Posted on 06/24/2011 7:55:44 PM PDT by kindred
For several years now, I have listened to Dr. Michael Savage’s radio show, The Savage Nation. He is a great thinker in the ways of politics, and his insight, his wit and his general knowledge are a treasure. His talent with words is great, and I love his fiery, truthful eruptions, and I also bust out laughing at his quick humor. I love his voice, and I can see that Dr. Savage has a tender heart.
"However, as a Christian, there are many times I listen, and I cringe when Dr. Savage gets on a theological discussion"
However, as a Christian, there are many times I listen, and I cringe when Dr. Savage gets on a theological discussion, as he did on Tuesday, and it is those times that I wish I could speak to Dr. Savage, even for just a few moments, although I know from his harsh reaction and out-of-hand dismissal of some of the noble attempts by his past Christian callers, that he probably does not want to hear what I would say (Isa. 1:3, 45:23, John 3:19-21, Rom. 1:22, 2 Tim. 3:7).
On Tuesday, he was talking about New York Congressman Anthony Weiner and the stupidly self-imposed bind the adulterous Weiner finds himself in. The discussion turned to character and morality, then to theology. So, Dr. Savage spent quite a bit of time with two callers in particular, both of whom proudly claimed to be atheists. Of course, when I hear people like those guys speak, the Word of God in Psalm 14 always flashes in my mind,
“The fool has said in his heart, there is no God…”
The callers put out the usual talking points of the godless, anti-Christian left. They stated that since there is evil in the world, then that simply must mean that there cannot be an omnipotent, omnipresent and omniscient God (Rom. 3). Dr. Savage likes to try to walk a line between belief and unbelief, but in reality, that line does not exist. Either you take God at His Word, or you don’t. The Lord is not offering a buffet that you can pick and choose which parts of His Word that you accept and which parts you reject. God wrote the Book, and God makes the rules, not us (Psalm 19:7, 119:160, 138:2, John 17:17, 2 Peter 3:16).
God is indeed all-knowing, all-powerful and all-present, and the evil in the world does not disprove these facts. In the beginning, when God created all including man — which He did in six days (Gen. 1), just as He said (why would He mince words, as if He, who made all we see, were not able to do it in six days?)—he designed man with free will, not as an automaton who had no choice but to love Him (Deut. 30:19, Josh. 24:15, John 1:12, 3:16-17).
Since He is all-knowing and not bound by time, God knew from before the dawn of time that man would reject Him. His plan for our salvation through His Son Jesus was in place long before the serpent beguiled Eve, and Adam knowingly disobeyed God (Gen. 22:7-8, Rev. 13:8).
"The whole of creation will continue to suffer until the Lord comes back to set things right when the fullness of his plan is accomplished"
What happened when Adam sinned was that the curse of sin and death was introduced into the world (Rom. 5:12-21). Before Adam sinned, he was not designed to die, or be sick, or be stuck by thorns, or to eat his animal friends. All that changed in a gut-wrenching, heartbreaking instant. Since that terrible moment, all of creation has suffered horribly under the curse of sin and death with all manner of sickness and disease and evil of every kind (Rom. 8:20-23). The whole of creation will continue to suffer until the Lord comes back to set things right when the fullness of his plan is accomplished (Isa. 11:1-12, 65:25, Dan. 7:9-14, 26-28, Micah 4:1-4, Hab. 2:14, Mal. 3-4).
Now, the tricky part of any discussion about God is the fact that He is a supernatural Being, and even though we most certainly can know Him, our very limited human minds cannot fully grasp the awesome aspect of Him, at this time. In fact, the Bible plainly tells us that without the Spirit of God touching our hearts and minds, we will not even be able to understand the meaning of the Word of God (John 3:3-17, 16:8-14). It is a mystery, but it is the truth, and people who have great pride and faith in their own intellect have a very hard time with the concept of a God Who is too big to fully get their mind around (Gen. 11:1-6, Psalm 14: 1-3, Rom. 1:16-32, 2 Tim. 3:7, Heb. 4:2).
We believe in God by faith, because although we have not seen the Lord physically, we know He is, and we trust Him for our ultimate salvation and all that we have here on Earth. The Bible says that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God (in Romans 10:17). What does that mean? In a nutshell, it means that when we truly seek Him, God opens our hearts to receive His Spirit and our minds to hear His instruction. When He does that, then we’re able to understand His revealed Word—the Bible—and our faith in Him is born (John 1:12, 3:3-7, 1 Peter 1:23).
"The Bible says that, " faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God"
Now, back to Dr. Savage and the atheists’ discussions. Dr. Savage has certain standard arguments against God’s omnipotence. He sometimes uses the argument that if God were all-powerful, then He would not allow a busload of children from a Christian church to go off a cliff and be killed and maimed.
First of all, we must remember that because of our sin, we have invited all sorts of badness into this world, and Satan is ever at work looking for ways to steal, kill and destroy mankind and God’s creation (2 Cor. 2:11, Eph 2:1-2, 1 Peter 5:8). Although God is all-powerful, He does not always stop bad things from happening, but that does not mean God killed a bunch of children or that He was powerless to stop it—by no means (Luke 13:1-5)!
At this time, we do not have the answers to why God sometimes allows bad things to happen to “nice” people, but one day we will understand it all. On the other hand, we have no way of knowing how many bad things God did put a stop to that never happened to us. One day we will know that, too. Ultimately the answers to those questions have to do with God’s purposes (Rev. 4:11).
Another refrain Dr. Savage and atheists like to latch onto is that the belief in God and belief in science are mutually exclusive. That could not be further from the truth. Think about it. God is the Author of the entire universe and everything in it. In itself, that is a concept which is much, much larger than what we can get our minds around (Psalm 19:1-7, Rom. 1:18-25, Rev. 4:11).
"The fact is that without God, there is no science"
The fact is that without God, there is no science. Now, I’m not talking about science of the politically motivated kind—you know—the kind that is funded and propelled by the diabolical communists in our world and meant to enslave us, as in the false science that attempts to “prove” the lie of anthropogenic global warming (Gen. 2:4, Psalm 104:24, Prov. 3:19, John 1:1-3, Heb 1:1-3).
No. I’m talking about true science—the study of God’s creation for the betterment of mankind and all of nature, the fruits of which studies have given us great things, such as we see in the field of medicine, and these “discoveries” are gifts of God. I have often said that of all the people in the world who should plainly “see” God, it is the scientist who studies God’s creation. The awesome detail and intricacy of all that is in the world and the heavens above are boundless, and God’s hand is evident throughout it all. God is like a master artist, and if you know anything about art, you know that you can often recognize an artist’s work by the common traits in the pieces he creates. The same is true of God’s handiwork (Psalm 19:1-7, 97:6).
Another myth of unbelievers is to claim that belief in God equates to ignorance (1 Cor. 1:18-31). That is a lie from the pit of hell. Throughout God’s Word, He tells us to gain knowledge, to be wise, to be ready to give an answer for why we believe what we believe. God is all about knowledge—His pure and true knowledge, which is not the false “wisdom” of the world—and He warns us that lack of His knowledge is a deadly thing (Prov. 21:30, 1 Cor. 1:20, 3:19, James 3:15).
But you see, the reason for that myth goes to the heart of the true, eternal struggle. The real enemies of mankind are spiritual enemies (Job 1-2, 1 Chron. 21:1, 2 Cor. 4:3-4, Eph. 2:1-2, 6:12, Rev. 16:13-14, 20:1-3). There are only two forces at work in the world: the forces of God and the forces of Satan. Satan is the eternally damned enemy of God and all of God’s creation. Satan is currently “the god of this world,” and although he has no authority over God’s hand, he is still a very powerful being.
"He has created legions of lying doctrines, false religions, and countless deceptions, all aimed at stealing the souls of mankind from salvation by God" . If you are an enemy of the truth, which is God’s Word, how do you combat that truth? With a multitude of lies, of course. Satan is the chief of liars. He has created legions of lying doctrines, false religions, and countless deceptions, all aimed at stealing the souls of mankind from salvation by God (Lev. 17:7, 1 Tim. 4:1). Because Satan has flooded the world with lies, people claim that truth does not exist—that no one can know or claim to know absolute truth—another hellish lie (John 3:19-21, 8:44, 16:7-13, 2 Cor. 4:3-4, Eph. 2:1-2, 1 John 5:19).
One of the biggest and most deadly lies of hell is that there are many ways to God, many ways to salvation (Isa. 43:11, 45:21, Hos. 13;4, Matt. 7:13-29). That is another thing Dr. Savage has said, and he soundly rejects the work of Christ. Dr. Savage has his “wheel theory,” which places God as the hub and the spokes of the wheel, as the world’s religions, all leading to the hub. Here is a critical and a tough place, because the refrain of the fallen world is to screech and wail at anyone who claims there is only one way to God (Gen. 11, 1 Sam. 8:5-8, John 19;15, Rev. 9:20-21, 17:12-14).
"That is another thing Dr. Savage has said, and he soundly rejects the work of Christ"
But, if you really think about it, and you look at all the world’s religions, how can they all be true? If nothing else, it is mathematically impossible. With the many conflicting doctrines among the world’s religions, there comes a point where we must realize that truth does exist, and it’s actually a rare thing to see truth in this world. It may be tough for some people to accept, but most of the world religions are false. That’s just the way it is—again—I didn’t write the book; I didn’t make the rules—God did.
There is one truly despised belief system and two truly despised groups of people in the world: Christianity and Christians and Jews. When you think about God’s eternal enemy, Satan, you must know that Satan despises the things of God, especially God’s truth and God’s chosen people, of whom Christians are an adopted part.
"Do you ever notice how the world does not bother much at all with maligning anyone but Christians and Jews?"
Do you ever notice how the world does not bother much at all with maligning anyone but Christians and Jews? It is because Satan abhors God’s truth and God’s people, and that hellish, worldly hatred for God’s true chosen ones is a supernatural hatred born in the heart of Satan and passed like a virus into the hearts of people under Satan’s sway—the haters of God’s truth.
What is the bottom line here? The bottom line is that the truth can be known, and in the end the truth will stand, whether we accept it or not. The fact is that Jesus is indeed the Son of God, and Jesus and God are one (Psalm 2:7, 110:1, Isa. 9:6-7, John 1;1-3, 10:30, Rev. 21:22). Jesus came to save the world, to provide a bridge of the impossible divide between God and man, although the Bible clearly says that most people in the world will not choose the narrow path of salvation through Christ, but instead will choose the broad and easy way to destruction and eternal separation from God (Isa. 43:11, Hos. 13:4, Matt. 7:13-14, John 3:16-17).
As I wrote last year in my column, “Meet Your Maker,”
“The Gospel–the Good News–is really quite simple, and at the same time, its depths are infinite. Contained in the Bible is God’s message to mankind, the path to salvation through his only begotten Son, Jesus. There is no other way to reach God, except through belief in Jesus as our savior. As Jesus said in John 14:6:
“I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father, but by me”
Pretty exclusive? You better believe it is!”
Dr. Savage is far from alone in his rejection of the exclusive path to God—the only path—through Jesus, as most of the world thinks the same way. My prayer for Dr. Savage has always been for his salvation, that God would open his eyes and his mind to be able to see God and begin to understand the fathomless depths of God’s living Word and His amazing love for us and the astounding peace that this world cannot give, but that God gives freely to those who love Him (Psalm 1, Isa. 9:6, 48:18, John 8:32,36, Eph. 2:12-22, 2 John 1:3).
The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!
Yes I do find him entertaining....he does himself as well. That’s the irony about Salvage...he knows exactly who he is and what he is doing. You maybe shouldn’t take him so seriously...and just enjoy the etertainment factor...that is what Savage is about...and it works well for him.
If I want serious consideration of candidates it seldoms comes from talk show hosts, or TV personalities, although they can and do shed light on things which might otherwise be overlooked. The idea is one does their own homework.
Entertainment - hell NO! He does, however, enrage me. Thus, I do not, and will not listen to his BS. But, you go right ahead and continue drinking the manic’s koolaid.
I wrote about Dr. Savage and his off-theology throughout the entire piece, not sporadically. The piece is indeed about my hope that he will come to the knowledge of the truth, and I wrote about the path to salvation. The piece is written for Dr. Savage and for anyone seeking eternal answers.
Regardless, my prayers for him will continue, just as I concluded the column: My prayer for Dr. Savage has always been for his salvation, that God would open his eyes and his mind to be able to see God and begin to understand the fathomless depths of God’s living Word and His amazing love for us and the astounding peace that this world cannot give, but that God gives freely to those who love Him.
Well if Savage enrages you then it’s not someone you should probably be listening to. I on the otherhand enjoy his programs from time to time and his humor. To each his own.
I think we all need to understand and listen to people with an ear that knows something of their perspective. Savage is not always correct and it’s not generally difficult telling when he’s off base....but as you’ve indicated praying for Him is a good cause regardless of his faith at this time. He seems very much open to that from his listeners and I don’t underestimate God reaching even the “vermin” Savage speaks about...:)
Savage is sometimes a great listen, when he exhibits an inquisitive and skeptical mind. BUT, I believe he’s bipolar, because on some days (his manic days?) he rants like an angry fool, drenched in paranoia and hatred for his enemies. That’s when I switch him off; listening to the mentally ill makes me uncomfortable.
I wait a few days and check back, and sure enough Michael is back to his calm self, using logic and intelligence to make his points. I believe he experiments with his meds. Many bipolars do, and for good reason. They feel hazy and giddy when medicated, as if they’ve lost their edge. They stop taking the meds and “enjoy” a flood of emotion which sometimes turns angry, depressive or paranoid.
I’m not a professional, mind you, just a keen observer. So I could be wrong.
That’s right! Prayer is our most powerful weapon/tool/help.
The “Book of Mormon” is the world’s greatest commentary on the Bible. It truly is astonishing. I am 60 years old and have been reading both for over 45 years and I am still gaining profound truths. You should give it a try!
Too bad you’ve been deceived for that long. The Book of Mormon is a book full of lies, from a liar Joseph Smith. Mormons reject the Biblical Jesus Christ, that is why the rest of Orthodox Christianity do not consider Mormonism as Christians, there are distinct differences to be considered an Orthodox Christian, and the Christology of Mormonism is vastly different from Biblical Christianity. For one thing, Mormonism teaches that Jesus and Satan are Spirit brothers. Doesn’t take a Seminary Graduate to deduce that Mormonism is a false Gospel that the Apostle Paul warned about.
Did you read the other postings in this article? You ought to make a reasoned consideration and answer on specifics instead of throwing out broad hysterical condemnations.
You probably have read in the Book of Revelation 12:4, 7 thru 9 about the war in heaven, that a third part of the host of Heaven were cast out. Isaiah 14:12 thru 17 also tells about the war in Heaven, indicating that Lucifer has the appearance of a man, albeit a pre-earthly spirit being.
You and I and all people born into this world were in the pre-existence. We all did fight in that war and we were valiant in supporting Heavenly Father's plan for this creation. Genesis tells us that Adam and Eve and all of us are in the IMAGE of God. These scriptures give strong evidence for the host of Heaven consisting of spirit beings and that is why the LDS Church very straightforwardly teach we were all brothers and sisters in the family of God, including Jehovah and Lucifer. As you know, Lucifer means "light bearer" which indicates the high and honored station he previously attained to.
Implied in your accusations is the fact that Mormons do not accept the Trinitarian Creed taught by the Catholics and many Protestant churches. I have debated on a Catholic post in FreeRepublic a few months ago titled: "Radio Replies Second Volume - The Holy Trinity." If you are interested, go to http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2579014/posts
The Trinitarian Doctrine teaches of an "abstract" being and denies the actual "personhood" of God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. The LDS teaches of the "Godhead" consisting of real persons each in the IMAGE of God's creation. God the Father (Elohim or Eloi) is the Supreme God. Jesus (Jehovah) is the Word who brings the Gospel and performed the Atonement that was critical for our Salvation. The Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead. Jesus LITERALLY came to do the the will of His Father. The Trinitarian is completely nonsensical and causes alienation of people from God.
Mormons need to get rid of Harry Reid.
I agree that Reid is a "leftist subversive" who has made treasonous statements against our military during the Iraq engagement. I do not know of Harry's standing (or "worthiness") in the LDS Church but I suspect he is not an active or sincere member.
I do not support Mitt Romney's bid for the presidency. I am disappointed in his fawning over liberals with his support of the Global Warming Scam. I am shocked at his confusion about the abortion issue.
I have read Mitt's book "No Apology" which has a very interesting explanation of how Mass. Health Plan was researched and developed. Mitt's version had no coercion but helped young men obtain lower cost policies at a time they were being rejected (for anti-selection reasons). It also redirected existing Federal subsidies for emergency room visits into the plan which made it economically more feasible. However, I am not a supporter of government intervention in free enterprise but it seems to be a good first step to cleaning up the mess created by 50 years of bureaucratic distortions.
Under scrutiny from Biblical Scholars, the Book of Mormon is a total and complete fraud. These aren’t “hysterical” condemnations, your BOM did not stand the test of Historical/Archaeological analysis, its a total and complete fraud perpetrated by a fraudster Joseph Smith. Sometimes Truth is a bitter pill to swallow, but Truth it is.
You are making vague reference to who? Absolutist statements do not lend any credibility to your arguments. You need to back up your points with specifics. You have not in fairness responded to my testimony.
If you want to be honest, then you are welcome to browsing fairlds.org website which contains an extensive library of Mormon Apologetics with thorough footnoting and source referencing. The search can get you quick answers or you can pursue cross references as much as you care to. God loves you more than you can comprehend ! ! !
You are making vague reference to who? Absolutist statements do not lend any credibility to your arguments. You need to back up your points with specifics. You have not in fairness responded to my testimony.
If you want to be honest, then you are welcome to browsing fairlds.org website which contains an extensive library of Mormon Apologetics with thorough footnoting and source referencing. The search can get you quick answers or you can pursue cross references as much as you care to. God loves you more than you can comprehend ! ! !
As well as you should. If you hold to the schizophrenic Trinitarian pagan mistake, then you are in danger. If you are open to investigating the true nature of the Godhead, then you shall be greatly blessed.
Please study John chapter 17. Jesus testifies of being One with His Father. And He prays for His disciples to also be One with God. Therefore being "One" does NOT mean that Jesus and God the Father are the same person, nor of the same substance, nor any of that ridiculous man-made theorizing. It DOES mean that Jesus has perfect UNITY with His Father in Heaven. And the disciples can also have that UNITY with God.
I’m not in any danger. You worship a different Gospel and a different Jesus Christ, and you will die in your sins.
Michael Savage is the best talkshow host on Radio. Dr. Savage tells it like it is. I have to agree with Savage, if something within the Republican Party doesn’t change, Obama gets re-elected in 2012.
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