Almost Gone | Ernie's Musings

Almost Gone | Ernie's Musings

This year was a disappointment, but there is still hope for the new year. To see why, read more ... http://erniecarrasco.com/2015/12/27/almost-gone/

Christmas Trees | Ernie's Musings

Christmas Trees | Ernie's Musings

Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree. (Galatians 3:13)

For most of my adult life I have bemoaned the blatant commercialization of Christmas. Long before the satanic observance of Halloween, Christmas displays start showing up in stores enticing consumers to bring their offerings to the god of mammon. Featured in every display is a wide assortment of Christmas trees in all shapes, sizes, and styles all professionally adorned to put the buyer in the Christmas spirit. Who cares if it is still 90° outside in Texas! What would Christmas be without a Christmas tree! Read more ... http://erniecarrasco.com/2015/12/20/christmas-trees/

Why Jesus? | Ernie's Musings

Why Jesus? | Ernie's Musings

But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.    (Galatians 4:4-5)

At this time of year we pause to consider and reflect on the entry of God into the world in human form. When we take the time to seriously ponder this wonder, the notion that He chose to make His entry as a helpless newborn baby, makes us marvel in awe. He, “being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:6-7, emphasis mine), as a baby. Why? And why in this way? Read more ... http://erniecarrasco.com/2015/12/13/why-jesus/

Happy Chanukah! | Ernie's Musings

Happy Chanukah! | Ernie's Musings

In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.   (John 1:4-5)

Today, December 6, 2015, begins the Jewish Festival of Lights otherwise known as Chanukah (pronounced (with a guttural “H”) hah-noo-kah). The festival is observed for eight days, and while it is not one of the “Feasts of the Lord” (Leviticus 23) nor is it recorded anywhere in the Old Testament, it is nonetheless an important commemoration of God’s provision. Most Gentiles are vaguely aware of the celebration in that it takes place around Christmastime, but besides that, they really do not know much about it. Read more ... http://erniecarrasco.com/2015/12/06/happy-chanukah/

Thank You, Lord | Ernie's Musings

Thank You, Lord | Ernie's Musings

Every good gift
and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of
lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.  (James 1:17)

Name one thing – anything – that you have that does not come from God. How much time do you need to think about it? In the meantime, think about this: http://erniecarrasco.com/2015/11/22/thank-you-lord/

Priorities | Ernie's Musings

Priorities | Ernie's Musings

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33)

We all have priorities – those things that are most important to us. Things that, when we are forced to  make a choice, supersede all others. Many of those things merit high priority – spouse, family,  friends, health, etc. Other things that we make high priority are not so worthy – entertainment, pleasure, material possessions, and things of that sort. Whatever our priorities, God wants us to make  Him top priority in all things. Read more ... http://erniecarrasco.com/2015/11/15/priorities/

God’s Not Fair | Ernie's Musings

God’s Not Fair | Ernie's Musings

If God is good, all-knowing, loving and all that, why would He create people knowing that they would end up in hell. That just doesn't seem fair. Some people can't make sense of that. Read more to see how I try to make sense of it ... http://erniecarrasco.com/2015/11/08/gods-not-fair/

Psalm 103 | Ernie's Musings

Psalm 103 | Ernie's Musings

This psalm begins: "Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me bless His Holy Name."  How does one do that? Find out how ... http://erniecarrasco.com/2015/11/01/psalm-103/

A Day Is A Day | Ernie's Musings

A Day Is A Day | Ernie's Musings

 For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night. (Psalm 90:4)

Theistic Evolution attempts to marry the biblical creation account with the theory of evolution. Theistic evolution proponents suggest that God is the ultimate Creator, but that He employed evolution to accomplish His creation. One of these compromises suggests that the days of creation were long periods of time -- perhaps millions or even billions of years. Granted, God can do what He wills; He could have created over a long period of time. So what is wrong with this compromise? Find out ... http://erniecarrasco.com/2015/10/25/a-day-is-a-day/

What Do I Say? | Ernie's Musings

What Do I Say? | Ernie's Musings

I caught him approaching me from my right side. Instantly my internal alarms sounded as the wiry frame came near. I thought, “Here it comes. This guy is going to hit me up for some gas money, and he’ll have some sob story about his dad suddenly having a stroke, and he has to drive his mother up to Oklahoma City to see him.” Read more ... http://erniecarrasco.com/2015/10/20/what-do-i-say/.

No Gap | Ernie's Musings

No Gap | Ernie's Musings

And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit  of God moved upon the face of the waters. (Genesis 1:2)

Ever since Charles Darwin published his On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection or the Preservation of Favored Races in the Struggle for Life, (in which, by the way, he never addresses the main thesis of his book) it seems that Christian theologians have been scrambling to defend the Genesis creation account and allow for millions of years of evolution ... They fear being labeled as ignorant and uneducated and likened to geocentric flat-earthers. Rather than defend the clear teaching of Scripture on this matter, they will either completely capitulate to the evolutionists, or they will find some compromise to accommodate evolutionary concepts. Read more ...  http://erniecarrasco.com/2015/10/18/no-gap/

Clothing | Ernie's Musings

Clothing | Ernie's Musings

Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.   (Zechariah 3:4b)

I do not know this for a fact, but I would venture to say all human societies, even the most primitive, wear some type of clothing. Why is that? And where did concept originate? Read more ... http://erniecarrasco.com/2015/10/11/clothing/

Jesus Said It | Ernie's Musings

Jesus Said It | Ernie's Musings

Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.   (Matthew 24:35)

The general conception of Jesus, if He is thought of at all, is that He was a nice guy, a good teacher, and perhaps a miracle worker. A lot of what He said are words to live by, like, “all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them” (Matthew 7:12), and “Judge not, that ye be not judged” (Matthew 7:1 – taken out of context, a great verse for Christian bashing). There is no doubt that Jesus taught many things that benefit when applied to every-day life. Those kinds of teachings find general acceptance by all, but Jesus also said many things that many in this politically correct culture would find offensive. Read more ... http://erniecarrasco.com/2015/10/04/jesus-said-it/

The Theocracy Fallacy | Ernie's Musings

The Theocracy Fallacy | Ernie's Musings

Recently the liberal news media bushwhacked presidential candidate Dr. Ben Carson for his statement that a Muslim should not serve as President of the United States. The statement found great support among conservatives, but left-leaning Democrats and Republicans were self-righteously offended by his remarks. But, is Carson right? Read more ... http://erniecarrasco.com/2015/09/27/the-theocracy-fallacy/

Still Listening | Ernie's Musings

Still Listening | Ernie's Musings

I didn't hear the trumpet call last week, but I'm still listening! Read more ... http://erniecarrasco.com/2015/09/20/still-listening/ 

The Last Trump | Ernie's Musings

The Last Trump | Ernie's Musings

For the past 20 years or more, I have anxiously awaited this time of year. Granted, the Lord is not obligated to comply with my speculations. The times are fully under His sovereign will and control, and I am more than happy to submit to His wisdom and direction. So whatever happens today, tomorrow or in the near future, I am fully trusting that God’s plan will be fulfilled in accordance with His perfect timing to which I am not, nor is anyone else, privy.

The reason for my excitement at this season, is that many years ago ... Read more: http://erniecarrasco.com/2015/09/13/the-last-trump/

I Know Whom I Have Believed

For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. (Psalm 37:10)

These are exciting times in which we live. The world’s attention is focused to the time around mid-September.  End-times Bible prophets point to the Jewish Fall Feasts (more accurately, the Feasts of the Lord), and note that this year’s feasts are more significant than any others in the past. Read more:

http://erniecarrasco.com/2015/08/23/i-know-whom-i-have-believed/

Is Salem Jerusalem? | Ernie's Musings

Is Salem Jerusalem? | Ernie's Musings

And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. (Genesis 14:18)

Melchizedek is one of the most mysterious characters recorded in the Bible. He makes his debut in Genesis 14, and the totality of information provided about him is encapsulated within three brief verses (Genesis 14:18-20). It is interesting that the “Book of Beginnings,” which meticulously
records all the “begets” of who’s who of important personages of early history, completely ignores the lineage of this apparently most significant person. Read more ... http://erniecarrasco.com/2015/08/16/is-salem-jerusalem/ 

Living Sacrifices | Ernie's Musings

Living Sacrifices | Ernie's Musings

Someone said that, “The problem with living sacrifices is that they keep crawling off the altar.” The image of a sacrifice recurs numerous times throughout the pages of the Bible, and in every instance, save for maybe one, the victim dies. Read more ... http://erniecarrasco.com/2015/08/09/living-sacrifices/ 

Mad At God | Ernie's Musings

Mad At God | Ernie's Musings

Have you ever been mad at God or do you know someone who is, or has at some time been mad at God? People get mad at God for various reasons, all of which are unjustified, but more on that later. Read more ... http://erniecarrasco.com/2015/08/02/mad-at-god/.

Christian Sin | Ernie's Musings

Christian Sin | Ernie's Musings

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

This verse is often (wrongly) used when witnessing to unbelievers to show them that God will indeed forgive their sins, but that was not John’s intention; he was addressing Christians. Read more ... http://erniecarrasco.com/2015/07/26/christian-sin/.

Cain’s Wife | Ernie's Musings

Cain’s Wife | Ernie's Musings

"Where did Cain get his wife?" is a common question both for Christians and for skeptics. Although the Bible does not directly address that question, there is a solid biblical and scientific answer. Find what that is here: http://erniecarrasco.com/2015/07/19/cains-wife/.

Too Late | Ernie's Musings

Too Late | Ernie's Musings

I hear many well-intentioned Christians exhorting us to pray for our nation and for our leaders. The call seems to have increased in intensity since the recent foolish ruling by the United States Supreme Court declaring same-sex marriage a constitutional right. Such a ruling places this nation in the death throes of social order described in Romans 1:32 “Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which  commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.” At this juncture our nation finds itself near the bottom of the sucking vortex that will end its days, and no plea to God for restoration will be heeded. Such was the case for the nation of Judah in her final days. Praying for the nation at this point is probably too late. Read why: http://erniecarrasco.com/2015/07/12/too-late/.

The Rainbow | Ernie's Musings

The Rainbow | Ernie's Musings

The gay community has hijacked the rainbow as symbol for their cause, but what is the real significance of the rainbow? Find out here: http://erniecarrasco.com/2015/07/05/the-rainbow/

When Faith Makes No Sense | Ernie's Musings

When Faith Makes No Sense | Ernie's Musings

Has your faith ever been tested to the point of questioning God? Learn a lesson from the Shunammite woman. Read more: http://erniecarrasco.com/2015/06/28/when-faith-makes-no-sense/.

Dad | Ernie's Musings

Dad | Ernie's Musings

He might not have amounted to much by worldly standards, but to me, by brothers and sister, and all the many hundreds of lives he touched, he was a giant. He was my dad. Read more ... http://erniecarrasco.com/2015/06/21/dad/.

The Curse of Death | Ernie's Musings

The Curse of Death | Ernie's Musings

What is the "curse of death"? Is it only physical? Is it spiritual or is it both physical and spiritual? What are the implications of the curse? To find out, read more at http://erniecarrasco.com/2015/06/14/the-curse-of-death/.

He That Is Without Sin | Ernie's Musings

He That Is Without Sin | Ernie's Musings

The God-hating sharks are in a feeding frenzy to devour the Duggar family of "19 Kids and Counting" fame over an incident of molestation by eldest son Josh that happened when he was between 14 and 15 years old. The case was closed and sealed long ago, and because the offender and his "victims" were under-age juveniles, this case should never have surfaced. But Satan, and his God-haters had other plans. Read more ... http://erniecarrasco.com/2015/06/07/he-that-is-without-sin/.

A Special Kind of Stupid | Ernie's Musings

A Special Kind of Stupid | Ernie's Musings

For years now evolutionists have been claiming that chimpanzee DNA is 98% the same as that of humans. If that is so, then it stands to reason that they should at least be considered 98% persons. Is that not so? Read more ... http://erniecarrasco.com/2015/05/31/a-special-kind-of-stupid/ 

Marring the Image | Ernie's Musings

Marring the Image | Ernie's Musings

The image above appeared on my Facebook news feed recently. Naturally, there were many negative comments made about the young man, who I seriously doubt any of the commentators knew personally. What surprised me was what one young (I presume) lady said in his defense. In part she said, “The guy aint [sic] a pedophile, a murderer or a rapist, he has body modifications, so get over it.  It is his body, his decision and he is not harming anyone.” How she knows that I haven’t an inkling. My guess is that she knows him as well as the other commentators, but what struck me was her assertion that “it is his body, his decision and he is not harming anyone.” All three points of her assertion are debatable, so let’s begin with that.  Read more... http://erniecarrasco.com/2015/05/24/marring-the-image/.

The Unifying Theme | Ernie's Musings

The Unifying Theme | Ernie's Musings

Perhaps the greatest testament to the veracity of the Bible is the unifying theme that it carries throughout its pages. There exists no other so called “holy” writing that compares with the Bible in clarity and unity of thought, even though it was penned by over 40 different authors (most of which did not know one another so that they could collaborate) over a period of about 1500 to 2000 years. Compare that to the Qur’an which was written by one man over a period of about 22 years (610-632 AD) and compiled over a period of only three years (653-656 AD). Or compare the Book of Mormon written by John Smith. It was produced in only two years between 1827 and 1829. Neither of the “holy” books compares to the Bible in unity of thought even though they were composed by one man each. Yet the Bible, with all of its various human writers over a very long period of time maintains a consistent theme. What is that theme? Read more ... http://erniecarrasco.com/2015/05/17/the-unifying-theme/

Adam & Steve or Bev & Eve? | Ernie's Musings

Adam & Steve or Bev & Eve? | Ernie's Musings

This week the United States Supreme Court met to hear arguments for and against constitutional protection or sanction of same-sex “marriage” nationwide. What will be the implications of their ruling? Read more ...http://erniecarrasco.com/2015/05/03/adam-steve-or-bev-eve/ 

Total Christian | Ernie's Musings

Total Christian | Ernie's Musings

Last week a dear young sister in the Lord relayed to me how she had been accused of being a “total Christian” because of a video she shared on Facebook. I told her it was great that she should be identified that way, however, she felt insulted by the moniker. From her perspective, or by her definition, a “total Christian” is someone who is narrow-minded, intolerant, judgmental, and hateful. Well, that was a new one on me! I know of “Christians” that fit that description, but “total Christian” would not be an attribute I would ascribe to them.

Read more ... http://erniecarrasco.com/2015/04/26/total-christian/

Too Rich for Heaven | Ernie's Musings

Too Rich for Heaven | Ernie's Musings

And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.  (Luke 18:23)

Let’s face it. With the possible exception of the homeless, many of whom are in that condition by choice, poverty – the third-world kind of poverty where people live on one bowl of rice a day, have only one change of clothes, no shoes and live in cardboard houses – in the United States does  not exist ... Affluence often erects an insurmountable obstacle to the Gospel here in America. Many people here in the U.S. are self-sufficient enough that they do not perceive their need for God. They  get along fine without Him, so why should they give up their lifestyle to follow Christ who asks them to change their way of living? Read more ... http://erniecarrasco.com/2015/04/19/too-rich-for-heaven/.

Thou Fool! | Ernie's Musings

Thou Fool! | Ernie's Musings

The rich man said to himself, "I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?" (Luke 12:19-20)

What would cause God to look upon an individual and make such an assessment? What qualifies as a fool in the eyes of God? Read more: http://erniecarrasco.com/2015/04/12/thou-fool/

Then Came Sunday | Ernie's Musings

Then Came Sunday | Ernie's Musings

The story of mankind is brief and straightforward despite the naturalistic stories invented by evolutionists. God created man in His own image. Man disobeyed God's only command, and the curse of death entered the world and fell upon all men. Someone had to pay the penalty of death, so the Lamb of God offered Himself as the substitute for man's debt of sin. Jesus died nailed to a cross. But then came Sunday! Read more: http://erniecarrasco.com/2015/04/05/then-came-sunday/. 

Nephology | Ernie's Musings

Nephology | Ernie's Musings

What a beautiful day God has given us to remember and celebrate the Triumphal Entry and the Presentation of the King of Kings on what has come to be known as Palm Sunday! But as believers, we await still an even greater triumphal entry when the Lord returns and that is our greatest expectation and hope. With that in mind my article this week deals with a new word I learned that probably applies to most of us. Read more ... http://erniecarrasco.com/2015/03/29/nephology/

Seeing to Believe | Ernie's Musings

Seeing to Believe | Ernie's Musings

And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn. (Zechariah 12:10)

A preview of this event is seen in the resurrection of Jesus Christ as recorded in the Gospel of John. Read more ... http://erniecarrasco.com/2015/03/22/seeing-to-believe/

It’s Settled! | Ernie's Musings

It’s Settled! | Ernie's Musings

The Bible is true because it's the Word of God. It's the Word of God because it's true. Is that circular reasoning? No, it is not. Find out why... http://erniecarrasco.com/2015/03/15/its-settled/.

What You Don’t Know | Ernie's Musings

What You Don’t Know | Ernie's Musings

In this week's article I deal with the lack of knowledge of the Scripture. If we are to "defend" (the meaning of apologetics) Scriptures, we first need to know them. I hope you enjoy this week's article. It's one of my shorter ones, but I hope I have provided good content. Read more ... http://erniecarrasco.com/2015/03/08/what-you-dont-know/

Building the Ark | Ernie's Musings

Building the Ark | Ernie's Musings

God gave me a “big picture” vision of all the details that would need to go on the model. Read more ... http://erniecarrasco.com/2015/03/01/building-the-ark/

Reaping What You Sow | Ernie's Musings

Reaping What You Sow | Ernie's Musings

The idea that you sow what you reap has been around for a very long time, even before the time of Christ. The Hindu version is karma. You sow good karma, you reap good karma in return. The Chinese have the philosophy of the “yin and yang” which is “bahlahns, Danielson” (think of “Karate Kid”) between good and evil. Star Wars conjoined these ideas into “The Force” with its good or “light” side and its dark side.

Read more ... http://erniecarrasco.com/2015/02/22/reaping-what-you-sow/

This Generation | Ernie's Musings

This Generation | Ernie's Musings

I know that many of you share the same anticipation for the Lord's return. Our question, like that of Jesus' disciples, is "when will these things be and what will be the sign of Your coming?" That time may be sooner than you think. Maybe Today! Read more ... http://erniecarrasco.com/2015/02/15/this-generation/

Worship vs. Emotion | Ernie's Musings

Worship vs. Emotion | Ernie's Musings

This topic has been on my mind for quite some time now, but I have been hesitant to write about it because, well, it stirs up a lot of emotion. The topic of worship is a hot-button topic in church circles because Christians take worship personally – and it is personal.  Read more ... http://erniecarrasco.com/2015/02/08/worship-vs-emotion/

It’s Not That Bad | Ernie's Musings

It’s Not That Bad | Ernie's Musings

Here comes the Son! Here comes the Son, and I say, "It's alright!" As we look around us these days, things are getting pretty bad, but, it's not that bad -- yet! I hope you enjoy this week's post and that you will find hope in it! Read more... http://erniecarrasco.com/2015/02/01/its-not-that-bad/

Remember? | Ernie's Musings

Remember? | Ernie's Musings

I was enjoying a personal pity party this weekend, and in my daily Bible reading, Jesus reminded me that I should remember all the times He has come through for me in the past. If He has done so in the past, what should make me doubt that He would do it again for me today and in the future?  Read more ... http://erniecarrasco.com/2015/01/25/remember/

No Time Like the Present | Ernie's Musings

No Time Like the Present | Ernie's Musings

We are often encouraged to live in the present -- not the past and not the future. Indeed, our Lord reminds us to "Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof" (Matthew 6:34). For some time now, I have been wondering, just exactly how long is the present? Have you ever thought about that? Read more ...  http://erniecarrasco.com/2015/01/18/no-time-like-the-present/

When the Music Stops | Ernie's Musings

When the Music Stops | Ernie's Musings

The Doobie Brothers say that "music is the doctor of my soul." Seriously? Read more: http://erniecarrasco.com/2015/01/11/when-the-music-stops/