What I Have Learned

The Mistake of King Saul: To Obey Is Better Than Sacrifice

2011-12-25T05:47:00.041-05:00

In Jeremiah 10:2 as well as throughout the Holy Bible in many verses we are instructed “Do not learn the way of the heathen.” This is made very clear in the Old Testament scriptures. The reason why Christmas is so wrong is because all Christmas traditions brought into the “Church” are “ways of the heathen.” Changing the name of something, or the explanation for it does not change what it is. Man does not have the authority to add or to take away from the word of God, and when he attempts to do so, he does so to his own peril (Deuteronomy 12:32, 4:2, Revelation 22:18-19). We are not to do what seems right in our own eyes, we are to do what the scripture teaches (Proverbs 12:15, 14:12, 16:2, 21:2, 2 Timothy 3:15-17). God does not desire to be worshiped by the flesh, that is, by mans ideas, but only in the manner which He has ordained. He desires to be worshiped in Spirit and in Truth (John 4:23).

In Leviticus 10:1-2 Nadab and Abihu tried to worship God in a way that he had not commanded. How did God accept their offering? He killed them both. This is a fearful thing.

In 1 Samuel 15:1-28 we learn many principles from King Saul’s mistakes. In verses 1-3 we see that the Lord sent the prophet Samuel to King Saul with the message that King Saul was to “go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not;” we can see in verse 3 that Saul was clearly told to kill all the Amalekites, and all of their animals.

Did King Saul obey the word of the Lord? No he did not. We see in verse 8 and 9 that he took the King of the Amalekites alive and that he spared “the best of the sheep, and of the oxen, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all that was good, and would not utterly destroy them.”

Below we can read 1 Samuel 15:10-28

"Then came the word of the LORD unto Samuel, saying, It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the LORD all night. And when Samuel rose early to meet Saul in the morning, it was told Samuel, saying, Saul came to Carmel, and, behold, he set him up a place, and is gone about, and passed on, and gone down to Gilgal. And Samuel came to Saul: and Saul said unto him, Blessed be thou of the LORD: I have performed the commandment of the LORD. And Samuel said, What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear? And Saul said, They have brought them from the Amalekites: for the people spared the best of the sheep and of the oxen, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God; and the rest we have utterly destroyed. Then Samuel said unto Saul, Stay, and I will tell thee what the LORD hath said to me this night. And he said unto him, Say on. And Samuel said, When thou wast little in thine own sight, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and the LORD anointed thee king over Israel? And the LORD sent thee on a journey, and said, Go and utterly destroy the sinners the Amalekites, and fight against them until they be consumed. Wherefore then didst thou not obey the voice of the LORD, but didst fly upon the spoil, and didst evil in the sight of the LORD? And Saul said unto Samuel, Yea, I have obeyed the voice of the LORD, and have gone the way which the LORD sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God in Gilgal. And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king. And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice. Now therefore, I pray thee, pardon my sin, and turn again with me, that I may worship the LORD. And Samuel said unto Saul, I will not return with thee: for thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD hath rejected thee from being king over Israel. And as Samuel turned about to go away, he laid hold upon the skirt of his mantle, and it rent. And Samuel said unto him, The LORD hath rent the kingdom of Israel from thee this day, and hath given it to a neighbour of thine, that is better than thou."

Notice that Saul claimed to have obeyed the Lord even though he did not. Notice that Saul disobeyed the Lord so that he could worship the Lord by offering a sacrifice to him. Notice that Samuel says to Saul “to obey is better than sacrifice” Samuel says that “Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king.” Listen to the excuse Saul gave; “I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the Lord, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.”

This story in 1 Samuel 15 has many similarities to the way many people respond to Christmas. God has clearly commanded us not to learn heathen practices. He has clearly commanded us to be separate from the world (John 15:19, 1 John 2:15, 2 Corinthians 6:15). Therefore, we cannot celebrate Christmas, because if not for heathen practices, there would be no Christmas to have. It must be realized that Christmas and the scriptural account of the birth of Christ are two entirely different things.

But like Saul some have falsely claimed that they have obeyed the Lord. Like Saul some have disobeyed the Lord claiming that they did so in order to worship God. Like Saul some have rebelled, some have been stubborn, some have an Idol. Like Saul some have transgressed the commandment of the Lord because they feared the people (rather than God) and have obeyed the voice of the people.

Christmas is a teaching of the Roman Catholic Church - an antichrist teaching. Christianity based on Scripture Alone was the cry and teaching of the protestant leaders who led God's people out of bondage from the Great Whore (That Great Whore, which today, as in much of history, is, at the very least, most largely embodied by The Roman Catholic Church).

O How that Romish Church has conquered the former Protestants, tricking them into honoring the wishes of the Pope (and of Satan himself)!

If God would have wanted us to celebrate Christmas he certainly would have told us so. In Matthew 28:19-20 we read “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

Notice that Christ never taught us any such thing as that which is commonly called "Christmas." Notice also that the Apostles never left us any such example (Nor did the early church).

In the Holy Bible it does not say anything about celebrating the Birthday of Christ. In fact, the only ones who are mentioned as celebrating birthdays in the Bible are pagans who knew not God (Genesis 40:20, Matthew 14:6, Mark 6:21) .

It is in 1 John 2:21 that we find the phrase “No lie is of the truth.” "Christmas" was created by liars (Satan, Pagans, and the Roman Catholic Church (ultimately Satan)), supported by liars, and exists upon lies (John 8:44). "Christmas" continues in "Christian churches" because of those who fear man, and love tradition, more than they fear God, and love the truth (2 Thessalonians 2:10, Zechariah 8:19).

Christmas is an unbiblical invention of the Roman Catholic Pope, which Protestants at large formerly shunned. The fact that it is so widespread today only evidences the great influence of the spirit of Antichrist which abounds in this world at the present time.

Christmas is highly esteemed in the eyes of men, and no wonder; "For that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God."- Luke 16:15

See the links below for more information on the idolatry named "Christmas".

Dec. 25 Worldwide Day Of Idolatry

http://www.radiomissions.org/gleanings/aboutxmas.shtml

http://thethoughtsofhans.blogspot.com/2010/12/great-day-of-idolatry-offering-strange.html

http://www.truthontheweb.org/xmasvol1.htm

The Force (1983) by Jack T. Chick (especially page 26)

http://www.realtruth.org/articles/169-ttooc.html

http://truthseekersministry.com/articles/is-christmas-in-the-bible/

http://bibletruths.org/holiday/xmas_diabolical_paradox.php

http://www.lasttrumpetministries.org/tracts/tract3.html

http://www.lakehamiltonbiblecamp.com/topical/christms.htm

http://www.isawthelightministries.com/christmas.html

http://webbpage.bravehost.com/christmas.html

Paganism in the Church: What about Christmas?

Make A Difference: Share The Gospel

2011-12-19T21:10:00.036-05:00

The Great Commission

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. – Matthew 28:19-20

Be Prepared

In this post I will discuss ways to spread the Gospel, which even shy people can easily do. Many of these methods I learned from the multitude of suggestions given at www.chick.com. The first step is to be prepared; this includes preparing yourself mentally and spiritually as well as by becoming well supplied with Gospel proclaiming literature. Scroll to the end of this list for links to great sources.

Ideas For Distributing Tracts

There are many ways to distribute tracts. Chick tracts (Named after their author, Jack Chick) are very attractive and effective due to their miniature comic book format. They really do get read. It is important to always carry these tracts with you, because you can leave them to be a witness wherever you go. When you buy gasoline, leave one on the fuel pump. When you use a public restroom leave at least one in the restroom. When you mail in a check to pay a bill, send a Chick tract along with your check. At first I was almost afraid to do this one. What if they are offended and decide to pretend that they never received my payment? That could hurt your credit rating or create some type of penalty fee. But I did it anyhow. And I’ve been doing it for months now with no trouble. That’s a lot of Chick tracts delivered free, you don’t have to use a stamp just to mail a Chick tract. I also try to send a different Chick tract each time, just in case the same person is in charge of my account, but I tend to think they have thousands of employees and a different person gets my envelope each time, that is a lot of people you can reach. So here is one disadvantage of paying bills online or automatically through your bank account – less opportunity to witness. Unless you know how to send an e-tract along with your payment, if that is possible?

Waiting rooms and lounge areas are a great place as well. I’ve done this before. I’ve left New Testaments, Gospels of John, and Chick tracts – and they have gotten read. One time I placed a New Testament and it disappeared for a while. Then it reappeared maybe two weeks later – and it was obvious from its dog eared pages that it was heavily read over those two weeks. Everyone seems to love the Chick tracts. It is obvious that they get read, and they also disappear because people take and keep them. I’ve seen people experience a wide variety of emotions from reading them.

Satan Works To Discourage Us

Satan wants very much to discourage people from distributing tracts. But remember this – How much is a soul worth? What I am saying is that many people think they would be wasting their time and money distributing tracts. Now if you are a good talker, and would rather share the Gospel verbally with nearly everyone you see – then perhaps tracts are of little value to you. But if you are not daily sharing the Gospel in other ways then your unwillingness to spread tracts is only evidence that you have a spiritually dead life. Seeing as Christ has done so much for us we should surely want others to have the same blessing. The Scriptures encourage us to bring this same blessing to others. Through familiarity with the scriptures also comes the increasing our faith that we may receive the many blessings from God through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Everyone is called to be a part of the great commission. God gives no commands today which are not meant to be kept by everyone.

Importance Of Prayer

Before distributing any tracts, gospel, or testament it is vitally important to pray. Here is another problem with those who do not share the Gospel in any way – they lack Faith. After I pray over a tract, I am fully persuaded that God is able to use it to save sinners and strengthen saints.

Sharing The Gospel In Other Languages

Another great use of Chick tracts is to reach people whose language you can't speak. Where I have been there are Vietnamese as well as those who speak Russian, Ukrainian, and of course Spanish. Even if they also speak English, I think it is often more meaningful to them to read something in their native tongue. Especially if there is less material available in their own language, they are likely more inclined to read whatever is available. Whenever I leave tracts in another language they seem to disappear even faster than the rest.

The Best Way To Leave Tracts?

There are both advantages and disadvantages to leaving tracts in secret or openly. If you leave them when others are observing you the advantage may be that the person who reads the tract will know to talk to you if they have questions. They will also know who to blame, and perhaps persecute. If you leave the tracts secretly, someone who finds them may have questions and not know who to talk to for guidance. But if they despise the message they will not know who to trouble. More importantly they will not be able to stop the person leaving tracts. Suppose you leave a tract which is written to help Roman Catholics escape from the bondage of that false religious system. Suppose they interpret this tract as hateful and complain to someone who has power over you, such as your employer, someone in a position to enforce laws, or via a judge through a lawsuit.. However, if no one knows you are leaving the tracts then you cannot get in trouble. Sometimes to witness you are called to risk losing money, your job, your status, or even your life. But sometimes in this country (USA) you can witness effectively without seriously risking any of these. I believe than one solution for many is to leave the tracts secretly, but at the same time be a good Christian example, clearly in both word and deed. This way if any read the tract and need someone to talk to they will go to you anyhow. Not because they know you left the tract, but because they know that you will be able to help them and guide them in how to be saved and grow in the Christian faith (Matthew 10:16).

Believing The Devils Lies ?

Today Satan works hard to destroy the church from within, and to help him succeed you should remain relatively quiet about your faith.* You should be a mediocre lukewarm Christian.* You should be Christian enough to believe you are saved, but you should never profess beliefs which seem too fundamental or extreme.* You should never say anything which condemns the majority of professing Christians.* You should tell others only about the love of Christ and avoid subjects like hell or sin.* You should be afraid to say anything against the Roman Catholic Church, against the Muslims, against any other false religion, or to criticize any who proudly and openly profess and glorify their sins.* After all, if you get yourself in trouble or killed then you will be unable to ever witness to others.* You should never speak harshly to anyone, and never tell anyone things that will upset them.*

*These are the lies of the Devil. And by these the church is destroyed. The verses that help to expose these lies are as follows; Matthew 28:19-20, Revelation 3:16, Matthew 7:21-23, Matthew 10:28, 35, 37, 38, 39, 2 Corinthians 5:11, 2 Corinthians 10:12, 18, Luke 3:7, John 8:45, Galatians 4:16, and Ezekiel 3:18, among others.

The Growth Of The Church

The way for the church to grow is by faith and fearlessness, not forgetting charity (love in action)(1 Corinthians 13:13, 1-13). If the whole church was unafraid of men then the church would grow. The church cannot be destroyed from without, only from within. Take for example John Knox and Martin Luther, two men who spoke the truth and who could have easily been killed early in their lives. Even Christ himself was protected from death until the proper time (Matthew 26:18) (and Paul in 2 Timothy 3:11). God will protect men in the most dangerous of situations (Psalm 34:19), provided they do his will, and provided that God has not yet decided to bring them home to himself (2 Corinthians 5:8-9).

No Fear Of Persecution

There are three reasons that no true Christian should fear persecution or even martyrdom. For the Lord delights in true Christians, these are his servants, who are his friends and saints. For they do his will from their heart, believe that he is, and that he is the rewarder of them who seek him diligently (Psalm 149:4, Revelation 19:5, John 15:14, Matthew 7:21, Ephesians 6:6, Hebrews 11:6). First, if we suffer and are persecuted or killed for Him we shall reign with Him, live with Him and have great reward (Matthew 5:10-12, 2 Timothy 2:11-12). Second, we are not irreplaceable. As Abraham had faith that God could raise up Isaac (Hebrews 11:17-19), and as Christ knew that God could raise up children for Abraham from mere rocks (Matthew 3:9), so to can God raise up new disciples from the weakest among us to do great things for His Glory (1 Corinthians 1:26-29). Third, as Tertullian observed of the early churches persecution – "The Blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church." And that is why the church cannot be destroyed from without by the flesh, but only from within, by spiritual attacks of Satan, sent by deceiving spirits and the mouths of false prophets and ear tickling preachers (Ephesians 6:12-18, 2 Corinthians 10:4, 1 Timothy 4:1, Revelation 16:13-14, Mark 13:22, 2 Peter 2:1, 1 John 4:1, 2 Timothy 4:3-4).

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he who winneth souls is wise. - Proverbs 11:30, Daniel 12:3, Matthew 13:43

The term "soul winning" can be misunderstood, because people don't win souls, it is the Holy Spirit who changes the hearts of men. Nevertheless, it is a term the scriptures use; therefore we should use it also, we should just be cautious to be sure we properly understand what it means (1 Corinthians 3:4-11, especially 1 Corinthians 3:7).

Soul winning explained by Spurgeon

Good sources for Gospel Proclaiming Literature (Tracts and Gospels)

http://www.ptl.org/code/products.php (be sure to select KJV)

http://www.chick.com/catalog/tractlist.asp

http://pro-gospel.org/store#ecwid:category=636671&mode=category&offset=0&sort=nameAsc

http://www.biblehelps.us/orderlist.htm

These Four Things: Idols, Blood, Things Strangled, Fornication

2011-11-22T14:51:00.035-05:00

First let us read Acts 15:20-29 as seen below.

“But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood. For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day. Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren: And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia: Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment: It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth. For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.”

Here as the early church was forming there was confusion as to how much of the Law the gentile believers needed to keep. There were some Jews who were demanding too much of the gentile believers, they were demanding carnal ordinances - circumcision and the keeping of the ceremonial laws. In the passage above we see the “necessary things” which the early believers were instructed to abstain from. There are two common misinterpretations of these instructions today. The first mistake is the failure to realize that these instructions apply to us yet today. The second mistake is to think that these are the only commandments for Christians today. These four items of instruction must be interpreted with an understanding of the Law, and by consideration of all that is taught in the New Testament Epistles; this is what we will examine.

Things Offered Unto Idols

The eating of meat which was offered unto idols is clearly discussed by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 and 1 Corinthians 10:19-33.

“But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled. But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse. But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.” –1 Corinthians 8:6-13

In these verses we learn that there is nothing wrong in itself with eating meat offered to idols, because we know that all meat is good and created by God to be eaten. But, Paul warns us that we should not eat it if we offend a weaker Christian. For instance, a weaker Christian may not realize that it is provided by God and acceptable to eat with thanksgiving. The weaker Christian may simply associate it in his mind with idols – and therefore be offended, having their conscience wounded if they would eat it, or if they see other Christians eat it. Therefore, we are to abstain from meat offered to idols for the sake of our weaker brothers and sisters in Christ, that we let not our freedom become a snare in the building of their faith, or the maturing of their Christian walk. Fortunately, the selling of meat offered unto idols in the present day is a rare occurrence so far as I am aware; however, this fact does not make this commandment any less pertinent. The principle here is still relevant and manifest to us. The lesson is – do not weaken another’s faith by what you yourself have the liberty to do. For example, don’t drink alcohol in the presence of those who do or are tempted to abuse it.

From Blood

After the flood in Genesis 9:3-4 when God first ordained that mankind should eat meat he gave with it the commandment which seems to teach both to abstain from the eating of blood and of raw meat. Prior to the flood mankind was only permitted by God to eat plants and things other than animal flesh (Genesis 1:29). This command was given to Noah and thereby to all mankind, which is why it remains for Christians today, while the ceremonial laws given specifically to Abraham and the Israel of the flesh for a time regarding clean and unclean meats are no longer applicable (1 Timothy 4:4, 1 Corinthians 10:18, Romans 2:28-29, 2 Corinthians 3:3, Jeremiah 31:31-32, Hebrews 8).

Below are some more verses which help us understand the evils of the consumption of blood of which the Holy Ghost forbids us in Acts 15:28-29. Notice that this was not only a law for the Israelites but for “the strangers that sojourn among” them. Notice in Numbers 9:14 and Numbers 15:14 that keeping the Passover and offering sacrifices to the Lord was optional for “the strangers that sojourn among” them, but draining the blood of animals was a requirement for all people (Leviticus 17:13). Notice also that the eating of blood is listed along with practices of witches in Leviticus 19:26. Below are some more verses on this subject.

“Moreover ye shall eat no manner of blood, whether it be of fowl or of beast, in any of your dwellings. Whatsoever soul it be that eateth any manner of blood, even that soul shall be cut off from his people.” – Leviticus 7:26-27

“And whatsoever man there be of the house of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among you, that eateth any manner of blood; I will even set my face against that soul that eateth blood, and will cut him off from among his people. For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul. Therefore I said unto the children of Israel, No soul of you shall eat blood, neither shall any stranger that sojourneth among you eat blood. And whatsoever man there be of the children of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among you, which hunteth and catcheth any beast or fowl that may be eaten; he shall even pour out the blood thereof, and cover it with dust. For it is the life of all flesh; the blood of it is for the life thereof: therefore I said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall eat the blood of no manner of flesh: for the life of all flesh is the blood thereof: whosoever eateth it shall be cut off.” – Leviticus 17:10-14 (also see 1 Samuel 14:33, Deuteronomy 12:16, Deuteronomy 12:23, Deuteronomy 12:27, and Deuteronomy 15:23).

Things Strangled

Here Christians are taught not to eat things which are strangled to death. Why? This relates again to the verses above. When an animal is strangled it becomes saturated in its blood. Strangling animals is both a cruel and an unlawful way to kill them since it is torturesome and their blood is not properly drained. It is impossible to properly bleed an animal that has been strangled to death. This is perhaps the commandment of the four which more Christians are most ignorant of.

Fornication

Here is a sin which is impossible for any Christian to, reasonably speaking escape ignorance of. It is warned against throughout the scriptures and is described as the only sin which one commits against his own body (1 Corinthians 6:18). Below are two portions of scripture which perhaps best present to us the nature of this particular sin.

In 1 Corinthians 6:15-20 we read - “Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.”

In Galatians 5:19-25 we read - “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit."

Another point to consider in this day and age in which we live is the acceptance of this sin by many who call themselves Christians. There are many who seem to think that the commands to avoid fornication only apply to young people and not to those “mature” enough to “handel” it. The observing of this attitude shows how the acceptance of the doctrines of devils and the influence of the spirit of antichrist has evaded the “church,” but the true Church remains pure. I believe that a part of this attitude stems from the way many newer bibles translate “fornication.” Fornication is a more clearly defined word. In Bibles such as the N.I.V. what should be translated “fornication”, is instead translated “sexual immorality.” You may say what is the difference? The difference is that “sexual immorality” is, in the eyes of some open to interpretation. This leaves them “wiggle room” and invites loose standards, contrary to the more “cut and dry” definition of fornication. This is one of the examples of how modern Bible translations are deceiving Christians, and preparing them for a fuller acceptance of antichrist doctrine.

A Defense

I now will address some of the objections to the fact that these four commands are still binding upon Christians. I realize that the majority of commentaries say that the commands to abstain from blood and things strangled do not apply to us today. However, their reasoning for attaining that conclusion is reached using false premises. Often they reason that eating blood is only mentioned because it related to Idolatry. Often they reason that these four things were more offensive to jews than anything else so these were the necessary things for the gentiles to abstain from to be acceptable in the sight of the jews. This I consider most absurd, if that was true I’m sure eating swine’s flesh would also be on the list. Rather, these four things do not reflect jewish ceremonial law, but basic commands which God desires all men to follow. Often they reason that since abstaining from blood is not mentioned anywhere else in the New Testament, that it was only a temporary command and no longer applies. It should be observed that these reasons are not given in scripture, and that a reason is given in scripture. The reason given is “it seems good to the Holy Ghost” and “these necessary things.” Nowhere in the New Testament are these commands spoken of as being nullified. I am fully aware of verses such as Mark 7:15, Matthew 15:11, and Romans 14:17. I agree with these verses entirely. If someone slips some blood into my meat and I consume it unawares I know that I shall be forgiven in the same way I am forgiven for any other accidental sin. Another principle taught by both Paul and our Lord Jesus Christ is that we are not to be overly concerned with fleshly things, for in so doing we neglect the spiritual things which are of far more importance. The command to abstain from blood remains in effect if we are to believe the scriptures, for they give us no word otherwise. We should desire to obey all things God commands because of our love for Him.

Also see the following quote and the links below for more on this subject;

"There was room for no other conclusion than the one which James deduced, that they should impose on the Gentiles, so far as the class of restrictions under consideration were concerned, only those necessary things which were necessary independent of the Mosaic law. Idolatry, with all the pollutions connected with it, was known to be sinful before the law of Moses was given; and so was fornication. The eating of blood, and, by implication, of strangled animals, whose blood was still in them, was forbidden to the whole world in the family of Noah. Gen. ix. 4. In the restrictions here proposed by James, therefore, there is not the slightest extension of the law of Moses, but a mere enforcement upon the Gentiles of rules of conduct which had ever been binding, and were to be perpetual. They are as binding to-day as they were then. To deny this would be to despise the combined authority of all the apostles, when enjoining upon the Gentile world, of which we form a part, restrictions which they pronounce necessary."

- J. W. McGarvey from

http://www.ccel.org/ccel/mcgarvey/acts.ch15.html

also see

http://www.simplebiblestudies.com/Qeatblood.htm

Jehovah’s Witnesses: The Cult Whose Name Is A Misnomer

2011-11-16T21:45:00.014-05:00

Part II: The Arguments

Christ is Jehovah

Old testament prophesies such as Zechariah 12:1-10 and Jeremiah 23:5-6 equate Jehovah to Christ. We see that Isaiah 53:12 is fulfilled in Luke 22:37 - here we see that Christ was numbered among the transgressors, though he himself was without sin (2 Corinthians 5:21). Christ, being God even had the power to forgive sins (Matthew 9:2). We see Psalm 78:1-2 fulfilled in Matthew 13:34-35, in this example Jehovah God is also equated to Christ.

In Isaiah 43:11 and Hosea 13:4 we can see Jehovah declaring that beside him there is no Saviour. In John 4:42 and 1 John 4:14 we see that Christ Jesus is declared to be the Saviour. This is quite clear. The prophets said that there was no Saviour but God, yet the scriptures declare Christ as the only Saviour of the world, therefore Christ is God according to the Holy Scriptures.

If Christ was not God, he could not have been without sin, and he would not have been worthy to be a sacrifice for us (1 Peter 1:19).

In 1 Peter 1:21 we see that God raised Jesus from the dead, and in John 10:17-18 we see Jesus declaring that he will raise himself from the dead. This is not a contradiction, but it attests to the fact that Christ was God in the flesh. Again, if Christ was a liar he could not have done what he did.

In Exodus 3:13-15 we see that “I AM” and “Jehovah” are the same individual. In John 8:58 Jesus identified himself as “I AM.”

Psalm 34:8 is quoted in 1 Peter 2:3 - “Taste that the Lord is good.” Here again Christ is equated to Jehovah, because in Psalm 34:8 the LORD is Jehovah, and in 1 Peter 2:3 the Lord is Christ.

In Isaiah 44:6 and Revelation 1:8-18, especially verses 17-18 we can see that both Jehovah and Jesus Christ are one in the same. For they both say “I am the first, and I am the last.”

“Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.” - Isaiah 44:6

“I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea. And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. His head and his hairs werewhite like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance wasas the sun shineth in his strength. And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.” - Revelation 1:8-18

In John 5:22-23 we read - “For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgement unto the Son: That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which sent him.” (also see John 9:36-38)

In John 10:30 the Lord Jesus said “I and my Father are one.”

In Isaiah 9:6-7 we see that some names for God the Son - Jesus Christ - are the same as those used for God the Father (such as “mighty God” and “everlasting Father”).

Regarding the Holy Ghost - we can see that he is also described as God in Acts 5:3-4, as well as in Matthew 28:19, 1 John 5:7, 2 Corinthians 13:14, etcetera.

A god?

In Exodus 20:3-5, 34:14, Deuteronomy 4:24, etcetera, we can see clearly that God is a jealous God. He does not tolerate any other who claims to be God. If Jesus was not God in the flesh as he claimed and as the scriptures teach, then he could not have done what he did, nor wrought the Salvation upon us by his death as he has done.

“I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.” - Isaiah 42:8

In the beginning of John chapter 1 we can see that Christ was with the Father in the beginning, and that it was by Christ that the earth and that which is therein was created (also see Colossians 1:16-17). This is why God said “let us make man in our image…” - “our” refers to the Godhead or Trinity (Genesis 1:26).

Another belief that these particular (and I suppose all) JW’s espoused is that there are many gods. This is perhaps best exampled by their corrupt Bible translation which reads the “Word was a god” in John 1:1 instead of the “Word was God.” The “Word” in John chapter one clearly refers to and is the Lord Jesus Christ, as can be seen by reading the whole of John chapter one (as well as 1 John 5:7, John 8:12, 9:5 and other verses). Since JW’s worship idols (a god of their imagination), it is fitting that they believe in many gods. However, as Christians there are two portions of scripture which help to make this clear.

In 1 Corinthians 8:5-6 we can see that many have idols who are their gods. We also see that to us there is but one God.

“For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.” - 1 Corinthians 8:5-6

In Isaiah 43:10 we read this verse which I also shared with those JW’s who came to my door -

“Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.”

The false prophets and their false prophesies

“For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” - Matthew 12:37

The words of scripture themselves are enough to know that the JW’s are a antichristian organization. However, further insights, as to how deceived they really are, can be gained by judging the words of there own mouth according to the Holy Scriptures. Old copies of the Watchtower magazine are filled with clear and damning evidence, and they are a clear witness to all men of the fallaciousness of this cult which calls itself by a Christian name. I am not going to go into detail on every example, but will merely point out some references for those who seek proof of that which I speak. In the Watchtower Magazine, April 1, 1972, p197 it is claimed that Jehovah’s Witnesses are prophets - and it is true, they are prophets - false prophets. An example of their false prophecies can be seen in the works of their false prophets such as Joseph F. Rutherford and Charles Taze Russell. For example see page 101 of “The Time is at Hand” (1888) by Charles Russell, see page 485 of “The Finished Mystery” (1917) by Joseph Rutherford, also see his book “Millions now living will never die” (1920), see the old magazines published and copyrighted by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. See the Watchtower magazines of the 1920’s, and see page 23 of the “Awake” magazine of October 8, 1968 which is copyrighted by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, see page 226 of the “Zion’s Watchtower” magazine from July 15, 1894, see the old issues of the “Golden Age” the “Consolation” and the “Awake” magazines which are copyrighted by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. There could be more listed, but a review of the above will show plainly the false prophesies supported by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society and those who call themselves Jehovah’s Witnesses.

The New World Translation: A Corrupt Bible

Perhaps the biggest mistakes in the New World Translation stem from the fact that the Greek text primarily used for its translation of the New Testament is “The New Testament in the Original Greek” published by Westcott and Hort.* This is the same problem with nearly all modern Bible translations. It is really a wonder that so many are deceived into believing that the Westcott and Hort Greek has any accuracy whatsoever. To make a long story short Westcott and Hort were supporters of the Roman Catholic Church, and neither of them believed in the inspiration of scripture. This can be seen by those who have eyes to see upon reading the following books; “Life and Letters of Fenton John Anthony Hort” Volume I by Anthony Hort, published by Macmillan and Co. LTD. 1896, and “Life and Letters of Brooke Foss Westcott” Volume I by Arthur Westcott, published by Macmillan and Co. LTD. 1903. Upon reading these books and discovering who Westcott and Hort were, it is almost unbelievable, that in the present day, so many professing Christians are still deceived by them. This can only be evidence of the spirit of antichrist at work today.

The other, perhaps larger evidence of the corruption of the Westcott and Hort text, can be known by carefully comparing the Bibles translated from their text with Bibles translated from the preserved text (such as the KJV and the Geneva). Ask these questions; Which Bible gives more glory to God? Which Bible supports Christian doctrine?

For example, Westcott and Hort remove 1 John 5:7. Jehovah’s Witnesses are benefited by this fact, for without 1 John 5:7 it is much easier for them to deny Christ, and negate him to a position lower than that which the scriptures teach.

Antichrists

Seeing then that Jehovah’s Witnesses are antichrists it is important to remember what the scriptures say of them in 2 John 1:7-11. Furthermore, we can see that without Papist supporters (Westcott and Hort), of that Romish Whore, that the Jehovah’s Witnesses cult would be much less supported. Is it any wonder that these antichrists are supported by a greater antichrist, The Pope and his false church, which has shed the blood of the saints of God, and continues to deceive the world and to ensnare men with false teachings and pleasant words, entrapping them with damnation?

But Let Us Trust In Christ Alone, For He Is The Victory That Overcomes The World!

“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?” – 1 John 5:4-5

Faith Is The Victory

In Christ Alone

Also see a related Post > The Godhead (Holy Trinity)

*According to the introduction of the New World Translation, 1984 edition, published by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, INC., International Bible Students Association, Brooklyn, New York, U.S.A.

**Note that there are many other errors in the Jehovah's Witnesses theology that are not even mentioned here. For more info see the links below.

Jehovah's Witnesses Cult

http://www.chick.com/information/religions/jw/

Jehovah’s Witnesses: The Cult Whose Name Is A Misnomer

2011-11-16T21:09:00.022-05:00

Part I: The Story

One Tuesday in the late morning I returned home from running some errands. Shortly thereafter, there was someone at my door, two middle aged ladies. I opened the door and stood in the doorway as I talked with them. I suspected right away that they were Jehovah’s Witnesses, or so they call themselves, but it is really a misnomer since they do not even know who Jehovah is, seeing that they deny his own words. I quickly saw that they were carrying a New World Translation of the Bible, confirming my suspicions. I thought “O what a great opportunity to witness, God brought these people to my door.”

Before they could say much I first pointed out something upon which we agreed - that neither of us celebrates the unbiblical pagan holidays. I then said that the biggest problem I have with JW’s is that they don’t believe in the deity of Christ (or of the Holy Ghost). I pointed out Isaiah 40:3 and I said that I believe that this is a prophecy of Christ’s coming. The one lady said she agreed that it was, and I told her that Christ is Jehovah. (In the Greek, as well as in the New World Translation, the word LORD in the KJV is actually “Jehovah”) Here she disagreed, but we know that Christ is Jehovah because this prophecy was fulfilled by Christ in Matthew 3:3. John the Baptist was the one preparing the way for Jehovah. John the Baptist was the one who prepared the way for the coming of Jesus Christ. We then discussed some other verses as well.

Both I and the one lady did a fair amount of talking, perhaps she more, I tried to give them a copy of “The Crisis” by Jack T. Chick but she would not take it. I did say that I admired the fact that they went door to door (it’s a Biblical way to get converts). I basically said that I was not prepared to talk to them anymore because I did not have any other Bible references ready to discuss. I think she thought she was getting to me with her false teachings, and so she invited herself back, and we agreed to begin again next Tuesday morning sometime between 11:00 and 11:30.

The next Tuesday morning I woke up shortly after 6:00 and put together three pages of notes, mostly verses, and dug up lots of information on the history of Jehovah’s Witnesses and Westcott and Hort of whose Greek version of the New Testament the JW’s used for their Bible Translation. I also compared some verses between their Bible and ours.

I just knew they were going to come early, and so I gathered all my materials together, my Bible, their Bible, printouts of embarrassing (to them) pages from old watchtower magazines, and my three pages of notes.

I walked out on the porch at 10:45 and planned to wait for them, but no waiting did I. Nearly as soon as I walked out they came, and we began. This time the lead lady brought a different sidekick - an elderly woman. Perhaps I’m a suspicious person, but I believe here that I’m dealing with the devil, and we know his subtle tricks. She came early in an effort to catch me unawares, and she brought with her an old lady to calm my demeanor and arouse sympathy. After all, who would dare criticize a sweet old lady?

Now it is very important to speak gently and recognize verbally when they are correct. Most likely these ladies were well meaning. However, this cannot hold you back from speaking the truth, because Hell is a reality which we can’t suppose men avoid by any means other than that described in and by the word of God. They were pleased to see my copy of their Bible. I did complement on a few of the good features it has, because, after all God’s name is Jehovah, and I don’t think there is anything wrong with translating it for what it is. Before they could say much we immediately got into sharing verses which prove the deity of Christ, and of the Holy Ghost (not what she wanted to talk about). When I mentioned John 10:30 she says “Yes, but what kind of oneness is that?” Very tricky indeed she is. At one point I said “Did you know that the people who write the Watchtower magazine claim to be prophets?” She said “No they don’t.” I said “O really?” I then walked over to the porch step, lifted up the NWT Bible I had setting there and pulled out a copy of an old watchtower magazine and said that in this watchtower issue from 1972 they claim just that. She wrote down the issue date and page and said she would look it up to check it out. I also pointed out that if you read the old watchtower magazines from the late 1800’s and early 1900’s that there are a lot of prophesies that never came true, and that the whole Jehovah’s Witness movement, if you will allow me to call it that, was began by false prophets. I pointed out that the Bible defines false prophets as those who make predictions which fail to come to pass (Deuteronomy 18:20-22). She agreed that that was the right definition of a false prophet. She also made this strange statement; she said that they (JW’s) do not consider those who are “spirit anointed to be divinely inspired.” So I said “So first you say that they do not claim to be prophets, and then when I show you that they do you say that those who are spirit anointed are not considered divinely inspired, it sounds to me like you are saying that the divinely inspired are not divinely inspired, as if they cannot be held accountable for what they say?” She did not have much of a response to that.

Then I finally got around to 1 John 5:7. I said that “I think part of the problem here is your translation.” I said “I know this verse isn’t in your Bible but I’m going to read it for you anyhow.” She says “I know what it says.” Then I read it “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.” She said “That’s a spurious verse.” I said “O really, do you know anything about how your Bible was translated?” She said “well it was translated from the best copies of the originals.” I said “well that’s what you’ve been told.” I said “do you know what Greek text was primarily used for the translation of your Bible’s New Testament?” She did not know. I said that “the Greek text used was the one put together by Westcott and Hort, do you know who they were?” She did not know. I said “they supported the Roman Catholic Church.” She said “well everyone did, but there were those who knew the truth.” I said “did you know that these people did not even believe that the scripture was inspired, and you trust them to put a text together?” I said “did you know that these people based their text off two or three percent of the copies of scripture that were in existence?* And that they disregarded the majority of scripture. Just because the copies they chose may have been older, it does not mean that they were original.”

We also discussed John chapter 1 which their Bible badly mistranslates, as well as some other verses. I noticed her looking at her watch. She tried to get onto another subject, but I would not let her, and then I mentioned the fact that she was denying Christ for her failure to accept his divinity. She again tried to move onto another subject and I said “Well it is time for you to go,” and I motioned and pointed with my hand toward their van. She said “Hans you did this on purpose!” She tried to talk some more and I said “We have nothing else to talk about, because you deny Christ." I pointed to her van and said “You can leave now.” She said “well you read such and such a verse.” And I said “and you can read 2 John 1:7-11, and then you’ll know why I don’t let you in the house.” As they began to walk away I said “I pray you repent.” And I spent some time praying for them shortly thereafter.

Some explanations of this account

There were more details to our discussion/debate than I have written above, since writing every detail would be too time consuming. I have also written it as I remember, and it is possible that some of it is out of order or paraphrased. You can read Part II (the meat of the argument), which includes references for the facts shared in this account, as well as more arguments against the Jehovah’s Witness cult. When she said “Hans you did this on purpose!” I assume she was referring to the fact that I had planned for them to come back so that I could witness to them, and to the fact that I never let her get on to any other subject but that Glorious subject of our Lord Jesus Christ. I believe that it would have been an insult to God to let her speak a word after failing to recognize Christ in such a way as she did. Further, if she could not recognize Christ, I found it doubtful that she would be able to recognize anything else. You can't move on in Christian theology with people who do not even believe in something so basic as our Lord Jesus Christ.

Also see a related Post > The Godhead (Holy Trinity)

The Unforgivable Sin: Unbelief

2011-11-10T11:44:00.016-05:00

Unbelief exampled as blaspheme against the Holy Ghost

Below are two portions of scripture which should be read carefully to understand what blaspheme against the Holy Ghost is.

“And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils. And he called them unto him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan? And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand. And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end. No man can enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house. Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme: But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation: Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit.” - Mark 3:22-30

“Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw. And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David? But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils. And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand? And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges. But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you. Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house. He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad. Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come. Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit. O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” - Matthew 12:22-37

Many people have assigned various meanings and described with differing definitions what it means to blaspheme the Holy Ghost. In the simplest most literal interpretation it simply means to speak evil of the Holy Ghost. Speaking evil of the Holy Ghost is certainly a sin, and a blasphemy, but is it really unforgivable? To say that it is unforgivable seems to contradict much of the Biblical promises of Grace to those who repent and trust the Lord Jesus Christ for a pardon and salvation.

We should then ask, and see the answer which is clear from these passages of scripture: Why were those who committed the unforgivable sin in these passages of scripture found to be guilty?

We can see that Jesus was performing miracles, specifically; he was healing physical defects and casting out demons. The Pharisees and scribes saw him doing this and attributed his power to do these things not to the Holy Ghost, but to Satan (Beelzebub the prince of the devils). Here glory was due to God the Holy Ghost, but these wicked vipers falsely attributed these miracles to Satan. So then, to my knowledge, the only specific example given in scripture of blaspheming the Holy Ghost (in an unforgivable way) is when men attribute to Satan the workings of the power of God.

Notice also that those who blasphemed in this example were speaking evil words out of their evil heart, and that they were falsely claiming that good was coming from evil (Matthew 12:33-35). Therefore, the Lord Jesus said “ by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” Forsooth, Christians should have a fear of speaking anything amiss about the Holy Ghost, but of committing the Blasphemy of the Holy Ghost in the sense of it being unpardonable as this passage of scripture describes; this is not a sin which is even possible for true Christians to commit. A requirement for this sin is a wicked heart, to the point of calling good evil and evil good. Against this evil heart the prophet Isaiah warns us in Isaiah 5:20. This is not the heart of a Christian as we see in Ezekiel 11:19-21 and Hebrews 8:1-13.

Many argue that this specific sin can no longer be committed today, since Christ is no longer on earth working miracles. People who think this forget about the Holy Ghost and the promises in the Holy Scriptures of the Holy Ghost’s distribution of gifts.

Of these gifts we can clearly read in 1 Corinthians 12:1-31, 1 Corinthians 14:37-39, and throughout the scriptures in many places.

Today, on this earth, there are those who call themselves Christians even though they deny that the Holy Spirit still gives the gifts of prophecy, healing, miracles, tongues, the interpretation of tongues, etcetera. Further, those who claim this are also often compelled (either literally or by following their argument to its logical conclusion) to claim that any who claim to possess these gifts are liars, and that any who give evidence of these gifts do so by the power of Satan in order to corrupt the true gospel message of Salvation through Jesus Christ.

It is very true that in this time, and until the end, there are and will be many false prophets and those who work miracles by the power of Satan (2 Thessalonians 2:7-12). This is why it is all the more important that we know the scriptures, love the truth and be filled with the Spirit of God, that we may recognize and openly condemn the deceiving workers of unrighteousness among us, for the glory of God and the sake of the faithful.

But let us never, in our hast to warn of false prophets and false christs, declare those who possess the gifts of the Spirit, and who use the Spirits gifts to bring forth fruit (such as growing believers faith or leading men to Christ) as doing their good works by Satan’s power.

Now here is the warning in plain words; those who deny that the Holy Ghost still gives gifts to believers (such as prophecy and healing) are blaspheming the Holy Ghost and they are in danger of committing the unforgivable sin and of receiving the eternal damnation with which it is punished.

Unbelief exampled as Apostasy

Now the word Apostasy comes from 2 Thessalonians 2:3 where it is translated as “a falling away.” It is the Strong’s concordance word G646, in the Greek it is “apostisia.” Below we see two portions of scripture which help us understand what Apostasy is, and why it is an unforgivable sin.

“For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.” - Hebrews 6:4-8

“For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” - Hebrews 10:26-31

In the first passage above we see Apostasy described, and we see how it is a state which, upon entering an individual cannot be freed. Why? Because it is impossible to bring these people to repentance - so if you can truly repent - you are not truly an apostate but just a backslider in need of revival. Notice the other reason why apostates cannot repent - because of their bad fruit for which they are to be burnt. This further implies that the production of good fruit would spare them Hell fire - but good works can only be produced if they repent and attach to the true vine, who is the Lord Jesus Christ (John 15:5-16).

There are a myriad of verses speaking about the grace and forgiveness available to those who repent - my favorite being 1 John 1:9. Therefore, when we see the second passage above (Hebrews 10:26-31) we should also know that these verses again are referring to the apostate. Apostate individuals are without hope and without a chance to be forgiven - not because God is unwilling (2 Peter 3:9), but because they have chosen to follow their father Satan (John 8:44) and they will not repent - so hope and forgiveness cannot be theirs. They refuse to repent and are in such a state that they could never repent - they have crucified Christ in their heart. They are "vessels of wrath fitted to destruction" (Romans 9:18, 22). They are like Satan - and are merely here waiting for the time when they shall be cast into the Lake of Fire (Revelation 20:10, 15).

What do blaspheme against the Holy Ghost and Apostasy have in common? They are both nothing other than Unbelief. Those who commit these sins fail to believe the word of God, and are justly damned.

“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” - Revelation 21:8

So then this all comes back to the heart of the Good News which is “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.” - Acts 16:31

If only they would cry out with tears like the father of the crippled child "Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief." (Mark 9:24)

As the Israelites could not enter the promised land because of their unbelief* - neither can men enter the Kingdom of God unless they believe, making Jesus Christ their Lord and Savior.

"For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief." - Hebrews 4:10-11

*except for Joshua and Caleb who were faithfull and did believe, see Numbers 14:6-11, 28-38

Delivered Unto Satan: Proving Whose Child We Are

2011-10-11T22:34:00.013-04:00

How is 1 Corinthians 5:5 meant to be understood?

“To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.” - 1 Corinthians 5:5

There is a man whom I consider to be a prophet and evangelist, or at the very least a man who has done much for God. He told a story of his experience which is recorded below the way I remember it and with the meaning I got from it.

He shared that his one daughter came to visit him one day. He had been praying for her for seven years because she was raised as a Christian, but had been living in disobedience to the scripture, both by her lifestyle and the way she dressed. He told her that he just could not pray for her anymore, but that he prayed for God to remove the hedge of protection from her. He desired her to see trouble in the flesh so that she might repent and be saved (or perhaps to repent and revive Christ as the center of her life). That her trouble in the flesh may wake her up from her spiritual slumber. She thought he did not love her when he told her that he prays for God to take his protection away from her. He told her that it is because he loves her that he prayed in that manner. He also said that if he did not pray that way that it would just kill him. He could not bear to grieve over her any longer. Finally, after hearing him share that with her she repented, and changed her life.

When I heard this story I immediately thought of 1 Corinthians 5:5 and 1 Timothy 1:20. I believe that this is the same approach which the apostle Paul took with certain believers(?) when he used the phrase “delivered unto Satan.”

There are also two other portions of scripture (in Job and in Luke) which come to mind, which may be useful to bring into our consideration on this subject (also perhaps Psalms 109:6 and Acts 26:18).

Below we can read Job 2:3-7 and see how God allowed Job to be delivered unto Satan, with the stipulation that his life was not entirely destroyed. However, the life which he knew was destroyed. His own body was diseased and pained, and he lost all of his worldly wealth and much of his family. And yet he remained faithful to God and received by his life’s end more than he formerly had (Job 42:1-17). By this example we see what the experience and result of being delivered unto Satan may be. It is to prove whether we be a child of God or a child of the devil (1 John 3:10, 4:4, John 8:44, Romans 8:14-17, Romans 9:11, 26-27).

“And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause. And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life. But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face. And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life. So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown.” - Job 2:3-7

In a sense this is also what we see happening to Peter in Luke 22:31-34.

“And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death. And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.”

Here Peter is tested, and he fails the test. But realizing his mistake he repents, and is only then finally converted into a more faithful disciple.

Another thought echoed by many commentators is that “delivered unto Satan” simply means to cast out of the church fellowship - to excommunicate. Since one is casting them out of God’s Kingdom and into Satan’s. I object to this idea, as it infers that men have power to say who is and who is not in God’s Kingdom. I do not believe any man has that power. I see that power as belonging to Christ alone (Romans 8:34). Though I am sure the Pope of Rome would claim that power since he claims to be the vicar of Christ (the substitute for Christ). Also, that would not fit Paul’s description of the flesh being destroyed in order for the spirit to be saved. The idea of someone reentering Christ’s Kingdom after being cast out of Christ’s kingdom is most absurd (Hebrews 6:4-8). This opinion falsely equates the institutional churches to the true church (the bride of Christ). It should be obvious that the institutional churches are not the same as God‘s true church. There have been, are, and will continue to be saints shunned by the institutional churches, as well as children of the devil who are accepted by (and perhaps leading) the institutional churches.

So then, regarding the interpretation of the phrase “delivered unto Satan” I agree with John Chrysostom as can be evidenced by reading his homily (sermon) on 1 Timothy 1:20, and with the comments of Jamieson, Fausset and Brown regarding 1 Corinthians 5:5. Further, I believe that there are faithful servants of God in this present day who have the power through the Holy Ghost to deliver men unto Satan. As faithful men (I mean mankind) in service to God they will know God's will in particular matters and be instruments of God to declare his will and to put in effect His judgment, just as the Apostle Paul did. The gifts of the Spirit are in God’s people just as they have always been. The Holy scriptures to not teach otherwise. If you doubt this consider John 14:12, and how that after Christ went to the Father the Holy Ghost was sent to earth to be with us until Christ’s return. This is plainly known by all who know the scriptures.

A Letter: Your Life Read By All Men

2011-09-06T07:08:00.007-04:00

Here is an interesting comparison which we find in 2 Corinthians of the New Testament scriptures.

Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart. - 2 Corinthians 3:2-3

We often hear a Christian’s life spoken of as an example and witness to unbelievers. And this is what the Christian life is, and it is to be a good example. Specifically, according to the apostle Paul, the Christian life is as a letter which is read by all men.

What does your letter say? What do men come to know and understand by observing your life? There are many who will never read the epistles (letters) of Paul and the other Apostles, but these same people will see your life.

And now let us see a quote from J.C. Ryle on this subject, from his book titled “Holiness” (Hebrews 12:14)

“I believe there is more harm done by unholy and inconsistent Christians than we are at all aware of. Such men are among Satan’s best allies. They pull down by their lives what ministers build with there lips. … They supply the children of this world with a never ending excuse for remaining as they are. “I cannot see the use of so much religion,” said an irreligious tradesman not long ago; “I observe that some of my customers are always talking about the gospel and faith and election and the blessed promises and so forth, and yet these very same people think nothing of cheating me …when they have the opportunity. Now, if religious persons can do such things, I do not see what good there is in religion.” I grieve to be obliged to write such things, but I fear that Christ’s name is too often blasphemed because of the lives of Christians. Let us take heed lest the blood of souls should be required at our hands. From murder of souls by inconsistency and loose walking, good Lord, deliver us! Oh, for the sake of others, if for no other reason, let us be holy!” - from ISBN# 9781611043433, page 5

Many can relate to this. Who has not heard unbelievers cite the wickedness of professed Christians as an excuse for they themselves to remain in sin?

In the last sentence quoted above we desire to be Holy for the sake of leading others to Christ. We desire to be Holy for the sake of God himself and the Love we have for Him. For by leading more men to Christ, God shall be glorified by more men. We must see that the second greatest commandment (Love thy neighbor) proceeds from the first (Love God) (Matthew 22:35-40). For many a man has claimed to act for the sake of man’s benefit, while spitting in the face of Almighty God (Eugenicists, Roman Catholics, Adolf Hitler and his Nazis, Transhumanism, and Genetically Modified Organisms come to mind). You cannot keep the second greatest commandment without properly keeping the first. Our utmost prayer being that we cause not any man to blaspheme our Saviour or to influence them contrary to the will of God.

Now it must be added that the epistle of our life does not fulfill our requirement to witness given by Mat 28:19-20 (Chick Tracts can help anyone do that).

Now let us notice 2 Corinthians 3:3, which serves to us as a proof given by the Apostle Paul that the prophecy written by Ezekiel in Ezekiel 11:19 and 36:26 has been and is fulfilled in the saints, and by the Church of God, as this is to whom Paul is writing, which we see evidenced by his beginning to this letter in 2 Corinthians 1:1.

Now we see that it is by the Holy spirit and the heart of flesh we are given that we are able to live our lives as the epistle to men which Paul describes.

This Christian walk is also seen and related in many other ways to the events and circumstances described in Ezekiel chapter 36.

In Ezekiel 36:24 when Israel is gathered from the heathen unto their own land, this is as the Christian gathered from the Kingdom of this world (whom the prince of darkness rules (Ephesians 2:2, 2 Corinthians 4:4) and brought into the Kingdom of God.

In Ezekiel 36:25 the Lord sprinkles clean water on Israel and declares that they shall be clean from filthiness, and all Idols. Does not this seem to relate to the baptism which we receive for the remission of sins and the gift of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:38)?

In Ezekiel 36:26 the cleaning of Ezekiel 36:25 is followed by the receiving of a new spirit and a heart of flesh. And what does this new spirit do? We see in Ezekiel 36:27 that it causes us to walk in the Lord’s statutes and to keep his judgments.

This new spirit here described is the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of God, which leads us to do the will of God by bringing to our remembrance all things whatsoever he has taught us (John 14:26, Romans 8:14, 1 John 3:24, Jeremiah 31:33, Hebrews 8:10-13, 12:24).

In Ezekiel 36:28 we see Israel receiving the Land of Israel as was promised to them. To us as Christians this is as our inheriting of the Kingdom of God as is promised to those who are born again by believing in Christ the Saviour of the world, the only begotten Son of God (John 14:6, 3:1-36).

In Ezekiel 36:31 Israel shall remember their evil ways and loath themselves for their sins and abominations. This is the same response Christians have as they bring to remembrance and view in their minds eye the life they formerly lived. Even as they live the Christian life they will view themselves this way, at least to a point (Isaiah 64:6, Romans chapter 7). For we will not be perfect while we yet live in the flesh, so we wisely view ourselves humbly as nothing, and unworthy of Gods Grace. For while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. Yet we live not as defeated, but as overcomers, striving to win the race that we may inherit incorruption, when we depart for heaven putting off this body of corruption (Romans 5:8, 1 Corinthians 15:50, 1 John 5:4-5, 1 Corinthians 9:24, Hebrews 12:1).

Now I end this comparison with Ezekiel 36:32 and Ezekiel 36:36. In these verses God declares to Israel that they will not be blessed because they have merited it, for they deserve nothing but destruction because of their iniquities (vs.32). Rather God does what he does because He is Sovereign, and so that all men see that He alone is God and that He alone is Glorified (vs. 36). This also is the case with us as followers of Christ. For we are chosen recipients of Grace from the beginning, elected to Salvation for the purpose of God, that He may be Glorified, for only He is worthy of praise and honor. It is only for His purpose that he has called us from darkness into the marvelous light. Had he not called us and filled us it would be impossible for us to do any good thing whatsoever (2 Timothy 1:9-10, Hebrews 13:20-21, 2 Thessalonians 2:13, John 13:18, 15:16-19, Ephesians 1:4, 1 Peter 2:9, Revelation 17:14, Ephesians 2:8, Ephesians 1:4-12, Romans 8:28, etcetera).

For God…Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: - 2 Timothy 1:9-10

To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD. Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies. Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered. Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required. Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart. - Psalm 40:1-8

Good News Poems

2011-08-25T16:34:00.004-04:00

New post today at http://goodnewspoems.blogspot.com/

I moved all my poetry to this blog.

Notice the background at "Good News Poems" The background shows red wine and unleavened bread which represent the blood and body of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. And that is the Good News! That Christ's death on the cross was the final and complete sacrifice for our sins, that we may be forgiven as we believe on Him and thereby enter into a right relationship with God.

"And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body." - 1 Corinthians 11:24-29

Josiah And Jehoiakim: A Righteous King And His Wicked Son

2011-08-11T18:55:00.025-04:00

In 2 Chronicles we read of Josiah and how the prophet Jeremiah and the singers lamented for him.

“And Jeremiah lamented for Josiah: and all the singing men and the singing women spake of Josiah in their lamentations to this day, and made them an ordinance in Israel: and, behold, they are written in the lamentations.” - 2 Chronicles 35:25

Written in what Lamentations?

Some say this refers to Lamentations 4:20 and some say this refers to a book which is no longer extant. Below is Lamentations 4:20 which is clearly speaking of Josiah, as we will see when we realize who Josiah was, and the peace the Lord granted to the Kingdom of Judah for the sake of Josiah’s righteous acts (which showed Josiah’s Faith).

“The breath of our nostrils, the anointed of the LORD, was taken in their pits, of whom we said, Under his shadow we shall live among the heathen.” - Lamentations 4:20

If this verse refers to King Josiah, which I believe it does, why is he called “anointed” and what does it mean by “of whom we said under his shadow we shall live among the heathen.”

We can find out much about King Josiah in 2 Kings chapter 22 and 23. First, in 2 Kings 22:1-2 we find that Josiah began to reign when he was only 8 years old and he “did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in all the ways of David his father, and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left.” 1 Timothy 4:12 comes to mind when we consider young Josiah and his example.

King David: A Man After God's Own Heart

To really understand why Josiah is considered “righteous enough” to be called “anointed” let us look to David in whose footsteps Josiah followed.

Of King David we read that he was a man after God’s own heart. Why? Because he did the will of God. See Acts 13:22. In 1 Samuel 13:13-14 we see that Saul disobeyed God and Saul’s disobedience cost him his kingship. The prophet Samuel, under God’s direction went looking to anoint one to be King who would obey God. The Lord said unto Samuel “Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” Finally Samuel found David the youngest son of Jesse of the tribe of Judah “And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he.” See 1 Samuel 16:7-13.

In both Ezekiel 37:24-25 and Jeremiah 30:8-9 we see a future time described when David will again reign and be the King of the people Israel. The people under this future rule of David are described in these verses as being cleansed, saved, freed from bondage, obedient to God’s teachings, and as having one shepherd. Jesus Christ is that one shepherd (John 10:1-16) The Shepherd of Jews and Gentiles (John 10:16, Hebrews 2:9).

Now when these verses were written, the flesh of the literal person of King David was rotted in the grave. But Christ came in the flesh as a descendant of David, and as the Son of God, and the creator and Saviour of the world (Matthew 1:1-25, John 1:1-14). So then, in these verses the prophets are describing the future reign of Christ, which has now come to pass (at least partially) as Christ rules over spiritual Israel (which is comprised of both believing Jews and Gentiles (Romans 2:28-29)).

Now look at this. Of Josiah we read; “And like unto him was there no king before him, that turned to the LORD with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the law of Moses; neither after him arose there any like him.” - 2 Kings 23:25

In essence Josiah kept the first and greatest commandment as we can see by the words of Christ in the gospel of Mark.

“And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.” - Mark 12:29-30

What did King Josiah do to be described in this manner?

First, when he heard the words of the Law he realized the sins of Israel.

What was Josiah’s response to sin?

1. He recognized it for what it was by being much grieved, rending his cloths and saying “great is the wrath of the LORD that is kindled against us.” (2 Kings 22:11-13)

2. He shared the truth with others, by having the Law read aloud in the presence of “all the inhabitants of Jerusalem … the priests… the prophets, and all the people, both small and great: and he read in their ears all the words of the book of the covenant which was found in the house of the LORD.” (2 Kings 23:1-3)

3. He set to work destroying the wickedness that was in the kingdom.

“Moreover the workers with familiar spirits, and the wizards, and the images, and the idols, and all the abominations that were spied in the land of Judah and in Jerusalem, did Josiah put away, that he might perform the words of the law which were written in the book that Hilkiah the priest found in the house of the LORD.” - 2 Kings 23:24

Specifically;

- He destroyed the idols (the vessels made for the worship of Baal and the other false gods (demons)) by burning them into a pile of ashes (2 Kings 23:4,6).

- He “put down” the idolatrous priests who burnt incense to false gods (Baal, demons, the host of heaven) (2 Kings 23:5)).

- He broke down the house of the sodomites (2 Kings 23:7).

- He stopped the offering of children by fire to Molech (2 Kings 23:10).

- He broke down alters, high places, groves, and images which were used and made to worship the false gods of other nations (2 Kings 23:11-15).

- He slew the priests of the false gods (2 Kings 23:20).

We can read below how the Lord promised to let the kingdom of Judah dwell peacefully while King Josiah reigned. And that the land would not be destroyed until after Josiah died, so that Josiah would not see all the evil that God would bring upon Judah for its sins.

“But to the king of Judah which sent you to enquire of the LORD, thus shall ye say to him, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, As touching the words which thou hast heard; Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the LORD, when thou heardest what I spake against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before me; I also have heard thee, saith the LORD. Behold therefore, I will gather thee unto thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered into thy grave in peace; and thine eyes shall not see all the evil which I will bring upon this place. And they brought the king word again.” - 2 Kings 22:18-20

This also brings to mind the verse in Isaiah in which we read how sometimes the Lord lets the righteous perish so that they may not experience the evils which are to come in this world.

The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart: and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come. - Isaiah 57:1

After Josiah died his son Jehoahaz was made king in his stead. And Jehoahaz “did which was evil in the sight of the Lord.” See 2 Kings 23:30-32.

But Jehoahaz was taken away by Pharaohnechoh to Egypt where he died, and Pharaohnechoh made “Eliakim the son of Josiah king in the room of Josiah his father, and turned his name to Jehoiakim.” (2 Kings 23:34) But Jehoiakim also did evil in the Lord’s sight.

Jehoiakim's Wickedness

In fact, Jehoiakim was so wicked, that the LORD had something specific to say of him which he spoke through the prophet Jeremiah.

“Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah; They shall not lament for him, saying, Ah my brother! or, Ah sister! they shall not lament for him, saying, Ah lord! or, Ah his glory! He shall be buried with the burial of an ass, drawn and cast forth beyond the gates of Jerusalem. Go up to Lebanon, and cry; and lift up thy voice in Bashan, and cry from the passages: for all thy lovers are destroyed. I spake unto thee in thy prosperity; but thou saidst, I will not hear. This hath been thy manner from thy youth, that thou obeyedst not my voice. The wind shall eat up all thy pastors, and thy lovers shall go into captivity: surely then shalt thou be ashamed and confounded for all thy wickedness.” - Jeremiah 22:18-22

Do Not Be Deceived: God Is Not Mocked

In this post on the righteous and the wicked king, we can learn much from their examples. We saw why the righteous king was righteous, and why the wicked was wicked.

1. They were either righteous or wicked based on how God judged them (hence, in the eyes of the Lord) They were not righteous or wicked based on their own reasoning or awareness, but by the Word of God (2 Kings 22:13, John 12:48)

2. In the portions of scripture we looked at we can see that they were judged by their actions, by their obedience, or disobedience to the will of God. They did what they did because of their faith in and fear of God (or lack of faith in and lack of fear of God). And we saw them both get their just reward (Isaiah 3:11)(also see 1 Peter 1:17).

In these days, our reward/punishment may only partially come in this life, as we see exampled by the many wicked men that prosper for a time (Psalm 37:1-2).

But, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” - Galatians 6:7-10

Live His Teaching Lost Souls Reaching

2011-07-18T14:17:00.014-04:00

This Post moved to http://goodnewspoems.blogspot.com/2011/07/live-his-teaching-lost-souls-reaching.html

Have The Sign Gifts Ceased?

2011-07-12T16:49:00.012-04:00

Has God's Word Changed? No. So the sign gifts have not ceased.

The following is based on part of a letter I have recently written to a Dispensationalist.

Now there is one thing I must point out regarding the verses you shared about the sign gifts. You argue that the sign gifts (Prophesy, Healing, Miracles, Speaking in Tongues) are no more at all, but as proof you present verses which merely give examples that at some places they will not be. There is a big difference between examples where there were no sign gifts, and saying that there are no sign gifts. Can you see the distinction I’m pointing out?

You said that there is lots of evidence that the sign gifts have been withdrawn. I am pointing out that there is no evidence that they have been withdrawn, only evidence that they are not in existence in every Christian or in every place. There is quite a big difference between the two.

It has been said “If the sign gifts are still in effect why is Luke a Physician?” (implying that doctors would not be needed because God's people would heal everyone) That point is irrelevant because of two things. First, do you remember the condition for the working of the sign gifts? One condition is Faith, or belief. For many the sign gifts are of no use as far as miracles and healings, because they do not believe such a thing is possible. Notice in Matthew 13:58 and Mark 6:5 that Jesus did not do as many miracles and healing because the people did not believe. The modern western man is conditioned to believe that these types of healings and miracles are impossible, and so they greatly are because of his unbelief. Second, not every believer has every gift. Simply because we are a true believer, it is not the will of the Holy Ghost to give each of us every gift (1 Corinthians 12:4-12). Further, when you say that the sign gifts have ceased you are putting together a false (or incomplete) church, because you are cutting off some of its members (1 Corinthians 12:13-31). This is a serious error, and is part of the reason why the church in North America is declining (as it did in Europe), and why it is reportedly growing in Asia, and Africa, and Central America (and maybe South America also?).

I agree completely that there will be (and are) many false prophets (Matthew 24:24, Mark 13:22, 1 John 4:1). I also agree that any prophet who teaches anything contrary to God’s word (the Holy Bible), or who makes predictions that do not come true is a false prophet. But the scriptures are so clear that the gift of prophesy will continue, to believe other wise is in contradiction to the clear word of God. Perhaps it is you who believe false Prophets and their unbiblical teachings? Perhaps the answer to the question “What is a Prophet?” would clarify this issue. A prophet is someone who hears from God and speaks and does what God has told them to say and do. Because the Prophet hears God, they can also have knowledge of things they would normally not have, because God has told them. Thus, this is their means for prophesying the future. By the scriptures we can tell a true prophet from a false prophet. True prophets lead men to repent, to turn from wickedness, and to worship God. True prophets warn of the destruction coming to sinners. There are two ways to know a false prophet as given in Deuteronomy 13:1-5 , Deuteronomy 18:9-22, Matthew 7:15-23, and 1 Corinthians 14:32, 37, 39. First, if they make a prediction which later comes true, but they also lead men away from God and teach them to worship other gods, or if they bare bad fruit, leading men in wicked ways (into sin) they are false prophets. Second, if they make predictions which do not come to pass then they are false prophets. So to be a true prophet they need to do two things 1. They need to speak according to Gods word (not teaching anything unbiblical), and 2. They need to prophesy and there prophesies must never fail to come to pass. (And of course they must have been given the gift to prophecy by the Holy Ghost.)

Some Dispensationalists have professed that "The prophetic time clock has been put on hold, Peter did not know that and was in error when he said that the last days had begun."

To which I respond...

Do you realize that you are calling the Apostle Peter a liar? Peter said that the last days had come (Acts ch. 2) (Also see Hebrews 1:2 and 2 Timothy 3:1). If your theological view leads you to disbelieve the teachings of scripture than your theological view is corrupt and is based upon false teachings. Perhaps you have a different definition of “the last days” than the Bible does, but when discussing Biblical things you should use the same definition the Bible uses.

Also, do you not realize what the Apostle Paul says in the verses below? It sums things up and really cuts right to the point.

If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. - 1 Corinthians 14:37-39

Interestingly, there is a great similarity between the way God spoke to prophets through the Holy Spirit, and the way he now speaks to believers. Many verses and biblical stories attest to this fact, but one verse in particular that comes to mind is Matthew 5:12. Through the Holy Spirit in us today God communicates things which we could not know without Him, he allows us to know so that we may serve Him better and ultimately bring Glory to His name. Taking the sign gifts out of Christianity is taking the supernatural out of Christianity and turning it into nothing but a belief system. It is a belief system, but it is more, it is also a system of Revelation, Miracles, and Regeneration. For example, many answered prayers are miracles. And for myself I am convinced by the many answers to prayer I have received.

A Time Despised: Rejecting The Saviour's Cries

2011-07-10T11:56:00.005-04:00

This post has been moved to http://goodnewspoems.blogspot.com/2011/07/time-despised-rejecting-saviours-cries.html

Tough Love: Reproving Family And Friends Of Sin

2011-06-16T20:01:00.005-04:00

By the Grace bestowed by God the Father upon us and all who believe in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, we are not, as disciples of Christ, any longer in a place to take vengeance (Romans 12:19, Matthew 5:39, James 5:6). We are now under a better covenant (Hebrews 7 and 8, especially Hebrews 8:6).

However, from the Holy Scriptures we still learn the proper attitude to possess toward sin and sinners. Therefore, we are to be sure to reprove our family members and friends* of their sins, in the same Christian manner taught by Paul in 2 Thessalonians 3:15, bearing in mind James 5:20.

“If thy brother, the son of thy mother, or thy son, or thy daughter, or the wife of thy bosom, or thy friend, which is as thine own soul, entice thee secretly, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which thou hast not known, thou, nor thy fathers; Namely, of the gods of the people which are round about you, nigh unto thee, or far off from thee, from the one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth; Thou shalt not consent unto him, nor hearken unto him; neither shall thine eye pity him, neither shalt thou spare, neither shalt thou conceal him: But thou shalt surely kill him; thine hand shall be first upon him to put him to death, and afterwards the hand of all the people. And thou shalt stone him with stones, that he die; because he hath sought to thrust thee away from the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage. And all Israel shall hear, and fear, and shall do no more any such wickedness as this is among you.” - Deuteronomy 13:6-11

Let us not be enticed by any to serve that crafty serpent. Let us call the serpent out and crush him!

"And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen." - Romans 16:20 (Also see Psalm 37:6-10)

We must address the sin by name and expose it for what it actually is. We must bring it into the light. Bringing it into the light is reproving it. As it is brought into the light it is reproved, and by being reproved it is brought into the light. By being brought into the light, what it is is made manifest, it is made clear and evident. (See John 3:19-21)

Here is a thought.

Speaking the Truth of Christ is shining the light of Christ. Let us shine.

Living in the Truth of Christ is being the light of Christ. Let us be.

"He shall pray unto God, and he will be favourable unto him: and he shall see his face with joy: for he will render unto man his righteousness. He looketh upon men, and if any say, I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, and it profited me not; He will deliver his soul from going into the pit, and his life shall see the light. Lo, all these things worketh God oftentimes with man, To bring back his soul from the pit, to be enlightened with the light of the living." - Job 33:26-30

*Family and friends are often the hardest to accuse of wrongdoing (and we must do so in the right manner), but if we love God more than we love them (Luke 14:26-33), and if we love them wisely (care for there spiritual benefit), we will obey the LORD’s teachings regarding this matter.

Beware You Rich Man: The Covetousness Of Consumerism

2011-06-14T21:27:00.008-04:00

"Neither shalt thou… covet any thing that is thy neighbour's." - Deuteronomy 5:21

Today, especially in the developed countries the rampant consumerism is overwhelming. We buy all types of things, electronics, various motorized vehicles, and all sorts of useless things (example: conversation pieces).

To me the word consumerism means two things. It means the placing of (too much) value on material things, and it stands for the idea that we have to “keep up” with those around us when it comes to buying new gadgets, cloths, cars, larger houses, gaming systems and so on.

Consumerism as I’ve just described it is nothing other than covetousness in action. Is not covetousness also accompanied by either lust or pride, or rebellion and idolatry? Who has not been guilty of this at some point? This sin is vastly overlooked by the “Church.”

"And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness." - Ezekiel 33:31

Christians have no part in this lifestyle of Consumerism which the world embraces. People waste incredible amounts of money buying new cars every few years, just to “keep pace” with the world around them. As Christians we are to have a different value system then the world. We must desire the praises of God rather than the praises of men. If fact, we should be very cautious to appreciate at all the praises of a man.

Consider the chief rulers who did not confess the Christ on whom they believed, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue. But if they had believed and knew that they were doing the right thing why would it matter if they were put out of the synagogue? The reason is because they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God (John 12:42-43, Romans 2:29). This situation also happens today in the case of many who accept false doctrine just so they can be accepted by the “Church” or by their family or friends (peer pressure).

This is also why many today buy cloths, cars and things they do not benefit from spiritually (or even physically). - Because they love the praise of men more than the praise of God. O how they bite the hand that feeds them.

We must beware of the praise of men because they may merely speak to flatter or deceive us. The wicked hypocrites do this to God himself, would they hesitate to do this to us also if it may benefit their body of sin! (Romans 6:6, Psalm 5:9, Psalm 78:36)

If we too much desire the praise of men, it may be because we ourselves are rebelling against the Lord, and we want some one to tell us that we are not rebelling, and that we will see no judgment against us. (Isaiah 30:10, 2 Timothy 4:3)

But we are to Exhort one another often, which is more appropriate than praise (praise signifying worship, which is reserved for God alone). Exhorting is encouraging, and giving strength to another, cheering them up.

In Luke 12:15-21 we see the judgment against a man for storing wealth and using it to party and live at ease - rather than being rich toward God. Note that being rich was not his error, his error was how he used his wealth for his pleasure.

In Deuteronomy 8:10-20 we read the warning against trusting in the flesh and forgetting Jehovah.

"When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the LORD thy God for the good land which he hath given thee. Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day: Lest when thou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses, and dwelt therein; And when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied; Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the LORD thy God, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage; Who led thee through that great and terrible wilderness, wherein were fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where there was no water; who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint; Who fed thee in the wilderness with manna, which thy fathers knew not, that he might humble thee, and that he might prove thee, to do thee good at thy latter end; And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth. But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day. And it shall be, if thou do at all forget the LORD thy God, and walk after other gods, and serve them, and worship them, I testify against you this day that ye shall surely perish. As the nations which the LORD destroyeth before your face, so shall ye perish; because ye would not be obedient unto the voice of the LORD your God." - Deuteronomy 8:10-20 (also see Deuteronomy 6:11-13)

Below we read the warning against “heaping treasure together for the last days.”

"Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten. Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days. Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth. Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter. Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you." - James 5:1-6

"If riches increase, set not your heart upon them". - Psalm 62:10b

See the related post All We Have Belongs To God

Vaccines Made From Aborted Babies?

2011-06-07T19:50:00.010-04:00

Some vaccines are made from aborted babies. This makes me angry, and is yet another reason not to vaccinate. I looked this up many places to see if it was really true...and it is, at least for some vaccines (see the links below). This should make all God's people angry. Those who make vaccines from dead babies are truly treacherous dealers dealing treacherously (Isaiah 21:2).

Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! - Isaiah 5:20

He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD. - Proverbs 17:15

Do not justify the wicked vaccine maker who kills life to feign saving it.

O the precious gift in the womb! Woe unto those who kill what God has created, what great sin they commit! (Matthew 18:6, Luke 17:2)

See Luke 1:44, Luke 1:41, Jeremiah 1:5, Job 31:15, Psalm 127:3, Ecclesiastes 11:5, Isaiah 44:2, Isaiah 44:24, Isaiah 49:1, Isaiah 49:5, Galatians 1:15, and Luke 2:21.

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/07/10/this-shocking-fact-is-never-disclosed-on-any-vaccine-informed-consent-form.aspx?e_cid=20110710_SNL_Art_N

http://www.wvve.info/issues/abortion.html

http://www.informedchoice.info/cocktail.html

http://www.naturodoc.com/library/public_health/vaccine_who_how.htm

http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=human+diploid+cells+originating+from+human+aborted+fetal+tissue#q=human+diploid+cells+originating+from+human+aborted+fetal+tissue&hl=en&prmd=ivns&ei=0nBYTZzXDYW6tgew_JSIDQ&start=0&sa=N&fp=649be7798417a8e0

http://www.nccn.net/~wwithin/abortedtissue.htm

http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=7280721014

http://www.voiceforunborn.com/causeofdeath.html

Also See Two Videos Below

John Piper - The Sin of Abortion

Paul Washer On Abortion

And the Chick Tract Who Murdered Clarice?

False Prophets: One Current Example

2011-05-26T13:32:00.012-04:00

Harold Camping is one example of a false prophet. He predicted the "Rapture" of Christians to be May 21, 2011.

How do we know he is a false prophet?

The Bible guarantees it!*

In Mark 13:31-37 the scripture is clear that no one but God the Father knows the hour or the day of Christ’s coming. No one but the Father knows the day or hour this world shall end.

“Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.” - Mark 13:31-37

In Deuteronomy 18:21-22 we read how to identify a false prophet.

“And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken? When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.”

In Jeremiah we read the word of the Lord against the false prophets of Jerusalem. See Jeremiah 23:16, 25-26, 32, 36, 39, 40

“Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD.”

“I have heard what the prophets said, that prophesy lies in my name, saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed. How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies? yea, they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart”

“Behold, I am against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the LORD, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them: therefore they shall not profit this people at all, saith the LORD.”

“…for ye have perverted the words of the living God, of the LORD of hosts our God.”

“Therefore, behold, I, even I, will utterly forget you, and I will forsake you, and the city that I gave you and your fathers, and cast you out of my presence: And I will bring an everlasting reproach upon you, and a perpetual shame, which shall not be forgotten.”

"The prophet which prophesieth of peace, when the word of the prophet shall come to pass, then shall the prophet be known, that the LORD hath truly sent him." - Jeremiah 28:9

Many professed Christians have actually done one of the same things as Mr. Camping. They choose to ignore parts of scripture which they do not like. (He disregarded Mark 13:32) They disregard parts of the scripture because it requires them to do something to which their flesh (their carnal mind) is opposed. Many modern (unbiblical) “Christians” who mock Camping are hypocrites in this way.

Just as Camping’s ignorance (weather purposeful or not) of the scriptures resulted in lies, wasted resources, anger, and destruction (both on his part and from his followers) so too does disobedience of the scriptures result in lies, waste, anger, and destruction in the lives of all who disregard them.

But most importantly, those who disregard the Gospel message will not experience the Joy and blessings of knowing Christ their Saviour (Ephesians 1:3-14). They will suffer the consequences of a vain life, and everlasting damnation in Hell where the fire is not quenched and the worm does not die (Ecclesiastes 11:8, Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, Daniel 12:2, Revelation 21:7-8, Isaiah 66:24, Mark 9:44, Mark 9:46, Mark 9:48, John 3:36, John 3:18, Hebrews 10:31).

Beware the many false prophets and false Christs today!

“For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before.” - Matthew 24:24-25

"Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." - Matthew 7:13-23

See the following two links for more information.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harold_Camping

http://www.katu.com/news/local/122235709.html

or Google "May 21 Harold Camping" or "the rapture of Christians May 21, 2011"

*(to rightly use a phrase he misused).

Christ In Hell Three Days?

2011-04-20T17:42:00.012-04:00

Here we consider the idea and doctrine of Christ’s descent into Hell for those three days, while his body was in the tomb between his crucifixion and resurrection. This is an historical Christian teaching, noted by the Apostles Creed and taught by many other creeds and individuals. Is it Biblical and if so, what does it mean? The scriptures will tell us what we need to know.

First we look at the scriptures below. These are the scriptures many use to make or break this historical teaching. Some of these verses may have nothing to do with it whatsoever, I only include them so they are here to be considered weather they support, refute or have nothing to do with the subject at hand.

“Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance. Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Until I make thy foes thy footstool. Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” - Acts 2:23-39 (also see Psalm 16:10)

“For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:” - Peter 3:18-21 (Also 1 Peter 4:5-6, and Ephesians 4:8-10.)

“For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:” - Hebrews 9:26-27

These portions of scripture have been interpreted so many different ways. I am not going to even mention most of them. Some have said that Christ preached the gospel to those in Hell. They say he gave them another chance to repent. This is a dangerous unscriptural Lie. We know this is false for two reasons. First, we know from Hebrews 9:27 above (and from many other scriptures) that judgment comes after our time in this life in the flesh. When we die the time is past for repentance and accepting Jesus Christ. This “second chance” teaching is akin to the false teaching of Universalism (that all men will eventually be saved), which undermines the entire Gospel message and denies scripture.

Now here someone might argue “but those who lived and died before Christ never knew the Gospel, so they could not be saved until Christ preached it to them.”

The argument in the Paragraph above is not true for many reasons. Christ is the author of Salvation (Hebrews 5:9, 12:2). Christ was from the beginning (John 1:1-14, Hebrews 1:1-3, Genesis 1:26) Jesus said in John 14:6 “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” Jesus Christ did not “become” the way, the truth, and the life, he Always Was, Is, and Forever Will Be the way, the truth, and the life. Notice Romans 3:21-31 especially verse 25. The prophets knew long before Christ’s Death and Resurrection that they would come to pass, and that through Christ our Saviour Salvation would be manifested. They looked forward by faith to the future coming of the messiah and trusted him to be their Saviour. See Acts 3:18-24, Deuteronomy 18:15-19, John 1:45, Genesis 49:10. Notice in Revelation 13:8 that “the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” It was in the plan of God from the very beginning that Christ was to die for the elects sake; that through Christ’s death the wrath of God upon all men who accept Christ as Lord and Saviour might be assuaged. Seeing that all men have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, that the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, John 3:18, Ephesians 1:4, 1 Peter 1:18-20, also see Luke 24:25-27). Also see these related posts Gospel, Repentance, They Should Have Known and Works? Faith? Repentance? Old testament Salvation?

Based on the verses in Acts 2:21-31, I believe it is clear that Christ did go to Hell before he was resurrected. Perhaps he went there to better taste death for us (Hebrews 2:9), and as part of the requirement of appeasing God’s wrath, that we may be forgiven. Perhaps Christ had to experience the Hell that was for us to fully take the punishment that would have been for us, in order that we may be free from it as we place our faith in him. More specifically, as Christ became sin for us on the cross (2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 John 2:2) he was forsaken by God (Matthew 27:46, Mark 15:34, Psalm 22:1), since God is too holy to look upon such great sin (Habakkuk 1:13). So then the reason for his going to Hell was the result of being momentarily forsaken of God (Isaiah 53:10). But one thing is clear, the shedding of his blood is what has made the remission of our sins possible (Matthew 26:28, Hebrews 9:22-28).

Whether or not Christ preached the Gospel there is another question. If he did it was not done in any sense which would allow those dead to be converted. Rather it was done (as a testimony against them) in the sense of Christ merely allowing them to be witnesses of the salvation available through him, which they no longer had any hope of receiving because of their past rejection of God and righteousness.

Now there is someone who may point out Luke 23:43 and claim that Christ could not have gone to Hell because he said to that one malefactor “To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” This is really no problem at all seeing that Christ is God and capable of being in more than one place at one time. Also, time itself is not really a factor. Time in the sight of God is much different than the way we view time (Psalm 90:4, 2 Peter 3:8). We cannot really understand this or many other things, but there are things we are not to know and this should not trouble us. For we walk by faith not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).

So, yes Christ did descend to Hell, what exactly this means, and what exactly he did there is (in my mind) not possible to fully understand. But we are ensured of many things, three of which are mentioned below.

1. After we die it is too late to repent and accept Christ.

2. If we are saved and endure to the finish we can be sure that we shall immediately be present with the Lord upon the death of our earthly body.

3. The shedding of the blood of Christ is what has made the remission of our sins possible.

Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? - 2 Corinthians 13:5

Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. - 1 Timothy 4:16

Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. - 2 Corinthians 5:6-10

Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. - 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. - 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. - Hebrews 12:1-2

For more information on Christ’s descent into Hell I would refer the reader to Calvin’s Institutes Book 2 chapter 16, sections 8-12, and also to Matthew Poole’s Commentary.

Perhaps the video below explains this well, it also relates to
1 Corinthians 5:7

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzzq4WXTLRU

The Forbidden E-word: The Abominable Association

2011-04-19T20:22:00.008-04:00

Well here it is... that time of year when ignorant and stubborn men disobey Almighty God by calling the Good News by the name of a pagan goddess.

It is against Biblical teaching to call the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection Easter. Easter is the name of a pagan goddess.

Associating pagan gods with the Most Holy Name of Jesus Christ is an abomination in the sight of God.

It is to the devils delight that men label the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection as Easter.

And in all things that I have said unto you be circumspect: and make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth. - Exodus 23:13

Those who celebrate Easter and its pagan aspects such as eggs and bunnies should consider the verse below, and how they are guilty of following the way of the heathen.

And ye shall know that I am the LORD: for ye have not walked in my statutes, neither executed my judgments, but have done after the manners of the heathen that are round about you. - Ezekiel 11:12

Deuteronomy 12:1-32 also has much say on this matter.

If my attack on the man made tradition of Easter offends you, consider the following words of Christ.

For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men - See Mark 7:8

Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? - See Matthew 15:3

When men keep a holiday named Easter they transgress God’s commandments. This includes the transgressing of the first of the Ten Commandments. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. - Exodus 20:3

It is a blatant blaspheme “Christian” churches partake in when they put the “Easter” label on and over everything as they commonly do in this season.

Those who claim that praising God is always right even when associating him with false gods are blind. You cannot Glorify God while you disobey Him. Below we see an example of the condemnation upon those who first tried to do this under the Old Covenant.

Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest? For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word. He that killeth an ox is as if he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, as if he cut off a dog's neck; he that offereth an oblation, as if he offered swine's blood; he that burneth incense, as if he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations. I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not. Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed. A voice of noise from the city, a voice from the temple, a voice of the LORD that rendereth recompence to his enemies. - Isaiah 66:1-6 (Also see Isaiah chapter 1, the rest of Isaiah chapter 66, and Amos chapter 5).

I will plainly say what these words of the prophets have to do with the celebration named Easter. These scriptures in Isaiah and Amos are about false worship. Worship which obviously did not please God, and worship which brought His wrath. Such is all worship done in disobedience.

Will we do the same thing being now under a better covenant? (Hebrews 8:6, Hebrews 12:24) Has the law of God not been written on our heart?

We are to remember Christ's Resurrection always, and rejoice in what God through his Son has done for us.

There is scripture condemning the utterance of the names of false gods. There is scripture condemning the way of the heathen. There is scripture condemning the mixing of paganism with Christianity. If you cannot see these things than Woe unto you who know not the scriptures, who know not the word of God!

For more information see the links below.

What Does the Scripture Say ?

The Pagan Origin Of Easter

Easter: It's Totally Pagan too!

The nonexistent, evil chick called Easter

Is Easter in the Bible?

God is the Great Physician: Two Mistakes of Two Kings

2011-04-17T08:31:00.004-04:00

We see one of the mistakes of King Asa below.

“And, behold, the acts of Asa, first and last, lo, they are written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel. And Asa in the thirty and ninth year of his reign was diseased in his feet, until his disease was exceeding great: yet in his disease he sought not to the LORD, but to the physicians.” - 2 Chronicles 16:11-12, also see 1 Kings 15:23.

In 2 Kings 1:1-18 we can read of one of the mistakes of King Ahaziah.

King Ahaziah was sick and he sent messengers to “enquire of Baalzebub the god of Ekron” as to weather or not he would recover. Then the angle of the LORD said unto Elijah “Arise, go up to meet the messengers of the king of Samaria, and say unto them, Is it not because there is not a God in Israel, that ye go to enquire of Baalzebub the god of Ekron? Now therefore thus saith the LORD, Thou shalt not come down from that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die. And Elijah departed.” Elijah met the messengers and told them the words of the angle of the LORD. The messengers returned to the King and told him what Elijah had spoken. In verse 17 we see that King Ahaziah died according to the word of the Lord which Elijah had spoken.

We can see the certain death Ahaziah faced for seeking after false gods instead of the LORD. Some “Christian” people do this same thing because they do not believe direct healing from God is possible. I in no way advocate disregarding doctors. I simply mean that God can work healings apart from them.

In the age of modern medicine in which we live there are at least three points to be remembered. First, all credit for healing must ultimately be given to God. Second, our faith must ultimately be placed in God for healing, not in man. Third, we must remember that what man says is impossible, is possible with God, as he wills for his glory. I see no reason for God to heal those who would not give him the praise and glory for it, though he sometimes does simply because he is so kind and gracious (John 11:4, Luke 17:12-19). And I believe that if we had greater faith, we would see more miracles (Matthew 13:58). It also must be remembered that the physical diseases that distress us may be for our spiritual benefit (Romans 8:28, Matthew 18:8, 2 Corinthians 12:7, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10). The gift of healing is one of the gifts given by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:9, 1 Corinthians 12:30). And contrary to the lies taught by some, all of the gifts listed by the Apostle Paul still exist in the Church today as God grants them. There is no Biblical reason to think otherwise.

“O LORD my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me.” - Psalm 30:2

“Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases” - Psalm 103:3

“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.” - Psalm 42:11 (also see the nearly identical Psalm 43:5)

Also see 2 Corinthians 4:16, Proverbs 17:22, Deuteronomy 32:39, Psalm 147:3, and James 5:14-16.

“Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” - Isaiah 40:28-31

Sons of God: Angels or Saved Men? When?

2011-04-14T09:55:00.003-04:00

The phrase “son(s) of God” is used very differently in the New Testament compared to the Old Testament. This post is about this phrase, variations of it, and how they are used in the Holy Bible (in the King James Version (1769 edition), as well as the Geneva translation (1587 edition) and the Bishops translation (1568 edition) (Note the spelling throughout). This post also includes a defense of the conclusions reached.

In the New Testament the phrase “sonnes of God” is used in the Bishops translation in Luke 20:36, John 1:12, Romans 8:14, Romans 8:19, Romans 8:21, Romans 8:16, Luke 20:36, Romans 8:21, Philippians 2:15, 1 John3:1-2 and Galatians 3:26. In the Geneva translation it is found in Luke 20:36, Romans 8:21, Romans 8:19, Romans 8:14, Philippians 2:15, 1 John 3:1-2, John 1:12, and Galatians 3:26. The phrase “sons of God” in the KJV is found in John 1:12, Romans 8:14, Romans 8:19, Philippians 2:15, and 1 John 3:1-2. In the KJV the verses of Romans 8:16, Luke 20:36, Romans 8:21, and Galatians 3:26 use the phrase “children of God” instead. The phrase “Son of God”* is used in many places throughout the New Testament (Matthew 4:3, Matthew 4:6, Matthew 8:29, Matthew 14:33, Matthew 26:63, Matthew 27:40, Matthew 27:43, Matthew 27:54, Mark 1:1, Mark 3:11, Mark 15:39, Luke 1:39, Luke 3:38, Luke 4:3, Luke 4:9, Luke 4:41, Luke 8:28, Luke 22:70, John 1:34, John 1:49, John 3:18, John 5:25, John 9:35, John 10:36, John 11:4, John 11:27, John 19:7, John 20:31, Acts 8:37, Acts 9:20, Romans 1:4, 2 Corinthians 1:19, Galatians 2:20, Ephesians 4:13, Hebrews 4:14, Hebrews 6:6, Hebrews 7:3, Hebrews 10:29, 1 John 3:8, 1 John 4:15, 1 John 5:5, 1 John 5:10, 1 John 5:12, 1 John 5:13, 1 John 5:20, and Revelation 2:18).

In the Old Testament the phrase “Son of God” is used only in Daniel 3:25. The phrase “sons of God”* is used in Genesis 6:2, and Genesis 6:4 in the Geneva and Bishop translations, and in the KJV it is also used in Job 1:6, Job 2:1, and Job 38:7 (in the verses in Job the Geneva and Bishops translations use the phrase “children of God” instead).

So What Is The Point Of All This?

In the Old Testament the phrases “sons of God” and “children of God” always refer to Angels (or at least beings created by God other than Mankind).

In the New Testament the phrases “sons of God and “children of God” always refer to those who have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour.

Also, the phrase “Son of God” always refers to Jesus Christ (at least in the New Testament).

A Defense of The Aforementioned Statements

The Hebrew words used for “sons of God” in Genesis 6:2, Genesis 6:4, Job 1:6, Job 2:1, and Job 38:7 are H1121 for son and H430 for God (in Strong‘s Hebrew and Greek Concordance). These are the same two Hebrew words used together in each of these verses. Now this is noteworthy because many commentaries such as the three I specifically checked (Matthew Poole’s, the Geneva Bible translators notes, and the Jamieson, Fausset and Brown) claim that the “sons of God” mentioned in the above verses of Genesis were merely men from the descendents of Seth, and they claim that the “daughters of men” listed in Genesis were also merely men (women, I know, but I mean mankind) from the descendents of Cain. Matthew Poole pointed to verses such as Deuteronomy 14:1, Deuteronomy 32:19, and Isaiah 1:2 to support that claim by pointing out that those considered the “sons of God“ in these verses are merely men. Those described as children and sons of God in those verses in Deuteronomy and Isaiah are merely men, but those described by the phrase "sons of God" in Genesis 6:2-4 are not. Why is the view of these commentators incorrect? First, it does not make logical sense. Why would the breeding of mere men make giants? Second, the verses used to support their view do not have the phrase “son of God” there are other words in between, which changes the meaning. Third, the word for God in Deut. 14:1, Deut. 32:19, and Isaiah 1:2 is H3068 in strong’s concordance not H430. Forth, this violates the principal of “letting scripture interpret scripture.” Even these three commentaries clearly state in Job 1:6 that “sons of God” means Angels, but they seem afraid to admit such a thing regarding the Genesis 6:2-4 account. Fifth, there is no Biblical support for such a supposition, as the one supposed by these commentators (this should send up a red flag). Sixth, this theory presents a false dichotomy which assumes that everyone at that time was either of God’s chosen people, the descendents of Seth or of God’s unchosen people, the descendents of Cain. It fails to consider Adam’s other sons and daughters (Cain and Seth’s brothers, Genesis 5:4).

Perhaps one reason they shy away from the clearest and true interpretation is that the claim of Angles procreating leaves them in confusion. Some point to Matthew 22:30 "For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven." They say "see angels never marry" but they neglect the qualifier "in heaven." If Angels can appear as men as they did in Genesis chapter 19 (Genesis 19:1-5 note that they are called angels in verse 1, but the people thought they were men in verse 5) than is it any stretch that fallen angels who rebel against God are able to procreate? No it is not. It appears that nearly all writers of antiquity believed this**, and that the New Testament writers suggest this more than they oppose it (Matthew 25:41, 2 Peter 2:4, Jude 1:6). But regardless of all other points the "sons of God" in Genesis 6:2-4 are most clearly understood by the same references to "sons of God" as shown in Job 1:6, Job 2:1, and Job 38:7.

*(with different spellings for “Son”, such as "Sonne" in some translations and older editions)

** http://faculty.gordon.edu/hu/bi/Ted_Hildebrandt/OTeSources/01-Genesis/Text/Articles-Books/Newman-Gen6-GTJ-1984.htm

** In old writings such as The Works of Josephus (The Antiquities of the Jews) in book 1 chapter 3 section 1, Jubilees 4:15, Jubilees 5:6, 1 Enoch 6:1-2, The Works of Philo (On the Giants) the beginning of section 2, and many others including early Church leaders (see above link for a list of them). However, as we know, something is not true because men believe it, but only because the Bible teaches it. These writings mentioned above in no way approach canonicity and all that comes with it (e. g., authority).

The Day For Atheists: "Fool's Day"

2011-04-01T05:20:00.014-04:00

A Day For Atheists?

If there was a day specifically for Atheists what should that day be called? It should be called “Fool’s Day.” This is evident seeing that the *prophet David wrote; “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God.” (Psalm 14:1, Psalm 53:1) It is true that all atheists are fools (by biblical definition) but not all fools are professed atheists.

The atheist's say they "evolved" from the smallest of organisms just as is described in the verse in Jeremiah below. Though that still does not explain how the "something" they evolved from came into being. See Dr. Kent Hovind.

who say to a stock, Thou art my father; and to a stone, Thou hast brought me forth: for they have turned their back unto me, and not their face; but in the time of their trouble they will say, Arise, and save us. - Jeremiah 2:27

So what are some other characteristics of fools?

The fool does not receive commandments (Proverbs 10:8). A fool slanders and “hideth hatred with lying lips” (Proverbs 10:18). A fool is right in his own eyes and does not seek advice (Proverbs 12:15). A fool despises instruction (Proverbs 15:5). Fools do not learn much from punishment (Proverbs 17:10). Fools in their folly are very undesirable to meet (Proverbs 17:12). Mother’s of fools are sorrowful and Father’s of fools have no joy (Proverbs 17:21). A fool has no delight in understanding (Proverbs 18:2). A fool’s mouth brings about contention and his own destruction (Proverbs 18:6-7). A fool returns to his folly (Proverbs 26:11). A fool trusteth in his own heart (Proverbs 28:26). Also see Proverbs 26:3-5 and Proverbs 29:11.

Eternal Perspective?

“For there is no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool for ever; seeing that which now is in the days to come shall all be forgotten. And how dieth the wise man? as the fool.” - Ecclesiastes 2:16

The Danger of Pride

“Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.” - Proverbs 26:12

Flee the Wisdom of the World

"Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness." - 1 Corinthians 3:18-19 (also see Job 5:13)

"And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ." - 1 Corinthians 2:1-16

*King David was a prophet; perhaps the most obvious support of this is Acts 2:25-32. The content of the many psalms he wrote attest to this fact.

Favorite Quotes

2011-03-27T17:22:00.000-04:00

Below we see a quote by John Knox Speaking To The Papists - These words may also apply to those today who cling to Roman Catholicism through their Babylonian Traditions.

"That God's word damns your ceremonies, it is evident; for the plain and straight commandment of God is, 'Not that thing which appears good in thy eyes, shalt thou do to the Lord thy God, but what the Lord thy God has commanded thee, that do thou: add nothing to it; diminish nothing from it.' Now unless that ye are able to prove that God has commanded your ceremonies, this his former commandment will damn both you and them." - See Deuteronomy 4:2, 12:32 (This is a Quote from John Knox's History of the Reformation in Scotland (Ed. by William Croft Dickinson; New York: Philosophical Library, 1950), Vol. 1, p. 91.)

Below is a quote by Martin Luther. I like this quote because it accurately expresses an important truth. The Truth that we cannot give in, even the slightest bit, to the doctrines of Satan which are taught so forcefully all around us.

"If I profess with the loudest voice and clearest exposition every portion of the truth of God except precisely that little point which the world and the devil are at that moment attacking, I am not confessing Christ, however boldly I may be professing Christ. Where the battle rages, there the loyalty of the soldier is proved, and to be steady on all the battlefield besides is mere flight and disgrace if he flinches at that point." ~Martin Luther

Also, read a couple more of my favorite quotes at the bottom of this page > The Most Important Thing

Recommended Books

2011-03-26T19:02:00.003-04:00

All 66 books in the Holy Bible

I do not necessarily agree with everything in the following books but they have much to offer

Holiness (unabridged) by J.C. Ryle (and probably any thing else written by J.C. Ryle such as Old Paths)

Science and the Bible by Henry M. Morris

Golden Booklet of the True Christian Life By John Calvin (a modern translation by Henry J. Van Andel)

Buy it Here.

Uncommon Bible Studies by Daniel E. Loeb click Here to read it now

Eusebius' Ecclesiastical History Translated by C.F.Cruse click here to buy it. Click here to read it

What the Bible Teaches by R.A. Torry click Here to read it now

Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem click here to buy it

Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin (translated by Henry Beveridge) click Here to read it now. Click here to buy it.

Spiritual Man by Watchman Nee click Here to read it now. Click here to buy it now

The Two Babylons by Alexander Hyslop click Here to read it now.

Should Christians Fight by I. C. Wellcome click Here, here, or here to buy it (It was originally written around 1870, I don't think it is still in print, but it is the best book I have read on the subject.

Revolution in World Missions by K.P. Yohannan Click here to read it now or Click Here to get this book for free

Spiritism and the Fallen Angels by James M. Gray, D.D. (1920) Click here to read it now

The Manual of a Christian Knight [1501] by Desiderius Erasmus click here to read it now

The Knowledge Of The Holy by A. W. Tozer (1961) Click here to read it, or here to buy it.

Matthew Poole's Commentary, which you can buy Here and most likely anything else he may have written.

And Probably Anything written by Martin Luther, Jonathon Edwards, John Knox, and other Protestant Reformation leaders.

Recommended Websites

2011-03-25T19:15:00.012-04:00

Everything linked to and recommended on this blog such as websites, videos and books are shared because I believe they have something good to offer. It should be understood that I do not necessarily agree with every opinion expressed in these websites, videos or books.

Write a Prisoner - http://www.christian-penpals.com/

Truth Seekers Ministry - http://truthseekersministry.com/

Proclaiming The Gospel - http://www.pro-gospel.org/

Truth For Life - http://www.truthforlife.org/

True Repentance Will Lead To Salvation - http://www.bible-knowledge.com/true-repentance/

True Christianity - http://www.truechristianity.com/true.htm

Tracts For God - https://sites.google.com/site/tracts4god/#Downloads

Chick Publications - http://www.chick.com/information/general/message.asp

Belt Of Truth - http://beltoftruth1.blogspot.com/

Mission To Catholics - http://www.mtc.org

Your Word Is A Light Unto My Path - http://yourwordislight.blogspot.com/

"Hear, ye deaf; and look ye blind that ye may see" - Recommended Videos -

http://lookyeblind.blogspot.com/

Word For Today - http://www.thewordfortoday.org/?page=About.Main

The Gospel Of Jesus Christ - http://www.hcmissions.com/resources/the-gospel-of-jesus-christ

Tents Of Issachar - http://tentsofissachar.wordpress.com/

Sermon On 1 Corinthians 11:1-16- http://media.sermonindex.net/9/SID9418.mp3

Sermon Audio - http://www.sermonaudio.com/main.asp

Romans Road To Salvation - http://www.gotquestions.org/Romans-road-salvation.html

Reformed Heart - http://www.reformedheart.blogspot.com/

The Lighthearted Calvinist - http://thelightheartedcalvinist.com/

No More Excuses - http://www.headcoverings.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=%2BoEMzVSfDVY%3D&tabid=306

New Creation Person - http://newcreationperson.wordpress.com/

Head covering Myths - http://www.biblicalresearchreports.com/headcoveringmyths.php

Mission Aviation Fellowship - http://www.maf.org/

Love The Truth - http://www.lovethetruth.com/

Leading Cause Of Death In America - http://www.voiceforunborn.com/causeofdeath.html

Last Trumpet Ministries - http://www.lasttrumpetministries.org

Is Repentance Necessary For Salvation - http://www.monergism.com/thethreshold/articles/onsite/repentance.html

Horizon Herbs - http://www.horizonherbs.com/

Holiness Reformation - http://holinessreformation.blogspot.com/

Hear Cry Missionary Society - http://www.heartcrymissionary.com/

Gospel For Asia - http://www.gfa.org/about/

Ponderings On a Faith Journey - http://pastorbobcornwall.blogspot.com/

Is Christmas In The Bible - http://truthseekersministry.com/articles/is-christmas-in-the-bible/

Gospels For China - https://www.ptl.org/code/usrform.php?form=china

Bible Helps - http://www.biblehelps.us/index.htm

Augustine's Letter CCXLV - http://www.covenanter.org/Attire/augustinecoveringsandpaint.htm

A Desperate Time Calls For A Radical Response - Brian Long - http://media.sermonindex.net/21/SID21009.mp3

Ten Indictments Against The Modern Church - Paul Washer - http://media.sermonindex.net/18/SID18002.mp3

Good News Poems - http://goodnewspoems.blogspot.com/

Bible Study Notes - http://biblestudie.blogspot.com/

Rod and Staff books - http://www.rodandstaffbooks.com/

Old Paths Publications - http://www.oldpathspublications.org/

Puritan Fellowship - http://www.puritanfellowship.com/

http://www.ladiesagainstfeminism.com/

http://www.apostatearminian.com/index.html

http://truth459.blogspot.com/

http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/

http://www.jesus-is-lord.com/

A Pilgrim's Progress - http://eric-carpenter.blogspot.com/

If you want me to consider including your website on this list contact me through email, or by using this form.

An Example For Worship?

2011-03-23T05:55:00.005-04:00

In Nehemiah chapters 8 and 9 we can see what could be looked at as a model for worship. Perhaps it is better said that this portion of scripture gives good ideas for aspects which could be incorporated into a “church service.” But then again, even the idea of a “church service” as we perceive them to be with their traditional ordering of parts has little scriptural bases. The Holy Spirit is not confined to a box. So rather, it will simply be said that from these two chapters we glean ideas and see examples of ways by which men can worship, seek, obey, and glorify God.

In Nehemiah 8:4-6 we see that Ezra is before the people standing on a pulpit ((מגדּלה מגדּל (tower or an elevated platform)). First, “Ezra Blessed the Lord the great God: and all the people answered, Amen, Amen” We see then that the people worshiped the Lord by lifting up their hands and bowing their heads with their faces to the ground.

“So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.” - Nehemiah 8:8

In Nehemiah 8:7-8 we see that the law was read carefully, and that there were many there to “cause” the people to understand it. It appears that they were as teachers or preachers, and explained the meaning to the people.

In Nehemiah 8:12 we see that they rejoiced and celebrated “because they had understood the words that were declared unto them.”

In Nehemiah 8:13-18 we see that the people obeyed what they were taught by keeping the feast of booths at that time as it is taught in the law.

In Nehemiah 9:2 we see that the people confessed their sins.

In Nehemiah 9:6-38 we see that they praised, and blessed God. Specifically, they praised God by giving testimony of the wondrous things He had done. Also, they praised God by describing him by his attributes, such as faithful (vs. 8, 17, 32), righteous (vs. 8), gracious (vs. 17, 31), merciful (vs. 17, 19, 27, 28, 31, 32), kind (vs. 17), good (vs. 20, 25, 35), just (vs. 29, 30, 33), mighty (vs. 32).

In Summary;

1. The leader is on an elevated area so he can be seen by the people.
2. The people respond with “Amen” when the leader says something true with which the people feel the need to verbally express their agreement.
3. The Lord is worshipped by men lifting up their hands and bowing their heads with their faces to the ground. (Also see Psalm 28:2, 1 Timothy 2:8)
3. The scripture is read.
4. The meaning of the scripture is made clear, presumably by teaching and preaching.
5. The people rejoice that they heard and understand the scripture.
6. The people obey the scripture, not merely in word, but in deed (by their actions).
7. The people confess their sins. (Also see 1 John 1:9)
8. They praise God by giving testimony of what he has done for them. (Also see 1 Peter 3:15)
9. They praise God by describing his attributes (such as faithful, just, merciful, etcetera).

All of these nine points are appropriate as the Holy Spirit leads. But some of these are especially neglected and should be more often exampled by believers as they gather together to worship the Lord God Almighty.

“Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.” - Revelation 15:3b-4

Psalm 103

2011-03-08T09:54:00.010-05:00

A Psalm of David. "Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed. He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel. The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust. As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more. But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children; To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them. The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all. Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word. Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure. Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul." -Psalm 103

This Psalm meant a lot to me today as I read it. So I decided to share it.

See the Hymn "PRAISE, MY SOUL, THE KING OF HEAVEN"

Also see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIdaP8nIM74

Efficient Transportation: Renewing The Mind

2011-02-16T21:21:00.006-05:00

We use cars, motorcycles, boats, planes, trains, bicycles and our feet to travel many places. What is the most efficient form of transportation?

Thought.

Now thought may not take us from Timbuktu to Kalamazoo. But it can help take us from worldliness to holiness or from bondage in sin to freedom in Christ Jesus.

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” - Romans 12:2

We can direct our thoughts purposefully; we can pray, we can read God’s Holy Word, good Christian books, transcripts and tracts. We can listen to sermons, or to wholesome Christian music. We have a great deal of choice over what we fill our minds with.

When I was younger there used to be a series of books called “Alice in Bible Land Storybooks” which my parents would read to me. There was a phrase that went something like; “reading is the magic key that takes you where you want to be.” If I remember correctly Alice would start reading her Bible and then she would walk through a window, a mirror, a keyhole, a door perhaps into “Bible Land.”

As followers of Jesus Christ we are to “Renew our minds.” In essence, renewing our mind transports and transforms us to a higher plane. This is a place no earthly, physical mode of transportation can take us.

I think about Romans 12:2 often, especially when I was younger. I made it a practice to “renew” my mind many times. In high school I would often do this after I got out of class and on the bus. To me it was (and is) a mental effort; deprogramming my mind from the indoctrination, lies, and teachings of antichrist which are taught commonly in public (and private) school systems. It also involved an effort to rid my mind of impure or sinful thoughts, and to “think properly.” But to empty one’s mind of foolish things is of no value unless one fills it with good things as well, this I did also. I took time to pray in my mind, thanking Christ for all he has done and is doing, while disregarding (trying to ignore) those around me (all the folly, sin, and worldliness).

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” -Philippians 4:8

"Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me." -Psalms 51:10

O Let us have right thoughts and thoughts that lead to plenteousness (Proverbs 12:5, Proverbs 21:5).

See the Hymn "HIGHER GROUND"

The Gospel Of John Chapter One Crossword Puzzle

2011-02-14T18:53:00.001-05:00

I was inspired this past Sunday night (2/13/2011) to make a crossword puzzle. I don't know why since I don't even like crossword puzzles. I used Microsoft Works, Spreadsheet, and Paint to make it as well as graph paper for the rough draft. The rough draft only took about an hour but putting it together using the afore mentioned programs was quite time consuming. But below you can see it. Click on the image below to see a larger image.

Prayer For Today

2011-02-10T05:56:00.009-05:00

My Prayer For Today

O Lord you are ruler of heaven, earth, and sea
you have been, are and forever will be.
You sent your SON to make intercession for
our transgressions and bear the burden of our iniquities.
Yea O Lord you are exalted above all. You are merciful
and forgive those who repent and turn from their sin.
You show a better way unto us which can be known
through the Gospel Jesus preached and the commandments
he made known unto us. Blessed be your name O God
Ruler and King of all. You are Holy. We rejoice in your
many gifts to us. O Let us be humble and Fear you
O Lord that we may not sin against you. Let us hold
fast to your Word in our hearts. Let your Holy Spirit
Guide and teach us. Let us be a people who flee the
way of the flesh and be lead in Spirit serving you wholly.
Protect us from folly and foolish ways, let not the riches
of the world entice and lead us astray. Discipline us
O Lord that we may live a profitable life for your Glory.
Grant us peace and contentment and good health and
the will to use all of ourselves for your glory only. Taking
up our cross to follow Christ, as we lay our own self down to death,
no longer seeking our will or desires but only thine O
Glorious God. So be it.

I found this in one of my notebooks, I think it was written sometime in 2008.

Some scriptures related to this; Matthew 16:24, Mark 8:34, Mark 10:21, Luke 9:23, John 1:17, Isaiah 53:1-12, Psalm 22:3, Deuteronomy 8:5, Hebrews 12:6-7, Romans 8:1-39, Ecclesiastes 12:13, 1 Peter 2:17, Revelation 14:7, Job 28:28, Proverbs 16:6, Proverbs 3:7, Proverbs 1:33.

Relative Truth: A Teaching Of Antichrist

2011-02-01T20:23:00.011-05:00

Today there are many teachings of antichrist which abound in popular thought. Not only among the unbelievers are these false ideas embraced. Seeing as much of the “church” has befriended the world it is no surprise that many in the “church” have and are embracing the doctrines of antichrist which Jesus and the Apostles warned us of.

The claim that “truth is relative” has been made verbally, but even more subtly it has simply been accepted, often with people not realizing that they have come to accept it. Now from a logical standpoint the statement that “truth is relative” is in fact a claim of absolute truth. When one claims that “truth is relative” they are making a claim of absolute truth (it is like saying “it is absolutely true that the truth is relative”). Thus the argument for relative truth is null and void, “relative truth“ is a misnomer. By definition then truth cannot be relative (in the sense that they argue). What they are really arguing is that there is no truth. For everything to them is false, for they love and live in falsehood.

For the unbeliever to argue that there is no truth for us to base our lives upon should come as no surprise. However, for those who claim Christ as Saviour, there is no room for acceptance of such nonsense. If one starts to accept this false teaching in certain areas of their life they will eventually follow it to its logical conclusion; and thereby deny the existence of truth and Christ Jesus himself.

Jesus saith “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (see John 14:5-6)

To deny truth is to deny Christ.

“For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.” - 2 John 1:7-11 (also see 1 John 2:18-24)

Jesus said in John 17:17 as he prayed to the Father “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” We see then that the word of God is truth. In Colossians 1:5 and Ephesians 1:13 we also see the Gospel described as truth. In John 8:31-32 we see Jesus saying to those that believed on him “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

The Holy Ghost, the Comforter, is also described as the Spirit if Truth. In John 16:13 we read “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” (also see 1 Peter 1:22)

In John 8:44-47 we see that those to whom Jesus spake did not believe the truth, they did not hear God. Why? Because they were not of God but were of their father the devil, who is the father of lies.

Those who live in darkness count those who speak the truth as enemies. Why? Because they love unrighteousness, they do not love the truth. They shall turn their ears away from the truth, they shall appoint men to tell them what they want to hear. They shall listen and give heed to fables and to commandments of men. They shall hear false prophets and false teachers, they shall be made merchandise of, they shall deny the Lord, they shall not endure sound doctrine, they shall follow their own lusts. What is the reward of these? They shall be sent strong delusion, they shall believe a lie, they shall perish, they shall receive destruction and damnation. (See Galatians 4:16, 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12, 2 Timothy 4:3-4, Titus 1:14, 2 Peter 2:1-3, 1 John 1:6-7)

We must look to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, that his truth may preserve us!

“Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O LORD: let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me.” - Psalm 40:11

“Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.” -Psalm 86:11

“O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles.” - Psalm 43:3

See the Hymn “O Lord, Look Down From Heaven, Behold” This hymn is based on Psalm 12

Listen to it here

In The Book Of Life: Of The Bride Of Christ

2011-01-26T05:36:00.005-05:00

“He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.” - Revelation 3:5

What is the Book of Life?

In Revelation 13:8 we see that those whose names are not written in the Book of Life shall worship the beast. We also see the fuller name or a description of the Book of Life; “…the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.”

In Revelation 17:8 we see that those whose names are not written in the Book of Life shall wonder when they behold the beast. We also see the Book of Life described as “the book of life from the foundation of the world”

In Revelation 20:15 we see that “…whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”

In Revelation 21:27 we see that “…they which are written in the Lamb's book of life” shall enter the Holy and New Jerusalem (which is the Lamb’s wife and bride, the true Church, the true Israel). (See Revelation 21:1-2, Revelation 21:9-10, Colossians 1:24, Ephesians 5:23-32, 2 Corinthians 11:2, Revelation 19:7-9, Matthew 9:15, Romans 2:28-29, Romans 9:3-33)

We see in Revelation 22:19 that “…if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city…”

Now this Book of Life is not just mentioned in the New Testament.

In Exodus 32:31-33 we see Moses pleading to God to forgive the people of their great sin. Moses says unto God “Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin--; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written. And the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book.”

In Daniel 12:1 we read that “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.” The Book of Life may also be alluded to in Psalm 139:16.

Let us rejoice that we have life through Christ!

“Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.” - Romans 5:9-11

“The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.” - Zephaniah 3:17

See the Hymn "Christ comes quickly for His Bride"

He That Overcometh: He In Whom The Word Of God Abideth

2011-01-25T21:49:00.015-05:00

Overcoming? These days many “Christians” do not want to think about overcoming Sin, Satan and the World. Many even point to John 16:33 and claim that Jesus overcame the world for us. True it is that Jesus overcame the world, but to claim that we do not also need to overcome it is to deny scripture. To claim that men need not overcome is to deny belief and faith, it is to deny being born again, it is to deny regeneration. We can see that we, apart from God in us, cannot overcome anything. But “whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world.” (1 John 5:4) The victory that overcometh the world is our Faith. “Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?” (1 John 5:5)

Because of God in us we overcome the spirits of antichrist which are in the world. God is greater than those antichrists for “greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” (See 1 John 4:3-4)

The Apostle Paul tells us in Romans 12:21 “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” In Revelation 12:9-11 “…they overcame him [Satan] by the blood of the Lamb…and they loved not their lives unto death.”

We are to be willing and even to expect to suffer for Christ, to bear our cross, not to live for self, but to consider ourselves dead. We are to deny ourselves, to reckon ourselves, (our old man of flesh) to be dead with Christ that we may live with Christ. (Luke 9:23, Colossians 3:3, Mark 8:34, Matthew 16:24, 1 Peter 2:21, 1 Peter 2:24, 2 Timothy 2:11)

“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” - Romans 6:3-11

In 2 Peter 2:19-20 we read of those who are overcome, because they have been entangled and are in bondage to the pollutions of the world. When we overcome through the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ then we escape corruption and are not overcome by the world.

In 1 John 2:13-14 John, when writing to the young men says that they have overcome the wicked one. How did they overcome the wicked one according to John? They overcame because the word of God abideth in them!

Does evil ever overcome good? The two witnesses of Revelation chapter 11 are overcome and killed by the beast, but only after they had finished giving their testimony before the world. (Those two witnesses prophesied a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. They had power over heaven that it rained not, they had power to breath fire out upon their enemies, and they had power to smite the earth with all plagues whenever they wanted to.) After they were killed they which dwelt on the earth made merry and rejoiced. But Look! After three and a half days “the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them. And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.” (See Revelation 11:11-12)

Evil may for a time appear to overcome good, but it Never will. Satan and his demons, those fallen angles, and those men who do not come to love and believe that Christ Jesus is who he says he is have much to Fear.

What is the reward for overcoming?

Jesus said “To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.” (Rev. 2:7)

Jesus said “He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.” (Rev. 2:11)

Jesus said “To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.” (Rev. 2:17)

Jesus said “And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:” (Rev. 2:26, also see 2 Timothy 2:12, Rev. 20:6)

Jesus said “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.” (Rev. 3:5, also see Rev. 4:4, Matthew 17:2, Matthew 28:3, Luke 9:29, Daniel 7:9, John 20:12, Acts 1:9-10, Isaiah 1:18, Matthew 10:32-33, Luke 12:8-9)

Jesus said “Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.” (Rev. 3:12)

Jesus said “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.” (Rev. 3:21)

Jesus said “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.” (Rev. 21:7)

“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits. Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things. Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound. Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself. Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.” - 2 Timothy 2:3-14

The ten kingdoms of the beast shall “make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.” (See Revelation 17:10-14)

See the Hymn "IS YOUR ALL ON THE ALTAR?"

Two Kinds of Fear: The Fear Of The Lord Casts Out Fear

2011-01-21T05:15:00.012-05:00

There are two kinds of fear. We can see that with the fear of the Lord comes life, confidence, salvation, deliverance, plenty, the perfecting of holiness, the protection of us by angles, wisdom, and doubtlessly that is not all. (See the verses at the end)

We are commanded not to be fearful of those who can harm the body, but rather to fear God. (Matthew 10:28, 1 Peter 2:17, Revelation 21:8)

This idea of fearing the Lord is misunderstood by many. The only way to understand it is to read what the Holy Scriptures have to say about it.

It appears that the more we know of God and his attributes such as his Holiness, Omniscience, Omnipotence, Omnipresence, Immutability, Sovereignty, Justice, Mercy, Faithfulness and so on the more we fear him. Fearing God also leads to humility (because we see ourselves for who we are), and Love toward God, because we see how much he has done for us despite our foolishness, stubbornness, and evil desires (our depravity). Both the fear and love of God lead us to obey him. Is not this also what 1 John 2:4 is saying, that as we know God we obey him? Knowing him leads us to both fear and love him which leads us to obey him.

Part of this fear is an awe of how great and marvelous God is. It is a result of understanding a mere shadow of his mighty power, of getting a small glimpse of how his ways are higher than our ways. (Isaiah 55:9, Psalm 33:8)

And yet in all his greatness he is not so far removed from us that he does not care for us, but rather he even cares much for the birds as we can see in Deuteronomy 22:6. If he cares this much for the birds imagine how much more he cares for us. After all he sent his only begotten Son to die for us that we may be saved! His Only Son to be the propitiation for our sins! (1 John 4:10) And as Jesus himself said in Matthew 6:26, “Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?”

In John 14:15 Jesus says “If you Love me, keep my commandments.” This is followed later in verse 21 with “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.” This is also similar to that said in 1 John 5:3, 1 John 2:5 and 1 Corinthians 8:3.

In order to know, fear, love and obey God we must acquaint ourselves with him. How do we do that? In Job 22:21-23 we see that we are to lay up his words in our heart. If we lay up his words in our heart goodness shall come to us, and iniquity shall be far from us.

Acquaint thyself with the Almighty!

“In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge. The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death." - Proverbs 14:26-27

“I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed. This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him.” - Psalm 34:4-9

“Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” - 2 Corinthians 7:1

“So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” - Hebrews 13:6

“In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.” - Psalm 56:4

“And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.” - Job 28:28

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” - Psalm 23:4

“Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.” - Revelation 15:4

For more on fear see Romans 3:15-18, Psalm 33:18-22, Psalm 103:11, Psalm 86:11, Psalm 96:9, Psalm 27:1, Luke 12:4-5, Leviticus 19:14, Leviticus 25:17, Proverbs 1:7, Ephesians 5:21, and etcetera.

See the Hymn "Amazing Grace"

The Righteous Witness Lifted Up

2011-01-11T09:34:00.010-05:00

“Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.” - John 18:37

“A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.” - Proverbs 14:25

Christ is a true witness because he delivereth souls.

“An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity.” - Proverbs 19:28

Christ is a godly witness because he warns of judgment.

“And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,” - Revelation 1:5

Jesus Christ is a godly witness, a true witness, and a faithful witness. But he is not only godly, he is God. He is not only true, he is the Truth. He is not only faithful, he is the one we have Faith in. (John 14:6, Galatians 2:16, Galatians 2:20, Galatians 3:26, Ephesians 3:17, Philippians 3:9, Colossians 2:5, 2 Timothy 3:15, John 5:31-40, John 8:18, John 10:25, John 15:26-27)

What was Christ a witness for? What did he bear witness of?

He bore witness of the truth. As Pilate said in John 18:38 “What is truth?

Truth could be defined in many ways, but truth is what Christ taught. If we continue in His word, that is, in his teachings, we will be his disciples, knowing the truth and being made free.

“Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him. As he spake these words, many believed on him. Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” - John 8:28-32

Jesus said unto Nicodemus “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3)

“Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.” - John 3:4-7

Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? - John 3:11-12

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.” - John 3:14-21

“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” - John 3:36

What does it mean that the Son of man must be lifted up as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness? Moses lifted up the serpent of brass and all who looked on it were saved from death, the death that was to come upon them because of their sin in speaking against God and his servant Moses. (Exodus 14:31, Joshua 11:15)

“And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread. And the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died. Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against thee; pray unto the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people. And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live. And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.” -Numbers 21:5-9

Just as the rebellious Israelites repented and looked to the brass serpent for life, so all men today repent and look to Jesus Christ for life. But many do not turn from their rebellion to look for life, but remain in condemnation by loving sin and darkness. And those who do not turn from wickedness to seek Christ? Look! They are tormented by that fiery serpent Satan!

See how the Israelites repented? They said to Moses “We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against thee; pray unto the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us.” And Moses prayed for the people.

See how men today repent? They pray unto God “We are lost, for we believed not on your Son Jesus Christ, whom you sent to justify us by his death on the cross, when he took the punishment for our sins.” And Christ interceded for the repentant sinner. (Romans 8:34, Hebrews 7:25-27, Isaiah 53:12)

But the men repenting today do not end their prayers there. They continue to pray telling God that they believe, taking hold on the promises in his word. They look to Christ Jesus and his teachings; they look to follow him with all that they are.

The Son of Man, Jesus Christ was lifted up in many ways. Primarily he was lifted up on the Cross when he died for us that we might have life, and have life abundantly. (John 10:10, John 8:28)

Even today the Cross is often regarded as a symbol of salvation; much like the serpent of brass was regarded as a symbol of salvation. The difference being that the serpent was looked to for salvation of the flesh, whereas the cross is looked to as a symbol of eternal salvation.

Now later the Israelites made an idol out of the brass serpent as we see in 2 Kings 18:4. When Hezekiah the son of Ahaz king of Judah began to reign he destroyed the brass serpent because it had become an idol unto the Israelites (2 Kings 18:1-7). Why did Hezekiah destroy that idol of brass? Because “He trusted in the LORD God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him. For he clave to the LORD, and departed not from following him, but kept his commandments, which the LORD commanded Moses.” - 2 Kings 18:5-6

“He removed the high places, and brake the images, and cut down the groves, and brake in pieces the brasen serpent that Moses had made: for unto those days the children of Israel did burn incense to it: and he called it Nehushtan. (2 Kings 18:4)

Also today many make an idol out of the cross, displaying it predominately, and worshipping it rather than God and the salvation it represents. You know this is true because of the ungodly who wear it on a chain about their neck. There really can be no Christian symbol, only to some it may seem that way.

How else was Christ lifted up?

He was raised from the dead. Our faith is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:17). Christ spoke the truth when he said he would rise again (Luke 18:33. Mark 10:34, Acts 2:32), when he said he lays down his life that he may take it up again (John 10:17).

He was also lifted up as he ascended into heaven (Acts 1:2-11).

“And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.” - Acts 1:9-11

Christ the righteous witness and true, was lifted up that we may look to him for life, for life everlasting.

“Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.” - Psalm 119:160

“I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.” - Psalm 119:162

See the Hymn "How Great Thou Art"

We Know the Commands: The Witness Against Us

2011-01-10T09:52:00.009-05:00

Moses received from God all of the law and the commandments and Moses made it all known to the Israelites. Now the commands were written down, in books, and in stone, and spoken unto the Israelites on many occasions. (see Deuteronomy 27:8, Deuteronomy 31:9-13, Deuteronomy 31:24-26, Exodus 24:7).

“For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not hidden from thee, neither is it far off. It is not in heaven, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? Neither is it beyond the sea, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go over the sea for us, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it.” - Deuteronomy 30:11-14

We cannot say “I did not know.” We cannot pretend to seek what God wants from us as if we do not know.

The scriptures are plain and clear. We have Bibles to read and yet we don’t know what God has commanded because we do not read our Bibles.

Christ has taught us. The Apostles have taught us. Their words are written for us to read, for us to believe, for us to obey.

As the Law of Moses was written as a witness against the Israelites, so are the words of Christ and the Apostles and the Prophets written as a witness against us (Deuteronomy 31:24-30, John 1:7-23, John 3:11, John 15:27, John 18:37, Acts 1:20-26, Acts 4:33, Acts 23:11, Revelation 20:4).

It is as if the words of Christ and the apostles are crying out to us. "You profess to be a Christian? THEN KNOW MY WORDS!" But Christ and the Apostles are not only a witness against those who profess to know him. They are also a witness against all men. For "he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." (see John 3:18)

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools” - Romans 1:18-22

“God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him.” - Psalm 89:7

“Thou hast a mighty arm: strong is thy hand, and high is thy right hand. Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face. Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance. In thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted.” - Psalm 89:13-16

“For the LORD is our defence; and the Holy One of Israel is our king.” - Psalm 89:18

The Company of Korah, Sheep Among Wolves

2011-01-05T23:17:00.009-05:00

Korah, Dathan, Abiram and all the other men of the company of Korah were destroyed for their wickedness. The earth opened and swallowed them up, because of their sin in rebelling against Moses and Aaron. Moses warned the people to depart from Korah so that they would not be consumed in all their sins (see Numbers 16:1-33 and Numbers 26:9-10)

“And he spake unto the congregation, saying, Depart, I pray you, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest ye be consumed in all their sins.” - Numbers 16:26

Are we so naïve as to think that we can keep company with the wicked and not be consumed in their sins?

In Numbers 22:9 God asked Balaam the son of Beor “What men are these with thee?”

What would God say of the company we keep?

But first and foremost what would God say of us?

In Numbers 22:1-41 we can see the story of Balaam, and that God allowed him (I say allowed because God’s original instructions were for Balaam not to go with them) to go with them, but only on the condition that he only do and say what God would tell him to.

This may also be the case for us. God may allow us to keep company with the wicked, but he would only allow us this if we only do and say what he wants us to do and say (that is if we do not take part in their sins).

But we must also beware that we be not as the Pharisees. For they criticized Christ for keeping company with sinners. But we, as followers of Christ are called to lead sinners to salvation. We cannot do that without keeping company with sinners sometimes. But we must never partake of their sins, this limits where we can go.

“And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners? But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” - Matthew 9:10-13

And so it is concluded by the words of our Master and Lord (John 13:13) “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” - Matthew 10:16

King Of Bashan and King Of Heshbon: The Destruction That Awaits The Wicked

2011-01-04T20:59:00.009-05:00

What do Og the King of Bashan and Sihon King of the Amorites (a.k.a. Sihon King of Heshbon) have in common?

They were both destroyed by the Israelites. We can read part of the account below.

“Then we turned, and went up the way to Bashan: and Og the king of Bashan came out against us, he and all his people, to battle at Edrei. And the LORD said unto me, Fear him not: for I will deliver him, and all his people, and his land, into thy hand; and thou shalt do unto him as thou didst unto Sihon king of the Amorites, which dwelt at Heshbon. So the LORD our God delivered into our hands Og also, the king of Bashan, and all his people: and we smote him until none was left to him remaining. And we took all his cities at that time, there was not a city which we took not from them, threescore cities, all the region of Argob, the kingdom of Og in Bashan. All these cities were fenced with high walls, gates, and bars; beside unwalled towns a great many. And we utterly destroyed them, as we did unto Sihon king of Heshbon, utterly destroying the men, women, and children, of every city.” - Deuteronomy 3:1-6 (also see Deuteronomy 29:7-8, Deuteronomy 31:4, and Joshua 2:10)

This is the destruction which comes upon the wicked. Except this is only the story we see.

The coming judgment of God is much worse than death by the sword, for the wicked who should fear that day.

I have heard of some people who detest what God did in the Old Testament. These must be the same people that scoff at a literal Hell. People who feel this way do not hate sin, they do not detest wickedness. Neither do they understand God, nor even the gospel.

Why did God will this? Because the wickedness of these people was great, “but for the wickedness of these nations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee” (See Deuteronomy 9:5). God is a Holy God who detests wickedness.

“God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day.” - Psalm 7:11

“Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? his fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by him.” - Nahum 1:6

“But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness. None calleth for justice, nor any pleadeth for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity.” - Isaiah 59:2-4

“He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.” - Deuteronomy 32:4

“O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!” - Romans 11:33

“Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” - Isaiah 55:7-11

I thank our Lord Jesus Christ “Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:” - Galatians 1:4

Our Lord Jesus Christ by whose death we are justified, so that our iniquities no longer separate us from God (see Isaiah 53:11).

“The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.” - Nahum 1:7

A Thief In The Night: Not To Those In The Light

2011-01-03T08:09:00.006-05:00

A thief in the night?

“Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.” - Matthew 25:13

“Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.” - Mark 13:35-37

We often hear of Christ coming as a thief in the night. To those who live in darkness and in sin, Christ will come as a thief, he will catch them quite unawares. As followers of Christ dwelling in the Light we will be on our guard watching and praying. We will see the trees shooting forth their tender leaves and know that the summer is “nigh at hand” (See Luke 21:29-36, Mark 13:28-37, also see Matthew 24:45-50).

“But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:1-7

“But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.” - 1 Peter 4:7

“But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” - Matthew 24:37-39

“Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.” - Matthew 24:42

“Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” - Luke 21:36

See the Hymn "THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD IS JESUS"

See the related post "Tribulation? Rapture? The Second Coming of Christ?"

See the related post "The Wrath of God and the Song of Moses and of Christ"

Take Time to be Holy: Hunger and Thirst Before the Door is Closed

2011-01-02T20:19:00.008-05:00

Take time to be Holy?

That is a tough charge in the society in which we live. We are constantly driven to do this and that. Productivity is good but for what end (Ecclesiastes 2:4-11)? But our very being we are to offer as a sacrifice to the Living God (Romans 12:1-2). For we are even a Holy Priesthood, chosen by God to offer up spiritual sacrifices, which are acceptable to God by Jesus Christ (1 Peter 2:4-5).

We are taught to take time to be Holy. God says “Be ye Holy, for I am Holy” (Leviticus 20:7, 1 Peter 1:15-16, Leviticus 11:44-45). If commanded by God, this cannot be an impossible feat. For man himself it is certainly and most indubitably impossible. But with God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26, Mark 9:23).

Certainly, we cannot expect to be Holy without allotting time for it. Every pursuit requires effort, yielding to God is our task, which we, by the prompting and continued influence of the Holy Spirit are lead to do.

For man does not only live by food, but he lives by the very word that precedes from the mouth of the LORD (see Deuteronomy 8:3, Matthew 4:4, Luke 4:4).

That is why we may Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness, and we Shall Be Filled (Matthew 5:6)!

If we hunger and thirst, we shall seek and find (Proverbs 8:17, Jeremiah 29:13, Matthew 7:7, Luke 11:9), then we shall be filled. When we are filled with righteousness are we not Holy?

In Psalm 1:1-6 we see that “the righteous” has “his delight in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.”

When we are able we should “seek the Lord while he may be found“, and “call upon him while he is near” (see Isaiah 55:6-7). We do not know when our opportunity to call upon the Lord may be taken from us, if we wait it may be too late. For we know not when our time on earth will end, and we must seek the Lord while we are able lest our heart be hardened. Lest we are hardened by pride, such as happened to king Nebuchadnezzar, until he learned the lesson that “the most high God ruled in the kingdom of men, and that he appointeth over it whomsoever he will” (Daniel 5:18-22).

In Proverbs 1:24-31 we see the reward (not a reward for good) of those who hate knowledge and did not fear the Lord. They did not listen to reproof, but despised it, they refused to listen and had no regard. When calamity and fear comes upon them they will “eat the fruit of their own way.” It will be too late to repent. “Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me.”

In Matthew 25:1-13 we see how the five wise virgins were prepared and the five foolish virgins were unprepared. And for the foolish it was too late. For the door was shut and the foolish virgins said “Lord, Lord, open to us.” “But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.” So we must always be ready for we know not when Christ shall come again. If we wait until he comes to prepare, it will be too late.

“Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.” - Proverbs 28:14

See the Hymn "Take time To Be Holy"

The Forgotten Commandment? Seek The Lord

2010-12-27T08:47:00.003-05:00

Many have forgotten that we are commanded to Seek the Lord (1 Chronicles 16:11 and Psalm 105:4).

Besides the fact that he commands us to do it, why should we seek him?

So that we may “be hid in the day of the Lord’s anger” (Zephaniah 2:3), so that our heart shall live (Psalm 69:32), so that we may “understand all” (Proverbs 28:5).

Who does not seek God? The wicked, because of pride will not seek God (Psalm 10:4).

Why did King Rehoboam do evil? “Because he prepared not his heart to seek the Lord” (2 Chronicles 12:13-14).

“Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.” - Hosea 10:12

The Promises?

“And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” -Jeremiah 29:13

“But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.” - Deuteronomy 4:29

“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” - Matthew 7:7-8

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” - Matthew 6:33 (What things? See Matthew 6:25-33)

I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. - Psalm 34:4

The Great Day of Idolatry: Offering Strange Fire unto the Lord

2010-12-25T11:31:00.018-05:00

Today (Dec. 25), is The Great Day of Idolatry when men are offering strange fire unto the Lord. Will the Lord God be pleased? Does anyone care what pleases God?

Last night I was reading Leviticus. I read in Leviticus 10:1-2 how two of the sons of Aaron (1) tried to worship the Lord in a way which God had not commanded them. And what was the result? God killed them both with fire. This is exactly what Christmas is, men trying (or claiming to) worship God in a way he has not commanded. How will God accept this offering? The scripture has clearly spoken.

It is wrong to make up our own religious celebrations, because trying to worship God in the way our flesh desires is indeed evil.

Here is a thought. If we decide what God wants rather than listen to what he has told us, have we not made ourselves god in our eyes?

We are to be separate, and have nothing to do with this Idolatry, lest we be recipients of the wrath of God which he will send on the disobedient (see Colossians 3:2-10, and Ephesians 5:3-7).

(1) Nadab and Abihu, the two eldest sons of Aaron (Exodus 6:23, 1 Chronicles 24:1-2, Numbers 26:60).

See "Is Christmas in the Bible?"

See "The True Origin of CHRISTMAS"

See "XMAS, the diabolical paradox"

See "The Origin Of Christmas"

See "Is Christmas Idolatry?"

See "A Christmas Conversation"

See "Christmas Compared to the Birth of Christ"

Gospel, Repentance, They Should Have Known

2010-12-23T09:10:00.016-05:00

The following is written in a effort to make known some lies/misunderstandings taught by certain dispensationalists, and to make the truth plain by bringing the scriptures into our knowledge.

It has been claimed that “God does not today preach repentance as part of the gospel as he did to Israel, today repentance is not part of the Gospel of Grace.”

In Acts 17:18-30 Paul is preaching to the philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks. He is not preaching to the Jews, but he says to these philosophers in verse 17:30 …“But now God commands everyone, everywhere to Repent.” How can you say repentance is not taught today? Clearly it is, there are also many more examples, if you would read your Bible.

In Acts 17:1-17 Paul preached to the Jews. “Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.: (verse 17:3) Paul reasoned with them out of the scriptures and, “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” - Acts 17:11

What scriptures was it that they searched to see if Paul was telling them the truth? Not the New Testament scriptures.

In Acts 8:30-35 the Ethiopian eunuch did not know the gospel until Philip explained it to him. And notice the scripture which Phillip explained - Isaiah 53:7-8.

It has been claimed that “repentance is not taught today because the flesh cannot please God, so we have to become a Christian and be converted, Before we can repent. All we need to do is believe”

The flesh has never pleased God. If we understand what Christ did we cannot do anything but repent of our sins. How can we believe if we do not understand what we believe?

What is it that you think Christ has done for us? He has bore our iniquities. God bruised Christ and accepted him as a offering for our sin. We are justified before God by Christ because He bore our iniquities (Also see 2 Corinthians 5:18-24). How could one accept this and not repent? They cannot. Somebody had to pay for our sins with their life! Only Christ, the very Son of God was pure enough to be an offering. Only through His shed Blood could our sins be forgiven, because He who was without sin bore our sins.

With the old testament the Jews should have understood this. The fact that they crucified Christ was a testimony that they did not know their own scripture (As said Jesus in John 5:46). Because if they had know it they would have recognized Christ, they would have known that the blood of bulls and goats cannot take away sin. They would have know that God would be sending a messiah to take away the sins of His people. How would they have known? Because the Prophets and the other old testament scriptures declared it!

They learned from the Prophets (or should have learned) that God desires obedience rather than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22) and desires mercy rather than sacrifice (Hosea 6:6). They should have known about Christ’s coming and that he would save the people from their sins, by bearing their iniquities. (Isaiah 53, Isaiah 9:6–7, Zechariah 9:9, Micah 5:2, Isaiah 7:14)

“For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” - Psalm 51:16-17

“To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats. When ye come to appear before me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread my courts? Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting. Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them. And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood. Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.” - Isaiah 1:11-17

Also see Amos 5:12-24, Isaiah 66:3, and Jeremiah chapter 7.

See a related Post "Works? Faith? Repentance? Old Testament Salvation?"

See a related post "The Prophecy of the Crucifixion of Christ"

http://www.chick.com/information/general/repentance.asp

click here to see some thoughts of Desiderius Erasmus related to this subject, especially see page 80 (Note: since this post was originally posted page 80 has become unavailable, as of 4/14/2011)

Christmas Conversation

2010-12-22T19:10:00.018-05:00

The following is part of an account of a conversation.

But I first presented him with the Christmas article and prefaced it with a statement about how some people look forward to Christmas because without it their winter is too depressing. I noted that this was idolatry because Christ should be more than enough to bring Christians Joy throughout the year.

He read part of the article and said something like,

“I just wanted to worship Christ I did not want to know all this“, So I said

“but now you do know“. But he had know a lot of it before, some I had told him before. So we talked about it and he said something like...

“if we have to have a Christmas tree or Christmas cookies in order for it to be Christmas in our heart than it is idolatry“. So I said

“So you are saying it is idolatry, because if you take away all those things there is no Christmas.” He came to agree that for many people it is idolatry. So I said

“So for many people it is idolatry and you still want to celebrate it and support that?”

I said how that when we are children it is especially an idol because all we look forward to is the presents, we don’t really care at that young age whether Christ was born or not.

He said something to the effect that it is actually even worse when we are older because it becomes ingrained in people as adults. And with that statement he was right, I was just assuming that we learn better when we get older. He also said...

“well what is wrong if a Christmas tree helps me worship Christ?” So I said...

“isn’t Christ great enough? Why do we need something to help us worship him?” And he quickly said

“well it creates a change.”

Then he said something about how that “well don’t you think Christmas was put together by God?” So I said

“well not unless you believe the Pope is infallible!?”

But then he said how he meant the birth of Christ, and the story in the Gospel of Luke. So I said well yes of course the birth of Christ was God’s work, But not Christmas.

Then he said well, don’t you think God can use Christmas to witness to others? So I said "well God can use anything, but he does not want us to use Christmas."

And then he said well even in the old testament they had festivals and celebrations.

So I said well yes, but God specifically gave them those celebrations and told them exactly how to do it, but he did not give us Christmas, he did not tell us when Christ was born, and if he wanted us to know, or wanted us to celebrate it he would have told us so.

Then he said something about how Christmas had been going on for so long, so what are we supposed to do?, so I said something like “just drop it” (drop the celebration of Christmas that is).

Then he kept coming back to the fact that what matters is what is in our heart, “as long as we are worshiping Jesus on Christmas.”

So I said “But are You?”

So we again came back to the fact that for many people Christmas was an idol, but then he said something to the effect that we can’t just tell people that, they have to see if for themselves.

So I said “so they can’t be held accountable for it just because they don’t see it for themselves?”

Then he said something about having to be patient and just show love and not being judgmental.

So I said something about how some people will never know unless we tell them.

He seemed sure that, we can’t just tell people that they are doing something wrong. So I asked him...

“So it’s enough just to accept Christ and stop there? And he said

“well no we have to accept all that goes with it” And he said that how when people are baptized he tells them how it is just the beginning and how they should continue to grow.

So I said that “it does not seem like anyone is growing much“, he agreed with that.

He said he enjoyed the talk though, and I know it was good.

It was a calm conversation we had, but at least once I raised my voice, I think it was when I said

“So for many people it is idolatry and you still want to celebrate it and support that!?”

Do not be deceived: idolaters shall not inherit the kingdom of God. (See 1 Corinthians 6:9)

See "Christmas Compared to the Birth of Christ"

See "Is Christmas Idolatry?"

Review of "Have a little Faith" by Mitch Albom

2010-12-21T18:59:00.001-05:00

I have not seen a warning anywhere about this book, so I wrote one.

Have you heard of the book “Have a little Faith” by Mitch Albom? Well it had debuted at #1 on the New York Times Bestseller list for the week ending 10/3/2009 (2). It was also chosen by Oprah.com as the best Nonfiction Book of 2009 (3).

This book is about having faith. Many Christians have embraced this book, and failed to realize that it teaches the doctrine of devils. Think that’s a bold statement? Consider what Mitch Albom says in the quotes below taken from his video at http://mitchalbom.com/node/5515 on 12/21/2010.

“his last request to me was that I help send him off to heaven with a few chosen words” (0:36-0:41)…

“But it got me thinking about faith, in my line of work (Jewishsymbol shown of video screen 0:49) as an author and journalist (Christian symbol shown on video screen 0:51) you hear a lot about faith (Islamic symbol shown on screen 0:52) readers from around the world write “God Bless You” but different one’s refer to different gods (0:57) our country is fighting two wars that are essentially rooted in faith, wherever you look in this world you find devote people but sometimes the thing they are most devote about is that they’re right and your wrong (1:09) The eulogy request made me examine all that” (1:12)…

“The more I recognized that faith comes in many sizes, shapes and hearts” (1:48-1:53)…

“And that eulogy request became a journey to find a great belief that’s actually the same in everyone of us, that journey is summed up in the title of this book “Have a little faith.” (1:54-2:05)

“Picture the most pious man you know; your priest, your pastor, your rabbi, your Imam (2:40-2:47)…Picture the man who sends people off to heaven, asking you for his send off to heaven” (2:56-3:00)

In (3:09-3:58) he compares the salvation through Jesus Christ to the Salvation of “your priest, your pastor, your rabbi, your Imam” (3:37-3:41) He clearly implies that Jews and Muslims will be spared from Hell even if they do not accept Jesus Christ.

“This is a story about believing in something” (4:04-4:06)

That is what this book is about, believing in something, whatever it may be and the comfort it brings.

Is that message compatible with Christianity? Obviously Not! False comfort is deceptive!

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” - John 14:6

“For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” - John 3:17-18

Main source (1) http://mitchalbom.com/node/5515

Other sources

(2)http://mitchalbom.com/node/5823/Have_a_Little_Faith_Debuts_at__1_on_the_New_York_Times_Bestseller_List

(3) http://www.oprah.com/entertainment/Best-of-2009_1/7

Christmas Compared to the Birth of Christ

2010-12-21T12:15:00.010-05:00

This is written in an effort to differentiate the biblical account of the birth of Christ from the tradition commonly know as Christmas. When we know the Biblical account, then we can clearly see that anything else is not Biblical.

We can read the biblical account below;

“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.” - Luke 2:1-20 (also see Matthew 1:17-25, and Matthew 2:1-23)

The first coming of Christ to the earth fulfilled many prophesies.

Matthew 1:23 is the fulfillment of Isaiah 7:14

Matthew 2:5-6 is the fulfillment of Micah 5:2

Matthew 2:15 is the fulfillment of Hosea 11:1

Matthew 2:17-18 is the fulfillment of Jeremiah 31:15

In Mark we do not read an account of Christ‘s birth and in John we read the following:

“That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.” - John 1:9-18

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.” - Isaiah 9:6-7

Jesus Christ has been the King since he was born (Matthew 2:2). “He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” - John 1:11-13

The Holy Bible does not tell us to celebrate the birth of Christ. Christ has only instructed us to remember his death (1 Corinthians 11:23-29, Luke 22:17-20).

In the Holy Bible the day of one’s death is considered better than the day of one’s birth (Ecclesiastes 7:1). In the scripture birthdays are only mentioned as a celebration of pagans (Genesis 40:20, Matthew 14:6, Mark 6:21).

It is a fact that the “Christian” holiday know as Christmas is filled with beliefs and practices from paganism, and aspects of Babylonian religion. These adopting of pagan beliefs and practices is forbidden by God. In fact if you take away all aspects of “Christmas” which are not taught in the Bible then there is nothing left to this holiday, but the scripture alone. We must desire to do what God wants, not what we want.

Christmas dishonors Christ.

Do you want to do what God wants?

Are you too prideful to admit you could be wrong?

If you do not love the truth and desire to know it, the scripture says you will be damned (2 Thessalonians 2:10-12).

See "What Does the Scripture Say?"

See "Is Christmas in the Bible?"

See The True Origin of CHRISTMAS

See XMAS, the diabolical paradox

See The Origin Of Christmas

See "A Christmas Conversation"

See Is Christmas Idolatry?

The Prophecy of the Crucifixion of Christ

2010-12-20T13:39:00.013-05:00

Isaiah 53 - The Prophecy of the Crucifixion of Christ

1 Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?

2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.

3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.

8 He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken.

9 And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.

10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.

11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.

12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

Also

I think this is something many need to hear.

"Ten Indictments Against The Modern Church" by Paul Washer

http://media.sermonindex.net/18/SID18002.mp3

or

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zj3aQu-uyuw

For the transcript click here "Ten Indictments Against The Modern Church" by Paul Washer

And Then Shall They Fast

2010-12-14T08:05:00.009-05:00

“And they said unto him, Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink? And he said unto them, Can ye make the children of the bride chamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.” - Luke 5:33-35 (Also see Matthew 9:15, Mark 2:20)

Jesus said that after he is taken away that his disciples shall fast. Are you his disciple? If you trust him for salvation, if you believe on him, if he is your Lord and Saviour then you are his disciple.

Notice we are not told when to fast, or how often, but we are told how.

“Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;
That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.” - Matthew 6:16-18

When we are right with God we will fast sometimes, but when and how often is up to how the Holy Spirit leads us. But we must remember the words of Jesus “and then shall they fast.” Then is the period of time in which we now live.

But for what cause would we fast? In the Holy Bible fasting is done in mourning, to repent, to seek mercy from God, to dispel evil spirits, to stay the judgment of God, to humble ones self before the Lord, to beseech God for deliverance, or an answer, or for a solution to a problem, and for many other similar reasons.

See Ezra 8:23, Nehemiah 1:4, Daniel 9:3, Joel 2:12, Matthew 17: 18-21 (Mark 9:29), Acts 13:2-3, 1 Corinthians 7:5, Judges 20:26, 1 Samuel 7:6, 1 Samuel 31:13, 2 Samuel 1:12, 2 Samuel 12:16-22, Esther 4:3, Psalm 35:13, Psalm 69:10, Isaiah 58:1-11.

“Speak unto all the people of the land, and to the priests, saying, When ye fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh month, even those seventy years, did ye at all fast unto me, even to me? And when ye did eat, and when ye did drink, did not ye eat for yourselves, and drink for yourselves?” - Zechariah 7:5-6

“ And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;” -Colossians 3:23 (1 Corinthians 10:31, Colossians 3:17)

For more "How to fast" information see the links below.

http://www.ccci.org/training-and-growth/devotional-life/personal-guide-to-fasting/index.htm

http://www.jentezenfranklin.org/fasting/fastingbasics.php

http://www.allaboutgod.com/biblical-fasting.htm

Four Against Five or The Slime Pits of Siddim

2010-12-09T21:43:00.005-05:00

The King of Sodom, the King of Gomorrah, the King of Admah, the King of Zeboiim, and the King of Bela were at war with the King of Shinar, the King of Ellasar, the King of Elam (Chedorlaomer), and Tidal King of nations. In the vale of Siddim the Kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled and fell into slime pits. (see Genesis 14:1-11).

It appears that the King of Sodom managed to survive and get out of the slime-pit since we see him later in the chapter (Genesis 14:17).

What are Slime pits? See the links below.

http://books.google.com/books?id=NqSAhFHs66cC&pg=PA359&lpg=PA359&dq=the+Kings+of+Sodom+and+Gomorrah+fell+in+slime+pits&source=bl&ots=nHAKVx7Qiz&sig=ynUIj6Us4r-UJCYPLEsU_JctEzI&hl=en&ei=_5ABTZeiLcP7lweZ6LX_Bw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=3&ved=0CCUQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=the%20Kings%20of%20Sodom%20and%20Gomorrah%20fell%20in%20slime%20pits&f=false

http://www.realdiscoveries.org/modules/articles/item.php?itemid=14

http://tribulationperiod.com/blog/?p=643

The True Followers of Jesus Christ

2010-12-07T10:01:00.000-05:00

They are strangers (1) on the earth, and are citizens of heaven, and will be going to heaven (2).

Christians will be changed in the twinkling of an eye at Christ’s appearing (3), they have power over death (4), and can move mountains (5).

A Christian’s power comes from Christ dwelling in him (6), from being filled with the Holy Spirit (7).

When Christians are weak, then they are strong (8). Christians are conquerors in the face of all trials and tribulations, and cannot be defeated (9).

The glory of a Christian is Christ (10).

A Christian fights for truth and justice, but a Christian fights with spiritual weapons (11), and the Christian’s battle has an end (12) and a reward (13).

A Christian is a witness to all those he meets, and gladly makes known his identity (14).

Christians do really exist, they are a fact of reality, an invention of the mind of God (15).

1. Heb. 11:13, 1 Peter 2:11
2. 1 Peter 1:2-4
3. 1 Cor. 15:52
4. 1 Cor. 15:53-57
5. Matthew 17:20
6. Col. 1:27, 1 Cor. 2:16
7. Acts 1:8, Romans 15:13
8. 2 Cor. 12:9-10
9. Romans 8:37-39
10. Gal. 6:14
11. Ephesians 6:10-18, 1 Thess. 5:8
12. Philippians 1:10, 2:16
13. Rev. 21:7, 1 John 5:4-5
14. Matthew 5:12-16
15. Genesis 1:1 - Revelation 22:21

The Great Patience of the Lord

2010-12-02T17:29:00.002-05:00

“And the LORD descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the LORD. And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation. And Moses made haste, and bowed his head toward the earth, and worshipped. And he said, If now I have found grace in thy sight, O Lord, let my Lord, I pray thee, go among us; for it is a stiffnecked people; and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us for thine inheritance.” - Exodus 34:5-9

What a stubborn people we are! The Lord is very patient with us. How many times does he, through his Word give us commandments? And how many times, how many reminders, how many years even, does it take us to yield to him as he desires? There are many teachings in scripture which are very clear. What excuse have we not to obey them immediately? Yet we are pitiful, and God is patiently teaching us, and leading us further, deeper, into a fuller understanding. Just because we do not immediately turn to the Lord in everything, it does not mean that we are lost. But we must grow and not look for what appear to be loopholes in order to avoid submitting to God.

God’s anger must be great for the many who claim to know him and yet disobey him. God‘s anger is kindled against his own people who disobey him (Psalm 74:1, Psalm 85:4, Numbers 22:22, Deuteronomy 6:15), and yet he is slow to anger and delights in mercy (Joel 2:13, Micah 7:18).

Let us not use God’s patience as an excuse to delay turning to him in everything. Rather let us consider his patience and bear with our brothers and sisters who struggle in areas we may not. Also see Exodus 34:6, and Romans 2:4.

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. - 2 Peter 3:9

“But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.” - Psalms 86:15

Psalm 136 - A Psalm of Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T09:44:00.005-05:00

O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever.
O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever.
To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever.
To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever.
To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endureth for ever.
To him that made great lights: for his mercy endureth for ever:
The sun to rule by day: for his mercy endureth for ever:
The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy endureth for ever.
To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for his mercy endureth for ever:
And brought out Israel from among them: for his mercy endureth for ever:
With a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm: for his mercy endureth for ever.
To him which divided the Red sea into parts: for his mercy endureth for ever:
And made Israel to pass through the midst of it: for his mercy endureth for ever:
But overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red sea: for his mercy endureth for ever.
To him which led his people through the wilderness: for his mercy endureth for ever.
To him which smote great kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:
And slew famous kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:
Sihon king of the Amorites: for his mercy endureth for ever:
And Og the king of Bashan: for his mercy endureth for ever:
And gave their land for an heritage: for his mercy endureth for ever:
Even an heritage unto Israel his servant: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy endureth for ever:
And hath redeemed us from our enemies: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Who giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy endureth for ever.
O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.

The Place of Men and Women According to the Word of God

2010-11-24T05:26:00.005-05:00

First, let it be noted that in the Lord men and women are equal. (Galatians 3:28) But let us not disregard the fact that they have different roles and responsibilities.

Men are the head of women just as Christ is the head of man and the head of the Church. (Ephesians 5:23, 1 Corinthians 11:3)

Woman was made for man. (Genesis 2:18, 1 Corinthians 11:9)

Woman (wives) should submit and be in subjection to Man (husband) in everything, just as the church is subject to Christ. (Ephesians 5:22, 24, 1 Peter 3:1, Genesis 3:16, Colossians 3:18, Titus 2:5, 1 Peter 3:5)

Man (husband) should love woman (wife), even as Christ loved the Church, and gave himself for it. Husbands should not be bitter towards their wives. Men ought to love their wives as they love their own bodies. (Ephesians 5:25, Colossians 3:19, Ephesians 5:28)

“…let every one of you in particular love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.” - Ephesians 5:33

Women should be “keepers at home.” (Titus 2:5)

Women should not adorn themselves outwardly, but inwardly by a “meek and quiet spirit”, with holiness and faith and with good works. (1 Peter 3:2-4, 1 Timothy 2:9-10, Proverbs 12:4, Proverbs 11:22)

In a Church woman should not be in a position over a man, in a position to teach a man, or in any way usurp authority over a man. (1 Timothy 2:12)

Now consider the following two verses;

“Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.” - 1 Timothy 2:11-12

“Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only? If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.” -1 Corinthians 14:34-38

Now I spent at least an hour today (11/22/2010) trying to find a way to prove that these verses mean something other than what they say. I have in the past intentionally avoided these verses because I do not like what they say. I am certainly no feminist, but even these verses seemed a bit harsh. I find no way to go around them, they must simply be accepted as the commands of God, for that is what they are.

Notice what Paul says. He says that any man who is spiritual or a prophet must accept it as a commandment of the Lord. The Holy Spirit would not allow me to interpret these verses as meaning anything other than what they say (and yes I studied the original Greek words involved). Although I do believe that when it says a woman cannot speak in Church that it refers to the Church service, and that a women cannot speak as a leader or teacher, but that certainly she could whisper words to her children sitting next to her in the pew. Certainly she could participate in Sunday School discussions, though even at that time and always God’s order should be remembered. (1 Corinthians 11:3)

Man, as head of the family unit must bear the responsibility for providing for his family. (1 Timothy 5:8) He is responsible for governing his family in a manner pleasing to the Lord. (1 Timothy 3:5) The wife is to be supportive of her husband, and a helper to him. (Genesis 2:18)

Notice that I used the word “should” when I summarize what the holy scriptures say on this subject. Let it be clearly known that these were not given by the Apostles as recommendations. These were given as, and are commandments. Let us heed them as such.

No where in the Bible are there women priests, apostles, bishops, evangelists, or preachers. These are only positions for men. However, there are both male and female prophets, and male and female judges. Although “judge” is not a position in the Church today. Also, deacons can be female (Romans 16:1), but are generally male (1 Timothy 3:8-13). Deacons are servants. The same Greek word is translated as deacons, ministers or servants in the KJV and the word itself means servant. Let it be noted that the definition in the English language for deacon or minister is not the same as the Biblical definition, study it yourself if you don’t believe me! Preachers, evangelists, bishops, priests and apostles are never described as females in the Bible. Elders are usually described as male, but occasionally as female. There is no description in the Bible of females leading, overseeing, or preaching in a Church, only males do this. See John 3:2, Romans 2:20, I Timothy 2:7, 2 Timothy 1:11, 2 Peter 2:5, I Timothy 3:1-2, 2 Timothy 4:22, Titus 1:7, 1 Peter 2:25, 1 Timothy 5, 1 Peter 5, 2 John 1:1, 3 John 1:1. Female prophets are mentioned in Luke 2:36, and Acts 21:8-9 and in the Old Testament at various places.

Remember that Jesus Christ was not an ordinary person. He was and is and forever will be the Son of the Living God. Do not think that Jesus merely chose men as apostles because it was culturally acceptable at the time. The Power of God is not limited! God chose apostles and Church leaders as men because from the beginning those were roles acceptable for men and not acceptable for women. Women and Men in our society have believed the lie that power somehow is that thing which is to be desired above all else. And so women desired to unlawfully take on the role of men so they could have power. At the same time men flee from responsibility, in many cases because of laziness (sloth). This has lead to the destruction of the God ordained family unit.

In the Holy Scriptures we can clearly see the roles and responsibilities of men and of women. Often we see men who fail to be responsible and we see women who take authority they do not rightfully have, both of these are against the commands of the Lord and are therefore unrighteousness and sin.

Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. - Psalm 25:4

Christian Occupations and Supporting Idolatry

2010-11-23T09:49:00.009-05:00

Christmas is not taught in scripture nor was it observed by the early Church. Christmas is a celebration which is a combination of paganism and Christianity which God forbids (Deuteronomy 4:2, 12:32).

That being established the question has been asked; Can I, a Christian, work selling or packaging Christmas candy? (Herein Christmas candy is defined as specific and peculiar candies which are only for and of Christmas)

When I first heard this question I had no idea…but through prayer, thought, and study of scripture I was lead to understand the following things.

First, I believe that the responsibility in this case lies with the Business owner and the individual who buys. I do not believe that the employee working under the authority of the employer (owner) is the one responsible. Let me explain further.

As Christians it is important to chose “Christian occupations” primarily work which does not require us to commit sin or support sin. (And also one by which we make use of our abilities.) So obviously there are some occupations which are not acceptable in the sight of God.

Consider the mailman. Mailmen deliver many things (material, products, publications) which are very evil, albeit they also deliver many good thing. Are we to say that Christians cannot be mail men because they deliver some bad things? I do not believe so. Likewise it appears that the employee who is merely doing as is required by the employer does not partake of the employer’s sin, nor of the customer’s (For employers and customers who buy evil things such as “Christmas candy”). So long as the employee does not work for an employer whose main purposes are evil. For example, we could say the main purpose of the employer in this case is to sell candy. Obviously selling candy in and of itself is not evil.

Now there are a few caveats to this idea and there are a few scriptures to be discussed.

First what this makes me think of is 1 Corinthians Chapter 8. Here Paul talks about meat offered unto idols. Now Christmas is an idol to many, so it appears that the meat offered to idols is somewhat like this Christmas candy which is offered to (used in) the worship of the Christmas idol. So we conclude that if selling Christmas candy (or any thing) leads the weak in faith away from Christ then we should not do it. Now considering the society in which we live here today, I find it a stretch to believe that Christmas candy would lead weak Christians away from Christ. (Considering that Christians who do not celebrate Christmas must be strong in the faith to begin with to go against the common Christian support of Christmas.) But even if I did think Christmas candy could lead others away from Christ I still do not believe it would matter (for the employee) because of the following argument.

In Romans 13:1, it appears to me that the higher power appointed by God over the employee is the employer. And so it is the employer and the customer who will be judged guilty if they choose to provide and use certain candies to worship an idol.

What really makes this clear in my mind is that candy in and of itself can neither be good nor evil, but still the one who ultimately decides (the owner) what candy to sell would be the one responsible. This is the danger of a Christian owning a business. If they love the world and its riches (money) more than Christ they will sell anything regardless of whether it is used for evil or good. I cannot see how a true Christian business owner could sell evil things or even things which have the “appearance of evil”(1 Thessalonians 5:22).

Now we also must consider the lesson of Ezekiel 33:8-9. Here the lesson is that God will hold us accountable for not speaking out against sin. We do not want to have blood on our hands! We must seek the Lord regarding what exactly this means for us, what and when he is calling us to do and say. I believe each of us will be called in a different way regarding what to speak out against; but regardless we must always speak the truth and lie not (1 Timothy 2:7, James 3:14).

The final test as to weather or not an occupation is acceptable is whether or not we can do it in faith. For “whatsoever is not of faith is sin” (see Romans 14:22-23). Therefore if we have faith that we are doing and living in a manner acceptable and pleasing to God then our doing and living is “of faith” and pleasing to God. But if we doubt, then we sin. So from the beginning we must strive to follow after and allow God to use us and all of our life for his glory. We must seek an understanding of him and what he desires of us by studying his word. Now understand that this is not a make believe game. I am not saying that if we “believe” we are following Christ that we necessarily are. We must use the scripture as our judge and learn thereby.

So in summery;
1. If the main purpose of the employer is not evil than it is probably not a sin to work for them. But;
2. We are accountable to speak out against sin.
3. We must do whatever we do in faith.
4. If we are unsure about any of these we need to pray to understand God’s will, seek for the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and study the Word of God.

If that thing which the authority over us requires is not necessarily evil (specifically commanded against) then are we not required to do it? Yea, say I we are required to do it, unless our faith is weak and we cannot do it without sinning (because of our doubt).

Now there are two things I want to clarify so that I am not misunderstood.

1. Here I will use a different example. Assume that all gambling is sin (which I believe it is). Now if you work at a gas station that sells lottery tickets, then I do not believe it is a sin for you as an employee to sell lottery tickets. (But I believe it is sin for the owner of the gas station to sell them) This is what I mean when I say that we are required to do it, unless specifically commanded against it. I believe we are specifically commanded against playing the lottery, but we are not commanded against selling lottery tickets when working under the authority of the employer.

2. If this position is not taken (the argument made in the four points above) then there are only two alternatives theories I can think of.

The one alternative would be that any Christian can sell anything, even very evil things as long as they do not directly partake of the evil thing they are selling. In this view Christians could sell anything imaginable. I will leave it at that. Obviously this view is wrong, hypocritical and clearly unbiblical.

The other alternative view is that supporting evil or sin in any way, even very indirectly is wrong, and unallowed. This view would lead us not to pay our taxes because the money taken would in part be used for evil purposes. It would also disallow us from working for much of any employers. We would basically have no choice but to be farmers, hunters, gatherers and vagabonds living in the wilderness. This view is also unbiblical as we are told to “Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.” (see Matthew 22:21)

So there must be some Biblical view point between these extremes, and I believe it has been identified earlier. I would be interested in hearing of any views besides these three, if there are any.

I will also add that I believe it is better for an individual to be self-employed (or owner or part owner of a truly Christian business) if they have the opportunity. I base this on 1 Corinthians 7:21-23 and Proverbs 22:7, with the understanding that when working under the authority of another, we are in a sense their servant or slave. Therefore, we, ideally would be able to serve the Lord better, and should desire to be free rather than bond, by coming out from under the authority of our employer. This is especially true if our employers are unchristian or run their business in an unbiblical way.

amictus luce quasi vestimento extendens caelos ut pellem -Psalm 103:2

Two Recollections

2010-11-22T21:46:00.007-05:00

There are many experiences I have that convince me of the reality of God, and the fact that he is very actively working today. There are many amazing accounts that have been written by many people, but here I will share two experiences which served to strengthen my faith. Now these are only two of the many happenings. I see God at work in many things, and if I wrote them all down I would not have enough paper (or megabytes of storage). Though these stories are simple and only about ordinary happenings they are nonetheless meaningful to me.

………………………………..........................

A year ago I needed to get so many hours of night flying to meet a requirement. So here I was flying at night by myself in a small single engine airplane (a Cessna 172, that plane had nice equipment also). It was May 12, 2009 as I know from my pilot logbook. I enjoy flying at night because it is very peaceful, and quite (when wearing a headset). The flight went well and if I remember correctly the airport was deserted or at least nearly so after I returned. (It’s an uncontrolled airport, no tower.) Something about feeling all alone at night put me in the mood of thankfulness and of wanting to seek more of a closeness to God. I had about an hour drive home from this airport and decided that I wanted to listen to some Christian music, which at that time I rarely did. I only have a radio in my car so I was searching through the stations looking for some Christian music. I was slightly surprised and frustrated that I could not find anything good, and I prayed that I would. I had certain classic rock stations programmed into my radio. I thought to myself that God is so awesome that if he wanted to he could even make a classic rock radio station play Christian music. (and that’s exactly what he did!) I checked my regular classic rock stations and the third station was now playing Christian music! I praised God and from that time forth to today that station, 107.5 now plays Christian music. It used to be “Frank FM” but is now WBYN FM. Some of the “Christian” music on there is made to glorify the musician or the tune rather than God, but they do also play some good Christian music. Moreover I discovered “Truth for Life” and “Walk in the Word” which are generally good Biblical programs from what I have heard of them. I enjoy listening to them when I happen to be in the car when they are on, which does not happen much now.

……………………………….......................

The past couple of months I have been riding bicycle nearly everywhere and I generally only drive my car once a week, just to make sure it still runs well, especially considering the colder weather now. (why I ride bicycle now is a story for another day on another blog) When I ride my bicycle there is a traffic light shortly before I get to work. If anyone has experience riding bicycle or even motorcycle than one knows that traffic lights often are not aware of their existence. This means that I was always hoping for a car to be there so that the light will change in order for me to go. Often there is no car around so I make a right turn on the red light, and then make a U-turn and go my merry way. Well one day as I approached the light and began to make the right turn I thought to myself, if God wanted to he could change the light for me. As soon as I thought this I saw the light turn green and I continued and was able to go left instead of right and then making a U-turn. I Praise God for this! And to this day the traffic light always changes for my bicycle. I even used to ride my scooter (legally a motorcycle) there and the light never changed for it, and it is larger and much heavier than my bicycle.

………………………………..............

There are many times when events and circumstances seem to go my way even when by all reason they should not. I attribute these happenings to the grace of God and his tender mercies. (Psalm 40:11) What I am talking about are reminders and pleasant surprises which barely happen, or things which easily might not have been nor resulted if things had just been a little different. Also, over and over again there are circumstances and events which are pieced together so carefully and out side of my control that I have no other conclusion than that they were put together that way by God for a purpose. Often I am convinced that they are the result of my or others prayers but however it is; it is God working for his purposes and he is working in a way so that all things work together for good to those that love him and are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28) Though we must be careful not to rely only on outward events as evidence of God’s approval. For Satan may be allowed to deceive us thereby. Consider Job. And consider that the physical blessings of riches tend to lead one astray (Revelation 3:17, Matthew 19:23, Proverbs 30:8-9).

The Promises of God

2010-11-18T09:23:00.008-05:00

Throughout the Holy Bible there are many promises made to believers and some to unbelievers. Here are 16 of them.

1.“While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.” - Genesis 8:22

2.“For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always.” - Mat 26:11 (Mark 14:7, John 12:8)

“And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
3.Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4.Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
5.Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
6.Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
7.Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
8.Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
9.Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
10.Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11.Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” - Matthew 5:1-12

12. In Psalm 34:18, 51:17 and Isaiah 57:15 we see that the Lord will not despise those who come to him with a contrite heart.

Meaning that God will not despise those who are genuinely repentant.

13. 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

He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. - Proverbs 28:13

This also is a great promise. If we confess our sins to God he will forgive us and cleanse us from unrighteousness. He will free us from the bondage of sin. (John 8:31-35) But what if we do not confess our sins? Can we even know all our sins if we do not earnestly seek the scripture and pray God to reveal to us our faults that we may confess them and be cleansed?

14. “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” - 2Ti 3:12

Now this is a promise oft neglected, but this should not be so. Along with the many verses in 1 John, we also can know that if we are a true Christian we will suffer persecution. This is not just a verse for Christians in China or certain Arab nations, this is a promise for all.

So if you face no persecution do you just not realize it?

Are you living “godly in Christ Jesus?”

Need you examine your life and live more fully devoted to the God of the Holy Bible?

If you claim to be a Christian and yet suffer no persecution for Christ, have you been deceived by Satan and mixed the love of the world in with your “Christian” faith?

I thank God for the promises he has given to us, and for his faithfulness, for he changes not and he cannot lie. (1Thessalonians 5:24, James 1:17, Titus 1:2)

Lastly, we must not forget the two greatest promises of all!

15. This great promise is mentioned in Acts 7:5, Romans 4:16-22, and especially understood by Genesis 22:17-18, and Galatians 3:14-19.

It is the promise God made to Abraham of the coming of Christ, (the seed), that “the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith” (Galatians 3:14).

And through this promise we find faith in Jesus Christ, which leads us to the next, final, and ultimate promise.

16. “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” - James 1:12

“Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?” - James 2:5

“And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life. - 1 John 2:25

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” - John 3:16

So we know that if we have faith and believe on Jesus Christ and if we love him we shall receive the crown of life, being heirs of the Kingdom and partakers of eternal life!

Also See The Forgotten Commandment? Seek The Lord

Concupivi salutare tuum Domine et lex tua meditatio mea
-Psalms 119:174

What is Sin ?

2010-11-17T05:20:00.006-05:00

What is Sin?

There are a few different definitions of sin given in the Holy scriptures.

In 1 John 5:17 we read that “All unrighteousness is sin.”

In 1 John 3:4 we read that "sin is the transgression of the law."

In Romans 14:23 we read that “Whatsoever is not of faith is sin.”

In James 4:17 we read that whosoever does not do the good he knows he should do sins.

In 1 John 1:7 -10 we read;

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”

In Proverbs 24:9 we read that “the thought of foolishness is sin”

By these scriptures we can see that the Blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from sin and that he is faithful to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, if we confess our sins. We also see that we can sin either by doing something or by not doing what we should.

“For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” - Romans 8:6

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. - Romans 6:23

“My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: - 1 John 2:1

Other Recommended verses that might be good to read with this are John 8:34, John 16:7-13, 1 John 2:1-2, Romans 6:2-23, Romans 8:1-17.

A Sinful View of the Holy Bible

2010-11-16T12:07:00.006-05:00

Many Churches today believe and promote false and unbiblical teachings. It appears that this is largely due to their sinful, incorrect, worldly view of the Holy Bible. Viewing the Holy Bible as anything other than completely Holy, Important and as the Authority and the very word of God is Sin.

If you believe the Holy Bible has mistakes you are in error and sin. It is not acceptable to choose the parts of the Holy Bible you like and to disregard the rest.

In Acts 13:46 there are some who do not accept the word of God, and because they do not accept it they are judged to be unworthy of everlasting life.

In John 12:48 Jesus said, “He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.”

Throughout the new testament Jesus and the apostles always refer to the old testament scriptures as an authoritative source. Mark 12:10, 15:28, Luke 4:21, John 2:22, 7:38, 7:42, Galatians 4:30, and 1 Timothy 5:18 are just a few examples.

In 2 Peter 3:16 reference is made to Paul’s epistles being scripture.

In 2 Timothy 3:13-17 we read; “But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”

Notice what scripture is given for and that it leads the man of God to be perfect. Therefore we cannot improve upon the scripture by adding or diminishing from it. We cannot add doctrines and commandments of men. Nor can we ignore any part of the scriptures.

In “The Book Nobody Knows” by Bruce Barton (Publishers Grosset & Dunlap, New York, printed in America 1926) a false and sinful view of the Bible is exampled. On page 15 Bruce writes speaking of the Holy Bible that “It is worth knowing. Not all of it, of course.” He goes on to discuss 1 and 2 Chronicles as being unimportant. These evil statements are only the beginning of his wicked views of the Holy Bible.

In the commentary on the Gospel of Matthew (Vol. 2 revised edition 1975 by William Barclay. Published by the Westminster Press, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) by William Barclay a short quote from his comments on Matthew 12:38-42 is below.

“Here we have a problem….It is to be noted that these are not the words of Jesus, but the explanation of Matthew….The fact is that Matthew understood wrongly the point of what Jesus said; and in so doing he made a strange mistake…” Here William is referring to what Jesus said in Matthew 12:40. William did apparently not understand how the statement Jesus made could be true, so he falsely assumed that Matthew made a mistake in writing the Gospel. It is utter foolishness to assume that the word of God is incorrect simply because we cannot understand it. With this attitude we are merely choosing to believe only that which we find acceptable, only that which supports the beliefs we already have. Rather we need to be ready to change our beliefs in light of what the scripture says.

We must learn to view the scripture as did Jesus and the Apostles, and as those of the Protestant Reformation who risked there lives to translate the Bible into their language and as those who risk death just to read the word of God. For it is through the scriptures that Faith in Christ can be found. Through faith in Christ we are set free from sin, and can be in the light, knowing the truth.

No Excuse and a Clear Condemnation of Homosexuals

2010-11-14T19:01:00.005-05:00

In Romans 1:18-32 we read that there is no excuse “ For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:” (verse 20)

We even see a clear condemnation of Homosexuals in Romans 1:26-27. While "science" and psychology debate the cause of this sin filled lifestyle the Holy Bible tells us its cause. Its cause is unthankfulness, vain imaginations, pride, foolishness, uncleanness, lust, dishonour, lies, and idolatry as can clearly be seen in verses 20-26a.

If a church needs to debate whether or not this lifestyle is Christian, than that church (or at least some in it) is a church committing error, most likely great error if the plain words of the Bible cannot be accepted by it. I just had to bring up this topic since so many Christians seem confused and accepting of the doctrines of devils. As with all sins, God hates them, but all those who come to him he loves. But those who come to him must repent, and live for Christ rather than themselves.

The Wrath of God and the Song of Moses and of Christ

2010-11-09T12:23:00.007-05:00

In Revelation 14:9-10, and 13 we see that the wrath of God is for those who “worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand.” We also see that these shall “be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angles, and in the presence of the Lamb.” Then we hear a voice from Heaven saying “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth…that they may rest from their labours and there works do follow them.”

It should be said that the Lord does not delight in the death of the wicked, but the Lord God is Righteous and Holy and must therefore be Just and Judge Righteously. Think of all the prophets he has sent to warn the inhabitants of the earth and all that he has made possible for us in the death of his only Begotten Son Jesus Christ. These things show God‘s great Love and is a witness to the fact that he desires us rather to repent and believe than to face judgment and damnation. (See Ezekiel 18:30-32, 33:10-13, Deuteronomy 30:19, and John 3:16-21)

In Revelation 15: 1-3 we read that seven angels have the seven last plagues which are the wrath of God. We also see that the victorious saints are on a sea of glass and fire singing the song of Moses and of Christ saying;

“Great and Marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints, who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only are holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.”

In Revelation 16:1-2 and 6 we see that the wrath of God is poured out on the earth, but that it is only for those who worshipped the beast and received his mark. Also that his wrath is for judgment on those who have shed the blood of the saints and the prophets.

It can be clearly seen that the wrath of God is not for the saints and prophets, but for the deceived, for those children of disobedience. For we are saved from the wrath of God by Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. But those who do not love the truth and take pleasure in unrighteousness shall be deceived and shall worship the beast and be damned to suffer the wrath of God. (See 1 Thessalonians 1:10, 5:9, Colossians 3:6, Ephesians 5:6, Romans 5:9, 2 Thessalonians 2, 2 Thessalonians 1:5-12).

Let us be worthy, washed by the blood of the Lamb that we may sing the song of Moses and of Christ. Amen. (Romans 5:9, Ephesians 2:13, Colossians 1:20, Hebrews 9:12, 10:19, Matthew 10:37-38, Luke 3:8, 21:36, Colossians 1:10, 2 Thessalonians 1:5-12, 1 Thessalonians 1:10, 2:12).

Tribulation? Rapture? The Second Coming of Christ?

2010-11-08T09:07:00.021-05:00

A Short Defense for the Historical Post Tribulation Rapture

First, if Church history is understood and considered regarding the rapture and the tribulation it will appear that a pretribulation rapture is a rather ridiculous idea. But I do not plan to go into history at all in this article, but merely point out that understanding the views of earlier church leaders, and history itself would alone make the common day “pretribulation rapture belief” appear foolish.

Rather, the focus will only be on the word of God, as he has spoken quite clearly on this matter which is more than evident. The fact is that whenever in scripture that the tribulation and the rapture are mentioned together the rapture ALWAYS comes after the tribulation. Those who believe a pretribulation rapture split Christ’s coming into two. They say he has one coming for the church in the rapture, and another when he comes to rule on the earth. Never in scripture does the rapture come before the tribulation. The 2nd coming of Christ is always spoken of as one occurrence in scripture. This should be simple enough to understand, but some have cleverly devised lies and wrested the scripture to their own destruction (2 Peter 3:16).

First, consider John 17:15. Here Jesus prays to the Father that we (Christians) would not be taken out of the world, but that we may be kept from evil. This shows us a theme in the Bible that had perhaps begun with Deuteronomy 4:30-31. That theme being that we are to have faith in the Lord calling upon him to deliver us in time of tribulation. This is just as true in the tribulations we face commonly as it would be if we were to experience the great Tribulation.

There are three arguments that will be considered which revolve around four subjects; the last trumpet, the plagues of Revelation, the day of Christ, and the abomination of desolation/son of perdition. The strongest and clearest argument will be saved for last.

First, it appears that the “trump of God” in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, the “last trump” of 1 Corinthians 15:51-54, and the trumpet in Revelation 10:7, 11:15 (see Rev. 8:2, 9:1, 9:13 for context) and Matthew 24:31 are all the same trumpet. This would fit the rapture in perfectly with the order of events in Matthew ch 24 and Revelation (and shows the rapture as after the tribulation).

Second, the plagues of revelation (of the tribulation), namely the locusts of Rev. 9:2-4, and the angels horsemen of Rev. 9:14-21 were sent to torture only those who had not received the seal of God (Rev. 6:9-11, 7:3, Eph. 1:13, 4:30, 2 Cor. 1:22; we are sealed after we believe by the Holy Spirit) . It can be clearly seen that those who are marked with the seal of God are still on the earth at this time, but they are protected by God from these plagues. I also believe that they are protected by God from the other plagues of Revelation chapter 8. So how are the servants of God harmed during this time of tribulation? They are “slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held” as is seen in verse 11 and 9 of Revelation chapter 6 (Also see Matthew chapter 24).

Now from the letter’s of the Apostle Paul we are given perhaps the clearest argument, but the references to other books of scripture to which Paul refers will also be pointed out. In 2 Thessalonians chapter 2 we can see a number of important details. In verse 1-4 we see Paul telling the Thessalonians not to be troubled and that they should let no man deceive them. He says that the day of Christ shall not come “except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be reveled, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.” It should be noted that verse 4 refers to the same event as Matthew 24:15 and Daniel 11:36 (The antichrist, and when he is there is tribulation). So in 2 Thessalonians chapter 2 it is said that the day of Christ shall not come until after the falling away and the antichrist comes first (Also that those who do not love the truth will be damned.) In Philippians 1:10 and 2:15-16 we can see that the day of Christ is the final, or last thing that Christians are to be blameless until, and should be able to rejoice in, unless they have failed to “hold forth the word of life.” So the order of events should be more clear by the pointing out of these verses and there relation to each other.

We see in Romans 14:8, Luke 20:38, and 1 Thessalonians 5:10 that weather we live or die (in the flesh) we are with the Lord. But when Christ returns at his second coming the dead shall be raised first and then we who are alive and remain shall also go to be with the Lord (in our new resurrected bodies, see 1 Corinthians 15:51-54, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, and Philippians 3:20-21). So to be clear, both the resurrection and the rapture take place at the same time when Christ returns after the tribulation.

Also see

http://post-triborpre-trib.blogspot.com/2007/06/end-times-bible-prophcey-conference.html