There's a lot of chatter about whether or not there should be Christian vampire novels on the market. I hope to clarify some terms, opinions and ideas and hopefully break the yoke of religion in the process, for Christianity is NOT a religion, it is a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
First, a Christian vampire novel need not have the Christian BE a vampire. Rather it would be better to show how a vampire becomes a Christian. We get glimpses of this in Sue Dent's novels, Never Ceese and Forever Richard. Her approach, however is not the way I would do it because she resurrects traditional vampires, puts them on basically the same playing field as Stephenie Meyer, and runs with the story.
So what then is the proper way of treating vampires in a Christian novel? You know, I'm glad you asked. The Bible says that when Adam sinned he died, and after him every person born came under that same curse of death. (Rom. 5:12) In a very real sense, humans are the living dead, to borrow a phrase. They are vampires, feasting on their desires that come from a fallen nature, which bring them closer and closer to judgment. If all of us were born as vampires it's pretty evident that we don't have fangs and drink people's blood (at least most of us don't). There are vampire cults that have grown out of the occult and the fantasy understanding of what vampires are, but these vampire cults are made up of people who are sinful people, same as you and me. They have no special powers or abilities, though they might claim to. Their only reality is that they are dead to God, and therefore dead to themselves.
Vampires and Light. In most vampire movies you see the vampires coming out at night because they fear light, specifically daylight. It kills them, which when you think of it is a ridiculous statement for even a vampire to make. I mean, if you were someone who was one of the living dead, if in order to survive, to continue in this state of immortality, even though you were cursed both by God and by your own conscience, wouldn't you rather put an end to it rather than live on for centuries hating yourself, hating humanity, hating and fearing light? Why not just step into the light and be done with it? The Gospel calls to each of us to do this very thing. We are not only the living dead, but creatures of the night. We do things in secret because we don't want anyone to know about them. Coming into the light would mean telling God all about this, which He already knows, and confessing these things as wrong, as hurtful, as desires that preyed, many times, on other people (for that is the way of the vampire). So many people fail to come into the light. They think that by avoiding it they will somehow avoid judgment, but this is not true. One day they will, against their will, be brought to stand before the One who is the essence of all light and truth, the Creator, Savior and Judge of all. What can we do? What can a vampire do? Step into His Light. Jesus said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit." (John 12:24) In other words, if we want to live we first have to die.
What? I can hear the collective gasp. "We have to die if we are to live?" That's correct. Jesus said, "You must be born again." (John 3:3) Why did He say that? Because we are dead. If physically we die while we are spiritually dead, then we will be dead forever, and not in a wandering around the world kind of sense, but in a Hell is home kind of sense. Jesus also said, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." (Mat. 16:24) We look at these words and say, "Yes, Jesus I will follow you," and take little thought at what Jesus was saying. He wasn't simply talking about taking up a burden and doing good. Jesus was comparing things. He took up the cross, carried it to Golgotha, and there died that we might live. This is what Jesus was talking about. We are, in the same way, to take our cross and follow Him into death, that we might find life. Jesus died that we might live. We die so that He might live through us. So yes, we must die, that is if we really want to live.
Vampires and the cross. Another thing about vampires, traditionally that is, is that they are afraid of the cross. I'm sure you've all seen the movies where some priest holds a silver cross in front of him to ward off a vampire. Well that, as they say, is Hollywood. Vampires, however do fear the cross, because there is power there that they cannot compete with. When Jesus died upon the cross He descended into Hell, acquired the keys of Death, Hell, and the Grave. For three days He preached to those held captive by death, and rose on the third day. The death of Jesus marks payment for the curse that made us vampires in the first place, but our evil nature desires the things of the flesh. So we frequently turn away from the cross. It annoys us, because it reminds us of our faults, of who we truly are, but at the same time we are attracted to it, first out of morbid curiosity sometimes. On some level we all seem to love blood, and even violence to a degree, although I'm sure many of you will disagree on this point. However, there is something else about the cross that draws us. It symbolizes a power that is God's alone, to triumph over death by dying and rising again. This is not merely the power of an immortal, such as some vampires are portrayed, but the power of the Almighty. It frightens us and draws us. When we surrender, come into the light, then the power of the cross becomes ours, not just for the forgiveness of sin, but for healing, for victory over temptation, for victory against the attacks of Satan and his demons, even for prosperity in our spirit, in our soul and even in our body. Jesus said, "Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you." (Luke 10:19)
Vampires and mirrors. We probably all spend too much time in front of a mirror, making sure the hair is just so, that make up is applied properly, that tears have been dried before facing people. Whatever the reason mirrors reflect what we look like, or do they? If we are dead, the living dead that is, then we only get a reflection of that corpse we walk around in. We do not see ourselves. Mirrors are useless to vampires, for they do not reflect their image. However, vampires and others find their reflections in the actions of others. Bullies and other people who point fingers and talk badly about others are really just talking about the bad that is in them. It is one of our major flaws to find the bad in others, and the reason is because we are well acquainted with this, for it is who we are. The Bible talks about another mirror, a couple actually. Jesus is the mirror that we look at to remind ourselves who we are in Christ in God. Vampires, that is those who have not come into the light, died and come into true life, cannot do that. They do not have access to Jesus. So all they ever see is the bad. The apostle Paul writes to the Corinthians saying, "But now we see through a glass (mirror) darkly, but then face to face." (1st Cor. 13:12) We are promised that in the end we will no longer look at Jesus as simply a mirror, but as our elder brother sitting next to us on the Father's throne.
There are other things about the vampire stories that I haven't touched upon, but these are some of the main ones. I would dearly like to see a romance novel about a person who realizes that they are a vampire, struggle in their decision to come into the light and die that they might live. One where they finally see Jesus as they read His Word, but more importantly, one in which others see Jesus in as they go about their daily tasks. This is a vampire novel worth writing, worth reading and worth telling others about. If you know of such a novel please tell me about it. I will be most gracious to find one. This is the story of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Some will argue, and I've seen it already, that doing this is unChristian, an insult to Jesus, blasphemy. Yet, in reality, those people are bound by a religious spirit. They do not know how to worship God if Spirit and in Truth (John 4:24) I am not saying we should tell a horror story about someone with fantastic strength, who lives a long life by drinking the blood of others. I am merely suggesting that since they are referred to as "the living dead" we ought to recognize that we also were once dead in our sins, but thanks be to God, through Jesus we have been made alive and placed within Him, just as surely as He is within us. It is not the story of vampires, but the story of the saving grace of Jesus Christ that is offered unto anyone who would only receive it.
Psalm 23
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
CHRISTIAN VAMPIRE NOVELS?
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Urgent Prayer Request
for Sam Bish...thanks! Pass it on!
Hi to all my friends and family, I felt compelled to spread this story about son's best friend, Sam who is 8 (on the left in the photo above). He is in MAJOR need of Prayer. The following story is what his mother Cindy wrote today.
Background Story
Our son Sam is a wonderful young man who is 8 years old. He will be 9 in January. He is going into the 3rd grade in Reynoldsburg , Ohio . Sam had been having some pain in his right knee most of this summer (2009). As the pain increased we realized that something might be wrong and we made an appointment for him to see an Orthopedist on 8/10/09. At this doctors appointment an X-ray was done of Sam's leg/knee and it showed that there was a mass that the doctor believed to be cancerous. Samuel went into the hospital just a few days later for a series of tests. He received a cat scan, MRI, and also a full body scan. Our family met with the pediatric oncologist the following day and Samuel was diagnosed with a type of cancer called Osteosarcoma (stage 4). The cancer is in his right knee and it has also spread to both of his lungs. This is an agressive type of cancer and it will be treated with agressive forms of chemo. We are asking everyone to please lift up our litle boy Samuel Gordon Bish in prayer. We pray for healing!! We serve a mighty God and we know that HE can heal Sam if that is his will for Sam's life. Please be prayer warriors along with our family as Sam starts this very difficult journey in his young life.
Today's date is August 16th, 2009 and all this has happened in 6 days. His first appointment was on Monday the 10th and by Friday the 14th he was in the hospital getting his Chemo-port put in his chest and a biopsy done. I figured if an animated woman walking around the world for cancer can get passed to millions, then so can this story.
PLEASE KEEP THIS GOING TO YOUR CONTACTS IN YOUR ADDRESS BOOK! SAM CAN NEVER GET ENOUGH PRAYERS. WE PRAY FOR HEALING AND PEACE FOR HIS FAMILY. . .There are also 2 younger sisters.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
GOD IS NOT IMPRESSED
(The following stems from a prophetic dream I had coupled with a heart-retching "worship" service in a church I visited. It is not meant to single anyone out, but is meant to point to all of us, that we might check our own relationship with God and make sure it is what He wants, not something we've been led to believe is what He wants. – David Brollier)
"God is not impressed with your pageantry.” A lying spirit has snuck into many churches today. It says, “You need to compete with the world if you want people to come in.” This thought infects our song services, our preaching, virtually every area of our worship, so that we no longer worship God, our Heavenly Father, and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Scripture says, “I am God, you will have no other gods before Me.” Jesus told us that in the last days there would be a great falling away. The apostle Paul explains that in the last days people will heap to themselves teachers who will tell them what they want to hear. This lying spirit is slowly moving us off of Jesus, our sure foundation. The Truth is always presented in a package, that itself may not be Truth. In fact it is often these false prejudices the hide the Truth from our minds and hearts. The package, however, is like the shell of a seed. Jesus said, “Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies it can in no wise bear fruit.” Was Jesus saying Truth must die? No, for He also said, “For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” (Matthew 5:18) What Jesus was saying was that our prejudices our preconceived notions about what Truth is must die, the shell that surrounds the Truth, so the Truth may come alive in our hearts and bear fruit. Yet this lying spirit has let us to cover the Truth with layer upon layer of “stuff” to the point where we have begun to worship the shell that must die that surrounds the Truth and not Truth.
As Jesus said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24) God calls to you and me today to take that seed of Truth, cast it into the prepared soil of our hearts so the shell around the Truth will die, and even fertilize the Truth within.
The time for playing games is over. The time for putting on a skit and calling it worship is through. God is not impressed with you, or my, pageantry. He comes to us today. He is among us to forgive and to heal and to bless, yet if we do not put out this lying spirit from our churches the Almighty will write over our doors, “The Glory of the Lord has departed.” In that day great shall be the falling away. We must not trust to new music, new fads, flags, streamers, tears, shouts, all of which may have their proper place, but we must trust in the Lord alone. He will not share His glory with another. Return now and repent while He calls to you, while there is yet time.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
The 3rd Covenant at super low prices
For those of you who have wanted to get my book but didn't want to shell out $25 (and I don't blame you) there is good news. Read on:
PublishAmerica Author Support Team
Please notice that the expiration of this incredible sale is JULY 24th. So if you want a book many have hailed as a great mystery novel, now is the time to purchase it.
Just go to PublishAmerica and order your copy today.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Modern Day Saints in Prison
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Thursday, May 21, 2009
Intolerance or Tolerance
Intolerance or Tolerance
This is what Christians are getting smacked up side the head with these days. The upshot of this is that if you don't agree with a particular view then you are considered intolerant. Well, that IS the definition of the word. The problem arises when people in one group refuse to be tolerant of another that it is accusing of being intolerant. Let me give you an example.
Right now the government is basically ready to issue a gag order on all Christians, especially pastors, priests, ministers and such, against saying anything against homosexuality. This bill is proposed, sponsored and funded by the "gay" community. Now all you gays out there I want you to listen up real good. It is wrong to put any person down for any reason, but it is equally wrong to ignore morals that have been in place for millenniums. It is more harmful to you, my gay neighbor, co-worker, friend, etc. to limit my speaking out against homosexual ACTIVITY. I would be unloving if I didn't tell people where I stood. I would also be unloving if I identified that person as a low life because of their activity. You see, because of the love that Jesus has placed in my heart, I have the obligation to let you know that, one, I love you, and two, your activity is harmful.
How is homosexuality harmful? It nullifies God's design for marriage. When we say "It takes two" we mean just that, but not two of anything, it takes a male and a female. When that is not present the union can face challenges it should never have to face. Also it is necessary to follow this design to procreate. Even with test-tube babies you need to join a male sperm with a female egg. This isn't wrath, anger, bitterness or anything of the sort. It's Biology 101. Most of all people are made to be eternal beings, and that is the part most people miss. If they thought about it, then perhaps they might think things through a bit more. Now I am NOT saying only homosexuals go to Hell. Every one of us is born with Hell as our destination. The Bible says, "The wages of sin is death..." (Romans 6:23) It doesn't say what sins because any and all sin is included in that statement. So a person who cheats a little on their income tax or tells an occasional little white lie is on the same fast track to Hell as the homosexual. However, the solution to all is also the same, "...but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Notice how one is payment for the work they do and the other is a free gift? The radical homosexual movement today is trying to force Christians from getting that message out. So the logical question would be, "Do they really want to go to Hell?" I don't think so. I believe the thinking here has been so filtered down as to exclude any kind of acceptance of God's mercy, and that's the sad part. These aren't the only negatives. How about sexually transmitted diseases? No, I'm not one of those people who think this is a specific plague upon homosexuals, as some have stated. You have to admit that, first of all, those engaging in unprotected sex, be it heterosexual or homosexual, are asking for trouble. There is also, especially among males, the certain grinding aspect that, if pushed too far, simply begins to become less capable of fighting of any diseases.
Jesus taught using parables, and one He used was that of the sower and the seed. You've probably heard people say, "You reap what you sow." Well, they get that expression, although not the direct quote, from the Bible. It is true. If you plant orange seeds in good soil (and a warm climate) you will get orange trees. If you plant Kentucky Blue Grass seed on your lawn you'll get Kentucky Blue Grass. If you plant bitterness in your heart you will reap a harvest of bitterness. If you plant hatred you will reap hatred. If you plant love you will reap love. I know of several people who are homosexuals. They know my opinions on the topic, but I don't beat them over the head with it. I let my life shine on them by loving them just as Jesus loves me with all of my defects (and believe me there are plenty). These people are gentle, kind people, for the most part. So you see, I do not equate the action with the person. They are planting kindness and gentleness, and because of that will reap the same things. At the same time they are planting seeds of a twisted sexual lifestyle that, when it grows, will not only be their harvest, but will become a snare to them.
Getting back to the main topic, if you really want Christians to be tolerant, then look at what they are really saying, and don't become intolerant yourself. Even if you think someone is being intolerant, why would you want to become like them in their intolerance? The best course of action here would be to be tolerant. Who knows, we may learn from each other. You may be able to help me with my short comings, and I may be able to help you with yours. Admitting we have short comings is a step towards God. If God doesn't let any sin come before Him, but provides mercy through Jesus Christ, then we need to realize that we are sinful before we can receive that mercy. What most Christians are doing is simply bringing you to a place where you can see your need for Jesus. The wise among us let you and God work it out between you, while at the same time remain available for prayer, encouragement and friendship.
David Brollier
Monday, June 2, 2008
Mercy in the Middle
Now what it the world do I mean by "Mercy in the Middle"? Well, like the story of salvation itself, we find God coming down in the middle of a situation that would otherwise be unbearable. God leaves the throne in Heaven for one specific purpose, to die for our sins. Now thta is love. In the book of Lamentations, written by the prophet Jeremiah, in chapter 3, verses 21-23 we read these words, "This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulnes." It is these verses I'd like to focus on.
You see, the rest of Lamentations chapter 3 talks about how bad things are for the prophet. People are trying to kill him. The people God sent him to aren't listening to God's warnings. To top it all off Jeremiah feels like God isn't even answering His prayers. Anyone out there feel the same way? I know I have. Look at the word I used thouh, "feel". We are so used to going on emotions that we forget that we are to live by faith and trust in the Lord. For that reason we find the prophet coming to his senses in the middle of this chapter. I know this because the very first statement he makes is "This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope." Suddenly it dawned on him that all these feelings were just that, feelings. Oh it's true people were out to kill him, and eventually did, and it's true that the people he warned did not listen. Yet look at this glorious hope he speaks of, "It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not."
We deserve to die, every last one of us. Ever since Adam there has been no one that has lived according to the will of God wholehearedly, or perfectly. Every one of us was born into sin, or as I put it, we were still born. To the world we look alive, but we were dead. Why did God let this happen? Why does God not intervene? Why does He not show compassion? Why will He not hear my prayers? These are all questions of people who do not have a close relationship with God, or that relationship has faltered, just as Jeremiah's did. The answer is quite simple. God allows things to happen because we have chosen to let them happen. Maybe not us personally, but we as a species of life, have chosen rebellion over loyalty to God. We all deserve a traitor's death. So what does God do, He lets things play out, gives us time to repent. Why? Because the Lord's mercies are "new every morning". What a thought. What a joy. We are, deserving of death and God gives us His mercy day after day. What is that mercy? It is a chance, a clean slate, a time to repent and turn back to Him. So when some drunk runs off the road and kills a young mother, that's life, that's sin bearing its deadly fruit in this world. The drunk lives, not because he is innocient, but because he is guilty and God would rather see him receive His forgiveness and love that He might work in that man's life.
But what about revenge? What about the woman who died? The woman who died did so because of sin bearing fruit in this world. Revenge, if it is taken, must be taken upon all of us, for "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God." So if God can get into that situation and extend His mercy He will do so.
Still, this isn't really about that hypothetical situation. This is about you and me and were we are in our lives. We deserve to be "consumed" but because of God's mercy we are not. His mercy to us are new every morning. Therefore we can stand up and try again. We don't have to carry around the past with us. We can say with the prophet, "Great is Thy faithfulness." - David Brollier
