothing to people who feel that they have nothing to live for – which is the situation with too many in society. The type of hopelessness that leads to aggression, short-temperedness, recklessness and unnatural behaviour can only be remedied by inspiring hope – helping people to feel that there is at least the likelihood of better ahead.

Government should be a facilitator to remove obstacles that would otherwise hinder sustainable productive activity. Tightening of the screws through over-regulation makes it difficult for ordinary people to do virtually anything creative to sustain themselves. Oftentimes the options that are given to them by those who are trying to engineer society do not offer any prospect of their being able, even in the distant future, to live in a manner that even approaches what they would desire. The result is that many people do nothing or resort to crime.

Some people assume that poverty is due only to persons being socially disadvantaged and that others are rich because they are dishonest and employ foul means to acquire wealth. While there are genuine cases of unfortunate circumstances in the situation of some people who are poor and dishonesty in the situation of some people who are rich, such should not be assumed to be the universal reasons for wealth disparity unless there are clear evidences of such. It should be considered, as Longfellow says: “The heights by great men reached and kept were not attained by sudden flight, but they, while their companions slept were upward toiling through the night”. It is just and reasonable that those who exercise themselves much, whether mentally, physically or both should be rewarded in accordance with the produce of their exercise.

Jesus Christ himself speaks of the servants who received talents according to their several abilities; one received five talents, another two and another one. They were rewarded according to their effort (Matt. 25:14-30). Another parable that is less told is the parable of the pounds (Luke 19:12-26). Each of ten servants received one pound each. One gained other nine pounds; another gained other four, while one hid his master’s pound in a napkin. Each was rewarded according to his effort. The poor will never cease out of the land, we are told (Deut. 15:11) because, obviously people will exert themselves to different extents and some will inherit greater advantages than others. The appropriate remedy is to provide opportunity for education for all, promotion of voluntary charity and a limited social safety net, but certainly not a governmental focus on re-distribution of resources.

Carnal desire

There is a carnal desire in humanity to be catered to at the expense of another. If you can get things free, why pay for it. It is to this carnal desire that the redistribution philosophy of social engineering appeals. It provides the masses with vain hopes of receiving scarce benefits from government. But such benefits will, of necessity, get less and less as the motivation to work diminishes. Further, such expectations foster an attitude that is not good for the society in that it leads to diminished effort to produce and increased reliance on welfare charity and hand-outs. Those who foster this type of dependency on government distribution of favours will make promises to the masses, appear to be caring (might even be genuinely so) and win elections while a society sinks gradually into unproductiveness, crime and degradation.

The Bible says that righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people (Proverbs 13:34). It is my view that social engineering as a philosophy of government may foster unrighteousness and could lead to degradation, depending on the underlying principles on which this social engineering is done. The effects of certain approaches supersede the good intentions or lack thereof on the part of those who espouse them. There is an approach to social engineering that is attractive to the carnal nature of humanity and leads to degradation and yet there are other approaches to governance that might not be as attractive, but lead to prosperity. The former approach is dangerous and, as a society, we should always be on the lookout to resist and reject. The latter approach is beneficial and should be sought diligently to effect and apply. Both principles will now be considered.

Social engineering may be inherently unrighteous if it undermines the individual’s right to self-determination under God. The exercise of one’s right to self-determination is the basis of human creativity which leads to discovery, productivity and happiness. Of course, if one’s self-determination leads one to behave in anti-social ways that threaten and hurt others, then the community has a right to limit one’s self-determination. Hence, there are prisons and other remedial systems.

Engineering reflecting mind and creativity of the engineer

If social engineering limits human potential and leads to either exclusion or oppression it should be rejected. The product of an engineering work reflects the mind and creativity of the engineer. While this works well when dealing with inanimate things it does not work when dealing with human beings, each of whom has a mind with its own wealth of creative potential. Social engineering could serve to confine the creative capacity of the entire society within a framework that is contrived by the creative will of one person or a few persons. Those who cannot function within that contrived framework may be excluded. The “one-talent” person (to borrow from the parable of Jesus – Matt. 25:14-30), may find that the one area in which he/she functions best or most comfortably is the one area from which the system excludes his/her participation. True, he/she might not be the best in that area, but he/she may be good enough in that area to make him/her happy and satisfy the requirements of others who appreciate what he/she has to offer.

Thus, social engineering can impose unnatural boundaries on human potential and sometimes force people into unnatural ways of seeking survival and happiness. This leads to discontent, unproductiveness and crime. If some people had their way, governmental power would be used, for example, to force people to do military service. Others would force them to abstain from certain forms of work on a particular day that government might choose. All such actions are contrary to the fundamental right of the individual to chart his/her own destiny within the bounds of normal respect for others.

An approach to governance that is focused on redistribution of resources could foster covetousness, laziness and dependency in the masses while it encourages the dictatorial instincts of those who are weak to resist it. Sometimes a thrust for redistribution of resources appeals to a need to lessen the gap between the ‘haves’ and the ‘have-nots’ and laments the lack of a spirit of voluntarism in order to garner support. But it is unjust to seek to re-distribute resources without regard to the effort or lack of effort that has contributed to the states of ‘have’ or ‘have-not’. While it is a laudable desire to see the poor uplifted, it cannot be done on the basis of the Robin Hood approach which takes from those who have to give to those who don’t have. Re-distribution is just if it is voluntary, based on love rather than governmental imposition

Dr. Colin Gyles shows that the trinity doctrine distorts the reality of Christ’s death and leads to the belief that there is a part of a person that is still alive when they are dead, hence opening a door for demon spirits to interact with people who think that these spirits are their departed loved ones. The trinity further leads to the worship of Satan who wanted to be God alongside the Father and the Son, as the third member of the heavenly council.

Click here to watch Dr. Colin Gyles Linking Trinity to Spiritualism ….  Part 1

Click here to watch Dr. Colin Gyles Linking Trinity to Spiritualism …. Part 2

Click here to watch Dr. Colin Gyles Linking Trinity to Spiritualism …. Part 3

Dr. Colin Gyles speaks on the seventh day Sabbath as a sign that God created the world in six days. By keeping the seventh day Sabbath, one is acknowledging the power of God as the Creator. To do otherwise is to deny the Power. He encourages every soul to be subject to the Higher Power.

Click here to watch Dr. Colin Gyles Acknowledging the Power

Righteousness in civil government is centred in the principle of human equality. The type of government that operates in a country is a major factor in determining the life chances of the people living in that country. Many of the choices we make routinely and take for granted in free societies could be made for us without our input and regardless of our preferences if we were governed by a dictator.

The difference between nations that are relatively free and prosperous and those that are not is not due to inherent differences in ethnicity, climatic conditions, natural resources or genetic endowments but rather due to the underlying principles that are applied in the way they organize and manage their affairs. Principles are greater than people and success as a nation is not based on who we are but based on what we stand for and practice.

What is often overlooked, however, is that the view of origins that is being represented as the scientific position does not reflect or accord with the views of some of the most notable scientists of all time and pioneers of modern science, including Sir Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein, both physicists.  Newton, Einstein and others saw such order in the universe that they could not attribute to random chance.

Sir Isaac Newton (left) and Albert Einstein – they and others saw such order in the universe that they could not attribute to chance

According to Newton, who wrote more on religion than he did on natural science, the world was created by God along rational and universal principles and these principles were available for all people to discover (Principia, Book III; cited in Newton’s Philosophy of Nature: Selections from his writings, p. 42, ed. H. S. Thayer, Hafner Library of Classics, N. Y. 1953).  It is reported that an atheist colleague of Newton saw a model solar system on Newton’s desk and asked who made it.  Newton said nobody did.  After smiling at what he thought was a joke, the colleague repeated his question, obviously unable to accept that nobody made the model.  Newton simply pointed out the absurdity of his being unable to accept that the model was made by nobody while accepting that the real thing of which the model was only a crude representation came about by chance.

Albert Einstein in his book “The Evolution of Physics: from early concepts to relativity and quanta” written jointly with his collaborator, Leopold Infeld dismisses the idea that events in nature are purely attributable to chance.  In the foreword, written by Walter Isaacson, Einstein is quoted as saying “Some physicists, among them myself, cannot believe that we must accept the view that events in nature are analogous to a game of chance”.  Einstein continues, “Well, a priori, one should expect a chaotic world which cannot be grasped by the mind in any way.”  In his words, “There lies the weakness of positivists and professional atheists”.

The matter of basic origins cannot be determined at the level of biology except by extrapolating backwards into the realm of physics and mathematics.  Biology is built on chemistry as the understanding of the complex molecular building blocks of life such as carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and DNA is based on the fundamental understanding of atoms and molecules in general which is the realm of chemistry.  Chemistry is built on physics as the understanding of atoms and molecules is based on the fundamental understanding of the nature and characteristics of the forces and sub-atomic wave/particles elucidated by quantum mechanics which is the realm of physics.  Physics is built on mathematics as the understanding of the physical world is based on the use of physical quantities which give to the forces, matter, wave/particles and energy that make up the physical world numeric descriptions, which is the realm of mathematics.

At such levels that are closer to the root of the tree of origins, the most authoritative pioneers of modern scientific thought saw a level of order that they could not rationally attribute to chance.  Einstein considered that a reality exists that is independent of our ability to observe it.  As Einstein said “physics is an attempt conceptually to grasp reality as it is, thought independently of its being observed”.

While there is evidence that some new species have developed through an evolutionary process, it seems contrary to reason, contrary to foundational physical laws and mathematically improbable that such evolutionary processes could be extrapolated indefinitely backwards in time to account for all living species.  For some Christians who are practicing scientists, there is no conflict between faith and science as faith tells them why God works while science helps them to understand how God works.  In the words of Sir Isaac Newton, “Gravity explains the motions of the planets, but it cannot explain who sets the planets in motion.  God governs all things and knows all that is or can be done”.

Current events taking place in the middle east mark striking fulfillment of  Bible prophecy.  The prophet Daniel predicted that the king of the north would cause the take-over of Egypt and other countries.   Jordan and other descendants of Edom, Moab and Ammon would escape.  But Libya and Ethiopia would “be at his steps”.   He will then move to set up his headquarters in Jerusalem.  Who is this king of the north that is behind recent uprisings in middle eastern and African countries?   Watch the next moves and you will see who will try to displace Israel and set up their headquarters in Jerusalem.  Daniel said:

“He shall stretch forth his hand also upon the countries: and the land of Egypt shall not escape.  But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt: and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his steps.” Dan. 11:42, 43

“And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him.” Dan. 11:45

Below is Daniel’s prophecy within its context:

“And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over.

He shall enter also into the glorious land, and many countries shall be overthrown: but these shall escape out of his hand, even Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon.

He shall stretch forth his hand also upon the countries: and the land of Egypt shall not escape.

But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt: and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his steps.

But tidings out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him: therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many.

And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him.

And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.” Dan. 11:40 – 12:1

When you see these things come to pass, know that the end is near.   The faithful followers of Christ will be persecuted but the mighty hand of God will deliver those whose names are written in the Book of Life.  Jesus says: “the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service, and these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.” (St. John 16:2, 3). But Jesus says: “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live” (St. John 11: 25). He has promised to resurrect those who die believing in Him when He returns at His second coming – “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.  But every man in his own order:  Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.” (1 Cor. 15:22, 23). He is faithful to His promise and the fulfillment of prophecy assures us that the rest will be fulfilled as prophesied.

You can know the true followers of Christ by the love they have and manifest towards their fellow human beings: “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another”.  (St. John 13:35).

Supreme Being Immortal

The question is this: Can the Supreme Being be unchangeable, omnipotent (all-powerful) and immortal (cannot die) and be dead at the same time?  The most fundamental truth of the gospel is that Jesus Christ, the Son of God died in our place so that we might be set free.  This is the greatest manifestation of love as Jesus Himself said “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down His life for His friends” (John 15:13).  But if we are saying that Jesus Christ is the Supreme Being who is unchangeable, all-powerful and immortal we are denying that He died.
Those who say that Jesus Christ is the Supreme Being need to give an answer to this.
The position simply cannot be defended.  The popular explanation that people try to give is that it was the human body that died, not the Divine Being.  To them, God simply put on flesh as one would put on clothing.  Then he simply laid it off at Calvary.  In that case, what is the sacrifice that was made for us?  Is this great manifestation of love, in giving One’s life for another, only a farce in which the real Person who supposedly died was alive and well elsewhere?

The truth is that Jesus Christ did not just put on flesh.  He became flesh (Heb. 2:9, 14, 17).  He died.  He truly gave His life for us.  And while He was dead the universe was not left on ‘auto-pilot’.  The Supreme Being, God the Father – the Source of all life, who absolutely cannot die – He raised His Son from the dead and has highly exalted Him and given Him a name that is above every name (Gal. 1:1; Phil. 2:5-11).

Click to listen to presentation on who God is

All righteousness is summed up in love to God and love to our fellowmen. Love to our fellowmen is the most observable evidence of righteousness, but this love includes not only doing good works but also being harmless towards friends and enemies alike. Jesus was harmless. He has commanded His followers to be harmless. Jesus is the “express image” of His Father’s person. Therefore, the Father is harmless as Jesus portrayed Him. It is a part of the Devil’s misrepresentation of God to make out that the Father is an austere and stern individual who is hard to please and who punishes severely for the slightest mistake.

Quite the opposite, in His presence is fullness of joy. It is our separation from God by our voluntary choice that leaves us in distress and vulnerable to many evils. Those who will truly represent God in the latter days will be sealed with God’s character. Therefore, if we would be sealed we must be harmless. The question is, Are You Harmless? If you are not harmless, ask God to change your heart. Ask Him to take the stony heart out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. He will give you a new heart and give you His Spirit . You will be a new person – someone that others can live with both now and in eternity. This is God’s desire for us.

FIRST DRAFTED MAY 20, 2010.

SERIES: Are you harmless?

PART ONE: Mark of True Christianity
PART 2: Forgive them because they do not know any better
PART 3: Love is harmless
PART 4: For Peace Sake
PART 5: True Christians are harmless
PART 6: Following Jesus
PART 7: Like Father, Like Son
PART 8: Understanding the wrath of God
PART 9: God’s Character
PART 10: Acquiring a new heart
PART 11: Are you truly harmless?