Bill, Bill, why do you persecute me?
by Jen Shroder
Last night I was surprised when Bill O'Reilly attacked anyone who attributes the tragedy of the World Trade Center as an act of God. Bill called two pastors by name and labeled them "un-American."
Bill O'Reilly claims to be Catholic, but I thought Catholics believe in God.
I wonder if Noah's family argued with Noah when Noah attributed the flood to God. Did Pharaoh argue with Moses about the reality of God? Did King Saul assume that David made a lucky shot when he slew Goliath with a stone? Ooops, I forgot, Bill O'Reilly has dismissed all these as fairy tales when he discredited the Bible.
And after the witnesses watched Jesus ascend into heaven, I wonder if Bill O'Reilly would have cordially invited them to The Factor and then accuse them of being un-Roman for attributing anything to God.
Is it un-American to believe in God? Is it un-American to have faith? Is it un-American to take the Bible seriously? I think the founders of our nation would have disagreed sharply with Mr. O'Reilly. On second thought, George Washington might have simply shook his head and walked away. Yet Jesus doesn't.
Many of my friends have stopped watching Bill O'Reilly, but I haven't. I LOVE to watch Bill go after NAMBLA, the NEA and the ACLU. I agree with almost everything he says and even the way he says it. But when it comes to matters of faith...
"Bill, Bill, why are you persecuting Jesus? It is hard for you to kick against the goads."
Every time Bill attacks men of faith, like Stephen Bennett, his ratings take a dive. His most devoted fans cannot stomach it. I watch him about half as much as I used to, and it's still the only show I watch. So much for T.V. (sigh)
But what about the surviving families of the victims of the WTC? How dare men of God state that the devastation was an act of God?
It wasn't an act of God, it was an act of man. The terrorists play a part, but our own actions carry the brunt of blame. As a people, we have blasphemed God for YEARS and every year we become more corrupt. God is patient and loving, but when His children are forced to learn the lessons of antichrist, there are limits. We have been stomping all over those limits and mocking Him with in-your-face gay parades and everything we can think of to rebel against His precepts. Why would God allow a people to defile a land so badly, that generations of children will be born (if not aborted) destined to live in eternity apart from Him? When everyone's heart has become so hard that the name of Jesus Christ is considered a curse word by society... why would a loving God allow a nation to multiply that many more should spiral into ever-deeper darkness, pain and eternal suffering?
Did God specifically choose those in the World Trade Center to die? No. As a nation, we have been shouting at God that we don't want anything more to do with Him. Many of our churches have twisted His word to fit the people's depraved desires so the collection plate will be passed. Our schools are teaching our children antichrist values. We have turned our backs on God and God is lifting His hand of protection from us. As a nation we have demanded He leave, and He is, brokenhearted. As Jesus wept for the Pharisees, so does He weep for us.
The World Trade Center victims were only the first consequence. There will be so many more. Because we demand it. God gave us choice and we've made BAD decisions. How many times must we burn our hands before we learn not to play with matches? How many AIDS victims must die before we realize anal intercourse is NOT HEALTHY. Nor is pagan worship, promiscuous sex, drugs, alcohol, name the vice (or class). We show God the door, then we blame Him when He leaves.
What about the faithful Christians that died at the World Trade Center? What about the faithful Christians that grieve the loss of their loved ones? Why would God demand the few die for the many?
Why will you not hear?
"And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God." (Rev 15:1)
God has spared those in the World Trade Center from what is to come. And the horror of it will be like nothing the world has ever seen or will see again. Those in Christ, killed in the World Trade Center, are with Him, where the Bible says:
"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." (Rev 21:4)
Why are there no classes in public school about the ASTOUNDING prophesies in the Bible that have come true today? They are documented fascinating facts. If children can be told to demonstrate on their hands and knees, prayer to Allah, how can public school dare claim they cannot teach the historical FACTS of fulfilled prophesies?
Because they do not want to know. And men like Bill O'Reilly discredit the Bible.
Bill, the Bible is not fairy tales, men of faith are not un-American, and you prosper not to kick the goads.
Please open your eyes. Don't wait for a light to shine down on you from heaven and a voice that calls your name. That doesn't happen to everyone.
On second thought, Paul O'Reilly and the No Spin Damascus.... works for me! (smile)